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! :)