Category Archives: Spiritual Journey

January 12, 2009 · 6:00 am

We interrupt this program…


So, I had a bad day.  Friday.  And, to top it all off, some mean old man yelled calling me a stupid a** b**ch.  Yes.He.Did.  From his big honkin’ truck next to me.  ‘Cause I wasn’t driving fast enough for him.  I drive plenty fast, and I have a ticket from last Monday to prove it thankyouverymuch.

My girlfriend, Bonnie, knows how to make a girl feel better. 

“You are a SMART a** b**ch,” she reminded me. 

She made me laugh.  I needed that J

I sulked on Friday.  But, I assure you, I didn’t stay there.

On Saturday, I decided to indulge into some much needed me time.  My sitter arrived, and I headed for Barnes and Noble then Panera to read.

‘Lo and behold, if God didn’t try to make MY time HIS time.  The nerve.  He started asking me questions like, “Do you want to know MY plans for you?”  “Do you trust ME?”  “Have you stopped to think that I may want you to do something for ME?”  “Are you seeking ME first?”  “I thought one of your New Year’s resolutions was to surrender ALL of YOU to ME.”

Um, can’t we discuss these things at a later time?  I have an appointment with a latte and Edward Cullen.  Oh, and smooth one throwing in one my resolutions. 

For real.

But, He wouldn’t let up.  He was relentless.

And, He reminded me how relentless He is about loving me. 

I can remember when I was worried about John Henry, and my mom told me, “Don’t you know that Jesus loves John Henry even more than you do?”

It’s hard to think about that kind of love as it relates to our own selves.

All of this being said – mostly by Him – I’ve decided to seek Him first.  He will give me EVERYTHING I NEED from day to day if I make His Kingdom my primary concern.

If and when I fail to do so, I’m sure He’ll catch up with me over a latte.  He’s good like that.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  Matthew 6:33

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January 7, 2009 · 6:00 am

Sulking is an art.


Or, at least, I have the ability to make it one.  If I want, I can even make such an event complete with an assortment of all of my favorite comfort foods from Junior Mints to Sour Patch Kids.  Of course, such delicacies don’t need the occasional sulking for consumption.  For real.

There are times we have all the reason in the world to sulk.  To feel sorry for ourselves.  Because, let’s face it.  Sometimes, life is just plain unfair. 

The key is not to stay there.

No matter how bad the circumstances appear.

Most of you know my story.  I was pregnant with John Henry with a realization that I was about to be a single mom.  On top of the pain, I had a few of those sulking parties.  My dad has always had this charming way of dropping bits of wisdom here and there.  He let me sulk.  But, he wouldn’t let me settle into my pity.  I will never forget the moment when he said, “Dusty, someone has walked out on his spouse today.  And, she has no one.  Look at what you have.”

I could go on and on with stories of people – friends – who made life better for me. 

A lot of love surrounded me.  And, I had this remarkable hope because of the One.

Feel free to sulk every once in a while.  And, if you’re having Mayfield’s Moose Tracks ice-cream or chocolate in any form, invite me to join you.  {I’m also available for the occasional chips and queso.}

But don’t stay there.

Eventually, you’ve got to look at what you have.

And, if the King is living inside of you, you have it all.

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?  My only hope is in you.  Psalm 39:7

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January 2, 2009 · 6:00 am

Meltdowns and resolutions that matter.


After two weeks of indulging in holiday delights, I was excited to wake up yesterday morning to a new year.  My excitement rapidly waned when I realized the coffee pot was vacant and the wireless internet was down.  I could hardly look anyone in the eyes.  How was I supposed to begin a day, much less a new year, without two of life’s morning essentials? 

Well, making a fresh pot of java and PLUGGING THE ROUTER’S POWER CORD IN prevented any potential meltdown. 

Oh, the conveniences we so quickly become dependent upon. 

Lunch provided the traditional black-eyed peas and collard greens with my mom’s fresh ham.  HEAVEN.  And, I spent the rest of the day doing absolutely nothing meditating and rejuvenating the soul. 

As I think about 2009 and any resolutions I may or may not keep, I am reminded to listen to my Father’s voice.  It’s so easy to make our own plans.  And, while planning is often essential and wise, I don’t want to miss the whispers.  Resolving to take better care of my physical body is one thing.  Resolving to be attentive to my spiritual well-being – well, that’s a whole other story.

I’m not as attentive as I probably should be every day.  As a matter of fact, I have days where the first time I say God’s name is during my children’s bedtime prayers.  He can handle it.  He knows exactly where I am and still knows how many hairs are on my highlighted blonde head.  That’s one of the amazing things about God.  He knows everything single thing about us – even my calorie consumption yesterday.  And, even when I fail to recognize His presence in my life, He still sits and waits with bated breath for me to call His name. 

I hope He hears His name a lot more in 2009.

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January 1, 2009 · 6:00 am

Can you believe it?


Another year has come and gone.  Many of you may be sad to see it go, while others are shouting “Glo-ree” right now.  To be honest, I’ve never heard more people exclaim how ready they are for a new year.  I pray that this new year is everything God wants for you. 

And, He always wants good things.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  2 Corinthians 5:17

I’m excited about a new year with all of YOU!  Thank y’all for reading and for all of your wonderful comments.

Just for funsies, here is a recent pic of my little gymnast.  Who knows what this year holds for my little Nadia Comaneci.  And, her momma.  Whatever it holds, I’m sure you’ll read about it.

anna-gymnastics-wp

Happy New Year.

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December 4, 2008 · 6:00 am

Whispers.


This past Sunday I heard Pastor Bill Hybels, via video broadcast, share on what to do with whispers from God.  He gave us many examples of whispers from God in His own life.  And, if you look at Pastor Hybels’ life, there is no question that he has heeded most, if not all, of those whispers.

I can recall many whispers in my own life.  I’ve answered many and ignored a few.  But, oh the difference our life makes when we not only listen to the voice of God but do something with it.  Quite simply put, obey.

I remember whispers as a little girl.  But none strike me more than a whisper in my freshman year of college.  It was usually during my drives to school that the Holy Spirit and I would converse.  I’d talk to Him.  He’d listen and probably try to tug back.  Those were sweet moments in my young life. 

During this same time I watched an old video of Kathryn Kuhlman who began an incredible ministry when she was sixteen.  As a matter of fact, my parents re-dedicated their lives to Christ in a Kathryn Kuhlman meeting back in the early seventies.  What attracted me most to Kathryn was her anointing.  You knew it wasn’t just her when she walked out to minister to others.  But, she was truly a vessel being used by an Almighty Father.

On one of my drives after watching this old video, the Holy Spirit met me in my car again.  “I’m calling you just like I called Kathryn Kuhlman.”  I’m pretty sure I wept the entire drive to school and had a hard time shaking that moment – that whisper – for many days after.  Now, I’m not so foolish to think that God was telling me that I would have the same impact as a Kathryn.  But, I knew that He was calling me to me live a life that was beyond myself.  To live a life that brought glory to Him.

My journey since that moment has been unpredictable, as life often is.  I still do not feel that I have begun to do all He has set before me to do.  But, I do feel that it is my responsibility to answer those whispers along the way.  When He tells me to give to an individual.  To call someone.  To serve a friend or stranger.  To write a post for this blog.

I do not take to a podium like my father.  If I ever hear that whisper, I will.  But for now, this is my podium.  Silliness and all.  I don’t have all the answers.  As a matter of fact, I have very few.  But, I want you to know that I am here to talk to you, to pray with you.  You can always e-mail me direct at durstee@aol.com. 

In the meantime, listen to His whispers.  He loves you with a love that surpasses all understanding.  And, He wants to tell you something.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  John 10:27

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November 19, 2008 · 6:00 am

The Drifter.


Sometimes, I am a drifter.  A God drifter.  I didn’t know the name for it until Pastor Craig enlightened me this past Sunday.  It’s not that I haven’t prayed.  I have.  But, for the past few weeks, it’s really been more about me than Him. 

Then, I realize.  It tends to be about me when I don’t make time for Him.  Not a time for me to tug on the proverbial robe for requests.  Because, if that’s what this thing is all about it, then brothas and sistas, I have it down.

I’m not sure how you do it.  But, I can’t just always sit in silence and wait for God to speak to me.  I’m just being honest.  I do find that I tend to grow in Him – and spend time with Him – when I read various books by certain authors.  Many times, those books lead me to a silence where I hear Him.  I just struggle cultivating my own.  Read me?

I just picked up Mark Batterson’s book, Wild Goose Chase.  The subtitle is what caught my attention:  “Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God.”  Hmmm.  Adventure?  I’m game. 

“An Geadh-Glas” is name the Celtic Christians gave to the Holy Spirit.  Literal translation – “the Wild Goose.”  Batterson writes, “much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed.”

He goes onto to explain that the “promptings of the Holy Spirit can sometimes seem pretty pointless, but rest assured, God is working His plan.   And if you chase the Wild Goose, He will take you places you never could have imagined going by paths you never knew existed.”

Can I evah relate to this one.  How often we struggle with wanting to know His will.  It’s as if we think we can put him into the confines our conventional wisdom….of our tiny little minds.  {Some, tinier than others.}

Batterson says, “Add Him [Holy Spirit] into the equation of your life, and anything can happen.  You never know who you’ll meet, where you’ll go, or what you’ll do.  All bets are off.”  If we are bored in our walk…ahem, that’s me….then perhaps, Batterson says, I am inviting the Spirit to follow me instead of following the Spirit.

And, that’s the “difference between spiritual boredom and spiritual adventure.”

I think I’m up for the adventure. 

You?

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October 28, 2008 · 6:00 am

Rejoice My Peeps!


Today is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

I wish those were the first words out of my mouth every morning.  Instead of “why can’t I just make the coffee the night before like my mom?”  

As I was pulling into to Super Target today (that’s yesterday for you peeps), would you believe I quoted that scripture out loud?  Sure did.

Oh dear.  As I’m typing this I’m watching “Dancing With the Stars.”  Did you see them kicking it to Rob Bass’ “It Takes Two”?  I so used to be able to break it down like that.  Give me a little C&C Music Factory or  Young MC’s “Bust A Move,” and I had it.   I’ve got to get my groove back.  I’m just afraid that my groove is no longer cool.  This whole aging thing has its disadvantages.  What am I to do?  Wait until Anna is old enough to teach me the latest and greatest dance moves?  That’s just embarrassing. 

Oh, rejoice in the day.  Sorry.  That completely sidetracked me.  So, I said out loud, “Today is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Our ability or willingness to rejoice is usually governed by our day meeting our expectations.  And, when we are let down, it’s hard to find our happy place and be glad in the day. 

Hopes can be deferred.  We may not see manifestations that we hope to see.  But, God is still on the throne.  Though you may be knocked down, you’re not out.  And, that is reason enough to rejoice. 

He has given us today.  It’s a gift. 

How do you rejoice in your day?

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October 23, 2008 · 6:00 am

Doubting Dusty


“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

I read this scripture yesterday.  I re-read it.  I read it again.  And again.  Just to make sure I believed it.

I really have no reason to not believe that God makes the rough places smooth.  That He never leaves us or forsakes us.  I’ve never experienced His abandonment in all my thirty-four years.

Still, I go through times where I have to say, “Lord, help me with my unbelief.” 

I stand.  I wait.  I trust.  Then, He takes too long. 

But, His timing is perfect.  And, in the meantime, when it seems the things around you are slowly crumbling, know that He holds all things together. 

So, when in doubt, read His word.  Re-read it.  Read it again.  And again.

He makes good on His promises.  And, He will never leave us.  As a matter of fact, He will never give up on us either.  I must wear Him out.

Except, He probably doesn’t get tired.  That IS scripture.  Right, Dad?

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October 6, 2008 · 6:00 am

Transcendent Moments


I’ll never forget attending the Arts Conference at Willow Creek in 2002.  I was pregnant with John Henry at the time.  But, the flutters I felt in my expanding belly were more than just the little guy growing.  The entire experience was amazing.  However, two statements made by the great Nancy Beach have stayed with me.  One was “Never underestimate the power of transcendent moments.”

The Willow Creek website reads,

“Today’s spiritually searching culture is less inclined than ever to attend church.  Yet no time of the week is filled with more life-changing potential than Sunday morning.”

It is so easy to get caught up in life’s daily responsibilities and use Sunday as a day to recover by sleeping in – and missing church in the process.  Why is it that we are more likely to give up the Sunday experience than a soccer game?  Believe me.  I’m writing this post to myself as well.  But, I know the power of experiencing that transcendent moment.   Being with the body of Christ can provide that opportunity.

Yesterday was no different.  It would have been easy to scrap the whole going to church thing.  Anna decided to hide from me.  For.A.Long.Time.  I searched outside.  I searched inside.  I did the “I’m gonna count to three, and if you don’t come out…..”  Well, you know what I said.  Still, no Anna.  Finally, I set her up. 

“Okay, John Henry, let’s leave Anna here.”

“Rrrraaaggghhh!!!!”  Anna yelled.  From behind the couch.  Covered in blankets and pillows. 

She immediately prayed the Lord would be with her when I followed through with my warning. 

In spite of our hectic start to the LORD’S day, we made it.  And, I experienced that transcendent moment.  The transcendent moment is where a message connects to your heart.  Or a song moves your soul.  Or something happens that leaves you awestruck.  TRANSFORMED. 

It might be a moment of peace.  Or in my case, an hour of peace.  My children were under the care of someone else.  Now, that’s transcendence. 

You might experience a transcendent moment at a Broadway show or a Celine Dion concert.  Well, at least a few chicks will.  But no transcendent moment will transform your life like the one you experience in the house of God. 

It’s those moments that bring about life change.

When is the last time you experienced a transcendent moment?

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September 29, 2008 · 6:00 am

I’m expecting.


Gotcha.  You thought I was about to announce a bun in the oven, didn’t ya?  No.  My baby bump would be a direct result from chips and queso, thank you.

I’m expecting God to do something.  Not part the Red Sea again.  Although, sometimes, I feel like I’m standing at one.  Do you ever feel this stirring in your spirit, and you just can’t seem to put into words or completely comprehend it?  But, you know that God is doing something.  He is working something out for your good.  Or He is preparing you for a something different.

Maybe it’s because I’m being stretched right now.  I’m stepping out into things that I haven’t stepped out into before.  I’m not resisting it…..too much.  I’m trusting in Him.  I’m operating more in faith.  I’m allowing myself to be clay for the Potter.  How’s that for some good, old-fashioned ,spirit-filled talk? 

He is doing something new.  I’m not even being my usual impatient self, desperate to know what tomorrow will bring.  At least not today.  I am, however, desperate in wanting more of Him.  And, I’m just enjoying the ride along the way. 

No matter where we are in life at this moment.  In a valley.  On a mountaintop.  You can trust that our Father is always doing something new. 

For I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?  I will make a pathway through the wilderness.  I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.  Isaiah 43:19

Are you expecting?

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