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Friday, August 31, 2007
"And, Colin? You've gotta flush!" My sigh is loud. I wouldn't want anyone to miss it. I quickly move from room to room trying desperately to create some semblance of order. The baby is actually happy in the bouncy seat for the time being. I am well aware that it will most likely be a very short time. I sort the laundry and head into each child's room. "Maddy, why haven't you put away your clothes? I asked you to do that three times earlier. You need to do something the first time I ask you! Put them away now please, neatly, and bring down your basket when you're done." I lift the baby from his seat, get a burp and feel warm stuff running down my back. After a quick check to make sure none got on the floor, I trot downstairs, barely remembering by the time I reach the bottom to wipe off my shirt. "Someone didn't clear their place from lunch!" I call upstairs to whomever is listening. Probably no one, I think to myself. I sigh again, put the baby on a blanket, and rub my temples. Why, Lord, can't they remember the things I ask? Why can't they do things the first time? I repeat myself over and over and yet I might as well be talking to the pot rack. I know how you feel, God answers. You do? Yes. Remember last week when I told you to hold your tongue? How many times have I said that to you? Oh, now you're making this about me? No fair. Or what about the times I've asked you to not be so sensitive? That's a tough one for you. You're taking the wind out of my sails now, God. I know I'm not perfect. I'm only asking you to guide them gently. Shepherd them as I do you. They will learn more by your example than your stern words. You're the perfect parent, God. Just be with me and teach me... That's all I wanted to hear. You got it. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Prov. 16:3  Come visit me at my blog home, Fruit in Season. Labels: Christine's Articles, Motherhood, Obedience, relationship with God Leave a comment... 7 Comments Links to this post I don’t have anything witty or cleaver to share with you today. You will find nothing profound or insightful in the story I am about to tell. Well, perhaps or perhaps not. Let God lead your heart. This is a cornball story describing an ordinary day, a gal and her dog, and her amazing God. You may roll your eyes when you find out what I am talking about. Hang with me. The ending is good. _____ Every morning I go for a walk-and-talk with Jesus. I usually take along my dog, Peanut. He is a mutt, Chihuahua-Daschund mix. We head out the door, peanut wearing his red leash, I am in shorts, and carrying a plastic bag. Dog walkers know what we use this for. *grin* We walk a route in the common areas of our neighborhood. It is a wide loop with beautiful pathways with terrific landscaping. I find myself praising God most mornings as I take in the beauty of nature.  Thursday morning, as we started walking our loop, little Peanut decides it is time. He, ahem, hunches and does his thing. I reach into my pocket; the plastic grocery bag is gone. Rest assured I am a responsible pet owner. I don’t want to leave the evidence lying about. Along our path there are several doggie boxes containing plastic bags for this kind of an accident. I can pick one up and scoop the doo-doo on the way home. The entire time I am walking, I am praying about writing a post for today. I have made five attempts to write something and I have deleted them all. I am more than a little anxious. I pray, asking the Lord for the words. I talk to Him about my writers block for 30 minutes. Walking and talking. I completely forget to check the doggie boxes for bags. I turn the final corner of the walk and remember the dog mess is ahead. I realize I do not have a bag in my hand and there is not a dog box in sight. So, I utter these words, “Lord, could You provide a plastic bag within the next 50 feet.” I keep walking. I see something ahead in the grass. Could it be? I walk about 20 feet and there on the grass next to the sidewalk is an Albertson’s shopping bag. I hesitate. I reach down and pick it up carefully. It is wet and covered with freshly mowed grass but I shake it out and find it is clean, whole and exactly what I need. I don’t know whether to laugh, cry, or shout, “Hallelujah! It’s a miracle.” I start thanking God. I could almost feel Him standing next to me. He whispered in my ear, “I am closer than you think.” Peanut and I begin walking again. I am still in shock or awe or something. I use the Albertson’s bag and exercise my pet-owner responsibility. I scoop the poop. We walk it to the can in the park and start home. I continued praying about what just took place as we walked down our street toward home. I felt God prompting me. I said something like this, “Lord, I can’t write about dog poop.” “Lynn, you asked me for the words.” “Yes Lord, and what a story it is.” “Don’t forget what you learned today.” “I won’t Lord” I am closer than you think. I am near. I listen, I hear. No need to fear. I am near. –Sincerely, The Lord  By the way, I found my dropped bag a few doors away from my house as I was walking home. God set up this amazing encounter the minute I began to pray. Please visit me at: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Lynn's Articles, relationship with God Leave a comment... 11 Comments Links to this post Speckled and freckled beneath the waves of his sun bleached hair, is a five-year-old boy who's "all growd up." The sun has stained his cheeks to a rosy shade of pink, but he takes little notice of this, as he's only particular about his adorable wavy blond hair. This new obsession of his has led to the fact that Mommy's brush is MIA most everyday. I can't bring myself to cut it, nor can I stop myself from brushing my lips against the softness every chance I can get. So I do--unless he runs. Last night he ran. I chased the giggling boy around the coffee table, through the diningroom, out of the kitchen, and into his bedroom, until he was cornered. Smothering him with hugs and kisses, I savoured the scent of his freshly washed hair, while feeling the soft wave of feathers against my nose and my cheek. After crossing his arms, his bottom lip slipped forward in defiance. "What's your problem?" asked his sister, who was standing in the hallway. "I wanted to try going to sleep without hugs and kisses tonight!" he huffed, once again releasing the lip that marked his desire for independance. With little assistance, he tucked himself in, and waved me off into the night--his crown of curls encircling his rosy red cheeks on the pillow. I let out a yawn, and slipped off to bed myself. About four hours later, we awoke to the clap of thunder, a flash of lightening, and the little man standing at the foot of our bed, hoping to crawl in beside me. "I'm scared," he announced, then he slipped in beside me and pulled the covers up to his neck. For a while, I watched his young silhouette rise and fall with each breath he took. I smiled knowing that this little man was not "growed up" at all. He still needed his momma, and together we needed the storm. I got to thinking about the storms of life that shake us, bringing us down to our knees. Perhaps it's financial, or a matter of health, or perhaps it's losing the trust of someone you've grown accustomed to leaning on. Maybe it's shaking your faith, but hopefully it's doing the opposite--drawing you closer to the arms of the one who protects. We need the storms. For without them we wouldn't see that we have need for Christ. We are all sinners, and we all walk the same soil that trips us up from time to time leaving us feeling alone in the storm. But like my son who wants so desperately to stand on his own, we aren't alone and shouldn't be. I praise God that He is there to comfort me, to cleanse me, and to shelter me under His wing. I need my Father, and because of Him, I can weather the storm.  Visit me at my personal blog: Darlene Schacht dot com :) Labels: Darlene's Articles, fear, life, relationship with God Leave a comment... 13 Comments Links to this post
Thursday, May 17, 2007
 This is an easier said then done message, for I wavered in posting it. But just as much as we like to talk about God's goodness, mercy, and grace there are other aspects that we need to take to heart for it is part of the package deal:God is a God of miracles. We come to him with our prayers, as we should. We cry out in our darkness, and pray for light. We seek peace and comfort when things around us seem to be closing in. More times then not, God comes to our rescue. He is always there, he is walking beside each of us through our difficult times and many times he answers our prayers. But what if he doesn't? A mother loses a child, a husband develops an illness, or like some missionaries find themselves in prison. Jesus loved John the Baptist, from their first meeting while John was still in Elizabeth’s stomach he leaped for joy. John devoted his life serving Christ, and preparing a way for Christ’s dissension into this world. There should be NO DOUBT that Jesus loved John. But John found himself in prison; he was in a pit if you will. Do you ever wonder what John’s thoughts were during this time? I am speculating here, but if it were me I would be praying for my release. Praying to God because he is a God of miracles. Time passes, and John is still in prison. Finally John sends a disciple to ask Jesus “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else? (Matthew 11:2-6). Can you hear the depression and deep sighing from John? John is saying, “I’m still here in prison and I know you are a God of miracles, are you really the one who was to come?” Do you see the seeds of doubt in John? My goodness I think I would have acorns of doubt by then. Why is God not coming to rescue me? Want to know Jesus’ response? Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me. Matt. 11:4-6 In Jesus’ response, he is telling John that yes he is who he says he is, but there will be no miracle for you. “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” Interpretation, blessed is the one who still believes because of who I am, not because of what I do or don’t do. How do you respond when God does not perform the miracle you are expecting or diligently praying for? Is not God still God even when he does not save us (or a loved one)? Yes we are confused and may not understand why this “thing” is happening to us, but Jesus says “do not fall away on account of me.” God is still God even when he does not act the way we would like him to. Why was my child diagnosed with this disease? Why am I having medical problems? Why did the prayers for my marriage go unanswered? Why did God not respond the way I thought he should? Sweet sister, this is a lesson the Lord just brought before me and it pierced my heart. How does it affect my faith when things don’t go my way, what if this disease ends up killing my family memeber? What if my loved one dies after a long battle? What if that woman who wants to become pregnant is never able to conceive? Oh sister, there is so much pain and sometimes the miracle may pass you by, but that does not change one bit of who God is. God is who he says he is, the end.... period..... no matter what happens. God does want us to come to him, to pray for hurting people, to bring others who are weak before the throne. But realize God is God no matter how he responds. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me. Matt. 11:4-6  Note: the words in this article are all mine (well except the scripture), but the idea came from an article I read by Sue Warburton titled “Where’s My Miracle? The God I wanted wasn't the God I was getting.” I just took the idea of her article and wrote my own words about how it spoke to me. Sue’s article is found in Discipleship Journal. Labels: Faith, Laurel's Articles, relationship with God Leave a comment... 18 Comments Links to this post "God is our refuge and strength, My life has been running like sand through an hour glass. Nothing I can do to stop the days  running past me. Some days I can’t even remember what day of the week we have. I had to install a calendar on my laptop to remind me if I have to work or I am off…Ever feel that way? Although I know that I can’t breathe without His Word to get me through the day, I have to ‘sneak in’ time with Him. Let me tell you what happened to me this past Friday…During the week our alarm goes off at 4:15am and 4:30am. Most mornings I get up at 4:35am. Why? I like the stillness that permeates the house at that time of day. I love to read my first devotional with my first cup of coffee—alone. It is a great start for my busy day. This past Friday, the alarm went off at its usual time, but I didn’t make it out of bed until 5:18am. I was devastated. No devotion—no coffee. All I could think off was getting my Sweetheart his first coffee made and heading for the shower. For some reason I couldn’t get my eyes open or even form a coherent thought in my head. Somehow I got the coffee made, woke up my Sweetheart and headed back into our kitchen/dining area. I poured the coffee in a cup and realized that it was not the right coffee. You see, I drink flavored coffee; my hubby likes his coffee darker than dark (almost burned flavor)…’Oh no’, I thought—‘quick, make another coffee before he will notice’. By that time I could not breathe—literally. Close to tears, I plopped on my chair to have a few minutes with my Lord…I started praying “Lord I am tired, I am burned out…I”. He stopped my prayer in mid-sentence to calm me… “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) The rest of the morning went without a hitch. I got ready in time…I prepared breakfast for my Sweetheart, prayed, read a post from one of my friends, made coffee for myself, sent a quick note to some of my sisters in Christ and left the house at the appropriate time…with a song of praise in my head (and material for a CWO post *smile*). My dear beloved sisters in Christ, we are all busy women—if at home or outside the home. We have responsibilities to keep the household running, to be a wife, mom, friend and co-worker. The only way we can do all this is to have Him fill our cup every single day. "Lord, You are our refuge and strength. You are always ready to help in times of trouble. We will not fear what our days have in store for us. Even if our daily oceans of responsibility seem to overwhelm us, we know where we can find refuge. Lord, remind us to be still before You; you are our calm in the storm. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen."  Labels: Iris's Articles, quiet time, relationship with God Leave a comment... 13 Comments Links to this post The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 What do you usually do after you have picked out the perfect gift for someone? Do you simply thrust it at them right out of the shopping bag, with the price tags flying and the receipt still stuck to it? As tempting as that is (because it’s just so hard to wait!) we usually take care to choose just how we’re going to present it. We may choose just the right gift bag or wrapping paper because part of the gift is in the presentation. John 3:16 tells us that "God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him would have eternal life." God chose a very special wrapping in which to give us the gift of His Son. According to Psalm 104:2 "He wraps himself in light, as with a garment," but this is certainly not how Jesus showed up! No, in fact God chose a different "wrapping," one much more costly. He, for a time, gave up His garment of light. He went from "wrapped in light" to "wrapped in skin." Have you ever held a present and once you moved or shook it you could figure out what was in it? While wrapped in flesh, Jesus certainly gave evidence of what was God is like. The Bible says that He was "moved with compassion" for the hurting people around Him. He healed, He comforted, He performed miracles. The Bible also records that he was moved by the misuse of the His temple, giving us a glimpse of His righteous, holy anger. Ultimately, His outer wrapping was torn. He was beaten, whipped, pierced and cut. His physical wrapping was finally "opened," for gifts are not meant to stay wrapped forever. He didn’t stay inside His mother, Mary, he didn’t stay in His swaddling clothes, neither did He stay in His human skin. But there was still one final wrapping. Just as He was wrapped in cloth when He was born, He was wrapped in linen after His death. And just as all the former wrappings had been shed, this one would be as well. Mark 15:46 records that Joseph "bought some linen cloth, took down the body, and wrapped it in the linen." What I found extremely interesting was that the Greek word for "wrapped" in this verse comes from a root word which means "bound to the law." For so long, men were bound to continue falling short of keeping the Ten Commandments and to making sacrifices to atone for sins. All of this pointed to man's need for a Savior. The empty grave tells us we are free from death's power. The empty grave clothes remind us that we are no longer bound to the law, making sacrifices with bulls and rams. In Christ we are free! Free from death for eternity, and free from the power of sin in our daily lives even now. How do you suppose it would feel to give someone a gift, and for them to acknowledge receipt of it but never open it? Wouldn't you feel they had not truly accepted your gift? God wrapped and sent us the gift of Christ. (Though, unlike our hypothetical unopened gift, this Gift has been unwrapped and is in His rightful place. The grave was not powerful enough to hold Him inside and despite his unbelief, man is not able to keep Him in His grave clothes.) However, each of us must acknowledge for ourselves that the gift was for us personally and not just for someone else or the world at large. It is in this way that we truly accept His gift. We must admit our own need for His sacrificial atonement. To truly open and accept this gift is to repent of our sins and make Jesus Lord of our hearts and lives. We can then enjoy the daily gift of freedom from sin's rule, and the unspeakable gift of the assurance of spending eternity with Him. We are invited to unwrap God’s gift of salvation and freedom found only in Christ, and to share that gift with others. The grave is open, the grave clothes have been cast aside, Christ is alive! May this Easter find each of us unwrapping and accepting His incredible gift.  Labels: Cyndi's Articles, relationship with God, salvation, Spring Leave a comment... 12 Comments Links to this post
Friday, March 23, 2007
Apparently, my eighth-grader, Kristin, has been the only girl in her entire school, school district, or in Indiana who has still been wearing (you won’t believe this) jeans to school. This “fact” was exacerbated by the “fact” that she could no longer fit into anything that was discarded all over her bed, floor, dressers, closet, or ceiling fan. It’s true that middle schoolers, like toddlers, can grow a lot in one year, so we went shopping for a few items. We looked for styles we could both approve of, but the plethora of microscopic, miniscule, dinky, veritably undetectable wee shorts and skirts was not acceptable to either of us. But that’s a whole ‘nother post! Nevertheless, we made a couple of purchases. Kristin was excited about her new clothes. In fact, she expressed appreciation several times. All in all, the excursion was turning out to be a great mom/daughter bonding time. But then something drained Kristin’s spirit and zapped her stamina in a matter of minutes: I began looking at a few things for myself. Her countenance dropped. Her knees buckled. Her eyes actually got bloodshot. She dragged her feet and leaned on clothes racks for support. She wasn’t complaining, rude or misbehaving; she had simply gotten what she came for, and suddenly, the party was over. Later at home, we were laughing about her descent into listlessness when she remarked that what she did is similar to the way we relate to God sometimes. That is, when we need or want something, we ask, and a lot of times we get what we want. Sadly, as soon as we feel relief from worry, or the storm has passed, or the wish has been granted, we grow tired of praying. We’re not unappreciative or rude to God; we probably even say “thank you,” just as Kristin did. However, we just don’t sense the same urgency or even remember to talk to him like we did when we were holding out our hands. Galatians 3:25-27 reminds us: “By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ's life, the fulfillment of God's original promise.” [The Message] I am reminded that I’m in a relationship with God, my Father, who is interested in who I am on the inside. I love him, and I want to make sure that I participate in our relationship every day in ways that don’t involve asking for something. Whether in earthly relationships or in the one with our Father, there is joy in just spending time with someone we love. Today, may we dress ourselves in an “adult faith wardrobe,” giving thanks to our Provider but also seeking Father/Daughter bonding time without an agenda. May we adore him and fully appreciate that because of Christ, we enjoy a direct relationship with the pre-existent, co-eternal, omnipotent God, who, inexplicably, desires to meet with us at any time, every day. What grace!  Labels: Linda's Articles, Prayer, quiet time, relationship with God, shopping, Spring, thankfulness, worship Leave a comment... 6 Comments Links to this post Unseasonably warm weather has been the norm this spring where I live in Southwest California. The last few weeks have held a hint of summer days spent at the beach and weekend barbeques. My apologies to everyone who is currently buried under snow drifts taller than your SUV. Stay with me and dream a bit. While enjoying the supreme temperatures on Saturday night at our first seasonal outdoor barbeque, I started thinking about the fun ahead at future cookouts. Which naturally lead me to ponder what I might bring along to the next get-together. Of course, then I thought of watermelon, that lead to seeds and on to my daughter who has probably never eaten a watermelon with seeds, and finally, stay with me here, I arrived at the Wholeness of God. No wonder our husbands shake their heads and contemplate, “How did she come up with that?” (Am I alone here?) During this visit to the various parts of my brain, I stumbled over the seeds. My daughter has been raised eating seedless watermelon. It is likely she hasn't enjoyed the fun of digging through the juicy, red fruit searching for a seed to spit at her older, grown-up brother. Seed fights and eating melon to the rind expired as seedless melons flooded the grocery stores. She will never delight in an errant vine growing in the grass or holding a slice as it drips from her elbow. For this generation, watermelon is served in precisely cut squares or in fantastic fruit bowls as melons balls.  I somehow feel sad about this lost experience. Seeded watermelon is fun. The sweet heart of the melon is the prize. The seeds are work to separate out but they offer laughs and somewhat mischievous opportunities. Thinking about the sweet, delectable heart of the watermelon made me think about God’s heart. (The brain is firing again.) It is God’s heart where we find complete security, purpose, forgiveness and love. In His heart we are made whole. It is where we always want to dwell and never leave. But, God is much more than heart. God is Holy. Sometimes I find myself completely wrapped up in God’s heart but ignoring the wholeness of God. The holiness of God: He freely forgives. He deserves our respect. He bestows mercy richly. He is worthy of honor. His grace abounds. He merits joyful gratitude. He protects avidly. We owe Him priority. He loves purely. He warrants our adoration. He blesses abundantly. Our responsibility is due. I cannot pick and choose only the sweet parts of God. To love God is to love His holiness, His wholeness and embrace all of Him. Resting securely in His love I am able to dig deep through His heart and search for those seeds of wisdom, the whole of God. There I discover His majesty, sovereignty, eminence, and limitless facets of His character. From this day forward when I see a watermelon, I will be reminded of the holiness of God. I will rejoice in His love. I will reverence His name. It is my fervent prayer that you will too. In fact, (brain going again) I think I will head to the market and search for a seeded watermelon to share with my daughter.  Be blessed with His profound nobleness today! Labels: Lynn's Articles, relationship with God Leave a comment... 12 Comments Links to this post  The object of the game is to score by maneuvering the ball into the opposing goal; only the goalkeepers may use their hands or arms to propel the ball in general play. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. While sitting on the sidelines watching my boys run up and down the field, with the sole goal of scoring the most goals, I realized how much the game of soccer is similar to being a Christian (hey I am a Mom of boys this is where I get my spiritual inspirations).When my boys began playing soccer they were in the 4 and 5 age group. Parents would crowd around the outside perimeter cheering their kid on, too excited to sit. You hear things like, “just kick the ball; don’t worry if you are running the wrong way; you are doing a great job; look at my child isn’t she/he the best!” The kids love the attention from the parents and love to have one chance to make contact with the ball. As Christians we are the same when a person is a new Christian, we cheer them on and they hear phrases like, “Jesus loves you; you are doing a great job learning about God; don’t beat yourself up we all make mistakes.” The new Christian walks away encouraged and uplifted. A few years later my sons entered into the 8 & 9 year olds age group in soccer. Here the parents have their lawn chairs; they have been here and done that for the last several years. There is still much cheering, for parents know they are still working on coordination, but by now they should have the rules of the game down. You hear comments like, “Oh I can’t believe he/she just did that! Come on you know better than that; Beat that team!” There is laughing while making these comments, because there is still a good time to be had by all, but the kids know by now they are being laughed at. The same is true of believers towards each other, when they know a person has been a Christians for awhile. Comment like these may be heard: “They should have known better than that; what were they thinking? Don’t worry God will forgive you  once again.” Sometimes an attitude of “Look at me I have all the right tools and I attend church more” is displayed by the one who has not tripped up. The seasoned Christian who did fall does not feel as encouraged or supported, and is left a little bewildered. Where is the support when I stumble and fall?What happens when we see a Christian to whom we have admired and looked up to, fall into sin. We can come back with comments like, “they knew better; what were they thinking? How in the world did they think they could get away with that? I would have never done that! Here I thought of them as a role model, now what!” In reality what these Christians need are the parents of the 4 & 5 year olds cheering them on, encouraging them.  When you see a Christian fall, what is your first reaction? Is it love, or is it a thought of “what were they thinking?” Christ has nothing but love for people who had fallen into sin. In fact, I believe Christ’s heart is tendered towards the one who has fallen into sin. I John 2:1 states, “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” So as a fellow Christian, if we see another stumble or fall we should be there telling them, not to despair. Jesus is righteous and he makes a case for you in heaven, not on the basis of your perfection (or because you should have known better) but because of his death and resurrection. Despite the fact my oldest son is now in the 12 to 14 age group in soccer, I think I will still cheer him on just like I did when he was 5 years old. Something tells me life is hard enough; having a screaming Mom encouraging him no matter the outcome of the game, will have more of an impact in the long run. Just like encouraging fellow Christians, especially if you see them stumble, will have a bigger impact on their Christian walk.
Labels: Laurel's Articles, relationship with God Leave a comment... 21 Comments Links to this post
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