May 28, 2012

Walking and Weeding

Suggested Reading: Mark 4:1-20

My 5-year-old busily pulled every weed he could grasp with his gloved little fingers.  I could see the wheels turning as he worked.

“Mommy - I don’t think God made weeds, so, I wonder how they got here.”

I love the thought process.  Weeds = Bad.  Therefore, God couldn’t possibly have created them!

Putting down my spade, I looked up and replied, “But sweetheart, God DID make the weeds.”

“He did? Why?”

“God made the weeds when Adam and Eve disobeyed Him in the Garden of Eden.  It was part of their punishment.”

“You mean, when they ate the fruit?”

“Yes, little one…when they ate the fruit.”

“…cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.  It will produce thorns and thistles for you…”  - Genesis 3:17-18

Thorns and thistles.  (Thanks a lot, Eve!)

Each pokey weed pulled offers a brief, yet painful, reminder of that decision birthed at the beginning of time: the moment when  Eve (and subsequently, Adam) made the choice to disobey their maker and eat the forbidden fruit.  How could she understand the full gravity of her decision?  How could she understand the pain set before them?  How could she understand?

Adam and Eve used to walk with Him in the garden.

HIM!

The Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end.  The Creator of all things.  The one who breathed life into their very bodies.

HIM!

Unlike Adam and Eve who experienced severe separation in those years that followed their choice, I have constant access to the Father, through the death and resurrection of his Son, Christ Jesus. When I received His forgiveness and trusted Him with my life, I invited Him to reside in the very core of my being…my heart.

It may not be the physical Garden of Eden, but God is walking in my heart.  He is walking with me.

We walk and I hear His whispers of affirmation; his whispers of help; His whispers of truth; and His whispers of “You are mine, and intensely loved.”  What could be more precious?

And while sometimes, I can tackle a small weed here or there, more often than not, it is Him I see bending down to excavate the nastiest of the nasty.   You know the weeds I’m talking about…the kind that are impossible to pull because the thorns are so sharp and the roots run so deep.

That kind of garden stroll is good for the soul. 

God wants to plant a good seed of truth in your heart today.  Will you begin the process of weeding and cultivating the soil to find out what beautiful surprise waits in store for you?  It’s worth it!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, my garden needs a little extra attention from you today.  I’m in need of weeding, watering, nurturing, feeding, and protection.  Specifically, I need your touch in ________.  I pray that my heart will bear much fruit – the good kind which honors you and encourages others.  Thank you for walking – and weeding – with me in this garden which you call “home.”  Amen

Taking it Deeper:

What condition is your heart garden today?  Is the soil rocky and shallow?  Or is it full of thorns?  Neither offer good growing conditions for the seeds God wants to plant and cultivate in your heart.  

The next time you are at a garden store, pick up a packet of seeds.  When you get home, open them.  Each one has a beautiful destiny that awaits, but you will only see it once you plant the seed, water it, and expose it to light.  

What kind of seed do you hope God wants to plant in your heart?  Ask Him for it today, and receive his promise. Then, try to identify what might stunt its growth and start the weeding process…with Him.

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May 21, 2012

Leaving the Toys Behind

I never would have guessed some of the toys which would end up in the box. My son, who intensely loves each and every toy (and scrap of paper) he’s ever received was finally ready to part with some of his childhood treasures.

“When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” 1 Cor. 13:11b

Buzz Lightyear. Star Wars battle ships and action figures. “Special” stuffed animals. A Light Saber (well, 1 of 4 anyway). Art projects. Costumes, wigs and more.

Delighted to see the floor once again in his closet, I was even more proud of my son for taking a difficult, but important, step forward in his “growing up.” He was putting childish ways behind him.

Growing up can be painful and hard, but it’s also very deliberate. Maturity takes time and effort, focus, desire and discipline. As a parent, there are definitely days I wish my kids would stop growing, but I also know it’s inevitable, and guiding them as they grow is a critical part of my job.

God knows – and expects – we will grow in spiritual maturity, too. While we all grow at different rates, spiritual growth is always deliberate.

In 1 Corinthians 13: 11, Paul writes:

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. (ESV)

The word translated here as “I gave up” is the Greek word katargeō. It means:

To cause to cease, put an end to, do away with, annul, abolish. To be severed from, separated from, discharged from, loosed from any one.

Recognizing certain toys were more appropriate for a younger child, my son “katargeō‘d” those childish things. He deliberately severed himself from them and put them in a box for someone else.

Considering the spiritual application here, what does it mean to speak, think and reason like a child? Children often speak without thinking and have very simplistic views. Their reasoning skills are far from developed (will somebody please say “AMEN”?). Still, if a person does not grow and mature beyond a certain point, medically, we know there is a problem!

Likewise, God intends for us to grow spiritually, too! But, when we choose not to grow, there is a problem and we are at great risk!

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

- Ephesians 4:14-15 (NIV)

So, what does it mean to become spiritually mature? Simply put, it is the process of becoming more like Christ. (Ephesians 4:13, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Peter 3:18) What exactly does that look like? The best description I can find is in Galatians 5:22-23:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Jesus embodies every one of those characteristics, and there is no law against him! When we leave behind (katargeō) our sinful desires and deliberately choose to seek the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, the fruit of the Spirit will follow. It is then we know we are on the right path toward spiritual maturity.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, Thank you that you designed us to grow! When I look back at the immaturity in my life, I shudder with shame. Thank you for your incredible grace and forgiveness – and for the continuous transforming process you’ve put into play in my life. You work all things for good. As long as I walk this earth, I will be a work in progress. I have a great deal more to learn. Thank you for gently guiding my steps as I grow. Amen.

Taking it deeper:

Where are you today on the path of spiritual growth? Are you still drinking milk, or have you advanced to solid food? If you are still drinking milk, what’s holding you back? Are you ready to move on to all God has in store for you? Consider the amazing journey that lays ahead!

Here are a few necessities to help facilitate growth:

  1. A Bible: spiritual food
  2. Prayer: spiritual breath
  3. Service: spiritual exercise
  4. Fellowship with other believers: spiritual family

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May 13, 2012

Dear Me…A Mother’s Day Post

Dear friends,

When I started this Mother’s Day project, I had no idea what I was in for.  A few weeks ago, I offered an open-call to any who wished to participate by writing a short note to themselves at a younger time in life.  I simply asked you “What advice or encouragement would you give yourself that would have made a difference – if in fact you would have listened to it?”

It’s a provocative question, isn’t it? With the benefit of hindsight, what would you say?

Regardless of our age, each one of us can now look back with 20/20 vision, and while there will always be things we wish we might have done differently, we also can (hopefully) now see how God is – or can – use good and bad for his ultimate purpose in life. For in truth, every bump, scrape and bloody wound makes us who we are today – amazing women with a unique story to tell that may help or encourage someone else.

I’m incredibly humbled that so many of you chose to take part.  The letters came in from across the country, and even one from Nigeria!  Reading your letters, I laughed, I cried and I saw myself in so many of them.  YOU have encouraged my heart and caused me to think harder about my choices and attitudes. I know your words of wisdom will do the same for many others.  THANK YOU!

So, my friends, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable and enjoy these sweet words of wisdom and affirmation from women literally around the globe.

Oh! And before I forget…Happy Mother’s Day!

Blessings,

Jeannette

PS – Please feel free to add a letter to your younger self in the comments section below if you weren’t able to participate in advance.  Your words may be a huge encouragement to someone else right now.

I’ve linked this post with Spiritual Sundays, Beholding Glory and The Better Mom.

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May 6, 2012

The Yellow Line

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

My fingers gripped the steering wheel like a vice grip.  White knuckles.

I was amazed at how disoriented I’d become on a road I knew so well.

The road turned, climbed, descended, and straightened where I didn’t expect.  I felt uncertain…and longed to just be home. The fog was so thick, I could not see one foot beyond the front of my car.

The painted yellow line was my only hope, guiding me with surety…inch, by inch.

Difficult circumstances can be a lot like that foggy drive home.  In such times, we are wise to tightly grip Jesus’ hand, spending time in fervent prayer and reading His word for direction.  Sometimes, that direction doesn’t come at all where we’d expect it.  Our disoriented brains think a right turn should be coming any moment…but when that turn doesn’t come, we follow “the yellow line” trusting that God knows the best and safest way and will guide us through.

For we live by faith, not by sight.  -  2 Corinthians 5:7

Some time after the fog has lifted, we find ourselves speeding down the same road on a sunny day.  We glance occasionally at that yellow line as we go, appreciating the reminder of assurance it provides, but on this day, it’s our reliance on our own ability to get from “Point A” to “Point B.”  And we take its presence for granted.

But the yellow line is always there…

…Ready to steady our step and straighten our path.

…Ready to remind us to slow down.

…Ready to remind us to focus on Him.

…Ready to help us get home.

And though we may ignore it, it doesn’t leave.

As much as I don’t like the discomfort and disorientation of fog, I am learning to be more thankful for it because it always redirects me back to the presence of my Savior.  Slowly, I’m remembering to pay closer attention to the yellow line – come fog, or come shine.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, you tell me not to fear because you are always with me. Despite hard circumstances in life, I know that it is in your presence, when I am focused on you and seeking you that my soul truly finds rest.  You alone are my rock and my salvation. Today, with your help, I will trust you and not be afraid of whatever is just up around the bend. You will lead me through. And for that, I’m eternally grateful. Amen

Taking it deeper:

Can you relate a time when life felt “foggy?”  What emotions gripped you?  What promises and assurances did God give to you?    

If you have a story of encouragement, please consider sharing it here and encouraging another fellow sojourner today.

I’ve linked this post with Spiritual Sundays, Beholding Glory and The Better Mom.

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April 30, 2012

Lackadaisical Looking

Me: “Sweetie, would you go get your shoes? They are in the laundry room….”

Son 1: “I don’t see them.”

Me: “Your homework is on the counter, please get started on it.”

Son 2: “I don’t see it.”

I don’t see… The knee-jerk response always comes the moment my child arrives at the right location and gives a quick glance.  Half of the time, the phrase is immediately followed with “OH! There it is!”  The other 50-percent of the time, I get helpless puppy dog eyes, until I lift up another folder (or look in the shoe cubby!) to reveal what they were “seeking.”

This is a frequent scenario in our home, but last week it stopped ME in my tracks!  As I found myself frustrated by the half-hearted effort my boys had given in looking for something, Jeremiah 29:13 rattled in my head:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

Could it be possible that when it comes to the Lord, most of my seeking is as half-hearted as my kids looking for homework and shoes?

I couldn’t let the thought go.  I knew it was true.  My reading and devotional times were hit and miss depending on the day.  My prayers were unfocused and “as-needed.”

I’d become lackadaisical (i.e. LAZY!) in my regular time with the Lord.

I was thankful for the conviction my children unknowingly delivered because, ironically, they answered a question I’ve often pondered:   “What does it mean to seek the Lord with all my heart?”

In his commentary on Jeremiah 29, Matthew Henry defined seeking God as “accomplish(ing) a diligent search.”  I know my son will find his homework on the counter – if he searches diligently with focus and gives more than a cursory glance.  My other child looking for his shoes in the laundry room may actually need to enter the room, bend down, look in a shoe cubby, or (heaven forbid!) pick up a jacket that someone carelessly tossed on the floor before he finds what he’s looking for.

Sometimes, when we are looking for something, the solution (or location) is obvious.   Other times, it takes effort, and could require the help of others (misplaced car keys, anyone?).

Similarly, it’s not enough for me to glance over at my bible – I have to open it and read.  It involves moving aside my own desires, agenda, motives and ideas to uncover His!  It takes time on my knees in focused and intentional prayer.  It takes fellowship with others.

Simply put, seeking God takes time and effort!

Let’s pray:

Gracious Father, I love your promise that you WILL BE FOUND by those who diligently and passionately seek you with all their heart!  It’s not a “sometimes,” or a “might be found,” it’s a promise that you will be found!  Help me to be focused, intentional and disciplined this week in my time seeking you.  Help me to empty my heart of every selfish desire and thought so that it can be filled with you, your truth, your love, your mercy, and your grace.  Amen

Taking it deeper:

It’s common to have periods in life when you feel “closer” to God than others.  If you are having trouble connecting with God, what part of “you” is standing in your way?  Ask the Lord to reveal that to you and then confess it.  

Laziness and busyness can both hinder our time with the Lord.  What else might be impacting your effort?  How could you be more diligent in your effort to seek the Lord?  

Additional suggested reading: Jeremiah 29:11-14; Jeremiah 24:7; Hebrews 11:6

 I’ve linked this entry with Spiritual Sundays.

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April 22, 2012

Are you a hillbilly princess?

Suggested Reading: Zechariah 3:1-10

“All glorious is the princess within her chamber;

her gown is interwoven with gold.” Psalm 45:13

A dear friend of mine recently shared this story about her daughter, Charlee:

A few weeks ago we bought Charlee an Easter dress. She isn’t much of a girly girl when it comes to dresses but Easter is special so we thought we would give it a try. We found a really pretty dress, washed it and hung it in her closet and waited for Easter!

Our morning was pretty normal. We woke up, had breakfast, played and listened to music. Then it was time to get dressed. When I pulled the dress out of the closet Charlee’s face lit up with delight. She said, “Wow” in her sweet little whisper. Usually, she likes to stay in her PJs but today she was ready to put her dress on.

After she was dressed I took her to the mirror. She was simply in awe. She grinned from ear to ear, kept touching the dress and stared at herself.

(Story and photo shared with permission.)

When I read that story and viewed the accompanying photos, “princess transformation” immediately came to mind…and I knew there was something I needed to learn from this sweet little one.

1 John 3:1 tells us we are children of the King of Kings.  In other words, our God-given identity is royalty!

If this is our true identity in Christ, why then, do we act like the Clampett family, claiming a Beverly Hills address, but continuing to live like Hillbillies?

Despite Charlee’s pajama preference, when she saw the beauty of her Easter dress – and how stunning she looked wearing it – I doubt she gave another thought to those old PJs.  She had a new identity, and was ready to embrace it!

“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…fixing our eyes upon Jesus” Hebrews 12:1-2

Sin is unbecoming of a princess!  We were created for more!  Won’t you surrender? Throw off the “old clothes” (sinful self) and fix your eyes of Jesus.  Let him clothe you in righteousness and royal garments as only he can.

Let’s Pray:

Royal Father, you told me today that I am yours! You delight in the plans you have laid out for my life and have graciously equipped me with every talent and tool necessary for the task.  Help me today to live with the strong sense of duty that comes with knowing who you created me to be as a daughter of the King of all Kings! Amen

Taking it deeper:

What “comfortable pajamas” have you been unwilling to surrender to the king?  Why?  

Will you pray and ask God to help you lay that at the foot of the cross? And, when you do, will you accept His transformational healing, forgiveness, love, and yes, your “new clothes?”

PS – Have you participated in my Mother’s Day Project yet?  Click here to find out more. 

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April 18, 2012

Mother’s Day Project: Your help is needed!

Dear readers:

For Mother’s Day, I plan to share a collection encouraging messages wrought by experience.  For this to work, I need your participation in advance!  I’m looking for a note to your younger self with a piece of advice or encouragement you wish someone would have given you at that age.

Would you consider sharing something to encourage others?  If so, check out the “Mother’s Day Project” page on the website menu at the top of the page.  There you will find full details and how you can share your message.

Thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart!

Warmly,

Jeannette

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