I am part of an amazing Bible study. I look forward to Wednesday evenings all week. Studying the Bible with women has to be one of my most favorite things to do. Three special girls joined our group this winter and they are like a "breath of fresh air." Let me explain. We have been together for several years and know each other very well. We have all been Christians for many years and have probably forgotten what it feels like to not know the Lord. It is always so exciting to hear the young girls ask such pure and basic questions about Jesus. Then to see their excitement and sometimes emotional response reminds me of meeting "my first love...Jesus."
Last week we found ourselves in a discussion and one of them commented that they were not "church ladies" like us. This was not a slam against us...it was her humble way of saying "you know such much more than we do and your lives are not like mine." My heart began to feel heavy as I realized what she was saying. She saw us "older" women as better than her. She saw us as being "above" her. Afterwards we chatted and made a date for coffee.
That was the best cup of coffee that I had ever had. It wasn't really the coffee...it was the moment. Over coffee (and pie) I shared with them my past. I shared with them mistakes that I had made. I shared with them my struggles as a wife and mother. I hopefully shared my "authentic" self. By the end of the night one of the girls said "looking at you I would have never realized you went through all of that."
How do we be authentic women everyday? It is so easy to pretend that we always have it all together. If you walked in my home right now you might think that it is organized...but you are only seeing the surface. You're not seeing what is crammed in closets, what it shoved under the bed and what is hiding in the basement.
I am a work in progress...and a woman who needs to clean her basement.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Saturday, February 06, 2010
YOU CAN'T OUT GIVE, OUT SERVE OR OUR DREAM GOD!
Three weeks from today I will be in Italy! I still can't believe it. I am so excited and a little nervous. I hope Italian airports have English signs? But I have nothing to fear...because I know God's hands are in this.
Several months ago I looked at my speaking calendar for 2010 and it was blank. I couldn't understand why God would give me this desire to speak and not the opportunities. I wasn't just sitting around waiting either. I was making contacts, I was making connections and I was doing anything I could to "expand my territory."
I had really come to a realization that maybe God had something else He wanted me to do. Maybe this was a season of preparation, maybe a season of writing...I did not know.
I cried out to God one day as I drove around. I cried out asking that He make it clear what He wanted from me. I also prayed a selfish prayer..."God...please let me speak again!" God began to ask me why I wanted to speak. Was it for me or Him? ouch! I spent time searching my motives and truly seeking Him. I asked God again..."Please let me speak again!" I will go anywhere God...I will speak for two people...just send me!
December 19th I received an email to speak. December 19th I received a phone call asking me to speak. One was 30 minutes from my home...one was Italy! Italy? Did I read the correct. I asked for something small and close...He gave me Italy. Never in my wildest dreams would I have even thought to ask God to send me to ITALY!
I realized that day three things....God's dreams for me are bigger than mine. I realized that there is nothing I can do to repay the debt that He paid for me. I realized that I will never be able to impact and serve others the way He did.
I am so thankful that I serve a God that I can never out ive, out serve or out dream!
Several months ago I looked at my speaking calendar for 2010 and it was blank. I couldn't understand why God would give me this desire to speak and not the opportunities. I wasn't just sitting around waiting either. I was making contacts, I was making connections and I was doing anything I could to "expand my territory."
I had really come to a realization that maybe God had something else He wanted me to do. Maybe this was a season of preparation, maybe a season of writing...I did not know.
I cried out to God one day as I drove around. I cried out asking that He make it clear what He wanted from me. I also prayed a selfish prayer..."God...please let me speak again!" God began to ask me why I wanted to speak. Was it for me or Him? ouch! I spent time searching my motives and truly seeking Him. I asked God again..."Please let me speak again!" I will go anywhere God...I will speak for two people...just send me!
December 19th I received an email to speak. December 19th I received a phone call asking me to speak. One was 30 minutes from my home...one was Italy! Italy? Did I read the correct. I asked for something small and close...He gave me Italy. Never in my wildest dreams would I have even thought to ask God to send me to ITALY!
I realized that day three things....God's dreams for me are bigger than mine. I realized that there is nothing I can do to repay the debt that He paid for me. I realized that I will never be able to impact and serve others the way He did.
I am so thankful that I serve a God that I can never out ive, out serve or out dream!
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Cross or the Crowd
I am a work in progress. Theologians call it sanctification...I call it molding, shaping, pruning...and it will continue until I am with Jesus. I feel lately that God has been really asking me to carefully examine how I spend my time. This process has even effected my blogging and facebook time. My time looking and reading hasn't decreased...but my writing has. Everytime I go to post something on facebook, I hear a little voice say is that necessary. My friend Leigh posted something about this and I think she truly "hit the nail on the head." Sometimes when I am with people that I communicate with on facebook, it seems we have nothing new to discuss. It has already been talked about on the internet. I will go to blog and I begin typing, then I find myself deleting what I wrote.
The other day I was at a Christian school and I saw a sign that said "Follow the cross or the crowd." I just stopped and stared. Four big words..."cross or the crowd." When I am tempting to gossip...cross or crowd? When I am not patient or loving...cross or crowd? When I won't stand up for my beliefs...cross or crowd?
When I neglect God for other things...cross or crowd? How about you? What are you following? Cross or crowd?
The other day I was at a Christian school and I saw a sign that said "Follow the cross or the crowd." I just stopped and stared. Four big words..."cross or the crowd." When I am tempting to gossip...cross or crowd? When I am not patient or loving...cross or crowd? When I won't stand up for my beliefs...cross or crowd?
When I neglect God for other things...cross or crowd? How about you? What are you following? Cross or crowd?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
WHERE IS CAMILLA?
I love the fact that I am beginning to truly recognize God's voice. I love it when He speaks to me. I love it when He makes His desires clear.
Today as Wally and I were driving to church, we were talking about the Haiti situation. The helpless feeling we have of not being able to physically go and help. I know we can give money...but sometimes you just want to be there. To hug a neck, to pray with a parent, to love on an orphan.
My daughter Ashley has truly opened our eyes to the plight of orphans and what the scriptures call us to do. She truly desires to adopt an international orphan someday. I know that in years to come, my grandchildren will be from different countries. They will have different skin colors, but one God.
I suggested to Wally, in jest, that we should look into adopting a child from Haiti. Expecting the look that I normally get when I bring up what could be an outrageous idea...it wasn't there. Hmmm...is God working here?
Then...a name suddenly popped in my head...Camilla. Really...no joke!
I thought...who is Camilla? Is she someone who is suffering in Haiti? Will she be a future compassion child that we sponsor. Is she someone who is looking for a loved one lost in the earthquake? Could she someday be part of our family?
I don't know who she is...all that I know is that her name is engraved on my heart.
Someday...I hope He speaks to me again. Someday...I hope He introduces me to Camilla!
Today as Wally and I were driving to church, we were talking about the Haiti situation. The helpless feeling we have of not being able to physically go and help. I know we can give money...but sometimes you just want to be there. To hug a neck, to pray with a parent, to love on an orphan.
My daughter Ashley has truly opened our eyes to the plight of orphans and what the scriptures call us to do. She truly desires to adopt an international orphan someday. I know that in years to come, my grandchildren will be from different countries. They will have different skin colors, but one God.
I suggested to Wally, in jest, that we should look into adopting a child from Haiti. Expecting the look that I normally get when I bring up what could be an outrageous idea...it wasn't there. Hmmm...is God working here?
Then...a name suddenly popped in my head...Camilla. Really...no joke!
I thought...who is Camilla? Is she someone who is suffering in Haiti? Will she be a future compassion child that we sponsor. Is she someone who is looking for a loved one lost in the earthquake? Could she someday be part of our family?
I don't know who she is...all that I know is that her name is engraved on my heart.
Someday...I hope He speaks to me again. Someday...I hope He introduces me to Camilla!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
ARE YOU WAITING?
Just wanted to share with you a quote that my daughter shared at a Ladies Event Last week:
"Waiting on God isn't about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It's part of the meaning and purpose that God has brought into my life. Waiting on God isn't to be viewed as an obstruction in the way of the plan. Waiting is an essential part of the plan. For the child of God, waiting isn't simply what I'll receive at the end of my wait. No, waiting is much more purposeful, efficient, and practical than that. Waiting is fundamentally about what I'll become as I wait. God is using the wait to do in and through me exactly what he has promised. Through the wait, he is changing me. By means of the wait he's altering the fabric of my thoughts and desires. Through the wait he's causing me to see and experience new things about Him and His kingdom. And all of this sharpens me, enabling me to be a more useful tool in his redemptive hands."
"Waiting on God isn't about the suspension of meaning and purpose. It's part of the meaning and purpose that God has brought into my life. Waiting on God isn't to be viewed as an obstruction in the way of the plan. Waiting is an essential part of the plan. For the child of God, waiting isn't simply what I'll receive at the end of my wait. No, waiting is much more purposeful, efficient, and practical than that. Waiting is fundamentally about what I'll become as I wait. God is using the wait to do in and through me exactly what he has promised. Through the wait, he is changing me. By means of the wait he's altering the fabric of my thoughts and desires. Through the wait he's causing me to see and experience new things about Him and His kingdom. And all of this sharpens me, enabling me to be a more useful tool in his redemptive hands."
Thursday, December 24, 2009
I HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THE GREATEST GIFT!
It's Christmas Eve and I have already received the greatest gift that one can ever receive. It wasn't wrapped...it wasn't bought at a store...it wasn't purchased online...it was given to me by someone who loves me more than I will ever know. God gave me the greatest gift tonight...He gave me an opportunity to be His hands...His feet...His voice.
It all started when we attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service. The church was packed and I found myself wondering how many were there because it was Christmas. How many came to please a spouse, a grandma or another loved one. How many only enter the church on special holidays. Then my mind wondered to their hearts. Do they know what they are missing? Do they truly understand who Jesus is and what He did? Then...God spoke to me. It was very specific. God asked me tonight to love on people who need love. Strangers who I do not know and may never see again. He gave me the idea to go and buy four hot chocolates and find people in charleston who need a hot drink, some food and Him.
We went to a gas station and picked up the four hot chocolates and two sandwiches. My mom suggested that we go to one place but I felt like God was saying...no...go to Washington Street. We prayed and found ourselves driving down washington street. We offered hot chocolate to one man and he said no. We drove a little further and offered food and drink to another couple and they also declined. Ashley then suggested that we park the car and walk up to people in hopes that this would be a little less intimidating.
We parked by a hospital and began our journey. The first man we came to on the street was very excited to accept the food and drink. Our attention then turned to a couple that was waiting for a bus. We offered them the sandwiches and drink. They were so excited. Ashley and I began talking to them and asked why they were waiting for a bus this late at night. She explained to us that she had spiked a high fever and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. After being treated and in the ER for several hours, she was released and they were trying to get home. They lived about 15 to 20 miles away and were waiting for a bus that would connect them to another bus and then another. God spoke again and said. Offer them a ride...do not be afraid. So...I asked them if they would trust us to take them home. They accepted and gladly got in the car with us. I was a little worried about my mom as she sat in the car and watched all of this taking place...but she loves like no one loves. She gives like no one else that I know.
We drove with Francis and Richard for about a thirty minute drive. We learned that they were engaged and planned to marry in a few months. We asked them about their faith and both had accepted Christ in their lives. Richard shared with us some concerns He had about some decisions He had made in his life and God's forgiveness. Soon the ride was over and we were able to drop them off near their home. They thanked us for blessing them on this special night...but truly...we were the ones that were blessed.
God is so amazing! I am so glad that he chose me, my mom and Ashley on Christmas Eve to experience this blessing. The pastor talked tonight about the innkeeper and how even though the inn was full...he was able to give what he had.
We were definately able to fill a phyiscal need tonight for Francis and Richard...but God filled a spiritual need in us. He showed us tonight how we can be used if we just listen. He showed me that He is still the God of miracles and will allow us to be on the journey if we make ourselves available. He showed us tonight that they are people in the world who are hurting, who are alone and who need to hear about Him.
I am so humbled that the creator of the universe allowed three women to partner with Him tonight in ministry.
We gave a little...He gave all. Tonight...as I try to come down from this experience...I am so grateful that Lord willing tomorrow we will awake to open gifts under the tree...but I have already received my Christmas gift...Francis and Richard.
Merry Christmas!
It all started when we attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service. The church was packed and I found myself wondering how many were there because it was Christmas. How many came to please a spouse, a grandma or another loved one. How many only enter the church on special holidays. Then my mind wondered to their hearts. Do they know what they are missing? Do they truly understand who Jesus is and what He did? Then...God spoke to me. It was very specific. God asked me tonight to love on people who need love. Strangers who I do not know and may never see again. He gave me the idea to go and buy four hot chocolates and find people in charleston who need a hot drink, some food and Him.
We went to a gas station and picked up the four hot chocolates and two sandwiches. My mom suggested that we go to one place but I felt like God was saying...no...go to Washington Street. We prayed and found ourselves driving down washington street. We offered hot chocolate to one man and he said no. We drove a little further and offered food and drink to another couple and they also declined. Ashley then suggested that we park the car and walk up to people in hopes that this would be a little less intimidating.
We parked by a hospital and began our journey. The first man we came to on the street was very excited to accept the food and drink. Our attention then turned to a couple that was waiting for a bus. We offered them the sandwiches and drink. They were so excited. Ashley and I began talking to them and asked why they were waiting for a bus this late at night. She explained to us that she had spiked a high fever and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. After being treated and in the ER for several hours, she was released and they were trying to get home. They lived about 15 to 20 miles away and were waiting for a bus that would connect them to another bus and then another. God spoke again and said. Offer them a ride...do not be afraid. So...I asked them if they would trust us to take them home. They accepted and gladly got in the car with us. I was a little worried about my mom as she sat in the car and watched all of this taking place...but she loves like no one loves. She gives like no one else that I know.
We drove with Francis and Richard for about a thirty minute drive. We learned that they were engaged and planned to marry in a few months. We asked them about their faith and both had accepted Christ in their lives. Richard shared with us some concerns He had about some decisions He had made in his life and God's forgiveness. Soon the ride was over and we were able to drop them off near their home. They thanked us for blessing them on this special night...but truly...we were the ones that were blessed.
God is so amazing! I am so glad that he chose me, my mom and Ashley on Christmas Eve to experience this blessing. The pastor talked tonight about the innkeeper and how even though the inn was full...he was able to give what he had.
We were definately able to fill a phyiscal need tonight for Francis and Richard...but God filled a spiritual need in us. He showed us tonight how we can be used if we just listen. He showed me that He is still the God of miracles and will allow us to be on the journey if we make ourselves available. He showed us tonight that they are people in the world who are hurting, who are alone and who need to hear about Him.
I am so humbled that the creator of the universe allowed three women to partner with Him tonight in ministry.
We gave a little...He gave all. Tonight...as I try to come down from this experience...I am so grateful that Lord willing tomorrow we will awake to open gifts under the tree...but I have already received my Christmas gift...Francis and Richard.
Merry Christmas!
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS...
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...except me who drank too much coffee the night before!
Sitting here in my childhood home this morning in West Virginia. Everyone else is sleeping...except me. I joke that it's the coffee...but I truly feel it is the Lord giving me some needed quiet time with Him.
I was thinking about the statement "Twas the night before Christmas and...." The statement could be finished in different ways by so many different people.
Here are a few that I believe are going through the minds of my family and friends.
Twas the night before Christmas and...
- I am thinking about reconnecting with family
- I will be getting married in a few days
- someone I love is really sick
- almost done with chemo
- the house will soon be filled with loved ones and laughter
-
In reality...it is often "the night before something"
I was reminded of something recently as I watched the adult choir sing at our church last sunday. The narrator shared how Mary knew she had been given a great blessing....to carry Jesus. She knew that she had found favor with God and He had blessed her. Scripture says that Mary and Joseph then had to go to Bethelehem. What? She is pregnant...almost ready to deliver a baby...and she now has to ride on a donkey. Life was interrupted...or inconvenienced. Can you relate?
Yesterday a quick trip to target turned into a three hour trip. I sat in my van for an hour just waiting to pull out of my parking spot. Yep...life was interrupted...inconvenient...and at times humorous. I called my family and told them if I wasn't home by Christmas to go ahead and open presents without me.
Mary endured and a great blessing followed for her and for us. Jesus was born!
Here is how I want to finish this sentence...
"Twas the night before Christmas and....I am blessed"
Life has been interrupted this week by a few inconvenient and trying moments...but Jesus was born.
The Lord has blessed me in so many ways just in the last three days...one was so unexpected that my youngest son assured me that I was being "punked."
No...I wasn't punked...I was blessed.
So...Twas the night before Christmas...and I am going back to sleep.
Sitting here in my childhood home this morning in West Virginia. Everyone else is sleeping...except me. I joke that it's the coffee...but I truly feel it is the Lord giving me some needed quiet time with Him.
I was thinking about the statement "Twas the night before Christmas and...." The statement could be finished in different ways by so many different people.
Here are a few that I believe are going through the minds of my family and friends.
Twas the night before Christmas and...
- I am thinking about reconnecting with family
- I will be getting married in a few days
- someone I love is really sick
- almost done with chemo
- the house will soon be filled with loved ones and laughter
-
In reality...it is often "the night before something"
I was reminded of something recently as I watched the adult choir sing at our church last sunday. The narrator shared how Mary knew she had been given a great blessing....to carry Jesus. She knew that she had found favor with God and He had blessed her. Scripture says that Mary and Joseph then had to go to Bethelehem. What? She is pregnant...almost ready to deliver a baby...and she now has to ride on a donkey. Life was interrupted...or inconvenienced. Can you relate?
Yesterday a quick trip to target turned into a three hour trip. I sat in my van for an hour just waiting to pull out of my parking spot. Yep...life was interrupted...inconvenient...and at times humorous. I called my family and told them if I wasn't home by Christmas to go ahead and open presents without me.
Mary endured and a great blessing followed for her and for us. Jesus was born!
Here is how I want to finish this sentence...
"Twas the night before Christmas and....I am blessed"
Life has been interrupted this week by a few inconvenient and trying moments...but Jesus was born.
The Lord has blessed me in so many ways just in the last three days...one was so unexpected that my youngest son assured me that I was being "punked."
No...I wasn't punked...I was blessed.
So...Twas the night before Christmas...and I am going back to sleep.
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