Ramblings on Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is coming to a close, and as I awoke this morning, I was still undecided as to whether or not to give up something for lent. Until last year I never really put much thought into the season of lent. The church that I grew up in did not observe lent, so I always thought of lent as a ritual that some churches observed. Through some of my readings and Bible studies last year, I started asking myself, "Am I missing out on something by not observing this period of time called lent?" The answer I got was, "Yes."

I didn't understand lent and still don't fully understand it. All I saw in lent was people giving up something like chocolate or TV, but I didn't understand the reasoning. As I read books, devotions, and sermons, I began to understand that lent is a period of time to really focus on the effects of sin on this world and what Jesus Christ gave up to come to earth to save us from that sin. It is a time of denying ourselves to focus more on Christ, and it is a time of reflection and preparing our hearts for that joyous celebration of Easter.

Last year I chose not to give up one particular thing for lent but to focus more on moderation and purpose. I chose to spend more time in reflecting on Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him. During that time I became more aware of the messy effects that sin has upon my life and what a hold it has on me. I also became more aware of what Christ gave up and what He endured when He came to this earth to save us from sin. Having this time of study and reflection prepared my heart for a joyful celebration of Easter and rejoicing in the triumph of Jesus Christ over sin.

Yes, ultimately this should be our focus year round; however, for me, sometimes it helps to have a period of time set aside as a reminder.So, in our house, our Easter tree is set up, and my daughter led us in our first Easter devotion tonight. The Passion of Jesus Christ and my gratitude journal are sitting on my bedside table. An Easter centerpiece with 7 candles is in the works, and my heart is ready to dive deeper into my relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ. For me, this lent is about relationship and gratitude.

Whether you give something up or not during this season of lent, let's trust Christ to deepen our relationships with Him. If you have special observances, devotions, or books that you use during lent, I'd love to hear them in the comment section below.

May we rejoice in the fullness of God's grace.

A Letter to My Children

To My Precious Children,
You. are. blessed! You have been born into an American middle class family who loves you greatly. You don't know what it is like to go without food or drink. You not only have a bed to sleep on, but you have a room of your own with toys. You have no idea what some children in this world have to endure.

I want to press upon you while you are young that with this blessing comes great challenges and great responsibility. The challenge will be the temptation to fall into our cultural mindset that bigger is better, status is everything, outer beauty is of utmost importance, love yourself, and more will satisfy. I pray that you do not fall for these lies. In actuality, dear children, bigger is not always better. Despite what your status may be, finding your identity in Jesus Christ is everything. Outer beauty fades but inner beauty can grow oh so much deeper when you are grounded in Christ, and that, dear ones, is of utmost importance. Love of yourself is sure to lead to despair, but allowing God's love to shine through you to others will bring joy. And the only way that more will satisfy is more of Jesus Christ. Stand firm, precious ones, on the solid rock of Christ because He will give you the strength when you are challenged.

Your responsibility- when you are entrusted with much- much more will be asked (Luke 12:48). Oh how I pray that I as well as you will be good stewards of the time, talents, and resources that God has entrusted us with. We have Bibles in almost every room of our house- embrace the knowledge and wisdom from God. Most importantly remember Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus replies, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments'." Remember, dear children, that Jesus lived a life of love- He did not come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17). So, please live a life of love. 

Do not forget that sweet picture of Daniel in Peru that you hung on your wall. Remember the "Thank you's" and the cold hands reaching out to accept hot chocolate. Don't forget the smiles and the joyous laughter of surprised people upon receiving a free cup of coffee or a free meal. 

Remember the letters you wrote to Christians in prison because of their faith. Don't be like your Mama and waste years by reliving the past experiences and wishing for more. Open your eyes to the needs right in front of you. Dare to be different! You have already touched many lives with the love of Christ. Keep letting that love shine through you. That is what matters in this world, and that, dear children, is what will last into eternity. Oh how I pray that our family be one that glorifies God, and I am excited to see the things that He has for us to be involved in. May we live wide awake to the needs around us.

Love you to the moon and back,

Mom

Thanksgiving in February

So, maybe I went a little crazy. This mama's heart was feeling a little desperate, and when we feel desperate, we sometimes try different things. You see, this girl of mine who is full of life and quite spunky, who is beautiful and smart, who has a huge heart of love and compassion, and despite what some may think is really quite sensitive- this precious girl of mine is a  "glass half empty" kinda girl. And, well, this mama- well, she knows what being a "glass half empty" girl can make one feel like.

However, a little over a year ago, this "glass half empty" mama was given a book (One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp) and introduced to counting gifts. So the gratitude journal began. I started looking and writing down God's gifts to me on a daily basis. As I counted gifts, something happened- I had more joy and a changed perspective. Instead of looking at the negative, I started seeing the positive. God knew that this year I would definitely need this counting of gifts to keep my focus on Him to maintain my sanity :)

So this mama has encouraged her girl to start a gratitude journal of her own, but it just hasn't taken. The journal gets put away or covered up, and we forget to count gifts. But, there is this wall. This little wall right there by my kids rooms. This wall right there in my kitchen, by my kids rooms that they have to pass by when they go in or come out of their rooms. So this crazy mama got an idea. Chalkboard Paint! She asked her hubby if she could paint the wall with chalkboard paint, and totally expecting a "NO", he said, "YES." The wall got painted, and chalk was placed in a basket right there on the wall. A verse was written- "Giving Thanks Always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20, and we started counting gifts. Right there on the wall, counting gifts for all to see as a constant reminder to give thanks.

Prayer

I haven't taken seminary classes or gone to Bible school. Nor have I read countless books on prayer, but that being said,  today I just want to share something that God has used to bring encouragement to me.

I think we have probably all heard countless sermons on prayer. Most of us have heard the acronym  for PRAY- Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield- which I have used when I pray. BUT, have you ever had situations arise in your life that you just didn't know how to pray? You seek God, want to do the right thing and know God' will for your life, but you just don't know the words to pray. That is where I have been recently.

As I sat in church one evening, someone made the comment about many Christians not taking the time to just read through the Bible (Thanks, Joe!) As I thought about that statement, I was convicted that I don't take time to read the Bible like I should. Yes, I do Bible studies and memorize Scripture, but just sitting and reading chapters at a time is  not something that I generally do. So, I decided to start with the book of Matthew, and this is where it gets back to prayer :)

As I started reading Matthew, I got to the Sermon on the Mount and The Lord's Prayer. Most of us know The Lord's Prayer and have prayed/ recited it many times. I must confess, that for me, many times it has been more reciting than actually praying. This time, as I read The Lord's Prayer and the verses surrounding it, it gained new meaning.

Matthew 6:8 says, "Therefore do not be like them, For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." I know, I may be slow, but I had to read that again- My Father knows what I am in need of BEFORE I even open my mouth to ask. For me, there is great comfort in that verse. And then I read on through The Lord's Prayer:

"Our Father in heaven, 

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

In few word, it covers everything- praise, God's will, needs, forgiveness, and deliverance. For me there was great relief, peace, and comfort in knowing that I didn't have to know the right words to pray. I can rest knowing that my God is sovereign, and He knows my need before I ask. When I don't know the right words- He gives me the words to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. What an awesome God we serve!

Some days... but God...

Some days the dirty clothes in the laundry room are bursting out the door, the dishes in the sink are piled high, and kids are needy and distracted while trying to do school work. Meanwhile you have continuing education hours that need to be completed, other responsibilities pressing down on you, and are in the middle of a situation that is draining, painful, and emotional. Some days life just seems extremely messy, and oh yeah, how about overwhelming.

It is so easy to get caught up in circumstances and tasks. So easy to get caught trying to do things in our own strength and loose sight of who our strength really comes from. Praise God for His grace though. Over the past few days, God has amazed me with encouraging texts in my devotional and Bible readings.

At these times in life, we have to ask the questions, "Am I going to let the circumstances define me or am I going to be defined in Jesus Christ?" No situation falls on us without God knowing about it. He cares about His people and loves us with an overwhelming love that we cannot comprehend. We may not understand our situation at times, but we can rest knowing that God has a plan. AND this plan is for our good- not for harm.

So, on these days I get up and light a candle because Jesus is the light of the world. I turn on praise music because we are to think on things that are praiseworthy. I read the Word, pray, and count gifts because in counting gifts, despite what your circumstances are and what others are saying about you, your perspective is changed as you realize what you have in Christ.

Philippians 4:6-7, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Counting God's gifts-
#1408 Beautiful double rainbow
#1409 Reminder of God's promises
#1411 Special friends
#1412 Hugs and encouragement
#1413 Kids school work completed well
#1414 Prayer time with Chris
#1415 Special bonds with friends that make them like family
#1416 Candle light and praise music
#1417 Encouraging words from God's Word and C.H. Spurgeon

Wanting to Forget

It was Monday. My son was sick, and I was tired and cranky. I had lots to do and much on my mind but decided to take a few minutes to watch an online devotional. As I sat there and listened, tears slipped down my cheeks. What I was hearing was  about hope, and Monday, I needed hope.

I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged and remembering why... why I gave up before... why it's just easier to live in my own little world and forget... forget about those in need... forget about the pain and hurt that others are experiencing... and forget that as a child of God, I am called to share His love with others.

But, I can't forget. I have seen the pictures of orphans needing homes. I have seen the pictures of men, women, and children living in the slums not knowing where they will find food. I have learned the names and seen the smiling faces of Christians persecuted for their faith, and I have read the stories of women bought and sold for another's pleasure. When you see their faces, learn their names, and take time to read their stories- YOU CANNOT FORGET. They become etched on your heart. You open your heart a little to feel love and sorrow for those who are in so much pain and you just can't forget-

the hundreds, no thousands, wait a minute- MILLIONS of people who don't have enough food, the millions of men, women, and children bought and sold into slavery, the millions of Christians persecuted for their faith, and the millions of orphans who don't have a family. And when you give them a place in your heart, you hurt for them and are compelled to help.

But, when you step out of your comfort zone and open your eyes, you realize the need is too great ... and one person can only do so much... and what about all my responsibilities here... and you get overwhelmed, discouraged, and just want to GIVE UP!

As I sat there and listened to the message of hope, I realized something and was convicted. In the midst of wanting to share God's love with others- I lost sight of the One who is Love. In striving to do good, I lost sight of the One who is Good. In my weakness, I lost sight of the One who gives strength. In my worrying and fretting, I had lost sight of the One who gives peace, the One who is able to do more than I can ask or think, and the One who loves oh so much more than I can imagine. I had taken my eyes off of Jesus, and was so thankful for the reminder to look to the One who gives HOPE!

Be encouraged with me today through Isaiah 40:28-31, "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; The shall mount up with wings as eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."

When your life is here, but your heart is there

I don't know about you, but there are times that I feel pulled between two different worlds. As I have said before, I love missions and ministry and want to help others. I have no doubt that I am where God wants me- in a small southeastern town in the Bible Belt. There have been many times that I have longed to go to other countries on mission trips or go rescue precious children from pain and hurt and be their family. In the midst of my longings to do other things, I have wasted opportunities right where I am. I have become dissatisfied and wished parts of my life away thinking, "When my kids get older, I can do more" or "Then we can go on trips as a family." There is nothing wrong with me having a desire to go on mission trips or do other things, but the problem lies in letting that desire distract you from opportunities right in front of you making you dissatisfied and loosing your joy.

Years ago when I went to Belize, I left my comfort zone and was totally dependent upon Christ. I became surrounded by people whose love for Christ was evident in their daily lives. I was helping others and doing what I loved. I had minimal distractions and could spend lots of time reading and studying the Word. There was an intimacy in my relationship with Christ that over the years drifted away as I got distracted with the busyness of my life here. Last fall, in being dissatisfied and feeling like I wasn't using my gifts, I became depressed. Praise God, though, He heard my cry and has given me a year of Bible study and books that have helped me embrace life right where I am and have more joy and intimacy in Him.

The desire to be involved in ministry and help others is still there. So what do you do with these desires? First of all, I am learning that you cannot overlook the ministry opportunities right where you are. Recently I read the book Undaunted by Christine Caine who is the co-founder of the A21 Campaign. One of the quotes in her book has stuck with me-

"Everyday, there are situations in our normal routines that require us to be the light of Christ in darkness. Waking up spiritually is not just about participating in life-changing efforts of world wide importance, such as stopping genocide. It is walking through our lives wide awake. It is rising ready where we are, with what we have. It is seeing people where they are and meeting their need." 

There are so many people right here who are hurting and in need of our Savior and encouragement. If I am too concerned about the ministries that I am unable to be involved in, I miss out on the opportunities right in front of me, including my family, my church, and my community. 

Secondly, I am learning the importance of being an advocate. There may be opportunities that we are aware of, but others who have the means and desire to help don't know that the needs exist. As you become an advocate and get the word out for these ministries, God can pull upon the heartstrings of others to meet those needs. 

Also, there are things that can be done here to help others in different countries. We can use the time and resources that we have right here to help others. There are so many organizations like Samaritan's Purse and their Operation Christmas Child, The A21 Campaign, The Josephine House, Katie Davis' Amazima Ministries, The Voice of the Martyrs, and so many others that use things that we can do right here to help encourage and support those in need. Also, the simple act of writing a letter or sending a card can mean a great deal to others.

Probably the most important thing that I often neglect is to be a prayer warrior for missionaries, ministries, and those all over the world who are hurting and in need. 1 Timothy 2:1 says, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Yesterday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church so as Heb. 13:3 says, "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them- those who are mistreated- since you yourselves are in the body also."

By God's grace-

Today I will embrace life right where I am, I will choose joy, and I will continue to count gifts-

#1234. Working together as a family, #1235 Ann Voskamp's Thanksgiving tree, #1236 Sitting under the stars with my husband and seeing a shooting star, #1237 Partaking in the Lord's Supper, #1238 Visit from my sister, #1239 Praying together at our church for persecuted Christians around the world, #1240 God's grace and mercy for me, #1241 A renewed intimacy in my relationship with Jesus Christ, #1242 A beautiful bright clear fall morning.