Living Large with the Man in Charge

Nothing too Lofty...

2011-12-23T08:52:00.001-05:00

I have had a tough week personally. There has been a lot of unnecessary drama. All, I believe, is a direct attack from Satan, who in none-too-pleased with my commitment to serve my church as the Children's Ministry Director. In this past week, among other minor hiccups, I was accused of something, and have seen that one person's idea of dealing with issues is not how I would manage them.

Let's face it, we're all different people, we WILL have differences. It's how we manage these differences that really matters.

So anyway, I have not slept well, knowing that the way things were addressed with me were personally hurtful and the accusations made were false. So, after wrestling with hurt feelings and wanting to defend myself against lies and an offense towards me, I sought the Lord, and was reminded of grace~ realizing that not only do I need it for myself, but I need to offer it to others. None of us are perfect, and He came to save us all. I am not judge or jury, and I need to trust Him to work out the details of all our lives.

My focus has been on matters far too great for me... I am not Him, and I need to leave his job to him... My role is to concern myself with being his servant in what I have been assigned to do, and to do it with honor and humility, and nothing more.

Psalm 131

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed myself and quieted my ambitions. I am like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child I am content. Isreal, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.

Whatever we do, do it as if unto the Lord, right?

So today, I choose a new perspective~ one centered on Christ and his power. I will trust in the Lord with ALL my heart, leaning not on my own understanding, acknowledging him in ALL I do, and trust HE will make my paths straight.

It's not about me, or that I want someone to understand truth for themselves. But it is about trusting that He is acting on my behalf, and he works in people's hearts without my intervention. And I need to quiet myself to be content with the fact that indeed He is God, and these lofty things, are all within His power.

I will not concern myself with things too lofty for me.

Praise Jesus for what He is capable of doing...

For the truth is, our best attempts at manipulation are no match to His vast orchestration on all our behalf.

Bless you, friend, in your search for truth as well.

Raising an Ebenezer

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

I've been pondering over a recent gift I've received from God, having been asked to oversee the children's ministry at our church. I am so grateful and humbled by the opportunity to serve not only my family, but so many families, that my mind is on overload! There are so many things I want to do in this opportunity to grow this ministry.

Brian and I look at this, look at our history, and we are amazed by the past couple years, and the route we've taken from Louisville to Charleston. Like Abraham and Sarah, we would have never known that He would be so good to us in so many ways in this new land, had we not followed His leading those two years ago. It has been a process, a struggle even at times, to get to where we are now. But neither he, nor I, feel that we could be anymore blessed than we do right now. And I've rested in the goodness for a bit.

I was expressing my humility and excitement to a wise woman last evening, and she said to me, "Be sure to raise your Ebenezer. The Devil will seek to devour this." Ebenezer, meaning stone of help. I'd forgotten in the basking of this goodness to make a physical claim of it all. So, today, in this forum, I raise my Ebenezer once again, yet perhaps a little less like stone and more like the innocence of a child, as a reminder of God's great goodness in my life, of God's omniscience and power in my life.

In all our lives, sister. Do you have an Ebenezer to raise?

When I raise my Ebenezer, I have a physical reminder of His provision and love when times will inevitably get tough. There will be days I will be overwhelmed by the magnitude of my appointed task, there will be days I'd rather snuggle in bed with my husband and my babies. But this Ebenezer will remind me of my appointed task, of his provision, and his presence in all of it, from alpha to omega.

Beginning to end, he will provide.

Being a planner, an organizer, a serious completer of tasks, this reminds me of the magnitude of the position I've been placed in. Because the truth is, since He's appointed it, He has already provided for each step. And I labor in vein if I forget my Ebenezer.

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1

So today, I sit at His feet, choosing not to labor in vain by offering all of the future steps back to him, humbly admitting it is far beyond my knowledge and capabilities in and of myself. And I am grateful that He who is in me is so much greater than the world. And I need not fear the things to come that will seek to drive me from this place of strength and conviction of His goodness and power.

My Ebenezer, my God.

Thank you Lord for this physical reminder of your provision to me, and my family. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to serve so many families. Thank you Lord that this will require me to lean into you, to trust you to provide in every step of the process. I look forward to understanding You more fully, your provision, your grace, in all of this. I pray for those who may need to raise an Ebenezer in their own lives, and pray they will be at peace in seeing the goodness of you Lord, in the land of the living, as I do. Amen and Amen.

Bless you friend, and may the Ebenezer you and I raise be our confidence to come in the inevitably trying times.

From My Blog to Your Home: Christmas Card

2011-12-07T21:43:00.001-05:00

In an effort to reach everyone far and wide-web with our Christmas mailing, we post ourselves here. Thank you for meeting us here to live life with us. Bless you, friends!
~ Dawn & my gang (Brian, Amelia, & Lulu)

Faith Love Family Religious

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Roots: A Glancing over 2011

2011-12-06T07:35:00.001-05:00

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

We've nearly closed out our second year of living in Charleston, South Carolina. And as we look back over this year, we see how our roots have been established and watered. And we are growing by the grace and goodness of God alone. We've joined a dear family, James Island Christian Church. We're forging lasting relationships with many people, and are growing tremendously in serving and doing life along side each other. We look back over our transplant, and we knew leaving family behind could have been a risk (especially with small children). Yet the good fortune is that we've experienced that family can be found anywhere. We are grateful to others for the security, love, and accountability we've been given, and are able to give out.

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:7

We've planted and watered our little family, and we thank the Lord for how He continues to grow us up towards the fullness of His Son. And we, being human, have grown to love more fully through grace upon grace for each other~ the only way to live in true harmony with others. We continue to love each other as best we humanly are capable, and fill in our weaknesses with His strength to persevere in all circumstances, both in the joyful and challenging moments. Brian and I, we seek to grow each other, and our little girls up to honor and serve the Lord as best we know how.

And we humbly admit that the knowledge and gentleness Amelia exhibits, while we have tried to impress this upon her, is a gift from God. She has grown physical (six inches since last fall!), and emotionally. She is a kindergartner with a heart for kindness and inclusiveness that we so cherish. Her newly acquired reading and writing skills have opened a new world to her, and us as we teach her more about the world as we know it.

And we know that the joy and laughter Tallulah now expresses, although we've prayed continually for her, is a blessing from the Lord for us. She, who was once so often frustrated by her inability to communicate, has developed a vocabulary and understanding of so many things that make her more content and confident each day. She is a curious child, whose favorite word is "why?," and we so appreciate her desire to learn more.

Now, their dad, Brian, has also grown tremendously in his role at work, having won the hard-earned favor of so many colleagues with his unparalleled work-ethic and intellect. Now, I am sure Brian will balk at my telling you this, but I can say this because I see it first-hand. This man is gifted. And I also say, more importantly, I have seen him flourish with our family, as a leader, as a provider, as a husband, father, and friend. His ability to sacrifice and make the right decisions for us all never ceases to amaze me. He teaches us by example what it means to love well. And I am beside him, encouraging as best I know how, and with God's grace, getting better at it for his sake, and our girls sake.

As for me, I am simply a wife and mother, a humble plunker of words on cyber-paper, and a self-professed farm-to-table cook. While not always a glamourous job, this opportunity for simplicity can create an aroma of peace and joy in our home. And with this, I strive daily to be a living example, so that we learn to love a little better each day, and create a legacy for our children's future homes.

Grace upon grace, we move forward.

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

All this to say, we are greatly humbled by the goodness of God, who knows our hearts, our desires, and chose to root and establish us in a land of comfort, beauty, and history. He has blessed us with so many things beyond our wildest imagination. We truly have seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. We've lived life in the fullest possible way, drinking in the majesty of a city only like Charleston can provide, and sharing it with friends, and family who take the time, trouble, and expense to visit with us. Speaking of our dear family, we've had so many wonderful visits from grandparents, siblings, and friends, that we often feel as if we're more blessed now than when we were living closer to everyone. From sunny beach days, to historic walking tours, and kayak trips (my find from a dirty, old shed behind my chiropractor), to celebrating Superbowl Sunday at our farmer's lowcountry home, oyster roasts on (as well as off) Goat Island, to the bounty of Harvest Festivals, complete with bluegrass (a nod to our Kentucky roots), and plenty of BBQ (a staple in the low country). We love to share our joy with what we've been provided with whomever with allow us. And we are grateful for another year to live, learn, and love more fully as Christ intended.

We thank God for your friendship, your love, and your faithfulness to us, and hope to offer the same in return. We pray you will find Christ center-focus in this season of celebrating His birth.

Merry, merry Christmas to you, and bless you and your family in the new year!

Love~ Brian, Dawn, Amelia, and Lulu Dausman

Confidence and Security: Turned on Its Head

2011-11-17T07:54:00.001-05:00

The One who was born of God keeps them (those born of God) safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. 1 John 5:18b

Over the past few months, I've had the luxury of incubating~ it's been a safe, warm place to test my God-given wings. Looking back, I see that it was God preparing me (and subsequently wooing me) to something bigger, something beyond myself, something completely out of my control.

Oh that Father of mine... He's never pushy, always a gentleman when he woos me.

But the truth is that His wooing straight up scares me. See, I am a rather organized person, living a rather tidy life because, as I've come to realize, it's safer this way. I know the players, I know what to expect (largely), and I've created for myself a cozy cocoon of sorts to insulate myself from the fear of the unknown, the fear of being out of control. And being out of control means I can fail, I can be hurt, and I just plain don't feel safe.

But still He woos me gently, calling me beyond myself.

I've been here before. He has called me to wider open spaces, and in each time drew me from false security to true Security. Always providing me with an incubator to gather strength, and then, in just the right moment, He calls to me, Rise and go, sweet one.

He's never pushy, always patient. Oh how he knows me, the way I work.

And I feel like little Lucy right now who asked Mr. Beaver in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,

"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about being safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."

He is good. Indeed He is.

So here I am. And in my feeble mind what He is asking me to do isn't safe, but I know He is good. So good indeed. And if I can just bend my perspective to look at my fear of the unknown once again as an opportunity to see Him magnified in my life that much more, to see His never-ending love for me, why would I not gravitate towards this fear?

I've traveled this road before, and certainly will travel it again in the future.

And this fear, well, each time it leads me to the One who is bigger than my fears. And I have to believe, if only by my own humble experiences, that He is wooing me to step into another wide unknown to understand the greater goodness of who He is, asking me once again to make small what I fear, to let go of that which I hold onto for safety. Because releasing the fear will certainly lead me to more of Him, magnify and glorify Him, and allow Him become more permanently my True Confidence.

So, I am choosing a wider space, an unknown space, courtesy of my loving Father, who is not safe, but good indeed.

Let the idols of man-made safety crumble, Lord, and lead me to You.

Praise be to God who desires something better for me than false security, who desires to show me how good He really is, and in it, what security really is in Him.

And while I abhor the feeling of fear, I trust Him more than my fear. And I am grateful to know this fear is only a sign that says He is my one True Confidence, not my own man-made, rigged-up security system.

Tell me, friend, is He calling you to a wider space too?

Lord, I thank you for wide open spaces where we can see Your goodness in the land of the living. I pray in our fears, we will cling more heartily to you. That we will seek You as our one True Security, our only Confidence. Remove from us false idols that help us feel safe, and replace them with your Truth. Thank you Lord for sisters and brothers who love us, who incubate with us, and help to lead us towards truth. I pray we will all be surrounded by friends and family who seek after you, and guide us back to you. I thank you for my dear husband, who understand me more than I imagine, and who is confident in my Confidence in you. Bless him, and all of those who love you. Amen

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. 2 Samuel 22:18-20

Discernment and Judgment

2011-11-14T07:26:00.001-05:00

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

God spoke to me recently through another dream, as He often does. This time, it was about judgement, and using the gift of discernment against someone. Truth be told, this has been on my mind since my conscience was pricked by a recent conversation with a woman who used to struggle with judgement with the outward appearances of certain family members. But she realized she was seeing things from her perspective alone, was humbled by God's grace for everyone, and able to see there was so much more to these family members than met the human eye. She taught me something valuable.

God knows the heart, we do not.

We may have the gift of discernment to understand the root of a blind spot, a lie, or an outright sin pattern in someone's countenance. And perhaps we may even disagree in the flesh with another's choice. However, this discernment we may have, or the disagreement with someone else's actions, does not in any way entitle us to judge someone else.

The beauty and beast of this is that our brains work in patterns. God created our minds. There are constant mathematical equations at work that tell us by our former experiences, expected social norms, or common patterns of behavior, what to expect and how to respond in situations. Since this is so, how do we allow the Spirit to discern in us while keeping from judgement?

Think about it this way~ Discernment is determining God's truth about a situation and responding appropriately based on this truth. It is seeing someone or something through the lens of Christ and the filter of the Holy Spirit. Seeing someone with the heart of Christ, loving them as a co-sinner, a co-heir, or a sister or brother in Christ. Deeply humbling ourselves by accepting we all fall short of His perfection. And He died for all of our sins; not just his, not just hers, but all of our sins.

Judgement, on the other hand, is determining the world's view about something based on our experience, values, or frame of reference, and making decisions based on flesh. Judgment, I believe, comes about when we are awkward or uneasy with ourselves. Truth is, often, judgement makes us feel better about ourselves over other people. Judgment, therefore, is not spirit-based, it is human pride (i.e. sin) based.

So, I share all this because I know I need a persepective change for my own behavior. Having grown up in a critical, non-affirming home, judgement can come as natural to me as breathing. In, out, in out. See it, judge it. See it, judge it.

I am humbled by my friend, who has seen that God knows the heart, and she has been gracious enough to let me in on this little conscience-pricking secret:

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:10-11

So, I humble myself before God, the one who sent His only Son as an atoning sacrifice for all of our sins.

The only way to forgo judgment, therefore, is to love like Him.

So sister, friend, dear one, I pray we will discern well, love in kind, and judge not. Thank you Lord for an awakened conscience to see the truth of your Spirit moving in me. Do not allow my gift of discernment to be used in a self-serving, self-gratifying, self-ish way. But allow me, allow all of us, to love like Jesus, to see ourselves as we truly are: Sinners, all forgiven, all loved with a never-ending, unstoppable, forever love. Let us, Lord, love. like. you. Amen.

Little Ole' Me in Action and Truth

2011-11-02T07:53:00.000-04:00

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18

Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. Luke 12:48b

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:26

I feel a Holy Spirit hankie moment comin' on here, my friends...

Love not only in words, but in action and in truth.

Remember, Jesus laid down his life for us! Amen upon amen. This is love, ladies!

I think about this and I am deeply humbled by what I have been given~ my eternal salvation. Me and you (you know Jesus, right?), we'll hang in heaven together one day, not for our great acts of service, but for His monumental sacrifice.

To whom much is given, much is expected.

We are asked to love like Jesus... Do we?

Now, before we start thinking about getting the panic button out in order to "pay back" our debt, let's first be reminded that there is nothing we can do to pay it back. Nothing. Second, now that we know this, let's look at what we can do to be Christ to others... simply because of what we have been given.

Now mamas, let's look at our largest and most obvious ministry we will ever have as mothers: our family. This is the place we will exert the most influence.

Any, yes any, act of love on our part honors the ultimate sacrifice He made for our little ole' lives.

Do we represent Jesus to our husbands, our babies, our own mamas and papas (and maybe even granmamas and granpappys)?

I think about what we "pass down" to our families, and how we "teach" them. Are we asking them to BE something we are not? Do we LIVE our faith in action? Our faith is empty without action. Here is the truth: We are not hypocrites if we lay down our lives in action and in truth.

How will our sphere of influence have the opportunity to interpret our living, breathing faith if we do not act upon it?

I will also say that I am thankful to see deeds in so many of your lives that show your faith in action. And the best part is that if our hearts are convicting us on our words versus actions, we know God is bigger than our hearts (even, he created them), and we can trust HIM over our selfish hearts when we take the easy way.

This is were grace abounds: In our weakness, He is strong.

For me, I think I may be prone to love in words because, well, I blog. I have been convicted at times that my blog can be mere words if it is for "numbers" or "stats" or "followers". I never promoted my blog to people who do not know me, never tried to sell it, although I thought about it at first to "feel" better about what I'm doing, but I determined through God's conviction not to make the words shallow for numbers sake. I do not desire to be a rusty gate.

Remember, man looks at the outward appearance and God, well, He sees right to the heart...

So, for me, I am content to have a little sphere of influence that offers me the opportunity to love and fail my family, my church family, and whoever God passes thru my life via this blog or another passage. My prayer is that we all continue to love in action and truth. And in our failures, we will allow His grace to abound in us.

Look at your ministry ladies, and be thankful for your role as a mama, a wife, a sister, a friend. It's tough to do what you're doing, and I for one, am proud of you. So proud, in fact, to call you friend. Love you.

Little Prayers of Living Water

2011-10-24T08:26:00.000-04:00

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' John 7:38

I woke up in the middle of the night for no apparent reason. I was unable to fall back to sleep, so I spent the time praying through things, like a long and silent movie. You wouldn't believe the number of things that wove through my mind.

Sometimes, I think God is gracious enough to wake us in what is often our only stillness to address things that we may not even realize need to be addressed. Nudged by his Spirit, I was all prayed out late into the quiet of the night. I leaned into Brian, all warm and welcoming, and fell back to sleep, snuggled into his arms.

I woke with the assurance that these little prayers make a difference in real lives. I know they rain down like a water on a dry and thirsty land. Because, in fact, that is what we are~ always thirsting for the one true Water of Life.

And when the Spirit nudges you, friend, pour out those little prayers of Living Water, and let the lands be satiated, filled fertile with prayer, if only for a night.

Thank you Lord for sleepless hours pregnant with prayer. Wake me any time, Father. I pray we are all impressed upon the power of a praying woman, wife, mama, sister, and friend. Let your Spirit nudge us in our stillness when needed and may we be accepting and gracious for the sleep lost for the land watered as a result. Amen

Bless you friend.

Thus says the LORD who made you,who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. Isaiah 44:2-4

When in Doubt- Dance it Out

2011-10-19T08:11:00.002-04:00

Shout and dance for the Lord!

David replied to Michal, "In God's presence I'll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over God's people, over Israel. Oh yes, I'll dance to God's glory—more recklessly even than this. 2 Samuel 6:21-22, Message

Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. Luke 6:23

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! Psalm 47:1

I love to dance, and by Design, so do my girls (and the hubs with his infamous white-man overbite). We're like one of those flash mobs where you have no idea when it will come on. It just happens- I could be singing, commercial could be playing in background, Amelia humming, Daddy imitating American Idol(and he's oh so good at this), pans clattering, dog barking. We hear music in all of life and dance accordingly.

And I am sure this is how God designed us~ to celebrate a joyful life in Him, to bring us into His presence with songs and dances of praise.

So, when it doubt, dance it out sister. Dance. it. out.

Turn up the Jesus, and turn on the tooshie shaking, and find yourself renewed in song and dance given unto the Lord.

Gotta run, I feel a praise dance comin' on.

Lord, I pray we will allow ourselves to feel the fullness of You in songs and dance of praise. Lord, let us not be timid in our walk, but bold, like David. Allow us to be undignified in the eyes of others if it may, in the honor and praise of your name. Amen

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

They send forth their children as a flock; their little ones dance about. They sing to the music of timbrel and lyre; they make merry to the sound of the pipe. Job 21: 11-12

What the Locusts Ate

2011-10-12T07:46:00.000-04:00

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm... Joel 2:25

I look at my childhood, the innocence lost, the heart-break and residual brokenness that I, through my Father's gentle touch, have spent years shedding like molted skin. And I see hope renewed afresh from the seedlings that have grown from my ashes of pain past spent. I see the beauty in my children, their laughter, their innocence intact and their joyful spirits that bubble in laughter. In them, I see a redemption of my youth. It is as if I hold a mirror to my past and see myself without brokenness.

I rejoice in the years returns that the locusts ate.

Praise be to a Father who loves me so deeply, who gives me so much more than I could have ever know possible. I, a mother, who desires good things for my children. He gives that much more to me, His child, whom He loves and is well pleased.

Lord thank you for a love so deep, so passionate for each of your children, and for a glimpse at the way You have given back to me what I needed to be returned. Amen.

What has the Lord returned to you that the locust ate?

May you praise God for His ever-present love for you, returning the years the locusts ate.

Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart. Genesis 50:19-21, The Message

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11

Walk It Out To The Glory of God

2011-09-27T08:28:00.001-04:00

Walk it out.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:7-8

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

I've had this thing about me, call it a perfectionist's tendency at best, lack of faith at worst.

It just won't work, I say to myself. But what if I'd just try.

Recently, I caught myself making a mental list all the reasons as to why I can't move forward with a personal ministry, a calling I am certain He has blessed me with, yet I'm standing stock still.

Move your feet sister, I say to myself. I move them slowly, hesitantly.

One step, two steps, three and four. My mind is caught in the grandiose, in a pit of lies. And when it gets that big, when it gets scary, it seems insurmountable. What if I look more locally, focused right in front of me. Took one step at a time.

Each step you take is a walk of faith for the One who called you hence, He will direct your path for good.

Choosing not to walk it out simply because the scenery doesn't look the way you expected it to look, or perhaps more correctly the way you wanted it to look, is choosing self (pride, fear, selfishness perhaps?) over God's calling for you.

You have been given what you have for a purpose.

Don't curse what doesn't seem to be a gift to you. He knew what He was doing when he made you. The fact is that YOU are purposeful.

And that thing you think He's calling you to, perhaps it's just a matter of walking out your faith to see the next steps ahead.

I've determined that if we "can't" ourselves to death, we'll never get up and go. And if we don't walk forward, we will never know the power of God moving us forward in faith, in life.

I want to get up and walk.  I really do.

Do you?

I am only one. But still I am some-one uniquely gifted and called by God. That devil, you know the one who tells you that you can't, he's the lie-whisperer.

You can walk in faith, and trust Him to move forward with you.

So, get on up and move your booty, patooty. Remember, He knows the plans he has for you.

Your efforts will not return void. Of this, I am sure.

Perhaps the weeds have grown so thick around your feet you can't even begin to imagine taking that first step. Well, take some time, some energy, some patient prayer, and begin to clear the thicket, see what's underneath all those weeds, friend. And walk it out. You won't be disappointed.

And remember, each walk is different. We've all been given a different set of feet. Don't worry about how others are walk, just focus on the steps He's called for you. We are given and called to different tasks to accomplish. So use what you have to the glory of God. You'll never know the impact you'll make unless you get up and go.

Do it. Now.

Gotta run, my Skecher Shape-ups are calling... ;)

Lord, thank you for our unique, individual gifts. I pray you will not allow the devil to whisper lies that keep us from using the gifts You've given each of us specifically. I pray what we do, we will do to your glory, without reservation or hesitation. Remind us Lord, what calling you have given us specifically and impress upon us how You would like us to your gifts. Amen.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Matthew 14:27-29

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that. James 4:14-15

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Sometimes...

2011-09-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

When you least expect it...

your mama ...

just somehow...

...still makes everything alright with the world.

Thank you mama, for always taking care of me as only a mother knows how to care for her own.

That's a mama's intuition~ sacrificing, enduring, loving.

Thank you Lord for the gift of mamas. And the way you made mamas to be mamas.

May she who gave you birth be happy. Proverbs 23:25

Chew on This...

2011-09-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

Watcha been chewing on?

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 4:32-5:2

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13

I was awoken last night with feelings of frustration, chewed on a little bitterness 'til day break with God, and rose this morning to address it all. Grace was swiftly spoken to me.

Grace, simply put, is getting what we don't deserve. For all of us who proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, this can easily be translated to our salvation. We received eternal life simply by accepting the free gift of His grace poured out through the blood of Christ on the cross. We did nothing to deserve it. Nuuuuuuuthiiiiiiiiiiing.

So, by our faith, God calls us to love like Jesus. And part of loving like Jesus involves giving and receiving grace. And oh, can this be hard! Because, we behave poorly at times, and people treat us poorly. We disappoint each other, take advantage of each other, and sometimes are just plain selfish, tired, grumpy... even now perhaps. In these situations, the easy thing to do is behave poorly. The right thing to do is to offer the same grace we have been given. And giving grace, by the way, is not only for others in these moments, but also to ourselves when we don't respond well.

Do you shame others for not being grace-filled? Do you shame yourself for just the same?

Give it up, sister. You're not God, so you shouldn't determine yourself as judge and jury. His grace, well, it's a gift you simply need to lay claim on. Period.

And I say, Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

You're going to screw up. Other people are going to screw up. Accept it. Accept grace. Move on.

I've learned the best way I can accept and offer grace is by continually filtering my thoughts and subsequent actions through the framing of my mind through the salvation given to me in Christ's suffering death on the cross~Focusing my mind on things above, continually offering thanks and praise for my free gift, and being grateful for it. I'm humbling myself to this truth. How 'bout you?

Grace: it's what's for dinner. Eat it up, sister. Eat it up.

Lord, we fail so often to offer others and ourselves the grace You so freely gave to us. By your Holy Spirit, Father, impress upon us the true meaning of grace. Teach us, Lord to give and receive it freely, to be truly humbled by the magnitude of your grace given to us, so we can give it to others. Forgive us for setting ourselves up as Judge and Jury. And allow us to forgive those who do the same. Grace, grace, and grace, Lord. Amen.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory Colossians 3:1-4

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Prejudice and favoritism flourish when we stop looking at people the way God looks at them. ~ Max Lucado

Faith in the Fire

2011-09-12T15:03:00.001-04:00

From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1b-2

If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up. Daniel 3:17-18

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him.Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

This weekend, Robin Evernham*, a sister in faith, lost her battle with cancer. By a degree of separation, I've known this precious woman, this wife, this mother of two young girls through my sister-in-law. Experiencing her life through forwarded emails and CaringBridge posts, Robin had become a warrior of faith to me. And although we'd never had a face to face conversation, and we'd never had the opportunity to talk through our faith, or to wrestle with the Truth and see it unfold before our eyes collectively, our hearts were tied together in prayers and with standing in the Truth as common believers in Christ. And I most humbly and gratefully acknowledge that I have learned much more from her graceful exit from this world than I could have ever imagined possible.

The hallmark of her faith was how she continually glorified God for everything while battling cancer, never holding firm to self-pity, anger, or bitterness. But instead building faith upon faith in her fire.

In all circumstances, when the chemo-therapy wasn't responding as well as she'd hoped, when the treatments gave way to radical pain, and even when she was able to celebrate her children, her husband, her loved-ones in her time of need, she gave thanks and glory to God. She was graceful, faithful in her fire. She had faith that moved a mountain, if not in healing for herself here on Earth, but for the rest of us who sat at this wise woman's proverbial feet over this past year. I am certain that lives have been changed, faith has been renewed, and hope has been restored to so many people who's hearts were pricked by the story of her faith alone.

The bible illustrates how we will be tested by fire in an effort to strengthen our faith. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown in the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. They, like Robin, never wavered in the fire, but held strong to the One who walks through the fire with them. We never know what we're capable of doing by God's strength and power until we are in that fire. And sometimes, if we're fortunate by God's grace, we'll grow in faith by the testing of someone else's fire. Robin's fire burned so hot, that by it, we have all been strengthened. The soft whisper of this faithful wind will forever, undoubtedly, envelope those whom she loved and those who loved her so dearly. She showed each of us what faith in the fire really looks like. And to Him be the glory forever, just as she always had given, and is forever doing now at His feet. Fully healed once again. I am sure her crown of faith, now worn in heaven, is brilliantly bejeweled for all she has expressed here on Earth.

This is the legacy she leaves here on Earth.

How will we choose to face our fires?

Surely, we are {and will be} facing our own. Yet for me, I can't help but to think that the things I struggle with now, while not as intense a heat as Robin's, are indeed my refining fire. And they are an opportunity to build my own legacy, if not to the number of people touched by Robin's life, but significant still to those I interact with most intimately, my husband, my children, my close relations.

I'll humbly admit I struggle with pride, self-righteousness, and selfishness~ Do I continue to fan the fire with harsh words and poor behavior or do I walk through it gracefully as Robin, with Christ as my Guide and Guard? Do I choose to honor Him with my words and actions, obeying His call for me, or do I give into the immediate pacifier of self-gratification?

A god of self, satisfies for a moment, yet leaves a trail of refuse in it's path.

So, today, in reflecting on Robin's life well lived, I am humbled by my opportunity to choose to obey, although often it's not easy to die to ourselves, in order to leave a legacy of love, instead of bitterness and brokenness. I thank Robin for the example of her life, the modern-day example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refusing to bow down to any god except the One who heals all. Perhaps my healing is not in my physical body, but in my mind, in my soul, in my relationships.

Who do we choose to honor in our fire?

Lord, I pray your Spirit will continue to surround the people who were struck most tragically by her leaving of this world. Lord, envelope them with your peace, continue to uphold their faces to look upon you, and may they see their sweet wife, mother, daughter, and friend beside you, healed and wholly, rejoicing forever in You. Impress upon their hearts a picture of who she is in You. Comfort them Lord in their grief, and continue to show them that You love them with an everlasting love as well. Provide them with the hope that they will join her in heaven someday.

I also pray that Robin's legacy will never grow dull, and only faith will be increased in the peoples lives she indelibly touched. Thank you, Lord, for Robin's willingness to walk through this fire full of grace and thanksgiving, in order to show us who You are: Creator. Healer. Conqueror. Impress this truth upon our hearts as we seek to glorify you as Robin so well did.

May we give thanks in our fires, may we obey as you command us, hold unswervingly to the faith you have given us.

Amen.

I humbly dedicate this post to Robin Evernham. With all gratitude, I thank you for your example of faith in the fire shown here on Earth. Robin, I know you are fully healed in heaven, and look forward to seeing you in eternity.

* a link provided at her name above which will direct you to her obituary, as well as the foundation set up in her name to serve those families who are battling with cancer.

For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. Psalm 66:10

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:5-7

Beautifully Broken

2011-09-01T14:42:00.000-04:00

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

We were gifted on our wedding day with this little beauty. To be honest, I had never been particularly fond of it. And when it was first knocked down, I had half a mind to simply toss it in the trash. But I just couldn't. Instead, I glued it back together. Then it was knocked down again. And again. And one more time. It's a total mess. But I tell you, the more it gets messed up, the more beautiful and endearing it becomes to me. We've glued it precariously countless times. We've even lost some pieces. But we just can not give up on our little figurine. We snicker over the picture of it all.

She, with a broken head.

He, with a broken butt.
And they, cracked clear 'round the middle.

But still together, and still holding onto each other~ beautifully broken.

On August 30th, Brian and I celebrated our nine-year wedding anniversary. Through the years, we've dealt with some pretty raw deals that threatened our marriage, and we've managed some tough stuff passed down the family lines, and we have definitely duked it out countless times over our own sinful nature. Yet, we've also had the joys only known to those who grow as a result of our differences. We have a history, a legacy, a story to pass down our line. And in it all, there has been one thing held us together~ the glue of Christ's grace and mercy on us.

We've been broken, and bandaged, time and time again. And each time, I find we are more beautiful than before.

I am thankful for a husband who knows Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour. I am grateful he loves me more than he loves the desires of his naturally sinful nature. I am grateful for his loyalty to me and our girls. I am in awe of his ability to speak truth~however straight-forward it may be~into my life. God knew when He intertwined Brian's life with mine, that we are perfectly fitted to each others needs, desires, and giftedness. We are not, however, perfect ourselves, not even close, but I feel it is clearly these imperfections that have made us more beautiful individually, yet more importantly, as one.

God knew what he was doing when he put us together. And no matter how broken it may seem, by His grace, He still lovingly puts us back together.

I can't help but to humble myself before a Father who knows us so well to fit each of us so perfectly with our spouse in order to make us more holy instead of perhaps, say, happy all the time.

We are beautiful broken, me and my man. And I would desire it no other way.

Thank you Lord for the gift of Brian. Thank you for the trials we've faced together that have made us stronger in You. Thank you for nine years of commitment to each other, to You. You say the trials are meant to grow us up. And we wouldn't be the people we are today, the family we are today, without You, Lord. I pray for all of us who are married, that we will see our intertwined lives as opportunities to see You more clearly. And I pray we will know ourselves to be beautifully broken in You. Amen

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know thatthe testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness,humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Peace, Be Still

2011-08-25T23:43:00.001-04:00

I sit here on the eve of a tropical storm. I find that I am desperately in awe of the power of God... this truly could have turned out so. much. worse. {We have all respectfully memorized the images of Katrina, have we not?} So now, Hurricane Irene is passing just to the east of us, unleashing it churning power into the Atlantic Ocean, and she'll certainly send her mighty winds west to make her strength known to us in the low country land. Truth be told, the unknowns of the storm and it's projected path over the past few days gave me a healthy pause to examine my footing. In this time, I've prayed for calm to pervade our city and our home. I've prayed for confidence in the One who made the seas and the lands. I've prayed for a weakening of the storm, for God to calm the wind and the waves... just like Jesus did all those years ago in that tiny fishing boat.

"Peace, be still!" He said, and the wind and waves recognized his voice as the one who had created them, and they obeyed.

What if, just what if, we actually knew about all of the times He said, "Peace, be still!" on our behalf? I know we will never behold the magnitude of his grace and mercy until the other side of heaven. And I suppose by then, thank goodness, all our souls will know to do is worship at his feet for all the times we've been saved, yet never really knew how close we were to the edge...

Oh, blessed mercy. To take away what we deserve. HE took away what we deserve. Death. A sinner's death. Our punishment was assigned to the One who commanded the water and the waves to be still!

I look at my colorful past, my sins, my failing, my deceit, and realize He spoke stillness into my heart the day He drew me to Himself, these grateful many years ago. He said, "Peace, be still." And my heart, oh, how still it was.

Have you heard Him whisper the same to you? Or are you in a place where you now wish He would?

Cry out to Him.

I've seen people suffer, I've seen lives torn apart by this natural world, by our own sins. Evil does more than simply lurk in the darkness.

But I know, now more than ever as Irene catches her breath another time to blow forth her fury on all who dare to cross her path, that the One who told the waves and the wind to be still those many many years ago still is capable to calm this storm. So I sit here humbly, on an eve when the schools have already been confirmed cancelled, knowing that tomorrow He will still reign, and the storms I face then, and each day here after, are still under the power of the One who has always been, and always will be. He is the great I AM. Then, now, and forever more.

What storm are you now facing?

Call out to the One who has the power to hush the wind and the waves with his voice alone. For I am certain, although what you are facing is treacherous, He sees, He knows, and He will in his perfect timing call out, "Peace, be still," in this storm of your life.

He is your Creator, just as much as He is of the winds and the waves. And He will speak calm into your storms too.

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"

Mark 4:37-40

And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

Matthew 7:25

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'

Isaiah 58:9

Lovie

2011-08-24T07:31:00.001-04:00

Oh to be like a child, joyfully content with the simple things, to have the quieting love for ones "lovie". Tallulah, yes, she seeks her lovie continually, always desiring to know his whereabouts. And when sought and found, her lovie is the one thing that in all circumstances will ease her mind, and bring peace to her countenance.

Oh, to be satiated, contented, filled up with our Lovie...

Tell me, who's your Lovie?

Do you seek Him in all circumstances?

And are you contented in Him?

Lord, I pray you will be our Lovie, that there will be no other idols before You. I pray we will be confident that in seeking, we are sure to find You here. Lord, let us also be confident in knowing you do turn your ear to us, and give us your peace. I pray that in this seeking, we will be contented by Your never-ending forever love for us. Bless us, your children, Lord. Amen

He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:14-16

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Psalm 116:2

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

You shall have no other gods before me. Deuteronomy 5:7

Palm Pressed to Cheek

2011-08-16T13:58:00.001-04:00

I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:2-3

This is what the LORD says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? Isaiah 45:11

You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11

My baby woke me this morning at five o'clock, "Is it time to get up yet?" No baby, you still have some time to sleep. "Come with me, then. I can't sleep." I rose from my surly slumber, having slept fitfully knowing today was her first day of kindergarten, outside of our home, under the teachings of someone besides me. So I lay in Amelia's big girl bed, as she peacefully drifts back off to sleep with visions of her new teacher and her new friends to come. I smile, she is a dreamer and a lover, just like me and her daddy. And now, I lay here some time later, watching her chest rise and fall, noticing the length of her legs, and the gentle arch of her cheeks. My baby, she's grown up! And I can't stop her clock that ticks in the darkness, reminding me with each flick of its Bo peep tail that time is precious. And I am a grateful mama as I register that this slender, quiet moment was God-ordain, an opportunity to bask in the reality of God's truth one last silent morning before we enter this new season of life.

Yet, I heart-seize at the thought of having to relinquish my child to the world. It keeps me from fully registering my gratitude presently. And still she sleeps, each breathe, rising and falling to the rhythm she know as her safe place. Here. Not just with mama. In fact, she knows no other way, except this: she is safe, not just with me, or her daddy, but with her Father in heaven. Oh the faith of a child. No wonder He calls each of us to be like them. And her sleep comes easily because of it. I drift off too, accepting this as well.

Then, I am reminded as we are awoken by her daddy later this morning, that she is ready, she is confident, and she is excited to meet the world. We have trained here these five years to seek and obey and love the Lord. The truth is that she is first, and foremost, a child of God. I know this full well. Because we all are. And she is my precious gift.

She dresses immediately, and taps into her new leopard-printed shoes. Ready to go, even before her daddy steps out of the shower. All khaki love and crisp white shirt with soft curls and deep, joyful dimples that betray her mama's heartache.

Yet, I am still a grateful mama.

She gives me a hug, as if she senses my pain. She nestles deep into my sleep-starved hair, all warmth and sunshine radiating from her growing being, and whispers a low, “I love you, mama.” And I hug hard, never wanting to let my baby go, to always keep her safe here, in my arms, wanting to believe this is where she is protected from the evil of the world.

She drove out of my sight, her trusting eyes peeping up over the window frame in the back seat of her daddy's car. But I know, as she extends her fingers and presses her palm to her cheek just like the one in “The Kissing Hand,” that she knows that her mama’s love is with her always. And I return the sign, pressing my own hand against my cheek, so she knows I see her love for me is here as well. And I am confident, even while I write this with tears blurring my physical sight, that her God, our Father, sees her clearly. He goes before her. Surrounds her. And He is bigger and more powerful, and more capable a Parent than I have ever been, or ever will be.

I do not leave her to chance, I leave her in the loving arms of her Father. Indeed, I leave her surrounded and hemmed before and behind by His mercy, grace, power, and love. And this is the peace of a grateful mama once again: It is not I that gives her life, but He who does. It is He who has the power to save, not me. And I am humbled by this truth, and by the continued opportunity to pour into her life, as God designed it, to grow her up to love and serve the Lord. She hears Him speak, she knows His voice, and she listens to it. Who am I to think it is me, not Him, who made her who she is?

So what more can a grateful mama ask?

This new season is an opportunity for growth, for her in the blessings and reality of this world, for those whose lives she has yet to touch, and those who will touch hers. And also for me and her daddy, as we cling to His truth of who she is in Him, what she is to us, as we seek to teach her about the love and grace and forgiveness of her heavenly Father.

Our circumstances are not happenstances. He is mighty~ He who goes before all of us. And for this proud little girl, He will protect and provide as she needs. Just as He does for each one of us. And my job is to continue to trust Him, and to shepherd her as best I imperfectly know how to do so by His grace. And leaving it all, fingers extended palm pressed to cheek, to Him who loves more deeply than even I, yes I, love my baby girl... who somehow overnight has become this God-loving child.

And today, I will rest deep, remembering how she looked in that last hour of sleep before she left my arms, my palm currently pressed against my cheek, knowing her love is with me. But more importantly, knowing that His deep, abiding, always and forever love, envelopes her.

As well, it is the same for you. Because the truth is that we are all His children, and we are loved by an Almighty Father~ as are our children. We must simply seek to trust they will grow up in our Father's arms when they are out of our own.

Lord, I thank you that you are the God of everyone. You have gifted us with beautiful children. Children whose hearts are forming themselves to seek after you. Thank you for the gift of these girls, and I pray that Brian and I will honor you with our desire to grow them up to know You. I pray we will with continue to lead them along the path of righteousness as we open our hands wide to you, trusting you with the hearts of our babies growing into children, who we desire to grow them into women of God. Remind us of your love for them, and for each of us as we seek to follow you. Protect them from evil and sin, surround them with genuine love from others and unfold before our eyes the beauty you have already knit together for their lives before we even knew their names. For you are the Father of us all. Amen.

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 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. Psalm 127:3-5

For my little one

2011-08-11T06:25:00.003-04:00

I am a mother. A mother who never knew she would be a mother, let alone a grateful mother. But today, I am grateful, so very grateful for the life I've had the privilege of molding for the past five years. Because today, these five years ago, my sweet baby girl Amelia was born. When I heard her first cry, when I first cradled her in my arms, when I looked into her delicate eyes, and offered her the milk of life, it was then I knew why God created me.

When a woman understands that one of the greatest gifts she will ever receive from her creator is to have the opportunity to touch eternity through artfully nurturing the mind, heart and soul of a child, whose life will have implications for all of eternity, her life joins in kingdom purposes with God. - Sally Clarkson

And today I will celebrate her, all five years, with skinny legs, graceful dimples, and humid curls still wrapped around my fingers. And I will pray this prayer over her, in great hope and faith of what she has yet to fulfill in the name of Christ.

Life would simply not have the same depth of meaning without you in it, my love. Thank you God for the gift of my little girl, Amelia. A special girl with a heart that seeks after yours, Lord.

Happy Birthday, my dearest little one.

I am truly humbled to be blessed in such a way to be given the gift of this child.

Children are a heritage from the LORD,

offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Lord, bless this child. Grow her up to do mighty things in your name. Let her always have your name on her lips, first and foremost, for all the gracious and grateful days of her life. Thank you for giving her to me. Amen

Faith and our Circumstances

2011-08-10T22:10:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, you just need to believe you can fly.

Recently, I was talking to a girlfriend about faith. And it occurred to me that the timing of trying to show someone else why I believe what I believe was necessary to remind me what I really do believe. You following me? In sharing my faith, it made me realize we all struggle with disbelief at times in our lives, just in different circumstances. We ask questions like, why did this have to happen to me? What is the purpose of this circumstance? Or simply, we say, this is not fair! Why God, just why, would you allow this to happen? And because of this, I thought this would be an excellent time to remind all of us about faith and our circumstances.

When I struggle with disbelief, it always draws me back to his Truth- that He is bigger than anything I could ever face. And He always uses my personal circumstances to teach me His truth. In prayer, I find that he always answers me, uses my circumstances to show me who He is. And while sometimes I don't love some of my circumstances, I can face them in peace trusting He has a purpose in all of them.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Sometimes circumstances are there to simply teach us to believe, to grow our faith muscles. They are an unusual gift wrapped in an unlikely package. And in some of my personal circumstances, my disbelief of who He is in my life has changed to one of faith because of circumstances that He walked through with me. I have a choice to believe my circumstances, or to believe his truth. And to believe my circumstances sometimes would only lead me to feel sorry for myself or freak out over what's to come. But to believe his word for me, to seek His truth, gives me encouragement and the faith to believe that what He says is TRUE. And it shows me the promises He makes are trustworthy and eternal.

And often times that the point He wants to make~ that we have a choice to believe or not to believe and it's God's hand in our circumstances that will drive us to do one or the other. He gives (or allows) our circumstances so we have to respond in one way or another- faith in Him, or continued disbelief.

Which will you do?

And sometimes, we need to simply take it back to the beginning of it all and ask for faith. And believe He will freely give it to us.

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:10

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

And sometimes when life is good, when things are easy, we don't have the necessity of seeking God to help us see things as they really are: Under His almighty, sovereign control.

Because when do people most often seek something bigger than themselves.... when they're in trouble, right? God allows circumstances to happen in His desire to draw us to Him, to wake us up, or to get us out of our comfort zone. And the outcome is often what draws that person facing their circumstances to Christ, and it can also serve to draw other people who see how those facing something respond to their circumstances. So, are you already faithful and wondering why "this thing" is happening? Perhaps it was simply to show others that God is God by the way you respond in your circumstances. And if this is true, are you responding in a way that glorifies God?

Faith.

I have learned from personal experience and have seen that people will have the same thing happen to them over and over and over again until the lesson is learned... a lesson that finally shows someone that God really is in control, and He really is a loving God, and He really is REAL. Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist, you name it. It doesn't matter. It's not about a religious denomination, but about a personal relationship with Christ, and having the faith that He is in control of all circumstances.

So, in all this, if what I've said wrings a heart-chord, perhaps God is calling you out from your disbelief, and just maybe, you simply need to pray for faith to believe Him first and ask Him to show you truth, and then see how your perspective changes. And ultimately, how your relationship with Him grows into something you never knew was possible.

This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:2-3

Breaking the Silence

2011-08-02T15:55:00.000-04:00

Sometimes rules of routine need to be broken.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace. Philippians 1:6-7a

Oh my friends, how I've missed you! So much more than you could ever know. You have all been on my mind, and in my prayers since last I wrote earlier this summer. The time off has been fruitful and frustrating all in the same breathe. See, I am a woman of fair routine. And summer, well, it doesn't tend to provide a lot of that. Before I sought silence, I found myself floundering for opportunities to share what I'd been learning. During that time, I'd read a couple things that pricked me in my Spirit, and made me realize my relationship with God on cyber-paper needed some fine-tuning off-line. And in the silence, oh the chosen silence, I learned that words are merely words unless God breathes life into them. I can present anything as truth, but it doesn't stand as such without the word of God as the backbone on my thoughts. And so it is not my words, but He who speaks through me that touches your soul (for the word of God is living and active). So presenting truth and living that truth to my highest potential are two entirely different walks: one in lip-service, the other in heart-service. And I needed a little time for some heart-remedy.

And so, silence it was. And in the silence, my routine was further broken, and in the brokenness, He made beauty out of my smoldering ashes. He showed me that I had allowed my routine to be my God. It was that daily quiet time I had with Him that became my necessity. Without it, I felt like my day would be impossible. It became something He never intended it to be: Him. Without my daily time with Him, I began to listen more readily, allowing Him to lead my day, my time. And the beauty I found is that it wasn't my routine time with him that bolstered my faith, it was Him, and Him alone. I was stripped of the usual, and although I was left quietly concerned I'd be swallowed by my lack of discipline, He used it as an opportunity to speak truth into my being in a way I hadn't known was possible. It wasn't about what I did, but who He is. In Christ, I am a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come. There is nothing I can do to earn my relationship with Him. And all of the spiritual calisthenics in the world will be simply for outward appearances if I do not allow those words to saturate my soul.

Now, I am further saturated. And the silence I kept has been largely fruitful. I am reminded and humbled knowing that He is who he is, regardless of who I am, or what I do to seek Him. I am an heir to the throne because I have accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour {Have you?}, not because I continue to earn it through lip-service. Lip-service is meaningless for He knows and judges the heart of every man. So, these days of silence have broken the intoxicating spell that a routine can have on anyone, and I am renewed and confident that He is the great I AM with or without these words plunked on paper. In my heart, I have an assurance of my relationship with Him, and I am deeply, fully loved without any pomp and circumstance. And it is He that draws me back here again to share these thoughts, and He who further spoke to me saying that my lack of routine was giving way to spiritual laziness, and change was once again necessary for me. My new-found lack of routine allowed me at times to forget Him in my pursuit of simply living. And in this I know He offers grace, and He loves me in my hurry as I dot some i's and cross some t's before my baby (my baby!) goes off to kindergarten, while I vacuum sands of time enjoyed beach-side with the family, while I take on a new role at my church, and when I'm seeking to love my husband more completely through nine years of marriage. And in this, I also know that He is present, He is patient, and He is my God. So when I began to pray about writing again, because it is here that I hear Him most vividly, and it is here my heart beats fastest for Him, He encouraged me to draw nearer to Him yet again in these words because He who has begun a good work in me will not complete it until He returns. And for this I am grateful. I've got a whole lotta growin' left to do (How about you?).

And for this time, it'll be back on cyber-paper. Yet perhaps not in routine, ladies. I will slip in and out as often as He pricks my Spirit, and hopefully that is often. Yet, in the silence that stands between each post, remember one thing:

You are deeply, fully loved by an Almighty Father who does not require routine, but relationship. If you are in Christ, you are a new Creation. Amen and Amen.

And for this, I am truly grateful.

Lord, thank you for a renewal of words to plunk down on paper. I pray you will touch the lives of the friends I have met through this display of love and obedience to you, Lord. And I pray they will know they serve a God who loves them fully, simply, and regardless of their efforts, but for who they are: Yours.
Amen

Silence

2011-06-24T17:54:00.000-04:00

In silence, I hear Him speak. Across the last ten months, I've talked a lot. And in it, I have had a wonderful season of growth and I have been gifted with wonderful, new community.

Recently my routine, my appointed times with my Daddy, haven't looked quite like the usual. And in this, I've heard Him more often, because I've had to listen for Him in the hurry, in the unexpected times. And I heard Him say that I need to silence my own words for a time, to teach me that I am not God, and that my words alone do not make me faithful. He asked me to let my words fall silent so that His words can sink deeper into my marrow, so I can experience Him more fully. Right now, I know I am called to trust that I don't need to "do" anything to "acquire" Him. But simply "be" to hear and know Him more fully.

I will simply listen. I will let my words be few. As His are magnified in me.

For what good are my words to others if they return void to my heart?

So, dear sisters, I'll see you back here when my silence returns more growth, when the branch bears fruit, and He gives me a word to share. In the meantime, you are all in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.

Bless you friends. Bless you.

Have you experienced silence recently? What is He speaking to you in it?

Lord, do not allow our words to drown your voice. Allow us to hear you fully. Open our ears and close our mouths to hear you, know you, walk with you more fully. Please do not allow our silence to return a void to us, but to be filled fully with You. Amen.

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

Ecclesiastes 5:2

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Sum-Sum-Summer Time!

2011-06-03T15:40:00.000-04:00

Remember Me Monday on Friday? Now, THAT is a new record for me. Ha! Seems as if summer is definitely upon us between Amelia's pre-school graduation ceremony (I mean, really?) and family visits, then celebrating Memorial day, and now I'm just getting settled into our new routine today- just in time for our next block of family to arrive later this evening. How is it that summer moves so quickly?

There is a good chance the blog will only be hosting crickets and tumbleweeds in the next couple weeks. With family in town through the following week, I am pretty sure we'll be soaking in some sunshine and laughter with them all until we can do no more.

So there is plenty for which to give thanks, and it's time to get started (better late, than never).

One of the many churches that make up the Holy City.

The gracious offer of a friend to show us around our own city like tourists. He knows so much about this city! And we know a few more things because of him!

Honest and loving conversations with Brian. Learning that "I love you" comes in more than these words. He is really something special, that man o' mine.

Sing Jesus songs with Amelia while she poses in her new skirt. It was like her own personal worship to him for who she uniquely is. So very special.

Enjoying an afternoon with Aunt Sara and Uncle Chuck

Extra doses of laughter in the house while Aunt Sara and Uncle Chuck visit. It was such a blessing to have them in our home.

Sandy chocolate chip scones and spilled coffee on the blanket because it means we spent the day at the beach- bright and early 'til squeaking past nap times. I still feel a teensy burn. Definitely more sunblock next time!

Tender-hearted friends who trust me with their wrestlings with God. Blessed to be a part of their lives.

BBQ'ing with our friends while the kids slip and slide...right into mud puddles. Why is mud always so much more appealing than anything?

Intentional mom-friends with whom I can share life, looking to grow our babies up to know and love their Father.

I have had the years returned to me that the locusts had eaten (Joel 2:25).

Our very own at-home science lesson: Researching black swallowtail butterflies that are currently caterpillars eating all of my dill. How could I turn them away from the herb garden? To which Amelia responds: It's metamorphosis! Indeed, little one.

Too many veggies to count which means another round of vegetable soup, even if it is 90-plus degrees outside!

Baby boogie boarder...

Lulu's constant exuberance. That kid doesn't stop- and has no fear! Who cares if the waves knock you down and roll right over you? Just get back up and do it again, she seems to say!

I hope you are blessed in your weeks to come. I'll keep counting my blessings even if I am not posting them here. Will you?

Bless you friend!

Remember Me Monday {On Friday!}, Ninth Edition

Like Mother, Like Child?

2011-05-25T15:07:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Josie Martin Photography

"Students will be like their teacher..." Luke 6:40

I think about the things I've learned in childhood, and what God has been rooting out of me since I first accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour.

I had a conversation with a girlfriend last night about letting go of the good to get the best. And it begged the question, what do I want to teach my children?

I want to teach my children to rely on God, to trust Him fully, to behave in a way that exudes faith and peace because of their relationship with Christ.

And since my intentions are for God, I need to be intentional (and obedient) in teaching them the Truth.

All of this has really come about in the most timely of circumstances, since we are starting a book study through Good Morning Girl about the Ministry of Motherhood, by Sally Clarkson, and the unfolding of Amelia's future schooling just this week. My desire is for her to attend the Christian school that is associated with our church, but our pocketbook does not allow for the opportunity this year, or perhaps future years (I knew that stinkin' car was going to change our plans for the year). So, I've been wrestling with the fact that Amelia will be attending a public school for kindergarten. The thing is, I was not concerned about the standard of education she is getting from books, but the lack of Jesus-focus. It scared me because I realized what it will really require of me: To train her up in the way she should go (Proverbs 22:6).

And admittedly, I don't feel equipped, capable, or wise enough to teach her all she needs to know about Christ.

Perhaps this is where God needs me to be in order to use me as His vessel.

Perhaps all of my circumstances are God-willed.

Perhaps? Come on now, Dawn. Of course. God's providence. The car break-down and subsequent purchase of another one, using our only savings to do so... the study of the Ministry of Motherhood... finding and being surrounded by like-minded moms... the necessity of sending our child through a public school.

God says, we are given an affliction to see Him more clearly, for when we are weakest, He is the strongest (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).

And I know in all of this, He is calling me to trust Him with my children, and to be trained, strengthened, and sharpened by His word, by the women in my life, by the circumstances in which I find myself.

And He is ever-so slowly training me up in the way I should go, so I will not depart from the word (Proverbs 6:22). And my children have been given as a gift to me so I may train them up as well. Shall I write it on my door-posts? Indeed, I shall (Dueteronomy 11:18-21).

So, Jesus will be in the classroom after all. It just happens to be the home-school I never thought I'd be capable of doing.

This shall surely be a season of stretching. There is much I need to learn.  Because, this is God's opportunity for me in being Christ in our home to my girls. I am being asked to put my "money" where my "mouth" is. Because while it does require more of me, it's the more I want to give, and I suppose a public education is part of the catalyst in teaching me how to be more intentional. There is a plan in everything.  And I have begun to pray for those people who will surround my girl in her public school. And I pray we will be surrounded by like-minded families. And I am encouraged that she can be a light to those who are lost.

So, I was thinking I'm going to have to change some things about how I do life, perhaps give up something I enjoy, do, am (the good) in order to be the mom God desires of me (the best). I can't continue to do as I please and expect my children to benefit from my role as a mother without being intentional about training them up- just like a good marriage, it doesn't just happen. It's work. And giving up a little free time (or any of my own selfish desires) to teach Christ to my child? Truly priceless.

Indeed, students will be like their teacher (Luke 6:40) (whether or not we teach them the things of Christ, they are learning from us). So I am thankful for my wonderful circumstances, my opportunity to grow further in Christ, and to teach my children to be like Him... and grace to abound in it all.

Tell me, is there some "good" in your life that is edging out His best for you and your family?

Lord, thank you for circumstances, all circumstances that can direct us to you. I pray we will not harden to the word, but be drawn to it irrevocably. I pray you will sharpen our resolve to seek after you. Show us the good we need to give up, in order to have your best. Surround us with like-minded moms so that we may encourage, support, and teach each other about the Truth of Christ. Show us Lord what this looks like in our homes, and grow our children up to be like You.

Amen.

Bless you friends.

Looking at it one way, you could say, "Anything goes. Because of God's immense generosity and grace, we don't have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster." But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (Message)

So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 (Message)

I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we've been shown the mystery! I'm telling you this because I don't want anyone leading you off on some wild-goose chase, after other so-called mysteries, or "the Secret."

Colossians 2:2-4 (Message)

Ugly Tears

2011-05-23T15:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday, dear friends. Is this the busiest day for you too? I've learned that in the "busy", it gives all the more reason to stop and praise God for our many blessings. I have had a week of "full circling" events for which to give thanks and praise. So, let's get moving...

This week, I am thankful for...

Ugly tears brought about in service this Sunday as God spoke to me, saying He is my Father. And He loves me. An He is the one who loves me the way I have always desired to be loved by my daddy. And I believed Him. That's the "sticker" of all it. I believed Him. And it's all due to my recent "kairos" that taught me that in all circumstances, He is for me, loves me, protects me, and dotes on me just like my daddy, because He IS my Daddy. You need to listen to this sermon, "The Time is Fulfilled", if you have not already heard it!

I could stop right here this Monday because it was such a wonderful reassurance and settling in my soul over trusting His love and abiding in Him, but I can't stop praising Him for everything else He's done. So, I proceed with thanks-giving...

I am grateful for open doors. Amelia was accepted into a school that had previously told us she had not been accepted. It was an undeniable open door for us. And we are thankful for His provision of a good public school for Amelia (i.e., we can begin to rebuild our lost savings perhaps? As God wills it, I suppose;). Now, I've begun to pray for her future friends and teachers. What an opportunity to be a light in a public place.

Tallulah sowing a harvest, of course;)

Gardening with the girls with tutus and ballet slippers. Seeing my little girls play so well together like sweet sisters. Who needs garden gloves?

Being close enough to neighbors to lend and receive a helping hand.

A new venture in fellowship~ A mom's bible study while the kids run themselves ragged around us. Who needs a sitter? We have mommy ears that can turn off the non-help needing cries. Growing friendships and wisdom of God's word collectively. Because where two are, He is as well (Matthew 18:20).

Tallulah and her trouble-making twin:)

My civic freedom~ Being the only mommy at the I-526 council meeting with a toddler, the only toddler in the place full of business suits and tv cameras. Not enough time to find a sitter, but enough time to know this is important to our family! Silly mama on a mission for safe roads to Johns Island!

The gift of hospitality, being able to treat a girlfriend and her babes to dinner this week and host some gal pals over the weekend. It's so refreshing to provide a space of rest and laughter for all of them.

Reading bible stories at dinner in the Jesus Storybook Bible. The best kid's bible ever.

Pool time with Amelia.

The free change star machine at the bank, where I unloaded over $100 in change found in the bottom of Brian's drawer! Just in time to treat our visiting family this week! And it begs the question, what else could I find in there... Perhaps a mini-vacation, a sunny day at the beach;)?

Brian's growth in confidence, conviction, faith, and peace. He is so stinkin' handsome in his fancy "servant leader suit".

What can you thank God, your Father, for this week?

Lord, I thank you for speaking so directly to my heart this week, and coming full-circle on some things that have been weighing heavily on me for some time. You are the Beginning and the End, and I am so thankful to be in the middle of it all. I pray peace and strength and confidence for those who desire to seek you fully this week. I pray for open eyes and ears to see and hear your love for each of us. Bless you, friends, as you seek to see Him in your life. Amen.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Remember Me Monday, Eighth Edition

My Christ-Centered Culinary View of Mothering

2011-05-19T16:04:00.000-04:00

I began a book study with with some girlfriends through Good Morning Girls this week. I am so terribly excited about it. Sally Clarkson has recently become a much-respected mothering resource for me, and we are studying her book the Ministry of Motherhood. I think back to my childhood years and the lack of faith in God expressed in our home. And as a result, I've spent a lot of my adult years retraining my mind through Christ, overcoming the wrongs of broken and sinful people. This is not a blame-game, but I think this speaks to the necessity of God-filled homes, because we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Thinking about the way I grew up reminds me of food. I was one of those kids who grew up on government cheese. We didn't make fancy meals. We didn't know what fancy was (do I really even now?). Often our days consisted of lots of this government cheese, oatmeal, bologna, more cheese, eggs, and potatoes. Come to think of it, all of these items were on the government-approved food list.

Now, I must disclaim this because there is often a stigma associated with poor kids. But I will say I was fed three good meals a day because of the government, so I am indeed thankful for the provision. And today, it keeps me humble, thankful, and often creatively frugal in my current spending habits. I'm glad I was a poor kid.

But as a child, I never really cooked (unless you count burning steak-ums in the fry pan- do you remember those?), my mom made the meals when she was home, an it was more of a means to an end, not for the love of it (She was a hard-working single mom, how could she possible do more?)

Yet, so it goes for my view of mothering...

Then, as I grew older, I began cooking "experiments" in grad-school. I remember using cashews and honey, brown sugar and apples in the fry pan.... it was "interesting" until I burned the sugar from a too-hot fry pan. But until I actually began to cook, I never really thought about it as a craft. I never knew there was a whole world of options out there to try. I remember when I found Pad Thai in grad school. And the doors to my culinary world flew wide open. There were other ways to cook.

So I started cooking everything, all the time while at school. At that time, I followed recipes precisely. I was afraid if I stepped out of the boundaries of them, I'd make a terrible mess of it all.

After grad school, I moved to Chicago, and ate out a lot as a result of my jobs (first, a consultant and then a corporate event manager). I learned not only that there is Thai food, but Ethiopian, and Cambodian, and Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern, and well, it was boundary-less to me! I was truly in culinary heaven.

Then, I got married, and we settled down. We got the Bride and Groom's first cook book, and we cooked meals together. A glass of wine and laughter, buttering pans and peppering meat together. It was wonderful. Food began to take on our character and our love for meals we'd previously experienced.

And then came baby... Once Amelia was born, my culinary method changed- with the reduced monthly income once I stopped working, I had to get more creative with less money. I even made Amelia's baby food(do you know how much you save on this alone?). And I began to dabble with CSA programs (and still do- we love our farmers!). It was by this time (about a decade into cooking for myself), when the budget was stretched and my time was juggled, that recipes became more about a guide, and my experience with certain flavors was more of the decision-maker of what to make.

Now, while still at home, and two kids deep, and an even smaller budget, I look in the refrigerator and pantry and think, "What can I make out of this?" I mean, there are some creative meals up in this place. And usually, it turns out fairly well (minus the coconut milk, curry, and baked chicken debacle, I digress).

Cooking has become a cathartic exercise to me. Somewhere between the necessity to cook and the desire to provide a good meal for my family, I am lost in my own little culinary world.

And so it goes with my view of mothering...

Experience and my faith now tells me I can do it, and that it doesn't have to be "by the book" in order for something (or someone) to turn out well.

From book-follower to creative, discerning license, addressing the particular nature of my children. I was timid at first (having never done this), and over these years I've learned (and continue to do so) that my children are best taught, not by a how-to book, but by The Book. And I tell you, they have turned out much sweeter and more delicious (I know because I've nibbled their toes countless times;) without a particular "recipe"given to me about child-rearing.

Because, like my passion for cooking, I now am able to mother with a love for the gifts I've been given.

As in each stage of life I've learned more, and I am indeed thankful for the growth and changes in my Christ-centered culinary view of mothering.

Of course there are, like any good cook knows, good resources from which to pull common sense, inspiration, and more importantly Truth. But it is up to me to seek God in my role as a mother, and to apply it to my individual children. My girls are opposites, like oil and water. I can't imagine if I applied the same "recipe" to both of them.

So, I come here to say, I'm growing in my culinary view of mothering, taking a bit from past experiences, using faith and discernment, trials and triumphs, and seeking my Father's heart for what He desires for me to "bake up" with my children. And this is why I am so stinkin' excited about this GMG summer study!

Would you join me in studying God plan for us as mothers?

There are no more step-by-step books for me and my babies. Although I will admit, I completely fail at times (just like my early culinary experiments in grad school).

But there is always tomorrow to cook another meal, and love the babies differently, and grace to cover it all when everything goes to pot.

It's by trial and success, and filtering all my "recipes" through the word of God that I continue to grow in my understanding of how best to grow our children up, and who they are to become, and for this I am thankful for God's undeniable grace in my life as a mother~ and small-time personal chef;).

Tell me, what is your method of mothering?

Lord, show us that you are the one true Resource from which we should draw our "recipes" on how to shape beautiful children. Remind us that the method we follow is not our God, but You are, and you alone provide us with the wisdom, strength, grace, and the love we need to mother well. Amen.

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God.

He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

Matthew 5:6 (Message)

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:3 (ESV)

All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13 (ESV)

Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (Message)

Beachy-Keen

2011-05-16T17:00:00.001-04:00

Oh Monday, here we are again, old friend. Admittedly, I took a little snoozer just now. Rarely do I take (or give myself?) the time to do so, and today for some reason it just seemed oh-so necessary. Now, thirty minutes later and refreshed for the rest of the days events, I will sneak an opportunity to post my Remember Me Monday on Monday (how novel of me).

This week, I am thankful for...

Afternoon naps!

Rainy days that provide a beautiful pause.

The gardenias, roses, and peonies that make our indoors smell like outdoors.

Snooze button snuggles with Brian. Love them!

When knee jerk reactions are to Jesus, not worry.

Girlfriend time. I'd forgotten how nice (and necessary it is for a little child-free laughter and chatter)

Understanding there is no worth in pleasing anyone if what I do is not pleasing to You.

Morning runs with Greta before the world is a-buzz. It's like our tiny little rebel dog-off-leash secret.

Silly and solitary moments with Tallulah~ watching her grow up into her own little person so unique. Who does this? Ha!

Amelia's beautiful artwork- she is so creative. And so thankful to see she has this gift passed down from me.

Finishing a couple jpegs and gifs I created for a friend after I called on God to help me efficiently. And He did. A tiny, and oh-so-necessary miracle. An opportunity to see I can complete more creatively, more efficiently than I thought I could, all because of a shout out to the mighty JC.

Brian's forgiveness with my short temper. Ick, me sometimes.

Lulu finally ate her vegetables-I'd prayed God would open her mouth to them! And she did.

Sharing the mundane with my mom, and knowing she's probably the only one who'd listen patiently to my often mundane chatter. That's my mom.

Learning Brian more each day~ he really is as understated as he seems, quietly serving and loving through actions. And if I am not quiet, sometimes I miss this. And that is such a terrible loss, not to see his beauty in his simple acts of love. This is beautiful to me.

Being able to sew a sweater, and a dress-up dress. Realizing this is a little skill necessary for life.

Brian's beautiful vision for a non-profit organization. I am sure it will come to fruition some day, with God's blessing.

When the fridge seems empty, we still seem to have plenty! God is multiplying the loaves and fish right here;).

Car cleaning with the girls "help".

Growing trust. And a firmer settling in my soul.

Growing relationships in our community of believers. So so necessary to sharpen each other.

Lost Dog Cafe! You have to go! It was a mini-vacation in our own town~ complete with a great breakfast and a perfect afternoon on the beach with the family. Best family day ever!

Remember Me Monday, Seventh Edition

Sunshine and Rain

2011-05-12T14:34:00.000-04:00

Under my Umbrella? Amelia enjoying the sun and rain.

I've been thinking recently that there simply needs to be a good mix of rain and shine to keep ones spiritual life healthy. Because while too much rain swamps the soul, an abundance of sun dries it out.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial; for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who he loves.

James 1:12 (ESV)

I've gotten really adept at weathering trials, and it has only been in the weathering that this has happened. That is, I have changed my patterns from one of anxiety and trying to control the damage, to taking it to God first, and allowing Him to walk through it with me, allowing His perspective to infiltrate my heart and mind. I've learned, because of my trials, that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30) In short, my preoccupation of trying to "fix it" myself has given way to humility, allowing God to lead me through circumstances of need.

But, here's my problem, I've gotten so good at seeking God in trials, that now that the sun has been shining consistently in my life, I have become spiritually lazy. Is this perhaps why Jesus said,

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV)

I've realized my recent anxious spirit has been largely due to the lack of turmoil in my life that has given me a "free pass" to not seek Him fully. Sounds totally backwards, doesn't it?

Because when life is good, it sure is easy to take credit for the goodness, and in turn, to take the goodness for granted.

I've been asking God why I feel a bit of a drought in such sunshine. And it wasn't until I was nudged in my spirit last night over my short temper with my husband that I realized I've had it pretty darn easy these recent days. I had wondered why it's been hard for me to write, and hard for me to count my blessings so readily. And looking back over my days of trials, I was able to list multitudes of blessings.

The sun shines brightest after a rain.
A fishing trip between storms.

The sun seems to shine brighter when everything around it is muted, doesn't it?

Because the truth is that we need the rain to appreciate the sunshine.

So, today, I am blessed to be humbled by my good fortune, and reminded that in all things I am to give thanks. And I am to continue to seek after Him even when it's not seemingly as "necessary" to do so. Because it is in these seasons of sun that I can easily prepare for the rainy seasons to come. And it is actually my duty to continually prepare myself in following after Him. What better time to prepare myself than when I do not have the distraction of heart ache and anxiety? Because if I do not, I am like the man who does not work in the season of plenty only to be left wanting in the season of hardship.

Who knows when the next monsoon will hit, and surely I'd prefer to be prepared for it.

Do I prepare for rain in my season of sun?
A sunny silence during our anniversary trip (5 years ago)

Furthermore, my good fortune is His blessing upon me. And it is this season of sunshine that I have always prayed to have, and dreamed of the wonderful things I'd be able to do in this season~ this is my opportunity to celebrate my blessings more fully, to revel in the goodness of God towards me and my family: To love more fully those people with whom I will cross paths, and to give more fully my time and attention.

What season are you in, friend?

Lord, I pray you will give us an anxious spirit when we are choosing to sit fat and happy in seasons of sun. Remind us of who you are in all seasons. I pray we will be able to rejoice in our blessings fully, and continually seek after your heart so we will be present to know your will for our lives. And for those of us who are soaked to the soul with a season of sorrow, bless and uphold them with your mighty hand, Lord. Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Message)

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

The Derby-est Ever

2011-05-10T16:32:00.000-04:00

This past week was spent in the preparation and celebration of our Kentucky roots. It's terribly funny to me to look back to the previous year's Derby day (which is always the first Saturday in May), and see how far we've come, how generously we've been gifted by Him. From no television and boxes piled ceiling high, to a settled home full of peace and a community of friends and neighbors we couldn't imagine doing without. How richly we are blessed.

So with this in mind, again I bring you Remember Me Mondays {on Tuesday!}...Oh how life interrupts the plunking down of words on a keyboard.

This week, I am grateful for...
Our first official visit to the pool~ it smells like summer!

Brian's generosity and patience with my requests. I can be such a particular diva (isn't that an oxymoron anyway?) .

Snuggles with my girls even when there are things to be done, knowing this is so much more important than anything else I could accomplish (Now, if only I'd believe this always)

Being home with the girls, even when I am conflicted about my personal desires~ I know there is nothing more worthwhile than these little treasure right now.

Amelia lifting up praises of home-made Jesus tributes all. day. long.

Words of wisdom from tiny lips, "I know something God never does." What's that, baby? "Sleeps." Indeed, my love.

Realizing authenticity is so much more inviting than appearing put together. A not-so-secret: I'm so not.

Skinned knees that run deep, ready for kissing from Dr. Mama.

Brian's work ethic and dependability. That man is something unique.

Lulu's new teeth- molars! Ouch!

King Street in the rain- dodging from awning to awning and finally hiding out at an ice cream shop until the storm passes. An excellent excuse to pause.

Celebrating Kentucky Derby culture with new friends, and gobs and gobs of giggling children, complete with Kentucky favorites: derby pies, hot browns, and benedictine - yum!

Even in trials, feeling secure.

Mother's Day blessings: realizing it's not about how I am served on Mother's Day, but how grateful I am to serve my family. I love my girls and hubs!

A beach trip to round out a beautiful blessing of a mother's day. My girls love the beach. And even after a year, I'm still saying to myself, "We live here!"

Tell me friends, how have you been blessed this week?

Bless you friends as you continue to serve our Almighty Father! I pray blessings on your week, and that He shows up mightily for you, so you may know that you are deeply loved.

Remember Me Monday {on Tuesday again!}, Sixth Edition

The Pearl

2011-05-05T16:02:00.001-04:00

This morning, I had a providential conversation with a sweet, young woman who is struggling with her identity in Christ. Although, from what she told me, it seems as if it has manifested itself into struggling with her husband. My heart aches for her because I've been there. I've done the same thing. So, I told her with the honesty gathered from weathering trials, that the circumstances she faces will shape her, and show her who He really is, and who she really is in Him.

I left thinking about how trials shape us into seeing ourselves as beautifully as God sees us. And I am so grateful for this truth. And the opportunity to share some of my story of beautiful redemption with her.

Later that morning, I picked Amelia up from our church's Mom's Morning Out program. Providentially, she showed me four paper jewels she had colored. One was a diamond, another a ruby, the next a sapphire, and the final one, a pearl. She was told that it was a picture of who she is in Christ.

A precious jewel.

It got me thinking about how pearls are formed.

The formation of a natural pearl begins when a foreign substance slips into the oyster between the mantle and the shell, which irritate s the mantle. It's kind of like the oyster getting a splinter. The oyster's natural reaction is to cover up that irritant to protect itself. The mantle covers the irritant with layers of the same nacre substance that is used to create the shell. This eventually forms a pearl.

An irritant, covered over and over, creates beauty.

Mind you, it takes time to form this beauty to take shape. On average, it takes about three years for an oyster to form a pearl. And this is all dependent upon the desired size. The length of time {really, the longer the irritant remains}, determines the value and beauty of a pearl.

How long have you been struggling, sister?

Just like the trial this dear sister I spoke with this morning now faces~ she's five years deep. And in my own past, I've seen His hand in my hurt, but it was only in time, many years in fact, that I was able to see the trials for the beauty they've created in me.

And I see the beauty in you.

This trial, covered over and over again by Christ's love for you, is creating a precious and valuable pearl.

So that your reflection is a picture of His love for you.

So that your character is transformed into the likeness of Christ.

So you can respond in faith to his goodness, his love, his faithfulness to you, and show others the beauty in their trials.

You are a pearl. A precious, precious jewel to Him.

Bless you, friend. In this trial, and always.

Lord, I pray you will offer peace in the journeys we take and the trials we face. I pray that we will confidently approach your throne of grace, as you pour out your love, strength, and peace to us. I pray in your covering, we will see ourselves as the precious jewel you see. I pray those of us who have experienced the redemptive work of Christ will see it for the beautiful testimony it is, and be willing to share it with others as an encouragement in their trials, and ultimately to glorify You, Father.

Amen.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:1-4

She is more precious that rubies. Nothing you desire can compare to her.
Proverbs 3:15

I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels,
and all your walls of precious stones.
Isaiah 54:12

Glitzy Glamourous Life

2011-05-03T21:49:00.000-04:00

Oh, how I've missed you ladies these past weeks. This past week, I have been knee-deep in purging the final boxes that marked our one-year anniversary in our home. I blew off the dust that had since settled and spent time reviewing papers, pictures, and art that had long since been forgotten. And it all reminded me of something: We've come a long way, dear ones. This faith-walk sure is fun with each of you. The experiences we've shared have added up like an all-night all-you-can-eat Vegas buffet. Glitzy an glamourous and all, right? Well, maybe not all the time, but regardless the years have shown Him faithful, even when I was not. And shown you faithful, those of you who have seen the good and the bad and offered grace along the way.

And I look back over these mementos of my life, and see clearly how He's taken me through each step, along the path I've traveled. And I can say, Praise God for knowing that I needed a Daddy. I see He was there for me all the way, protecting me from so much throughout my youth and young adult years. Even now, in my not-so-young adult years, He still dotes on me like a Father who is overcome with love that all He sees is my goodness and my heart yearning to be like Him. And it reminds me also of my heart ache for those ladies who have yet to meet their Daddy. And how He loves you~ Do you let Him love you?

And so this week, I give praise for this life He's given me, each breath I take, a gift from Him. And thank God for this glitzy glamourous life in Him...

So let's get started with one more Remember Me Monday post, on Tuesday! It just means life is so stinkin' good I came late to my own party!

This week, I am thankful for...

A week full of exhaustion~ because it means I'm living life fully.

Impromptu trips to the beach simply because we can~ seeing Tallulah's fear give way to sheer joy and she flung herself fully into the surf, all smiles and sunshine.

A full year in our home~ a true settling in my soul of growing roots through our relationships~ seeing how much we've been blessed by God in this year. He's brought us so far simply because He cares for us. I am deeply humbled and amazed by Him.

Realizing when I fail, that it's an opportunity to repent and give it all back to God~ pursuing a right relationship with Him. So good to know I can always come home to Him. And our Grace Box reminds us of who He is, and what leaving our sins with Him does for us~ forgiven, forgotten, forever!

Stop over rights! Hurray!

Sunshine and laughter with friends at the Riverland Terrace Park.

Soccer trophies at the season-end pizza party!

Celebrate MORE birthdays of new little friends.

Date night with Brian~ a wonderful dinner out with concentrated time alone with my honey. He's pretty interesting, that cool cat.

Spring berries and summer fruit! How can we not praise God simply for the creation of such amazing foods! And speaking of this, I love our CSA program~ eating local beets, kale, and vadalia onions grown about six miles from where I lay my head every night.

Brian's growing leadership role as the head of house~ I am so stinkin' attracted to his strength. And this has been a long-time a brewin'. What a beautiful thing to see Christ in one's husband.

Chance meetings with people who have been placed on my heart. God opening doors to love them better.

Enjoying a Mommy-Daughter date with girlfriends and our little ones~ Peter Pan at the Dock Street Theatre. Complete with dinner and laughter afterwards. How can you not love one's friends when they can do this? Life is simply good with good friends.

Tell me, are you still chronicling His goodness to you?

I'm working through a new routine, Lulu's nap schedule has shifted and I am running again in the mornings (yeah!). So I'm trying to balance life, changes, and my desire to meet you here regularly. Forgive my absence while I work through the details. But please know you are always on my heart and in my prayers even if my words are few. Bless you, dear friend. Bless you!

Remember Me Monday {on Tuesday again!}, Fifth Edition

More to Holy Week Blessings than the Bunny

2011-04-25T15:55:00.000-04:00

It seems nearly impossible during this Remember Me Monday post to accurately encapsulate the passionate gratitude for this past holiest of weeks. This week was a humbling lesson in the depth of His love, and the beauty that surrounds the giving of ourselves because of His love. In this past week, I have found that I feel most full when I am giving the most of myself. It is counter-culture to think that giving away time, resources, energy would fill me up, but indeed it has. And I am overflowing with praise for Him because of it.

These past couple weeks, as you know, I haven't posted anything besides these "gratitude musings" of sorts. I do so miss sharing with you what He's teaching me through my experiences. Yet the experiences themselves are overflowing my days, and teaching me so much that I am certain that I will soon pour out with my little words of His giant wisdom. In the meantime, I love you, I pray for you, and I miss you.

Today, I give thanks for....

Glimpses of why God called us to Charleston. And seeing a flood gate of blessings being poured out on our little family in the process. We serve an awesome God.

Brian's conviction and leadership in desiring to protect the girls from seeing themselves as only beautiful on the outside. Seeing their inward beauty is of greater worth. And showing them they are beautiful inside and out. There is NOTHING like the devotion of a daddy to his daughters to give them security in who they are, guiding them to their heavenly Father.

Reading the account of Jesus going to the cross to Amelia, and seeing her grow in understanding of who He is to her specifically. And who she is in Him. And let's face it, who I am as well. We ALL are fully. completely, unconditionally. loved. So says the cross of Christ.

Brian's peace and joy in his growing role of giving mercy in tangible ways~ Seeing Christ in his words and actions.

Spring fever that sprung greatly~ trips to the aquarium and picnics in the sunshine to making our own fun in the backyard... who needs a swimming pool?

Learning to be a student of my husband~ to never grow weary of loving him the way he desires to be loved, rather than the way I desire to be loved in return. There is a difference. Brian: Encouraging words. Dawn: Quality Time.

Amelia growing her gifts of generosity, kindness, and hospitality. It does a mommy's heart good to see her desire to love others in a tangible and uniquely Amelia kind of way.

Impromptu visits from friends who have crossed the barrier of "call first" to "stop over rights". What a treat!

Celebrating a Passover meal with new friends. A blessing to serve so many. Late night laughter and the joy of the presence of the Lord! The torrential rains couldn't stop us!

Our friend Michael's heart~ and our family's love for him. Prayers that pepper him daily from the tiniest of lips.

Rounding out our Easter celebration with a fun-filled weekend of pure joys by celebrating Brian and his love for competition at the Bohicket Marina Run, a little friend's 3rd birthday, and an Easter brunch with good friends.

A beautiful church body that shouts praises and raises a profound ruckus at the celebration of Christ's resurrection this Easter Sunday (and quite frankly every other Sunday). This place is truly special.

A wonderful pastor and friend who shares the word of God in such an approachable way that you can't help but see the Lord move in so many lives.

**************

A thought occurred to me while I was writing this...If I haven't told you already, I keep a gratitude journal. I write down each prior day's blessings on {most} mornings during my quiet time with God. It keeps me faithful in keeping my eyes on the blessings and not on my frustrations, and sure starts a morning out well! Since I began it last September (per the inspiration of Ann Voskamp), life has sure seemingly been a lot more blessing-filled.

I also hope to get a gratitude board of sorts (I envision a large old chalk board-anyone have one they'd like to share with us?) in the kitchen sometime shortly too. A place where everyone in the family can draw or write out their own blessings~ as a physical reminder of His grace and blessings for all of us.

Do you wonder, as I do, which came first: the blessings or the gratitude?

I think it'd be safe to say the blessings have always been here (He's just that kind of Father), and I just got humbled enough to THANK HIM for these blessings.

How do you chronicle your blessings?

I am praying you know how deep and wide His love is for you today. Bless you, dear friend.

Remember Me Monday, Fourth Edition

Dusty Keyboard Days

2011-04-19T15:51:00.001-04:00

Oh my goodness, I've got to start getting a little more organized around here...a ghost writer or something while I'm away from the keyboard. But the life of a mama is always changing, and with it, our free time:). So, it's Tuesday, and as you can see, my Remember Me Monday is just being posted. However, I will continue to praise God on Tuesday for all that He's blessed me with in the past week. And what a wonder of a week it was! Baby Lulu had another ear infection, and I was sick as well. It's amazing how much a mother continues to do when her babies are ill, even when she herself is sick. So, to my mother friends, and my someday-to-be mother friends, I honor you with this post today. Because YOU are incredible. YOU are amazing. And YOU "perfect way are." And just a reminder to all of you, and it comes right back to me, don't be too hard on yourselves. We can not be perfect, and every trial we face as a mama draws us closer to God, if we will allow ourselves to see Him in our circumstances. This mothering thing is tough work. And good work.

Because there is no reward like the love of a child, is there?

Bless you, dear mamas.

Today, I thank God for ...

Community being built one honest moment at a time.

Honest, peaceful, loving encouraging talks with Brian.

Amelia desiring to wash my feet, she says as a reminder of Jesus washing away our sins. Indeed, baby.

Drop-in-anytime rights for friends that always leads to impromptu fun.

Brian witnessing a full day in my life that reminded him that the work of a mother is meaningful. And saying so.

Mercy and grace, sweet, sweet mercy and grace for friends who don't think they deserve it.

Love for an elderly neighbor ~ letting us be Christ in action.

Overnight visits with Tallulah all snuggled in my arms, simply needing a mama's love.

An afternoon of fun with the family, Jack's Cosmic Dogs (you have to go here), and picking our favorite flowers at Lowes (Mine: Peony, Amelia's: Dahlia, Tallulah: Anything she can grasp in her little hands, Brian: his girls)

Antibiotics that remove ear infections, and her burned bottom that, although painful, shows us that it's working.

Finishing my herb garden with Brian's generous help. I love my herb garden!

MMO saves me again, getting my teeth cleaned without a baby in my arms.

Pink. pink. and pink rainboots! I love my girls, all girly and such.

Dinner with friends around a firepit while the girls giggle on the hammock.

How God dotes on me like I'm Daddy's Girl~ and actually believing I can receive His love with joy and without shame!

Amelia's love for her daddy, and her daddy's love for her. A true picture of God's love for us. An a camping trip to boot.

Amelia who dances ballet while playing soccer. Of course.

Giving away things that are meaningful to me, but more necessary for others.

Will you tell me what did God bless you with this week? Praying you see His love for you in your everyday moments.

Remember Me Mondays {on Tuesday}, Third Edition

I Heart Mondays!

2011-04-11T21:57:00.000-04:00

Oh how strangely I look forward to Mondays now~ I've never, never looked forward to Mondays. This is always the make-up, rush rush day. Yet, now I can't pass up an opportunity to chronicle the joy of a week well-lived. It begs to be done, and so I must on this Remember Me Monday.

Today, I thank God for...

Marriage giants that are beginning to look like puny runts (God answers prayers!)

Impromptu play dates complete with squeals of child belly laughter, bubbles and sopping wet clothes

Learning to bear all things patiently, beginning to grasp what meekness really is (and is not)

Realizing that living in the Spirit transcends more than one silo of who I am

The discovery of Mom's Mornings Out (I love my babies, and an stolen opportunity for a quiet home)

Farm fresh eggs picked by Amelia, straight from under the chicken's butt (do they even have butts?)

The humming birds that have returned home to us (I feel extravagantly loved!)

Living in and accepting moments just as they are is learning to live in the Spirit

Girlfriends, old and new (and oh so necessary)

Lulu's insatiable energy and constant curiosity (who needs toys when you have dirty dishes?)

Brian's heart for mercy (a true gift for those who need to see God's love in action)

Being blessed by simply knowing I am in His presence, always

Friend, tell me, what are your joys? How have your trials and triumphs blessed you over this past week?

Lord, thank you for a life well-lived, and this week to chronicle it all. May you bless each of us this week as we seek to serve you with our lives. Amen.

See you soon. Bless you!

Remember Me Mondays, Second Edition

Permanent Marker

2011-04-07T10:34:00.001-04:00

He bears the permanent mark of love for us.

Yesterday I spoke of my view of myself versus God's Truth about me.

Knowing God's truth about who we are affects how we are.

If I am able to filter my circumstances through the lens of the Holy Spirit in me, I am able to see myself as God sees me, perfectly loved and perfectly forgiven, no matter what I face. And I am so, so grateful for the way God speaks to me, gently, clearly, and often about His love for me.

I'm a student in the eternal class of God's Love 101.

And class was back in session first thing this morning as I was driving Amelia to school. Peaceful silence hummed to the sound of the motor between the pause of Praise Baby songs. It was in this moment that Amelia reminded me of the time she used permanent marker on her art table, and the fact that it's still there. We talked about the word permanent, and that it means to stay forever, to never go away.

Like my love for you, Amelia, it's permanently in my heart. Do you understand?

Yea Mama, I know what that means. The marker made in love is on your heart forever.

And the still, small, Voice resonates in this Truth, Like I have a marker on my heart for you.

Permanent. Forever. Never, never going away.

What is true for me, tis true for you, sister.

There is nothing we can do to scrub off His marker made in love. It is forever engraved into His heart.

And as Easter approaches, I can't help but see that His love is forever impaled by the Truth of the cross of Christ.

His head, His hands, His feet.
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

They all speak love.

He, loving us so much, sacrificed his life, bearing our sin, so that we might be blameless.

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16

Oh how He loves us. Oh how He deeply, deeply loves us.

Do you see the permanent mark of His love? If not, will you marinate in God's truth today, so that you will know His deep, abiding love for you?

Lord, bind us to you, let our vision be clear, seeing ourselves as You do. Show us Lord, let it be engraved into our hearts that we are loved. Permanently.

Amen. and Amen. Forever, dear hearts.

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16