The Flying Feather

Another fabulous morning, another fabulous run. This year, we had the extreme pleasure of ropin some friends in to join us for their "first-ever" race. Friends Richard and Heidi came over bright and early, bringing along their teenager who so kindly hung out with the kids this morning. Our guest from Estonia joined us as well, calling family back home to share a play-by-play. We also met another friend there who also had invited some friends, some co-workers to join in a run before the turkey! I just love reflecting on God's ultimate plan in who He brings into our lives along life's journey. My favorite line of the morning was spoken by Richard after we completed the race and began walking back - Let's do that again! Another one catches the craziness!

I have so many things to be thankful for today, so here are just a few:

1. To share this journey with my best friend and life partner - love you Aaron!
2. To actually experience the blessing of physical strength brought about by His training and faithfulness to endure.
3. The opportunity to return home to warmth, food, and celebration with friends, old and new.
4. That my Lord has given me the ultimate gift in his son Jesus Christ, my Savior, the one who saves me from myself and my sin, and loves me enough to give me an eternal home with Him.
5. The privilege, responsibility, and command to share the good news of this gift with others.

Lord, you never cease to amaze me. In simply following Aaron's lead in choosing to wear a simple t-shirt, you allowed an opportunity to be available to a woman and her husband to approach us about a church home, your church home. What an honor to serve you today in such a seemly small way, yet perhaps a life-changing way for a family. Thank you for reminding me that you just ask us to come to you, to use what we have (be it 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread), and you alone take that and multiply it for your kingdom. Lord, today I chose in gratitude and thankfulness to see all that I "have" as a gift from you. I am one blessed girl. Happy Thanksgiving!

Comedy of Errors

Aaron and I set out for a “long” run this past Saturday. We locked and load our i-pods for 12 miles, geared up, and hit the streets to a bright blue sky, and crisp cool air. Aaron has been favoring his ankle, but with some new kicks, he’s ready to go. We somewhat cruised the first few, then it hit us. He called it the running wounded. Not sure what’s up with my hips lately, but they’re feeling every single stretch of the stride and wanting to hold back. Somehow the fight to endure wins over, and you simply keep moving. We stopped for a short rest break, check my phone, removed my jacket, and forward we pressed on.

I remember running by the same group of 3 older gentlemen, in a sign of comradery, we gave the patented wave-and nod-fly-by. We rounded the corner onto Avery, and somehow I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. My energy level dropped significantly. Aaron’s phrase - the wheels were coming off. Though slower, my mind was at peace with simply the ability to finish. “Two more lefts,” Aaron said, and I set my sites. As we ran the upward climb on Cemetery, we reached a section of sidewalk where tree roots have won the battle over the cement blocks. My eyes were not watchful, and before I could blink, I was groaning at the thought I was soon to hit the pavement as my foot never cleared the uneven section. Definitely not graceful, but the least damage yet in my several flops and bad falls. Only a few minor abrasions on my palms, no torn pants, no tears at my knees, and an i-pod that was intact. More out of shock, I quickly brushed myself off and wanted to keep going. We survived the lights, down the hill and rounded the last turn onto Britton Parkway.

With legs burning at this point, it’s simply a fight to the finish. With about 1/2 mile to go, I saw Aaron swatting at the air. In the next moment - a fly - right into my left eye! So gross! I attempted to dislodge it, then looked at my muddy hands and knew it would have to wait - of course! This fueled my fire. If Satan was now sending flies, all the more reason to prove this battle will be won! We did finish. We did hobble/walk home. We will live to run another day. Lord, thank you for providing your strength once again. May I continue to honor you through my commitment and faithfulness to obey. You are worth it Lord, and the battle is yours.

Get out of my way!

Ever have one of those days... you find yourself behind schedule (for any number of reasons from a very lengthy list), you talk yourself into everything being "fine" by focusing on simply getting to your next destination, you've taken a breath, attempted to act like a mature adult, and then... you get stuck behind that large white van whose driver seems to be completely oblivious of your said plans and has NO INTENTION OF USING THE CLEARLY DELINEATED PETAL ON THE RIGHT! AND, why is it that this said driver seems to instinctively know exactly where you are heading because you continue to follow them around EVERY TURN THE WHOLE ENTIRE DISTANCE TO YOUR DESTINATION!!!


Not that I can speak from personal experience on this issue or anything, but if one found themselves in this place, I would assume that this lack of control could do one of two things:

1. Create a sense of greater and greater tension... or perhaps

2. Create an opportunity for said person to pause , contemplate, and look for a perspective, perhaps an angle that might even see this obstacle as a blessing, of sorts, in their life.

So what did I do? Well... both. First, I reacted, not so maturely may I add. But, when I chose to pause, wanted to see something other than my anger, some new thoughts came to mind (can't take credit for them, remember I was just mad!) In now looking at this white van, this source of my tardiness (which wasn't actually the real source of my tardiness), I now saw it as an angel in white. I know, perhaps a bit of a stretch, but I viewed this van as a rescuer of sorts. I had grown so accustomed to breaking the law, that in the name of all things justified and comfortable, in traveling this same route day after day, my flesh arrived at the conclusion that it is my right and within my control to go as fast as I want - all in the name of being punctual! This very rule, set for my protection, became the reason to bust out of my "fence" and TO CONTINUE TO CLAIM IT AS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!

I needed this reminder to slow down. I needed to look at the anger that so easily arose in the face of this obstacle in my life. I needed to re-prioritize the consequences of being a few minutes last, over the the safety of myself and my family. I needed to take a breath. I needed to think of someone other than myself, perhaps even the object of my anger - the driver in the white van. His shepherd loves him too.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Ministry of the Mundane

The kids and I have been looking at the life of David this week. One of the most amazing qualities of His Word is how something new seems to stand out each time I reread familiar passages - it just never gets old - love that! This coming from a person who likes completion, once I finish a book, I rarely reread it again unless I'm searching for a meaningful quote. This morning's lesson - what we do in the "daily", perhaps mundane tasks, is where life's building blocks (foundations) are formed - but aren't those the ones we frown upon often?

In reading in 1 Samuel 16 and 17, our eyes and ears fell upon concepts that sometimes go unnoticed. In our familiarity with the big guy who fell from one simple stone launched by the little guy, we tend to gloss over the former history of this little guy. David was the youngest son of Jesse, the little guy. When it came time for Samuel to anoint a king (the Spirit of the Lord had parted from Saul, the current King), the Spirit led him to the family of Jesse. One by one, Samuel was introduced to the sons, and the Lord said to Samuel "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. Man looks at the outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart." (vs. 7) So whom does the Lord chose? One with a heart, and also "was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features" (12), go figure. The One who is sovereign, all knowing, has a plan.

The facts that stuck out to me this morning began with a question I asked the kids, "So what did David do after he was anointed, after his new calling on life?" Answer - He went back to the fields, he continued doing the work of a shepherd, and waited patiently on the Lord. Perhaps you sense a calling for you life? Perhaps God has chosen to given you visions, words, a sense of his divine plan for your life, and... you're not sure what to do about it? What do we do in the mean-time? May I suggest that we are to continue in the ministry of our "fields". Perhaps He is using this time for a preparation of sorts, perhaps even a heart check-up.

Next, we read that David was asked to come and play his harp for King Saul. When he was summonsed, he would play, then he would return to his fields. This was a new step, but a step towards what? I wonder if David considered Samuel's anointing a distant dream? He is anointed, serves the king, but then returns home to take care of his father's sheep. Yet in the mundane, as he serves his father at a thankless job, David is unknowingly being prepared for the challenges to come. In obeying Jesse, David learns to obey his Heavenly Father. On quiet hillsides while guarding sheep, Israel's God becomes living and real in David's life. Through daily troubles, David's faith grows, and he discovers his God-given strengths.

How could he possibly have known that by becoming skilled with a sling to save his father's sheep, he would someday save God's lost sheep - Israel? David has no idea how his faithfulness in daily living plays into God's bigger plan... and perhaps, neither do we. Will we continue to serve him today? Can we have joy in the mundane? Perhaps, it's an issue of the heart.

Lord, thank you today for this personal touch. My heart gravitated towards grumbling and even complaining today as the week's daily chores were upon my thoughts. Thank you for the question posed at Bible Study this morning - If I am never recognized for the tasks of today, can I still be satisfied in You? Thank you for the reminder that you, Jesus, can use our smallest offerings to accomplish the impossible in our everyday lives. Lord, my heart does desire to seek after you with everything, and most especially on the days when I feel I have nothing TO offer. Lord, I do recognize my husband is watching, my children are watching, my family is watching, my neighbor is watching. Do they see you? in everything...?

LET God

If there's one lesson I'm continuing to learn over and over again, it's taking my mitts off the control of the "steering" wheel in my life. I seriously think that I really know what's best - for my family, for my plans, for my agenda, for me. I am truly disillusioned in thinking that I know, when the truth of the matter is - I don't know. I can't see what's coming up in the future to really be certain the best plan for now, I can't even truly know what's best for me because I think I want something, and then I get it, and don't really even want it. Truth of the matter - then who does know? One who is limit-less. The one who created me, the one who is all-knowing, ever-present, and all powerful. Not me, and really, thank goodness. I couldn't handle all that. So if, in my head, I know God is - should not my beliefs filter into my attitude, and manifest in my behavior and actions?

One quick real-life, real-time example. Three days ago, I was having a chat with my friend Jesus, in discussing some desires I felt were lacking in my life. I recognized some depletion in a few areas. In all honesty, I had a craving for affirmation, to be appreciated. Secondly, I had a craving to be listened to, I mean, the real, eye-contact, compassionate look with questions of "How are you doing today?" Thirdly, I also had a craving to be "whisked" away, to be surprised, to be cherished, perhaps in a romantic way. At first my heart was simply in a place of acknowledgement - this is what I feel I need. What followed was very important. These needs, could have quickly turned into a justification for a pity party, and hurtful jabs and finger-pointing at one who could be fulfilling these needs and was neglectful. But before this run-away train of feelings and emotions occurred, I wanted to look at the truth.

1. If Jesus Christ is all-seeing - does He not "see" what I do even when one one else does, and in fact really appreciate and affirm my heart in all "the grunt work" that goes unnoticed by human eyes?

2. If Jesus Christ is ever present - does He truly listen to my every word, all the time? I believe He does, but is it enough for me? If I claim that He is my all sufficient, can I be satisfied with that?

3. If Jesus Christ knows my heart's desires, will he not provide those "little surprises"? If I watch, do they happen in my life all the time, perhaps not the way I think they should?

Back to my real life example. Decision time. I needed to choose. Will I focus, mull, and fester with my feelings and my rights? Will I share them with my Jesus, and leave the outcomes to Him, in fact, trust in Him and His promises? I chose the latter, not because I'm super-Christian, but I want my actions to follow my beliefs. I didn't know the outcome, but I wanted to take my hands off. Did this require that I stuff my feelings and thoughts inside? Nope, not healthy, but it did require thought, purpose, and intention. Did this response require some words? Did this require action or waiting? I'm finding that each situation is unique. This time, I spoke a few words, almost in a voice not my own. My tone spoke honesty, love, and care for a relationship in my life (not my words, but the Spirit's, bizzare and amazing at the same time.) Then, I needed to wait. By the end of the day, the matter was not resolved, but was peaceful. The following day, I released my grip on the agenda of the day, and an opportunity presented itself. Within this opportunity, I was both asked AND listened to, I was affirmed in the most meaningful way, AND there was a surprise ending that was a complete reward in and of itself - over and above, more than I could have asked for or imagined... 2 days.

Why? I took my grubby mitts off. Because I trusted Him with not only my heart, but the heart of another. Did I know the outcome, or even expect a great one? No, I was content and peaceful before the outcome presented itself. THAT'S GOD. I can't explain it any other way. I don't need to. What do you think I'm going to do when the next conflict presents itself? Yep, it's becoming more and more of a natural reaction, a re-training of sorts. Easy? Nope, yet SO truly life-changing that I can't keep quiet about it. It's starts with a first step... Who is God to you? What part is He allowed in your life? Today, will you LET Him? First, we need to know Him... Will you open that dusty book today? What IF this changes your life? What IF life could exist like this? Would it be all that bad? Click that mouse, take that step, let me know if I can be of any help.

He gave me silence...

In looking at my schedule this week, I realized the only "time slot" left for running on this Wednesday was the "early morning" shift. At times I wake up before the alarm sounds... not so much this morning. Let's just say it was an effort to get up. In fighting a sinus infection, my body was screaming at me to quit being crazy, to be sensible, luckily, stubbornness won the battle. As I headed downstairs, I grabbed my IPOD... no bars - yikes! I forgot to charge it, well... I'll just borrow my old one. Plugged her in and off I went.Wasn't long before... red bars turned to no bars. Okay Lord, I hear ya. I've been doin a lot of yapping lately, I think it's time I need to be quiet and listen.

Thank you for the lesson Jesus (gulp!) I realized how my prayer life has been suffering lately. Sure I dialogue, sure prayers happen with the kids in the morning, meals, and night time, but when was the last time my heart tuned into Him alone, to others? I needed this morning. So thankful for his ever-listening ears, that He answers my prayers, for perspective and sight, for the opportunity to pray for "not-my-words-but thine" Lord. You changed my day today Jesus, and I thank you.

By the way, just noticed this is the 100th post to date. Amazing Lord. This from a girl who despised writing growing up, I'm talking a fear of red pens that was beyond normal. This is why all credit goes to you Lord - you alone put a new song in my mouth!

Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

Psalm 98:1
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Psalm 33:3
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Shhhhh... I'm listening.

1 Kings 19:12

¹² After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

Kitty, one of "the girls" from our amazing speaker team during the She Speaks Conference this past summer, emailed us with this challenge. She sent us this verse and asked us, "What is the Lord asking you to write?" The coolest part about this challenge is that you will be able to link up with several others who will be praying and writing about this same verse. The many facets of God will just light up in an amazing way, I just have a feeling. So keep reading and don't forget to check the link on the bottom that will take you to Regina's site, our gracious hostess.

So here we go... gentle whisper... Actually, one of my favorite topics. For me, I've come to recognize the sound of my shepherd's voice through these types of gentle whispers that seem to float across my heart. How does the Lord speak to you? Can you remember specific times in which there was no doubt it was He, The Great I Am, speaking so personally, just to you, as if no one else was in the room?

Well, before we go there, let's take a little closer look at the context of this passage. In chapter 19, we read about the prophet Elijah. We find him fleeing for his life. In desperation, he comes to a tree, sits down, and prays that he might die (pretty dire straights here!). "I have had enough, Lord, " he said. "take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." Ever been at the end of your rope like this? But God... had other plans. He sent an angel who told him to, "get up and eat." Sounds like words I say to my children every morning, yet isn't that like our Lord to give it to us straight, to recognize our needs and to give it to us in simple terms. Funny thing is, the Lord needed to repeat it a second time for Elijah, we need repetition don't we :)

Strengthened by food and drink, Elijah traveled forty days and nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night. So Elijah is physically rejuvenated but still feeling the effects of the events 40 days before. God is now ready to teach him an important lesson. He will "pass by" Elijah (I wonder if he had any idea just how special he is?), giving Elijah a glimpse of his holiness.

The wind, the lightening and the earthquake increase Elijah's awareness of his own weaknesses. But God is present in none of these things. Instead, he manifests himself in a "gentle whisper", revealing to Elijah that strength and power are not always found in the dramatic or sensational, but at times in gentleness and calm. Elijah immediately recognizes God in the quiet murmur, responding with awe and reverence.

How does this story reverberate with you today? Have you found yourself in a place where you have journeyed "40 days and nights", feelings the effects yet ready more than ever to see the presence of the Lord and to receive the lesson and refinement He has for you? Perhaps your view of God is one of wrath, as represented in the lightening and earthquake. Is it possible that we have not been listening to that still, quiet whisper? Can we believe, can we trust, can we follow in obedience? Is it possible to find strength and power in gentleness?

My life is a living testimony to "yes". But by his grace, I dared to believe in the "craziness" of what he asks of me. One step at a time, one yes at a time, one battle at a time, one victory at a time, one miracle at a time, one "taste" at a time, and you won't even remember what was so appealing about the "old" life - this "new" life is just too amazing to miss out on. Easy, no, amazing, yes. Spending time with Jesus will increase our appetite for believing Him, not just believing in Him. Will you join me? Click here, and here, for more information.

Click here and keep reading more about His whispers, you will be blessed!

Have you prayed for your kids today?

Two weekends ago, I had the privilege of attending a Women's Conference in town. An even greater privilege was to attend with my mom, a wonderful teenage girl who we consider part of the family, and several other dear friends. The conference was put on by a group of ladies called Extraordinary Women, (click here to check out a location near you). Amazing "take-aways" and areas in which the Spirit spoke right to my heart, but one overall theme that I keep sensing as it reverberates across my heart, has to do with prayer.

Stormie Omartian, an amazing author and speaker, has written a book titled, The Power of a Praying Parent. I don't know about you, but my children are prayed for in many different ways, but in certain areas, I have yet to pray for them... until now. Through Stormie, God is helping me to take a look at how to turn to Him and place every detail of my childrens' lives in His loving and capable hands.

Perhaps you're reading this today and it's yet another post about children, and you sigh thinking, I don't fit into this category. My heart reaches out to you, I've been there. In fact, God gives us a great example in the book of 1 Samuel about a lady named Hannah, check it out. And while you're at it, check out my dear friend Rachel's site, her study will leave you changed. Sometimes we forget, nothing surprises God. He's known us since before time began. He knew we'd be here, right in this very moment today. He doesn't leave us without His truth, His Word to draw from, examples of our humanness, examples from the perfect Son he sent to us and for us. Perhaps today, the Lord has given you special "children" in your life, perhaps nieces or nephews, neighbors, children of friends, or even a room full of Sunday schoolers. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is life-transforming. Prayer is a command.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

¹⁶Be joyful always; ¹⁷pray continually; ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Not only am I concentrating on praying for my children's safety, character development, relationship with God, and friends, but I'm, in turn, teaching them how to pray in a way that is natural and free as if talking with a friend near them. I've been using Stormie's book, What Happens When I Talk to God?, as a way to introduce them to different facets of what to pray about and the attributes of their Heavenly Father as well. It's led into some discussion of the Lord's prayer, found in Matthew 6, as well. It's transforming our lives. When I asked the question, "What do you talk to God about while you're at school?" I uncovered aspects of their heart that I never knew where being shaped, what a beautiful picture to me, what a blessing.

I wonder if you might be sitting in skepticism today. Perhaps your are doubting the power of prayer. Maybe you prayed for something and you feel that God hasn't answered. Perhaps you've been praying for awhile now, and it appears God isn't listening. Maybe you wonder if He even hears you, if He even cares? Let me tell you that you are not alone. You are indeed at a crossroads. You've come to a place where truth is offered, your actions to follow will indicate your belief. Matthew 7 states, "

¹³"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Which gate will you enter today? As you dare to believe in the truth that God spells out, as you dare to believe and place your trust in the One who cannot be seen with the visible eye, will you be able to share in the truth that states, "He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20)? Will you dare to "taste and see that the Lord is good.." (Psalms 34:8), in order to receive the abundant, full life that is offered? What are you waiting for? What is your fear?

"Be amazed, be changed, by a perfect God".... singer Natalie Grant.