Happy Mother's Day

 Happy Mother's Day, Girlfriends!

Proverbs 31: 10-31 NIV 

A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.  
Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
 She brings him good, not harm,
 all the days of her life. 
 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks. 
She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.” 
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Mom's Perfect Day


 
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
 patience, kindness, goodness, 
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; 
against such things there is no law. 
Galatians 5:22-23

Greetings Girlfriends! This is a very special weekend as we approach the celebration of motherhood!

The Contest

While exercising my motherly skills this morning, aka folding the kids' laundry, I heard the DJ on KLOVE read an entry aloud from their contest called "Mom's Perfect Day." A woman had written that her perfect day would include a visit to Scotland to research her family history for the three books she is writing. Mindlessly placing shirts on hangers as I listened, I marveled that a mother with children at home could write one, let alone three, books. I began to envision her trip to Scotland, with rolling green hills, highland dancers, and bagpipes. As I sorted socks, I wondered about my own "perfect day."  

In an instant, the laundry room faded, and I was relaxing on a private, white sandy beach with my husband in the middle of a clear blue ocean. Our fully furnished villa was stocked with fresh fruit and fine chocolates for me and Diet Mt Dew and pizza for him. No phones; no internet, just island music floating through the air, a serene backdrop to our light conversation, as we gazed lovingly into each other's eyes, reminiscing and laughing carelessly. 

Ding! Ding! A text message alert. Back to reality. I set aside my search for a missing green sock and picked up my phone. My daughter wrote: "I have to give a speech at graduation!" A smile spread across my face and excitement for her welled up inside my heart. All visions of sun, sand, and romance were washed away by the pride I felt for my third child, who four years ago would have passed out on the spot if she had been told she had to speak in front of a group of five people, let alone five hundred people! Suddenly I realized that I have already experienced "the perfect day"... more times than I can even remember. 

My Perfect Day(s)

Today's key verse from Galatians 5 reveals to us the fruit of the Spirit, which grows in a Christ-centered life. I can see the seeds of this fruit sprouting in my life because God chose perfect days to plant them in my heart.

Love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 

Perfect Day #1: The day I met my husband. Our marriage has led me to accept Christ's unconditional love and to grant that same unconditional love to my spouse. I cannot imagine my life without him. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Joy. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11 NLT

Perfect Day #2: The day of the birth of each one of my children. Motherhood has unveiled the joy of Lord in every single moment.  I am honored to instill in my children the joy of knowing Christ as Savior and of living a life of love, seeking truth, granting mercy, respecting justice, and basking in His grace. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4

Peace. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Perfect Day #3: The day I celebrate Easter, year after year after year. Standing at the foot of the cross, having meditated for days and weeks upon Christ's sacrifice and physical suffering--His forgiveness in the midst of torture--I am filled with peace because He has overcome. Christ conquered death and all sin, fear, restlessness, and disharmony. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 

Patience. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

Perfect Day #4: Each day I taught in a classroom, led a girl scout meeting, mentored student leaders in FCA, or coached a youth sports team. God has blessed me with multiple opportunities to model His patience, love, and provision to youth across this nation. In return, I have developed trust and endurance to calmly withstand the trials and tests of this life, including my daughter's serious injury last summer. But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:25 

Kindness. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Act 20:35b NKJV 

Perfect Day #5: The day a co-worker gave me a huge box of baby clothes for my first child because she knew how little I could afford; the days military spouses prepared us meals after coming home from the hospital; the days the mailman delivered cards and packages from our parents while we lived thousands of miles away; and the days friends came to my rescue while my husband was deployed or traveling. The Lord is truly rich in kindness, placing caring, compassionate, and giving people in my family's life. As the scripture says, He gives generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever. 2 Corinthians 9:9 

Goodness. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

Perfect Day #6: The day I was born. My parents have loved me and my sister out of the goodness of their hearts, showered us with good gifts, disciplined us with good intentions, demonstrated goodness by their actions toward others, and continue to uplift us and praise us for our goodness. God, our eternal Father, will one day call us all home, and I pray my family will dwell eternally together in His goodness. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

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

Perfect Day #7: Moving Day, all twenty of them! From infancy to middle age, I have moved with faith in God's plan. In each new location God has shown His steadfast faithfulness, providing affordable housing, safe communities, access to quality education, opportunity for spiritual growth, and amazing lifetime friendships. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good. Psalm 52:9 

Gentleness. To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Titus 3:2

Perfect Day #8: The day I met my best girlfriend, Linda. On this earth, she is my role model. Her core ingredients are: humbleness, gentleness, kindness, goodness, giving, loving, sharing, believing, praying, trusting, and devotion to Jesus Christ. The frosting on top is that she is also fun, adventurous, talented, beautiful, a great mother, and most of all, willing to hang around people like me! Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Self-Control But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

Perfect Day #9: The days I spend in peaceful meditation, surrounded by the beauty of God's creation. Sometimes this day is on a beach, or hiking a wooded-path, or admiring the brilliance of a sunrise or sunset from my back deck. Whether alone or in the company of others, God has impressed upon me the need to focus upon Jesus Christ as the center of my life, taking time to be still and know His power and presence. These times of refreshment and devotion strengthen me for the battle of the flesh and will that permeates all of my imperfect days! We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

 My Prayer for You

Girlfriends, my prayer for you this weekend is that you will celebrate and honor motherhood--thanking God for the mother who birthed you. If you too are a mom, I pray your children will esteem and praise you for your sacrifices to them. May the fruit of spirit sweeten your soul as you watch it grow. Please, do not wait for a radio contest to recognize and enjoy God's perfection in your ordinary days. His will for you is good and holy!

Love to All!

P.S. If any of you do happen to win an exotic vacation and need some company, or are unable to go, well, hey, I am available for travel! A girl can still dream, can't she????

Get Up, Get UP

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Girlfriends, I have had a BUSY day full of fellowship, meditation and reflection upon God's Word, and plenty of good food.....I am off to bed, full of encouragement and about 3000 calories! So.....

Before I write to you tomorrow morning, I will be moving and grooving in the kitchen to my favorite zumba wake-up song--won't you join me?!!!



GOOD MORNING!! Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh
Get Up, Get Up!!
Love Ya!!!

How Many?

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace. 
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
 
Girlfriends, pray for me--I am making breakfast casserole for dinner at church tonight. With my skills, maybe you should also pray for the hungry who come to eat what I have prepared! For one, cooking for a large group requires revisiting middle school math. Multiplying fractions. Conversions. Teaspoon to Tablespoon. Ounces to pounds. Can anyone else feel my pain? I can put myself in Noah's shoes, working out the plans for that ark!

This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits,
 its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits. 
Genesis 6:15 ESV

Numbers have never been my friend. I always had to work twice as hard in math and science than my other courses. I  preferred diagramming a sentence with an objective complement and elliptical adverb clause over solving calculus problems requiring knowledge of derivatives and differentiation. More simply put, I would rather write a five paragraph essay than do fifty math problems!

In spite of our antagonistic relationship, numbers have been on my mind plenty lately: Counting the days until my next daughter leaves to college; budgeting for home repairs, vacation, and university expenses; how many miles can I run and in what amount of time; monitoring the number of visitors to my blog; the cost of a gallon of gasoline; low attendance at club events; time, and wishing for more hours in a day; how many photos I can squeeze onto one scrapbook page. Seriously, I could continue for a few more paragraphs at least. I am inundated with integers!

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 
Luke 14:28 NIV

While whisking six dozen eggs for the casserole just now, I spoke to God about numbers. "Wow, this is a lot of eggs to crack" and "I wonder how many calories are in a slice of this bacon-sausage-cheese-egg casserole" were my first thoughts! But then I progressed to a review of the school year and my leadership role as coach for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Three years ago, full of energy and excitement, I committed to establishing this club in our community. Inevitably each spring, the student attendance fell drastically. I spoke frankly to God, apologizing that my own enthusiasm and degree of effort has invariably been tied to the attendance sheet. While I encouraged the student leaders to deliver 100% effort even to an audience of one, I too felt disappointment and disheartened by the lack of response.

"Lord, why does our society place extreme emphasis on volume and figures?"
"Are their areas where quantity matter the most to you, God?"

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 ESV 

Most of us desire perfection and completion, lacking in nothing. We would agree that the dollars in your bank account, the square footage of your house, the horsepower of your vehicle's engine, or the amount of awards on your shelves are not what matter most in this life. Yet, we all seem to spend the majority of our days in pursuit of activities in which the end results can be somehow quantitatively measured. We have mega-churches swelling to capacity, operating with multi-million dollar budgets. Our churches, our houses and our days are full, but with what exactly are they "filled"?  I have to ask, "God, are you pleased?"  I want to know, "God, are you disappointed in my numbers?"

Girlfriends, I think it is important to ponder such questions mostly because I believe the answers we find will guide our actions. Ripples of effect spread out to others from our choices. In my own experience, I can attest to this fact. I want to live according to God's measuring stick. My desire is to balance my life on His scales. But somehow, day after day, I come up short, and I fear the void is felt by those surrounding me.

I can relate to the writer of Ecclesiastes from which I chose today's key verse. He explored the question of time. He discussed the issues of gluttony, love of money, and excessive talking. Comparison winds its way through his writings. Value is assigned and then questioned. Wisdom is analyzed. Ladies, please take time to read this book in your Bible. Ask God to teach you and guide you as you reflect upon the arguments and laments written therein.

Ladies, I don't have all the solutions, but seeking daily, I pray for insight, discernment, and good judgment. My prayer for each of us is that we spend each day wisely, that we treasure what is worthy and trash what is trivial, that we strive for quality in our quantity, and that God is factored into every single one of our equations. Just as I spoke to my FCA leaders, I pray for myself: Let God use me today to write His message to the best of my ability, even if only one person reads it--God loves that one person and is calling out to her, and so should we!

One is the loveliest number when we remember The One (Jesus Christ) that God sent to save each ONE of us!

Blessings to all, and now I am off to serve breakfast casserole to the ravenous participants of Wednesday night Bible study! Yum! God is Good!

Monday Manna

  For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.
Deuteronomy 8: 7-10

Good Monday Morning, Girlfriends!

What do you have cooking for this week? Or baking? Or microwaving, if you are like me? Ok, I am already off topic, but not too far perhaps. What I was trying to ask is what are your plans for this week, and I do not mean just for dinner. Is something special on your calendar, or are you facing the same old routine? Either way, I pray you will celebrate the newness of Monday, the opportunity to begin the week with a fresh start, a right attitude, and a rejuvenated heart.

Beginnings and Endings

I completed a major task over the weekend, finishing a digital scrapbook project in which I have invested well over eighty hours. I realize now, however, that my true investment has been nearly eighteen years of raising our cherished daughter. The end result, of both the project and her maturation, is beautiful. Celebration is in order, and forthcoming, as she graduates high school later this month. An ending. A beginning. Moments gone by. Tears of joy and tears of sadness cried. Now, a fresh start. A new routine. Kind of like Mondays....


Some people hate Mondays. I say embrace the day! Yes, the weekend is over, and our hours of play and rest are gone.Yet, opportunity lies before us--a chance to create something new, to change or alter our path, or simply a time to meet a stranger and make a new friend. Days to demonstrate to our family the love of Christ. And maybe even time to try a new recipe. (See I told you I was not too far off topic with the "what's cooking?" line!)

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 
Psalm 16:11

Girlfriends, we have one life to live in preparation for eternity. Grasp yours with joy and excitement in your heart. Give closure to the past and send it on its way. Walk today's winding path with enthusiasm and pep, engaging with God's creation. Look to the future with fascination and fervor. Bake or buy some bountiful bread but remember that we do not live by bread alone. Feed on the very Word of God and be satisfied. Say a sunny hello to Monday just as brightly as you thank God for Friday. And, Ladies, I pray you savor every day in between.

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
“Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.”
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:32-35

So, I ask you again, what's cooking for this week? Make it the best menu ever!

Love to you all!

PS For those of you who simply must take me literally, check out the link on the left side of my blog page for Organizing Dinner. Kelly has some tasty recipes that are simple and healthy, fresh and lively to the taste buds. On her site, check out the blog for a recipe from my last retreat for Thai Coconut Basil Chicken. I promise if you put this on your menu for the beginning of the week, everyone in your house will profess TGIMonday!

Greatness of Knowing

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3 NIV

Hello Girlfriends!

I have to tell you that I am in touch with my nerdy inner self today! I decided to share some of my favorite websites with you, but I wanted them to have a permanent home in my blog. Determined to conquer my insecurity and i.t. ignorance (or ID10T as I am affectionately referred to often at home), I plunged into the sea of Google on a search mission. I emerged from the depths with the tools to establish a link list on the left side of my blog page. A small celebratory dance around the kitchen ensued. Shortly after publishing my operational index, the perfectionist in me emerged: the links did not open in a new tab as I desired. Time to go swimming again...and I am proud to say, I did not drown nor cry out for a lifesaving flotation device. No, Girls, I did not call my tech savvy husband at work begging for help; I called him to gloat! I managed to rewrite (well, copy and paste actually) the HTML code and complete what I set out to do. So, go ahead, give it a try. Check out some of my favorite "friends" and see what you think! (Sorry, mom-in-law, but I cannot bring myself to link to the Chicago Cubs; I am afraid your grandchildren would disown their mother. But I am with you in spirit!)

Did you notice the beautiful color change of font when you hover your mouse above each link? Isn't that too cool?  My understanding of coding and all the other technological terms related to the function and operation of computers and the internet is rudimentary. I am nonetheless fascinated and amazed at the tiny amount I am able to grasp and incorporate into my life, adding joy and even beauty, to my pragmatic moments.

Girlfriends, this morning's experience is a microcosm of life. Our God, in His infinite and unfathomably expansive wisdom and creativity, spoke into existence a world brimming with artistry, intricacy, delicacy, and complexity. When I ponder the depth and vastness of all creation, invention, and knowledge, I stand face to face with my relative insignificance and limited abilities. I entertain doubts and questions which tear at my longing and faithful heart. Fear of failure and helplessness threatens to paralyze me. I empathize with the man whose child was mute and possessed by seizures:

But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9: 22b-24

In the midst of my weakest moments, God whispers. Nudging me to gaze upon His face, I peer into His eyes which reflect the absolute certainty that He created me with originality and meticulous craftsmanship:

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 NLT

He created me with intention and purpose:

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

He created me to discover Him through His creation:

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20 NLT

He created me for relationship with Him and with mankind:

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
Matthew 22: 37-40

He created me to walk with Him in goodness and righteousness:

 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV

He created me to seek, search, and find His bountiful treasure and to share with others:


“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:7-12 NIV

Yes, ladies, God created me just as surely as He authored every aspect of life--the ones I comprehend and master as well as the incomprehensible and mysterious elements which elude my understanding. In Him I place my trust, my doubts, my fears, my successes, and my failures. I love Paul's words in Philippians 3:8, (and especially love when Mac Powell sings them but that is another page called Song of the Day):

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...

Yes, even my small victory today over the computer programming world is a loss in comparison with my immensely valuable love of Christ. I admit I will never in this life fully realize the answers to every question of faith, of nature, of science, or of mankind. Yet I do not allow my inabilities nor my ignorance to overshadow my devotion to the One who holds the key to the storehouse of all illumination and divine intelligence. I looked into His face and saw Love....that sight, for me, is enough!
I pray today that you too will seek and find the face of God, reflecting back to you His message of creation and His plan for your life. Know that you are made with a purpose, and you are loved! I pray you will open a Bible and read the passages I have quoted. I can only choose a line or two, but His message for you goes on and on and on in grace and elegance. Find a quiet time this weekend and spend it with Him.

Blessings to all!

Voice of God, Voice of Truth



While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, 
and a voice from the cloud said, 
"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. 
Listen to him!" 
Matthew 17:5 NIV

Girlfriends, somehow many days have passed since my restorative retreat in Indiana. Returning to the chaotic busyness of home while brimming with insight and ideas, I longed to write to you immediately but had to suppress that cry and attend to household duties. Oh energy and awareness, we have only just returned and already you elude me!

How was your past weekend? Even if you did not physically travel, did you have time to review your spiritual map as I suggested in my last blog? I am anxious to hear your reflections. Sharing our life stories is powerful as I rediscovered during this recent sojourn. Listening to another woman weave her way along a path which traverses both peaks and valleys provides opportunity for connection, affirmation, and also fresh insight into our own walk. Indeed, "listen" and "story" were my take-away words from this weekend trip. Yet, upon returning home, I discovered I could not hear nor reflect upon the important "stories" because of all the noise.

Ladies, many voices are calling us to listen. Spouses, children, relatives, friends, co-workers, bosses, teachers, tv personalities, politicians...a cacophony of sound flows into our eardrums daily. We must pray for discernment and wisdom, asking God for clarity and concentration upon the important and life-giving words and for deafness and obliteration of the meaningless and life-sucking utterances. Choose wisely what you take to heart from the stories you hear.

He who has ears, let him hear. 
Matthew 11:15

Even in Jesus's day, a sea of voices called out to the people. Accusing and name-calling, slandering and demeaning, both John the Baptist and Jesus himself were targets as we read in the Matthew 11: 18-19:

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

Ladies, we must drown out the lies and the crucifying conversation in order to focus upon the blessed, glorifying, and positive conversation of each day. Listen with ears that seek the truth.

The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
John 10: 3-4 

God speaks to us in many ways. In quiet stillness, such as during meditation or walking the peaceful acres of land at the retreat center, His voice is elevated and unimpeded.  But in the boisterous and complicated every day moments of life, His voice is inaudible or unrecognizable to my worldly attuned ears. Jesus, my Shepherd, speaks to me, His sheep. If I choose to listen, I will learn to recognize His voice as He leads me. In time, I will distinguish His voice from among the multitudes. I will hear His Story spoken to me, preparing me for my own story and paving the way to intersect with others.

So what do you think, ladies? Is it time we got God on our ipod? And computer? And cell phone? And television? And magazine racks, bookshelves, and Kindles? If we do not spend time with Him, surround ourselves with His Presence, how else will we recognize His voice? Think of this next time you answer the phone and immediately know with whom you speak by the sound of the voice. Think about your favorite musical artist and how repeatedly listening to his/her music elicits an "Oh I love this song" as soon as your hear the singing. God is asking you to be in a special relationship with Him, distinguishing His voice above all others. How will you respond?

I pray today that you will listen to the Voice of Truth....He has a story to tell you that is greater than any other you will ever hear. His story includes your story. Your story is woven together with others' stories. Listen....listen and hear...God is speaking to YOU. Turn up the volume!

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning.
The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” 

Psalm 29: 3-9

Please go to Song of the Day-- I hope you enjoy Casting Crowns, The Voice of Truth. 
Love to all!


Your Spirtual Map



You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

Girlfriends, I am headed to a weekend retreat: restorative yoga/meditation, simplifying healthy cooking, and your Christian map for life are the three components of the schedule. I am excited and grateful to my friend, Donna, for inviting me along. Please pray traveling mercies for us--it's a five hour road trip each way!

Before we arrive, our hosts have asked us to take some time reflecting upon the map of our life. Considering the fact that I am having a hard time deciphering the directions to the retreat center in rural Indiana, I believe this activity will be my greatest challenge of the three! My physical life map has literally wound around the country, and even the world, but it is the spiritual map that will be the focus. Whoa! That's entirely different terrain!

Ladies, maybe you have some time this weekend for reflection? If so, I invite you to join me in an adventure. Grab a pen and paper, shove the piles of junk on the kitchen table to the side, and spread out for a little map-making activity. Where and when did your Christian journey begin? Who were the guides along the tour? Whose voice is on your GPS? Where is your true north? What are some milestones? How far have you come in the expedition? Do you know where you are headed? What's guiding you? When you look around, what are the signs and billboards saying to you? Who is on the road with you, and whom do you need to invite to join you? You get the idea! Be creative, or be concise. It's your map!

My prayer for you is to discover how beautiful your story has been and currently is and that you will be excited for the future portion of the trip. We are all on our way home, and I cannot wait to share our results next week! PLEASE leave me a message below about your findings.

Happy travels! Have a blessed and joyful weekend!




By Name

 Adam named his wife Eve,  
because she would become the mother of all the living.
Genesis 3:20
My Name Is...

When you were a little girl, did you ever pretend you had a different name? During playtime, did you encourage your friends to call you by that name? Maybe you still have some long forgotten journal or artwork where you practiced writing your self-appointed name in various styles or with different colored ink? Personally, if I had my way, Elizabeth would have been my first rather than my middle name. It always seemed more exciting and adventurous than Jackie. But, alas, Jackie Elizabeth is my name.

Recently, three girlfriends and I were discussing the process of choosing a name for a baby. We listened as one friend told us the prospective names her expecting daughter has chosen. Naturally, a trip down memory lane ensued as each one of us recalled the manner of selecting names for our children. We all agreed that certain ones were crossed off the list simply because the name was associated with a person we did not like. Other times our decisions were guided by family tradition or in honor of someone. Admittedly, a few of us selected a name we (or our spouse) had always liked, perhaps even the one we had coveted as a child!

Have you ever wondered or asked how your name was picked? Speculating, I posed that question to my mother. Surprisingly, she told me that Jackie, and Michelle (my sister's name), were the first two foster children my maternal grandmother hosted. (She also told me that if my anatomy had been different, I would be a Christopher!) Interesting. My mind travels a hundred paths with this new information, but the fact remains I was born a female and called Jackie.  

Jackie.
Jackie Brown. 
"Have you seen that movie?" (Yes, I finally rented it so I could answer this incessant question.) 
Jackie Brown.
"Awww, my parents had a dear friend Jackie Brown. You just brought back a warm memory." 
(You are welcome, but don't bother seeing the movie. I didn't like it.)
Jackie Brown
"I knew a girl named Jackie Brown in grade school." 
(You did? Well, I hope she was nice and you liked her. If not, just remember I am not that girl!)

His Name Is...
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. Luke 1:30-32

Mary was a mother unlike all mothers. She did not choose her pregnancy nor did she choose the name for the Son given her. The angel Gabriel spoke the news and the assignment: you are to give him the name Jesus.
Jesus
Son of the Most High
Son of Man
Christ
Savior
Immanuel

No other name captures us like His. His family history is part of the greatest story ever told. God selected a very special name for the Savior of the world. Movies have been named after Him. (And I love His movies!) Generations of children have been named after Him. Intense emotion is attached to His name. Knees bend and heads bow. Souls are saved. Jesus. Only Jesus. No other name but Jesus. 

But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. 
O Israel, the one who formed you says, 
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. 
I have called you by name; you are mine..." 
Isaiah 43:1 NLT

Your Name Is...

Mary
Amy
Karen
Linda
Beth
Sue
Jackie
Michelle
Every Woman....

Girlfriends, by whatever name you go, know God has ransomed you. He has called you by name; you are His! Reach out and take the hand of Jesus. Treasure the fact that He knows you, the real you, no matter what name or label is attached. He created you. He has plans for your life. He is always with you. I pray today that you will hear Him speaking your name and answer, "Yes, Lord, here I am."

(Your name here), I love you and so does Jesus!

Walk By Faith



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

A Walk

This lovely morning, I walked in our neighborhood with a girlfriend who lives across the street from me. Traversing the sidewalks, we commented on the appearance of various landscaping, additions to homes, fences and siding color schemes, and the upkeep of land owned by the Franciscan Village. My friend wants to make some changes in her own landscaping, and my house needs painting. Naturally, we desire aesthetic beauty for the exterior of our property, yet we also discussed the housing market. When the time comes to relocate, will we recoup the costs invested? 

After a lengthy hike, including huffing up and down the hill, we stood in my driveway still discussing our opinions and choices. To my surprise, a woman appeared from around the corner of my house, sweeping the sidewalk with a white cane. I whispered to my friend, asking if she knew the lady, which she did not. As she turned toward us, I called out to our dog to move off the sidewalk, to which the woman replied that she was not afraid of Oreo. (Mighty brave, I thought, since earlier my friend and I got nervous seeing a dog restrained by an invisible fence!)

Lola stopped and chatted with us for awhile. She shared how her failing sight has presented her with new challenges and limits her freedom; however, she seemed determined to overcome her disability. Expressing how her family assists her, Lola also asserted that she must become self-sufficient in case she should ever be alone. Hence, her journey outside! This time she was walking around two blocks, but her first trip was simply on her block. Fourteen minutes, she exclaimed, was how long that first excursion took. She was driven to cut that time down, avoid falling, and master the use of the white cane. My friend and I encouraged and congratulated her as she continued toward home. 

A Walk by Faith

I now realize that I have previously met Lola. I remember her pushing a stroller with her six month old granddaughter and stopping to chat in my driveway. The contrast between the two meetings is stark. A short time ago, Lola walked as my friend and I did today, viewing the trees, flowers, grass, brick and painted homes, fences and pools. She probably pointed out birds and squirrels to her little grandchild. But today, Lola walks by faith, not by sight. Faith in a white cane to notify her of uneven pavement, street corners, and other sidewalk impediments. Faith in her other senses to alert her to animals, pedestrians, oncoming vehicles, and more. Faith in her own confidence to conquer her failing eyesight and overcome resulting limitations.

Lola encourages me today to examine my own walk. Am I relying too much on my sight to guide me? Do I place too much emphasis on outward appearances, whether it is landscaping, curb appeal or my own physical body? In what areas is God calling me to walk by faith in His plan and His priorities rather than by what I see as the way or the goal? Do I trust Him with my family, my home, my finances, my health, my life, even when the answers are I seek appear dark and hidden?

Faithfully Walking With God

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I do believe that God instructs to care for ourselves and to be good stewards of the world in which we live. I read it in His Word to me. He also tells me that I am to value Him above all created things. Therein lies my challenge--my task--to overcome my tendency to value what I can experience with my senses over what I experience by faith alone: my Lord and Savior.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

Girlfriends, today, I thank Lola for her courage to walk by faith. She has inspired me. Yes, I still have appointments for painting and repair estimates, trips to Home Depot for dirt and mulch, and a deck screaming to be stained; however, my top priority daily is conversation with Jesus about the state and condition of my soul and following up with application and maintenance!

Ladies, my prayer for you today is simple: May you walk by faith, not by sight. Without having seen, I pray you will believe that Jesus died for you sins--past, present and future--and accept His salvation offered by grace through His atonement. I pray you will schedule a soul examination with yourself and God: How important are appearances to you? Are you being a good steward of God's gifts to you, or are you valuing the gift more than the Giver? I pray time with the Lord will reveal answers and solutions which you implement. And I pray for Lola, and any of you, struggling with a physical challenge that threatens the ability to walk, to go forward in life. I say it again, may God give you the strength, courage, and desire to walk by faith!

Love to you all!