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The Nasty C Word

Posted in Faith, God's Authors, grace, intentional living, Living by Grace, Perseverance, tagged , , , , , on April 25, 2013 | 10 Comments »

Maria Looking UpChange is inevitable. Sometimes it’s exciting, like when one embarks on a new career or welcomes home an infant. Other times, well … Today my dear friend and fellow Living by Grace Hostess, Maria Morgan, encourages us to grab hold of God as we follow Him toward where ever He leads, change and all.

3 Steps to Overcoming the Fear of Change

The days are getting longer. The breeze has lost its chill. Change is in the air. I love the transition from winter to spring. The promise of new growth and warmer temperatures encourages me to embrace a new season.

But all change isn’t as easy to welcome. Some changes bring pain, while others create fear. So how can I prepare myself for the change that is sure to come? God’s Word gives me real insight.Bible

I’m challenged by the Israelites. As they stood poised on the banks of the Jordan River, ready to enter the Promised Land, they had to make some decisions. No doubt they were ready to leave the wilderness far behind – but there was work to be done in this new land if they were to possess it. Hard work and plenty of unknowns.

How did they respond? What did they do to overcome their uneasiness about the new land they were about to enter?

1 – They trusted God.

Joshua encouraged the people with a promise from God. As soon as the priests stepped into the Jordan River, the waters would part and the people would be able to cross the river on dry ground. Instead of questioning God, the people chose to take Him at His word. (Joshua 3:13)

2 – They moved forward one step at a time.

Because the people chose faith over fear, they were able to concentrate on the task that lay ahead of them that day: “And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.” (Joshua 3:17; KJV)

They didn’t have to worry about what they would face the next day. They chose to do what God expected them to do that day.

3 – They chose to remember God’s goodness.

God instructed the people to set up a memorial of 12 stones taken from the middle of the Jordan River, as a reminder of how He had provided a miraculous path for them to cross into the Promised Land. The people obeyed. The memorial served as a reminder to future generations of God’s strength and goodness. (Joshua 4:20-24)

The next time you’re faced with change, you have the opportunity to respond like the Israelites did: trust God, move forward one step at a time, and remember God’s goodness.

What step will you take today to address your uneasiness with change?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the clear direction You give in Your Word. Help me to trust You in the face of change, and to be willing to move forward step by step. Give me the grace to remember Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*Maria I. Morgan is an inspirational writer and speaker. She’s passionate about sharing the truths of God’s Word with today’s generation. She lives in Georgia with her husband and daughter. Visit her on the web and download a free copy of her eBook God Speaking @ www.mariaimorgan.com.

I love grace–God’s continual, unmerited favor. I love the truth of 2 Corinthian 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” We all face fears, weaknesses–emotions, events, and encounters that threaten to hold us back. But God is bigger than all of these. He is victorious, and through Him, we can be victorious as well. Victorious over fear, discouragement, stagnation, whatever.

Let’s talk about this. Are you facing a time of change? If so, what are some tangible things you can do *today* to draw near to God?

Share your thoughts and stories in the comments before or on Facebook at Living by Grace.

 

 

 

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You are Beloved

Posted in Faith, God's Authors, intentional living, Let's Get Real, Living by Grace, tagged , , , , on January 10, 2013 | 2 Comments »

God's lovePlease note: Gina Conroy is giving away a copy of Digging Up Death (see the book description below) to one of you, randomly chosen from the comments left on this post.

Today’s reading: Proverbs 3:31-35; John 15:5-7

Today’s focal verse: Proverbs 3:32

For the devious are an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.

Today’s focus: Intimacy with God

This week’s memory verse: 

Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best of everything you produce. Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Throughout the Bible, we read accounts of people who “walked with God.” In fact, I think we read about this so often, it’s easy to take this truth for granted. As easy as it is to take Immanuel–God with us–for granted in our daily lives. And yet, if we were honest with ourselves, if we could truly catch a glimpse of the deepest recesses of our heart, I suspect what we long for most is not that next promotion, that next gadget, or that next opportunity. No, what we want, what we need, is to feel loved. Cherished. Heard. To know, no matter what we face or who may turn against us, there is someone who remains, who walks beside us, and looks upon us with a love so deep, if we let it, it will penetrate to our very depths, bringing with it freedom and wholeness and peace.
eIMG_0969 4x6 cropToday, author Gina Conroy reminds us of who we are to God.

You are Dulcinea, God’s Beloved
By Gina Conroy

I remember the time I say Broadway’s Man of La Mancha. Though I vaguely knew the story of the crazed man who fought windmills, I didn’t know God would use this story to speak to my heart. Filled with interesting and wretched characters (which completely contrast Don Quixote’s virtues of honor, love and faithfulness,) the story took me to a place I didn’t expect to go.

The harsh character of Aldonza, a self-proclaimed whore, touched my heart. She wore her pain and self-hate on her sleeve, her heart hardened to everyone including herself. At first she made fun of Don Quixote, like the others. His vision of her as Dulcinea, the virtuous virgin, perplexed her, but also intrigued her. She couldn’t stay away from him. Why couldn’t Don Quixote see her for who she really was, a wretched whore born on a dung heap and would die on a dung heap?

Yet, he insisted she was Dulcinea, the most beautiful and virtuous woman he’d ever met. His lady, the one he’d fight for on his quests.That’s when it hit me. I’m Aldonza, a wretched sinner in the eyes of everyone except my Don Quixote. My God.

Aldonza couldn’t accept Don Quixote’s vision of her. But when things got bad enough, when she had enough of Aldonza, she sought out Don Quixote and wanted to be his Dulcinea. She needed to be his Dulcinea.

We’re all Dulcinea’s in the eyes of God, but like Aldonza we can’t see it and those around us can’t see it also. Yet, someone saw past her sin to the person she was really meant to be. Dulcinea.

Do you wish someone would see the Dulcinea in you instead of Aldonza? Someone does.

You are Dulcinea.

God’s beloved. He will fight for you to the end!

Gina Conroy used to think she knew where her life was headed; now she’s leaning on the Lord to show her the way. After seven years of dream pursuit, she held her first novella, Buried Deception in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection, in her hands and recently released her first full length mystery, Digging Up Death. Gina founded Writer…Interrupted  to encourage busy writers and chronicles her triumphs and trials as she pursues her dreams while encouraging her family and others to chase after their own passions. Gina loves to connect with readers, and when she isn’t writing, teaching, or driving kids around, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter, or pursuing her new passion — ballroom and swing dancing!

“Dig into a fun story with Digging Up Death. It’s got all the dirt you want–a tangled mystery, a quirky heroine, hints of romance, and page-turning action. Conroy keeps the story real and delves into the clean and the not so clean parts of life. Highly recommended.” Christy Barritt, author of the Squeaky Clean Mysteries series

DigginUpDeath_GinaConroy_EbookDigging Up Death:

Archaeology Professor Mari Duggins is adjusting to life as a single mom and trying to balance a television career, but gets caught between the pull of her former flame, a field archaeologist, and her ex-husband who is wanted by the FBI on an antiquities crime. Then her colleague is murdered, and she gets in over her head as she searches for truth in a desert of lies. Mari Duggins’ life caves in as she tries to excavate the truth, but realizes only God can dig her out of the hole she’s created. Will Mari sort through her muddled feelings and put her trust in someone else before her world caves in? Or will the truth bury her alive?

Buy Digging Up Death here. 

Cherry Blossom Capers JPEGHer Novella: Buried Deception in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection

Mount Vernon archaeology intern and widow Samantha Steele wants to provide for her children without assistance from anyone. Security guard and ex-cop Nick Porter is haunted by his past and keeps his heart guarded. But when they discover an artifact at Mount Vernon is a fake, Nick and Samantha need to work together, set aside their stubbornness, and rely on each other or the results could be deadly. Will Samantha relinquish her control to a man she hardly knows? Can Nick learn to trust again? And will they both allow God to excavate their hearts so they can find new love?

 ***

Pause for a moment to recall a time when you felt especially close to God. If you’re like me, although I have moments of being close with God, I also spent way too much time falling into routine and taking Him for granted. Every once in a while I need a divine date night. ;) I suggest you do the same.

Here are some possible ways to do that:

Make your Bible reading time special. I like to curl into the corner of the couch with a nice cup of warm, fragrant tea, with some soft music playing and my pen and notebook handy. There are some mornings where my time is short, but on Saturdays, I like to slow things down, giving myself ample time to connect with God.

So here are some things to discuss and/or ponder:

1) How can you make your Bible reading time more intimate? Perhaps light a sweet-smelling candle? Is there a drink or snack you’d enjoy? Find something special to add to really help you get in an intimate, relaxed mood.

2) Go on a mini-retreat. When we lived in Kansas City, there was a park I enjoyed going to. I’d bring my Bible, my Pandora radio (on my phone), and a notebook. Being out in God’s creation with the warm sun on my face and the sweet smell of flowers and grass all around me, really helped me slow my mind down and connect with God.

Determine to do both of these actions this week. Set a day and time for your mini-retreat. It doesn’t have to be long, but make a point to actually go somewhere, with the mindset of really connecting with God. Then come back and tell us where you went, what you did, and how it helped you experience God.

Let’s talk about this! Join the discussion in the comments below, Living by Grace, or join our Yahoo Bible Study group by clicking the link below.
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I’d love to hear from you. How and when will you create a divine “date night” this week? I’d also love to hear about any special times with God you’ve had in the past. Where did you go and how did you encounter God?

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Who Gets Your Leftovers?

Posted in Faith, intentional living, Let's Get Real, Perseverance, Praise, Proverbs Study, tagged , , , , , on January 7, 2013 | 3 Comments »

Today’s reading: Proverbs 3; Micah 3:6-15

Today’s focal verse: Proverbs 3:9-10

Today’s focus: Giving God our best

1381091_time_is_moneyThis week’s memory verse: Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
    and your vats will overflow with good wine (NLT).

Let’s face it, there’s only so much of us to go around. We’ve only got so much resources, so much time, so much energy. At any moment in your day, you’ve got to choose–who or what will you focus on and who will take a back seat? If you’re like me, you often feel like you’re running in circles chasing fires, always one too many steps behind.

So what do you do when your day spins out of control?

You stop, give it to God, and determine to do things differently, placing Him and the things of Him at the top of your to do list.

Proverbs 3:9-10 says:

Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Although this verse is talking about our material wealth, I believe the principle applies to all of our resources, including our time, gifts, and talents.

It can be quite easy to write a check to a ministry. Serving in that same ministry or carving out devoted time for prayer can be another matter.

I’ve been involved in children’s ministry for almost 15 years now. That’s fifteen years, 780 weeks, 2,340 hours of craft prep, snotty-nose wiping, mess-cleaning, game-playing, and yes, there have been times when I’ve felt burned out, when my flesh wanted to take the easy way out, to absent-mindedly go through the motions without fully engaging. But then God’s spirit within me pricks my conscious and reminds me, no matter what ministry I’m doing, I’m serving Him, and He deserves my absolute best.

Pause to prayerfully consider this week’s memory verse. Think of your daily Bible reading and prayer time. Have you set aside a time for God when you are at your best, most alert? If not, when would be a good time to do that?

Think of the ministry you serve in. How might your service be an act of worship? And how might viewing it as such change you how approach it?

Think of your gifts and talents. Are you using them to glorify God or to glorify yourself? For example, I believe God has gifted me with a desire to write. This week and last, the Proverbs Bible study has taken a large chunk of my time. Time I could’ve spent working on articles or my current manuscript, and yes, there have been moments when my flesh fought for dominance, inviting me to join it’s pity, “what about me!” party, but I chose not to listen. I chose to obey what I believed God had called me to do–engage in the Proverbs study, giving it my absolute best, trusting Him to take care of the other stuff.

I don’t regret it, for every moment I follow wholeheartedly after Him, I feel His peace, His love, His presence.

Let’s talk about this. Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion in our online study group.


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Let’s take a moment to consider our progress. Don’t try to answer or contemplate all the questions below as often, when we attempt to do too much, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and lose effectiveness. Instead, focus on the one area you really want to see growth in.

I know many of you are following along with our Proverbs reading and Bible study.

How are you doing with your Bible reading and verse memorization commitment? Have you established a routine, and if so, has it helped you to be more disciplined? (You might find it helpful to review January 1st’s devotional.)

As you continue to read through Proverbs and store God’s Word in your heart, are you noticing a difference in how you approach and view your day? Are you consulting with God more throughout the day, seeking His wisdom? (You might find it helpful to review January 2nd’s devotional.)

How are you doing with your Bible reading time? Are you taking the time to really digest it and dig for God’s meaning? Have you tried using a lexicon? Reading verses and/or passages in different translations? Any new discoveries? (You might find it helpful to review January 3rd’s devotion.)

How has your trust level grown? Are you choosing to think about and focus on God’s truth and unchanging nature? And if so, has that helped you experience increased peace? (You might find it helpful to focus on January 5th’s devotional.)  

What’s *one* thing you choose to focus on today?

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Take Time to Remember

Posted in God's Authors, intentional living, Perseverance, Proverbs Study, Spiritual disciplines, tagged , , , , , , on January 4, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Today’s reading: Proverbs 3:1-8

Today’s focal verse: Proverbs 3:1

Today’s focus: Remembering what we’ve learned

This week’s memory verse: 
Proverbs2memoryverse

This morning, as I was thinking over my spiritual goals and what I’ve learned through Proverbs 1-3, I was tempted to add more to my goal list. After all, if I’m developing a habit for Scripture memorization, why not also develop goals and habits for cleaning, and exercise, and diet, and … ;)

They say most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions after three weeks. I suspect one of the reasons for this is people set unrealistic expectations and overload themselves with too much change without giving themselves time to really develop new habits. This is why I am purposefully going quite slow through my Proverbs reading. I know if I attempt to make too many changes too quickly, if I focus on too many things without giving myself time to really absorb what I’ve already learned, I’ll likely fail. So today, I’m going to really pray about and meditate on what God has already shown me. As you read the following devotional, written by Beth Farley, I suggest you do the same. :)

GE DIGITAL CAMERABeth Ann Farley is a dear friend of mine and one of our Yahoo Bible Study group members. She is married with three grown children. She lives in Kansas City, MO where she serves as librarian. She loves to read, write, decorate and spend as much time as possible outside with her Peek-A-Poo. Beth is a lover of the Lord. “He is my-everything and I can’t start a day without visiting with Him.” Beth came to know the Lord when she was 30 years old and has served Him on committee’s such as Missions Outreach, Local Missions, Diaconate Committee, Youth Committee, and was a church secretary for several years. Beth loves Women’s Bible Studies, has hosted several in each one of her homes that she has lived in and has led a few as well. Beth is now taking time in life to move forward with her writing in whatever way God directs her.

Visit her online at: http://firsthalfday1.wordpress.com/

Proverbs 3:1 NLT
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give a long and satisfying life.
My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep from my commands (HCSB).

Many years ago I was called to home-school my children. I had no idea what I was doing other than being obedient to God’s calling.

I began each day with reading, writing and memorizing scripture with my kids and then giving them some time to reflect in their journals. That was the most rewarding time of my life, not only being with my children, teaching them my values but knowing I was being totally obedient to God.

The above verse is one that I remember so well because in teaching my kids the Ten Commandments, I also tied in Proverbs 3:1. I explained to my kids that you can’t have the Ten Commandments without remembering what God has taught you. You can’t have the Ten Commandments without storing them in your heart. We can memorize scripture all we want but if we don’t store them in our hearts with God’s commands then it’s just a scripture memory challenge.

What do you think? Can you memorize scripture without storing God’s commands in your heart?

How do you encourage the believer who appears to be keeping the commands that might be very ill or has lost a job or loved one about living a long and satisfying life?

In joining this group, I am really challenging myself to really take the scriptures and not only memorize but meditate and applying them to my daily life.

***

What about you? What has God shown you this week? Are you applying what you’ve learned? How might He want you to do just that *today.* Find some time today to prayerfully consider this, then write down a few thoughts.

Here are some questions to ponder as you write:
1) How has your relationship with God grown this week?
2) Have you noticed a difference in your attitude? Do you feel more at peace? More joyful?
3) Do you find yourself thinking of God and the things of God more throughout the day?

On January first, we talked about discipline and creating routines. (You can read Jan. 1st’s devo here.) What new routine have you created in an effort to become more disciplined? I’m working on memorizing Scripture, and in my effort to do so, have begun reciting my week’s memory verse as I cook dinner.

One of our Yahoo group members mentioned time was a big limiting factor for her, and she suggested multi-tasking as a way to solve this. I think this is true for most of us. Thinking of the benefits of establishing a routine, I’d like to propose a few suggestions. I suggest you choose *one* to try. By choosing one new activity rather than many, there’s a higher probability this will stick and become habit.

1. Make your shower time your prayer time. If you need help remembering to do this, attach a sticky note to the outside of your shower door with the reminder to pray. Or, if Scripture memorization is your goal, use packing tape to attach a notecard with your verse either in your shower or bathroom mirror. (where it won’t get wet. :) Or you could perhaps use dry erase marker, lipstick, or something else that will easily come off to write the verse directly on the shower glass or wall. As you shower or get ready, recite the verse aloud a few times.

2. This suggestion is similar to the first. Is there a mundane/mindless task you complete each day? Make that your prayer or verse memorization time.

3. Program alerts in your phone, perhaps to go off over your lunch break or every three hours. If your goal is to be more consistent with prayer, pause to pray for five or ten minutes (whatever is manageable for you), whenever the alert goes off. If your goal is verse memorization, pause to recite the verse three times when the alarm goes off.

If you do this enough times, they should become habit, with your heart reminding you to do the action.

On January 2nd, we talked about seeking and waiting for God’s wisdom. You can read the post here. In our Yahoo Bible study group, we also talked about “doing life” with God, or, in other words, of being conscious of His presence, talking to Him throughout the day, and asking Him to align our thoughts, hearts, and will with His.

And today, we are remembering all we’ve learned as we seek to live out God’s truths. We will be camping out in Proverbs 3 for a while–through Jan. 10th, to be exact. I encourage you to read this chapter each morning over the next couple of days, allowing it to really sink in. I also encourage you, when you have time, to go back and review chapters 1-2. Keep a notebook at hand and jot down thoughts that arise as you read.

Let’s talk about this! You can share your thoughts in the comments below or in our Yahoo Bible Study group. We can continue this discussion in the comments below or at our Yahoo Bible study/verse memorization group:
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The Other Side of No

Posted in Faith, grace, intentional living, Let's Get Real, parenting, tagged , , on June 3, 2012 | 12 Comments »

Today’s post is a bit off the cuff, so if you see an abundance of typos and awkward phrases, bear with me, please. :)

Many of you have shared such kind words regarding our move. For those of you who read  The Gift of No, I wanted to give you an update–a praise worthy, grace-infused update. :) (If you haven’t read it, you might want to. Today’s post will make more sense.)

But before I do, I did want to touch on Thursday’s post. Yesterday I received an email that indicated the post had the potential to be misunderstood. In no way was I suggesting emotional repression. Nor was I trying to minimize the grief that comes from trials we face. My intent was to share what God showed me during our difficult time–that He is still good even when life is hard.

This doesn’t mean my daughter doesn’t still mourn her old friends, doesn’t still struggle with the move. It does mean that He wants me to walk beside her, to show her a love that is strong and true. And that was the message I want to convey to her, and that I’d hoped to share with all of you.

On my drive, God also showed me not to miss out on the potential blessing of connecting with my daughter–because I almost missed it.

Now back to closed doors and divine nos. :)

A few weeks ago, I shared about a home we made an offer on. It was in a great neighborhood, walking distance from the high school, was spacious, fit our budget. Or so we thought. But God said no.

We are now living in the house–the neighborhood God showed us … after the no. The house He said yes to. (This house is in a different city–a suburb of Omaha.) It’s smaller, not fancy, but … home. With a lovely walking trail that connects to our neighborhood. Those who know me know how much I cherish my walks. That’s my Jesus time. The day after we’d moved in, I left the boxes and clutter, grabbed my Iphone (with it’s Pandora Radio) and went for a walk. God met me on that path, and showed me it was His gift to me.

On Sunday, we went to a church ten minutes from our house. An outreach focused church full of welcoming Christians. We met the youth pastor, and on Wednesday, my daughter joined them for a dinner and movie night.

This Sunday, our love for the church grew.

On Wednesday, our daughter will spend two hours with the HS tennis team. She’ll do the same each Wednesday and Friday this summer. Two days a week of connecting with HS kids. Kids who will provide familiar faces on my daughter’s first day of school, some may even lead to great friendships.

You see, God knew all along.

Once again, praising God for the gift of no, and His love that never ends, never leaves, always guides.

Happy Sunday!

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Are The “Little Things” Really Little?

Posted in Faith, intentional living, Living by Grace, parenting, tagged , , , on March 10, 2012 | 6 Comments »

(Before you read this post, know this is not a statement on working moms. I believe God has a different plan for each of us–each family. Some are called to stay home with their children. Others are called into the world to become Christ’s healing balm to a hurting world. And still others are called to do both. As moms, the best thing we can do is draw near to God each and every day, find out what He wants us to do, then do it, knowing if we do that, our efforts will please Him.)

I’ve stayed home for just over sixteen years now, and for sixteen years, I’ve struggled with wanting to do more–something that counts, that won’t be undone by the end of the day. This was especially tough when our daughter was young. Most of my days, it seemed, were spent wiping noses, cleaning spills, and picking up toys that would only find their way back to the floor. This doesn’t mean I didn’t cherish my time with our daughter. I did! I wouldn’t trade our snuggle times for anything! But every once in a while, I wanted to do something “significant.” Something with tangible results. But each time, God would remind me, “What you’re doing matters.”

Jesseca Randall and her kiddosMy feelings weren’t unique. In fact, my older sister is struggling with similar feelings right now. With a master’s degree, and following on the tails of a busy, very fulfilling career, the transition from career world to diaper-changing has been tough. Couple this with her deep sense of compassion for a hurting world and her desire to reach out, and it’s easy to understand why she struggles. Intellectually, she knows this is a phase, that God’s not through with her, but there are days she feels tucked away on a shelf.

Last week, these feelings returned in full force. Not far from Baltimore, she’s fully aware of the deep needs all around her–broken children in broken homes, people sleeping on the street, fighting addiction, hopelessness. She attends a church passionate about outreach, and although her family gets involved when they can, she longs to do more!

You can’t live in close communion with God and not feel His pain for the broken, His sorrow over sin.

This sorrow, infused by the heart of the Father, has stirred within her a desire for action. It’s led her to dream big, praying God would go before her and open wide the doors for ministry.

And yet, each day, doors seem to close. She’s not changing the world. She’s changing diapers instead.

“I started to throw myself a pity party,” she said. “I wanted to know why God wasn’t using me. I’d pray, ‘Lord, just place ONE person in my path today, just one, whom I can love on.’”

Nothing. Even the homeless people she once gave lunches to seemed to disappear. And so, she continued on, trudging through, struggling just to keep up with her Bible reading amidst the chaos of raising toddlers.

In fact, one week she didn’t finish her study, and she almost didn’t make it to her small group. She even considered not going. What would it hurt to miss one day?

But God had other plans. He didn’t want to chastise her for her pity party. He didn’t want to guilt her into being more, doing more. He saw His broken child and longed to be the lifter of her head.

“We were reading 1 Timothy chapter five. I’ve read it before. It’s a familiar passage, and one I’ve never paid much attention to. Except today, the words leapt out at me.”

1 Timothy 5:9 (NIV)

9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband,10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

“In this verse, caring for your children is listed with caring for the poor and helping others,” she said.

In essence, God said to her, “What you are doing matters. A lot.”

Often, we want to do grand things for God–run a ministry or go on an international mission trip, and those are great things! But the little things, like caring for your children, sitting with a hurting neighbor, or spending time with a wounded friend, are just as important. Through this verse, God told Jesseca He was pleased with every snotty nose she wiped, every diaper she changed, every patty-cake she played.

God saw it all, every seemingly mundane task, and was saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant. My child.”

Might God be trying to say the same thing to you today?

Join us at Living by Grace as we talk about measuring ourselves by God’s standard, and resting in His love and acceptance. He may indeed call us to international missions, or He may call us to a story book and living room sofa. We may see “results” right away, or it may be years before we see the whys and hows. And that’s where trust comes in, knowing God loves us and is at work in and through us, every day. He’s fully present in the big and the small, and I believe He wants us to be fully present as well.

I’d love to hear from you. What area are you struggling to find purpose in right now? Maybe you’re in what appears to be a no-end job. Maybe you’re looking for a job, and can’t understand why God would leave you in a period of waiting. What might God be doing in your “interim”? And how can you be more present in the now?

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Is Your Dream Worth Chasing?

Posted in Faith, God's Authors, intentional living, Let's Get Real, tagged , , , on January 31, 2012 | 7 Comments »

On Saturday, I encouraged you to dream big. To follow after your dream with perseverance and confidence, with one word of caution. God blesses our obedience, not our independence. If the dream’s from Him, He will bring it about. If it’s not, you may end your days crashing against barrier after barrier. The answer is simple, really. Find out what God wants you to do then do it.

Okay, so maybe that’s not so simple. Outside of righteous living, how can we know if what we’re doing pleases God? How can we know if our dreams come from within ourselves or are divinely planted? Today Henry McLaughlin, author of the Journey to Riverbend shares some insightful indicators:

Is Your Dream From God? by Henry McLaughlin

“I have a dream.” Martin Luther King’s words still resonate, particularly as we honor him at this time of year.

We all have dreams, some small, some large, some humongous. But dreams are not just for the young. The dream I’m walking out now—the dream to write—was birthed when I was in my fifties. So we’re never too old to dream. The only thing that limits my dream is me.

But questions haunt writers, especially as we stare at blank screens with fingers poised and brain frozen or when we get that rejection letter that says “doesn’t fit our needs at this time.” The big question is: Is this dream from God or last night’s pizza?

Recently I came across an article that gave seven keys to answer the question is this dream from God. It’s by Evangelist Jerry Savelle in his magazine, Adventures in Faith (Winter 2012). I think they’ll be helpful in answering the question: Is this you God?

1. If it captures your imagination and inspires and motivates you everyday of your life, then it is most likely a dream from God.

2. If it seems impossible and you are unable to fulfill it on your own, then it is most likely a dream from God.

3. If it seems as though it will never come to pass but deep down inside you’re unwilling to give up on it, then it is most likely a dream from God.

4. If not everyone is as enthusiastic about it as you are, then most likely it is a dream from God.

5. If you have experienced resistance, setbacks, difficulty and sometimes even frustration over it, then it is most likely a dream from God.

6. If it seems to consume your thinking and even seems to get bigger and bigger on the inside of you, then it is most likely a dream from God.

7. If it seems to define and shape your life, then it is most likely a dream from God.

Each of these keys set off fireworks of confirmation in me and I can approach 2012 with renewed and deeper confidence that I am in His plan for my life.

How about you? Do you have a dream? Do these keys help you see if your dream is from God?

Journey to Riverbend:
Michael Archer might not have been able to save Ben Carstairs, but he vowed to carry out Ben’s dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. What he doesn’t know is that Sam Carstairs—the most ruthless businessman on the frontier—has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation.

Soon after arriving in the booming town of Riverbend, Michael meets the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel is running from a past as dark as Michael’s, and the last thing she expects—or thinks she deserves—is a chance at love.

When word reaches town that Sam has been kidnapped on the stagecoach home, Michael joins the search posse. But the trail ahead is more dangerous than any imagined, and making it back alive will require Michael to face his past and overcome his deepest fear.

Henry McLaughlin’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Award. He brings a love of history and a background of social services and ministry into his writing. Henry enjoys working with other writers to sharpen his craft and to teach, coach and mentor. Besides writing, he also enjoys reading and traveling. Born in Rhode Island, he now lives in Saginaw, Texas, with his wife of forty-three years. Four of their five children and grandson are scattered across New England, New Jersey, and Missouri. Their eldest is in heaven.

WordServe client since 2011

Member: ACFW, CWG, NTCW

(North Texas Christian Writers)

Website: http://www.henrymclaughlin.org

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Easily Swayed

Posted in intentional living, Let's Get Real, tagged , , on January 24, 2012 | 5 Comments »

I’m in a time of waiting. Everything in my life, it seems, is at a fork and I’m waiting for God’s direction. Not for the final destination. I’ve walked with Him long enough to know that rarely comes. He may give me a glimpse now and then, enough to ignite passion, but normally that’s all it is–a glimpse. Most likely because He knows, if given the Mapquest version, I’d trudge ahead in self-reliance.

I’m learning God wants me to stay light-footed, easily swayed, ever listening, ever waiting, ever drawing near.

Psalm 32:7-10 (NASB)

7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.

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Intentional Strength

Posted in Faith, intentional living, Let's Get Real, United in Christ, tagged , , , , on January 21, 2012 | 10 Comments »

Two weeks ago, my dear friend Fay Lamb, author of Because of Me,  sent me a beautiful email. I had ask her for advice on a few issues, and like the precious child of God she is, she didn’t give me any. She gave me more. She sent me an email filled with Scripture, pointing me to my Savior, the only One who truly had the answers.

She began her email with Matthew 7:11 which tells us, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father, which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him.”

She then pointed me to Isaiah 55, which told me of God’s love, His incomprehensible wisdom, and His provisions for His children.

Verse by verse, she reminded me of God’s goodness, centering me in His Father’s heart. I wrote down the verses, prayed over them, meditated on them, but I sensed God wasn’t through. He’d started the conversation, laid the foundation, but there was more He wanted me to know. In fact, the real lesson hadn’t even begun. But before He started His refining, He surrounded me in His love.

The next morning, as I continued to pray over Fay’s verses, God led me to Isaiah 43 and Isaiah 31. I’ll highlight the portions that spoke to me, although I encourage you to read both passages.

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,

18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.

This passage warned me a time of struggle was coming, but not to fear, for God would walk me through it.

The next passage God led me to showed me how. Through the words of Isaiah 31, God reminded me it’s not about my strength, wisdom, or ability, but instead, about His. I can be victorious over anything that comes my way … if I keep my eyes on Him and stay centered in His will:

1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the LORD.

The following day, God brought the lesson home by allowing a series of struggles to come my way. This happens every year as the CWG conference approaches, and I’ve come to realize Satan doesn’t want me to go. Satan would rather I stay home in isolation, because that is where I’m at my weakest. He certainly doesn’t want me to surround myself with passionate followers of Christ following the same call.

But let’s not forget, nothing can touch me without first passing through the hands of God, and God only allows those things which are for my good.

Saturday, my van broke down, and I learned I cannot trust in vehicles.

When we got the bill, I realized how fleeting money can be. Nope, can’t trust in that either.

The following day I got sick and God showed me I cannot trust in my health or strength.

My computer started acting haywire and I lost a document. Nope, can’t trust in technology.

Event after event, frustration after frustration, God reminded me how futile everything apart from Him is. Life is unpredictable and unemployment, stock market crashes, computer failures, sickness, can happen in a blink. But God is faithful and lo, though we walk through the valley of darkness, we need not fear for God is with us.

In reality, all of my problems were minor, mere frustrations at best, but what made them beautiful is that God created an object lesson, tailored to me. He began by using a dear friend to speak truth into my life and concluded by drawing me to my knees in worship. Through it all He showed me His love is pure and strong and true.

When you’re going through a tough time, cling to these truths:

1) God loves you and longs to shower you with blessings and gifts.

2) He will never leave you.

3) God is still in control, even when your world seems crazy, and He’ll only allow those things that are for your good.

4) Rely on God and God alone for strength for He truly is the only One who can carry you through.

If you’re climbing over a few boulders, you may find these posts helpful as well:

 
Let’s talk about this!

Join me at Living by Grace as we talk about drawing near and staying close to God during times of difficulty.

What about you? Are you going through a difficult or frustrating time? If so, why might God be allowing those difficulties? What might He be trying to teach you? Ask Him, draw near to Him, trust in His goodness and love.

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The Silver Lining of Intentional Trust

Posted in Faith, God's Authors, intentional living, Let's Get Real, tagged , , , , on January 9, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

On Saturday I talked about letting go and taking a step of faith toward whatever God is calling you to. Today, Naomi Musch, author of  The Red Fury and The Green Veil  reminds us of the pain of not following after God’s will. Throughout the pages of Scripture, we read accounts of strange obedience–washing in a river seven times to be cleansed of leprosy, marching around a wall for seven days, stepping into a river at flood stage. In every account, from the confusing to the amazing, it all boils down to trust. If we truly know who God is, if we truly understand His nature, the God-head, full of grace, mercy, love and truth, we’d surrender fully, completely, instantly, continually.

The Silver Lining of Trust by Naomi Musch

I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions; however, for the first time in my life I feel pressed to take inventory. The past year has marked a season of change. I turned 50 in November, and next month my youngest child of five hits that magical 18. I’ve been a nester, a homeschooling mom for the past eighteen years who only took on a part-time job a few years ago. 2011 has been a year of very high highs and extremely low lows. Suddenly, despite moments of tremendous joy, I find I have a lot of soul-rending regrets. Sorrows have clouded the landscape of my heart. In dwelling on the lows, I find that I regret my leniency as well as my severity. I regret some jobs and some seasons. I regret most battles and many words — or the lack of them.

Regret is a grim reaper. It kills hope and faith and turns the joy of love into heartache. And yet…

When I was a teenager I swore I’d live without regrets. I said I’d never be sorry for anything. That was a prideful thing to say, even privately. A person who doesn’t regret lives arrogantly. It’s like saying they never do anything wrong, or if they do, so what? That was me back then.

But I’ve learned that regrets, when put into a right perspective, lead to repentance, and repentance leads to mercy. And mercy makes me grow in Grace.

I wrestle with those things I can’t change as I watch my children grapple with their own decisions. I struggle between the right balances of introspection and putting the past behind.

“Press on toward the mark,” the Holy Spirit whispers to my heart. My choices have consequences. Sometimes the consequence is the knowledge that I can’t have a do-over. Still, if I also choose to repent, or if my regrets aren’t the result of sin, but merely disappointing outcomes to decisions, I can turn them over to the Lord and not be overcome by them.

A new year stretches out before us. It may be a terrific year, but it will likely come with disappointments too. Regrets may surface. Loss could be inevitable. But my goal for the year is to trust God intentionally when it comes to these hurts, heartaches, and the things I wish I had or hadn’t done.

It’s a familiar Scripture He whispers, “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way (italics mine), and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Philippians 3:13-16)

What intentional living and intentional trust!

This morning I wrote in my journal, “Dear Lord, help me to trust in You for the silver lining around the clouds.” Some might call it positive thinking, but not I. I know it is intentional trusting. It’s the course I must steel my heart to take, keeping my eyes on those sparkling edges, holding fast and true to God’s embrace.

The Red Fury: 

Lainey Kade has been spurned twice since the death of her true love in a logging accident. Now there’s been talk. “That Lainey, she’s a shrew all right. Not ever going to marry, likely.” Seeing herself as an unlovable vixen on whom God has turned His back, she hardens herself to the prospect of such a painful emotion again. Walking away from love’s possibilities and from trusting God, Lainey looks for solace instead in seeking adventure and breaking the rules.

Zane and Kelly Beaumont are drifters, brothers suffering their own disillusionment and bitter degrees of “soldier’s heart” since the Civil War. When their paths join Lainey’s, risky actions and emotions long thought buried set their course on edge. Then the Great Peshtigo Fire sweeps across the young Wisconsin wilderness, swallowing thousands of lives and 2,400 square miles in its wrath. And Lainey realizes that if she allows the spark of love inside her to flame again, it may tear them each apart.

Naomi Dawn Musch was born and raised in central Wisconsin and now makes her home in Wisconsin’s vast northwoods where the vistas are ripe to feed the imagination of anyone interested in history.  She and husband Jeff have three grown children and two under wing on their 150 acre farm where they dabble at raising a menagerie of animals.

Naomi has been publishing a regional newsletter for home educators for the past thirteen years entitled Apples of Gold.  See the page “Apples of Gold for Home Educators” for more information. She is also a staff writer for Living Stones News, a regional Christian newpaper; and a regular contributor to Home School Enrichment magazine.www.livingstonesnews.com  www.homeschoolenrichment.com www.applesofgoldnews.com

Besides writing, Naomi enjoys homeschooling her children, gardening, taking walks in the woods, a little basketball, and fellowshipping with friends.

Visit her online.

And join the conversation:

What has helped you to trust God more? What are the benefits of full surrender based on total trust? What do you think hinders our trust?

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