Time For A Change

Busy, busy, busy. And, oh yea,.... BUSY!

God is doing a fresh work in my family's lives and that entails change. Now, the one thing I have learned about change is that it never involves "nothing". There is a constant push, pull , shift, and shove, which is necessary to form the change. You can't just sit back and continue in the same old way. Change after all is change.

One of the major changes is this blog. When God started me on the journey of putting my heart online, He was very strict in commitment. It was something I needed to do everyday- Thus the title: Everyday With God. There were certainly times where I was allowed to take off, but over the last two years - Yes, it really has almost been that long! - He burdened my heart with staying faithful to it. When I faltered or outright failed, He never let my heart forget that "Everyday" was what He had called me to do at that time and if I wanted to be committed to Him, I needed to show it through here.

As of late, God is changing what He requires of me for this blog. I will still continue to post, but the format will at times be different. When I have a burden or lesson He's teaching me, it will look much the same as it has before. However, posts may not come as frequently and will often contain just a quote, thought of the day, single Scripture, or question to ponder. I may even post passages that have touched me in books or studies I'm involved with, and I hope you will send me comments and suggestions of your own.

Any way you look at it, I pray you will be even more blessed an encouraged to grow in the Lord than you were before. After all, trying to live Everyday With God, is a journey we share.

Surprise!

I got quite the surprise today: My brother and his family showed up at my door!

Now, before you smile sweetly thinking, "Aw, isn't that nice!" let me tell you just how big this is. My brother has left the state of Florida twice in the last 20 years. Once to Vegas and once come to my Grandmother's funeral, but never made it all the way up. He had to turn around after crossing the GA border because of car trouble. Not only did he totally shock me today by making it this far, but I didn't even know he was coming till he was a half hour away. Surprise!

As he and his family sat around our table eating dinner, God reminded me of many lessons He's been teaching me:
Stay flexible. You never know what I'll bring to you.
Always be open. I will be putting people in your life you need to share Me with, but may feel a bit uncomfortable.
God will always make time. I thought I'd be busy today, but was amazed how I found time to just sit back and relax with the family.
Nothing is impossible. If God can have my brother and his family show up on my door step, He truly can do anything.

You may not be able to truly comprehend just how unusual - and wonderful - this was for us. But God knows. And let me assure you, He really can do all things!

What Life Looks Like Today

I came to an interesting realization today:  I'm getting comfortable being uncomfortable.

I think that I'm getting so use to the Lord taking me out of my comfort zone that for short periods of time when things seem to be going "normal" it seems.... well, uncomfortable!

What a blessing it is to rely on Him for everything, but often I balk at the process of balancing trust, faith, and personal heart and responsibility. 

It does make everyday exciting in a "How does this mystery end" type of way. I look at it like living constantly in the last few chapters of a mystery novel. Everything starts to come together and you see connections and ties you never knew were there, but the final "mystery" hasn't been fully explained. 

.....And the dull days are commercials well placed to build suspense!

Sunlight

This morning as my husband was reading his Bible I decided to take a shower. I love that our bathroom has at least a small window to bring in the sunlight even though it wasn't much on this cold, gray day, so I had the light turned on. After jumping into the warm water, I closed my eyes tightly to scrub my face and then rinsed off. When my eyes opened back up, I jumped- the shower was bright white! It took me a second to realize the sun was actually shining straight in the window and hitting our white shower curtains,  illuminating them amazingly. Laughing, I realized just how dark it had been in there earlier, but had never noticed. Within a few moments, the sun was gone once again and we were back to a cloudy day. Funny how much darker it seemed to me, and that I didn't remembered how deeply I longed for it till I saw it shine...

After coming out of the shower, Kevin told me that while reading in the Psalms, a sudden beam of sunlight came just as he was reading a promise God had made to His people. He loved that God was backing that promise up and comforting him through the sunbeam which broke through at just the right moment.

Isn't our God amazing how He can use a ray of sunlight, which started over eight minutes before and traveled 93,000,000 miles to peak through a break in some thickly condensed evaporated water to comfort Kevin with a promise, and remind me how dark this life would be without His presence?

What promise is He comforting you with today through the glory of His creation?

From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, 

His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood 

through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse. 

Romans 1:20

Who can you share the light of Jesus Christ with today- Someone who has never realized just how "bright" He can be?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, 

but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Holy, Holy, .....Holy???

While this cute compilation may make us laugh, I wonder if we really do consider so many things "Holy", take holiness for granted?

Lord, who will not fear and glorify Your name? Because You alone are holy....

Revelation 15:4

A Fun Little Lesson

This is the funniest commercial- mostly because it reminds me so much of my youngest son. Yet as I watched it, two Bible verses/principles came to mind. Watch, read, and enjoy...

Looking at them, Jesus said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

.....for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13

Go be God's hands and feet in filling the impossible for others today!

A Good Day

The last few days have been very interesting for me. They have been filled with an intricate weaving of the real and surreal. I have seen many changes come about - both big and small, surprise and expected - that have the feel of "acceptance". My natural tendency is to debate, challenge, and over contemplate anything of the like in order to make sure of the best, or most correct, outcome ensues. But not lately.

It's not that I've given up or given in, but that I've given over.

I trust God. I go to Him with my prayers and concerns and then just go alone for the ride. And sometimes that can be quite a ride! Other times I wonder if the ride has even started I'm so bored. Then point is, I'm finally learning to recognize the sweet blessing in trusting God fully in all things.

No, you can't claim that I've had nothing to really concern myself over- I most certainly have. I'm just not worried. If I believe in God and in His Word, the Bible, then why is it so hard for us to live out what it says?
With God all things are possible. - Mark 10:27
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.- Romans 8:28

I'm posting this to remind you of these things we know. And to remind myself tomorrow when the Chicken Little surfaces in me again....

The Best Best

The more I study about people's lives prior to this last century, the more I believe we are WAY too busy. We desperately need to remember that just because we can doesn't mean we should. 


Our priorities seem focused on "the best possible thing" at all times: The best organization to support. The best sporting event, college choice, T.V. show, electronic gadget, route to the best restaurant, and web site for what we need/want right then. The best teacher for our children, church for us, Bible study to inspire us, Bible translation, way to clean our house, Pandora station for our mood, and the best meal for our family that factors in the amount of time we have to make it vs. nutritional value. 
The best use of our time.


What I've slowly begun to realize is that the best use of my time is not by filling it with the best "stuff". What is best, is relationship. Find the best movie you and you child can have a great discussion over. Visit the coffee house with the best area to have a comfortable conversation with your friend- even if you hate coffee. Find the best route to somewhere that allows you more time to talk with your family in the vehicle. Frequent the restaurant or other establishment where you have the best dialog with those who work there. Attend a Bible study you've already done to enjoy the sweet fellowship with those in your group as you encourage them. Join the church where you see a need that you most want filled- You just may be the best one for the job....


Striving for the best is not wrong. Just make sure it's the best best. The next time you are tempted into "keeping up with the Joneses", try instead to keep up with the Johns...

Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world— the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away,  but the one who does God's will remains forever.....

....what we have seen and heard
    we also declare to you,
    so that you may have fellowship along with us;
    and indeed our fellowship is with the Father
    and with His Son Jesus Christ.
    We are writing these things
    so that our joy may be complete.
1 John 2:15-17, 1:3-4    
*Emphasis mine

Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad

I don't usually just provide links to other blogs, but this one words well what I've been trying to get across: We need to be real with one another. Take some time to reflect and what Dr. Moore is saying, and what you can do about it.

Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad

Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day, or like [pouring] vinegar on soda.

Proverbs 25:20

Life's Snow Bumps

Difficulties in life are a lot like snow.

Living in the middle Tennessee area is unique. We usually get at least a dusting of snow every year, but every few years will get 3-4 inches at a time. It's warm enough here though that within a few days it's gone- sometimes even by that afternoon.

It's the way in which people react that "intrigues" me. For anyone who has lived in a northern place where the snow not only comes down more regularly, but doesn't melt in between and ends up layering for a few months, the folks around here completely over react.

Yes, I know that we don't have the same equipment for snow removal and that people aren't use to driving in it thus don't know how to drive in it, but it still gets frustrating at times. It cracks me up to see the grocery stores being cleaned out of eggs, milk, toilet paper, and bottled water (I really don't get the last one) when 6 inches of snow in a single night are predicted. Once, I started sliding on the road and was amazed that it was that slick. Then I realized it wasn't ice, but a pile of salt that was dumped to save me from the ice! On the other hand, I remember growing up in Florida and having "cold" days where we got out of school with no snow just because it was freezing outside. (Once again it was an equipment problem as well. Our schools use to not have heat. No reason in sunny Florida!)

That why when school was canceled this morning due to about an inch of snow, it clicked to me that the snow here is a lot like the difficulties one faces in life. If you are use to a lot of  problems and they seem to pile up - death in the family, major illness, your only car broke down, in debt, family problems/abuse - something like a rude comment made to you is not going to throw you for that big a loop. On the other hand, if your life has been smooth sailing, a rude comment might become the only thing you can think about for a while. Some even start obsessing over it.

While those may not be the best examples, it should give you a good idea of the point I'm trying to make: While trials in life are never enjoyed, the benefit can be a strong character. You know what needs to be done and which things are truly important. You learn not to sweat the small stuff and how to plow ahead when there are just no other options. And most importantly, you can come along side those who are just beginning to experience it and can help encourage and guide them. Think of it this way: The more you have to deal with personally, the more God equips you to help bring Him glory. You can be a light in their darkness which leads them to the Father.

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16

"The Day My God Died"

The following video is almost an hour long. Please though, take the time to watch it.

I warn you, that while there are no obscene images or language, this video is disturbing. There is no Christian content here and the only god ever mentioned is the one who is said to have died. Yet there is a very important lesson to learn from this:

First- God loves these women - and yes, these men. Jesus Christ died for each one of them no more or less than He died for you. Pray. Pray that they will hear this gospel and believe it.

Second- This is proof yet again that humans are sinful creatures and desperately need to be covered in the righteous blood of Jesus Christ. Now, before you get self-righteous, remember: Sin is sin. Yes, we give degrees to them here on earth, and they seem right to us, but that is not the measure by which we will all be held. We are measured next to God's holiness. And we are all dirty on our own accord.

Third- How can we complain? We are so blessed to live lives relatively free from atrocities. Bad things do happen to us and we are rightly concerned about the circumstances of our lives, but how dare we wallow in self pity when we claim to follow the One who has His hand over us blessing us so?

So, please take the time to view this PBS special.

And pray that the day their god died(s), they realize the Savior has His arms open wide.
Pray they hear.

Healthy Fear?

Isn't it funny that when we see people who are really good at doing something - whether it be a talent, job, or an amazing ability - we tend to feel "less". Especially if we share a passion or are in the same field.

While we desperately long to be near in order learn something new, or desire for them to acknowledge some of our work, there is that other nagging fear that they are going to look upon our effort as a child's finger painting. It's a push/pull feeling: Like standing in a riptide while bing hit by a wave.

That sensation's a'kin to a healthy fear of God.

"The fear" of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10

The phrase "Fear" confuses most. MyStudyBible.com gives us a hint as to what this word truly conveys: "No single English word conveys every aspect of the word fear in this phrase. The meaning includes worshipful submission, reverential awe, and obedient respect to the covenant-keeping God of Israel."


We desperately long to draw near to Him, but are afraid of what He might say. We want Him to be pleased with our efforts, yet know how flawed we are and that He can do so much more. We are pulled to God, knowing we need Christ more than anything, but often are terrified of something: Whether it be His Holiness, confronting our own sin nature through Him, having to possible give up what we love, or any number of sacrificial things.

Proverbs 9:10 tells us that when we have this healthy "fear", it is the beginning of wisdom. The next phrase says that "knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Guess what? There is a sure-fire way to gain this knowledge: Read the Bible. In fact, let me guide you to a great passage to start with- Matthew 6:25-34

.... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (vs 33-34)

Today's Everyday

Sorry for the sporadic posts as of late. My goal has always been to do at least five a week unless its a holiday. This past month has just been difficult though. I'd like to blame some of it on the weather- The kids have had 5 snow days and one holiday in the last two weeks of school. In the midst of that I've also began a new Thursday study, and am preparing for a new Tuesday evening/ Wednesday morning study, I've been in a lot of physical pain, and my mind has been heavily on other "future events" as well. All this to say....I've not been as inspired to make sense of what God has been teaching me enough to write it down.

As I was chiding myself for that this morning, I realized something. Even in the midst of these roadblocks - also called, LIFE- I've been able to keep up my daily reading through the Bible, my studying of His Word, and have had many great conversations with people about how God is working in their lives. Not that this blog isn't important to me, but I feel I've gotten my priorities straightened out a bit. I've even taken time to rest and relax some. I know it sounds odd, but I have a hard time doing that. It has always made me feel like I wasn't using my time wisely and I was being lazy, but it hasn't been so bad this time. I know that God wants us to rest. (Remember what God did the 7th day of creation and the Sabbath?) Perhaps I've just always felt I have too much time to make up for!

This morning, (Um, afternoon. God let me sleep in till almost 10!), God has comforted me in all this. That is part, He reminded me, of living everyday with Him too.

A Humbling Reminder

As soon as my son got in the van yesterday when picking him up from school, he exclaimed in a very loud voice, "Joshua* was being very rude in gym today!"

"What was he doing?" I asked.

"He said he was going to fart up to heaven!!" cried the distraught little voice.

"What?!?"

"I don't really know what he meant by it," my son fumed, "but that is very rude!"

"Did you say anything back to him?"

"No. But I couldn't wait to leave the gym. That is disrespectful to God."

This amazed me. Gym is my active little man's favorite thing at school. That he wanted to leave early said a lot about his frustration.

"Well........," I began "I guess he doesn't know any better. Now we know what to pray for him about."

"I know!" My daughter chimed in. "You can give him a Bible. Here." she said pulling a new Bible out of her backpack.

Oh, Lord. May we all have this passion and devotion to defending Your holy Name and the sharing of Your Word. 
I am humbled by my children.

*The child's real name has been changed to a different Biblical name.

Is Your Ear Pierced?

There is an ordinance the Lord gave Moses when they first came out of the land of Egypt that intrigues me....

Slavery was not condemned in the Old Testament and was considered a natural part of life.  One of the reasons this can be good, is that whether you want to admit it or not, we are to be slaves to Christ. Paul and the other apostles often refers to themselves as "a slave of Christ" (Click here for reference list). Slaves do not have control over the major aspects of their life - that is for the Master to decide. This is how we are to live for Christ Jesus.

This is what is intrigued me:
“But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.
 Exodus 21:5-6

There was a conscious choice and physical mark for those who chose to serve their master for life. Judges were to witness it as well. Baptism reflects this in that it is an outward symbolism and declaration before others of the choice we have made to follow Christ. Yet the pierced ear - once visible for all the world to see - is now only declared by our actions and love for one another.

So here's the question I ask of myself, and you, today:

Is it obvious to the world your ear is pierced for Christ?