I said , “YES”!

25 years ago today we were cleaning my parents house in preparation for our family Christmas party.  I was in a dirty sweatshirt and jeans when John asked if I would like to go get some frozen yogurt.  Well, “Of course I do!” 

On our way he said we were going to stop by his house because his family always got to open one gift before Christmas.  Never shying away from opening a gift - that also sounded good to me!  

He handed me the beautiful Limoge box in the picture and began to tell about a life full of riches - not from money - but from a lifetime of love and memories.  This little luggage box would began a journey of a lifetime for us.  Because inside was a beautiful engagement ring.  

It wasn’t like I had imagined it - I had always thought I would get engaged in a fancy restaurant wearing a beautiful dress. But, looking back it was the perfect beginning to a lifetime together.  

Oh what a journey it has been! When you get engaged you can’t grasp marriage. It is hard to imagine “in sickness and in health and for richer or for poorer”! 

Our journey has tested all of that. So thankful that the Lord has been faithful along each twist and turn. When we feel lost and don’t know which way to turn - He has been faithful to direct our path. 

Lord- thank you for that moment 25 years ago when a sweet boy asked me to take this journey. Thank you for constant reminders to turn our marriage and our lives over to You. Thank you for never leaving our side. Thank you for surrounding us with people who pray for our marriage - continue to surround us with those precious people! Thank you for blessing us with blessings that cause us to drink from the saucer because our cup is overflowing. We submit our union to you and pray that it will glorify You.  

Amen

I am weak but I am strong

What started as me helping MP with her memory verse for the week ended up reminding me of a very important promise.

“For when I Am weak, I am strong.” As I was helping her I kept saying “For when I am weak, He is strong.” That is how I’ve always said it. How could I have learned this wrong?! Even MP said, “Well, maybe another verse says that...” So we looked it up.....Nope. Checked 5 other translations. Called John. (Who also learned it the way I learned it). 

So, I started thinking about this change in my mind. When I am weak I am strong? But, He is the one who provides the strength. He is the strong one - not me! When I am weak, I feel weak. The picture on this post is of me trying to finish a race.  The course was not familiar - it was up and down and up and down.  I really wanted to stop.  But, somehow I made it to that finish line.  

I must admit I’ve felt weak lately. Weak physically, weak mentally....just weak. But, it is in  this  weakness in my body & mind - He allowed my spirit to be strengthened. He heard my cries.  He provided the “soul food” and gave me an insatiable hunger to feed my body and mind. So, maybe when I am weak I am strong because I turn to His strength instead of my own. 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How thankful I am that He gives me strength. So that when I feel my weakest - I am strong thru Him. I take no credit. It is all Him. Christ’s Power resting on me. I must boast about how small I am so that I can boast about how HUGE He is to me. 

“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The enemy loves to whisper in my ear. He finds our weakness. Our “soft spot”. The devil tells me “You really look ugly.” “You think you can do that?! Ha” “No one could love you!” “You should just stop fighting.” He also tries to create “white noise” when I cry out to Jesus so that I can’t hear and remember HIS promises.  

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

All praise to Him who can cause the white noise to halt. He who put me together wants me to hear His Word. He wants me to know that I am strong. I wear His armor. His power is available to 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.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lord,

Thank you for revealing a verse in a new way this week.  While I feel so weak - I am comforted and encouraged by the strength that comes from You. A strength, a hope, a love that You promised.  Help those who are feeling that same weakness to seek You and to find comfort and strength in Your word.

Amen

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Cleaning from the Inside Out

I walked into the house and saw the table filled with drawers and John's mom going through each drawer and throwing items away and straightening up each drawer.  My face must have shown my bewilderment because John said , "She likes to clean from the inside out."  

That was almost thirty years ago, but as my Bible studies this week have been about matters of the heart - the thought of cleaning from the inside out came back to my mind.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Oh how many times do we look all nice and tidy on the outside, when our insides are struggling with hurt, pain, anger and bitterness.  

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14:30‬ ‭

It may seem to be fine as long as that "stays on the inside". But, we read over and over in the Bible how dangerous it is for us to have these things lingering in our heart.  

When we allow bad feelings to stay in our heart we give the devil the opportunity to use it.  Just as you have a bowl of fruit and one apple slowly begins to ruin the others - the devil can take that hurt and add to it. He can put thoughts in our head that make the hurt and anger grow until we have a beautiful outside but a heart that is being used against us.  

Then I read this verse...

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:21‬ ‭

I'm sure you've read it hundreds of times - just like me.  But, take a moment and let it soak in....

If my heart is full of anger that would be my treasure... 

If my heart is full of hate that would be my treasure...

If my heart is full of bitterness that would be my treasure....

None of those things are a treasure! So, we will ask the Lord to transform our mind and heart to replace these thoughts and repair our heart with traits showing His love and power.

If my heart is full of love - that is a treasure! 

If my heart is full of patience - that is a treasure!

If my heart is full of joy - that is a treasure! 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So, I am thankful for my precious mother-in-law who years ago showed me the example of cleaning from the inside out. I am thankful that she led her precious son to Christ as they rocked in their rocking chair many years ago. I am thankful that transforming my heart is well within His power - even when I feel powerless.  

Lord,

Thank you for the many verses that You sent to show us the importance of our heart.  As we seek You, help us to see the places that are vulnerable in our heart that need to be turned over to You.  Do not allow anger and bitterness to stay in our heart but replace them with virtues that bring glory to You.  You taught us that everything flows out from our heart - so transform my hurt so that it can be used for good.  I do not have to do this alone - I have You and You have the power to make the changes.  Amen

Family Challenge: Read the fruits of the spirit verse together. Each person say which virtue they think shows up to the world and which one they want to improve with His help.  

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭

Lessons by the Ocean

Walking on the beach on the Atlantic Ocean side can be tricky. For those raised going to the Gulf of Mexico, we are accustomed to sand beaches.  The Atlantic side, in contrast, is covered with seashells.  

One of our travelers was all about gathering shells - which caused us to have a good supply of beautiful shells! As we started going through our supply it hit me - look at how they are all unique. Some small. Some large. Some with little holes. Some with larger breaks. All different.  All beautiful!

So, I asked the girls, "With all that the Lord created, why do you think He made so many unique shells? Why couldn't they all just be the same?" Their response warmed my heart and I thought it was worth sharing.

They are examples of us:
1) Unique - even me, an identical twin, am unique and made in a special way.  Learning to appreciate that our differences are not a coincidence- they are His design.  My flaws and strengths were woven together.  I pray for a more grateful heart to appreciate my differences and those of others around me. Also, helping young ones appreciate the different talents and skills that make them special.

2) Broken, but with a purpose.  The pressure of the ocean waves. The heavy feet stepping on top.  Pressure may have caused a break, but we can still use it for good.  In fact, the girls exclaimed, "The broken ones are perfect for necklaces!"  Just as we experience pressure and brokenness- He will use it for His beautiful plan.  We don't understand, but there is a purpose. We aren't broken for no reason - we are refined for His plan.

3) Together we can soften the path for others.  If you've ever stepped on a big shell you know - It Hurts!  But, something about walking on the small crushed shells actually makes it easier to bear.  In the same way, as Christians, we can soften the path for others.  We can come together. We can be transparent. We can pray for them and with them.  We can make the path easier.



Lord,
Your creation is amazing! Thank you for the details that point to Your glory and Your love for us.  Thank You for turning a walk on the beach to a reassurance of Your plan.  May the lessons of the seashells be used to glorify You.
Amen

Good Friday? Really?

As a child I struggled with calling Good Friday - Good Friday. I felt guilty calling a day good that was the day my sin put Jesus on the cross.  I felt like calling it Good made me one of the mockers and witnesses cheering on this horrible act.  What could be good about Jesus dying on the cross?

My mind , even now, wanders back to what it must have been like to witness the crucifixtion.  As one of His followers - would I have doubts that maybe the mockers are right? Maybe He was just a man. If He is the Mesiah , why doesn't He come down off that cross?? Why go thru this torture.  Would I have forgotten that He told me He would come again?

I can imagine they went home , just as we do when we lose a loved one, heartbroken, angry, questioning.  I don't find any mention of any of them anxiously counting down the three days from Friday to Sunday. They were mourning their loss. They had forgotten that Sunday was coming!

As a Christian today, we have a gift. The Bible. We have historical, scientific and medical evidence to back up this event and the resurrection.  We don't have to mourn today - because we know Sunday is coming!

Without Good Friday - there would have been no opportunity for Jesus to take the weight of my sin on His shoulders.

Without Good Friday - my eternity would be where I deserve- in hell.

Without Good Friday - there can be no resurrection - which is the cornerstone of what makes our faith different than others.  He wasn't just a good man - He was a King who lived a flawless life, died, was buried and after three days rose again and was seen by more than 500 people.

So, I am forever grateful for Good Friday - that the Lord gave His one and only Son...For me, For You, For all who believe.

Lord,
Thank you for Good Friday. Thank you for loving me enough to wash away my incredible sins.  Thank you for the gift of Your word. Because it is thru that gift that I know - Sunday is coming! Thank You that we serve a risen Savior. He is Risen indeed.
Amen

Running the Race

I love to run. I hate to run. I love to run. I hate to run.  I buy new outfits, new shoes just knowing they will make it more fun. Guess what?! I still have a love/hate relationship with running.

But, one thing I truly love about running....the finish line!!! My heart beats faster knowing the end is in sight! 

I asked my daughter..."What do you think it means to run a good race for Jesus?" Her response touched my heart.  She said, "Think about running on the trail - there are ups and downs and twists and turns - but if you keep your eyes on Jesus the course is easier. He wants us to keep our eyes on heaven - not on the twists and turns." I love the wisdom of honest, young, trusting hearts. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I love this verse. I can so easily see the image of me running - running away from sin...running away from selfishness...running away from pride...running away from anger...running away from all of the ways Satan tries to entangle me. 

There are "cheerleaders" along the race. Some , thankfully, offer support and encouragement to run your race in step with Jesus. Several running buddies have often slowed down their own run - to offer support and wait for me so that we can finish the race together.  I've seen many sweet friends turn around and go lift up a friend who has fallen behind.  Others, sadly, don't understand this race.  It is those that I think especially need to see our response to the twists and turns.  

We can give hope to the hopeless when we help them see Jesus.
We can give love to the loveless when they see Jesus.

We can give the lonely a friend when they know Jesus.

Lord, I don't always understand the twists and turns. But, I commit the race to You. May those passing by see my eyes fixed on You. Thank You for providing the strength I need along the way. Amen

Signs

My sister and I walked in to the restaurant.  The lady behind the counter barked, "What can I get you?" It pierced our hearts. The harshness of her words seemed to almost knock me backwards.  How could she be so cruel? Did she not see my broken heart? Couldn't she tell how fragile we were? Obviously  not.  We ordered and quickly got back in the car.  As we looked at each other, tears started to stream down our faces.

You see, we had just left the funeral home, making plans for our mom's funeral.  Our best friend, our support in good times and bad, our mentor, our encourager, our cheerleader - was gone.  After a brave  battle with cancer - she was gone.  Resting in the arms of Jesus.  No more chemo, no more hospital bed, no more fear - but also no more "here".  Our next hugs would be when we reach our heavenly home.

We thought our sadness was so visible - yet to this person - we were just another customer and just another sandwich to make.

We thought it was written on our face - we knew it was written on our hearts.

That got us thinking how much easier it would be if our hurt was easier for others to recognize. What if there were "signs" to help others be more kind when we are hurting.  I can imagine passing people during the day..."Happy", "Lost Job", "Sick", "Struggling", "Lost" , "Scared", etc... wouldn't it be so much easier to help someone if we just knew what they were facing?!

If it were only that easy, but we don't know...We walk by people that would be  wearing those exact signs and we miss the opportunity to hug them, to encourage them, to cry with them.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4: 8-10

It doesn't surprise me that we were looking for kindness when our hearts were broken - we had witnessed our mom show kindness to a multitude of people - undeserved kindness. The sort of kindness that you know comes from Jesus.  We asked her once, "How can you be so nice to ____? They are not nice to you!" Her response, "Girls, be kind. You don't know the circumstances behind their mean spirit, but you can change their heart by being kind."  We watched over the years as this person softened and actually became a pleasure to be around.  Mom had a gift for seeing the signs.  She also had a gift for being kind even when she couldn't see them.  So, even when the signs are unclear - it can change someone just to be kind. Take the time to get to know them.

Our love of Jesus can take many forms.  As it says in 1 Peter - we are all given gifts to be faithful representatives of God's grace here on earth.  I was blessed to see His love thru her.  I am forever grateful that she took the time to introduce us to Jesus. More than that, I am grateful that I could see Him thru her.  Helping me to have a better picture of what being a Christian looked like during a normal work day.  I pray that I can give my daughter the same gift.

Lord,
Thank you for my mom.  Thank you for letting me have her for 35 years.  Thank you for the many lessons she taught me.  Help me to be aware of those around me.  Help me to be that same picture of Your love that she was for others. Help me to slow down and to look for the signs.
Amen

Being Goal Oriented

This isn't the first time I've been up late walking circles around my house to get those last few steps or calories burned.  When I had a Fitbit it was to get over 10,000 and now with the Apple Watch it is to get all three circles around to goal.  I call myself goal oriented.  My husband has another term....obsessed!! I can't go to bed without those circles showing I met my goal. If I have to miss a day I find myself feeling sad and defeated. I failed. I missed my goal! I missed it by 20 calories! Might as well be 200!

As I was looking back through my workout history I saw that I've only missed my goal about ten times in the past six months. Not too shabby. 

Then I thought, what if my spiritual life had that same resolve. I will NOT go to bed without spending time with the Lord. I will NOT step a foot on my floor without giving Him my day. What would my goal chart look like if I tracked my time with Him?  I imagine it would not be quite as pretty. 

Don't get me wrong - keeping my body healthy is important. But, keeping my heart and soul healthy is more important.  My spiritual growth won't be tracked by my Apple Watch - but by my growth in understanding His word.  Of all the things that I work out to get smaller...my spiritual walk will grow bigger as my worldliness becomes smaller.  

I will not be defined by the world's beauty - but by my beauty in the eyes of Christ.  He doesn't care what dress size I wear.  He doesn't care if I met my circle goals on my watch.  He cares if I was light in a dark world. He cares if I spent time with Him. Allowing His word to wash over my sinful nature.  

So, I will continue to be goal oriented. But, thanks be to Him, my goal is shifting. Allowing Him to transform my body to be more like His. I love the passage below! 

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:14-21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Lord,

Thank you for the urge to increase my walk with You as well as my walk on the treadmill. Thank you for pointing me to this passage and reminding me that You alone can transform my body, heart, mind, soul.  Continue to re-align my goals to be more like You.

Amen