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.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Coffee Meditations
Hello Warrior Princess Sisters,
Today's post is an article that my friend, Vanessa, wrote a year or so ago. It was so good, I saved it. I talked to her today and got her permission to post her article on this blog. She is an excellent writer, Bible scholar, and a funny lady. I hope you enjoy her article:)
BTW, V wrote a Bible study on prayer that she just finished teaching at her church. I am so excited that she has agreed to come teach it at our church on Wednesday nights starting on April 14. If you you are interested in attending the study on prayer you can sign up at church, or contact me.
Enjoy!
WPS
Coffee Meditations
by Vanessa Kay Frisinger
I had almost convinced myself I was not an addict, until a rushed Monday morning proved otherwise. After getting the kids out the door to catch the school bus, preparing myself for the day and preventing our Rottweiler from eating the mail carrier, there was no time to brew my morning cup of coffee. Once the initial grogginess wore off, I found I could function pretty well without my ritual caffeine jumpstart. By eleven o’clock, I was congratulating myself for thriving without coffee. That was when the slamming migraine showed up. My caffeine-deprived brain cells screamed for a latte with extra espresso shots and demanded I come to terms with it. Hi, my name is Vanessa and I’m a coffee addict.
There had been other clues, subtle signs of addiction I had ignored along the way. I thought everyone could discern which coffee shop was near just by the smell. And certainly even the most casual coffee drinker could recognize the regional origin of a coffee blend after two sips. I prized my ability to drink straight espresso after dinner and still fall asleep after the evening news. Apparently I was in denial.
I do not know if there are coffee-holics anonymous support groups, where bleary-eyed, trembling people sit in a circle and share stories of the pain our habit has inflicted upon those we love. I do know that I would not be willing to join one of those groups if they do exist. Obviously, I’ve not hit rock bottom yet.
My sister-in-law has tried to intervene. She reminds me that most coffee is picked by families working harder than I can imagine for mere pennies a day. In protest, she boycotts the big-name coffee chains and encourages me to do the same. I would stand absolutely in awe of her personal sacrifice, if she liked coffee. But she hates the stuff. Where’s the glory in boycotting something you don’t want anyway? It’s like asking your seven-year-old to forgo lima beans or homework.
The women I meet with for Bible studies keep quiet about my problem, but I am sure they pray for me when I’m not around. I love my Bible study buddies. They both have the sort of self-discipline and intensity that would frighten Franciscan monks. Their grade-school children are home-schooled at the level of Yale graduates, their Bible study notes include direct quotations from no less than three authoritative sources, and one of them is an aerobic instructor, the other a tri-athlete. Let’s just say they’re “type A” personalities and I’m more of a “type B” or maybe “C,” if it goes that far. They kindly refer to themselves as “Martha” personalities and me as a “Mary” personality. (As in the Martha who had to serve all the disciples dinner because Mary was sitting at Christ’s feet, listening.) That’s nice. It feels so much better to be labeled ultra-spiritual instead of just plain lazy.
I suspect they agreed to meet at a local café because of me and my addiction; coffee certainly holds no mastery over them. On our appointed meeting date, I arrive first. I don’t blame them for being a little late. They probably got caught up in cleaning the grout with a toothbrush, or helping the nine-year old translate Isaiah from the original Aramaic.
I order a nice sugary blended coffee drink to help me to finish up the last few pages of our study. Just as I’m scribbling some sort of answer to the final question, the tri-athlete bounces in, pink water bottle in hand. I have witnessed her splurge with a nonfat latte, but only because she ran something like thirty gazillion miles that morning. Most days she moans her lack of self-discipline for having sprinted a mere five miles. I try real hard not to roll my eyes, (biting the inside of your cheek until the blood comes can help with that). After all, if the woman is compassionate enough to call me “Mary” instead of “Lazy,” I must resist the urge to slap her repeatedly until she realizes that running five miles is not something the majority of the American populace can do. About then our third member arrives and asks for a hot tea and cup of ice water.
Now we’re all seated around a small green table, where it is easy to see that their drinks are so calorie-deficient that they might be actually losing weight while drinking them. The syrup in my drink, meanwhile, has congealed along the sides and in the bottom of the clear cup. It offers enough calories to keep me going for a week, or immediately add ten inches to my hips, whichever comes first. But there is comfort in the fact that my study buddies won’t say a word about it, whatever they may be thinking; just like they can rest assured that I won’t reach over and slap the tri-athlete. Grace is such a good thing.
Like any good addict, I have more than one group of people I enjoy drinking with. Over the years I have brought my children with me to coffee shops. They do homework while I read or write, or we play MadLibs, much to the chagrin of the “cooler” café patrons. My son likes the taste of coffee but hates hot drinks. My daughter loves hot drinks, but hates coffee. Unless the sugar mass is quadruple the coffee weight, she won’t even smell it. There’s a place here that serves iced mochas with so much chocolate syrup they taste like milkshakes. She likes those.
Just as I cannot force my kids to like coffee, I cannot force them to love God. I have a responsibility to model a love for God to them and teach them the Truth, but there is no little switch in their heart that I can flip to make them search for God. Sometimes I wish there was. I’m sure God feels the same about me. When I’m grumpy or faithless or foolish, I’m sure God would like to flip a little switch in my heart too. But the weirdly beautiful thing is that He did not make us with those switches. He wanted a relationship, not a robot. And, in reality, I want that with my kids too.
I must admit to having one other coffee buddy. It may be sacrilegious or sacramental, but coffee is part of my morning devotions. While my mind wakes up, I try to sit at God’s feet like Mary. I thank Him for grace. I pray for my kids, that no matter what their opinions, their hearts would cling to God. And I thank Him for creating a bean that can be roasted, ground and steamed into a fabulous drink.
Today's post is an article that my friend, Vanessa, wrote a year or so ago. It was so good, I saved it. I talked to her today and got her permission to post her article on this blog. She is an excellent writer, Bible scholar, and a funny lady. I hope you enjoy her article:)
BTW, V wrote a Bible study on prayer that she just finished teaching at her church. I am so excited that she has agreed to come teach it at our church on Wednesday nights starting on April 14. If you you are interested in attending the study on prayer you can sign up at church, or contact me.
Enjoy!
WPS
Coffee Meditations
by Vanessa Kay Frisinger
I had almost convinced myself I was not an addict, until a rushed Monday morning proved otherwise. After getting the kids out the door to catch the school bus, preparing myself for the day and preventing our Rottweiler from eating the mail carrier, there was no time to brew my morning cup of coffee. Once the initial grogginess wore off, I found I could function pretty well without my ritual caffeine jumpstart. By eleven o’clock, I was congratulating myself for thriving without coffee. That was when the slamming migraine showed up. My caffeine-deprived brain cells screamed for a latte with extra espresso shots and demanded I come to terms with it. Hi, my name is Vanessa and I’m a coffee addict.
There had been other clues, subtle signs of addiction I had ignored along the way. I thought everyone could discern which coffee shop was near just by the smell. And certainly even the most casual coffee drinker could recognize the regional origin of a coffee blend after two sips. I prized my ability to drink straight espresso after dinner and still fall asleep after the evening news. Apparently I was in denial.
I do not know if there are coffee-holics anonymous support groups, where bleary-eyed, trembling people sit in a circle and share stories of the pain our habit has inflicted upon those we love. I do know that I would not be willing to join one of those groups if they do exist. Obviously, I’ve not hit rock bottom yet.
My sister-in-law has tried to intervene. She reminds me that most coffee is picked by families working harder than I can imagine for mere pennies a day. In protest, she boycotts the big-name coffee chains and encourages me to do the same. I would stand absolutely in awe of her personal sacrifice, if she liked coffee. But she hates the stuff. Where’s the glory in boycotting something you don’t want anyway? It’s like asking your seven-year-old to forgo lima beans or homework.
The women I meet with for Bible studies keep quiet about my problem, but I am sure they pray for me when I’m not around. I love my Bible study buddies. They both have the sort of self-discipline and intensity that would frighten Franciscan monks. Their grade-school children are home-schooled at the level of Yale graduates, their Bible study notes include direct quotations from no less than three authoritative sources, and one of them is an aerobic instructor, the other a tri-athlete. Let’s just say they’re “type A” personalities and I’m more of a “type B” or maybe “C,” if it goes that far. They kindly refer to themselves as “Martha” personalities and me as a “Mary” personality. (As in the Martha who had to serve all the disciples dinner because Mary was sitting at Christ’s feet, listening.) That’s nice. It feels so much better to be labeled ultra-spiritual instead of just plain lazy.
I suspect they agreed to meet at a local café because of me and my addiction; coffee certainly holds no mastery over them. On our appointed meeting date, I arrive first. I don’t blame them for being a little late. They probably got caught up in cleaning the grout with a toothbrush, or helping the nine-year old translate Isaiah from the original Aramaic.
I order a nice sugary blended coffee drink to help me to finish up the last few pages of our study. Just as I’m scribbling some sort of answer to the final question, the tri-athlete bounces in, pink water bottle in hand. I have witnessed her splurge with a nonfat latte, but only because she ran something like thirty gazillion miles that morning. Most days she moans her lack of self-discipline for having sprinted a mere five miles. I try real hard not to roll my eyes, (biting the inside of your cheek until the blood comes can help with that). After all, if the woman is compassionate enough to call me “Mary” instead of “Lazy,” I must resist the urge to slap her repeatedly until she realizes that running five miles is not something the majority of the American populace can do. About then our third member arrives and asks for a hot tea and cup of ice water.
Now we’re all seated around a small green table, where it is easy to see that their drinks are so calorie-deficient that they might be actually losing weight while drinking them. The syrup in my drink, meanwhile, has congealed along the sides and in the bottom of the clear cup. It offers enough calories to keep me going for a week, or immediately add ten inches to my hips, whichever comes first. But there is comfort in the fact that my study buddies won’t say a word about it, whatever they may be thinking; just like they can rest assured that I won’t reach over and slap the tri-athlete. Grace is such a good thing.
Like any good addict, I have more than one group of people I enjoy drinking with. Over the years I have brought my children with me to coffee shops. They do homework while I read or write, or we play MadLibs, much to the chagrin of the “cooler” café patrons. My son likes the taste of coffee but hates hot drinks. My daughter loves hot drinks, but hates coffee. Unless the sugar mass is quadruple the coffee weight, she won’t even smell it. There’s a place here that serves iced mochas with so much chocolate syrup they taste like milkshakes. She likes those.
Just as I cannot force my kids to like coffee, I cannot force them to love God. I have a responsibility to model a love for God to them and teach them the Truth, but there is no little switch in their heart that I can flip to make them search for God. Sometimes I wish there was. I’m sure God feels the same about me. When I’m grumpy or faithless or foolish, I’m sure God would like to flip a little switch in my heart too. But the weirdly beautiful thing is that He did not make us with those switches. He wanted a relationship, not a robot. And, in reality, I want that with my kids too.
I must admit to having one other coffee buddy. It may be sacrilegious or sacramental, but coffee is part of my morning devotions. While my mind wakes up, I try to sit at God’s feet like Mary. I thank Him for grace. I pray for my kids, that no matter what their opinions, their hearts would cling to God. And I thank Him for creating a bean that can be roasted, ground and steamed into a fabulous drink.
Monday, March 29, 2010
More Reflection on Becoming A Woman of Simplicity
Gracious Acceptance
Ephesians 2:8-10
God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
My Thoughts on His Gracious Acceptance:
I am just like the lady at the beginning of this chapter who said that she finally realized that she doesn’t have to do anything to be valuable to God. He loves me for just who I am. I have finally come to this realization too in the last year or so. He loves me. What I do has nothing to do with whether or not He loves me. He loves me, period.
Everything Cynthia wrote about Claire doing things to be sure that she was getting God’s approval, and still feeling unworthy because she couldn’t figure out what was missing, that was me too. I had believed the lie of the enemy that “(my) identity was based on (my) performance – what (I) did defined who (I) was.” (p. 24) And, yes, it did rob me of the joy of acceptance and love that the Father had already given me. Thank You, Father that I have been set free of the lies and bondage of the enemy.
That took me quite a while to understand, but when I finally “got it” I was in awe of the truth and the simplicity of it. Actually, I am still in awe of it, but the wonderful thing is that I can sit in it. I can rest in this truth. I can rest in Him. But before I could rest I had to slow down and get rid of enough busyness in my life to sit still so that I could even ponder who He is and what the TRUTH is. Either I'm a slow learner or I had a LOT of garbage to clear out, it took me about ten years to really accept this truth and live from that place. Now I know…He loves me!
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
I still don’t really understand it all, but I guess that is faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. Before I was not okay with not understanding it and kept trying to figure it out. I still study the Word and seek His face in prayer, but I don’t have to get it all right now. The irony of that is that I seem to “get it” better now than when I was trying so hard to understand. That reminds me of a passage of scripture that He led me to last year (through Cynthia's book, A Woman's Journey to the Heart of God) and that I rest in, Psalm 131
Ephesians 2:8-10
God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
My Thoughts on His Gracious Acceptance:
I am just like the lady at the beginning of this chapter who said that she finally realized that she doesn’t have to do anything to be valuable to God. He loves me for just who I am. I have finally come to this realization too in the last year or so. He loves me. What I do has nothing to do with whether or not He loves me. He loves me, period.
Everything Cynthia wrote about Claire doing things to be sure that she was getting God’s approval, and still feeling unworthy because she couldn’t figure out what was missing, that was me too. I had believed the lie of the enemy that “(my) identity was based on (my) performance – what (I) did defined who (I) was.” (p. 24) And, yes, it did rob me of the joy of acceptance and love that the Father had already given me. Thank You, Father that I have been set free of the lies and bondage of the enemy.
That took me quite a while to understand, but when I finally “got it” I was in awe of the truth and the simplicity of it. Actually, I am still in awe of it, but the wonderful thing is that I can sit in it. I can rest in this truth. I can rest in Him. But before I could rest I had to slow down and get rid of enough busyness in my life to sit still so that I could even ponder who He is and what the TRUTH is. Either I'm a slow learner or I had a LOT of garbage to clear out, it took me about ten years to really accept this truth and live from that place. Now I know…He loves me!
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
I still don’t really understand it all, but I guess that is faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. Before I was not okay with not understanding it and kept trying to figure it out. I still study the Word and seek His face in prayer, but I don’t have to get it all right now. The irony of that is that I seem to “get it” better now than when I was trying so hard to understand. That reminds me of a passage of scripture that He led me to last year (through Cynthia's book, A Woman's Journey to the Heart of God) and that I rest in, Psalm 131
My heart is not proud, O Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great
matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within
me.
O (Daughter), put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Read About Kim Choosing the Best Over the Good
Hey Warrior Princesses,
WP Kim wrote a comment that needed to be the daily post rather than just a comment. I'm so excited! This is exactly what I want to happen with this blog. Thank you for sharing, Kim. I hope the rest of you are encouraged to evaluate what you are doing and asking yourself if you are choosing what is good or what is best as you read what Kim had to say.
Sole Deo Gloria,
WP Stacey
p.s. Originally I posted this as a "One Thing" article, but I've come back in and edited my introduction because after further reflection I think that Kim's article is more in line with the chapter from the Simplicity study "The Good Competes with the Best".
Kim Choosing the Best Over the Good
I've been doing my one thing for 18 years now and it'll be my one thing for at least another 18...it's to be a focused mom to my children--nurturing, feeding, training, teaching, and loving the 5 plus children He's put in my home (fosters come and go--that's the "plus" :)
I haven't always known it was my ONE thing and I've gotten distracted with other things that seemed a part of my one thing. Like when I started an Awana program so that my children could have that excellent source of knowledge, spiritual training, and Bible memory that Awana provides in such a fun and creative way. At first it was a great family ministry but 6 years into it I found myself nurturing 100 leaders and over 300 children...oops! Back to my one thing at home. (I still attend with my daughter on Sunday nights as she finishes the high school program, but that's a special time with her as we walk to church and listen to the teaching together--definitely fits the description of my one thing.)
I was very impacted by that chapter in the Simplicity study as well and this song kept ringing in my ears until I seized the day and wrote down the verse that God gave me about my 3 daughters who will all too soon be grown (I added it at the end of the song.)
Carolyn Arends \ Seize The Day
I know a girl who was schooled in Manhattan
She reads dusty books and learns phrases in Latin
She is an author, or maybe a poet
A genius but it's just this world doesn't know it
She works on her novel most every day
If you laugh she will say
chorus:
Seize the day, seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day
Well I know a doctor, a fine young physician
Left his six-figure job for a mission position
He's healing the sick in an African clinic
He works in the dirt and writes home to the cynics
He says "We work through the night so most every day
As we watch the sun rise we can say
chorus
Well I know a man who's been doing some thinking
He's as bitter and cold as the whiskey he's drinking
He's talking 'bout fear, about chances not taken
If you listen to him you can hear his heart breaking
He says "One day you're a boy and the next day you're dead
I wish way back when someone had said
chorus
Well one thing I've noticed, wherever I wander
Everyone's got a dream he can follow or squander
You can do what you will with the days you are given
I'm trying to spend mine on the business of living
So I'm singing my songs off of any old stage
You can laugh if you want, I'll still say
Chorus
My verse:
Well I know a girl who is wanting to be heard
Her emotions and thoughts, they pour out word upon word
She's patient while we work on chore after chore
Seems like we'll be done soon but there's always more
I pray for each child, almost every day
And now I can hear my Lord say...
Seize the day! Seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day
WP Kim wrote a comment that needed to be the daily post rather than just a comment. I'm so excited! This is exactly what I want to happen with this blog. Thank you for sharing, Kim. I hope the rest of you are encouraged to evaluate what you are doing and asking yourself if you are choosing what is good or what is best as you read what Kim had to say.
Sole Deo Gloria,
WP Stacey
p.s. Originally I posted this as a "One Thing" article, but I've come back in and edited my introduction because after further reflection I think that Kim's article is more in line with the chapter from the Simplicity study "The Good Competes with the Best".
Kim Choosing the Best Over the Good
I've been doing my one thing for 18 years now and it'll be my one thing for at least another 18...it's to be a focused mom to my children--nurturing, feeding, training, teaching, and loving the 5 plus children He's put in my home (fosters come and go--that's the "plus" :)
I haven't always known it was my ONE thing and I've gotten distracted with other things that seemed a part of my one thing. Like when I started an Awana program so that my children could have that excellent source of knowledge, spiritual training, and Bible memory that Awana provides in such a fun and creative way. At first it was a great family ministry but 6 years into it I found myself nurturing 100 leaders and over 300 children...oops! Back to my one thing at home. (I still attend with my daughter on Sunday nights as she finishes the high school program, but that's a special time with her as we walk to church and listen to the teaching together--definitely fits the description of my one thing.)
I was very impacted by that chapter in the Simplicity study as well and this song kept ringing in my ears until I seized the day and wrote down the verse that God gave me about my 3 daughters who will all too soon be grown (I added it at the end of the song.)
Carolyn Arends \ Seize The Day
I know a girl who was schooled in Manhattan
She reads dusty books and learns phrases in Latin
She is an author, or maybe a poet
A genius but it's just this world doesn't know it
She works on her novel most every day
If you laugh she will say
chorus:
Seize the day, seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day
Well I know a doctor, a fine young physician
Left his six-figure job for a mission position
He's healing the sick in an African clinic
He works in the dirt and writes home to the cynics
He says "We work through the night so most every day
As we watch the sun rise we can say
chorus
Well I know a man who's been doing some thinking
He's as bitter and cold as the whiskey he's drinking
He's talking 'bout fear, about chances not taken
If you listen to him you can hear his heart breaking
He says "One day you're a boy and the next day you're dead
I wish way back when someone had said
chorus
Well one thing I've noticed, wherever I wander
Everyone's got a dream he can follow or squander
You can do what you will with the days you are given
I'm trying to spend mine on the business of living
So I'm singing my songs off of any old stage
You can laugh if you want, I'll still say
Chorus
My verse:
Well I know a girl who is wanting to be heard
Her emotions and thoughts, they pour out word upon word
She's patient while we work on chore after chore
Seems like we'll be done soon but there's always more
I pray for each child, almost every day
And now I can hear my Lord say...
Seize the day! Seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day
Friday, March 26, 2010
Clarification About This Blog
I really started this blog as a forum for my Warrior Princess friends and me to be able to post our current circumstances and how God is speaking, moving, and growing us. I in no way intend this to be me “teaching” or “speaking” to other women as a teacher. I do teach, but this is not teaching. This is me being honest about where I am and how God is using “life” to draw me closer to Him. Some days you may find me in what seems to be an ungodly place, but what we Warrior Princesses have found is that until we are honest about what we are thinking and struggling with, we cannot move/grow past those things. I also hope that some of you will post comments or email your stories so that we can be encouraged by what God is doing in you.
I decided to ask other women (other than the original WP group) to come check out this blog because I am seeing that a lot of you are Warrior Princesses too. I hope that as you read what we post here, that you will be encouraged in your walk with Jesus. I invite you to share your comments and stories so that you also may be an encouragement to those who read here.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up!
My prayer is that you have friends who will walk with you through life’s ups and downs. I also hope that this blog can be a place where you will be encouraged and encourage others as we share our “God Stories” with each other.
Sole Deo Gloria!
WPS
I decided to ask other women (other than the original WP group) to come check out this blog because I am seeing that a lot of you are Warrior Princesses too. I hope that as you read what we post here, that you will be encouraged in your walk with Jesus. I invite you to share your comments and stories so that you also may be an encouragement to those who read here.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up!
My prayer is that you have friends who will walk with you through life’s ups and downs. I also hope that this blog can be a place where you will be encouraged and encourage others as we share our “God Stories” with each other.
Sole Deo Gloria!
WPS
Thursday, March 25, 2010
What is Your "One Thing" This Week?
"It's a job that's never started that takes the longest to finish." J.R.R. Tolkien
What keeps you from doing the things God created you to do? Some things are to fulfill a personal dream or a desire, like me starting a blog. I have lots of reasons why I never started the blog before:
Some things we put off doing are those things that we know we "should" do, like eat better, exercise, spend time with the Lord each day, read to our kids, etc. We know that our life would improve if we did those things, but we lack the motivation or direction to get started, or to keep doing it.
When I decided that I really was going to start this blog I was thinking it would be a good place for us (you and me, my Warrior Princess friends) to post what we are doing to bring about personal growth in our spiritual, physical, emotional, and even financial areas of our lives. I know I would be encouarged to hear how God is directing you and enabling you to start working toward those things you know that He is calling you to have more self-discipline in.
I'm so glad that I stopped making excuses this week and started this blog. Honestly, it was probably fear that kept me from doing it, fear and maybe even laziness. But after reading the chapter on The Sacred Present in Cynthia Heald's book Becoming a Woman of Simplicity, I asked myself, "What am I doing to make the most of each day?" I am not being hard on myself. There are things that I am being disciplined in and definitely like the results that I am seeing, but there are things that I could, maybe even should, be doing to make the most of my time.
I guess the other reason I've been thinking about this is that I realize that what I do today will help prepare me for tomorrow. This struck home recently when a sweet Christian man that I know suddenly found himself in a situation that he had longed for for the last 7 years. However, he had become complacent and hadn't disciplined himself to grow and prepare himself over the past 7 years. The sad result was that since he wasn't prepared he quite literally couldn't do what God set before him, the thing he had longed for. I don't want to finally arrive at the things I've been longing for only to find that I had wasted my time hoping, longing, whining, and not preparing for the good things that my Father has been waiting to give to me.
So, as I was reading the chapter on "The Sacred Present" I thought, "I can't create a perfect blog in one day (or even one week), but I can start one and learn one new thing about blogging each week. In a month I should have a blog and be able to put links in it, customize the layout, and post pictures. I can't do it all in one day, but I can do a little each week. In fact, I realized that my old besetting sins of perfection and pride had been part of what was keeping me from doing this. I confessed those and have put in their place just doing what I can do today to God's glory. This blog may have no eternal significance other than it has refined my thinking to be more concerned about what God thinks than what people think.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Proverbs 31:27
She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.
So, what's the one thing you are going to work on this week? Is it something spiritual, physical, emotional, or financial? Actually, anything He is calling us to work on is spiritual work. So, will you post a comment or send me your story to post so that we might encourage one another as we start taking steps toward the things He is calling us to do now? I would love to hear from you!
Sole Deo Gloria,
WPS
What keeps you from doing the things God created you to do? Some things are to fulfill a personal dream or a desire, like me starting a blog. I have lots of reasons why I never started the blog before:
- "I like to write, but I'm not good at technical stuff so I wouldn't know how to do those things."
- "Even if I could get one going, I don't know if I could figure out how to make it look as good as some of the other blogs I read."
- "Who would even want to read it?"
- "What if some does read it and thinks I'm no good?"
Some things we put off doing are those things that we know we "should" do, like eat better, exercise, spend time with the Lord each day, read to our kids, etc. We know that our life would improve if we did those things, but we lack the motivation or direction to get started, or to keep doing it.
When I decided that I really was going to start this blog I was thinking it would be a good place for us (you and me, my Warrior Princess friends) to post what we are doing to bring about personal growth in our spiritual, physical, emotional, and even financial areas of our lives. I know I would be encouarged to hear how God is directing you and enabling you to start working toward those things you know that He is calling you to have more self-discipline in.
I'm so glad that I stopped making excuses this week and started this blog. Honestly, it was probably fear that kept me from doing it, fear and maybe even laziness. But after reading the chapter on The Sacred Present in Cynthia Heald's book Becoming a Woman of Simplicity, I asked myself, "What am I doing to make the most of each day?" I am not being hard on myself. There are things that I am being disciplined in and definitely like the results that I am seeing, but there are things that I could, maybe even should, be doing to make the most of my time.
I guess the other reason I've been thinking about this is that I realize that what I do today will help prepare me for tomorrow. This struck home recently when a sweet Christian man that I know suddenly found himself in a situation that he had longed for for the last 7 years. However, he had become complacent and hadn't disciplined himself to grow and prepare himself over the past 7 years. The sad result was that since he wasn't prepared he quite literally couldn't do what God set before him, the thing he had longed for. I don't want to finally arrive at the things I've been longing for only to find that I had wasted my time hoping, longing, whining, and not preparing for the good things that my Father has been waiting to give to me.
So, as I was reading the chapter on "The Sacred Present" I thought, "I can't create a perfect blog in one day (or even one week), but I can start one and learn one new thing about blogging each week. In a month I should have a blog and be able to put links in it, customize the layout, and post pictures. I can't do it all in one day, but I can do a little each week. In fact, I realized that my old besetting sins of perfection and pride had been part of what was keeping me from doing this. I confessed those and have put in their place just doing what I can do today to God's glory. This blog may have no eternal significance other than it has refined my thinking to be more concerned about what God thinks than what people think.
Ephesians 5:15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Proverbs 31:27
She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.
So, what's the one thing you are going to work on this week? Is it something spiritual, physical, emotional, or financial? Actually, anything He is calling us to work on is spiritual work. So, will you post a comment or send me your story to post so that we might encourage one another as we start taking steps toward the things He is calling us to do now? I would love to hear from you!
Sole Deo Gloria,
WPS
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Is His Grace Really Enough?
II Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
This verse used to bother me. I mean, I don't want to just get by and that is how I saw the "My grace is sufficient..." part. You know, I will give you what you need to make it through this (get by). But then I decided to do a little search on what sufficient actually means, because I really don't want to just get by. Sufficient means:
See? It's not just getting by with the bare minimum, it is unfailing strength. And I have to think that when God gives us "enough" it's not just getting by, but a FILLING. I mean, to be satisfied is not just having a taste of something when you are hungry, it fills the hunger. The cool thing is that it is HIS unfailing strength, HIS sufficiency, HE is the defender, HE wards off, He satisfies, etc. Again, I was thinking in such limited, human terms instead of the truth of how big God is and how complete He is. Thank You, Father, that it all comes fromYou.
Sole Deo Gloria!
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
This verse used to bother me. I mean, I don't want to just get by and that is how I saw the "My grace is sufficient..." part. You know, I will give you what you need to make it through this (get by). But then I decided to do a little search on what sufficient actually means, because I really don't want to just get by. Sufficient means:
- to be possessed of unfailing strength
- to be strong, to suffice, to be enough
- to defend, ward off
- to be satisfied, to be contented
See? It's not just getting by with the bare minimum, it is unfailing strength. And I have to think that when God gives us "enough" it's not just getting by, but a FILLING. I mean, to be satisfied is not just having a taste of something when you are hungry, it fills the hunger. The cool thing is that it is HIS unfailing strength, HIS sufficiency, HE is the defender, HE wards off, He satisfies, etc. Again, I was thinking in such limited, human terms instead of the truth of how big God is and how complete He is. Thank You, Father, that it all comes fromYou.
Sole Deo Gloria!
Monday, March 22, 2010
How I Fell Apart (or actually started getting it together)
Letting Go
I Peter 4:12-13
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 was 27 years old. My life was neat, planned, well-orchestrated. My husband and I had been married for four years. We had a nice home, a dog that didn’t shed (very important), and we both had good jobs. Yep, we were DINKS – Dual Income, NO Kids. I was teaching middle school Language Arts and working on my Master’s degree. Believe it or not, I had no further plans than to finish my degree. We were so busy that we hadn’t had time to sit down and plan the next five years of our lives, but it was on the agenda.
So, that was my life. I played it safe. I taught school. I took classes toward my master's degree, did homework, graded homework, taught aerobics after school each day, went to church every time the doors were open, helped my husband lead a couples Bible study, and worked in the Young Married’s Class at church. Daily, personal study? No, I didn’t have time for that with all those things I was doing. I justified it that I was at church four services a week, and I did read the books that we were studying for our Bible study so that I would be prepared for our group discussions. Plus, I listened to Christian radio, and not just to songs; I listened to some good teachers when I could, like J. Vernon McGee, Charles Swindoll, and John McArthur. I don’t know exactly what it was that changed my heart, but He did start changing me, even with as little as I was giving Him of me personally. I did pray, though I regret that they were often shallow prayers, and then at 27, I began to long for more. More of Him. Lord, You are awesome that You can take such dead, dry, bleached bones and start a spark of life to grow!
I began to remember how I used to pray when I was a little girl. I used to just talk to God all the time about everything that was doing or thinking, so I decided to do that again. I had to purpose in my heart to “pray without ceasing” and I specifically began to focus in on my driving time to and from work. The immediate benefit of that was that I stopped being an angry, uptight driver.
I remember driving home from work one day, considering me neat little life and realizing how much effort I put into making and keeping my life just so. “No wonder I’m tired and overwhelmed. This is exhausting work controlling everything in my life, but I fear letting go.”
It was as if He said to me, “Don’t you trust Me?”
“Well, I do trust You, Lord, but what if You want me to go somewhere I don’t want to go? Like, what if You want me to go be a missionary in some remote part of Africa? You know I don’t even like to go camping here. How could I do something like that?”
“If you believe I am Who I say I am, then you know that you can trust Me. If you don’t, then do you really, really believe at all?”
“I do believe, but I’m afraid to let go of all these things that make me who I am. What will happen? What will people think if I stop doing all these other things for You and let go?”
“You aren’t doing those things for Me. This is what I want for you. Come. Trust Me. I want to show you Who I really am. Let go. Trust Me.”
I did let go. It started with a simple prayer, “Lord, I’m tired of being in control. Lord, I trust You to lead me and do what You want to do with my life. Please, show me what You want me to do.” And He did.
What have we faced since then?
• Infertility
• 2 adoptions that fell through and 2 that resulted in our beautiful daughters
• Breast cancer
• Depression
• Betrayal
• Loss of job
• Loss of business
• Financial hardship
• And the list goes on
So, if I can trust Him, why did I begin writing this piece with a verse about suffering? Read the whole passage again and remember the words, “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” Dear Reader, in all of this He has also blessed us, not as man counts blessings. He has been refining us, stripping away the false gods and revealing life and truth as He draws us closer to Him. The joy of His glory revealed in you IS worth letting go of what we perceive as safe and joining in His suffering. This joy, His Glory, this is our purpose. This is true fulfillment!
To His Glory!
WPS
I Peter 4:12-13
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 was 27 years old. My life was neat, planned, well-orchestrated. My husband and I had been married for four years. We had a nice home, a dog that didn’t shed (very important), and we both had good jobs. Yep, we were DINKS – Dual Income, NO Kids. I was teaching middle school Language Arts and working on my Master’s degree. Believe it or not, I had no further plans than to finish my degree. We were so busy that we hadn’t had time to sit down and plan the next five years of our lives, but it was on the agenda.
So, that was my life. I played it safe. I taught school. I took classes toward my master's degree, did homework, graded homework, taught aerobics after school each day, went to church every time the doors were open, helped my husband lead a couples Bible study, and worked in the Young Married’s Class at church. Daily, personal study? No, I didn’t have time for that with all those things I was doing. I justified it that I was at church four services a week, and I did read the books that we were studying for our Bible study so that I would be prepared for our group discussions. Plus, I listened to Christian radio, and not just to songs; I listened to some good teachers when I could, like J. Vernon McGee, Charles Swindoll, and John McArthur. I don’t know exactly what it was that changed my heart, but He did start changing me, even with as little as I was giving Him of me personally. I did pray, though I regret that they were often shallow prayers, and then at 27, I began to long for more. More of Him. Lord, You are awesome that You can take such dead, dry, bleached bones and start a spark of life to grow!
I began to remember how I used to pray when I was a little girl. I used to just talk to God all the time about everything that was doing or thinking, so I decided to do that again. I had to purpose in my heart to “pray without ceasing” and I specifically began to focus in on my driving time to and from work. The immediate benefit of that was that I stopped being an angry, uptight driver.
I remember driving home from work one day, considering me neat little life and realizing how much effort I put into making and keeping my life just so. “No wonder I’m tired and overwhelmed. This is exhausting work controlling everything in my life, but I fear letting go.”
It was as if He said to me, “Don’t you trust Me?”
“Well, I do trust You, Lord, but what if You want me to go somewhere I don’t want to go? Like, what if You want me to go be a missionary in some remote part of Africa? You know I don’t even like to go camping here. How could I do something like that?”
“If you believe I am Who I say I am, then you know that you can trust Me. If you don’t, then do you really, really believe at all?”
“I do believe, but I’m afraid to let go of all these things that make me who I am. What will happen? What will people think if I stop doing all these other things for You and let go?”
“You aren’t doing those things for Me. This is what I want for you. Come. Trust Me. I want to show you Who I really am. Let go. Trust Me.”
I did let go. It started with a simple prayer, “Lord, I’m tired of being in control. Lord, I trust You to lead me and do what You want to do with my life. Please, show me what You want me to do.” And He did.
What have we faced since then?
• Infertility
• 2 adoptions that fell through and 2 that resulted in our beautiful daughters
• Breast cancer
• Depression
• Betrayal
• Loss of job
• Loss of business
• Financial hardship
• And the list goes on
So, if I can trust Him, why did I begin writing this piece with a verse about suffering? Read the whole passage again and remember the words, “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” Dear Reader, in all of this He has also blessed us, not as man counts blessings. He has been refining us, stripping away the false gods and revealing life and truth as He draws us closer to Him. The joy of His glory revealed in you IS worth letting go of what we perceive as safe and joining in His suffering. This joy, His Glory, this is our purpose. This is true fulfillment!
To His Glory!
WPS
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Who are the warrior princess sisters?
We are Christian women who have been in a small group together for the past 4 years for the purpose of encouraging and praying for one another. We have been in Bible study and discipleship with each other as we each seek to walk closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As the eldest, and often the unofficial leader, I have taken it on myself to start this blog to create a forum for the 4 of us to post our own struggles and victories to encourage each other and anyone else who may be seeking encouragement in her walk with the Lord.
As the eldest, and often the unofficial leader, I have taken it on myself to start this blog to create a forum for the 4 of us to post our own struggles and victories to encourage each other and anyone else who may be seeking encouragement in her walk with the Lord.
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