Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Feet

Well, I am not a person who is very fond of feet... I mean, generally, they smell, they are dirty, and not so cute...

I remember a few years ago, when my church had a special prayer service, that there were volunteers 'washing the feet' of anyone who wished to partake, and I did not partake.  I remember thinking...."my toes are not polished, I've been in these shoes all day, I am not going to give my feet to a stranger to wash, how embarrassing"....

That prayer service had not crossed my mind again, until this week, when the following scene played out in my home:

Because of my current back problems, one morning, while getting ready to leave for school and work, I asked one of my boys to buckle my shoes... He did so immediately, without complaint.  Then, when I put out the other foot, my other son said "Hey, let me do that one!" and pushed his brother out of the way.  I walked out of the house thinking 'why in the world would they argue over who got to buckle my shoes?'  But then it hit me...they only wanted to help someone that they love overwhelmingly; Me!  They argued over who would get the 'honor' of making things easier for someone that they love deeply.  Wow!

That then made me think of the prostitute who washed Jesus' feet, in Luke 7: 37-38: "A sinful woman in the town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house. So she brought an alabaster jar of perfume 38 and stood behind Jesus at his feet, crying. She began to wash his feet with her tears, and she dried them with her hair, kissing them many times and rubbing them with the perfume."

For the first time, I UNDERSTAND why that woman washed and kissed Jesus' feet...  She loved him overwhelmingly!  She knew that Jesus' was her Savior, and that He deserved the Best that she had to offer!  She wanted to give Him something, anything, in exchange for the love that He gave her, and all of humanity. 

I am SO grateful to my boys, for teaching me this lesson!   For showing me that no matter the dirt, grime, smell, filth, or any other form of put-off'; giving something helpful, caring, meaningful, to someone that you love overwhelmingly, is easy, and without reserve, because of how deeply you love them! 

I guess a saying that is hanging in my house, REALLY rings true today... "While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about!" 

I think, the next time that there is a Prayer Service at which feet washing is being done, I will volunteer to be a washer...blessing others through love! 

Monday, April 20, 2015

Remember



Last weekend, the worship band that I am in played/performed "Remember" by Laura Story. I was very excited when the worship leader chose this song for the weekend after Easter! How fitting!


I didn't expect, though, that I would continue thinking about that song, and Jesus' sacrifice all week long...but that is the effect it had on me...

It seems sort of natural/normal to me to feel Easter joy all year through, but that the only time that we really mourn the amazing, unbelievable sacrifice of Jesus, and of God through His Son, is holy week. 

But why? As these lyrics say over and over, we should be moved to remember, all the time... 

The song talks of the bittersweet-ness of the immense sacrifice of Jesus. We need to consider both the blessed, amazing, unmistakable gift that He gave us, by dying for all of our sins; and of the sadness of the death of our Savior, God's Son.

I am truly thankful for this reminder that I've been contemplating all week. I have been in a mental tails-spin between praising the gifts we were given through Jesus, and the bittersweet nature of the whole thing... I mean, our Savior and Lord was killed for us. He took all the blame for my sins, our sins, the world's sin to come. The more I think about it, the more astonished I am by the magnitude of Jesus' existence, and the never ending blessing that God gave us through him!

Wishing you all a Blessed Week!   Remember! 


Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Thank God for Psalms!

Psalms 19:14

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

On my way to worship band rehearsal tonight, the above verse popped into my mind, and hasn't left since.... You see, I have heard myself saying (under my breath) some less-than-desirable words over the past few days.  I am feeling down and defeated, because I have been experiencing extreme low back pain, along with nausea.  

Over the last 3 weeks I have missed several 'fun' family events due to this pain and being ill, and I have also missed a considerable amount of work.  But, the last 3-4 days, have proven to be especially challenging.... and I have noticed my attitude change from the usual, peppy, me; to grumpy, frowning, negative me.  

Well today, I finally got a medical answer.... doctors confirmed what they suspected, that I have a herniated disk in my low back.  I felt a certain amount of relief, finally being told, for certain, what I am dealing with.  

As I mentally processed this news, less than 4 hrs. after the Dr's call; I decided, as the above verse ran through my mind, that I need to go about this new "hurdle" in life, in an entirely different way....

I decided that I would much rather be thankful, than grumpy.  Having decided that I wish to try my best to have the words from my mouth and those in my mind, be grateful to the Lord, and praise and glorify him; I was able to put a stop to the negativity in my mind!  Yes, I am still scared.  I am still worried by my level of pain, but I am also finding new STRENGTH in the Lord, that I did not have earlier today. I just needed a reminder, from God, that He gives me strength, and that He is always watching out for me and caring for me!  

As I write this post, another verse is coming into my mind, part of Psalms 23...  "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lay down in green pastures...." 

Thank you Lord, so very much, for MAKING ME "lay down", and rest my mind and body. Thank you Lord for reminding me that every word from my mouth and mediation of my heart are heard by You, and should be pleasing to and praising You. And most importantly, Lord, Thank you for reminding me that YOU are my STRENGTH, and therefore I need not worry, You take care of ALL of Your children! 



Tuesday, March 31, 2015

When my Knees Hit the Gound

Late last week, I heard a wonderful new song on Christian radio, as I was driving to work.  I listened intently to the wonderful lyrics!  Ever since that morning, I haven't been able to get a phrase from the song's chorus part out of my mind.... "I touch the sky, when my knees hit the ground."

Isn't that the truth!   Every time that phrase has crossed my mind over the last several days, I have thought "Wow!".  What a beautiful mental image I get, of all of us being at our best, excelling, getting through tough things, smiling, laughing, at the same times in life when we are kneeling and praying fiercely to God.

I myself DO feel like I can touch the sky, when my knees hit the ground!  When I am faithful in my prayer life, and I am diligent about asking God for help and guidance, I feel confident that I can face anything!   Prayer gives us all the inner strength and courage to move forward in whatever personal battle that we are facing!

For me, prayer reiterates the wonderful love of God, and makes me feel even closer to his watchful care.  The more I pray and look to God, the more I feel him walking right beside me through everyday life!

What a beautiful picture I have in my mind, imaging a child of God being nearest to "touching the sky" when they are on their knees, opening up their fears, failures, worries to him.   It is through prayer that we can strengthen our connection with God each and every day, and feel his presence so close to us, that we feel we are touching the sky, and at home in his care!

I searched the internet for an image that would portray the beautiful thoughts that song has given me....  Here is what I found:



When we humbly kneel before God, and ask for his help, forgiveness, and more, we open ourselves up to him and his amazing works! The act of falling to our knees and needing Him, truly needing Him, creates an amazing connection!  What a wonderful feeling it is to know that our great God is right beside us whenever we need him!

While I was searching through images, for one that spoke to my heart, I also came across this one,


and wanted to share it's beauty as well.  This image too, is the closeness that I feel emotionally, soul to ear, with God, when I am kneeling before Him!

The power and love of God is felt best when we are in a vulnerable position, "on our knees".  I am SO very grateful for being reminded of this powerful connection, by the words of an amazing song!

I searched high and low for the song, and finally found it to share with you, Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1RQciil7B0



Thursday, March 19, 2015

Can this be Easier??

I have been going through this week thinking "Why can't life be just a little easier?"  Feeling sorry for myself, about my constantly growing "To Do" list.  If only this task were easier or if only that event was not required to attend....

I've found myself thinking often lately, that there is just too much going on in my life to possibly be able to do it all.   Certainly, we all have felt like that at one time or another!  Everyday life just gets really crazy sometimes!

Well, I began thinking about my outlook in recent days, and realized that I have been dreading each day, right as I wake up in the morning.  I have been starting each day with a bad attitude that "This is going to be a crazy day!  How can I possibly do it all?"

Tonight, as I was running kids from one place to another (in the midst of some of that "craziness" of life :), this song played on Christian Radio, and it gave me a new perspective....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY2ycrpbOlw

"Every Good Thing" by The Afters, spoke to me deeply and brought a smile to my face!   This song reminds us all that we don't want to miss any moments in life, for they are all beautiful!  God has given us each moment, each task, each breath, for a distinct reason.  Each moment is a gift from God and a part of his plan!  I am thankful to have been reminded tonight about the beauty of all the little things that happen in these busy moments of our lives!

May you all take an extra moment today to enjoy the smile of a child or share an extra 'Hello', and in that moment, be reminded of the beauty of each moment!  Thank God for "Every Good Thing"!

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Dreams

We all have things that we dream of doing, or dream of becoming....  We wouldn't be as motivated to move through life on certain paths, if we did not have dreams and goals!  I have dreamt for a long time of being a successful Public Speaker.  I long to inspire others with the knowledge that I have gained through my difficult life experiences!


Over the past 3 years, I have been stuck in a cycle of 6 months of semi-frequent Public presentations, and then 6 months of none, repeat, repeat....  Last month, I had become very discouraged!  I was feeling sorry for myself and wondering what I was doing wrong, that I hadn't had an opportunity to speak for some time...  Because of my sadness and weakness, I decided to attend a Christian Women's Coffee group, that I hadn't made a priority for quite some time...  I listened to the wonderful speaker talk about setting goals and following through toward your dreams.  She was very motivational, telling us all that we CAN accomplish whatever we set our minds to!  Then, we had small group discussion time at our tables, and I remember telling the other 3 ladies at my table, "I've just been so discouraged, because I have been trying so hard to attain my goals of Public Speaking!"  The ladies (perfect strangers) were very sweet and encouraging, and stated that they would pray for me.  One of them said, "Why don't you be a featured speaker at one of these events?"  To which I answered, "I have applied to be, but they haven't contacted me back"....


Also that night, there were discussion questions; one of which was something to this effect.....List something that you have been wanting to do, that you vow to DO this week.....


I remember that evening so well, and that I left that Women's group, still defeated, but less burdened, because now there were 3 women (whom I had just met) that were going to pray for MY dream!


And that is when things turned around!  I received an email, only 3 days after that night, from the coordinator of that Christian Women's coffee group, asking if I'd like to be the featured speaker in March.   Yea!   The feeling of relief and excitement that I received from getting that email, prompted me to look back at the discussion questions that I had filled out only days before; and my written answer to the question of "something I've been wanting to do" was to attend a Public Speaker Conference.  So, that week, I researched the one I wished to attend, registered for it, and booked my travel plans! How very empowering it felt to take that step toward my Dream!


By the way....I said an ecstatic YES to speaking for the Coffee group, and I am doing so TOMORROW NIGHT!  I am looking forward to it so very much!   I can't wait to see where God takes me in my presentation, and thereafter!


Prayers GET answered, and Dreams Do Come True!   Stick with God, and All Things are Possible! :)


Blessings to you all!

Monday, February 23, 2015

Anger




I have been thinking a lot today; wondering really... "What good does it do anyone to live life with Anger?"

In my life experience thus far, the above Bible verse stands true!  Anyone that has acted with anger toward me or my loved ones, has certainly come across as a "fool".

There is no point to anger.....It doesn't solve anything, doesn't fix anything, doesn't turn back time, can't make things the way you want them, and certainly doesn't earn anyone friends....   Anger breaks down relationships, decreases trust, shows weakness, and hurts the recipients of it.

So what then shall we do when we begin to feel angry about something?  Be wise and stay under control!  How should we accomplish that?  I have found that taking a break from the situation works wonders.  Meditation, prayer, and finding answers within Scripture are also very helpful!

Wouldn't it be great to be the "wise man" that keeps under control?  What did Jesus do whenever he was confused or upset?  He prayed.  He prayed to God to help him see the reason for his trials or mountains he faced.  And then, once he understood God's plan, he was calm to move forward.

What then makes Anger worth acting upon?  NOTHING!  There is no reason to act out in anger.  God can help you through it!   Everyone who cares for you can help you through it!  Anger is not to be blamed on current day stresses, nor on anyone other than ones-self.  Look at this verse....Anger has been a issue since biblical times.  But still today, it is a WISE MAN, who keeps his/her anger under control.

Strive to be wise, and control anger, toward anyone, yourself included.  You will find, that a life without anger, is filled with much more happiness & joy!

May God guide each and every one of you toward a more peaceful, anger free, existence; full of Love and Happiness!   Amen.

Image result for anger quote about happiness



Tuesday, February 17, 2015

A Bad Day gone Good

Ugghh!  What a bad start I had to my day this past Sunday! I left the house in a rush, with only foundation on, and threw all the rest of my makeup into my bottomless mommy purse, as I ran out the door.  I arrived at worship rehearsal 10 minutes late, frazzled, & already a little worn out (and it was only 8:10am)...

 Now, if you know me, you know that my best friend is COFFEE!  I literally need it to survive!  So, after arriving at church & getting set up, I finally had the opportunity to go into the kitchen there to get my first, much needed cup for the day....  A moment later as I took that first wonderful sip, I must have gotten too over zealous, and tipped my cup too far...    Coffee down the front of my shirt!  Yes, the 6th shirt that I had tried on that morning, trying to find the right one, and now it was coffee stained!

As worship rehearsal went on, I proceeded to trip UP some stairs, pull a muscle in my elbow (Ouch!), and spill food on my pants as well...

When the worship band was preparing to start worship, all I could keep thinking was "Boy this is a cruddy day!  Why is my day so 'off' today? What next? etc...."  But then, the service started and the "Welcome" had these sentences in it: "At times we feel as if we are perishing under the demands of our day, unable to see clearly what is most important.  We become enslaved by our routines and enticed by shallow distractions." and then "O, God, help us restore balance to our lives." 

AMEN!  I thought!   Boy, I needed to hear that! 

And service went on to a "Prayer" which held these words: "In Christ, God lifts the veil so we can catch a glimpse of glory.  There is peace to be found in the middle of chaos. There is freedom and quiet even in the middle of our busyness."

Ah, a sigh of relief, at that point my stress from the less-than-perfect morning that I had had, melted away, and I was fully delved into worship.  Now I was ready to sing to the Lord with my Whole Heart!

As the service went on, there were wonderful lyrics to the songs that our worship band sang as well; they really touched me!   Even though we had rehearsed them earlier that morning, I had not even been open to RECEIVEING their beautiful meaning, because I was too distracted by my own messiness....

In the songs we sang I heard, fully this time, "You are love, You are peace, You cause the raging storm to cease. Now I fall to my knees and I worship You, not for all the mighty things you have done...but the first and foremost reason I call out Your name, You are worthy, You are holy, You are God!" (From "You are God" by Peder Wide)
And...... "Who brings our chaos, back into order? Who makes an orphan, a son or daughter?  The King of glory. The King above all kings!" (From "This is Amazing Grace" by Jeremy Riddle)

I don't believe I need to say much more..... :)

Thank You Lord for bringing me out of my state of self pity, and back to living in Your freedom & Peace!!

Monday, February 9, 2015

Answering Prayer


I have to admit that yesterday was the 1st time I have ever watched the movie "Evan Almighty".  I don't know why I hadn't seen it...I really loved the movie "Bruce Almighty"....   I guess motherhood had somehow gotten in the way of me being available to notice and make time for the movie "Evan Almighty".   But, oh my, what a GREAT movie!   And I am SO glad that I watched it!

There were so many wonderful parts of this movie; which depicts the journey of Noah building the Ark, only a modern day Noah in a modern World.

There is a scene in this movie where Evan's wife and children have left him, for fear that he has gone crazy..... And his wife is in a restaurant, and speaks with the waiter, "Al Mighty", about their problems.....    
The advice that "Al Mighty" gives her is as follows:
"If someone Prays for Patience, do you think God gives them patience, or does he give them the opportunity to be patient?   If someone prays for courage, does God give them Courage or does he give them opportunities to be courageous?  If someone prays for family closeness, does God zap them with warm fuzy feelings or does he give them opporuities to love each other...."

If you'd like to watch that scene, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikes4yPulmI.

Wow, huh?  What a WONDERFUL way to look at the way in which God answers Prayer!!!  Sometimes we wonder why we have not received an answer to our prayers, but this explanation just reminds us that we need to watch closely for all of the opportunities that God puts in front of us, that allow us chances to accomplish that which we were praying for!  As I watched that scene over and over and thought about the past year in my own life; I was absolutely blown away by all of the instances in which God placed what I thought were "obstacles" in the way of MY plans, only to lead me right into opportunities to accomplish HIS plan, and in turn, realize the answers to my Prayers!   What an amazing and awesome God we have!!

May you watch and listen closely, for the Opportunities that God sends your way!



Saturday, January 24, 2015

Gimme that booger!

As I sit here on my 3rd day of being home taking care of my sick children, I had to laugh as I replayed a scene from earlier today in my head....

My youngest does NOT like blowing his nose!  If he had his way, he would leave all snot and boogers in his nose indefinitely.  He just has some issue with the odd way it feels to blow his nose.....  So, here is how the conversation went:
Mom: "I can see that your nose is full of snot.  Let me help you."
Son: "No!"
Mom: "But it will feel better to get that out of there."
Son: "No, I want it in there."
Mom: "But all that junk in your nose is keeping the germs in your body, that are making you sick."
Son: "I don't care."
Mom: (now frustrated) "I am getting a tissue now."
Son: whining
Mom: "I see it! Gimme that booger!!"
Next thing I know, he blows his nose really hard and all that junk is out!! I got so excited, that we proceeded to have some kind of "booger" party....  We laughed and hugged and congratulated.  We cheered and even noticed that he could now breathe out of his nose!

Thinking back on that now, I can't help but wonder why I so imfatically wanted that disgusting stuff.....I mean, I cheered and smiled like I had just won an award or found a fantastic deal on shoes!!  I am usually quite easily grossed out, so why, today, did this not bother me....?

Then it hit me.... of course....because of unconditional love. Because when our children need us, we do whatever it takes to help them.  When it comes to our children, we don't contemplate our feelings before we act, we just immediately do what needs to be done.

So, as I sat thinking about that I realized that our Heavenly Father does the same for us each and every day.  He wants us to lay our burdens and needs on him, no matter how messy they are!  And Jesus, well his job on Earth was to die to take away all of our sins.  He willingly took and takes all of our ickiness, "boogers", "snot", and everything gross in our lives, so that we may live freely, knowing that we are taken care of!!  How amazing is that!  Just as we parents try to take all burdens and "ickiness" from our children, and make them feel better; so does our Heavenly Father, Son, & Holy Spirit take all of our burdens & "ickiness".   God does not contemplate which of our issues are too messy to deal with, or which burden might be too icky to handle......No, he just jumps right in and says "Give me your Boogers! Give me your sickness! Give me your worries, no matter how icky!"  And then, we are left with the clear pathway to 'breathe freely' and live happily!

Thank God, in every way, for Unconditional Love!!