Lessons learned...

Don't you love it when God teaches the whole family a lesson? Not the "shame on you" kind but the look how big I AM kind? It is so humbling and so sweet to watch. Especially when one of your children are the source of the lesson that blesses all.

We just recently got a front row seat to watch God go before us. And we all were reminded once again that God's ways are not our ways. That He will fight for us. That He can and will work all things together for good. And that what the enemy means for evil, He can turn to good. Those rich truths you can quote to your children but are best lived through experience.

We have several "God lessons" with our older two that we remind them of still. We use those moments to keep us in check as a family and to remind us of the power of praying first. Two of the most powerful lessons learned involved their adults of influence in their lives. Adults in charge but not necessarily of the same mind set as their family. In both situations the line of teaching your children respect and a work ethic were blurred with the lesson of adults aren't always right in their choices and actions. It is a very hard line to navigate with young children. Both times we chose to pray with each daughter and together as a family, and simply ask God what to do. We chose to let our girls use their voice instead of us fighting for them. Both times we were blown away by how God went before them and fought the battle for them. God actually brought one of the adults, a teacher, into our home and into my Bible Study. Week after week, one daughter got to watch her teacher discover the sweetness of the God who had fought the battle for her. This teacher that everyone loved to talk about and "hate". We watched this teacher that only lasted 1 year in the school learn an eternity of lessons. It was a priceless lesson for us all.

Recently we helped one daughter understand that perception can't always be controlled. How others perceive a situation may cause you to be judged or blamed. Sometimes only God knows the truth. But again, as we prayed over the situation and gave our daughter the tools she needed, God showed up. He went before her and smoothed the path. We watched her gain confidence in who we knew she was. We watched as a mentor helped her find her voice. As a young girl under her influence actually apologized for part of the situation. And as the adults in charge recognized and affirmed the efforts made by our sweet girl. Nothing earth shattering to anyone else, but life changing for us as we watched God work. And another story of God's goodness to add to the list.

We all have stories of how and when God shows up in our lives. Share them with your children. Discover them as a family. Give God the glory and remind yourselves of them often. Your family "history" is full of "His story". Don't let the lessons go unnoticed. Jesus taught in parables and stories. As parents, we can do the same. Share the stories. Share the grace. Share the lessons learned...

"Humble yourselves, therefore, 

under God's mighty hand, 

that He may lift you up in due time. 

Cast all your anxiety on Him 

because He cares for you." 

1 Peter 5:6-7

Because I can...

I scooted out of here yesterday at 2:30. I came rushing back in at 9:30 this morning. I made a quick trip to love on the married one. She called. I rearranged. And then I went.

Someone asked me why I was driving all that way just for a few hours. I answered before I realized it. I said, "Because I can." As I drove those now familiar roads, I thought about my answer. I am in a time and season of my life that for now I can go when I want to. I still had to rearrange the schedule and provide for the little one, but we are all in a season of life that allows for these last minute decisions.

As I thought about all of that as I drove, I called my wonderful husband. I said thank you for being a large part of why I can. Because of decisions and provisions made through the years by him, I can. Because of sacrifices by him to allow me to have a relationship with my daughter, she actually made that phone call. The one that asked. The one that I answered with I can.

As I pulled into her driveway, I received a phone call from my sweet son-in-law. He did not know that I was in his driveway. He called for another reason. But I got the chance to share with him too. I said thank you for loving my daughter so well. For providing for her and for caring for her. He thanked me for being there when he wasn't. I explained to him that the blessing was all mine. All girls need their moms throughout life. Whether mom is actually able to be there or not, there are times in every girls' life that she just needs her mom. And this time I was there. Because I can.

It won't always be this easy. I can't possibly be everywhere that my girls need or want me. But for today I can. And I am thankful. And grateful. And blessed. I sat in that driveway waiting for my daughter to arrive home from work and I thanked Jesus. For the blessings of being a mom. For the Grace given me through the years with all the wrong decisions made. The hurtful words spoken. The failures and the flaws. It is only through His mercy and forgiveness that I can be a mom. That I survived this long with my relationships with my daughters in tact. I didn't do a lot of it right or even well but because of Jesus, I can rest in the blessings. Because of Jesus, I can.

For I can do everything through Christ, 

who gives me strength. 

Philippians 4:13

Hands On...

We are working on a big book at work. It is for an organization that serves people. And families. We have printed it for years. And with all the technology out there, nothing can finish the job short of "hands on" collating. There are lots of options but there is no way to actually produce the final product without each book being touched by human hands and finished.

Now believe me, I have whined enough to know that there is no other option than to work book by book, tab by tab until the job is finished. Hands on. Each book. No exceptions. As I stood over the large task today, I started thinking... what if Jesus had whined about the "hands on" task at hand?

Instead, He became flesh and walked among us. Us. The sinners of the world that had no hope short of a "hands on" job. Hands that turned the water into wine. Hands that healed the lame. Hands that brushed the eyes of the blind and gave them sight. Hands that touched the leper when no one else would. Hands that drew a line in the sand. Hands that held the little children. Hands that lifted Peter from the water. Hands that washed the feet of His followers. Hands that carried His own cross.

Those Hands had options. But He chose to touch each life. Hands on. No exceptions. Every life given the choice of eternal life. Each life's experiences being filtered through the loving hands of the Father. Outstretched hands pierced for our transgressions. Hands touched by a doubter in His resurrected state. Reaching through walls to comfort His disciples. 

Those Hands can still lift your chin to see His face. They can still wrap around you in Peace that passes all understanding. They can comfort and they can protect. Reach out and grab hold... you are a "Hands on" job in progress...

Then he said to Thomas, 

“Put your finger here; see my hands. 

Reach out your hand and put it into my side. 

Stop doubting and believe.” 

 John 20:27

Listen...

Finally! My word for the year is... Listen. I have been praying all week about it. Thinking about it for the last few weeks. Yesterday I thought that I had heard that word but just wasn't sure. But that is what kept coming to my mind. LISTEN.

So, yesterday as I was talking with a friend about seasons and change and prayer, it just hit me. The answer to the questions we were asking was to listen. To listen to Him. To listen to those around us. To listen to our husbands. To listen to our children. To listen to our friends. Really listen. But to learn to distinguish between the voices. Those of the world and that still small one.

I was alone in our church auditorium for a little while yesterday morning. The only sound was the audio of the Bible being read continuously. The reading was from Deuteronomy, chapters 3 and 4. As I sat and listened to the words being read, I realized that over and over God was giving specific instructions. Go into this land. Don't go in to that land. Possess these people. Don't possess those people. On and on it goes as He instructs Moses about particular routes and enemies.

Hearing the inspired Word of God read out loud and in entire chapters and books is powerful. At first I just filtered the noise into the silence of the room. Not really listening to what was being read. Then the words began to come into focus. These few chapters are written in the first person. Moses is saying, "then God spoke to me". And the details of the journey are specific. There are direct instructions and specific tasks. God says do it this way.

Over and over again, the Word talked about taking on their enemies. And over and over again, the Lord assured them that He would give the enemies over to them if they obeyed His commands. At the end of Chapter 3, Moses is telling Joshua: "You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.".

What better words of wisdom could you bestow to others? To your children. To encourage your spouse. To minister to your friends. They were God's words spoken through Moses to Joshua. Sharing experience with knowledge to the next generation. Moses listened to God. Joshua listened to Moses. The people listened to them both. The children listened to the fathers. Moses was very clear with God's command to: "Teach them to your children and to their children after them."

If we aren't listening, how do we know what to teach? Where to go? What to do? How to love or to help or to serve? How do we share wisdom with our children and our families if we are not listening and learning? So that is what I am going to do this year... Listen.

God's Word is alive and active and able. He still speaks. We just need to learn to listen. Care to join me?

"Listen, O heavens, and I will speak!

Hear, O earth, the words that I say!

Let my teaching fall on you like rain;

let my speech settle like dew.

Let my words fall like rain on tender grass,

like gentle showers on young plants.

Deuteronomy 32:1-2 NLT

Immeasurably More...

The house is quiet this morning. The newlyweds packed up the dog and their stuff on Monday. They headed back to their home. The middle one headed off to Passion 2013 with her best friend from high school to spend 4 days of worship and the word. And the little one left early for school this morning to start a new semester.

I spent last night and this morning at our church for Watch Week. It is a time of 24/7 prayer. I met with some sweet ladies both times that are a part of my Bible Studies. Such a sweet time of prayer for and with my sisters in Christ. We laughed and we prayed and we shared stories. There is something so healing about a time of pure transparency before the Lord with our friends. Good for the soul.

I had an opportunity to pray for each of my children during this time too. There is a mission grid on one of the walls with the names of those serving here and abroad. As I was looking over the wall, I was caught off guard by my sweet daughter's new name! And I got to read the notes left for them there. And then I got to pray for my daughter and my son-in-law's ministry and marriage. It overwhelmed me.

Then I moved to a station where you prayed for someone and then lit a candle representing your prayer and the person. As I prayed for the middle one and all the other students who are hearing from God this week in downtown Atlanta, God reminded me of His hand on her life. I lit the candle and watched the flame. The flame flickered and blew to the side several times. I thought it was going to go out but then it just stood straight up and shined brightly against the darkness of the room. God whispered in my ear: "Nothing can extinguish the flame that I lit." My heart was blessed and overwhelmed.

This morning some of the sweet ladies that I was praying with not only attend my Bible Study but they are leaders in our student ministry. They prayed for the little one. They prayed for her heart. For her leadership. For protection. For her witness and her testimony. They covered her with a sweet aroma and lifted her to the Throne Room of Grace. Again. Overwhelmed.

One of the themes at Passion this week is that God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or even imagine. And He can. It is in His Word and it is a promise. And today I choose to let that promise seek in to my very being as a mother. He will do immeasurably more in their lives than I can even put words to or imagine in my own finite mind. Jesus loves them. This I know. For the Bible tells me so. And I am still overwhelmed...

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... 

Ephesians 3:20

He Sees You...

I was dog sitting the week between Christmas and New Year's. I have an adorable "grand-dog" named Jolene. She is tiny and she followed me everywhere I went in the house. Just like a toddler, she demanded attention. I found myself looking at her constantly and saying "I see you!". She seemed to respond to the fact that I looked at her and acknowledged that she was there.

After she left, I started thinking about how often I said that phrase to her. I see you. Do I say that enough to my girls? To my husband? To my friends? Do I say to them: "I see that you are struggling" or "I see what a great job you did with that" or "I see your effort and your heart"?

We all have that human need to be acknowledged. That wife that needs her husband to really see her. That boy that needs his parents to acknowledge him. That teenage girl that needs her father to love her so that she doesn't beg for that attention from a boy. That mother that needs her children to appreciate her.

Jesus really saw people. He told Zacchaeus: "I see you! Come down and take me to your house.". He told the woman at the well: "I see you and your sins. But I love you and forgive you so go and sin no more." He told Peter: "I see your zeal and your passion but I know that you will deny me. Never the less, I will build my church on you.". He told the thief hanging on the cross next to him: "I see your heart and today I will see you in heaven".

El Roi. The Hebrew word for "the God who sees me". Jesus sees you... believe that today. Know that He sees you and your heart and your struggles and your pain. He sees you! And He knows. Rest in that today, sweet friends.

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: 

“You are the God who sees me,” 

for she said, 

“I have now seen the One who sees me.” 

 Genesis 16:13

Untangling Life...

I read an Advent devotion early this morning. It reminded me that Advent is about waiting. This was my favorite line in the devotion: "Those who do not know how it feels to struggle anxiously with the deepest questions of life, of their life, and to patiently look forward with anticipation until the truth is revealed, cannot even dream of the splendor of the moment in which clarity is illuminated for them."

I have a beautiful, sweet friend who knows all about waiting. About praying for a child. For life to change. For better choices to be made. For the truth to be revealed. And for the clarity to be illuminated. After we had breakfast one morning, she looked at me with tears streaming and asked me why it all has to be so hard. Why? I didn't have an answer.

She sent me a text the other day. She shared how God had spoken to her heart while she was putting up her Christmas lights. As she cried out to Him for answers, He gently shared some comforting insight that warmed her heart and gave her a little hope and peace. The answer was just for her. The clarity that helped illuminate His presence in her situation. All while she was untangling her Christmas lights. Part of her text read: "In my spirit as I untangled the lights I felt Him say 'I know what it feels like to see my Son hurting'. He helped me know that He understands a grieving parents heart."

This season of Advent is about waiting. About waiting to see what is inside that beautifully wrapped present under the tree. About waiting for the celebration of Truth to come. All while we are untangling our lives. Struggling with the deep questions. Waiting for the clarity that will be illuminated in our spirits just like the lights on the tree. Finding a way to be still enough to just know.

Abraham waited a long time for the promise of his son. He untangled a lot of life along the way. Sarah laughed as she untangled what she heard. Jacob wrestled with God as he untangled life. David made poor choices as he untangled his lies. Jonah ran away as he untangled his calling. Peter denied as he untangled all that he had just experienced. Saul persecuted and then Paul untangled his past. But the clarity came for each of them when the promises were revealed. In the waiting, they learned about Truth.

I don't know what part of your life you are untangling during this season. Or if maybe this season is filled with illumination for you. But I do know that as you enjoy the beauty of untangled lights shining brightly around you, remember Who we are waiting for. The Light of the world. The Love that came down and lived among us. The Truth that will set you free. And in the end all the lights of life will be untangled and every eye will see. And that is worth the wait.

And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—

    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and might,

    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 

Isaiah 11:2 NLT

He goes before you...

It has been a very long couple of weeks. For lots of different reasons. Some good. Some fun. Some sad. Some not so fun. But in the quietness of this morning, I was reminded once again that I did not "do" the last few weeks alone. He went before me...

As I was standing in my back yard with the dog, it was so quiet. Then the rustling of the leaves started. As the wind gently moved the trees, the leaves rustled. The few hold-outs that are hanging on to those limbs cracked and creaked in the breeze. The leaves on the ground jiggled in the grass and joined in the chorus of rustling. I closed my eyes and I could feel the ever so slight breeze brush over my face. When I opened my eyes, I could see the clouds moving across the sky. Just gliding. Slowly.

I immediately was reminded of the Israelites who followed the pillar of cloud by day. The Lord went before them. When the cloud moved, they moved. Where the cloud went, they went. No fan fare. Just a pillar of clouds. Reminding them that He was with them.

The verse in the Bible that talks about the LORD going before them uses the word for "the Angel of the Lord". That word means this: "Who is called the Angel of the Lord, not a created but the uncreated Angel, the Angel of Jehovah's presence, in whom his name, nature and perfections were, even the Word and Son of God, the Lord Christ, who went before the armies of Israel, as their King, Leader, and Commander." It means Jesus!

As you move through this holiday season, look for your pillar of clouds. The Bible gives us a great illustration of the presence of the Lord. Jesus is the Reason for this Season. He hasn't changed. He is still there. Leading. Guiding. Gently gliding ahead of you. 

So many people are struggling in this season of Joy. He knows that. He knows your heart and your thoughts and your anxious ways. Let Him lead you through your wilderness into your promise land. He knows the way!

"By day the LORD went ahead of them

 in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way 

and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, 

so that they could travel by day or night." 

Exodus 13:21

The Light in Truth

Last night I received a text from a friend asking for prayer for a sweet woman who was emotionally drained. She had reached her breaking point. The fear and the darkness were creeping in around her like a slow, thick fog. The panic. The pain. The hopelessness were feeling way too real. My friend simply asked me to pray.

Life is like that sometimes, isn't it? Especially around the holidays. Even when we have blessings abounding around us, there is that one thing that is just not quite right. That place in our hearts that feels empty. Raw even.

I talked to so many people over the last week that were smiling on the outside. But I know their stories. And underneath the facade, the fear was crouching. One of them said to me that she turned off her computer during a holiday week. Not because she wanted to unplug but because she needed to stop herself from coveting. She said that one day of reading all the blessing posts and looking at all the perfectly posed pictures could send her into depression. The real kind. The kind that if she let it would put her to bed. Or worse. She asked me to pray for her.

Darkness is just that. Dark. A place of lies. The ones we believe even when they make no logical sense. But when Truth is allowed in, the darkness flees. Because their is light in truth. Even when the truth is painful or ugly or hurtful. When we allow ourselves to see truth exposed by His Light somehow it isn't as scary. The Light begins to make the shadows disappear. Things don't seem so dark and big.

So today, sweet friends, allow the Light in. Let it shine into your dark places. There is real healing inside that Light. There is Truth that can illuminate even the darkest places. Jesus is the Light of the world and the darkness cannot overcome it! That is truly good news...

"The light shines in the darkness, 

and the darkness has not overcome it." 

John 1:5

"What does this mean, Daddy?"

Last night as the TV continued to blare in the background, I lay in bed next to my sweet husband. We watched. We listened. We prayed. We struggled. We laughed. And in the middle of it all both of our adult daughters called or texted their daddy.

Both asked the same question. "What does this mean, Daddy?" What will this mean for your business? What will this mean for our future? What does all this mean? They needed to be heard and to feel safe. So they called their daddy.

My heart just smiled at his responses. He encouraged. He reminded. He made them feel safe. But mostly he pointed them to their only Hope...

Isn't that what we should be doing too? Asking what does this mean, Abba? Everyday and in every circumstance. Not just today or tomorrow. But at all times. We live in uncertain days. No matter where we stand politically or financially. We are not promised tomorrow.

Now is the time to know because we know because we know. We need to know what we believe. And why. We need to know where our Hope comes from. And how we know that. We need to know what Truth is. And how to convey it to others. We need to stop looking to the right or to the left. We need to look straight ahead. Because that is where we will find the answers. That is where our strength lies.

What this means, sweet girls, is that your soul will find rest in God alone. He is your rock and your salvation. And He gave you an earthly daddy that has shown you that truth and continues to point you toward that hope. You have been given a foundation that will hold for generations to come...

"Praise the name of God forever and ever, 

for He has all wisdom and power. 

He controls the course of world events; 

He removes kings and sets up other kings. 

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge tot he scholars.

 He reveals deep and mysterious things 

and knows what lies hidden in darkness, 

though He is surrounded by light." 

Daniel 2:20-22 NLT

A Heart Smile...

She came to see her sister this weekend. A total surprise. To all of us. She was in Athens for a bridal shower and she wanted to see the little one all dressed up for her Homecoming dance. So she made the loop. A little out of her way. A little off her schedule. A little balm for Mom's heart. A little smile on the sister's face.

She came in looking all married. All put together. A wife doing the big girl things of life. She talked of preparing dinners and entertaining friends. Of coming along side her husband as he reaches the next generation. The one right under them. Oh my. They have a next generation. And she reaches and loves and teaches them well. Just like she is doing for her sisters.

She went upstairs and gave hugs and advice. She curled hair and calmed nerves. She mothered in a sister way. So much less intrusive. And my heart melted. Again. Each time I watch her do this new season my heart melts.

It catches me off guard still. The married thing. The wife thing. She reminds me so much of myself at that age. Different personality but same bent. And I have to remind myself that we are in a different season. A different stage. A different relationship. I am learning and she is too.

I want so badly to be an encourager. To lift up not offer advice. To cheer her on not stifle the joy of this season. To be the one who says you are doing great not the one who says do it this way. Because they are doing great. And they are doing it their way. And it is a good way.

Such wisdom and such youth. All rolled into one season. Learning new things. Trying. Failing. And doing it again. Offering her heart and her home while working full time. With such grace and maturity. And I can't help but think... well done. You have started well. And my heart melts with gratitude.

New seasons always bring new things to learn. New feelings. New hopes. New opportunities to humble yourself as He teaches. As He guides us through the ups and downs of life. My prayer is that with this new season I have His eyes and His heart. To see. To listen. To love as I watch them learn and grow. Without me but with each other.

My heart melts from the memories of the past. The little girl all grown up. But my heart rejoices at the hope of the future. Their future. Their way. And I cannot wait to go along for the ride. The thought makes my heart smile...

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, 

but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Proverbs 19:14

The ocean of Grace...

Grace. Unmerited favor. Unearned. Free. Amazingly unfathomable. Constant and overflowing. Full of Mercy. Sufficient and enough.

Why is it so hard for people to grasp the concept of Grace? This summer the Lord began to show me that I might think that I have a decent grasp on the concept of His Grace, but I really needed to learn to extend it also. As I sat on the beach towards the end of the summer, I realized that not only was my body and mind exhausted but my spirit needed a tune up too.

There is nothing like a wedding to teach you about extending Grace. As I was helping my daughter through that year long preparation stage, I learned a lot. I knew that to make it through with the character that I felt like He called me to that I needed to have a humble lesson in extending the Grace that was given to me. I prayed and fumbled my way through the process and was standing on the other side wondering how in the world we made it that far.

I knew that I needed that vacation break for myself but that my other two daughters needed me too. They sacrificed a lot this summer. Especially mom's undivided attention. They needed me and I needed rest. As I sat on that beach one day towards the beginning of the week, I was talking to God about His Grace. I love the song, "How He loves us". Katie chose the chorus of that song to be sung as she walked down the aisle toward her new husband. As I stood up that day as the mother of the bride signaling to everyone that she was about to begin her walk toward her future, I could physically feel His Grace in that room. Everywhere. All over us all. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt at that moment what it meant when the verse said, "if Grace is an ocean, we are all sinking".

As I sat looking out on the ocean and the waves, it was like He whispered to me: "Not only is my Grace sufficient for all of your needs but it is sufficient for all of theirs too." The waves just kept coming. One after another. Never stopping. Never ceasing. Always another one. Constantly. The rest of that day I was aware of the waves. They were there in the morning while I was alone. They were there later as we played together in the ocean. They were there that evening as we walked along the beach. They were there in the dark that night as I listened to them crash so soothingly into the night silence. And they would be there the next day too.

That is when I realized that His Grace fills me up. When I am crying out to Him but also throughout my day. It fills me up when I was laughing with the daughter and her friend that just love being girls even at 15. It was there when I was talking to the other daughter about a decision she was making. Those waves caressing our time together as she defended her reasons and listened to my thoughts. The Grace was there as I shared my heart with my sweet husband about the bittersweet feelings of being the mom of the newlywed. The Grace was there and as I drowned in that ocean of it, He sent it right through me to them. As long as I allowed Him, the Grace given to me flowed through my exhaustion and my overwhelmed heart. Right into the lives of those I love so dearly. As I just loved them and just was with them, I was filled to overflowing. By the Grace of a loving God.

As simple as the concept sounds, I needed that reminder. The reminder that it is not in my own strength that I even love. I cannot be a good wife or mother without His Grace. And I cannot make a difference in those around me unless I allow Him to extend some of that Grace through me. I cannot give away something free and undeserved in my own strength. Only through His Grace can I grace. And the waves of His Grace just keep coming. Never letting me get empty. Even when I feel empty.

I found this ring when we got home. It reminds me of the waves. Of the Grace. I wear it to remember that Ocean. The one I am drowning in. That if I am drowning in free, undeserved Grace then I must offer it too. It is not easy and I fail often. But my ring reminds me. The Waves never stop. Just try again. Keep loving. Keep giving. Keep smiling. Keep going. The Waves will carry me.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. 

My power works best in weakness.” 

So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, 

so that the power of Christ can work through me.

 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Another birthday...

Today is his birthday. That boy that I met when I was just 18. I remember the first time I saw him. Around campus. I noticed him long before I dated him. I knew he was there. He was always full of joy. Always nice to everyone. People knew him for his friendliness. He is still known for that.

This man's man that can be gruff and intense. He talks very loud and uses southern words that sometimes don't translate well. Yet, he smiles a smile that makes everyone around him feel comfortable. Feel important. He does that so easily. Smile.

He has been frustrated over the years living in an all girl house. Teaching the girls to drive and to do math and to hunt and to fish. He taught them to water ski and to bait a hook. To shoot a gun and to cut the grass. Some of his daughters loved learning. Some of his daughters did not. But even in the frustrating times when the voice got loud and the exasperation showed, they knew he loved them. Eventually the big strong arms always ended up around them. Holding them close. Keeping them safe. Always.

Those same arms have held me too. Through the joy of birth. Through the pain of death. Through the fear of the unknown. Through the hurts of life. He has never not been there for me. Ever. I know how blessed I am. I know how special that kind of love is. And I cherish it. When he asks me if I know how much he loves me, I can honestly say yes. There is no doubt. Ever.

Thank you for that, sweet husband. You are cherished and you are loved too. You have taught your girls what a true man looks like. How a true man loves. And that a real man loves Jesus. You have given them the picture. And you have given them wings to soar on their own. You love well.

Happy Birthday!!

A rugged mountain of a man,

    aromatic with wood and stone.

His words are kisses, his kisses words.

    Everything about him delights me, thrills me

        through and through!

song of solomon 5:16  the message

Look Up....

I have a morning routine. I get up and make the coffee and prepare the lunches for school and work. I have some sweet breakfast time with my "only child" left in my home. And then my dog and I play hurry up and wait for his morning business. The last few mornings I have been pegged in the head with falling acorns. I am convinced that the squirrel in that tree has it out for me because I am married to his arch rival. The man that is hunting him down.

The falling acorns have increased in their volume and in their velocity the last few days. And those suckers hurt. It never fails that no matter where I am standing around that tree those acorns are going to find their target on my head. This morning after being hit by two of them I proceeded to voice my annoyance out loud. I looked up at the tree and yelled something like: "Really? I can't see you but I know you are there!" I could have sworn that I heard that little squirrel laugh at me.

As Beau and I moved to another area of the yard and I continued to wait for him to perform his business, the Lord began to whisper into my heart. "You can't see me either. But you know I am there. Sometimes you blame the enemy or your circumstances for those acorns. But sometimes it is Me trying to get your attention."

We are pulled in so many directions. There are so many things we have to wait on to happen before we can go on with our plans. So many distractions. Both good and bad. We tend to get frustrated after a while by the constant pegging. And sometimes it begins to hurt. We immediately start to blame the enemy or the drama surrounding us or the person causing the pain or the hardship unraveling our life at the moment. But sometimes, if we get still long enough, we realize that He is just trying to get our attention.

He knows we can't see Him. But we can hear Him. He knows that we know He is there. But we don't look up. He knows our hearts. But He wants to hear from us. Sometimes we just need to recognize that when the pegging starts to hurt, maybe we should be still and listen. 

So today if you have already started your day being pegged by the acorns of the world, look up. Listen to see if maybe He wants you to do something else. Or go a different direction. Or notice the person He put in your path. Or stop long enough to actually hear the person that is causing you to wait. And if you dare to be really radical today... pray for the "squirrel" that might be the one throwing some of those acorns too!

But by means of their suffering,

He rescues those who suffer.

For He gets their attention through adversity.

job 36:15 NLT

Faith over fear

Life is pretty shaky sometimes. I am not even sure if that is the right word but it seems to fit that feeling. The feeling of uneasy insecurity. Of not knowing what is coming next. Not being able to see around the corner. That feeling that seems to make the unknown grow into something so much bigger than it will actually be. That feeling that if left unchecked can throw us into spiritual vertigo.

This week has been full of conversations with friends about the unknown. Either with their marriage or their children or work. That shaky thought that leads into uneasiness. That gut feeling that grows. That scenario conjured up in our minds that can turn into full fledged panic. All those emotions that usually always come out of the root of fear.

Fear can paralyze the best of us. It can make us into crazy people. It can force us into a thought process that is totally irrational. All before we even realize that we stepped over to the dark side. Probably none of you ever actually step over that line. But me? I have stepped over many times. There have been times in my life when I stepped over and took so many steps in the wrong direction that I lost sight of the line. But I am learning.

Fear is usually rooted in the unknown. Whatever that is for each of us individually. The future that can't be seen. The hope that can't be grasped because it doesn't have a name or a face. The forgiveness that we just can't feel or give because the hurt can't be forged through. Fear is a tool of the enemy. It is also a tool that we use against ourselves.

I am a planner. A controller. An emotional barrier. As long as I can keep moving, then I can keep functioning. But God offers us a throne room of Grace. And Grace is always bigger than fear. I remember studying the old testament tabernacle when I was a young mom. We studied about all of the rooms; the outer and inner courts. The last one being the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest could enter that room. And only once a year. The veil covered the entrance to the room that held God's Glory.

I also clearly remember when I read the crucifixion passages and realized that when Jesus died on the cross the veil in the temple ripped from top to bottom. A wide open invitation to enter. A straight path to the throne of Grace. That deep theological doctrine all of a sudden seemed so simple. So I began to run. Straight into that throne room. And that Grace became my reality.

But I also realized that the only way in was straight through the opening. Not around it. Or over it. Or through the back door. But directly forward. Through the circumstance. Through the pain. Through the fear. Through the unknown. Leave the shaky ground for the unshakeable. That is where fear is defeated.

So today, sweet friends, storm the throne room. He is waiting. He is faithful. And He is unshakeable. Run in and hold tight... may your Faith be larger than your fear.

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly 

draw near to the throne of grace 

(the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), 

that we may receive mercy [for our failures]

 and find grace to help in good time for 

every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, 

coming just when we need it]. 

hebrews 4:16 amplified

Monday Momentum...

It is Monday. And it is the first day of October. The last quarter of another year. The ending of another calendar. The culmination of another season. Life just keeps moving doesn't it? Day after day. Month after month. Year after year. And we sometimes get lost in the routine of it all. Caught up in the everyday stuff. The same old thing.

I am beginning my week on my back porch. Listening to the rain. Finishing my Bible Study. Reading God's Word. In the last few hours I have made lunches. Washed a load of clothes. Talked to my husband twice. Fielded a desperate text from my high school daughter. Delivered the reason for the desperate text to her. Read an article about my college age daughter that was printed in her college newspaper. Texted my proud sentiments to her. Taken the dog out twice in the rain. And had one too many cups of coffee in the process.

My week is off to a fast paced start. As usual. But in the middle of all the distractions taking away my attention, I need to stop and prepare my heart for the week. Rest and refueling are so important to our daily walk. Unless we intentionally fill our minds and our hearts with His word, we tend to attack the week in our own strength. And my own momentum tends to fall short by Tuesday.

So fill yourself up today. The definition of momentum is strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events. And the great thing about it is that God can be that strength and force if we allow Him to be. We don't have to face the week alone. We can start off in His momentum. It never waivers or doubts. It never loses strength or power. It never leaves or forsakes. Grab hold of His word. It never returns void.

God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.

    He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.

He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.

    And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired,

    gives fresh strength to dropouts.

For even young people tire and drop out,

    young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.

    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don’t get tired,

    they walk and don’t lag behind.

Isaiah 40:31 the message

So the next generation may know...

This picture represents my favorite part of my daughter's wedding ceremony. The blessing. The bride and groom took communion together and lit the unity candle representing the two becoming one. They prayed together. Then they took their place in the middle of a tight knit circle of generations. The parents of the parents and the parents of the children. The siblings that have been there for all the ups and downs. The friends that are part of their inner circle. The pastors that have lead them and loved them. 

The fathers prayed over the children. Prayers of love and blessing. Bold prayers of protection. Collective prayers of hope for the future. Confident prayers for their life together. For their ministry. For their witness and for their testimony to remain strong together. Generations of redeemed people offering the same to the next.

Our families are far from perfect. But we all know the One that is. We joined two families into one. We agreed that the One that holds us will be praised into the next generation. We offered our prayers and our love and our blessing. Verbally by the fathers. Agreement from the rest. There is power in a blessing.

Whether you have generations of truth and blessing in your family or whether you are the first to offer that hope to the next generation, bless your children. Verbally. With boldness knowing the One who can fulfill those blessings. Words spoken over children matter. They are powerful. But the redeeming power of Jesus is more powerful. The blessings can start today. Pray over your children. Over your home. Over their future. Let the next generation know.

Share the stories. Pass on the traditions.

Embrace the memories and bury them in your heart.

Glean wisdom from the ones who came before you. Learn and listen.

Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. The two grandfathers that looked on from a greater view were represented in the candles on each side.

Because there is Hope for the future wrapped up in the prayers of the past. 

Heartache and happiness. Lessons learned and passed on. Prayers offered and promised. A cord of Hope and of Blessings wrapped firmly around the next generation. By the Grace of God!

Praise God,  from Whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen.