Life is short. Isn't this something we say often when we consider the length of our lives. When we contemplate death - especially death "before someone's time". We think about how quickly time flies as we get older.
Last week I realized a new - perhaps more significant - perspective for this expression. I had lunch with a friend to say good-bye to her and her sweet family. I met Erika almost a year ago through a mutual friend. It wasn't until the end of August, just a couple months ago, that we had the conversation that began our friendship.
We were sitting at her neighborhood pool watching our daughters play when I asked if she and her family attended church. We had a wonderful conversation that day about her church history and our current churches. We talked very candidly about our relationships with God and other Christians. Through another mutual friend, we ended up in a community group together just a few weeks after our pool-side conversation.
In the last 6 weeks we have invested our Monday nights with this group praying for and encouraging each other. At the very beginning we learned that Erika's husband had been denied his work visa renewal and they were pretty confident they would have to leaave the country. Our group was able to rally around their family to encourage them, pray with them, and rejoice as God worked out all the details of their difficult transition. We witnessed God miraculously sell their house. We watched their quiet strength and faith in God grow and stretch as they made plans to leave their Fayetteville home forever. Leaving most of their possessions behind, carrying only what would fit in suitcases on an airplane, Erika and her husband and their two sweet daughters, boarded a plane last Saturday to leave the United States - quite possibly never to return again.
"So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." - Ephesians 5:15-17
Our culture, satan, and our sinful nature call us to do the opposite of this. We get caught up in selfish ambition and meaningless practices. We miss so many opportunities to connect with people who need us and people that we need.
God, please open my eyes so that I will see this world the way you see it. So that I will see people the way you see them. Help me to reach out and build relationships with people around me so we become the people you want us to be. People who are united and compassionate. People who share each other burdens whether it is for a life time or for a few moments. Help me to see that the smallest conversations and gestures can have the greatest impact for your kingdom. - Amen
I am so thankful to have spent these last few weeks investing in this new friendship. Erika would say our community group was an answer to their prayers. They asked God to bring meaningful relationships to support them and HE did it. How exciting is it to be a part of an answered prayer.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
I need a pedicure
I really enjoy getting a pedicure. It is a great 30-45 minutes to relax and be pampered. I loved the fresh, renewed feeling of the whole process, and, of course, when my "dogs are out" - which is quit often - I like them to be neat with glossy polish not barking at people as they walk by. However, I can't justify spending money every month on a pedicure so I have to do some maintenance for myself.
I realized this morning that I had allowed myself to neglect this simple chore because I was so wrapped up in not being about to get a pedicure right now. I have been looking at my feet for weeks thinking they were looking a little rough around the edges (really starting to bark loudly), but sulking that I couldn't get a pedicure. So rather than tackle this myself I became "paralyzed" by what I couldn't have. I have been walking around letting my feet be less than their best - for what - because I couldn't have what I think I need or deserve.
That sounds a bit childish. I have probably had conversations with my kids about a similar attitude in them from my parent pedistle wagging my finger at them when I need to also discipline myself.
Isn't this how we tend to operate in our faith all to often? I can't be a missionary in a far off country. I can't be the pastor of a church. I can't give large sums of money to help a cause. I don't share my faith because I don't want to offend someone or feel awkward. I am just _______ so God can't really use me anyway.
What a shame that we allow ourselves to believe these lies. What a shame lost and hurting people are all around us dying every day and we are stuck in what we can't do or won't do rather than what we can do. Who know? Perhaps we could contribute in some larger way if we begin to open up to the small things God wants to do through us.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."
- 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
This morning I stopped for 5 minutes and painted my toe nails and put a little extra lotion on my feet. It is no pedicure, but it is what I can do today to make a difference in the appearance of my feet. I feel better, emotional and physically, having done this small thing. In spite of the temperature, I can put on my flip flops with more confidence that my dogs are not on the attack. ;-)
Who might feel better for all of eternity if you take one small step today toward something that God is nudging you toward. This will boost your confidence too, and allow God to strengthen you. To help you shake that paralyzed, helpless feeling and pursue the plan and purpose he has for you!
I realized this morning that I had allowed myself to neglect this simple chore because I was so wrapped up in not being about to get a pedicure right now. I have been looking at my feet for weeks thinking they were looking a little rough around the edges (really starting to bark loudly), but sulking that I couldn't get a pedicure. So rather than tackle this myself I became "paralyzed" by what I couldn't have. I have been walking around letting my feet be less than their best - for what - because I couldn't have what I think I need or deserve.
That sounds a bit childish. I have probably had conversations with my kids about a similar attitude in them from my parent pedistle wagging my finger at them when I need to also discipline myself.
Isn't this how we tend to operate in our faith all to often? I can't be a missionary in a far off country. I can't be the pastor of a church. I can't give large sums of money to help a cause. I don't share my faith because I don't want to offend someone or feel awkward. I am just _______ so God can't really use me anyway.
What a shame that we allow ourselves to believe these lies. What a shame lost and hurting people are all around us dying every day and we are stuck in what we can't do or won't do rather than what we can do. Who know? Perhaps we could contribute in some larger way if we begin to open up to the small things God wants to do through us.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."
- 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
This morning I stopped for 5 minutes and painted my toe nails and put a little extra lotion on my feet. It is no pedicure, but it is what I can do today to make a difference in the appearance of my feet. I feel better, emotional and physically, having done this small thing. In spite of the temperature, I can put on my flip flops with more confidence that my dogs are not on the attack. ;-)
Who might feel better for all of eternity if you take one small step today toward something that God is nudging you toward. This will boost your confidence too, and allow God to strengthen you. To help you shake that paralyzed, helpless feeling and pursue the plan and purpose he has for you!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Get filled up so you can pour it out
Wow! it has been a while since I have written. I have missed sitting down to "unload" my heart of all that is going on. The last few weeks have been full of amazing stories, family challenges, and peace in the midst of it all.
I have been pouring into family, friends, my job and even strangers. That can suck you dry very quickly. Thank the Lord he has provided wonderful people to pour back into me the last few weeks. He has given me a marriage that is growing and getting better every day. He has given me 2 children who are full of energy and want to know more about God's plan for their lives. He has given me a precious toddler who gives amazing hugs and makes us laugh constantly. He has allowed me to be a part of a church that is growing and seeking His plan. I have amazing co-workers and a boss that I look forward to hanging out with each week. He has provided other moms that I can pray with and talk through our "kids issues" each week.
The list can go on and on, but the most notable story would be my new friend (and mentor although she doesn't like that title) Alice. Early in September we were challenged at "Cupcakes and Coffee" - the launch of our women's ministry for this year - to get a mentor and become a mentor. I have the mentor thing covered. I am always "stumbling" into relationships where I am able to encourage young moms, college students, and other seemingly random situations. It was clear God was telling me I need to find a person like that for me. There are several wonderful women in my life that have poured into me. The problem with them is they live in other states around the country. I need someone local that I can sit with face-to-face.
Back on September 1, I went to a baby shower for an acquaintance of mine. I nearly missed the shower because I couldn't find the invitation with the address. I searched the incoming call history in my phone because the host had actually called a couple weeks earlier to let me know the time of the shower had changed. I found the unfamiliar number in my phone and called to get directions. She lived right around the corner from us and it literally took 2 minutes to get there. Maiesha and I arrived a little late, but made it there nonetheless to celebrate with the mommy-to-be. While at that baby shower, I had a lovely chat with a woman named Alice. She made a very positive first impression and we each knew a few of the same people from other circles which connected us. I said good-bye to her that day thinking it would be nice to run into her again, but I don't know exactly why we really would. Little did I know God appointed that conversation so that when presented with the idea of finding a mentor, I knew exactly who to contact.
Two days after "Cupcakes and Coffee", I got Alice's email from one of our mutual friends and sent her an email with my bold request. She replied within the hour. We talked later that afternoon. After praying about it, Alice called me the next day to say she would be happy to get together with me and be my mentor. We have been meeting once a week for three weeks and each conversation confirms that God has put her in my life for this season. I look forward to our time together each week and love feeling so refreshed after our visits.
God is opening my eyes to people and situations all around me who need him. He is working through me to reach out to those people. A homeless girl who is estranged from her family. Our adopted family living in poverty. A girl at the grocery store the I need to speak to because I saw cutting scares on her arms. A new friend who is searching for answers and after sharing the gospel with her wants to hear more. Uncovering why Jeremiah has struggled so much this year with school. A young single mom to mentor and encourage. A family who must uproot and leave the country because of a paperwork error for his work visa.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and he helps me ." Psalm 28:7
I want to live like I believe this verse. If he is my strength and my shield then I can do anything he asks and he will protect me along the way. If I say that I trust him, do my actions follow suit? Do I allow him to help me or just operate in my own abilities?
How does God want to use you? Are you listening to him so you can find out? Do you have people pouring into your life so you can pour it right back out into others? God created us for relationships - marriage, parenting, friends, strangers
I have been pouring into family, friends, my job and even strangers. That can suck you dry very quickly. Thank the Lord he has provided wonderful people to pour back into me the last few weeks. He has given me a marriage that is growing and getting better every day. He has given me 2 children who are full of energy and want to know more about God's plan for their lives. He has given me a precious toddler who gives amazing hugs and makes us laugh constantly. He has allowed me to be a part of a church that is growing and seeking His plan. I have amazing co-workers and a boss that I look forward to hanging out with each week. He has provided other moms that I can pray with and talk through our "kids issues" each week.
The list can go on and on, but the most notable story would be my new friend (and mentor although she doesn't like that title) Alice. Early in September we were challenged at "Cupcakes and Coffee" - the launch of our women's ministry for this year - to get a mentor and become a mentor. I have the mentor thing covered. I am always "stumbling" into relationships where I am able to encourage young moms, college students, and other seemingly random situations. It was clear God was telling me I need to find a person like that for me. There are several wonderful women in my life that have poured into me. The problem with them is they live in other states around the country. I need someone local that I can sit with face-to-face.
Back on September 1, I went to a baby shower for an acquaintance of mine. I nearly missed the shower because I couldn't find the invitation with the address. I searched the incoming call history in my phone because the host had actually called a couple weeks earlier to let me know the time of the shower had changed. I found the unfamiliar number in my phone and called to get directions. She lived right around the corner from us and it literally took 2 minutes to get there. Maiesha and I arrived a little late, but made it there nonetheless to celebrate with the mommy-to-be. While at that baby shower, I had a lovely chat with a woman named Alice. She made a very positive first impression and we each knew a few of the same people from other circles which connected us. I said good-bye to her that day thinking it would be nice to run into her again, but I don't know exactly why we really would. Little did I know God appointed that conversation so that when presented with the idea of finding a mentor, I knew exactly who to contact.
Two days after "Cupcakes and Coffee", I got Alice's email from one of our mutual friends and sent her an email with my bold request. She replied within the hour. We talked later that afternoon. After praying about it, Alice called me the next day to say she would be happy to get together with me and be my mentor. We have been meeting once a week for three weeks and each conversation confirms that God has put her in my life for this season. I look forward to our time together each week and love feeling so refreshed after our visits.
God is opening my eyes to people and situations all around me who need him. He is working through me to reach out to those people. A homeless girl who is estranged from her family. Our adopted family living in poverty. A girl at the grocery store the I need to speak to because I saw cutting scares on her arms. A new friend who is searching for answers and after sharing the gospel with her wants to hear more. Uncovering why Jeremiah has struggled so much this year with school. A young single mom to mentor and encourage. A family who must uproot and leave the country because of a paperwork error for his work visa.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and he helps me ." Psalm 28:7
I want to live like I believe this verse. If he is my strength and my shield then I can do anything he asks and he will protect me along the way. If I say that I trust him, do my actions follow suit? Do I allow him to help me or just operate in my own abilities?
How does God want to use you? Are you listening to him so you can find out? Do you have people pouring into your life so you can pour it right back out into others? God created us for relationships - marriage, parenting, friends, strangers
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