Category Archives: God Stuff

June 3, 2008 · 7:00 am

It’s a blog eat blog world.


Okay.  So, the title of this post has little or nothing to do with the post itself.  I’ve just always wanted to use that one.  There ya go.

Now, as for the blog world, bloggers usually read a whole host of blogs daily.  If you’ve ever visited any links from my “Really Cool Blogs”, then you’ve been exposed to the ones I frequent and enjoy.

That being said, here is a recent post from this guy and a response from this girl that I cannot get out of my head.

Scott Williams, author of Big Is the New Small posted:
“God isn’t fair.”

Cindy Beall responded:
“I’m glad He isn’t.  I need His mercy.”

There have been a few circumstances in my life where I didn’t feel that God was fair.  But, I wonder how many times He has poured out His mercy on me when I deserved otherwise.  I bet a lot.

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May 21, 2008 · 7:00 am

Finding Aslan.


We saw Narnia: Prince Caspian this weekend.   I just love me some C.S. Lewis.  I liked it even better than the first.  Kris prefers the first, but he is always sentimental to the first of any movies with sequels. Actually, I think he struggles with change.  Like the new pair of Adidas flip flops I bought him….he still fancies his disgusting old ones.  Finally, I had to tell him that breaking in his new flops really mattered to me.  After all, I couldn’t bear to see the others no ‘mo.  Chasing rabbits.  Back to Mr. Lewis.

Just before a big battle in the movie, Peter says, “I wish He would just give me some sort of proof.”  Peter was referring to Aslan who represents God in story.  You see, his sister Lucy had seen Aslan at this point, and Peter was relying completely on his faith.

How often in life we have felt the same thing that Peter felt.  God, if you would just give me some sort of proof.  If I could just feel you, or see you right now.  We especially express feelings of “God, where are you?” when tough times hit or tragedy strikes.  I know when one of my best friends, Josh, passed away, my immediate response was “Where was God?”  And when my first husband left me and our unborn child, I also felt that God had abandoned me, too.  After all, why was I experiencing this?

Where is God?  This answer has more to do with His presence in our lives more than our belief in Him.  We know He exists.  But, where is He in our times of need?

If you believe, like I do, that the Bible is true, then I’d start by finding Him in His Word.  That’s a great place to start.  Look for Him in others.  Seek out those who speak life to you.  Those who encourage you.  Those who instill hope. 

Another place to look is to the Holy Spirit.  Just before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples this:

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him.  But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you….20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  John 14:16-20

While none of us ever want to endure the trials of Job, I’ve always loved the end of his story when he says, “Lord, I have heard of you, but now I have seen you.”  Call on His name.  He will show up….and, at the very least, give you “some sort of proof.” 

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May 20, 2008 · 7:00 am

The Pursuit of God.


We often hear about how we need to pursue Christ.  And, we do.  But, the other day I read this scripture in the New Living Translation, and I was blown away.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23:6

I’ve read and heard this scripture a gazillion times.  For real.  I’ve usually read other translations that read “will follow me” instead of “pursue”.  For all practical purposes, they both indicate the same thing, but the “pursue” really caught me off guard….in a good way.

How beautiful that the Creator of the Universe pursues you and I?  No where before or after this scripture does it say that it is conditional.  But, it does reveal that it is constant.  This amazes me.  Makes me wonder what would happen if I turned around and ran into Him.  I bet that upon the first breath that comes out of my mouth when I call His name, He immediately puts His nose to mine ready to listen.  I bet that if I’d sit silently and look intently back at Him, that He’d speak to me….maybe even reveal some sort of mystery. 

His pursuit is constant.  All the days of your life.  In terms of romance novels, this one beats all – except it isn’t fiction.

He is pursuing you and I right now.  I’m thinkin’ I need to slow down and spend some time with Jesus.  I’m thinkin’, maybe, I should turn around and run into His goodness and His love.  What about you?

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May 13, 2008 · 7:00 am

5 Minutes

Here’s one for ya.

If you had five minutes of the world’s attention, what would you say?

My mind has been all over the board on this one.  For real.  Themes like “forgiveness” and “peace” seem likely.  Or, perhaps, addressing the rising gas prices is another good one.  But, I’m drawn to this one.

I think maybe I’d share Ephesians 3:18-19 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 

Because, the love of Christ is the greatest story ever told.

Of course, to truly understand the love of Christ, you have to know the whole story.  Perhaps, I’d hit the highlights like the fact that God knowing that we would need to be saved from our sin willingly agreed to become a man and give his life as a ransom.  Why did he do it?  Because, he loves us. 

It’s a tough question really.  What would you say?  You’ve got five minutes.

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April 30, 2008 · 7:00 am

Women who have influenced me. (3 of 5)

Linda Hardwick

For more than twenty years, I’ve been mentored by and friends with Linda.  Some may find it odd that I considered Linda my friend even as teenager, but I did.  As a matter of fact, I can remember calling her and her husband, Joe, up when I was 16 so we could “do something” together.  For real.  Besides, while they imparted Christ to me, I imparted “cool” to them – at least, I thought I did.

Linda has been whatever I’ve needed her to be.  She has been a mother, a counselor, a pastor, and a friend.  She has cared for me in her home more times than I can count.  I’m not sure what I would do without her chicken and broccoli casserole.  That alone places her on the list of my greatest influences.  And, my Christmas china collection is largely thanks her to kindness.

What is probably most admirable about Linda is that she is a seeker of truth.  But, she doesn’t seek truth for knowledge’s sake, but for the sake of living it.  She embraces tightly the scripture, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  She will tell you that knowledge is not knowing with your mind but with your heart. 

She loves God.  She loves her family.  She loves her friends.  I’m blessed to call her one of mine.

“There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily.”  – George Washington

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April 29, 2008 · 7:00 am

Women who have influenced me. (2 of 5)

Judy Young

Judy came into my life when I was only three years old.  Her daughter, Bonnie, has been my best friend since we were tots which pretty much crowns Judy as my second mom.  I’m sure she’s worn that crown proudly.  For real.

Judy has experienced everything with me from the loss of my first tooth to the birth of my firstborn.  She has cleaned up my messes, played games with me (this was no sacrifice – she loved to play more than I), watched me become mesmerized with Tinker Bell flying from atop of the Disney castle, and loved on me like her own.  All of this by itself is enough to make her shine in my life, but she has been more.

She believes big.  I mean really big.  Her faith is big.  She not only believes big for little ole’ me, but she believes big for the local church.  She loves the local church more than anyone I have ever known.  I have never, EVER heard her criticize the church.  She only speaks positive and powerful affirmations over the house of God.  You see, Judy believes that God really does live in the local church.  And, that’s just cool.  

She understands that God is truly in control.  And, she believes that the best is yet to come – always.

She’s called me many affectionate names over my lifetime, but for the past few years, she has come to call me “Grasshopper”.  She believes that God uses me and wants to continue to use me.  Oh, I get weekly e-mails where she gently pushes me into all that God has for me.  She dreams big and believes big. 

There is no one like her.   I’m beyond grateful that she has imparted to me the gift of BIG.  And, this little grasshopper loves her big.

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April 22, 2008 · 7:00 am

Sticks and stones.


I’ve heard my entire life that my words are powerful.  They can speak life.  They can speak death.  They can impart blessing.  They can impart cursing.  Let’s break that down into easier to understand terms.

They can make someone smile.  They can make someone cry.  They can give the weakest hope.  They can discourage the strongest.  They can thrust someone into greatness.  They can hinder someone from taking chances.  They can heal.  They can wound.  They can change a life.  They can destroy one.

What is it about being mindful of our words is so difficult?

The fact that many of us reserve to speak words that hurt behind the subject’s back reveals that we are unaware that words do, indeed, affect that person.  They didn’t hear you.  Did they?

I’ll never forget hearing Chris Spradlin, a pastor in Oklahoma, explain that when we speak harmful words about another individual (cleverly called gossip as to make it sound trivial) we leave behind us a path of destruction.  Who walks down that path?  The one our words just hurt. 

I was talking to a good friend the other night, and she shared the path she has been forced to travel down.  Hurtful words have not been spoken directly to her.  But, she hears them.  People will justify their dirty mouth with explanations such as “I’m not gossipin’, I’m just speakin’ the truth.”  Puh-leese.  As a follower of Christ, it is our greatest responsibility to speak life – ALWAYS. 

We have been called to be a light in darkness.  We have been called to proclaim God’s grace and His love.  I’m afraid that gossip is the antithesis of this call. 

Let’s think before we speak.  Remember, even the foolish seem wise when they keep their mouths shut. 

….Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.  Ephesians 4:29

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April 16, 2008 · 7:00 am

A Weighty Issue


Anna:  “What’s this?”
Mommy:  “A scale.  It tells you how much you weigh.  Do you wanna stand on it?”
Anna:  “No.”
Mommy:  “Me either.”

I can somewhat understand the weight obsession….just not fully.  Granted, I have a pair of jeans, you know, the “skinny jeans” that help me gauge my body.  Fact:  I haven’t worn those jeans in 2 years; at least, not without muffin top.  Fact:  I don’t care. 

So, why am I still holding onto a pair of “skinny jeans” that I know I will never wear again without a multiple series of stomach flus?  I really don’t know.  What I do know is that we live in a day where women and even some men (just not mine) are obsessed with their bodies to a detriment.  For real. 

I usually pack a “Lunchable” for my pre-schooler.  Due to the number of his peers with peanut allergies, the classic PB&J is a no-no.  So, a “Lunchable” it is.  The other day, John Henry informed that his friend does “not each ‘Lunchables’,” because her mom says “they make you fat.”  She is five.  I am appalled.

Nonetheless, poor body image has become quite the epidemic, and it truly disheartens me.  I strive really hard to never discuss weight issues around Anna.  I want her to grow up with a healthy self-image, believing who God says she is, not society. 

I also try really hard not to discuss weight issues around Kris.  Once when we went skiing, I wore my mom’s vintage ski bib circa 1982.  I asked Kris the age old question, “How does my butt look?”  My husband, whom I love dearly, replied, “Good.  Wide, but good.”  Yes, in my mind I envisioned hurling his body across the room.  Fortunately, for him, I remembered that he doesn’t always think things through before he speaks.  I love him still.  And, he hasn’t used “wide” and “butt” in the same sentence again.

I love the Psalm 139:14 scripture, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  But, I especially love this NLT translation:  “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.”

So, when in doubt, remember: you look mahvelous!

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April 14, 2008 · 7:00 am

Just wait.


I cannot tell you how many moms with teenagers tell me, “Just wait!”  And yes, they say this with the proverbial exclamation point at the end.  Sometimes, I want to respond, “Do you even remember what it was like when your daughter was three?  Do you remember enduring these parental struggles:

·      Child 2 crawls through doggie door while mommy gets ready.  She proceeds to turn on the hose pipe and water everything in the backyard….including herself.

 

·       Child 1 pees on the dog.  The dog lets him.

 

·       Child 2 empties an entire bag of pretzels (and its salt contents) onto the living room floor.  When asked why, she simply responds “Cuz.”.  “Cuz why?” Mommy asks.  “Cuz I just did”, the little one replies.  Duh.

 

·      Child 1 creates a mountain of night-time pull-ups (used) behind his bookshelf.  It’s only discovered after days of wondering “What is that dreadful stench permeating my son’s room?”  Your only reaction is……no reaction.  You’re speechless.

 

The list could go on, but we all know I need to conserve some stories for future blogs…..dare I ever get writer’s block.

This past week a friend e-mailed me asking that I pray for her and her family.  As the mother of a teenager, she is facing many challenges that, I’m sure, await me in another ten years.  I gave her a list of scriptures to pray over her children.  Here are few that I pray over my children.  I think they are effectual over your three year old or twenty-three year old.  Thought I would share:

Ephesians 1:17-19

Lord, give John Henry and Anna the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, and the knowledge of You. That the eyes of their hearts be enlightened that they will know the hope to which you have called them, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and His Incomparably great power for us who believe.

 

Ephesians 3: 17-19

John Henry and Anna are rooted and established in love; we pray that they may have power with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ towards them, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that they may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.


Ephesians 5:1 and 21

John Henry and Anna will be imitators of God and live a life of love. They will submit to others out of reverence to Christ.


Ephesians 6:1,2

John Henry and Anna will obey their parents in the Lord. They will honor their father and mother so that it may go well with them and that they may enjoy long life on earth.


1 Timothy 4:12

No one will look down on John Henry and Anna because they are young, but they set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in faith and in purity.


Psalm 1:1-3

John Henry and Anna do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers. But their delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law they meditate day and night. They are like the trees planted by the rivers of water, which yield their fruit in season and whose leaf will not whither, and whatever they do prospers.


Psalm 119:18

John Henry and Anna seek You with all their hearts; they will not stray from Your commands; they have hidden Your word in their hearts that they may not sin against you.


Isaiah 24:13,14 and 17

John Henry and Anna shall be taught by the Lord and great will be their peace, their health, safety, protection and prosperity. In righteousness they will be established. Tyranny will be far from them; they will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near them. No weapon formed against them will prosper.

 

Maybe you have special scriptures that you pray over your children.  I would love to hear from you!  Perhaps, you are facing struggles with your children right now.  Let me know.  I would be happy to pray with you.  And remember, those things you have no control over, put them in the “God box.”  Greater is He that it is in your children than he that is in the world.

 

Just wait?  I think I will.

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April 11, 2008 · 7:00 am

Did ya feel it?

I’m not gonna stay on my American Idol kick, even though I live it.  For real.  BUT, I’d be remiss not to address the totally amazing performance they gave at the end of “Idol Gives Back” Wednesday night.  Did ya see it?  I’m sure you’ve seen the YouTube video floating ‘round the net.

It was goose bump city for this girl raised in the Bible belt.  I looked intently at each AI performer singing “Shout to the Lord” and had to wonder:  “Are they feelin’ it as well as they are singin’ it?”  I think they were.  Because, whether are you are a fully committed follower of Christ or a tree in the wilderness, you cannot excuse yourself from the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit.  I felt it.  Did you?  The scriptures command that we worship him.   I’m sure some of you have probably already left today’s blog.  Sorry.  I can only tell ya the truth.  Psalm 100: 1-2 says “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy”. 

Now, here is a scripture to begin your weekend:

1I will exalt you, my God and King,
  and praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day;
  yes, I will praise you forever.
3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
  No one can measure his greatness.4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;
  let them proclaim your power.
5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor
  and your wonderful miracles.
6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
  I will proclaim your greatness.
7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;
  they will sing with joy about your righteousness.  Psalm 145: 1-13 

You see, nothing compares to the promise I have in You.  Did ya feel it?

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