My life has seemed pulled in a million different directions lately. I find myself juggling my FT job, my Ministry, my Bible Study groups, my children, a new puppy (totally my fault :) ), Blogging, worship band, my side-business, my household, and more. AAAHHHH! I'm sure most of my readers have felt this way at one time or another. Life does get overwhelming for each of us sometimes!
Over the past several weeks, I've found myself so focused on what God might be telling me to do in my life, that I have actually lost touch with Him. If that doesn't seem to make sense, let me try to explain it in another way..... All of my senses have been so focused on catching prompts or answers from God, that I have missed all moments of Peace in Him. I've been doing my devotional time on "cruise", and not even letting the words sink in, because I'm too busy waiting for a huge, Divine Intervention...
When I noticed yesterday that I haven't even posted on this Blog for 17 days, my eyes were truly opened... Blogging is such an outlet for my spiritual feelings and personal revelations. It is so soothing and heart warming to Blog.
Unfortunately, in my quest to find answers, It appears that I have pushed many of the parts of my life that feed my Christian soul, away. I recently took a month off from worship band, which is usually the best part of my week! I simply LOVE it! As I said above, I neglected to Blog. I am 2 full weeks behind in my group Bible Study, because I am not making time for it. Wow have I been going about this all wrong! In an attempt to allow time for my thoughts to connect with God's plan, I have actually pushed Him away.
This makes me very sad... I am so thankful that I have now realized that my human 'plan' that I thought would help me figure things out, was the exact opposite of what I truly need. What I need, every day, in every way possible, is the Lord! I need to allow all of my prior Christian life aspects back into my life, immediately, and maybe I will hear His plan much more clearly!
I've been thinking about this Blog post throughout my whole day today, and on my drive home tonight, this song came on Christian radio:
"Backseat Driver" by Toby Mac
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kME_Q5V82Us&list=PL-pXwbOlswQnYO-QHq40gnHCCzaaA7TPN&index=2
"I don't want to navigate..."
"Thought I had it all right, til the road went left"
Not only is that a wonderfully peppy song to end a work day with, but it is so true! I DON'T want to navigate my own life; Lord, please take it over!
Obviously, when I think I have it all right (like taking breaks from things I love, in order to accomplish more mental clarity), the road goes left (making my focus even less than before, as my connection with God lessens, through the general busyness of life).
I feel truly blessed tonight, and full of a new peace, having realized that I've been trying too hard to hear the voice of God, and to feel His prompts in my life.
Going forward, I am going to relax my efforts to hear Him, and just let it happen. I am going to stop being a 'Backseat Driver', and just shut up and let Him do the driving!
Peace to you all this evening!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Love & Life
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
As I was decorating my house for the upcoming holiday of Valentines Day, I decided to find some meaningful words to incorporate.
I have a canvas picture of the scripture verse above, from
1 Corinthians 13:13. I hung that, but then decided to look for a great quote to write on my Chalkboard tray, to hang next to it.
I decided on...
As I wrote on and decorated the tray, I started thinking about both sets of words. I pondered how love really is the center of life! Our days and nights revolve around those that we love. Our prayer and worship life is centered upon a God that we love. Our healthy habits stem from our love of ourselves and our respect and love for God, who gave us our body.
As for 1 Corinthians 13:13; without love, hope might be lost, and without love, there would not be anything to have faith in; so truly, the greatest of those IS LOVE!
The love of God, for all of creation, all people, shows, in that he has created everything to coexist, and to thrive through LOVE.
Creation is maintained through love, thrives on love, and is loyal, based on love.
Without love, life would be unfocused; it would be dull.
It is true, "Where there is Love, there is Life" (Gandhi)
May you have a Blessed February, filled with LOVE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you'd like to get a "Chalkboard tray" to decorate your home, visit my website, www.mymaryandmartha.com/14120, to have one shipped directly to your home!
1 Corinthians 13:13
As I was decorating my house for the upcoming holiday of Valentines Day, I decided to find some meaningful words to incorporate.
I have a canvas picture of the scripture verse above, from
1 Corinthians 13:13. I hung that, but then decided to look for a great quote to write on my Chalkboard tray, to hang next to it.
I decided on...
As I wrote on and decorated the tray, I started thinking about both sets of words. I pondered how love really is the center of life! Our days and nights revolve around those that we love. Our prayer and worship life is centered upon a God that we love. Our healthy habits stem from our love of ourselves and our respect and love for God, who gave us our body.
As for 1 Corinthians 13:13; without love, hope might be lost, and without love, there would not be anything to have faith in; so truly, the greatest of those IS LOVE!
The love of God, for all of creation, all people, shows, in that he has created everything to coexist, and to thrive through LOVE.
Creation is maintained through love, thrives on love, and is loyal, based on love.
Without love, life would be unfocused; it would be dull.
It is true, "Where there is Love, there is Life" (Gandhi)
May you have a Blessed February, filled with LOVE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you'd like to get a "Chalkboard tray" to decorate your home, visit my website, www.mymaryandmartha.com/14120, to have one shipped directly to your home!
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Technology for Prayer?!
So often, the pace of modern life doesn't allow us to slow down enough to just feel God's love surrounding us. We tend to run from one event to another, without even thinking; it just becomes habit.
I have been trying to make a conscious effort to intertwine Scripture, and thoughts about Faith, and prayers, more and more in the repetitive parts of my days.
I even am voicing this blog post to my phone as I am exercising. :-) Well, the workout started in a different way, but I'll get back to that in a minute...
We often hear such negative information about how much technology has taken over our lives. And, in some ways I agree with that, but I want to share these GREAT ways that I have found, to utilize technology to intertwine more of God into my days.
For about 6 months now, I have been waking up to Scripture, on my phone. I have been daily using an App. that starts off my day, every day, with devotion & prayer.
I have been listening to Christian radio, streamed through my laptop, throughout my whole day, and have found that whenever I feel a cranky mood coming on, all I have to do is turn up an uplifting Christian tune, and all is good!
Those 2 have been very soothing, easily accessible, ways to hear and read the Word of God a little bit throughout my whole day.
Now, back to this workout.... Last week, I joined an email challenge titled "10 Day Prayer Zone Workout Challenge". I didn't know much about what I was getting into, but I knew that I love and long for Prayer time, and that my body needs more exercise too!
I began the first day of the challenge, by reading the daily email, while on the elliptical machine. It didn't take long until I decided that I needed to download the App. that this email was discussing, the "Prayer Zone Workout" app. I did so quickly, and opened the app. to find calming music and thought provoking scripture designed to go hand-in-hand with a workout; right at my fingertips!
Each day that I read the email and used the app. my workouts were better and better, and my connection to God in prayer, has been stronger than ever!
Here is what the Day 3 email from Rachel Britton said about the type of Prayer that the app. promotes:
"Our Father in heaven” is our prayer and exercise warm-up. Focusing on who God is.
I am now on Day 7 of the challenge, and have exercised every day, and prayed at length, multiple times every day! Amazing huh? I mean, really....the last time that I exercised every day, was in college!
I really wanted to share all of this information with my readers, and encourage you all to try using technology in your prayer life! Definitely give the "Prayer Zone Workout" app. (www.prayerzoneworkout.com/app) a try! I hope you love it as much as I do! I mean, why not strengthen your relationship with God while strengthening your body, right?!
Technology May have a bad rap for making us extreme multitaskers, but the blessing these apps have given me have shown me a new importance for modern technology!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are intrigued by the workout app. that I discuss above, I encourage you to also check out Rachel Britton's book, "Prayer Zone Workout: Spiritual and Physical Exercise for the Heart"!
For more information, see www.prayerzoneworkout.com
I even am voicing this blog post to my phone as I am exercising. :-) Well, the workout started in a different way, but I'll get back to that in a minute...
We often hear such negative information about how much technology has taken over our lives. And, in some ways I agree with that, but I want to share these GREAT ways that I have found, to utilize technology to intertwine more of God into my days.
For about 6 months now, I have been waking up to Scripture, on my phone. I have been daily using an App. that starts off my day, every day, with devotion & prayer.
I have been listening to Christian radio, streamed through my laptop, throughout my whole day, and have found that whenever I feel a cranky mood coming on, all I have to do is turn up an uplifting Christian tune, and all is good!
Those 2 have been very soothing, easily accessible, ways to hear and read the Word of God a little bit throughout my whole day.
Now, back to this workout.... Last week, I joined an email challenge titled "10 Day Prayer Zone Workout Challenge". I didn't know much about what I was getting into, but I knew that I love and long for Prayer time, and that my body needs more exercise too!
I began the first day of the challenge, by reading the daily email, while on the elliptical machine. It didn't take long until I decided that I needed to download the App. that this email was discussing, the "Prayer Zone Workout" app. I did so quickly, and opened the app. to find calming music and thought provoking scripture designed to go hand-in-hand with a workout; right at my fingertips!
Each day that I read the email and used the app. my workouts were better and better, and my connection to God in prayer, has been stronger than ever!
Here is what the Day 3 email from Rachel Britton said about the type of Prayer that the app. promotes:
"Our Father in heaven” is our prayer and exercise warm-up. Focusing on who God is.
“Give us our daily bread” is our high-intensity prayer and exercise when we talk and ask God to meet our needs.
“Forgive us our debts” is our low-intensity prayer and exercise. We allow God to speak.
“Lead us not into temptation” is our cool-down prayer and exercise when we ask God for protection as we go out into our day.
I am now on Day 7 of the challenge, and have exercised every day, and prayed at length, multiple times every day! Amazing huh? I mean, really....the last time that I exercised every day, was in college!
I really wanted to share all of this information with my readers, and encourage you all to try using technology in your prayer life! Definitely give the "Prayer Zone Workout" app. (www.prayerzoneworkout.com/app) a try! I hope you love it as much as I do! I mean, why not strengthen your relationship with God while strengthening your body, right?!
Technology May have a bad rap for making us extreme multitaskers, but the blessing these apps have given me have shown me a new importance for modern technology!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are intrigued by the workout app. that I discuss above, I encourage you to also check out Rachel Britton's book, "Prayer Zone Workout: Spiritual and Physical Exercise for the Heart"!
For more information, see www.prayerzoneworkout.com
Friday, January 22, 2016
There is only One....
There is only One...... One God that we can trust in everything. One Lord and Savior that we can rely on. One Spirit that is present to answer prayer. One being that knows the plan for our days; our lives.
Sometimes it takes me a long time to learn a lesson.....
There were many lessons learned in this past week, and I am so thankful to God that the answers all pointed right to Him.
Reality, gave me some tough reminders this week. I was harshly reminded not to trust in human kind.
People in our lives will always let us down at one point or another. I happen to be an exceptionally sensitive soul, that gets very 'rocked' by let-downs. I allow people to get so close to my heart, so informed of my hopes and dreams, that they know all of me..... Then, when a person that I have opened up to, disappoints me or hurts me, I end up crushed.
This has happened to me three times, in just the past year, the most recent of which was this week....
But this time was different.... I spent hours, literally, praying, throughout the night that it happened. I prayed for clarity, and strength, I prayed for vision. I prayed for peace in my heart. I prayed and prayed as I cried and cried....
And the tears and prayers were not just about what happened that night, but about all of the trials that I have faced in the past year. These tears needed to flow, and these prayers needed to be said, over and over...
Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
This song sums it all up.....
We must "lay it all down at His Feet". The only place that we leave all of our burdens, and be fully heard, fully received, and return with Peace, is at the Feet of God!
"I need Your rest" The only way that we can find total rest and comfort, is in the Word of God, and the presence of the Spirit which is received when we open up to him for help or comfort!
"King of the Fight" Of Course! Jesus has lived this whole earthly battle! He knows what it is like! He knows the struggles, and the hurt, and the disappoints from those around you! He is the King of the Fight! Who better to turn to during each and every struggle, then the one who has experienced them all!
"No matter what I face, You are by my side"
He is the companion that is with us, all the time, no matter what!
"You know what tomorrow brings" Disappointments of today, lead to Joy tomorrow. God knows the plan. God has reasons for each thing that happens to us! We just have to trust Him!
"You are my strength and comfort"
"You are my steady hand"
"I will trust, I will trust in You"
Sometimes it takes me a long time to learn a lesson.....
There were many lessons learned in this past week, and I am so thankful to God that the answers all pointed right to Him.
Reality, gave me some tough reminders this week. I was harshly reminded not to trust in human kind.
People in our lives will always let us down at one point or another. I happen to be an exceptionally sensitive soul, that gets very 'rocked' by let-downs. I allow people to get so close to my heart, so informed of my hopes and dreams, that they know all of me..... Then, when a person that I have opened up to, disappoints me or hurts me, I end up crushed.
This has happened to me three times, in just the past year, the most recent of which was this week....
But this time was different.... I spent hours, literally, praying, throughout the night that it happened. I prayed for clarity, and strength, I prayed for vision. I prayed for peace in my heart. I prayed and prayed as I cried and cried....
And the tears and prayers were not just about what happened that night, but about all of the trials that I have faced in the past year. These tears needed to flow, and these prayers needed to be said, over and over...
The lesson learned by me that night, finally, was that we cannot put all of our trust in another human, we should not hang all of our hopes on another human, we cannot rely fully on another human; for we will always get hurt. I was reminded, in a very BOLD way though, that there is someone that we can trust and hope in, and rely on, etc.; and that is our wonderful, God!
Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
"Trust In You" by
Lauren Daigle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNsWe must "lay it all down at His Feet". The only place that we leave all of our burdens, and be fully heard, fully received, and return with Peace, is at the Feet of God!
"I need Your rest" The only way that we can find total rest and comfort, is in the Word of God, and the presence of the Spirit which is received when we open up to him for help or comfort!
"King of the Fight" Of Course! Jesus has lived this whole earthly battle! He knows what it is like! He knows the struggles, and the hurt, and the disappoints from those around you! He is the King of the Fight! Who better to turn to during each and every struggle, then the one who has experienced them all!
"No matter what I face, You are by my side"
He is the companion that is with us, all the time, no matter what!
"You know what tomorrow brings" Disappointments of today, lead to Joy tomorrow. God knows the plan. God has reasons for each thing that happens to us! We just have to trust Him!
"You are my strength and comfort"
"You are my steady hand"
"I will trust, I will trust in You"
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Steep Mountains of Life
Challenges of life. Daily Parenting Hardships. Arguments. Exhaustion.
These are just a few of the many things that are trying to pull me down lately. Life goes through valleys and mountains; times of needing to climb, and times of even, easy roads. Sometimes the journey is 'hilly', with constant small ups and small downs that need to be navigated. And sometimes, the terrain is so difficult that is doesn't seem like you will make it....
When I'm in one of those roller coaster type seasons of life, I get so tired; so mentally tired! The constant twists and hikes in the road, unexpected and uneven, really wear on me.
Luckily, I know in my heart, that all of the trials of this life, will someday be over. That there is a promised destination, that will be 'smooth sailing'..... :)
That thought alone, makes me smile! Envisioning a sailboat on a perfect sea, coasting along in beautiful, perfect sunshine..... That is certainly one of the ways that I imagine Heaven to be!
Today, as I was feeling overwhelmed by everything in life, God sent me this wonderful tune, on the radio:
"Long Way Home", By Steven Curtis Chapman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1p-QfgkLow
Here are some of the lyrics that I like best:
"But I had no way of knowing, just how this journey could be"
"But I know we're gonna make it"
"And I know sometimes it feels like we're going the wrong way"
"It's just a long way home"
"My heart gets so heavy with the weight of the World sometimes"
" I can hardly wait for the day I get to lay it all down"
"And when we can't take another step, The Father will pick us up and carry us in his arms"
It most certainly is a 'Long Way', a long road, to our Heavenly home. There is so much to be done as we journey there. But the journey should be cherished. The trials should remind us that God is in charge. And the best thing to remember, day in and day out, is the "When we can't take another step, the Father will pick us up and carry us in his arms"!
May you have Peace today, knowing that you are never alone in your struggles; and may you be reminded that someday, you will lay all your burdens down forever!
Blessings!
These are just a few of the many things that are trying to pull me down lately. Life goes through valleys and mountains; times of needing to climb, and times of even, easy roads. Sometimes the journey is 'hilly', with constant small ups and small downs that need to be navigated. And sometimes, the terrain is so difficult that is doesn't seem like you will make it....
When I'm in one of those roller coaster type seasons of life, I get so tired; so mentally tired! The constant twists and hikes in the road, unexpected and uneven, really wear on me.
Luckily, I know in my heart, that all of the trials of this life, will someday be over. That there is a promised destination, that will be 'smooth sailing'..... :)
That thought alone, makes me smile! Envisioning a sailboat on a perfect sea, coasting along in beautiful, perfect sunshine..... That is certainly one of the ways that I imagine Heaven to be!
Today, as I was feeling overwhelmed by everything in life, God sent me this wonderful tune, on the radio:
"Long Way Home", By Steven Curtis Chapman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1p-QfgkLow
Here are some of the lyrics that I like best:
"But I had no way of knowing, just how this journey could be"
"But I know we're gonna make it"
"And I know sometimes it feels like we're going the wrong way"
"It's just a long way home"
"My heart gets so heavy with the weight of the World sometimes"
" I can hardly wait for the day I get to lay it all down"
"And when we can't take another step, The Father will pick us up and carry us in his arms"
It most certainly is a 'Long Way', a long road, to our Heavenly home. There is so much to be done as we journey there. But the journey should be cherished. The trials should remind us that God is in charge. And the best thing to remember, day in and day out, is the "When we can't take another step, the Father will pick us up and carry us in his arms"!
May you have Peace today, knowing that you are never alone in your struggles; and may you be reminded that someday, you will lay all your burdens down forever!
Blessings!
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Sparkle
I was very fortunate, when writing this post, to be sitting next to a pool, relaxing, and reading a book... :)
As I sat there, taking in each second of peace, and each word read.... I came upon a portion of the book, about "losing your sparkle", and realized that is what had temporarily happened to me....
I had been wondering what happened to my zeal for writing, over the past 3 weeks, and I finally realized today, that it was definitely the devil, the "thief" spoke of in John 10:10, that had put a stop to my progress...
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
You see, first I watched the numbers of readers of my Blog go down (probably because of Holiday busy-ness, now that I think about it), and I got discouraged. Then, I watched someone else in my life get published in magazines, multiple times, without ever wanting that in her life, or pursuing publication; and I have been trying for almost a year to get my writing into various magazines....
The devil had put me on a 'pitty party' for a bit.... But thank God that I snapped out of it today!! Thank you Lord for the peace to reflect on what was happening, and to feel and find my "sparkle" once again!!
Now I am reviewing my promotion of this Blog, and realizing that I had begun to slack in that area. And, I am feeling foolish for allowing envy to creep in and overshadow the success of a very deserving woman! I know in my heart that God's timing ALWAYS prevails, so I will be published when HE ok's it!
I am so thankful to be reminded, once again, that Jesus came, and suffered here on Earth, so that we all may have LIFE and have it ABUNDANTLY!
May you be reminded always, of your Sparkle, and remember all that Jesus Christ endured, so that His people may live abundantly!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Christmas Blessings
Written in 12/2015
Just last evening, I was working on a Blog Post, and got almost done with it. I was going to finish and post tonight, but....I received a true Christmas Blessings today, and I need to write about it!
My during-the-week job is in a music dept. at a High School. If you've read my Blog before, you know what a large part Music plays in my life! This job is challenging, and exhausting, but it is such a great fit for me! Each year as they graduate, I am sad to see them go, because I have grown to know them, and am so proud to have been a part of their HS experience!
Sometimes, in the midst of the school year hustle and bustle, it feels like my job is thankless. Sometimes it feels that noone notices the many little things that I take care of "behind-the-scenes"... Today though, that feeling was proven so very wrong!
I was surprised with a Christmas gift from the Concert Band and Concert Choir kids. This was not just an ordinary Christmas gift though... It was one of the most thoughtful gifts that I have ever received!
Let's start with all of the food.... It might look like an odd gift to you all, but to me, it is an amazing sign of how much they all care for me! You see, in November, I tested allergic to 24 foods. Most of which are very common! So, the young ladies that chat with me daily, have been listening to me say how "hungry" that I have been, because there is so much that I cannot eat!
These girls had asked me for a list of those 24 forbidden foods, saying that they would keep their eyes open for things that I could eat... So, several students took that list to Target, and cross checked ALL ingredients in each one of those items shown above to find out that they were OK for me to eat! When they were given to me, the student said "We don't want to see you 'hungry' any more!"
Then, the flowers...
The students went to the trouble of asking other staff members what my favorites were, and they got it right! This is one of the most beautiful and festive arrangements that I have ever received!
There's more...They also got me a Gift Card to Taco Johns (the only fast food place from which I can eat items off their menu) AND a Gift Card to a Nail Salon, so that I can partake in some pampering.
Lastly, they signed the card "Thanks for everything you do! We wouldn't be able to do this without you! Love, Concert Band I and Concert Choir".
Wow, I am feeling so so blessed! The students have given me such an amazing gift; to know that they care, and that they listen, and that they appreciate me. I am almost speechless, with nothing but a grin on my face and so much joy in my heart!!!
Another way that the students touched my heart today, that they aren't even aware of, is this.... Earlier today, I was wrapping, and making grocery lists, and mailing, and cleaning, and more.... And I must admit, this thought actually crossed my mind 'I hate Christmas'. Now, please don't get upset with me; I don't truly hate Christmas, I love it, but the socially acceptable requirements of Christmastime can get really exhausting! That is where I was at, mentally, today.
All of those feelings melted away instantly, when I received this loving, thoughtful gift!
I guess this gift was accompanied by some much needed reminders to me:
1. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
2. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
3. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
4. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:14-16
May you all be deeply Blessed this Christmas, and may you be reminded of the true spirit of Christmas, spreading love and Christmas joy to those around you!
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Mascara
Last Sunday, as I was rehearsing before services with the Worship Band, I found myself frantically searching through, and then emptying, my purse, in search of mascara. You see, it is not uncommon for me to leave the house on any given morning, without having completed that finishing touch.
I am usually running behind, just that tiny amount of time that it takes to apply mascara....
So, on most days, you could find 2 or 3 tubes of mascara in my purse (waiting to be applied at the first available moment). But last Sunday, there were none.
I looked at myself in a compact mirror, and thought "Ugghh! I really need mascara today!" And, since I had already looked all through my purse and my vehicle, I didn't know what to do....
Well, we finished rehearsal unusually early. I said to the other ladies "I have time, I am going to run to the grocery store to get some mascara."
I did. I looked around that store for 5 minutes, and then asked a clerk, who responded "We don't carry any makeup items." Bummer! As I walked out to my vehicle, I thought 'There is a convenience store/gas mart nearby. I will try there'.... So, I drove there. Looked around for a bit. Then, asked for help, and the individual replied "we haven't carried mascara for a while."
Running low on time before the 1st church service at which I needed to sing, I felt it necessary to go back to the church (**sigh**) without mascara....
Once back at the church, I dug through my purse once more, hoping for a tube of mascara to appear. It did not. I then went into the church, and took my normal spot up front. It was time to sing. Honestly, I felt somehow naked up there. I couldn't shake the thought that 'No one here has ever seen me without mascara before. I must look Ill or tired. What will people think'....
I was very self-conscious for those first 4 minutes up front.... But then, the band began to play, the music filled my heart, and my voice rang out in praise to God. I was suddenly taken, mind and soul, to the place that I cherish most; the place in my heart where nothing is occurring but lifting up beautiful music to the Lord. When I am singing with the worship band, I feel more free than anywhere else, and more connected, on a direct line, to the Lord, than any other time.
I sang through the services. Greeted many people, and smiled a lot. I praised my God to the height of my ability; as I LOVE to do!
It wasn't until I got home, and glanced in the mirror, that I remembered that I did not have mascara on..... In that moment, in front of the mirror, I was boldly reminded that God does not care how I appear during worship. No one else really does either. What the congregation is used to, and what helps them worship, and what feeds my soul more than any other praise, is singing unto the Lord!
So why had I wasted even a moment looking for mascara?
That morning, I had forgotten many things. I had forgotten the reason I was there; to praise Him. I had forgotten that the Lord only cares that you come before him and worship, NOT in what state you do so! There is no requirement, none whatsoever, to appear before God and praise His Holy name!
Apparently, I was out of sync with God. I had put emphasis on something material, when the only emphasis having any business being on my heart that day was Praise of my Savior!
May you be reminded by my story today, to praise God in all places, in all ways, and in all physical appearances. Because, He loves our praise in every way given!
Prayer:
Thank you Lord, for helping me see, for reminding me, that you will hear our voice and accept our praise, anytime, any way, and in any form that we offer it to You, mascara or not, ! Amen.
I am usually running behind, just that tiny amount of time that it takes to apply mascara....
So, on most days, you could find 2 or 3 tubes of mascara in my purse (waiting to be applied at the first available moment). But last Sunday, there were none.
I looked at myself in a compact mirror, and thought "Ugghh! I really need mascara today!" And, since I had already looked all through my purse and my vehicle, I didn't know what to do....
Well, we finished rehearsal unusually early. I said to the other ladies "I have time, I am going to run to the grocery store to get some mascara."
I did. I looked around that store for 5 minutes, and then asked a clerk, who responded "We don't carry any makeup items." Bummer! As I walked out to my vehicle, I thought 'There is a convenience store/gas mart nearby. I will try there'.... So, I drove there. Looked around for a bit. Then, asked for help, and the individual replied "we haven't carried mascara for a while."
Running low on time before the 1st church service at which I needed to sing, I felt it necessary to go back to the church (**sigh**) without mascara....
Once back at the church, I dug through my purse once more, hoping for a tube of mascara to appear. It did not. I then went into the church, and took my normal spot up front. It was time to sing. Honestly, I felt somehow naked up there. I couldn't shake the thought that 'No one here has ever seen me without mascara before. I must look Ill or tired. What will people think'....
I was very self-conscious for those first 4 minutes up front.... But then, the band began to play, the music filled my heart, and my voice rang out in praise to God. I was suddenly taken, mind and soul, to the place that I cherish most; the place in my heart where nothing is occurring but lifting up beautiful music to the Lord. When I am singing with the worship band, I feel more free than anywhere else, and more connected, on a direct line, to the Lord, than any other time.
I sang through the services. Greeted many people, and smiled a lot. I praised my God to the height of my ability; as I LOVE to do!
It wasn't until I got home, and glanced in the mirror, that I remembered that I did not have mascara on..... In that moment, in front of the mirror, I was boldly reminded that God does not care how I appear during worship. No one else really does either. What the congregation is used to, and what helps them worship, and what feeds my soul more than any other praise, is singing unto the Lord!
So why had I wasted even a moment looking for mascara?
That morning, I had forgotten many things. I had forgotten the reason I was there; to praise Him. I had forgotten that the Lord only cares that you come before him and worship, NOT in what state you do so! There is no requirement, none whatsoever, to appear before God and praise His Holy name!
Apparently, I was out of sync with God. I had put emphasis on something material, when the only emphasis having any business being on my heart that day was Praise of my Savior!
May you be reminded by my story today, to praise God in all places, in all ways, and in all physical appearances. Because, He loves our praise in every way given!
Prayer:
Thank you Lord, for helping me see, for reminding me, that you will hear our voice and accept our praise, anytime, any way, and in any form that we offer it to You, mascara or not, ! Amen.
Psalm 27:4 NIV
"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple."
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Crazy!
Sometimes life can get just plain CRAZY!
For 48 hrs. (well, we did sleep some, of course), I have had many many boys running through my house! Neighborhood boys, of all ages.....seriously ages 4 through maybe 13.....
Nerf wars galore, unbelievable amounts of jerky & Gatorade consumed! I have never seen a whole pan of rice crispy bars eaten, before they even hardened up.....
This type of FUN makes me smile! I am so very happy that there are tons of kids around, in our neighborhood, to hang out with my boys! But.....sometimes it is overwhelming..... to try to be cleaning, or Blogging, or cooking, or even just plain thinking through something, with the craziness around.... :) These boys can get SO loud, and SO energized!!
But, It was all brought into perspective today, when one of my boys spiked a fever, very suddenly, of 104..... I can't get it to go away with meds, he looks so very uncomfortable! :( The house is much more quiet now. There are still other boys around, with my youngest, but the noise level is dulled, per my instruction.
So here I sit, in silence, able to put my thoughts together to Blog, but realizing, that I would much rather have the CRAZY laughter and joy of them all, filling my house! Regarding parenting, people often say "Quiet usually means their up to something", but in this instance, quiet means that one of the 'crew' is not well. Which is a bummer for everyone!
As I thought about the vast volume difference in my home, I kept thinking about Psalm 100, Verses 1-2
On your feet now—applaud God!
Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.
Oh how I wish that my children were always 'on their feet' bringing laughter before God! It is tough to keep up with them when they are well, but even more tough to watch them lay around, not feeling well! I feel very blessed to have a home that is welcoming to other children! I know that I am fortunate to have the opportunity to overhear their laughter.
I don't really know where I am going with this post.....other than wanting to say.... Thank you God for all the days of running feet on my floor or in my yard. Thank you Lord for the gift of children, who bring laughter to the World. Thank you Lord for great friends, and for fun days. May you bless Your children with more healthy days than ill, more laughter than tears, and more time spent singing unto You, than anything else! Amen.
For 48 hrs. (well, we did sleep some, of course), I have had many many boys running through my house! Neighborhood boys, of all ages.....seriously ages 4 through maybe 13.....
Nerf wars galore, unbelievable amounts of jerky & Gatorade consumed! I have never seen a whole pan of rice crispy bars eaten, before they even hardened up.....
This type of FUN makes me smile! I am so very happy that there are tons of kids around, in our neighborhood, to hang out with my boys! But.....sometimes it is overwhelming..... to try to be cleaning, or Blogging, or cooking, or even just plain thinking through something, with the craziness around.... :) These boys can get SO loud, and SO energized!!
But, It was all brought into perspective today, when one of my boys spiked a fever, very suddenly, of 104..... I can't get it to go away with meds, he looks so very uncomfortable! :( The house is much more quiet now. There are still other boys around, with my youngest, but the noise level is dulled, per my instruction.
So here I sit, in silence, able to put my thoughts together to Blog, but realizing, that I would much rather have the CRAZY laughter and joy of them all, filling my house! Regarding parenting, people often say "Quiet usually means their up to something", but in this instance, quiet means that one of the 'crew' is not well. Which is a bummer for everyone!
As I thought about the vast volume difference in my home, I kept thinking about Psalm 100, Verses 1-2
On your feet now—applaud God!
Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.
I don't really know where I am going with this post.....other than wanting to say.... Thank you God for all the days of running feet on my floor or in my yard. Thank you Lord for the gift of children, who bring laughter to the World. Thank you Lord for great friends, and for fun days. May you bless Your children with more healthy days than ill, more laughter than tears, and more time spent singing unto You, than anything else! Amen.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Another Year
Well, I had a birthday this past week... (No, I am not going to share which # ) ;)
Over the past several years, I have really dreaded birthdays. I had been of the opinion that I was getting 'too old' to accomplish all that I wish to...
But this birthday was different. This time, I look at all the amazing things that the Lord has done in my life, over just the past month, and I can't help but wonder what is to come in this new year of my life. God has me very in awe of His work in my life right now! All of the avenues that keep appearing, unexpectedly, in which I can share my faith stories and minister to others, are perfectly aligning with my internal need to share the good news of Jesus!
I have been in a period of "waiting" (see previous post titled "waiting to minister"), but I can feel the beginning of my time to "GO"! I am so excited for all that is to come!
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
The Lord is doing a new thing in me, and he may be in you too. Watch for the signs, listen for His voice! Know that He is capable of making streams in a wasteland, whenever and wherever He wishes! God's timing is not the same as our timing. The wait is certainly tough, but the start of the mission is so exciting, that it was well worth the wait!
Blessings to your week!
Over the past several years, I have really dreaded birthdays. I had been of the opinion that I was getting 'too old' to accomplish all that I wish to...
But this birthday was different. This time, I look at all the amazing things that the Lord has done in my life, over just the past month, and I can't help but wonder what is to come in this new year of my life. God has me very in awe of His work in my life right now! All of the avenues that keep appearing, unexpectedly, in which I can share my faith stories and minister to others, are perfectly aligning with my internal need to share the good news of Jesus!
I have been in a period of "waiting" (see previous post titled "waiting to minister"), but I can feel the beginning of my time to "GO"! I am so excited for all that is to come!
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
The Lord is doing a new thing in me, and he may be in you too. Watch for the signs, listen for His voice! Know that He is capable of making streams in a wasteland, whenever and wherever He wishes! God's timing is not the same as our timing. The wait is certainly tough, but the start of the mission is so exciting, that it was well worth the wait!
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