Dictionary.com defines value as 'relative worth, merit, or importance'. It defines worth as 'usefulness or importance, as to the world, to a person, or for a purpose'.
How do you measure your worth and value? I will confess that it has been the 'to the world' aspect of the worth definition that I have unwittingly strived for and have lived for and sadly, have felt myself not achieving.
Typically worth and value, certainly in our capitalist society, is measured and defined by what someone would pay for an item.
So what does it say about my value, my worth --OUR value and worth --that the Creator and maker of the universe feels I am worth the Life of His son? That Jesus agreed that I was worth His very life?
I am that highly valued and important in the eyes of the Creator of the universe. Me. You.
I am worthy. Not for what I have done, but because I am His. I am important to My Lord. I am useful and have a purpose.
The value of an item can be determined by what someone is willing to pay for said item, so what does it say about my value - and yours - that the Creator of the universe paid for me with His life?
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Worth....in works??
John 6:29 Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent, "
I am currently going through a Bible study and this was a verse within a passage of scripture during one of those days and it jumped out of my Bible and spoke to me. It was if the Lord was saying to me, "Stop. Slow down. What you are doing is good, but learn to rest in me."
Now don't get me wrong...I understand that once we're sufficiently plugged in to our true energy source, the only thing that can sufficiently sustain us, our Bread of Life (John 6:25) that we will be conformed more and more into the likeness of Jesus through refinement and, potentially discipline (or pruning, as the verses in John 15 describe).
However, the word of the Lord makes it clear that our works don't define our worth in Christ.
As a self-proclaimed "do-er", this is a hard truth for me, so let me state that again, since it bears repeating.
Our works don't define our worth in Christ.
Our acceptance of Jesus Christ's spilled blood on the cross did that. We are priceless treasures to our Lord.
This is not at all to say that works - good works - are not important in our lives. Matthew 25 teaches us that we need to be attuned to the needs of the 'least of these' around us and respond to those as Jesus would have responded.
I truly believe that we should be plugged in and serving in some area of ministry and modeling what that service looks like for our children. They should see that servant heart displayed and lived out in front of them. I have been fortunate to have several talks with my older two about the "why" of my involvement in Mama Club over the past few weeks and they both have a deeper understanding of why their mommy spends one night a week away from home, interacting with and (hopefully) helping other mommies.
However, my sense of worth should not come from my involvement in various activities, my 'roles' in organizations, my titles, my (insert whatever here). My sense of worth should come from being a child of the risen Lord. Period. End of discussion. No amount of my hurried and potentially frazzled activities should change that. Just like John 6 states, I believe in the one that the Lord sent - and need to continually evaluate my activities to be sure that the Lord wants me there (1 Cor 10:23), those activities align with that message and that I am helping to point people towards the Lord.
Am I the only one who struggles in this area? Commit to working on worth in Christ alone - not in our activities - with me, even if it means being a little less of a 'do-er' or letting go of guilt that may accompany those works sometimes?
I am currently going through a Bible study and this was a verse within a passage of scripture during one of those days and it jumped out of my Bible and spoke to me. It was if the Lord was saying to me, "Stop. Slow down. What you are doing is good, but learn to rest in me."
Now don't get me wrong...I understand that once we're sufficiently plugged in to our true energy source, the only thing that can sufficiently sustain us, our Bread of Life (John 6:25) that we will be conformed more and more into the likeness of Jesus through refinement and, potentially discipline (or pruning, as the verses in John 15 describe).
However, the word of the Lord makes it clear that our works don't define our worth in Christ.
As a self-proclaimed "do-er", this is a hard truth for me, so let me state that again, since it bears repeating.
Our works don't define our worth in Christ.
Our acceptance of Jesus Christ's spilled blood on the cross did that. We are priceless treasures to our Lord.
Luke 12:7 (NIV) Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
This is not at all to say that works - good works - are not important in our lives. Matthew 25 teaches us that we need to be attuned to the needs of the 'least of these' around us and respond to those as Jesus would have responded.
I truly believe that we should be plugged in and serving in some area of ministry and modeling what that service looks like for our children. They should see that servant heart displayed and lived out in front of them. I have been fortunate to have several talks with my older two about the "why" of my involvement in Mama Club over the past few weeks and they both have a deeper understanding of why their mommy spends one night a week away from home, interacting with and (hopefully) helping other mommies.
However, my sense of worth should not come from my involvement in various activities, my 'roles' in organizations, my titles, my (insert whatever here). My sense of worth should come from being a child of the risen Lord. Period. End of discussion. No amount of my hurried and potentially frazzled activities should change that. Just like John 6 states, I believe in the one that the Lord sent - and need to continually evaluate my activities to be sure that the Lord wants me there (1 Cor 10:23), those activities align with that message and that I am helping to point people towards the Lord.
Am I the only one who struggles in this area? Commit to working on worth in Christ alone - not in our activities - with me, even if it means being a little less of a 'do-er' or letting go of guilt that may accompany those works sometimes?
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Gaps
The difference between expectation and reality can create a gap.
The difference between expectation and ability can create a gap.
Gaps can create disappointment.
Let God fill your gaps.....His way and His will have the power to strengthen our abilities, alter our realities, and exceed our expectations.
God doesn't disappoint.
The difference between expectation and ability can create a gap.
Gaps can create disappointment.
Let God fill your gaps.....His way and His will have the power to strengthen our abilities, alter our realities, and exceed our expectations.
God doesn't disappoint.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Chaos
Is it normal?
Chaos, I mean.
Is it?
I was messaging with a friend last week (thank goodness for texting technology, or I wouldn't have a clue how my friends were) and remarked that chaos seemed like our normal.
And it does, doesn't it?
Running from school drop off to work to meetings, from one deadline to another, frantically answering emailsduring between meetings in an attempt to stay on top of a technology that was supposed to assist us. But now it feels more like a hampster wheel sometimes...hurrying us to action but not necessarily showing us progress.
But maybe that's just my relationship with email....and scheduling...and chaos.
As I look at our activities, I realize many times that the problem still lies with me...and my mismatch of realistic expectations to time.
Translation --I think I can, and worse yet, should, do it all.
Full time wife
Full time mommy
Full time employee
Ministry with Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach
Involvement in our Sunday School class & church
Upcoming leadership role in national advising organization (unless there is a landslide write-in campaign, which God absolutely can orchestrate)
Ambassador with iBloom
Oh, and did I mention my kids are involved in stuff, too? It's no wonder my life sometimes can feel like the ball inside a pinball machine.
Now, many of these obligations I feel are absolutely supposed to be in my life. They are there because they help to define me. Mold me. Shape me. They are how God is choosing to use and grow me right now.
My challenge doesn't seem to always be the big rocks, but the small stones or pebbles. I've allowed them into my live as invaders of time. Unchecked guests.
And then to top it off, those guests have a tendency to overstay their welcome. They never seem to leave when you thought they were going to so you could refocus your and energy.
Yes, that's when my chaos seems to occur the most.
So it seems the solution is simple....1) ask God about the pebbles and stones and yes-of course the big rocks- and whether they are part of His plan.
Just because I may be able to handle a single pebble doesn't mean I can handle an onslaught of them, especially if my focus should be on the rocks He has already provided me with and is equipping me to face.
2) Ask God to reveal His design and expectations to you. We want what we do to bring Him glory and if we are too busy striving for perfection that we miss the person-we have missed the mark and missed the message. It's the relationship that points toward Him that matters....not the perfect ___________.
So how about it? Does your life have a chaotic corner needing cleaning? If so, will you work on answering these questions (or any others the Lord may put on your heart) and and restore a little peace this week?
Chaos, I mean.
Is it?
I was messaging with a friend last week (thank goodness for texting technology, or I wouldn't have a clue how my friends were) and remarked that chaos seemed like our normal.
And it does, doesn't it?
Running from school drop off to work to meetings, from one deadline to another, frantically answering emails
But maybe that's just my relationship with email....and scheduling...and chaos.
As I look at our activities, I realize many times that the problem still lies with me...and my mismatch of realistic expectations to time.
Translation --I think I can, and worse yet, should, do it all.
Full time wife
Full time mommy
Full time employee
Ministry with Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach
Involvement in our Sunday School class & church
Upcoming leadership role in national advising organization (unless there is a landslide write-in campaign, which God absolutely can orchestrate)
Ambassador with iBloom
Oh, and did I mention my kids are involved in stuff, too? It's no wonder my life sometimes can feel like the ball inside a pinball machine.
Now, many of these obligations I feel are absolutely supposed to be in my life. They are there because they help to define me. Mold me. Shape me. They are how God is choosing to use and grow me right now.
My challenge doesn't seem to always be the big rocks, but the small stones or pebbles. I've allowed them into my live as invaders of time. Unchecked guests.
And then to top it off, those guests have a tendency to overstay their welcome. They never seem to leave when you thought they were going to so you could refocus your and energy.
Yes, that's when my chaos seems to occur the most.
So it seems the solution is simple....1) ask God about the pebbles and stones and yes-of course the big rocks- and whether they are part of His plan.
Just because I may be able to handle a single pebble doesn't mean I can handle an onslaught of them, especially if my focus should be on the rocks He has already provided me with and is equipping me to face.
2) Ask God to reveal His design and expectations to you. We want what we do to bring Him glory and if we are too busy striving for perfection that we miss the person-we have missed the mark and missed the message. It's the relationship that points toward Him that matters....not the perfect ___________.
So how about it? Does your life have a chaotic corner needing cleaning? If so, will you work on answering these questions (or any others the Lord may put on your heart) and and restore a little peace this week?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Perspective when your kiddos are strong-willed
I have spoken a lot about my strong willed children. Those children who just so happen to come from two strong willed parents.
They never stood a chance.
I have to remind myself that their strong wills will come in handy some day when they are faced with peer pressure and all sorts of other 'things' and I hope and pray that the messages they are learning now will stick.
So it was refreshing to read this devotional about that very same thing. I absolutely love the mothering perspectives she lists...
They never stood a chance.
I have to remind myself that their strong wills will come in handy some day when they are faced with peer pressure and all sorts of other 'things' and I hope and pray that the messages they are learning now will stick.
So it was refreshing to read this devotional about that very same thing. I absolutely love the mothering perspectives she lists...
- Don't take too much credit for their good.
- Don't take too much credit for their bad.
- Don't try to raise a good child. Raise a God-following adult.
Monday, March 12, 2012
When a door closes....
I frequently ask the Lord to give me direction not in the form of quiet whispers, but in flashing billboards and signs.
I don't do well with subtle. The Lord made me. He knows this. It's not a shocker to Him.
But I ask anyway, because I know myself. Typically He answers that particular prayers and gives my flashing billboards and large signs.
I appreciate this very much.
Last fall, I applied for a PhD program in the College of Education and Human Development, within the Department of Educational Administration & Human Resource Development here at Texas A&M University. The program itself was human resource development. It would have taken me a while, as my plan was to take a class, possibly two, at a time.
I have been talking about applying for my PhD for...oh...about 11 years now. Yup. Since I finished my Masters. But a little thing called the real world managed to get in the way. You know...the first 'real' job, a couple-three-kids, just life in general. And despite the fact that I'm surrounded by people continuing their education (with my advice and assistance) and by professors, I hadn't taken the plunge.
Until last fall. My co-worker was applying for the very same program, and that was the motivation I needed. Matt and I prayed about it, and we decided that things seemed like they were lining up for me to apply for the program. If God didn't want me in the program at that time, I simply wouldn't get accepted.
The individuals I asked to write my letters of recommendation were thrilled to do so, one of them even submitted the recommendation letter before I had a chance to submit the application or any supporting materials. All three of these professors felt incredibly confident that I would be admitted, and to tell you the truth, so did I. And so did my co-worker. And so did most of the other people that I told I was applying.
The decision was supposed to be made (I thought) by the end of February. The end of February came and went and I didn't hear anything. I did; however, get a text from another friend who had applied to the same program the evening of March 1st. She basically told me to check my email. I had been busy that afternoon in meetings and hadn't had a chance to check it. So I did.
But God said, "No." Or at least, "Not right now."
I didn't get accepted into the program.
I certainly won't lie and say that I'm not disappointed, because I am. But I'm trusting that this is God's very large, flashing billboard directing me away from this path at this particular moment. Those who I have informed of this have been shocked for me, which I appreciate. But I'm trusting that this was/is God's will for me right now. Perhaps He is saving me from myself, since I do have a tendency to take on more than I need to at any given time.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. - Proverbs 3:5-6
I don't do well with subtle. The Lord made me. He knows this. It's not a shocker to Him.
But I ask anyway, because I know myself. Typically He answers that particular prayers and gives my flashing billboards and large signs.
I appreciate this very much.
Last fall, I applied for a PhD program in the College of Education and Human Development, within the Department of Educational Administration & Human Resource Development here at Texas A&M University. The program itself was human resource development. It would have taken me a while, as my plan was to take a class, possibly two, at a time.
I have been talking about applying for my PhD for...oh...about 11 years now. Yup. Since I finished my Masters. But a little thing called the real world managed to get in the way. You know...the first 'real' job, a couple-three-kids, just life in general. And despite the fact that I'm surrounded by people continuing their education (with my advice and assistance) and by professors, I hadn't taken the plunge.
Until last fall. My co-worker was applying for the very same program, and that was the motivation I needed. Matt and I prayed about it, and we decided that things seemed like they were lining up for me to apply for the program. If God didn't want me in the program at that time, I simply wouldn't get accepted.
The individuals I asked to write my letters of recommendation were thrilled to do so, one of them even submitted the recommendation letter before I had a chance to submit the application or any supporting materials. All three of these professors felt incredibly confident that I would be admitted, and to tell you the truth, so did I. And so did my co-worker. And so did most of the other people that I told I was applying.
The decision was supposed to be made (I thought) by the end of February. The end of February came and went and I didn't hear anything. I did; however, get a text from another friend who had applied to the same program the evening of March 1st. She basically told me to check my email. I had been busy that afternoon in meetings and hadn't had a chance to check it. So I did.
But God said, "No." Or at least, "Not right now."
I didn't get accepted into the program.
I certainly won't lie and say that I'm not disappointed, because I am. But I'm trusting that this is God's very large, flashing billboard directing me away from this path at this particular moment. Those who I have informed of this have been shocked for me, which I appreciate. But I'm trusting that this was/is God's will for me right now. Perhaps He is saving me from myself, since I do have a tendency to take on more than I need to at any given time.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. - Proverbs 3:5-6
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Looking at the big picture
If you're questioning the 'bigger picture' for your life - how you're going to make an impact, what you're supposed to do, what it all means....especially as you clean up spilled milk for what feels like the hundredth time in a day or put away the toys that have once again escaped from their homes - remember.....God already has it figured out. All you have to do is obey Him and trust.
Follow Him when it doesn't seem to make sense. Be faithful in the little things. Those little things add up and make it oh-so-easier to be trusting and faithful in the big things.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
'...in all your ways acknowledge him...'
As you're cleaning up that milk.
As you're picking up those toys.
As you're doing another load of laundry.
As you're cooking another dinner.
As you're scrubbing the floor.
As you're vacuuming.
As you're kissing the foreheads of those precious children.
As you're hugging your hubby tight.
As you're holding hair back as a child gets sick in the middle of the night.
As you're disciplining.
As you're redirecting a child to acceptable toys.
In all your ways...
Those little moments, those little tasks, those little - seemingly insignificant, mundane things - make up the little pixels of the big picture of your life.
What does your picture look like?
As you're holding hair back as a child gets sick in the middle of the night.
As you're disciplining.
As you're redirecting a child to acceptable toys.
In all your ways...
Those little moments, those little tasks, those little - seemingly insignificant, mundane things - make up the little pixels of the big picture of your life.
What does your picture look like?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Shoes
I follow the Hendricks blog, and many of the posts there are some of the ones getting me thinking 'deep thoughts' here lately.
And some of the posts just open my mind to things I never knew existed.
Like sandals that could be tied in different ways.
With different colors.
Made by gals working to pay for their education.
In Uganda.
Where it seems like this type of experience just doesn't happen all that often.
If you want to learn more, check out the post here!
And some of the posts just open my mind to things I never knew existed.
Like sandals that could be tied in different ways.
With different colors.
Made by gals working to pay for their education.
In Uganda.
Where it seems like this type of experience just doesn't happen all that often.
If you want to learn more, check out the post here!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Scripture Memory (Verse 11 & 12)
Yikes!!
Where have I been? I'm behind in getting these memory verses out here....
Verse 11 (for June 1)
He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go. They will catch you in their hands so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
Psalm 91:11-12 (NCV)
Link to the Verse 11 post
Verse 12 (for June 15)
Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.
Philippians 4:8 (NCV)
Link to the Verse 12 post
And we're halfway there!! Are you keeping up? Don't worry if you've fallen behind. There is no better time to catch up and work on your consistency than NOW. And I don't care when you're reading this. Now is NOW!
What are the ways in which you're putting God's word into your heart this year?
Where have I been? I'm behind in getting these memory verses out here....
Verse 11 (for June 1)
He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go. They will catch you in their hands so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
Psalm 91:11-12 (NCV)
Link to the Verse 11 post
Verse 12 (for June 15)
Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.
Philippians 4:8 (NCV)
Link to the Verse 12 post
And we're halfway there!! Are you keeping up? Don't worry if you've fallen behind. There is no better time to catch up and work on your consistency than NOW. And I don't care when you're reading this. Now is NOW!
What are the ways in which you're putting God's word into your heart this year?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Scripture Memory (Verse 10)
So in a recent cleaning bout, I came across a book my MIL had given me on Mother's Day in 2006...The 100 Most Important Bible Verses for Mothers. I'm going to use one of those verses for my newest verse to memorize as part of this challenge.
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.
Philippians 4:6 (NCV)
Here is the link to the main challenge!
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.
Philippians 4:6 (NCV)
Here is the link to the main challenge!
Monday, May 02, 2011
Scripture Memory! (Verse 9)
Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
John 14:1 (NLT)
And click here to check on the full Scripture Memory challenge.
How have your verses changed you this year?
John 14:1 (NLT)
And click here to check on the full Scripture Memory challenge.
How have your verses changed you this year?
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Scripture Memory! (Verse 7)
Another month, another memory verse!
Are you keeping up?
It's not too late to join in!!
The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Psalm 18:46 KJV
Here is the link to the LPM page for verse 7!
Are you keeping up?
It's not too late to join in!!
The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Psalm 18:46 KJV
Here is the link to the LPM page for verse 7!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Hakuna Matata
Hakuna matata.
'It means 'no worries', for the rest of your days,' and it isn't just a song you can sing from a movie you know by heart. (And just in case you are one of the folks who cannot quote the movie verbatim from memory, it's from Disney's The Lion King.)
And it's biblical.
Yes, hakuna matata is biblical.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV). [Emphasis is mine]
If you're anything like me, you need that reminder. A lot.
So it bears repeating.
I was called to live a hakuna matata life....one with no worries.
Sometimes it sounds so easy. In a very churchy way, it's easy to say, but oh-so-hard to live out.
Although there are plenty, I think I've discovered at least one reason why this is so difficult.
I sometimes confuse care or concern with worry.
Think about that statement for a minute.
I feel that if I'm not worried about it that must mean I don't care about it.
And I need to stop that thinking. Immediately.
Worry-
(verb) - to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.
(noun) - a worried condition or feeling; uneasiness or anxiety.
(noun) - a cause of uneasiness or anxiety; trouble.
Why do I torment myself?
Why do I allow this anxiety?
Cast all of your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
Care-
(verb) - to be concerned or solicitous; have thought or regard
(verb) - to feel concern about
Worrying about something is not the same as caring about something. Jesus wants us to give Him our worries, our fears, our anxieties. He wants ALL of them. It says so right there in 1 Peter.
It's not my job to worry. It's my job to care. And if I find myself worrying, I'm not allowing God to do His job and I'm also not trusting that He has it all figured out.
Ouch.
Don't worry about your future, God already has it figured out. Don't worry about your kids, God already has that one covered, too. Hubby - check. Job - covered. Finances - yep, He's got that area, too.
We can care very deeply about each of these areas, but we can do so without worrying.
It's hard. Really hard.
And I don't have it down yet.
But I'm certainly trying.
Want to try with me?
So sing and play with your kids, grab your husband and dance around the room, show your family that you care deeply about them, and live the hakuna matata life. Obey God today, give Him your worries, and trust Him with tomorrow.
And if you have a lovely bunch of coconuts, I would like to know if they're all standing in a row.
'It means 'no worries', for the rest of your days,' and it isn't just a song you can sing from a movie you know by heart. (And just in case you are one of the folks who cannot quote the movie verbatim from memory, it's from Disney's The Lion King.)
And it's biblical.
Yes, hakuna matata is biblical.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV). [Emphasis is mine]
If you're anything like me, you need that reminder. A lot.
So it bears repeating.
I was called to live a hakuna matata life....one with no worries.
Sometimes it sounds so easy. In a very churchy way, it's easy to say, but oh-so-hard to live out.
- Don't worry about your youngest child's complete and utter disdain of baby food - at 8 months old.
- Don't worry about her horrible reactions to rice and oatmeal and what that might mean for her down the road.
- Don't worry about your 4 year old-going-on-14's sassy attitude and disobedient streak.
- Don't worry about your oldest child's growing pains.
- Don't worry about funding three children in school and daycare, and eventually college.
- Don't worry about summer plans.
- Don't worry about ill relatives.
- Don't worry about the current economy.
- Don't worry about your job.
Although there are plenty, I think I've discovered at least one reason why this is so difficult.
I sometimes confuse care or concern with worry.
Think about that statement for a minute.
I feel that if I'm not worried about it that must mean I don't care about it.
And I need to stop that thinking. Immediately.
Worry-
(verb) - to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.
(noun) - a worried condition or feeling; uneasiness or anxiety.
(noun) - a cause of uneasiness or anxiety; trouble.
Why do I torment myself?
Why do I allow this anxiety?
Cast all of your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
Care-
(verb) - to be concerned or solicitous; have thought or regard
(verb) - to feel concern about
Worrying about something is not the same as caring about something. Jesus wants us to give Him our worries, our fears, our anxieties. He wants ALL of them. It says so right there in 1 Peter.
It's not my job to worry. It's my job to care. And if I find myself worrying, I'm not allowing God to do His job and I'm also not trusting that He has it all figured out.
Ouch.
Don't worry about your future, God already has it figured out. Don't worry about your kids, God already has that one covered, too. Hubby - check. Job - covered. Finances - yep, He's got that area, too.
We can care very deeply about each of these areas, but we can do so without worrying.
It's hard. Really hard.
And I don't have it down yet.
But I'm certainly trying.
Want to try with me?
So sing and play with your kids, grab your husband and dance around the room, show your family that you care deeply about them, and live the hakuna matata life. Obey God today, give Him your worries, and trust Him with tomorrow.
And if you have a lovely bunch of coconuts, I would like to know if they're all standing in a row.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Scripture Memory! (Verse 6)
I know I just put up my March 1st verse a few days ago, but I'm desperately trying to stay on-time and on-task with these.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 1:6 (NIV)
Here's the link to the LPM post....
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 1:6 (NIV)
Here's the link to the LPM post....
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Scripture Memory! (Verse 5)
Goodness, goodness....I'm late on this once again.
I've been thinking about what my new verse might be for a while....but I apparently need to think less and act more, because I still hadn't decided on the verse until I read Beth's blog entry...
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Here is the link for the LPM page for verse 5.
I've been thinking about what my new verse might be for a while....but I apparently need to think less and act more, because I still hadn't decided on the verse until I read Beth's blog entry...
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Here is the link for the LPM page for verse 5.
Friday, March 11, 2011
All things work together.....
All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
This is my life verse. Well, to be fair, this has been my life verse for at least the last 17 years. I'm not arrogant enough to pretend to know what God's going to do with me in the next 17+ years of my life.
{Well wait, sometimes I am. Darn.}
I am; however, smart enough to realize that whatever happens to me or through me, God is going to use for a good reason at some point in time, so I don't know if he's going to give me a different life verse for the next chapter of my life.
I do know that this verse has been my 'go-to' verse for a while. It's the verse I say over and over in my head when I don't understand some circumstance, when something messes with my sense of fairness, when I don't understand the 'why' of the situation.
"All things" means just that. All things. The kids spilling milk at the kitchen table for what seems like the millionth time. The sassy response of a 4 year old who might morph into a teenager overnight. The child, small for his age, who has become the brunt of teasing by 'friends'. The loss of a baby I'll never know here on earth.
All things.
"...work together for good." All of those situations, all of those experiences, all of those feelings, all of those regrets are coming together into a product only known to God. He's using those things within me and through me for good. What Satan means for harm, God uses for good. The experiences work together, which means that one experience doesn't occur in isolation and that all experiences are necessary for me to fulfill what God intends. And what God intends is good, even if the experiences necessary to get me there don't feel like it to me as I'm living them.
"...to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." That's me! I hope that it's you, too. No matter how often I stumble, no matter how badly I mess up, I love God. That means everything I have gone through, am going through, and will go through is worth it, because it's molding and shaping me to be the person God wants me to be so that I can accomplish the things He wants me to with His help and through His strength.
I feel like the things He wants me to do have a lot to do with the my personal experiences. Those same experiences that I felt necessitated Romans 8:28 being my life verse. I feel like I'm supposed to reach out and assist those going through life trying to wear some of the same hats that I've worn. Those perhaps stumbling in the same areas in which I stumbled and struggling in the same areas I've struggled.
My next question is, "How?" Followed closely by, "What might that look like?"
One avenue to assist me along this journey could be the She Speaks Conference, sponsored by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Lysa TerKeurst is hosting a scholarship contest on her blog and the scholarship recipient will be gifted with attendance to their annual conference, which is designed to answer those very questions for women. I'm hopeful that this conference might solidify for me exactly how God wants to use me and what that might look like. I've sat too long on my experiences and feel convicted to use my life experiences to help others through theirs.
The She Speaks Conference is designed to assist those who want to develop their speaking, writing, or women's ministry skills to their fullest potential.
I'm not worthy of doing this on my own and in my own strength, and trust that I'll certainly need to rely on the Lord's guidance as I set out on this journey.
Regardless of who wins the Cecil Murphy Scholarship, please pray for each of the ladies entering, as I have no doubt God wants to do amazing things through their lives. Please pray for the conference itself and those involved in the preparations. And I'll selfishly ask that you pray for me as I try to answer these questions in my own life.
Romans 8:28
This is my life verse. Well, to be fair, this has been my life verse for at least the last 17 years. I'm not arrogant enough to pretend to know what God's going to do with me in the next 17+ years of my life.
{Well wait, sometimes I am. Darn.}
I am; however, smart enough to realize that whatever happens to me or through me, God is going to use for a good reason at some point in time, so I don't know if he's going to give me a different life verse for the next chapter of my life.
I do know that this verse has been my 'go-to' verse for a while. It's the verse I say over and over in my head when I don't understand some circumstance, when something messes with my sense of fairness, when I don't understand the 'why' of the situation.
"All things" means just that. All things. The kids spilling milk at the kitchen table for what seems like the millionth time. The sassy response of a 4 year old who might morph into a teenager overnight. The child, small for his age, who has become the brunt of teasing by 'friends'. The loss of a baby I'll never know here on earth.
All things.
"...work together for good." All of those situations, all of those experiences, all of those feelings, all of those regrets are coming together into a product only known to God. He's using those things within me and through me for good. What Satan means for harm, God uses for good. The experiences work together, which means that one experience doesn't occur in isolation and that all experiences are necessary for me to fulfill what God intends. And what God intends is good, even if the experiences necessary to get me there don't feel like it to me as I'm living them.
"...to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." That's me! I hope that it's you, too. No matter how often I stumble, no matter how badly I mess up, I love God. That means everything I have gone through, am going through, and will go through is worth it, because it's molding and shaping me to be the person God wants me to be so that I can accomplish the things He wants me to with His help and through His strength.
I feel like the things He wants me to do have a lot to do with the my personal experiences. Those same experiences that I felt necessitated Romans 8:28 being my life verse. I feel like I'm supposed to reach out and assist those going through life trying to wear some of the same hats that I've worn. Those perhaps stumbling in the same areas in which I stumbled and struggling in the same areas I've struggled.
My next question is, "How?" Followed closely by, "What might that look like?"
One avenue to assist me along this journey could be the She Speaks Conference, sponsored by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Lysa TerKeurst is hosting a scholarship contest on her blog and the scholarship recipient will be gifted with attendance to their annual conference, which is designed to answer those very questions for women. I'm hopeful that this conference might solidify for me exactly how God wants to use me and what that might look like. I've sat too long on my experiences and feel convicted to use my life experiences to help others through theirs.
The She Speaks Conference is designed to assist those who want to develop their speaking, writing, or women's ministry skills to their fullest potential.
I'm not worthy of doing this on my own and in my own strength, and trust that I'll certainly need to rely on the Lord's guidance as I set out on this journey.
Regardless of who wins the Cecil Murphy Scholarship, please pray for each of the ladies entering, as I have no doubt God wants to do amazing things through their lives. Please pray for the conference itself and those involved in the preparations. And I'll selfishly ask that you pray for me as I try to answer these questions in my own life.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Scripture Memory! (Verse 4)
Next installment....
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (King James)
To join in on the Scripture Memorization Challenge, go here.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (King James)
To join in on the Scripture Memorization Challenge, go here.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Spiritual Running
Have you ever considered that something you do for your body can have spiritual implications? Perhaps it will allow you to see something the Lord is trying to show you a little clearer, and teach you something along the way.
Interesting perspective, huh?
In my attempt to be more consistent with my running (and I will continue to post my mileage log at the end of each month), I decided that perhaps I should change my route.
My old route was familiar. I like it quite a bit. It's a straight shot down a long road near our house, and doesn't require much turning corners or anything of that sort. You just turn around and head back at a landmark that is a mile away from where I begin.
But it's a 2-mile route.
I want to push myself a little more than that on the mornings I go run.
A couple of years ago when I was training for the half marathon, Matt and I mapped out another route around our neighborhood. There isn't much difference in the mileage, but it's a 2.5 mile route. That, and maybe when I get a little quicker, a 3 mile route is about what I have time for in the mornings.
I ran the new route last week for the first time in ages and discovered something.
I didn't do as well on the new route.
It wasn't that much longer, but I seemed to tire easily, I wanted to slow down and/or even walk some (which I rarely allow myself to do - the walk part, not the slow down part).
As I thought about the reasons for this, I realized that perhaps it was precisely because it was unfamiliar that I struggled.
In my old route, I knew when I was a quarter of the way through. I turned around and headed back at the halfway mark, and then knew I had a quarter mile left. These mental markers were motivating to me, they allowed me to keep pushing, because I knew where I was on my journey. It was familiar.
The new route wasn't familiar. I didn't have my mental markers. I had no idea when I was a quarter of the way through. I had no idea when I was halfway done, because it's a large circular route and I don't actually turn around.
I simply didn't know what was around the next corner or how much longer I was going to have to keep going.
And the unknown zapped me of my strength and endurance. Even though I was completely capable of running that 2.5 mile path. Completely capable.
It would be so much easier to continue to run only my familiar path, but then I wouldn't stretch myself. I wouldn't improve.
Isn't that the way it works in the spiritual realm? Isn't that the way it works with assignments or directions God gives us?
It's easier for us to do our familiar thing - our familiar routine. But many times God calls us to be stretched. To improve ourselves. To give more of ourselves.
It doesn't matter that we don't know where we are on the new path. God does.
God knows every inch of our new journey, our new endeavor. He's prepared and will continue to prepare us to be able to handle the new route. He'll be with us every step of the way. He'll give us the knowledge we need. He'll give us the endurance to keep going, even when we don't know how much longer we'll be. Through Him, we'll be completely capable.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
Armed with this realization, I ran this new route again this week. And you know what, it was a great jog. It was a great jog even in spite of being only 12+ hours out from the longest jog I had undertaken in over two years. And I was reminded that with God, I was completely capable of finishing my new journey.
What new journey is He calling you to?
Interesting perspective, huh?
In my attempt to be more consistent with my running (and I will continue to post my mileage log at the end of each month), I decided that perhaps I should change my route.
My old route was familiar. I like it quite a bit. It's a straight shot down a long road near our house, and doesn't require much turning corners or anything of that sort. You just turn around and head back at a landmark that is a mile away from where I begin.
But it's a 2-mile route.
I want to push myself a little more than that on the mornings I go run.
A couple of years ago when I was training for the half marathon, Matt and I mapped out another route around our neighborhood. There isn't much difference in the mileage, but it's a 2.5 mile route. That, and maybe when I get a little quicker, a 3 mile route is about what I have time for in the mornings.
I ran the new route last week for the first time in ages and discovered something.
I didn't do as well on the new route.
It wasn't that much longer, but I seemed to tire easily, I wanted to slow down and/or even walk some (which I rarely allow myself to do - the walk part, not the slow down part).
As I thought about the reasons for this, I realized that perhaps it was precisely because it was unfamiliar that I struggled.
In my old route, I knew when I was a quarter of the way through. I turned around and headed back at the halfway mark, and then knew I had a quarter mile left. These mental markers were motivating to me, they allowed me to keep pushing, because I knew where I was on my journey. It was familiar.
The new route wasn't familiar. I didn't have my mental markers. I had no idea when I was a quarter of the way through. I had no idea when I was halfway done, because it's a large circular route and I don't actually turn around.
I simply didn't know what was around the next corner or how much longer I was going to have to keep going.
And the unknown zapped me of my strength and endurance. Even though I was completely capable of running that 2.5 mile path. Completely capable.
It would be so much easier to continue to run only my familiar path, but then I wouldn't stretch myself. I wouldn't improve.
Isn't that the way it works in the spiritual realm? Isn't that the way it works with assignments or directions God gives us?
It's easier for us to do our familiar thing - our familiar routine. But many times God calls us to be stretched. To improve ourselves. To give more of ourselves.
It doesn't matter that we don't know where we are on the new path. God does.
God knows every inch of our new journey, our new endeavor. He's prepared and will continue to prepare us to be able to handle the new route. He'll be with us every step of the way. He'll give us the knowledge we need. He'll give us the endurance to keep going, even when we don't know how much longer we'll be. Through Him, we'll be completely capable.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
Armed with this realization, I ran this new route again this week. And you know what, it was a great jog. It was a great jog even in spite of being only 12+ hours out from the longest jog I had undertaken in over two years. And I was reminded that with God, I was completely capable of finishing my new journey.
What new journey is He calling you to?
Friday, February 04, 2011
Scripture Memory!
It's that time again (only this time I'm just a few days late).
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
To join in on the Scripture Memorization Challenge for the year, go here.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
To join in on the Scripture Memorization Challenge for the year, go here.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Need a gift idea?
How about one that helps others? How about several?
Our church distributed a Holiday Shopping Guide which included several gift options that would benefit various ministries. I'll share them in case you're looking for that extra-special gift for someone (excerpts taken from the brochure).
Compassion
Gift of compassion (Any Amount)
Whether you donate towards renovation or sanitization of kitchen facilities or towards potential income generation through pig farming, Compassion will use your contribution to release children and families from poverty in Jesus' name.
Child Sponsorship ($38/month)
Connects your child with a loving, church-based child sponsorship program that provides: food and clean water, medical care, educational opportunities, and important life-skills training. Most important of all, your sponsored child will hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God.
Bite Back
One Treated Bed Net ($10/ea)
Malaria starts with a fever and is followed by headaches and vomiting. If not treated quickly, malaria can overwhelm the body or even infect the brain and cause a coma. At this point, malaria becomes fatal. Children are hit the hardest by malaria, a disease that can keep them from school several weeks a year and weaken their bodies in the process. If untreated, malaria can spread to the brain and quickly kill a child.
Hani Coffee Co.
One pound of Hani Coffee ($16/ea)
Great coffee, changed lives. As a startup company, we're about more than just offering a premium product. We're about investing in people. The beans for our signature roast come from the terraced mountains of Southwest China. Working alongside of the Hani villagers who helped grow and harvest the beans so many enjoy, we partner to provide better medical, educational and clean water opportunities.
SHIP (Shelter the Homeless International Projects)
Orphanage Construction (Any Amount)
In San Salvador, El Salvador, thirty-three children, the Orphanage Director, and his wife live in an abandoned school building that is approximately 1,400 square feet. The building is kept as clean as possible, but the conditions are substandard, the children have little to no room for playing, and there are many safety concerns for this location and building.
Honor Our Troops
Soldier Care Package ($25/ea)
H.O.T. is an organization based out of the Midland/Odessa, Texas area. Our mission is to send care packages to as many service men and women as possible, on a weekly basis.
Missionary Care Packages
Care Packages (Any amount)
Central Baptist Church supports over 30 missionaries serving all over the world. Send a package as a family or with others from your fellowship group and let them know that we love and care about them! Contact the Missions Office at missions@cbcbryan.org for information on sending a care package. [For those who attend a church other than CBC, contact your church for information on sponsored missionaries.]
Disclaimer: By no means is this an exhaustive list of gift ideas that would be of benefit to others around the globe. This list was compiled b the Missions Ministry of Central Baptist Church.
Our church distributed a Holiday Shopping Guide which included several gift options that would benefit various ministries. I'll share them in case you're looking for that extra-special gift for someone (excerpts taken from the brochure).
Compassion
Gift of compassion (Any Amount)
Whether you donate towards renovation or sanitization of kitchen facilities or towards potential income generation through pig farming, Compassion will use your contribution to release children and families from poverty in Jesus' name.
Child Sponsorship ($38/month)
Connects your child with a loving, church-based child sponsorship program that provides: food and clean water, medical care, educational opportunities, and important life-skills training. Most important of all, your sponsored child will hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God.
Bite Back
One Treated Bed Net ($10/ea)
Malaria starts with a fever and is followed by headaches and vomiting. If not treated quickly, malaria can overwhelm the body or even infect the brain and cause a coma. At this point, malaria becomes fatal. Children are hit the hardest by malaria, a disease that can keep them from school several weeks a year and weaken their bodies in the process. If untreated, malaria can spread to the brain and quickly kill a child.
Hani Coffee Co.
One pound of Hani Coffee ($16/ea)
Great coffee, changed lives. As a startup company, we're about more than just offering a premium product. We're about investing in people. The beans for our signature roast come from the terraced mountains of Southwest China. Working alongside of the Hani villagers who helped grow and harvest the beans so many enjoy, we partner to provide better medical, educational and clean water opportunities.
SHIP (Shelter the Homeless International Projects)
Orphanage Construction (Any Amount)
In San Salvador, El Salvador, thirty-three children, the Orphanage Director, and his wife live in an abandoned school building that is approximately 1,400 square feet. The building is kept as clean as possible, but the conditions are substandard, the children have little to no room for playing, and there are many safety concerns for this location and building.
Honor Our Troops
Soldier Care Package ($25/ea)
H.O.T. is an organization based out of the Midland/Odessa, Texas area. Our mission is to send care packages to as many service men and women as possible, on a weekly basis.
Missionary Care Packages
Care Packages (Any amount)
Central Baptist Church supports over 30 missionaries serving all over the world. Send a package as a family or with others from your fellowship group and let them know that we love and care about them! Contact the Missions Office at missions@cbcbryan.org for information on sending a care package. [For those who attend a church other than CBC, contact your church for information on sponsored missionaries.]
Disclaimer: By no means is this an exhaustive list of gift ideas that would be of benefit to others around the globe. This list was compiled b the Missions Ministry of Central Baptist Church.
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