The "Perfect" Quiet Time

A few days ago, Heather wrote to me asking an important and relevant question:

I was wondering if you have done a post in the past about how you do your quiet time?  I am a new Christian- just over a year since my spiritual birthday and I am at a loss for how to go about having a quiet time.  I get up early (before my little ones) and use this time to read my Bible and sometimes journal but I seem to have a hard time focussing.  Any tips?  I would love to see what a day in your quiet time looks like! Thanks so much!

Ah yes, the quiet time. Actually I have had a few people ask me if I had ever written a post on my "perfect" quiet time, and the honest fact is, I don't have a perfect quiet time. I find, personally, that remaining true to a strict, unbending schedule for devotions prevents - and at worst, snuffs - the true joy of seeking God. Every day for me is a little different. Sometimes I read the Bible first, other times I read a devotional to begin. I try to change it up for my own enjoyment and remain flexible to what I think my soul needs today.

Bible reading varies a lot with me. Like this morning, I was really grieving for some dear friends of mine, so I naturally turned to Psalms for comfort. (I find the Psalms to be most helpful when I am having complex feelings or emotional instability.) So that is all I read today; two verses in Psalms and then engaged in a lot of praying. But other days I will read through an entire book in the New Testament for deeper study. So you can see, I don't follow a rigorous quiet time formula.

I think many people are discouraged by their "roaming thoughts" while attempting to have their quiet time. I know this happens with me a lot as well. You sit down to pray and find yourself ten minutes later making a shopping list. Very discouraging! Most of the battle in having a quiet time is holding your thoughts in place. I have found a couple of helpful ideas for taming the mind's rabbit trails by either journalling my prayers or reading the Scriptures or devotional out loud. Or on occasion I will turn on some relaxing worshipful music and sing or pray with the music in the background. Prayer is a great weapon in this battle as well. Tell God what you're feeling - unfocused, sleepy, jittery - and ask for help. He is able and ready to help you stay focused on what matters. (Heb. 4:15-16)

The thing most people don't realize is that maintaining an effective quiet time takes consistent work. It doesn't just happen or come easy for the "elite Christians". Knowing God, just like knowing any other person, takes thought, effort and heart. But it is a campaign worth every minute you put into it. Paul describes knowing Jesus as a "surpassing value". I have found the same to be true. God offers the ultimate promise to us who diligently seek Christ - we shall find Him. (Matt. 7:7)

No matter how you go about seeking God - it doesn't matter the formula - the real treasure is seeking Christ. For every person it will look a little different, because Christ is intimate with uniquely created people.

I have written a post describing a few ideas on how to change up your devotions: Renovating Your Quiet Time and Bored With The Bible. You might find some of the ideas to be helpful in your lifelong journey of knowing Jesus.

Anyone else have some suggestions or insights into having productive quiet times?

Autumn Lane

This afternoon my sisters and I took a drive around our neighborhood for some autumn pictures. Since I am an acclaimed autumn lover, and finding many kindred spirits among you, I decided to post a couple photos of our venture. (thanks to Courtney and Carley) Isn't autumn simply lovely?!

Higher Ground

"From the ends of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for You have been my refuge and strong tower against the enemy." Psalms 61:2-3

With the news of yet another dear friend's pain and struggle, my heart felt the renewed despair that accompanies earnest sympathy. The words escaped my mouth as I tried to offer comfort for the people who face their darkest hour. The swelling waters of pain, reality, and heartache are trying their best to drown the life and happiness of those close to me, and I myself feel at times the force of grief. Hearts are fainting. Spirits are weary. Darkness seems to be settling in.

We need higher ground.

Since I was a little girl, the closing of Christ's sermon on the mount has created a solid illustration of faith as our foundation in my mind. (Matt. 7:24-27) You know how the story goes. Two people, two houses, two foundations. One built on the rock, and one built on the sand. When the storm came, the rain fell, and the winds blew and beat on the houses, only one was left standing: the house built on the rock. Storms in life reveal our foundation. If we are still standing when the storm passes, we know Who we are built on.

But sometimes, through the process of a crisis or heartbreak, we see that our foundation is not properly established. The wind and waves are tearing us apart, and we cry out for stability. It is then that we must find higher ground, the solid places, to plant our feet and find a faithful shelter. Jesus is calling us higher. He is the Rock that is higher than our problems, our failures, and our emotional stability. He is the refuge we seek.

"He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Psalms 62:2, 8

Wait Quietly

"It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
"Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in His anger shut up His compassion?"
"I said in my alarm, "I am cut off from Your sight." But You heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to You for help."
"Will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily."
"Wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you."
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"
"You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and you will see the salvation of the Lord."
"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
"See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains."

Lam. 3:26, Ps. 77:9, Ps. 32:22, Luke 18:7, 8, Prov. 20:22, Ps. 37:7, 2 Chron. 20:17, Gal. 6:9, Jas. 5:7

This was in my Daily Light yesterday morning. I thought it was too good not to share with everyone. These verses can speak to people in many seasons of life, and I hope God gives you hope and guidance in whatever place you are through His living and restoring Word.

The Change We Really Need

Tonight my family spent most of tonight watching the news and political chatter. And let me say that I think this election is very crucial, and it is important for everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday. Make sure you pray over the candidates - asking God for mercy and prevailing truth. These are important times, and the Christians must stand up or we will be silenced. (ok, stepping off my soapbox...)

Now, I get a little annoyed at all the talk about "change". Listening to all the politician's promises would have you believe they can supply, solve and/or save you for every problem in the nation, all by creating this miraculous "change" they will graciously provide if elected. (which we all know is humanly impossible) But I believe they are mooching off a basic, fundamental reality in America - and every nation for that matter. Every human desires change, because every life has difficulty. If there is some way to get out of that, well then let's change it.

While I think that is some of the issue, I also believe that biblically, inwardly, and emotionally our hearts desire a redemptive change, a transformation that can only come from Christ's salvation and presence in our lives.

For unbelievers, the change is an urgent one. Sinful hearts must be forgiven, minds must be renewed, and lives need transformation. This cannot be provided by a presidential candidate. This real change only comes from Jesus Christ. We must be campaigning for this gospel year-round. This is the change most are looking for. And it starts with repentance and belief in Jesus. (Mark 1:15)

For the Christians, we must remember that when you loose your job or struggle to put food on the table, the politicians can't fix that. "My God shall supply all your needs..." (Phil. 4:19) As the economy starts to fray at the ends and we begin to loose our financial "peace", "In Him [Christ] all things hold together..." (Col. 1:17), "He Himself is our peace..." (Eph. 2:14). In these shaky times, we fear for our safety and the future, but no President holds our security in his hands. "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You..." (Ps. 56:3), "For I know the plans I have for you ... to give you a future and a hope..." (Jer. 29:11)

Our need for change is real and urgent. But we must focus on the real need. Politics and government are all good and useful in their proper places (and important to learn and participate in), but the soul's change is truly a matter of life or death. We must never loose focus of this. Because it is the change we all really need.

Guard Your Heart, Don't Suffocate It

That title was enough to convict me deeply. In light of my last post about silencing my heart's communication with God, when I checked the Desiring God blog this morning, I knew God had a message for me in this post. As will be explained below, another motive for this harmful silencing (hardening) of the heart is for selfish protection. We hold back out of fear and greed, which snuffs out our heart's vitality. I believe this goes back to idolatry again, because our focus is off of Christ and on ourselves.

I will copy Tyler Kenney's wonderful post here for you:

----------

“Guard your heart” is a good command. That’s because it’s biblical:

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

In its context, this verse suggests that keeping—or guarding—your heart means to retain wise words and resist wicked desires. But I’m afraid some people—ahem, me, too often—use it to justify being cowardly or cold instead of loving others, because we think that “guard your heart” means “don’t get hurt.”

C. S. Lewis provides the necessary rebuke:

Of all arguments against love none makes so strong an appeal to my nature as “Careful! This might lead you to suffering.”

To my nature, my temperament, yes. Not to my conscience. When I respond to that appeal I seem to myself to be a thousand miles away from Christ. If I am sure of anything I am sure that His teaching was never meant to confirm my congenital preference for safe investments and limited liabilities.…

There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell. (From The Four Loves, as found in The Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis, 278-279.)

------------

What are your thoughts about this? Does anyone else face this struggle?

When the tears stop

Life can have a hardening effect on me at times. Things that once moved my heart or even created a tear become callous expected moments that I can thoughtlessly handle. No surprises. No weakness. No problems. Call me capable. While on the outside I may appear to handle life gracefully, inside my heart grows dead, breaking into infertile pieces of dry crust. And the Spirit struggles to penetrate.

I can always tell when I slip into this rut. The symptoms are familiar. My compassion wearies, I smother my emotions, and I stop crying out (desperate dependence) to God. The last reason is the most detrimental, because the reverse is one of the remedies to this soul-deadening syndrome.

Living life in this withered valley slowly suffocates the abundant life Christ died to give us. Our inner lives which God created to flourish and glorify are the target of this disease. And I have seen this battlefield in more hearts than my own. Is there help? What can we do to cure our dead hearts? The advice I give is tested and found to be true. We must first cry out to the Living God - the great Heart Healer - to save us from this destruction.

Like I said earlier, one of the effects of a hardened heart is silence before God. We just don't say anything to God. Life rolls on as normal and our quiet times continue but with little results, and a sad heart.

One must consider the "roots" of this problem to find the solution. If the remedy is to cry out for mercy and help, then the problem begins when we stop crying out. I read something this morning that brought all these thoughts around full circle:

"For I am a jealous God, saith Jehovah, and I will not share My glory with another. Yea, I will pour out My goodness without restraint upon every open heart, and to all who cry unto Me, and I will be gracious. But My people have not cried: they have not called. Lo, they have been satisfied with the husks of this present world, and in an hour of indifference, they have allowed the pleasures of this life to fill that place which only belongs to Me. Yea, it hath displaced My Spirit, but it satisfieth not. O that they might return to Me..."

The seeds of this hardness results from idolatry. Running to something or someone else beside the Lord, embracing the world as a guide and friend, trusting in ourselves instead trusting in Christ. This is adultery of the heart. And participating in this will cause a heart to slowly harden.

This calls for deep repentance - crying out for mercy and help from our Father above. He sees what we've done. He knows our hearts are numbing Him out. He sees our sin. But He wants us to return. "O that they might return to Me..." Can you hear Him call? He wants your heart - your awakened heart - fully in His hands. I speak out of experience and struggle, when the Spirit is snuffed, our hearts harden. Let us return and open our mouths and cry to the listening Father, who is waiting for the prodigal to come back home.

Raindrops of Grace

A few mornings ago I awoke to the familiar sounds of raindrops spattering on the window above my bed. I love waking up to rain's music. It's very reflective. I stared up into the foggy window decorated by beads of water falling in a rhythmic pattern, thinking to myself how gentle the rain is. Now I know storms can be extremely ferocious and devastating at times, but normally rain is considerate to the tender needs below.

Which brought me to my next reflection, why does it rain? Because there is a need. The land gets dry. Rivers and lakes go down. Animals and humans suffer thirst. Trees and fields faint from dehydration. The world needs rain.

This same need transfers to our spiritual thirst as well. Souls can become just as dry as a desert. Hearts grow faint without nourishment. What can quench the thirst of the heart? What can satisfy the soul? It is something that falls from a Father's arms: grace.

Like a spring rain, grace is showered upon God's children in gentle amounts that nourish and sustain our livelihood. He gives grace for every need. 
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)

If your heart is parched, and if your soul is weary, draw near to the Father for a downpour of grace to sustain your every need.

Blessings from the Word

Here are a few notes that I took in my quiet time this morning from Psalm 19:

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul."
God's Word is undisputedly perfect in word and purpose. It speaks to every need, rebukes every lie, strengthens every weakness, and most wonderfully revives the human soul with faithful grace for every deficiency. When my soul is weary and needy, I must go to no other place than the Word for the restoration.

"The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."
Timeless in it's truth, the testimony of the Word is solid in foundation. It can and must be leaned upon. In every generation seeking wisdom, no greater resource can be found for lasting, applicable knowledge than the Scriptures. Our minds begin in the world as empty but eager storehouses waiting to be filled with truth and wisdom.

"The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart."
God's Word is right in all things, and it maintains the absolute standard for deciding what is right and wrong. The Word can be trusted and built upon. This causes the ultimate rejoicing for the heart, knowing that our greatest joy can be found in God's truth and perfect authority.

"The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes."
His holiness is refining, which causes every Word to be pure and righteous. He does not use His commands as weapons for wounds, but His commands are pure, causing the refining of the heart in obedience. It brings light and revelation to our eyes of understanding making us see firsthand the glory of God.

"The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever."
Fearing the Lord brings more blessing than one might first assume. The fear of the Lord is wisdom - for He is much to be feared. All power, control, good, and evil rest in His hands motivated by a gracious heart. Our fear is clean and holy, enabling us to endure.

"The rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether."
God's Word, His rules, and commands are proven to be true and righteous by the authority of God Himself and by hundreds of generations before us. "The word of the Lord proves true..." (Ps. 18:30) Anyone who casts herself (or himself) on the foundation of the Word will not be ashamed of doing so. Every time the Word proves true.

"More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward." Psalms 19:7-11

Amen.

Ode to Tea

I'm sorry, but I am really enjoying my tea this morning. And I had to write about it.

Tea is one of those special delights that makes me happy just thinking about it. Every realm of it's features inspire me. I love the smell. The taste. The color. The accessories. The photos. The effects. The gatherings. The tearooms. The teacups. The teapots. The history. So everything about it really!

Just for fun, I will include some of my favorite tea quotes:

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.  ~Author Unknown

If you are cold, tea will warm you.  If you are too heated, it will cool you.  If you are depressed, it will cheer you.  If you are excited, it will calm you.  ~Gladstone, 1865

All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes.  ~George Orwell

Remember the tea kettle - it is always up to its neck in hot water, yet it still sings!  ~Author Unknown

Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on.  ~Billy Connolly

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.  ~C.S. Lewis

Oh, I am starting to see the bottom of my cup. Time to put the kettle on! :)

How Did Jesus Witness?

It's a rainy day. Mary's driving home from a long day of hectic social interaction. Looking out her window she sees the familiar sign glowing through the fog: Starbucks. She walks in, shakes the water off of her coat, and grabs a latte. Finding a cozy seat by the window, she begins to quietly enjoy her beverage. A young woman comes in and sits in the booth next to her. With hardly a glance in her direction, Mary stares at the cars splashing by on the highway.
"We surely needed the rain today, didn't we?" comes from the young woman in the next booth.
"Sure did." Mary quickly responds, hoping this will silence her.
"Do you like rainy days?" 
Oh boy. Can't I just watch the rain and drink my coffee in peace?
Mary let's out a little sigh. "In moderation."

All gets quiet again. Yes, finally. Mary takes another sip of her quickly cooling latte. Leaning back in the chair, she tries to relax. Without warning, her heart feels a deep prick. And she knows what this means. The beat in her heart speeds up (and it's not the caffeine). Oh no Lord... do I have to do this right now, with her? Can't I just enjoy the rain. I'm tired. You've seen how busy my day was. Can't you use someone else? I'm no good at this anyway...

The prodding doesn't stop. Mary's heart wrestles within her. Her palms get sweaty. As her mind leans toward obeying God's calling, she almost panics. What do I say? How do I begin? What if I say something wrong? How will she respond? How do I do this?!

How do I do this?

Witnessing is looked upon widely as a seemingly confusing and stressful task for the Christian. Every person is different, with different backgrounds and fears, different ways of understanding and communicating. How do we go about sharing the most important news in the world with someone we have never met or don't understand? Jesus shows us how.

While reading in John 4 a few days ago, God began showing me some basic, helpful guidelines for witnessing that Jesus used while talking to the woman from Samaria.

Jesus talked with the outcasts. (4:9)
We shouldn't avoid those we don't understand or who our culture ignores. Jesus opened a conversation with 1) and Samaritan, and 2) a woman. Both of these qualities where despised among the Jews. But Jesus didn't let that stop Him from sharing the truth. Everyone needs the gospel, especially the outcasts.

Jesus used earthly instruments to explain heavenly precepts. (4:13)
The well of water was an excellent tool for explaining the gospel to this thirsty woman. We also can use physical objects around us to help illustrate the spiritual truths of Christ. Everything can be used to point to Christ.

Jesus was patient with her ignorance. (4:15, 16)
After Jesus presents a simply beautiful illustration about the Living Water, which Christians completely understand, the Samaritan woman responds by asking, "Give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water." (4:15) She kinda missed the point. The water Jesus was offering wasn't physical water, but eternal spiritual water. But it didn't discourage Him. He just went deeper.

Jesus cut straight to the heart. (4:16)
Picking up on the signs about her lifestyle, (and being God, He knew all things) He asked her a question which would reveal what she lived to hide. A few years ago, I read something by John Piper that I will never forget, "The quickest way to the heart is through a wound." Jesus uses this knowledge to strip away the crust of lies and lay bare the inner self. This is a valuable tool for witnessing. Every person has wounds of the heart. If we can lovingly and honestly uncover these hurts, we can offer the healing balm of the gospel to fill the holes of pain caused by sin.

Jesus gets to the heart, then reveals Himself. (4:26)
After much dialogue and discussion with this woman, He gets to her heart and then reveals Himself. If He would have simply walked up to her in the beginning and declared, "I am the Messiah!", I don't think she would have listened to Him. In the same way, we cannot approach strangers and announce that they need Jesus without getting to their heart, showing them their heart, and then offering the remedy for their heart.

Jesus answered her questions with the truth. (4:20, 22)
This lady obviously had real questions about religion and worship. And Jesus let her talk and ask questions. I noticed though in every answer, Jesus held out an invitation for her to step into. Our answers to people's questions should always offer hope and truth, with an open invitation to join and change.

Jesus creates a worshipper. (4:23)
Out of an obviously carnal woman, in whom I would have probably regarded as beyond hopeless, Christ transformed her into a true worshipper that would bear witness to her entire town. She wasn't just a number to Him. He wanted and created a worshipper.

What about when I don't feel like witnessing to people? Look to Jesus. In the verses leading up to this passage, it says, "So Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well." (4:6) Jesus was weary. He was tired from a long journey. But He was faithful in His compassion. Everyone needs Him, and to everyone (even in His weariness) He made Himself available. What an example...

All this considered, we must again come to the realization that it is not us making a Christian, it is Christ at work. Take the burden off of your shoulders and rest in the power of the gospel.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Romans 1:16

The gospel is what holds the power. Not us.
We are just the witnesses who sit by the wells of life offering the Water for life.

[polldaddy poll=1020306]

If you answered in the above poll, please feel free to elaborate in the comment section.

6 things I have learned this year...

Surprise, surprise! Julia has tagged me to write 6 things I have learned this year. It was actually hard for me to nailed down only six... maybe if the number had been near 200 I would have an easier time? Anyway, here are my *only* six things:

1. In the Christian's life, surrender is victory.

2. God is faithful. Really, He is.

3. Darkness is for a moment. Dawn always comes.

4. Don't give up on people. With God, people do and can change.

5. Loneliness is not a sin. God cares how you handle it.

6. That there is always more to learn. About people, about God, about me.

... and this is by no means an exhaustive list! God has taught me so much this year, and attempting to put words to it would fill a blog, book, and mind. But stay tuned - as I process and learn, I always love to share.

Here are the rules for this tag:

State six things you have learned this year.
Tag at least six people.
Leave comments on their blogs letting them know they've been tagged.

I tag:

Erin
Olivia
Maria Pauline
Ella
Phylicia
Stephanie

What about you? What has God shown you this year?

Speaking Skies

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat. (Psalms 19:1-6)

I have adored this passage of Scripture for years. It serves as a very poetic reminder to recognize the glory of God in all areas of my life, especially through nature. How often I get in a hurry, running out to my car for an appointment without stopping to look up at the sky and hear what it is proclaiming. The birds outside my window desire to remind me of God's amazing glory, but I don't open the window. An evening breeze plays with my hair but I can't stop to listen.

I was reading something John Piper taught on this passage today, and God used these words to penetrate my heart about listening to His silent voice in His creation.

"God means for there to be communication from his mind and heart to our mind and heart, but the medium of communication—the thing that carries the reality from his heart to my heart—is not written words; it's not spoken words. Instead it's light and color and contrast and shape and proportion and design and motion and magnitude, etc. ... Wordless words, speechless speech, voiceless voice. The point is clear: God is pouring forth communication to us through the sky; he is telling and proclaiming and speaking and writing lines and declaring knowledge to everyone who will stop and listen."

Friendly Forum #10

Welcome to Friendly Forum #10! 

Again, I will just remind you all that Friendly Forum is for you and by you, so comment as often as you like, interacting with other commentors or adding additional thoughts. I will be reading over each response; thank you for sharing your thoughts.

If you have an idea for the next Friendly Forum, leave me a comment on the Friendly Forum page or drop me an e-mail. I hope you are encouraged!

This forum was born out a question that was posed in the previous post.

How can I serve my earthly father and imitate my earthly mother when they are not believers? Mostly my parents provide discouragement rather than encouragement. Any advice?

10 Things I Wish I'd Known When I Was Single

Yes, I am still single... but I saw this over at Jasmine's blog written by a very wise Mrs. Christine. I found these insights extremely helpful and a much needed encouragement to us single gals. May these remind us to make the most of our season of singleness.

Ten Things I Wish I'd Known When I Was Single:

1. Marriage doesn't "develop" the good traits. If you don't cultivate patience, joy, gentleness, kindness, etc. before marriage, they aren't going to miraculously appear when you've wed.

2. If you can't joyfully submit to your parents, you won't joyfully submit to your husband.

3. If you develop a "grass is greener" mentality while single, marriage won't feel as fulfilling as you dream it to be. Contentedness is something you must cultivate while single. If you aren't content as a daughter, you won't be magically become content as a wife.

4. Cultivate a schedule (along with a daily quiet time) before you have to schedule life around children. If you can function on a schedule as a single young lady, then you will flourish as a wife and mother.

5. Learn to play with your siblings. If you can't "enjoy" your brothers and sisters, it will be hard to "delight" in your children. You will love your children, yes... but you will not become a "fun" person through childbirth.

6. Learn to give. Make your life as a single young woman about serving others. (Make sure to do this through the leadership of your father so that you choose wisely and don't overextend yourself.) If you make your single years about "serving self," it is very difficult to "kill off self" once you're married.

7. Learn to please your earthly father. This relationship will give you the vital ability to discern what will bless your future husband. Granted, every man is different... but if you seek to do your father good, it will be easy to seek to do your husband good.

8. Consider your mother your mentor. Learn from her... Study her... Memorize her movements and schedules. One day you will be the "home manager."

9. Learn to enjoy and have fun with "just" your family. If you need friends to make life fun while single, the same will apply when married.

10. Learn to follow a budget and shop wisely. Regardless of your family's "mode" of living, generally marriage is started off on a simple budget. You will be a great blessing to your husband if you manage carefully the money he gives to you.

Any more you would add? Which ones spoke the most to you?

Tea and Books: October

With all the conferences going on in my life lately (praise God for them all), I have slacked up a lot on my book reading - minus the Scriptures. Plus, God has been redeeming areas in my life involving books... but maybe that's another post. So this month all I have managed to read thus far is a transforming and convicting book titled:

War of Words - Paul David Tripp
This is one of those books that I need to read and reread over again. I am closing in on the halfway mark, and already I have found the truths to be desperately needed in my heart and on my tongue. The subtitle truly explains this books purpose: getting to the heart of your communication struggles. If you are seriously interested (or convicted) in finding and solving the problem of our words (which is our hearts... but I won't give it all away...), then get this book. I have found more truth and practical application of those truths in this book than anywhere else besides the Scriptures. I highly recommend this one. (do I always say that?)

In the area of tea, well, let's see. As the weather settles down into a crisp cool wonderland, my tea mug is happily filled more often. This is also a good time to try new types of tea. Last weekend Mom bought some really delicious peach tea. I normally find peach tea to be, well, too peachy, so I was surprised that I liked it. Maybe autumn is inspiring more creativity to my taste buds. :)
 

What have ya'll been reading and sipping?

Windswept

There is something mysterious about a breeze. We can’t see it, but yet it can be felt. It moves the things around us, giving a voice to nature. Storms and sunsets are enhanced by a wind, both gentle or fierce. The wind effects it's target, all while remaining invisible.

Recently I took a walk through a grove of trees effected by a rowdy wind. The great trees bent easily under the mighty wind's power, ripping through the drying leaves and creating such a noise overhead. Looking up into the action, I found it strange that although I could see the trees swaying and the leaves shaking, I could not see the "object" that was stirring such activity. But obviously it was there.

"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear it's sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
John 3:8 ESV

In the Greek, the same word is used for both wind and Spirit. Maybe because their qualities are similar? Both are seemingly invisible, but they are very real. They effect people, but remain unseen. Skeptics can't believe in our God because He is invisible and they don't know where He came from. Sometimes we Christians even begin to assume God is absent from our lives because He appears to be hidden.

Open your eyes and look around you. Watch the people as they sway under His power. Look as souls are redeemed and people change. The Spirit of Jesus is moving among us, transforming us, empowering us to live like Him. It is the great mystery.

You might not be able to "see" the Spirit. But watch the trees. He is here.

Cleansing the Guilty Conscience

“There is no greater burden in this world than the guilt of our sin. Other burdens weary the feet or the back; this burden wearies the soul. People who abhor the idea of a blood-shedding God may write platitudes about the goodness of man. People may say that we are finding our destiny out of a Darwinian soup. Perhaps we are not yet what we might be, but we are certainly not guilty, they insist. But in a moral universe ruled by a holy God, such words will not wash away the reality of the things we have done.

If you come to recognize how your words have torn the hearts of others as knives tear the flesh; if you think for just a moment how your neglect of duty and selfish pursuit of gain have meant sorrow and woe for real people; if you merely ask how many men and women in this world have real cause to resent you, to wish you had never crossed their paths; if you take stock of God’s holy and unyielding law and your incessant violation of it, then your conscience will speak against you about what you really are and deserve. You will crave a cleansing such as Christ alone can give.”

- Richard D. Phillips
HT: First Importance

Come and See

I am beginning to go through the gospel of John in my devotions. Reading through the life of Jesus is one of the most helpful things in my walk with Him; observing how He relates to people, listening to His words, discerning His passion. This morning's reading in John 1 brought all these convictions.

I was touched by Philip's persuasion in Christ's authenticity. When Nathaniel attempted to disregard Jesus on account of his homeland, Philip's earnest reply was "Come and see."

That response sparked some meditation in my heart. The world will always have motivation to disapprove Jesus and His dependability. In fact it is predictable in almost every conversation with an unbeliever to be refuted, "Well what about this?" or "what about that?" They rest on nonexistent "cracks" in the ceiling to justify their opposition or uneasiness about Jesus' reality. Our bold and happy defense against all disregard for our Lord Jesus should be, "Well, come and see..."

Jesus' dependability rests in His hands, not ours. When you have a personal encounter with the Lord, all unbelief and skepticism melts away. His perfect record and the truth of His person speaks for itself. Our purpose is to point to Him and invite people along with us to come and see Jesus for themselves.

Nathaniel's response after Philip convinced him to come along was momentous. Nathaniel proclaimed, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (John 1:49) Jesus revealed it and he saw it. Philip didn't argue and debate with Nathaniel about Jesus credibility, no, he simply lead him to the real Person.

I want to be like Philip by beckoning people to come and see Jesus.

Transcends Language

A few nights ago, my family invited some missionaries from Columbia to enjoy some outdoor time at our property. Hours of fun and fellowship followed, despite some language barriers. To listen and observe a deep rooted faith in these people fanned the flame in my heart to live wholly surrendered to Jesus. Even though we couldn't discuss in detail the Lord's workings in each of our lives, we could simply smile with gratefulness and express our love for the Lord and our love for them.

It is amazing to see the Spirit at work in another's life, especially in someone who lives outside of America. God's truth and passion extends outside of my little world. I can become so "Americanized" in my Christianity. Seeing these people aflame with God's love was good for my worldview.

When the time came for us to say goodbye and give hugs to all, the man from Columbia asked if he could pray for us. He began to pray in his native language of Spanish, crying out passionately and sincerely to the Lord with thankfulness and godly expectancy that I rarely hear or use.

Although I have no idea exactly what he prayed, I knew the Lord did. During the prayer I opened my eyes and glanced from face to face and saw the marvelous wonder of God's transcending grace. No matter what language, country, or person, God's redemption and truth transcends language.

Gratefully Overwhelmed

Today was one of those days in which God totally overwhelmed me with His goodness... these days happen to me every once in a while. I wish it would happen more, but I treasure them while they last. Moment by moment God has restored my soul with an encouraging word, a gem of truth, and the fellowship of believers. And I am gratefully overwhelmed... God is good.

Without realizing it, my soul was in need of restoration and food. God has abundantly supplied what my heart needed. Again, He is good. Oh He is good.

Tonight I walked outside and peered into the clear sky with the half moon glowing above. I found a place on the grassy lawn and rested my head back to behold the scope of a starry night in all it's glory. God is near. I feel Him. He cares. Really. Such simple truths, but when I really believe them it transforms me deep inside, bringing peace and hope I sometimes ignore. God is good. Yes He is.

Looking up into His heavens, I realize how small I am. But this little life I have, it is all His. I surrender it to Jesus with only the simple cry: make me like You, and please use me for Your glory. If heavens can smile, I saw it tonight. My glorious Father is pulling His children closer, close enough to hear His heartbeat and walk in obedience to it's rhythm. Oh my Jesus is good. So so good...

"For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations." Psalms 100:5

Sunshine Above the Weather

Are dark clouds rolling in around your life? Is the sunny disposition you posses slowly turning cold and stormy? Are the shadows growing larger, overtaking your life with deep darkness? Is the rain of pain drowning your joy?

May I encouraged your heart today? Though the forecast predicts reckless storms and sudden darkness, the Lord is a light for us. "If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you." (Psalms 139:11-12) The great Sunshine of the sky never stops shining. His help is ever present.

Last weekend when I was traveling back home from the Desiring God conference, on the day of our departure a storm swept over the city and it began to mist rain. Looking at the sky one could only see the thick dark canopy over our heads. As we boarded the airplane and ascended into the sky, the aircraft pierced through the turbulent rain clouds and darkness. Suddenly, as if entering a new world, we burst through the ugly weather and sunshine flooded into our windows. The light was bright and beautiful.

Life can at times become a city under a dark storm cloud. The weather turns for the worst, and joy is rained out. We think God has forgotten us, that He has hidden His face. In truth His light is ever shining above the weather of life, holding us closer in the darkness, and when His timing is ready, He will break through with His light of grace and understanding. There is always sunshine above the weather. Let us trust Him through the storm.

"The darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining..." (1 John 2:8)

20 Resolutions for the Tongue

Sinclair Ferguson continued to look at James 3:1-12 not only in the context of the verses themselves, but in context of the entire book of James. In case we are wondering where the practical application is for us in this passage of exposing the tongue, the book of James holds a wealth of advice for reigning in this unruly member of our bodies.

Ferguson fleshes out 20 resolutions derived from the book of James:

1. I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5)

2. I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10)

3. I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13)

4. I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19)

5. I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4)

6. I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12)

7. I resolve never to stand on anyone’s face with the words I employ. (2:16)

8. I resolve never to claim as reality in my life what I do not truly experience. (3:14)

9. I resolve to resist quarrelsome words as evidence of a bad heart that needs to be mortified. (4:1)

10. I resolve never to speak decided evil against another out of a heart of antagonism. (4:11)

11. I resolve never to boast in anything but what I will accomplish. (4:13)

12. I resolve to speak as one subject to the providences of God. (4:15)

13. I resolve never to grumble. The judge is at the door. (5:9)

14. I resolve never to allow anything but total integrity in everything I say. (5:12)

15. I resolve to speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer. (5:13)

16. I resolve to sing praises to God whenever I’m cheerful. (5:14)

17. I resolve to ask for the prayers of others when I’m in need. (5:14)

18. I resolve to confess it whenever I have failed. (5:15)

19. I resolve to pray with others for one another whenever I am together with them. (5:15)

20. I resolve to speak words of restoration when I see another wander. (5:19)

I have been using these resolutions to help guide my prayers in the morning concerning my tongue. What a great help they have been to me, and I hope they will be of help to you in prayer and sanctification.

An Exposition on James 3:1-12

The opening session of the DG conference was skillfully conducted by Sinclair Ferguson titled, "The Tongue, the Bridle, and the Blessing." (Listen, read or watch here) Ferguson's central text was James 3:1-12, which we all know to be the most convicting passage of Scripture on our tongues. He viewed this passage in three lenses of context: 1) the verses as a whole, 2) the verses in context of the book of James, and 3) in context of the gospel.

As we looked at the verses in James, four points were derived from the text which I want to look at in this post:

1) The Difficulty of Taming the Tongue

The first warning in this passage is, "not many of you should become teachers..." which opens the door for the rest of the message. Teachers talk when they teach; they use many words to explain, convict, and encourage. But "we all stumble in many ways," and if we use our tongues we will stumble in what we say. In fact, James is so bold as to declare, "he who does not stumble in what he says is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." In a sense, James is saying it is impossible to tame the tongue. But is this the purpose of James' instruction, to discourage us with the inevitable defeat?

No, all Scripture is "given to us for teaching doctrine, reproving us, correcting us, and training us in righteousness..." (2 Timothy 3:16) Ferguson beautifully explains, "The practical purpose of Scripture is to make us spiritually mature. It unfolds truth for our darkened minds, it touches our consciences in the power of the Holy Spirit and convicts us of our sin till the end of our lives. It’s one of the burdens of James that these Christians to whom he is speaking should be brought to a great spiritual maturity."

While taming the tongue is the most difficult grace to master, the mature man can make strides in this area. But is a moment by moment battle of the heart.

2) The Disproportionate Power of the Tongue:

James describes controlling the tongue as "putting bits in the mouths of horses" and "a small rudder that guides the entire ship". Our boneless tongues clutch the wondrous power of controlling our entire bodies. Why? Because it carries the breath of our souls.

Ferguson used the perfect illustration of getting in an elevator with a smoker. Immediately everyone in the elevator recognizes who the smoker is, because their breath transfers what is on the inside, most of the time unconsciously. The same principle applies to our tongues. Our speech will betray the aroma of our hearts. Our words permeate everything we do and everyone around us.

3) The Destruction Caused by the Tongue:

James tells us where our "tongue issues" derive from: hell. Like a small match can produce a fierce wildfire, so our tongues are a fire that set our lives ablaze with evil. Our tongues are a "world of iniquity", staining every part of our lives, filled with a deadly poison, a restless evil.

Satan produces this "restlessness". Ferguson explains, "The tongue is a tiny instrument that ruins everything, like a stain on a dress. The misuse of the tongue can apparently render every other grace in my life impotent. We know that it takes one single wrong word for everything we have ever done to crumble into hypocrisy. I think, at least in those last three pictures he’s using, James has Genesis 3 in the back of his mind: the poison under the tongue of the serpent, restless in his disobedience to God. Satan goes about like a restless, roaring lion, and he produces restlessness in the heart. He is a beast, and one of his chief instruments is this tiny instrument God has given us to praise his name."

I am sure none of us has to think back very far to recount an instance in which the tongue was used for our destruction. The words were seared upon our memory inflicting a pain greater than any physical wound could create. Our words are easily and quickly used to set people on fire. And we are so careless with this fire.

4) The Deadly Inconsistency of the Tongue:

We bless and we curse, sometimes in the same breath. This word choice "bless" and "curse" holds weightier meaning than we realize. "We should never minimize these words," Ferguson warns, "We should understand that the words “bless” and “curse” have great significance. These are words that describe the serious, covenantal purposes of God to bring judgment that will lead to hell or grace that will lead to heaven. Here we are, blessing God and then cursing those made in his image."

This can be described as being "a double minded man", something I thought I would never be. But I am. My tongue has produced salty water and bad fruit from what should be a redeemed spring and tree. After this session was completed, I had the urge to never speak again. But as I mentioned in the beginning, the Word is meant to expose our sin and train us in righteousness.

The gospel has become increasingly precious in my eyes, seeing the true wretch that I am and the amazing Savior that Jesus is. Only by His grace can I press on to maturity. This restless tongue is receiving it's bridle with joy, knowing and wanting the truth and grace my Lord faithfully spoke through His entire life. Oh to be more like Him...

Randomness

I have been tagged by Kasie to write six random things about me. I think I have done something like this before, but I'm sure I can muster up six more random facts about myself, since I am very, uh, random?

Anyway, here are the rules before I begin:

 

Link to the person who tagged you.

Post the rules on your blog.

Write six random things about yourself.

Tag sixish people at the end of your post.

Let each person know he or she has been tagged.

Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

 

Here is some of my randomness...

1. I have had a cup of tea at 30,000 feet in the air. (in an airplane)

2. My appendix was removed even though I have never had an appendicitis.

3. When I was little, I thought lakes were big bathtubs.

4. As I habit I am trying to break, I pull out my eyelashes when I watch TV.

5. One of my legs is longer than the other, although no one can tell.

6. I am a "bookaholic". Picture to prove below.



I Tag:

Courtney

Carley

Olivia

Allison

Rebekah

Jasmine

Back Home from DG

We have arrived back home from an active and encouraging conference weekend. Although both Mom and I are pretty exhausted, we are thankful for the opportunity to worship and learn with 3,000 other believers. Our hearts are full.

I cannot wait to expound more on what the Lord is in the process of teaching me from the sessions and speakers; hope you are up to hearing them! I can't wait to process through my notes and implant what truths God has for me - and write to secure what I'm learning.

While at the conference I met a few fellow bloggers, Olivia, and Abraham and Molly Piper (and little Morrow!), and Carolyn McCulley, which was uniquely exciting. They were all incredibly nice and remain true to their perception found on their blogs. It is rather exciting to meet people face to face whom you would only otherwise only meet in blogosphere. God is so good.

I also met John Piper. (Yeah, I know!) That was an amazing experience. For so long I have enjoyed his books and writings, and to finally meet him face to face was incredible. He signed the inside cover of my Bible and we got to talk for a short while. For such a powerful and passionate speaker, in conversation he is sincerely gentle and interested in everyone. Even after preaching intensely for over an hour he was constantly smiling and never rushed any of us along. I am so thankful to Lord allowed me to meet him.

Well, I have many insights swirling around in my head that will hopefully rest on paper soon. Again, I thank you for all your prayers and kindness with your comments. I have missed you all! But I am back with many words in my heart, and instruction on how to properly and biblically let them out.

God has spoken. God is speaking.

The Desiring God conference opened with the thunderous anthem of singing, "God has spoken..." For me it was a settling call to listen with an open, Spirit-prepared heart to the Word of God especially for me this weekend. As I sang, I realized with new clarity that God has spoken, and He gave me ears to hear. And I am overwhelmingly thankful.

My thoughts carried me deeper. Imagine for a moment if God would have sat in silence before a formless and void earth, resolving to never utter the words, "Let there be light." Our world, our lives, would be nothing. No singing would fill this hall with praise. No speakers would minister to our souls with words of conviction and truth. Words powerfully shape our worlds, our souls, our vitality, our hope, and our futures.

Which brings me to the special encouragement the Lord brought to me as I continued to sing (and meditate). God is still speaking. We open the treasure of the Word and His breath is as fresh today in our souls as it was the day it was penned with the quill. He not only spoke long ago, but inside our beings He continues to speak holy words personally through something we call the Word.

God is not silent. He is still speaking. I want to be quick to listen.

Desiring God is amazing...

This is going to be a rather quick update, but I wanted to let you know that I am loving this conference! All of the sessions have been a conviction and blessing, giving me lots to think on for the flight home. My heart and head are full of truth and I am processing it all into practical application, which will probably take the rest of my life considering the vast and important subject we are studying.

We are about to go and hear Paul Tripp, which I am looking forward to. And John Piper is scheduled for tomorrow. All in all, I am having a blast and being richly blessed. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. You'll be hearing from me soon!

Here I Go...

Today my Mom and I are getting on a plane and heading to Minnesota for the Desiring God Conference! I am sure you can imagine my excitement... to see John Piper (and others) preaching right before my eyes. It should be an event I will remember the rest of my life. Ah, I can't wait...

I will try to update while I am there, although I don't know how well my internet service will be. Please pray for Mom and my safety, and for the Lord to prepare us for the work He will do in our hearts. I am truly looking forward to the lessons to be learned and understood. (and spending some special alone time with Mom) :)

Hope to bring you an update soon!

Follow your heart. Really?

We have all heard it before. The greatest advice the world (and sadly, sometimes even Christians) can offer us, especially young people, is “Follow your heart…”

But is that really good advice? Does the Bible give this instruction?

Jesus said in His sermon on the Mount, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21) The logical question every Christian must ask would be: is it possible for your heart to value (treasure) something that is wrong or harmful - something that isn’t biblical or solely Christ Himself?

Umm, yes. It is a struggle all fallen humans face, to value Jesus as our infinite Treasure at all times. We treasure many other things like friends, cars, music, education, video games, money, and/or fame more than Christ. I am guilty of it, sadly. That is why this “follow your heart” advice has the potential to be very dangerous. Our hearts can at many times be in the wrong place, like focusing on ourselves instead of Christ, or enticed by worldly things instead of treasures in heaven.

We should follow Christ above our hearts.

Our hearts can lie to us. They are deceitful, as Jeremiah tells us. “The heart is more deceitful than all else… who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9)
So who can understand the heart? God can. “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the result of his deeds.” (Jer. 17:10)

When we can't trust our own hearts, we can come and rely on God to test the motives and conditions of our hearts, and reveal what is truly there. 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try my and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there my any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”
Psalms 139:23-24

Tea and Books: September

Well the month has almost passed me by and books are being finished. Early in the month I didn't make a lot of time to read, but I have refocused and hope to finish at least a few books before this month is gone. Despite my tardy reading habits, my "book wish list" is steadily growing. I don't ever see it slowing down. And I am totally fine with that. Below are a couple of the great reads I am enjoying.

Please feel free to share what literary and infused findings you have with me too. My favorite discussions are oftentimes encompassed around books and tea.

Books:

A Place of Quiet Rest - Nancy Leigh DeMoss
If you are searching for a resourceful book devoted entirely to your "devotion time", I highly recommend this book. I honestly didn't know a book like this existed, but here is a gem. Reading only the first few pages excited my heart with the need for this book in my life. Devotions are a subject kindred to my heart. Written in a creatively practical and gently instructing tone, I have found answers to the silent questions I have in my heart about my devotion time. Highly recommend this one.

Lies Young Women Believe - Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh
I am actually reading this one out loud to my sisters before bedtime. It has been an awakening for us all as we begin to recognize the subtle lies we believe that effect us deeper than we know. The lies we believe about God and ourselves (plus many more areas) can cripple any growth the Lord desires for us. I would enthusiastically recommend this book for ladies of all ages. It is a powerful tool for the kingdom.

Tea:

Tangerine Orange Zinger is becoming one of my favorite herbal teas. Mom and I like to rotate between this the Raspberry Zinger tea.  As the weather begins to cool down I know my tea mug is going to be refilled more often throughout the day. (maybe that's why I like cooler weather?) I sure hope the price of tea doesn't go up or I will have to ration out my amber delight. :)

Summer's last moments

The trees whizzed past me as I drove down the country road. The speed of my vehicle created a pleasant breeze that I enjoyed with my windows down. The sun was beginning to lower into it's slumber for the night and the crickets awoke to play their music. Old barbed wire fences channeled the road and protected the drowsy cattle on the other side. A whirlwind of freshly fallen leaves followed behind my car. The tall aging grass swayed in the fields. Trickles of color splashed among the fence rows blooming before summer breathes it's last.

With the birth of new seasons comes the death of old seasons. Their last moments are their most brilliant. The vivid colors, happy weather, and sheer beauty bid us goodbye before they fade into the next season. God is gentle in His revolution of seasons. Sometimes we hardly recognize summer is over before autumn begins. We just wake up one morning and enter a new season. But sometimes we eagerly appreciate the slow metamorphosis that happens before our eyes.

Tomorrow we welcome the new season of autumn. I am probably bias since autumn is my favorite time of the year, but I am ready for this new season. But I am learning to relish the season I am in, so this afternoon on my drive I enjoyed every moment I could.
Because for everything there is a season...

Stay with Me...

I am in the process of teaching my dog to walk on a leash. Honestly is has been quite challenging. I don't intend to drag him everywhere we go, but a lot of times that is what happens. But he is slowly catching on. I can foresee peaceful walks in the future.

As you all know, practically everything gets me to thinking about life as a follower of God, and this incident is no different. This morning the Lord again directed me to some verses in Psalms that are becoming a real treasure and guidance in my life right now. Psalms 32:8-9 reads,

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be not like the horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

How I need to learn this lesson!
While training my dog, I found myself constantly repeating "stay with me" to him. He naturally tries to run after any moving object except me, so keeping him by my side is the battle I fight. The same is true with my relationship with the Lord. I can be a stubborn mule and dig in my heels wanting my way. But God is faithfully calling to me, "Stay with Me, stay with Me..."

And it is only when I am near Him that I find the peace I search for. Submitting to His authority is when we receive calm assurance, looking up to our Master for His next command or counsel. Unlike my own character, He never gets frustrated or impatient with my progress, but faithfully teaches me to stay near Him for joy in heart and peace of mind. I am in good hands.

Update:



Just for everyone who wants to see my real dog, this is him. His name is Braveheart. Isn't he sooo cute?! I know, I know. An update on his training, he is doing really good. I think he is starting to catch on. I only hope I learn just as fast with the things the Lord is teaching me. :)

A Beautiful Summer Run

The golden summer light filters through the trees and prances on the ground as I wander through the woods. A tender breeze pushes me from behind as if urging me to discover something ahead. My feet quicken to glide with the wind. A tantalizing urge to run is almost overcoming my soul. I consent for relief.

The rhythm of my footbeats reverberate throughout the trees. Slowly the pulse from my heart begins to flourish. My damp brow cools as the wind splashes my face and refreshes my mind. Trees swish by and reach for my arms with their outstretched branches. A stray hair from my ponytail tickles my cheeks.

The wooded path climbs up the bank. My breathing grows deeper. Stronger. Faster. Suppressed feelings begin to emerge. The rapid exhaling dulls the static in my mind. My heartbeat pulses in my ears. The giant oaks sway in harmony and form a wooded silhouette against a yellow backdrop. A bright sun calls me to come closer. My eyes are fixed on the light. I keep running.

The path curiously comes to an end and I stop at last. Face to my feet I recapture my breath. Heart rate starts to descends. I slowly raise my head as light overwhelms my vision. An enormous field green with health and color hushes my breathing. God's beauty weakens my strength.

It is in this moment, when my mind is quiet and my heart fully awake, I realize more fully the Lord's captivating beauty. I recognize that I rarely think on the Christ's beauty. His strength, power, sovereignty, grace, and love invade my thoughts quite often. But the Lord's beauty is seldom reflected on. Yet is offers us a wealth of good. His beauty is incorrupt. It will not perish. It needs to be looked upon.

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." Psalms 27:4

I encourage you to take a walk or run outside today just to gaze upon the Lord's beauty manifested in His creation. You'll be amazed at the wonder it supplies your soul.

Renewed to a true likeness

Every morning we make a choice, a decision that will effect everyone we encounter throughout our day. Although this decision is slightly underrated, it is uniquely important:
we decide what to wear.

You might laugh at my seriousness, and as usual, I do have a spiritual point I hope to make, but this reality of getting dressed just recently dawned in my thoughts. Every morning I choose what to wear for today, and my adornment will be visible to everyone I meet. Who I am (or want to portray) radiates through my clothing.

So when I was reading through Romans the other morning, this verse fleshed out the above principle.

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to it's lusts." Romans 13:14

Just as I decided what to wear today, I also in a similar manner decided what (or Who) to "put on" as I walked through today. This is very important. What should this "Jesus adornment" look like? God brought me to these verses in Colossians to help compose my "wardrobe".

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." (3:12-14)

This is the adornment of Christ Himself. He displayed all of these attitudes and traits, consistently attracting disciples to be clothed with Himself. When I adorn myself with the above attributes, I am being renewed to a true likeness of the One who created me and called me to walk in the newness of life.

"And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator." Colossians 3:10

And, to use the familiar phrase, it looks great on you! :)

Winds of new seasons

I am sitting beside my open window feeling a nippy breeze push through, bringing with it a fresh awareness of approaching seasons. Autumn is coming. New seasons are here. Just when I was resigning myself to unchanging times, God again comes through bringing the winds of desired seasons.

I have spoken before about rushing the seasons and God's teachings on patience and thankfulness in my life. And it is encouraging when seasons do change, like the transition we are in right now.

My life is in a similar place. Today brought a sweet conformation that the winds of new seasons are in the air, and I am simply enjoying the transformation. Through this somewhat tardy process I have been reminded that God is faithful. Really. He doesn't give up on me - not even when I give up on myself. His plan will not be thwarted and His goodness is persistent. The seeds He has sown, if nurtured in obedience, produce a harvest rich in faith. And I am thankful.

As I read a precious chapter in Psalms this evening, God again washed over my soul with the trust and gladness of His presence.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalms 16:9-11

The aroma of knowledge

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

Does knowledge have a fragrance? Well according to this verse it does. Any kind of knowledge? Most specifically, the knowledge of Christ. But I would debate that all knowledge has a fragrance. Recount the people you've brushed by this past week. As you listened to their words, observed their attitudes, experienced their judgements what aroma did you detect? The knowledge of God? Of the world? Of corruption? Of the Savior?

Incredible isn't it? What people know diffuses through potently to others.

Such is what God intended. And He intends it to spread His fragrance, His knowledge. Our foul world reeks of deception and destruction. People are dying. Lives are wasting. What people don't know can hurt them. And the aroma is toxic...

When Christ comes into a heart, He transforms the atmosphere of the soul with the fragrance of His knowledge. Grace justifies. Truth purifies. Peace spreads an aroma of holiness. Relentless love from a Holy God fills the pores of the heart with the oil of gladness. Life flourishes with purpose and passion. Life becomes eternal.

And amazingly, the knowledge of God can spread throughout the world by diffusing through us...

Lessons on Love

I receive an email newsletter every week by different authors about random subjects. This morning the encouragement in my inbox brought a helpful and wise perspective on love that I wanted to share with you. Max Lucado reminds us that when it comes to love:

Be careful.

Until love is stirred, let God's love be enough for you. There are seasons when God allows us to feel the frailty of human love so we'll appreciate the strength of his love. Didn't he do this with David? Saul turned on him. Michal, his wife, betrayed him. Jonathan and Samuel were David's friends, but they couldn't follow him into the wilderness. Betrayal and circumstances left David alone. Alone with God. And, as David discovered, God was enough. David wrote these words in a desert: "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.... My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods" (Ps. 63:3, 5 NIV).

Be prayerful.

What if it's too late? Specifically, what if you're married to someone you don't love--or who doesn't love you? Many choose to leave. That may be the step you take. But if it is, take at least a thousand others first. And bathe every one of those steps in prayer. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. Ask God to help you love as he loves. "God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love" (Rom. 5:5 CEV). Ask everyone you know to pray for you. Your friends. Your family. Your church leaders. Get your name on every prayer list available. And, most of all, pray for and, if possible, with your spouse. Ask the same God who raised the dead to resurrect the embers of your love.

Be grateful.

Be grateful for those who love you. Be grateful for those who have encouraged you to do what is right and applauded when you did. Do you have people like that in your world? If so, you are doubly blessed. Be grateful for them. And be grateful for your Father in heaven.

Evergreen Devotion

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalms 1

A day late: but let's not forget

So I am a day late in getting around to my September 11th post, but maybe it is more appropriate today on account of my forgetfulness and the theme of our remembrance. Yesterday we replayed the horrific tragedies inflicted on our country only seven years ago. I can remember the shock, anger, and fear that washed over me as I watched the planes crash into the towers, field, and Pentagon on that fateful morning. And to see my beloved country unite in such passion, such resolve, made me proud to be an American.

Despite our anthem to "never forget", sadly I do. Last night I wrote in my journal: "We will never forget... but so often I do. Forgetfulness is the great enemy of our resolve. Yes, in the break of the moment nothing can shake us. But time washes over our concrete promises turning them into castles made of sand swept out to sea. Lord, I don't want to forget. Strengthen the lessons you have taught me."

The lessons God has taught America are fiercely urgent. I believe that above all the patriotism and firm resolve to remember history's lessons, is a cry from the heart of God: don't forget ME...

Advertising the greater Treasure

I am constantly amused (in a discerning way) at the world's cleverly devised system of advertising. Those who can look through the deception behind the product can see the world's market is quietly proclaiming the greater God.

Usually you can simply substitute the product with the Provider.

The boisterous promises the salesmen make or the seduction of lies morph into empty pleasures when compared to the Living God. Christ is the treasure buried in a field, and when unearthed provides encompassing joy that results in reckless surrender and supreme satisfaction.

Although the lies are still alluring to the weary eye, the heart has memorized her great Comfort and faithful Hope. No one can persuade us otherwise. Our tongue's have tasted the transforming water of life, and all the world's fountains remain bitter.

Blog... to develop an eye for what is meaningful

In honor of my one year blogoversary, I have decided to do a small series on why I blog based on an excellent article by Abraham Piper. Even though the article was written to persuade pastors to blog, I have found the reasons and principles to be true for any Christian blogger.

I most appreciate this aspect of blogging: it helps you develop and eye for what is meaningful.

Abraham Piper writes:

For good or ill, most committed bloggers live with the constant question in their mind: Is this bloggable? This could become a neurosis, but I’ll put a positive spin on it: It nurtures a habit of looking for insight and wisdom and value in every situation, no matter how mundane.

Funny, but it really does. I think this can apply to journalling as well, but with blogging the whole wide world can see what you are thinking. And that should effect what we blog. I am learning to keep my readers in the forefront of my mind, and to blog what you and I consider valuable.

Even without blogging, my mind is consistently filtering information and events, probing though what is profitable and questioning if the Lord is teaching me something through this. Blogging only enhances this practice, because it gives a place to record these reflections. Life is full of valuable treasures. But we must search for them.

If you live life looking for what is worthwhile in every little thing, you will see more of what God has to teach you. And the more he teaches you, the more you can teach others. As you begin to be inspired and to collect ideas, you will find that the new things you’ve seen and learned enrich far more of your life than just your blog.

hush child

The busyness of the day was catching up with me. Thoughts were swirling around my brain like the rushing of a cyclone. The noise about me provided an annoying buzz in the background that only added to the chaos of my soul. All these combined into a swelling climax unknown to me, but when the place suddenly went quiet I almost jumped in shock.

Like a weeping baby finally held by her mother, my soul quieted quickly. I could hear my own breathing. A window was open in the kitchen allowing an evening breeze to push through the room and I only felt it for the first time. All these quiet experiences that I was ignoring, or simply couldn't hear, were welcoming me into the peace I longed for. The voices of silence were urging me into the awareness of God's nearness.

It was then I realized God's endless attempts to retrieve my attention and simply listen for a while. Something special happens when a mouth is closed. It gets quiet.

I can only hear the Lord's voice when I am listening. It may seem basic, but I need reminding of that. Life's deafening volume is a killer of silence, and with it the opportunity to hear God clearly. My caring Father loves me enough to gently put His finger over my lips and hush my soul.

There is much to learn. So I must be quiet and listen.

"I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore." Psalms 131:2-3

Blog... to interact

In honor of my one year blogoversary, I have decided to do a small series on why I blog based on an excellent article by Abraham Piper. Even though the article was written to persuade pastors to blog, I have found the reasons and principles to be true for any Christian blogger.

Blogging is a great way to interact.

This aspect is probably the most rewarding because connecting with people similar (or contrasting) bring unique personalities and outlooks which add a meaning to blogging. After all, people are the target of any ministry. I have interacted with many enjoyable and encouraging people through blogging, and many friendships continue into regular emails.

The world holds endless possibilities for friendship... and confrontation, which is all a part of the "interaction". The Lord continually teaches me a "cyber grace", recognizing that, as Abraham Piper once put it, "you are dealing with real human beings who are having real days that can really be ruined." Just because I can't physically "see" the person with whom I am interacting doesn't entitle me to rudeness or insensitivity.

The "cyber grace" also overlaps into the discernment of blogging. Let's not pretend all internet interactions are safe and friendly. Rather, all connections should be carefully reviewed with a flavor of grace and discernment. In light of the overall interactions I've had through blogging, I am happy to say that the encouraging and beneficial friendships far outweigh the negative responses. And I am thankful for that.