Let's Make It Easy

What if we as Christians would just live like Jesus? What if we would stop expecting the fallen world to conform to our ways when we ourselves struggle to live by what the Bible teaches? What if we butted out of political agendas and just lived lives filled with the Spirit - compassionately pursuing the lost and hurting people in our communities? What is we stopped complaining about "church persecution" and actually lived like the early church in Acts where so many willingly gave their lives for the faith they professed?

What if we actually allowed the Living God of the Universe, the creator of our body, mind, soul and spirit, to be Lord in every area of our lives? Not hiding the dirty parts or pointing out others’ sin in order to cover up our own. What if churches in America stopped competing with one another over style and theology and just united in a desperate effort to reach people who are headed for eternal separation from God?

Acts 15 tells about a meeting of the church leaders to discuss what should be required of the Gentiles who were coming to faith in Jesus. Should they have to first become Jewish? Should the men have to be circumcised? Should they be made to follow the Law of Moses? Peter said in verses 7-9, 

“Brothers,” he said, “you know that some time ago God chose me to take the good news to those who aren’t Jews. He wanted them to hear the good news and believe. God knows the human heart. By giving the Holy Spirit to non-Jews, he showed that he accepted them. He did the same for them as he had done for us. He showed that there is no difference between us and them. He made their hearts pure because of their faith...”

A few verses later, James gives his opinion and says in verse 19, 

“Now here is my opinion. We should not make it hard for the non-Jews who are turning to God...”

I have been thinking a lot lately about how I am reflecting the Light of Jesus Christ to the non-believers in my life. Do I live in a way that demonstrates the peace and hope that I have in my Savior? Am I compassionate toward people who look and act different that I do? Do I extend Grace to those already condemned or do I continue to condemn them by ignoring them and complaining about “the way our culture is”? Do I make it easy for non-believers to find faith in Jesus Christ?

I NEVER want to compromise the truth of God’s word, but I don’t want to live without extending grace to lost people who need Jesus just as much as I do. I am broken and have sinned, but God called me out of my pit of despair to experience LIFE with him now and forever. I never want to accept or excuse sin, but I don’t want to cast down the sinner as someone who is beyond saving. 

“God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world. He sent his Son to save the world through him.” John 3:17 NIrV)

Lord Jesus, help me to have a heart of compassion and a heart for your Truth. Help me to be like Jesus and live to share his saving grace and not condemn those who already stand condemned. Show me how to trust you in the everyday things of life so I can trust you when the trials and challenges come. So that when I face opportunities to proclaim your name, I will not fear awkward moments, ridicule, and even persecution. May I count it all joy when I get to suffer like Christ. Thank you Lord for loving me and saving me. Thank you for your faithfulness and gentle guidance especially when I mess up - as I often do.

May you be glorified through my life! Amen

"You Are" by Colton Dixon  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM8hxE-j4T8

What are you afraid of?

Ever since November 7 when I discovered I was pregnant with our 4th child, my mind has been flooded with fearful thoughts, ideas, and even bad dreams. Every time something like that creeps into my mind I hear a still, small voice say, "What are you afraid of?" God is not the author of fear, doubt, worry, and stress. He provides verse after verse in His Word to help us learn how to fear only him and turn the rest over to him. We are to rest in him. We are to trust him. We are to obey him. We are to take heart because Christ has overcome this world (John 15:33). These words are easy to say and much harder to live out in our daily circumstances.

As the news of another child, which we were NOT planning to have ever, started to sink into my brain the first fear was how to tell Tyrone and what his response was going to be. He definitely did not want another baby as much as or more so than me. We had just come through some very rocky times in our relationship. We were headed in a very positive direction, but could this news derail our progress. My imagination was running wild with all the worst case scenarios that could happen. I had to recognize these thoughts for what they were - sin and satan's lies seeking to destroy this family God has put together.

I started thinking about gaining weight and my brand new jeans not fitting anymore. I started thinking about feeling sick and being exhausted. I started thinking about how inadequate I feel as a parent some days and wondering how in the world I could handle another child.  We were dealing with a lot of unexpected behavior issues with Jeremiah last semester and satan really used that to attach me and amplify the negative voices in my head that said I don't know how to be a mom. Worst of all, I thought about another miscarriage.  I still battle with the fear of miscarriage everytime I go to the bathroom. I start to think what is wrong with my body if I lose another pregnancy. In those early week, I even felt guilty for thinking I could be relieved if a miscarriage were to happen.

Wow! This is crazy. No wonder God's voice kept whispering, "What are you afraid of?" I have spent a little time reading and rereading Romans 8:18- 39 as I gathered my thoughts to write this. Here are a few of the verses that really grabbed me. I encourage you to read the whole passage.

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us...²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[i] have been called according to his purpose...

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?...³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

So again, God whispers to me. "What are you afraid of?" It took Tyrone a couple of days to get past the shock of my news, but as my mentor and I started praying before I told him, he is starting to get excited. He has even been the one to share the news in some unexpected ways. It is a new opportunity for us to experience the miracle of a new child after the miracle God did in our marriage.

 

Yet again, God whispers to me."What are you afraid of?" God is teaching us so much as we work through the issues with Jeremiah and as we learn to parent elementary school children. We are learning how to depend on Him more which is always a good thing. God reminds me constantly that he would never give me more than I can handle if I trust him and allow him to lead.

 

I still struggle with allowing myself to accept this completely for fear that I will have a miscarriage. There is no guilt however, just a fear of having to grieve what we have lost. Again, God whisper, "What are you afraid of?" He has a purpose for this unborn child no matter how many days he or she is on this earth. There is tremendous comfort in that and that truth is enough.

 

As far as my jeans not fitting for while - well that just seems a little selfish. I just need to be responsible with my diet and exercise - as I normally would - and those jeans will fit again. (I imagine chasing after 4 kids will help them fit a little faster.) When we heard the heart beat for the first time a few weeks ago, tight jeans were the furthest thing from my mind.

 

I will officially start the 2nd trimester of this pregnancy tomorrow. Time is already flying by. The kids are so excited. We are planning financially for the hospital expenses and trust that God will show us the way as we begin this leg of our parenting journey. I am looking forward to another ultrasound at the end of the month to see this little person again. The kids can't wait to join us at the 20 week ultrasound to find out if we are having a boy or girl. Of course, there is that new baby smell to look forward to also. When you think about it that way I have to say to myself - what are you afraid of?

What a Year!

Here we are about to close out another year. Each year as the calendar flips to January first I think about how far away December sounds, but it never fails to return a little bit faster than it did the year before. 2012 is no acception. We celebrated the New Year in Ohio with my family last year. This year will most likely provide less eventful since we elected to stay home through the holiday season. But as Always (pun intended) God gave me a song - the same song at church this morning as he did last New Year's. It is "Always" by Kristian Stanfill. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzJH4YeqfuQ

We did some traveling in 2012. We flew to South Carolina at the end of May after missing the trip in 2011. It was so great to see old friends and family and of course, spend some time at the beach. The kids and I drove back to Evansville, IN at the end of June. I coached at the throwing clinic (shot put and discus) I have done for the past 4 years and we visited will some old friends and our UE family. We then drove on to visit my family in Ohio for the 4th of July. To our great big surprise, Tyrone flew up a few days after we arrived to surprise us and spend some time relaxing with us at the farm. He had convinced me that his summer school schedule and an important meeting would keep him from traveling at all. We also took a 2 day trip to Branson, MO right before Christmas to enjoy an indoor water park, dinner and a show, and too much other good food.

Last winter was quiet with no snow and very mild temperatures. It was a wonderful way to settle into our new home in NW Arkansas. January wrapped up with the celebration of Lydia's first birthday. She was walking by that time and was full of personality although she had very little hair. Now as we approach her second birthday, she has a full head of crazy, curly hair and continues to surprise us each day with her vocabulary and "grown up" way of doing things. Most recently she has taken a great interest in playing dress-up with "Esha" (rarely she will get out the full Maiesha), mothering her baby dolls, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and saying prayers to Jesus at meals and bedtime. We hope to wrap up potty training around her birthday and transition into a toddler bed so she can come to us during the night rather than yelling "Mooom" or "Daaad" from her crib.

Maiesha was completely immersed in a wonderful preschool experience last winter. For the first time, she had a group of best friends and one "sister", Hadley, that she really enjoyed playing with. They all went on to different schools in the fall, but we have been able to keep in touch and make time to play with them inspite of preschool graduation. To our pleasant surprise, Maiesha went off to kindergarten without shedding a single tear that first day. She has made some great new friends and loves her teacher. Her reading and math skills are starting to blossom and she read "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" to me before bed last night. She has a very sweet spirit, but has struggled with some teenage-like emotions particularly when she is tired. She continued with dance again this year adding Jazz with the Ballet and Tap. She had a wonderful recital in the spring and they did an extra Christmas performance December 1. She loves making crafts a jewelry in her free time at home.

Jeremiah had a wonderful first grade experience last year. He wrapped up the spring with a super fun 7th birthday party here at home with lots of friends, and giant Harry Potter cake and homemade ice cream. In August he started taekwondo right before school began. He has already moved from white to orange to yellow belt and continues to catch on quickly. The instructors say he has natural talent and does a great job. He hopes to attend his first tournament in January. Jeremiah was thrilled to begin second grade, but by September was clearly not enjoying school. He has really struggled at times throughout the fall semester with a number of teaching changes and learning how to deal with his emotions. He still loves to read and does very well, but is otherwise not so interested in school right now. He does seem to be developing an interest in traveling the world and is still full of personality with a crazy ability to talk anyone's ear off. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Tyrone has had a very eventful 2012. He has been awarded 2 grants, has a lab full of hard working students, including 2 PhD students, and has made a ton of connections with other professors across campus that he can collaborate with on various research projects. He continues to enjoy teaching, but has to take a more balanced approach now that research is such a big part of his resposibilities. He hopes to get his first 2 research papers published this spring as well as continue to look for more funding to keep new projects flowing. Tyrone has been able to devote more time to being home now that his first year is in the books. He has enjoyed spending more time doing family stuff and taking Jeremiah to lots of his taekwondo classes. He hopes to join in once we have some extra money since he did karate as a child. We have joined a community group at church and have also be able to connect with some other families outside our church.

I volunteered at the University as a track & field official last winter and spring. It was a wonderful experience and a great way to stay connected to the sport I love so much. I hope to be there again this year, but probably a little less often with the new responsibilities I have going on. I really enjoyed hosting "Lunch at Lynette's" once a month through 2012. It was a great was to connect with other stay-at-home moms and use my gift of hospitality.  I started my new part-time job at our church as the Children's Ministry Director at the end of July. It has been a great experience so far and I am looking forward to lots of great things especially as we prepare to move our church to a new larger facility in 2013. The biggest surprise of all, after working through some marriage issues at the end of summer, is the new life God has birthed in me. Yes, we are expecting a new baby in July. As we start to plan and prepare for this "icing on the cake" miracle it really is a symbol of new beginnings for our family as we head into 2013.

As one of my dear, old friends put it, "Congrats on a full quiver." It comes from Psalm 127:4-5.
 "Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court."

A baby born to die

I am going to sit on my anti-santa soapbox today. Last year we decided to tell Jeremiah and Maiesha that santa claus is not real. We told them that their Christmas gifts come from us and other family members and that santa is a fun way to pretend, but he is make believe just like their favorite characters from tv and movies. They seemed to accept the news in stride, and mostly wanted to know that they would, in fact, still receive gifts at Christmas time. We reassured them that we would always give them gifts.

All year long they took a little joy in telling adults that santa is not really. It is like they had been let in on the secret and they want to brag about it. (Don't worry...we also told them not to tell other kids becuase not everyone knows and it not their job to tell.) At school, however, Maiesha's teacher must have read a book about santa and being on his naughty or nice list. She has been extra emotional lately, especially when she is tired, and she got really upset last Saturday while we were riding in the car. She was upset because she thought she was not going to get any gifts because she had not been a "good girl" this year. Her teacher SAID she would get rocks for Christmas if she was not good. (I think she was referring to coal, but rocks work too.) I was not at all upset with her teacher for telling the story, but I quickly squashed her fears that her receiving any gifts at Christmas was conditional on how "good" she had been this year.

This brings me to my soapbox. Our culture has built this expectation on earning gifts from santa by being more good than bad all year. If we even just finish the year well, or do something really selfless right before Christmas, we can get onto santa's nice list and ensure we get lots of good presents. This is in complete opposition to the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas.

God, in his perfect love for his creation, sent his Son, Jesus, to this world in human form to be the ultimate gift of salvation for all who believe in him. We are all on the "naughty list" if you really think about it. Jesus is the ONLY way we can can experience God's mercy and grace and live forever with Him.

Colossians 1: 15-23 (NIRV) says,
"Christ is the exact likeness of God, who can’t be seen. He is first, and he is over all of creation. ¹⁶ All things were created by him. He created everything in heaven and on earth. He created everything that can be seen and everything that can’t be seen. He created kings, powers, rulers and authorities. Everything was created by him and for him. ¹⁷ Before anything was created, he was already there. He holds everything together.
¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning. He is the first to be raised from the dead. That happened so that he would be far above everything. ¹⁹ God was pleased to have his whole nature living in Christ. ²⁰ God was pleased to bring all things back to himself because of what Christ has done. That includes all things on earth and in heaven. God made peace through Christ’s blood, through his death on the cross.
²¹ At one time you were separated from God. You were enemies in your minds because of your evil ways. ²² But because Christ died, God has brought you back to himself. Christ’s death has made you holy in God’s sight. So now you don’t have any flaw. You are free from blame.
²³ But you must keep your faith steady and firm. Don’t move away from the hope that the good news holds out to you. It is the good news that you heard. It has been preached to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, now serve the good news."

In order to comfort Maiesha, this is what I shared with her. I told her that we give gifts to each other at Christmas time to show our love for each other like God showed his love for us by sending Jesus. Our gifts to each other, as best we can try to replicate God's love, show each other that our love is not conditional on how good we have been all year, but just a way to express our love like God did when Jesus was born in the manger more than 2000 years ago. And more gifts do not mean more love. It is all about our hearts. No amount of money or gifts can measure up to God's gift of salvation.

Jesus knew he came to die so that we could be reconciled to God and have a relationship with him that cannot be taken away. There is no greater gift! If you do not know Jesus as your savior, it is very simple. Just pray!
1) Acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you cannot save yourself.
2)Acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and only He can save you.
3)Believe that His death on the Cross was for your personal sins and that His death was in your behalf. Believe that he rose from the grave and is alive seated at the right hand of God in heaven.
4) Give Him your life and ask Him to be your Savior and Lord.

Merry Christmas! I hope you will experience God's love and mercy this holiday season.
"A Baby Born to Die" by Bebo Norman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S5cQhx2nZA

Life is short...

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.

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!

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