Author: mygodroom

Adopted by The King and this is where I share some of my most precious experiences with Him.

Jude did not let me down

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My husband and I have both been very sick with summer flu-like nonsense the past few days.  I haven’t been able to sleep because of additional female  aches and pains beyond the norm.  Still, the two hours I spent studying the Book of Jude this morning  was invigorating.


The past several weeks, God has ensured I learned exactly what He wanted me to better understand for His purpose. Much is documented here in My God Room, even when I have not been able to completely write out my thoughts or prayers. Much is discussed with my husband, as well.  Some is only captured in pictures on my phone.  Thank you, Lord, for allowing some pictures to be worth one thousand words!

Today, God used the Book of Jude to drive home a few key points :

1) BeIng saved by grace does not give us indirect permission to sin. At minimum, Jesus’ blood and suffering on the cross should humble us to be better human beings.

2) Loving others should equate to being willing to warn them of false teachers and to protect them. The devil is worse than a vehicle out of control on the roads or any physical dangers we can see.  Surely, I would pull loved ones from those dangers.  I should not have any fear about overstepping or  ensuring they know the Truth, the Way and the Light.

3.  Being willing to fight for Jesus in all things Kingdom- focused is imperative.  Nothing is more worthy of a fight!  The Bible says “contend” for His purpose.  God made sure when His people  tested His word and spirit, they would realize why he said “contend” to Jude.  At the time it was written, the Romans took their sports and games as seriously as we do those in today’s world.  Contend is in the spirit of fighting and competing!

4) God is in control.  Never forget this key truth.   He wants us to love Him and know His almighty power, Grace and mercy.

Maybe it was super- invigorating today because I read a long article last night on how to see Christ in others on  Patheos.org.   I went to bed with a humbled heart aching to be more like Jesus.  Our God is so thoughtful and powerful!!  So many of the insights He gave me during my morning study time applied directly throughout my day.


My day ran the gamut between my morning with Jude, teenage daughter drama over washing/killing her iPhone, listening to my husband’s feedback, work related challenges, suffering physical pain and great conversation with my son.  Truly, it makes my heart feel complete to know He was truly with me each step of my day.  Jude even teaches us to be merciful with unbelievers, which applied to some of the work challenges. 

Although my kids are both saved for His Kingdom, I believe God used Jude as a cushion to soften a few parenting blows today.   In fact, several conversations went very well which could have gone very poorly.

After much back and forth with my husband, I respected his view that it wouldn’t necessarily be wise to tell my son he should offer his phone to his sister for the 5SOS concert tonight.   It would be a catalyst for him to be defensive and pick an unworthy fight.  Or would it?  All day, I had the Spirit in me telling me to very much embrace a fight for Him!   I even challenged my husband  by asking if he was ever shown compassion when he made mistakes growing up.

Still, when it was time for the conversation with my son, God gave me the perfect way to encourage my son through His word and not falter in human fear based on how my son has responded in the past.  It was a simple fact to tell my son my prayer is that he and his sister both learn how to see Jesus in each other and have a desire to BE Jesus to each other.  I “fought” for Jesus with a loving Spirit guiding me.  It was such a powerful realization after it happened.   He gave me the right words to teach my son the compassion I/He desires to demonstrate without the lesson falling on deaf ears.

Thank you, Lord, for all that you do every single day for us!

 

Grace wins every time

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We watched the Los Angeles Angels play the Texas Rangers this past Monday night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. 

Each time Albert Pujols came up to bat, Matthew West could be heard in surround sound praising “Grace Wins” every time.  It was odd that it was so clear to me, yet my husband didn’t catch it.  He is such a Pujols and music fan, I would have thought he would notice.  Regardless, he thought it was awesome when I pointed out the detail to him.  It made me so very happy to know Albert had likely requested that specific song for each at-bat. 


It started a thought process about vocal Christians in the celebrity realm and how they choose, or not, to use their God-given voice.  I will elaborate more when time allows the thoughts to ferment.  

For now, it’s more than enough to remember the simple, yet understated and undeniably powerful message of “GraceWins Every Time”.  How blessed are we these lyrics are His Truth:

Words can’t describe the way it feels …When mercy floods a thirsty soul…a broken side begins to heal…And grace returns what guilt has stole!  Thank you, Jesus!!

Be Still and Know

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Lord, I know you are King of Kings and hold all of our days in your mighty hand.  I trust there are many reasons beyond my understanding for taking Brian Ragan home to be with you this morning.   My prayer in this moment is that Moira can be comforted by you in her time of grief and loss.  Thank you for allowing me to serve as a witness to your grace in my life in our conversations.  What a beautiful example she is of how a sister should love a brother.

I do remain firm in my belief you have directed the effort for me to become a living donor.  I have felt your presence each step of the way; comfort and peace which can only come from you.   All I know in this moment is that I will attempt to be matched for this 27 year old young man, Joshua,  who has suffered dialysis for five years.  I love that he sings your praises, Lord.  Furthermore, I  pray that if this transplant happens, we can sing them together and be witnesses to your hand over the transplant.

 

bestill

2 Corinthians

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Today, I felt frustration similar to  what I have often imagined Paul must have felt with the people of Corinth.  Frustration and concern rolled into one; seeking the perfection and feeling exactly how short the reality may be.  

It humbled me to feel it in one of my favorite places, The Getty Villa.  

Thankfully, this was my first direct line of sight upon arrival.  All I could see were crucifixes.  In reality, they are light stands, and even THAT brought me some peace.  


Even when a day doesn’t go as I may have hoped and prayed, it is stil good day.   Thank you, Jesus, for that truth.  

Sweet Jays 

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Yesterday, I was directed by the Spirit to share my heart and the songbirds have never been sweeter.  It is not my story to share, yet.   But I will say in six months or so, this will be a beautiful marker.  

God speaks to us in different ways.  It is such an amazing chorus of praise when we truly listen.  

Truly perfect to flip to Acts this morning. 


Shine on!

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Even on vacation, we bring a Bible and begin our day grounded in Scripture.  It’s amazing how God has used the first few days to remind me of simple truths.

Yesterday, we did a walking tour of Hollywood Boulevard.   My daughter commented something to the effect of “the words are true but the spirit is not”, after encountering the same group of people demonstrating their faith.


We all discussed how being Christ-like should be loving.  We talked about how people should want to know Jesus if we are sharing His Light in His way.  As usual, conversations like this cause me to pause and reflect.  Yesterday, I asked myself, “when are my words true and my spirit lacking in some way?”   It was a perfect question to permeate my heart; yesterday and every day!

This morning, I flipped to Philippians.   Thank you, Lord, for reminding me through my children, my husband and now your Holy Word, to shine as YOUR star.


As I read the study notes for Philippians 2:14-16, I smiled at the wisdom of my own child.  The words were true and the spirit was not, indeed.

Lord, please use our family to be an example of your love, grace and mercy.  Jesus, we want to reflect your love for us and be a unifying reflection of you!  May we shine light and not darkness, bringing others to your Kingdom and not detract them from seeking Your Face.   Thank you for loving us and bringing us closer together by getting closer to you.   We love you so much!   

Revelations

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Mark just told me about a woman he encountered on his walk to get coffee this morning.  She was likely in an adult industry and was not made up.  She was, however, wearing a tank top which showed off her assets and said “Jesus loves porn stars”.  

Jesus does.  He loves all of us.  

It’s a good reminder to go with my Bible flip this morning.  

Unexpected Godwinks

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We are taking my teenagers to California for a week.  My ex-husband wanted to be unkind about our kids spending their own money and my son surprised me in his response.  


Roughly two hours into the flight, I open my eyes to see my daughter working on her Experiencing God study.   On her iPhone, I see she is listening to Hillsong United’s Oceans.  

Thank you,Lord, for gentle and not so gentle reminders that we are leading them according to your word and will.   

Whatsoever you Do

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When we returned to the USA, I attended third grade at a private Catholic school in Atchison, Kansas.  I remember Bob Hope being at my daddy’s Masters Degree graduation at  St. Benedictine College,  tornados, our neighbor, Mrs.Schooner, and how my closet opened into my older sister’s room.    I remember the three of us girls piled together on Saturday mornings with our blankets to watch cartoons, too.  

Despite challenges in my relationships with my sisters, I love them deeply.  I think of that time in our lives fondly. 

I recall hearing my favorite hymn from that time in my life about five years later at Immaculate Comception Church.  This is a different kind of fondness.  It was like a sister in that it held part of my heart.  It is strange to recall being my daughter’s age and being clearly moved by lyrics and melody so deeply. It wasn’t popular music, it was an old Catholic hymn.  

The main bridge: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, That you do into me.  “. Thirty-five years later, it’s still on my heart, in my heart and impacting my heart.   It may be the underlying impetus in why I am becoming a living kidney donor. 

My husband and I have talked about it. He is praying with me for the right way to tell the kids.  It may be as simple as the greatest commandment of loving one another.   

The fact I now see Jesus in others is the reason I want to give my kidney to help save another life. I would surely give Jesus a kidney.  I would give my family, friends or anyone I love a kidney.  I am called, no, commanded, to love  everyone.  There are no exceptions.  

God was so generous in giving us two kidneys.  We only need one.  Everything we have is His, regardless.  Not sharing His blessings is not an option.   

Praying with the Pastor’s Wife

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For over four years, we have attended Hope Fellowship.  We love the pastor, his wife, his entire family. My kids have grown into amazing teenagers under the leadership of their son’s youth ministry.  During those four-plus years, I think I have taken advantage of praying with a leader during Sunday service three times.  Today was the third time.

Roughly two months ago, I was led to investigate becoming a living kidney donor. I prayed with my husband about it and we both agreed it was the right decision.  I have long since had questionnaires filled and blood tested. I knew of a few local people in dire need of a kidney.  It was very clear in prayer that I was to pick a local person.  Of those, I was led to attempt to match to one particular person.   I was not surprised in the least when the tests revealed, indeed, I was a match.

We were halted in the process because the person to whom I have directed my kidney was not yet green-lighted or approved to proceed with the transplant.  During this delay, I learned I needed a mammogram and current pap smear, as well.  I have since completed those tasks.  During this time, the person who will likely get my kidney has had three surgeries.  Today was his third surgery.

It would be impossible to explain in a quick post the why’s and wherefore’s or details explaining how He brought me to the decision to donate a kidney.   I just know it is what He would have me to do for his Glory.  Since committing to His plan for me as I understand it, I have heard Jesus speaking clearer and louder than ever before.  I know He wants me to stay the course.   Every time I bear witness to the donor recipient’s sister, God is guiding that process, as well.

What we have not done is tell my children that this decision has been made.  Again, many reasons, but timing is everything.  Like all major decisions, I have prayed without ceasing about it.   Simply put, the need washed over me during our service today that I needed someone in our church to pray with me.  Specifically, I needed them to pray with me regarding how, when and what I tell my children in this process.  As I walked to the back of the congregation, I saw our pastor’s wife.  She isn’t always able to be there, but she was there today.  While the Pastor’s wife said a perfect prayer over me, God lifted my angst regarding my specific prayer request.

Thank you, Lord.  I do not know the exact words or time they will be spoken.  You, My Heavenly Father, know exactly what they will be.  I know you will give them to me when it is in YOUR time and not mine.