Category Archives: Spiritual Journey

September 15, 2008 · 6:00 am

Accountability


I sometimes wonder how many problems we could avoid in life if we all had accountability partners, and we shared our deepest thoughts with that partner.  Good.Bad.And.Ugly.

What is accountability?  Merrian-Webster defines it as “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.”

An accountability partner is someone you share your struggles or thoughts with and answer to that person.  That person is a safe place who brings to the table trust and support.  And, every word spoken to him or her is held in confidence.

One of my accountability partners is my mother.  Now, I understand that for many of you, telling your momma every single thing is unimaginable.  So, don’t.  Pick another person who loves you and who loves Jesus.  But, I tell my mom every thought that she needs to hear as my accountability partner.  I do not reveal things to her that Kris and I share in confidence with one another.  But, if I’m struggling with something or a SIN (GASP), I tell her.  And, she holds me accountable.

It’s probably saved me from a world of hurt many times.  I’ve confessed some brow raising thoughts.   She didn’t judge.  She didn’t gasp (except once when I was 18 years old, and I shared just a wee bit too much information for her at that time.)  Now, that’s a story I could never blog about.  For real.

She listens.  She prays.  And, she helps me put things into a Godly perspective, then holds me accountable.  ‘Cause that’s what an accountability partner does. 

These friendships, however, are more than just a confession session.  I believe pure, authentic accountability fans the flames of our passion for Christ.  It becomes a catalyst for spiritual growth.

And, if you are thinking there is no one you know who could be your safe place, pray.  If you’d like, tell me.   I’ll pray with you that God sends that safe place to you.

If we all learned the value in accountability, I think this world would look much, much different.  Seekers would run to the church, because they see authenticity and refuge.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  Hebrews 10:2

What do you think?  Do you have an accountability partner?

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September 9, 2008 · 6:00 am

It’s always her.


I have lived with my husband’s problem for more than five years now.  I’ve encouraged him to seek counseling, but he is convinced that he does not have a problem. 

“It’s been a part of me since I was seventeen.  I can’t let go of it.”  Kris has explained over and over.

For the longest time, I tried to deny it was there.  I buried my head into the other parts of the garage where I wouldn’t be able to see it.  But, I know it’s there.  He knows it’s there.  And, I’m currently reconciling the fact that it will always be a part of him.  So, it will always be a part of me.  Unless, the Holy Spirit convicts him otherwise.

Until then, this will be in my garage.

I’ve learned to live with it.  He’s not ready to deal with the issue.  And, I am going to love him through it.  ‘Cause that’s what a good wife does.  I cannot tell you the last time this 1991 Ford Mustang had a bath, was taken for a drive, or was just simply sat in.  But, it (she) is a part of us.

And, he can’t let her go.

So often we hold onto things that keep us from moving forward in Christ.  We develop unhealthy attachments to things, addictions, even people.  I’m not talking about your high school car or your 8-track collection.  I’m talking about those things that are hindrances to your relationship with Christ and His call on your life. 

Philippians 3:13-14 says 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing:  Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 

Are you holding onto to something that is hindering your growth in Christ?

Or, do you own something that you could never part with?  Like your first Swatch watch or Members Only jacket?

 

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September 2, 2008 · 6:00 am

Pace Yourself


Hey y’all.  I’m over here today.  My completely awesome blogging friend, Scott Williams of BigIsTheNewSmall, invited me to be his guest.  I’m excited. 

 It’s about preventing burn-out.  You know.  Endurance stuff. 

Thanks, Scott.

Check it out here.

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August 12, 2008 · 6:00 am

The Journey


In yesterday’s post, I mentioned how I have been one of those to struggle with the journey part of the sweet spot.  I can think of about a hundred quotes and lines from songs to insert here.  “Life’s a journey, not a destination.”  “Life’s a dance, you learn as you go.”  “It’s my life, it’s now or never.  I ain’t gonna live forever.”  Well, maybe not the Bon Jovi one, but you get the picture.  I thought I’d share a wee bit of my journey  – or some sweet spot moments.

I used to think that the call of God on my life would be some sort of promotion.  A final destination where I stepped into His ultimate plan and walked out my dreams and passion for Him.  I have felt a call into ministry since I was a youngin’.  For a long time, I waited for that glorious day of graduation into “the ministry.”   I’m glad I’m not waiting for that day anymore.  I’m not ready to reach some self-created destination.  Once I get to the end, it’s over.  It really is about the journey.

After I finished college (Go Panthers!), I began teaching school.  For four years, God allowed me to pour into young minds.  Scary, I know.   I could not begin to count the multiple opportunities I had to minister to some pretty amazing kids during this time. 

I soon felt God leading me to go work for my dad full-time, and I left the educational field.  I was in a wonderful position to really see how each ministry operated, and I fell in love with every part – from the local missions to the Sunday morning worship.  Before I knew it, dad’s notes were on the screen for all to follow.  But, I certainly learned much more than I gave.

By the end of 2002, I gave birth to my firstborn.  And, he became my most important mission field.  In 2003, I married Kris and moved to Oklahoma.  And in 2004, Anna Banana made her debut.  Talk about a mission field!

Thanks to the conveniences and luxuries of the internet, continuing to help dad and the ministry of Eagles Way Church has been possible.  Each week, he sends me his notes.  I edit and add to them.  He scratches off my insertions, and still does it his way.  But, on the rare occasion, he lets my thoughts ride.  On occasion. 

I started this blogging thing.  It’s a ministry of some sort – minus the spider stories, road trip adventure recaps, and C.I.A. radar fears.  I hope that I am able to show a little bit of a big Jesus from time to time. 

My greatest ministry is to my husband and children.  Jesus knows that there is no greater call than being a momma.  My ministry to and with Kris is always an adventure.  You should have seen his face when he realized that Samson and Delilah were not from Kentucky.  And, the story of Jonah was not a Disney movie.  Of course, he still denies the authenticity of Jonah.  “No way a man can live in a big fish”, he says.  It’s the only Bible story he refutes, so I just leave it with the Holy Spirit.  Good luck, Holy Spirit.

That’s about it for now.  Am I doing what I thought I would be doing ten years ago?  Not exactly.  And, am I living where I thought I would be living?  Heck no.  But, it’s my journey.  And, as along as He remains at the center of it, I’m okay.

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August 11, 2008 · 7:00 am

Finding your sweet spot.


On occasion, I hear someone tell me that he is doing exactly what he was called – or designed – to do.  Many other times, I hear the frustration in someone’s voice who is unsatisfied with where he or she is in life. 

Then, there are times, where we just fail to appreciate the journey.  I tend to fall into this category.

How do you know that you are functioning in your sweet spot?  I tend to believe that when we are walking in obedience with Christ, that He is ordering our steps.  And, when He orders our steps, it’s pretty hard to not be where we are supposed to be. 

There are a ton of self-help books to help guide people in living a fulfilled life.  Max Lucado’s Cure For the Common Life is all about aiding readers to discover the life they were created to live.  Rick Warren rocked the world with his very popular The Purpose Driven Life.  And, while I’ve read and enjoy both books, I feel that there is no special code to break in discovering His will and our passions. 

For me, it’s about prayer, and it’s about obedience.  Kind of a simplistic view of faith but a powerful one.   

And, while we may get frustrated where God has us at different times, the ability to rest in knowing that He is placing each stone in front of us to step on changes everything.

Allowing God to direct our steps reflects that we are indeed made righteous.  Not righteous due to our own doing but due to His grace.

Psalm 37:23 says the Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  I especially like the latter part of this verse – he takes pleasure in even the smallest parts of our lives.  To quote Anna, this “big, giant God” cares for every detail of my life and yours.

When we obey Him, He guides us.  When we let Him lead, we will surely settle into all He created us for.  It may not always take the shape or form we expect it to.  But, I feel confident that His road leads us to our sweet spot.

Thoughts?

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August 4, 2008 · 6:00 am

The Sunday Experience


I love Sundays.  It’s the first day of the week.  It’s a day we set aside to honor our Creator – for the local church to worship together, celebrate together, and grow together. 

 

We were on one of our weekend Georgia visits, so I worshipped at the home of my spiritual roots.  Dad began a series on minor prophets.  It’s really a series on minor league prophets with major league issues.  Yesterday, he covered Habakkuk. 

 

What stood out the most to me besides the obvious despair, questioning of God, and rescue was that God was always in the middle of the mess.  How easy it is to be in the middle of our stuff – our valley – our own despair, and wonder “where is God in this?”  We pray fervently for Him to do something.  To deliver.  To take away the heartache.  And, we question His presence in it all.

 

A good friend of mine is really going through a difficult time.  Someone told him recently, “God is behind the scenes working in this.”  His response made me laugh:  “If He’s behind the scenes, man, He is way behind the scenes.” 

 

It feels like that sometimes, doesn’t it?

 

But, He is.  Not only is He behind the scenes, He is in the middle, and He is already ahead of you.  Pray that God will open your eyes to see Him in your difficulty.  When Elisha’s servant told him that enemy armies were standing against them, 2 Kings 6:17 says that “Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

 

God, open our eyes and let us see You.  That you are a God who goes before us and makes a way. 

 

Not sure what I’d do without those Sunday experiences.  It’s a great start to a week, and an even better reminder that God is on the throne.  And, He deserves my praise.

 

How was your Sunday experience?

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August 1, 2008 · 6:00 am

My shabby old coat.


Louisa Fletcher Tarkington wrote in “The Land of Beginning Again”:

I wish that there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again
Where all of our mistakes, and all of our heartaches,
And all of our poor, selfish grief
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door
And never be put on again.

I’ve heard some people claim they regret nothing, because it’s made them who they are today.  I understand this declaration, but I don’t always buy it.  I certainly have regrets.  I think we all do.  I have had days where I wish I could drop my shabby old coat at the door and leave it there.

We can’t erase the past.  But, we can embrace today and all of its opportunities.  I can choose to hang that coat up and not put it on again.  I can, instead, wear His coat of mercy and grace and start anew.

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

Are you still wearing a shabby old coat?

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July 30, 2008 · 6:00 am

It really does all go back in the box.


My kids keep asking if money is power.  Not because they suddenly want to have some sort of philosophical discussion – obviously.  But, it’s a line in some old Tom and Jerry movie.  I tried to relate it to them on their terms by asking questions like “Does money make you happy?” 

“Yes!”  John Henry answered.

I tried again.  “What makes you happiest?  Toys or friends?”

“Friends”, he said. 

Okay.  “What makes you happiest?  Toys or having a mommy and daddy?”

“You and daddy”, he responded.

Whew. 

Then, Anna chimed in, “Mommy, Daddy AND toys!”

Poor analogy for a three-year old.  For many of us, it’s a tough one, too.  We can spend so much of our time accumulating or trying to accumulate stuff, we fail to accumulate the things that really matter.  We store up earthly treasures, and what do our heavenly treasures look like?   

We let worry and stress rob us of the knowledge that our time here on earth is brief.  It’s but a vapor.  Read Psalm 39:4-5.  And in the end, no one will say, “Man, he had a really awesome boat.”  Nor will we hear, “Did you ever visit her house on the beach?” 

What will be said of those who store up heavenly treasures is “He was selfless.” 

“She was a great mom.” 

“He served others.” 

“She invested into her friends’ lives.” 

“He led me to the Lord.” 

“She brought me food when our family was hungry, and I had no money.”

“He always prayed for me.”

“She understood God’s grace and imparted it to me.”

“He forgave me.”

“She was my teacher at church told me all about Jesus.”

The list could go on.  Let’s not let stuff consume us.  Let’s be generous toward others.  And, let’s invest into what really matters. 

Money is not power.  Christ in you, the hope of glory is.

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ… Philippians 3:7-8

Are you storing up more earthly or heavenly treasures?

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July 25, 2008 · 6:00 am

First Ever Randomness Give-Away!


I said that I would share what I feel that God is doing in me through Crazy Love once I was able to wrap my head around it myself.  I haven’t yet.   So, don’t let this post lead you to believe that I’ve figured it all out just yet.  But, I can share this much…….

I don’t feel like I’m falling in love with Jesus all over again.

I feel like I’m falling in love with Him for the very first time.

There are so many things that God has been working in me that I find it difficult to condense into one blog post every single thing.  But, let me share the first thing that caught my attention in Francis Chan’s amazing book.

Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.”  Chan is describing that God is all-powerful.  He writes, “Yet we keep on questioning Him: ‘Why did you make me with this body, instead of that one?’  ‘Why are so many people dying of starvation?’  Why are there so many planets with nothing living on them?’  ‘Why is my family so messed up?’  ‘Why don’t You make Yourself more obvious to the people who need You?’”

Or, if you’re like me, you might ask, “Why couldn’t chocolate be one of the major food groups?”

Chan goes on to explain, “Because He’s God.  He has more of a right to ask us why so many people are starving……Can you worship a God who isn’t obligated to explain His actions to you?”

How many times have I said or you said or we heard someone say, “When I get to heaven I’m going to ask Jesus why He let this happen” or “why he let that happen.” 

We can all make such ridiculous proclamations.  But the truth is this.  When we meet our Savior, the Creator of all things, face to face, the only words I think will come out of our mouths are “Holy, Holy, Holy.” 

Because, He is.

Now, I do part from Chan a bit in Chapter Five.  While, I understand the heart of what he saying, my theological foundation – or better said, my heart – does not bear witness with part of it.  However, the bottom line in this chapter is simply that God wants us to live wholly-committed to Him.  And, I cannot argue that point.

To be honest, I enjoyed being challenged in Chapter Five.  It caused me to search my own heart and search scriptures.  We should never come to a place in our spiritual journey where we are resistant to challenge or closed to change.  It’s a catalyst for growth.

So, do I recommend Francis Chan’s Crazy Love?  You bet I do.  And, one of you fortunate commenters are gonna win your very own copy!  Woo-hoo! 

By leaving a comment you are automatically entered into my very untechnological drawing – but honest one.  (Mom, you are not allowed to enter.  It could look suspicious if you win.  And, if you won, I’d draw again for my own integrity’s sake.  I’m sure you understand.)

Comments close on Monday, July 28th at 11:00 AM CST.  Winner will be announced on or around the following Tuesday.  Yep.  On or around. 

Get to commenting!

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July 24, 2008 · 6:00 am

Seeking the One.


The one thing I ask of the Lord–the thing I seek most–is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections.  Psalm 27:4

Wow.  What a desire.  To live in the presence of God.  To have such a love for Him that we are constantly running after Him. 

I cannot tell you how much I want to live my life this way.  Where daily devotions and spending time with my Father are not a struggle.  Where I don’t say or feel exhaustively, “I have to go read.”  “I have to go pray.”  But, I run – I mean really run to Him.  Because, I am in love with this massive, incomprehensible, extraordinary Creator. 

What’s even more astounding is that this massive, incomprehensible, extraordinary Creator wants to spend time with me.  When, I am nothing.  And, He is everything.

I am reading Francis Chan’s Crazy Love right now.  It is chalked full of God’s Word – how truly great He is – and what it really means to live a surrendered life.  Whenever I can get my brain to wrap around what God is doing in me through this book, I will definitely share more.

I want to seek Him more than anything else.

What are you seeking most right now?

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