Today I was in a meeting and a story was told concerning the hunt for the right employee. One of the employee's made the joke that if the employer had known they where out there, they'd been looking for them specifically instead of the "blind hunt" that comes with a sea of applicants. "If he'd known I was what was out there he would've been looking for me for sure!" As I laughed and agreed with the difficulties of "hunting blind" when it comes to work and workers, the idea settled in me about how true this "hunting blind" idea is in so may different areas of our life. I once heard on a T.V. show that "she's trying to get here as quick as she can". Suggesting that "the one" would get to her pursuer as quickly as possible if he kept looking for her in his world. Do we live our lives in such a way that our pursuers know we are who they are looking for ? Does the lady in waiting know that who she is waiting for isn't just a dreamed up ideal of a man/pursuer? We've heard the jokes that a neon sign would help. Something pointing and blinking to the right choice, direction, person, etc. How would either of these know considering what is being presented in today's world?
As I watch different television shows that highlight the struggles of single life, dating, & relationships I become more and more bothered by how singles are portrayed. The males are portrayed as "players" or "emotionally unattached" with little intelligence or concern about anything other than attaining multiple physical "relationships" and the avoidance of a "committed relationship". The females aren't portrayed much better. Usually some sort of emotionally damaged, mentally fragile, talk tough, but cave at the first sweet word spoken version of "today's woman". I have specific examples in my head as I write. Where are the handsome, intelligent, put together, know what they aren't just as much as what they are men ? Where are the beautiful, balanced, not waiting for a man, o.k. with no second date if it wasn't a awesome first date, ladies ? Have they gone the way of the dinosaurs ? Of course pursuers have no idea how to find who they are looking for, look at who the single females are being portrayed as. The idea for these portrayals of men and women had to come from somewhere. Right? I would feel defeated before the battle too!!
Here's the challenge....to quote Maya Angelou, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them." I go back to the idea of graceful singleness. Be a gentlemen, be a lady, be the person others could emulate, write about, and portray on television. Do not lesser your faith by making these depictions of hopeless, heartless and helpless singles factual. Your pursuer can not know you are who they are looking for if you do not carry your self in such a way as to cause the neon sign to go off ! Do not cling to someone simply for the idea of a "relationship". I've said it before I'll say it again, trust that the Father has a plan for you. If He is so big as to know every star in the sky and every grain of sand on a beach, I believe He is big enough to know our every want and need for a successful and healthy relationship. Be honest with yourself and possibly someone else too. If you aren't ready for a relationship.....don't be in one. Singleness is o.k. If it is what you've been called to, EMBRACE IT. Not everyone was made for the role of husband or wife. I'll close with this quote from Come Away My Beloved by Francis Roberts, "I have stood beside you through the times of endurance, and I smiled knowing what was in store for you. "
Smile, He has something great in store for you!!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I'm In Love!!!!!!!!!!!!
.....with being single,"I'd rather be alone and in the Lord's will than in a relationship and out of it." Wise words shared with me by someone vital to my life. Considering I slammed on the men folk in my last post I thought I would attempt to take a little heat of of them in this one. It's time for us ladies to do our share of the heavy lifting. A few weeks ago I was talking with a close sister in Christ about life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Of course for me this includes boy talk as well. HA! She was sharing about her struggles, encouragements, and life before and after she and her husband married. It was very eye opening to hear from a young married Christian lady the work that sometimes marriage can be. Even when it is totally right and you have dated or "courted" in a way that was honoring to the Lord, and continue to follow Him with your days and nights. I knew before this that marriage wasn't only fun it is also work, but it never hurts to hear it again. Keeps us singles from romanticizing it too much. One thing she mentioned to me about their courtship was the chapter of his life before he finally asked her on a date. At some point her now husband shared with her that prior to dating her, he had been praying for a long time. He had been asking the Lord repetitiously for permission to pursue his "Juliet", but the Lord kept telling him "no". The Lord eventually told this young "Romeo", "yes" and they are now married with three beautiful children after a very sweet courtship.
I can't help but linger on the idea that she had no idea her "Romeo" had been asking permission from her heavenly Father. Also, she had no idea her heavenly Father was telling him "no". Would she had carried herself any differently had she known what her soon to be husband was asking the Lord ? Would her patience had been any different ? Would her interest in him waver at all ? Would she seek her own peace about the relationship or rely on "Romeo's" surety that they where to marry ?
It poses the question, who might be praying for permission to pursue you that you aren't aware of ? What should you be asking the Lord in preparation ? Hopefully, eventually, if you feel you are called to be a help meet and are seeking a man that seeks the Lord then both of these questions will be important to you at some point. Why wait to begin answering them ? While you may not be able at the moment to answer who might be praying to pursue you, the answer to how should you be preparing for pursuit is in your hands. Yesterday I shared a few books that I feel are a true assist to the single lady. I still support that idea and will add those links to this blog as well. I believe that those books can help you answer the question, "What should I be doing for the Lord and asking the Lord in preparation for "the one" who will pursue my heart with a heavenly pursuit ?" I've often heard it said that your friends and how you spend your time are a reflection of who you are. This idea persuaded me to believe that how time is spent, who time is spent with, etc. would also decide who might be "attracted" to the pursuit of you. How are you spending your time ? How are you praying in preparation for what you feel called to? If you dream of being a wife and mother some day then I don't know that you should wait until those titles are official before planning. It seems to me that when love strikes it is a whirlwind and all logic is at times tossed out the window. You don't wait for a tornado to hit before you fill water bottles and get batteries do you ? So, why would this be any different ?
I'd like to confront you with the thought that you might not know everything. You may have no idea how the Lord is leading "your man". Think about what could cause you to stumble, struggle, hurt, etc. as a single and pray on those same areas for your future "Mr.". I pray OFTEN for my future husband. While I am in love with single life most of the time, I do feel called as someones other half. I know some will find that thought simply archaic, but I think my fellow believers will completely understand. I should not wait to meet "him" to begin praying for him. I have no clue what paths will lead us to one another. With that calling on my life and lack of knowledge on how we will get to one another, it is my DUTY to be praying, preparing, and even planning now for what my future may hold. No, I do not mean I have a dress picked out and bridesmaids on call. I do mean plan what will be important to a family. Can you cook? Should you learn ? Do you know how to grocery shop? What is your definition of a mother ? What is the definition of a family budget? What is known about a vary of things? I don't think any of those questions should wait to be answered.
I want to encourage you to begin praying and preparing for what/who the Lord may have for you. I hope to bring to your attention that the one waiting for you might just be debating these questions as well. Allow the Lord, your heavenly Father to keep your heart for you. Trust that He will protect you better than you can until it is time for your heart to be shared with one of His sons. Be secure and graceful in your time as a single. Do not panic. If you have been called by the Lord to such an amazing task as wife and mother He will be sure to provide what is needed for that call in His perfect timing. And if you haven't, if His call for you is the life of a single....feel honored that He knew you could handle it. And finally, you never know what the Lord may be telling your "man". My hope is that the "man" will obey The Father.
Love y'all!!!
Psalm 1:1-6
1Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Proverbs 4:24
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.
I can't help but linger on the idea that she had no idea her "Romeo" had been asking permission from her heavenly Father. Also, she had no idea her heavenly Father was telling him "no". Would she had carried herself any differently had she known what her soon to be husband was asking the Lord ? Would her patience had been any different ? Would her interest in him waver at all ? Would she seek her own peace about the relationship or rely on "Romeo's" surety that they where to marry ?
It poses the question, who might be praying for permission to pursue you that you aren't aware of ? What should you be asking the Lord in preparation ? Hopefully, eventually, if you feel you are called to be a help meet and are seeking a man that seeks the Lord then both of these questions will be important to you at some point. Why wait to begin answering them ? While you may not be able at the moment to answer who might be praying to pursue you, the answer to how should you be preparing for pursuit is in your hands. Yesterday I shared a few books that I feel are a true assist to the single lady. I still support that idea and will add those links to this blog as well. I believe that those books can help you answer the question, "What should I be doing for the Lord and asking the Lord in preparation for "the one" who will pursue my heart with a heavenly pursuit ?" I've often heard it said that your friends and how you spend your time are a reflection of who you are. This idea persuaded me to believe that how time is spent, who time is spent with, etc. would also decide who might be "attracted" to the pursuit of you. How are you spending your time ? How are you praying in preparation for what you feel called to? If you dream of being a wife and mother some day then I don't know that you should wait until those titles are official before planning. It seems to me that when love strikes it is a whirlwind and all logic is at times tossed out the window. You don't wait for a tornado to hit before you fill water bottles and get batteries do you ? So, why would this be any different ?
I'd like to confront you with the thought that you might not know everything. You may have no idea how the Lord is leading "your man". Think about what could cause you to stumble, struggle, hurt, etc. as a single and pray on those same areas for your future "Mr.". I pray OFTEN for my future husband. While I am in love with single life most of the time, I do feel called as someones other half. I know some will find that thought simply archaic, but I think my fellow believers will completely understand. I should not wait to meet "him" to begin praying for him. I have no clue what paths will lead us to one another. With that calling on my life and lack of knowledge on how we will get to one another, it is my DUTY to be praying, preparing, and even planning now for what my future may hold. No, I do not mean I have a dress picked out and bridesmaids on call. I do mean plan what will be important to a family. Can you cook? Should you learn ? Do you know how to grocery shop? What is your definition of a mother ? What is the definition of a family budget? What is known about a vary of things? I don't think any of those questions should wait to be answered.
I want to encourage you to begin praying and preparing for what/who the Lord may have for you. I hope to bring to your attention that the one waiting for you might just be debating these questions as well. Allow the Lord, your heavenly Father to keep your heart for you. Trust that He will protect you better than you can until it is time for your heart to be shared with one of His sons. Be secure and graceful in your time as a single. Do not panic. If you have been called by the Lord to such an amazing task as wife and mother He will be sure to provide what is needed for that call in His perfect timing. And if you haven't, if His call for you is the life of a single....feel honored that He knew you could handle it. And finally, you never know what the Lord may be telling your "man". My hope is that the "man" will obey The Father.
Love y'all!!!
Psalm 1:1-6
1Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Proverbs 4:24
23Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.
Preparing to Be A Help Meet - Author Debi Pearl http://nogreaterjoy.org/blogs/preparingtobeahelpmeet/book/
Lady in Waiting - Author Jackie Kendall -http://www.jackiekendall.com/node/27
A Man Worth Waiting For - How To Avoid A Bozo - Author Jackie Kenall http://www.jackiekendall.com/node/24
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Single and Ready to......
Don't finish that sentence just yet!!! As singles, for the most part we seem to think we are ready for a relationship and for whatever reason it's just not falling into place. We find ourselves in this semi-something "relationships" that torture us until we or they fall apart and totally dissolve. And then the next day, we wake up, and do it all over again. WHAT THE HECK!!! Kiddies are we really so naive? Are we really so desperate for love, companionship, romance, affection, a person to share trash duties with that we do not observe the obvious?
I lean to the ideal that there could be more than one person for each of us, but it's a commitment and a choice to love one person for the rest of our lives when we marry. I do believe in romance, but I believe it takes effort and trust for it to really exist. It takes more than physical attraction or lust. In my years as a college student living in a female dorm, and then as a college professional living in a female dorm I have heard my fair share and probably yours too of girl drama based on boy drama. While I always want to be supportive, have a listening ear, and sensitive to the hurt of a young and wounded heart I also want to speak truth when and where it's needed. In my life I've had many heart aches. I think that most of them could've been prevented if those closest to me would've spoken a sensitive truth to my young tender heart. We arrive to this earth already broken and wounded as an after math to the choices of Adam and Eve. Then we have the after math of our current parents’ choices to add to our fragility, strength, and view of love, romance and relationships. With all of that considered it's a wonder we are able to love at all sometimes. The least we can do to help one another is be sensitive and speak truth when it's needed. In listening to different stories of wounded hearts, poor choices, affection given and not received I've learned so much. I mean lets be real....all you have to do is turn on a reality show and see these things. You don't even have to leave your house and take time to hear people. It's everywhere. Facebook statuses, tweets, and magazines. People are more than willing to share their heart ache with the world. My heart ache is seeing people give their hearts and in some situations their body to others who have done nothing to deserve them. I should add in this section my belief of pursuit. It may attribute to my current relationship status, but I sternly believe that the male is to pursue the female in a relationship where frienship isn't the only goal, but possibly marriage. I believe the fella should take this step of faith with ZERO, ya, count em' on all of no fingers, ZERO, efforts of encouragement from the female. Gentlemen, I accept your hate mail. I know, it's a strict point of view. But I CAN NOT get out of my head the thought that if you need to be given a green light from the girl then she was the first to initiate pursuit. Consider us all blinking the yellow caution light....not green (go)....not red (stop), but yellow and blinking!!!! Yield, proceed with caution, slow the heck down, check your surroundings, school zone (or as I think of it "get school'd" zone), insert all other metaphors here. But that very first attempt at taking a friendship to a romance should come from the guy. I will not apologize for this point of view. But I do hate the fact it makes some of you men folk find it hard to breath. ;-)
I want to scream from the top of my lungs from the deepest part of my heart to those young ladies struggling to believe they deserve this pursuit, "YOU DESERVE GOD'S BEST!!!", "YOU DESERVE TO BE PURSUED!!! AND WON!!!", "YOU ARE WORTH SOMETHING!!", alas it seems the opposite of these truths are easier for our wounded hearts to believe. I also want to scream to the fella's, "BE A MAN!!!", "BE THE LEADER GOD CREATED YOU TO BE!!!", "ANYTHING WORTH HAVING IS WORTH WAITING FOR AND WORTH WORKING FOR!!!", "SHOW HER YOU ARE WORTH THE RISK BY TAKING A RISK TO PURSUE HER!!!" and "STOP BEING LAZY FOR HEAVENS SAKE!!!".
I'll step off my soap box to encourage a few thoughts. I want to challenge the young ladies to stop planning weddings and start praying about being a wife. I want to encourage you beautiful young ladies that are waiting for their "prince charming" to be spending time doing something that reflects the love of the King instead of your love for the prince. I want to dare you to be praying for your future husband. If you think you are struggling imagine what he may be going through right now. When you think of the things you long for, desire, and see as traits of your future mate I wonder if you've compared yourself ? Are you someone that would be worthy of that kind of man ? Do you match your expectations ?
There are a plethera of books, websites, etc. that you can get advice from. Here are a few of my favorites. Preparing to Be A Help Meet, by Debi Pearl is my latest read and perhaps my favorite so far when it comes to singleness, relationships and Christian womanhood. I feel she has some encouraging, challenging, realistic and Biblical information. While you think on all these things here are a few books worth investing time in reading. Love you all!!
Preparing to Be A Help Meet - Author Debi Pearl http://nogreaterjoy.org/blogs/preparingtobeahelpmeet/book/
Lady in Waiting - Author Jackie Kendall -http://www.jackiekendall.com/node/27
A Man Worth Waiting For - How To Avoid A Bozo - Author Jackie Kenall http://www.jackiekendall.com/node/24
Again, Hope to be of help to you dear sisters in the faith!!!!
Afraid of The Dark.......
I absolutely believe that as Christians, but especially as Christian ladies we must be just as real with our lows as we are with our highs. In order for the ones that will walk beside, behind, and even in front of us to get a true glimpse of what it means to be a Christian woman walking in this crazy world they MUST be privy to our highs and our lows.
With that said, it has been six months since I finished my ministry/job in Chattanooga. It has been close to ten months since I followed the Lord's leading in giving my word that I would not resign my contract for a sixth year at my prior position. At the time I was a type of exhausted that I'm not even sure how to explain. I suppose to say that even my eye lashes suffered from exhaustion would be a good statement. In preparing to leave my place there and plan for what was next I began praying for the things I knew I needed most. I was sure I needed a time of refreshment, REST, and renewal. I knew I would need a new job, ministry, and perhaps place to live. And maybe I wasn't asking for it, but I needed a time of revival as well. As I finished my work I absolutely believed that I was obeying the Lord. I trusted that He was going to provide everything that I needed and more. As the summer moved into the fall and I made some big choices I continued to feel His loving arms around me. Providing everything I needed and even some things that I wanted. I was given rest, fellowship, a time in His word that I hadn't had in a long time.
But as the days have turned into weeks and the weeks into months I had started to feel forgotten. Abandon. Uncared for by my Heavenly Father. Even as I type I feel outrageous using those words. How dare I accuse the One who loves me most with abandonment! But alas that is how I felt. And at sometimes still feel. In this time of some prayers being answered and some not I have gotten to know a lot about myself that I didn't before. It's frightening to realize the parts of us that lay dormant for so long. It's scary to know how the things that have upset us about others is a part of our self as well. God the Father is a strict parent who only wants what is best for His children. I at times question His really knowing what is best for me since He does not always give me what I want. As if I have a real clue. In the times of "no, you can't have that" I have come to recognize how dark and sad I can be. Maybe, spoiled is a better word. I've considered myself a bit fearless in most areas of my life. Mainly because I have felt so protected by my God!! Now, however recognizing my darkness I now know, I am afraid of the dark. We each have a capacity for deep, frightening, what I would be with out my salvation darkness. I've seen in it others. I've perhaps dipped my toe in the vast pond of "what if I ignore God". But He has always pulled me back stronger than ever. As I sit on the edge of that pond dry as could be I have found myself looking to God with so many questions. "Father, can You hear me ? Lord, are You taunting me ? Lord, have You forgotten me ?". I know that when He comes through for me, and He will come through for me, I will feel like the smallest speck of junk on or under the earth's surface. However, for the sake of being transparent, back and forth I have these questions. With every interview for a job that sounded too good to be true (let's face it there aren't that many) and with every "we went with someone else" that comes after them I feel taunted. In every moment spent with the people I feel make me better and in the good-bye that is sure to follow, I feel teased. As my heart finds little bits of hope when I dare to dream on what His plans for me could possibly be I feel ridiculed, provoked, and flat out mocked when these dreams of His possible desires for me do not come true.......in my timing. I'm so selfish!
I don't have a "the end" to this story yet. It's apart of my current walk with Him. This is my attempt to practice what I preach. I never want to convey to the world or anybody else that I have it all figured out. I am a work in progress, color outside the lines, hot mess as anyone can be. But, even in my darkest moments I KNOW that there is a Light doing it's mightiest to lead me out. I am sure my God will provide the perfect job, ministry, or whatever when it is time. I just wonder if He is gonna "wear me out", a term used in the south when one is about to get a "spankin'", in a new way before that happens. No matter, I'm sure He will do what is best for this bratty daughter of His.
As I sat down to write this song came on. It is not a "christian" song from a "christian" radio station or artist, but I found it's words to be so spot on. In the darkness I can hear my Father speaking these type of words to me.
I Won't Let You Go -lyrics by James Morrison
When it's black
Take a little time to hold yourself
Take a little time to feel around
Before it's gone
You won't let go
But still do you keep on falling down
Remember how you saved me now
From all of my own, yeah
Take a little time to hold yourself
Take a little time to feel around
Before it's gone
You won't let go
But still do you keep on falling down
Remember how you saved me now
From all of my own, yeah
And this love, just feel it
And if this life won't see it
Sees no time to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go
Say those words, say those words like there's
Nothing else
Close your eyes and you might believe
That there is some way out
Open up, open up your heart to me now
Let it all come pouring out
There's nothing I can't take
And this love, just feel it
And if this life won't see it
Sees no time to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go
If the sky is falling, just take my hand and hold it
You don't have to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go
And if you feel the flame of love tonight
And you're too week to carry on the fire
And all your friends that you cannot hide,
Disappear
I'll be here night going, forever holding on
And this love, just feel it
And if this life won't see it
Sees no time to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go, uh
If the sky is falling, just take my hand and hold it
You don't have to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go, uh
I won't let you go, no
I won't let
I won't let you go, no
I won't let
I won't let you go, no
Won't let you go...
And if this life won't see it
Sees no time to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go
Say those words, say those words like there's
Nothing else
Close your eyes and you might believe
That there is some way out
Open up, open up your heart to me now
Let it all come pouring out
There's nothing I can't take
And this love, just feel it
And if this life won't see it
Sees no time to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go
If the sky is falling, just take my hand and hold it
You don't have to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go
And if you feel the flame of love tonight
And you're too week to carry on the fire
And all your friends that you cannot hide,
Disappear
I'll be here night going, forever holding on
And this love, just feel it
And if this life won't see it
Sees no time to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go, uh
If the sky is falling, just take my hand and hold it
You don't have to be alone, alone, yeah
I won't let you go, uh
I won't let you go, no
I won't let
I won't let you go, no
I won't let
I won't let you go, no
Won't let you go...
Monday, December 26, 2011
Mary's POV........
Yesterday morning I fell into my routine. Take Jack out, make the bed, get some hot tea brewin', and begin the day with some reading, praying, and thinking. As I sat to read I found myself with the realization that it was Christmas day. I knew that I didn't want to do the same ol' same ol' in my reading. I thought I'd veer from my regularly scheduled Bible chapter and go to the traditional "]Christmas story in the Bible. On Christmas Eve I read Luke 2, the account of Jesus birth. But on Christmas day the subtitle above a section in Luke 1 was the "Birth of Jesus Foretold". It struck me that Christmas was just as much about Mary's willingness to serve her God as it was about the amazing act of the birth of Christ. With out her willing heart and spirit what would this day had gone down in history as ? So, I read this section along with Luke 2 and the account of Christs Birth. There are four verses that stand out to me, Luke 1:30 "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.", Luke 1:37-38 "For nothing will be impossible with God, And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." , and Luke 2:19 "But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart."
My mind cant help but be amazed at how calm Mary was depicted as being. I mean, based on what I was taught in Bible class I am told that Mary was only 15ish. Can you imagine being 15 and pregnant ? She was newly engaged and here she is approached by an Angel with a message far greater than perhaps any other message she will ever receive. I think on the excitement, worry, and dreams that come with just her engagement alone. The desire to be a good wife for a good man. To honor her parents with the plans they had made for her. And here she is told she will give birth to a King. Does she panic, stomp out of the room cause the plan is not as she anticipated, toss her hands in the air feeling betrayed by God or her parents, worry about her man, her wedding, her future ? No. She replies so simply and beautifully "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord......". OH TO HAVE SUCH CALM!!!!!! I confess I envy this part of Mary's nature. Yesterday I lingered on the thought of Mary. While being so thankful for a God that cares for my sometimes "dark and twisty" self so much that He would send His Son to die for my sins. I also linger on the work that God had to be doing in Mary. I long to be such a faithful servant. I don't know that I'll ever come near approaching any sort of close similarity to this part of Mary's character as a person, but I believe it is a worthy goal to add to my new years resolutions. Just thinking on the fact that one persons's following of the Lord will indeed have an effect on another person's ability to the follow the Lord. It causes me to pray much harder on the choices that will come to me in the future. I hope to be able to say, "I am a servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to Your word."
My mind cant help but be amazed at how calm Mary was depicted as being. I mean, based on what I was taught in Bible class I am told that Mary was only 15ish. Can you imagine being 15 and pregnant ? She was newly engaged and here she is approached by an Angel with a message far greater than perhaps any other message she will ever receive. I think on the excitement, worry, and dreams that come with just her engagement alone. The desire to be a good wife for a good man. To honor her parents with the plans they had made for her. And here she is told she will give birth to a King. Does she panic, stomp out of the room cause the plan is not as she anticipated, toss her hands in the air feeling betrayed by God or her parents, worry about her man, her wedding, her future ? No. She replies so simply and beautifully "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord......". OH TO HAVE SUCH CALM!!!!!! I confess I envy this part of Mary's nature. Yesterday I lingered on the thought of Mary. While being so thankful for a God that cares for my sometimes "dark and twisty" self so much that He would send His Son to die for my sins. I also linger on the work that God had to be doing in Mary. I long to be such a faithful servant. I don't know that I'll ever come near approaching any sort of close similarity to this part of Mary's character as a person, but I believe it is a worthy goal to add to my new years resolutions. Just thinking on the fact that one persons's following of the Lord will indeed have an effect on another person's ability to the follow the Lord. It causes me to pray much harder on the choices that will come to me in the future. I hope to be able to say, "I am a servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to Your word."
Merry Christmas Loves!!!!!
I pray your holiday was everything you dreamed it to be and more!!!
 |
| Much Love from Stacie and Santa Paws!!!! |
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Thirst and Quenching
This past weekend I had the opportunity to spend time with friends in one of my favorite places ever. Per usual I crammed my visit with brunches, lunches, dinners, coffee meetings, walks and anything else I could get fit in a day or night in order to at least attempt to spend time with as many people as possible. Even with only seven hours of sleep in three nights total I still didn't get to see everyone that I wanted too. I set off for my visit thinking it would simply be a time of celebrating all things festive and Christmas-y.
Thinking only of myself and the refreshing I might get from being with close friends. I've been so thirsty for true fellowship I could think of nothing else in planning my visit. I had no idea that God had an appointment for me. In these few days I was reminded that my heart was made for ministry. The ministry of His people. My mind and mouth have been made to flow His words to His workers in love and encouragement. My ears have been made to hear the burden of His people and the victories that have only come from His fighting on our behalf. My life was made for better or worse to represent and speak of what He has done. How He has made me and how I have to fight daily and at times hourly against my sin nature. In being honest about these flaws in me I was able to shine light on some wounds in others that needed a "band aid". In sharing where I have been, I was able to help others from falling into the same "pot holes" I have had to crawl out of. In fighting my selfish pride I was able to hopefully begin the mending of a dear friendship. Now, there is a lot of I in this writing. By no means was it really me. It was God. I came back home poured out and exhausted, but amazingly energized at the thought that He indeed has plans for me. He WANTS to use me. I have been so focused on my thirst I haven't thought He may be just waiting to quench it. It is not a privilege to Him for me to be used it is a privilege for me to be chosen for use. I cried more in these few days then I have in the last months. I felt His hand on me closer than I had since the summer. I'm reminded that when it seems He is far away, He isn't. When it seems He isn't listening, He is. When it seems He is done with us, it couldn't be further from the truth. Our cups weren't made to overflow. We are meant for receiving and pouring out all that is His goodness and truth. Isn't it funny ? We go into something intending to bless someone or be an encouragement and we walk away feeling we have been blessed and encouraged. I beg of Him that in whatever path He leads me down that I would always be clearly His daughter. As I look back on my oh so fun weekend I am thankful for so much. To name a few....... friends that love and even like me in spite of myself, always having a place to stay if I need to get away, people who make me laugh and smile till it hurts, people who remind me I am of worth to someone, people who let me share what God has and is doing, sleepless nights that come from fun days....and too much cotton candy, water proof mascara :-) , and His ever surprising extravagance of love poured out on me. What a wonderful way to go into the weekend of celebrating His birth.
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| One of My Favorite Cities - Chattanooga |
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| Rock City Christmas Lights |
Thinking only of myself and the refreshing I might get from being with close friends. I've been so thirsty for true fellowship I could think of nothing else in planning my visit. I had no idea that God had an appointment for me. In these few days I was reminded that my heart was made for ministry. The ministry of His people. My mind and mouth have been made to flow His words to His workers in love and encouragement. My ears have been made to hear the burden of His people and the victories that have only come from His fighting on our behalf. My life was made for better or worse to represent and speak of what He has done. How He has made me and how I have to fight daily and at times hourly against my sin nature. In being honest about these flaws in me I was able to shine light on some wounds in others that needed a "band aid". In sharing where I have been, I was able to help others from falling into the same "pot holes" I have had to crawl out of. In fighting my selfish pride I was able to hopefully begin the mending of a dear friendship. Now, there is a lot of I in this writing. By no means was it really me. It was God. I came back home poured out and exhausted, but amazingly energized at the thought that He indeed has plans for me. He WANTS to use me. I have been so focused on my thirst I haven't thought He may be just waiting to quench it. It is not a privilege to Him for me to be used it is a privilege for me to be chosen for use. I cried more in these few days then I have in the last months. I felt His hand on me closer than I had since the summer. I'm reminded that when it seems He is far away, He isn't. When it seems He isn't listening, He is. When it seems He is done with us, it couldn't be further from the truth. Our cups weren't made to overflow. We are meant for receiving and pouring out all that is His goodness and truth. Isn't it funny ? We go into something intending to bless someone or be an encouragement and we walk away feeling we have been blessed and encouraged. I beg of Him that in whatever path He leads me down that I would always be clearly His daughter. As I look back on my oh so fun weekend I am thankful for so much. To name a few....... friends that love and even like me in spite of myself, always having a place to stay if I need to get away, people who make me laugh and smile till it hurts, people who remind me I am of worth to someone, people who let me share what God has and is doing, sleepless nights that come from fun days....and too much cotton candy, water proof mascara :-) , and His ever surprising extravagance of love poured out on me. What a wonderful way to go into the weekend of celebrating His birth.
These are a few sentences He has used to speak to me as of late.
Hope they encourage and speak to you as well.
"I will never leave you alone in the midst of any affliction. You cannot escape the crisis experiences if you desire to grow and mature." "And this is the will of God, that ye be about the Father's business." "I have a ministry for you. You have not found it yet because you have been earnestly and in sincerity and with humble heart trying to conform to the patterns of others." - All excerpts from Come Away My Beloved Daily Devotional by Frances J. Roberts
"Nothing can give you quite the same thrill as the feeling that you are in harmony with the great God of the universe who created all things. " Dr. James Dobson
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I'm not dead.....
....just quieter than usual. It's been several months since I last blogged. I realize to the majority of my blogging friends that's basically a sin. But rest assured I am not dead, I'm just being a bit quiet. I know, just doesn't sound right does it ?! I am still in the midst of researching, praying, thinking, etc. about what might be "next" for me. I am still in my home town living and for the most part loving life. I am fighting to use my time wisely. Yes, fighting. There has been a battle with in myself of how to best spend each day. My most recent of prayers I pray before my feet ever hit the floor, "Lord, let today be a day that brings glory to You and brings me closer to Your will for my life." Not every day is a earth shattering revelation or a day that was totally productive start to finish. But I absolutely believe that even in the silence He is working. Words that He has brought to me as of late are be still, wait patiently, ...in the quiet, know, rest, peace, faith and many others. A verse I've just today begun clinging too is Psalm 69:13 "But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of Your steadfast love answer me in Your saving faithfulness." Words and phrases like, "at an acceptable time", "abundance of your steadfast love", "answer me", they assure me that indeed He has a timing for ALL things in my tiny little world. That I can ask anything of Him and He will hear me. He loves me and wants to know what burdens me, excites me, brings me peace, and so on. So, tomorrow I will start another day hopefully with more faith than I had today and a step closer to what He has for me. I hope to spend even the moments of defeat, struggle, and nashing of teeth getting closer to Him.
A few things I've been up to.......
Throwing down in the kitchen.....
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| Chocolate Eclair Cupcakes |
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| Egg White & Veggie Frittata |
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| White Chocolate Marshmallow Pumpkin Truffles |
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| Fall Wreath |
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| Button Frame |
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| Christmas Ornaments for Some of Those I love
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Spendin' Time With.....
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| With my crazy funny family.... |
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