August 2013

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Lyles7.aA few years ago, one of the Proverbs 31 gals said something on the radio that really stuck. When talking about her faith-walk, she said she quit expecting perfection and instead focused on imperfect progress. (Paraphrasing from my imperfect memory. 🙂 )  Wow, there’s a lot of wisdom there, huh? And what a positive, growth-encouraging outlook! Today author of Winds of Wyoming and Winds of Freedom, Becky Lyles shares her thoughts on transformation, triggered by a book she read titled “Scars and Stilettos.”

Note: Becky is giving away a copy of one of her novels (winner’s choice) to one of y’all, randomly selected through the comments left on this post. 

Transformation by Becky Lyles

I just finished reading an intriguing book titled “Scars and Stilettos–The Transformation of an Exotic Dancer” by Harmony Dust. If you haven’t read her story, I highly recommend it. “Scars and Stilettos” is not only a look into the broken hearts and lives of women trapped in a degrading occupation, it’s a great account of God’s love and healing.
Harmony experienced instant redemption when she became a Christian; however, she did not have an instantaneous lifestyle change. “Jesus healed my heart,” she writes, “but the transformation and renewing of my mind was a process, requiring action and commitment on my part. I had to replace old ways of thinking with new ones; lies with the truth. And when I found that painful memories and the wounds that accompanied them did not magically disappear, I enlisted the prayers and listening ears of my friends and sought the help of a Christian therapist.”

Harmony’s story is a good reminder to me that although God graciously gifts those who seek Him with immediate salvation (“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:13 NIV), he doesn’t always dole out “quick fixes.” I need to be patient with those who are “in process.” Actually, each of us is a “work in progress.” Our transformation won’t be completed or perfected until we step across heaven’s threshold.

The scripture verse Harmony was likely referring to uses the word “renewing.” “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV).

This gerund form of the verb “renew” (make new, regenerate, restore) indicates progressive, continuous action. Harmony had to commit to ongoing change. As she says, the journey is never over. “Be gracious with yourself and stay committed to the course. We are all in the process of becoming: becoming healed, becoming whole, becoming closer to God, and becoming all that we are created to be.”

She adds: “God is a gentleman. He never forces us to change or gives us more than we can bear. He walks us through this process one step at a time. In His strength, we are able to face our giants one by one.”
Thank God he doesn’t leave us to tackle renewal on our own. In 2 Timothy 1:14, Paul wrote to Timothy  “With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you” (NLT).  In Hebrews 4:16, we’re invited to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (NLT).

One more: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NIV). Whatever your challenge, take Jesus’ hand and be encouraged by the words of an old gospel song.

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, Lord, I’m worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord Take My Hand
words & music by Thomas A. Dorsey

To learn more about Harmony Dust and Treasures Ministries, visit http://iamatreasure.com.

Winds of Freedom:

RLyles.Winds of Freedom.CoverWinter storms blast across the Whispering Pines Guest Ranch, and a cold wind blows through Kate Neilson’s soul. Despite her pain, Kate’s well-being takes a backseat to the needs of loved ones: her best friend, who’s been ensnared by evil; her failing great-aunt, whose dementia care keeps Kate guessing; and Laura and Mike Duncan, whose ranch and livelihood are threatened by a land-grabbing neighbor.

Becky Lyles is a freelance writer and editor whose articles and stories have appeared in magazines and compilations. Her nonfiction books, “It’s a God Thing! Inspiring Stories of Life-Changing Friendships” and “On a Wing and a Prayer–Stories from Freedom Fellowship, a Prison Ministry,” are available on Amazon and can be ordered through bookstores. Her first novel, award-winning “Winds of Wyoming,” was released by StoneHouse in early 2012. The sequel, “Winds of Freedom,” debuted the summer of 2013. In addition to writing fiction and nonfiction, she serves as an editor and a mentor to aspiring authors and as a transition coach for women transitioning from prison to “the outside.” She and her husband, Steve, love living in beautiful Boise, Idaho.

LivingbyGracepicLet’s talk about this! What are your thoughts when you hear the phrase, “imperfect progress”? What’s the difference between shooting for growth and aiming for perfection, and how might either goal affect our spiritual walk? Do you think you are more patient (have more grace for) others faults or your own? What are some things you do to renew your mind?

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SweetFreedomCoverI suspect most of you are aware, I’m passionate about pointing others to Jesus–about helping others find and experience the most passionate and intimate love-relationship they’ll ever find. But my motivations might surprise you. Yes, I get heaven and hell, and yes, I realize eternity is ultra important, but honestly, I’m pretty temporal. (Not saying I’m proud of this. Just calling it like it is.) And temporally, I know, know, know having Jesus–truly knowing Jesus and allowing His love to have full-reign, makes such a difference.

Jesus is the difference between hopelessness and hope

Between purpose and mere existence

Between fear and peace

Between knowing in your core you are intimately loved and feeling invisible. Insignificant

Between shame and infinite, eternal worth

Between bondage–to self, to sin, to pain, to shame, and freedom unimagined

Between hiding and unveiling–living a lie of have-tos and must-dos and experiencing the joy of authenticity

Today pop on over to Laura Hilton’s blog to learn more about the intense, fulfilling, strengthening, and hope-infusing freedom Christ offers, the motivations behind the stories included in Sweet Freedom, and get entered to win a free book!

“My story in Sweet Freedom is called Hidden Memories. When I was nine years old, a family friend sexually abused me. The reason I wrote this story is to show others who have gone through the same tragedy that God can set them free from the fear that often comes along with being violated. There is no need to live as a victim to the lies and lack of self-worth that one feels after experiencing this trauma.” ~ Kelly Liberto

When this life brings us down, God urges us to lift up our face, for salvation is coming!

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But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity (Isaiah 32:8).

Generous, loving, compassionate people, spirit-led people, plan to do what is generous and kind. They analyze situations, watch their loved ones closely, alert to their needs–spoken or unspoken, financial or emotional. And then they make a plan to meet those needs, or at least, to in some way, show they care.

Not sure why, but somehow most of my friends are a bit on the independent side. They love to give, to serve, to pray. Receiving acts of service? *slight giggle*. I suspect that’s hard for many of us. But this verse challenges me to be a bit creative and proactive with my acts of love, and to “stand firm” in it. Or in other words, to make it happen.

Regardless what obstacles or inconveniences might come your way.

It’s easy to get an idea. It’s even easier to justify ourselves out of that idea. But it takes a bit of resolve to follow through.

So, who might God be wanting you to stand firm in generosity to? (I encourage you to think a bit outside the box, not just in monetary terms but also consider ways to generous with your time, your words of encouragement, your prayers, etc.)

Have a blessed Thursday, and may we all, in some way, positively impact those around us. And to those who struggle with the receiving part, how might your receiving someone else’s gift of love actually help them draw and stay closer to God? (Chew on that one for a while. 🙂 )

 

 

 

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Today I’m blogging at Takin’ it to the Streets, sharing my thoughts on a topic very close to my heart–agenda-based love. It’s a “love” I’ve experienced and sadly, one I’ve dished out. But it’s certainly not a love I wish to perpetuate!

No one likes to be someone else’s project, well, unless maybe you’re on an extreme make-over show, which is entirely different as: 1) You know exactly what you are getting into, 2) I suspect there’s normally money involved–or at the very least, some free perks, and 3) You’ll be on national television. Which seems fabulous until you catch the final program and notice that humongaloid booger dangling from your nostril, the weird twitch on the left side of your face, and the way spittle flies from your mouth whenever you speak.

So, yeah, my premise stands–no one wants to be someone else’s project. Because projects aren’t friends, and love on an agenda is temporary. Conditional. Manipulative.

In the evangelical community, love on an agenda says, … (Read the rest here.)

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MeandSteveThis past July, my husband and I celebrated eighteen years of marriage. And every time we celebrate yet another year, I’m reminded of the day when everything almost fell apart. And all I can say is, praise God He intervened, for if He hadn’t, I would’ve lost the love of my life. (You can read more about our early struggles and how God turned things around here.)

Getting married is easy. You fall in love, put on your wedding-gown-and-fountain-cake glasses, and say those words you can’t imagine not keeping. Words like, “I will always love you,” and “I will stand by,” and “I will cherish you.” But then life happens and our sinful nature rears its ugly head, and suddenly, those words aren’t just words anymore.

They’re our key to marital survival.

Last Sunday our church launched a series on marriage–one I believe will give all of us tools to build marital intimacy. Because it *is* possible. More than that, it’s God’s design. So, for those of you who are married or are considering marriage, I encourage you to listen to this sermon series—because honestly, when we do this love-thing God’s way, we find it works. Marriages thrive. Hearts heal and are united in a beautiful way.

You can find part one of the series, “Lose Your Way,” here, and you can return to this page each week to find the next sermon in the series.

And now I’m going to go listen to this song for the third time this morning, thinking of my forever-love and what God has done in our marriage. Love you, Stephen Slattery!

livingbygracepic.jpLet’s talk about this!  If you’re married, is your marriage as intimate as you’d like? If not, how might God want to change that and what might be your role in instigating that change? Perhaps ten years ago, I read an interesting title of a marriage book, one I think of often. The title was, “Why Should I be the First to Change?” So now, I pose this question to you. 🙂 And I suspect that question could apply to any marriage. Pause to consider close marriages in your social circle. What are some things you notice about this marriage? Any traits or behaviors you might wish to adopt? Join the conversation in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook.