I'm happy, happy, happy today. Got a call from one of my 'inner circle' this morning and had the chance to rejoice with her because she was an 'overcomer' in a struggle she was having. It's one that many of us face... how do we choose the most expedient without worrying about pleasing others?
Last night, she was struggling between two ministries, one with her family and another she'd committed to. Both excellent choices, both with possible repercussions of disappointing someone if she didn't attend. A true struggle. As is typical fashion, she consulted the Lord and then took counsel from other believers. She chose to attend her son's final basketball game, which turned out to be one of the best games they'd had in a long time. But that wasn't the victory... it was the fact that her son immediately sought her out after the game, avoiding even an interview with the press, to thank her for being at the game. She was showing Jesus to her son last night. She was showing him that he is a priority in her life. She was showing him that her ministry to her family is a gift from our Heavenly Father. Her call brought tears of joy to my eyes.
Jesus was like that when He walked this earth. He always knew the right thing to do. He knew when to minister and when to rest. He knew when to be a part of the crowd and when to be with a few. He didn't allow the expectations of others be the preeminent motivator in His course of action...just the expectation of His Father. Oh, how I want to be like Jesus!
I Corinthians 10:23
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Choices
Last night I had the enjoyment of hanging out with a few college students who want to walk well with Jesus. We had just studied the life of Jonathan and discussed the impact relationships have on our lives, whether they be of the friendship or love variety. As we were gathered around chatting, I shared a little bit on my study of Mary that I will be speaking on in two weeks. One word keeps rising to the top in my study, and it is a common theme in the lives of the other characters we've discussed ~ choice. When we drill down to the basic point of any circumstance, issue, problem, joy... the ultimate control that any human has is personal choice. Let me explain...
As I look on my life, the only thing I have been able to control is the choices I've made. There are numerous choices over the years that have shaped who Carla is. My choice to choose to trust Christ as my Savior over rejecting His grace, my choice to pursue a degree over going directly into the workforce, my choice to remain in my hometown over moving to the city, my choice to be part of a fellowship that is serious about following Christ over a lukewarm existence in a "don't step on my toes" church, my choice to wait on God over doing things my own way. Those are a few of the good choices ... and there is a litany of really poor ones that I've made over the years ~ bad relationships, self serving activities, sin. However, the bottom line is that I had the choice.
Now some may be saying that circumstances have occurred that were beyond your control and life has dealt you some pretty ugly blows... illness, broken relationships, attacks on your character, financial ruin, problems with your children and a whole host of other unimaginable horrors that have befallen you. I've experienced some of those same things. Yet, my friend, we still have a choice. We have a choice to play victim or victor. We have a choice to change what we can or to wallow in the same excuses we've come to accept as fact. We have a choice to rise to the challenge in front of us or to be a coward. We have a choice to use whatever the Lord has allowed for His glory or to turn away from God and blame Him.
Yes, there are difficult choices in this life and often times the right ones are often the hardest to do. Choose well.
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
As I look on my life, the only thing I have been able to control is the choices I've made. There are numerous choices over the years that have shaped who Carla is. My choice to choose to trust Christ as my Savior over rejecting His grace, my choice to pursue a degree over going directly into the workforce, my choice to remain in my hometown over moving to the city, my choice to be part of a fellowship that is serious about following Christ over a lukewarm existence in a "don't step on my toes" church, my choice to wait on God over doing things my own way. Those are a few of the good choices ... and there is a litany of really poor ones that I've made over the years ~ bad relationships, self serving activities, sin. However, the bottom line is that I had the choice.
Now some may be saying that circumstances have occurred that were beyond your control and life has dealt you some pretty ugly blows... illness, broken relationships, attacks on your character, financial ruin, problems with your children and a whole host of other unimaginable horrors that have befallen you. I've experienced some of those same things. Yet, my friend, we still have a choice. We have a choice to play victim or victor. We have a choice to change what we can or to wallow in the same excuses we've come to accept as fact. We have a choice to rise to the challenge in front of us or to be a coward. We have a choice to use whatever the Lord has allowed for His glory or to turn away from God and blame Him.
Yes, there are difficult choices in this life and often times the right ones are often the hardest to do. Choose well.
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Learning from Saul
This week for UNiTE (our student ministry) we are studying Jonathan as part of our series on young people in the Bible. As I was reading, my mind became fascinated in another character in the text ~ Saul. From earlier in the book of I Samuel, we know that Saul isn't God's favored king and Saul continually makes some foolish choices. In chapter 14 of I Samuel, I'm struck by two seemingly insignificant events that lead to potentially catastrophic consequences. First, in verses 18-19, Saul was seeking the Lord by requesting the ark, but in verse 19 he tells the priest to withdraw his hand from the ark. Saul was so overcome by the noise that the Philistines were making that he chose to move rather than wait to hear what the priest would tell him. Second, in verse 24, Saul has made a vow that any man who ate before evening would be cursed to die. Saul again made a poor choice. He spoke rashly and without regard to the needs of those under his rule. His army was hungry and in need of nourishment as they had expended a great amount of energy in battling the enemy. Additionally, because of this oath, Saul came very close to losing Jonathan to the oath when Jonathan had unwittingly eaten the honey. Further reading in I Samuel shows us that Saul reaped the seeds of dishonesty, disloyalty, and havoc in the lives of his children by the example they witnessed in their father.
These events resonated with me as a leader. I know that as a leader in my career and in ministry, my choices/decisions/words carry much weight. I'm amazed by how many times an 'off the cuff' remark I will make is perceived as 'gospel' to someone I lead. I am an external thinker... I tend to work problems through by thinking them out loud. I've learned that I have to watch with whom I do this as I affect the morale, choices and walk of others. This story shows me the dire consequences of allowing the noise of the world to motivate me to action over the quiet of seeking God's face. It also shows me the disaster that awaits making oaths or vows that are not wisely thought through or benefit only me and not those I lead. I have witnessed countless times an individual crying out to God, making a promise to change, only to fail almost immediately. They failed to count the cost of their vow. Finally, it makes me all too aware of the seeds I am sowing in those I disciple or affect for the kingdom. As was so eloquently pointed out during our women's leadership meeting last week ~ there are younger women watching my life and I need to be aware of what I am teaching them by how I live it.
Heavenly Father, may my words and actions lead others to seek You, to know you deeper. Thank you for your powerful Word!
These events resonated with me as a leader. I know that as a leader in my career and in ministry, my choices/decisions/words carry much weight. I'm amazed by how many times an 'off the cuff' remark I will make is perceived as 'gospel' to someone I lead. I am an external thinker... I tend to work problems through by thinking them out loud. I've learned that I have to watch with whom I do this as I affect the morale, choices and walk of others. This story shows me the dire consequences of allowing the noise of the world to motivate me to action over the quiet of seeking God's face. It also shows me the disaster that awaits making oaths or vows that are not wisely thought through or benefit only me and not those I lead. I have witnessed countless times an individual crying out to God, making a promise to change, only to fail almost immediately. They failed to count the cost of their vow. Finally, it makes me all too aware of the seeds I am sowing in those I disciple or affect for the kingdom. As was so eloquently pointed out during our women's leadership meeting last week ~ there are younger women watching my life and I need to be aware of what I am teaching them by how I live it.
Heavenly Father, may my words and actions lead others to seek You, to know you deeper. Thank you for your powerful Word!
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Ultimate Gift
I got the coolest email today...totally unexpected. My brother, whom I adore, sent a forward email about dreamers verses doubters. It was good stuff. But that wasn't the cool part to the email. It was the personal note he sent with it...addressed to his three sisters. He told us how proud he was of us. He told us how happy it made him that we were all pursuing careers that are people centered. He talked of how the impact of the kind of parents we have has made a huge difference in the kind of people we are. Wow. You see, my brother is not a warm fuzzy as a rule. He's incredibly kind to people and would help anyone. He's a good man who knows Jesus, loves his family and excels at his job as a coach and teacher. Yet, our relationships as siblings has been more joking, ribbing, teasing, etc. We occasionally get sentimental, but not often. What a precious gift that email is...and it's going in my keepsake box that I keep all of those cards/notes/letters that have spoken to my heart over the years.
This makes me think of the precious gift given to me by Jesus. I'm not the most gracious gift recipient and find it awkward accepting. I don't know why other than my pride and independence ~ yes, I know how twisted that sounds. It was that way for me when Jesus offered me salvation. I will admit, I struggled with the simplicity of His free gift. I figured there had to be a catch... I surely must have to DO something to be saved. But no. There were no works, no cleaning up my act, nothing. Just accept. Just receive. Just say yes to His gracious gift of salvation. That one act of accepting has turned my life upside down and has been an adventure that I wouldn't trade for anything...and it's only just begun!
Have you said yes to the ultimate gift?
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
This makes me think of the precious gift given to me by Jesus. I'm not the most gracious gift recipient and find it awkward accepting. I don't know why other than my pride and independence ~ yes, I know how twisted that sounds. It was that way for me when Jesus offered me salvation. I will admit, I struggled with the simplicity of His free gift. I figured there had to be a catch... I surely must have to DO something to be saved. But no. There were no works, no cleaning up my act, nothing. Just accept. Just receive. Just say yes to His gracious gift of salvation. That one act of accepting has turned my life upside down and has been an adventure that I wouldn't trade for anything...and it's only just begun!
Have you said yes to the ultimate gift?
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jehovah Shalom
Phil. 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God that passes all understanding shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
This was the very first verse I ever memorized. Most of my life I've been plagued by anxiety. I was a worrier from way back. I used to say that if the sun didn't rise, I'd find a way to blame myself for it. Pretty silly stuff. That was the old Carla.
Today, I am finding that I am consistently peace filled. Do I still struggle with anxiety ~ sure. But those times are fewer and farther between. The reason for my peace? Jehovah Shalom... the Lord our Peace. Time and time again, the Lord has delivered on His promise of peace to this woman who seeks Him. This week I've had a couple of opportunities to allow myself to spiral into the pit of anxiety over issues that were beyond my control. In both instances, the Lord used His Word to remind me that He will always keep His promises. He also uses the countless examples from my life where He has walked me through some very difficult circumstances that can only be explained by His sovereign hand over me. So, here I sit on Friday, totally content that My God will continue to bring His peace, which does defy all human understanding, as I continue to be anxious for NOTHING!
Peace to you ~
This was the very first verse I ever memorized. Most of my life I've been plagued by anxiety. I was a worrier from way back. I used to say that if the sun didn't rise, I'd find a way to blame myself for it. Pretty silly stuff. That was the old Carla.
Today, I am finding that I am consistently peace filled. Do I still struggle with anxiety ~ sure. But those times are fewer and farther between. The reason for my peace? Jehovah Shalom... the Lord our Peace. Time and time again, the Lord has delivered on His promise of peace to this woman who seeks Him. This week I've had a couple of opportunities to allow myself to spiral into the pit of anxiety over issues that were beyond my control. In both instances, the Lord used His Word to remind me that He will always keep His promises. He also uses the countless examples from my life where He has walked me through some very difficult circumstances that can only be explained by His sovereign hand over me. So, here I sit on Friday, totally content that My God will continue to bring His peace, which does defy all human understanding, as I continue to be anxious for NOTHING!
Peace to you ~
Monday, February 16, 2009
Legacy
In the past week, I've heard two 'twenty-somethings' give testimonies about the influence their grandparents and parents had on them and their choice to follow Christ. I'll admit ~ I was jealous of it. They are modern day Timothys with a rich heritage of walking with Jesus. Yes, they each have had to make an individual choice to follow Him, however, they had years of prep and probably have avoided some of the pitfalls of being a new believer just because of the visual witness they had. This started me thinking about my own heritage and the legacy I will leave behind. My relationships with my grandparents was virtually non-existent and most certainly spiritual issues were NEVER a topic of discussion. My parents both got saved when I was in my teens so we kind of grew in Christ at the same time.
Sometimes, I wonder if I haven't made a mistake by choosing not to settle down and have children. When I leave this earth, will there be any evidence that I was here? Did I make an impact for eternity? To answer those questions, I only have to look at the spiritual heritage the Lord did provide for me. Numerous men and women who clearly taught God's word in church, Sunday School, youth group and bible studies throughout my life. Women who have held me accountable for my decisions and behavior over the years were pivotal in my growth. So, all I need to do is draw from their example and pay it forward. When I leave this earth, I don't want to be remembered for being a business woman who ran a nursing home, or sat on various boards throughout the years, or for the things I may have acquired on this earth. No, I want to be remembered for who I am in Jesus. My prayer is that my legacy of building into women's lives will be paid forward by the women I affect. That they too will continue to build into younger women's lives and see them walk with Him. I want the people in my sphere of influence to have experienced Jesus deeper and more fully because of my life. That's a legacy worth having!
Legacy by Sanctus Real
What will they say when I'm gone,
In words that are written in stone?
Under my name, what will they claim about me?
Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered
More than just a memory that fades away
Because we only, we only get one life
Free me, my hands are tied
I'm so tired of wasting time
These endless inventions
Steal my attention from real life
And when its done, when it's over
And will the world see Christ
When they look at my life?
Oh, will the world see?
Mmm, come on, give me, give me, give me real life
And no more, no more, no more wasting time
Because we only, we only get one life.
Sometimes, I wonder if I haven't made a mistake by choosing not to settle down and have children. When I leave this earth, will there be any evidence that I was here? Did I make an impact for eternity? To answer those questions, I only have to look at the spiritual heritage the Lord did provide for me. Numerous men and women who clearly taught God's word in church, Sunday School, youth group and bible studies throughout my life. Women who have held me accountable for my decisions and behavior over the years were pivotal in my growth. So, all I need to do is draw from their example and pay it forward. When I leave this earth, I don't want to be remembered for being a business woman who ran a nursing home, or sat on various boards throughout the years, or for the things I may have acquired on this earth. No, I want to be remembered for who I am in Jesus. My prayer is that my legacy of building into women's lives will be paid forward by the women I affect. That they too will continue to build into younger women's lives and see them walk with Him. I want the people in my sphere of influence to have experienced Jesus deeper and more fully because of my life. That's a legacy worth having!
Legacy by Sanctus Real
What will they say when I'm gone,
In words that are written in stone?
Under my name, what will they claim about me?
Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered
More than just a memory that fades away
Because we only, we only get one life
Free me, my hands are tied
I'm so tired of wasting time
These endless inventions
Steal my attention from real life
And when its done, when it's over
And will the world see Christ
When they look at my life?
Oh, will the world see?
Mmm, come on, give me, give me, give me real life
And no more, no more, no more wasting time
Because we only, we only get one life.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Eye Problem
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
I love music and am particularly fond of Contemporary Christian music. Yet, there is something about the 'old' hymns that often bring me back to where I need to be. The above chorus is one of the best. I have been humming this all day because I have been struggling with my eyes being anywhere but on Jesus. This week has not been an unusual one...standard busyness, obligations, etc. But my focus has been off for the past couple of days and I've been fighting something that isn't an overly common problem for me ~ fear. As I've taken this problem to the Lord, He's shown me that my focus has been on the wrong things. I've been fearful of the economy and how it will affect my facility, staff and residents; fearful of changes that I vainly imagine may happen in relationships and ministry, fearful of loss. Jesus gently reminds me that what I am fearing I cannot control. He also reminds me that I need to relinquish the tight grasp I have on my job, my things, relationships, ministries and whatever else that He's given me and give Him the control. As I was confessing this, the chorus comes into my mind and the truth of those words come alive... the things of this world do become dim in the light of His glory and grace!
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
I love music and am particularly fond of Contemporary Christian music. Yet, there is something about the 'old' hymns that often bring me back to where I need to be. The above chorus is one of the best. I have been humming this all day because I have been struggling with my eyes being anywhere but on Jesus. This week has not been an unusual one...standard busyness, obligations, etc. But my focus has been off for the past couple of days and I've been fighting something that isn't an overly common problem for me ~ fear. As I've taken this problem to the Lord, He's shown me that my focus has been on the wrong things. I've been fearful of the economy and how it will affect my facility, staff and residents; fearful of changes that I vainly imagine may happen in relationships and ministry, fearful of loss. Jesus gently reminds me that what I am fearing I cannot control. He also reminds me that I need to relinquish the tight grasp I have on my job, my things, relationships, ministries and whatever else that He's given me and give Him the control. As I was confessing this, the chorus comes into my mind and the truth of those words come alive... the things of this world do become dim in the light of His glory and grace!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Gems admist the garbage
My pastor has started a new series in the book of Ruth. Last week, he spoke of the circumstances of the book Ruth being a gem in the midst of the garbage of Israel's disobedience. I too am finding gems amidst the garbage of this world. God has given me the blessing of working with the young people of our church. We have a group ranging from junior high through college that meets weekly for music, message and discussion. In just three short weeks, this group has become a gem in my life.
I was praying for several of these students on my way to work, knowing the garbage they deal with on a daily basis and wondering how they manage sometimes. Having come from a very stable, Christian home, I find it exceedingly difficult to wrap my mind around their struggles. Many are dealing with broken homes, unsaved parents, chronic conflict at home/school/relationships, not to mention all the temptations that bombard them from the world. Yet, they are choosing to make the Lord a priority in their lives. They choose to be there every Wednesday night and be a part of the worship, listen to the message, and be a part (some active, some passive) of discussion. They are choosing to allow others to hold them accountable for the way they live their lives. I've witnessed several of them grow in their walk with Jesus, make decisions that many adults wouldn't have the courage to do, and minister to those around them. Don't get me wrong... there are the normal behaviors exhibited by 12-22 year olds... but these people are the real deal. They are God's diamonds in the rough. So, the next time I hear someone say.. "Kid's these days..." I'm going to remind them that there are many more gems dealing with a bunch of garbage than we know and maybe we adults need to reach out, take them under our wing and love them right where they are. It begins with me.
I was praying for several of these students on my way to work, knowing the garbage they deal with on a daily basis and wondering how they manage sometimes. Having come from a very stable, Christian home, I find it exceedingly difficult to wrap my mind around their struggles. Many are dealing with broken homes, unsaved parents, chronic conflict at home/school/relationships, not to mention all the temptations that bombard them from the world. Yet, they are choosing to make the Lord a priority in their lives. They choose to be there every Wednesday night and be a part of the worship, listen to the message, and be a part (some active, some passive) of discussion. They are choosing to allow others to hold them accountable for the way they live their lives. I've witnessed several of them grow in their walk with Jesus, make decisions that many adults wouldn't have the courage to do, and minister to those around them. Don't get me wrong... there are the normal behaviors exhibited by 12-22 year olds... but these people are the real deal. They are God's diamonds in the rough. So, the next time I hear someone say.. "Kid's these days..." I'm going to remind them that there are many more gems dealing with a bunch of garbage than we know and maybe we adults need to reach out, take them under our wing and love them right where they are. It begins with me.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The mystery of Prayer
I Samuel 1:15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
I will honestly admit that I am all to often baffled by some elements of prayer. I know that God calls us to do it, but I find myself mulling over the question of why? Now, I am not one to try to question every commandment the Lord lays out...some of the whys are quite obvious therefore, no need to ask. Others, while maybe not so obvious just don't make me curious enough to know the why behind it... God said, so I need to do it. But my curious nature loves to try to wrap itself around the mystery of communicating supplications to the God of the Universe. I find myself wondering why we need to? Doesn't God already know what I'm thinking and believing about a situation? He lives inside of me and I know He knows me better than I know myself. Isn't God going to do what He knows is best for His kingdom? Does my intercession really change any of that?
Truthfully, I don't have concrete answers to all of my questions, however, my study in I Samuel this week has opened my heart to a new thought on the subject. Prayer isn't for God's benefit of hearing my heart... it's for my benefit to draw me closer to Him. Looking at Hannah's struggle with wanting to produce a child and her subsequent prayer and pouring out of her soul spoke to me. Dr. Charles Ryrie states in his comments on I Sam. 1:15 ~ "A pouring out of her soul equates to fervent prayer." How many of us have really wanted something so bad that we were willing to pour out our soul to the Lord on the subject? I love the result of her vulnerability in verse 18 ~ And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So, the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. Now Hannah didn't know the outcome of her prayer, whether God would bless her with a child. What's important here is that she knew she was listened to by the Creator. He knew her soul. Don't we all long to be known that intimately? Even her husband's love wasn't enough (verse 8) to make her sorrow go away. No, it was the soul knitting with the One who knew her best that lifted her mood.
Have you experienced such a time with the Lord lately? Just through this quiet time in I Samuel, I've experienced what Hannah did ~ joy. While I don't know the outcome of my soul baring prayer to Jesus... I do know that He holds the requester in His hands.
Hugs~
I will honestly admit that I am all to often baffled by some elements of prayer. I know that God calls us to do it, but I find myself mulling over the question of why? Now, I am not one to try to question every commandment the Lord lays out...some of the whys are quite obvious therefore, no need to ask. Others, while maybe not so obvious just don't make me curious enough to know the why behind it... God said, so I need to do it. But my curious nature loves to try to wrap itself around the mystery of communicating supplications to the God of the Universe. I find myself wondering why we need to? Doesn't God already know what I'm thinking and believing about a situation? He lives inside of me and I know He knows me better than I know myself. Isn't God going to do what He knows is best for His kingdom? Does my intercession really change any of that?
Truthfully, I don't have concrete answers to all of my questions, however, my study in I Samuel this week has opened my heart to a new thought on the subject. Prayer isn't for God's benefit of hearing my heart... it's for my benefit to draw me closer to Him. Looking at Hannah's struggle with wanting to produce a child and her subsequent prayer and pouring out of her soul spoke to me. Dr. Charles Ryrie states in his comments on I Sam. 1:15 ~ "A pouring out of her soul equates to fervent prayer." How many of us have really wanted something so bad that we were willing to pour out our soul to the Lord on the subject? I love the result of her vulnerability in verse 18 ~ And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So, the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. Now Hannah didn't know the outcome of her prayer, whether God would bless her with a child. What's important here is that she knew she was listened to by the Creator. He knew her soul. Don't we all long to be known that intimately? Even her husband's love wasn't enough (verse 8) to make her sorrow go away. No, it was the soul knitting with the One who knew her best that lifted her mood.
Have you experienced such a time with the Lord lately? Just through this quiet time in I Samuel, I've experienced what Hannah did ~ joy. While I don't know the outcome of my soul baring prayer to Jesus... I do know that He holds the requester in His hands.
Hugs~
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Honor thy Mother
Honor thy father and thy mother... Exodus 20:2
In December, I posted an entry about honoring my dad on his 72nd birthday. This Saturday, my mom will turn 71, so I want to spend this entry honoring her. Some of you might think she wouldn't want me mentioning her age, but you don't know mom! She wears her years as a badge of honor...plus the fact that she truly doesn't look or act 71! She is the consummate Proverbs 31 woman...but more about that later~
So, now I share the top ten things I've learned from my mom (although don't necessarily possess!)... again 10-2 are in random order, not in order of importance.
10. Life isn't always fair! This is one of a couple of mantras that I recall hearing over the years and have become anchors to living for me. Mom detected early on that I was about "fairness" and knew the reality of life would kick me in the tail if I didn't get clued in that it just isn't fair.
9. Submission Now, Mom would probably think she's failed me in this area (because of my headstrong ways!), but I have come to truly appreciate my mom's ability to submit...even when she may have had the better idea in a matter. She would defer to Dad for leading the family and I learned to watch how she was truly a strong support force for my dad. They are a team and divide and conquer was NEVER allowed!
8. Loyalty Mom is loyal to a fault and I wish I were more like her in this area. When she believes in a person, ideal, whatever, she is loyal when everyone else would give up on it! She personifies the title to the song "Stand by your Man". She has been my dad's greatest advocate. As she says, she can correct her family or comment on their character deficits, but no one else can!
7. Great insight into people's character There are two people on this planet that I go to for insight into a person... my mom being one of them. She has what I would consider a God given ability to read people that is completely lost on me. I can't count of the times that I have thought a person was way too cool, only to have Mom caution me. And she is pretty much always right about them.
6. I learned the gift of being a hostess. I learned early in life about how to treat a guest. Mom has a gift for making people feel at home and welcome. She isn't pretentious or gauche...she just Harriet. That makes people warm to her. I hope and pray the when people come to my home that they are refreshed. I want my home to be a refuge for hurting people. Thanks to the training by my Mom, I may accomplish that.
5. Respect for Dad This has been one of the defining lessons that has made me really respect my mom. Long before she was well versed in Scripture, my mom had consistently shown my dad the utmost respect and grew that in her children as well. This isn't to say she was docile or non-opinionated about issues, but she dealt with my dad in a way that trained us about the Ephesians 5 principle of wives behavior towards their husbands. It wasn't until I had the opportunity to teach this passage to the college women that it hit me full force that Mom had quietly trained us. The old adage is correct: more it caught than taught! If you are a Mom, you will give your children a most valuable life lesson by doing this for their dad. My prayer is that I will successfully continue this practice with my husband someday.
4. It's okay to be a strong woman. Honestly, I haven't really appreciated Mom's version of strength until the past 10 years or so... I needed to mature! I could usually be found not liking the "1950's" way my Mom seemed to be. Actually, she puts the so-called 'libbers' to shame. She exudes the perfect strength...one that is under control and within the boundaries of Scripture. She has told me that she is as independent as she chooses to be. How incredibly wise! She knows where her True Strength lies. That's the kind of strong woman I covet to be.
3. His Grace is Sufficient I saw this truth come to life in my Mom during a particularly difficult period within our family. My Dad's business experienced a situation of financial fraud by an employee and it was a devastating blow to the financial health of his small company. When I learned of the event and all it entailed, I vividly recall my Mom telling me that during an intense time of prayer and seeking the Lord, He told her, My Grace is Sufficient. She clung to that promise from Scripture with all of her loyal might. God did a mighty work in her faith through that situation. All the while, building mine for future difficulties that I would face.
2. Laughter Again, as I said in Dad's piece, you can't be in the Ewing house without laughing. While Dad's sense of humor is more sarcastic, Mom is more goofy funny. I don't mean that disrespectful, it's just Mom finds humor in the everyday. She and my brother can look at a situation and put their unique spin on it and I find myself in stitches.
and the #1 lesson I learned from Mom was:
To know Jesus deeper Mom has always been keenly interested in learning as much about the Lord as she possibly can. To this day, we will have some awesomely intense discussions about what the Lord has shown us in our reading, or what we learned from a message we've heard. It wasn't always this easy. I remember times of her listening to WDLM and I would rail against having to listen to it, coping an attitude about the music. It wasn't the music I despised... it was the conviction of the Word on my then unsaved soul that I hated. I have witnessed the power of Scripture to change lives through the changes He's made in her over the years. She's authentic and, as she will tell you, a work in progress. In reading the Proverbs 31 woman, I truly believe she is one and pray that I too will achieve being like her some day.
Thank you Lord for such a great Mom!
In December, I posted an entry about honoring my dad on his 72nd birthday. This Saturday, my mom will turn 71, so I want to spend this entry honoring her. Some of you might think she wouldn't want me mentioning her age, but you don't know mom! She wears her years as a badge of honor...plus the fact that she truly doesn't look or act 71! She is the consummate Proverbs 31 woman...but more about that later~
So, now I share the top ten things I've learned from my mom (although don't necessarily possess!)... again 10-2 are in random order, not in order of importance.
10. Life isn't always fair! This is one of a couple of mantras that I recall hearing over the years and have become anchors to living for me. Mom detected early on that I was about "fairness" and knew the reality of life would kick me in the tail if I didn't get clued in that it just isn't fair.
9. Submission Now, Mom would probably think she's failed me in this area (because of my headstrong ways!), but I have come to truly appreciate my mom's ability to submit...even when she may have had the better idea in a matter. She would defer to Dad for leading the family and I learned to watch how she was truly a strong support force for my dad. They are a team and divide and conquer was NEVER allowed!
8. Loyalty Mom is loyal to a fault and I wish I were more like her in this area. When she believes in a person, ideal, whatever, she is loyal when everyone else would give up on it! She personifies the title to the song "Stand by your Man". She has been my dad's greatest advocate. As she says, she can correct her family or comment on their character deficits, but no one else can!
7. Great insight into people's character There are two people on this planet that I go to for insight into a person... my mom being one of them. She has what I would consider a God given ability to read people that is completely lost on me. I can't count of the times that I have thought a person was way too cool, only to have Mom caution me. And she is pretty much always right about them.
6. I learned the gift of being a hostess. I learned early in life about how to treat a guest. Mom has a gift for making people feel at home and welcome. She isn't pretentious or gauche...she just Harriet. That makes people warm to her. I hope and pray the when people come to my home that they are refreshed. I want my home to be a refuge for hurting people. Thanks to the training by my Mom, I may accomplish that.
5. Respect for Dad This has been one of the defining lessons that has made me really respect my mom. Long before she was well versed in Scripture, my mom had consistently shown my dad the utmost respect and grew that in her children as well. This isn't to say she was docile or non-opinionated about issues, but she dealt with my dad in a way that trained us about the Ephesians 5 principle of wives behavior towards their husbands. It wasn't until I had the opportunity to teach this passage to the college women that it hit me full force that Mom had quietly trained us. The old adage is correct: more it caught than taught! If you are a Mom, you will give your children a most valuable life lesson by doing this for their dad. My prayer is that I will successfully continue this practice with my husband someday.
4. It's okay to be a strong woman. Honestly, I haven't really appreciated Mom's version of strength until the past 10 years or so... I needed to mature! I could usually be found not liking the "1950's" way my Mom seemed to be. Actually, she puts the so-called 'libbers' to shame. She exudes the perfect strength...one that is under control and within the boundaries of Scripture. She has told me that she is as independent as she chooses to be. How incredibly wise! She knows where her True Strength lies. That's the kind of strong woman I covet to be.
3. His Grace is Sufficient I saw this truth come to life in my Mom during a particularly difficult period within our family. My Dad's business experienced a situation of financial fraud by an employee and it was a devastating blow to the financial health of his small company. When I learned of the event and all it entailed, I vividly recall my Mom telling me that during an intense time of prayer and seeking the Lord, He told her, My Grace is Sufficient. She clung to that promise from Scripture with all of her loyal might. God did a mighty work in her faith through that situation. All the while, building mine for future difficulties that I would face.
2. Laughter Again, as I said in Dad's piece, you can't be in the Ewing house without laughing. While Dad's sense of humor is more sarcastic, Mom is more goofy funny. I don't mean that disrespectful, it's just Mom finds humor in the everyday. She and my brother can look at a situation and put their unique spin on it and I find myself in stitches.
and the #1 lesson I learned from Mom was:
To know Jesus deeper Mom has always been keenly interested in learning as much about the Lord as she possibly can. To this day, we will have some awesomely intense discussions about what the Lord has shown us in our reading, or what we learned from a message we've heard. It wasn't always this easy. I remember times of her listening to WDLM and I would rail against having to listen to it, coping an attitude about the music. It wasn't the music I despised... it was the conviction of the Word on my then unsaved soul that I hated. I have witnessed the power of Scripture to change lives through the changes He's made in her over the years. She's authentic and, as she will tell you, a work in progress. In reading the Proverbs 31 woman, I truly believe she is one and pray that I too will achieve being like her some day.
Thank you Lord for such a great Mom!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Love them to Jesus
I've been in the middle of several conversations of late about how 'Christians' should behave. Most of these conversations have been either with non-believers or with believers who do not rely on the truth of Scripture. It seems that the pendulum swings too far one direction or the other. For some, they feel that 'Christians' are too strict and judgemental. For others, they believe that some 'Christians' aren't harsh enough with sin and therefore couldn't possibly be walking closely with Jesus. Frankly, I'm tired of both extremes. Yet, I can find myself camping out in either place.
Yesterday, my pastor spoke of zeal and passion in this Christian life. I've been lacking sorely in both. However, I think I'm finding my voice. I want to love people to Jesus. Yes, God is a Holy and Just God. Yes, He hates sin because it separates us from Him. Yes, He wants us reconcilled to Himself and without Jesus Christ, we won't be. And Yes, He loves us so much that He willingly did for me what I couldn't do for myself. He reached down, pulled me out of the muck and mire of my sinful life and He saved me. He loves me so much that He also corrects me when I error...but always with grace, mercy, love, compassion ~ as any good parent would do. I want to passionately embrace that kind of existence... to abound with love, mercy, grace, compassion on those around me. I want them to be attracted to the Jesus I know... the lover of my soul. I want them to know that there is NO sin that He can't save them from. I want them to know that He takes them right where there are...they don't have to get their act together before coming to Him. I want to love people to Jesus.
Grace and Love
Kutless
Many things in life are hard for me
Many things can pull us down
I don't understand why I do what I do
How could I take my eyes off you
After all You've done for me
And after all You've done for me
It's by Your grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free
And it's by grace and love that I am free
I'll live with you eternally
I thank you Lord that I am free
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying upon the tree of Calvary
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying for me
Because it's by grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free
Many things in life are hard for me
But by grace and love You've forgiven me
And by grace and love we are free
Yesterday, my pastor spoke of zeal and passion in this Christian life. I've been lacking sorely in both. However, I think I'm finding my voice. I want to love people to Jesus. Yes, God is a Holy and Just God. Yes, He hates sin because it separates us from Him. Yes, He wants us reconcilled to Himself and without Jesus Christ, we won't be. And Yes, He loves us so much that He willingly did for me what I couldn't do for myself. He reached down, pulled me out of the muck and mire of my sinful life and He saved me. He loves me so much that He also corrects me when I error...but always with grace, mercy, love, compassion ~ as any good parent would do. I want to passionately embrace that kind of existence... to abound with love, mercy, grace, compassion on those around me. I want them to be attracted to the Jesus I know... the lover of my soul. I want them to know that there is NO sin that He can't save them from. I want them to know that He takes them right where there are...they don't have to get their act together before coming to Him. I want to love people to Jesus.
Grace and Love
Kutless
Many things in life are hard for me
Many things can pull us down
I don't understand why I do what I do
How could I take my eyes off you
After all You've done for me
And after all You've done for me
It's by Your grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free
And it's by grace and love that I am free
I'll live with you eternally
I thank you Lord that I am free
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying upon the tree of Calvary
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying for me
Because it's by grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free
Many things in life are hard for me
But by grace and love You've forgiven me
And by grace and love we are free
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