Chasing Christmas

December is overwhelming. I started off the month with a speaking engagement followed by back-to-back parties at our house. I was so sure life would slow down for us then. I would be able to merely relax for the rest of the month, enjoying all the wonder of the season.

But, I have been chasing Christmas since Dec 1st.

My disappointment came to a head when I was frantically cleaning up one day, realizing my kids had played a game of paper airplanes, flying their creations from high above in our loft area straight down to our foyer. Bending over to pick up one of the airplanes, I realized it had landed in front of my grandmother's china cabinet and I paused there.

Running my hand over the worn corners, I thought of her. I imagined coming in out of the cold into her very warm gas-heated home, slamming her creaky door behind me. I thought of her Christmas tree smothered from top to bottom in silver, stringy icicles. When I was a child, she'd let me throw those onto it in handfuls and never say a word. I thought of how, every Christmas, I would plunder through her old 8-track tapes to find a treasure..."Christmas with the Chipmunks". Alvin, Simon, and Theodore would belt out Christmas classics and I would dance and laugh and sing right along with them. I thought about that old piece of furniture and how along with her china, it once held hundreds of black and white photos. She would sit with me for hours, going through each one, telling me about family members. The most treasured ones were of my grandfather who left for Heaven when I was just 4 years old. He was the one I wanted to hear about the most.

Flooded with memories, I opened every drawer, every single drawer, trying desperately to capture a certain smell that hits me sometimes when I open them. You see, it's the smell of my childhood...the smell of warmth and love and happiness...and yes, even Christmases gone by. I've been so busy, I needed to feel that and hold onto that brief connection to the past...even if just for a moment.

But I couldn't find it. With a tear trickling down my face, staring into the den at my own Christmas tree, I mourned my loss of a peaceful, warm and fuzzy Christmas. Maybe this year I was not going to "feel" Christmas and just about as quickly as that thought crossed my mind, so did another...

Christmas is not a feeling at all.

The movies tell us it is. The commercials do as well. Every Hallmark movie with every sappy, happy ending that we swoon over is fake and while we love it for transporting us to "good feelings" we also fall for the lie that our life must match up to be worthwhile, especially this time of year! We end up believing that Christmas IS in fact all about warm, fuzzy feelings and sweet tender moments and joyous, happy children whose eyes twinkle with delight. If that doesn't happen...if this picture inside our head escapes us...then we are conned into being let down.

But, can I ask you, how in the world can we ever be let down over the most wondrous gift ever given...the gift of our Emmanuel...our "God with us" who stepped out of Heaven to live among us?

His awesome birth IS our focus, whether we have all the sappy feelings or not!

And, speaking of Jesus, can we just focus on his mom for a minute, here?

There's a verse in Luke that says, "but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." As a mom, I have always connected to those words. Practically every mother who has ever lived has stared into the face of her child and wondered who they might become, dreaming of their bright future. Even more so, Mary, who had been visited by an angel and told of her baby's holy purpose! And yet, I think of her also at the foot of the cross a mere 33 years later, watching her beloved child die the most gruesome death imaginable. On that day, her feelings most certainly would not have matched the joyous moment when Jesus' birth was foretold. And, I'm guessing that Mary may have continued to ponder the great mystery of it all, for it is a great mystery! Wasn't her child supposed to become the King?

It is safe to say, God's ways and our ways do not match up and very often, do not make sense. There are truths we know in our hearts that we do not feel, but abide by because we believe. We are called as His children to obey, to be faithful, and to carry on, NOT because we "feel it", but because we believe it!!

And so I am determined to not just let my feelings off the hook this Christmas, but to kick them to the curb! I choose to celebrate Christ and Christ alone...not the presents, not the family time, not the decorations, not the memories of Christmases past, not the Christmas-y feelings in any way, shape, or form....no, I choose to celebrate the birth of a Savior who came to die so that I might live!

He is all the reason I need to realize that this is, in fact, a very merry Christmas, no matter how I feel. 

Joy and Pain Working Together

Just the other day...I traveled home from "The Cove" in Asheville, NC. I was privileged to experience a few amazing, quiet days there at our women's retreat. Quiet rarely describes my life. It was wonderful to have a few days to myself!

Our speaker for part of the weekend was Rebekah Lyons, author of "Freefall to Fly". What a gracious, beautiful, transparent story she tells! I found myself identifying with her so much. God has brought me down similar paths to teach me some of the same faith lessons.

One question Rebekah asked during the weekend has really stuck with me, and here it is - -

"How have both pain and joy impacted your life?"

The answer in my mind was immediate. I instantly had a picture pop in my head. It looked something like this...

It fits with my life and what the Lord has been teaching me in this season - -  that both joy and pain can coexist, just like the two rails on a railroad track, working together. In the hands of God, both are used to sculpt, shape, and bless...yes, bless...our lives.

Not all pain feels like a blessing, for sure...especially in the moment it strikes. The trials we go through can be what the enemy meant for evil. But God? He just keeps on changing those bad situations around, causing triumph, blessing, joy, wholeness, and spiritual growth beyond measure.

What does it look like to have joy and pain simultaneously working together? Well, it seems that at the same time I'm witnessing the metamorphosis of one problem into something of beauty, the revolving door is bringing about a new issue to tackle, a new crisis to confront. Yet, I'm learning something rich and deep in the process...

No matter what comes my way, God is my rock.

He is the sure foundation that stands through it all. He is the anchor that holds, though the ship is weary and worn. He's the answer, though the questions linger. He's the miracle, though the disease rages on. He's the light at the end, though the tunnel ahead appears long and dark.

If this railroad of life, this one bringing both joy and pain, has a closer walk with my Lord as its destination, so be it. I'll take it.

Because, let's be honest, understanding Him intimately and fully seems to require joining with Him in the fellowship of His suffering. That's a hard pill to swallow, but let me tell you...I've never known Jesus on the mountaintop like I've known Him in those moments when it felt like my world was falling apart.

Head-knowledge becomes heart-knowledge in moments like that. It's as if you come face-to-face with your own desperation...and if He doesn't rescue, to whom will you turn? I can't say that in those times God always answers as quickly as I want Him to. Sometimes He purposefully seems to delay so that I can learn a greater lesson, but I can say this, He always answers! He always comes through. Always.

And thinking about those times my Lord has sat with me in my pain until I was ready to move on...that wrecks me...in the very best way possible! When I am ready, He picks me up, dusts me off, and whispers, "I've got you, baby girl! Keep going." Such moments bring tears of joy that fall like rain, as well as renewed courage to face what's next. In Him, I can keep going.

And so the railroad track continues.

Is the journey easy?

No.

Is it worth it?

A thousand times, yes!!!

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"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us."

Romans 5: 3 - 5

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Stuff Happens

This year, a lot of "stuff" has happened...."stuff" I can't go into right now, but hear me...it has been hard!

Don't ever even remotely start to think that you have God figured out, because just when you do, He seems to like to change things up.

That's why I always say, "The Christian life is just one grand adventure!!" Oh, it so is!

You see, pridefully, before "stuff" started happening this year, I began thinking I had some things figured out in life...not a lot of things...I'm not that naive, but there were some. And then this year happened and well, to be quite honest, I'm just scratching my head at all of it.

But while I stare blankly at this canvas of life before me, you know what? That still small voice keeps whispering truth and encouragement and love.

Quite frankly, that's what keeps me in the game. It's what keeps me hope-filled and even, dare I say it - - strong, despite my confusion.

It's because I know - - I KNOW - - that even though I don't understand it all, I'm resting firmly in the palm of the hand of the One Who does.

And He has said that nothing can separate me from His love. He has confirmed His grip on me through both His Word and His actions.

Even when I fear, there is nothing to fear. Even when I doubt, there is nothing to doubt. Even when I blow it big time, there is a second chance waiting on me.

And the best part is...

There is a purpose behind it all.

God never wastes a trial.

I might live to the edge of death's door and step over into eternity not understanding any of the things that have happened this past year...or in the other years before it, for that matter. But you know what? I don't have to understand.

I just have to rest in the fact that God's got me, and He's not going anywhere. This past year has not confused Him or taken Him by surprise. He has a plan.

And even if "stuff" keeps happening that continues to make me scratch my head and stare blankly at the canvas of life before me, I'll keep trusting...

and growing stronger, despite my confusion.

He's got this!

I know it.


For His glory,

Do You Pray Before Meals in Public?

Just the other day...the girls and I had to, once again, vacate the house while construction was going on (the room is still not finished by the way, but when it is, you shall see it...promise). We went to the mall for a few hours and while there, stopped to eat lunch at one of our favorite places. As we always do, we bowed to give thanks for our meal before eating. A few minutes later, a nice older gentleman in a business suit walked up to our table. He remarked that we must be having a "girl's day out" and then he looked at my kids and said, "I want you to know that it blessed me to see you all bow in prayer before your meal. I think that's wonderful." Then he looked at me and said, "You just don't see that much anymore." He patted me on the shoulder as if to say, "good job" and then walked away.

I have pondered his words to us quite a bit over the last little while. Growing up, it was common place to see others in a restaurant bowing for prayer before a meal. Nowadays, it is rare. I guess my family and I are a dying breed. It's just another sign of the times we live in...but, isn't it sad?!

According to the Barna Group, 83% of adults label themselves as "Christian". Of course, I realize that calling yourself a Christian does not necessarily mean you are one, but still, doesn't it seem true that if even 50% were actual Christians, then we should see more prayer going on before meals? Or maybe I'm just really naive (probably so!).

There is a passage in the Matthew 6 that talks about not praying publicly, and I wonder if that's why more Christians do not pray before meals when they are out. Those verses merely address the attitude of the heart in prayer, though. It warns not to let the intent of your praying be "to be seen" by others so that they applaud you or hold you in high regard.

If the true intent of your heart is to give thanks to the Lord and to humbly ask His blessing on a meal, whether at home or in public, then it is certainly acceptable in His sight!

I have to wonder though, if some Christians choose NOT to pray before meals in public because they are embarrassed. If that's the case, well, that makes me really sad! I think it's just another way that we, as Christians, are letting the world dictate our actions instead of our faith.

If we can't bow reverently prior to something as simple as a meal in public, I wonder how we will ever take a stand when it comes to matters of greater importance?

"Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26

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Boy-Drama Begins

Just the other day...Princess #2, who is all of five years old, was not herself. We had just gotten home after church and she was huffing and puffing around like a mad woman. When I asked her what was wrong, she ran to her room. "Oh, mercy...what could have happened?!" I wondered. I mean, she can be dramatic but even so, this was a little over-the-top for her. Quickly, I followed her and when I opened the door I saw that she was sitting on her bed with her arms crossed. She wore the cutest little pouty face, with her lips pursed and her eyebrows furrowed.

Passing My Faith Down To My Children

Just the other day…a friend from college called me up, asking for advice with her kids. She said something like, “You seem to be great at passing your faith along to your children, so I wanted to pick your brain a little bit and find out what you do.”  I definitely believe that passing along my faith is the most important job I have, so of course I was happy to share! Later on I thought, “There could possibly be other moms, especially new moms, who need some suggestions. What a great blog idea!” So, here you go. Today I’m sharing all the ways I attempt to pass my faith along.

   

Now please hear me, I know there are FAR better and wiser moms out there who do a MUCH BETTER job at this than I do, but I can assure you, I try really hard. Also, believe me, I realize that in sharing such suggestions, you could see this as a mandate that I believe this is what you have to be doing. Please don’t do that! Sift and filter through this list, take what you need, leave what you don’t, and above all, live in His grace!!!

At the end, feel free to add other ideas in the comment section. We are all in this journey of faith, seeking to learn and grow. This would be a great place to gain insights from each other!

Without further delay, here’s the list (cause lists & I get along really well):

• The most important thing I do for my kids is stop when they have a question pertaining to God, church, heaven, the Bible, etc. My kids know how important it is to me simply because I take the time to answer and to help them understand, no matter what time of day or what the situation. I don’t tell them to ask me later, I don’t say “not now”, I don’t say “ask your father”, I don’t say “you’ll understand it someday”…no, 99.9 percent of the time I am answering the question or looking up the answer in the Bible to show them or doing something to help them understand (I've even been known to act out Bible stories). As stated above, I think this is the #1 most important way I pass on my faith to my kids. Why? Because if my child asks the question, it means it's a topic on her heart and therefore, she will be totally engaged, wanting to know the answer (right then, not later).

• I have read to my children from kid-friendly Bibles or age appropriate devotional books from very early ages. I have known that it’s important to get the Word of God in them and to get it softening their little hearts early.

• I have sung to my kids, well, since they were in the womb.  Of course, I sing songs like “Jesus Loves Me” and “This Little Light of Mine”, but also hymns like “The Old Rugged Cross” or worship songs like “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” Again, it’s about a repeated message and I believe it prepares little hearts to hear the gospel later on.

• We pray together all the time. We pray at the start of the day at breakfast. We pray at the start of our home school. We pray during home school for other countries and people groups. We pray, of course, at each meal, whether here at home or out at a restaurant. We stop and pray anytime someone calls us and asks for it. We pray anytime there is sickness in our house. We pray in our car each and every time we leave our driveway to go anywhere (please note: each time we go somewhere, it involves a trip…no store just around the corner here). Lastly, we pray with each child, individually, before they go to sleep at night. Bedtime has become a favorite time for my kids to ask those “deep” questions burning in their minds...it's usually some of the sweetest and most special times!

• From the time my kids were babies, I have tried to bring God into our conversations.  I have done this most often as we are playing outside. I’ll say something like, “Look at the beautiful day God gave us, girls!” or “Isn’t God so amazing...look at that gorgeous sunset He made!” But more than that, I try (notice I said TRY) to listen for times when God is providing me with a teachable moment. When those moments present themselves, I try to seize them. Actually, I pray for those kind of moments. Life is the best teacher, and this world, the most amazing classroom!

• This probably goes without saying, but my children attend church regularly. They go to Sunday School, Children's Church, Mission Friends/GA's, and also to AWANA. They are hearing and learning the Word all the time. I believe it's so important for them to hear the Christian message from other people! I'm so very thankful for each and every person who takes the time to pour into their lives!

• I guard my kids from watching negative things on TV (and yes...there's a lot of it)! Almost every show my kids watch is either educational or inspiring. Also, we have invested in a lot of Christian cartoons/videos (things like Boz the Bear, Gigi: God’s Little Princess, Superbook, Veggie Tales, etc.). My kids take notice when they are watching something with a Christian message, and they get excited about it! I also guard the kind of music my kids listen to. My car radio is always set to either a Christian station or to classical music, and at home we love to listen to Pandora (setting up our own "stations" that play our favorite Christian artists).

And that leads me to my last point…

If you possibly read the post I wrote about my dad last Father’s Day, you might remember that in my childhood home, my parents were wonderful guardians of the faith. They created such an atmosphere of honor for the Lord, when I got “out into the world”, the differences slapped me in the face. Without question, I knew the choices I wanted to make and you know what, I want the same "revelation" to happen to my children one day! Don't you want that for yours?!

Peace and blessings abound in an atmosphere that honors the Lord!

Let me leave you with a quick question:

If Jesus Himself were to physically walk into your home, would He be honored by the way you are raising your children to know Him?

If that answer is YES, I applaud you and say keep up the great work! If that answer is NO, I want you to know that it is never too late to start honoring Him...your children will rise to the task of centering your lives on the Lord, if you do. Parent, they will follow your lead!

"Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates."

Deuteronomy 6:7 (The Message)


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For His glory,

I Want To Be Like Tim Tebow

Just the other day…I started really paying attention to a kid named Tim Tebow. To be honest, at first, I started paying attention because I heard he was homeschooled. Since I homeschool my kids, I am constantly aware of the “labels” that might be placed on them. And this Tebow kid, well, he seemed to have overcome some of the stereotypical branding of the home educated, so I began to take note. Then, I began to hear about his wonderful mom, his upbringing, and the fact that he had spent part of his childhood in the Philippines…the place where I took my first mission trip. But above all, this kid was a Christian, and a vocal one at that. That last fact is what really, really got my attention.

Lately, it seems the whole world is talking about Tebow…and his throwing arm…and his team…and “tebowing”, but more than anything, the world is talking about Tim Tebow’s character and his relationship with his God, who just happens to be my God!  And can I just say, I think Tim is doing it all right, as far as I can tell.

I love, love, love the fact that he talks about his talent in football being a platform, or a stage if you will, to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ!!! I love that he talks about the people that he has gotten to help as a result of his talent (and that number is growing daily). I love that his focus is not himself, his accomplishments, his stats, and his popularity. His focus is on the Lord and on advancing His kingdom.

Certainly, Tim is human and he must sometimes feel like patting himself on the back. When he lies down at night, I’m sure he’s tempted to focus on himself and all of his accomplishments. But I just praise God that, so far, Tebow has silenced those thoughts and seems to have brought them under the subjection of our Almighty God. Listen, I may be a woman, but can I just be honest…

I want to be like Tim Tebow.

I pray to be able to silence every temptation to take any of God’s glory for myself. In any situation I am in, whether it be on my best day or on a day riddled with inconvenience and pain, I want to be found lifting high the name of my Lord and Savior!!!  I want my life to say to the world, “Look at Him! Look at Jesus! Isn’t He the most wonderful, amazing God?!” Our focus should always be on the Creator and never the creation.

The enemy will constantly tempt us to be partakers with him, to become so enamored with our own “beauty” that we think we deserve a piece of the praise. And I believe it is a slap in the face of God when He gives us talents and we then claim them as our own doing, as if we are, by our very nature, special. No… any talent, or gift, or calling on your life, was given to you by a gracious, loving God and you need to use it for His glory…not for your own…ever.

What this world needs is more very vocal Tim Tebow’s in the Christian faith! Did you know that he simply wrote “John 3:16” on his face for a championship game and that caused 93 million people to google the verse?! Wow! What an influence!

I pray that Tim keeps proclaiming the name of Christ until his last breath, and I pray that he will stay strong in his faith. As Christians, I think we all need to be praying for him. I know there’s a world out there waiting to say, “I told you so…nobody is that good and honest.”  However, I think that every day Tebow stays the course, another kid out there sees a true hero…not on the football field, but in life…and most importantly, in the Christian faith.

Tim Tebow’s mission is to point people to Jesus and to advance His kingdom. Mine is the same. What about you? Is it yours?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16


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For His glory, 

Questioning Why

Just the other day...I wrestled with "why". I know we all wrestle with "why" at times, but for me, I guess it was the most real I had ever let myself become in the struggle. Does that make any sense? What I mean is, for once, I didn't try to "hide" my struggle from God. I didn't try to tell God something He already knew I was only saying to try to "appease" Him. In the past, I would politely say, "Lord, I don't know why, but You do, so it's okay." Nope...not this time. I was so truthful with Him. The hurt went deeper this time and my questioning was more like, "Lord, I know You are good, so how in the world could such a tragedy happen?! You do not make sense." Yep...I was that truthful with Him. He handles truthfulness very well.

I'd like to report that He sent a lightening bolt down from heaven and inscribed the answer to me on rocks in my front yard, but we both know that would be outrageous:) I'd also like to report that my struggle only lasted a few hours. It was more like a few months. During that time, I questioned and I doubted. I wavered between the truth and the lie. It got so bad that I admitted my struggle to my husband (even as my pride told me to act like "super-Christian" and stuff it). He tenderly held me as I cried, and then cried some more. It had been a very long time since I had struggled with such doubt.

Do you remember the feeling you had when you figured out that Santa was not real? Do you remember the let down?

That is what I felt like I was teetering on...not questioning God's existence, but questioning God's goodness...and I was so scared I was going to be slapped in the face with a new reality. My heart told me the truth, but my head wanted a concrete answer for why God allows some of the things He does.

I never found one.

Do you know what I did find?

Grace...and a new word called, eucharisteo.

God, my kind and patient Father, led me to read a book by a woman who had traveled down this same path and shared my same struggle. Upon picking up the book, I had no clue what it was about, so realizing the subject matter placed me in awe of the Lord once again, for He is the God of the details, you know. From page one, I knew this book was an answer to my cry for help.

The name of the book is "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. It is now a best seller, I believe, so you've probably heard of it and hopefully, you have already read it. If you haven't, I implore you to pick up a copy as soon as you can. There are no words to explain how beautiful Ann writes. It's almost like reading a poem by one of the greats. But beyond all of that, she explains "eucharisteo" and shows how Jesus, by His example at the Last Supper, taught us how to transfigure all things by giving thanks.

It is in learning to give thanks that my own life has been transfigured. I find it ironic that pain and struggle ultimately led to this transformation. Many times, what we fear the most is really what we need the most! 

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In Ann's book, she keeps a list of things for which she is thankful. I started a list as well. Here is just a sampling of the many that I have listed:

• quiet moments when little ones are sleeping peacefully in their beds 
• people that are still searching out God, just like me
• creaking swings on sunny afternoons
• finding safety in the arms of the One who will never let me go
• nice police men who give me grace
• love that grows deeper as time goes on
• girly giggles
• a best friend who "gets me"
• getting to point out His way and His gifts to my children
• dairy cows on green hills
• soft puppy fur on my feet
• long conversations with my husband
• the way home feels after a long trip
• missionaries who boldly proclaim the gospel in the midst of terror
• finding freedom, like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon
• friends who let me know that they care
• healing
• a surprise visit from my brother
• realizing how thankfulness opens one's eyes

This Thanksgiving, may you truly realize that your blessings abound...and may you humbly bow in thanks to the Giver of them all!!!

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For His glory,

Princess #3 and a Panic Attack

Today, on Princess #3's second birthday, I was reminded of a blog post I wrote a while back and never shared...honestly...out of pride. I didn't want to be seen as weak. If you listened to the recent radio show I was on, you'll recall that I said something like, "I don't get much out of a relationship when people aren't real. When we open up and get really honest, then we can encourage and inspire each other." It was something like that. Anyways, I stepped on my own toes with that one! So, here it is...my story of weakness exposed in hopes the Lord can use it to help one of you!

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Just the other day, I was as still as I could be as my upper chest passed through the open tube of the massive machine. Alone, in that cold room, with my heart racing and unexplained pressure in my chest, I quoted scripture one after the other after the other. I prayed desperately that this wasn’t “it” for me. The ER doctor had ordered the CAT scan about an hour earlier, after blood had been drawn and other tests performed. My precious husband and mother were waiting back in the examining room, their own emotions running wild as they tried in vain to quiet my very hungry 5-day-old baby girl.

Fear had enveloped me months before as a doctor coaxed me into voluntary house arrest due to the H1N1 virus spreading through our community. “Pregnant women are dying from this flu and we don’t know why” he had said. Then, as time inched closer to my third c-section, all I could think of was the last c-section when my epidural had not worked. What if it didn’t work this time? What if they had to put me to sleep again? Last time, I was blissfully unaware of the risks. This time, I knew them all too well.

Thankfully, our baby girl entered this world on a blustery-cold November morning, beautiful and healthy as can be! During my c-section, the epidural had not worked, but thankfully the “spinal” did. Our little princess was precious from the start, but also about as cranky as they come! So, after arriving home, more fearful thoughts began, “How in the world am I going to handle a baby that cries constantly along with two other young children at home?” I tried to push those thoughts out of my head and told myself the continual crying was temporary. Surely things would be better by the time my parents went back home (they had come to help out for a little over week).

On top of all of my apprehension, while trying to heal, some nasty complications developed from the surgery…things I hadn’t experienced after my previous c-sections. I had noticed pressure developing in my chest, but with so much going on, I brushed it off. Then, a few heart palpitations started and I began to take notice a little more. Within hours, I was getting short of breath, so I finally called my doctor. “Get to the ER!” she said…along with something about the possibility of blood clots.

I had tried for weeks to get a handle on the fear growing within me. I even called on friends to pray for me. Still, the comforting peace that I was accustomed to could not be found, and that was confusing! I was tempted to take it as God’s answer that this was “it” and soon I’d be seeing Him face-to-face! Looking back, that thought seems so ridiculous, but I can assure you at the time, fear caused me to waver.


Ultimately, after over four hours in the ER, it was determined that I had just suffered my first, and prayerfully, my last, panic attack. It was not a fun experience to say the least. I struggled with what to do with the news. I wish I could say that all of my feelings of anxiety vanished immediately, but unfortunately they didn’t. For weeks after that, I would begin to feel the pressure in my chest and then cry out to the Lord for help. Thankfully, I never had another attack. I feel certain that my raging pregnancy hormones had a lot to do with it. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.

So why didn't peace come immediately for me? I can't tell you. Sometimes answers come easily, sometimes they don't. I do believe that it was some sort of a test for me. It’s like God was saying, “You know I love you, baby girl, but this time I want you to stand on your own spiritual two feet and fight. You may not feel me, but you KNOW I’m with you. I’ve told you in my Word and proven it to you over and over again. Trust me.”

I felt like fear was like a blanket of darkness covering me and trying to smother me. I may have stumbled around in the darkness a bit, but Praise Him, I did not fall! The unseen hand of my Father was grasping mine the entire time. His Word says, “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) Also, Psalm 37:23-24 says, "If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand."

I know that many times the Lord does indeed comfort and guide by His peace. However, there are times when, for whatever reason, that "feeling" doesn’t come. Are we to be led by our feelings? Absolutely not! He’s still “got” us even when we don’t feel like He’s anywhere around! The Word says, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7-10) 

The Lord also speaks of those who are His in John 10:29 when He says, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand." Did you read that?! We are His and He ALWAYS takes care of His children. He is ALWAYS with us, whether we “feel” Him or not. When He seems to hide, we are to stand firm in what we KNOW. It’s at those times more than ever that we must stand firm on the promises of His Word!

One of my all-time favorite quotes is from a powerful woman of God named Corrie Ten Boom:

“Faith is believing in the dark what God spoke to you in the light.”

Exactly.

----------------------
*Linking up at Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Joy in this Journey, and A Pause on the Path

For His glory,

I Choose Faith

Just the other day...I felt that nudge. You know the nudge. It's that gentle push that God gives when He's about to push you out of the nest again, kinda like a momma bird teaching her young how to fly (I'm quickly learning not to get too comfortable in the nest). Then, He gave me thoughts, thoughts about His daughters meeting together for a night of worship. And then He just continued to give thoughts and impressions and before I knew it I was thinking, "Lord, I know this has to be You because this is so beyond me, it won't work unless it IS YOU!"

See, I really don't have big plans and big dreams...

but God does.

There's a generation of women and girls out there He died to reach and somehow, I don't think they have yet captured His heart for them. In fact, I just know it. I don't know it in my head. I know it in my heart, in that deep place where He speaks to me. And it hurts to see my sisters walk in such pain and confusion, not knowing who they were created to be.  Lies have kept us bound for way too long...they have kept me bound for way too long(!)...and I'm ready to see all of us walking in freedom!

So on October 7th of this year, our little church is starting something called NOWW, which stands for Night of Worship for Women. Monthly, we will hold a worship service that features various praise and worship leaders along with different speakers. If I could, I would tell you every detail about how God has already worked things out for this, even down to the tiniest detail, but it would make this way too long. I'll just say, He is on the move!!! I can't wait to see what He does (I'm filled with such excitement, I feel it in the pit of my stomach. Yep, that excited!!!).

I'm asking simply for those of you who read this blog to please pray...especially because I know so many of you have a love for women's ministry. From what I can determine right now, there should be close to a hundred women at our first gathering. Wow. What can God do with a hundred women set on fire for Him?! Change a community? Change a nation? Change the world???

See, I really don't have big dreams.

But God does.

FEAR can keep me from being a participant in His dream, or FAITH can propel me to play a role.

I choose faith.

  

For His glory,

Every Shadow is an Opportunity

Just the other day...I wrote a letter to God. I'm sharing it here in hopes that it might help someone else.

_____________

What I don't deserve You freely give and all to say, "I love you." I'll ponder it my whole life long and never understand it. Such grace...so many good things...all too many to count. And yet, at times my eyes look around at my life and they betray me, telling me the opposite is true...that You are not for me, that somehow I have missed the mark.

When I look behind me, I know the truth. The truth that, just as I see such beauty in creation...Your handiwork so evident in the landscape around me...I see it in the pathways I have walked. Behind me, I can see all of Your goodness in all of it's glory. Behind me, Your faithfulness shines like the noonday sun. For there You have worked out every intricate detail in all Your majesty. You are the One, the glorious One, who has crafted a work of beauty out of every trial and every pain. Behind me the road is paved amazingly well and it reflects and reveals grace. It reveals You. 

It's only where I'm standing at the moment that there seems to be shadows. It's here in the shadows that I hear the sinister question, "Did God really say______???......Surely not."

Oh, how I wrestle in the shadows.

In the shadows, I enter into the ever-constant, staggering dance between faith and doubt. Full of faith and confidence one minute, full of anxiety and fear the next. I know it's not what You want, this double-minded and divided heart. But how to rid myself of it? The answer escapes me.

So I turn to Your word, and there You are.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does."

James 1: 22 - 25

That's exactly it!

When I immerse myself in the Word...not just read it, but meditate on it and act upon it, I understand. I see so clearly! I "look intently into the perfect law" and yes, it gives me freedom...such freedom and clarity!!! But then, I walk away from that perfect reflection and I forget who I am in You (i.e. royalty, a daughter, righteous because of Your sacrifice). I become blind, deaf, and dumb. I become needy, like a beggar, seeking some kind of affirmation when You have already shown me the truth and what to believe. When the ball is in my court, when it's time for me to act out my faith and to rest in it, so many times I botch things up...forgetting.

And do You know what's worse than forgetting who I am?

It's forgetting Who You are.

I never actually forget You, but in the shadows, so many times I forget to proclaim Your truth and stand on it. I pray that in the shadows, I can be found recounting Your truths..."My Father is the Lord of all creation. He is on His throne, exalted and in full control. I am His daughter, saved by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. No good thing will He withhold from me. His love for me is immeasurable. He is Lord over every circumstance. He holds my days in the palm of His hands. My Father has plans to prosper me and not to harm me. He has plans to give me a hope and a future. He is for me. Is there anyone or anything that I should fear?!"

When will I learn that every shadow is an opportunity?

Every shadow is an opportunity for me to choose to remember who I am, but more than that, the shadows are an opportunity to remember who You are.

Every shadow gives me a chance to proclaim Your word,

pray Your will,

trust in Who you are,

and rest in the fact that You will come through...

GLORIOUSLY!!!

Just as You have in the pathways I have walked before.

 ________

 
What about you? What are you choosing to do in your shadows today?

For His glory,

Faithful Father

Just the other day, I was flipping through my personal journal. I came across a prayer I had written to the Lord. The entry date was a little over a year ago. I sat amazed because everything I was praying about then, God had answered!!! Not only that, He had answered beyond what I ever could have expected! To be quite honest, I had forgotten about that prayer. But God did not. And that’s just like Him. It’s what He loves to do with His children. He loves to surprise us with more than we thought possible! 

Oh, I know, sometimes the roads we travel down are…well…immensely difficult…but the outcome is so worth the struggle! So often, we run from the pain and the discomfort, when in actuality, we should learn to embrace it. There are lessons to be taught in the place of pain. No amount of time “on the mountaintop” would ever produce the same benefits. Do I think the Lord causes the pain? No. Do I think the Lord uses what “satan meant for evil” to produce some really great stuff in our lives? Yes!

If we understand the Lord as the perfect Father, we understand that it is NEVER His intent to bring us harm. Never. It is His desire to see us whole and healthy…physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally…all the way around! His word says that He came so that we may have abundant life and I’m telling you, that kind of life can be found even in the midst of pain if you make the Lord, your Father, your dwelling place…your home...your safe haven. And you know what I realized that day as I was reading my journal? I honestly think that maybe for the first time in my life, I really did go a whole year making Him my safe haven…running straight to Him with everything…especially with the hard stuff that I didn't understand. I know that must sound ridiculous, saying this is the first year I had done that, but in the past, truthfully, I would get some crazy thought in my head (a lie from satan) and decide to let it build a wall between the Lord and I (you can travel over here to read an example). This year, I actually relied on faith, believing NOT on what I saw or felt, but rather, on the truth I saw in His word or the truth He impressed upon me. I prayed through the doubt and I took my stuff straight to Him. Would you believe that it works!? Ha! Trust me…you can trust Him!!!

He will come through for you. He will fight for you. He will defend you. He will heal you. He will make the path straight. He will guide you. He will teach you. He will sustain you. He will carry you. He will shower blessings upon you. He will be a Father to you. He will love on you. He will comfort you. He will bring you peace. He will be your strength. He will answer your prayers…

even if you forget that you asked them.

Because that’s just who He is…

Faithful.

Please watch the following video. You'll be blessed!

 

The Place of "Not-Knowing"

Just the other day, my husband found an old video. It was of my first daughter's 2nd birthday party. As I stood watching part of the video, I admired the amazing cuteness of that precious girl on the screen. She looked like a little princess in her pink party dress, which was adorned with balloons, ribbons, and a "2" in the middle of her chest. Oh, but then came the part where I was on camera. Groan. Aside from the obvious fact that I was much skinnier back then (grrr!), I was immediately hit with one single thought, "I wish I could tell that girl (me) what's coming. I wish I could encourage her just a bit that it's all gonna be ok and that in the end, the result will be worth it." Wouldn't that be GREAT if we could somehow encourage our future selves about what's around the corner?! Not so that we could blab every detail, but so that we could just assure ourselves..."It's not gonna be fun, in fact, you're about to walk through some really hard times, but things work out beautifully, trust me! I can't wait for you to see it!"

Yeah...that would be awesome...

or would it?

Really...would it???

Once I truly thought about it, I realized the "not-knowing" is what has molded me into who I am today. The place of "not-knowing" has been my classroom. In fact, it has kept me dependent on the ONE Who Matters Most. It has had me on my knees...weeping, begging, pleading, and finally leaving "it" in His capable hands. The "not-knowing" is what has driven me to trust...to have faith...to hope when all hope seems lost. And the end result may or may not be what I had hoped for, but the Lord weaves His beauty and His glory into it, always making it better than what I had hoped. In the end, His decision is always the right one, whether I deem it be or not. And frankly, it's the process of going through, the process of making it to the other side, where some of the richest treasure is to be found! It's the resistance and the struggle and the learning to give it all to God that makes warriors out of babes. If anything, I have learned this...when I try to fix everything in my life, I fail miserably. When I give it to the Lord, I always win!

Do I have battle scars?

Yes.

Are there things I don't understand? 

Absolutely. 

Does it keep me from running to the Lord when I find myself in the place of "not-knowing"? 

NO. 

The Lord told His servant Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12: 9)

You and I, my dear friends, are wise to take up the same declaration as Paul: "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 Cor 12: 10)

True strength will always be the result of a life broken before the Lord.

And the place of "not-knowing" is where the wise declare, "Break me."

Nothing Compares

Just the other day, I started thinking about the times in my life that have been the most precious and the most memorable. You know, times such as falling in love, getting married, the days my babies were born, special Christmases and Thanksgivings, etc. If each of us made a list, we probably all would come back to the same basic things. But you know what? As precious as those times were, I can now look back and say with all sincerity, those times will never compare to the intimate times I have spent with my Lord…those sweet times when His very presence rests upon me. I LIVE for those moments and I long for the next time that I get to be alone with Him. I guess you could say that I’m ruined for His touch. I’m like a kid in a candy store craving more, more, more of Him! 

 

I have a sweet family member who recently said exactly what I used to say as a young girl and it is this, “I hope the Lord doesn’t come back before I get married and have kids.” Come on now (if you are a Christian) haven’t you said that at some point in your life too? If you didn’t say it, I bet you at least thought it!  I totally get that feeling and understand it (it is a worthy desire), but in a way it makes me sad. Why? Simply because it showcases a classic trap. 

As an adult, I now realize that having those feelings of longing for something else are satan’s way of distracting us from what truly matters. He tries to get our minds on future goals so much that we forget about God in the here and now. He plants thoughts in our minds like, “If you could just find the love of your life, you would be fulfilled. If you could just have a child, then you would have joy. If you could just have a big house, you’d be happy.  If you could just have a wife or husband like that other person has, then your marriage would be awesome, too. If you could just land your dream job, all your problems would be over. If you could just prove yourself to others by doing (insert whatever), then you will have arrived.”

Are you seeing the pattern? As long as he can keep you grasping for something you don’t yet have thinking it will fulfill you, then he has you trapped! He has you distracted. He has you running in circles and getting nowhere. He doesn’t want you to seek THE REAL ANSWER to all of your deepest needs. Those answers can only be found in a LIVING, ACTIVE, COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!!!! He wants to keep you thinking that SOMETHING in this life is going to fill you up and finally make you truly happy.

I hate to burst your bubble, but it’s never, ever going to happen. Take it from a person who, although I called myself a Christian, tried to fill my deepest needs through so many other things. I was drowning in the lie and chasing a fantasy...a façade. Now that I’ve lived a few years and have experienced much, I can tell you from the core of my being…THE LORD IS “IT”!!! In Him, humanities deepest desires are met, and not only that, they are surpassed to the ten thousandth degree!

God is my Center, my Father, my Lover, my Best Friend, my Everything! All good and perfect gifts flow from Him (and I am richly blessed), but He is the SOURCE of it all!!! And His presence, I’m telling you… NOTHING COMPARES to it. It is indescribable and utterly amazing and ultimately life-altering!

If you have been searching and trying to fill your desires with anything other than Him, I encourage you to repent and go after HIM ALONE. Pursue Him like your life depends on it, because it truly does. Matthew 10: 37 - 39 (NLT) says, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.”

I’m begging you to give up trying to put other things in God’s rightful place. I’m begging you to quit searching for fulfillment outside of Him. Give up your life, your goals, your dreams, your ambitions and go after God…and through Him TRUE LIFE, TRUE LIVING, AND TRUE RELATIONSHIP WILL BE FOUND.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to Him!!!!!!!!!! I personally guarantee it;)

For His glory,

Resting at Your Feet

Just the other day...I was cooking supper. D had taken the girls (all 3...woohoo!) with him on an errand, so I was alone…a rarity! I was talking to the Lord about what He wanted me to do for Him. Ya know, I was giving Him suggestions (because that helps Him make a decision right?! ;) Suddenly, I heard Him ask me a couple of questions, “Why must you DO something for me? Could you just BE with me?” As usual, His truth sent tears down my face. Those questions pierced my heart. It's so TRUE!!! I get so intent on DOING, that I forget, He just longs for me to just quietly sit at His feet and cultivate a relationship with Him. He created me for that!!! It's His hearts desire.

 "Oh, I’m so sorry Lord, for neglecting THE MOST IMPORTANT thing. “Doing” is not bad, but if it comes before “being”, it becomes an idol. It becomes about ME and not about YOU (even though I tell myself that I’m “doing” it..whatever it may be…for You). Father, I love You with all of my heart. I never, ever mean to get distracted and overwhelmed with life. It just happens before I know it. Thank You for Your long-suffering and amazing patience with me. Thank You for grace that forgives my weaknesses. I know You are showing me a better way. Please help me, daily, to walk in it. Show me the discipline that I need. Help me to be diligent. And always, always, remind me to just BE with You...because that is where ALL I need is found…resting at Your feet."

The Most Important Place

Resting at Your feet,

Is where I want to be.

Quiet and at peace,

In the presence of my King.

Here my soul’s at rest,

No worry and no fear,

Here I am assured,

That You hold me and You’re near.

I feel Your love surrounding me,

You envelope me with peace.

In all Your ways, for all my days,

This is where I want to be…

Resting

Stopping

Basking

...at Your feet.

For His glory,

What is in a Name?

Just the other day, I was lying in bed thinking about stuff (cause that's what I do) and I was trying to decide what I would "name" my girls if I had to choose a particular characteristic or description. I was thinking about it because S had found an old name book and she was so bummed that her name didn't really have a meaning. Anyways, here's what I came up with:

My oldest would be something like "discovery" because of her insatiable desire to learn, and "creativity" because she draws/builds/constructs some of the most elaborate things I have ever seen from a child her age. Her God-given abilities are amazing! She is constantly either reading/learning or creating. Case in point: at her birthday party this year, we bought her some new books. The child actually asked to read her new book in the middle of her party! What kid does that?! She's gonna change the world.

My middle child would be named "passion" and "heart". She just loves life and she lives life to the full every single day. She is almost always smiling and if she does get down, she doesn't stay down for long! She also just cares very deeply about others...she loves to give love and be loved. She's one of those people that you are drawn to for no particular reason. She lights up a room just by being in it.

My baby is still, well, a baby, so she's a little difficult to figure out. I think her actual name probably fits her very well cause I'd just say she's "joy" mixed with a little "head strong"...ha! She already just loves making other people happy. If she finds something you love, she'll do it over and over. She has danced since the time she could pull up and hold onto anything. She's a happy girl, until there is something she wants and then...you better watch out! I just know that "head strongness" (yes, I am making up words) will come in handy one day:) I can't wait to see more of her personality emerge.

My children are sooooo much more than these brief descriptions, so don't think these are a life label or anything. Children are treasures to be discovered moment-by-moment and day-by-day. I know that my kids are on a journey just like me. They will grow, they will change, and they will become all that God wants them to be. I'm so thankful that all three are each so different and so unique! I am so priviledged to get to be their mommy!!! The Lord has entrusted me with some of His richest blessings (which is exciting and sobering all at the same time).

Daring to Believe

Just the other day I was eating lunch with my children and all of a sudden one of them asked me, “Mommy, what’s your dream?” Of course this took me by surprise. That’s a weird, deep question to be asking. I’m accustomed to silliness at the table and at least once having to remind them, “No potty-talk!” I was unprepared for this what’s-my-dream-stuff.  I just kind of shrugged it off and said, “I don’t really have a dream, baby.” But, then she persisted...”Mommy, what’s your dream?” Goodness, she’s not going to accept a non-answer.  I just thought a minute and said, “I’m living my dream.” She looked at me and smiled, pacified for the moment (and I wiped the sweat from my brow in relief).

 

Suddenly, she started in on her dream. To say she loves to read American Girl books is somewhat of an understatement. She literally gets up in the morning and goes straight to get one of them, even though she has read it before a zillion times. Her dream, she says, is to have an American Girl series patterned after her life! Wow!! Now, there’s a good dream.

It was at this point that I kind of started getting it.

Next, my four year old piped up. Little blondie, who loves rainbows and colors just as much as her big sister loves to read says, “I want to build my own rainbow rollercoaster that ends in a cloud and goes over a big castle just like the one at Disney World.” 

As my kids would say, now I “super-duper” got it and it made sense. The lightbulb came on. WHAT’S MY DREAM???? What is it that might be so impossible that I only let myself “go there” every now and then? Or, to put it in other words, what is my deep heart’s desire? What am I hoping for (but possibly scared to really ask God for)?

 I sat there, GETTING it, and my big girl knew it.  Oh, please, please, don’t…………

"Mommy, tell me your dream." 

Man! She did it. She asked me again! I was already fighting back the tears. 

“I DO have one of those dreams, but I can’t tell you about it right now.” She saw that I was crying and that it obviously meant something to me, so she matter-of-factly went on about her business and that was the end of it…for her. 

For me, it has been a completely different story.

Please don’t think I am being flippant when I say this, but it’s the only way I know to convey my feelings. Here it goes: In that moment, I simply wanted to look up at God and say, “REALLY??!?! Again?!?!” in a very sarcastic tone. Why? Well, because He is up to something, that’s why and He’s trying to get me to believe Him for MORE.

How do I know this? Simply because everywhere I go and every time I turn around, someone says something or does something that completely pertains to this DREAM of mine. And each time it happens, it’s like He is fanning the flame of my desire and stirring up hope. He is even using my own daughters…both of them…in different things they say. Seriously, He is up to something!!! And as much as I LOVE that He is so detailed and I harp on life being a grand adventure when Jesus Christ is LORD of your life, I have to be frank… believing for a hope that is so dear to me is HARD WORK! It’s difficult. And, you must understand, my dream (in my mind) is HUGE.

There is a certain verse the Lord “high-lighted” in my life back in 2009. That verse is Ephesians 3: 20-21. I love how the “Amplified Version” explains it...

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

Around the time God brought this verse up in my life, I was believing Him to answer my “big” dream: the dream of having just one more child. I thought the situation was impossible. But, of course “impossible” is not even in God’s vocabulary.  Seriously, as soon as He removed a certain hinderance (for lack of a better word), I got pregnant about as fast as you can blink (okay, maybe not that fast, but you know what I’m saying).  I was AMAZED and astounded at how fast He moved! And, you know what, I guess I thought that was it! I was satisfied that He had done moooore than I could have dreamed.  It sounds silly, but our baby is a miracle and now I have 3 wonderful little miracle-princesses and feel so immensely blessed and life is good and…….. then…...

THAT SAME VERSE showed up again! It came up first at a conference I went to with my husband. It came up again at my women’s Bible study during the latter part of last year. Then this month, it came up AGAIN in our study. Our speaker (Priscilla Shirer - through DVD), picked this verse apart and basically talked about how God able (He is oh-so-able!) to go “way past” whatever our seemingly impossible dreams may be. He goes “beyond” whatever you think is already beyond your wildest imagination. So I’m basically getting the idea that God is saying to me, “You thought that was something, your last dream. Baby girl, I see that other NEW dream that is brewing. I know the desires of your heart; I place them there. I know in your eyes it is impossible. But, I’m about to show you that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE with me. I am the God who does exceedingly immeasurably beyond.” Yep, that’s what I think He is saying to me...and it is scaring the pants off of me, in the best way possible!!!

So, now all I can do is wait expectantly. In His time and His own way, He IS going to make my dream a reality. I just know it. Why? Because whenever I get content with Him and think He’s done it all, He takes great pleasure in blowing my wimpy expectations out of the water. So I’m just going to sit back and let Him make a spectacle of Himself (please do, Lord!). TO HIM BE THE GLORY!!! Y’all just stay tuned and wait with me. When this dream becomes a reality, I’ll post a hallelujah blog!!

 

Here are just a few more verses on HOPE:

But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. Psalm 71:14

But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure. Romans 8:25


For His glory,

    

Stinky Feet

Just the other day...I sat again, with my Bible open and coffee in hand, reading the book of John. Have you ever read the Bible and literally had words jump off the page at you? That's how it has been for me lately...so fresh, so deep, so life-giving. I was reading about how Jesus got up from the Passover feast that He was enjoying with the disciples, how he put a towel around His waist, and then proceeded to wash and then dry the disciples feet. Again, my imagination kicked in...imagining GOD washing my feet. Not just washing them, but then taking the time to dry them with the towel around His waist. What love...breathtaking...and amazingly humbling. Seriously, if you're ever around me, just feel free to keep your feet to yourself, please:) Who wants to touch another person's nasty feet?! Not me!! And in those days, they had dusty roads and wore sandals. Imagine the filth!!! GROSS. But here is the God of the universe bowing before His precious creation to teach them a lesson...and we dare not miss this lesson. It's a biggie!!! Read it for yourself:

¹²When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. ¹³"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. ¹⁴Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. ¹⁵I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.


You should wash one another's feet. I did it for you as an example, now you do it also. Ah...but what does that really look like? What does that really mean? Do we carry around a basin and towel everywhere we go? I'm thinkin' that's not what He was getting at...and bare with me because I am certainly not a theologian (remember, I'm on a journey, learning and growing day-by-day)...but I think He simply means that we are to care for each other...to truly care and not just give lip-service. We are to go out of our way to serve another person in their time of need, whether it be during a difficult time or in the everyday business (and busyness!) of life. And, we are to do this without regard for ourselves, without thinking about the filth that might get on us, or about the difficulty or the bind it might put us in. We are to serve in whatever way we can, without thinking of what we might get in return, but giving out of the wellspring of love that Christ has placed in our hearts if we have decided to be one of his followers. Even further than that, I think we are to observe others and find out what would bless them the most. Practically speaking, it would be that area that the other person probably would never-in-a-million-years ask you to do. It might look something like, entering a busy, stressed-out mother's house (can I get a witness?!) and mopping her floor or doing her dishes. Maybe it would be taking bags full of groceries to your friend whose mate just lost his/her job, or possibly paying for a month's worth of prescriptions for your parents/grandparents who are on a fixed income. What about choosing to bless your mate by joining him/her in completing a really hard task, or saying no to something "good" so that you can hang out with your child who is struggling in an area? In our modern day, washing one another's feet means that we are humbling ourselves before one another in service and being Christ's hands extended in a world where most people are just too busy to care...in a world that is mired down with dust and filth...in a world that is literally ACHING and LONGING for the love that only Christ can give. It's more than giving lip-service to your changed life in Christ, but demonstrating that he has made you a new creation by going against the flow of "it's all about me". I have heard it said that Christ is on trial everyday in this world. I am coming to understand more and more that this world will continue to justify it's rejection of him unless we, as Christians, as Christ-followers, as disciples, truly start to care for each other ... for those who are "in the family" and for those who aren't yet followers. I'll step off of my soap box here so that you can read the truth from the Master himself.

At the end of Chapter 13, Jesus tells the disciples this:

³⁴ "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus also said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

In the end, it's alllllll about him! It is ALL about pointing people to God and making them wonder, "Why would he or she do such a thing for me? Why does he or she care?!" The conclusion they are to reach is, "It's because he/she is a Christian...he/she truly loves God...THAT'S why." Remember, whatever you do, do all for the GLORY OF GOD!!

Now, please quit reading and get out there! It's high time for you (and me!) to get busy washing somebody's stinky feet:) There's much work to do!

For His glory,