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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yikes. I just lost about a thousand words on encouragement, prayer and loving others with great intention.
One of my closest friends is due to give birth to her husband’s second son in less than a month. His first son is 14 and about to start high school about 600 miles away. They also have the most amazing five-year-old daughter. Her husband is currently deployed overseas and it seems likely he will be approved to travel home for the birth. All in all, a super exciting time for their family.
She is, without a doubt, one of the best mothers on the entire planet. That said, God used our conversation last night to bring tremendous focus to the step-son in a different state. I was loving my friend, hugging her daughter and feeling her son kick in her womb. I was present. Yet, every thought in my head turned to the step-son in Oklahoma. I am still processing it, but I think He wanted to remind us of His bigger picture.
It is entirely possible to be ecstatic about “here” and have enough love for “there”, as well. Yes, be excited about this glorious birth, all the awesomeness of their daughter, their family and the father being able to travel home. However, be aware of the power of love to influence that teenager beginning high school. Everyone in every family has their own “current adventure” and each should be acknowledged. Let us not forget, this is our temporary home and all of us should be Kingdom focused!
Father God, thank you for being the best father possible. Thank you for the discipline with the love you so freely give. Please keep your hand on this precious family and help them to guide all of their children to your Kingdom for your purpose. I ask you give the mom special peace during the delivery of this son and unspeakable joy so she knows it surely came from you. Thank you, Lord. I love you.
Psalm 30:11 tells us God can turn mourning into dancing, wail to song and pain to gladness. It continues on to tell us to not be silent in praising Him for doing so. All of my energy is focused on the spirit of the truth, which often includes NIV, KJV, NKJV and NASB translations. Paraphrasing is my way of sharing what is echoing in my heart after reading scripture and the action He would have me to take today.
In the aftermath of last nights devastating losses in Dallas, TX, my social media feed amplified sadness, hurt, misdirection and all things negative. Yes, Black Lives Matter. ALL lives matter. In the past two terms, I have witnessed any pre-existing racial divide become a giant chasm fueled by President Obama’s lack of leadership in certain areas. Today, he took this tragedy as an opportunity to push his gun control platform, instead of empathizing with a city, state and country in mourning. Between the racial issues, the general angst and the religious versus atheist opinions, my heart just hurt. Still, I know He would have me to find a way to sing His praises and potentially lead others to a joyful song.
When my morning Bible flip took me to James 1:2 this morning, a smile washed over my face. How perfect He he would choose to immediately comfort me with direction for the day. While I agree with my husband that the Book of James should “step on our toes a bit”, it has grown to be more comforting than uncomfortable for me to take such direction. Thank you, God, for reminding me to consider it pure joy whenever I face trials. Thank you for leading me to turn off my television and listen to your voice. You even go on in James 1:19 to remind me to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger!
Instead of looking at a huge world and being overwhelmed, it was put on my heart to bear careful, thoughtful witness to one friend who is an atheist. In short, she posted that prayer won’t help and contradicted herself in her message. You can’t say, “don’t judge” and then, in fact, judge. In the past, I would have just kept silent and been a positive example of Christ at work in my life. Today, it felt different. I felt compelled to share my heart among the limited comments against prayer:
“That said, I absolutely do believe there is power in prayer. Do I think all it takes to solve any problem is prayer? No. I believe prayer is to reflect, improve and seek guidance or answers to things which trouble us. I do pray to God and believe Jesus walked this earth to give humanity a chance. I also believe many organized religions miss the boat when they stray from promoting love, understanding, compassion and forgiveness. I believe we are all called to love, serve and be good to one another. I am struggling to see how your opinions and absolutes are any more “right” than those who believe differently. I am sure your intention wasn’t to make me, or any person of any faith feel “judged” or that our opinions are wrong, yet that is very much how it reads and feels. It doesn’t change my love for you and yours.”
Lord, please help anyone who reads my comment to feel the genuine love in my heart for you, your son, Jesus, and for the reader. Help me serve your kingdom, your way. You are not Burger King. You are the King of Kings. I love you.
When I was jolted awake with what sounded like gunfire this morning, I had to have a conscious thought before coffee. This is not nearly as easy as it may sound. I had to realize by the sounds, lightning and our beagle’s behavior that it was just a terrible storm outside. I whispered “Okay, Lord, please don’t let me be evil today.”
The truth is that I am like every other human I know. I have my own specific set of challenges in keeping grounded. One, I have teenagers. In and of itself, that is enough to create some chaos. I haven’t slept well this past week, nor do I tend to sleep as much as I probably should, in general. However, my biggest issue is that I am 48, menopausal and an overly enthusiastic bundle of insane hormones. All comfort, strength and peace is a direct result of my relationship with Jesus. I would be a crazy person without God and The Bible.
After getting breakfast ready for our guests at home, I headed to our front porch with my coffee and my Bible. I sat down in the rocking chair which was dry and flipped open to Titus 1:8, “Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” I continued on and read through 1:18, studying all the notes about Paul and the reminder of how God forgets our iniquities.
It is just like Jesus to hang with me on our front porch and to guide me to a better way of thinking. I considered the study notes regarding how conduct speaks volumes about what we believe. Jesus basically held my hand and said, “trust me, when others look at you, they see the difference I’ve made in your life.” Bottom line, what “they” think is irrelevant, as long as I am living my life according to His will.
Create in me a clean heart, Oh, God!! Please, Jesus, help me keep my heart as pure as possible. As I read Titus 1:15, “To the pure,all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure,” I smiled. I thought about people in the past, like Anne Frank, who could always see something good around them. I thought about people in my life today who always bring positive and loving thoughts to mind. I considered myself, past, present and future; I considered myself blessed to be among those who do strive to see the good in the world.
Thank you, God, for my optimistic heart. Thank you, Jesus, for Calvary and for giving me another day to feel washed clean by your blood. I pray I serve you well today.
Yes, we are!
If you have ever listened to young cheerleaders, that simple statement is easily heard as a battle cry in a sports match of some variety. With less than three hours’ sleep, this is the message echoing in my head. I am visualizing a troop of joyous Christians, marching down any street in the world, boldly asking that question of every person who can hear them.
The image in my heart is of two sweet girls in downtown Nashville yesterday.
My eyes are welling up in tears, again. Lord, please use these tears to cleanse my mind and heart of anything which detracts me from you. Thank you for all the ways you are revealing your mighty hand in my life. Thank you for the entire book of Romans and taking me to 8:38-39 through Jesus Calling this morning. Please, Father God, reveal your power to Sarah in such a way to restore her and empower her to boldly do your work. For all who are weary and worried, please give extra comfort today. And these tears, which refuse to defy gravity, Lord, let each remind me of all those still lost to you; my heart aches for all those who would ask incredulously, “ready for what?” Please, Father God, help me rest a few hours so I can serve you and your kingdom today.
In Jesus Name, I do pray.
My God Room 