Follow-Up on Rejoice, I Say!

So, Christmas came and went, and believe it or not, things went better than I ever dreamed they could. It went so well, in fact, that I'd actually deem it a miracle. No joke.

God's love flowed through me this Christmas—and I could feel it especially when I knew that without Him, I'd have felt angry, upset, or bothered. I could not have done it without Him, and if anyone could have been in my shoes throughout the entirety of this struggle, there's no way that they would not believe in Him and the power of His love.

Unfortunately, those who still seek the truth can't fit in my shoes to see the proof. However, maybe those who saw me (and, perhaps, those who put me) in my "shoes" could still see enough of it to light the spark for them. (One can hope.)

Clear as mud? I'm purposely not getting horribly specific here, but I wanted to share that things went quite well.

God is love! -- Merry Christmas!

This is the rough draft for a talk I gave at my church's women's Christmas brunch....

Merry Christmas!
We are coming together today to celebrate one of the most important holidays in the year.

I brought a prop. This is my son, Logan. He is 1 month and 1 day old. I love him. I am so pleased with him. He is so cute, you should pay attention to him. Or should I say, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" Matthew 17:5. God loved his son so much more than I love my own.

I am not one taken to an overpowering, immediate love for my children when they are born. It may be different for other women, but I begin loving my child the minute it becomes a part of me and this love grows over time. The Bible says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1-2) God is love. 1 John 4:16 Any inkling of love that I feel for my children, pales in comparison to the love God has for his son. Yet, as much as God loved Jesus, he gave him up for us. Because he loved us. (For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16)
God could have sent Jesus as an adult with a flaming sword and a host of heavenly warriors behind him. He could have sent him as a child to the most well-to-do family in the world. Arrayed him in splendor and given him worldly wealth. But The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14) God came to live among us, not above us. He came for me, a sinner. And how do you reach a sinner? You love them.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12-13

I love that every year I read the Christmas story, I find some new detail that evidences God's love....and divinity. This year it had to do with Mary. Mary and Joseph were betrothed -- It's in between engaged and married. Even though they weren't married, yet, the only way they could break off their relationship once they were engaged was to get divorced. Let's see if I can explain how perfectly God provided for this little family. Mary became pregnant while she was still a virgin. God could have sent Jesus before Joseph had ever even heard of Mary. Sure, she would have been a single mom, but maybe she would just raise Jesus in the home of her parents. Or what if she and Joseph were already married with three children? Then the prophecy would not have been fulfilled (Therefore the Lord himself will give you [a] a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and [b] will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14)

Now what do we do with this?? God is love. He loves His children. and any of us who believe that Jesus is God's son, that he came to save us, we get to be called children of God as well.
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19. God calls his children to walk in love. A pharisee asked Jesus what the greatest commandment is and Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[b] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
This Christmas season, walk in love (2 John 1:6) for this is the true reason we have Christmas. It was God's greatest gift to us and it can be the greatest gift we give to others.

Rejoice, I Say!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
– Philippians 4:4


"Praise God!"

Recently, I have been reminded that in this life, I cannot "roll with the punches" on my own. Things have been interesting for me lately, in regard to family (in more places than just one, but I'm more focused on one particular relationship in this post). I won't go into detail about that, but I will say that a good friend of mine (Brenda) once said to me, "there's a reason you can't choose your family: some people just wouldn't get picked."

Yesterday, I had one of those amazing experiences (which happens quite often, actually) where I was in church, and the sermon satiated my thirst for an answer to many, many prayers that I've spoken over the last year (and mostly in the last week).

I was reminded that I am blessed to be able to have conflict with my family. Before you go and write me off as being nutty, let me attempt to explain myself.

Not all conflict is black and white and easy to resolve. In fact, sometimes, it is impossible to fix whatever the issue is that may have caused the conflict in the first place (sometimes, you may run into someone who believes that the events that occurred are a completely different reality to them than to what actually occurred). But, how we choose to look at it, and how we choose to handle it (with the help of God) can bring peace, civility, and even forgiveness to a seemingly impossible relationship. And, heck, even over time, maybe that relationship can grow into something beautiful again. (Who knows?)

In the meantime, though, we can be reminded that it is beautiful that we can feel this hurt. Pain, sorrow, and all of the absolutely dreadful things of the like are part of what makes this life worth living. If we didn't have horrible, nasty junk to deal with now and then, it would not be so special when things are going so well.

This Christmas, while part of me is nervous to have to work so hard on myself for some relationships, I am more thrilled than ever to be alive and to be working this hard to do God's will. I have the opportunity to do it. I also feel completely thrilled (we're talking giddy, schoolgirl status) to have the opportunity to share it all with my budding, little family.

One might look at this post and think, "Oh. Okay. So, Jenny thrives on drama, then."

That couldn't be further from the truth. I am the most anti-dramalicious person you'll ever meet. Part of me thinks that God allows it into my life because he knows that it's a serious challenge for me. Sometimes, though, I think it's from the stinkin' devil, and if I'm not careful, it could really suck me over into the dark side. Now, for once, I have armed myself appropriately, and I can now look at it with a smirk on my face and say, "Bring it on. Bring. It. On."

I'm ready. Let's do this.

Merry Christmas!

Learning about Loneliness...

I think God leaves me alone to let me find my own strength
because no one else can give it to me.
Sometimes it is very lonely.
But I know the lonely times teach me the most.
I must let go in order to let anything in.
No one can love me, for me.

~ Sabrina Ward Harrison

I am learning. I think we are all learning as we go through life - learning about ourselves, learning about our spouses, learning about life and how to live it honestly and fully in each and every moment.

All you stay-at-home moms can relate with this - you just get lonely when your husband is gone. Whether it be a normal 8-hour work day or a week-long business trip, it's tough to get through the day without your partner. And yes, there are little ones at home to keep you company, yet it's times when you are alone with them when it's hard to look past parenthood as a chore and see it as a gift. And in those times, I can honestly say I yearn for the days when it was just me...just me and my work without anyone to answer to, without any responsibilities beyond myself.

Now how selfish does that sound???? REALLY?! As much as I didn't really see myself as that typical stay-at-home mom, I have assumed that role. And I do try to make time for my creative side and have a successful side business that is going extremely well. Yet WHY do I always desire more? Even when I was just by myself, I was STILL lonely and desired, what else...companionship and the sound of cooing babies and pattering feet.

Lonely moments do teach me the most. Sometimes it is simply a moment in reflection. Sometimes it is a quick tearful release. One thing that loneliness has taught me is that sometimes we need to just let go. By giving up control and by loosening the tight grip we have around our lives, our blessings are revealed in the most unusual ways. It is the little grins from my 3-month-old at 2 am that get me through the night. It is the hugs around my legs from my 2-year-old that get me through the mornings. It is the text messages that my husband sends me before his planes take off that get me through the afternoons.

And though I feel lonely, I know that I am never really by myself. There is more that lives within me than just myself, and it is the moments of chaos and the moments of quiet where I can touch the One that is beyond me and bigger than me. And I realize that lonely times really do teach me the most.

What's In A Name?

When my first child was born, we did not have a specific name chosen for him ahead of time. However, at his birth, I felt his name was revealed to me. When I went home and looked it up, I found that his name means "Gift of God" -- which he was. Names have importance in the Bible as well. From Abram being renamed Abraham to Saul becoming Paul and Simon called Peter.



The many names of God are important, too. I have started a list of characteristics and names of God. As I come along a description or name of our Heavenly Father, I write it (along with the scripture reference) in the front of my Bible. As Priscilla Shirer says, "The more you know and believe to be true about who God is and what He can do, the more willing you become to obey what He commands." I will share just a few of the characteristics I have found. Please add on.



God is....

• my strength (Psalm 18:1)


• the blessed and only ruler (1 Timothy 6:15)


• sovereign (Micah 1:2)


• the King of glory (Psalm 24:8)


• you who judge righteously and test the heart and mind (Jeremiah 11:20)


• a God who knows (1 Samuel 2:3)


• the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)


• the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17)


• reliable (John 8:26)


• the LORD our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)


• compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished (Exodus 34:6-7)


• worthy of praise (Psalm 18:3)


• a refuge in times of trouble (Nahum 1:7)

And don't forget, as Christians we have a new name as well.

"To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 (emphasis mine)

Listening?!?

Has anyone wondered if the some of the urgings that they are feeling are from God or from their own imaginations and thoughts? I have been struggling the last few weeks with hearing God, and finding His voice to guide my life.

I have an amazing friend who shared with me several months ago, that she felt like God was preparing her for something big;. Long story short, she and her husband have three little girls and were not planning on having anymore. My dear friend ached for another baby, but honored her husband and their decision not to have any more biological children.

They had been praying and thinking about adoption for the last several months. Last week this little miracle was literally dropped into their lives. They are now planning on adopting a little boy. I am not at liberty to go into details, short of saying that this story has God written all over it!! Because she stopped and listened, God spoke to her and was preparing her and her family for their new addition long before they had any idea what was going to happen.

This made me realize...a little quiet time with the Lord and some time spent in His word will go a long way towards "hearing" Him. Isn't it truly amazing that we have a God that knows what is in our hearts and that He has given us this amazing manual to find the answers and truths to better hear Him!!

Deuteronomy 30:20
..."that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him...

I hope we can all take time out of our busy lives to stop and listen to the plans our Lord has for us!!

What are your "Talents"?

God's timing is always correct. Sometimes I don't notice and it schlaps me in the face, leaving me thinking, "....ooooh yeah! Now that makes sense!". This last weekend, our message at church was about the parable of the talents (see Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-28).

I always viewed that story as a good way to talk about finances and tithing... How God wants us to be good stewards with the funds he blesses us with. But this weekend shone a new light on the subject and I thought of the word "talent" not as $$$, but talent.

I've spent quite a few years "hoarding" some talent that I was feeling too stingy to use. I thought of singing and how I've always thought of it as mine....NO WAY! I realized it's God's voice and he entrusted me with it for a reason. WOW. What am I doing sitting on it? And his perfect timing?: I had just prayed during worship before the sermon, asking God to give me a sign if he wanted me to serve on the worship arts team and sing again. So I'm gonna do it.

So, what's the talent that God has entrusted you? Have you been sittin' on it too?

Matthew 25:13

"Therefore, stay alert, for you know not the day or the hour..."

So when we finally get to see our Savior face to face, I want to tell him that I used every bit he gave me...

Lesson in envy

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings
instead of your own.
- Harold Coffin

Today, I spoke with a good friend of mine who told me that they just bought a new house. I was so happy for them but couldn't help thinking why they bought a new house when their current one was really nice anyway. They are expecting their first baby, and they are checking off the list of things that they need before the baby comes. I'm so glad that they are having a baby. They are truly wonderful people, and their children will be extremely blessed to have such good parents. But why upgrade when the house you live in is REALLY nice already? Their new neighborhood is just down the street from us, so I decided to drive through. The more I drove through the neighborhood, the more envious I got. I'm not the main financial provider in my family, and my husband has a job where people think he earns about three times as much as he really does. We struggle to pay bills sometimes, and it's really frustrating. I guess I found myself feeling jealous that my good friends get to start out their family in such luxury while we are scraping the bottom on the barrel at times.

Then I realized, why be envious of my friends when I have everything in life that I need right now? I have a wonderful husband, two happy and healthy kids that make me smile everyday, a roof over my head, and food on the table. We can laugh, cry, eat meals, welcome friends and family, and love in a house of any size. Besides, if we had every physical desire that we want NOW, it doesn't make us appreciate what we acquire in the future. So today I wake up, give my girls morning hugs and kisses, make breakfast in my fully-stocked kitchen, shower in hot water, and put on clothes from our almost-too-small closet. And I'm thankful for every last bit.

Take delight in the Lord,

and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord.

Trust him, and he will help you.
- Psalm 37: 4-5

Hope

Sometimes you just have to look to the sky and be grateful for the little things - even though it's the little things that may have you looking to the sky to begin with.

Patience and Ferocious Love

It is true. With parenthood comes the ever-present need for patience. I wish I could store it all up and use that extra patience I had from day 1 and use it on day 4. I found myself losing my patience several times today with my almost-2-year-old daughter as she ferociously loved my 6-week-old daughter - namely, she was laying smack dab on top of her, hugging and kissing her. She has her gentle moments, and then she has her violent and ferocious love moments. All come with good intentions, but you think she would reconsider literally smothering her sister with love while she screamed and writhed in pain beneath her. And yes, I called my mother tonight to ask her what to do. Ended up, I was doing the right thing all along, which was yanking the old one off the younger one and explaining the whole concept of inflicting pain on someone smaller than yourself. Not sure if it got through to her 20-month-old brain, but here's hoping.

How many times have you found yourself in the same situation? How many times have you tried so hard to have patience with your little ones, with your husband, with your parents, with your co-workers...and you get to the point where patience just doesn't cut it anymore and you want to blow your top? And how many times have you had the patience to love kindly, gently, patiently...and when there is no physical reception of that love, have you ever lost your patience and loved "ferociously?" They are the extremes, these things called patience and love - so easy to feel, yet so hard to contain.

So tonight, I will go to bed and pray for my patience to restore itself while I sleep. It's nice to know that with each day comes a new slate, and we can approach it as patiently or ferociously as we choose.

Timid

Inside each of us is someone who is timid. Whether you're a little timid, or a lot, we have aprehensions; fears. Fears of spiders, fears of abandonment, fears of death, and of the unknown.

Don't be afraid. Encourage yourself by filling up on God's word, so that you can be ready at a moment's notice to share your hope with those who don't know how to hope.

I Peter 3:14b-16, "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (NIV)

We are accepted...even when we don't accept ourselves

Feel like your life is full of muck? Are things "messy" and do you sometimes feel out of control? That's good...it means you're still alive and you're human. :) Do you know that even in an imperfect world and in an imperfect life, we can be accepted?

"When God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given back our lives.

Titus 3:4-6 (The Messge translation)

A Father's Love Letter

Don't you know that it's not about our pursuit of God....your life is the story of God's pursuit of you.

Take five minutes and watch this love letter from God video. It's beautiful and amazing. HE is beautiful and amazing. Be blessed...

Click HERE

A lot can be learned in one episode of Sesame Street. Today, everyone on the street suffered from "mine-itis". No one wanted to share. Everywhere Elmo turned, someone was snatching something away from him and saying, "MINE!".

Sometimes I think we suffer from "mine-itis" when we think of our church.....our church...OUR music....OUR ministry...it's really God's church, isn't it?

It's easy to get sidetracked into thinking that we'll only participate in activities that go along with all our ideas exactly. Some people will go so far as to leave a church, because they can't get it to conform to THEIR desires. But, what does God desire from us?

I think he wants a church full of people who deeply care for one another, and truly enjoy "doing life together". I've been hurt by people who go to my church...in every church I've ever been to....AND every school, grocery store, etc. as well. Life would be rather dull if we didn't have ups and downs. It feels good to have a church "home" where there are people who are deeply concerned for you. Even if there are some who aren't.

In summary, "church" is really just a group of people who come together to fellowship and get through life....while offering up their Praise to our Creator.

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:11

Need some Motivation?

Maaaaannnn, I'm really having trouble feeling motivated lately. Do you ever get in a spot where you just want to sit and stare? That's me today. You could light a match on my leg and I don't feel like I'd jump. God is with us even in our "dumpy" "blue" period.

"Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God--soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God." Psalm 42:5-6 (The Message)

"You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern." 1Peter 5:7 (Phillips version)

What if someone asked YOU about being a Christian??

It's' Saturday...I'm still in my pajamas as I write, but I had an intriguing morning. My husband is out for the day and my little one and I are having a lazy day at home. It always makes me nervous when we get visitors at the door, trying to sell us something, etc. (stemming from a group of vaccum "salesmen" who refused to leave my doorstep once and I had to call the police). Today, a young teen and older man in suits knocked at the door and I was in clear view of the window. I had to answer. They were making the rounds and asking people about their faith. They were sharing their faith as Jehovah's Witnesses. They asked me what I thought was the biggest difference between my religion and theirs. I honestly didn't know what to say. After they left, I did some research and filled myself with ways we are different.

The biggest thing I wanted to share is that the Bible says,

"For sin shall have no dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14

I am so excited to share that Christ died for ALL sinners!, not just the ones who "attain Christ-likeness". We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but the good news is that we are not "ruled" by the old law of the Old Testiment...Christ is our new "law" His grace is sufficient and he forgives over and over.

I've messed up so many times, haven't you? God loves us anyway! He gave his son, so that we can be free from the burdens of sin and one day have life eternal with him in heaven! Not just the "special ranking" Christians, ANY and ALL who love him and make Christ the center of their life. THAT is good news!!! Would you like to read specific scriptures about this topic? HERE is a site I looked at today with some good points and scripture to back it. I believe there are also links to other tough topics.

Please note that I am not at all upset or angry with my visitors today, nor do I view them as lesser because of our differences. Like Christ, we were not sent here to judge, but to love and to speak the truth. Be filled with grace today!

Living Humble in a Joyful Way

I'm going to go ahead and plead your forgiveness for being such a slacker when it comes to keeping up with posts. There's obviously no excuse, because I update my other blog almost everyday...and God is way more worth it ;) It feels good to get to spend some time here tonight.

We've been doing a series at church called "unshakable". It's all about living joyfully even though our world and our economy is upside down right now. My husband is literally losing co-workers to his left and right, and we keep praying for his job to be secure.

I learned a big lesson this past week about living humbly, and I wanted to share it with you. It seems that overlooking injustice is really difficult for me...in a way that's good...I never let the sun set on something that isn't set "right". However, I've risked some temper flares in a few of those "fights for injustice". I might have been a good lawyer, but I digress...

Someone bullied me this past week and ripped my self-esteem right from under me. My first instinct was to "rip" them something new, but it occurred to me that our sermon this Sunday was about esteeming others as better than ourselves. We can live joyfully in a humble manner. Now, I certainly don't mean that it's okay to let our self-esteem plumit and allow people to walk all over us, it is good to remember that we aren't #1. It's good to remember that God loves the other person just as much. It's also good to keep a clear conscience when it comes to things we say to one another.

So,...I bit my tongue. I responded kindly.....and just as momma always said, you only attract bees with honey. The other person responded back in a kinder manner. It had the potential to be really ugly, but it's better to have peace in knowing God will set it straight later.

Psalms 37:11 "But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace"

Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

Proverbs 28:25-26 "A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe."

Pray for Someone

Our pastor said something today that stuck with me...he said that when someone isn't on our hearts, they're probably on our nerves. He meant that if we aren't focused on loving people through God's eyes, we'll get in a rut of being annoyed by them.

Have you ever people-watched in public? We went to the zoo this weekend and I found myself asking my husband if he thought the animals watched us just as much as we watch them... People do some of the strangest things. And sometimes, we even act like animals! It's easy to let people get on our nerves because they're human and so are we. There isn't one of us who is perfect, no matter how much our mothers told us we were when we were kiddos.

Try picking a person who really gets under your skin. Think of that person right now. Those are "sandpaper people". They "rub you the wrong way", big time. Our pastor also likes to say that if you find yourself constantly having imaginary conversations with that person; telling them off and saying everything you've ever wanted to say without remorse, that's your sandpaper person. So now that you've got that person in your head, try praying for them. It doesn't mean having to LIKE them...pray that God would watch them and that they would make good decisions. Pray that God would love them through you and give you a sense of peace around this person. And, finally pray that God would speak to their heart. You might be completely amazed at what God can do when you ask.

Have a great week!

"Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12

A Little Peace

I've been watching as the seasons are changing...winter is over and spring is creeping in. I say, creeping, because it's always back and forth in Indiana weather! Looking out the window, I noticed yesterday that we have a dove nesting in our deck flower box. I peeked in and she has two lovely, ivory eggs. I knew there would be a nest nearby because she and her mate have been sitting on our deck since February...looking like they were surveying the area.

We had a strong storm come through last night and all I could think about was that little dove, sitting out in the flower box, holding fast against the strong winds and rain to peacefully watch over her little eggs. God does that for us, you know. In the midst of turmoil, he holds fast against the storm, protecting us from chaos all around. It doesn't mean we are oblivious to the chaos, just peacefully cared for during the storm.

It may feel like life is chaos all around right now. You may be suffering hurt and wondering where God is. He isn't far. He's holding you and offering peace if you'll trust him.

"I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid." John 14:27 (CEV)

"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

"Don't worry over anything whatever; whenever you pray, tell God every detail of your needs in thankful prayer, and the peace of God, which surpasses human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7 (Phillips version)

MMmmm...Now THAT's some GOOD NEWS!

As I type at the computer this evening, I can smell the aroma of my hubby's famous homemade pizza as it nears time to take it out of the oven. I'm STARVING right now, which led me to think about how much craving food can be related to how we crave God's presence.

He is the one who fills us up when we long for something more. Many try to fill their "holes" with wealth, hobbies, addictions... If you're hunting for a good meal, then there is good news for you today. Give your life to Christ and let Him be your portion. Let his love be enough for you...it is perfect and will never fail. Even in times of heartache and worry, He sees your hurt and is waiting for you to trust what He has planned for you if you'll only ask him for it.

"God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for the time will come when you will laugh with joy." Luke 6:21

"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat." Matthew 5:6 (The Message)

And, if you're still hungry (cause even Christians have to eat...) go to www.whatwereeating.com and find a recipe for the fantastic looking homemade pizza pictured above.

Why Can't "Good" Be Good?

This devotion is based on an awesome Christian author and speaker, Beth Moore of Living Proof Ministries. This past weekend, I had the experience of participating in a simulcast at our church based on marriage. It was a conference broadcast across the United States and into Canada. I think they had around 500 churches participating. It was a really neat experience.

One of the most impactful speakers was Beth Moore. She spoke directly to the ladies on why "good" can't be good enough for women. This totally hit home because I've caught myself on many occasions asking myself or saying aloud, "why can't my husband do this, or why can't my husband be more like that..." WHOA! Stop for a minute, gals....why can't "GOOD" be GOOD ENOUGH??

As women, we all have probably been guilty of not being satisfied with what we have. We need to remind ourselves that what we have is good. My man is good....he's good enough. He's good enough for God, so he's definitely good enough for me.

Here are some "good" verses to ponder today:

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." I Thessalonians 5:18 (the Message)

Rock Star

I wanna be a Rock Star........no, not really. But I know someone who does. Have you ever known someone who wanted so badly to be rich and famous...to make it "BIG"? Some people spend their whole lives striving to become "it". They spend the big bucks on a super model wardrobe or the best sound equipment for the band....yet they don't see that what is truly "BIG" in life is right in front of them, and it's FREE.

Living a life for God is infinitely better than striving for fame and fortune. While some people are blessed to achieve both, success is sweeter when it's from the Lord.

Here are a couple verses about success:

"With me are riches and honor, enduring weath and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver." Proverbs 8:18-19 NIV

"My prayer for you, my very dear friend, is that you may be as healthy and prosperous in every way as you are in your soul." 3 John 2 (Phillips version)

More Cedar in your Palace

Do you ever find yourself wishing you could do some major updates to your house/apartment, etc.? My husband and I are ALWAYS thinking up ways to add to the house; customize it to look just the way we want it to....like a magazine. Sometimes that's totally unrealistic and actually unnecessary. I remember saying when I first met my husband, that I would be completely happy living in a one-room house with a dirt floor, if it meant that I could live with him. When did we get away from remembering the important part is the relationships we build here on earth?

Here is an interesting verse:

"More cedar in your palace doesn't make you a better king than your father, Josiah. He always did right--he gave justice to the poor and was honest. That's what it means to truly know me. So he lived a comfortable life and always had enough to eat and drink." Jeremiah 22:15-16 (CEV)

It's an odd translation, but I gather that if you spend your energy showing love and compassion to others, live comfortably with just enough, you'll live a "richer", fuller life!

Here's a goal that I've been wanting to accomplish lately...We always see a man with the classic cardboard sign, standing at an intersection corner. I would really like to stock my car with some McDonald's gift cards so that I'm not empty handed when our paths cross. Can you think of a way to show God's love in a practical way today? I would love to hear your ideas!

Have a great week!

Need a little Mercy?

First, I want to apologize for not posting since October. I guess I got discouraged and thought no one wanted to read my random thoughts. But, my buddy-sister-in-law has had a pretty rough 24 hours and requested a devo in the midst of cleaning up baby puke and doing laundry, so she deserves a post today!

I like this verse from my favorite book in the Bible (Titus!)

God our Savior showed us how good and kind he is. He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. Titus 3:4-5

The great and wonderful thing about God is that when we need cleansed and refreshed, he is happy to wash us over and over....no matter how covered in "puke" we are.

Much love to you, friends!