Thursday, November 3, 2011

Autumn reminds me...

I was having lunch with a dear friend the other day. Our conversation wondered from our families, churches, mutual friends, and, of course the food we were eating...and then, as usual, our talk turned to God and what He's doing in our lives. We continued to talk while walking to our cars. As we stood and said goodbye until our next lunch, we hugged, and then my beautiful friend said, "I just long to be awed by God! He does awe me, but I want more!" I knew exactly what she meant! How I long to see more, to know more of Him, and to walk in awe every single day. He awes me constantly, but all to often I look past what He's doing, as I am caught up in getting by day to day.

I took this thought home with me. As the next couple of days rolled by, I thought often about the day I accepted Christ as my Savior. Twenty Six years ago! What a ride! I remember the moment so well. It was a lovely autumn day. I had come to a point in my life where the sin I was living in was empty. I had many friends, but I was lonely. I had done it all and yet, I wanted so much more out of life. I longed for freedom. I longed for peace. I fell to my knees that night while alone in my apartment and cried out to God, "I will follow You anywhere. I will give up anything, if You will give me peace!" I got up off my knees and in that very moment, I was different. I felt different. I thought differently. I no longer desired the sins that had kept me pinned down. I only wanted God. He was my one and only love. This new life that He had brought me into was exciting and He was all I desired!

As I think back over my conversation with my friend in that parking lot, I realize that God is awing me once again! The story of what He brought me out of, and where He has led me never gets old to me. The drastic change in my life was the most awesome moment I have ever experienced. I stand in awe today that the Creator of the Universe loved a girl like me, when very few people cared. He turned my life around and set my feet on a brand new path! Yes, He is Awesome! Twenty Six years and counting!

To: My dear friend, that I love so much...Come Home...He's waiting for you, just like He was waiting for me. If He can turn me around, then He is longing to do the same for you. I am praying and waiting on the day you give in... I can't wait to see Christ on your face!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

My thoughts on love and other ramblings..

It seems that in this day and age, love is thrown away so easily. When it gets hard, we just push it away. After all, its much easier to lose love than to go through the pain of sticking it out and healing together. In my opinion, when God gives you the gift of true love, it is to be valued like a precious jewel. Protected, nurtured, and treasured.
I once heard a man on Moody say, "When your relationship is having a problem, don't run away from it and hide. Run TOWARD it. Embrace it. And immediately begin the repair." He was speaking to men. He was teaching men how to keep peace in their marriage and with their children. I have thought about this statement over the years. It is so true! But sadly, I generally see people run away from problems, stick their heads in the sand and pretend like nothings wrong. This method only brings more problems. And leaves unresolved hurts and pains which grow over the years until they are beyond repair.
For those who are blessed to find an awesome person to love them, treasure your love. Have fun together. Laugh together. Talk about everything. Allow your partner to feel safe, knowing that you won't condemn them, even if you don't agree. If they are struggling, then give them room to figure life out. Forgive and move on when hurt arises. Pray for them. Be proud of them. Support them. And never, ever toss your love aside. What a beautiful gift from your Father. It's a gift that not all people receive. So value it with all that's in you.
Love should never be disposable. "If this one doesn't work, I'll just move on to the next." Granted, some times it doesn't work. I am by no means saying that every relationship works out. Life is not a fairy tale. Hearts do get broken. But when you find that "thing" with someone...that special connection where you can almost read each others mind. You know, when you can just glance at each other and know what the other one is thinking. When your heart skips a beat when they walk into the room, even after 30 years of marriage, then you are truly blessed beyond measure. Never ever take it for granted. And never ever forget to thank God for it. Life is hard. We all need someone to walk through it with us. What a gift!
I watched a couple have this exact gift recently. They tossed it away. They had amazing chemistry and such a strong love. They had put a lot of effort into each other. Then things got hard. I guess 'the grass looked greener on the other side'...They didn't fight for their love. They just moved on. I long to see them work through it. Their love was so beautiful.
Not sure where this blog came from... God put it on my heart for some reason. Yes, I am feeling uncomfortable being so vulnerable with my thoughts... But, what's new, really? haha
Much Love everyone... And, to my friends that threw their love away... it was a beautiful love. Reconsider... it will be worth it.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear" 1 John 4:18a

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Duck Test

I only write blogs when God inspires me. Sometimes they are a few weeks apart. And sometimes they are a few days apart. I hope this one didn't come too soon, but I have walked through a life experience that I never dreamed of over the last few weeks. And I have come out of it with some words of wisdom that keep playing over and over in my mind...

"If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck." 

Sometimes the duck is screaming, "I am a swan!" All the more reason to know for certain that its a duck. 
Thinking back over a recent heart break, I have found myself praying earlier today, and saying to God, "Why can't I be one of those people who gets mad and and writes them off? It would be so much easier!" As soon as I said it, I found myself saying, "I didn't mean that, Lord. I am happy that I am not that way. Thank You for allowing me to continue to love.." You see, I have quickly come to realize that this experience wasn't about me, or my family. It happened solely for other people. My heart is so full of compassion and sorrow. I desperately want my friend to love God and know the peace that only He can give. I made excuses for the "duck" in my life. I wanted to believe that what I had found wasn't true. I wanted to believe that my friend would never do that to me or my family. I am resigned to the truth now. But oh, how I long for God to be merciful, and make beauty from the ashes that are all around. How I long to see my friend transformed to a beautiful, graceful "swan" even after all the pain and betrayal.
Father God, You and You alone can make this happen. May I never stop loving, no matter what is said. And I am asking You for a day very soon, that I can see You on the face of my friend. Oh, how You love..."I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves..."

Friday, October 21, 2011

Lessons I learned over Fall Break

It's been a whirlwind of a week here at home. Fall break seemed exciting enough, but it brought some unexpected changes and unexpected loss.
I have learned (and relearned) a lot this week. Please indulge me...
1. Sometimes God clearly leads you in a direction that doesn't make sense. Follow Him, whether you understand, or not. He has a purpose.
2. Love all that He brings in your life. Love them without reserve. Love them for who they are.
3. Laugh... a lot...find humor in the situation, if at all possible.
4. Forgive.
5. Chocolate Ice Cream stains perfectly good T shirts.
6. When God calls you to pray for someone, do it. Pray fervently and don't let up until God releases you.
7. Tell old friends that you still love them. Reminisce about the good ole days. Remember all the good times together. You just never know what the next day will hold.
8. Hamsters are fun pets. But, I never want another one!
9. Some situations God has me in are not about me. They are about God and others. He has a purpose. And He is using me to get there. Try to view those situations through His eyes.
10. I don't have to get it. He does. That's all that matters.
11. Respond in love. That's what Jesus would do. It feels much better than responding in anger.
12. Guys from Utah enjoy the accent of southern girls. :) Who knew?
13. Long time best friends are trusted, tried and proved. And they give great advice! :)
14. Relient K's music great therapy!
15. I can feel love, even from Africa, from Mary Smith :)



I lost 2 people that I love a lot this week. But I can tell you without hesitation, God is faithful! His grace and mercy never ceases to amaze me. I miss you both already.
And to our hamster, Judy, you were fun! But, no more hamsters at our house ever again! :)

Much love! And thanks for reading! :)

Monday, October 17, 2011

The Story of a Coffee Mug

I have a favorite coffee mug. I use it every morning (if it's clean). It's become a source of comfort, in some odd way. It's a symbol of things that never change. You see, Lindsay bought me this mug in Dallas Texas when she was 16 years old. It holds so many memories of cups of coffee shared throughout life. It's the perfect size, and weight. It's getting a little faded now but I think it just has more character. Everyone in the house knows it's MY mug. No one else dares to use it! haha I remember once one of Lindsay's boyfriends was at our house. He made himself some coffee, and innocently picked "my mug" out of the cabinet. He walked into the living room, so happy to be enjoying a cup of coffee and hanging out with our family. A hush fell over the room! No one said anything out loud, but there were glances shared between everyone that could only mean one thing... "Oh no! He's drinking out of Mom's mug!" haha I must admit, for a split second I did resent sharing it. But, I quickly got over it. And he managed to stay around in our family for several more months (even though he'd committed the 'unpardonable sin') haha
This morning I got up and made some coffee. I rummaged through the cabinet and found my mug, and sat down with the perfect cup of Starbucks coffee, to spend a little time with God. I quickly realized that I was in need of comfort. The day that loomed in front of me held a major car repair, sickness, physical pain, the reality of promises unfulfilled, and a difficult situation that I have been poorly dealing with for a very long time. In that moment, I was so aware of an underlying peace in my soul. I became aware of God whispering to me, "It's going to be OK". I sipped my coffee and took in the perfect love and peace I was feeling in all the chaos and confusion of the day before me. Some way, some how, I feel such a sense of trust in my Father's Hand as He guides me into unknown territory.
And I feel such a sense of comfort in knowing that some things never change.... His love never fails. He never leaves me. He knows what's best for me. He never ever gives up on me, even when I fail over and over again.
What a perfect place to be...basking in His perfect Love, and enjoying a cup of coffee in my favorite mug...
Psalm 36:5-7
Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Sonic Ice

Last Saturday was a rather emotional day around our house. We all woke up in a bad mood, and the day went down hill from there. In my lame attempt to settle our household down, and make things a little better, Lindsay and I took off for a short drive to one of our favorite spots. About half way through the drive, my phone rang. It was Daniel. "Mom! Will you be home before I leave the house? I was hoping to see you!" I was about 25 minutes away from my house at the time. "Daniel? You're at our house? I didn't know you were coming or I would have stayed at home! I'll be there as soon as I can, but it'll take me at least 20 minutes to get there..." He told me he would 'try' to wait around on me, but he might not see me. I was a little disappointed, but all I could do at that point was head toward home.

As I topped the hill in our subdivision, I saw Daniel's beat up Honda in our driveway. Whew, I made it in time. I entered our house greeted by Daniel, and a few of his friends. There were hugs, and introductions and laughter all around! Then Daniel proceeded to say "I brought you something, mom....look in the kitchen..." There, to my surprise, was a Baby Ruth Candy Bar, and a cup of Sonic ice! Two of my favorite things! At that moment, silly as it might sound, I was overwhelmed with emotion.

To this day, I am not sure what made my son think to bring me such a thoughtful gift. But as I look back, I realize why his gift was so significant. I felt so loved in that moment because he knew me so well. Not only did he know exactly what I love, but he had taken the time out of his day to spend a moment with me and make that moment very special.

As I stop and think about it, I have a Heavenly Father who knows me even more thoroughly than my family. Not only that, but He is constantly giving me those special gifts and special moments through out my day to show me that He's thinking about me. He is constantly showing me that He knows exactly who I am and what I love.

It is my desire to notice every gift He gives me. On many days, those gifts are the best part of my day. And, sadly, on many days, I pass right by those gifts from my Father and don't even notice or say thank you. I want to see all He is doing around me, and to embrace the love He's giving me every single day. No matter how great of a day it is, or how difficult my day may be, He is always loving me, and showing me His presence in ways that are tailor made just for me! I am so grateful for that fact! I deeply desire to walk so close to Him that I never miss a moment of His unfailing love in my life.

Today has held much heart break for me, and for several of my friends. Once again, life has been touched by death, illness, and sadness. But as I look back, God still gave me several gifts throughout the day. I was treated so kindly by a few strangers. Gordon, my dog, was extra happy to see me when I came home. A very close friend shared a wonderful secret with me. Lindsay got a job! (praise God!) I shared some laughter with my wonderful Mom. Yes, God was there at every turn showing me that I was on His mind, and that He knows me so well. How wonderful is that?

Prayers going out for my precious friend, Stephanie Parks and family in the sudden loss of her Dad. And to Jan Durham and family, as they are going through so much with health issues. Angie Marshall, you are in my thoughts, too. And a few others whose name I won't mention.  I love you all!
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Jesus in our pocket...

I am writing this morning with so much on my mind. My heart has become so burdened for the 'church'. I almost feel like God is giving me a perspective as an outsider looking in. However, I am not an outsider, but immersed in the grand adventure of following God, and walking with Him, and His people everyday.

I have had some monumental life lessons over the last few months. Its been a series of eye opening experiences. Talks with friends. Talks with family.  Circumstances. New people that He has brought into my life. I have tried my best to approach it all to see what I could learn, and how I could change my thinking to line up with what God is trying to show me.

You see, for many years I was a typical church woman. I was raising my kids to love and serve God. Teaching them constantly about the ways of the Lord. I went to my Bible studies, attended church, tithed, helped missionaries, proudly sent my kids off on several mission trips and prayed for everyone that God placed in my heart. All of that is wonderful! I am not, in any way, saying that there is anything wrong with any of it. God used it all to grow me up and get me to this very place in my life. But I have come to this place in my life where all of that is not enough. I want to be more! I want to put hands and feet to my walk with Christ!

I asked God a few weeks ago to place me in positions where He could use me in the lives of others in an everyday, real way. And boy, did He ever oblige! There are so many people out there that simply need love, so many that need an ear to hear them. There are so many people that need to know they matter in life and someone cares. They don't necessarily need a Bible verse, or a handy Christian saying. Rather, they need love. They need conversation. They need time.

As God began to change my heart, and my view of the church, He began to fill my life with opportunities.  I told some friends the other day, "My hands are full! I am not sure how I can give to everyone that He has placed in my life!" Many of you are seeing life as I am. I have become somewhat disillusioned, somewhat jaded by people who have Jesus in their pocket, and pull Him out whenever they need Him. Then put Him away, as though He's not their Savior, rather an accessory to make them look good. Many hide their secret life of sin or of pain or of struggles. Putting on their best Christian face all the time, but never being a real person. Its my deepest desire to share Him in very practical ways. To no longer live a religious life, rather a life that shares His love with people where they live. A life that's real and practical, and that others can relate to.

I have felt overwhelmed on many days, but I have come to the conclusion that all I can do is love on those that God places on my heart and in my life one at a time. But if we all reached out, and showed His love in whatever capacity that He allowed us to, even if its one person at a time, what a different world we would live in! Will you join me? Will you step out from the safety of the life we all have lived, and go with me while we allow God to open our eyes to what He is trying to tell us? Can we please stop being so religious, and start being real? Can we put hands, feet, AND love to the Jesus that's been in our pocket?