"I have small dreams," I told my parents as I prepared to graduate from high school. Being a planner, self-suffient and responsible, my way was carefully mapped before me. College. Marriage. A family. Security. In that order. If I did not deviate from my well laid plans, all would go as predicted.
So, that is precisely what I set out to do. Determined and focused, I calculated my steps carefully, my goals fixed firmly in my rational mind. Selecting Iowa State University, I committed myself to my studies and earned my degree. I fell in love with a wonderful young man and joyfully took his hand in marriage. Things were going just as I had planned. Yet, two careers, a move out of state, three kids, and eighteen years later, my dreams have changed. For I have learned that things don't always go the way I plan.
To penetrate my stubborn will, God has to shake my plans. Sometimes life throws a curve and forces me to evaluate my position with God's eyes. At times, when my plans have failed and all hope seems lost, I have found myself feeling a bit like Job. In disappointing setbacks I painfully groaned, "my days have passed, my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart." (Job 17:11 NIV) In trial and error, I have discovered that the only path that truly matters is God's. However, if I am to travel His path, I must abandon mine and trust Him alone. And that sounds easier than it truly is most of the time. Especially for a Type A control freak like me!
Some days I wonder in anticipation. Others I wait more impatiently, as I linger out of my comfort zone. But at all times, I watch expectantly for my Heavenly Father has big dreams for me. After all, God assures me that "I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) It is a promise I keep near to my heart and it sustains me as I let go of my empty dreams and embrace a life rooted in Christ.
In the past year, God has changed my plans in countless ways, planting a new dream in my heart. I have stepped out of teaching and taken my place in writing ministry. I have abandoned the security of my comfort zone at home and embarked on an international mission trip to Austria. And I have stopped making plans, choosing instead to look to God as He reveals His dream for my life.
So as midlife slowly closes in, my path in life has turned. No longer are my dreams determined by what is small, secure, and safe. Instead, I have made a decision and I am willfully sticking to it. Indeed, I choose to "live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV)
In this fallen world, we often fail to remember that God continuously sits on his throne. Despite the roadblocks of life, God never ceases to direct our steps as we look to Him and entrust Him with our lives. Though we see only what is right in front of us, God sees our lives with a bird's eye view.
He is never shaken or surprised and He never makes mistakes. Even more amazing, God takes our missteps and weaves them into something beautiful for His glory. And we are assured that "many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
We need not fret when life changes course. It just means that God has changed our plans.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
My Father's Daughter
My life is a tale of two fathers. One man gave me life. The other showed me how to live. One man was there at my birth. The other present at the birth of my children. Both men are my Father. Yet one has chosen to be absent from my life since I was 12 years old. The other stepped in to fill empty shoes.
My mother married the man I call my Father when I was in sixth grade. For years, it had been the three of us, my mother, my brother, and me. So, when my mom announced she was getting married, I was happy for her, and nervous for me. After being abandoned by one father, I wasn't sure I really needed a new one. With one foot firmly rooted in childhood and the other stepping into the uncertainties of junior high, God was wise to bring me my Dad.
They say that the relationship between a father and his children plows the way for how they will one day see God. In my life I definitely find that holds true. Cruel and abusive, my birth father caused me to look at all other men with fear. Even though I longed to be "daddy's girl", his very presence filled me with anxiety. To further complicate matters, my dad left me and my brother when we were quite young. One dark night, during a fit of rage, my dad spewed dreadful words that damaged my fragile spirit for years. It was the last time I saw him. Consequently, I was suspicious of God's love from the start. Rather than viewing God as a caring father, I believed Him to be an angry tyrant, ready to punish me at any moment for any small offense, real or perceived. Insecure and broken, I hid within myself for years.
My "stepfather" on the other hand is gentle and quiet. A private man, Dad is not overly demonstrative and he keeps his feelings to himself much of the time. While the rest of my family is animated and passionate, my Dad is quiet and reserved. My rejected and oversensitive heart often misread his intentions as I was growing to know him. Having been mistreated by my biological father for many years, I suppose I was overly suspicious of this new man with whom my mother now shared her life. Our transition wasn't easy for either of us at first. Still, over the years I have come to respect and appreciate the man who chose to be my Dad when my natural father walked away. The world refers to him as my "stepfather". To me, he is the father placed in my life by the loving hands of God.
He is my mother's faithful husband, my children's grandpa and my Dad in every way that matters. Ironically, my brother and I even look like we are His natural children. I have no doubt that God looked to and fro and then assigned him to be our father.
Patient and calm, my Dad is a good teacher. Over the years, he taught me how to drive. How to change a tire. And how to close the back door. After all, we didn't live in a barn! But the greatest lesson he has taught me in life is how to trust again. While he didn't have to be my dad, he chose to be a father, and claimed me as his own. As I grew, I was proudly recognized as his daughter.
It is a beautiful parrallel of my standing with my Heavenly Father. Grafted into God's family through the blood of Christ, I am precious in His sight. He could have left me in my sin, but instead He came for me. Despite my failures and shortcomings, God claims me as His own. Nothing can snatch me from His loving grasp. God looks upon me with favor and intercedes in my life. His loving eyes are always upon me, nothing happens to me without first being filterd through his sacrifical love. And, unlike some, God will never leave me nor forsake me.(Deuteronomy 31;8 NIV)
I am his beloved child, "an adopted heir in Christ." (Galatians 3:29 NIV) And he works daily to teach me how to be me more like Him. God longs to help me become more loving. More patient. More kind. He wants me to look and act like Him. In this life, I am called to be my Father's daughter.
My mother married the man I call my Father when I was in sixth grade. For years, it had been the three of us, my mother, my brother, and me. So, when my mom announced she was getting married, I was happy for her, and nervous for me. After being abandoned by one father, I wasn't sure I really needed a new one. With one foot firmly rooted in childhood and the other stepping into the uncertainties of junior high, God was wise to bring me my Dad.
They say that the relationship between a father and his children plows the way for how they will one day see God. In my life I definitely find that holds true. Cruel and abusive, my birth father caused me to look at all other men with fear. Even though I longed to be "daddy's girl", his very presence filled me with anxiety. To further complicate matters, my dad left me and my brother when we were quite young. One dark night, during a fit of rage, my dad spewed dreadful words that damaged my fragile spirit for years. It was the last time I saw him. Consequently, I was suspicious of God's love from the start. Rather than viewing God as a caring father, I believed Him to be an angry tyrant, ready to punish me at any moment for any small offense, real or perceived. Insecure and broken, I hid within myself for years.
My "stepfather" on the other hand is gentle and quiet. A private man, Dad is not overly demonstrative and he keeps his feelings to himself much of the time. While the rest of my family is animated and passionate, my Dad is quiet and reserved. My rejected and oversensitive heart often misread his intentions as I was growing to know him. Having been mistreated by my biological father for many years, I suppose I was overly suspicious of this new man with whom my mother now shared her life. Our transition wasn't easy for either of us at first. Still, over the years I have come to respect and appreciate the man who chose to be my Dad when my natural father walked away. The world refers to him as my "stepfather". To me, he is the father placed in my life by the loving hands of God.
He is my mother's faithful husband, my children's grandpa and my Dad in every way that matters. Ironically, my brother and I even look like we are His natural children. I have no doubt that God looked to and fro and then assigned him to be our father.
Patient and calm, my Dad is a good teacher. Over the years, he taught me how to drive. How to change a tire. And how to close the back door. After all, we didn't live in a barn! But the greatest lesson he has taught me in life is how to trust again. While he didn't have to be my dad, he chose to be a father, and claimed me as his own. As I grew, I was proudly recognized as his daughter.
It is a beautiful parrallel of my standing with my Heavenly Father. Grafted into God's family through the blood of Christ, I am precious in His sight. He could have left me in my sin, but instead He came for me. Despite my failures and shortcomings, God claims me as His own. Nothing can snatch me from His loving grasp. God looks upon me with favor and intercedes in my life. His loving eyes are always upon me, nothing happens to me without first being filterd through his sacrifical love. And, unlike some, God will never leave me nor forsake me.(Deuteronomy 31;8 NIV)
I am his beloved child, "an adopted heir in Christ." (Galatians 3:29 NIV) And he works daily to teach me how to be me more like Him. God longs to help me become more loving. More patient. More kind. He wants me to look and act like Him. In this life, I am called to be my Father's daughter.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Courage
A teenager discovers she is expecting a baby and chooses life over convenience. A young single mother leaves an abusive marriage and forges ahead to raise her two children in a peaceful home without threats and violence. A loving grandmother takes her grandaughter under her wing and shelters her from the loneliness of being a tween. What do all of these scenarious have in common you ask? Courage!
Some of us have it. Some of us don't. In a world that rejects the moral bounderies of absolute truth, courage is a rare commodity. Fearing the empty label of intolerance, all of humanity seems to shrink away from right and wrong. Hiding in our cowardice, we foolishly accept moral decline and decay. And, while some claim we have lost our moral compass, I strongly feel that it is more likely an issue of courage. It is a story as old as Cain and Abel. Both brothers knew what was right, but one chose obedience, the other murder. We are told that God reminded Abel, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7 NIV)
The same is true of us today. Obedience takes courage and many of choose the worldly road instead. It is not that we don't know what is right and what is wrong. Our Heavenly Father clearly leads us in righteousness. Rather, we prefer to stay hidden in sin, for we lack courage to stand out.
It shouldn't be so. For scripture pointedly says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV) God doesn't suggest we be courageous...He COMMANDS it! The world hasn't changed. It is still gripped by sin and will continue to be so until Christ returns. Yet, because of His sacrifice on the Cross, we are changed. With courage we can do the "God" things that truly revolutionize the world and bring glory to the Father.
Long ago, in the midst of exile, there was a woman, not so different from you or me, who initially lacked courage in a desperate and seemingly hopeless situation. Her name was Esther. Gripped by fear, she remained silent for a time while her people confronted threats of certain death. Her choices were grim. On the one hand Esther faced execution for being a Jew, on the other, execution for approaching the King without first being summoned. In all fairness, it seemed like a lose/lose proposition. But, we learn a lot from this bold girl who was also the unlikely Queen of the Persian empire. When in doubt, we must pray for courage. We are told that Esther told her cousin Mordecai...
"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:15-16 NIV)
Mustering her strength, Esther faced the uncertainties, victoriously saving both her people and herself. In short, she looked to God and courageously conquored fear. Each day, we encounter opportunities to display courage as well. We are courageous when we choose to reject humanistic ideals and instead embrace eternal truths in our homes and families. We show courage as we speak truth and love into the life of a friend who has stumbled blindly into sin and certain destruction. And we display courage as we boldly claim the gospel of Jesus Christ in a world bitterly consumed with hatred for our Savior.
Life is not for the faint of heart. Daily, we face an unseen enemy who seeks destruction in our lives. But we can be certain that darkness flees when we have courage and boldly follow God.
Some of us have it. Some of us don't. In a world that rejects the moral bounderies of absolute truth, courage is a rare commodity. Fearing the empty label of intolerance, all of humanity seems to shrink away from right and wrong. Hiding in our cowardice, we foolishly accept moral decline and decay. And, while some claim we have lost our moral compass, I strongly feel that it is more likely an issue of courage. It is a story as old as Cain and Abel. Both brothers knew what was right, but one chose obedience, the other murder. We are told that God reminded Abel, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7 NIV)
The same is true of us today. Obedience takes courage and many of choose the worldly road instead. It is not that we don't know what is right and what is wrong. Our Heavenly Father clearly leads us in righteousness. Rather, we prefer to stay hidden in sin, for we lack courage to stand out.
It shouldn't be so. For scripture pointedly says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV) God doesn't suggest we be courageous...He COMMANDS it! The world hasn't changed. It is still gripped by sin and will continue to be so until Christ returns. Yet, because of His sacrifice on the Cross, we are changed. With courage we can do the "God" things that truly revolutionize the world and bring glory to the Father.
Long ago, in the midst of exile, there was a woman, not so different from you or me, who initially lacked courage in a desperate and seemingly hopeless situation. Her name was Esther. Gripped by fear, she remained silent for a time while her people confronted threats of certain death. Her choices were grim. On the one hand Esther faced execution for being a Jew, on the other, execution for approaching the King without first being summoned. In all fairness, it seemed like a lose/lose proposition. But, we learn a lot from this bold girl who was also the unlikely Queen of the Persian empire. When in doubt, we must pray for courage. We are told that Esther told her cousin Mordecai...
"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:15-16 NIV)
Mustering her strength, Esther faced the uncertainties, victoriously saving both her people and herself. In short, she looked to God and courageously conquored fear. Each day, we encounter opportunities to display courage as well. We are courageous when we choose to reject humanistic ideals and instead embrace eternal truths in our homes and families. We show courage as we speak truth and love into the life of a friend who has stumbled blindly into sin and certain destruction. And we display courage as we boldly claim the gospel of Jesus Christ in a world bitterly consumed with hatred for our Savior.
Life is not for the faint of heart. Daily, we face an unseen enemy who seeks destruction in our lives. But we can be certain that darkness flees when we have courage and boldly follow God.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Established
Marty, Jack, and I living the dream...building our first home in McKinney 10 years ago. <3
"They have no idea how lucky they are to live here," I said to my husband Marty as we drove past carefee children running freely on the manicured sidewalks of Stonebridge Ranch. A master-planned community in charming McKinney, Texas it was a place I yearned to be established. With tall flowering trees, luscious green landscapes, serene parks, and families everywhere, it seemed like the perfect place to settle down. It was mid-April 2000, and we were a young couple with our first child, looking for a place to grow as family. I remember thinking, "If only..." as the dream of raising our children in such an ideal location faded out of sight. While the community was truly lovely, it was also completely out of reach on our meager combined salaries. Dreaming the impossible, I imagined a sign on our nonexistant front door that read, "The Arbuckle Family. Established 1992".
Today we drove down that same tree-lined street as we returned from the grocery store. It has been ten years, and now we live just blocks away. Our children play in those same parks and our family walks down the very streets that once seemed so unattainable. And as we drive through our surroundings in our daily activities, God often reminds me that "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26 NIV)
Life if full of highs and lows. Ups and downs. Trials and triumphs. Most certainly, change happens and things don't always go the way you plan or expect. Still, we should never underestimate the plans of God. His plans are always bigger and more complex than we can ever imagine. I see that clearly in my own life. Much has happened in the ten years since I first gazed upon the place I now call home.
Five houses,
Four neighborhoods,
Three churches,
Two daughters,
Three companies,
Five promotions
Five professions of faith,
Four baptisms,
Five elementary schools,
One middle school,
One Life Group,
one mission trip,
numerous sifted friendships,
some trials,
a few setbacks,
many disappointments,
Countless victories,
One BIG God.
Clearly, the past ten years have been anything but predictable, except for one consistent truth. Our walk with the LORD has been an unshakeable constant. As we have drawn nearer to Him, our Heavenly Father has graciously refined our life together, making our family strong with Him. I haven't always liked the road we have traveled. Some of the paths were difficult and even unpleasant, but all roads led to our heart's desire which was to be rooted. We aren't planted in the false security of a safe neighborhood. Our security is not confined to the walls of a house. We have something even more steadfast. For we are securely "rooted and established in love." (Ephesians 3:17 NIV) Not a perishable worldly love, but the lasting eternal love of Jesus Christ.
Of course, this type of shelter can be tough for many to grasp. Just yesterday, I was greeted by a loose acquaintance who could simply not believe we had moved yet again. "Is this the last move?" she asked pointedly, her tone dripping with judgement and indignation. Though at first, her words stung my sensitive heart, I remained quiet and only smiled. After all, she has a point. As rude as she was in stating the obvious, we have had many changes during our time in McKinney. I have no argument for our defense. None except we do our best to follow where God leads, and His plans take time and trust. Just ask the Israelites. Ask Joseph. Or better yet, ask Christ himself. The best laid plans do not come fully assembled. Rather, they are revealed one faithful step in God's time.
In the years to come, I am certain we will stumble. Occassionally, we might even fall. And,we have not seen the end of our disappointment and failures. Unfortunately, life can be like that. Still, today I am grateful for I am a witness to a dream realized because of God's power. It fills me with awe and motivates me to follow God's lead, for with Him life is never boring.
Tomorrow, He may call us to pull up our stakes and move our tent elsewhere. Walking in faith is an adventure. Trusting God for His provision can be messy, complicated, and downright inconvenient, but it is also exhilerating. Truly, I have no idea what the next year holds, let alone the next ten. And while I would love to be firmly planted in one place, free to grow roots, God has yet to reveal that place to our family. In fact, I can only be certain that God has only shown me what He holds for me today. So, here we dwell, uncertain in our resources, but firmly established in His love. The road ahead is unclear, but I shall continue to "run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." (Psalm 119:32 NIV) The road ahead of me is His and I am learning to "let go and let God" be God. He knows my way better than me anyway, for he set the destination before us.
So, to answer that dear woman's question, I can only say this in reply...the future is unknown but my God is certain. If I ever begin to doubt that truth, I need only step out my front door. Here we are. Our family is living a dream that God planted in our hearts a decade ago. It is a dream only God could bring to fruition. Walking before us, the LORD knew the twists and turns along the way. Each move. Every roadblock. All of life's changes are part of His plan to bring us to this exact place at this very time in our lives for His perfect purpose.
By the standards of this world, Marty and I are still far from established. Faithfully, we shall continue to look up and put our trust in the One who "has established his throne in heaven, and whose kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19 NIV) Our future is firmly established in Him who is worthy of praise. Maybe one day, He will give me a sign for my door.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Enough
"I think I am a good person." Blind with a sinful nature, my friend refused to acknowledge her need for a Savior. The words, cloaked in ignorant pride, pierced my heart and troubled my soul.
Foolishly, I too once believed I was "good enough" for God. After all, I almost always told the truth. And I would never consider stealing or murder, you know the BIG sins. Surely, God was more concerned about the truly evil people in the world than He was about my mistakes. I was "good" enough. Unfortunately, my eyes were veiled to the consequences of my sin.
It is a scenario played out daily to all who are born with a sinful nature, bent towards rebellion against God. No matter how "good" we think we are, our sinful nature remains. Because of this, "all share a common destiny, the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. as it is with the good man, so with the sinner. This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun. The same destiny overtakes all." (Ecclesiastes 9:2-3) Put simply, sin is sin. There is no sliding scale for "big" or "small" sins. All sin separates us from God.
Which leads us to Good Friday. Scripture tells us "If a person sins and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands, even though he does not know it, he is guilty and will be held responsible." (Leviticus 5:17 NIV) Our Heavenly Father, righteous and Holy, knew we were helpless to recognize our terminal condition. Regardless of how we see ourselves, God painfully witnessed that, "all have turned way, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one" (Romans 3:12) All except Christ. In Him, we find redemption for "the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7 NIV)
Our Savior came to conquor sin. We are told,"as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. ...On the third day he will be raised to life!"--Matthew 20:17-19. Jesus knew what was lay ahead when he placed his Holy feet on the path to Jeruselum.
Christ was aware of all that awaited him. The betrayal. The flogging. The scourging. The crcifixtion. The triumph over sin. Our Savior saw it all. In his goodness, Jesus took the broken road that led to the Cross. It was the only way to restore us to God. For Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. Though we arrogantly deny our sinful position, we are told:
All have turned aside,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one." (Psalm 14:3 NIV)
Deceived by our enemy and blind to our sinful nature, we are able to justify our human tendency toward rebellion. Born divine but fully man, Jesus Christ led a perfect sinless life. He who knew no sin, triumphed over sin, taking our punishment on the Cross. He never stumbled, nor did He fall. Instead, Jesus took the consequences from the fall of man on his scourged shoulders and saved us all from certain death. Through His blood alone, we are made righteous, reconciled to our Holy God. For "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3)
The painful truth is we cannot be good enough. Still, in His great love for us ALL, God sent us the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 NIV)Instead of turning his eyes away from sinful man, Christ took our sins to the cross and redeemed us with His blood. He, alone, is good enough.
Foolishly, I too once believed I was "good enough" for God. After all, I almost always told the truth. And I would never consider stealing or murder, you know the BIG sins. Surely, God was more concerned about the truly evil people in the world than He was about my mistakes. I was "good" enough. Unfortunately, my eyes were veiled to the consequences of my sin.
It is a scenario played out daily to all who are born with a sinful nature, bent towards rebellion against God. No matter how "good" we think we are, our sinful nature remains. Because of this, "all share a common destiny, the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. as it is with the good man, so with the sinner. This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun. The same destiny overtakes all." (Ecclesiastes 9:2-3) Put simply, sin is sin. There is no sliding scale for "big" or "small" sins. All sin separates us from God.
Which leads us to Good Friday. Scripture tells us "If a person sins and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands, even though he does not know it, he is guilty and will be held responsible." (Leviticus 5:17 NIV) Our Heavenly Father, righteous and Holy, knew we were helpless to recognize our terminal condition. Regardless of how we see ourselves, God painfully witnessed that, "all have turned way, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one" (Romans 3:12) All except Christ. In Him, we find redemption for "the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7 NIV)
Our Savior came to conquor sin. We are told,"as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. ...On the third day he will be raised to life!"--Matthew 20:17-19. Jesus knew what was lay ahead when he placed his Holy feet on the path to Jeruselum.
Christ was aware of all that awaited him. The betrayal. The flogging. The scourging. The crcifixtion. The triumph over sin. Our Savior saw it all. In his goodness, Jesus took the broken road that led to the Cross. It was the only way to restore us to God. For Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. Though we arrogantly deny our sinful position, we are told:
All have turned aside,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one." (Psalm 14:3 NIV)
Deceived by our enemy and blind to our sinful nature, we are able to justify our human tendency toward rebellion. Born divine but fully man, Jesus Christ led a perfect sinless life. He who knew no sin, triumphed over sin, taking our punishment on the Cross. He never stumbled, nor did He fall. Instead, Jesus took the consequences from the fall of man on his scourged shoulders and saved us all from certain death. Through His blood alone, we are made righteous, reconciled to our Holy God. For "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3)
The painful truth is we cannot be good enough. Still, in His great love for us ALL, God sent us the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 NIV)Instead of turning his eyes away from sinful man, Christ took our sins to the cross and redeemed us with His blood. He, alone, is good enough.
Monday, March 22, 2010
God's Lullaby
“The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
Packing. Cleaning. Moving. And to top it off…a six year old with a newly broken leg. It was the end of a hectic week. Though it was late, sleep eluded me as I lay awake late on Friday night. It wasn’t that I was worried. Just exhausted. Mentally and spiritually, I had become consumed with the events of the days past. Over-stimulated and a bit stressed, my body refused sleep. Tossing and turning on the couch, listening to my wounded daughter wimper in the next room, I sighed. It was going to be a long night. Quietly, I remained still in prayer, hoping to find rest. Then I heard it…the gentle sounds of my wind chime filled my ears with a beautiful melody that made my weary heart smile. In that moment, I felt the LORD’s presence near, for I knew my God was singing over me.
My wind chime has been a precious communication tool between me and God for quite some time. It started when my youngest child was born. With my newborn daughter crying and restless late at night, I would hold her close and listen to my neighbor’s wind chime sing us to sleep. When we left that town home and moved into a new house, I desperately missed the chimes, and hoped to one day have some of my own. But, I never got around to buying myself a set. Diapers, formula, and other miscelaneous expenses took precident in our budget. Somehow, windchimes seemed like more of a want than a need. With so many other responsibilities competing for our limited cash flow, a set of wind chimes, no matter how lovely, just didn’t seem very high on my list of priorities.
Years later, we were in the midst of another move following a difficult season in our life as a family. We had come to a crossroads, and in many ways we were in need of hope and healing. As we moved our things into our new home, I was delighted to find an old wind chime, weathered and left behind from a previous tenant. My heart sang, for I knew it was God’s house warming gift to me. On difficult days, when my heart was breaking and I was in need of refuge, the chimes played music that lifted my soul. And I took confidence in God’s assurance that He was in control and I would see brighter days once more.
I still have those chimes. They are old and even a bit rusty. Nothing much to look at really. But, I love them that way, for they remind me that imperfections are part of everything beautiful. Countless days and nights, those chimes have spoken to me when I needed to hear from God most. When I hear my wind chimes singing, I know to stop and praise God for He is as constant as the wind.
So, here we are. Moving yet again. This time I brought my old chimes with me to our new home, and they bring me an instant sense of peace. How lovely a sound to hear them ringing, as chaos closes in around me. Once more, I turn my heart to my God, as the gentle breeze allows my chimes to quietly play just for me. As always, God has heard the cries of my heart, and He is singing me to sleep once more. It is a song I know well. It is God’s lullaby and I am resting in His arms as He sings over me.
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
Packing. Cleaning. Moving. And to top it off…a six year old with a newly broken leg. It was the end of a hectic week. Though it was late, sleep eluded me as I lay awake late on Friday night. It wasn’t that I was worried. Just exhausted. Mentally and spiritually, I had become consumed with the events of the days past. Over-stimulated and a bit stressed, my body refused sleep. Tossing and turning on the couch, listening to my wounded daughter wimper in the next room, I sighed. It was going to be a long night. Quietly, I remained still in prayer, hoping to find rest. Then I heard it…the gentle sounds of my wind chime filled my ears with a beautiful melody that made my weary heart smile. In that moment, I felt the LORD’s presence near, for I knew my God was singing over me.
My wind chime has been a precious communication tool between me and God for quite some time. It started when my youngest child was born. With my newborn daughter crying and restless late at night, I would hold her close and listen to my neighbor’s wind chime sing us to sleep. When we left that town home and moved into a new house, I desperately missed the chimes, and hoped to one day have some of my own. But, I never got around to buying myself a set. Diapers, formula, and other miscelaneous expenses took precident in our budget. Somehow, windchimes seemed like more of a want than a need. With so many other responsibilities competing for our limited cash flow, a set of wind chimes, no matter how lovely, just didn’t seem very high on my list of priorities.
Years later, we were in the midst of another move following a difficult season in our life as a family. We had come to a crossroads, and in many ways we were in need of hope and healing. As we moved our things into our new home, I was delighted to find an old wind chime, weathered and left behind from a previous tenant. My heart sang, for I knew it was God’s house warming gift to me. On difficult days, when my heart was breaking and I was in need of refuge, the chimes played music that lifted my soul. And I took confidence in God’s assurance that He was in control and I would see brighter days once more.
I still have those chimes. They are old and even a bit rusty. Nothing much to look at really. But, I love them that way, for they remind me that imperfections are part of everything beautiful. Countless days and nights, those chimes have spoken to me when I needed to hear from God most. When I hear my wind chimes singing, I know to stop and praise God for He is as constant as the wind.
So, here we are. Moving yet again. This time I brought my old chimes with me to our new home, and they bring me an instant sense of peace. How lovely a sound to hear them ringing, as chaos closes in around me. Once more, I turn my heart to my God, as the gentle breeze allows my chimes to quietly play just for me. As always, God has heard the cries of my heart, and He is singing me to sleep once more. It is a song I know well. It is God’s lullaby and I am resting in His arms as He sings over me.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Providence
Memory Verse: "You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit." (Job 10:12 NIV)
The master planned community was called Providence and the irony in us moving there was it was the very place that God refined me so I could faithfully trust in His sovereign care. Seduced by lakes, parks, and a front porch, I was convinced moving to Providence was the best way to provide a happy childhood for the kids. I fantasized about leisurely evenings watching my children play, as I sipped iced tea from the peace of my charming porch. Maybe I had been watching too many heartwarming commercials on the Hallmark channel, because my "mind movie" and "real life" were about to violently collide. Looking back, I see that God allowed us to journey to Providence in order that I might fully experience His guidance and omniscent provision, but it was a painful "hands-on" learning experience I pray I never forget.
Not long after we moved, I began to see our new neighborhood with God's eyes and I realized I was way in over our head and needed a life preserver. In the darkest days, it sometimes felt as though there was a heavy stone tied around my ankles pulling me into the depths of desperation. For though it seemed like my own personal "Mayberry", it turned out to be something I could not have expected. Almost immediately, I discovered moving was a terrible mistake. If it could go wrong, it did. From harrassment to homesickness, our family saw the full range of how badly something can go when you "do it yourself". One night, suffering from buyer's remorse and chronic heartache, I went for a walk with God. With tears in my eyes, I mustered up all my strength and whispered, "God, I see now I was wrong. This place is not what I expected and things aren't always what they seem. You know what is best. Help us find our way home."
As our situation deteriorated, and fear began to grip my wounded spirit, sleep alluded me. But I have a Savior who never slumbers, and in those sleepless nights, I prayed. Giving it all to God, I continuously surrendered my will to His. Along the way, God was moving in ways I could not see. When all seemed lost and I was helpless to do anything to change our situation, God extended His arms of protection and pulled my family out of the abyss. Only by God's providence did we find our way out of the hopelessness that threatened our peace. In mercy and love, "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:2) In His faithful care, God brought me refuge as He healed wounds of my own making. I have never been more grateful for God's providence.
The definition of Providence is as follows:
prov·i·dence /ˈprɒvɪdəns/ –noun
1.(often initial capital letter) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.
2.(initial capital letter) God, esp. when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.
3.a manifestation of divine care or direction.
4.provident or prudent management of resources; prudence.
5.foresight; provident care.
During my brief time in Providence, I learned to filter the cunning lies of my enemy. I was not alone. We were not abandoned. To the contrary, God reminded me,"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Dueteronomy 31:6 NIV) God was still reigning as my King, even as the storm swirled powerfully around me and my family. Though I was weak and powerless, He was strong. When I felt helpless, God assured me daily that nothing can separate me from God's love. And I felt I could not last one more day, God gave me promises of the days to come, reminding me that "I had a hope and future" rooted in Him alone. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
In truth, God promises His children, "neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(Romans 8:39 NIV) And though our courage and strength will fade, God is faithful. Looking back, I see God was working quietly behind the scenes to bring us refuge. He had a plan, but I had to trust Him to bring it about in His perfect timing. When all was in order, God moved us and I rejoiced as He brought us back home. Not just to any home, but to one identical to the one we had left in the first place. How's that for God flexing His muscle???
It has been almost three years since we moved to Providence, and I have grown up since then. As a family, we have been quiet with God as He pieced together the broken fragments and collateral damage from our time there. Some things will never be the same. I will never be the same. For that, I am thankful. Now, I believe God is who HE says He is and I have seen Him move mountains on my behalf that I could not budge. After my time in Providence, I KNOW who God is in my life.
Things have come full circle as we moved into another new house this weekend. It has the same ameneties I was seeking for when we moved to Providence, but this time I have walked in God's wake, allowing Him to calm the seas before me, as we followed His lead. I have vowed to "look before I leap". And as my family settles into our new home we look forward to the promise of tomorrow in this new chapter in our lives together. With gratitude, we have once more experienced the joy of His provision. And this time, I am filled with peace rather than fear. Rather than looking at yesterday with regret, today I choose to focus on God in all things and rejoice in His providence.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are sovereign and we are yours. You are mighty. You are bold. You are powerful. You never fail. We trust in Your providence as everything belongs to you and is ruled under You alone. We praise you LORD for you are the one true living God of all.
-Amen
Reflection: Are you trusting God's providence?
The master planned community was called Providence and the irony in us moving there was it was the very place that God refined me so I could faithfully trust in His sovereign care. Seduced by lakes, parks, and a front porch, I was convinced moving to Providence was the best way to provide a happy childhood for the kids. I fantasized about leisurely evenings watching my children play, as I sipped iced tea from the peace of my charming porch. Maybe I had been watching too many heartwarming commercials on the Hallmark channel, because my "mind movie" and "real life" were about to violently collide. Looking back, I see that God allowed us to journey to Providence in order that I might fully experience His guidance and omniscent provision, but it was a painful "hands-on" learning experience I pray I never forget.
Not long after we moved, I began to see our new neighborhood with God's eyes and I realized I was way in over our head and needed a life preserver. In the darkest days, it sometimes felt as though there was a heavy stone tied around my ankles pulling me into the depths of desperation. For though it seemed like my own personal "Mayberry", it turned out to be something I could not have expected. Almost immediately, I discovered moving was a terrible mistake. If it could go wrong, it did. From harrassment to homesickness, our family saw the full range of how badly something can go when you "do it yourself". One night, suffering from buyer's remorse and chronic heartache, I went for a walk with God. With tears in my eyes, I mustered up all my strength and whispered, "God, I see now I was wrong. This place is not what I expected and things aren't always what they seem. You know what is best. Help us find our way home."
As our situation deteriorated, and fear began to grip my wounded spirit, sleep alluded me. But I have a Savior who never slumbers, and in those sleepless nights, I prayed. Giving it all to God, I continuously surrendered my will to His. Along the way, God was moving in ways I could not see. When all seemed lost and I was helpless to do anything to change our situation, God extended His arms of protection and pulled my family out of the abyss. Only by God's providence did we find our way out of the hopelessness that threatened our peace. In mercy and love, "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:2) In His faithful care, God brought me refuge as He healed wounds of my own making. I have never been more grateful for God's providence.
The definition of Providence is as follows:
prov·i·dence /ˈprɒvɪdəns/ –noun
1.(often initial capital letter) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.
2.(initial capital letter) God, esp. when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.
3.a manifestation of divine care or direction.
4.provident or prudent management of resources; prudence.
5.foresight; provident care.
During my brief time in Providence, I learned to filter the cunning lies of my enemy. I was not alone. We were not abandoned. To the contrary, God reminded me,"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Dueteronomy 31:6 NIV) God was still reigning as my King, even as the storm swirled powerfully around me and my family. Though I was weak and powerless, He was strong. When I felt helpless, God assured me daily that nothing can separate me from God's love. And I felt I could not last one more day, God gave me promises of the days to come, reminding me that "I had a hope and future" rooted in Him alone. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
In truth, God promises His children, "neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(Romans 8:39 NIV) And though our courage and strength will fade, God is faithful. Looking back, I see God was working quietly behind the scenes to bring us refuge. He had a plan, but I had to trust Him to bring it about in His perfect timing. When all was in order, God moved us and I rejoiced as He brought us back home. Not just to any home, but to one identical to the one we had left in the first place. How's that for God flexing His muscle???
It has been almost three years since we moved to Providence, and I have grown up since then. As a family, we have been quiet with God as He pieced together the broken fragments and collateral damage from our time there. Some things will never be the same. I will never be the same. For that, I am thankful. Now, I believe God is who HE says He is and I have seen Him move mountains on my behalf that I could not budge. After my time in Providence, I KNOW who God is in my life.
Things have come full circle as we moved into another new house this weekend. It has the same ameneties I was seeking for when we moved to Providence, but this time I have walked in God's wake, allowing Him to calm the seas before me, as we followed His lead. I have vowed to "look before I leap". And as my family settles into our new home we look forward to the promise of tomorrow in this new chapter in our lives together. With gratitude, we have once more experienced the joy of His provision. And this time, I am filled with peace rather than fear. Rather than looking at yesterday with regret, today I choose to focus on God in all things and rejoice in His providence.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are sovereign and we are yours. You are mighty. You are bold. You are powerful. You never fail. We trust in Your providence as everything belongs to you and is ruled under You alone. We praise you LORD for you are the one true living God of all.
-Amen
Reflection: Are you trusting God's providence?
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