Category Archives: God

The giver becomes the receiver…

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rockcity-1Tonight was one of those nights.  My husband had sent me a text earlier today asking how my day was going.  I had a full day.  As I transition from teaching Algebra II, fractions, and counting coins to all things preschool (naps included), my brain received an overload without a chance to download.  And for me, full brain = ache.  I’ve learned how to function through head aches, yet the fog causes extra concentration to live in the moment.

I arrived home, quickly gathered the troops, and we headed over to the Homeless Families Foundation here in Columbus.  Rock City Church was sponsoring an event, and we simply didn’t want to miss it.  60 pairs of gift wrapped boots awaited their recipients.  Decorated cookies and hot chocolate with all the fixins were waiting to be consumed.  Craft tables were prepped.  The OSU dance team was awaiting their chance to start us off with Christmas spirit and high-fives of encouragement.

Little did I know just what God had in store for me during this “full” state…

  • I saw my husband.  He was beaming amongst the crowd of volunteers, children, and staff.
  • I saw my girls jump right into the craft, and in caring for their special friends, the pastor’s girls.
  • I saw my son, standing in the shadow of his father and best friend, taking in the conversations that ensued.
  • I saw a friend from my life group.
  • I was greeted with tender hugs from my friends in ministry.

And I simply did what came naturally, I got down to the child’s level and I started asking questions as they created and ate.

“Tell me one good thing about school today.”  “What makes you excited about Christmas?” “I like the pattern you chose for your necklace, will you keep it, or give it to someone special?”

boysAnd they answered.  Willingly and gladly.  I learned about their likes and dislikes.  I learned about their needs and wants.  I learned a bit about their personalities.  They shared with me a piece of their hearts.  And this time, it filled my soul.

And I quietly prayed for these special children of God.  I prayed for their futures.

God girlAnd then I checked on my girls, and while standing in line for a simple snack, this precious face turns to me.  And in my distraction of staring at a discolored gray front tooth, my ears hear this sweet whisper say, “Christmas is all about God.”

And it arrested me.

And I paused.

And I smiled, and stammered a response, “yes… it is”.  And as she turned, she looked back one more time to say, “And Jesus too”.

And Jesus too.

RalphAnd then Ralph crawled into my lap.  And he asked in if there was an iPad in one of the gift bags.  And I said, “nope”.  And he was content to snap a picture with my iPhone.

Barnabas

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then, each child was called by name.  And as they were called, a young male voice rang out, “Zoe, oh yeah!”  “Seth, you rock!”  “Ralph, you go boy!”  And a modern day Barnabas appeared in the form of a little boy, so thrilled for his friends to receive a gift.  Thinking not of himself.  And all the adults chuckled.  And I stood in amazement.

And they opened their gift.  It was small, and yet it met a need.  And they received it gladly.  And wore them proudly.

girlsstylin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I realized I had not once thought of my former head ache.  In a simple act of giving, I was the one who became a receiver.  In God’s economy,  the first shall be last and the last shall be first.  Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, and the merciful.  This event was a real life example of God’s ability to multiply a simple act of kindness, to reach in and touch the soul of one simple girl who needed a little Christmas reminder.

It’s all about God.  And Jesus.

How will YOU give today?  Perhaps the Lord has a special plan for you to receive as well.  Merry Christmas!

Thinking of Christmas…

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I know, I know… in fact, it wan’t until the other day that I had the thought,

I haven’t even given the Chritimas list so much as a half-a-moments-thought!  And, I’m still not ready yet.

It happens.  Some years I find myself searching, thinking, and planning earlier than others. Each year finds us with funds of various rates, ideas of different shapes and sizes, and children whose ages gain in momentum.

All that said, I do believe I now know the reason to have had a delayed Chirstmas-shopping-spirit.  Nope, not the weather.  Nope, not the business of life.  Nope, not the hassle of thinking, finding, shopping, and wrapping.

God literally dropped my Chistmas shopping list right in my lap.  It’s perfect.  You see, not only does this gift come in the perfect shape, size, and color for a variety of family members, it will bless others… tenfold.

Curious?

I was too.  Without further adieu, hop on over to my husband’s blog.  He has all the 4-1-1.  And he’s a much better writer than I…

In all due honor of not rushing things, Happy Halloween!

 

 

An opportunity to say yes

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5 days ago I had an activity on my calendar.  It had a time and a friend’s name.  I had an opportunity to help.  I had the privilege of saying yes.  In saying yes to this activity, God provided another opportunity.  After sharing this opportunity with my husband over the phone, our hearts were quick to answer.  Quick, not in a jump-before-thinking manner, but out of a heart of peace that didn’t need to have all the details worked out.  We had the privilege of saying yes.

Yes to share.

Yes to provide.

Yes to love.

Yes to uncertainty.

Yes to sacrifice.

For out of the abundance of all that He has provided, we get to share just a slice – just a room, just some meals, just our hearts.  For God has chosen to bring two families together in such a time as this.  For how long?  We don’t know.  How will it function? One day, one meal, one moment at a time.  What will this time together entail? Growth. For All. That’s the simple truth of the matter.

I’m certain of more stories and lessons to come, but for now, my husband has a coined hash tag on twitter…

#partyof11

 This is life – the fun adventure of it all!

What opportunities is God providing you today?  Will yes be your answer?

 

The Greatest Gift

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The Manger. The Manger is a Christmas gift store for needy families in Northwest Columbus.  Its purpose is to help ease the burden of gift giving by allowing parents to shop for their families at greatly reduced prices.  It’s grand opening was tonight.  For the second time, all five of us were able to be a part of this Christmas miracle.  Each one of us has a story, each one of us had an ordained plan.  It’s simply an honor just to be a part of the plan.  My take away this evening… perspective, a humble heart.

Aaron and Austin served as wherever-you-need-me men, Emma wrapped many gifts, Brynn helped with the shopping, I got to be a “mingler” and a listener.  I had nothing to offer as a solution to their circumstances, but I do have something even better than a consumable item to offer, the greatest gift of all… my Jesus.  We each loved it.  We each had a role in serving as the body of Christ.  We each had a hand to reach out.  We each received so much more in return.  This season, do you have a hand to extend?  Take a moment and click here for more information.  Perhaps, just perhaps, God has a gift for you this season.  We would love a chance to serve as the body alongside you.  God bless!

Dying a little more every day…

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Read a post over at (in)courage today, and it got me thinking…

In the past few weeks, I had experienced what can only be described as death of a dream.  The door that led to an opportunity to enter back into my career field had been shut.  I was perplexed, confused, and very disappointed.  I felt heavy, I experienced emotions, I grieved.  And then…

my perspective shifted.

This “death” I experienced wasn’t an ending.  In fact, it was a beginning.

John 12:24
Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

What happens after a seed dies?  New life springs up, blooms, grows, and even multiples.  So true!  It’s happening in my life right at this moment… and I could have missed it, had I held onto my seed.  What happens if I hold tightly to a seed in my hand?  No new life, no blooms, no growth, just the potential of a seed, and all the will power I can muster.

What if I let go of my seeds, deposited them in the dark soil, watched and waited for the Son and the Living Water to call them to life?  I would be letting go, but I would be gaining what?  I guess the real question is… do I want seeds or fruit? Do I want hope or harvest?  Do I want dreams or life?  Will I allow God to redeem my dreams, perhaps in a different, yet better way?

Are you holding tight to your life?  Dying literally is not optional.  One day we will all draw our last breath.  Dying spiritually, on the other hand, is a choice.  Will you choose to seek His guidance about your dreams? future? marriage? kids? finances? health? happiness?

Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

All I can tell you is that letting go has been worth it’s weight in gold, every time.  What do you have to lose?

The grace in my life…

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As I sat to do some reading last evening, I came across a familiar story.  Though I have previous knowledge of how this story concludes, I was riveted by a new revelation.  Just love when this happens don’t you!  Ha, this coming from one who craves predictability, there’s just something about surprises.

The story I revisited was the life of Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute.  As a quick recap, her story came at a time when Joshua succeeded Moses as the nation’s leader.  It came time to attack Jericho.  God revealed the plan for attack, a plan that was simply unconventional (Josh. 6:3-4).  Before attacking, men sent as spies found room and board with Rahab.  They were spotted.  Rahab had a choice to make – hand them over or risk her life.  She chose to affirm her personal belief,

…the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.  Joshua 2:11

As a result, she hid the spies, and asked for protection when they invaded.  Apparently, the promise given to Moses 650 years earlier was commonly known among the Canaanites.  As the sons of the covenant prepared to cross the Jordan River, people living in the promised land understood the significance of their arrival.  Rahab, however, responded to these beliefs very differently than her countrymen.  Whereas they prepared for war, she surrendered and asked for protection.

But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho – and she lives among the Israelites to this day.  Joshua 6:25

A Canaanite prostitute, who otherwise would have been stoned under the law recently received through Moses, became an accepted member of the community, an adopted daughter of the covenant.  Her trust in God and her acceptance in the community entitled her to receive a portion of the land promised to Abraham’s descendants.  By surrendering her illegitimate claim to the land and by receiving God’s gracious offer of mercy and forgiveness, Rahab became an adopted daughter in the family of God and an heir to Abraham’s promise.

AND, not only that, a young man named Salmon saw in Rehab a beautiful woman of faith, despite her sin-stained past, and asked her to marry him.  She gave birth to a son named Boaz, who would grow up and to marry a widow named Ruth, only to become the great-grandparents of none other than a king named David.  Moreover, the Messiah, the King of Kings, would be born from her lineage!  She received grace heaped upon grace and divine favor beyond her wildest imaginings.

In some ways, Rahab’s story is our story.  Each of us has a label.  You may have your label concealed for most of your life and prefer it remain a secret.  You keep the people from your past separated from those who know you now.  You avoid reminiscing too much because your memories and your old label causes you shame.  Perhaps your label is a reason you hesitate to step foot inside church.  If so, consider this:  Isn’t it interesting that when the Israelite spies offered to spare Rahab’s life, they said nothing about her lifestyle?

Abandoning her trade was not part of the deal.  Changing her life wasn’t discussed.  Rahab’s label was not an obstacle to God.  The reality and the embarrassment your label reflects is not an obstacle to God’s grace.  You, like Rahab, are invited as you are, label and all.  You, like Israel, have been invited to join God in a relationship initiated by faith, not adherence to a set of rules.  This is the way of grace.  Grace doesn’t demand.  Grace assists.

When it comes to your labels, current or past, God is slow to judge and more than willing to deliver.

Not after you’ve freed yourself or distanced yourself from your embarrassing labels, but as a part of the process.  In fact grace provided you with labels of it’s own: Forgiven.  Accepted.  Loved. I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing this re-labeling process wasn’t instant.  I’m guessing this was a process for her, and in the same fashion, is for us.  One day at a time, one decision at a time, one moment at a time.  What labels do you have for yourself?  From what I’m learning, it may take a while for new labels to stick.  My prayer for you today is this:

Father, today I declare that what you say in your word, about my friend is true.  You are forgiven.  You are accepted.  You are loved.  Teach us to live life in accordance with who you say we are.  Amen.

If you find yourself in a place where you recognize the need to connect with others, would you consider a place to GROW in Him?  Have a blessed, and changed day!

Blessings of walking IN Him…

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Every once in awhile, there are special moments.  Moments that you simply find yourself a part of, in the middle of, standing and smiling.  Perhaps it’s an event, perhaps it’s a spoken word, perhaps it’s a written word, either way, it’s received, and that’s all.  Reminds me of the concept of grace – a gift bestowed from the One who simply delights in me, knowing full well all my faults, flaws, and sins.  This concept describes last evening for me.  As I ran this morning, I found myself still basking in the moment, amazed and humbled once again to share about my Lord.

A few weeks ago, Aaron and I decided to purchase some tickets in support of this tour.  Max Lucado had a vision of spreading the word about a ministry that is the voice of thousands of children around the world.  The venue to spread the word was a concert put on by three amazing groups of artists, with three very different styles, three unique voices, one common thread – serving their Lord, however He asks.  Because of their obedience, over 300 more children will now have food, water, clothing, and an opportunity for education for the first time.  World Vision is following God’s call to share His provisions in a way to reach people globally, to make a connection with an outstretched hand, to make a difference in the life of one child.  I’m praying for you today as to a connection the Lord might have for you and your family with an “adopted” little one you may never meet. Please, click on the link and pray about an opportunity He might have for you.  He connected us with 7-year-old Kutesa from Uganda, a little boy the same age as our middle child, a young boy of 21 in his family who lives in a country devastated by AIDS.  What a privilege to give, no strings attached.

As we headed to Dayton last evening, I had no idea what was in store.  I found myself simply thankful for an opportunity to attend with my “boys”, a treat knowing the girls were being loved on by some dear friends, with the added bonus of being granted access to “backstage” passes by means of another God-ordained friendship.  We arrived, and one by one, the Lord added sprinkles and cherries to our ice cream platters of goodness.  We “bumped” into some good friends from our hometown, my brothers’ pastor and his wife (childhood hometown friends), and even a childhood best friend of my husband’s (who just so happened to sit in the row directly behind us).  Yep, not only were we granted the desirable pink bracelets, but we were ushered to 10th row floor seats on top of that.  (We were then able to hand our “seats” to others before they purchased… free).  AND…

There is a very special lady I was told would be in attendance as well.  To say I respect this lovely lady would be an understatement.  Without ever meeting this woman face-to-face, she has spoken into my life in so many ways.  She is a devoted wife, a mother, a grandmother, a talented writer, a true follower of Christ.  I had the privilege of being introduced to her at a Women of Faith event through a special friend of mine, all the while knowing this dear women is introduced to hundreds of people as she travels with her husband, Michael Hyatt, speaker, chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers. Gail and I had a chance to connect on Twitter, yet weren’t able to finalize plans.  As I looked forward to even a  remote possibility to say “hi” again, we were ushered to our seats, and who just happened to be seated directly next to us?  Yep.  Above and beyond what I could even ask for…

We enjoyed an amazing time of worship together, both as a family, and the “family” of Christ who connects hearts in ways that human minds can’t even comprehend.  We listening to Toby Mac and Diverse City, Third Day, and Max Lucado - each man a humble servant, vibrant with energy to use their gifts and talents in a way that honors Him and unites the body of Christ.  During intermission, we then walked to the designated area for those with “pink” bracelets.  Simply because we were “with” the Hyatts, we even bypassed the “line” of wait-ers, and were ushered to the backstage area.  Aaron’s comment,

This simply doesn’t happen.

Honey, I guess it does.

 

 

 Yep, we were given a gift.  A chance to speak words of encouragement and gratefulness to men being used as willing vessels for Him.  They treated us with kindness, warmth, and genuine smiles.  Austin’s response… nothin but a smile.

We returned to our seats, simply enjoying the praise and worship of Michael W. Smith, amazed at all that had transpired.  With our new little boy “tucked” in my heart and into my purse, I reflected on the words spoken and sung tonight – shine your light and, let the whole world see.  Yep, none other than the previous post He worked through my heart – yep, Toby read the exact same verse brought to my attention just this week.  God sees, He prepares, He answers, He blesses.  It’s real, He’s real, faith is real, His love is unreal.  You blow me away Lord, thanks for the “moment”.  This draws me back to your faithfulness over and over again.

If you live in the area, would you consider joining my friend Rachel and I for an opportunity to GROW together in this daily walk with Him?  We would love to see you there.  He just might have something for you that will knock your socks off!  Wouldn’t want to miss that would ya?  Have a great day IN Him!

When dreams shatter…

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 I was hit by a closed door this past week.  It surprised me, it was unexpected, I was left shocked and confused.  Perhaps I didn’t even realize the expectations and emphasis I had placed on this plan in my life until suddenly it was apparent that this path I had envisioned was not going to be a reality in my life.  I tried to take the news like a “wo-man” – be appropriate to the messenger, show gratitude for time in explaining the situation, respect the decision she was explaining – and the Lord answered my prayer… until I returned to my car, then the tears flowed.  My emotions surprised me.  It felt as though my dreams of entering the education world again had been shattered.  Had I been holding onto something more tightly than I thought?  Perhaps it wasn’t even mine to hold onto?

In the moments after given the news that Hilliard did not have an opening for me to substitute teach, I found myself left with a few choices.  Confused as to how my seemingly-perfect plan was slipping into oblivion, I viewed my options.  I could attempt to  hold onto and re-live my original plan – perhaps I could speak with my principal?  I could broaden my scope, perhaps shifting my options to apply to different school districts?  I could simply take a look at my dilemma - a crisis of where my worth lies (ouch).  In my desire to help contribute to the family financially, I wasn’t seeing where to go from here…

In all my “openness” with the Lord, I sensed a silence.  It was in this silence that I faced the reality of my so-called beliefs.  If I proclaim my Lord to be all-knowing (sovereign), if I proclaim to trust in His plan for my life, if I proclaim to know that He is my provider, then I must choose to trust His promises, not my fleeting momentary feelings (and my desire to throw a fit and get my way!)  It’s in those feelings that I can approach my Jesus and talk through everything with Him.  What a precious time to know He accepts me in it all.  In the end, I must choose, His plan or mine.  Where does my faith lie?

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

As the day progressed, I returned a phone call to a friend who shared a story with me (provision #1), my best friend and husband listened and affirmed me above and beyond (provision #2), my heart was filled with peace, not answers, but peace (provision #3).  As I sit here one week later, I am nothing but humbled.  Through nothing but a simple act of obedience three weeks ago, he has not only provided a financial opportunity, but he has provided 3, yes 3!  Not only does this opportunity fit my desire to place my family needs first, not only do I have an opportunity to build relationships in the process, but also these opportunities provide more income per hour than I would have earned in “my plan”!  I’m not joking.  AND, He too chose to bless me even with an opportunity to walk alongside a beautiful lady doing ministry that involves both speaking and running, what??

That’s my God!

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

And you know what else… dreams still shatter.  My dear friend Amanda, the one I posted about just 3 days ago, experienced this just yesterday.  While riding her bike, she was hit by a car.  She is facing surgery, and the death of her dream to run the race on Sunday.  A first look, one might indeed say it was a shattered dream.  Or perhaps, just perhaps, her sovereign Lord has a different plan, a better plan.  Maybe one that has provided her protection from something else yet to come, a plan that will shape her character into one that’s more and more like her Christ, or perhaps, as with me, it’s not a death of a dream, but a death to “self” – an opportunity to place our trust in Him.

Will you choose to hold onto this truth today, written in Jeremiah 29?

11 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. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.