This week, instead of sharing a worship song, I'm going to share a scripture that illustrates an important aspect of worship that we often overlook - the concept of stillness. I love music, but sometimes my most profound moments of worship come when I tune everything else out and just get quiet and meditate on who God is. Psalm 46:10 (NIV) says:
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth."
I love that! Be still and KNOW - not think, not hope - KNOW that He is God.
But, if you want a more modern take on this scripture - one that captures the importance of stillness for those of us who are caught up in the frenetic activity that defines so many of our lives - check out how The Message puts the same verse:
"Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God!"
Can you relate?
The discipline of stillness is an important component of worship, and I think the constant barage of "input" that we are faced with today - iPods, smart phones, internet, radio, tv, you name it - has made it uncomfortable, if not almost impossible, for people to stop and be still.
So, think about it - when was the last time you stopped to take a long, loving look at your High God? If it's been a while, I invite you to take a moment, turn off all of your electronic devices, and give it a try...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Walking on Water
As a Christian, one of the most frequent questions that I hear is “Why do bad things happen to good people?” – or some variation on that theme. And, honestly, I don’t think that there is any one best answer to that question. What I do know is that we live in a fallen world and therefore, whether we like it or not, we are going to experience some suffering while we’re here. Suffering is a relative term, and what one person may consider “suffering” may seem trivial to someone else. But, nonetheless, when you’re going through a difficult time, it’s hard not to question God or demand for Him to “fix it,” as my Pastor said this morning.
Another thing I know to be true is that God is in control. Nothing happens without His knowledge. We can have confidence in the fact that He is the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent God –all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present in all of our circumstances, whether good or bad. We are never out of His care, no matter how difficult things may be.
Our Pastor made a great point this morning. He noted that, when things go wrong, we often go to God asking Him to “fix it.” We expect our comfort to come when our circumstances improve. However, we should instead take comfort in who God is and in the fact that He has chosen us to be His children. When things seem out of control, we need to center ourselves on that truth.
Think of the story in Matthew 14:25-31 where Peter walks on the water:
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But, when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.
Think about it. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do the miraculous. He was able to walk on water. But, as soon as he looked around and saw his circumstances, he started to sink. I think many times, it’s that way for us, too. When we look at our circumstances, we can become overwhelmed. In the natural, things may simply look impossible. And, it’s hard to understand what’s happening. But, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we’re able to see past the circumstances and remember that the one who created the universe holds us in the palm of His hand. We can rest in that confidence no matter what else is going on around us.
We sang one of my favorite songs this morning, and it ties right in with these thoughts. It’s based on Romans 8:28, and it’s a reminder that, no matter what’s going on in your life right now, God has everything under control. May the words encourage your heart as much as they have encouraged mine.
Another thing I know to be true is that God is in control. Nothing happens without His knowledge. We can have confidence in the fact that He is the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent God –all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present in all of our circumstances, whether good or bad. We are never out of His care, no matter how difficult things may be.
Our Pastor made a great point this morning. He noted that, when things go wrong, we often go to God asking Him to “fix it.” We expect our comfort to come when our circumstances improve. However, we should instead take comfort in who God is and in the fact that He has chosen us to be His children. When things seem out of control, we need to center ourselves on that truth.
Think of the story in Matthew 14:25-31 where Peter walks on the water:
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But, when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.
Think about it. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do the miraculous. He was able to walk on water. But, as soon as he looked around and saw his circumstances, he started to sink. I think many times, it’s that way for us, too. When we look at our circumstances, we can become overwhelmed. In the natural, things may simply look impossible. And, it’s hard to understand what’s happening. But, when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we’re able to see past the circumstances and remember that the one who created the universe holds us in the palm of His hand. We can rest in that confidence no matter what else is going on around us.
We sang one of my favorite songs this morning, and it ties right in with these thoughts. It’s based on Romans 8:28, and it’s a reminder that, no matter what’s going on in your life right now, God has everything under control. May the words encourage your heart as much as they have encouraged mine.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Worship Wednesday - on Thursday!
In keeping with the theme of my last two posts, this week's worship song features the African Children's Choir. Let all the nations sing a new Hallelujah!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Good idea or God idea?
When I was putting my children to bed a few nights ago, I had the following conversation with my oldest daughter:
“Mommy, do you think that Daddy will bring us back something from Africa?”
“I’m sure that he will.”
“Do you think he’ll bring us back an orphan?”
“Um, no, I’m pretty sure that he won’t.”
“But, why not?”
So, I proceeded to explain to her about the process of adopting a child from overseas – the paperwork, the adoption fees, etc. And, I gave her a list of reasons why we probably won’t be adopting right now. But, I also told her that if she felt really strongly that we should adopt an orphan, then she should pray and ask God to make a way for us. So, she said that she would. And, as I was walking out the door, she said, “Mommy, I want you to pray, too.” Yikes!
We had always thought that we might adopt a child one day, but we’ve gotten older, and finances have gotten tighter, and… and… and… There’s a whole list of reasons – or maybe they’re excuses – why it’s not a “good idea” for us to adopt. But, could it be a “God idea”? I’m not completely closed to the idea, but I’m not really jumping up and down about it, either. And, it scares the stuff out of me to think that my daughter – with her sincere little girl faith – has decided to take this up as a prayer campaign.
I’ve had a scripture running through my head (Psalm 68:6) for several weeks. I thought I knew why, and it had nothing to do with orphans. But, for the last few days, my thoughts have been going something like this:
I’m so glad that we have the chance to help these orphans in Swaziland. (God sets the lonely in families…) We can sponsor some of the kids – We don’t need to adopt. (God sets the lonely in families…) After all, we can’t afford to adopt right now. (God sets the lonely in families…) We’re just too old! (God sets the lonely in families…)
Do you think that maybe God is trying to get a point across? Do you think that He’s trying to get me to open my heart to the idea of doing more? Hmmmm…
To be honest, I don’t know if God wants us to adopt or if He’s doing something else in my heart. I do know that He’s going to have to do some miraculous things in order for it to be feasible for us to adopt in the natural. And, I’m confident He can do them if He wants us to travel down that road.
So, my question to you is this: Is God speaking to you about something in an area of your life where you’ve already closed the door? Could He be asking you to open that door back up and consider what He would have you to do? Have you let your “good ideas” block out His “God ideas?”
Being challenged by my child to pray about it was a wake-up call for me. I’m going to take that challenge. What about you?
“Mommy, do you think that Daddy will bring us back something from Africa?”
“I’m sure that he will.”
“Do you think he’ll bring us back an orphan?”
“Um, no, I’m pretty sure that he won’t.”
“But, why not?”
So, I proceeded to explain to her about the process of adopting a child from overseas – the paperwork, the adoption fees, etc. And, I gave her a list of reasons why we probably won’t be adopting right now. But, I also told her that if she felt really strongly that we should adopt an orphan, then she should pray and ask God to make a way for us. So, she said that she would. And, as I was walking out the door, she said, “Mommy, I want you to pray, too.” Yikes!
We had always thought that we might adopt a child one day, but we’ve gotten older, and finances have gotten tighter, and… and… and… There’s a whole list of reasons – or maybe they’re excuses – why it’s not a “good idea” for us to adopt. But, could it be a “God idea”? I’m not completely closed to the idea, but I’m not really jumping up and down about it, either. And, it scares the stuff out of me to think that my daughter – with her sincere little girl faith – has decided to take this up as a prayer campaign.
I’ve had a scripture running through my head (Psalm 68:6) for several weeks. I thought I knew why, and it had nothing to do with orphans. But, for the last few days, my thoughts have been going something like this:
I’m so glad that we have the chance to help these orphans in Swaziland. (God sets the lonely in families…) We can sponsor some of the kids – We don’t need to adopt. (God sets the lonely in families…) After all, we can’t afford to adopt right now. (God sets the lonely in families…) We’re just too old! (God sets the lonely in families…)
Do you think that maybe God is trying to get a point across? Do you think that He’s trying to get me to open my heart to the idea of doing more? Hmmmm…
To be honest, I don’t know if God wants us to adopt or if He’s doing something else in my heart. I do know that He’s going to have to do some miraculous things in order for it to be feasible for us to adopt in the natural. And, I’m confident He can do them if He wants us to travel down that road.
So, my question to you is this: Is God speaking to you about something in an area of your life where you’ve already closed the door? Could He be asking you to open that door back up and consider what He would have you to do? Have you let your “good ideas” block out His “God ideas?”
Being challenged by my child to pray about it was a wake-up call for me. I’m going to take that challenge. What about you?
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Mission Trip Phenomenon
I have a love-hate relationship with mission trips – at least the ones that my husband takes 2 or 3 times a year. I love that he is fulfilling his calling to take the gospel to those who have never had the chance to hear. I love that he is walking out “true religion” (James 1:27) by serving the poorest of the poor. But, I don’t love the unexpected side-effects that tend to happen when he goes on one of these trips. We’ve affectionately come to call it “the mission trip phenomenon” around our house.
Inevitably, when he leaves to go on a trip, things start to go wrong – sometimes before the trip and almost always while he’s away. For example, he went to South America in January a couple of years ago. We had not had any measurable snow here in several years. However, while he was gone, we had about 8-10 inches of snow. And, since we live way out in the country, we have a VERY long driveway. So, in order to get the kids to school and myself to work, I had to shovel the whole driveway by myself. It took the better part of a day! Everything worked out fine, but did the biggest snowfall that we’ve had in the past 6 years REALLY have to happen while he was on a mission trip?
Or, take last year for example – He was ministering in a country that shall remain nameless. This trip was during the big H1N1 flu outbreak. I don’t think that I’ve ever had the flu in my life. However, while he was gone, my daughter got H1N1 and then I got it as well. It was not pretty…
And, just this week, as we’re preparing for him to go to Africa to work with AIDS orphans in Swaziland, we got a letter from the IRS saying that we’ve been audited! We sold our house 2 years ago, and apparently we have to prove that it was our permanent residence when we sold it. Come on people! We lived there for 10 years – and the IRS sent our tax return to that address every year! Where do they think we were living? The audit meeting was pre-set for next week – while he’s in Africa.
Last but not least – our smoke alarm malfunctioned at 4:30 this morning. First, let me say that I’m thankful it was a false alarm. But, still, it woke the whole house – including my husband who was hoping for a couple more hours of sleep before heading out on a 24-hour journey across the globe.
I could go on and on with these stories, but, at this point, you might be asking – Have you ever thought that maybe he should just stop going on these trips? The answer is – Of course I have! However, I’ve come to realize that when we look at all of this craziness with our natural eyes, it makes us want to back off. But, when we see it with our spiritual eyes, things look a little different.
Ephesians 6:10-13 says: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
You see, as Christians, we are in a battle. We have an enemy. And, the last thing that he wants us to do is to walk out our faith and to lead others into the kingdom of God. He wants to keep them for himself. He doesn’t want them to hear the truth. So, I believe that he’s the happiest when we’re the most complacent. If he can convince us as Christians to just sit back and “enjoy the good life,” then he doesn’t have to worry about us. We’re no longer a threat to him because we’ve effectively removed ourselves from the battle.
So, when I see all of these things coming against us as my husband heads out on a mission trip, it just serves to strengthen my resolve that we’re doing the right thing. The enemy wouldn’t be messing with us if he wasn’t worried about what we’re doing. If he’s messing with us, then that probably means that we’re headed in the right direction. When you’re on the frontlines of the battle, you’re going to get a little beat up every now and then. But, that’s ok, because the end result – the ultimate victory – is worth it!
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me not to be afraid to stand on the frontlines and fight for your Kingdom. Help me instead to put on your armor and stand firm in the face of the evil one.
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” Matthew 11:12
Inevitably, when he leaves to go on a trip, things start to go wrong – sometimes before the trip and almost always while he’s away. For example, he went to South America in January a couple of years ago. We had not had any measurable snow here in several years. However, while he was gone, we had about 8-10 inches of snow. And, since we live way out in the country, we have a VERY long driveway. So, in order to get the kids to school and myself to work, I had to shovel the whole driveway by myself. It took the better part of a day! Everything worked out fine, but did the biggest snowfall that we’ve had in the past 6 years REALLY have to happen while he was on a mission trip?
Or, take last year for example – He was ministering in a country that shall remain nameless. This trip was during the big H1N1 flu outbreak. I don’t think that I’ve ever had the flu in my life. However, while he was gone, my daughter got H1N1 and then I got it as well. It was not pretty…
And, just this week, as we’re preparing for him to go to Africa to work with AIDS orphans in Swaziland, we got a letter from the IRS saying that we’ve been audited! We sold our house 2 years ago, and apparently we have to prove that it was our permanent residence when we sold it. Come on people! We lived there for 10 years – and the IRS sent our tax return to that address every year! Where do they think we were living? The audit meeting was pre-set for next week – while he’s in Africa.
Last but not least – our smoke alarm malfunctioned at 4:30 this morning. First, let me say that I’m thankful it was a false alarm. But, still, it woke the whole house – including my husband who was hoping for a couple more hours of sleep before heading out on a 24-hour journey across the globe.
I could go on and on with these stories, but, at this point, you might be asking – Have you ever thought that maybe he should just stop going on these trips? The answer is – Of course I have! However, I’ve come to realize that when we look at all of this craziness with our natural eyes, it makes us want to back off. But, when we see it with our spiritual eyes, things look a little different.
Ephesians 6:10-13 says: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
You see, as Christians, we are in a battle. We have an enemy. And, the last thing that he wants us to do is to walk out our faith and to lead others into the kingdom of God. He wants to keep them for himself. He doesn’t want them to hear the truth. So, I believe that he’s the happiest when we’re the most complacent. If he can convince us as Christians to just sit back and “enjoy the good life,” then he doesn’t have to worry about us. We’re no longer a threat to him because we’ve effectively removed ourselves from the battle.
So, when I see all of these things coming against us as my husband heads out on a mission trip, it just serves to strengthen my resolve that we’re doing the right thing. The enemy wouldn’t be messing with us if he wasn’t worried about what we’re doing. If he’s messing with us, then that probably means that we’re headed in the right direction. When you’re on the frontlines of the battle, you’re going to get a little beat up every now and then. But, that’s ok, because the end result – the ultimate victory – is worth it!
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me not to be afraid to stand on the frontlines and fight for your Kingdom. Help me instead to put on your armor and stand firm in the face of the evil one.
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” Matthew 11:12
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Worship Wednesday
Wow - What a crazy week it's been! I've started writing several times, but I haven't been able to get that focused quiet time that I need to write a full blog post since my last Worship Wednesday post. And, I usually have a song bouncing around in my heart that I'm just waiting to share each Wednesday, but not this week. Until... We were doing homework this afternoon, and my 5th grader was working on her Bible assignment. She lost focus on the chapter in Matthew that she was supposed to be reading and ended up in Revelations. She started reading:
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
She called me over and said, "Look, Mom! The words to that song are right here in the Bible!" She was so excited about what she'd found.
I love Revelation Song. The words - right out of scripture - are so powerful, and the thought of worshipping around the throne of God with people from every tribe and tongue and nation for the rest of eternity always sends chills running up and down my spine. I'm not in any big hurry to leave this earth, but I can't wait for the day when I can worship at the very feet of the one who created me!
So, close your eyes and imagine that day as you enjoy this beautiful song...
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
She called me over and said, "Look, Mom! The words to that song are right here in the Bible!" She was so excited about what she'd found.
I love Revelation Song. The words - right out of scripture - are so powerful, and the thought of worshipping around the throne of God with people from every tribe and tongue and nation for the rest of eternity always sends chills running up and down my spine. I'm not in any big hurry to leave this earth, but I can't wait for the day when I can worship at the very feet of the one who created me!
So, close your eyes and imagine that day as you enjoy this beautiful song...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Worship Wednesday
The past few days have been really hard. Without going into detail, I was feeling pretty weary on the drive home from work this afternoon. So, I popped in a random CD for some background music, and this song came on. I listened to it over and over, and it was like balm for my soul. I cried out with the songwriter (Rich Mullins): "Hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf. You have been King of my Glory. Won't you be my Prince of Peace?"
It always amazes me how God can use the right song at the right time to minister to the deepest needs in my life. I pray that this song will speak to you and touch the deep places of your soul as well.
It always amazes me how God can use the right song at the right time to minister to the deepest needs in my life. I pray that this song will speak to you and touch the deep places of your soul as well.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Savor the Season
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” That’s so true of our lives. Our lives are made up of a series of seasons – good and bad, easy and hard. The trouble with seasons is that you have to pass through them – you can’t just skip over them. You can’t just decide to jump directly from the beautiful colors of fall into the fresh beauty of spring without first enduring the cold season of winter. And, sometimes, during the long cold days of winter, we can become so focused on looking for spring – for what’s coming next - that we forget to live fully in the current season.
I just finished reading Mary Beth Chapman’s book (Choosing to SEE). If you aren’t familiar with the Chapman’s, their adopted Chinese daughter was killed in a tragic car accident at the age of 5. Mary Beth is living in a hard season. But, her story isn’t one of despair. Instead, it’s a story of hope and the faithfulness of God to walk with us through every season – no matter how hard.
When I put the book down, I felt really challenged. You see, I’m struggling with my current season – fighting with it, really. It’s not that this season is hard, but it’s not quite comfortable. Like Mary Beth, I like to be in control, and her story helped me to realize that sometimes we have to be forced to give up that control so that God can have his perfect work in our lives.
Every season has its own joys, challenges, and lessons to be learned. Rather than hiding out and waiting for a new season to arrive, I’m realizing that I need to settle in and embrace this season that I’m living in. When I look back on this season, I don’t want to be filled with regret for the things that could have been. Instead, I want to be able to see that God’s grace was permeating my very being and sustaining me every step of the way.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 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, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
I just finished reading Mary Beth Chapman’s book (Choosing to SEE). If you aren’t familiar with the Chapman’s, their adopted Chinese daughter was killed in a tragic car accident at the age of 5. Mary Beth is living in a hard season. But, her story isn’t one of despair. Instead, it’s a story of hope and the faithfulness of God to walk with us through every season – no matter how hard.
When I put the book down, I felt really challenged. You see, I’m struggling with my current season – fighting with it, really. It’s not that this season is hard, but it’s not quite comfortable. Like Mary Beth, I like to be in control, and her story helped me to realize that sometimes we have to be forced to give up that control so that God can have his perfect work in our lives.
Every season has its own joys, challenges, and lessons to be learned. Rather than hiding out and waiting for a new season to arrive, I’m realizing that I need to settle in and embrace this season that I’m living in. When I look back on this season, I don’t want to be filled with regret for the things that could have been. Instead, I want to be able to see that God’s grace was permeating my very being and sustaining me every step of the way.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 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, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3
Friday, September 3, 2010
Thankful for Birthdays
I love birthdays – especially mine! It’s awesome to have a day set aside to celebrate your life, and it’s a great time to reflect on the struggles and blessings of the past year and the dreams you have for the next one. So, on the eve of my birthday, I’m taking some time to reflect and to give thanks.
I’m thankful for health. I’ve battled some pretty severe illness over the past few years, so I’ve learned not to take my health for granted.
I’m thankful for my family. I have two beautiful daughters who are smart and sweet and loving – at least most of the time. There have been some challenges as they’ve moved into new seasons of their lives, but there have been joys as well. I love watching them as they grow and learn, and I pray that I will do the right things to help guide them into their teen years and on into adulthood. I’m sometimes sad for me as I see their little girl years flying by, but excited for them as they experience all of the new and wonderful things each age has to offer.
I’m blessed to have the most wonderful husband on the planet. He is so supportive and encouraging. He never complains when the house isn’t quite clean or the laundry isn’t done or we have spaghetti – again – because I forgot to plan ahead for our evening meal. He loves me even when I’m grumpy, which is more often than I’d like to admit. I don’t know what I’d do without him, and I’m so thankful that God put him into my life.
I’m thankful for my job – No, really! Those who know me well know that I sometimes have to remind myself of this one. I had never planned to be a working mother, much less a working mother with a high-profile, high-stress job at a software company. But, I do enjoy my work, and I have an extremely flexible schedule that helps me to balance my work life with my family life. And, I work at one of the most stable companies in the area, so despite the crazy economic times that we live in, I feel secure in my job at a time when many people don’t.
And, when I think about the next year, I’m expectant. I feel like I’m moving into a new season of my life. I’m not quite sure what that season holds or where it will take me, but I’m excited about it. So, it doesn’t really concern me that there’s one more candle on my cake. It just reminds me that I have another new beginning and a chance to grab hold of all that God has in store for me in the coming year.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I’m thankful for health. I’ve battled some pretty severe illness over the past few years, so I’ve learned not to take my health for granted.
I’m thankful for my family. I have two beautiful daughters who are smart and sweet and loving – at least most of the time. There have been some challenges as they’ve moved into new seasons of their lives, but there have been joys as well. I love watching them as they grow and learn, and I pray that I will do the right things to help guide them into their teen years and on into adulthood. I’m sometimes sad for me as I see their little girl years flying by, but excited for them as they experience all of the new and wonderful things each age has to offer.
I’m blessed to have the most wonderful husband on the planet. He is so supportive and encouraging. He never complains when the house isn’t quite clean or the laundry isn’t done or we have spaghetti – again – because I forgot to plan ahead for our evening meal. He loves me even when I’m grumpy, which is more often than I’d like to admit. I don’t know what I’d do without him, and I’m so thankful that God put him into my life.
I’m thankful for my job – No, really! Those who know me well know that I sometimes have to remind myself of this one. I had never planned to be a working mother, much less a working mother with a high-profile, high-stress job at a software company. But, I do enjoy my work, and I have an extremely flexible schedule that helps me to balance my work life with my family life. And, I work at one of the most stable companies in the area, so despite the crazy economic times that we live in, I feel secure in my job at a time when many people don’t.
And, when I think about the next year, I’m expectant. I feel like I’m moving into a new season of my life. I’m not quite sure what that season holds or where it will take me, but I’m excited about it. So, it doesn’t really concern me that there’s one more candle on my cake. It just reminds me that I have another new beginning and a chance to grab hold of all that God has in store for me in the coming year.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Worship Wednesday
As a mother, it's so hard to see my daughters and their friends comparing themselves to the girls that they see on TV and in magazines. They're constantly bombarded with these images, and there's so much pressure to live up to the world's standard of beauty. But, the truth is, true beauty comes from the inside out, not the other way around. I shared this song with a young friend this week who was struggling with her own self image. There's so much truth here, but I especially love the words to the chorus:
There could never be a more beautiful you.
Don't buy the lies, disguises, and hoops they make you jump through.
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do.
There could never be a more beautiful you.
All of us need to hear those words every now and then. Here's the rest of the song - A More Beautiful You:
There could never be a more beautiful you.
Don't buy the lies, disguises, and hoops they make you jump through.
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do.
There could never be a more beautiful you.
All of us need to hear those words every now and then. Here's the rest of the song - A More Beautiful You:
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