The Wrinkles of Life

I read these words first thing this morning: "Relax in My everlasting arms.  Your weakness is an opportunity to grow strong in the awareness of My Almighty Presence."

It references Deuteronomy 32:27---The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms;

I also read, "Thank Me for your neediness."  What!

Thank you, Sarah Young for pointing this out.  I did not want to read this today.

Relax. Difficult. Be thankful for neediness. More than difficult.

In light of recent events in our home,  I had to pack up clothes in baskets, load them into the car and drive to a place that I don't often enter.

Be thankful for neediness.  It rang in my ears as I arrived.  It was hard. I did not want to come to this place of business.  However, our clothing situation was demanding I come.

Relax in My everlasting arms.  I want to. I really want to.  So in my neediness  I arrived, unpacked and prepared to get the job done.

I was not prepared for the unsanitary conditions of the machinery, so I had to clean before my belongings could be clean. I also was not prepared for one of the said machines to NOT go through the complete spin cycle.  It was a drippy situation.

It was a long morning.  I was not alone in my work. Others were there doing their work. And, I might add, not seeming to have the same problems I was trying to work through.  As my last load finished in the dryer, a sweet lady looked over at me and said,  "Get'em out quick, honey. Sometimes there's wrinkles and they are hard to get out."

Sometimes…..there's wrinkles.

You guys!! Sometimes we have wrinkles in our plans. Wrinkles in the way we think. Wrinkles in our heart. Sometimes OTHER people place their wrinkles on YOU. The wrinkles of life get in the way.   Often God shows you the wrinkles and says, "Get them out quick. It will be easier when you do."

Wouldn't it be easier if at the first sign of a wrinkle that we get out the smooth, hard-pressed truth of God's Word and iron out the problem?  We would love each other better and our emotions would not take over.

In my neediness today, God showed me some wrinkles and they were not pretty.  He spoke in that still, small, Sovereign voice and said, " Get'em out quick, honey.  Sometimes there's wrinkles and they are hard to get out. Turn them over to Me."  And I did.  In that  hot, noisy place where clothes are washed and spots removed,  God ironed out a mess and smoothed the wrinkled places.  Bless Him.

My reading today ended with this... "Memories of these days are richly interwoven with golden strands of My intimate Presence."

I am intensely thankful that when my soiled and wrinkled heart needs straightening out, God is there with the iron in hand and says, "I've been waiting for you."


BTW….if you do not own this…Jesus Calling by Sarah Young…just go ahead and order it. You will not regret one moment of reading it.

Be blessed…Relax in His everlasting arms….Thank Him for your neediness.

One Foot Out the Door

There was noise down the hallway today. Lots of it. Feet were running, shuffling and dragging along the inner and outer edge of the long blue-edged walk that leads to hours of learning.  There were sounds of renewed friendships, sounds of "I don't want to" and sounds of parents with slips of tears running down their cheeks. For me, these are the sounds of feet that are one foot out the door. 

School is a good thing. Things happen there. Learning happens, academic and social.  Friends happen. The kind that last a lifetime.  We learn how to be responsible and take control of our actions. Sometimes.  Parents send their children to school to further education and learn some life skills.

But, with each year of learning and advancing in grade, it only brings each and every student closer to heading out the door and parents watching as their feet walk firmly away. From us.

If we only have these children for a while...A time period...A short span of life...then what does God want us to invest in with these small beings that He fashioned for us?  We can invest in the best schools, the best home-schooling materials, the best of what ever it takes to educate these precious treasures and still miss the exact reason that God put those gifts into our lives. Obtaining the "American Dream" is not it.  Yes, we want our children to succeed and become productive citizens in our society, but what does God want from them? And what does He expect us to do?

Deuteronomy 6 is clear.  We are to teach our children how to love God when we are sitting in our house, when we are walking down the way, when we lie down and when we get up. That's pretty much all the time.  It goes on to say we are to write them on the doorposts of our houses…maybe so we see them all the time.  It doesn't say "the school should", or "the church is responsible for ". It says "YOU shall teach them DILIGENTLY to your sons (and daughters)".  That's pretty clear.  Nowhere to get around anything in that word from God Himself.

As the school year begins let's remember that teaching doesn't only belong at school. It needs to begin at home…with parents who love and submit to a Holy God.

A few truths every student needs to know:

The Bible is true. Every single word.  Every single God-Breathed Word. Don't neglect it. It is your life.

Believe that what God says about you is the truth.

*Go to church. Every time something is going on.  It's the coming together of believers with one heart and one mind on God that you can find the harmony of the fellowship.  Don't neglect it.

*Serve other people. Not just your friends.  People are hurting and have needs, whether it's physical or emotional.  Keep your eyes open to see where God is working.

*Be the friend that perhaps someone is longing for, but doesn't have.  You will never regret showing someone God's grace when it's most needed.  Don't discount God using you in another persons life.

*Tell people about Jesus. He's worth it.  Let your life show Who He is.  Be the one who leads others to the altar of grace.

*Go out of the country on a mission trip. You can do missions at home….and home needs it, but going out of our edge of the world will open your eyes wide to see just how BIG and MIGHTY God works in other places.  Ask God to give you eyes for the world.  I promise, it will change your entire outlook.
(Some parents fear sending their child out of the country….we did it. And we have never regretted one trip they took.)

So, as students started school today and parents have to adjust to a new way of life at home, remember that every year is putting them one foot out the door.

It's a good thing. There will be parent tears…yes. There will be questions asking if it is the right thing…yes.  There will be many wondering "what happens now?"….yes.   That's ok.  You will live through it.     And your children will love you... even from afar.  Bless.

School has its place, but more important than SAT or ACT scores, more important than full-ride scholarships, there is teaching to be done by parents that exceeds all the combined teaching that a school can give.

Teach them to love God with all their hearts, soul, mind and strength.  Teach them that God will never leave them. Teach them that what is found in the infallible Word will lead to all truth in whatever they come against.  Teach them that God's love is better than all the education in the world.

And when it happens…and it will…that they have both feet out the door, you will never regret the time and effort you spent teaching and guiding them to the abundant grace that God gives us.

It's not an easy task, but one well worth it.

7---Check In

Third week in 7 and I am finding out who I am when it comes to this fasting situation.  And it's not pretty.

Week 1---7 foods.  Read previous post.

Week 2---Get rid of 210 items out of my house. With regret, or shame I moved out well over 210 items.   Triple that and you will get my drift.  Where did most of this stuff come from? Oh…I bought it.
And I still have a stack of more items getting ready to go.

Week 3---7 clothes for seven days.  7 ITEMS. Not 7 outfits. Not 7 choices. Not 7 of each type of clothing. 7…only.  I had to think carefully.  As we began and a couple of days had passed, I realized that my choices were not conducive to my daily routines.

On Sunday, I dressed for church in my specified items and realized I couldn't put on any JEWELRY! I always wear these items. I never go out without something in this genre on. I felt naked and ashamed. Surely people would wonder what was wrong with me. Something was not right.  Then it happened, just as I feared. One that I love, one that I trust with advice, one that I can always count on said, "I'm sorry, but without jewelry on, you just look sick."  Thanks. So much.  It also added to my confounded discomfort when a 6 yr. old asked me where my bracelets and earrings were that evening.  Go figure.

 Then on day four, my PP t-shirt, which I love was chewed on by the dog..while I had it on.  Now I'm stuck with six items and a t-shirt that has a hole in the sleeve.  I have three days left and hopefully I won't lose any more options. Did I mention I only have seven to choose from?

Tomorrow I will wear the same clothes to school that I have been wearing for five days.  Heaven help me, Friday is coming.

Nearing the close of this week's study, I pray God will continue to reveal those areas of pride and selfishness that seem to feel right at home in me.  God is more interested in what is being uncovered in my heart than what is covering up the outside of this leaky vessel.

More of You, God and less of my self-centered, clothes loving heart.

A Journey of Less...

Four friends. Four personalities. Four views.

Four of us have entered into the world of 7.

I admit we did it willingly. No one was forcing us to participate. So we thrust our lives and habits into this world of mutiny against excess.  I said, "We know what we were getting ourselves into." I take it back. I had no idea what was coming or how God was going to work.  And we have only finished Week 1.  

This study is about liberation.  It involves seven fasts from seven areas of excess. Liberation from excess.  Can I get an Amen?

Everyone has excess in one of these areas or more.  We live in our worlds with dishwashers that wash multitudes of dishes that are stacked sometimes unused in our cabinets.  We have garbage disposals that dispose of unwanted food that children and adults around the world would go through our trash for.  We have closets and drawers full of excess that we cannot or do not wear for one reason or another.   The list could go on.  For me. And when I think of the waste I am responsible for, it horrifies me.  I am guilty of excess and waste, throwing away what I don't want, when I don't want it, and others go without. 

That's when 7 entered. Truth be told, I have been in need of this for a long time.  

I could not have come through this first week without the Council Tribe.  We entertained complaints, gripes and just plain discontent.  We held each other accountable, gave forgiveness when necessary and 

encouraged those of us who needed it the most. 

Week 1-- Seven foods for seven days. Only seven. For the whole week. When you have to choose your food for a week and only have seven choices you put effort and time into your choice.  We all made our menu's and began the week.  

Day one, not much difficulty. It was new. We had a purpose. Day two, I was getting weary of eating the same thing.  Day three, being busy kept my mind off of it. Day four, I didn't want to see chicken ever again. Or apples.  Day five, it was the hardest day of all. I almost didn't make it through. I confessed disillusion and hunger. Why was I doing this?  I couldn't even remember.  Day six, the countdown began. Day seven, I am sad to say, I was glad the week was over.  

Throughout the week I began to make some assessments:

I have food readily available to me at ALL TIMES.  I don't have to think about IF I'm going to eat…just when and what I'm going to eat. If I don't have what I want, there are many drive-thru's within minutes of my house. 

I am a snacker. Period.  I eat when I sit in front of the TV. I eat when I'm reading. I eat whenever I want.  And, I like it. 

If I am hungry, I can go to my kitchen and whip up any concoction of edible delights that I want. I don't have to look in the pantry and wonder if  i have enough.  We are so blessed, and I have not been thankful. 

Those three lessons from God are an indictment on me, but believe me there are many more.  When I think that five million children die yearly from starvation, and I am throwing away food because I don't want it anymore….fail. 

Thanks to God and Jen Hatmaker I have become more aware of my food consumption.  If our bodies are the temple of God, then shouldn't we put much more effort into what is being allowed to cross the threshold of  it?   I've never been one to "eat clean", go completely organic or be concerned about what is being swallowed, but now I think about everything that I eat.  

I have found as the week ended and I was able to "eat" again, that what I thought I wanted to eat, I don't. And what I can eat, is not really appetizing anymore. Maybe that will change. I kind of hope it doesn't. I want to be more conscious.  

The book says, "This is my one life.  God chose these few years for my turn on earth.  This is it. This is the heart He gave me, created to carry me through my tasks.  I'm counting on these lungs to tell of His goodness, to sing my worship, to mother my children, to speak good news……These temples house so much value."  

I'm disappointed in myself that I feel like I always need food.  How selfish I am when it comes to that subject.  I hold my nose if it's something I don't like---never considering what I really need.  I eat "healthy" by my own standards, my own rules, my own way.  

God, please help me.  

I want to feel thankful, not entitled. 

I want to be more in tune with God---not what I think I need.

I want to become more aware of people and their food needs. 

I don't know what real hunger is….therefore, can I really know what it is like to "hunger and thirst for righteousness"?  

Seven fasts. Seven weeks.  This week 210 items will be tossed from my house, maybe more.  

Our book says, "our treasures will steer our hearts"…

Matthew 6:21 says, "Where your treasure is there your heart is also."

More of You, God . Less of my stuff. 

A Frozen Sunrise

There are moments in life that are quickly defined by time and space and as you are experiencing this moment you capture it in your heart and have the assurance that it will never be forgotten.

In the beauty of an early morning, with the ground still frozen and the stillness of the cold air, we ventured to a place that is normally teeming with people.  Though desolate from others, it was alive with the past that it represents and the future of what could be.  Looking out from these steps, hope seemed to be swelling in the cold breeze that was drifting through the white-walled monument. 

It was the perfect stillness of the soul that many long for. Tranquil, calm and undisturbed describes these moments. The soundlessness spoke loudly.  Never have I been to this place in a time like this.  We experienced a short time of having something so large and grand all to ourselves. 

It was for a purpose that we came and it didn't take long for it to transpire.  As we waited, the anticipation mounted and we looked out and paused for the first small glimpse of our quest.  And it was enchanting. In a place where decisions are made, deals are broken, the fate of people is mapped out without a thought, this moment was breathtaking.  

Watching the sun rise gently and majestically over the frozen water and the dignified reminders of what our country stands for,  I stood in awe of all that was and could be.  

We are hours away from 2014..a new year..a fresh start…a do-over.  Each new sunrise we are given is a new day dawning.  This new year is, in respect, the same thing.  What will I do with this new year? What will you do with it?  Will we go through the next 365 days doing the same thing, spending the same money, making this year a carbon-copy of the last? 

Or will we spend time focusing on what God has for us in 2014.  It's probably more than we can ever imagine. God is like that. He normally comes out of left field with His plans. That's why we cannot fathom His ways.  

God says this:

 " For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

We don't have to worry or wonder what God has for us in 2014. We have to trust that He is FOR us and WITH us, and whatever He allows in this new year is for our good and His glory.  

Just like the sunrise that brought quiet and stillness and wonder, let God bring you a more desirable quiet, stillness and wonder. He is more than we can imagine and breathtaking in all He does.  His ways are refining and can bring us closer to Him on a daily basis.  

In 2014 may we strive to love people more, focus on social justice, forgive others, give away more money, read our Bible more than ever and be changed by it, and may we look like Jesus to a world that  doesn't know Him. 

Let the love of God's tenderness and passion for you slowly shine on your heart like a sunrise over a darkened, frozen pond that melts away into a life that lives for the One who makes the sun shine. 

Happy 2014.

Her Name is Angela

There are a small number of people you can count on in your life.  I know. God. He can always, without question be counted on.  His characteristics and attributes clearly say that He is always with us.  If fact, He is the only absolute certainty in my life.  

Then there is family.  You cannot discount the tie that binds you together.  The good, the bad, and undeniably the ugly.  Our families are supposed to love us for who we are, but most often it's probably in spite of who we are.  

I have a sister. One sibling. One that I have shared a room and clothes with.  One who has shared our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. She is all that is remaining of my original family. In 1972 when we became fatherless, it came down to one mother and two girls.  This was during the time when the innocent victims of divorce were the "undesirables" among certain people groups.  Maybe "desperate times called for desperate measures".  Maybe we needed to close in our circle so our mother could find where God wanted us.  Maybe what we needed to learn was how to lean on each other in every circumstance that was thrown our way.  In the wisdom of God, He provided for us and in doing that caused a bond to grow.  

I could fill you in on sister "discussions" that may or may not have ended up with hair being found in someone else's fingers. I could tell you about long car rides with laundry baskets full of books because we didn't have a radio, much less air-conditioning, which made keeping pages in the right place very difficult. You would be enthralled with our beauty shop tales of hair up-do's that couldn't' be brushed out for days because of all the hairspray. Hair may have come out on that occasion also.  There may have been a time when one of us, was hidden by the other behind a couch until the police were called by a frantic mother and grandmother.  She came out when the men in blue knocked on the door. We both didn't leave the house for days. I could tell of late night talks when we were supposed to be sleeping and staying up late for more than a few nights.  There is no end to the stories that could be told. 

Today is my sisters birthday. It's a milestone. If I could describe my sister it would be this:  She loves family. Our family, her family, our extended family. It doesn't matter. If there is a drop of DNA that is common to her, it's a done deal.  She has loved my children since the moment each of them have been born, and they love her because she makes the effort to be their Aunt.  And the Treasures, no problem. They love Sissy! She is accomplished in her professional field. She has a husband and sons that  "rise up and call her blessed".  She is a good and trusted friend.  She is smart, talented, beautiful and excellent at board games :).  When we are together, it's as if we have never been parted. She is always fun. When you can laugh uncontrollably with someone, it's a bond that is not easily broken. She is the sister that many people long for, and some are blessed to have. 

Happy Birthday, Sharon. I hope it's wonderful. Do something fun. Wear red shoes. Feel the love that is coming your way, today and every day.  Know that there is no other sister I would rather have. 

You're stuck with me like Peeps and jelly beans at Easter. They always go together.  You can have all the black jelly beans, though.

For all the days we have, I am graced with the gift of you. 

Can I Have That One?

I'm thankful that God speaks to us in many ways. I'm thankful that He can use anything or anyone He desires to make it happen.  I'm thankful that today I was hit square in the face with something hard and God sent a "Word and a Wonder" (LPL/27bones attendees know this) that was a balm to my questioning soul.

Hard things hit when you are not expecting them to come crashing into your life.  Difficult situations, unexpected reactions are all part of our daily living when we do not want them to be.  Remembering that God is always in control is sometimes easier said than done.

I watched a video tonight. Social media does have a positive aspect. :)  In this video a father was presumably in a restaurant with his daughter in his lap. It was the usual endearing photo exchange that parents indulge themselves in with their children.  Chronicling our lives is getting increasingly easier and much more interesting than it used to be.  While watching the video segment  the father had his  daughter sitting in his lap. She was "feeding" him small morsels of food and she was enjoying every minute of it.  Looking at this fathers face, he was too.

All of this is very normal in a father/daughter moment. The best part was the fact that this fathers arms were completely encircling the daughter during their encounter. You could see she was very comfortable and safe in her fathers arms. At one moment he leaned into her and said, "Can I have that one right there? Can I have that one? Will you give me all of those?"

In the times of our lives that things are out of control, when nothing is going like we expected, everything is spinning around us and we wonder how we got to this place, that is when God says, "Can I have that one right there? You know, the one you are hanging on to. Can I have that one?  The one that you think you still have control of. Will you give me all of those? If you will, I will use you in ways you cannot imagine."

A father/daughter moment turned into a Father/Daughter moment.  I want to be the daughter that sits securely and safely in her Fathers arms without fear;  a daughter that trusts Him in every moment; the daughter that when her  Father asks something of her,  she gives it completely.

This precious daughter is going to find it very easy to learn how God loves. She is already beginning to see an example of it in her father.

One of these days I'm going to arrive in Heaven and when I do I hope I get to climb into my Fathers lap, feel His nail-pierced hands and arms around me, and sit a while.  What a day that will be.