Rescued from the Pit

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind. They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. They said to one another, "Here comes this dreamer. But when Reuben heard it, he rescued him out of their hands, saying, "Let us not take his life." Genesis 37:3-4, 11, 18-19, 21

Jealousy. False accusations. Anger. Betrayal. Intercession.  If we are honest, we have all experienced one of more of these at one time or another in our life, as the one who was the "accuser" and the one who was "accused."

Here in Genesis, Joseph is favored by his father and his brothers are jealous. It is not recorded that Joseph was skipping around singing, " I am the favorite, nanny-nanny-boo-boo." He is portrayed as a good 17 year old kid, obedient and caring, and one who sees the things of God (in dreams). And yet, his brothers could hardly stand it enough. The brother's jealousy came to the point of plotting a forever separation, a quick decision to put Joseph to death. The moment they saw him from afar coming to them (to care for them mind you), they were lock and loaded, ready to kill. If it weren't for big brother Rueben speaking up and taking action, Joseph would not have been spared. Reuben interceded on Joseph's and probably their Dad's behalf too knowing he was so favored. 

"So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. Then they sat down to eat. And looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh." And his brothers listened to him." Genesis 37:23-27

Can you even imagine what Joseph must have been going through during all of this?! Righteous anger and deep grief fills my heart for him. How terrifying. He was innocent. He had come to check on his brothers and they betrayed him not just once, but twice! First, into a deep pit without water and you know he had to have put up a fight although the scriptures don't say, then thanks once again to big bro, he then escapes certain death and but is sold into slavery, which was obviously a divine appointment of rescue from God.

"The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. One day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house, she called to the men of her household and said to them, "See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to laugh at us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice." Genesis 39:2, 11-14 

Sold to Pharaoh as a servant, he is once again betrayed, falsely accused! But another intercessor was there-God! He rescued Joseph from yet another pit. "And Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison." Genesis 39:20-21 

They say words are a lamp into the soul. Look at Joseph's words here: "For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the pit." Genesis 40:15 His heart was pure, calm, innocent and trusting. 

"Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. Joseph answered Pharaoh, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." Genesis 41:14, 16  Pure, calm, innocent, trusting. I wonder if Joseph would ever be anxious anymore as God continues to rescue him from the pits he seemingly is a magnet for! Joseph was placed into this position of honor at the age of 30 years old. He had been held back in the pit for many long years and yet, look at his demeanor, his heart. I am not sure I would have been so calm or kind. His brothers betrayed him, desiring to kill him! They sold him to slavery. Yet he says, "I was stolen out of the land of the Hebrews." Even in the face of what is absolute truth, he doesn't talk disrespectfully of his evil-plotting and jealous brothers. He doesn't slander or plot revenge. He could have easily been plotting his revenge on his brothers for the moment he was able to ever escape and be free. 

"But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love." First, put in a pit. Then sold as a slave. Praise God? Would you have seen that as rescue? Then falsely accused of sexual immorality and put back into the pit. Praise God? It was there in the pit God used him as His spokesperson. Would you ever consider a trial as evidence of God's rescue from something bad to something better? Joseph doesn't know what's on the other side of those brick walls, but he experiences God's steadfast love through it. If there was ever someone who had just cause to get even, plot revenge, be angry, gossip about the injustice brought onto him, it was Joseph. His anger did not cause him to sin. He trusted God brick wall after brick wall. And then, his dreams/prophesies are fulfilled and the brothers are now standing unaware, before the brother they hated. The youngest, hated, Daddy's favorite baby boy was standing before them as their "Life Giver." Once in a place of victim, now Joseph stands in the place of rescuer. The tables have turned to say the least! Two things could have happened, a fleshly opportunity for revenge or a righteous return of God's mercy and rescue. 

"Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, "Make everyone go out from me." So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. And Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. So Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please." And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." Genesis 45:1-5 

We have two choices when we are thrown into our "pit." We can use that time to plot evil in our flesh, be angry, anxious, grow bitter...doubting God is actively working on our behalf or we can rest in God's steadfast love, trusting by faith His Love, knowing He has a greater plan for us on the other side of the bricks. Believers are not immune to illness, persecutions, trials. The Bible is clear that we all face everything but that we as Believers can walk in peace, comfort and hope, as we remember the faithfulness and enduring strength we have the choice to claim as ours, in Christ Jesus. 

Perhaps you are guilty of sin, and the Lord is disciplining you out His great love for you...be quick to confess your sin, repent and turn from it and stop falling deeper into your "pit." Receive the intercession of the Holy Spirit Himself who may also move through someone else to bring you out of your pit. God gives us each other to help, intercede and encourage so that when we face a trial, we are reminded that we are not alone. What a reminder for us to be aware of those in "pits" around us. Maybe God is sending you to be their rescue. Are you one who sees the things of God and walks in the confidence of Him?

Whatever you are facing, praise the Lord, keep your heart pure, calm, trusting that even though you may be innocent, He is working out something better. He will send you rescue even if it might not look like rescue and you are put in one "pit" after another, seeing only glimpses of sunlight. Can we still praise Him? Will your heart turn from God or toward God? His blessing and recuse for your obedience is near. You will find peace despite your illness, your betrayal, your reputation, your seemingly failures. It may come in the way of an earthy rescue but it may not come till The Refuge of your Soul holds you in His arms in Heaven. Is there anything more we could desire than intimacy with God Himself? A heart fuller of the things of Him? Sweet fellowship with God Almighty, our Fortress and Strength. Here on earth, sanctification will be a journey of pits and valleys, mountains and streams. How will you go through them? 

"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:15-19

God , rescue us from our pits and may our lips praise Your Precious Name regardless of how many bricks capture us. We want to trust You without waver. Give us Your strength and mercy that we might endure in our faith. God, we surrender our hearts to You, mold them and shape them to be like Yours, calm, pure, honest, innocent and pure. Our hope is in You, no matter. We trust You, no matter. God, help us hear You clearly when You speak. 

Thicker Skin

I LOVE being out in the nature of God!! His glory is on display at every glance. There are glimpses of His mightiness in the trees and unshakeable boldness in the mountains, His consistency and strength in the waves of the oceans, His kindness and care in the smallest of detail on the flowers and creeping little critters.

 

There is so much beauty to be seen!!! I have hundreds of pictures from my time outside. One thing I have observed is the amount of thorns scattered amongst the beauty.
I was enjoying a day outside and as you can see in the photo with my sock, there are pokey things digging in like needles into my skin. I got these painful pokes during a walk with a friend. I couldn't take it anymore and I had to stop and remove these needles in my foot!! My friend laughed at my "tenderness" as she felt nothing from the few in her own sock. "How can that not hurt you?" I asked. She replied, " I guess I have thicker skin." I must agree...on many levels! LOL
God brought back that moment a few days later when I was upset. We look at other people and wonder how they can experience pains and seem unaffected by it while our heart feels like it is literally breaking into pieces. We will not all respond the same way to every situation. God did not create humans to be robots. We were created and fashioned differently. The truth is, what's true for me may not be true for you. We are His masterpiece, wonderfully made to think, feel, and live!

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14

The way we think and respond (while rooted in the truth of Christ) to trials will vary. A harsh word spoken to me may be like a dart thrown at my heart while a harsh word spoken to my friend may be like throwing a spear at her heart. I may fall down but you can be sure my thick skinned friend would rise up before you, surely standing taller than you!! An illness or trial that falls upon me may cause my heart to fear while the same trial for another may gird them up in anticipation for a good, Holy fight. I may crater, while they rise up. We are not all the same.
It's easy for us to go about our day thinking our reality is the reality for everyone else, but I would dare to say there is a pridefulness within us that says "Our ways are right." "This is truth for me and therefore it must be the same for you." We begin to judge and possibly shame or condemn others when they don't respond just like we would in their situation. What makes us think we are so right?!
I am challenged today to check my pride and exercise mercy and compassion towards others knowing that what works for me and what I think is right may not be their right. (Obviously I am not discussing the absolutes of God's Words and commands. But considering the heart and soul of others.)
May we look at the Creation of our World and remember that we too are each created with a specific design. May we remember that God's Truth is the Only Truth to consider as absolute. Our roots and our fruits may be the same but the type of bloom we are is as diverse as the flowers of the fields!!

Challenge:
* Next time you hurt, know it's okay if it's hurting you. You may just have tender skin compared to another. And really, who's comparing? Our truth is Christ alone.

 "I will meditate on Your precepts and fix my eyes on Your ways." Psalm 119:15 

* And if another expresses hurt, extend mercy and love, believing their hurt to be real even if you don't think it's valid. 

"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." Ephesians 4:15-16

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12-14, 21-27

Giving Grace and Love in The Body

*Disclaimer: This as always is from my personal testimony and not something I have received from any study, book or degree!! I am just a Blogger wanting to share from the heart of me, with the best of intentions, vulnerability and truthfulness, WhereFaithIs for me:) 

I know, you can't help it...we, speaking from the person sitting on the pews, look at those in our church in leadership positions and expect, or maybe assume perfection from them. Surely, if they are called into ministry not only must they have an "inside line" to God, they must be all-knowing and therefore all-doing in The Word. They've trained right? So they know everything about the Bible and live it out perfectly, right? Wrong.

There was a time those used to be my truthful assumptions about those in ministry, until we served on staff back beginning in 1991 and have continued to serve in leadership roles within the church. We are certainly NOT perfect. 

As it happens, the more time you spend with someone, the more you get to know them. Serving together, you obviously spend more time together outside the church walls planning and serving and you have opportunities to see them in their "home" environment. You get to see those moments of exhaustion, hurt, frustration, waiting, not-knowing, illness, struggles. You get to see them. It's often a guard that is very hard for them to let down all the way. 

I would put those in ministry with those who serve as emergency personnel and counseling professionals....for that matter, even a parent. They may clock out at 5pm, but they do not check out at 5pm. Their emails and cells must be kept ready and available for those who need help. It takes great discipline to be fully "at home" when you are at home with your family, and rest, and be Mommy or Daddy and a Spouse.

God has blessed Josh and I hugely with the majority of our dearest and closest friends being called and now serving in full time ministry. Our friends are lead Pastors, Associates Pastors, Deacons, Women Ministers, Music Ministers, Children's Ministers, Youth Ministers. While they are the same person with us on vacation as they are at the pulpit of their local church, the way in which we relate to them depends on where we are. We immediately come under the authority of our friend when they step into their role as "pastor" over us. You don't toss out high-5's and joke around so casually and poke fun at each other. There is a respect you have for them as authority over you in the House of the Lord that is different. 

My heart breaks when I see those in ministry under attack for making a mistake. Do we really think they won't? (Understanding there is a difference between foolishness and unintentional.) The scriptures tell us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and that is "all." That includes those in ministry, at any level. 

There are expectations that those of us in ministry put on ourselves as we desire to reflect Christ perfectly, show God's Oneness through our prefect little marriage and exactly how to "train up" our perfect little children in the Lord, all the while having perfect behaviors, perfect words, perfect answers, all to the glory of God. We try to be the perfection of Christ all the while exhausting ourselves and beating ourself up on the inside from failing to be able to be,....perfect.

Then for those of us sitting on the pews, we expect and assume perfection from those standing before us, telling us what and how our walk and our sin and our family should be like. "Who are they to say that when they...." 

How clever is Satan to create such a black hole of judgement and condemnation within the Body in which whose sole desire is to honor him!

Those in ministry are just like you an me. They came from the womb- just like us, were created in the image of God- just like us, they sin- just like us, they struggle- just like us and they work hard at what they do in their career- just like us. They are flesh- just like us. Their hearts get hurt, grow tired and weary, their children talk back and disobey, they have bills to pay- just like us. They are human. Let's not forget that. 

In times of failures or struggles, those in ministry need to be reminded of grace with truth in love, you are just human-just like us. The difference is they have been called to Shepherd a flock for the Lord's Sake and while there is a great weight of responsibility, I am not denying the gravity of their accountability before the Lord. They will be held with accountability as they stand before the Lord for their personal walk with the Lord as well as giving account for the many God gave them responsibility for in His Name. Just as the Husband will give account for those in his family's spiritual condition, so will the Pastor of his family at home and his Church Family. That's a heavy burden!

I say all this to say, may we give grace and realistic expectations to those God has placed in authority over us in our church. Honor them, respect their leadership, understanding they are fearfully and reverently serving the Lord with excellence. They carry enough weight on their own accord without us adding more. 

Be kind and helpful, speaking truth in love when necessary. Offer hospitality and support, affirm their service to the Body, and pray, pray, pray for them as the attacks spiritually are great that they would be deeply rooted into God's fertile soil and resist devastation in times of crisis. Pray for balance in their roles within the church and outside. Pray for them to have times of consistent joyful rest. Pray for their personal walks with the Lord be rich and satisfying, alive, fruitful and invigorating! 

Let us in the pews be loyal as we serve as another part of the Body with them. Really, we are all called into ministry as Disciples of Christ. That reality hit me in the gut at one time and awoke me to my own responsibility, the burden I carry with all parts of the Body. Think about it, the neck must hold up the head and yet I must have a head to function! It takes a body to be a Body! Together, we are a Body as Believers in Christ Jesus.

If God has allowed you to be a friend of a leader/minister, be a loyal friend to them. Come alongside and be genuine, be available, give them freedom to breath and absolutely, especially, be a safe place of confidentiality, encouragement and sharpening. Be friends without titles. What a rich friendship it is when you can not only serve together, but play together, sharing all aspects of your life with them. That is a trusted treasure! 

So, whether you are the one in ministry or the one on the pew, remember the standard of perfection you are looking for can only be achieved by the Lord our God. Understand your humanness. There is such freedom when we acknowledge our imperfection and expect there to be mistakes even as we strive for excellence. (No, that does not give us permission to sin, rather comforting humility to know that despite our best efforts, we will sin in moments we miss the mark.) 

May Satan's black hole not suck us into despair when we do, but may we stand firm on the Rock, our Sure Foundation, Who gives us strength and saving love! God, help us to give and receive grace upon grace for His Name's Sake remembering that we are redeemed! You Lord God Almighty are All To Us and no one is Perfect but You! We praise You and adore You forever and ever! Glory and Honor and Grace, amen.

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

(Click on the link to worship...)

Precious cornerstone, sure foundation

You are faithful to the end

We are waiting, on You, Jesus

We believe You're all to us

Let the glory of Your name be the passion of the Church

Let the righteousness of God be a holy flame that burns

Let the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives

We believe, You're all to us" Chris Tomlin, All to Us

   

Sitting at His Table Tonight

Ever felt the embarrassment of "less than?" I felt inadequate as I looked around. Their tables looked straight out of a magazine, or the top Pinterest board! They were beautiful and full, each one different in theme and style but all incredibly rich and lovely. I walked over to what was about to be my table and felt defeated as if I had merely brought 3 bags of mulch to dump on the table top and call it done. Deep sighs filled my heart and honestly, my spirit. There sat my uninvited guest, the enemy of insecurity.
How quickly "comparison" can rob us of our own personal joy. Just an hour before, I was hot glueing and glittering my candles to set just under my Grandmother's Bible in it's position that would be just above mine. I had devoted much time and energy planning out my table theme asking God to show me how He wanted me to interpret it into a beautiful setting for 8 ladies. God moved my heart to reflect on the theme and the meaning of this event..."Reflections of Light, Mentoring, Sisters, Encouraging, Older and Younger. The core is The Word shared. I grabbed my Grandmother's Bible and Mine as my centerpiece. Then "light", candles. Light of the Word, scriptures ON the candles. Reflections, mirrors and gemstones to catch all the many facets of light. And an angel standing nearby holding her heart to share. This table held possibly two of the most precious and valuable possessions I own...my Grandmother's Bible and my own. That was my table. Created by simplicity, lots of hot glue, staged with great meaning! But, was it good enough? At the time, I felt not. 
Here's the crossroad we face when we stare the enemy of inadequacy square in the face. Will we allow the enemy to charge us with fear and insecurity, or will our hearts rest confidently in the vision the Lord has seeded within? I wanted to drive straight to Kirkland's and buy an entirely new table setting (which I really couldn't have afforded.) I felt like the little black duckling in a sea of beautiful swans, I dropped off my bags and left to return after dinner.
Time came for me to pick up my oldest teen from baseball and upon entering the car he asked about my day and I told him it was okay, that I had just dropped off all my things at the church for my table. Sensing something wrong in my demeanor, he asked "Well, what's wrong with it?" I replied, " I just don't think it measures up with the rest of the women's rich tables." He came back with a quick remark, "If I was doing a table, I'd throw a camo net over the top, set out paper plates and paper cups, and call her done." And I bet he would too! It was good to laugh for a moment in my pitiful moment. Then, the very words that I have spoken into his heart for nearly 16 years were returned to me, "Mom, you just have to be you." And there in that profound moment, it cut to my core. He's right. In that moment, God used him to speak into my heart, straight past my convicted heart. What was I thinking?!? 
When we compare ourselves, our things, maybe even our giftedness and talents to others, we are actually rejecting God's created design, in essence saying, "You made a mistake. Can't you do better than that?"  What a frightening place to be when we reject the Hand and Heart of the One True God, The Creator of the Universe and everything good. There I stood, comparing...rejecting what the Lord had given to me to reflect His love for these women, and my worship of reflecting Him being overtaken by worry. 
The Lord our God has built each one of us with a unique DNA which sets us apart from everyone else in our physical attributes, emotional make up to our spiritual gifting and talents. When we reject ourselves, we are rejecting Christ's redeeming and unique work. Rejecting God's design brings destruction and rejection; however, when we walk and live by faith, trusting completely and waiting patiently for His perfect plan, we receive His blessings of peace, contentment, joy. Timely as always, this week in my Genesis bible study, the lesson opens with Abram and Sarai trying to "make it happen."  

"Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said to Abram, "Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress." Genesis 16:1-4

What a mess. It didn't look like God knew what He was doing, so Sarai did in her sight what made sense to her. She had a plan, despite that fact the God had already explained the plan to both her and her husband. She did it her way. She's not the only one to question God. We met Eve, in the beginning. Questioning God only brings trouble. 
Next time you have thoughts like, " Is this good enough?" "Am I good enough?" "What will he/she think?" "What if...(blah-blah-blah)...."....remember that the Lord your God created you and you are GOOD!!! Read Genesis 1-2 and you will see He is a specific God. This is not to say that you don't care about the watching world, rather, you Love God first, then others. If we would simply consume ourselves with what GOD thinks, remember that He created us with specific attributes that He felt were necessary for our good and His glory, who are we to question what He has made? There can't be comparisons for what are we comparing to?! It's apples to oranges. 
Great satisfaction comes when we find ourselves established and rooted in the Lord our Creator and King. Satan stands ready for any opportunity to present doubt before you and if our thoughts are consumed on Christ alone, we can stand against the schemes of the devil!!! 
I am looking forward to tonight, knowing that every piece on the table brings a smile to my Father's heart, and knowing that I am sitting at His table and not mine.

Father God, tonight I honor the Reflections of Your Light, The Light of Your Word. Thank You for creating me uniquely and help me to embrace what You see as good. When I feel inadequate Lord, I know my eyes are looking to the left and right, Holy Spirit, keep my eyes focused on You that I may not see the temptations of doubt standing beside me, waiting to steal my focus and my joy. Give me courage to walk in my giftedness, as quirky, dorky and crafty as they may be compared to the riches of the world, God, to You be all the glory in all that You see as good. May it be so in my life. Thank you for caring enough about me to speak truth to me through other godly women and even through the mouths of my children. Your Word truly is the Light unto my Path! Thank you Lord for Your faithfulness. I love You with all that I have and I praise You with all my heart. To YOU be ALL the glory as You reign over the heavens and the earth, and everything in it, including me. You are Lord, amen.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27

"You shall be careful therefore to do as the LORD your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left." Deuteronomy 5:32

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." Ephesians 6:11

The Summit of our Walls

 

Ever feel like you have hit a wall? You think you've walked around it, or made it over only to find your face staring right into more brick? I think we all have those kinds of walls that pop up in our lives. Some of those walls we may have thought we had been able to climb over or get around only to see that there is simply another layer thick awaiting you. We say things like, " I cannot believe I am still dealing with this," "When will this ever end," "I thought I got over this already," "How many more times do I have to deal with this issue," and on and on. It may be years of coming face to face with that wall or maybe it has recently been built on your path. Truthfully, life in general is it's own kind of wall we must get over. Some of our walls are easy to get over than others while many others could very well take us to the summit Gates of Heaven before we find ourselves "over it." 
One of the nice things about rock climbing walls and scaling mountain ranges is that you can actually, literally see the top of it and know you have arrived at the summit. Unfortunately, our unseen yet very real "walls" do not reveal to us their summit. It could be one more "step" or "skyscrapers" more to climb.
Whatever wall you have found yourself face to face with, may I offer you this encouragement...while you may not be able to see on the other side of your mountainness wall, Someone does and His name is  El Roi, the God who sees. Your Heavenly Father can not only see the entirety of your wall, He knows how long it will take you to get over it. He has the ability to give you strength and endurance to persevere as well as demolish that wall standing before you. The Lord our God is a God who takes down Goliaths with one stone, creates the heavens and the earth by the very Word of His breath, who divides oceans at His command, destroys barriers. He is Lord over e v e r y t h i n g. There is nothing impossible for Him. Eventhough you cannot see how or when you will get over that cold brick wall standing before you, remember that The Lord your God does. He knows the depth, width and length of it. Trust Him. He is not hiding on the other side of it, He stands above it. He is near. He sees your despair, exhaustion and questions. Hold on Friend and keep climbing! Don't stop! If you give up, you will certainly not get over it. You must get up and look up and move it! Face that wall with assurance that He who is able, can do immeasurably more than you can think or imagine! You must have faith, hope and patience. CLIMB!!! The summit will be amazing to behold!!!


"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21 

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

"By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days."  Hebrews 11:29-30

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  Do not quench the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:11-17

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; He utters His voice, the earth melts.  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah  Come, behold the works of the LORD, how He has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the chariots with fire.  "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah" Psalm 46

Physical for Spiritual, Spiritual for Physical

It has happened to me and I have seen it time after time with friends. God uses our physical to get our attention. While this is not an absolute truth I am going to debate out, by way of testimony and encouragement, I am willing to heed the wisdom in Proverbs: " A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:122
So many times I find myself dealing with physical ailments that get me down physically, emotionally and spiritually: headaches, fatigue, weariness, pains, illnesses, etc. There are plenty of books written out there that emotional stresses can make us physically stick and I do know that when our hearts hurt, everything else hurts. Our adrenal glands and hormones get all out of wack, we are less guarded about good nutrition and health and we fall weaker by the day until we find ourselves laid out! We are forced into a time out.
For those of us who are full in our days and don't feel like we have time to stop and rest in light of all that needs to be done, we will push through to the point of breaking to keep going. Do we think we are stronger than God? Even after His fruitful work, He took time to rest. And yet, we fool ourselves that we can do it all and be super humans, accomplishing more in one morning than many do all day! We go, go, all week in our schedules and in our minds that by the end of the week, our minds are spinning, sloshing really and we cannot process a normal  thought to save our life. It's time for a rest!!! 
It's not even all the to-do's of the week, as if we are over-committed while that may be the case for some, but there are just seasons in our life where one area of our life demands more attention for a season and yet we continue on as if we can still manage everything and get through it. But we don't. Something gives. Often, it's something within us. We miss a detail, an opportunity, a help, our health gets weary and our strength to keep pushing, depletes. We not only let someone else down, we let ourself down and guilt amplifies exhaustion. We are a dizzy mess! And you know what else, often when we are "down" we need other people's help...not something easy to accept when you're a Can-Do-It-All girl. Pride check, yep, ouch.
I wonder what God feels when He brings something into our life that needs our greater attention and we simply fit it right into the to-do list that we already have, rather than changing our priorities to align with His? Or if we do have everything in their appropriate priority and yet we don't take time to rest and be still after our days of work. Are we greater than He?
I could certainly keep myself busy between all the kid's volunteering opportunities at their schools, volunteering for all the great ministries at church, keeping my house spotless which would involve full days everyday to keep it clean and laundered and stocked with all it needs to run, lunching with visitors to our class and lunching with each friend, date night with my man each week and prayer, oh I could stay there hours upon every day, writing out encouragement cards for the many in my life who are struggling in some way, oh and keeping myself physically fit and groomed spending hours each day at the gym and salon...and then reading my Bible and getting into good study time....I have spent full weekends gifted from my husband doing just that!! He knows what I love to do in my "free time!" Give me my Bible, Music, Coffee and Quiet and I will be one happy girl!!! I just can't do that every day. One weekend a year is my gift and I love it!! There is just not enough hours in a day to do all these good things we want and wish could be ours!!
But, God has already ordered our days and there is an order we must be obedient to follow. There is a balance and what each of our days look like will be different. Careful not to judge for what God has called another to, it may not be your call and therefore you cannot possibly understand how and where that fits into their life. We assume "those people" do it all. We don't know what they may have had to sacrifice for a time to accomplish what God has called them to for that season. 
Same for us, we must change as the seasons change (Ecclesiastes 3) otherwise we will find ourselves unfit for the change of weather. To every season is a different activity and a different clothing. You may love to snowboard but when summer comes, try as you might, you will exhaust yourself trying to make it down those dry runs! Our bible study class read through Genesis chapter on the Tower of Babel and God scattered their language and their actual selves when they were walking in disobedience. There is wisdom for us there.
One thing we know for sure...we must take time to rest as we work! God worked and rested. Jesus slept. Jesus took time to get alone. He prayed, He healed, He taught, He shared, He was involved in the lives of others and yet He was not consumed by any one thing other than He had His Father's priorities, doing just as His Father asked and did, working and resting.

If today you find yourself a dizzy mess or plain ol' exhausted, check what season God has called for you to be in, getting done what's appropriate and necessary; and if you are prepared for your season, make sure you are finding the balance and priority of God's, taking time to be still, breathing in those deep breaths God has counted out for you. By faith, hope and love, enjoy your season's work and rest!

"but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 30:41

"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:9-13

My Mentored Heart

This week, I got to enjoy extra time with two of my AMAZING mentors/friends/accountability partners...my Sisters in Christ. I wonder if I could ever get them all together, not sure my heart could take that much JOY...or possible "loving correction!" (heehee) I am BLESSED to have mentors in my life such as these Godly, Beautiful Women. A mentor is different than a friend. Over the years, God has given me the gift of some very precious friends who's seasons and purposes have been all very different. A mentor however is one God places in your life with intention to "mentor." Webster's defines mentor : a trusted counselor, guide, tutor, coach. You can only imagine what a rare GIFT it is when a mentor is also a friend. That is the case with these women, they have mentored me for several years while also being dear Sisters in Christ. 

There was a time in my life that I didn't even have one and for no other reason than my own "fear" and "trust" issues. Betrayals, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, fear of judgement, even hopelessness for something better, can keep someone isolated into their own safe, self-contained, lonely bubble. There was a time that was me. Very guarded, very anxious, very limited, very self-controlled, very afraid to be seen. Happy on the outside, scared on the inside. 
Thinking I had to represent Christ in my life by seeming "perfect", it only deepened my isolating self. I hid the real me behind a mask of perfection. It was exhausting but knowing how imperfect I was, I felt I had no other choice than to at least wear the mask! With God's peace, should I complain or worry or have trials, surely not. Otherwise, it says I am sinning against God for everything would be perfect in my life and self, right?! So who in their right mind would admit something was wrong?!?! And I knew I certainly was NOT perfect. I tried till it nearly broke me. Oh, how clever is Satan. He is a deceiver and a liar. 

When the huge 2008 crisis hit, thankfully God had already placed in my life a few Godly women who I could literally fall on. It was up to me to trust them with what was shattered pieces of my heart, mind and spirit. I claimed desperately, Philippians 4:13, knowing I could do all things He asked of me. I chose to trust God with the provisions of help (aka: friendship, counsel and mentor) and I allowed myself to open a tiny space more to let Love come in, and really, it wasn't because I necessarily wanted them in my business, seeing all my imperfections, I knew I needed them in my business. 

What began as a slow trickle of love flowing in, now is an ocean's full!! God has been more than gracious and more merciful than I deserve. There came a place where I couldn't handle "life" on my own. Of course, I have a loving husband and loving family and a great church family had I chosen to let them in, but it was more than I could bear and for these that were close and involved, it was a crisis they too had to endure with me. They needed encouragement I couldn't give and I needed encouragement they couldn't give. We needed more. 

God made it clear that it was time for a new season. It was time for the old to go and the new to come!! I thought I was okay with my "old" until the "new" came. What a DELIGHT!!!! I realized alone I was weak, I was vulnerable. I prayed and asked for rescue and He sent me some! (I am sure I don't need to say it, but I will incase someone reading this doesn't know this: I am assuming we all understand that with God, we are never alone and He is our strength and yes, He is all we need; however, He calls us to live and love one another, confessing our sins to one another, trusting Him ultimately as our provision in which comes all other fleshly provisions....just wanted to make sure we all knew that!) 

Desiring a closer walk with Him, I have learned how to trust GOD fully and allow in what HE wants in. Walls had to come down and these women have had their faithful work gloves on for a few years now, not giving up on me! What a reflection of Christ's Love for us, taking us as we are and yet not leaving us as we are. He has brought these humble, God-fearing women into my life to encourage me, teach me, streeeetch my dorky, quirky, shy self, and boy have I been BLESSED!! Aside from enjoying the GIFTS they are to me, the eternal seeds invested in me have gone further than I could have imagined!! I know these seeds will impact generations, as they already have begun to! 

Today, I love the Lord more intimately, with an open heart, with more confidence and my life has most definitely changed. Who I am, how I approach life, my marriage, how I parent my 4 children, how I handle trials, guarding my relationship with the Lord, my prayer life, my choices, where I spend my energy and time are all direct reflections to the intentional mentoring I have received and from the faithfulness of sweet friends. (Just thinking it sure takes a lot of people to get me where I am today between loving family, church family, friends, mentors...it's okay, I will take all the help I can get!!!) I am no longer satisfied being left alone to work things out....I need the hands and feet of God to help me work things out. Thank God for the Holy Spirit and Proverbs 27:17 Holy Friends:)

While I don't wish for that season of "hell" to have come into my life, it was the price I had to pay for the relationship and life I now have in Christ. It was what broke me and built me new. I am not weak after all.... I am strong. Wouldn't trade it for anything. The freedom I have in Christ today is a direct result of choosing Life and Love in Christ Jesus. I will be the first to admit that I am NOT perfect. Truth is, it's okay, neither are you, or him, or her. I don't even try to appear perfect. My goal is to have such a deep love with God that He lights up my darkness and others can see the Light of Him through my life, mistakes and victories alike. His blood redeems and forgives. His blood covers my imperfections to highlight His perfections. His grace is enough. To hear Him, to see His Word come alive, how can you not smile and get the cheeks so sore from smiling so big?!? I am continually amazed at our Awe-some God. People comment often about my smiling, and that's exactly why I can smile even on the worst of days. My heart may grieve but my spirit rejoices knowing God is near and He sees me and still loves me so. 

My value and my hope for something better has been found in Christ alone! I once saw the world and "love" through the scope of a straw compared to today, as I view life through a panoramic widescreen lens!! I can walk through the valley and not fear, cuz I trust my Shepherd. I can share my heart with another without fear of judgement knowing it is Satan that is the one who should be fearing his judgement. God opened His heart to us and is asking that we open our heart to Him. 

We say trust Him, but at the same time, if you don't know about Him, how can you trust Him. The more you know about a person, God or friend, the more you see their heart and know they are trustworthy, with history proving their loyalty and faithfulness. is why I have come to crave The Word of God and living life alongside and loving others. There is nothing more satisfying than feasting on The Bread of Life and drinking the Living Water, especially with others who do too!!! Your heart opens wider the more you trust. How big is your heart?

"In the BEGINNING God created the heavens and the earth," He has a plan and while your world may seem like your own, really, you are part of a master plan! You were created for this time, for His glory. You must be in The Word to know of Him. You must walk with Him to know Him. He is not a distant God, He is with you and He will send you people: mentors, friends and even enemies to grow you closer to Him. You must choose to receive His enduring and faithful Love offering. Once you do, watch out!! (Romans 8:31-39) Be ready for abundant LOVE-JOY to fill your soul, of which you must also guard against the one who comes to seek and destroy it!! Steal a person's joy and you steal their heart. 

Do you feel alone? Do you feel like anyone has your back? Who is in your life you KNOW God has them there to push through some of your walls, but you don't trust them enough to let them in? TRUST GOD and if you don't truly trust Him, GET IN THE WORD!! Find someone immediately that does and get the accountability to find a mentor who knows The Word and has a heart that loves and fears God and start walking a life of love, hope and faith in Truth! Not in your ability but in the strength of Christ! His blood IS your VICTORY!!! What a sacrifice that saved my life, yes the Blood it is my victory!!!!!! If you say yes, it is yours too!!!

He will send you peace and strength through the hands and feet of others. We are all parts of one Body. Pray and ask God to affirm their place in your life, for whatever way and whatever season He has planned. Not everyone is meant to tear down your walls. Some help you see them. Others help you break them. Some keep you from rebuilding. Tis a season for everything under Heaven! Satan would like nothing more than for you to stay hidden, cut off from the Body. You're less likely to grow. Step forward in faith. Yes, you do take a chance of being hurt, but do you trust God that everything happens for a reason, He has your good in mind and that His grace and love for you is GREATER than any hurt you could ever feel?! Surround yourself by those who Love the Lord their God with ALL their heart, soul and might, who's desire to honor and please Him above all others! Theirs is a heart you can trust with yours!! 

Reflection: How much do you trust God? How well do you know of Him? Do you know Him personally that you can feel His presence near? Do you need to open up the floodgates for your heart to be filled? Are you walking in victory or defeat? Are you being real/honest with yourself? Are you trying to be something other than you? Who in your life would God be calling YOU to mentor, guide, coach or simply be a friend who walks life's paths with? 

This blog entry is long enough, and I could go on so much further and deeper and wider, but I must wrap this up! This began as a Facebook post of thankfulness for extra time spent with precious women this week and I figured once I got to 3 paragraphs, I had gone past my Facebook code of conduct and shifted over to the blog where I have freedom to write as much as my heart spills out! Hope you have been encouraged in some way and gotten to know me a little better in the process!!! HUGS and LOVE!!!