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Tuesday, October 2, 2007
This realization is one that has actually been simmering - pardon the pun - since the first months of my married life. The Quiche Incident is one that will forever be remembered in McKay Family Lore. Let's just say it involved some very underdone eggs in a graham cracker crust. In my defense, when a recipe says 'pie crust', it should specify the particular flavor or lack thereof required to make the finished result edible. I'm just saying. Clarity, recipe people. It is essential. Now that you have a bit of back story I can now proceed with telling you about my Harry and David's Chicken Enchilada Soup Harry and David's has this signature Pepper and Onion Relish that makes the most wonderful cream cheese dip appetizer so anytime I am near the store, I generally buy a jar or seven. However, this time there was an extra treat on top of the jar - a recipe for Chicken Enchilada Soup. I read over the recipe and it sounded somewhat simple so, seeing as how I am already guilt-ridden over the lack of home cooking here lately, I decided I would WOW my family with a batch. Here's where the trouble began. The recipe said I needed 'cream'. No other explanation, just cream. When I think cream, I think dairy so I went to the Dairy Dept. and bought cream - Heavy Whipping Cream. I got home, started making the soup and hubs came in. I should have known disaster was brewing when the first thing he said when he hit the door was, "What smells like a skunk?" Retaining my Preacher Wife composure, I lovingly explained it was the garlic in the soup. He came in to the kitchen, saw my cream, and said, "That's not the kind of cream you use for cooking is it?" I not so lovingly told him to get out of the kitchen and that obviously he knew nothing about cooking. I then snuck to call his sister who confirmed I indeed had the wrong thing. Rats. I was not about to let this little set back keep me from this great soup so, deciding I could get the right cream the next day, I put the beginnings in the fridge and took the kids to the burger joint for supper. The next day, I went to the store and bought Pet Milk like my SIL instructed. Note here: Nowhere on the can does it say 'cream'. How's a girl to know? Really, how?? To make a long story endless, I went home, pulled out the soup, and added the cream. My thought was, "Wow, this looks awfully milky. I read the recipe again and realized, oh the horror, I had misread the amount and instead of 1/2 a cup, I had added 1 1/2 cups times two for the doubled recipe. The result? 3 TIMES the amount of cream I needed. The only way to fix it at this point was to triple all the other ingredients which would require returning to the store and also using my last jar of relish which I knew I could get no more of for a few months. So I did what I had vowed I would never do - I quit. Have you ever tried so incredibly hard to accomplish something, to resist temptation, to make amends and find no matter what you did, it still turned out badly? I'm reminded of Peter who experienced this very thing. Peter with the foot-shaped mouth. Peter who removed people from their ears. Peter who denied Christ when he swore that would never happen. We can learn an important lesson from Peter's retreat to fish after Jesus' death - sometimes the best thing we can do after failure is back off and regroup before we try again. The benefits are a fresh perspective, fresh information, and fresh faith. Peter returned to pen 1st and 2nd Peter which in my estimation are some of the richest books of the New Testament. What a come back! So back to my soup - petty compared to what some of you are experiencing but it is a great visual for me as to the importance of trying again! Next time, I'll remember what I've learned from my mistakes and work out all the kinks beforehand. And hopefully my hubby will be none the wiser.   Please come visit my personal blog, The Preacher's Wife. Labels: Encouragement, Endurance, Lisa's Articles Leave a comment... 17 Comments Links to this post "Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand." ~ Emily Kimbrough ~  Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh," he whispered. "yes, Piglet?" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, I just wanted to be sure of you." I stumbled across this postcard years ago and it has made its way around the house from my bed stand, to the girls desk when they began to share a room. Now it sits in front of me on my desk where I type....When I read this quote, it reminded me that they both say the same thing. All any of us really want, from the day we are born, is to know that there is someone out there that we can be sure of... We are so blessed as Christians to know that there is one hand that is always extended, waiting for us to reach out for it. We have the Lord's hand any time we stumble....and how amazing, wonderful and full of grace, our God is that HE so often will allow us to sidle up to someone on earth and as we stumble, they hold our hand. As we make our way through the challenges and struggles of this life, what a wonderful feeling to KNOW that God has so perfectly placed those people in our life who hold our hand at the exact time we need it, just to reassure us that we can be "sure." God sends us those images of Himself in those people in our lives who hold our hand...He reminds us through those friends, the kind of friend HE is, always has been and always will be. This week, I found myself struggling as another school year begins, with the questions we all ask ourselves, am I doing the best thing for my family, and as a home schooler, there are times when I find myself questioning what I know is right. A dear friend read my blog and sent an email that just lifted me up. It truly was as if the Lord Himself were speaking, and I believe HE was, through her. She allowed me to sidle up beside her, and as we stumble, and we all will....We need to be ever grateful that God places people in our lives to walk hand in hand with...they make the journey easier, they lighten our load and there is nothing more comforting than knowing that you have someone "you are sure of." As we make our way through this maze of life, we need to remember that we all stumble, big and small, young and old...just as Our Father always has a hand extended for us, we must walk ready to extend our hand to others....He requires only that we "Love," and when we are the one that someone can be sure of, HE smiles. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow...a threefold cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9 - 12 In Him,   I would love it if you would visit me...(originally posted aug 7, 2006 for CWO In Other Words) Labels: Encouragement, Friendship, Lori M.'s articles Leave a comment... 6 Comments Links to this post Picture this. You are walking through an art gallery full of priceless masterpieces. Every one is unique, and each one carries its own form of beauty. Each piece tells a different story. Some have been damaged by time while others seem untarnished. As you walk through, you begin to critique each piece. You begin to marvel and wonder how something so beautifully and wonderfully made could carry such flaws. You stop by a particular piece and begin to examine it, voicing your opinion about how this work of art could or should have been created better. You hear as others voice their concerns about the art, and you begin to notice the imperfections they see as well. Their opinion becomes your opinion. You move onto the next piece, as the previous piece is no longer perfect or worthy of your time. As you walk away, it is then that you realize that this piece of art you were so harshly criticizing was in fact your very own reflection in a mirror. The work of art was you; the Artist.... God.  We are the workmanship of God. We truly are His masterpieces. It is each unique look or personality trait that makes us priceless. It makes us who we are - the person God created us to be. Who are we to judge God's work? Who are we to throw dirt on His craftsmanship? Yet, this is exactly what we do when we judge others and ourselves. If we are going to walk through God's art gallery and notice the flaws in His sculptures, we need to put our suggestions in the suggestion box instead of criticizing each piece. In simpler terms.... we should pray to the Creator. He is the only one who can make the changes anyway. Only He knows how He intends for this piece to turn out. Besides, do you think He would have paid the highest price for all of us if we weren't worth it?  FYI: I am now Mrs. Ryan Bayliss. The big day was September 8th. I will tell you all about it. We are currently on our honeymoon in Mexico! I'll talk to you ladies when I get home... to my new place! I'd love for you to visit me at my personal blog: In Pursuit of Proverbs 31 Labels: Amy's Articles, Encouragement, Insecurities Leave a comment... 5 Comments Links to this post Friday nights in Alabama during this time of the year are good for only one thing - High School Football. Though I personally do not understand a thing about the sport, I love wrapping up in a warm blanket on a cool night and yacking it up with all my football widow friends whose husbands find it necessary to hang on the fence and discuss each play as it's being made. Our boys have not had the best record in the last couple of years. You could say we are a small school with very few players so it is difficult to go head-to-head with teams double in size. Even though the crowds continued to come to the games, there was bad mojo. People were more ready to boo than cheer, more ready to criticize than praise. If I sensed that being a new member of the community, I know the players and coaches did. This year, for lack of a better explanation, I believe God means to do a work among the kids in our High School and I perceive He is beginning with the football team. We have coaches who are not only concerned about winning ballgames but are determined to build character in this group of young men. We have fathers who are working themselves to death to create a top-notch field and club house. We have moms who tirelessly serve nachos and barbecue at every single home game. We have a community who is coming together to say, 'no more bad mojo - you kids are more important than the scoreboard'. This past Friday night, something happened that can only be explained as a subtle paradigm shift. There was a lighter atmosphere in the stands, a different buzz among the crowd, a fresh spirit among the players. It was one of those times where everything was the same, but everything was different. And our boys? They played their hearts out! I've never seen them so pumped or the crowd so energized. Football is the most confusing sport to me and yet and I found myself biting my jaws to keep back the tears when our boys scored or got excited over a great play. All I can say to you is that there was a great coming together that night that has set a different tone for this season. Which is why we were so devastated when we were beaten in the last seconds of the game - over a technicality which made no sense to me whatsoever. But, in a scene worthy of any great movie, our teary-eyed boys raised their helmets to the alma mater and stood proud as the music played. What I pray they know is that the town stood and cried with them. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."These guys may have been behind on the scoreboard but what is being built in them will last forever. Boys, you give Friday Night Lights a whole new meaning....You shine brightly and my family is looking so forward to God revealing exactly what He is up to in your midst. Coaches, the investment you are making into these young lives is imperishable. I pray you sense what I do - that something is happening - and it is beginning with you. I would love to see you at my personal blog, The Preacher's Wife. Labels: Encouragement, Lisa's Articles Leave a comment... 3 Comments Links to this post “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” ~ Philippians 2:14-16 (ESV) Saying that I have had a trying summer would be an understatement. I had previously shared that many changes have occurred, still are, in my professional and personal life. Not only got I a little discouraged with all the changes, but I truly got discouraged with my ‘online life’ as well. I was ready to throw in the towel couple of weeks ago--my email server got hacked. I was denied access by the hosting company to my own email. I couldn’t communicate with my online world as I was used to. I had to make a decision. Do I really want to go through all the hassle moving hosting companies with my Blogs? Although I am somewhat technical savvy, moving entire Blogs was not really something I wanted to do—or had the time for. Other attacks came too, but I don’t want to go into that. I prayed, asked a couple of my online friends if I should continue, or just give up. One of my dearest online friends said “Well you could throw in the towel; you would have an easier life, and have more time for scrapping, and doing what you enjoy. But you wouldn't be making a difference in things that matter eternally. You would not be spreading God's word and being a light through this computer screen. The attacks won't stop, the comments won't go away, and the difficulties unfortunately may always be thorn in the side.” What a wise friend. Yes, we are in the middle of a battle. Sometimes it is seen, other times it is not. Jesus never said that life this side of heaven would be easy. There will be attacks from the world, or even within the church. Paul is telling us to hold fast to the word of life. No matter what will happen, no matter how hard the attacks get, stay strong, my sweet sisters. It is so worth it! There is so much darkness in this world, but He is using us and the technology of the Internet to spread a little light. With Him we can stand the attacks we face every single day, in real life and online. “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” ~ Philippians 2:1-4 ESV. Lord of Heaven and Earth. I want to thank You for sending wise friends into my life. Yes, sometimes it is easy to just throw in the towel, to give up. You equipped us to be the light in the world. Lord, help us to shine no matter what. I the precious name of Jesus I pray ~ Amen.  You can also find me at my personal blog Sting My Heart Labels: Encouragement, Iris's Articles Leave a comment... 10 Comments Links to this post "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11 A couple of nights ago I went into my daughter's room to tuck her into bed. She looked over the open Bible she was holding and asked, "Mom, what's does 'aptly' mean?" We discussed the meaning of "aptly" (suitable, appropriate, timely, rightly) and how it applies in the above verse. We talked about why "apt" words are such a gift, and how to speak them to others. I had no idea that later in the week I would receive some "apt" words in my email inbox. I've had a variety of ideas brewing about what to write on this, the eve of my fortieth birthday. I thought maybe I would be reflective, perhaps offering some wise perspective or some timely witticism about growing older. Maybe share a touching memory from my childhood. But as the week wore on nothing really came to me. Today I received an email from a godly gentleman in my church, and I knew I wanted to share it with you. We attend a multi-age "Bible fellowship" (our church's name for our Sunday School classes) where we attend as a family. What I love about that class is that there are children and parents, as well as those old enough to be my parents. It's called a "family bible fellowship" or "FBF". We have a Yahoo group which sends out birthday reminders each year, and he had received the reminder of my upcoming birthday. I received this today, and it blessed me so much that I wanted to share it with you. I pray these "apt" words would wash over you and bless you as well: "An FBF email birthday reminder caused me to think what I would say to you on your day. You have a wonderful, God-fearing husband, two remarkable children, and a very fruitful life. What could I possibly add? If I said, 'You are an extraordinary young woman,' you would probably look away and shyly reply, 'Thank you for the compliment, but....' If I blessed you with all manner of blessing, you would probably look on your children, think of your husband and say, 'I have all that and more.' Then I thought, if I look upon her through the eyes of a father, reassuring her, 'this is my daughter, in whom I am well pleased,' this would add to her peace. Happy Birthday." Those words touched a part of my heart that I had forgotten. The part of me that needs a fatherly "someone" to reassure me that he is pleased with me, to speak that on behalf of my Heavenly Father. And that's okay! Jesus needed that, too. Those words were spoken to Him as a blessing straight from His Heavenly Father. We all need to hear them at some time, perhaps multiple times during our lives, both from God Himself and by someone speaking words of blessing on His behalf. In fact, when Jesus heard them from the Father, His earthly father was no longer around to say them to Him. Perhaps that's partly why God Himself said it. No doubt, those were apt words for Jesus that day. So, I say them to you today. If you are in Christ, Your Heavenly Father is looking at you today through the blood of His Son. He is well pleased with you. He sees you as righteous and beautiful. He loves you. In fact, He abounds in lovingkindness toward His children! Sure, you blow it daily, and must come to Him in repentance for forgiveness. But you able to boldy come before the throne of grace for mercy, forgiveness, cleansing and strength because He has invited you through His Son and His great love for you. Know that today. Let it bless you! I hope these are apt words for you today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the most apt words I could say to you are that it all starts with acknowledging that you need a Savior. Forgiveness of sins and a right standing with God can come only through a relationship with Jesus. (I recommend reading this.) I invite you to contact Christian Women Online if you would like to know more. You are not here on this earth- in this generation- by chance or accident. You have a purpose in God's plan! I hope these are apt words for you today. Oh, how I hope this post and the words of my friend "add to your peace." Have a blessed Lord's Day!  Cyndi blogs at One Day More and Mater Magistra. Labels: Cyndi's Articles, Encouragement, heart matters, salvation Leave a comment... 9 Comments Links to this post My brother joined the LA National Guard just months after his high school graduation. He graduated from boot camp and was only home for 2 days when he received the news that he was going to Iraq. His orders were to report to Ft. Hood in Texas where he would begin training with the rest of his unit. He would then go to Ft. Irwin for additional training before he deployed. He would be serving a one year tour in Baghdad. My brother gave His life to the Lord at the tender age of 12. He began faithfully seeking God and attending church with us. Then, at a weekend retreat, he had a very bad experience. He never stopped loving God or seeking Him but he didn’t want to go to church anymore either. We never stopped praying for Him and he never stopped seeing the hand of God in things. One of the most profound events to take place in our lives happened while he was in uniform. He called me to say “hi” and “I’m OK” but I heard something else in his voice. I knew something was weighing heavily on his mind and I began to question him. “How was your day?” I asked, only to hear him reply with “fine”. I knew he wasn't telling me everything so I asked how he was feeling. Again he said that he was fine. I then tried one more time. “Did anything interesting happen today?” There was silence. The only noise I heard was the static caused by the bad connection. I urged him to speak with an ever enticing “hmmm?” “Well,” he said, “I don’t exactly know how to explain it.” “Just tell me what happened” I pleaded. “Well, today we were in a gun fight and my battle buddy starting making some bad moves. I motioned for him to change position and get out of the line of fire. The dude didn’t budge. I started yelling at him. I saw him trying to shoot but he had the safety on and nothing was happening. He wouldn't keep his head down, he didn't go for another weapon, and he wouldn't listen to me! They were moving in on us and I knew what was about to happen but he wouldn’t listen. I kept yelling at him but he wouldn’t listen!” “Awe gosh sweetie, I’m so sorry. What happened to him?” I questioned. “Well he got killed. I didn’t protect him. It was my job to keep him alive and I didn’t! I was too busy pointing out what he was doing wrong. Now I have to write a letter to his parents explaining why their son is dead. It’s my fault, how am I supposed to explain this to them?” I could hear the hurt and panic in his voice. I wasn’t really prepared when I heard this so honestly I had no idea what to say. I wanted to comfort him but all I could do is buy time till I thought of something appropriate to say. So I asked him why he thought it was his fault. His reply was like a word from God. In a distraught tone of voice he answered, “It’s my fault because instead of protecting my brother I was pointing the finger at him. I should have just shot the enemy myself instead of yelling at him to do it. I was in range. I had the authority to do it but I didn’t. I just kept pushing him to do it. He was in a vulnerable situation. He was confused and unsure of himself and I made it worse by what I did. I should have just shot the enemy and talked to him about his mistakes after the fact. But nooooo, I was too busy being Mr. Know It All.” That is what he said. But you know how God is… here is what I heard: We should never point fingers at our brothers and sisters when they are in a weak frame of mind. We must lift them up, protect them, intercede for them, and rebuke the enemy on their behalf. When they are stronger, then we can discuss how they could have better handled the situation. We are in this together. We are to be united in the body of Christ. When one falls we must lift him up. I don’t ever want to have to explain to God why one of his children fell away and all I did was continued to point the finger at him. We must choose not to be self righteous. “Hello?” he said. “Uh, are you still there?” “I’m sorry. Yes, I’m here.” I replied in an almost confused sort of way. “What’s wrong? You know it was just a training exercise. He didn’t really die. I mean, I really do have to write a letter to his parents as part of the exercise and that more than anything has me thinking. Only the Sgt. will read it but it just really bothers me because it could have been real. It could have really happened. I don’t want to be that way in an actual war zone. I never want to have to explain that to someone's father, you know?” “Yes. Yes, I know. I just really got a revelation from God from what you told me. It was quite the eye opener.” I explained it to him and he too received the revelation immediately. It’s a good thing we did too. He carried this with him to Iraq. His unit prayed before every mission. His team was just that… a team. They stood together. They prayed together. They watched each other’s back. They all came home alive. Months later I too had this revelation brought back to memory at a time when I needed it most. A friend of mine was in a tough situation. He had fingers pointed at him in all directions. What he was being accused of was something that I wholeheartedly detested but I remembered what God showed me. I prayed for my friend and stood by him when others cast him out of their lives and out of their church. I fought the enemy on his behalf. I loved him and stood by him when his own family wouldn’t. Today God is using him in a mighty way to reach the lost and hurting. This world is not perfect now and it never will be. People will make mistakes. We are all in this together. We are the body of Christ. We can’t expect others to meet expectations that we can’t meet ourselves. In order to conquer the enemy for the sake of the people we must fight the war with love, selflessness, and integrity.
Labels: Amy's Articles, Encouragement, Friendship Leave a comment... 6 Comments Links to this post "For he (Uzziah) was marvellously helped, till he was strong." 2 Chronicles 26:15 I will never forget the days when my husband and I were away at college. These were the years when God began giving us ministry 'mileage'. In a movie about Blues Music, this was a term used to describe the tough life experiences that translated into an authentic blues song. You can't sing about being broke and hungry unless you have been broke and hungry! When we were in college, we were broke but thankfully never quite hungry. After my oldest son was born, we felt led by God for me to become a stay-at-home mom. This was a huge faith step since Luke only made $400 per month. Yes, girls, per month. After our bills were paid, gas was put in the car, and groceries were bought, we typically had around $4 to last until the next payday. Can I tell you I wouldn't trade those days for $1 million dollars? Why? Because just like in the life of Uzziah, we were always marvellously helped. I distinctly remember a time when our car was broken down and in the mechanic's shop. We needed $150 to fix it with no prospects of getting the money in sight. We told no one but instead called upon the promises of God to provide our needs. The day we were to pick up the car, a plain white envelope was in our campus mailbox with exactly $150 inside. There were many other instances of this same kind of miraculous provision that can only be explained by a wondrous work of the Lord on our behalf. Though our income is a bit more than $400 a month now, realistically, we are still a family of six surviving on one income in a two-income society. Living in the materialistic age we do, if I am honest I will tell you sometimes Satan dangles the world in front of my eyes and I long for it - especially if it involves a big house, a new car that doesn't reek of chicken nuggets, and yes, a great pair of shoes. But then I think, "If I had all the world could offer, would God have the opportunity to marvellously help?" If His own people are not content to dwell in circumstances that reveal His wonders, how will His fame spread? Somebody will be famous alright - it will either be us or Him. And because God will not share His glory with another, the name we make for ourself may be one we'd prefer not have. Paul said it best in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:
Dear Father - I will never get over bragging on Your goodness to my family! Oh how I praise you for provision, completeness, and strength. If I weren't weak, why would You need to be strong? Less of me - More of You. Amen.
I would love for you to visit my personal blog, The Preacher's Wife. Labels: Encouragement, Lisa's Articles Leave a comment... 7 Comments Links to this post "M-O-O-OM! You're not listening!" Have you ever been snapped back into reality with those words? I have! Without meaning to, I can drift off to... somewhere else... while my kids are trying to tell me something important. (Well, important to them, anyway!) Many times they assume I'm not listening, but really I am. I'm just not giving them the answer they want! Either way, what they are communicating is that it's incredibly frustrating to feel that you're not being heard. Aren't we the same way? Editorials are full of people writing in to have their voices heard on a myriad of topics. Customer service phone lines are busy all day long, taking calls from people who need to be heard, and need some changes. The blog-splosion in recent years attests to the fact that many of us have something to say. Comments affirm us because we feel we've been heard. The evidence that we've been heard in our voting, in our committee meetings, our PTA/PTO boards and church governing bodies, is seeing things change. "Finally! They heard what we were saying and made some changes!" I suppose there's no more frustrating feeling than being in a dire situation and feeling like no one hears your cry for help, especially someone in a position to offer assistance. How much more frustrating is it, then, to feel that God Himself isn't listening? It's one thing to be ignored by fallible humans, but to pray and pray (to the One Who controls all things!) for a situation to change, and feel month after month, year after year, that nothing is changing. In fact, it's getting worse. Where is He? Doesn't He care? No one understood this more than the prophet Habbakuk, who cried out to God, "How long, O LORD, will I call for help, And You will not hear? I cry out to You, "Violence!" Yet You do not save." (Habakkuk 1:2) In other words, "God, why aren't you DOING something??" I love God's answer: "Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days-- You would not believe if you were told." (Habakkuk 1:5) Oh, God hears. Habakkuk thought He didn't, but the fact that God gave him an answer proved that He did! And we can be assured that He hears us today. In fact, the answer He gave Habakkuk is an answer for us, too. The verbs "look" and "observe" were plural. Down here in my neck of the woods we would say, "Y'all look! Y'all observe!" We're part of that "y'all." He wants us to know He is doing something in our days. It may seem like He's not at work in certain situations we've observed or in our own circumstances, but He most certainly is. He doesn't "drift off" like we do. I love knowing that! If there's a situation in which you've been waiting for God to work, and it doesn't seem that He is, keep praying. BUT, while you're continuing to pray, try shifting your focus to some areas in which God's work is clearly evident. You don't have to look far. He is doing a mighty work of regeneration in hearts and lives of folks in your church, workplace, and all over blogland, and the changed lives are obvious! He is doing big things in Asia, Africa, in inner city areas, and all over the globe. Go to some missions websites and see what He's up to. It'll knock your socks off! Take that opportunity to praise Him for what He's doing, and thereby transform your worry to worship. He's at work in your situation, too. I once heard a pastor discuss the difference between grumbling to God and lamenting to God. (Hint: one is okay, and one isn't!) We know what grumbling is, and the truth is that while we may point a finger at those Israelites for doing it, there are three more fingers pointing back at us because we do the same thing! But, the Psalms are full of "laments," honests questioning of God. What's the difference? The explanation I heard was excellent: Grumbling calls God's character into question Lamenting calls God's character into action. So, what can we do when we feel ignored by God? Praise Him for the acts we can see, and take that as evidence that He's working in ways that we can't see. Rather than question His character, let's call it into action. Let's pray His character over situations that need His intervention. He IS at work. All the time. He is doing something in our days that we would not believe if we were told! For more study on the book of Habakkuk, visit Revive Our Hearts to read or listen to the series titled, "Habakkuk: Moving from Fear to Faith." Labels: Cyndi's Articles, Encouragement, Prayer Leave a comment... 7 Comments Links to this post "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." ~ Philippians 4:8 (ESV) Sunday afternoon I was not in a very pleasant mood, believe me. You know how you plan out things just to scrap (pun intended) all your plans? Well, that was me Sunday... All week I had planned to scrap some baby pictures of our son. I wanted to create some lasting memories for my little digi-scrap book; since the pictures just have been in a box for over 20 years. I had some of them scanned during the week, picked out the digi-supplies I wanted to use. Around noon time our son came up with the idea that he needed pants, that he needed 'stuff' for his apartment. To top things off, he wanted to keep the student loan payment because he needed to make all these purchases. I almost blew my top... "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;" ~ Philippians 4:4-5 (ESV emphasis mine) Huffing and puffing I went the bathroom praying..."Lord, really, where is the reason here. Why do I always have to scrap all my plans to be there for Daniel..." -- It never fails - God showed up to change my heart. There was something deeper than just the scrapped scrap-booking project, was there? For goodness sake! The pictures have been in a box for over 20 years. You know what the issue is/was? I am scared. I am scared that I have failed to raise our son properly. Can he wash his own clothes? Can he prepare a meal other than Raman Noodles or scrambled eggs? He doesn't have his drivers license-how will he get around? Will he pay his bills on time? All these questions flooded my mind. The 15 minutes I spent in the bathroom praying changed everything. I knew the root of my foul mood. I felt that I did not prepare our son for a life away from home. God calmed my spirit and changed my mood. Needless to say, I enjoyed the time shopping with our son. He showed me that he can take care of himself. We bought clothes together, he picked out some towels for his apartment...we had fun. If you are wondering about the student loan payment...our son gave me the money. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13 (ESV) Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You so much for changing my heart on Sunday afternoon. I am glad that You are there to guide my heart, mind and spirit. I know that I need to let go and let You take care of the rest. I am trusting in Your mercy. In the precious name of my Lord and Savior, in Jesus' name I pray ~ Amen. You can also find me at my personal blog Sting My Heart Labels: Encouragement, Iris's Articles Leave a comment... 10 Comments Links to this post We have just returned from an adventurous week of camping and fishing to the news that my grandmother has passed away. My brother is trying to get home from Iraq to attend services. We are trying to arrange flights today for my husband and I to be a part of the service. Life is full of unexpected twists and events. No matter what I am facing I seem to always find comfort in Psalm 27. I hope you do today as well.
In Him...Chris Chris can also be found at Come to the Table Labels: Chris's Articles, Encouragement, Scripture Leave a comment... 6 Comments Links to this post "Mama, is that God's hot breath, do you think, blowing in our faces?" I blew a wisp of hair out of my eyes and wiped away some drops of sweat with the back of my hand. Smiling at Micah, I thought for a moment. It was seven-thirty in the evening, and my chance to have some quiet time had been foiled when Micah overheard me talking to my husband about taking a bike ride. The baby was asleep, and the evening was cooling down (a bit), so the quiet country roads were calling to me. "Oh, Mama, can I go with you? Please?" At my quick, "No, Micah," his face fell, and his neck hung low. I glanced at my husband over the top of Micah's cowlick, and he smiled and tipped his head, giving me a look that said, "Why not?" And so, there we were; our helmets strapped snugly, exposed skin covered in bug spray, with a half hour to roam the countryside together. The kildeer shot from their hiding places in the gravel at the sides of the roads and called frantically, flying ahead to distract us from their nests. A deer bounded across the field to our right, and we skidded to a stop to watch it disappear over the hill. In the midst of all this beauty the smell of cows, warm grass, and fresh growing mint were carried past our noses by a stifling wind. The breath of God? It was relentless, carrying the bodies of tiny gnats into our faces, catching in our teeth. It was stifling, letting up only when we turned our faces to catch a cool breath. It was unbearable at times, when the heat of the ground and manure joined the wind and assaulted us, burning our throats and eyes. I told Micah this story, how Elijah stood in the presence of God. How the Lord sent signs through nature, but He did not inhabit it. How at that precise moment, simply a still, small voice denoted His presence. "So maybe, Micah, God sent this hot wind. Perhaps He is not in it - but can you hear His voice?" "Well," he pedaled slower to stay by my side. "Not really. I think it would be easier to hear Him in the shade!" We laughed together and increased our speed to reach the grove of trees ahead of us. And sure enough, a cooler breeze awaited. We listened for a moment, one foot on the ground, resting our forearms on the handlebars. "Yup," Micah affirmed. "I can hear Him now. But you know, I think He was in the hot wind, too. I don't think it's so bad if He's there, too, do you?" I thought of all the moments in the past few days that had seemed unbearable, how my space was stifling me with all the responsibilities of being a mama, and how relentless God seemed as He sent trials my way to strengthen my quick prayers for patience and energy. But it didn't seem so bad when I remembered that He inhabits my days, and my heart. As we traveled the road home which, by the way, happened to blow with a wind more blistering than soothing, we thanked God for both. It is only the scorching wind that causes us to turn for cool refreshment. And there He is again.  You are always welcome at my little place - A Path Made Straight Labels: Children, Elise's Articles, Encouragement Leave a comment... 10 Comments Links to this post Reading blogs can be so inspiring, can't it? It can also be thought-provoking, relaxing, entertaining, and even... intimidating. Yes, intimidating! It's easy to read blogs from so many different women, each expressing one or more of her gifts, and come away from it feeling like you're not doing enough. Your closets are not as clean as hers. Your weekly menu (if you even know what it is yet!) is not as creative as hers. Your scrapbook pages (okay, you don't scrapbook, but even if you did) don't look like hers. Just look at how many pounds she's lost! Oh, my goodness, she's read that many books this year? I've never read that many in my life! Oh, and she sings. Of course she does. And on and on it goes. Different blogs, different women, but it's so easy to make it into one Composite Super Woman to whom we just don't measure up! We do it in real life ("irl") too, don't we? (Sometimes I think we put the "irl" in "girlfriends!") I've fallen victim countless times to one of my biggest enemies- comparison. I think all women are prone to it at one time or another. I'd like to share with you something I read this week from the book I Can't Do It all! Breaking Free From the Lies That Control Us by authors Tracie Peterson, Allison Bottke, and Diane O'Brian. (This excerpt is written by O'Brian): "You see, I made the decision some years ago that I would spend my housekeeping time more profitably if I concentrated on things I did well- cleaning, organizing, sewing, washing, mowing, shoveling, ironing, mending, and repairing. Cooking wasn't my strong suit, so I kept that at a minimum. My family has been great about it. It's not like we live on fast food. We eat well even though I don't make big efforts in that direction. Realizing that it's not one of my gifts, I released myself from the expectation of being a great cook. We just don't have time to do everything with excellence. The sooner we learn that, the sooner we can break free from the lie." "We all must make our individual decisions based on God's leading for each of us. Not only should we not attempt to do it all, but we should not feel a sense of guilt when we can't do what others expect of us. Sometimes we put those expectations on ourselves. The truth is, many of our friends would trade a skill they have for one of ours." (emphasis added) We don't have to be good at it all. Sometimes good enough is good enough in certain areas. We can choose to focus on what we do best and release ourselves from unrealistic expectations. Let's lighten up on ourselves and be who God created and gifted us to be! God, thank you for the ways in which you have gifted me. Forgive me for envying the gifts of others. If there are any areas in which you want to grow or increase my gifts, I invite you to do so, for Your glory. But, help me not to neglect the gifts I have and waste the moments available for me to use them by spending unnecessary time feeling guilty or inadequate. I can do all things through Christ... all the good works You prepared in advance for me to do, with the set of gifts You have so graciously given me. Thank You, Father. Amen. I'd love for you to visit my "good enough" personal blog, One Day More. Labels: Blogging, Contentment, Cyndi's Articles, Encouragement Leave a comment... 13 Comments Links to this post "Get a glass and stand by the sink." When I read this story, I couldn't help but picture myself, at my sink, crying my tears. And now, years later, this image still lingers. When I am broken, exhausted, worn down by life, I can imagine Jesus filling me if I ask. And I can see those around me, those that I love and those I don't even know, being blessed by the Jesus in me. I want to be the glass. Because Jesus is the Water. Story from Tender Mercies for a Mother's Soul by Angela Thomas Guffey.  Visit my personal blog at Fruit in Season. Labels: Christine's Articles, Encouragement, relationship with Christ Leave a comment... 7 Comments Links to this post As she approached me from across the room, my heart was filled with expectation and excitement at the thought that she seemed genuinely interested for a moment in my seemingly small life. She warmly greeted me with a hug and a huge smile. She quickly asked me a few questions and before I could finish my answers the eyes which once seemed focused on mine, were now wondering about the room at who would be her next target. I quickly realized her greeting was part of what she did, rather than who she was. I was young, insecure, and in need of the genuine love and care of an older Christian woman. I just needed a little encouragement. A few words would have gone miles for me. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 The body of Christ needs encouragers for today. Some face marital difficulties, have heartaches over rebellious or spiritually indifferent children. Some face financial hardships and their future seems uncertain. And others have such hurt and pain over relationships that life seems unbearable at times. Many are wondering if God truly cares for them, and they certainly don't believe that any other person cares. We must not depend solely on our pastors and other spiritual leaders to do this. We must also do it ourselves. But we must remember that to encourage is to fortify one another with the strength to endure. It does not mean to commiserate with one another over our respective trials and difficulties. As Paul said, "we are to speak only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs." (Ephesians 4:29) So as we care for one another, we must demonstrate care and compassion, but not pity. The other person must know we care, but more importantly, he or she must know that God cares. That is the objective of encouragement. The next time you are in a room filled with other women, look for the one you can encourage, keep your eyes focused on theirs and remind them of the uplifting truths of God's Word. In Him....Chris Chris can also be found at her personal blog Come to the Table Labels: Chris's Articles, Encouragement Leave a comment... 9 Comments Links to this post “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV) Couple of week’s ago as I was reading one of my friend’s Thankful Thursday posts, tears were streaming down my face. You see, she lives a life in the military—her husband is an officer in Okinawa, Japan. Many of her friend’s husbands are serving currently in Iraq. One of her close friends told her that she is moved to tears each night at 10pm her time because it means that God has given her another day with her husband in her life. The Casualty Officer (the one who comes to tell you if you husband has died) will not come after 10pm to bear the bad news. Growing up as a daughter of a police officer I know what it means that your spouse/dad might not come home from a shift. I was very blessed that when my Sweetheart and I were engaged that there were no ‘active’ conflicts/wars. Although the threat of terrorist attacks was very real where my beloved was stationed, he was some what safe. We all know someone who has a family member in the military (Laurel will write about it tomorrow in her post). As we are celebrating the 4th of July tomorrow here in the US, let us lift up our sisters (and brothers for that matter) in prayer who have a family member in Iraq or Afghanistan. Let us also pray for the men and women who are in combat.  In addition to that, I will donate one of our son’s old cell-phones to “Cell Phones for Soldiers”. The local Christian radio station that I am tuned into every day collects old cell phones to convert them into phone minutes for families to talk to each other while on active duty. If you have time, please follow the link above and see if there is a drop-off location in your neck of the woods. It is for a good cause.Lord of Heaven and Earth. You have placed us in a country that is blessed with freedom. Lord, give us a heart to pray for the ones who are currently separated from their loved ones. Help us to see the need to reach out in prayer and let us help with actions if all possible. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen. You can also find me at my personal blog Sting My Heart Labels: Encouragement, Iris's Articles, Prayer Leave a comment... 11 Comments Links to this post This week I was preparing a Bible study lesson and meant to type the word, 'righteousness'. I noticed my spell-checker protesting bright red so I scanned to see what I had mis-typed. The mistake I found was one which stirred courage in my heart therefore I fell in love with it instantly. The word? 'Fighteousness'. Don't you love it? I immediately thought of this verse:
Girls, we do not achieve righteousness without fighteousness. I can not tell you the name of one individual sanctified by a passive practice of Christianity. No crowns have been earned by any human save through overcoming trial and tribulation. Paul knew this full well. Stonings, beatings, humiliation, rejection were all his earthly sentence for an exemplary faith yet he pressed on for the verdict and reward of a Righteous Judge. My faith has not been an easy one. I have experienced many heartaches, weathered devastating storms, and revisited debilitating old wounds. I can honestly say Christ has blanketed every hurt of my heart with His Word and continues to fill every needy place. There are still many periods of time when the voice of Satan says, 'you can't take one more day of this. It will destroy you to be obedient. Why is He so strict with you and not her? He wants way too much from you. Just lay it down.' That voice can be so winsome, the way it coos and beckons. That evil, slumber-inducing lullably can only be silenced with a Holy Spirit smack of the cheeks which calls, "Wake Up! Fight! You are stronger than this...Not in your power, but Mine." "I have written to you , fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one." 1 John 2:14 Where the Word of God abides, there stands an Overcomer. There is a wife who will not grow weary in well-doing. There is a mother who will persevere. There is a daughter who loves nothing more than His Appearing. There is a woman with some Fighteousness.
Labels: Encouragement, Endurance, Lisa's Articles, victory Leave a comment... 7 Comments Links to this post
Sunday, April 15, 2007
 Recently, my pastor paused his sermon and joked, “This would be a great place to insert an ‘amen.’” People chuckled and obliged him. Then he added, “Sometimes when you preach, you have to be your own cheerleader.”That’s all it took to send my mind floating out the window, where it promptly bought one ticket to “Imagination Station” and created a brand new ministry. I whispered to my daughter, “What if there really were a ‘Gospel Cheerleader?’ She could stand to one side of the pastor and do her thing when he pauses--you know, pump up the crowd!” She gave me that teenager-to-mom look that says, “Even your very thoughts embarrass me, Mother.” I’m not being irreverent; I’m used to thinking in terms of creatively engaging youth. Plus, I’m an old cheerleader-- very old--so I couldn’t let it go. For example, suppose the pastor were recounting the scene at the empty tomb. He would pause, look to his right, and then Gospel Cheerleader would step forward in her uniform and chant, “I said He’s not here! It’s not a con; Jesus, Jesus, He is GONE! Yaaaaaay Jesus!” After a jump and wild cheering from the congregation, she would step back, snap her arms behind her, lower her chin and reverently wait for the next pause. Anyway, I thought about his words again: “Sometimes, you have to be your own cheerleader.” Besides your own vocation, I think you could also apply this to whatever it is that you set out to do--housework, leading the kids’ praise team, carpooling, folding bulletins, paying bills, lawn mowing, etc. -- because those accomplishments often go unappreciated, and yet, they need to be done. A long time ago, I earned a college degree and made plans for my life that never included stuffing envelopes. Although youth ministry can be fun and fulfilling, on days when I’m stuffing hundreds of envelopes, I often lose sight of the significance of the task. In those moments, I have to remember that each envelope represents a student who will hold the enclosed message/ coupon/ event promotion. Depending on what’s going on his life, he may look over the contents and decide to come to church that weekend, where my boss can deliver the Gospel in a way this kid can relate to. True, it’s tough to see significance when you’re moving rocks from one place to another on neighborhood clean-up day, but in Matthew 25:21, we’re reminded that God does notice our faithfulness in small tasks: "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’” and in Zechariah 4:10, we’re told that God is pleased by the quality of our work, no matter how menial it is in others’ eyes—we are not to “despise the day of small things,” or the infant steps taken as we learn to stride. Knowing that God is pleased by our faithfulness in routine tasks is energizing. Romans 15:5 says that he’s cheering us on (supplying encouragement and the power of patient endurance). When it all comes down, I need to remember I’m planting seeds in kids’ lives. And if you go a little further with this, you could say I’m stuffing envelopes for Jesus! So for all I know, when I’m working on a bulk mailing, there may be a cheerleader Angel of the Lord sitting on my desk chanting: “Come on, Linda, you gotta stay tough; into those envelopes stuff, stuff, stuff! Now fold it to the left; fold it to the right! Get this mailing out tonight! Bulk mail, postcards, yucky glue! Do it for Jesus; He loves you! Goooo youth ministry! Yay!” (OK, Gospel Cheerleader Angel is a little over-the-top, but he can’t help it; he’s full of Spirit.)  Labels: boredom, Encouragement, faithfulness, gospel, Linda's Articels, routine, seed-planting Leave a comment... 14 Comments Links to this post  I want to be a Martha... Now hold on, I know what you're thinking! Let me finish. I want to be a Martha who has been lovingly reprimanded by the Savior. She is not the same woman she was before! She now seeks the joy she was lacking before Yeshua spoke those sweet, painful, truthful words; "Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42) The story doesn't end here! He knows she loves Him, but that in her rush to serve Him with the best she has to offer, she has lost the true meaning behind His definition of the word servant... sacrifice. Yet, when He looks at her, she knows He does not ask her to stop her work; only to be aware of what is most important about her work. She is feeding a roomful of people who desperately want to soak in everything He has to say, knowing that there may be a time He will not be with them. Her error is not in overseeing the meal, or preparing the guest rooms for the numerous people that will be staying with them because of the presence of the Master; her only error is in demanding the help of her sister, who has chosen to join the dinner and listen with rapt attention. Certainly the absence of Mary in the kitchen cannot have made such a difference in the presentation of the meal; but I can see Martha's heart in my own. "Why should I do all the work? She's just sitting there! She's as much a part of this household as I am - how dare she leave it all to me!" But Martha loves her position in her household as much as I love mine! Does it make that much difference? No. And there's the rub. She slips into a corner of the hallway and dashes tears from her eyes. The words are piercing, and angering, and truthful. Deep breath. Shall I stop what I'm doing and join the group in the dining room? No. I will finish preparing and serving the meal. But I will do it with a servant's heart this time. And when I enter the room to serve the Master, I will listen to His words and smile at my sister, and soak in what I can. I will use my position as the overseer of this household to make this time with His friends peaceful, and good. And instead of seeing my position and the resulting work as my due, I will find joy in my days, instead of obligation. How do I know that the story doesn't end with verse forty-two? Because Martha goes on to give one of the most complete definitions of who Jesus is and Who sent Him in the book of John; ""Lord," she told Him, "I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God."" (John 11:27) She no longer finds herself so wrapped up in what she does that she cannot see what is important. She knows. Oh, He speaks to me in these passages - I don't stop! I fret over needless things. I throw my hands in the air in amazement at how busy I am, yet I don't take a good look at what my busy-ness is costing me. My joy. He has given me the sweet role of mama, wife, caretaker. There will be moments where I fail in my duties. But He needs me to do what I do - and He needs me to do it with a servant's heart. To make things better for others. To make things easier for them, welcoming for them, comforting to them. To be His |
CWO Cover
Bonnie Hooley
