If You Tend To Look Back...

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19

Do you perceive it? The newness coming in with this new year?

There is something deep and unspeakable within me that jumps at the thought. 2011 was very long. And dry at times. I would even use the word heated. This past year brought us loss and life-altering change.

But my difficulties did not exhaust God's power. They only made an opportunity for more to be displayed.

He has been so faithful.

In Isaiah 43, God encourages the Jewish exiles to not look or live in the past, but to look to Him. He is making a way in the wilderness. He is making a clear path where there seemed to be not one. He is ready to provide refreshment in the desert.

Like the Isrealites, my natural tendency is to look back. To sulk in past mistakes or old hurts. To sit in disappointment. I can beat myself to a pulp over poor choices or harsh words I've spoken. But God is always doing a new thing. Like his instruction to the children of Israel, His words ring true in my ears today.

Behold, I am doing a new thing, do you not perceive it?

Chadash, the Hebrew word for new, simply means fresh. Are you ready for a fresh start?

I'm ready.

Yet admist the excitement, newness is a vulnerable emotion. Many uncertainties. Many questions. But in the redundant words of Scripture, do not be afraid.

"Jesus is where you are, and you can trust that he will show you the next steps." -Henri Nouwen

There are several things on my 2012 list that have a shape, yet not a face. Several of which could cause me great anxiety if I let them. Money being one of them. But I am not afraid, for Jesus is where I am. He will show me the next steps.

What is it about 2012 that brings you anxiety?

If it is your health...Jesus is where you are.
If it is your marriage...Jesus is where you are.
If it is your job...Jesus is where you are.
If it is your children...Jesus is where you are.
If it is relationships...Jesus is where you are.
If it is money...Jesus is where you are.

I am praying for you today, sweet reader. Let us look forward with great hope and anticipation! He is doing a new thing! I can perceive it! He is making a way in the wilderness for you. He is bringing refreshment in the desert for you. This past year may have exhausted you, but not your God.

He is as fresh as ever and ready to display Himself in your 2012.

Do you perceive it?

Reflecting with the Little Brown Journal

I love the hungry white pages of a brand new journal. Each page ready for the strike of an eager pen. As of this week, my little brown book has officially retired. It's pages maxed with messages from my pastor, quotes from my mentor, notes from books I've read, prayers I've offered to the Lord, correction He has brought me in my sin and Scripture He has whispered in the hush of our time together.

Re-flect \ri-ˈflekt\ : to think quietly and calmly

This morning I want to reflect with the little brown journal. Sitting quietly before the Lord. Turning each page of His faithfulness to me. Remembering the goodness of this year past. The hardships. The joys. Join me as I highlight and reflect on a few one-liners from little brown journal...

* Yesterday it was very clear to me...apart from Christ I can do nothing. NOTHING.

* Refreshment is found in the presence of God.

* "In a hopeless world - hope is powerful. In a truthless world - grace is powerful." -Pastor Dunn
* "If you carry the Word in your heart during times of trouble then His Word will carry you." -D. Barnes

* "The only way you can make little of yourself is to make much of someone else." -Piper

* How do we deal with Pride? We continually deflect and point to Christ.

* You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness in joy. Psalm 16:11 - JOY come from His presence!

* Rest is a result of discipline. Choose to Trust God. Rest is found here.

* "You have to fight for your enjoyment of the Lord." -J. Newman

* "The Devil works out of a position of pride. The Lord works out of a position of humility." -D. Barnes

* "The reward of seeking God is God. He is the reward." -Pastor Dunn

* In the Kingdom of God we either move forward or backwards. We never stand still.

* "Love never fails. Just love." -D. Barnes

* "Faith comes by hearing. Using what you've heard increases your faith. We must do what we hear from God." -Pastor King

* Don't be a child of Israel who complains. Crucify yourself, Becky. Be thankful.

* Don't look to people for my supply - look to God. Expect everything from Him.

* "If you suffer any want, it is your own fault." -Spurgeon

* "When a tide of passion or a surge of anger is felt, it must be dealt with as the alien intruder it really is and turned out of the house. It has no right to be there at all...let alone give orders." -Nasser

* Christians must take severe measures in dealing with sin.

* God's Word isn't the fun news it's the Good News. And we can't realize how good it is until we see how bad we are. This realization will always bring forth change.

* "Be well trained with the weapons of God (Eph 6). Know your covenant. Understand your authority and agreement. Jesus' death and suffering are not in vain. Honor the price paid." -D. Barnes

* Lord, ignite in me fresh passion. Let us pursue intimacy. Romance me, Lord. Word of God speak. Fill my heart with Your Word. I give myself to you as a living sacrifice. Holy and Acceptable. My spiritual act of worship. Amen.

Do you have any one-liners today? Do share. I'd love to reflect with you.

I also did a similar post with my Little Red Journal. I love looking back over what the Lord has done. He is so good.

If Your Faith Is Shaken...

I have ran with the same friend for years. We meet at a small church parking lot near a stretch of sidewalk where we love to run. We have memorized what red light marks a 5K, what subdivision makes four miles and which fire hydrant adds up to five.

Along this path, our friendship has deepened. We have ran and laughed. Even jumping with excitement over victories the Lord has allowed. I have also ran and cried along that concrete trail. We both have. Sometimes we've been so deep with hurt we could barely speak a word. All we could do was slow down and keep moving.

Running. A parallel of life. Laughing. Deep joy. Victories. Grieving. Crying. Hurt. Silence. Endurance.

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31,32

Jesus and Simon Peter had ran some distance together. They did life. Peter was the chosen one - The Rock of the coming church. But Jesus knew that Peter was about to walk through the roughest terrain of his journey. The sifting of Simon Peter. The sifting of wheat? How does that translate to us today?

John Piper says, that the sifting of Peter and the others is "Satan's effort to destroy their faith. And this remains Satan's main goal today. It is relatively unimportant to Satan whether we are healthy or sick, rich or poor; what he wants is to sift out our faith. If he can do it by suffering he will try that; if he can do it by wealth, he will try that."

Do you know what astounds me the most about this passage? Here He is. Jesus - Fully God. Fully man. The power of His Word able to bring the world into existence. But, look at Jesus' response. "I have prayed for you...that your faith may not fail."

What? Why didn't Jesus pray for Satan to call it off? Isn't Peter important? I mean, He could have said no. "Sorry Satan. Peter is special. He's my Rock. I need him left alone. Pick on someone else."

No, Jesus allowed it. Why?
For Peter's faith to increase.

I am betting that Peter was a bit confused by this. Why would his Lord, his Teacher, his Friend let anything bad happen to him? I have felt this way, too. Haven't you? But Peter was about to learn that it is "through suffering and trial our faith is refined. We are drawn to rely ever more heavily on God and we are moved to cherish his grace more strongly. Satan has his role to play in fanning the flames of our refining furnace. We must be sober in our prayers, fight the good fight and anticipate the victory of God at the perfect time." -Piper, On the Sifting of Simon Peter.

Friend, is this where you are today? Are you being sifted as wheat? Do you feel as if you are on a big mesh sieve being shaken to your core? Are you tired? Torn? Weak? Desperate? Your faith on the brink of failing you?

When (not if) but when this happens, let us be of great courage. Faith can not fall through mesh. Continue steadfastly in prayer. Your wind may be knocked out... you may have to slow your pace, but for Heaven's sake, keep running. Your eyes staying fixed on the Prize. Place your hope in the one who can save you. In the one who runs beside you. Put your hope in the one who is praying that your faith may not fail.

Jesus.

The Post I Never Wanted To Write

It was a cool Sunday in May 2010. I drove past the only rental house on my street. In the driveway were three blonde-headed little girls splashing in a kiddie pool. Tucked away in the shade of the garage was their blonde-headed little momma painting kitchen chairs.

I stopped the van, "Welcome to the neighborhood! My name is Becky. I live three doors down. I just wanted to say hello. I have three little boys around the same age as your daughters. We would love to have you over to play sometime."

And a friendship began.

A couple of days later my boys brought cookies and flowers to greet the girls. (You may remember, I wrote a post during our Summertime Sanity series about Serving Others - this was the family!) Playing sometime became most days and most days became almost everyday. Teresa and I were instant kindred.

Statefarm is not kidding - there is nothing "like a good neighbor." We had never shared life with another family like this before. We celebrated every holiday. Every birthday. Every occasion last year. Teresa and I went to the same gym, our kids went to the same preschool, we worshipped at the same church, we read the same books, we car pooled and even grocery shopped some together. We shared life.

Thursday nights, while Brent was at CRU, Teresa would walk down once the boys went to bed. We'd eat KettleKorn and talk about Jesus. How many friends do that? Eat KettleKorn and talk about Jesus? Not many.

Our kids became the best of friends. Each age matched. A day never passed when I wasn't asked, "Are we going to see the neighbors? Can I walk down to the neighbor's? Can the neighbors come over later?"

Princess parties, Trick or Treating, cookie baking, Christmas dinner, our New Years "Just Dance" party - LOL, Women's Retreat, Easter Egg hunts, lazy days at the pool.

Teresa. I just miss you so.

I knew they were moving after one year. I knew it, I knew it. But their being here was not happenstance. Or an afterthought on God's part. Their residence three doors down was Divine.

Even our husbands became good friends - rare.

This special family left last month for Germany. The dreaded end of July. And now I am left to drive by the quiet of her house. And left to write the blog post that I never wanted to write.

Sweet Teresa. We miss you all. I miss your tender heart for Jesus. Your affection for all of His creation. I miss your prayerfulness for your family and mine. I miss your "it will all work out" attitude and your extreme enthusiasm for Zumba :). I miss our "anytime we felt like it" talks over coffee. I miss your encouragement. We miss you too, Geoff! And of those little girls. I miss them. So. Much. {tears}

I am so thankful for the sweet year we had. Thank you for not withholding your friendship from us, knowing you were only here for a short time. Thank you Jesus for the gift of this family. No words will do.

Now that I am a complete mess, I will celebrate the rest in pictures.

So Teresa, go eat some spaetzle for me (what is spaetzle anyway?) and tell Germany "Guten Tag" from the Crenshaws!

I love you, Sweet T.


Praise the Lord, O my soul. Psalm 103:1


Every good and perfect gift...

...is from above. James 1:17

The Lord is your keeper. Psalm 121:5


May the Lord bless you and keep you;


The Lord make his face to shine upon you,


And be gracious to you...


The Lord lift up his countenance upon you...


And give you peace. - Numbers 6:24-26

Ich Liebe Dich, friend.

Never Too Young To Cast Our Cares

My little Ethan (sweet face in the middle) has been struggling.

Kindergarten has been a very hard adjustment for him. Like, crying when we pull in the parking lot hard.

Bottom line, he is afraid. Afraid of messing up and not doing something right, afraid I won't come back to get him, afraid of the large crowds, overwhelmed by the new rules. A spirit of fear. I am not exaggerating when I say something of an oppressive nature is afflicting his precious little self.

And Mama bear is getting quite angry. So this morning, I'm getting out my fightin' words.

Yesterday, when we were riding in the van I taught Ethan a new verse.

Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. Psalm 55:22

He asked, "But what does cast mean?"

"It means to give away to God."

"What does sustain mean?"

"It means to keep you going. To watch over you. God will help you out. Make sense?"

"Yeah."

"So let's make a list of all of your worries. All of your fears. And we'll give them away to God together."

We dialogued about his anxieties. All of his worries about school and missing mommy. And he seemed to feel better. Until... a sudden outburst of tears.

"What if I forget that I have given God my fears. What if I take them back?"

Sweet boy. Sweet, sweet, sweet boy.

"Then you just give them right back again."

We do this don't we? Cast our burdens on the Lord. Then take them right back.

Cast (shalak) actually means to throw, hurl or fling. Isn't that a great thought? To hurl our worries away. Never to be seen, felt or thought of again.

Do you have a care you need to fling today?

If so, together let's yell one - two - three - Heave Ho. Cast that thing over the side of the boat.

Let the Lord sustain you today.

And join me in prayer for my little man. Ethan will overcome, I know. He will. In Jesus Name, he is an overcomer.

(Some more fightin' words...)

The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:14

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of flesh; is there any thing too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

In God have I put my trust; I will not be afraid what man can do to me. Psalm 56:11

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear not for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Because Fat Is Not A Feeling

Who knew that cutting hydrangeas would teach me so much.

Each snap of the shears is symbolic of the Lord's pruning. A clipping away of my sin so something beautiful can grow in its place.

(If you are just now tuning in, go back and read Mason Jars for Jesus.)

God is revealing areas in my life where I clip from the bottom - giving away my "good" but rarely my "best."

Honestly, one area I give from the bottom is right here. On this blog.

I might expose a glimpse of my heart. A few hardships. But there is more to share. I give with reservation. I expose only what I feel suitable to keep myself in good graces with you (parenting struggles, a marriage squabble, an occasional "ah ha" moment).

Paul says, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Oh, I really really want the power of Christ to rest upon me. Really really. So. I must start first with my weaknesses.

Boast (kauchaomai) to glory on account of a thing

Think about that. We aren't suppose to just brag about our weaknesses. We are to glory in them. That is polar opposite of what the world promotes.

Silence is much more flattering.

But, in true Apostle Paul fashion, I am called to boast...to glory in the fact that I am eaten up with weaknesses.

Eaten up. Did someone say eat? Oh, don't get me started on food. Or body image. Those are areas I'd rather not talk about.

But out of obedience I will. Because they are areas of weakness. And God deserves the Glory.

This morning...I glory in my food & body image weakness.

Right now, I wish I could write in second person. Or write inclusively - "We all" struggle with body image. Or "we all" have food weaknesses. And yes, we may, to some degree, all have these issues. I think many of do.

But writing inclusively would make me a coward.

I have weaknesses in this area. I have for years. Am I healed? Yes.

Has the Lord brought me through it victoriously? Absolutely.

Do I always chose to abide in victory and healing? Not always.

In college, I was queen of the eating disorder. I had mastered the art of quietly throwing my head over a toilet. Even in public restrooms. I was quite skilled in vomiting so that no one knew I was gagging my lunch....dinner....dessert.

I haven't done that in a decade or more. Praise Jesus. I am so thankful.

But here I am, 33-years-old, why am I still not 100% satisfied with what I see in the mirror? Still? Why do I not see myself how the Lord views me? Beautiful? Unflawed? Created in His image?

Question: What's a girl to do?

Answer: Exercise faith.

Fat is not a feeling. Ugly is not a feeling. I know better than to say, "I feel ugly. Or today I feel fat." Feelings are not truth.

This weakness of mine boils down to the ongoing battle of me against my flesh (a.k.a the sinful nature).

Instead of saying, "I feel ugly today" I should really say, "My flesh is crawling with insecurities today."

Somedays are worse than others. Somedays I am just fine.

My mentor once said to me, "Sometimes you have to slap your flesh around and tell it what to do."

Well put. So that is exactly what I have to do. I have to speak to that mirror and tell the girl some truth.



I must tell her what the Lord thinks about her. Tell her how she was knit together in her mother's womb. Destined for good works. Created in the image of the Most High God. Tell her that she is fearfully and wonderfully made. I have to remind her that she a child of a King, redeemed and justified, righteous, sanctified, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. I have to remind her to not look to earthly things but to Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of the Father. Take off her old self, and to put on the new. She has been crucified with Christ and raised up with Him. She is created for good works....

I could go on. Do you see who we are? All of these things are not only true of me. They are true of you, too.

We are His prized possession. The apple of His eye.

His biggest hydrangea.

So when that feeling of fat comes on me...when my flesh wants to drag me down ... I tell it where to go. Literally.

I combat lies with truth.

And the lies fail every time. My flesh dies every time. It's quite fascinating, really.

This is faith. Believing in what I don't see...even if it is in the mirror.

Believing His Word, even if I don't feel it.

The assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

No matter what I feel, I choose victory. I choose faith. I choose beauty.

Have a wonderful day... beautiful friend.

Chalkboard Reflections

I wrote the cry of my heart on my kitchen chalkboard.



This is smack-dab where I am.

A transition into deeper.

I could cry as I read...
"Give me real faith; give me warmer zeal; inflame me with more fervent love; grant me the grace of meekness; make me more like Jesus." - C. Spurgeon



His name is beautiful. Even in chalk.

I love you, Lord. Make us look like You.

Have Faith In The Lord ... Not Your Lack

A couple of weeks ago, I sat down with my mentor, Debbie.

Sitting on the edge of a black leather chair at a local bookstore, I sank deeply into all of my weaknesses and said, "I am just so overwhelmed."

I was in the thick of end of the year school activities, we were coming out of the fog of a weekend with stomach bug, also neck deep in life-altering decisions for my grandmother, and I had just left a "where can we tighten the budget" conversation with my husband.

I sulked deep into my circumstances and said, "How can I do all of this?"

Debbie sat upright in her seat, as if she had been waiting on me to ask that question all day. "You can do this. You are doing this. This is what God has made you to do. Your thinking is all wrong. It's time to get your mind right."



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

My mind has "an attitude." And the way I handle every situation in my life is a reflection of this Truth. Is the attitude of mind my going to be good or bad? Christ-centered or self-centered? Am I walking in victory or defeat?

I am learning a harsh reality about myself lately...I put a lot of faith in what I think I can't do. No doubt about it .... "I can't do that."

We do that don't we? Believe firmly that we can't.

My mind needs to realign. Its attitude needs to be renewed into the likeness of Christ, whose Word says, "Nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

Truth be told, there is nothing I can't do...in the power of Christ. The hand of God leads me wherever I go. His right hand upholds me (Psalm 139:10). I need to renew my mind to this Truth.

God knew the day would come that I would have three little boys and a 90-year-old grandmother to care for. He knew my baby would have stomach virus on mother's day weekend. He knows our financial situation. He is Lord of it all. And yes, with God nothing is impossible.

Debbie said, "Becky, be renewed in your mind. Renew your thinking about Mamaw, about your finances, about your boys, about your marriage, whatever it is. Don't complain. Be thankful. Give thanks to God for where you are. Don't look to your flaws. Or your lack. Look to Jesus."

Look to Jesus. Have faith in Jesus. Have faith in the Truth that has set me free. Have faith in the power of the Holy Spirit in me. I have authority in His name.

Let me be a woman who has faith in the Lord. Not in my lack.

If you are overwhelmed today, have faith. You are right where you are suppose to be. Renew your mind, my friend. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. - Philippians 4:13

If You Worry - Read This

Do any of these words describe you? Fearful. Anxious. Apprehensive. Agitated. Concerned. Disquiet. Nervous. Perturbed. Stressed. Uneasy. Dismayed. Edgy.

If so, read on...

I come from a long line of "hand-wringers."

You know the kind. White-knuckled, worry warts.

Trusting the Lord and hand-wringing don't mix.

Be anxious for nothing. Philippians 4:6a

Anxious (merimnaō): to be troubled with cares.

Do not be troubled with cares.

I grew up learning how to worry. My mom and grandmother both were quick to warn me of all the dangers of this world. But no one was too quick to teach me how to trust the Lord with those dangers.

In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6b

Everything (pas): in every way; on every side, in every particular relation or matter

The antidote for worry? Prayer. Petition. And thanksgiving. About everything - in every way. On every side. In every particular matter.

Your details are not insignificant to the Father.

Worry on the other hand? Significant.

Worry (def) n. an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble.

This strikes me funny. First of all, worry is a noun. A person place thing or idea. The anticipated idea that some misfortune might happen. Isn't that the truth?

I will be the first to admit...I want to go there. Worry. My flesh wants to cling to every apprehension, care, concern, fear and anxiety.

I want to wallow around in it. Weep, worry and wring my hands.

But I die to that. By faith. I crucify my worry and live by faith.

Be anxious for nothing. Pray and Petition.



I could really wring my hands this morning. So much is going on around here. I am neck deep in elderly care (ahem, prayer needed). So I write it out in a petition to the Lord. Everything. Every matter.

And then give Him thanks.

In light of summer, do you have concerns? What are your desires? Are you worried? Fearful you just might lose your mind?

In light of health, do you have anxiety?

In light of money, are you apprehensive?

Prayer and Petition. Write down your specific requests. Every matter.

And give Him thanks.

Nothing is insignificant. Pray about it all. And, by golly,...



"Pray Big."

This sign rests on my mantle. A reminder to me and to my family that the Lord is ready to do the unthinkable.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. John 16:23

And what follows prayer and petition? Peace.

And the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Crucify your worry. And, in Christ Jesus, claim your peace today.

Finding Yourself Far Beyond Average

{Today, I am so very honored to be guest posting over at Dayspring's blog, (in)courage, Home for the Hearts of Women. I have read (in)courage for a couple of years, so to be a little part of what God is doing through them is amazing. Thank you, Jesus! Enjoy...}

Finding Yourself Far Beyond Average

Confession: Some days, it pains me to look at other blogs.

All of my insecurities rise to the top. And I see my lack in so many areas.

Exactly how does she have 700+ readers? And that picture! She must have a nice camera. And creativity! Wow. My mind doesn’t think poetically. And that template. Beautiful. And she sews?! And cooks!? She’s so organized. And athletic. And pretty. She has an Etsy site, too?!

Sometimes I think, You know, I’m just an average girl, with an average blog, writing about my average life. Maybe I should just hang it up.

Confession: Some days, it pains me to look at others. Period...{click here to continue reading...}

"Mom, Is God Really Real?" II

As Grant and I sat at the kitchen table, more and more questions came. Great questions. (Ahem, hard questions):

Grant: "How do we know that God is real? I've never seen Him."

"You know, God is so glorious, so holy and perfect that the Bible says we can not look at him with these eyes and live. His Glory is too bright! But, when Jesus came to earth he told the people..."Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9) He also says that He and the Father are One (John 10:30). Jesus was all man. But he was all God, too. Is that confusing?"

"Not really. But not everybody got to see Jesus. I didn't get to see him. What about that?"

"Well look here..." We lean in towards my Bible, Grant running his little finger along the words, "Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me." (John 14:11) We must believe. Faith is believing in what we can't see (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is what pleases God so much. (Hebrews 11:6)."

I continue, "We can look all around us and see God, as well. You know mommy's favorite tree in the front yard?"

"Yeah."



"Look at those big, beautiful, white cherry blossoms. Think about all of the tiny, little details of each pedal. We can look at God's creation and see Him. His beauty. His majesty. His power."



I turn to look at our back yard. A perfect Spring day.

"Look Grant. This didn't just happen! God did all of this. For his Glory. So we can know Him. The Bible says that no one is without excuse. Let me show you..."

We turned to Romans 1 and read:

For the truth about God is known to [men] instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Romans 1:19-20

"God wants everyone to know Him. And even if people say "Well, I can't see God so I can't believe in Him," then that isn't true. The Bible says we instinctively know him. Deep down in our hearts, everyone must know that God exists. Even if they don't admit it."

I then ask, "Can you see the wind?"

"No."

"Well, the wind is like the Spirit of God...."

"Oh, waaaiiiittt! I get it. We can't see the wind. But we can see what it does. It moves things and blows things around. We know it's there, even though we can't see where it is."

"Bingo. The wind is kind of like God's Holy Spirit. He lives in us. He moves in us. He is here with us. We just can't see Him with our physical eyes. But we know He is here, don't we! We know - by faith."

"So if someone, like at school, says, I can't see God. I can tell him the wind story, right?"

"You sure can."

(Sweet boy.)

*****************************************************************
Have a fabulous weekend...

"Mom, Is God Really Real?"

Yesterday afternoon, Grant stopped me as I was carrying a basket of laundry down the steps.

"Hey Mom, there is something I've been thinking about."

I was past the playroom, so I turned around and set my basket down at the top of the steps.

"What is it, buddy?"

He stood in front of the entertainment center, playing Super Mario Brothers - "I keep wandering, Is God really real? I mean, what if all the people who aren't Christians are right?"

*Pause*

*Pick jaw off floor*

Did he just really ask me that? While playing Wii?

"Well. Those are really good questions. I want to talk to you more about it. But not when you are playing Wii."

He snickered, "Yeah. OK."

I went down stairs and sent a text to Brent. "Call me when your meeting is over."

I stood over my sink snapping beans, "God, this is big. He is growing up and thinking more for himself. I want to answer correctly and represent you well. I need help. Speak through me, Lord."



Immediately, God confirmed:

Take him to My Word.

"Yes, Sir."

The Lord brought several passages to my mind. Most pressing on my heart was Luke 8:4-15. The parable of the sower.

Maybe it was the beans.

I felt very impressed by the Holy Spirit to pray protection over all the seed sown into Grant's little heart.

"Lord, do not allow the enemy to steal Your Word from his heart (v. 12), I pray the roots of your Word would run deep (v.13) and that the cares of this world would never stunt his growth (v.14). Lord, in faith I say, his heart is good soil. Grant hears the Word and holds fast to it. His heart is honest and good. He bears fruit with patience. (v.15)"

Would you take a minute to pray this over your child?

When Brent called back and we talked about a few things I might want to mention.

At dinner, Grant came down to the table.

Rather nonchalantly, "O.K. Tell me again...what questions did you have earlier?"

Those big brown eyes looking up to me, "Well, I can't help but think, what if God isn't real. What about all the people who don't believe in Him? What if they are right and we are wrong?"

I took time to encourage him. Such big thinking for a little guy. He is only seven.

With one hand on my Bible, I said, "God gives us every answer. He tells us everything we need to know in His Word."

Grant starts, "Well, sometimes I think" ... and he starts to cry. ... "what if the Bible isn't true, either."

"Do you think it's true?"

"I do think its true. But what if I'm wrong?"

"Well, You're not. The Bible says that "All Scripture is God‑breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. "2 Timothy 3:16. God wrote His Word to us. Do you remember when you asked Jesus into your heart?"

"Yes."

"And who came to live in you?"

"God. Well, actually the Holy Spirit. Same thing."

"Yes. And the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit testifies (or tells us) that He is true. That His Word is true. (1 John 5:6)

Sometimes believing in God is hard to put into words, isn't it? Its something that we just know. That's because God lives in us. He confirms it in our heart."

Grant and I talked for over an hour. He asked several amazing questions:

"How can God make us Christians but not everybody? What about the non- Christians?"
"Why would God create an angel if He knew he would eventually be the Devil?"
"Why would Adam and Eve sin if they had it so good?"
"What is hell like?"
"How do I tell people about Jesus?"
"What does it mean to be tempted by the Devil?"
"Why would God make us if He knew we would sin?"
"How do we know if God is real? I've never seen Him."

Over and hour to say the least.

I want to share all that we talked about. But there is no way I could do it in one post. Stay tuned.

And pray for my little Grant. Who is obviously not so little anymore.

He is growing and such an eager learner!

I am learning so much, too. I see my need for God's imparted wisdom. I can't answer these on my own. No way.

Love to you all.

While I Was Running...

It's not every day that this is my view on a morning run.



God, displaying His creation to me.

Showing off a bit.

It's funny.... This morning, I could have reflected upon His Majesty. His Creativity. His Power. His Mighty Hand.

And I did. But what overwhelmed me - What brought me to a complete stop, literally, was this verse:

All things are possible with God. Mark 10:27

If He can do this...

...He can do anything.

And what's more? He thinks you are even more special, still. You are more precious to Him. More beautiful.

His thoughts of you outnumber every tiny grain of sand you can see in this picture.

And every grain you can't.

He is unfathomable.

And absolutely crazy about you.

What are you praying about today? Does something seem impossible?

A Gift for the Gifted

Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

I am so thankful that the Lord did not create us to be robotic in nature.

Same voice. Same face. Same gender. Same talents.

How dull.

No. He has blessed us each with our own gifting and talents.

Each gift a reflection of Him.

For example, Brent. Total stud when it comes to Scripture. He is a student of God's word. A natural learner. A deep thinker.

My friend, Cynthia, sings like a nightingale. She can lead a room of stone hearts into a place of deep, reverent worship.

My mentor Debbie...faith. Oh does she have it. Unshakable. Mountain moving. Steadfast. Uncompromising. Faith.

Tisha... Proverbs 31 all the way. Incredible seamstress, incredible homemaker, incredible cook. Oh, so Betty. (Betty Homemaker, that is).

I could go on. And on and on.... Encourager ... Servant heart ... Discernment ... Wisdom ... Joy ... Mercy showing... Prayer... Exhortation... Teaching...

Everyone is gifted. All of us.

Yes, you too.

God empowers them all [gifts] in everyone (v.6).

E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E.

Not one believer is excluded.

So today, I am so excited to celebrate an astounding gift in my friend, Angela.

She's what Hollywood may call a triple threat.

Poetic.

Artsy.

And a rockin' photographer.


Isn't she a doll?

She has an inspired eye to capture God's creation; to freeze frame a moment that most of us might overlook and pause God's artwork in pictures.

And if that isn't enough, she can write a tear-jerking poem about it, too.



I am so blessed to own an original piece of Angela's artwork.

Also known as Angela's Heartwork.



Angela is currently hosting a giveaway on her blog for TWO 5x7 original pieces of your choice.

I am thinking...Easter....Mother's Day....Birthday. What a special present! Thoughtful. Personal. And potentially FREE!

You can't beat FREE!

I encourage you to visit my sweet friend. A trip around her Etsy site is truly worshipful.

And take some time today to ask the Lord..."Show me how have you gifted me, Lord! Where is it that you want to use me? How can I serve and exercise the talents with which you have equipped me? "

How exciting!

Love you all...

(P.S. Angela, I am so proud of your talent. I'm not entering the giveaway...I just wanted to brag on you! xoxo)

And While You're Still Waiting...

This morning I am still waiting.

On what? I won't bother going into that (sorry)...but I will say...

I. Am. Still. Waiting.

I have been for a while.

To be honest, I am tempted to grow weary.

But I will not. (I say that with all of my heart! I WILL NOT GROW WEARY.)

This morning I sustain my hope in God's Word. I will recount His faithfulness to me. He is so good and worthy of all my Trust. He never abandons me. Or you.

Are you still waiting on the Lord? Days, months, years of praying? Asking? Crying out to Him?

Let me encourage you (and myself) with Truth today.

I need it.

Let us feast this morning on His Word. Let us restore our strength. Our hope. And our faith in Him.

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. Psalm 138:2

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

The righteous shall live by faith. Romans 1:17b

Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Mark 11:22

For we walk by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

If we are faithless, He is faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined his ear to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your unwavering goodness. Thank you for answering every prayer in your perfect timing. I trust you. Completely. Please speak to my soul today. Thank you for strengthening, encouraging and guiding me. Give me Your mind on this thing. Help me turn off my head and take every thought captive in obedience to you. Today, I walk by faith, not by sight. I love you, Lord. And put my faith to work today. In Jesus Name. Amen.

What Mommy Learned From Upward Soccer

Two years ago, we enrolled Ethan into preschool. A two day a week program - Godly teachers, Gospel centered, safe and fun.

However, if you watched us trying to take Ethan into the classroom you would have thought we were signing him up for prison. Torture.

He would cry, kick, scream, pull hair, hold my leg, and even pull my shorts down, trying to stay on mommy's side of that latched door.

It was hard. For everybody.

I thought, "This kid is never going to be socially right. He will be the boy who never makes friends or eye contact. He will grow old, having an unhealthy attachment to his mother. Living at home until he's thirty."

Well, was I ever wrong.

The Lord has heard our every prayer and is growing Ethan out of his shell and into a little man.

A leader, at that.

Fast forward to Saturday. Upward soccer.

I love watching four-year-olds on the field. What joy.

40% playing soccer, 10% going the wrong way, 50% blowing dandelions. 100% having fun.

I could learn a lot from these kids.


But Saturday, we played a team that may have been four in age, but were fourteen in skill. All of them freaks of athletic nature. Upward Soccer stars. And they were all on the same team.

Head to head with our little loves. It was difficult to watch.

As soon as our white jersey's would get a hold of the ball, a lighting bolt of orange would kick it away, hard. And score. Almost every time.

And Ethan, my sweet little Ethan, was ticked. No other way to say it. Cleat stomping, grass kicking ticked.

He couldn't win. He couldn't advance. He would barely make 10 dribbles down the field before the ball was kicked out from under him.

Mama Bear was getting angry.

Yes, I know it's Upward Soccer, but that's my baby. He was being pushed around, dominated and defeated.

And for the first time in four years, I could not step in to comfort him. It was his game. His experience. All I could do was stand on the sideline and cheer him on. Encourage him. Pray.

Precursor?

Isn't this what we are moving towards?

Training up our children the way they should go - Proverbs 22:6. Giving them the skills to handle hardship. Pointing them to the Word. Teaching them how to pray for themselves. Looking for Christ in every situation. Living lives above reproach. Training them for godliness (Titus 4:7). In hopes that when the time comes, they will be ready.

On their own.

Sooner than later, its just going to be Ethan and the Lord walking this thing out.

And mommy will be on the sidelines. Praying. Encouraging. Cheering him down the field of life.

Holding her breath? Maybe. But trusting the Lord completely.

Because, really, Ethan is just mine for a season. As are all my boys.

On loan from the Lord. Entrusted to me for a short time.

In him we live and move and have our being...For we are his offspring. It is he who made us, and we are his. Acts 17:28, Psalm 100:3

I am proud of our team. They really handled themselves with great sportsmanship, positivity and grace. I don't know that I can say the same for myself ;)

So thanks Upward Soccer for all you are teaching my boys....and me.

Reflecting with the Little Red Journal

I love looking back through my journal.

God can do so much in so few pages.

But the time has come to say good-bye to the old.

Good-bye old....



Picking out a new journal is quite an ordeal for me. It has to feel right. I like it to fall open a certain way. The spacing in between lines needs to be just so. I love having scripture on each page. God really uses that some days.

My journal represents a season. My season of life. A season of growth in the Lord.

Sounds like a lot to ask from a little book.

But it is a part of me everyday. My journal is an intricate part of my time with Jesus.

I found a new one. And I am very excited...

Hello new...



But as one journal comes to an end, I love to spend a few days reflecting on what God has done. And since March 31st, 2010, he has done so much.

Reflection: Consideration of some subject matter, idea or purpose. a) To think quietly or calmly. b) To express an opinion or thought resulting from reflection.

Today, I am reflecting on the Lord. Who He is. What He has done.

And what He is doing.

I am taking a few days to think quietly and calmly. A retreat away with the Lord - preparing for the next season.

Listening.

Resting.

Refueling.

I may not be around quite as much this week.

But enjoy a few one-liners from my retired journal. Reflect with me.

And "feel free to express an opinion or thought of your own, as a result." ;)

"Everything God does is unrestrained. His grace is unrestrained." - Pastor Dunn

"Grace is God's free and unmerited favour - loving the unlovable, seeking the fugitive, rescuing the hopeless, and lifting the beggar from the dunghill and making him sit with princes." -John Stott

"Peace is not a suggestion. It is a calling."

"When you focus on the truth of God's Word, you win every time." - C. Stanely

"When you say 'yes' to God, he will ask you to do the impossible." - D. Barnes

"Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes." - John Raskin

"What is the evidence of a regenerated person? They love the Law. It is life to them." - Mack Card

"Fasting is exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the spiritual."

"Crucify what Becky wants."

"Knowing the Word comes with great responsibility."

"Be full of Faith. Not fear. Faith is the opposite of fear." - D. Barnes

"Jesus moves into the world through our lives. We are an invitation into his grace." - Pastor Dunn

Be blessed and open as Jesus moves through your life into the sphere of influence around you. You are His light to the world. Love to you all.

Step Into the Water - First

I tend to over-spiritualize. I know this about myself.

This morning was a prime example.

I'm laying in bed and I roll over to look at the clock. 5:23. I am tired. And kind of blank. I have a few ideas on my mind for my blog, but if it ain't Spirit-led then I don't need to be writing it. So I start to pray and ask for clarity.

I hear, "Step into the water first."

Say what? Hello?

Step into the water? Then I remember. Last night. The boy's Bible story - The Crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3).

I'm not ashamed to say, "Praise God for kiddie Bibles!"
This girl learns so much. *grin*

Let me paint - there's a picture of a distraught little boy (Joshua) sitting along a bank, looking into a river of rushing water (big, smiley goldfish are popping up out of the river and Joshua has a puppy. Grant looked at me and said, "Is that Joshua? How old was he? Did he really have a puppy?")

Umm. No.

Here's the story as I read it to the boys...

"The Lord said, 'Joshua, be strong and brave! Do not be afraid. I will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua then told the people, 'Tomorrow, God will do amazing things.' The Israelites prayed and believed God would perform a miracle for them to enter the Promised Land.

The next day, Joshua told the priests to go to the river and step into the water. The brave priests obeyed Joshua. They carried the Holy Box (The Ark of the Covenant) from the Holy Tent to show that God was with them. At the moment they stepped into the River, the water stopped flowing".......

I paused.

"Mom? Finish the story." Grant said.

"Oh.... "And all the people of Isreal crossed the Jordan River on dry ground."

Great story. The devotional last night was really more about Bravery, God's provision and the Faith of God's people. But the part that stopped me was THOSE PRIESTS.

Can you imagine?

I bet you the priests went to bed thinking, "O.K. So when we wake up, the water will be parted, then we will carry the Ark on over." Or...."Once we get there, the water will calm down and start to lower, then we'll know when to start walking." Or..."I bet Joshua will go first. He'll test it all out (since this was his big idea) and we'll follow behind him - on dry ground."

Nope.

Joshua 3:15 says, "The Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest." Well, it was harvest. Rushing, flooding water.

"Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground." Joshua 3:15-17

Glory.

How many times do I not step forward because the water hasn't stopped rushing? How many opportunities have I missed because I get to the water's edge and think, "Wait a minute. This must not be what I'm suppose to do. I thought the land would be dry."

The Lord sometimes wants me to get my feet wet first - to step into the rushing water, in Faith, no tangible blessing in sight, before He reveals His plan.

That's hard to do.

But can you imagine how pleased God was with THOSE PRIESTS?
Well done men. Way to believe Me.

I want to have faith like that.

So this morning, He called me to step into the water first (or out of bed), before he revealed His plan. Yes, this is a teeney-tiny thing in the grand scheme of obedience, but I want to be obedient in the little things, too.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

What is it that the Lord is calling you to step into?
You know it may look crazy, right? Like rushing, flood water crazy.

But He will not leave you. Or forsake you. That is guaranteed.