Do you "get it?!" I sooooo want you to!!

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." 

Colossians 2: 6-15

This morning, I grabbed my camera as I headed out the door to take the kids to school thinking I might stop by a nearby beach and "play" with my camera. What a beautiful place to play!! How can I share with you the beauty of that moment? I was intentional with my angle's trying to get the best shot, showing the most of the scenery, the everchanging view of the skies. A storm seemed to be brewing in the short amount of time I was out there on the pier. Within 15 minutes a double arc rainbow appeared, a cool breeze began to blow, and the textures and colors shifted intensely around me, in every direction, enhancing the gorgeousness of the moment. It was breathtaking and awes-inspiring.

My sweet friend called me when I was in the middle of taking in these moments and though I described all the colors, sounds and movement of the world around me...in that moment I have no doubt she could not have understood exactly what I was experiencing. It wasn't real for her. If she had "gotten it", she would have been jaw-dropping-speechless on the other end of the line. I couldn't do it justice and I soooo wanted her to "see" this. I wanted it to be real for her too.

As I posted these pics for family and friends to "get it", these 2D imagines, even  with my descriptive words, could not come close to the real life experience, personally experiencing it for themselves. I did all I could to share it, but until they come for a visit and stand in the sands with me, they won't be able to fully experience it...personally. It has to be their personal experience to be real for them.

This is true in our relationship with God too. We cannot simply read about Him, hear other's descriptions of Him and fully "get it." We cannot experience God through others but we can imagine God because of others. 

We can imagine in our head what peace must feel like in the midst of chaos, what unconditional love must be like despite the world's conditions, what unspeakable joy must feel like in the midst of despair and heartache. You must experience God Himself, for yourself to know Him and "get it." Get it? 

May you, too, personally experience the amazing Creator of all Creation! He is glorious and the joy of my soul. He is the peace in my storms and the strength in my weakness. He is my Rescue and Redeemer. He is my greatest Love!!!! I pray that through my personal testimony and sharing of Who He is to me, that you too, will come to fully know and experience Him for yourself and "get it"! 

Our God is an awesome God!!! 

Expanding Boundaries: Our Move to Paradise

Josh and I have been married for going on 22 years and many conversations surround the idea of "Would you ever...." or "Wouldn't it be awesome to move to (blank) and live there for a few years?" For years, we have desired to make a big move and take an adventure living on the beach or in the mountains. But for many reasons, we never did. We just dreamed it. Maybe ultimately it just wasn't time yet. Occasionally throughout the years, we would go look at new developments or Open Houses but each time, it never felt right. But God was stirring in us "a move." As much as we wanted to, we didn't want to. We are comfy people who like to be comfy!
Over 10 years ago, Josh applied for a youth ministry job in New Braunfels and that was a daring move in our minds, but by faith we went. The thought of moving out of town seemed too big for Mr & Mrs Comfortable. Then, over the past 2 years specifically, we have been looking for property in a nearby town but nothing ever felt right. It would have been a small move with little change to our lives other than new schools for the kids which we were hoping for. A year or so later, our church announced a new church plant up north from us in another town we like to visit, on the lake. That would be a little bit bigger of a move north but we weren't sure and yet we began looking at houses, seriously this time, not curiously. 
There are 3 other places we always tease about one day, packing it up and moving big. Back in the day (as recent as July 4th of this year) our hearts raced thinking about, dreaming about, "Wouldn't it be awesome to...move to New Braunfels!?" The other place is a small town in New Mexico, or maybe even Colorado! To experience 4 real seasons sounds dreamy! We love the mountains in any season and we love the water- river, lake and beach. Another location we love is the Florida, but that is soooo far and a much bigger move and would be a long shot.
Unlike the younger years when we didn't have kids to think about, that would have been a perfect time to travel, but neither of us had money to do that and at the time, we were young marrieds actively involved in youth ministry at our church and were excited to just start living life at home as the new Mr and Mrs. Now, every decision is first covered in prayer, of course and then we have to consider the family of 6. What about a local church, schooling, the finances, the environment, the distance from medical help, etc.
Our life seemed to shift over this past year and it's almost like crashing waves before the flood. We continuously felt "hit" and felt like the sands under our feet were sinking, and we no longer could get out, and the waters began to rise. We were taking on water. It was then our hearts began to stir at the end of June this year and we felt like God was about to step in and something big was about to happen. And He did. He said, "pack it up and go." We didn't know where or when or if really we would. We prayed fervently for God to show us and give us clarity either way. Practically, it made sense that it would be now, because we have a Senior in the house and it was literally our last chance as a family of 6 to take this family adventure together before we are a family of 5 living together. Spiritually, it made sense cuz we were sinking.
So we prayed (and I began the purging the closets...just incase). We already had a vacation planned for the July 4th weekend in New Braunfels and we "figured" "THAT MUST BE IT!!!" HOW EXCITING!!!! For over 10 years we have served alongside a church there and "figured" that's where we will go. We began looking for houses and made an appointment for 1 tour during our visit. Everyone was eager to get there and we discussed (and prayed) what life would be like there, which church would we join, how it would affect work, our business, our family, our friends, schooling for the kids, cost of living, etc. It would be a bigger move than staying local, but it wasn't too big of a move only being a 3 hour drive away from Houston life, work, family, friends.
The Sunday before we left, Josh woke up and said, "I think we are supposed to move to The Keys." I seriously rolled my eyes and said, "Whatever." He looked at me and and I realized he wasn't joking. I still said, "No Way!" Churches? Hurricanes? Flooding? Sharks? Distance from mainland? Distance from family and friends? NO WAY!!!! He told me to at least pray about it and there was a part of me that wondered if he was just going for one of his dramatic moments and kidding around with me cuz he knew I would be freaked out only to come back with his "just kidding Babe." Ha. Ha...not funny. But I said I would pray, and I did. God, we know You are calling us to pack up and go but we want to be very clear about where. We want to follow where YOU want us to go and not Josh's plan, or mine. Show us and make it crystal clear, give us unity and give me peace especially, that I may not fear this change. We choose to follow You and trust You. Believing You will provide, amen.
I woke up Monday morning and had an excitement in my spirit, about moving...further than 20 min away...further than 2 hours north, further than 3 hours west...further than 16 hours away....all the way to The Keys...24 hours away (driving straight thru!). I was shocked. I shocked myself. I was shocked by God...."really God? The Keys?!? Soooooo far away?!?" We already had the plans for that upcoming July 4th weekend, so we eagerly anticipated some type of closure or clarity. We called and confirmed our appointment with the house the following day and all was good to go. I was hoping God would indeed confirm this was our place. 
The next morning, we loaded up the car and about an hour into the drive there, the realtor called and cancelled our appointment. The owners decided not to move. Wow....okay. Bummer. The drive only got worse when the freeway was shut down and we sat rolling at 10mph for hours only to detour and our 3 hour drive became a 6 hour drive. Everyone was grumpy and tired and yet, we still had our original plans to hang with our wonderful friends! We also couldn't wait to attend "our church" and wouldn't ya know, the Pastor was on vacation, guest Preacher was there, and he spoke about being brave and making moves that God calls you to. Alrighty, 3 strikes, we were out and a word of encouragement to make a big move. God was very clear. While sitting there on their gorgeous porch sipping coffee, in a town we'd love to have called our new home, we booked airline tickets to The Keys, to get our feet and hearts on the ground to pray and confirm what we felt was already set in stone. Surprisingly to me, The Keys didn't seem so terrifying that morning. COUld it really be Paradise over Panic?!? 
The very next week, the kids already had planned a vacation with family in Austin and would be gone, so we flew for our 48 hour confirmation time with the Lord. We flew into Key West and began our search. I will blog next time about God's "more than"  and all His confirmations from the moment we landed, but for now, where we are. Our first stop was Sugarloaf Baptist Church which the Pastor happened to be there and he blessed us with prayer and encouragement to keep moving forward by faith. Bless my heart! Thankfully, joy and anticipation overcame my fear and anxiety. I know most people won't understand that, this is The Keys and Paradise, however, it can also be a huge sense of anxiety for the above mentioned reasons. But there was peace, like a river...or a Key's Beach!!!
We fell in love with this place and Islamorada is now our new home for the year. We thought we would be in the lower keys, but this is it! We had a hard time finding a place which I will blog that part of the journey next time, and we wondered what God would do, and we were fine living in a campground if that's what He was calling us to humble ourselves to do. But, God has "more than" and we are beyond blessed to call this place our home. It's half the size of our last house but it has been perfect for us!! 
We skyped the kids and told them this was it, and they were excited! There was much to do in such a short period of time since the schools here began Aug 18th, a week earlier than Houston schools and they would need to all be registered! Josh met with his boss and explained that we would be moving for the year and was asking for approval to keep his job, we met with church leaders and let them know we would not be able to lead this coming year, and we told family members, friends and our LifeGroup. We are charter members at our church (going on 12 years there) and love every person. We would have loved to have hugged each one good bye (see ya later) but there wasn't a way to do that and we also didn't want to make a big deal about our move. We also didn't want to risk a bragging perception that we were "living the dream and moving to Paradise." Yes, it is true, but it's not exactly this grand adventure of fun. We are not growing a crazy wild hair and picking up to go do something crazy!! This comes with much prayer and concern. That being said, of course...It is a grand move. It is going to be an adventure. It is going to be fun. But it is also coming with a big price...leaving our comfort zones, missing our family, church family and friends, a comfortable life, a safe life, a familiar life, adjusting to a new life, a new culture, new schools, etc. The main thing we have to change which is not a price to pay in a negative way, is renewing our walk with the Lord. We have been uprooted, taken out of our comfort zones and placed in this remote place to seek a near God, to be more desperate on the shores of faith, seeking our faithful God and Father!
We must use this time to reprioritize our priorities. We recognize we must put God back as our first love and do intentional discipleship within each of our own hearts and souls. We must break old habits and well-oiled tendencies and give God all our hearts, our souls and our minds, and walk in such a way that pleases Him, and not negotiates with Him. We must focus on ministering to our own family. That doesn't mean we won't be ministering to others. We have a great love for ministering to others but we need to keep our priorities right: God, family, others. 
We had found ourselves depleting ourselves to others and not having anything left to minister to our own family. This year we know God will be teaching us how to do this right. It's going to be work as we have to break old habits. It's hard to make changes and yet it's necessary. Pruning hurts for the moment but in the end, it's fruitful. We want to be fruitful!
We must first love Him as our personal Lord with all our hearts. We must train up our children in the way they should go. We must not forsake fellowship of The Body and we must serve and love others. Mom and Dad must lead in this example. If we don't share, the kids won't share. If we don't serve, the kids won't serve. If we don't worship, the kids won't worship. As parents, our first mission field is our family. Second is the church. Third is the world. But it must start with us loving God, as our personal Lord and Savior just as He has called us to.  "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God,to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?." Deuteronomy 10:12-13. 
Our journey starts with Love. Continues with Love. Ends with Love.
We serve a very patient and loving God who meets us right where we are!! He knew I needed baby steps and He has patiently and faithfully and tenderly walked with me through each one. And here I am, yes, surrounded by Peace and Paradise and not by panic, praise the Lord Almighty, moving to a place I didn't think I would or could ever truly live. Wow. To see how He has laid out a foundation for us in which we are able to courageously walk it's length and depth where He has parted our waters for us to walk through to solid ground.
I don't know how long we will be there, I just know this is where He has led us. Our Home will always and forever be in a place called Paradise.
What are your boundaries? Your can'ts or wont's? Your wishes and dreams? Where in your life is God giving you opportunities to expand your boundaries? Where in your own life is He stretching you outside your comfort zone? Are you living practically or faithfully? 
Trust me, there is peace when you trust. If we live a practical life, we will have practical results. If we live a faithful life, we will have GREATER faith! That doesn't mean it will be easy. It does means you will have peace. I could go on about the faithfulness of God but I will stop here and say, "Love Him first!! Seek first, the kingdom of God...and remember that He works all things for good!" 

"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 5:16-18

Why are you moving? What's your story?

We all have a story to tell. Do you ever think about "your story?" I know I don't find it a common thing to sit around and think about my life, who I am, why I do what I do, think the way I think...until someone asks me.
Our family recently moved, and without fail, every person we meet asks us the same question, "So, why did you move here? What brought you here?" In the beginning of this journey, it was overwhelming and there were so many things that led up to our move across the states, out to the middle of the ocean (as my Mom says.) As we look back now, we can see the many ways God was preparing us for such a time as this. But when God first said, "Go", it was overwhelming and hard to explain all the circumstances and "signs" and affirmations we were given to go. 
In those first few weeks when people would ask us "why are you moving?" we explained the best we could put our own words to, the how of our move, and some of our why. It was overwhelming equally for us yet there was such an urgency (aka:time crunch) to go that there wasn't a lot of time to sit and doubt, question, second guess or fear (which we often tend to do). The call was clear to both of us and to our 4 kids. That in itself is a miracle!! It's not too often you get everyone on board with something, especially something so "radical." We would fumble through trying to explain this crazy "idea" and found "the story" thrilling and daring, exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. All we knew was that we knew we had to go.
After explaining it time after time to family and friends the best we could, the story got shorter and shorter. We realized how crazy it must sound to others, and yet the reality of it to us, made sense...kind of. It's often hard to express the ways and whys of God's moving in our hearts and spirits, but ya know that ya know what He is telling you to do when you are intentionally and desperately asking Him. Ask, Seek, Knock!! Each time we shared, we were hearing it for ourselves too. It's almost like God wanted us to really hear what was happening in our own lives, in our own words, so that it could sink in. 
The story we told began to take less time to tell because we realized the bottom line was that we didn't fully understand why God was asking us to make such a big move (in our little world anyway). And yet, we did. He knew that for many years it was our heart's desire to take a family adventure and live for a short period of time somewhere we loved to travel to. And here we were, headed out on such an Adventure! We didn't know how God was going to move and provide for us, but we knew He would. Bottom line, God was saying "Now is the time. Go."
Within a few short weeks, we were packed up and on the road with a moving truck, 4 kids and 2 dogs, and tons of snacks, and even more prayers (and might I add amazing prayers and encouragements from soooo many we love!!!!)! After 3 days of travel, we arrived! 
When locals greet us, it is same question, "Why?" The answer is easy, short and sweet...God moved us here. It is a time of adventure and a time of healing/rebuilding/reconnecting. He has graced us over time and revealed to us some of the whys in each of our lives individually and as a family unit why we needed such an uprooting. We were comfortable and in control and a bit lazy and neglectful in our first calling of ministry which was to our own family, in our own strength (warning flag), to walk according to what we knew was right, only to find that we were on sinking sand (a term I now understand...)
We knew from the beginning that God was calling us to a harvest pruning and we needed new soil to regenerate new, healthier roots. Much like an addict who sometimes needs to leave where they are at, refocus, relearn, break old habits and establish new ones before they can return back home, clean and strong, we felt we had gotten to the same point that we were self destructing on the inside and God drew a line in the sand and said "Let's go. Follow Me."
No, I don't think that you have to literally move to reconnect and refocus on the Lord. We all face seasons of pruning and planting and harvesting right where we are, and we have been doing this for almost 30 years in Texas. This is also a time of Adventure, yes, but it comes at a time of necessary pruning. God certainly has our attention as He answers an old heart's desire while rebuilding another which is to more glorify and honor Him in all we say, think and do. Again, I could go on and on, and maybe another blog later, but for hundreds of reasons we surely can't fully know, He said, "Get up and go."
So where did we go? I will share in the next blog how God revealed to us where we needed to go, and we are humbled and grateful to be spending our year here in a land far, far away!
So why am I sharing this with you? I share all of this to get you to consider your own story. Why are you doing what you are doing? Why are you where you are at? Why do you do what you do? Is there anything in your life or family you know you should be doing but aren't? Are you intentionally asking God, who created your life plan in the first place, to lead you or are you trying to make it your own? The answer seems so simple until you stop and consider the answers physically, emotionally and spiritually of who and what you are. You are living out "your story." How would you explain it? 
I am one of those people who absolutely love to hear other people's stories and why they are where they are in each of those areas. Moving to a new place and meeting new people certainly gives you that opportunity! But, it's a whole other thing to have to share your own. I am so thankful for each time someone asks me now, "why are you here?" because I get to tell them the wonderful story of grace that God has written. 
You know, someone needs to hear your story too! You were created specifically for now, where you are physically, emotionally and spiritually, to live today reflecting His Way! If we don't take the time to check out the fruit on our own land, how will we know when it's time to prune, replant, resoil?! If we don't "dream" how will we ever live a "dream?" God knows our desires and you never know why those desires may be there. Once day, you may live it! And when it's harvest time, and if you don't take notice, trust me, God will let you know!!!
May we live each day before our Lord and in the company and accountability of those He has placed around us, humbly, faithfully, honestly and lovingly as we reflect His Amazing Grace!

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:12-17

Happy 5 Year Anniversary Birthday to Me!!!

Happy 5 year Anniversary of Freedom to me!!!!! I never really used to focus on my bday, it was mostly for the kids~ cakes and cards, laughter and fun. But, birthdays should be celebrated, as we look back and ponder lessons learned over the past year and cherish memories made, and let go of past failures. As much as I "hated" that dreadful year, I celebrate what God had done to bring me to that place of nothing, so I could have everything!! 
For those who haven't followed me from the beginning, and don't know me, I went through a tough season, aka A Season of Hell, as I suffered with panic attacks, anxiety attacks and depression. It was incredibly tough and for those of you who have had one, or who also deal with anxiety, you know. My life at this point had to become very purposeful, guarded and intentional. There was a lot on the line, my marriage, my family, my reputation, my very life...my witness of who Christ was to me.
After TONS of testing, counseling, healing oils, new eating habits, vitamins, exercise, quiet times/meditations moments, research, breathing techniques and a very intentional prayer and scripture memory season, my thirst was once again quenched by The Living Water and my heart made healthy on feasting on my Daily Bread. The bondage of fear was lifted, the chains were broken and I was Free Indeed!!! I felt lighter, literally. Emotionally and Physically, the burden of pain that weighted my heart and soul nearly all my life, had been lifted. No longer did I live with the "What if (blank) happens?" and controlling fear. My entire life had filtered through, "What if."
I began that process in December 2008 and through every thing intentional- physically, emotionally and spiritually, God gave me freedom. And what a perfect time to declare it than on my birthday, that April 4, 2009! On my own, I had learned that what I had been doing was called exposure therapy. I went from fearing the planes flying overhead, declaring I would never fly again, to celebrating the step that I could actually go inside an airport again! My husband was floored when he walked out of the walkway to see me standing there, inside... at the gate with the kids to pick him up. It was a huge victory! It took a week of laps around the airport, looking at pictures, to get me there. Eventually, I flew short flights at first, even a little prop plane with 4 seats and I had to step up, on a ladder...on the wing just to get in it....oh my goodness that is a whole other story for another time!!!!!!....and lots of scripture cards in hand with oils all over me to get to that place. Since then, I have logged many miles with some more stressful than others, but praise God, I have risen above the clouds and to God be all the glory!!!
I also graduated to higher floors in the elevators and handled crowded places better and got back on a boat. So, I, being the list person I am, I set up the final test and we headed to Galveston for an overnight bday celebration! We stayed on the top floor, rode a boat, went under (and lingered through the anxiety till it stopped) a tunnel and stood with my toes touching the window, looking over out my window, on the edge! No panic or anxiety attack!!! WOW and AMEN!! I know this seems trivial and maybe even ridiculous to some but it's okay. Another thing I have had to learn is acceptance for where I am at any time on my journey in life, and letting go of the fear of judgement. My victory is not your victory. My milestones may be your landmarks and that's okay. I have come to accept and appreciate how we are all uniquely, "fearfully and wonderfully made" created for His purpose and glory.
So, here I am 5 years later, still with smaller thorns in my flesh but praise God, a flesh without chains!! I still have to live a very intentional life, even though I get lazy sometimes, I admit. But my heart desires to be pure before the Lord, my heart to encourage and minister to others is strong. It has been through this pruning and uprooting in my life that my strong-will is a blessing. I fight to be stronger, to be Proverbs wiser and sharper, to be healthier for His name sake and not my own. 
I will never forget that desperate December Day in 2008, crouched on the floor, when I gave myself over in absolute depletion to my God and uttered, "I can't do this anymore. I cannot live another day like this, in this pit alone without You. Please just bring me Home with You." Although I have many stories of moments like this where God revealed Himself to me, this one I will never forget. After months of void, He returned, my Shelter over me, my Shield and my Refuge, my Strength and my Hope, He returned. I felt like Job. "Please God, no more here. I just want You." He was always there. It was in that moment, I felt Him near and He spoke to me saying, "If you want to encourage others in my Name, how will you do it if you are not even here to do it?!" I sat frozen for a minute, it had been a long dry wilderness since I had felt Him and especially heard Him and this was a drenching rain on my dried out "soul." My reply back was, "But I have nothing anymore, I can't. If You want me to do it, then You have to help me and do it for me." And the healing journey began. 
I began moving forward and not backwards. That's right where He wants us, living on His breath, His strength, His wisdom. What I felt was the end of my life, was actually the beginning of really living! Oh the stories I could share and I pray that my blog has encompassed many of them. I blog to encourage and to remember, for myself and for others.
I no longer see myself as broken and shattered pieces. I have been made whole and am held together by the grace and mercy of my God. He is my glue. His Word is healing to my flesh. Without Him, I will fall apart and on those days I am lazy, my pieces begin to rattle and I am quickly reminded of my Glue and how I must guard it. I do not want to fall apart again. I do not want to leave open doors for satan to get a foot-hold, so I must live intentional, standing firm on the foundation of Christ, guarding my heart and mind and spirit in the Name of Jesus, and that victory is His! There are testings and prunings that will continue to shape me and test me to make me stronger, I have those as we all do. But I pray that these 5 years have at least taught me one thing, God never moves out of our reach. Like Peter in the boat, God grabbed his lifted hand before he sank. He is near to us just the same. He will never leave us of forsake us. I pray and confess my unbelief will be quickly redeemed and restored to active belief.
For the past 5 years, I now celebrate what has happened and say Thank You Lord, but I also look forward with hope and anticipation at what is next in every tomorrow as I live intentionally for every Today!! I don't want to go back to yester years. Me today knows the Lord better than ever before, loves Him more than ever before and looks forward to each day I breath in His grace than ever before. Not every day is blissful and full of roses, but every day God is God and that is my victory and joy!!!!! He is worth living for!
I still say "Better is one day in Your house than thousands elsewhere" Lord Jesus. You are my everything and my heart and hands lift to praise You alone, my All in All, my Prince of Peace and Mighty Healer, Provider, Protector, Abba Father, Caring  Friend and All Sufficient Savior. There is none like You, and I don't want anyone else but You. You are my Lord, my King, my God, my Refuge, my Redeemer, My Strength, My Everything!!! Amen.
Our encouragement from Romans 8:

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Poop, Scoop, Keep on!!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

I was walking the dogs yesterday and only had a limited amount of time, much like today. The days seem to be so full as the end of the school year heightens in demand and summer beckons the cleaning and purging of spring!! The weather was beautiful and the sun was just breaking through the clouds and the air was perfectly cool! With a slight skip in my step and puppy tails wagging, we were off to a glorious start! 

The birds are singing loudly, flowers are popping their vibrant colors along the pathways, trees and yards are lush and green, and little bunnies are out playing. All the senses were engaged, seeing, feeling, hearing, touching, embracing it all...until the "poop" hit the floor. Literally, my old girl had to take a potty break, a #2, which means we must wait....and scoop the warm hot mush of a pile. Those who know me, know I am not one for mushie textures much less it being poop! I am a MOM, so I can handle just about anything through the art of distraction. However, it's just gross and there's nothing pretty or cool 'bout it. Okay, so, deep breath, it's part of the process when you walk with dogs. Poop, scoop, keep on!! 

Well, now, we have 2 pups walking, and after I was just starting to hearing the birds singing again and the smell of fresh air was surrounding me once again, puppy #2, went #2. Ugh...my shoulders slouched, my breathing was deep breaths and my attitude dropped to the ground. Why couldn't they do their duty at home? Before the walk or after the walk? Why didn't they do it at the same time at least, a one stop drop?! Needless to say, it changed my demeanor and my once cheerful skipping had now become a disappointed stompping. It wasn't their fault, they were just doing was was normal for them. The birds were still singing, the flowers were still swaying, grass was still lush and green (now fertilized`lol!!!) and the day was still glorious, but there I was scooping poop. Yuck and Bahumbug.

It was then I felt the stirring in my spirit of Ecclesiastes 3, there is a season for everything. People like me who are peace-makers, don't like the "bad parts" of life- disappointments, confrontations, betrayals, unrealistic expectations, harsh demands, etc. We try our best to stay focused on the rainbows of life (glass half full) and not the poop (glass half empty). But it is just a part of life. In a world full of sinners, just as I am one of them, there will be heartaches and "poop" that we have to deal with. But, that doesn't mean that everything else changes. 

I could spend my "walk" watching out for poop piles, sticklers, snakes, spiders, vultures, ant beds (which I should be aware of but not hyper focused on) or...I could spend my "walk" looking for the beauty and goodness around me, careful of anything that may hinder my walk, but not consume it. 

God come to give us abundant and joyful life, "plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. " We have the choice to live life consumed and distracted by all the "poop" or to "walk" faithfully and cheerfully knowing that there will be moments when we will have to scoop it up and toss it off the "path" we are "walking." Scoop, keep on! 

Keep your eyes on the Amazing, Beautiful, Creative Creator, Life Giving God! Just be sure to watch your steps along the way. 

Freedom from Expectations

Oh how I wish I could be her...you know, the Perfect Woman. Unfortunately, I have epically failed time after time giving it my best shot. And no wonder. There is no perfect woman on the planet, or elsewhere for that matter, for all have sinned!  This reality of this truth, according to the Scriptures, hasn't stopped me to trying to get there. We think if we just try harder, study more, go to a counselor for help and transformation techniques then pray, pray, pray, increase our faith and activity, we will finally arrive at this anticipated place of perfection/expectation. We all know the opposite proves to be true, and we quickly realize the moment we step outside the door in our new Perfect Boots, we fail. Quickly. Why do we even try? The temptation for perfection has been around since "the beginning." 
And the cycle begins...we try harder, study more, go to a counselor, pray and pray, take another class...striving to attain the unattainable. What complete insanity!  
So who's expectation are we trying to achieve anyway? Family or Friends? Boss or CoWorkers? Church members or the Pastors? How about our own expectations? I don't know about you but I have  circled this mountain more than I care to admit. When we find ourselves not meeting these expectations, we beat ourselves up with shame and worry that we are underachievers, inadequate and doomed to fail. We say things like I'm not good enough. I am useless. I will never be as good as everyone else. No one will want to work with me. I mine as well stop trying, and soon find ourselves throwing in the proverbial towel and giving up. It changes the essence of who we are when we disqualify ourselves as not being able. According to the Scriptures, we are more than conquerers in Jesus Name! Romans 8
What would happen if my aim was to be perfectly good enough, just as I am?
David was a young man who encountered the "Are you kidding me? Who do you think you are!?!" "And Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth." David recounts his achievements in the Lord and replies, "Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God." And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." David was confident in His God and the God-given ability He had. 
So, Saul gave him a chance to prove himself, placing upon David the "expected gear." "And Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you!" "Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them." Saul wanted to help David but for David, they only hindered him. "So David put them off. Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine." 
I want to be more like David. When faced with an opportunity to serve, he recounted his accomplishments in the Lord, and walked in the expectation that he was perfectly good enough, perfectly able to accomplish the task before him with an opportunity to glorify the Living God in the gifting he had been given. This doesn't mean we ignore advice from others or that we are to ignore the suggestions of others. We are instructed to sharpen one another, but it is without imposing our way on the other. We must trust the calling, whether it be ours or of another, that God has spoken to them and they have all they need and now we must move in action by faith, trusting the Lord. 
David believed he could conquer Goliath not because he had done it before, but because he trusted in the provisions of His God who had faithfully equipped him time and time before. He could have looked in the reflection of the giant's shield, seen his small frame, his lack of weapons like the others and begin to count up his losses, returning back home. There were countless, more than capable, enlisted soldiers to do the very thing he was saying he could. Thing is, no one had. 
David took his staff in his hand...and walked out the door in his Perfectly Good Enough Boots, and he didn't fail. God provided. David believed.
What clothing are you wearing that is hindering you? Has another dressed you in battle gear that is too big for you, or too small? Did you possibly pick it up yourself? Only for you to realize, you can't fight in armor that isn't meant for you?!? Your armor is made for you! It is the Lord who equips His armies. 
May I encourage you today that You CAN fight your enemy with God's armor. You ARE able to accomplish today what it is the Lord has called you to because He cares for you and He is with you. You are enough and with the Lord, you will have victory! He tells us the battle is HIS at the end of 1 Samuel 17! He will give you all the provisions you will need to fight the enemy, taunting you. Yes, our Goliaths are tall but how much greater is our God!?! 
"And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. And the Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field." Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 1 Samuel 17:42-45
Thank You Lord our God for Your specific plan for us and despite what others think, even what we think of ourselves, that we can know what You think! Teach us Lord to know Your hand in the battle. Show us who we are in You. Strengthen us with Your Holy Spirit. We call upon Your identity and Name for the task at hand. Thank You Lord for Your patient, loving kindness as we strap on our Perfectly Good Enough boots. Thank You for loving me as the hot mess I am. Strengthen my boldness and grow me in confidence. Help me to be faithful in the little things Lord so that when the enemy stands taller over me, I will stand beside you and You will lift me up. He is no match for You. Greater are You than he who is in this world. He is just a snake who needs his head cut off, in Jesus name! Amen.