Top Ten? Maybe.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Lately my heart has been learning what the word submission means. Submission… it’s not exactly on anyone’s top ten favorites, and I will not pretend to like the word. In my life, the word has been there floating around and entering the scene here or there, but I have mostly been able to happily avoid it, until recently. Good or bad, it’s my truth.

The world doesn't even try to pretend to like the word submit, and we as Christians do our best to try and to understand it.

I think about the word submit, and what it means. I think of a student submitting their paper or college application, or a person submitting a job application. They prepare it, and submit it. The person it’s submitted to then has authority to grade it, accept, decline, hire, interview or pass. Once it’s fully submitted, it’s up to someone else. A student can’t hold onto the paper with one hand and hold the teacher’s hand as they grade to make sure they talk over each step of the grading process. That wouldn’t have been fully submitted!

So I ask you and more so myself, what makes us think that we can submit our lives and all the details to God, but still hold on and think we know what’s best, or live how we want? It’s impossible, but we certainly try.

In a world where we are so entitled to play a part, weigh in, and control, we have acquired very little practice in the art of submitting, and even less of a grasp on it. Let us not fool ourselves into thinking we have got this and quickly dismiss this as something we have mastered. I am not only talking to our outward appearance of submission, but even more important is submitting what happens on the inside of us to Christ. It seems the older we get, the less we have to practice this art, we get comfortable in a marriage, job, house, pay scale - but when is the last time we had to practice it?  

When it’s not on my time line, when I don’t understand, when I want to get frustrated, when I am concerned, when I fear, when I stress, when I doubt. Am I fully submitted? Am I not Gods? Will He not work everything for good concerning me and my family? Does He not still sit on the throne? Is He or is He not my LORD?

I pray about situations or things. But then during the day, an emotion comes up or a thought comes across my mind and I start dwelling there. Living my own life, trying to figure it out in my own way, as if I did not just submit that over to God the same morning! Did I not just pray and entrust it to the Lord? I did! But on my own free time, I go away, and spend time thinking on it, in my own strength or knowledge- and it never leads to peace. This is not intentional, it just happens. I think this is what God means by taking every thought captive, making sure it is fully submitted and lined up to God’s word.

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

(Now, this is getting good. We MAKE IT obedient to Christ. We submit each thought to Christ to see if it matches what he has said for us. This will be an entire other blog one day).

I find myself praying lately in my own heart, through so many situations, “I SUBMIT THIS TO YOU. Okay Lord, just another area, another level deeper, a new place of trust, another chapter, another emotion or thought that I am able to submit to YOU.” When something is not going my way, “Lord I am yours, I submit it to you.”

It is not avoiding responsibility; it is not washing our hands of any tough situation. We are still living this life, praying and using wisdom. But once submitted, I know in my heart that I don’t have to carry that anymore. I just have to train my mind to know it too.

I am convinced to fully find peace we must live a life fully submitted to Christ, inside and out.

Submission and releasing is something that takes place on the inside, that allows peace through the trial or storm. It is something that no one sees or knows about, something that I think or feel on the deepest level. Something that is every bit as much of me as the freckles on my nose. And it matters. It matters because it impacts my attitude, my actions, my words, it impacts peace. My level of peace impacts me, and even more so impacts others.

THANK THE LORD that we are called to submit to God in all things. It is for a purpose- for PEACE. If you are living without peace, I ask you to pray about what areas you need to submit in and submit to God.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Submission. Just might make it on my top ten list for 2013...maybe.

Love, 

Bri

Hope Floats

There are many firsts happening in the Kutter house. One thing I have come to realize is that "firsts" can be a little scary, but "firsts" that God calls you to are always worth it.

It reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite movies when I was growing up, Hope Floats. I still can't pass it on t.v. without stopping to watch it, and it's a go-to movie of mine whenever I am sick on the couch. My sister and I have several quotes from the movie that we throw around including, "Birdee and Bernice, the coolest chicks in Smithville." :) 

But the quote I am thinking of is, "... beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will, too..."

Endings can be sad, but they can also be pretty wonderful so I choose to skip that part. I agree that beginnings can be scary, but it's what we do with that fear that matters. As much as I wish that hope would magically float up, I just don't know if that's always true.

I do know that true hope comes from God. While beginnings can be scary, I believe at that moment it's more important than ever to keep our eyes on God, our hope and our provider. To keep our thoughts on who He is, on His words for our life, and on the good things He has done for us. 

So yes, the beginning is scary, but we don't have to wait until the middle of something to find our peace and comfort. We don't have to wait until we are completely in it, for hope to float up. Hope is much closer than we think. In fact, it is only a name away. The name above every other name, the name that brings hope, the name that gives comfort. The name of God. The name of Jesus. 

David in the Bible knew this to be true. God had already spoken that David would be the King of Israel, but the current king, Saul, did not like this idea. Enter: scary beginning. During this time, David spent many years in war, running from Saul who was trying to kill him. David knew and felt fear, but He was never overcome with fear. What did he do? So many times David wrote about crying or calling out to God, and the hope that came soon after. David did not let fear stop him. He followed through with what God called him to do and was crowned king, and for that God called David a man after His own heart.

How badly I want God to be able to say that of me. Brittany, a woman after God's own heart. I have to admit, I have definitely caught myself sitting in fear of a beginning, but I have also experienced the moment of calling on Jesus. It's then, I remember his power and greatness, and I am no longer afraid. Fear is replaced with excitement, new determination and more than anything, peace. I know I will have a lifetime of beginnings and a lifetime saying the name of Jesus. 

So I encourage you, (along with myself) get started on those beginnings. Let God be the God of hope to you, and continue to MOVE in the direction He is calling you! 

Psalm 25: 1-7

1 In you, Lord my God,
    I put my trust.

2 I trust in you;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
    will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
    who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
    for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
    and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,

    for you, Lord, are good. 

Blessings, 

Bri

A Song in the Valley

There are some seasons in our life that are valleys. Big or small, short lived or long, we are going to have them. Tough situations, relationships, loss, grief, and just life, can bring us to a valley. I believe there are two types, the first being the valley we approach where we can see the other side. We gear ourselves up mentally and physically to make a good go of it, and get through it as quickly as possible. Then there is the valley we are dropped in unexpectedly, no prep time, no "gearing up"... these tend to be tougher.

Recently, I walked through the "dropped" into valley. While the story of my valley is personal, I will say the hurt and sadness was deep. I didn't realize how deep it was until I climbed uphill a little, and looked back.

I specifically remember the day, and time, and place that I walked "uphill" a bit out of my valley. It happened driving home from church and as I turned onto my street, I hummed a little song to myself. The sound of my own voice humming, stood out to me. I realized that I hadn't sang in weeks. I have sang all my life and it is not rare for me to sing morning, noon and night. I used to keep my brothers and sister up at night with my belting rendition of The National Anthem, and of course Mariah Carey songs. But it was then, in that spot, on that day, that I realized there had been no song of mine in my valley.

I had not uttered a song, I had no false strength, no "fake it until you make it" attitude. As I think more on this, I know the valley was not a Godless place. It was a God filled place. There may not have been a song on my lips, but God was in that place. God was healing me, helping me, comforting me. God was singing over me. I see myself in that valley, not because I had sinned, not because God was putting me there to learn, but for no other reason than life is hard sometimes...and I see a banner over me. It reminds me of the song I used to sing in children's church.

"For I am my beloveds and He is mine.... His banner over me is love."
"He brought my to His banqueting table... His banner over me is love."

There had been no song of my own, but there had been a song.

Through the valley, I had peace.
Through the valley, I had trust.
Through the valley, I had faith.
Through the valley, God waved a banner of love over me.

A relationship with God means that deep down God gives us the strength, the hope, the faith, and the trust to get through. It's knowing him that allows us to persevere. Was the valley easy? No. Did it hurt? Many times, yes. But I guess what I am trying to say is that God was with me. God shows up in our valleys.

His grace is sufficient, His power is made perfect in our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

He was relentless in showing me His love. He showed me His love in the quiet, in my tears, and hurt. He showed me His love through the hugs of my family. Through the kindness of my husband. Through the comfort of friends. He showed me love in a way that only God can.

If you don't know God, I have to say this: there is nothing on this earth like the peace and love of God. If you are walking through your own valley and don't know God but want to know him, please talk to me or anyone else you know who has a relationship with Him. Because life can get hard, and valleys can be deep, but the love of God can reach all places, hurts, fears, and hearts.

Psalm 84: 5-7
"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

The last thing I have to say about the valley, is sometimes we want to blame God or be mad at Him. Please know this: He is the only one who can fully be there with you. Don't push him away. Turn to Him, rely on Him for strength and let Him love you.
_____________________

I wrote the above post almost a year ago. I didn't have the strength at the time to post it.  But now I do; I believe it will help someone. The situation of the valley has not changed, and maybe one day, when I am brave enough, I will have the courage to put it all into words. But I can say that I have changed. My biggest fear at first is that it would change me, and now I can say, I am glad it has. My faith has grown SO MUCH. My love and trust in God has changed. The strength I have, that comes from Him, surprises me. My grace has grown. My realness in hurt has changed.

Overall, even though I still face tough moments...or days...or if I am honest weeks. I am learning that the events, emotions, doubt, fear, confusion or pain is temporary and under it all, on the other side of that, at the end of that place, is peace and trust. I am learning to continually give all things to God. We are in this together, and knowing He is with me, is the MOST peace I could ever ask for.


I pray God's sweetest blessings for you.

We Found a Puppy: Meet Mishka.

Last Wednesday night, I was heading home from church and thinking of my man. So, I called him just to say "hi" and let him know I was almost home. He picked up, said he had a great day at work, and when I asked him what he was doing there was a pause and then, "um, well...I just picked up a puppy on the side of the road..." My response: HUH?!? What occurred after that was a lot of "no you didn't... are you for real?... tell me the truth...seriously, don't joke about this... and, I can tell it's you fake panting." But when he sent me a picture of the "puppy" in our garage, I became a believer. Meet the white fluffy "puppy" that Tyler picked up off the side of  the road and brought home.

This dog was HUGE!! When my niece saw him she said, "wowwww, he's like a white sparkly horse!" And he was...like a horse. We put up signs, checked with the vet to see if anyone had called about him and finally, we broke down and bought a leash in case we couldn't find his owners. Since we didn't know his name, we came up with several names including Sammy and Optimus Prime (Ty's picks). I have to admit he grew on me rather quickly. I am a sucker for big dogs, and apparently white fluff. I couldn't wait to get home to see how he was, check his water and food, and love on him.

The best part about this "little" guy was that when I was home, all he wanted to do was to be with me. Sounds a little self-absorbed, lol, but it feels good to be loved! I went to kitchen, he went with me, like right beside me. I went to the laundry room and he followed, paid the bills and he was there, took a shower and he's waiting outside the door. I sat on the couch and he squished himself in between the coffee table and couch just to put his head on my lap, and somehow he worked his way up to sitting on me, on the couch.

Gotta say, it was nice! When Tyler wasn't home, I felt comforted with Mishka by my side. I never thought I would say that! But now I can see how people say their animals become "part of the family." Mishka was awesome, and we found his parents soon after our search began. He went back home to two little kids who were ecstatic to see him, and I was left with a leash... and a HUGE puppy itch! Don't fret I have already hinted to the hubs! Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

Mishka being with me non-stop for a couple of days reminded me of the word Emmanuel, God with us. God with us, always. God with us, everywhere. God with us, through all things, and situations, and hardships, and mistakes. God with us. An eternal companion, friend, comfort, and protector. Funny that this  "little puppy" sticking by my side for a couple of days reminded me of the Savior that is with me always, always by my side. I think we all need that reminder sometimes. The reminder that he is there, with us always, and that we can lean on Him a little more deeply than before. I know I need it.

I pray all is well for you and that in all you are going through you sense Emmanuel, God with you. He is with you and loves you dearly!

Blessings,

Bri

The Resolution

"Splendor and majesty are before him, strength and glory are in his sanctuary." 

Something about beginnings always get me and I tend to approach them with anticipation, hope and lots of gusto! The first of anything is a reason to celebrate in my book and the first of each year is no exception. Each year January 1st arrives with a list of resolutions holding the allure that if completed, the year will be different.

This year, January 1st rolled around... then the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and so on, and as I watched each day roll by, I continuously put off setting my resolutions. Just because they weren't set, doesn't mean I wasn't thinking about them. I was definitely looking forward to 2013 and the newness it would bring. It's just as much as I love a first, I dislike a disappointment. Last year in particular, I had some heavy life moments...and I guess I had so much hope for the new year, I didn't want to set myself up for any disappointment that I didn't feel like facing. Not exactly "living in victory" but hey, that's reality!

In my life, pen to paper is when it really happens. I let thoughts roll around for a while, I think of different scenarios, but pen to paper is the commitment. Silly I know, but I almost feel that once you write it, it's out there for the world and you to see. Can anyone relate? So, I did some heart searching before I put pen to paper. What is it I really want? And there was only one answer, I want more of God. In every way, not just more reading and praying but more experiencing, more dwelling, more of him changing me. And not more of God in a way that I could take credit for, not more works, not more checks on my list. More of Him. 

I realized that I not only want more of Him, I really need more of Him. His heart and kindness, his love and grace. His perspective on what's important, his perspective on me. His gently correction and his bold courage. I need him. All other things fall under that one truth.

After several weeks of thought, I woke up one morning, made my way to the couch, opened my journal and put pen to paper, "this year, I want to grow with God." Sounds common, but after much thought it was my deepest truth, my resolution. It all boiled down to not just my desire for him, but my need for him. And it was freeing because it was something that I couldn't mess up with my actions, times a week to the gym, or waking up early for quiet time. I made a resolution that was less about me and more about Him. I decided to grow with him and learn from him, put him even more in the place that he deserves in my life. Somewhere inside I let go of my time line, agenda, and priorities and ask him to take the lead in these areas. And for a girl like me... that was tough! But I was so ready.

I didn't list any specifics on how, no mention of the number of times a week I go to church, no amount of books I will read, or time amount I will spend each day with him. Just a simple, I want more of you, and a soft cry of show me how. Show me when.


Because perfectly meeting a list of requirements, set by yourself or others, is never easy. And at some point we all need a little grace, a little strength, and what I am coming to learn is that even though I love my resolutions, goals and check lists, I can never be perfect. But that's okay with me when my ultimate goal is to serve a God who looks on me with the deepest of love and affection. He knows my weakness, forgives me and strengthens and helps me through this life.

I came across this verse a couple of days ago and my heart welled up inside of me.

"Splendor and majesty are before him, strength and glory are in his sanctuary."Psalm 96:6

"Splendor and majesty are before him..." sometimes it does me good to remember that God is a King and that I am a child of his. I can't think of a time I have used these words to describe a human, and I would say that not many (if any) of us has, but these are God's adjectives. He is truly majestic, glorious, overwhelmingly wonderful. And He is our King. I read these words and I can't believe that this King knows and loves me. That he sent his son, so that I could talk with him and spend time with Him. It's beyond me.

And I love how it goes on to say "strength and glory are in his sanctuary." God knows that this life has hardships and more than anything we need Him and His strength. It's hard to get to that place of knowing our need for Him, and staying there. Because right when we feel like "we got this" on our own, the harsh reality hits that no... no we don't. What strength and peace come from God. We gain strength in God's presence. Not strength of our own, but strength from the confidence of knowing what a great God we serve.

After my initial pen to paper moments, did I write some other resolutions and goals for this year? Sure. I have goals and high hopes for this year, but the difference is I am not relying on myself to achieve anything. But my one goal remains the same. More of him. When I involve him in each area of my life I find peace and strength. I find help being healthy, making better decisions and even getting to the gym. I need his discipline and plan for each day. I find he knows what to start on first at work, he can give me wisdom and the right words to say. I find He has a way of putting it in perspective. That the laundry can wait. That the conversation, the person, and the relationship is more important.

The pressure is off of me as I rely fully on Him. I want to grow with God, but I guess more than anything, I want to be with Him more, rely on Him more, trust him more, and let him lead me and change me, every day. Because the more I live, the more blatantly obvious my absolute need for Him becomes.

Numbers 6: 24-26 "May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace" in this new year and always. And may he give me the grace to and discipline to sit down and blog more often, because I have missed you all! :)

A Little Dance, A Little Song

One of the best and most fulfilling parts of my life so far has been being an aunt. Don't get me wrong, daughter, sister, wife, friend... they are all important but the aunt role has a special little place in my heart. Maybe it's because I was the youngest in my family, so I never had someone to baby and cuddle... or boss around. :) But I really think it's because we aunts, we have it the best.

An aunt can let nieces and nephews sit on the counter and stir the brownie mix, getting the mixture all over them. With an aunt, extra sprinkles is okay. With an aunt, you can jump on the cushions and play pretend. An aunt gives little drops of advice, that though heard every day, may stand out when it is said from an aunt. An aunt gets to give some of the best gifts because you ask your brother or sister what they REALLY want! An aunt is a friend, mentor and best of all FAMILY for life. I have three nephews and five little nieces. They are all absolutely precious and my heart just melts over them when I get to spend time with them. 

One of my nieces is named Kaitlin, she is absolutely a kick. She loves to sing and dance to her Disney princess songs, or the little church songs they learn at her school. She is only four years old, but she has quite the song list. She keeps her brother Andrew up at night because she won't stop singing. While this is very frustrating for my sister's entire household, I secretly love it! It cracks me up because I was the exact same way. My brothers and sisters would call down the stairs, "Mom, make Brittany be quiet!!"

When Kaitlin and Andrew's Christmas Production came around, we were all excited to go watch them sing on stage. We came with video and cameras, and set up as close to the stage as possible. I have to say, even if you don't know anyone on the stage, watching a hundred 2-5 year old children is hilarious. 

They marched on stage, we spotted them and immediately started waving, taking pictures and then the music came on. Here we go!

Andrew was a typical oldest child, every move to perfection and every word memorized. Kaitlin, the little singer, the dreamer, the dancer: nothing. She was not moving, staring downward with a very concerned look on her face. She remained that way the entire time. All of us were saying "Kaitlin, dance! Sing!" We were rooting for her with all our hearts. Did it matter to us if she was perfect? Did we care if she did all right moves? Would we look down on her for messing up? Of course not! We would have only cared that she had fun and went for it! But in that moment, our little singing, dancing, princess was paralyzed with fear. 

It was then that God showed me part of his heart for us.  If in my heart as an aunt, I took so much joy in watching Kaitlin and Andrew live and have fun, how much more is God's heart for us to live freely, unburdened by fear. I imagine when God sees us in fear, he says "don't worry, don't be afraid, it doesn't have to be perfect! Live for me, speak about me, love other people in my name, give, share, dance! Even if you dance a little, sing a little, I will love it and be proud that you did even that much". He wants so badly for us to enjoy our lives and be free from fear. How many times do we stop the song or dance of our lives because we are afraid? How many times have I shied away from doing the things God has called me to do? That is not God's plan for us who are called to his purposes. He wants us to dance, sing, have fun, laugh, play, and dream.

God's heart is rooting for us. When I saw Kate on stage afraid, I wasn't disappointed in her. I only wanted to encourage her that she can do it. When we hold back or hesitate to what God has for us, I believe God has that same heart, "you can do it, I am here for you, don't give up." I know that if I as an aunt felt that way, how much more does God, our creator, feel that way. He takes joy in us. We are His children. Just as many of you have your own children, remember that we are God's children, and His heart is even more for us than ours is for our own children... or nieces and nephews. :)

He is a good Dad. And His heart is for you.

There is no scripture that I looked for to back this up, although I know I could find some. There is no big concept here to grasp. Just a little moment in the life of a four year old, and an aunt who got a glimpse of God's love for us and wanting us to dance. 

And the next time Kaitlin went on that stage, my heart overflowed as she danced and sang. 

Confessions of a Southern Girl.

I am a Southern Woman. I capitalize it because... we are kind of our own group. ;) I identify with almost all things southern. Some of the southern women stereotypes include that a southern girl takes care of her man,  loves fiercely, protects her family, is hospitable, keeps her house clean...and don't even get me started on Southern Mommas. They are capitalized because I believe they are their own group too! I live a southern life: sweet tea, accents, outdoors, decor, sunscreen and moisturizer, and of course family. I say things like, "sweet heart, bless your heart, yes and no mam, y'all come back, stop by any time". The list goes on...

But I have a secret shame to my southern girl life. Ready for it?

.....I can't cook.

Don't judge! :) For all the non-southerners out there, yeah, I know this isn't a big deal to you. But if you understood how many times a southern girl gets asked this in her lifetime, you would understand the importance of her learning, stat. What makes it even "worse" is my husband cooks... GREAT. That wasn't sarcastic, he really is a great cook. He also loves to grocery shop (sorry ladies, both his brothers are already married). Tyler goes grocery shopping and comes back in 20 minutes with everything we need. I go grocery shopping, ask for help, call my mom for a location on about every other item on my list, circle the store so many times I convince myself that I don't have to work out later, and come back 2 hours later. Needless to say, it has become an issue. You know how most men gain a little weight after they get married? My husband lost weight...fifty pounds! lol...granted I was going to grad school most nights. :) Kidding! I can't take any credit for his success. What was his secret?? Big shocker: he worked out and ate healthy! I know that's not what you wanted to hear! Anyway, no excuses, I have to learn to cook. So recently I found a great little webpage called Dashing Dish. Please find the link below. This is a Christian lady who makes wonderful recipes that are simple to make and healthy. Will I become a member? Why yes. :)

Tonight I decided to tackle chili... made in a crock pot. Our three year anniversary is in December. This is the first time I have used my crock pot since getting married. Let me just tell you, I amped myself up for this cooking event tonight. It was in my planner, I pulled out all the ingredients, I set aside a chunk of time. And then I read the directions. They went something like this:

1. Cook meat and onions.
2. Put all other ingredients in pot.
3. Once meat is cooked, put in pot.
4. Cover and heat for 4 hours.

At least that's my rendition. Really?!?! I had to laugh out loud! Man, I may not know my way around H.E.B. or the kitchen, but I know my way around a crock pot! Mind you, about 98% of the "other ingredients" are canned vegetables. My kind of recipe! So as I was getting through the strenuous part of tonight's cooking, opening the cans, I began to think about how much I had psyched myself out for this "huge task".

How many times are we like this over things? We worry, we plan, we play out conversations in our mind, we consult others about it. Maybe if I stopped and took time to "read the directions" or hear from God, I would realize that what I am so worried about, may actually be easier than I thought. Maybe it's not always a big deal.

Lately, I have been seeing this little post on Facebook... and Pinterest... and Instagram, that says, "have you prayed about it, as much as you have talked about it?" Another confession, sometimes these little one-liners annoy me! But this one stuck in my head and I am reminded of it as I write this blog. Have I, do we, pray about it FIRST. For many of us our natural instinct is to first DO something about it, whether that be think about, or talk about it with someone. But again, I think God's plan and direction is to first hear his word on it. It may be as simple as "pray for them" or "love them". If you are worried about a conversation or relationship, He can give you the right words to heal a relationship or ease a friend's worry. He will give you peace to overcome your obstacle, or strength to do something that would have been hard for you to do on your own.

The ingredients are all in the crockpot now, and what started out as a huge endeavor has ended as one of the most simple things I have accomplished today. Will the things God calls you to do always be easy? No, I believe some will be difficult. But we don't need to worry in advance and magnify it before we have even started. We come to God first, magnify him in our life and in the situation, and wait for His directions. Maybe I should have read the directions first. :) But I am kind of glad I didn't because it allowed God to speak this simple truth to my heart.

Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"

Blessings,

Bri

www.dashingdish.com 

Rest.

I woke up this morning to my alarm fervently reminding me that I had stuff to do. I dragged myself out of bed. My alarm was set so that I would have the exact number of minutes it would take me to get dressed and get out the door. I slipped into my clothes, washed my face, brushed my teeth, grabbed my purse, and my breakfast and headed out the door. The way to school was filled with drinking my breakfast smoothie, brushing my hair and yes... putting on my make-up, all while it was still dark outside. I pull up to the lit up parking lot by 6:45 and at 6:50 two students walk in for tutoring. I put on my smile face.

"Hi, good morning, how are you?" I can only imagine that if I haven't adjusted in 26 years to waking up early, I am pretty sure they haven't either.

Their responses, "tired!" It was the expected response. The one I hear at least ten times a day and probably much more, coming from kids, teens, adults... and if I were honest enough and could down right come out with it, I am tired too!

I can't help but think we are not supposed to feel this tired! When I think on it, God tells us two things we can do to help us gain energy. The first thing we can do is pray. Jesus would wake up early in the morning to pray. Prayer puts us in God's presence and his presence is full of life, peace and restoration. If we are mentally tired, prayer can give us clarity into situations. If it's emotional fatigue, we finally gain rest by letting God take control. If it is a heavy burden, spiritual fatigue, we gain strength with the renewed perspective that God is on our side. And our physical fatique can be alleviated through prayer by the rest that comes from simply being in his presence. He is a good God and only good things come from taking time to meet with Him.

The second thing to do it literally rest. I have loved music my whole life and learned what the "rest" symbol looked like on sheet music as a young girl. The rest is a slight pause, the director can make it exaggerated or simple but the music pauses and then continues as normal. A couple of years ago I read about a little girl learning to play the piano. She could not understand why she needed to rest when she saw the symbol on her sheet music. Her instructor stated simply, "because the rest makes the rest of the music even more beautiful."

I think on this story often and though I sometimes fight rest with all that I am, I want the music of my life to be beautiful. I want to pour out good things to those around me, I want it to be sweet to the people I love and encounter. And most of all I want to live my life fully because the Lord has given me, has given all of us, breath each day for a purpose. I want to have rested enough to bring Him glory and live my purpose each day.

So when I think I am above rest, when I think that what I have to do is my number one priority or will help me feel better getting it off my check list. I remember that sometimes the most energy doesn't come from marking off the check list or keeping myself busy all day but it comes from staying in prayer with God through out the day and from rest.

A Word.

As I was praying a couple of days ago, I felt like God spoke the words below to me. Any time God speaks a word, whether it's in your heart or through someone else, it makes you feel SO special. I love this because we are so very special to God. Just as parent's adore their children, the Lord's love for us is that of adoration. So here is my word, and I was thinking it just may be for you too.

"It's a clean-out season of life. It's a finish season. It's a time-to-get-back-to-basics. 
It's letting go of the old to receive the new. 
It's a refreshment, a break, an excuse,
to finally let go of anything you've been clinging to...
So, let it go.

Do not fear or worry or say what if, but let it go.
Do not fret or dawdle or dwell or over think, let it go.

Do not be consumed or taken back.
It's not ungodly but freeing. Let it go."

Hebrews 12:1 "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."

So there it is. My word, and maybe your word too. I pray that God shows me these times as they come this year. That when a "let it go" situation arrives, that I would remember these words. Now, if this does not speak to you at all, ignore it :) But if it resignates with your spirit, pray about it. It just might be God's word to you.

Be blessed.

love,

bri

 

  

Bird Nest.

I know the expected response from any Southern girl to the question, "what's your favorite season?" should be summer. I enjoy ice tea, lazy days on the lake, and my time off as a teacher,  but for the most part I am definitely a fall-and-winter-type girl. Yes, the scarves, boots and holidays might have something to do with it. But mainly it's the crisp weather, crunchy leaves, bundling up, crackling fireplaces, and smell- inside it's warm and cozy while outside it’s clean and crisp as if everything has been washed.

In the summer I have to wait until it is almost dark to go out for a walk or run, but in the winter I can walk outside almost any time and breathe in fresh air that is untainted by humidity. ;)

Over the Christmas break I had the chance to go on many walks and take in God’s beauty. Trees bare and beautiful without leafs; what is hidden a majority of the year is suddenly revealed. Several of the trees that line the paths have small bird nests tucked up high and cozy. These little nests, which have been hidden through every season are now visible enough that I can see each little branch and leaf that holds them together.

How clever… to take the scraps and make a home. What God does in our own lives, he reflects in even the smallest parts of nature. He takes the broken, the left over, the useless and gives it purpose and importance. Those little bits and pieces may never be what they once were, but they are something new.

As you start this new year and especially after the holiday season, what little bits and pieces do you have in your life that need to be given to God? What areas do you need to lift up to God and say, please take this or make it something new.