Stillness: The Most Productive Action Of The Day.

I love a check list, being busy and the feeling of accomplishment!

But I am becoming more and more aware that the most productive thing I can do in my day comes out of being still.

It's a very confusing thought and is still working its way through my heart and mind. It just seems to be so counterproductive.

We all know what it means to be productive. The dictionary definition is: having the power of producing, generating, creating. In other words "get busy and make something happen!" Being productive is a very active action and requires a lot of energy. Our world is a huge advocate for being productive. We are constantly being pushed to DO more. And while I think there is a very real place and purpose and need for christians to be productive, this pursuit is void without stillness.

Psalm 46:10 says
"Be still and know that I am God."

For many people in this world the idea of "stillness" is a foreign thought. Stillness is for the weak, uninspired, lazy or dare I say "counterproductive". One of the most scary things for a productive person is the thought of putting energy into something that could ultimately be counterproductive.

But I would challenge each of us to be a little "counterproductive" every day. Yes, being still in God's presence will end up being the MOST productive thing you do every day. It requires very little energy to sit in God's sweet presence and thank Him, talk to Him, WORSHIP him. It is one of the MOST refreshing and life giving things. Bringing peace, insight, strength, revelation, healing and so much more.

All through stillness; I love it!

Let's take time each day to break from all our productivity to do the most productive action of being still before God. If this is new for you, this may be different from anything you have ever done before. It can be one minute or an hour, but I promise you will want more of it! :) You can do this through prayer, journaling, or putting on good worship music.

 

I have been a little in love with this song. I have looked it up the past couple of days and sit still in worship. What great strength comes from recognizing God for who He is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmrXdjilmaY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7pdoljCKwQ&feature=related

Have a very blessed day!!

Remember When.

I am so happy to be back to blogging. I took a break this summer as I was crunching in a couple of grad school classes but I have missed so much the chance to put in writing the things that God is so sweetly speaking to me. This summer, God did not fail to teach me and speak to me even through the busiest times. He is good and faithful like that.

One of the lines that I keep on hearing and that has been rolling around in my head is a "remember when" season. We all have them, good or bad, overwhelming or small, they come in and out of our life like waves. I think about these seasons through life, for couples it is, "Remember when we met? Remember our first date?" For parents it is, "Remember when they were that small? Remember her first steps?" And of course each of us have our own seasons that are unique to our lives.

One of my first lessons on a "remember when" season happened this summer. I was walking one evening and praying about how on earth Ty and I were going to make it through the summer and this upcoming year. I have mentioned before that we are both in school and working full time. From the world's viewpoint and without God's perspective that looks something like this:
 Full time work + college education + marriage = not seeing each other and very little money.
 LAME and completely scary for a newlywed couple who just bought their first house!

As I walked, God put in my heart so clearly that we were in a "remember when" season. This will be a time that Tyler and I will look back and say "Remember when we were both in school and working ... " I started thinking about these words and remembering all my "remember when" seasons. Looking back, God brought good through each of my seasons. Of course good came from good seasons, but even through the tough ones, God brought good. I grew, my faith increased, thankfulness increased, love for others increased, my relationship with the Lord strengthened, my marriage grew deeper, my friendships taken to a new level, I was removed from harm, protected, I experienced comfort, the list goes on and on. Think back on your seasons and what good God brought from those times.
Romans 8:28 states:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

As you can tell from my above formula, "What good are you working through this, God?" is definitely not always my heart or my mouth's first response, especially in a hard season. I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that it is not the first response of many of us. I lovingly call my first response the initial "freak-out" phase. Sure, it's a little humbling for me to write about, but what the heck, why not just throw it all out there? ;) Phase one can look like many things for me. It ranges anywhere from "stressed out, leave me alone, why me, I don't deserve this, what's going to happen? what could happen?, they don't know what I am going through, they can't relate to me, pity-party throwing, this will never end, a positive attitude won't make this any better, I could cry at any minute and yes I will just lay in this bed, say what I want, dare I say- eat what I want, RESPONSE!  This can be inward or outward... but many times, it's there.

It doesn't take much time in prayer or in the word of God to know that this is not the heart or life that God has for us! The above verse is a statement of faith. A statement of a powerful and good God who is constantly working good on your, on my, behalf. It may not always be my first response to a hard season but I pray God trains my heart and mind so that it is. God's word is so good. There is power in His word. It is living. When meditated on and spoken, it transforms the mind and heart. It can literally change who you are and begin to change your first response.

By the end of that walk I was excited for this upcoming time period. I had thought about how God had worked through all my other seasons both good and bad. What he brought through tears and sorrow and through the joy and excitement of my life. My thoughts were now, "Wow, what good is God going to work for us?" My first formula was created by my own fear and what the world believes. But God gives another formula.

 Full time work + college education + marriage = not seeing each other and very little money.

Full time work + college education + marriage = new appreciation and love for my husband, opportunity, valued time, better time management, learning to lean on God for all things, seeing God financially provide and so much more. We are through summer and into the school year and God has provided for us in so many ways and I know He will do the same for you. His word is true, He brings good from the hard times. I pray that we can recognize our "remember when" seasons while we are going through them; that we may take full advantage of what God is doing in our hearts and lives. He is such a sweet God.

A pastor I listened to recently said that it is when we are going through something difficult, God seems like only a whisper away; that God graces us with an intimacy with Him that only comes through these times. I loved this thought and am still letting it sink in. I pray that we can let God's word change our hearts and responses to the hard stuff in this world and that we see the "remember when" season while we are right in the middle of it.

Digging in the Sand.

Well it is summertime at last!!! I have spent my first official day of summer for the most part, in bed! I have rotated sleeping, reading, journaling, surfing the web and sleeping :) I must admit it feels GLORIOUS! But now, it is almost five o'clock and I am getting the itch to get going again!

Yesterday I had two of my dearest friends over. Lauren, Abbey and I have been friends for about seven or eight years now and they are two of the coolest people I know. We all three live in different cities and the last time we got together was probably over Christmas. Yesterday we talked for hours and at one point I was telling them how a situation was worrying me. Lauren suggested we pray together about it and while we were praying one of them said, "GREATLY INCREASE OUR FAITH GOD!" As soon as she said that, I thought "oh, wow, that IS what I need." It is something that I don't often pray, but yes, GREATLY INCREASE OUR FAITH GOD!
  
Fast forward to today. While in my lounging state, I have been journaling and talking to God about my life and why I let myself be so worried over something so small. In my mind I got this picture of my feet standing on sand. It was relaxing and the wind was blowing. Then, I start digging. I start pushing and getting further and further into the sand to where my legs could not move. I felt strength in my stance IN the sand. And I hear it, GREATLY INCREASE OUR FAITH GOD.

I felt like God revealed to me that the sand was the word of God, the Bible, His truths and promises. My feet were apart ready to fight and though I was standing on his truths, I was still able to run at any time. That has been the level of my faith lately! Still believing and loving Him, but not letting my feet sink into the truth. When it's gotten hard, my faith in Him has been weak and I have been wanting to run and worry instead of stand firm in the truth that God has given me.

Once I started digging, my faith in God and his promises changed. I was not only standing ON the sand or promises, but solidly SET in them. That way, when something tried to shake me, I was not shaken, or running but set firm and not moving!

This morning was eye opening to how much my faith in God impacts my ability to trust that God is going to overcome the obstacles of this world. When I am SET firm in God's promises and my faith is deep and strong, I am not moving when I encounter opposition.  I am believing that God is going to take care of it. I am strong in God's word when he says that he will work all things for good for me, that he overcomes every enemy, that He is my strength and my shield. That the battle is His!

John 16:33 states:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you may have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Today I don't know if you are standing on the sand, or are set firm in the sand but you can be assured that I am officially digging. :)

GREATLY INCREASE OUR FAITH GOD.

Get Your Peace Back.

Spring can be a BUSY season! It is beautiful and there is SO much going on. Tyler and I are in the process of packing up our apartment and moving to our first home, finishing up the last couple of weeks of college classes and maintaining our sanity while working full time! Let's just give a little re-cap of this morning shall we??

This morning I woke up bright and happy, ready for the day! kidding :) I woke up late. Stumbled out my bedroom door to see something that used to resemble my living room.  I have been working hard to keep my moving process "neat and organized" and while I haven't lost complete hope, I am willing to compromise on the neat factor :) I went to my closet and to be brutally honest, I didn't shave my legs last night, so dresses and skirts were out. My slacks were in the laundry, leaving me with jeans. We are only supposed to wear jeans on Friday so I found my darkest pair hoping that they could pass for "slacks," finished getting ready and set out the door. Late!

While on my way to school I got behind someone going 40 MPH who thought they were a civilian police officer and it was their duty to insure that no one behind them breaks the law, or even comes close to it ... LOVE those people. They (seeing that I was in a hurry and was possibly wanting to drive the speed limit) slowed down even more. I finally got a chance to pass them and as I was doing so, they decide that this is the time for them to increase their speed to 65 MPH. Putting my life in possible danger and sending my blood pressure sky rocketing... bless them Lord.

I got to school late, looked over to see half my coffee was out of the cup and on my car seat. AWESOME!
Surprisingly I wasn't that irritable... just more wound up! I knew I needed to "get my peace back." This is something I say that I probably got from my mom. When things are crazy, out of order, get your peace back... when you want to say a few "kind" words to someone who has ticked you off, get your peace back... when you are worried or anxious, get your peace back. Most of the time this takes God helping me get the right perspective, putting everything back in it's proper priority and getting things back in balance!

During my quiet time today. I opened my journal and started the "get-your-peace-back" process :) LORD I NEED YOU TODAY! HELP! The "get-your-peace-back" process is more about God than me. It's realizing my need for God and realizing his awesome abilities in my life, relationships, and heart.  This song came to my mind and I got on youtube searched for it and let it speak to my heart. As the song played, all the pieces started falling back in place. Yes, this is what it is about. Yes, this is what my heart's deepest desire is.

The song talks about the ONE thing we desire, God. It goes on to say,What an awesome reminder. In the middle of all the things I have to do, all the crazy things that go wrong, all the blessings and dreams that are coming true, God is more than it all. He is above all things, He is going to take care of us and He loves us. I love it!

"Lord your name is higher than the heavens, Lord your name is higher than all created things, higher than hope, higher than dreams, the name of the Lord..."

Thank you Lord for this sweet reminder today, it is exactly what I needed to change my focus and heart.

Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql4DZ7vm_9k

Have a blessed day!

Fire-Alarms.

I am not a morning person by any means... actually, I would say that I am the COMPLETE opposite of morning person. My brain does not turn on for at least an hour. My conversations are none existent or fuzzy, I drop things, spill my coffee, cereal and milk. Needless to say it takes me a good while to be alert. I may appear awake on the outside, but I am definitely not!

This year, my conference at school is during second period... about 8:15 in the morning. This is perfect for me because it's right about the time that I really start to wake up (yes my brain is pretty much half asleep for my first period class) :) Just as my first period kids are walking out the door, my coffee starts to kick in and I am left in my quiet, empty class. I turn on the lamp, open the blinds to my windows, turn off the lights and relish in the fact that I get an hour alone in silence! Mostly I use this time to journal and do my quiet time. I work hard during the day to finish my paper work and grading so that this time is free to me. I LOVE this time; I look forward to it.

Today was one of those days when I needed my time with God. I have been so busy, that I could not wait for the peace that comes from time with Him. I shut the door, turned off my computer monitor, opened my journal and Bible, put my pen to the paper to start writing and then... the fire alarm went off. SERIOUSLY!?! Could I just get ONE moment!?! One moment without noise, rushing, chaos, one moment of peace! Right then I knew what God was saying, sometimes life can be one big FIRE ALARM. Distraction after distraction, to draw us away from what is important.

A couple of years ago I read the book Captivating. It talked about how we have to fight for our intimacy with God. There are always going to be a million other things we can do or occupy our time with but our relationship with God must come first and we MUST find a way to place it in that first place spot. It may mean turning off the cell phone, the computer, the TV, locking the door, waking up early, staying up a little later.

Finding this time is not always easy!! There have been times when I have sat in my car before a meeting or appointment because it was the only time I had that day and the only quiet place I could find to spend time with God. The more aware I become of distractions the better I can fend them off. One small distraction that I had to get through was something as simple as my mind drifting off to what else I need to get finished for the day. I have learned to always have my planner, or an extra piece of paper by me so that I can write it down, get it off my mind and move on with my time with God.

My pastor during college said that when he was in college his only time with God was in the morning. You can imagine how well went over with a college kid! He would fall back asleep every morning that he tried to wake up and sit on the couch to spend time with God. He finally came up with a system, he would set out his running shoes beside the bed so that when he woke up he put on his shoes and clothes and walked out the door. He walked while he prayed, he fought for that intimacy with God.

While we can spend time in prayer with God all throughout the day, Jesus understood the value of time spent alone with God. This time gives us strength, power, peace, wisdom, and encouragement. Jesus set aside time to get alone away from all the distractions and pray. Mark 1:35 states

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

What is being a fire-alarm or distraction in your ability to spend time with God? We are always going to have schedules and agendas; busy lives that demand our time and attention but I truly believe that we can ask God to open our eyes to the distractions around us. I believe He will show us a way and a time to get away and spend time with Him.

Be blessed!

Journal-love.

I wanted to share a little something about one of my favorite things. Almost every day I write in my journal. I have been doing this for years now and I look forward to picking out a new journal (or planner) as much as most girls like picking out a new pair of shoes.... they are equal in my book. To be honest, sometimes the journal even ranks over the shoes :)

I take my time picking out the journal and there are a few requirements:

Must have small spaces between lines, or no lines at all.
Must be able to open up all the way, so my hand doesn't run into the other side of the page
Must not be too small... that's just annoying
Must not be too big... as equally annoying because then the time between journals is too far apart!
Must be simple not bulky.

I am sure there are more, but I will spare you those, you get the gist. The journal does not separate itself from my Bible. They are a pair. I think I have finally found journal-love with a red 8x5-ish Moleskin journal (they come in black too). These can be found at Barnes and Noble and are a fair price for the awesomeness they bring :)

I write because it helps me reflect. I write what I am afraid to say outloud. I write to organize, to prioritize. I write these letters to God because it helps me to connect to Him. They are my prayers, thoughts, hopes, desires, hurts, confusions... you name it, it's in there.  I write to remember. When my hands put a verse on paper, it sinks in just a little deeper. Sometimes, I write something that I didn't even realize I was feeling or thinking. Sometimes I write about a situation and the answer seems so clear once it's on the page.

Proverbs 20:5 says

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Journaling helps me draw out my own heart. Each journal entry starts off with the date and each one is a letter to God. A real letter. It doesn't sound over spiritual. It sounds like a conversation that I would have with any other person. The only difference is, it is me, completely as I am. When I am writing these prayers on paper to the Lord , there is no shame, or judgement, or worry that I can't confide in him. He has become my best friend, I have complete trust and confidence in Him and I can be completely myself because I know His love for me. No one has read my journals except for the Lord or on rare occassions, me reading it to someone else.

Journaling helps me figure out the deep waters. When there is so much on my mind that I am no good to any conversation, I get away and put it all on paper and talk to God. The verse says that a person's heart is deep waters and that a person of insight draws them out. Journaling is an intentional act that brings clarity to the deep waters of my heart.

Romans 12: 2 says:

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

My quiet time with the Lord, happens most frequently with me sitting down with my Bible and my journal. It is transforming me. I truly believe that a person who spends time with God will be transformed. They will be different. Writing my prayers and the scriptures that God gives me helps me dig out the water and transform.

In teaching, we say writing something, is like reading it five times... I don't know who made that up or the statistics! But I like it :) In a technology age where everything is computerized I still find it comforting to write out my words and thoughts on paper. I have tried switching to journaling on the computer and it's just not the same! If God speaks to me in the middle of my day, sure I might put it onto my notes section on my phone, but when I get home I pull up that note section and put it in my journal!

As I said earlier, this is one of my favorite things. I am not sure it is for everyone, I am not saying it is an absolute must have to change or grow in your walk with God. To each his own :) But I am saying it has been one of the things that has helped me SO much in my relationship with God. If you are looking to switch up your devotional time, or going through a lot and can't sort it all out, or maybe there are some deep waters you need to sort through, I would suggest grabbing a note pad and pen and writing to God. It might be as small as writing a verse that you like on a note card and taping it to your mirror or computer. Who knows, you might find journal-love.

Have a wonderful day!

God IS working.

There are so many people in my life right now who are waiting. Waiting for something to fall through or open up. Waiting for news, finances, relief and peace. They feel they are at a stand still, as if the world is holding its breath.

Romans 8:28 says:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Reading this scripture reminded me that God IS working.

I can't even imagine how God works. How he orchestrates our lives in the sweetest way, but he does. He plans it out perfect. He is working. Not only is he working, but he is working GOOD for those who love him.

I am a habitual list-maker. I love my planner Monday through Friday and sometimes Saturday... if I haven't already made a list for Saturday. ;) I would LOVE to see God's planner for me... time-lines make me happy. But since for the most part I can't "time-line" out my life. At a certain point I just have to start saying this verse to myself. God works things for my good. I don't know when this will end, I don't know how this is going to go, I am not sure what will be next, but I do KNOW that God is working it for my good. And the end result will be good.

Think of yourself when you are working. I know when I am working hard I am focused and determined, maybe even a little more quiet than usual. If I am working on something for someone that I love dearly. I try to be very diligent, making sure it’s the best.

Matthew 7:11 says:

If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven, perfect as He is, give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking him!

I am so imperfect and still, I strive to give good things to those that I love. How much more is an amazing, perfect and Holy God, who loves us more than we can even comprehend, going to want and be ABLE to give good, good things to us. I truly believe that God wants better for us, than we could even hope to want for ourselves! He gives things on such a deeper level than we ever could.

A gift like peace through a hard time, patience when you can't wait any more, strength when you feel like the slightest thing will knock you down, provision when you can't see where it will come from. These are just a glimpse at the good things that God has for you, for us. 

I wrote this post as a reminder for myself. God is working good for me! I pray that if you are without hope this week, you don't know when or how, or can't see what is going to happen next, that you will cling to this verse this week. God is working good things for those who love Him. God is working good things for you.

Searching for a Dwelling Place.

This morning God led me to Psalm 84:

"How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns and even faints,
For the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh cry out
for the living God."

I like to remember that God is a King and a Lord and that we are His people. I like to remember that I am a servant of the Lord God, that he is my King, that he calls me his daughter. I can't even fathom what the courts of the Lord look like, but I would be bold enough to say that they are glorious, full of peace, praise and reverence. Psalm 84 goes on to say:

Even the sparrow has found a home,
   and the swallow a nest for herself,
   where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
   LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
   they are ever praising you.
 ⁵ Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
   whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
⁶ As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
   they make it a place of springs;
   the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
⁷ They go from strength to strength,
   till each appears before God in Zion.
 ⁸ Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty;
   listen to me, God of Jacob.
⁹ Look on our shield, O God;
   look with favor on your anointed one.
 ¹⁰ Better is one day in your courts
   than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
   than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
¹¹ For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
   the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
   from those whose walk is blameless.
 ¹² LORD Almighty,
   blessed is the one who trusts in you.

After reading this, I want to be in God's dwelling place. This place of favor and strength. This place where I find a home and shield where I go from strength to strength. A place where I am ever-praising God for his greatness. I could go for that.

The word dwell means to live as a resident and reside. Where do you consider to be your dwelling place? I think of mine as my quiet apartment, in the middle of the trees, with the trails outside. I busy myself all day long. I rush, rush, rush, get home, drop my bags, inhale deeply and let myself settle in. At times, even my home is not a place of rest... it is another to-do list, more homework, paying bills, cleaning. The in-and-out every day stuff.

Now I am not sure about your dwelling place, but it sounds like God's place has quite a few advantages over my own.

Tyler and I are currently looking at new apartments. On our hunt we consider all factors. The amenities, the extras, the garage, the pool, the ceiling height, ohhh crown molding! Wow, a coffee bar, a nice work out facility. :) It's kind of funny to think of how much each detail matters. Then I think of God's amenities at his house. Peace, favor, protection, praise, happiness, good things, strength... ummmm YES PLEASE. Show me where to sign up! I think that in my search for a new apartment God reminded me of all the perks of his dwelling place.

Sometimes, we allow our hearts and thoughts to dwell other places. In worry, fear, doubt, a situation or conversation. I will go ahead and say that I am by no means innocent of this! There have definitely been times that I have thought, "You know what? I think I will pack up my bags and move into worrying about this now. I think I will become a temporary resident of worry!"  But the dwelling place of the Lord is where we are meant to be. It is where we renew our strength, hope and peace. The sweetness of God's dwelling place is that it is accessible all day, every day. When our dwelling place is with the Lord in his presence, we do not ever have to leave his peace.

How do we dwell in God's place when there are so many things that pull us in other directions? We do this through prayer. It doesn't have to be out loud or twenty minutes long, though it can be. God knows our heart and hears our thoughts. He hears the quiet prayers through out the day. The one sentence plea, the murmurs. He hears you. When we pray, we can choose His place over any other and we get all the "amenities" from being in His dwelling place. Along with the best part, a closer relationship with Him.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and choose God's dwelling place!

The Little Things

Last week my students had to write an essay over the following prompt:

Write an essay about the value of the little things in life.

They sat there dismayed because they couldn't think of any little things that they valued. Wow! It shocked me that we had to talk through some of the little things around them that make their life more easy or enjoyable. We talked about laughing, spending time with friends and family. Parents who serve them by doing their laundry, making their meals, hugging them hello. We talked about a compliment, a surprise, and even a smile. They began writing and 40 minutes later the bell rang; there was a flurry of activity, backpacks zipping, desks moving, papers being stacked on my desk, kids walking in, walking out, asking if they could take it for homework and then there was silence. And I sat at my desk, in the silence of my second period conference, thinking about the value of the little things.

I thought of all the little things that I had been giving my attention to and I asked God to forgive me for all the times I passed up the little things without noticing their value and for giving so much attention to all the LITTLE things that get under my skin, that in the big picture, don't matter!  I wish I could just say that this is a just a problem of the new generation of teenagers! lol But I know deep down that it's not and that I often times forget how sweet the small things are. I also asked him to open my eyes to life's blessings and renew my thankfulness for them. I have always liked little things, I think everyone does. The small note, a good song on the radio, a friendly smile, the sun shining. I hope and pray we are keeping the value of the small things.

When my dad became sick with cancer, my perspective completely changed. I was so overwhelmed and thankful for the small things. I was thankful he was sitting at the kitchen table when I walked downstairs, I was thankful that I saw him at church and got to give him a hug good morning. I valued each and every small thing because it was precious.

Since last week, I am trying to take some time to dwell on the sweet little things that God brings to my life. It might be a co-worker who is always positive, a family member who helps, a friend who listens, a spouse who gives. And taking time to be thankful for them. Let's move our focus from the little things that try to trip us up, to the little things that speed us along.

The link to the song below is one of my recent favorites! I am definitely humored by it because it is about life's little annoyances and letting God use them to teach us, help us grow and then getting over it and remembering how BIG we're blessed! I am a little dramatic... ;) so my favorite line is "it's not the end of the world!"

Love you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqqdA8LHN7I&feature=fvwrel

watch her live here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HteoxWzAT8

The Six Letter Cuss Word

I mentioned in an earlier post that I love getting to the real stuff in friendships. I have a couple of friendships in my life that consist only of the real stuff. I LOVE these friends and the conversations that we have. A lot of these friends live in different cities, but as soon as we get on the phone or sit across the table to share a meal together, we jump ten feet in, right into the middle of the real stuff. It doesn't matter what it is. If it's awesome news we celebrate with each other, if it's sadness we cry together, if it's confusion we pray together. It's the friendship where the question "how is it going?" is asked with the desire to know how things are REALLY going!

My friend Lauren, is one of these friendships for me. We met at a bible study that I taught one summer and over the years she has become one of my best friends. I don't know that we have ever lived in the same city, except for summers. When I moved home from college, she left for college! We keep in touch through email, phone calls, text messages but one of my favorite parts about our friendships is the times when one of us is in town and we get to talk for a couple of hours. We almost always try to block out a lunch or dinner that we can catch up on all the good stuff.

A couple of months ago we got together for dinner at Panera. If you ask anyone about Lauren they will talk about her passion and love for God. She is so completely animated when she talks about what He is doing in her life. I love this!

We got settled, prayed over our food, talked about life, family, our walks with God, laughed at crazy stories, all the usual things. Eventually I asked her how college was going and if it was stressing her out. She said almost in a whisper "oh I don't say that word anymore." I was confused. There was a pause, and I whispered back, "what word?" Lauren mouthed the word "stress". She said with every bit of conviction she had, "it's almost like a curse word to me now, God is teaching me to watch my words and that is a word that I have decided not to say anymore."

Wow! I sat back in the booth and laughed a little. I automatically loved this thought and I got the biggest kick over it. This is why this girl is one of my best friends, I learn from her! Here I was sitting across the table from her, probably in one of my "worn down, pulled tight in my schedule, this is just one of those seasons I am going to have get through" days, and it dawned on me, the little words that I have been speaking just might have an impact on my life.  And though I don't curse, if stress was a cuss word, I had more than likely been cussing up a storm.

I decided to implement adding the word stress to my "cuss word list" effective immediately! :) I love a little challenge. So to be honest about my bad choice in words, I threw the words anxious and overwhelmed onto the cuss word list just for fun.

It was kind of hilarious at first how many times throughout the week I caught myself wanting to say these three little words. But it showed me just how often I was confessing this state of mind and being over my life. Confessing out loud for myself to hear and believe "I AM stressed! I AM anxious! I AM overwhelmed!" And I am not talking about crying out to God in my quiet time or asking him for solutions. I am talking about just saying it and believing it and in return, living it!

The best part of this challenge was the outcome that it produced. Instead of saying these things out loud, I closed my mouth and prayed. I was exchanging my "stress" for peace and a closer relationship with God. Instead of saying "I am just so anxious about this paper" without giving a thought to God. I quietly prayed within myself  "Lord you know my heart and anxiety help me to have a calmness and peace about getting this done." Over and over, prayer by prayer, my level of anxiety and stress reduced and instead of confessing stress I was confessing FAITH. After praying I would have the FAITH to say out loud "the Lord is going to help me get through this day, accomplish this task, talk to the person..." or whatever the situation was, God was now IN it, instead of stress!

Watching our words can be especially hard, but being aware of our words and their impact can be something that spurs us forward in our walk with God. I always knew to pray about my problems or burdens but that day I learned that by controlling my words, I could use my stress and anxiety to push me closer to God, not further away!

Below is one of the verses I decided to memorize during this time period:

Philippians 4:6-7
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.

To be honest, this is still something that I am working toward and that challenges me. I can't tell you how many times I have stopped talking mid-sentence! I still get stressed, I still find myself anxious and at times I am definitely overwhelmed! The difference is now I go to the Lord with these feelings and thoughts, and give Him the time to replace my stress or anxiety with a peace that is more than I could ever accomplish on my own.

Be blessed today!

Love.

My sister Courtney is six years older than me. My mom says that when I was born, Courtney thought I was her very own, real-life baby doll. We would play dress up, sing songs at the top of our lungs, pick on our brothers, laugh together ... all the normal sister stuff :) She loved me, and I thought she was the best thing since sliced bread.

I was five the first time she spent the night at someone else's house. I wore one of her t-shirts to bed and cried myself to sleep. I colored her so many pictures that they surrounded the walls of the bedroom we shared. For real! The first time she came home from college, she surprised me at my seventh grade volleyball practice and I was so happy, I cried, in front of all my friends. We have been through thick and thin. We are sisters and no one can take her place.

Don't get me wrong, we have definitely had our battles! What sisters haven't? But valentine's day is about the love, so the battles will have to be for another day :) When we were really young, we shared a room and one night before bed I remember asking Courtney how much she loved me. I must have been around six years old and she sat there for a while and said "If every car in the world was a heart, that's how much I love you."

That little phrase sure stuck in my head and I still sometimes tell people that I love, just how much, in hearts. Words are a powerful thing and just one sentence from someone can alter your course and even control your thoughts or mood. I thought today, "when's the last time I asked God how much he loved me? How much would one sentence from him change me and stick with me?" I know that one word or sentence from the Father can make an impact that a person is not even able to put into words. I know it has happened to me before. I try to tell someone else... and words are not enough to express how much it meant to me, or changed me. Love and words are powerful things.

I really believe God shows his love for us each day in the small, simple things. Ask God to show you all the ways he has been showing you his love and just how much he loves you. He is a good God, he lavishes us with love. And His words will change you forever.

1 John 3:1
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

Be blessed today and know that you are loved more than anything.

Getting Out of the Freeze.

Last Friday school was canceled because of an ice day. The kids were happy, I was happy; it was overall awesome!

I spent my day waking up late and scrolling through the channels. I wore two pair of pajama pants, my ski socks from last winter, and an over sized hoodie as I sat on the couch buried under a huge blanket. I resigned myself to the fact that I was stuck and it would be WAY too much effort to get out in the ice.

Yesterday, I found myself again, in ice (what is going on Texas!?). I ran from the school building out to my car; put my hand on that ice covered door knob and yanked. Nothing. I pulled again, nothing. Determined to get to my seat warmers ASAP, I yanked and this time put some effort into it. FINALLY, the ice broke free and I scooted into my equally freezing car!

Sometimes, we go through a freeze in our life. Nothing is moving! It can last a day, a week, month or even years and we can be stuck. The freeze can be financial, spiritual, family-related, relational, physical. We can get our self into a freeze or it can be caused by situations out of our control. Some of my causes have been fear, failure, and even hurt. Many times, my life freezes have left me feeling weak and powerless.

If you are like me, these freezes can make you so frustrated! You pull and push with all your might and nothing is moving. Or... maybe you just resign yourself to the freeze, put on your comfy clothes, find the remote and sit on the couch, living up the excuse "it's freezing!" I would never do this! ;)

On the way to school this morning I heard the song by Chris Tomlin, "Our God is Greater". Talk about an awesome confession. I was sad that it was on the radio and that I couldn't push the repeat button when it ended. But it got me thinking about freezes and about God's promise. This song reminded me how much my outlook changes once God is on my radar. It is not up to me alone to break out of a "freeze", to mend a relationship, heal my hurt, conquer my fear, get past my failure or have the strength to try again. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says,

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

I LOVE this verse. God's power is made perfect in MY weakness. God's power is made perfect in YOUR weakness. I have to say it again, I love this verse. When I finally get to the place where I am too tired, or exhausted and don't have the energy to make stuff happen. Or when I am backed into a corner and I can't move and all my abilities, efforts and ideas have failed and I give up. That's when God finally gets to show off and show me what HIS power can do. Man, I need to give up more often!

These times give us another chance to see our creative and powerful God move on our behalf.  He makes a way, so that we know it could have only been Him. These are the times that our life and testimonies give God glory and honor. Psalm 42:11 says,

But, O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. He is my help! He is my God!

Here is the link to the Christ Tomlin song. I pray it encourages your heart and stirs your faith that God is greater than any situation, or freeze, that you might be in! Invite him into your situation and that He will move on your behalf.

Be blessed today!

On a side note: I would recommend turning up the volume and singing/proclaiming this song as loud as possible... lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_t_87NyHx0&feature=related

Watcher in the Window.

Every weekday morning sometime between 6:00-6:15 a.m. I make the scary trek from my apartment down to my car. I know this may seem silly, but it's pitch black outside! And after being raised by a firefighter, and now married to a police officer... (not to mention all the scary commerical/movies where people get taken) I have become a little TOO aware of what could happen... or maybe just overly imaginative :) On a normal day, I walk slowly, checking around my car from the second floor balcony. I listen for unfamiliar sounds, I check by my tires for shadows, I look to see if there any any random cars parked near by. I walk, at any point, ready to drop my three heavy bags and fight... or run! Part of being a teacher is the requirement that you carry over sized bags and preferably multiples... When I finally get into my car, I shut the door quickly behind me, throw my bags in the passenger seat unaware of where they land and lock the door. Even writing this, makes me laugh, because it's true!

On rare occasions my husband and I are up at the same time, getting ready for work. Sometimes, on cold mornings, he even wakes up from his sleep to start my car. Lately there has been a large, unfamiliar van parked right by my car! And I don't mean to judge, but it looks sketchy!

This morning, I asked my husband to watch me walk down to my car. He rolled out of bed, stood inside the window and told me he would watch. It wasn't until after I was safe in my car that I realized I hadn't done ANY of my normal safety check routine. I didn't care that I heard a door open above me on the third floor, that across the lot was a Camaro that had it's engine running. I didn't even glance at that van. I didn't check, because I knew someone was watching me and I was safe.

I couldn't see him this morning and neither could anyone else. But I knew he was there because I had asked him. Normally, I don't include Tyler in my safety equation, but what a difference putting him into the equation makes! I walked with confidence, knowing my man would TAKE any enemy DOWN!! lol (even if he was half asleep!)

This thought made me smile as I was driving to work. I felt like the Lord impressed upon my heart, what if you included me in your life equation? What if you asked me in advance, to watch? How much more confidence would you have in how you lived your life?

What a difference that would make! Before starting each day, recognizing and knowing that a powerful GOD is standing watch over me, ready to come to my assistance at any time of need. This is our God! He is our protector, shield, defender. He is our comfort, peace, and safety and he is standing watch over you and I.

I believe that as we include God into our daily equation and ask Him to be more present, we become more aware of just who we are, who we belong to, and who has our back. This simple thought helped me remember to ask God to be present in my every day. Even though he already is :) And to help me remember He is there and that He hears our prayer.

Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.

Be blessed today!

Faith in the Tough Times

Recently, I sat down to visit with a dear friend.  We talked about the obvious things and gradually began to talk about the real stuff. I love getting to the real stuff. Great friendships are based on getting to the real stuff. We began to talk about something that she is believing God for. Tears filled her eyes as she explained how much she has been believing and hoping for this to come to pass. She said "I know God can, just why isn't he?"

I think we have all been there. I know he can, but why isn't he? It is an emotion that when it is happening to you, is so real and present and pressing.  It can be painful, uncomfortable, confusing and stretching. One day you are full of faith and the next you feel like you are at the bottom of a pit. When my husband was without a full time job last year, I experienced this very real pain. I know it's a scary place to be, but I think it's a real place to be, the place where you are fighting not to ask, why?

Sitting with my friend as she choked back those words reminded me of two things.
It reminded me of what faith truly is, and what the body of Christ is supposed to be.

Everyone would agree that it is easy to have faith through good times, but many of us have felt the times when our faith is truly stretched. When it's a need; God has to move or we might not make it out okay. It might be a physical, financial, spiritual or emotional need, but we know that God has to move on our behalf.  Hebrews 11:1 says

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

I mentioned before about my husband's job last year. God was faithful to provide for us during that time, but that's not to say that it wasn't stretching our faith to believe that God was going to do something wonderful on our behalf. It took every ounce of our faith to speak out loud that God was going to work in an amazing way. During this time period, Tyler was working part time at his police department and a new full time spot had become available. This was it! This was what God was going to do for us! The email came out announcing that another person had been chosen for the spot. We were heart broken. Somewhere deep within, my heart screamed, why!? I didn't understand. It is at times like these that I believe people have to take a time-out. A life, time-out. We had to get together and get past the hurt and put "why" to the side. Why doesn't matter! We are believing for something we HAVE NOT SEEN yet! So Lord, we trust you to bring on the good stuff! Not only knowing that he can, but believing that he will. I found this verse and posted it to my computer at work:

Psalm 138:2 I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.

Now trust me, this is TOUGH and it certainly wasn't my first response! I won't even write about my first response! :) God says that he will strengthen you in your inner spirit and I find myself praying that OFTEN! I had to refuse to speak doubt and also surround myself with people of faith. Which leads me to the second thing: the body of Christ. It is SUCH a powerful thing!

Galatians 6:2 says:
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

God knew that there would be some tough times in life and that we would need each other.  God gave us the body to encourage each other, pray for each other. When one person is weak in their faith it's our role to step in and say "I can believe for that, I can have faith for that with you!" It saddens me to think of all the opportunities we may miss as believers to share in what God is doing for someone else.

During this same time, I remember one person who was the body of Christ to me, in a very practical way. I was outwardly believing for God to do something but inwardly, I was sinking. I needed the body of Christ. I sat down with a dear friend and had a conversation much like the one I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, only I was the one crying out. Later during the day, I got an email from her. It said, I love you and I am praying for you guys and for God's provision and direction in your life and then there was a link attached to an encouraging song.

That email meant the WORLD to me! It meant so much to me, that someone was thinking about me after the fact, and that they were actually praying for me. My point is this, it was an EMAIL! :) Something short and easy and it encouraged my faith and made me feel strong. We all have time to write an email, make a phone call, send a card, go out for coffee, send a text, say a prayer. We have time to be the body of Christ.

How do we keep faith in the hard times? Believe that God can and will; gain strength through prayer and the body of Christ. Be blessed today!

New.

My husband is an avid movie watcher and I have been... blessed, to watch many movies with titles that I would have NEVER thought twice about ever watching! Most of the time I start off uninterested. You know, reading a book, painting my nails, walking in and out while flat ironing my hair. Slowly, I find myself engrossed in the plot. I am adding up all the facts and clues and predicting what will happen next. I triumph in my ability to know what happened and what will happen next. MANY times, just when I think I have it figured out, some new element comes onto the scene! My reaction to this is always different: surprise, confusion, happiness... it sure would have been nice to see that coming!

At times, my life is a reflection of my awesome movie-watching habits! :) I know what has happened and THINK I know how it's going to go in the future. I may get suprised or frustrated when things are not happening exactly how I thought or planned. This morning I read:

Isaiah 42:9
"See, the former things have taken place, and NEW things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you."

See, I think God likes to bring new stuff into the movie of our life.

Looking back, I see how God was always doing something new. We may be so caught up in the former things that we fail to see all the NEW things that God is doing or they take us by surprise. I love that the first part of this verse starts with the word SEE. God wants us to see the former things so that we can place it as part of the past. It is not always easy to put the former things behind us. We get stuck, we are hurt, we are afraid to let go, but we have a promise from a faithful God that he will and IS doing something new. Once the former things are in their right place, we can more readily enjoy and embrace all the new things. The Lord even says that he will announce them to us before they come into being. Wouldn't it be nice to have glimpse of what God will do next? I think the key is taking time to ask Him and hear what He is saying.

Matthew 7:7 states "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Putting this into practice definitely takes some faith!

Today, I sat still in silence, and let God show me some new things that are to come. New things to pray for, to believe for and to look forward to; new ideas, thoughts, inspiration and words from Him. New comfort, peace, strength, love, forgiveness. His mercies are new each morning. God has new things for us.

And He Shall Reign Forever

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a bit of a sucker and complete lover of anointed worship.

This Sunday at church, the choir and praise team sang a song that made God's spirit in me swell up so much. This song has been turning in me today and someone very wise once told me "God stirs your spirit to move you" (thanks mom!) :)

When I feel God's spirit moving, stirring, reacting in me, I put my heels in a little and start digging! It helps me to stop and meditate on whatever it is so that I can hear how God wants to use it to move me. I dug a little into this song and found this link. Love it! It's about ten minutes and is an awesome addition to your time with God today. I hope you love it and that it gives you something to chew on for the rest of today. Be blessed today and consumed with the thought of Him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvr4O9FiK9A&feature=related

A Consuming Fire

The word "consumed" has been rolling around in my head lately. Several events have happened that have forced me to come to the realization that we are meant to be consumed. I truly believe that not only are we meant to be consumed, we WANT to be consumed! So we start each day searching for consumption.... what am I going to DO today. What is going to consume my thoughts, energy, time, emotions. And somewhere along the way I let things consume me that I never intended or wanted to consume me at all.


I am consumed with the daily to-do list. This is one of many things that I have allowed to consume me. And I really think Satan loves it. The past two weeks I have been praying for God to help me rest in him. I catch my self driving with my shoulders tense and so focused on getting to where I need to be I can hardly take a deep breath.  I make myself sit back, rest my head on the seat rest and inhale slowly. I make myself enjoy that drive. I will not get there any more quickly if I think about it more intensely. Life if going to happen and I make myself look at the bigger picture and rest. I know it sounds so funny, but I was so consumed with my own thoughts and what I needed to do, I didn't want to hear the radio! I kept KSBJ turned off because I didn't want to sing that song, again! I didn't want anyone else putting anything else in my head to think about. This week, I turned on the radio. I turned on KSBJ... and I sang that song of worship again. And I thought about a mighty God on His throne. And I let myself be consumed with the idea of Him and His plans for this world. His plans for me in His world. And all other things fell away, and it was me and Him and his thoughts. And I was consumed and I really loved it.


This morning in my quiet time I read this:
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29


After reading this, I knew it was true. I was meant to be consumed, I want to be consumed and I will be consumed. And I can choose what to be consumed by, and every day it's my desire to choose to let God consume me. Consume my day, my thoughts, my actions, words, feelings... MY TO-DO LIST! It's going to be scary to let go of all those things that I have worked so hard to do right and keep perfect. I think that I worked really hard to do a really good job of it, but it was HARD and it left me many times feeling unhappy! Deep down I know that God can do the BEST job of it and I have a peace and will be left with time to rest.


Intimacy with God is consuming. And I love it.