Monthly Archives: December 2009

December 9, 2009 · 6:00 am

They Can’t Always Get What They Want.

It’s easy to become preoccupied with what other people think about us. It’s also the quickest way to forget what God thinks about us. We become performance-minded. We seek to please others. And, in the meantime, we ignore what God is calling us to do. We mean well. We really do. We don’t want to disappoint those around us. We don’t want to let them down.

If there is one lesson we learn quickly in life, it’s that we can’t make everyone happy.

I’ve always struggled with being a people pleaser. I struggle saying “no.” I become obsessed with making sure I perform and live up to others’ expectations.

But, I’m getting better at this.

While respecting and loving other people is important, it’s more important to do what GOD wants us to do.

I have to serve Him first. I have to become obsessed with doing what HE wants me to do.

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10

How do you fair in the people-pleaser category?

6 Comments

Filed under God Stuff, Relationships

Tagged as approval, boundaries, people pleasers, performance

December 8, 2009 · 6:00 am

Good Thing I Didn’t Attempt the Backbend at Gymnastics.

Me: I am so tired, and I haven’t even written my post yet.

Kris: Well, you better get busy.

Me: I just don’t know where to begin right this minute. I should’ve spent more time with Jesus today.

And, that’s the honest conversation that occurred right before my fingers got to tappin’ on this here keyboard.

Truth is, I haven’t read the first scripture today. The only prayers I’ve prayed are the ones I pray every day over my children. But, to say, I “should’ve spent more time with Jesus today” is probably an unfair statement.

Because, He is always right here. Beside me. Probably wanting to snatch that Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake right out of my hands. He doesn’t, because even He knows you don’t take food from a woman.

I did listen to some praise and worship music while I peeled potatoes this afternoon. You read that right. I COOKED DINNER. And, I did think about His goodness while using that incredible invention called the peeler. Is that what it’s called?

So, my previous unfair statement I made to my husband reminded me of the little book I read this summer called, “The Practice of the Presence of God.” It’s the acknowledging of Christ in the everyday routine. In the peeling of the potatoes. In the Parents’ Day at Anna’s gymnastics class where she insisted I jump into the foam pit, too.

I did.

I acknowledged the Lord Jesus Christ when I finally made it out of that thing knowing I could not have gotten out of there without Him.

But, I still love those intentional moments where I open His book of treasures – or my nifty YouVersion application on my iPhone. Moments where I pray, “Lord, reveal something new about YOU to me today.”

Then, there are moments where I don’t even have to pray that prayer. He just reveals Himself without me even asking Him to.

Because, we are in a relationship. And, He NEVER leaves my side.

He doesn’t leave yours either, ya know?

3 Comments

Filed under God Stuff, Spiritual Journey

Tagged as gymnastics, relationship with God, the presence of God

December 7, 2009 · 6:00 am

Deeper Still.

What do you get when you have Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, and Priscilla Shirer all in one room together? Well, certainly not a lack of knowledge of the Bible.

Lord. Have. Mercy.

I enjoyed a great weekend with a few my BS’ers, er, Bible Study gals, at the Deeper Still conference in OKC. We had intended on eating a nice dinner in Bricktown prior to the event on Friday, but by the time we parked, time was a tickin’. Call me spoiled, but concession nachos and cheese are not my idea of a satisfying meal. A Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake maybe. But, not nachos. When we were crossing the street downtown, my friend, Deleise, said, “I smell steak, and it makes me sad.” I suddenly had a strange feeling come over me that we must be sisters.

Deleise and I have a lot in common. She is a reallllly good cook, and I reallllly love good food.

Anyhoo, back to Deeper Still.

Kay Arthur taught the book of Hebrews Friday night. The WHOLE book of Hebrews. So, if y’all have any questions on Hebrews, feel free to call me. I’ll tell you to call Kay Arthur.

I was most excited to hear Beth Moore until Mrs. Priscilla took the stage. I triple heart her. She said a whole lotta goodness, but I especially loved this statement:

“Whether God chooses to do something is a question of His sovereignty, not His ability.”

I always think of Job when I think of the sovereignty of God. You know, the whole “where were you” speech. But key in it all is to never stop praying.

Let’s say that again.

Never stop praying.

Don’t grow weary in praying for that thing you keep praying for. Even when it seems God is not answering. Or even hearing ya. Heavens, how long did Elijah pray for rain? I can’t remember for sure, you’ll have to ask my daddy or Kay Arthur, but I know it was a long time.

Just remember, He can do anything.

And, what concerns you concerns Him. You can put God in a box. But your box will not limit Him. It will just limit your awareness of Him.

He’s bigger than your problem.

And, He is able.

3 Comments

Filed under God Stuff, prayer, Spiritual Journey

Tagged as Beth Moore, Deeper Still, God Stuff, Kay Arthur, prayer, Priscilla Shirer

December 4, 2009 · 6:00 am

Fathers Be Good To Your Daughters.

Anna: “Dad, your hair is running out.”

Yet, he adores her and even serves her still.

What compares to a father’s love for his daughter?

I’m quite certain…..

nothing.

7 Comments

Filed under Kid Stuff, parenting, Relationships

Tagged as daughters, fathers, Kid Stuff, Relationships

December 3, 2009 · 6:00 am

‘Tis the Season.

I experience different seasons of life just like you. Some are easier than others. Some do not end quickly enough. Then there are seasons where I hardly stop to notice the season. Know what I mean?

I’m noticing this one. But, not the things one would expect for me to notice.

It’s not hard. It’s not easy. Financially? I’ve seen more. I’ve seen less. I don’t notice a real difference in myself as a mother (unless I look at my protruding abdomen.) I’m sure my children have grown a tenth of an inch this past month. I can’t really tell until their jeans hit above their ankles. Kris still makes me laugh out loud just like he does in every other season.

What I am noticing this season is a greater intimacy in my relationship with my heavenly Father. I know He’s always tender. He’s always gentle. But, I’m especially noticing a sweet calm – a peace – that can only come from Him. I think about Him when I take my kids to school and on my drive back home. I think about how good He is when I serve my husband. I think about how a perfect son of God was born in the most humblest of circumstances.

I think about Him.

All the time.

And, my heart overflows.

I am in love.

Totally.

And.

Completely.

With Jesus.

I love this season.

3 Comments

Filed under God Stuff, life, Love, Relationships

Tagged as intimacy, peace, relationship with God, seasons

December 2, 2009 · 6:00 am

Redemption.

So, I must admit. I was sad for Redeeming Love to end. But, it left my heart so very full. Full because of the splendor of redemption.

Oh, how beautiful redemption truly is. And how we fall in love with Christ in the process.

I was a little late to the party on Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love. This is nothing unusual for me. None the less, it’s a retelling of the biblical story of Hosea set in the mid-nineteenth century. It’s a beautiful narrative and a sweet reminder of God’s unconditional love.

Sure, the Twilight series is great. It can even leave you lovesick for a fictional character named Edward. Redeeming Love, however, will leave you yearning for a more intimate relationship with a very loving – and very real King.

Many don’t experience God’s redemption due to a grossly distorted picture of who God is. They see a wrathful God. An unforgiving God. Or, they see themselves unworthy of His redemption.

Sometimes, this misperception is the church’s fault. Sometimes, we fail to see others the way Christ does. We judge. We condemn.

God doesn’t.

He loves.

He IS love.

A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

I tend to agree.

How do you view God?

1 Comment

Filed under God Stuff, Love

Tagged as forgiveness, Francine Rivers, God Stuff, judgmentalism, Redeeming Love, redemption, unconditional love

December 1, 2009 · 6:00 am

Return from Snow Mountain.

I wanted to blog yesterday. Really, I did. I just decided to enjoy breathing instead.

We spent Thanksgiving with my father-in-law in Breckenridge, Colorado where we were a gazillion feet above sea level. I’m sure one eventually grows accustomed to the elevation and dry cold. And, it is beautiful enough to stick it out and, at least, give living there a try. In other words, I probably need a month long vacation there next time.

To let my body adjust, you understand.

Everyone skied save me.

The kids spent three days in ski school. Parents were encouraged to not stay and watch; however, we did peek a time or ten. Kris observed the instructor orchestrating a red light/green light game with Anna’s class to develop their stopping skills. He overheard Anna yell, “I don’t want red lights, JUST GIVE ME GREEN!” I know you find this difficult to imagine. She had a great time still.