Saturday, June 23, 2012
He Put a New Song In My Heart
Hey there! I'm at a women's conference this weekend. It is amazing. It is my first conference since God put a new song in my heart and enlarged my understanding of Him and His sovereignty. It is like I have a new set of ears. I am hearing things in a new way as though I've never heard them before. I am enjoying myself, but that would come as no surprise to those who know me. Spending all day long listening to amazing teachers is sort of my idea of a great cruise vacation if you throw in some beach, fun in the sun, time too.
All day yesterday I listened to some brilliant teachers. I heard John Piper! A big name in Christian circles. A phenomenal writer and communicator, but not someone I had ever seen or heard. He was amazing. I really liked him and though he spoke truths that deeply challenged my heart I was most challenged by a breakout session today by Paige Benton Brown. She spoke on the kingdom. What it is, what it isn't and how we are to affect it. I am a simple thinker and pretty darn literal and so when someone speaks plainly I like it. When they are straightforward and direct I like it. She was entertaining, extremely knowledgable, and direct.
I highly recommend this session. She spoke for an hour all about the kingdom of God.
The last thing she implored us to do was to go home, lay out on top of our bed all the resources God has given us and then ask God what He wants us to do with them for the kingdom. She said we aren't given the talents or resources we have so our families can be blessed. God gave us all that we have for the benefit of the redemption of the kingdom. She asked us to think about what we are doing that would distinguish us from the nice neighbor who isn't a follower of Jesus Christ. She asked us to pray over all that God has given us...money, children, talents, abilities, jobs and gifts, and ask God what He wants us to do with them in the kingdom. I must be getting older because I broke the "rules" and didn't go to any more break out groups, but instead I sat down to make my list. It's an interesting list...I'll try to post later when I figure out what He wants me to do.
I hope you are leaning into God and sensing His passion for you in new and exciting ways.
In His grace,
Thursday, June 7, 2012
10 Months is a long time...Make a Girl's Day
Right now I am here with David. He is working and I am playng. I can't believe it's been 10 months since I've blogged...no wait, yes I can. It's been a crazy year. Full and fun and sometimes frantic, but its our life and we keep rolling along. Speaking of rolling, I've been riding my bike for the last 9 months and so for Mother's Day and our anniversary David bought me a road bike (the racing kind with skinny tires). It is fun and makes me much faster which I am enjoying. I almost feel like an athlete for the first time in my life. I would never have expected that at my age, but I'm grateful for the changes I've been able to make this last year. The Lord challenged me to make some changes in January of 2011 and by His grace I've been attempting to make those changes. I feel better than I have felt in years. I am a living testimony that anyone can change.
We finished the school year strong. Ellie completed Kindergarten and was awarded the Faith Warrior award for her class. Sweet little thing works so hard to be good at all she does. Just don't try to talk her into doing something she doesn't want to do. It ain't happenin. Davie finished 3rd grade with straight A's all year long. The girl works hard at all she does and won't give up until she accomplishes her goal. Cat Jo finished 10th grade...it was a tough year. If you want someone to have fun with, she's your girl....work? Not so much. Sounds just a little too familiar. Let's just say it is ever so hard to watch our kids make the same mistakes we did. She is a delight to this momma's heart in so many ways and a shot in the arm at the same time. We don't have alot of time left with her at home and that truth has David and I making careful decisions. Matt is in Japan again and has about 6 weeks left. He should graduate this next year and then he hopes to teach in Japan full time. All I can say is, thank You, Lord, for Skype. We will be using Skype a lot in the next year since Sarah and Chris are moving to California in January. Chris is going to work for his family's business outside Monterey. He will train here for the next 7 months and then they will make the move after Christmas. Life brings a lot of changes and our goal is to allow God to do His thing, celebrate His goodness in the midst of it, and remember that life is not a thing to be controlled. David and I have been making this journey together for the last 29 years. We celebrated our anniversary this week. Suffice it to say that I am truly thankful for him.
Updating my blog allows me to introduce you to some of the 8th grade girls from The Good Samaritan School that still need sponsors. Some of you may remember that I visited India in June 2010. In case you don't, you can read about it here. I implore you to consider taking $34 a month and giving it to a child at risk in New Delhi, India. These girls have very little hope without an education and to receive and education they need sponsors. I am posting all of their photos and information in the hopes that some of you will choose to become sponsors. Please consider this life changing opportunity.
It would make my day actually my year and theirs if you would choose to become a sponsor. Take the step, you won't regret it. Be blessed,
We finished the school year strong. Ellie completed Kindergarten and was awarded the Faith Warrior award for her class. Sweet little thing works so hard to be good at all she does. Just don't try to talk her into doing something she doesn't want to do. It ain't happenin. Davie finished 3rd grade with straight A's all year long. The girl works hard at all she does and won't give up until she accomplishes her goal. Cat Jo finished 10th grade...it was a tough year. If you want someone to have fun with, she's your girl....work? Not so much. Sounds just a little too familiar. Let's just say it is ever so hard to watch our kids make the same mistakes we did. She is a delight to this momma's heart in so many ways and a shot in the arm at the same time. We don't have alot of time left with her at home and that truth has David and I making careful decisions. Matt is in Japan again and has about 6 weeks left. He should graduate this next year and then he hopes to teach in Japan full time. All I can say is, thank You, Lord, for Skype. We will be using Skype a lot in the next year since Sarah and Chris are moving to California in January. Chris is going to work for his family's business outside Monterey. He will train here for the next 7 months and then they will make the move after Christmas. Life brings a lot of changes and our goal is to allow God to do His thing, celebrate His goodness in the midst of it, and remember that life is not a thing to be controlled. David and I have been making this journey together for the last 29 years. We celebrated our anniversary this week. Suffice it to say that I am truly thankful for him.
Updating my blog allows me to introduce you to some of the 8th grade girls from The Good Samaritan School that still need sponsors. Some of you may remember that I visited India in June 2010. In case you don't, you can read about it here. I implore you to consider taking $34 a month and giving it to a child at risk in New Delhi, India. These girls have very little hope without an education and to receive and education they need sponsors. I am posting all of their photos and information in the hopes that some of you will choose to become sponsors. Please consider this life changing opportunity.
It would make my day actually my year and theirs if you would choose to become a sponsor. Take the step, you won't regret it. Be blessed,
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Gratitude...it's Meant to be a Way of Life
Happy Wednesday! I have finished the book, "One Thousand Gifts" and I am so very glad I read it. I haven't begun to keep a gratitude journal, but today I decided how I am going to do it. I am going to keep a journal in my car, one in the kitchen and one beside my bed. These are the places where I spend most of my time. Hopefully I can teach my children to pause and celebrate their moments with God too. I don't expect these journals to be pretty, but I do hope that they will be filled with the moments where God's love and blessing was revealed to us on a daily basis. My life is full and we have had a wonderful summer. Just for fun I am going to post some pictures of our fun. I hope you enjoy them and I hope that you have had a memory making summer filled with moments from God to celebrate.
Many many blessings....it's all grace,
Many many blessings....it's all grace,
Friday, July 29, 2011
Chapter 9 and Only 2 to go
Chapter 9 speaks of humility and going lower, bending the knee in a humble state...even lower...allowing God to be God and me to receive whatever He gives as a gift of grace.
In the midst of this truth life comes barging in. Voskamp gives these two definitions..."Lament is a cry of belief in a good God, a God who has His ear to our hearts, a God who transfigures the ugly into beauty. Complaint is the bitter howl of unbelief in any benevolent God in this moment, a distrust in the love-beat of the Father's heart. God's anger kindles hot when the essence of the complaint implies doubt in His love..." I was speaking with someone today who was definitely complaining about God. There is a HUGE difference in pouring our hearts out in a humble state to a God we trust and complaining about God and His ways, not trusting in His goodness at all. Our attitude in the midst of life goes back to what we believe about God Himself. Is He good or not? This question and the answer to it will color our entire journey in this life. It will permeate our lives through and through. Somehow we must come to the conclusion that first and foremost God is good and He is trustworthy. He cares about us in a perfect way. We must see beyond the moment of pain to the goodness of who He is and His perfect love for us. We must accept this from our low position and allow His Godness to reign in our lives. Again, gratitude is the key...it seems to be the beginning and the end to the fullness of life we are all seeking. The joy that allows us to celebrate in the midst of pain who He is and the trust in what He is doing. This is not easy...but without a bended knee it is impossible. "I can't be receptive to God unless I receive what He gives."
Abba, Father,
Let me humble myself by laying low before You and seeing all that You allow in my life as a way to bring You honor. This life is hard and You never deny that. You know that I am but dust. Praise and thanks be to You, the One with the plan, the One that I can trust and rest in. You are good all the time. I will put my hope in You.
Yours,
In the midst of this truth life comes barging in. Voskamp gives these two definitions..."Lament is a cry of belief in a good God, a God who has His ear to our hearts, a God who transfigures the ugly into beauty. Complaint is the bitter howl of unbelief in any benevolent God in this moment, a distrust in the love-beat of the Father's heart. God's anger kindles hot when the essence of the complaint implies doubt in His love..." I was speaking with someone today who was definitely complaining about God. There is a HUGE difference in pouring our hearts out in a humble state to a God we trust and complaining about God and His ways, not trusting in His goodness at all. Our attitude in the midst of life goes back to what we believe about God Himself. Is He good or not? This question and the answer to it will color our entire journey in this life. It will permeate our lives through and through. Somehow we must come to the conclusion that first and foremost God is good and He is trustworthy. He cares about us in a perfect way. We must see beyond the moment of pain to the goodness of who He is and His perfect love for us. We must accept this from our low position and allow His Godness to reign in our lives. Again, gratitude is the key...it seems to be the beginning and the end to the fullness of life we are all seeking. The joy that allows us to celebrate in the midst of pain who He is and the trust in what He is doing. This is not easy...but without a bended knee it is impossible. "I can't be receptive to God unless I receive what He gives."
Abba, Father,
Let me humble myself by laying low before You and seeing all that You allow in my life as a way to bring You honor. This life is hard and You never deny that. You know that I am but dust. Praise and thanks be to You, the One with the plan, the One that I can trust and rest in. You are good all the time. I will put my hope in You.
Yours,
Thursday, July 28, 2011
I am Home
It is Thursday night. Last night our flight got in around 8:45pm and so by the time we got home it was 11. I slept hard and late this morning. I love to travel and I loved being with Christie, but I really love the feeling of coming home. I can't even imagine how it will feel someday to finally be really Home. The only thing I know is that it will be glorious!
After sleeping in a bit it was right back to real life. Hungry kids. Dirty clothes. Unpacked suitcases. Schedules to keep. Finding and maintaining the eucharisteo in the middle of all this is going to be way more of a challenge than I imagined, but I am up for the challenge. God is going to teach me and I am going to be taught. I want to live life to the fullest and I do believe that this is the path I am to take to get there.
Chapter 8 is entitled "How Will He Not Also?". This chapter explores and explains the importance of trust in God. Voskamp expresses the wrong idea that our belief can be passive and how trust is the antithesis of stress. "Belief in God has to be more than mental assent, more than a cliched exercise in cognition. Belief is a verb, something you do." She challenges me with the statement, "If authentic, saving belief is the act of trusting, then to choose stress is an act of disbelief...atheism. Anything less than gratitude and trust is practical atheism."
Well....that's a bit to think about. Ann Voskamp continues to capture the truth in such a brand new way for me that every chapter fills my head and my heart with such a longing to grasp this and put in into practice so that my life will flow with gratitude. As soon as I finish this book I am going to begin to keep a list of the graces I see every day. I am making myself wait until I finish, but I am thinking of them throughout the day...watching for Him in the moment. I don't know if I will post my graces here, but I am going to be keeping them in writing. I had a sweet friend tell me that just since May she has recorded over 1300 graces in her life. I was amazed and touched by that. It is possible to do this and top allow gratitude to change my life. I sure hope you will join me on this journey. I have another book to write about
when I am done with this one. It is called, Reckless Faith. It is amazing in an entirely different way.
Be blessed and while you are at it, write them down.
With love,
After sleeping in a bit it was right back to real life. Hungry kids. Dirty clothes. Unpacked suitcases. Schedules to keep. Finding and maintaining the eucharisteo in the middle of all this is going to be way more of a challenge than I imagined, but I am up for the challenge. God is going to teach me and I am going to be taught. I want to live life to the fullest and I do believe that this is the path I am to take to get there.
Chapter 8 is entitled "How Will He Not Also?". This chapter explores and explains the importance of trust in God. Voskamp expresses the wrong idea that our belief can be passive and how trust is the antithesis of stress. "Belief in God has to be more than mental assent, more than a cliched exercise in cognition. Belief is a verb, something you do." She challenges me with the statement, "If authentic, saving belief is the act of trusting, then to choose stress is an act of disbelief...atheism. Anything less than gratitude and trust is practical atheism."
Well....that's a bit to think about. Ann Voskamp continues to capture the truth in such a brand new way for me that every chapter fills my head and my heart with such a longing to grasp this and put in into practice so that my life will flow with gratitude. As soon as I finish this book I am going to begin to keep a list of the graces I see every day. I am making myself wait until I finish, but I am thinking of them throughout the day...watching for Him in the moment. I don't know if I will post my graces here, but I am going to be keeping them in writing. I had a sweet friend tell me that just since May she has recorded over 1300 graces in her life. I was amazed and touched by that. It is possible to do this and top allow gratitude to change my life. I sure hope you will join me on this journey. I have another book to write about
when I am done with this one. It is called, Reckless Faith. It is amazing in an entirely different way.
Be blessed and while you are at it, write them down.
With love,
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Eucharisteo...Always the Eucharisteo
"The practice of giving thanks...eucharisteo...this is the way we practice the presence of God, stay present to His presence, and it is always a practice of the eyes. We don't have to change what we see. Only the way we see."
That statement from Chapter 7 is the real deal. That is the real deal in the midst of good things and hard things....traffic and fights with kids and bills and butterflies and beach trips...disagreements with spouses and fun vacations...babies and sickness...seeing God...finding Him in the midst of it all is the key to celebrating life to the fullest. It's the key to being in His presence at all times. I'm attempting to practice this here on vacation and take it home with me to practice in real life. I'll let you know how it goes. :-)
Thank You Lord for this new way to think about all of life. Bless Ann Voskamp for her tenacious seeking of You and then her vulnerability to share with the rest of the world. Please give me eyes to see you in the midst of the struggles and in those around me; not just in the obvious things but in the whole of life. Prepare my heart to go home and to see you there in the everyday. Holy are You Lord and worthy of all praise.
Yours,
That statement from Chapter 7 is the real deal. That is the real deal in the midst of good things and hard things....traffic and fights with kids and bills and butterflies and beach trips...disagreements with spouses and fun vacations...babies and sickness...seeing God...finding Him in the midst of it all is the key to celebrating life to the fullest. It's the key to being in His presence at all times. I'm attempting to practice this here on vacation and take it home with me to practice in real life. I'll let you know how it goes. :-)
Thank You Lord for this new way to think about all of life. Bless Ann Voskamp for her tenacious seeking of You and then her vulnerability to share with the rest of the world. Please give me eyes to see you in the midst of the struggles and in those around me; not just in the obvious things but in the whole of life. Prepare my heart to go home and to see you there in the everyday. Holy are You Lord and worthy of all praise.
Yours,
Monday, July 25, 2011
I Want to See God
I had a horrible headache last night and so I missed a day of posting and actually didn't even finish my chapter of reading. I have figured out something about this book. As far as I'm concerned this book needs to be read a chapter at a time in one sitting. Because Voskamp writes in such a poetic style if I put it down in the middle of a chapter and then try to come back to it, it just doesn't work for me. That's all I have to say about that.
This evening after a full day at the Blank Park Zoo I am yawning and having a hard time putting two thoughts together. Iowa is unbelievably hot this visit and the heat- it does wear me out. I did enjoy this chapter though. It addresses exactly what we want from God. I like this from the book, "how I want to see the weight of glory break my thick scales, the weight of glory smash the chains of desperate materialism, split the numbing shell of deadening entertainment, bust up the ice of catatonic hearts. I want to see God...." I love the way she is able to identify exactly what she wants God to do in her and for her...that she might see Him and worship. Our hearts long to worship something...I want mine to worship Him. The way to experience Him is to see Him all around me all the time....euchristeo.
Oh Lord, give me eyes to see You all around me so that praise and gratitude might flow from my lips all day long because You have awakened my heart to the truth that You are all around me if am willing to truly see. Give me an undivided heart, Lord. Make me fully Thine. I cry holy holy holy is the Lord. The One who is and is to come. I love and worship You.
Yours,
This evening after a full day at the Blank Park Zoo I am yawning and having a hard time putting two thoughts together. Iowa is unbelievably hot this visit and the heat- it does wear me out. I did enjoy this chapter though. It addresses exactly what we want from God. I like this from the book, "how I want to see the weight of glory break my thick scales, the weight of glory smash the chains of desperate materialism, split the numbing shell of deadening entertainment, bust up the ice of catatonic hearts. I want to see God...." I love the way she is able to identify exactly what she wants God to do in her and for her...that she might see Him and worship. Our hearts long to worship something...I want mine to worship Him. The way to experience Him is to see Him all around me all the time....euchristeo.
Oh Lord, give me eyes to see You all around me so that praise and gratitude might flow from my lips all day long because You have awakened my heart to the truth that You are all around me if am willing to truly see. Give me an undivided heart, Lord. Make me fully Thine. I cry holy holy holy is the Lord. The One who is and is to come. I love and worship You.
Yours,
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