In my post last week, titled "A Kiss From God," I put out a request for "Glory Stories" from other Warrior Princess Sisters. Today I received a "Glory Story" from Ruth. I hope you are as blessed by her story as I was, and that you will all give glory to God for what He did for Ruth.
We would love to hear one of your Glory Stories too, so send them to my email, or post them as a comment. Nothing (not even comments) gets posted until I read and post them. All comments go directly to my email first. So if you want me to edit your story before posting it, I will be happy to do that. That seems to be what most of you are concerned about, your writing ability. But what I have to say in regard to the "I don't think I'm a good writer" excuse, is that it's not about you. It's about giving glory to God. I think giving glory to God is the focus of most of the readers on this blog, so don't worry about your ability. He is able to use your story to encourage others and bring glory to Himself, so share from your heart and give Him the GLORY.
Sole Deo Gloria,
WP Stacey
Warrior Princess Ruth's Glory Story
After 17 years of marriage, my husband decided that he wanted out so he could pursue other relationships. We had drifted so far away from God at that point, I wasn't sure God would even remember who I was. As soon as my husband made the decision to move out, I made the decision to go back to Christ Community Church and put God first in my life. That decision brought some wonderful mentors into my life. Jennifer Beauchamp was the mentor who came along side me during my first summer separated, mentoring me and doing a relationship and boundaries Bible study with me. God definitely orchestrated that relationship and has used it to draw me closer to Him.
My big "glory" moment is really a peace and comfort moment. I need to preface this story with the fact that I am horrible, absolutely horrible, at Scripture memorization.
My soon-to-be ex-husband had scheduled our court date. Since he filed, I technically did not need to be in court, but I felt this overwhelming need be there as the gavel descended on our marriage. All day I felt sick to my stomach and on the verge of tears. I had no idea how I was going to survive as a single parent. I only worked part-time in my own bookkeeping business since I primarily took care of our children. I had no idea how I was going to juggle the added work I would need to take on in order to make ends meet. My family lives in Chicago so I had no family support system to lean on.
As the judge called him up to question him and then approve the divorce, the sadness was overwhelming. At that point I heard an audible voice say, "I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you. Plans to give you a hope and a future". It was so loud and clear that I looked to my right thinking the person sitting next to me had said it to me. He was turned away from me and speaking in Spanish to the person next to him. At that moment, I knew God had spoken words of comfort and assurance to me. I felt a peace wash over me. I still felt great sadness, but it wasn't overwhelming. It was a distinct feeling of having His arms around me. I realized that I had been abandoned by my husband, I had abandoned God, but God had NEVER abandoned me. He was waiting for me. Waiting for the moment I would feel Him like I had never felt Him before.
It's been a long journey these past 8 years. God chose to bring me healing (still ongoing) through wonderful, Christian counseling. And He chose to bring me Kevin who is a godly man who loves me, loves my boys and above all else, loves the Lord. It is so evident in his life. He's been a wonderful support and encouragement to me and to my boys.
WP Ruth
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
WP Sarah wrote quite a different Glory Story. I hope you are encouraged by Sarah's post today to look at whatever circumstances you are facing and see what God might really be doing in your circumstances like Sarah did today. How amazing that our God takes such awful circumstances and answers our prayers in ways unexpected. Sarah, thank you for sharing! I am sure many Warrior Princesses will be praising God with you at His revelation of the wolf in your midst, and praying for a wonderful replacement.
Sole Deo Gloria!
WP Stacey
Sarah's Story - A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
So I have spent my day in shock, crying and trying to come to terms with what has happened. I'm assuming you've seen the news about a young mother who left her daughter and husband to run to Miami with her lover. This woman committed adultery, abandoned her daughter, and husband, and sent a community into shock as they searched for her and prayed for her safe return. So how does this affect me a committed mom devoted to my husband and children. Well, a relative of this woman was in my employment to work with my special needs son. Her aunt called me to cancel working with my son on Thursday which I graciously accepted. Friday I recieved an email from this aunt stating I could"fire her if I wanted" for not showing up. Of course considering there was a family emergency I was not going to do this. However through our communication I offended the aunt when I challenged that she was punishing my family for what her niece did.
Today this aunt showed up, to work with my son, in an emotional, angry, rant. I suggested if she were that upset she should probably leave. For the next fifteen minutes I listened to this woman verbally destroy my character, and defend this wicked niece of hers. She said I had no compassion. Now this aunt has worked for my son for over a year and a half. NEVER in that time have I even heard her raise her voice. I was in complete shock to hear her rage at me. She left my house and sent some completely opposite texts. Stating she could come pick up my son and take him to therapy and so on. It was really scary that she could flip-flop like that. So my husband took a witness with him and spoke with her and her husband this evening. She showed up late, laughed mockingly in my husband's face when she got there, and then raged at him as well. Her husband acted like it was completely normal.
So why am I sharing this? Well, I read Stacey's blog and realized I needed to choose to rejoice. Then God reminded me that I have been praying that He would remove those that are around my husband, myself, and my family that would do us harm. Then I scrolled down through Stacey's previous blogs and read the verse about are you surprised when these things happen? Well, quite frankly, Yes, I was very surprised. Now however I realize I shouldn't have been. We open our hearts, our home, our lives to strangers on a day to day basis. These strangers are in my home nearly 100 hours per week. God removed someone who could have done harm to us. I was shocked that this person was a wolf in sheep's clothing, and I had trusted her with the well being of my family.
I choose now to praise God that we had this eye-opening experience. I choose to trust Him. I am choosing to not be afraid. I am praising God that he has protected my family. I choose to NOT listen to the enemy that stood in my home this day and taunted me to curse the Lord. I cannot wait to see what God will do.
May the truth be revealed in Glory.
May God who IS, be my ALL.
Living in Expectation of Miracles!
WP Sarah
Sole Deo Gloria!
WP Stacey
Sarah's Story - A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing
So I have spent my day in shock, crying and trying to come to terms with what has happened. I'm assuming you've seen the news about a young mother who left her daughter and husband to run to Miami with her lover. This woman committed adultery, abandoned her daughter, and husband, and sent a community into shock as they searched for her and prayed for her safe return. So how does this affect me a committed mom devoted to my husband and children. Well, a relative of this woman was in my employment to work with my special needs son. Her aunt called me to cancel working with my son on Thursday which I graciously accepted. Friday I recieved an email from this aunt stating I could"fire her if I wanted" for not showing up. Of course considering there was a family emergency I was not going to do this. However through our communication I offended the aunt when I challenged that she was punishing my family for what her niece did.
Today this aunt showed up, to work with my son, in an emotional, angry, rant. I suggested if she were that upset she should probably leave. For the next fifteen minutes I listened to this woman verbally destroy my character, and defend this wicked niece of hers. She said I had no compassion. Now this aunt has worked for my son for over a year and a half. NEVER in that time have I even heard her raise her voice. I was in complete shock to hear her rage at me. She left my house and sent some completely opposite texts. Stating she could come pick up my son and take him to therapy and so on. It was really scary that she could flip-flop like that. So my husband took a witness with him and spoke with her and her husband this evening. She showed up late, laughed mockingly in my husband's face when she got there, and then raged at him as well. Her husband acted like it was completely normal.
So why am I sharing this? Well, I read Stacey's blog and realized I needed to choose to rejoice. Then God reminded me that I have been praying that He would remove those that are around my husband, myself, and my family that would do us harm. Then I scrolled down through Stacey's previous blogs and read the verse about are you surprised when these things happen? Well, quite frankly, Yes, I was very surprised. Now however I realize I shouldn't have been. We open our hearts, our home, our lives to strangers on a day to day basis. These strangers are in my home nearly 100 hours per week. God removed someone who could have done harm to us. I was shocked that this person was a wolf in sheep's clothing, and I had trusted her with the well being of my family.
I choose now to praise God that we had this eye-opening experience. I choose to trust Him. I am choosing to not be afraid. I am praising God that he has protected my family. I choose to NOT listen to the enemy that stood in my home this day and taunted me to curse the Lord. I cannot wait to see what God will do.
May the truth be revealed in Glory.
May God who IS, be my ALL.
Living in Expectation of Miracles!
WP Sarah
Monday, April 26, 2010
I Choose
Isaiah 12:4-6
In that day you will say:
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His
name;
make known among the nations what
He has done,
and proclaim that His name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for He has done
glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy,
people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel
among you."
I was reading this passage today for my study on prayer. We were supposed to list the actions we are to take, so I started listing them:
• Praise the LORD
• I will trust
• I will not be afraid
• Draw from the well of salvation with JOY
• Tell others to give thanks
• Call on His name
• Make known what He has done
• Sing to the LORD Let His glorious works be known
• Shout aloud
• Sing for joy
• Proclaim that His is exalted
Well, things are kind of tough around our house right now. My husband lost his job 9 months ago. We have lived frugally, but have used up all our savings and have now cashed in my IRA from when I was a teacher. We are having to make payments on medical bills because a surgeon messed up my gallbladder surgery last year and damaged my liver. My husband started a new business in a completely new line of work (sales) and we are not making enough to cover all of our monthly expenses, so he keeps working more hours and we have little time together as a family, and almost no time as a couple. To top it all off my 13 year old dislocated her elbow and possibly fractured it playing a game at church last night. We are still covered for health care through COBRA, but our deductible is $6,500 per person in our family; which means that we will have to pay for the whole ER visit last night, and whatever expenses we incur when we see the orthopedic specialist later in the week. So, it seems ridiculous to “praise the LORD, make known what He has done, sing for joy, proclaim that He is exalted, etc.” But when I read this passage this morning, He did fill me with hope.
I CHOOSE to praise the LORD. I choose to trust Him. I am choosing not to be afraid. I choose to draw from His well of salvation WITH JOY. I choose to call on His name, to shout aloud, to sing for joy. I choose to follow Him. I choose to NOT listen to the enemy. I cannot wait to see what my God will do. I choose to rejoice today!
To HIS Glory,
WP Stacey
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Kiss From God
I have had this on my mind for that past few days but have not had the time to sit and type it out. This morning as I sit with my computer to type this out I wondered if/how I could because the events of yesterday were so painful. So, how do I begin?
Well, what has been on my heart is “Glory Stories,” as my friend, Jane, calls them. What is a “Glory Story?” Well, I’ve never asked Jane to define it, but the one’s she has told bring glory to God and show His tender love for her. The ones I have experienced are places in life where God has bent down and given me a “kiss”, just because He loves me. Sometimes my life circumstances have been overwhelming and the kiss just said, “I’m still here. I care. I love you.” Sometimes everything seems to be going along fine, and He still bends down to give me a kiss… just because. So, why do I wonder about talking about “Glory Stories” today? Because of pain.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. I Peter 4:12-13
Yesterday I ended up spending the afternoon with a dear friend who is in the middle of a whirlwind of crisis. I grieved with her and for her yesterday. This has been on-going, and building, and it’s not over. There is a hard road ahead. Her burden is great. My heart is heavy for her. I know she reads this blog and I didn’t want to seem like, “Life is great! Count your blessing and everything will be better, or at least you can try to feel better.” I don’t want to pretend that if we “just focus on the positive, we’ll feel better.” So, sharing “Glory Stories” today is in no way an effort to have a better attitude, to cover over the real hurt that my friend is experiencing or the hurt I’m feeling for her. No, I’ve decided to go ahead and talk about “Glory Stories” today because God is good all the time; even when we don’t feel good about life. He loves us and has our best in mind whether our circumstances are comfortable or excruciating. And He always deserves all the glory!
So, I have a little “Glory Story” to share with you. It seems so small right now against the backdrop of my friend’s pain, but even a little kiss from my Father is a delight and regardless of my circumstances He is always worthy to be praised.
Last week, the day after I wrote the last post, which happened to be on prayer, my 8 year old daughter was practicing her new songs for piano. The first day of practice is always the most difficult because she has to struggle through learning the hand position and notes, etc. and she can sometimes get quite frustrated. I had left the house to run an errand when I got a phone call from 8 year old telling me how frustrated she was with a new song that was more difficult. Being a practical woman, I suggested that she practice hands separately today (like she’s done in the past) just to get it down and put them together tomorrow. She seemed satisfied to try that and got off the phone to get to work.
As I continued driving to my destination the whole matter of prayer came back into my mind, which is a good thing since I am studying it right now. And I thought, “Why did I just offer her advice and not pray with her too? Isn’t this an opportunity to point her to the Father for her needs?” So I called her back and asked her if we could pray about her difficult new song before she starts practicing it again. We prayed for Jesus to give her the strength to persevere in difficulty and we prayed that she would practice her song “to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31). Then she happily got off the phone and went to work, and I reached my destination.
The great part is that on my return trip home I received a phone call from my 8 year old. She said, “Mommy I went and practiced the song after we prayed and I did it with BOTH hands and I did it right!” She was so excited that she was bubbling over! We started saying things like, “Thank You, Jesus!” and “Wooo Hooo! Our God is awesome!” and just reveled in the fact that our God is so loving that He cares that a little girl needs help practicing a piano song. Even better, as the mama of that little girl, is the blessing of seeing my daughter go to her heavenly Father and seeing her experience real relationship with Him. I pray that every day things like that will keep her going to Him and keep her in real relationship with Him. So, I got two kisses for the price of one in that. One, He spoke to my heart in answering my request to help my little girl, and two, seeing my daughter revel in God’s work in her! Woo Hoo! Thank You, Jesus!!!!!
So, will you share your “Glory Story” with us? It’s all for His glory!
Sole Deo Gloria,
WP Stacey
Well, what has been on my heart is “Glory Stories,” as my friend, Jane, calls them. What is a “Glory Story?” Well, I’ve never asked Jane to define it, but the one’s she has told bring glory to God and show His tender love for her. The ones I have experienced are places in life where God has bent down and given me a “kiss”, just because He loves me. Sometimes my life circumstances have been overwhelming and the kiss just said, “I’m still here. I care. I love you.” Sometimes everything seems to be going along fine, and He still bends down to give me a kiss… just because. So, why do I wonder about talking about “Glory Stories” today? Because of pain.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. I Peter 4:12-13
Yesterday I ended up spending the afternoon with a dear friend who is in the middle of a whirlwind of crisis. I grieved with her and for her yesterday. This has been on-going, and building, and it’s not over. There is a hard road ahead. Her burden is great. My heart is heavy for her. I know she reads this blog and I didn’t want to seem like, “Life is great! Count your blessing and everything will be better, or at least you can try to feel better.” I don’t want to pretend that if we “just focus on the positive, we’ll feel better.” So, sharing “Glory Stories” today is in no way an effort to have a better attitude, to cover over the real hurt that my friend is experiencing or the hurt I’m feeling for her. No, I’ve decided to go ahead and talk about “Glory Stories” today because God is good all the time; even when we don’t feel good about life. He loves us and has our best in mind whether our circumstances are comfortable or excruciating. And He always deserves all the glory!
So, I have a little “Glory Story” to share with you. It seems so small right now against the backdrop of my friend’s pain, but even a little kiss from my Father is a delight and regardless of my circumstances He is always worthy to be praised.
Last week, the day after I wrote the last post, which happened to be on prayer, my 8 year old daughter was practicing her new songs for piano. The first day of practice is always the most difficult because she has to struggle through learning the hand position and notes, etc. and she can sometimes get quite frustrated. I had left the house to run an errand when I got a phone call from 8 year old telling me how frustrated she was with a new song that was more difficult. Being a practical woman, I suggested that she practice hands separately today (like she’s done in the past) just to get it down and put them together tomorrow. She seemed satisfied to try that and got off the phone to get to work.
As I continued driving to my destination the whole matter of prayer came back into my mind, which is a good thing since I am studying it right now. And I thought, “Why did I just offer her advice and not pray with her too? Isn’t this an opportunity to point her to the Father for her needs?” So I called her back and asked her if we could pray about her difficult new song before she starts practicing it again. We prayed for Jesus to give her the strength to persevere in difficulty and we prayed that she would practice her song “to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31). Then she happily got off the phone and went to work, and I reached my destination.
The great part is that on my return trip home I received a phone call from my 8 year old. She said, “Mommy I went and practiced the song after we prayed and I did it with BOTH hands and I did it right!” She was so excited that she was bubbling over! We started saying things like, “Thank You, Jesus!” and “Wooo Hooo! Our God is awesome!” and just reveled in the fact that our God is so loving that He cares that a little girl needs help practicing a piano song. Even better, as the mama of that little girl, is the blessing of seeing my daughter go to her heavenly Father and seeing her experience real relationship with Him. I pray that every day things like that will keep her going to Him and keep her in real relationship with Him. So, I got two kisses for the price of one in that. One, He spoke to my heart in answering my request to help my little girl, and two, seeing my daughter revel in God’s work in her! Woo Hoo! Thank You, Jesus!!!!!
So, will you share your “Glory Story” with us? It’s all for His glory!
Sole Deo Gloria,
WP Stacey
Friday, April 16, 2010
You Can Pray Very Simply
So, on Wednesday evening I began a new study on prayer with some women at church. My friend, Vanessa, who wrote the article, "Coffee Meditations" that I posted on here a week ago, wrote and is teaching this study on prayer. Even the introduction night was great with the scripture she pulled out and had us read and discuss. (Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 9:14-27, Luke 7:1-10, and Luke7:11-17) She asked us to read and discuss the following questions:
Vanessa talked about all the books and lists and methods of praying that are available, but like me, she is advocating simply going to God as we are, where we are, without methodology. It was good to hear her talk about that and even better to read about it in Scripture, because I sometimes wonder if our circumstances wouldn't be better if I knew how to pray better. I'm so glad that God just meets me where I am. I'm so glad that having a relationship with Him and seeking His face are more important to Him than me being able to get this prayer thing "right".
So, when I did the first day's homework and we were reading the "Lord's Prayer" from Matthew 6, I decided to read from my new parallel Bible (NASB & Message). When I read the Message version I was releived and heartened at the smiplicity. I post it here for you to read:
Matthew 6:5-13 (MSG)
"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
(I don't read the Message exclusively. Actually, it's the last place I usually go, but I am finding that sometimes it breaks it down (the language, that is) into such simpler terms that it gives me a new perspective.)
To those of you who are taking the study with me on Wednesday nights, I'd love to read what you are learning and have you comment on this blog. To those who didn't start with us on Wednesday night, but would like to join us there is room and you can still jump in. And if you don't have time to join us for the study, but have something to share on prayer, we'd love to read your comments too.
Sole Deo Gloria!
WP Stacey
- Who was praying?
- What do they say in their prayer?
- Why?
- What is the answer to the prayer?
- This interaction says something about God's character. What did we learn from this prayer and its answer?
Vanessa talked about all the books and lists and methods of praying that are available, but like me, she is advocating simply going to God as we are, where we are, without methodology. It was good to hear her talk about that and even better to read about it in Scripture, because I sometimes wonder if our circumstances wouldn't be better if I knew how to pray better. I'm so glad that God just meets me where I am. I'm so glad that having a relationship with Him and seeking His face are more important to Him than me being able to get this prayer thing "right".
So, when I did the first day's homework and we were reading the "Lord's Prayer" from Matthew 6, I decided to read from my new parallel Bible (NASB & Message). When I read the Message version I was releived and heartened at the smiplicity. I post it here for you to read:
Matthew 6:5-13 (MSG)
"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
(I don't read the Message exclusively. Actually, it's the last place I usually go, but I am finding that sometimes it breaks it down (the language, that is) into such simpler terms that it gives me a new perspective.)
To those of you who are taking the study with me on Wednesday nights, I'd love to read what you are learning and have you comment on this blog. To those who didn't start with us on Wednesday night, but would like to join us there is room and you can still jump in. And if you don't have time to join us for the study, but have something to share on prayer, we'd love to read your comments too.
Sole Deo Gloria!
WP Stacey
Monday, April 12, 2010
I Can't Get It Right! Duh!
Did you ever try to do the right thing and find that it was actually the thing that was tripping you up? Do you know what I mean? Like I desire to be a good servant of the Most High God and to be a “good mom,” so I have memorized the LOVE VERSES from I Corinthians 13, and I have required my children to learn them too. When we have a conflict in the family, we often go to these verses to ask ourselves where we are wrong and what we should be doing instead. So wise. So pious.
But honestly, some days I am so discouraged by these verses! EVERY DAY I fail at this list. EVERY DAY I blow it on several accounts. So, maybe I can be patient and kind one day, but then I find that I am keeping a record of wrong, envying, easily angered, or I lose hope. Actually, I have lost hope often…so it’s a lot easier to just go to the part I “need” for parenting in the moment. But I don’t go to these verses for comfort or with any kind of joy. It’s the opposite, really. I feel like such a loser when I line myself up with these verses, so I avoid them!
But they are always there, in the back of my mind. Lately, God’s been showing me how wrong my ideas about Him have been. Maybe it’s this grace thing. He’s been opening my eyes to His grace for over a year now, and recently He’s been talking to me about l-o-v-e. But I told Him I don’t know how much I like these verses. (Well, that was really poor grammar, and a deceptive way a saying what I really think.)
The truth: “See, God, I don’t like these verses because I can never measure up. I try really hard, even really leaning on your strength, but I can never get them. Never get them all right. Lots of days I don’t know if I get any of them, really, in my heart. Look pretty good on the outside, but you know my heart.”
So, you know what He said to me? “Go look at them again.”
And I’m thinking, “I know, I’ve heard good Bible teachers say, ‘Now put your name in there every time it says ‘love.’ That’s part of the problem, God, I am NOT these things. I told You I try, but I fail.”
But instead, patiently, He said, “Don’t put your name in there, put MY Name in there every time it says ‘love’. I AM LOVE.”
WOW! Perspective shift! A multitude of scripture and songs running through my mind, but the theme of them all…Jesus IS love. Jesus has done it all! It’s all about Him, not me or my striving.
Sole Deo Gloria!
WPS
I Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres.
Love never fails.
But honestly, some days I am so discouraged by these verses! EVERY DAY I fail at this list. EVERY DAY I blow it on several accounts. So, maybe I can be patient and kind one day, but then I find that I am keeping a record of wrong, envying, easily angered, or I lose hope. Actually, I have lost hope often…so it’s a lot easier to just go to the part I “need” for parenting in the moment. But I don’t go to these verses for comfort or with any kind of joy. It’s the opposite, really. I feel like such a loser when I line myself up with these verses, so I avoid them!
But they are always there, in the back of my mind. Lately, God’s been showing me how wrong my ideas about Him have been. Maybe it’s this grace thing. He’s been opening my eyes to His grace for over a year now, and recently He’s been talking to me about l-o-v-e. But I told Him I don’t know how much I like these verses. (Well, that was really poor grammar, and a deceptive way a saying what I really think.)
The truth: “See, God, I don’t like these verses because I can never measure up. I try really hard, even really leaning on your strength, but I can never get them. Never get them all right. Lots of days I don’t know if I get any of them, really, in my heart. Look pretty good on the outside, but you know my heart.”
So, you know what He said to me? “Go look at them again.”
And I’m thinking, “I know, I’ve heard good Bible teachers say, ‘Now put your name in there every time it says ‘love.’ That’s part of the problem, God, I am NOT these things. I told You I try, but I fail.”
But instead, patiently, He said, “Don’t put your name in there, put MY Name in there every time it says ‘love’. I AM LOVE.”
I Corinthians 13:4-8
Jesus is patient,
Jesus is kind.
Jesus does not envy, Jesus does not boast,
Jesus is not proud.
Jesus is not rude, Jesus is not self seeking,
Jesus is not easily angered,
Jesus keeps no record of wrongs.
Jesus does not delight in evil
but Jesus rejoices with the truth.
Jesus always protects, Jesus always trusts,
Jesus always hopes,
Jesus always perseveres.
Jesus never fails.
WOW! Perspective shift! A multitude of scripture and songs running through my mind, but the theme of them all…Jesus IS love. Jesus has done it all! It’s all about Him, not me or my striving.
John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Sole Deo Gloria!
WPS
Friday, April 9, 2010
Cleaning Out The Closets
I am reviewing what I have already read and learned from the study on Simplicity and am back in chapter 3 today, “The World Is Too Much With Us.” These are some of my reflections from the first time I read this chapter with some new thoughts that I had today as I re-read it. And if you have any tips on cleaning out real or metaphorical closets, we would love to read them! Just post a comment. FYI, all comments are moderated by me and will not appear until I have time to read them and post them. I just want to keep the discussion here in line with the Word, and since the blog is accessible to the general public I moderate all comments.
Sole Deo Gloria!
WP Stacey
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I have been thinking about be content versus being complacent. I think sometimes I allow myself to continue on in a pattern because, frankly, it’s easier. I tell myself that I am just being content so that I’ll feel better about NOT doing the work it may require of me to live in the freedom that the Lord is offering me.
Colossians 1:29 says, “To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Jerry Bridges says, “In pursuit of his ministry Paul said he labored even to struggling… the Greek word translated as ‘labor’ in the NIV is ‘a strong word, denoting toil to the point of weariness or exhaustion.’ The word struggling in Greek is the word agonizomai, from which we get our word agonize, and conveys the idea of an athlete straining to win the race.’”
The words labor, struggling, weariness, exhaustion, and agonize are not words I’m naturally drawn to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a sluggard, I’m not afraid to work, but this sounds like a LOT of really hard work! I know that I have avoided dealing with certain issues in my life because when I did start “digging into” them the difficulty of the work and the sheer volume of the work seemed overwhelming. You know, things like bitterness over the way someone has treated me unfairly, or fear of one of my health issues coming back, or working on my own behavior rather than my children’s.
I don’t know about you, but for me it would be more rewarding to repaint my living room wall than to sort through and clean out all the closets in my house. Why? Well, even though painting the wall is a lot of work, I could have the living room wall done in one day and all the furniture back in place AND when you come to my house, you will notice what I have been working on and you may even think that I am a hard worker. For that matter, even my husband would notice it! (wink) And the reward for me is feeling good about myself because I got a “hard” project done in one day, there is external change in my home and others say complementary things to me.
The sad thing is that my closets really need to be cleaned out and no one, probably not even my husband, is going to notice. And IF he does notice, he’s not going to give me the same level of accolades that he would if I painted the living room. The other thing is, cleaning out the closets is a lot more work than painting the living room. I MIGHT be able to get the closests cleaned out in one day, but then I have MORE WORK to do once I clean them out! I have to have my children try on clothes and make piles of what to keep in the closet, what to store for next season and for the little sister, and what to give away or sell (even more work having a yard sale or learning to sell it on ebay, etc.). And probably the thing I hate the most is having to deal with the stuff while we are sorting through it and deciding what should stay and what should go. Then it’s out in the open and I can see it all and it’s messy, and this project is going to take more than a week and I don’t want to have to work on a project that hard for that long! (somebody call the whaaaambulance!)
Cleaning out closets sounds a lot like cleaning things up in my heart. God is ready to do it, but I’m often not. I don’t want to have to dig through the stuff in my heart and mind that I’ve been storing up. It’s going to be so much work, and maybe even painful! I’m going to have to look at what I’ve been hiding and holding on to. I might even have to get rid of things that have been bringing me false comfort and false security. I know that if I decide to do it, the reward is that I will have real comfort and real security from my Father, but this project isn’t going to be wrapped up in one day. I’m going to have stuff to deal with for as long as it takes to align my priorities and desires with His. I guess another issues is that I am overwhelmed by the amount of work it is gong to take because I naturally think about doing things in my own strength instead of His. Do I really trust Him for His strength? Until I do, the job will be overwhelming.
I realize now that God had called me several years ago to start laying down some things that I was doing (easy to see things like painting walls or serving in areas that are sure to be noticed by others) because they were distractions keeping me from the hard work of self discipline that I needed to develop in order to get rid of some of the lies, wounds and bondage of the enemy that I couldn’t get control over in my own strength. I needed to focus on Him and then He did the work in me, of learning to be content. Really it was agonizing at points, and sometimes for very long periods of time (not to discourage you, but some things took months and even years, but maybe I'm just stubborn or slow). It was hard work to start giving up worry and control and to trust Him to do the things that I cannot do.
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
The result I can expect when I respond in prayer is His peace which is more wonderful than the human mind can understand. How? Instead of worrying about how I am going to get through this I PRAY! Pray what? I have learned to be honest about what I am feeling and what I need. I have learned to NOT put on any pretense. I tell the Lord when I amangry, scared, depressed, etc. and then tell Him why and ask Him to take my burden. I ask Him to show me what to do or how to rest in a time of working through an issue (cleaning out a closet). It can be hard work, but take heart that He does not leave us to do it by ourselves; “His peace will guard your hearts and minds…”
So, if you really believe He is able and is going to see you through, what do you need to start cleaning on today? I’m heading for my closet!
Sole Deo Gloria!
WP Stacey
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I have been thinking about be content versus being complacent. I think sometimes I allow myself to continue on in a pattern because, frankly, it’s easier. I tell myself that I am just being content so that I’ll feel better about NOT doing the work it may require of me to live in the freedom that the Lord is offering me.
Colossians 1:29 says, “To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Jerry Bridges says, “In pursuit of his ministry Paul said he labored even to struggling… the Greek word translated as ‘labor’ in the NIV is ‘a strong word, denoting toil to the point of weariness or exhaustion.’ The word struggling in Greek is the word agonizomai, from which we get our word agonize, and conveys the idea of an athlete straining to win the race.’”
The words labor, struggling, weariness, exhaustion, and agonize are not words I’m naturally drawn to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a sluggard, I’m not afraid to work, but this sounds like a LOT of really hard work! I know that I have avoided dealing with certain issues in my life because when I did start “digging into” them the difficulty of the work and the sheer volume of the work seemed overwhelming. You know, things like bitterness over the way someone has treated me unfairly, or fear of one of my health issues coming back, or working on my own behavior rather than my children’s.
I don’t know about you, but for me it would be more rewarding to repaint my living room wall than to sort through and clean out all the closets in my house. Why? Well, even though painting the wall is a lot of work, I could have the living room wall done in one day and all the furniture back in place AND when you come to my house, you will notice what I have been working on and you may even think that I am a hard worker. For that matter, even my husband would notice it! (wink) And the reward for me is feeling good about myself because I got a “hard” project done in one day, there is external change in my home and others say complementary things to me.
The sad thing is that my closets really need to be cleaned out and no one, probably not even my husband, is going to notice. And IF he does notice, he’s not going to give me the same level of accolades that he would if I painted the living room. The other thing is, cleaning out the closets is a lot more work than painting the living room. I MIGHT be able to get the closests cleaned out in one day, but then I have MORE WORK to do once I clean them out! I have to have my children try on clothes and make piles of what to keep in the closet, what to store for next season and for the little sister, and what to give away or sell (even more work having a yard sale or learning to sell it on ebay, etc.). And probably the thing I hate the most is having to deal with the stuff while we are sorting through it and deciding what should stay and what should go. Then it’s out in the open and I can see it all and it’s messy, and this project is going to take more than a week and I don’t want to have to work on a project that hard for that long! (somebody call the whaaaambulance!)
Cleaning out closets sounds a lot like cleaning things up in my heart. God is ready to do it, but I’m often not. I don’t want to have to dig through the stuff in my heart and mind that I’ve been storing up. It’s going to be so much work, and maybe even painful! I’m going to have to look at what I’ve been hiding and holding on to. I might even have to get rid of things that have been bringing me false comfort and false security. I know that if I decide to do it, the reward is that I will have real comfort and real security from my Father, but this project isn’t going to be wrapped up in one day. I’m going to have stuff to deal with for as long as it takes to align my priorities and desires with His. I guess another issues is that I am overwhelmed by the amount of work it is gong to take because I naturally think about doing things in my own strength instead of His. Do I really trust Him for His strength? Until I do, the job will be overwhelming.
I realize now that God had called me several years ago to start laying down some things that I was doing (easy to see things like painting walls or serving in areas that are sure to be noticed by others) because they were distractions keeping me from the hard work of self discipline that I needed to develop in order to get rid of some of the lies, wounds and bondage of the enemy that I couldn’t get control over in my own strength. I needed to focus on Him and then He did the work in me, of learning to be content. Really it was agonizing at points, and sometimes for very long periods of time (not to discourage you, but some things took months and even years, but maybe I'm just stubborn or slow). It was hard work to start giving up worry and control and to trust Him to do the things that I cannot do.
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
The result I can expect when I respond in prayer is His peace which is more wonderful than the human mind can understand. How? Instead of worrying about how I am going to get through this I PRAY! Pray what? I have learned to be honest about what I am feeling and what I need. I have learned to NOT put on any pretense. I tell the Lord when I amangry, scared, depressed, etc. and then tell Him why and ask Him to take my burden. I ask Him to show me what to do or how to rest in a time of working through an issue (cleaning out a closet). It can be hard work, but take heart that He does not leave us to do it by ourselves; “His peace will guard your hearts and minds…”
So, if you really believe He is able and is going to see you through, what do you need to start cleaning on today? I’m heading for my closet!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
What's In Your Freezer?
“Our Lord did not teach detachment from other things: He taught attachment to Himself. Jesus was not a recluse. He did not cut Himself off from society, He was amazingly in and out among the ordinary things of life; but He was disconnected fundamentally from it all. He was not aloof, but He lived in another world.”
Oswald Chambers
Matthew 6:19-34
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,”
If I stop and reflect right here at the end of the first phrase of this passage, this is a concept so contrary to the thinking of the world, of myself, of just about anyone I know. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,” yet if I go look in ANY cupboard, closet or drawer in my house, I find collections of things. I understand that I need to have food stocked in my pantry and freezer to be prepared and to make the best use of my time so that I don’t have to go to the store as frequently, and some things I buy on sale to be wise steward, but sometimes even that gets out of control.
I’ve noticed it more since my husband has been laid off, that I’m always trying to make sure we have enough food. It actually didn’t occur to me until I came home from the store one day and was putting meat into the freezer that I had bought on sale and could barely fit it all in there with all of the other things I already had in the freezer. Right then I realized that I was trying to take care of all our needs regarding our food. That doesn’t sound so bad, except that He says, “And my God will supply all your needs. According to His glorious riches” (Philippians 4:19). And when I looked in my freezer and saw all that we had in there, I realized how abundantly He has been providing. So, I made a little deal with myself not to buy any more meat until I had used up all of the meat we had in the freezer and see how that went. Not that we ate meat every day, but we have eaten well every day, and I went more than a month without needing to buy any meat.
I actually think I’d like to do something similar to that, but include my children and husband in on it. I would like to challenge us to not buy anything except fresh fruit and veggies until we empty out the freezer completely, and see how creative we can be to use what He has already given us. I actually, think it will be kind of fun to see what we do and what God does. I’m going to present the idea to the family at dinner tonight. I'll keep you posted on what we do:)
Also, I've been thinking that I need to sell some stuff on ebay; stuff that is just extra clutter in our lives. I figure that I should try to sell it on ebay and see if I can make some money since we aren't making enough to cover our bare minimum expenses right now while my husband is growing his new business. Do any of you who have sold on ebay have any advice or help to offer me? I sold one thing on ebay 3 years ago and had a bad experience, so I am fearful of doing this. Being fearful of doing this is another reason why I need to do it.
Sole Deo Gloria!
WP Stacey
Oswald Chambers
Matthew 6:19-34
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,”
If I stop and reflect right here at the end of the first phrase of this passage, this is a concept so contrary to the thinking of the world, of myself, of just about anyone I know. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,” yet if I go look in ANY cupboard, closet or drawer in my house, I find collections of things. I understand that I need to have food stocked in my pantry and freezer to be prepared and to make the best use of my time so that I don’t have to go to the store as frequently, and some things I buy on sale to be wise steward, but sometimes even that gets out of control.
I’ve noticed it more since my husband has been laid off, that I’m always trying to make sure we have enough food. It actually didn’t occur to me until I came home from the store one day and was putting meat into the freezer that I had bought on sale and could barely fit it all in there with all of the other things I already had in the freezer. Right then I realized that I was trying to take care of all our needs regarding our food. That doesn’t sound so bad, except that He says, “And my God will supply all your needs. According to His glorious riches” (Philippians 4:19). And when I looked in my freezer and saw all that we had in there, I realized how abundantly He has been providing. So, I made a little deal with myself not to buy any more meat until I had used up all of the meat we had in the freezer and see how that went. Not that we ate meat every day, but we have eaten well every day, and I went more than a month without needing to buy any meat.
I actually think I’d like to do something similar to that, but include my children and husband in on it. I would like to challenge us to not buy anything except fresh fruit and veggies until we empty out the freezer completely, and see how creative we can be to use what He has already given us. I actually, think it will be kind of fun to see what we do and what God does. I’m going to present the idea to the family at dinner tonight. I'll keep you posted on what we do:)
Also, I've been thinking that I need to sell some stuff on ebay; stuff that is just extra clutter in our lives. I figure that I should try to sell it on ebay and see if I can make some money since we aren't making enough to cover our bare minimum expenses right now while my husband is growing his new business. Do any of you who have sold on ebay have any advice or help to offer me? I sold one thing on ebay 3 years ago and had a bad experience, so I am fearful of doing this. Being fearful of doing this is another reason why I need to do it.
Sole Deo Gloria!
WP Stacey
Monday, April 5, 2010
How Deep The Father's Love For Us
Titus 3:3-7
Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us. But then God our Savior showed us His kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. He declared us not guilty because of His great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life. These things I have told you are all true. I want you to insist on them so that everyone who trusts in God will be careful to do good deeds all the time. These things are good and beneficial for everyone.
So, what insights do I gain about the basis of God’s acceptance of me through the above verses? I am so grateful for the itty bitty piece of His love that I can understand, and I am in awe to realize that His love and pursuit of me is so far beyond what I can understand. I think the lyrics of the song “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” describe how I feel:
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Sole Deo Gloria!
WPS
p.s. Selah does an awesome job singing this song! I'm sure you can find it on youtube. Someday I'll learn how to post stuff like that right onto this blog.
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