HE IS RISE INDEED!!!

Every year, as I grow in my faith, Easter takes on new meaning.  With the growth God has brought my family in the past year…I find myself in awe of what Easter means.  Really.

Our powerful, awesome, miracle-working God gave his ONE and ONLY son.  For you.  For me.  I can't imagine a love like the love God has for us.  I love my family.  Like…I love them so much it hurts and brings me joy at the same time.  Yet HE LOVES ME MORE.  And He loves them more too.  Doesn't it just blow your mind?  That a love greater than any we know…is a love that is directed at us?

Then…our Jesus rose again!!!  He. Rose.  Again.  He triumphed over death.  An awful horrible death - for you and me.  He overcame it.  And because of it - I get eternity with HIM.  If you know Him…so do you.  And the people we love?  If they have a relationship with Him, then we get forever with them.  Forever without pain, fear, worry, doubt, sadness, poor health.  Perfect forever.  

So, shouldn't I give my ALL to my God?  The one who defies all boundaries of love, grace, and time?  Shouldn't I surrender fully to Him?  

I have given a lot to God in my relatively short number of years.  I gave Him my heart when I was a child.  My grief and joys as a teenager.  I gave Him my marriage as an adult.  This past few years…I have slowly loosened my grip and given Him my children.  My clinched fists are getting looser and looser.  And I want complete surrender.  I want to open them and hold them up high and give it ALL up!!!  

Why is that so hard?  Why do I even begin to think that I can do a better job at ANY part of this life than He can?  Hasn't He proven Himself worthy of my surrender?  The answer is easy…YES.  Yes, He has.  He is worthy of our everything! 

As we enter this season…join me in thinking of what we can surrender.  Really.  Is it that every day, redundant, moment by moment life that is full of fog and to dos?  Is it a situation?  A person?  A fear?  Doubt?  Just give it to Him…and don't look back.  It is easier said than done, but with His help…we can actually do it.  And lets help each other out too.  Because I'm pretty sure that we will need a bit of encouragement along the way.  Isn't it one of God's most precious blessings that we get to experience life with other women?  Most often other women very much like us?  

I am so thankful that I get to be a part of this blog and "do life" with so many other incredible women.  If you would like any help along the way, support, prayer, or if you want to know more about how to grow closer to Him, post a comment below.  And Happy Easter!!!

Hidden

An over scheduled weekend was behind us, and bedtime was fast approaching. With Marty at a business dinner, I was outnumbered 3 to 1, and in the middle of my best delivery of zone defense. Hoping to clean the kitchen and still maintain our regular bedtime routine, I sent the kids into the den to watch a little TV.

Moments later, I heard my middle daughter, Lily emerge with a perplexed look on her sweet face. Immediately, I stopped what I was doing, as tears began to fill her big brown eyes. As I listened to her heart, I realized bedtime was going to have to be briefly postponed. For a teachable moment was upon me, and the world would not wait.

Rather than the "innocent" programming I had anticipated on a children's network that we watch regularly, my children had come upon a show about the world's differing religious views. "How can they not know Jesus, Mommy? How do they not see?" Lily asked in pained bewilderment. As her words penetrated my heart, I was gently reminded that "your eye is the lamp of your body." (Luke 11:34) Lily's faith-filled eyes see her beautiful Savior so easily. How I wish it were so for us all. Sadly, that is not the case.

By now my two other gifts from Heaven had joined us, and all eyes were on me. I took my children into my arms, grateful that God chose me to be the one to lead them to the Cross. Each of them accepted Christ as their Savior at an early age. None of my precious children can recall a time when Jesus wasn't a trusted friend on whom they could call. His love has never been hidden from their lives.

Hoping to speak some perspective into my troubled child's heart, I spoke gently and prayed for wisdom. "Lily, sweetheart. This is a family who believes and truth is all around you. Scripture teaches us that Jesus is the only way to eternal life, and that the gift of grace is ours to receive freely." I continued, "Never forget that even when Jesus walked among us, there were few who could truly see their Savior in their midst. Sometimes life gets too dark for some to see."

For some, the truth is hidden. It was true then. It is still true today. The Bible teaches us "When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness." (Luke 11:35-36) Jesus Christ, alone, is the light that leads the way to salvation. Still, many do not see.

Today, our world is growing ever darker as all of creation groans in the fallout of sin. This world is broken. By poverty. Injustice. Greed. Pride. It is a world gripped by the consequences of sin. As Christ followers, we must have eyes to see the world as it is. But, then we must have courage to share the love of Christ with those whom the truth remains hidden. For "blessed are your eyes because they see." (Matthew 13:16)

Heavenly Father,
We praise You for the gift of eyes that see truth. Because of Christ alone, we are free to approach you boldly, as your adopted sons and daughters. Let us have compassion and patience with those who are blind to the Son. Give us courage to share the truth about who Christ is, so that others may see.
-Amen

Reflection: Is there someone in your midst from whom the truth is hidden?

Sunday's Coming

As we approach Easter weekend, I pray that each of you knows the One who is Truth, Jesus Christ. Some 2000 years ago, He willingly gave up his life by suffering a horrendous, painful death on a cross so that you and I might be set free. His death was not in vain--because it didn't end there. Jesus was resurrected on the third day, and because He conquered death, we have the victory.

Satan's "victory" (or what he perceived as such) came on Friday--ours came on Sunday. On that Friday, those watching had no idea what was coming. They saw Jesus die, and they thought that was the end. But God had something else in store. Jesus was not dead forever. He was coming back--and that Sunday forever changed the course of man. That Sunday, Jesus rose again; in doing so, He conquered death. And I can not stop giving thanks for the greatest gift ever given. Jesus has saved me from my sins, from the eternal punishment I deserve--and He desires the same for every one of us. Jesus lived a perfect life on this earth; He died for crimes He did not commit; He was raised to life on the third day, and He longs for you to know Him and be in relationship with Him.

Whether you know Him as your Lord and Savior or not, I urge you to watch this video (with footage from The Passion of the Christ). If you have questions about this Jesus and who He is, feel free to leave a comment below. And come Sunday, find yourself in church. We'd love to have you at ours, FBC McKinney. He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!

The Finish Line

A couple of weeks ago I ran my first 5K ever!  I decided a couple of years ago I wanted to be a runner but never followed through.  Back in December I think it was I thought this next year I am going to run a 5K and that is what I did.  I started training for it.  I have a friend that is a runner and she would give me tips along the way and answer my one million questions I would have.  Finally, the big day came.  There was lots of excitement the day of the race.  Several of my friends were running which made it nice to know someone there.  They finally called everyone for the 5K and I went to line up and then the race started. 

Along the way there were moments I got tired.  I think the beginning was one of the hardest parts of the race because we were going uphill.  My goal was to finish this race.  I knew I was not going to come in first place but that I would finish the race.  As I was approaching the finish line I could here my name....there were people cheering me on. It was actually Kim who writes for Stitches too and her husband - they had already finished and were standing at the finish line. 

Hebrews 12:1-3 says " (1) 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. (2) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Just like I was running my 5K with the "Finish Line" as my goal we have to keep running in this life and keep our eyes on Christ.  Can you imagine the day that this race called life is over and Jesus is at the "Finish Line".

As I mentioned there were times the race was hard.  While I was training leading up to the race there were times I would wonder if I could really do this.  Just like in this life we go through hard times and trials.  I look at the second part of verse 1 in Hebrews chapter 12.  "and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us".  We all have a different race marked out for us and God is with us all the time, He is with us each time we pick our foot up to take that next step. 

Whatever you may be going through God is with you. Keep your eyes on Him through whatever your circumstances may be and just think of the day that you cross the Final Finish Line!

S.H.A.R.E.

SHARE!

S-hare H-ow A-nything R-eceived E-ncourages Several years ago, as I was driving, God gave me a dream. It was S.H.A.R.E. Unfortunately, I have not done as much with it over the years, as I thought I would then, but in my own little world, it has been a great tool and reminder for me. I love to give! Mercy is probably my biggest spiritul gift. I am the "fix it" person. SHARE to me means- Show how anything you receive from God can encourage someone else. That could be on a small or large level. Think about it. You might have a baby item in your house laying around that a new mom is struggling to afford. You might have gotten some free things with coupons, that you may not need. (for that matter, I have people tell me all the time. "I don't use that, so I don't keep that coupon.") I am the type of person that keeps "that" coupon, hoping to be able to give something away, or see someone in the isle at the store, and say, "Would you like a coupon for..." It is amazing how people respond, and the conversation starter that is. There are so many other things that we are given that we can share also. How God helped us through a struggle, how He loves us, but most of all, how He died for each of us. Imagine a world where no one shared those truths. It would be a pretty sad place. So SHARE! From the couponing side of SHARE, I really like the large organized websites lately, who can, buy in bulk and give to us at a discounted price. They SHARE with us, (now they make an income from it, but they share.) If you are going to do something anyway, you definetly should use a coupon. Be a good steward of the income that God has give you.

Here are some of those larger websites that I use for great deals. Enjoy!

http://www.livingsocial.com/

http://www.groupon.com/

http://www.adpages.com/

http://www.couponcravings.com/

Have a great day, and remember to : S.H. A. R. E., Show how anything received, encourages. You never know how you will be a blessing to someone else, or how you will be blessed!

These Are The Days

"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24


I am not a big fan of Daylight Savings Time. It's probably because I am not exactly what you would call "a morning person". Somehow, with the time change, morning seems earlier. Waking up to a dark house and stumbling over to the coffee pot makes me long for a bit more time underneath my covers. At least enough time for the sun to catch up with my day.

Finally, the coffee is done brewing and I sit down to take a few moments before my kids wake up to begin their morning rituals. The sky is still dark, but the birds are singing. The house is still. And it is like God is whispering, "These are the days. Rejoice. Don't miss it!"

So I think it over and I understand. These ARE the days...

When my daughters bring me "flowers" that resemble weeds, but are presented with great joy and love.

When my son is still shorter than me and will allow me to hug him in front of his friends.

When my husband kisses me on the cheek gently before he leaves for his job, even earlier than the birds are willing to awaken.


These are the days...

Today, I get to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Speak words of affirmation and encouragement. Show my family how lucky they make me feel. Thank God for His many blessings.

Now, my kids are stirring and my quiet house is filled with the sounds of them getting dressed and packing their lunches for school. I rejoice for our day together has begun. And I remember to embrace this moment.

For these are the days...

Of my daughter singing to Jesus while she ties her shoes.

Of my son assisting his sister with a glass of milk, while I get a glimpse of the man he will one day become.

Of kisses good-bye and big, bright smiles as my girls ride off to school on their scooters.

Of stolen moments with my teenage man-child, as he shares his thoughts and it is just him and me.

Of phone calls from my busy husband, who calls just to hear my voice.


These are the days. So wake up slowly if you must. Grab some coffee and take a moment to listen to the birds. But then rejoice, for you will never get today back again. And even when you are walking in darkness, there are reasons to embrace the beautiful gift of today.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for today. For all that today will bring. Opportunities to serve you and know you more. Moments of sweetness and joy, even in the midst of the unexpected. Sometimes, we squander our days with worry, bitterness, or dread. Let it not be so. Help us to embrace the promise of today with a heart of praise and gratitude.
-Amen

Reflection: What are the gifts you have in your life today?

The Butterfly Effect

Last week, I was so blessed to hear many wonderful speakers at a Children's Ministry conference in San Diego. One in particular, Andy Andrews, I'd heard years before at another function, and had been so completely blessed by his message and ministry.

As he spoke to the crowd last week, he reminded us of so many of God's truths. Several things that he said.. I've not been able to get out of my brain since. He spoke at length about the notion of the "butterfly effect". First introduced by Edward Lorenz, a scientist at MIT in the 1960's, the theory proposes that a small change at one place in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. The popular notion is that "a butterfly flapping its wings in South America can affect the weather in Central Park."

Andy Andrews was reminding us that our actions have consequences. Consequences more far-reaching than most of us ever think about. "There are generations yet to be born whose lives will be shaped and shifted by what you are going to do tomorrow," he told us. So true, that the smallest of actions.. the choices we make.. can have such far-reaching implications.

Though that is certainly true, I feel that God is also speaking to my heart, that He wants me to learn a deeper lesson involving the butterfly.

In my quiet time this morning, I think I finally realized what He was telling me.

Most of us learned, way back in grade school, the life cycle of the butterfly. The gorgeous creations we see flitting through the air, never started out that way in life. They were once caterpillars, until they underwent that glorious transformation. Many times, I have heard the analogy of the butterfly applied to our spiritual lives, as the transformation from the old, sinful ways to a new life in Christ happens.

The message God was speaking to my heart this morning, though, was more of a message about patience.. about waiting. The time God was speaking to me about is that "time in the cocoon". In the dark. When we can't see Him. When we can't feel Him there. When we aren't sure what is next in our lives. The mysterious "in the meantime".

One of my devotionals said it best, "The things He teaches us in the dark, we would never know about otherwise." There is a reason why we must wait on God's timing in our lives. Sometimes many reasons, with many far-reaching implications.

God is using that time to prepare us for what is to come. Only He knows what we are going to face down the road in our lives. Only He knows the people that we are going to come in contact with, and exactly what they will need to hear or learn from us. Usually lessons and truths that we ourselves have learned, while waiting. In the dark.

But to learn those lessons, we must listen. We must listen for all we are worth, for His still, small voice. Sometimes, I am sorry to admit, my prayer time consists of a lot of talking and not much listening on my part. Another of my devotionals hit that point home, when I read "Ever met someone for lunch and the other person talked for an hour and never let you get a word in?" They were referring to the one-sided conversations we sometimes have with God. Either we don't know how to hear His voice, or we don't realize that He still does speak today...

I read further, "Think about how you pray. Do you spend time listening to God? Are you throwing a hurried wish list heavenward, or are you being quiet to listen to God's Spirit?".

I was led to Hebrews 13:5 and these words caught my eye, "...because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Not just the verse, but I had written a sermon note in the margin that there are actually FIVE "nevers" in the original Greek. "Never, never, never, never, never will I leave you; never, never, never, never, never will I forsake you." I think He really wanted to reassure us.. what do you think?!

God doesn't promise us a pain-free life. He does promise us that He will always be with us. Even when it feels like you are alone. In the dark. In your own little world.. your own little cocoon. This is not all there is. There is a reason God has placed you where you are.

If the walls of your cocoon were to split open too soon, you would never be strong enough to handle what is to come... you would never be strong enough to fly...


"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24