JANELLE KEITH

Music Monday [Busted Heart]

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

The debut song For King and Country was chosen for my post this week for very personal reasons. It has become my anthem song. I am living in days where I need Someone to cling to.

Winter has come back again
Feels like the season won't end
My faith is dying tonight
And I won't try to pretend

I've got it all figured out
That I don't have any doubts
I've got a busted heart, I need You now
Yeah, I need You now

Hold on to me, hold on to me
Don't let me lose my way, hold on to me

I am the wandering son
Your love is never enough
I keep chasing the wind
Instead of chasing Your love

I'm screaming out Your name
Don't let me fall on my face
I've got a busted heart
I'm in need of a change, yeah, I'm desperate for grace

Hold on to me, take all of me
Don't let me lose my way, hold on to me

Broke Your heart a thousand times
But You've never left my side, you have always been here for me
You never let me go, You never let me go
Don't ever let me go

Hold on to me, hold on to me
Don't let me lose my way, hold on to me
Hold on to me, take all of me
Don't let me lose my way, hold on to me

Until it comes to an end
Soon this season will end
I'll surrender tonight
You meet me right where I am

These lyrics were delivered to my heart at just the right time. To make a long story short, I had a huge bout with doubt last week. And it hit me hard. In my busted heart, God moved circumstances and rallied some good friends to come to my aid, to confirm His calling and to let me know that He will not let go. On that day, all I could do was breathe and repeat "Hold on to me, God!" I find comfort in the knowledge that He won't let me lose my way, even when I stray. God pursues us in ways that are best, but also so loving and creatively it blows me away. If you are in a difficult season, hold on to God. He is holding on to you too!

Heart to Heart

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

God and I ....we've had some dangerous conversations lately, honestly...they have been a little challenging. God is changing my perspective about things. I see that as a good thing. God is illuminating my next steps, only inches at a time and I will tenderly tip-toe through with courage. I am such a messy piece, He knows I can't handle the big view. The task He has called me to is daunting and overwhelming. I can only think about it a few words at a time.

Godis doing a work in me that is not possible
when I'm living in my comfort zone.

I'm ready to accept God's challenge. I can remember a time when I wasn't.

I am ready to put some muscle to it. To give it some sweat, a lot of tears, let my little heart bleed.

I know it will be hard work, I will wrestle with it. Trying not to be afraid of it.

There will be some easy parts and some hard turns. Some thick and thin places. Inevitable twists.

I will have to sacrifice, set aside, and dedicate. I will need discipline. This is not the time for lack of faith.

I'm sure there will be failures, mistakes, errors. But those refine and define.

But...mostly there will be a long obedience in the right direction with His goal in mind. Obedience is what God requires of me.

As my humble heart meets His ...I am ready.

I will follow. Finally. Surprise me God.

Has God asked you to do something hard?

Such a Hoot!

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

Have you ever wondered why the owl is the universal symbol for wisdom? This mug to the right must be for a uber-Mensa coffee addict. Look at him.... sitting so pretty on his stack-o- books. In this life, where successes are measured in your IQ and credit scores, I don't really get this wisdom connection of an owl, sitting on a stack of books on a coffee mug. Perhaps I am over-thinking this.

Who of you lacks wisdom? Um…that would be me. It's been said that there are wise people. Reality tells me it’s a little more elusive than that. Maybe I need one of these owl coffee mugs. Truth is we need to do is ask God for it. But first, we must humble ourselves and fear God. We must worship Him as our Holy God instead of considering Him our “homeboy”.

I’ve always said it’s better to be smarter than to be richer because if you were smarter the “rich” part would eventually come. But lately, I have been challenged to seek true wisdom. Solomon was the richest and smartest man in the world according to the Bible. I wonder how long he thought about his one request that God would grant? It seems an obvious choice.

Proverbs says wisdom is better that gold. We certainly have a need for more wisdom with the decisions that have to made on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. We make our decisions and our decisions make us. How many times have you made a list of the pros and cons about a big decision you had to make? If you are like me, the pros plus prayer give weight to the right choice.

But wisdom is really not about the pros and the cons but it’s about what our Creator and Sustainer says is best.

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

One who lacks wisdom is a fool. Now that might seem a little harsh...but..

Fools act before they think….open mouth insert foot. We’ve all done that. Wise people think before they act; fools don't—and even brag about their foolishness. Proverbs 13:16 NLT

Fools spend all they earn. Spending paycheck to paycheck sound familiar? Most of us need some "plastic" surgery according to Dave Ramsey. In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. Proverbs 21:20

Fools hurt those they love. Guilty as charged. The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1
Fools think they know it all….news flash…we don’t. Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15 NLT

So how you get wisdom? It’s as easy as 1..2…3!

Fear God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

Ask God. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

Hang out with wise people. He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16

So what are you waiting for…what am I waiting for? Fear God, pray for wisdom, get wisdom, obey! Proverbs 31 day challenge starts now!

I Said Goodbye.. Hello Voltron Force

2012-01-24T07:33:00.000-06:00

Hello Voltron Force

Three monthsago I said goodbye. I kicked some casual acquaintances to the curb and Isaid hello to some real friendships. I had just met them tendays before. Some I had served with some before and others not but in thoseten days, they became very important to me. We traveled to some roughplaces where some important lessons were learned. We got our hands dirtyand our laps lovingly filled with children in the middle of some deep Jesusstuff. It's amazing how God brings strangers together and makes somethingbeautiful in just ten days. He gathers like-minded hearts so quickly andknits them tightly with faith connections that mesh perfectly and completely.

I love beinga part of His love-based big picturesque plan, something bigger than myself. I consider missions something holy. I am blessed that God gives meopportunities to be His hands and feet. You know he doesn't have toinvolve us, but yet He invites me to be a part, even knowing that I am going tobotch something. Hestill draws and allows us to be a part of something that He ordains.

In that spanof ten days...God took a broken vessel and broke it even more. He canincrease capacities to love more, to break more, to give more, and to forgivemore. In my brokenness God still weaves a beautiful tapestry for Hisglory.

I went toAfrica for ten days last fall. My confession is this...I am still wreckedfrom those ten days….wrecked in a good way though. God did a mighty work onthe foreign soil of my heart. And His change is still evolving. There is a great awakening in my soul of emotions that just won't bequiet. So instead of quickly sweeping those feelings under compassion’srug of grace, I am completely engulfed and bringing them to the surface. Sometimes it's painful, sometimes it's joyful.

I’m still amessy canvas that God is perfecting. I have teary outbursts for reasonsonly known to God from a glimpse of those ten days. My heart is moved toaction from just a text. My emotions are engaged with a conversation thatbrims with hope. My faith is being rearranged to more conform to the likenessof Jesus. There are still a lot of awkward places still, some hills and valleysof the uncomfortable.

I didn'texpect change, nor thought I needed it. Some of what I suffer isseparation anxiety…like a two year old. Not with the problems encounteredbut with the hearts that collided while there. There are some that I just wishI could be closer in proximity to.

God's missions’ initiative captivates. It's always on my mind and heart. Itwas safe there in the middle of chaos, pain, and turmoil. It was a haven ofacceptance and security. I was under the waterfall of grace to be who Godhad created me to be and exhibit the gifts that he has blessed me with. Thoseten days were some of the most bold of days of my life. I've found greatcomfort, and learned more about trust. I still carry those things closely.

So call me awreck, I consider that a good thing. I would rather be a bulging bag of tearswith my rearranged heart and have a greater capacity to love, and to be loved,than who I was before those ten days. I'm looking forward to the next,because there will be one. I'm positive that everything God has taught meabout grace, love, and serving can go with me here and there as I learn to beHis.

In ten daysa miracle happened... a wrecking ball destructed some walls of protection. This transformation is one of slowness...as I still unpack His treasures. His love compels me to go. I want stay close to thischange on the inside.

Have youbeen on a mission trip? How did God change you?

Music Monday [Remind Me Who I Am]

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Who Am I?

Jason Gray is a talented songwriter who has overcome a lot of hurdles in his life. Did you know that he struggles with stuttering? That is a little known fact that he shared one time when we had him in the studio. These lyrics hit a nerve with me too.

When I lose My way,

And I forget my name,
Remind me who I am.
In the mirror all I see,
Is who I don't wanna be,
Remind me who I am.
In the loneliest places,
When I can't remember what grace is.

Chorus:
Tell me once again who I am to you.
Who I am to you.
Tell me lest I forget who I am to you.
That I belong to you.
To you.

When my heart is like a stone,
And I'm running far from home,
Remind me who I am.
When I can't receive your love,
Afraid I'll never be enough,

Remind me who I am.
If I'm your beloved,
Can you help me believe it.

Bridge:
I'm the one you love,
I'm the one you love,
That will be enough,
I'm the one you love.

Tell me once again who I am to you.
Who I am to you.
Tell me lest I forget who I am to you.
That I belong to you, Woh.
To you.

Sometimes in life we need a reminder of our identity in Christ. I'll be honest with you, I need this more than I would like to admit. I often joke with myself that I suffer from an identity crisis. Maybe you do too. There is an allure of the world that coerces us into thinking that we can't be accepted the way God created us. We spend a lot of time trying to cover up or pretending that we are someone who we are not.

Lately I have been trying to focus on being still and listening to God more. In the stillness, my thoughts creep in... shouting. There are a lot of good adjectives that come to mind like loved, forgiven, trusted, faithful, daughter, and maybe-someday-at-the-end-of-a-rainbow-writer. Those qualities are easy to write, but it's another to live up to each one. There are a lot of not-so-good adjectives that come to mind also. As I go deeper with Christ into his Word, I am recovering exactly who I am....

...not what the mirror reflects

...not what the scale measures

...not what Satan whispers

...there is one thing that I hear loud and clear.....I am His.

Dear God, who am I again? Yours.

P.S. Here's a video of Jason singing this song.

Living in the Land of Shiny Things

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Stack of technology

We use our hands for so many things. We shake hands when greeting each other. We carry our coffee drinks. We handle money. We grab stuff. We hold onto things. We give out high fives.

Our hands are important and useful. But...

When both hands are full it presents a problem when we want to carry more, or give someone a helping hand, or catch ourselves when we fall. I have suffered pain from a bruised a kidney after tripping in the dark with both hands full. I had nowhere to go but down. And gravity was not kind either....I fell hard. I couldn't catch myself and break my fall because my hands were so full. That's a good visual of how we cram our lives so full of stuff.

We dwell in the land of shiny things. There seems to be a pursuit of materialism that is in constant overdrive, and it's sucking us into a deep empty void.

Unfortunately, most of the things we are filling our lives with is with stuff that doesn't matter.

We are busy....

At work and play.

With Angry Birds and Facebook.

You fill in your own blank.

It is better to have less of what doesn't matter and more of what does.

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6

Then [Jesus] said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15 Jesus was aggressive with his words. Watch out for the deception of the world in the form of greed. "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:21

So what matters to you? It is God? Making a difference? Seeing your loved ones come to know Christ? Your bank balance or stock options? How many Facebook friends you have? What would happen if you only tried to fill one hand?

Create some margin. Let go of what doesn't matter.

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

Cut back ~ Throw out ~ Turn off ~ Fight for what does matter.

"Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." Nehemiah 4:14

Our life is too valuable, our God is too good, our calling is too great to waste it on what doesn't matter. We were created to give Him praise and make His name known. ~ Craig Groeschel

Less is more.

What is it that you need to let go of so you can fight for what matters? How can you cut back? What can you throw out or turn off?

Book of Dreams

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

I call myself a dreamer. I like to wonder about the impossible and wander down the aisles of my imagination. I wishfully think of the possibilities and get carried away with hope of the future when reality tells me it may never happen. It's the right brained part of me that tends to float and create. I can't hold it in.

Places to put my random thoughts

I like to journal. There are many new creations born on those worn tear-stained pages. Many projects, to-do lists, wish-lists, prayer circles are born. It's a launch pad of my emotional sink hole. It's a safe and secure place to trust my words back to God. It's a battleground of my transforming heart.

It's a spiritual discipline. Habakkuk did it and encouraged others to write things down and then wait on the Lord. It's visionary and the ways of the planners. It tucks my feelings into God's heart. It's a way to captivate my thoughts back to God, and as He captures my prayers, I tuck Him back into mine. It's a glimpse into my faith. It's faith words written.

I have never really considered my thoughts being valuable. I still struggle with it actually. Some days, I feel good about what I have written. Others not so much. But as I pour into God's word I read the words that are recorded about our Creator. I realize someone had to value those words to write them. They were God inspired. They are God-breathed. Those words are brought to life by God in our hearts and minds.

There was the willing to lend some paper and a pen. There those that scribbled the happenings of the day. There were the historians of faith that were so moved by what they had seen that they knew they had to share it with others.....so great and so moving...they knew in their heart it would help someone. At the back of the bus, there was one writing in a field journal to record on a blog later.

If nothing else, I'm able to share with you how God has worked in my life in hopes that could help someone. I don't know about the helping part, that's for God to take care of. All I know right now is that I need to share with you here how He has helped me. I dream that is good with you. That you will come back and read often.

For me, it's a necessity to write it down my thoughts. If I don't I will lose it like vapor. It doesn't matter if they ever grow into their own post. I need to write to reason. I need perspective with focus. I need more growth into a deeper realm of faith. That matters to me. So I dream, I capture, I take hostage my thoughts. I journal.

You should try it too...just journal..."the shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory!" And see what thoughts you capture.

The Days I Learned Compassion

2012-01-17T07:16:00.000-06:00

Mine looked just like these.....wow!

I was so excited that day...I looked down and there they were, my bright new Red Ball canvas tennis shoes. I got them for free in the mail. My grandmother had sent off for them, she was a pioneer in the coupon and mail-in-rebate game. She would always send of for this or that. I would sit and watch her for hours on end, clipping and snipping, addressing rebate envelopes. She had it down to a science. And when I got something in the mail, it was a special surprise.

On that Sunday morning I wanted everyone to see my special Red-Ball-tennis-shoe surprise. We pulled up to the familiar house and immediately Francis bounded out, like a race horse out of the gate. She had been waiting for us. She jumped into the backseat beside me, bringing with her the aroma of something fried, and wearing a rumpled dress. I never really understood her enthusiam to go to church and Sunday School with us. To me....it was the same verse every Sunday. But that Sunday, you can guess what I showed her first. Yup...my Red Ball canvas tennis shoes.

She wasn't nearly as excited as I was about the shoes. She looked back at her two room house with the roof that always needed a repair. I saw a glimpse of sadness in her eyes. I just kept looking at my new red shoes. They were that spiffy, so bright, so new, so incredible. I felt so pretty. It never occurred to me at the young age of eight to give them away.

My attention was suddenly torn from my new shoes to Francis' quiet manner. I began to wonder what it was like to have a sick mom all the time. I wondered what it was like to not have a hot meal on your table three times a day. I had never been without but I knew Francis had. My parents had taken her family groceries many times. I wondered those weird-for-my-age thoughts as I kept looking down at my new red shoes. I'm sure her dad did the best he could to take care of her. I assumed they had help from others.

One day we got news that her mom passed away. I thought about Francis and wondered how lonely and alone she must have felt. My sympathy deepened for her as I thought about my own attachment to my mom. We took some food to her house, my parents stayed there for a long time. It was all very hard for young heart to understand back then.

Fast forward to adulthood and I can now see that those Francis days were really days that God sowed the seeds of compassion in my heart. Seeds that have now grown into full-sized gifts to give the orphaned, the needy, the disadvantaged, the fatherless.

I don't really know if it was that day of the Red Ball tennis shoes or just the faithful obedience of my parents that unlocked this passion deep in my soul. My heart is pierced often on a daily basis when mine and the hearts of those who are less fortunate collide.

Why am I telling you this? I really just wanted to provoke some thought about God's gifts that maybe lying dormant in your soul. Acknowledging your God given gifts is really an act of recovery instead of discovery. I believe God gives them early on so they can be developed along the way. I think about the many missed opportunities I had with Francis....to speak into her life and let her know that she is loved and that she matters. That's why when asked to travel half-way around the world to hug on little African hearts, I am the first to jump on board the triple 7. Secretly though....it's my heart that takes a leap of joy. The same feeling overwhelms me when I connect sponsors with children of Mission of Mercy, tears stream, and I am overcome with joy because my heart is caught in the throws of compassion.

Those red shoes are long gone, but they have left their footprint on my soul. I treasure the feeling the shoes left. I treasure God's gift of compassion. I treasure the less fortunate who need to know that they are God's beautiful. Even if I don't have have a pair of brand new Red Ball tennis shoes to give them.

Music Monday [Remedy]

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

This week's musical highlight by Disciple is one that might be hard for you to read. I like the beats and words in this song, but after thinking about the lyrics, I have a little more understanding. Maybe this will help you too.

I see the world in black and gray
Broken dreams of a runaway
Escape the world to medicate
Symptoms gone but disease remains

(Chorus)
If the vision dies will it ever breathe again
I've got to let go of this illusion
This is the end of me, You are my remedy
It's taking its toll - this pollution
This is the end of me, You are my remedy
Where You stop is where You'll start again

I hold the weight of sorrow deep
Wide awake but my mind's asleep
Familiar needle scratches on my skin
Like a record warped with ill content

Chorus

I've got to let go of all of this
It's the end of me, my remedy

Here's my take on it. We are all looking for a remedy. Be honest with yourself. We have problems, many of them are of our own making. And because we sin, we need solutions. We have to get to the end ourselves before we recognize that though. Realization may take years or minutes. The end result is that when we come to the end of our sin, when we surrender, we still need a fix. Today's remedy is Jesus. We need forgiveness, God's mercy and grace. We need love in it's finest form.

Trying to break old habits and make new ones?
Breaking free of sin patterns that bind you into a continual spiral of sorrow?
Looking back at the damage you have caused yourself and your family with your so-called broken dreams?

God is your remedy. I know....that sounds too easy....to say. But it's true. What sins are you needing to confess? Are you seeking God in everything? Are you honoring Him with all your actions? Are you letting His Word be your daily guide for living?

Sin is and always will be a deceptive lure away from God. The distance you feel from God is one of your own making. As we move we wonder where God is. God is always with us, and God doesn't change, God doesn't move. But sin separates us from God. By acknowledging that we have messed up, we must confess and admit that we need a remedy. We were created to need Savior. God knew back in our womb moments, we were going to need Him today. I am glad He thought this life plan out. I am thankful there is a remedy. At the end of me, yes Jesus is my remedy.

I Promise This Will Help You!

2012-01-12T07:41:00.003-06:00

They say that laughter is the best medicine. Does this work for you?

If so you need to follow me and then follow Brent. IF this doesn't get me a few new followers I don't know what will. Join in....come on....you know you want to. Otherwise you will miss the next one....

Follow me on Twitter
Friend me on Facebook
Read and Subscribe to my Blog
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Oh yeah you can follow Brent too, but follow me first!

You're welcome!

The Better Way

2012-01-11T08:07:00.000-06:00

Life is full of choices...every day, every hour. Good, bad, right, wrong, mediocre and most excellent. Decisions are made on a whim and with wisdom. Consequences and blessings are felt with each. So when it comes to applying this week's message, the truth helps us become laser-focused on the better. We must learn to let go of the good to grab hold of the better. God's better.

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere: I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than well in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:1-2, 10

Better is this day with God. How do you do that?

Living with God means to live with an ongoing, unending awareness of God's presence. Living day by day and step by step under the submission of the Holy Spirit. With each life circumstance...Jesus, I trust you.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Colossians 3:17

It's one thing to say it and quite another to do it. It's takes practice and it takes faith. One must believe in who God is to get started in this journey. It takes a good habit of running to God first with everything instead of last or when we are out of options.

Better is getting to know God through prayer. Prayer is really just talking to God about everything. He knows your thoughts anyway. He knows your heart. Talk to Him. He loves to hear your voice.

Be joyful always; pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Better is being obedient. Jesus is the perfect example of obedience in that He went to the cross a sinless man to bear our sins. There really is no comparison to that kind of pain, agony and torment. So when God asks us to obey Him and we don't then we are not choosing God's best for our lives. Our obedience is essential in God's better plan. Delayed obedience is disobedience.

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

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Better is being desperate for God. When you feed on the things of God you will want Him, and want to spend more time with him. But when you love the things of this world you will be hungry for the things of this world. Pray for desperation...for a hunger that only God can satisfy.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:1-3

In our difficult times, one lesson we can learn is a keen awareness of God's Spirit, His presence in every moment of our daily lives.. May His Spirit be the familiar that we cling to. That will be a "better" way.

So how are you going to make your life better? What does your time with God look like?

Sir, Here's Your Change

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Change is a word that I use a lot.

For me...change brings the positive. It's a shift.

Change brings results, fulfilled expectations. Surprises.

Change can transform.. and be used as an exchange for something better.

Change can bring conviction, redemption, revelation.

But with the idea of change there is always resistance. What do you still want to change?

Hosea tells the Israelites that they needed to change. God's judgement was impending....unless they returned to God's ways. The ways of Moses were not new to them. Someone even took time to write them down, but still they exchanged the truth of that they knew for ways of the ungodly.

They exchanged their innocence for wickedness. They exchanged being unsettled for complancey.

Even as God's people, we want to change God's ways to be our ways. We don't like it when change comes and it makes us uncomfortable. We become lazy when it comes to being a sold out man or woman of God.

We are Israel living in a world that is broken for pleasure, and broken over complacency.

Dear God please change our desires for waywardness. Help me to move forward at your speed with godly intentions and in your direction, no matter how hard or painful the seasons ahead.

Change can be revolutionary but only if you participate, it can make a world of difference if God is in it. Change is hard, especially the positive changes. It's easier to stay in the current places than move to the new places even when you know that God is already there.

God wants your willing heart. Don't let fear of the unknown propel you into a season of paralysis.

So yes...change is movement, change is positive. Change in the God way...Make your shift..God is the priority.

Is there a change you are afraid to make? Make your move!

Music Monday [I Wanna Know You Like That]

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-06:00

This photo ended up on the cutting room floor.

Every time I hear this song by Anthem Lights...I say.."Yes, Lord...I do want to know you like that."

I wanna know

Just today
I heard a story of a pastor far away
Who watched his church walls fall with the rain
With tears in his eyes
Here is what he had say
"Let's reach the ones that will rebuild this place"

(Chorus)
I wanna know You like that
To live, to love
With everything I am
To give it all
I wanna know You like that
To become
A man after Your heart
And not look back
I wanna know You like that

I wanna know
I wanna know
I wanna know...

Like David did
He lived a life this world cannot forget
He'd fall so hard then get back up again
Then face the giant knowing he would win
Because You were with him

With every breath I breathe
I wanna help others see
And I will never stop
'Til everybody's singing

David was known as a man after God's own heart but yet he wasn't perfect. He messed up and his bad choices affected others. He pursued God, he became a great king, was infamous and left a royal legacy.

When it comes to being famous...well that is not really the goal. For me...I just want to be known as one who walks with God. And as my heart searches after the godly things, I will know God deeper. As I face my giants, I know that there will be a win...because I know that God is with me. That's knowing God like David did.

What does your time with God look like?

Make a Difference

2012-01-06T09:07:00.001-06:00

"What was this week's verse again?"

In my effort to do better, I am continuing to memorize scripture. One thing that really helps to learn more about God is pondering on God's words and allowing them to seep into my heart. Join me...it will make a difference.

Start here: "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be the doorkeeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Ps. 84:10

What do you do to make a difference to your walk with God?

Do Better

2012-01-03T21:21:00.000-06:00

One of the first things I hear from myself about last year's promise list is "I hope to do better this year". Or "Last year was full a complete failure." Not the most positive perspective but realistic. So when I think about resolutions for myself, I don't want to fail, or disappoint again. Myself that is....

You are really listening on my own private thoughts here...I want to do better. I want to be excellent. I want to realize my potential. Brent says my greatest strength is also my greatest weakness. I want to see God here...there...everywhere. I want to do more than just wishful thinking. I want to think, ponder and meditate on scripture. For me, that is were change happens. Any time I align my heart with God's I know there will be some change.

You might be thinking that's negative right? Wrong!

So in 2012, for today.... I promise to...do better.

I am going to re-learn my life's verse...and trust. I trust. I will trust in Jesus with everything. I will trust Jesus in everything. With all circumstances, with all calamities, with communications, words, actions etc. When I feel like giving in or giving up...I will trust. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to acknowledge God. That is simple, effective strategy. So in my mind, in my heart, in my soul I will trust.....and that will give God sovereign control over my life. That is my response and the way I trust. This is the way I can do better.

Do you have a life verse?

Taste and See

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

My Aunt Bill's Brown Candy never looked this good.

If your last two weeks have been like mine, there has been a plethora of extra foods, snacks, holiday dinners, buffets and party menus. There has been an over abundance of calories abounding down the gullet and now hanging around my mid-section. Bottom line...there has been just too much food. The family favorite treats like Aunt Bill's Brown Candy have made their annual appearance. For me, at this time of year, just seeing and smelling is not good enough. I need at least one bite, I have to taste it....all.

It was really easy for me to see God's point when I came across this memory verse. As the events of this year are going through the freeze frame of my brain, I now have a new perspective on what it means.

Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Ps. 34:8

I love the reassurance the second half of this text gives. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. I believe that God has my back. Yes, He does....every time. But what I have been drawn into and deeply absorbed in is the "taste and see" part. There are some life lessons that will only be taught by God in life's school of adversity. How are we going to know what kind of refuge God has or how he has our back unless we are faced with situations that require Him to rock his strong refuge-type skills? In other words, we don't seek shelter in God when things are going our way. We normally go running to God only when we are in deep trouble, we need answers, need direction, want an elusive burning bush or have no one to turn to.

We won't see God be God until we are served a plate of hard circumstances in which we have to experience God be God. And every time... as I taste and see God's heaping portions of adversity ...I know that God is good. You see...in the good times we experience God's goodness. But I have found that the Lord is good in tough circumstances, in the cancer sentences, in my all-too-mixed up chaos right now. In the dark times, where there seems no hope, God is good. It's in the middle of the rough and tough stuff of this life that we must taste and see God's goodness, and where I will experience God's good character. Taste and see....

It's in those cataclysmic collisions, those places of grace that I taste God's goodness. These are the times when trust trumps understanding and keeps me clinging. Where belief overcomes doubt and I see God for who He says he is. It's in those holy moments where God whispers "this is no sweat, I've got this" as He breathes peace over chaos. Fervent prayers resurrect hope. He's in those dark days of the slow inch-forward through the endless maze of medical tests. It's here that I can taste the goodness of God. It's in the encounters of His love that is shown to the unloved, the forgotten, the vulnerable, the orphaned and the shunned. In the compassion puddles that I see God, I taste His goodness, and find refuge. It's there at His dinner table of full of surrender. Believe me...I've tasted, and man...it's mmmmmm...good.

How have you tasted the Lord's goodness?

Music Monday [Starting Over Again]

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

This week's Music Monday is brought to you from Jenny Simmons of Addison Road. It has never heard on the radio, only on stage.

Open up your eyes
Awake, arise
Love like a hand reaches down
And pulls us up from the dirty ground

Now is the time
To step from the dark into the light
Cause you can’t change what you’ve done
But you can choose who you’ll become

(CHORUS)
Every moment is a second chance
At starting over, at starting over
Move from the past to the present tense
You can start over, start over again

If you feel ashamed
Of the choices that you’ve made
You can be whole again
And return to your innocence

(CHORUS)
Every moment is a second chance
At starting over, at starting over
Move from the past to the present tense
You can start over, start over again

Yesterday is gone
Today is all you’ve got
You don’t have to be who you’ve been
You can change within
It’s never too late
To start over again

(CHORUS)
Every moment is a second chance
At starting over, at starting over
Move from the past to the present tense
You can start over, start over again

With all of the resolution talk these days, the start of every new year brings a chance to start over. I think about starting over often..pushing the reset button.

Maybe you lost your innocence last year, maybe you lost a loved one and are wondering how to face today, maybe you lost sight of a well-intention goal from 2011, maybe you gave up on something you wanted to do for God, maybe you need to push reset too.

I am thankful that God gives second chances. I am thankful that his compassion never ends. I am thankful that He rules in justice and love. I am thankful that when my heart pursues other things, He still pursues me. I am thankful that God wants to restores me to the point of His best innocence for me. I am thankful that God has a plan and His laser focus is bent on bringing me to where he wants me to be, based on His character, and not my limitations. I am thankful that every moment is a second chance to grab hold of his grace. I am thankful for the thin places where I can see the difference he wants to make in my heart. I am thankful for the past year of difficult circumstances where I have learned more about God than I could ever imagine. I am thankful that God wants me start again.

What do you need to start over? Because of what you lived last year, what will be different about 2012?

Let's Meet For Coffee!

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Will you do me a favor? Will you pour yourself a cup of hot coffee and rest? Will you take time to read my thoughts? I have collected some heart-filled journeys that God has brought me through this year. There was joy, lots of tears, but most of all a soft fall into the heart of God. I have been tenderly tucked into His grace. My soul has been stirred and I want to share with you...if you have time.

#10 Dinner for Two Please.

#9 A Walk To Remember.

#8 Whispers of Love.

#7 Why I Don't Wear Mascara.

#6 Lessons from a Salt Shaker.

#5 Waiting for....God.

#4 Two Weeks Notice.

#3 I'm Moving!

#2 Award Winning Year!

#1 A pile of dead frogs.

Thanks for being here. It means a lot to me that you have come. Please come back again soon!

Travel Companion

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Road signs tell us if we are going in the right direction. They are also a marker of milestones passed. They can mark ourtravel. They outline highways and they designate halfway points, notemiles to next destination. They bring welcome relief to the weary withrest stops, refreshments, gas and overnight accommodations.

I find it interesting in reading the books of the Old Testamentthat the people of Israel are always reminded of their travel days byreferencing “days of the desert”. God and the prophets never miss theopportunity to remind Israel of where they have come from. Remember whenGod brought them out of the desert? Remember how the great I AM helpedthe Israelites walk over the dry Red Sea bottom to escape the Egyptians? Remember how the great I AM brought them daily food and water? Rememberhow God was seen in the cloud by day and the fire by night?

Don’t forget…God is with us!

With the Christmas message this week we are reminded of somedesperate life-travel information. The message centers around the song “Ocome, O come, Emmanuel”.

Whyis this message so needed today? Because we need to know andremember that we are not alone in this world.

Emmanuel means God is withus!

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the nameJesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they willcall him Emmanuel"—which means, "God with us."Matthew1:21-23

Just like the days of the desert, in the town of Bethlehem, andlike Mary and Joseph, we also need to know that God is with us, everyday, tohelp us, to strengthen us, to deliver us, to show his mercy to us. Emmanuel is with us like the great I AM was with the Israelites in thedesert. And God hasn’t changed over the years!

God is with you…God was withyou…God will be with you!

God, the great I AM, the LORD is with us. No matter where wetravel, no matter where we have been, no matter where we are headed. Godis with us. We can’t be separated from God. The God of all comfort,comes alongside of us in our trials.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble orhardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in allthese things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I amconvinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither thepresent nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anythingelse in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that isin Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35, 37-39

One thing to remember…God is with you! Even in thedark days of confusion, doubt, trials and temptations. BUT there arethings that get in the way of experiencing God’s presence in our lives. Sin detours us from a close journey with God.

So…remember God is with us…butare you with God?

What steps do you need to take to experience more of God?

Full Circle Cat

2011-12-27T16:20:00.000-06:00

Santa Macon

I never thought I would write this. I didn't think this day would come. But I am going to say it...I miss the cat. Yes, this is the same cat, Macon, the one you love to hate. So don't waste your time thinking of some kind of witty- kitty comeback...just save it. Macon has returned to his original pet position and now belongs to his first owner. He's made a full circle when it comes to cat care.

He's been a part of our family for a while now. We've had our fun times..like the time Terry found him sleeping in the warm dryer on our clean clothes, or every December when he thinks he's a gift to the family and sleeps under the Christmas tree. And let's not forget those times, once a month or so, when he randomly yakked on the floor.

My favorite times were when I interrupted his naps with my exercising and he tried to bite my arm off. And actually the pinnacle of his noted cat career would be the time we sought revenge on his feline antics and dressed him as Santa Macon. Cat's don't like baths and they abhor playing dress up. When we put him in the Santa suit that was two sizes too small... he became lifeless. Macon fell limp on the floor as if when donning the costume, he was shocked to new level of humiliation he had sunk to. He laid on the floor as he played dead. Funniest thing ever!! It was entertainment at it's finest.

We had some close times too. Tender moments when he would curl up and purr at my feet while I was doing my Bible reading. He was there to help teach me a lesson or two that I needed. Other than getting hair everywhere...he wasn't much help. But his presence will be missed. I guess that is what I am dealing with is the lack of his quiet lurking, always in attack mode, and readiness to pounce on my unsuspecting ankle meat. Or his crazy-go-nuts-run-of-the-mill cat laps at 3 a.m.

No, I don't need a cat. No, I don't need your cat. I just need to fill the cat void that silent, hairy, black, purry, feline creation might have left. Don't worry it's not a big deal or a big void. I will just be cat-less. It will be different.

I will overcome this..void that I am feeling. But I might need some cat exit counseling. I hope you still love me even though I don't have a cat to talk about anymore.

Hang Loose!

2011-12-25T10:45:00.003-06:00

One proud Grammy! Avery..14 months.

Taking a break from blogging today as I hang loose with this little guy! Christmas blessings to you and yours. My prayer for you today is to enjoy God's presence in the glow of the nativity.

Emmanuel...God is with us...are you with Him?

It's Christmas!

2011-12-24T12:37:00.000-06:00

As we celebrate the wonder of Christ's birth, let the eternal salvation message permeate our souls.

Matthew 1:23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" - which means, "God with us".

God came to us in the form of a baby.

He sent Love to the cross in the man Jesus

The love that covers our sins is our Hope.

Love in it's purest form was enough then.

Hope has a name and it's Jesus

Immanuel, God is with us.

Hope is born in our hearts.

What a gift of Glory.

This Love is Enough.

Merry Christmas!

Wave Your White Flag!

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

In movies that involve a battle scene, there isalways a winner and a loser. The loseror the weaker opponent will eventually signal that the battle is over or thatthey are ready to give up. If a whiteflag is raised in battle, defeat is signaled and sends a message to the opponentthat “you win.” If you are the white flag-bearer,it probably takes the last bit of strength, to admit surrender in a hard-foughtcontest. It symbolizes a loss.

Taking another look at some seasonal tunes, there is an old favorite called Away in the Manger. You probably learned it as a child and grew up with it. This lullaby speaks of the “little” baby Jesus but our God is far from tiny. The songsites his infant condition but that was written in the 1800’s. That was then.

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing he poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus look down from the sky
And stay by my side,'til morning is nigh.

God sent his Son in the form of aperfect baby to pay the price for our sins. The tiny baby in the manger was God’s plan. I’ll admit that sending a baby is a strange way to save us all. I am fresh out of names of anyone else who wouldsacrifice their one and only son to make the journey to torture-filled cross.

There is only one God with a plan and Heknew we were going to need a Savior. News flash....God has been in control ever since time began. He still is. Our response should be surrender to His Lordship.

Jesus is Lord.

…Do not be afraid. I bring you good news ofgreat joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviorhas been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ~ Luke 2:10-11

Because he is Lord and our Authority, we mustsurrender our entire heart, soul and mind to him. Sometimes we think that we can control ourlife and the things in this universe better than God could. To think like this is called the partially surrenderedlife.

Why doyou call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46

In case you haven’t noticed…we can’t control this craziness we call life. We can’t control nor should we. We don’t know all, see all, or aren't mighty enoughto save all.

The other side of the battle is a fullysurrendered life.

“For we don't live for ourselves ordie for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die,it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to theLord.” Romans 14:7-8 NLT

This ismy life verse and I repeat it often…”Trust in the LORD with allyour heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledgehim, and he will make your paths straight” Prov. 3:5-6

Tuckedaway in the manger is a great gift that costs us nothing but it cost God everything. Our response should be one of surrender tohis lord-ship in everything.

To know God is to love Him…. to know Him is to trust him in everything! If you trust himthen you will stop trying to control Him and start letting Him control! It’s time to start wavingthe white flag!!

As we acceptthe gift of salvation... it costs us everything.

There is freedom insurrender.

What do you need to surrender to the God?

One Thing Is For Sure

2011-12-20T07:35:00.000-06:00

My mind fills the awkward silence with a long sigh. I wonder. In those quiet moments, I have some worrisome thoughts. My sighs crave a measurement.

"Just hit post. What good does it do? You can’t see it in person," hisses the enemy. It's true somewhat...I don't see the results. They are hidden for now.

There are days that I feel I don't accomplish much. I think about how I should be doing something more tangible–serving at a community food kitchen, distributing groceries, hugging the African littles, something, anything where I can feel progress or see a forward motion. There are days I get hung up on needing to see and feel the results. I know that's not right. In my wishful thinking I want to see overwhelming approval. I know that is wrong too. I need more faith.

What I really desire is evidence of something more tangible. I whispered to Jesus as darkness filled my early morning. “Are you sure God, I am so afraid!” He has laid something on my heart, a challenge that I have never done before. It's a task of great undertaking. I have never ventured this far out of my comfort zone before. It brings fear into my heart, it makes my palms sweaty. And I don't know how it's gonna turn out.

Then... this verse rises into my heart…

Faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

I’ve always thought of those words in the context of believing in Jesus but not in seeing results, things unseen. On that morning it seemed liked there was something more He wanted to teach me. What God is calling me to do is just to be faithful. What He asks of me is to act justly...and offer obedience in return. The results of the task are His business. He is the one making the difference. He is the One Building my Faith. He is the One who makes results transpire. The One Who Loves whispered into this part of my faith and speaks directly to my obedience.

Faith is believing. Faith is sure. Sure of hopes, dreams for the God-matters in this world.

Faith leaps, bounds and builds. Faith fans the flickers and flames of inspiration.

Faith is certain of what we do not see…even in our adversities, difficulties, uncertainties, and trials.

Faith anchors us to the unseen. Only God knows the pricks, the folds and the imprints made. Only the Spirit writes His wonders on our hearts.

Faith measures what matters. It calls to the faithful. Faith follows and obeys.

Faith whispers, makes a difference, impacts.

Faith hears Him whisper back saying…"trust…believe". God is working the underneath things together for your good. The I AM is taking care of the rest, the results.

Keep the faith. Hold on. Pray for deeper faith. Pray for perfect faith. With the results unseen, it's beautiful obedience.

Perfect faith is the faith that moves us to trust God even when it seems as though God isn't moving - Andy Stanley

What's a hard thing God has asked you to do? Did you?

Special Edition of Music Monday [The Night Before Christmas]

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas music. I stop in my tracks everytime I hear this melody from Brandon Heath. The reason I like it so much is that Christ is the focus...the lyrics point to our Savior.

The Night Before Christmas
Empty manger, perfect stranger, about to be born.
Into darkness, sadness, desperate madness, creation so torn.
We were so lost on earth, no peace, no worth.
no way to escape.
In fear, no faith, no hope, no grace ,and no light
but that was the night before Christmas.
Warm hay, cold sweat, a mother, not yet.
Praying godspeed the dawn.
She looks to her man, holding her hand. They wonder how long.
And the shepherds, wise men come to find them, and bow to a king.
One star above shining on love, so bright it lit up the night before Christmas.

CHORUS:
And the world didnt know mercy was meek and so mild.
And the world didnt know that truth was as pure as a child.
The night before Christmas.
The night before Christmas.
And the world didnt know, redemption was sweet and so strong. And the world didn't know salvation was writing a song.
The night before christmas.
The night before christmas.
The night before christmas.
Empty manger, perfect stranger, about to be born.

My favorite line is the "And the world didn't know, redemption was sweet and so strong. And the world didn't know salvation was writing a song." The world was looking for a physical king but what God gave was a eternal King. The gift of salvation costs us nothing, but when we receive it, it costs us everything. Mary held her newborn close as she sang to Him. But in that silent night, Salvation was singing a new song in our hearts for all of eternity. This Christmas as God comes near, let's hold Him close.

What's your favorite Christmas song? Tell me why...

Don't Forget!

2011-12-16T05:29:00.000-06:00

One of the prevalent themes in the book of Hosea is that God is bringing his judgment on the people of Israel. Verse upon verse records the many, many sins of God's chosen people. Bottom line was that Israel was consumed with idol worship. You think, how could they turn away from God? How could they move so far from Him?

Israel moved, God didn't. Hosea came to town and warned Israel, that because of their depravity, they would receive God's condemnation. It was a way that God reminded them that they were headed for the worst trouble that they could ever imagine. Israel knew God's laws, so where did they go wrong?

In the lifetime of Israel, God had delivered them from Pharaoh's hand, brought them out of Egypt, parted the waters so that they crossed over on dusty, dry land, he fed them in the middle of a desert, he cared for them endlessly, he saved them from certain death. God saved Israel. Did they forget what God had done?

What did Israel do after experiencing God's faithfulness? They bowed down and worshiped the graven images of the day, the wooden statues, the stone carvings, the high places of wickedness, the things of their world. They catered to their culture, they fit in with their friends, they didn't remind themselves daily of the God that saved them, or who God was. They didn't remember the God of their forefathers who had done great and mighty and incredible things. They sought their gods.

Israel forgot.

They forgot God.

No wonder God said he was going to bring His wrath upon them. In reading this account, I think how often we forget God too. How could we? He's there every time we need Him to be, He' proven himself faithful many times. He's certainly gotten us out of jams more times than any one person can count. He's provided everything we have needed to survive in this crazy world, and some things we didn't know we needed. And most of all, He sent his son Jesus to come to us to save us from our sins. Yet.....we forget.

Hosea brought hope though.

"My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. I will not carry out my fierce anger nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man-- the Holy One among you." Hosea 11:8-9

Israel was detestable in God's eyes, they forgot God. Over and over they had traded their believing hearts over to sin. Again and Again. Their hearts were cold for God.

But God doesn't forget.

God, in His infinite love, mercy and grace, delivers hope. He gave Israel another chance, he gave them a ton more second chances. He gives us a ton more second chances, he freely gives his love, mercy and grace. He gives hope. In the middle of our depravity, He turns toward us. God comes near to save us from our sins.

He doesn't forget us. Let's not forget God.

He's Awesome in every way you could ever imagine. Nothing compares.

He doesn't forget. He can't forget you. He is not man...He is the Holy One. Remember what God has done for you. Always Remember.

You Coming?

2011-12-13T21:11:00.001-06:00

The faint sounds of the old piano were drifting. It was the cue to start the processional down the long, lonely aisle. It was Christmas Eve, and nervous hearts of Sunday Schoolers were about to perform lines and lines of memorized scripts and songs. Decking the halls, was the smell of crisp, freshly starched white shirts, cinnamon and evergreen boughs. The boys stood wringing their little hands hoping they remember their lines, the girls pranced in their new red velvet and plaid frocks. All the Sunday afternoon practices were leading up to this night...the long awaited and annual production of the nativity story.

As the organist pounds the keys, all emotions are immediately jolted. The notes engaged the shy and humble score, escalating into full blown production of pounding hearts. As we stood perfectly straight at the entrance of the auditorium, each parental eye was trained on their own loved one. Their view was one of anticipation, our view was one of trepidation. "Let's not forget why we are here", whispered the director. It's Christmas Eve!"

We stepped into our entranced pace down that long, lonely aisle. Eyes on the big stage. Anxious smiles greeted each young face as we passed through the parting of the sea of smiles. The memorized melodies we sang entered the hearts of all...

O Come All Ye Faithful... joyful and triumphant! 
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold him, born the King of Angels:
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come,
let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

I really didn't take the words to heart until later in life. At that time, it was just a Children's Christmas program. We were mostly making our way to the end of the night to get the brown bag of candy and fruit. The goodies were predictable, an apple, a candy cane, some nuts and some of that hard ribbon candy your only grandma would buy.

As we performed the practiced lines one by one, the invitation was given to the faithful. The dedicated, the lost, the lonely, the lingering.

O Come All Ye Faithful was a hymn that was written as an invitation to come to see Jesus at the manager. After all, Mary and Joseph didn't send out birth announcements. They didn't need to...they had the angels and the shepherds. The verses speak of being joyful and triumphant, as we often are when a baby was born, but this little guy was special.

His birth was epic, one of Royal priesthood, boasting a Wonderful Counselor and and announcing the Prince of Peace. His birth held deliverance, promise, and unknown hope. All of a sudden, as he laid in the manager, his destiny was pronounced, the nativity came alive, and all of heaven and earth was glowing. All from one small little Life swaddled in some hay.

The manager scene still calls us today.....oh come, come close and see....experience the Presence. God calls for all of us draw near....as this song invites.

Who needs to come to the manger? The weary, the burdened, the busy, the stressed...all of us.

Why do we need to come to the manger? That's where joy is. The visit builds hope, anticipation, peace.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you… Luke 2:10-11 NIV

What do we leave at the manger? Our worries, our problems, our cares.

What can we take away from the manger? Joy, peace, and Love.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever…Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV

What is the result of our manger experience? Faith is born, faith is restored, faith grows.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith… Hebrews 12:2

What can we remember about the baby Jesus? That He is. He is God incarnate. That it's true, not a make believe production by some children only at Christmas.

Immanuel, God with us.

God's got your back today, tomorrow, forever. Remember.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;the flames will not set you ablaze. ³ For I am the LORD your God,the Holy One of Israel, your Savior… Isaiah 43:2-3

Remember as you pass through to the end of your journey. God is real, God is with you.

Oh come, let us ADORE Him. Please come....

Why You Must Think I Am A Scrooge

2011-12-08T19:00:00.000-06:00

WARNING....this is an anti-santa claus post. I am not sad when I write this. But this really happened. You have been warned. (insert your smile here)

You better watch out, You better not cry! Better not pout, I'm telling you why....Santa Claus is coming to town! He's making a list, And checking it twice; Gonna find out who's naughty and nice. Santa Claus is coming to town!

When I was a little girl, I believed in Santa. My middle name could have been Virginia! I swallowed the Santa-is-coming-to-town-fairy tale like a champ. I really believed that a fat, white-bearded fellow, magically and wondrously, squeezed his red-suited-self down a chimney that we didn't have, to bring me the toys and bobbles that I had convinced myself I needed. (That was a really long sentence, you better read it again). I really believed there was someone who could do that. I believed my parents when they told me this. I also thought I believed in God.

So as a young naive girl of eight, when I came face to face with the truth that Santa Claus was just a nice story, I was crushed. I know...I'm so trusting of some people, that I believe them no matter what they tell me. My first thought was, upon realization was, "How can this be? If this story is not true about Santa, then what about the baby Jesus?" Ouch!

It took me several years to get over my hate for Santa, and but now I think he's just okay. You can believe the Santa story if you want. But for me and my family, we know it's just that...a nice holiday story. I don't decorate with him and I honestly don't think he's that great. Santa disappoints.

The story of God becoming man in the form of a baby is wonderfully beautiful. Pause to think about how the Creator of this universe, the Maker of the heavens, the earth and the stars, and you, became man in the form of a perfect innocent baby, born in a lowly, out of the way, stinking stable to be your Savior. This is a true story that is hard to believe too but God never disappoints. Come let us adore Him....only. Read the real Christmas story.

P.S. For fun....

You better watch out

You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Jesus Christ is coming to town
He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out who's naughty and nice
Jesus Christ is coming to town
He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why....Jesus Christ is coming to town...Jesus Christ is coming.

That Holy Night!

2011-12-07T07:56:00.001-06:00

After reading Luke 2, the unbelieving author, captured the birth of Jesus in verse to become one of the most performed Christmas songs ever. The poem boasts a timely message full of hope.

Frankly, this time of year it seems like hope is needed most. It's needed more than another tie that Dad doesn't wear, a toy that will break in less than 30 minutes or one more chia pet. To say that we need hope is an understatement.

We need the world to see that Jesus is hope.

This holiday season can be a rough one for some. It will be a year that many will celebrate without a loved one, a job, a child, a house, a spouse. Cancer slaps, sin steals, and hearts will run away. The combinations of concerns are endless. So when I see these lyrics, it's like a balm to our hurting souls...

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

A new day with Christ brings us exactly what we need

Brings us the hope to keep going

The author knew weary. He probably lived a problem laden life himself. Who doesn't? But he knew enough to know that the Savior was predicted to be the long awaited king for the Jews. At the time Jesus was born, they were looking for someone to save them politically, so a new king born was a huge deal. At last.....freedom was on the horizon. The prospect of new life was refreshing and new. On this day, the Son-rise would bring hope and peace. This new king would break the chains of bondage to bring glorious change. This kind of news would cause his world to shout and sing! Like a new day as sun peeks over the landscape, hope was born and peeked from under the swaddle.

Lamentations 3:20 - 23:

"I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassion never fails.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him.

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him;

It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD."

So how can this song bring the hope you desperately need? Grab a hold of the knowledge that God is in tomorrow already taking care of your situations and details. He brings His strength His reality, power, love, forgiveness to each one. He brings us the thrill of hope, faith and the belief that a new start is coming right in the middle of your chaos, in the middle of your darkness.

We can't grab hold of the lies of the enemy who wants us to believe there are no answers to your problems, or that you are alone and that God doesn't care. God brings the help and hope that you are seeking, so wait quietly for the Lord. Don't give up! Each and every day with Christ brings....

The Everything you need.

The Hope to keep going.

The Help you are seeking.

The words that weaved our hearts into the stable scene came from a man who did not view the baby as the son of God. He recorded about a day he didn't celebrate. Which brings up this reason we celebrate, we can know Jesus is the reason for this season, and we can participate in the full celebrations with happy carols, but in your heart do you really YOU KNOW him as your Lord and Savior, the holy One that was born on that O Holy Night?

Don't give up hope. Don't let this day pass without knowing Him, don't let this month pass without knowing Jesus. Don't let this darkness overwhelm you without knowing him as the risen Savior. Don't let this season pass with accepting the Hope that is Jesus Christ!

Gomerific!

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Not the Gomer in Hosea

I have been studying the book of Hosea. It has been a huge eye opener in my faith walk. Take some time today to really read it. And then read it again with no distractions.

Sometimes I feel like a "Gomer". That's not the true desires of my heart but because of the strong influence of the world I allow myself to be allured by ideas that aren't holy. I wonder why I give myself away so freely and willingly? It's called the human condition. This is hard to write.

When I think about God's people, myself included, I see how easily we buy into the idea of comfort. We like to be comfortable. I have seen the uncomfortable life and I am not talking about just stuff. We like to find security and be safe in our own comfort. Think about what you surround yourself with in your homes, clothes, food, cars, jobs, bank accounts, technology, churches, entertainment, etc. It's an endless list.

Why do we go running to earthly things, when deep in our hearts we know as Christians, the only comfort we know is God? Again, this is hard to right. So my challenge to you is to stop and read Hosea again, let the Spirit be your Comforter. Make a list of the idols and altars that have been built in your life. Then reflect, reduce, and then re-commit your loyalty to the only Comfort that can bring true security. I'm thumbing through Hosea once again.

Honestly, where do you find your security? (This is just me....asking the hard questions.)

Music Monday [Won't Let Me Go]

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Jenny Simmons

I love this song! I don't know about yours...but my life sometimes seems like chaos.

Won't Let Me Go

Welcome to my latest disaster
Same book just another chapter
Never thought it could be worse than last year
But here I am again today

I laugh cause it hurts when I scream
But I'll make it through cause I believe

That even when my heart breaks
And everything's shaking
I'm left alone in the rain
You won't, You won't, Won't
You won't let me go

Life's insane
And everything's crazy
You carry me through the pain
And You won't, You won't, Won't
You won't let me go
You won't let me go

Here we go it's a three ring circus
Juggling it all trying to find my purpose
With each new day
I'm praying just to make it through

When my next disaster is near
I know that You'll meet me right here
So I won't fear

Cause even when my heart breaks
And everything's shaking
I'm left alone in the rain
You won't, You won't, Won't
You won't let me go

Life can be a crazy-go-nuts-merry-go-round-circle-of-confusion. And when I find myself buying a ticket to get on, I know that there's only One who won't let go. I never know what kind of pain and heartache this journey holds, but I am pressing forward to know God. I am held in the grip of His grace and He won't let go.

BIG P.S. Check this out NOW!!!!

Help!

2011-12-02T08:08:00.001-06:00

I woke up tired and with headache this morning but was soon refreshed when I read Psalm 121. In my mind, I traveled back to the Dominican Republic.

In the open air chapel, the small young boy timidly stood in front of the assembly that had gathered on a cool Sunday morning. The mission trip team joined in with the local believers to worship. Several faith filled youth had taken their turn to share how God had worked in their life. Now it was this little guy's turn. He flashed a smile and was brave as he shared some scripture that obviously meant a lot to him. With the help of an interpreter he quoted:

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the mountains

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.
Where does my help come from?

He followed with a sweet melody in Spanish. As tears streaked his cheeks, I had to wonder why this song had meant so much to him. There was only one answer... he experienced God as this scripture proved true. In his young life God was God to him and met him in his need. I cried tears of joy overcome with emotions in light of his strong faith shining bright. The Holy Spirit brought us together for a moment in time to pause our Maker, our Strength. In that heartfelt song, love transcended all language barriers. We praised in one voice.

I was shaking and shaken with the presence inside me. On that day, in that song I was once again anchored to God's heart in a way I hadn't felt in a long time. With the waves of each note, I could feel God's love wash over me. I was lost in the tsunami of grace. It was beautiful.

The basic truth in Psalm 121 is this:

God loves you. God helps you.

God doesn't slip. God doesn't sleep.

God protects. God pursues you.

The Maker of this universe, the Creator, the Master of the Universe loves you. He watches, helps, sustains and is faithful to you. Be encouraged today that God pursues you. I am.

Moving On

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

A great snack!

He bounces into the building most days with a story of some kind or a new toy to share. When I see him I look for his smile because he brings such joy. I get to visit with him often and when he is near he always checks in to see how I am doing. I enjoy his stories....he is so full of life at five. Someday he is going to make some young lady the man of her dreams.

This little guy is funny, quirky, sometimes shy, hardly ever sad. He is a bundle of energy, a challenge to keep up with. One day, he stopped my desk and was eating a snack. I commented about how I see him eating the same snack a lot, and I noted that it must be his "favorite". By his choosing, he gobbles down his best snack choice, a pack of bread sticks with a side cup of cheese. He told me in his little-man voice, "I just like the bread sticks".

He consistently sacrifices the cheese dip to get to the prize of the bread sticks. This seems opposite of what you might expect. Who doesn't like the cheese? But I agree that he has made a great choice.

We are faced with choices on a minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day basis. Most times we just think about making choices between right and wrong. But I think for Christians, God's call for real life choices is between good and great.

I have to admit that most of my life has just been at the mediocre level. Doing what I needed to do just get by or make someone happy. Most of us just never seem to seek God at that deep of a level. We tend to stick to what is comfortable, the easy, the common. I sometimes allow the world to influence my choices so that I blend in rather than stand out. And in turn, because of those choices, I sacrifice the greater good on the mediocre altar resulting in the lukewarm.

One of my 2011 resolutions has been to go deeper in my Bible study with God. As I seek Him at every turn, my eyes have been opened on how much I have relied on my own perceived strength, knowledge, control and drive. It has been my choice. My...how deceived I was.

I strive to know knowledge but now I am seeking Truth. I have given up half-hearted worship, pity tithes and my service to please. I am choosing His greatness over my perceived good. I don't want to just live in the shadow of God's life that He has intended for me.

I am learning to sacrifice the good for the great. Giving up things that I love for what I love more. No matter the cost...no matter the sacrifice...the cost of discipleship. It's not that I was a bad person....but I admit that at times with some choices, I have swallowed the Deceiver's lie. It's God's choices that I seek.

Don't just be content with the good. Go for God-great. Don't settle for just right or wrong...God has more in mind for you than just mediocre or ordinary. It’s time for me to move past good and move up to the great.

What are you willing to give up to gain His great?

My Panic Button

2011-11-29T08:00:00.001-06:00

For a writer one of the times of panic when you sit down with your tablet or laptop on your lap and instead of the words flowing out of your fingertips, the blank screen blinks back. There are these days that make me panic. There isn't a lack of words, but a lack of processing.

My life is consuming and it takes a lot of non-panic filled time to get my muddled thoughts in a readable format. Sigh...

Christmas is upon us ...don't panic please.

Still scratching my head over this picture.

This causes panic in my brain meat! How could this have happened?

How can I write when I have craziness around me? Panic.time.

Wait...Just a Minute

2011-11-25T10:17:00.001-06:00

Waiting...

Many of you participated in some Black Friday sales. I did a little bit last night at 10 p.m. but the days of getting up at 3 a.m. to get something that might be a dollar or two cheaper are over. I need sleep too much to join in on that "fun".

After getting my two purchases, there was the task of checking out. The store was packed. I looked down the aisle and there was the longest line known to man. Whoa...yeah I was going to be in line a while. If I really wanted what I had in my hands, I had to wait in that really long line.

Do you ever feel like you are waiting in line with God when He doesn't answer our prayers right away? Or how about when He doesn't answer at all? It almost seems as if His silence is the answer. I have been in the middle of this. Ever wonder if you are praying for the wrong things? Or ever wonder if you will run out of prayers for a certain situation?

It seems as if God has forgotten.I'll be honest...this makes me uncomfortable. Here's what do I when God appears silent...

I have to be be honest with the One who hears, who listens to my every word. I have to be honest with myself that maybe I have to wait, build patience, and love God no matter what. But also I have to face my fear of His silence. That makes me uncomfortable and it takes deep faith to wait, hope, and believe.

I can't equate His silence with His love for me. The world tells me to translate it into feelings of fear and insecurity. I can't do that...I must keep His love on the forefront of my mind. Otherwise....I would have bigger issues.

I have to remember that I am not alone. God has not promised to give me all the answers, but He has promised that He will never leave me. Even in the times of silence, when I feel like I am in this by myself and circumstances are uncertain. I am refreshed by those great heroes of the faith, who during their faith-building times, had days of doubt.

I have to remember that just because I feel a certain way does not mean the way I feel is truth. My feelings come and go, but God's love does not change. It never has, never will. That's comfort.I have to replace the lies that Satan shouts with the truth that I know and believe about God in my heart. Romans 8:28 promises that God works all things out for good for those "who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." I love God and I am called, therefore I can believe in His silence, that He is working things out for my good. You can too if you love and trust Him.

It also means that God has a plan, even when it appears that He doesn't.

It's good to seek God as passionately as a Black Friday sale, but also it's good to know when to move and to put your hands and feet into action. Don’t just sit around longing for God to work in your silence.

Serve. Seek Him. Help others. Pray. Seek His face. Be active.

Live out your faith during this time. Idleness is one of Satan’s best friends.I know that God prepares for some of His best work as I wait.

I read Psalm 27 and 121 in my waiting room.

Ps 27:14 I will wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

So Thankful

2011-11-22T07:52:00.000-06:00

Any bacon-wrapped meat is a win!

This week we'll sit around a tablepiled high with turkey, your mother's dressing and laughter. I'll stir and savor a steaming cup of coffee and contemplate the sweet and tender things that I am grateful for.

When the last crumb is consumed andlast smile exchanged, we will lean back full. Too full. I will be thinking about the kids who only get one meal a today.

And I will also think of you. I am grateful for those of you who stop by here everyday. You are my friends...you read my heart and my thoughts. (Even through the tears).

This is part of God's goodness to me. We are family. I feel comfortable here. Hope you do too.

I am grateful that I am held in God's hands. I am thankful that He gives me the words to weave. To write them out gives me much joy. Even if it brings sadness. That's not my intention.

So thank you...I am grateful for you. I invite you to share in this journey. Share in the memories. Share in my joy of the lessons God is teaching.

Thank you for being YOU. Thank you for your encouragement. I hope that your Thanksgiving is blessed with good memories too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

More....

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Things coming up this week.. or some time. After a very long week and a short weekend with little rest, my mind is going one thousand miles per hour. That's when you know you need a break. But there is no break on the horizon.

So what's on my mind?

I pause to consider....

More opportunities to trust God...

More Thankgivings ....

More words to say...

More days and dreams...

More thoughts about death and related things...

More about Christmas and fundraising...

More of making a difference and the results...

More about building community....

More creating...

More about my Pineapple Juice Meltdown....

More me in motion....

So until I can get all these words, thoughts, prayers, dreams, and visions out of my brain meat...there will be no rest.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Purpose-FULL

2011-11-17T06:55:00.000-06:00

One day last week, it was a misty morning as I was driving to work. I was passing a big truck that was continually giving my windshield a blanket of heavy rainy spray as I passed him. There was one point in that dark left hand lane that I couldn't see where I was going. My view was unclear. I slowed down a little as I just kept driving forward. In an instant, the spray was cleared by the handy wiper blades.

There have times in my life that I feel like the next step forward is as unclear as my misty windshield. I know and believe that God has a plan for my life, but there are some times when His plans seem to be fuzzy. In those misty and fuzzy times, that's when I try to position myself in a place close to His heart. In those times God's whispers get really loud. I have to trust with each step that God is using his voice of truth to clear the mist away so that I can see his clear purpose.

When I stop and listen, that is when his voice is most clear. Ever notice how we pray for our circumstances to change when God is really more concerned with our character? When I am listening for the shouts and whispers, I come away with an understanding only the Spirit could give. And that makes my view more clear.

He has purpose for each of us. He has gifted us each uniquely andpurposefully. He desires to use us for His glory and to bear fruit forHis kingdom. Oh sure there are days when Iam feeling unuseful, overlooked, shunned, unneeded and without purpose. But I focus on that fact that Jesus wasn't looking for prominence or glory,rather simply to be utilized by His Maker. I desire the same thing, to be used as a vessel of honor byour Maker for His glory and His purposes.

The Lord will fulfill His purposes for us. And no purpose of Hiscan be thwarted.

I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2

Some Days

2011-11-15T17:30:00.000-06:00

I am going to be honest with you. Some days feel like cottage cheese. You know the kind of days where nothing seems to go right, or you have to do everything twice, or three times...and you have to back to the store to get the one thing on your list. Those days when life sucks the life out of you like a vampire.

Yeah, those days...I call them cottage cheese days. Those are the days when I find myself muddling through the curds of life. These are days when encouragement is needed...perhaps an extra measure of grace.

An extra cup of coffee with a friend.

A day where...a smile or a hug goes a long way.

A day where a 4 year old blond headed boy cares enough to share a grape sucker.

These days, an act of kindness speaks volumes. God's love is shown in simple ways. A pat on the shoulder indicates..."it's gonna be ok". A text that shares..."WAY YO GO!! YOU DID IT!!"

Life is full of those kind of days. This is the stuff that gets us down. We have a choice in our perspective towards those kind of cottage cheese days....even when we are caught in the avalanche of life's stuff.

When that bowl of white curds is staring back at you, you need to forget the little things that don't matter and remember the little things that do. We need to turn our cell phones off. We need more Jesus and less of us. We need.

My best advice? Just don't give up...the cottage cheese will be gone tomorrow...maybe. If it isn't...then well there's always the next day. I can't promise you it's going to get better, but I can tell you that God cares.

That's all...I wish I could make all your cottage-cheese-filled-days go away. I can't. When I figure that out...I would be rich and sponsor every needy child in the world. In light of that, my perspective on days like this don't look so much like cottage cheese anymore.

Music Monday [Our God]

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

You have sung this song as you worshipped in church or perhaps it was just you and God alone in your car. Either place it's hard not to acknowledge God in a moment of worship when you sing this song. It's just that powerful.

Yesterday in church, we sang it again. For me it was a much needed reminder that no matter how hard life is swirling around me right now...that our God is greater. I know that doesn't answer all my questions, or take away all my tears but still..it was comforting to know.

Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There's no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shining
Out of the ashes we rise
There's no one like You
None like You

CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God...

Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There's no One like You
None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God...
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God...

BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Chorus

My favorite line is "And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?" Is 41:10 says "Do not be afraid for I am with you, do not be dismayed because I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

God is with us in the form of the Holy Spirit living on the inside. If you have accepted Jesus, the Spirit lives on your insides too. Is. 41:10 promises that God is with me, and if I know that, then what do I have to fear? What could stand up against me in defeat? Nothing...not brokenness in your family relationships, broken health, hunger, broken marriage, buried hurts, evil that prospers, unexpected death...nothing...NOTHING!

That's powerful! That's the incredible God who loves us and pursues us, not based on our behavior, but on His character. How could I be disappointed or dismayed in that? I'll take His righteous right hand any day...I want to be on God's side.

That's Broken!

2011-11-11T07:37:00.000-06:00

One of my memory verses has been my anchor to cling to.

Psalm 147: 3 God heals the broken hearted and binds all their wounds.

I love this verse.

We live in a broken world. A lot of broken stuff camps out at my house. Nothing like what resides in Africa, but broken...none-the-less. I have a broken garage that still needs repair, I have a leaking shower, and a broken garbage disposal. There are cracks in my kitchen floor that I refuse to fix. They remind me of how grateful I am have a floor that is not dirt. I have a cat... some people would consider that to be broken.

Some of you know that there is a constant medical condition that lives in my house as well. For years my husband has been plagued with one medical problem after another, since his cancer days many years ago. God has taken care of his cancer but he suffers with other daily and painful issues. Some days are harder than others, but he endures. There are days when just to geting out of bed is his feat of strength.

Psalm 147:3 offers me hope and it should you too. Whatever your broken state is, whether it's finances, your marriage, your health, your heart, know that God heals. He may not provide the healing you want, and it may not come this side of Heaven, but He heals. Why does he do it quicker for some and not others? ....I don't know. I also know that He binds with His mercy. He brings together circumstances and situations for "all those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." I know that if God is in it, then it has to be good.

Through all my brokenness I have discovered:

God is Good

God is for us

God loves

God restores

God is able

I wouldn't have known these things without all of the broken that swirls around me. Out of the broken emerges a faith that is stronger, deeper, and full of hope. It's hard to think that I may have caused some of the unfixable things, it's hard to think that God has allowed these hard times to cross my path, but I can't imagine going one inch further forward without Him.

So yes, even though times are tough and things are not always like I would have preferred nor problem-free, there has been a growth, a desire and passion to know Him more. I strive to live free and whole as a loved daughter in Christ should, but also a burning desire to go the distance of brokenness to dwell in His presence. Once there...my heart and soul are healed and my heart-wounds are bound. He holds them firmly in His capable hands, gripped in His grace.

Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue. ~ Eugene Gladstone ONeil

Yes You Can!

2011-11-10T10:09:00.001-06:00

Finishing up my study of John 11, there have been so many things I have learned from the miraculous story of Lazarus. I think one of the most powerful lessons that buried in this chapter is the lesson of obedience. To obey seems to be on God’s favorite list. Mary and Martha took a huge step in obedience.

Right before Jesus tells Lazarus to come out of his tomb in verse 43, the pause button was pushed. I would imagine there was a moment of silence, some gasps, and most were shocked as Jesus told the sisters to “take away the stone.” Those four words made no sense! Come on …Jesus … they are girls. The only truth Martha could muster was the stench fact. It was if Jesus couldn’t hear their concerns. He just gave them a directive.

Their choice would have been to either honor his request, or walk away in disbelief. What did they have to lose? They overcame their fears and unbelief, then obeyed as they removed the stone. Jesus called Lazarus out, and out he came. Unbelievable for those watching. God’s power was on display.

The lesson learned here is that there is power in immediate obedience when received specific instructions given by God. I think a simple act of obedience can take our relationship with God to a whole new level. Our disobedience or the lack of our being out of tune with God can thwart our best efforts or interrupt of our intimacy with Him. It’s a dynamic that works every time.

There are many Biblical examples of those who obeyed God and had miraculous results:

Noah obeyed, built the ark, saved his family and after the flood repopulated the world.
Abraham obeyed offered his son as a sacrifice, God blessed him with generations as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Joseph obeyed and took Mary as his wife when his culture told him to do the opposite. He raised the savior of the world.

There are stories scattered through the pages that speak to the power that God displayed once the called obeyed. And those are just few … there are more … Joshua at Jericho, Peter, and the disciples had one life situation after another filled with opportunities to obey. In my personal life I have discovered that God’s simplest commands, when coupled with my willingness to obey have the most profound and deep results. That is where growth comes from but also my faith is strengthened, anchored in obedience. It is the foundation for larger assignments of faith later (Luke 16:10). Because I am giving him my best obedience in the now, there will be greater later.

His power is one thing I don’t want to miss. We can easily dismiss the opportunity with our excuses or unbelief. Simple obedience breeds simple trust. Don’t second-guess or delay. Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that your life is too big for you to obey a simple instruction from God. God wants a yes … every time. Yes! You can!

You can read my other posts about the Lazarus story here.

A Walk To Remember

2011-11-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

The capital city of Mbabane is nestled in the hills of the Swaziland. The small cinder block and mud-walled two-room houses dot the beautiful landscape. The worn paths up and down the hills mark the shortest distance from home to jobs, to school, to the market, to the Care Points. Some of people have jobs and most are without. There are a few well-maintained dwellings, most are just enough. The task this day on our mission trip was to see their spaces.

We took a walk in the community with our pockets laden with candy. We saw were they slept, where they kept, and where they wept. Most homes where very rustic with an outdoor shanty for toilets. Some had a cement floor but most had a dirt surface inside. Meals are made outside with an open campfire. Nearby is stack of wood waiting to be used. They do what they have to do to survive, to provide for their family. In most homes, there are no modern conveniences.

We rounded the corner of a small homestead to find it was laundry day. An older lady was stooped over, wringing water out of some clothes into a shallow plastic basin. The nearby clothes line drooped with clean wet clothes. I stopped to say hello in SiSwati and I immediately marveled at the gorgeous view of the mountain standing sentinel. It was a "wow" view that you had to just be there to appreciate. It was a spectacular panorama yet only a glimpse of God's creative Hand.

I expressed my admiration of the vista and told the woman how it reinforced my huge perspective of God. She immediately told her testimony of how God had gotten her through the good times and the bad, the hard places, her weak faith times. I asked about her family and she explained that her husband had abandoned her for another woman, which left her to raise three children alone. I asked if her kids knew Jesus and she assured me they did.

She continued to speak of God's faithfulness in her storm. She shared it all confidently, so assuredly, so in-love-with her Savior. In that mountain-top moment, I paused to absorb. In our words, there was more worship given to God's gateway, words of praise that would match any pew-packed church on a Sunday morning. The presence of God was evident. And as our love for the One bridged our language barrier, tears flowed and hearts melted. It was a moment of worship on a walk to remember. I will never forget that feeling of His presence, the day I saw Him shine brightly through on laundry day.

Has there been a time when you felt close to God in worship?

Music & Video Monday [Power of Your Love]

2011-11-07T07:53:00.000-06:00

Music Monday goes to video! Today's post includes a video that was done by Lloyd Rachels, a fellow team member who traveled with us to Swaziland. He has done a good job putting our mission trip highlights to some thoughtful lyrics from Worth Dying For. The song? Power of Your Love. Enjoy.

Verse:
Amazing love, you gave it all
You took the place of sin
You tore the veil for my wrong
No greater love have I known

Pre-Chorus:
And all will see
Your love inside of me
(2x)

Chorus:
The power of Your love has saved me
The power of Your love restored me
The power of Your love never fails me
Your love is all I need Jesus

Verse 2:
Matchless love, You rescued me
Was bound but now I'm free
Once was lost, now I'm home
No greater love have I known

Bridge:
I'll go I'll show

When you put powerful lyrics together with simple images...amazing results.

May those who need continue to inspire us all.

Dinner for Two, Please

2011-11-02T08:02:00.000-05:00

A treat for those who sponsor children with Mission of Mercy is the opportunity to meet our kids when traveling on mission trips. In Africa, I got to meet my two daughters.

I am always struck by insecurity when meeting kids that I sponsor. It was the same feeling I felt in the Dominican Republic. Inadequate.

As I met them both, I tried to say their names and as expected I was pretty clumsy with the pronunciation. I told them my name and they couldn't say it either. We then sat down and I gave them both a backpack that was loaded to the brim with mostly toys that I knew they didn't have. They peered through everything looking at it all like it was the first time they had ever seen it. It probably was. It was interesting instead of leaving it all out on the cloth that we were sitting on, they crammed it all back in and zipped it up for safe keeping.

We ate a picnic lunch from Kentucky Fried Chicken. There were two pieces of chicken and some fries. In Swaziland fries = chips. Nhondodozu ate her two pieces of chicken and enjoyed every spec of meat and gristle and then laid the clean bones down in her KFC box. Nomphilo ate only half of her chicken, just one piece and half of her fries. After lunch we played with a couple of frisbees that I had brought for them.

When it was time to go, Nomphilo picked up her box of food and looked inside. There were ants crawling all over her leftovers. I started to grab the box from her to throw it away, but then I realized that she was saving the leftovers for later. That's when it hit me...

One ate what she needed to meet her hunger,
the other sacrificed hunger to meet a need.

First time I saw their smiles was in this picture

Hunger is ever present threat in their lives. I would like to believe that Nomphilo was saving her leftovers for someone at home. The other one, with hunger being a immediate need, she couldn't spare any leftovers.

I was convicted about all the food that I scrape off my plate at home. I thought about all the scraps that I so readily throw away and waste. I don't have to worry about eating lunch out of an ant-infected fast food box either. Plus I know I will have food to eat tomorrow. They don't have enough, and I have too much, yet at times it's not enough. Now ....I know... I can live on less. Can you?

P.S. You can be a part of pouring into a child's life by sponsoring a Mission of Mercy child. Email me at janelle@thehousefm.com for more information!

The Day The Chickens Died

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

They were huddled in a corner awaiting their death. It was strange and weird that they didn't want to escape. Maybe they knew they were being sacrificed. There was a level of excitement in the air for sure. Joy was about to be served.

I didn't know that we would have to chop their heads off, although there were some (Ahem...Andrea) that really enjoyed it. We were told that chicken day was a big deal. But I didn't know how big...until...I understood that we were the ones doing the killing.

When I felt the warm, severed head move in my hand....I lost it.

I wasn't brave any more.

We plucked, cleaned and gutted the chickens. That's when I promptly left. I am all about the clean up but gutting a chicken wasn't on my bucket list.

The children lined up to eat their treat.

This was no ordinary meal...this was like Christmas dinner to them. Chicken is "white man's meat". They never get that unless the "white man" brings it. They don't let any parts go to waste either.

Even the heads and feet are cooked to make "Walky Talky" soup.

With 18 chickens, 263 kids were fed which breaks down to about .50 per child. That's cheaper than McDonald's Dollar Menu.

Yes, the little girl fell asleep in Ronda's lap, completely at peace, with her hand still in the plate. This meal filled. This meal met them in their hunger. It not only filled their stomachs with great satisfaction but it also filled their hearts. We served them their necessary food, but God nourished with His love and hope.

As we look to God for everything, we can believe and trust that He will give us exactly what we need. If we seek Him for His best, then He will give His best...even if His plans involve a few chicken heads.

Child's Play

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

The missions team brought some Jesus in the form of VBS to the children in Swaziland. The gospel was shared. We brought crafts, games, snacks and face painting. We brought some cute puppets that told the Prodigal Son story along with some fun balloons.

Our team leader said over and over that we needed to be flexible. After all ...."This is Africa." God had other things to show me too. Being the VBS coordinator, I tried to gather the best of provisions. We had a very talented team assembled. What I noticed with our team members was that we had all checked our agendas at the front gate. On VBS day we assembled into our different areas to bring happiness and Jesus to them.

There was face painting and games.

Crafts!

Balloons!

And puppets presented the Bible story

God taught me a lesson in all this too. That day He allowed the kids to be kids. They got to play...like kids need to do. Kids need to be kids. Rest is important.

On most days these children are thrust into a world of unwarranted adulthood.

Most of these littles have a life of strife that we will never know. Their daily is full of impoverishment that is indigenous to their country. Their little eyes have seen more hurt than I can imagine. If only for a few hours, they escaped. This day brought hope. It brought a message that God is good, that God loves, and it's okay to play. With God's help we delivered smiles. That makes me smile.

As His kid, it's okay for me to play too. It's one way to find rest in Him.

Their Reason Why

2011-10-28T07:53:00.001-05:00

On the mission trip to Africa, we met many Mission of Mercy kids. Mission of Mercy partners with Children's Cup to provide loving care for many kids at the Swaziland Care Points. Mission of Mercy rescues. If you sponsor a child with Mission of Mercy...you rescue. If you don't sponsor a child with Mission of Mercy...ask me how! You can be a hero too with your sponsorship of $34 a month!

I have had the pleasure of visiting the offices of Mission of Mercy in Colorado Springs, CO. They surround themselves with their reason why, their mission. They know in their hearts and through their "to-do-lists"...God's call to ministry.

Read my thoughts here.....One.Child.Matters.

African Dreams

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

The quiet spot where a great leader of Children's Cup dreamed his last.

Dave (Pops) Ohlerking was the founder of Children's Cup with his beautiful wife Jean. I wish I could have met him. He went to be the Lord a year ago. In preparation for the mission trip to Swaziland, I read his book "Walk with Me". I wanted to know the heart and soul behind the Children's Cup organization. What I discovered in the book was his passion for the disadvantaged, the orphans, the children, the lost. The book is a quick read into his heart, along with his struggles, the trials and opportunities that he experienced in his life of ministry. I would highly recommend it for those who are thinking about mission work full-time.

One of the things that struck me about the book is that Dave dreamed of Africa. Every day. I find myself doing the same. Before the trip, I was thinking about the mission ahead, but now upon returning home, I still dream of the beautiful lands of Swaziland, the beautiful people, their beautiful children. We stayed our first night at a bed and breakfast called African Dreams, located in Johannesburg, South Africa. I was told while there it was the very place where Dave stayed his last night on earth. When I saw the place where he saw Jesus first, it was a moving moment. I got chills and tears as I thought about the great man of God that once sat there. How appropriate that God allowed him one last dream of Africa on African soil.

Read more about Dan Ohlerkings thoughts of his dad's last night. Jean, his wife, wrote about it too. Thank you to the Ohlerking family for going all the way for God. You are truly making a difference in the lives of so many. I know...I have seen his African dreams come true.

No Words Needed

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Out of Africa....without words.

Beautiful country......beautiful people....beautiful problems.

Joyful Soles

2011-10-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Giving to others never gets old for me. In fact, I have said it many times, I wish...I wish....I wish...I was rich. Only for the reason that I would give it all away. While in Africa I saw how God can take a little and make much.

One day afternoon, we lined up the kids, and distributed some flip flops. We had all sizes and colors. There were 400+ pairs to distribute. One by one the children came to get fitted. Big feet, small feet and all the in-betweens. It was a joyful day. Through generous donations, the team got to meet a need that they kids had. Some of their shoes were very worn. In fact, I saw one child who was wearing garden clogs with the bottom heels completely worn out. They were something I would have tossed long ago. Most of the kids were barefoot. They don't have the plentiful collection of shoes like I do. And maybe that is why this made such an impact on me. I love shoes...too much.

When we gave the kiddos their new soles, you should have seen their joy. One little girl even kissed hers. Funny...how a dollar can bring such happiness. One by one as the kids came to get their new flip flops I thanked God for the many blessings in my life. I thanked Him for my shoes. The carpeted closet that keeps my shoes. The roof that keeps my shoes dirt free and dry. The walls that keep my shoes from being taken. The shelves that my shoes sit on. I know....I am a freak about shoes.

While I watched the parade of joy pass, I was passing my thanks to God for His abundant blessings. I am so grateful for everything God has blessed me with. Gratefulness changes your perspective and breeds a hopeful heart. I am rich and so are you.

What are you grateful for?

Music Monday [Waiting For Tomorrow]

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Music Monday returns with a look at Mandisa's latest song...Waiting for Tomorrow.

Maybe tomorrow we'll start over
Maybe tomorrow I will finally change my ways
Said the same thing yesterday
Don't know why I'm so afraid
To let You in
To let You win
To let You have all of me

(Chorus)
Can't live my whole life wastin'
All the grace that I know You've given
'Cause you've made for so much more than
Sittin' on the sidelines
I don't wanna look back and wonder
If good enough could've been better
Everyday's a day to start over
So, why am I waiting for tomorrow (x2)

Maybe today I'll start believin'
That You're mercy really is
As real as You say it is
It doesn't matter who I used to be
It only matters that I've been set free
You rescued me
You're changing me
Jesus take everything

Chorus

I'm making this my moment now
To grab the hand that's reachin down
To save me
You saved me
I'm making this my moment now
To grab the hand that's reachin down
To save me
You saved me

Chorus

I'm gonna grab the hand that's reachin down
And I'm not gonna wait until tomorrow
Oh, tomorrow

This is action song is one that motivates me to move forward. The line in the chorus "making this my moment now" is my favorite part. I like change, I like what change brings. If I am changing I am moving..hopefully forward towards God's goal. Movement is usually a positive. I want to grab it's hand and run till I am exhausted. My most important moment has been to obey His call to to make a move. Touch God's grace and He will help you make your changes. There's nothing to be afraid of, He's got it all worked out for you...now. Don't wait....

Whispers of Love

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Walk with me...to Section 19.

We arrived at this community with hungry hearts as we were told on the ride over that Section 19 was a new Children's Cup community in the rural part of Mbabne, Swaziland. There was promise there tucked into this neighborhood of unreached.

I wasn't prepared for what I saw. This was the hardest day for me emotionally. One step in and we were face to face with some of the worst living conditions I had ever seen. I was prepared for some of the cultural changes and the surroundings of vulnerable children. But I wasn't prepared to see such little life caught up in the middle of it.

We were greeted well at the beginning, even had kids running out to meet us. There were lots of smiles and hugs. As we met the facilitator of the Care Point, she showed us her spaces...where she herself lived, her community. This community was planted right in the middle of the Royal Swaziland Sugarcane Corporation. Past a broken down fence, we saw a woman standing over a hot pot full of porridge, the meal of the day. Right next to her, was a painful sight. There was a tiny little baby sitting in the middle of the dirt. He was eating something crusty out of the bottom of a metal pot. Flies swirled his face, looking for a still place to land, finally resting on his lips and cheeks. His eyes were glazed over as he sat in the middle of his exposed poverty with his blank stare. Personal pain hit my heart.

As I crouched down to take his picture I could only see the face of my little grandson Avery. I thought the "what if" question. "What if that was my family sitting there?" And then I lost it. Hot tears streamed down my face as I looked away. I wanted to scream, cry, and cuddle the little one in my puddle. I wanted to shoo the flies off his face.

I wanted to scoop him up and save him. I wanted to love on him. I wanted to whisper in his small ears some words of healing. I would have said, "You are the one Jesus loves." or "Even though you don't know it right now, God loves you and made you very special." Instead of reaching, I was paralyzed in the tender moment. I was not able to move. I felt so ashamed.

I must have watched for an hour but in reality I know it was only minutes. Time stood still. In my silence God gently whispered in my heart, "This is My family sitting here." More tears. I found my self just staring, broken in his nakedness. I wish I could hold that little guy now.

At the opposite end of this tiny community is a brand new Care Point that will serve many hot meals, hugs and smiles. Children's Cup brings a promise, hope is being offered. The love of Jesus is being served in Section 19. The Bible will be taught there. Dreams of a brighter future are on the menu. Knowing this was on his horizon, I was able to get back on the bus. But I was changed in that still moment.

Don't miss your chance to hug a child today. Something so small can mean so much. In the world of defenseless children, it speaks volumes. And only God can translate into whispers of love.

Get To Work!

2011-10-20T11:15:00.002-05:00

The idea of serving on a mission team can be summed up in 1 Corinthians 12:12 - "The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ." While in Swaziland on a mission trip I served with the body of Christ.

There were different personalities and occupations that came together for a common cause. When we stepped onto the mission field we many hands but one heart, one mission. With our different skill sets we got to work to serve, to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to show His heart. The team dug holes for a chain link fence, hauled cement blocks for a retaining wall, scraped, and painted the entire Children's Cup Care Point. But even bigger than the physical to-do list was the work done in our hearts.

It felt good to get our hands dirty for a common cause. On international soil, there were a few obstacles like digging holes by hand in the middle of a garbage pit, the continual littering problem, working with the cheapest tools. That makes for a challenging equation. Even though we did the work without all the modern conveniences of the western world we were a part of something bigger than ourselves. Team efforts helped make the children safe from falling down a steep incline and having dangerous encounters with the neighboring dog. Our Nehemiah skills helped fortify a weak walled property barrier. The new coat of paint transformed the small building into a beacon of light in the middle of a dark community. Those are the bigger things that God did there through the team. But the biggest message was one that we cared to travel half-way around the world to serve them. God made a mission statement that will last for a long time.

When on mission, God takes our little and makes much through the many hands and feet combined with His heart to serve. I love being a part of His bigger!

Music Wednesday [This is Home]

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Zinty, worship leader at Healing Place Church, Swaziland, Africa.
#joinedatthehip

This is an older song of Switchfoot. But now I have seen it in a new light. It was like I was hearing and singing the song for the first time. There was a debut worship night that the team got to be a part of. It was actually the last song of worship at Healing Place Church, Swaziland, Africa. The end song, has left an imprint on my music-lovers soul, one that I will not soon forget.

I've got my memories
Always inside of me
But I can't go back
Back to how it was

I believe you now
I've come too far
No I can't go back
Back to how it was

Chorus:
Created for a place I've never known
This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back
Back to how it was

I got my heart set on what happens next
I got my eyes wide
It's not over yet
We're miracles
And we're not alone

Chorus:

And now after all my searching
After all my crashes
I'm really coming home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see the sunset
I'm gonna call it home

Chorus:

Now I know
Yeah, this is home

I've come too far
And I won't go back
Yeah, this is home

Why does this song mean so much? In worship, in any language, you find God. You enter His heart, you become centered. You are close to His spirit, you are home. That is one of the main reasons we were created...to worship Him. I experienced His love, mercy and grace for a long time while worshiping with the fine people at HPC, Swaziland, Africa. It wasn't the building, it really wasn't the people. It was God's presence in an unspeakable way. His spirit moved in my heart, and in the hearts of many. Ask any of the team members.

After visiting with Zinty, one the HPC worship leaders, she shared there was a lot of prayer that went into the initial launch of this worship experience. Prayer is key to experiencing God. Mostly to get your heart and soul on the same page as His. Music is the vechicle that can take you there quickly. Where there is worship you will find Him when you worship with a clean heart. It's home. It's where we belong...I've come to far to go back.

It's Simple

2011-10-18T08:51:00.003-05:00

Part of the focus of the mission trip to Swaziland was to connect with the kids. On the first day we made a stop at a Care Point with a name that sounds like "bag of weenies". I can't say it right...I get wrong every time. The children were outside playing already. As we approached, they came running to greet us. It was cool because they were very excited to see us white Americans, like they knew we were coming. They didn't know though. They just get really excited when some comes to play with them.

So that is exactly what we did, we played. When working with kids like this relationships are very important. They need to know that they can trust you. We broke up into groups and some immediately went into the world of play.

I stood there thinking about all the brand new toys and extra stuff that we had collected to bring to the children for such play times as this and I was a little frustrated. If only I knew that we were going to see the kids today I could have brought some things to play with. And that's when God nudged my heart and said, "Janelle, you just need to share what I have already given you...my Love." In that reminder I also had a few tears.

I looked around and thought "what can I do?" There was only one option. I dropped to my knees at the edge of a dirt pit and started building a dirt mountain with a little bit of water and whole lot of dirt. The next thing I know there were kids all around, joining in, adding some sticks, some water, some stones around the edges. I was humbled in that dirty moment. I met them right where they were, in their dirt, and engaged them. God reminded me there that He meets me right in the middle of my dirt, and takes me where he wants me to play.

God's love is really simple. It's simple to give, simple to accept, simple to share. We make it all too complicated. I'll let you fill in your love blank here. He has given it to us so freely, and we should so freely give it away. God took me to Africa to reinforce this lesson, a love lesson in the middle of my dust. It's simple, it's beautiful, just share some today.

"This Is Africa"

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Um...where do I start. As expected and predicted, there are a lot of words flowing freely right now. I must apologize for not blogging during the last 10 days. There was a severe lack of access to the Internet in the African bush. I expected to do more blogging while gone.

When traveling to Africa, you must ride in a airplane. When you gather 250+ people in an Triple 7 for 16 hours, people do crazy things like make words with their fingers and mouths like "LOL", "WOO", "WOW". There's no explaining that expect for boredom sets in and let's be honest...the "new" of riding on a plane for um-teen hours has worn off. This really happened as I was sitting in the middle of an Andy-Andi sandwich. Needless to say it was entertainment at it's best.

One cool thing that the airplane offered though was continuous movies for free with your own ear buds so you could get a constant feed of entertainment. You could also keep constant vigilance of your travel log, where we were at any moment with the same screen. Yes, even if it was over the Bermuda triangle or in the middle of the Atlantic. That was more than I expected as I didn't know that was possible. I am still looking for that hidden camera loaded with the international GPS that tracked our journey over the sea.

Speaking of aeronautics, it has been confirmed that when traveling from the Americas to the continent of Africa, you do in fact fly that distance in an arc, following the curvature of the earth. Hey...in case you don't know it, the earth is round. It took me to the middle of the week to figure this one out. I asked a lot of people this confusing question, and only Mr. Randy the Missionary in Swaziland, was able to give the correct answer with certainty. Here's how it works, in case you too are wondering. Aviators base their flight plans on altitude. They must maintain a certain altitude to travel safely, efficiently and for the comfort level of their passengers. Therefore, because the earth's surface is round, it is necessary and imperative that pilots base their flying altitude on the surface of the earth for their travel plan. It's a big question that you think about on a 16-hour flight to Africa. I know...that was more than what you expected from me. Believe me when I say, I know things.

Your internal clock gets messed up when you travel too especially when traveling overseas. Your days become nights and your nights become days. It's almost like I reverted back to being a toddler in a sense that I didn't sleep much and was so busy that I couldn't rest. You should be thankful for that. I was able to put pen to paper in my travel logs and do a lot of updating. Those thoughts are coming as I unpack them and assimilate my words. There are more posts than I expected.

In Africa, there is a saying "This is Africa". People say that to explain away the different, the unique, and the things happen and don't happen. It's the default for understanding the common and the mysterious. For instance, if this doesn't make sense, then you would just say as you were reading ..."Oh well, she's been to Africa." That's how easy it can be to explain away your conundrums.

But most of all and speaking of more, I saw some things that hurt me. I saw hurting people. I saw happy people. I saw hope. I saw God at work in each and every turn. I experienced God throughout the entire journey and that is what I want to share with you. This African mission trip isn't over. It's just beginning. And I am excited about the more ahead.

When setting out on a journey such as a mission trip there are expectations. But I didn't have that many. I know that God likes with to work with the open heart to do His best work. Suffice it to say that I left with the intention of leaving my footprint on Swaziland, Africa, but instead Africa left a footprint on me. Expect more.

Thanks to You!

2011-10-16T08:28:00.000-05:00

Thanks to you, those who supported me in my travels to Africa, I have come back loaded with awesome. God's awesomeness. It wouldn't have been possible without your support and prayers. There was a lot that happened in the past 10 days that I want to share with you. I will try to do my best. I know...it's a huge responsibility.

God happened. God showed up. God moved in the hearts of those we encountered, God moved in my heart. That's the 30-second answer to "How was your mission trip?". Do you want to hear the longer version?

They say that not everyone is ready to hear the long answer. I have found this to be true from my stories from the Dominican Republic (June 2010). I want give you the right answer and but please know that it will take more than 30 seconds. So you need to tell me...which answer you want to hear.

It was an incredible journey. One that had more than what I expected, and held more promise than I would have thought. There was discovery of new territory....that of Swaziland, Africa and also those uncharted waters of my heart. Changed happened in Africa, change happened in my soul.

I now see God in a new and fresh way. Not that I had a bad view of by any means. But it is bigger, it's on the wow-scale at 15, it's now expanded. That is awesome, that is God. I can't wait to share with you. I hope you are ready for the long answer.

This next day...ready?

2011-10-03T08:23:00.000-05:00

So here it is the day before I and 16 other committed Christians load up on a triple 7 and go to Africa. So you are wondering what is going through my mind?? Well...there are a lot of thoughts. Almost to much for me to to comprehend. So to keep track of my travels you will need to read my mission trip blog here.

Don't worry I will be blogging as best as I can with the time allowed and the Internet provided. This is just the tip of the blog iceberg.

Andy and I appreciate your prayers. Thank you for lifting our team to the Father. Thank you for your support.

What has God taught you while you were on a mission trip?

God's Crucible

2011-09-30T08:16:00.001-05:00

Just when you think you can't take one more thing....you receive one more piece of bad news. One more bounced check, one more medical test, one more car repair bill, or one more door slammed after an argument with your kids. "That's it, God...I want to walk out too." I want to run away, I want all my problems to go away.

You wonder....God...where are you? In that quiet whisper..in the gentle tears that fall, God is there. He has never left you. His word promises that he will never forsake us. God didn't promise the pain you feel, but sometimes it is a fact of life. Where is God in the middle of our difficult and painful circumstances?

Sometimes I can feel His presence in times of trouble and then again, sometimes the only presence I feel is my audible words that hit repeat in my head and in my heart. Fact is being in the crucible is not a fun place to be. It is excruciating. It is crushing, it is staggering, it is overwhelming. And when life is hitting with fast and furious rounds of chaos and calamities, we want answers, we want comfort, we want sameness.

God's crucible doesn't make sense, it brings pain, loss and heartache.

When an all-knowing God allows....we don't understand.

When an all-powerful God doesn't heal, it crushes.

One thing I have learned...God never promises us the answers, He promises His presence. That is something that can't be grasped totally until you experience it. God promises to never leave us, we are not alone in the crucible. How do we hold on? We pray, we cry out, we cry, we reach out, we wait, we hope, we don't doubt. We inch forward through the pain, the loss, the heartache. As we hold His hand and He holds our heart.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze

For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior

Isaiah 43:2-3a

This verse is carved into my soul. It has gotten me through a very tough time. I will not be consumed by life, nor will the obvious sweep me away out of God's reach. No matter what you are going through, even though it pains, it wrecks, or steals...know that God is with you. Lean in...lean on..come in close. He's waiting for you.

How do you see God in your troubled times?

Why I Love To Run!

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Believe it! I know... you thought I would never say that right? Well it's true. I have had a great awakening when it comes to my attitude about running in general. That should make all you runners out there smile.

Let me explain....

As I was running the other day, I was thinking about it. Some of you know, if you follow my blog, that I have been on a personal quest to get healthy again. I have developed a two-a-day exercise routine that includes running.

I had sweat dripping from my brow, I was pacing myself with controlled breathing, I actually thought ..."this isn't so bad". It was hot, I was sweating, I was focused on my stopping point and i thought I was going to collapse. Yes, it is hard for me and it may never get really easy...but since I have had a little success at it, and that makes me want to stick with it a while. I have medaled in the only two 5K's that I have ever run in. I would call that a little success.

What I admire about runners is their dedication to one thing. Yes, the knowledge to run and how to breathe correctly helps a lot, but runners possess determination. They are committed to the sport. I have never really stuck with any one thing like exercising for any length of time. Consistency is a discipline that I want to develop. I want to build endurance for the the next race.

I will honestly say in my exercise realm that this is the hardest thing I have attempted. Yeah I have tried this running gig before but I didn't have someone willing to invest time and effort into training me how to do it the right way. I can see progress...the endurance that I seek, the dedication that eventually comes, the commitment that I have made to this venture is paying off. I like that.

This is a process. This is progress.

What's the hardest thing you have done to get healthy?

Restless

2011-09-27T08:30:00.002-05:00

There are seasons that one goes through in your spiritual journey that lead to discoveries about yourself and about God. It's all in an attempt to be close to God, to deepen your relationship with God, to grow as a disciple. So how does this work out in your life?

Today...I was again stopped in my tracks as I read Ephesians 5:1 "Be imitators of God." Simple, clear, direct. You get to know someone when you spend time with the One. One thing that I have spent time in the past several years is spending time in God's words that He has written with me in mind. I have gotten to know about who my Creator is. There is still a lot to learn and I am excited about what lessons are around the corners.

So how do I imitate God? Some days I don't know where to start. But I always come back to His "to-do" list ....the fruit of the Spirit. These are key.

Lavish love.

Generate joy.

Parcel peace.

Practice patience.

Kindle kindness.

Give gentleness.

Grant goodness.

Furnish faithfulness

Show self-control.

Against these things there is no law. Nothing compares to the life of Spirit-filled fruit....the godly fruit that can only come from the One. Get to know Him. Imitate Him. It makes for a better life so I read.

Which character trait do you have practice over and over?