Why the Wilderness?

When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the
main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was
the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are
faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." Exodus 13:17

Why the wilderness? Because God knew the Israelites would be faced with a distraction had they gone the "normal" route; the way that made "sense"; the way of the world. V18 says they would have faced battle and would have turned in fear and run back to Egypt. The only way to the P. Land was to go through the wilderness.

Me too. If I had followed my way into the P. Land I would have never reached the true Canaan. I would have been distracted by worldly things--job, money, success, prestige. But because God took me through the wilderness, I learned to look at and listen to Him. I learned how to do things His way. And I made it all the way to Canaan.

Priscilla Shriver said, "Wilderness isn't distraction; wandering the wilderness is a distraction." (See Bible study). Feel lost in the wilderness? Stop wondering. Follow God and He'll lead you through the wilderness to your place of abundance.

Be a Blessing

August 7, 2012


"I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others." Genesis 12:2

I love the blessing of Abram, don't you? God says to Abram in Genesis 12:2-3, " I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I
will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with
contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

I want that.

I want God to make me into a great nation . . . or at least allow me to live in one. I want God to lead me into a place of abundance, a place where all my needs are met, a place where I have rest from my enemies (Deuteronomy 6:11, 12:10). I want God to bless me and curse those who curse me. I want God to fill my life with good things.

But did you notice WHY God said He would bless Abram?

God didn't plan to bless Abram so that Abram could keep God's goodness to himself. God blessed Abram so that he could be a blessing to others, so that, "all the families on earth could be blessed through him" (Genesis 12:3).

The blessing of God comes with a high price. Luke 12:48 reads, "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and
when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."

I've glimpsed the two-thirds world, and I can say fervently--God has blessed America. I realize I am about to hit a hot button. But I believe God blessed America because of the values on which the forefathers founded this country--values which placed God first, principles which recognized that all we had came from Him. Our founding fathers did not lead perfect lives. But I believe they founded our country with hearts that sought to please God. And because they placed God first, God blessed our country. Since then God has used that blessing to bless the families who live in this country--including you and me.

What have we done with our blessing?

I know I sound as if I'm jumping on the bandwagon, and in many areas of my life I fail miserably . . . but we have SO much. We have homes, electricity, running water, more food than most can dream of (live on rice and beans for three weeks and you gain a renewed appreciation for variety). We play sports, drive cars, we have driveways for cryin' out loud (something the two-thirds world doesn't need since they do not have cars). These things in themselves do not prove evil . . . unless we pursue these things at the expense of blessing another.

While in Africa one of my teammates used the phrase, "The ball is in your court." Receiving only blank stares from our audience, we both quickly realized the ladies were unfamiliar with the game of tennis. I realize different countries practice different sports but I began to think about the game of tennis in America. I wondered how much money we as Americans spend on tennis--on court fees, memberships, training and cute outfits (tennis-skirts are the one reason I considered playing!). I wondered how much money we as Americans--better yet, we as believers--spend on sports in general. (It's okay, I'm prepared to receive disgust-mail for this!) I am not against organized sports! But I am against spending resources (time, money, etc.) on luxuries while millions live in poverty.

I am against spending energy asking what size Keurig I should buy when millions go daily without water. I am against over-scheduling my children in extra-curricular activities when thousands of children will die today for lack of food. I am against stocking my closet full of the latest styles (I'm sure that doesn't come as much of a shock to those of you who see me often) when women in Africa simply wrap themselves in a piece of material taken straight from a bolt of fabric.

I know it sounds harsh. I stand guilty in MANY areas of my life. But God has blessed us so that we may be a blessing to others. "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring
for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world
corrupt you." (James 1:27)

Rather than turning a deaf ear or a hardened heart, will you join me in asking God to break our hearts for what breaks His? Will you petition the throne of heaven with me as I ask God to show me how He intends to use my family and me to bless others? May He bless you even more for doing so.

Too Hungry for Words

August 2, 2012


"People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

People often ask me, "What kind of food did you eat in Africa?" And I describe to them the menu of the two-thirds world: rice, beans and potatoes. For three weeks our in-country hosts served us more food than we could eat. Unlike many of my national brothers and sisters I had no reason to feel hungry in Africa.

But I did feel hungry. I longed for variety, for seasoning, for a handful of good-for-nothing food, for . . . microwave popcorn and a bag of sour cream and onion flavored potato chips.

Traveling abroad awakened me to the ugly reality of my dependency on food. Our menu covered all the basic food groups but I found myself craving more. Why? Other than fresh fruits (which we couldn't eat for risk of infection) I had all I needed. Still I felt too hungry for words. Until I met my brothers and sisters.

Somehow transition to word of God.

Gifts from a Father

July 30, 2012

"So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him." Matthew 7:11

Late last week my father-in-law called to ask what gift our daughter might like to receive in honor of her birthday. Shamefully prepared for the question I gave my father-in-law several ideas.

For the record I believe every grandmama and grandad should be entitled to purchase whatever gift they like for their grandchild. But do you want to know the truth? I love it when people solicit ideas from me. Why? Because I know my child. I know her likes and dislikes. I know what size she wears, what color she prefers. I know that she likes her clothes to fit loosely, and that for now she's not exactly the girly-girl type. I know that she loves music and that she wants to feel grown-up. I know what my daughter wants even before she asks. More than just her wants, I know what she needs. I know my child. So I love it when others come to me for advice in regards to my daughter.

Do you realize it's the same way between us and God?

God knows everything about me. He knows when I sit or when I rise. He knows my thoughts even when I'm far away. He knows everything I do. He knows what I'm going to say even before I say it. God knit me together in my mother's womb. He knows my anxious thoughts. He knows my heart. (Psalm 139:1-4, 13, 23)

God knows me . . . and He knows you. When we find ourselves in need or in want of something, who better to ask than our Heavenly Father?

When Jesus spoke on effective prayer He said, "Keep on asking, and you
will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep
on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)

Keep on asking and I'll receive that for which I ask? Sounds great! However, there's a catch.

God is a good Father. Just as I declined the request my daughter made for a horse (gotta love a seven year old girl's heart!) our Heavenly Father may not always give us exactly what we want. Instead, He gives us what He knows we need.

James writes, "You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are
jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage
war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because
you don't ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure." (James 4:2-3)

God says that sometimes we fail to receive what we ask for because we ask for something He knows we don't need; we ask with selfish motives. When we ask God for something with a pure heart, however, He gives abundantly!

In 1 Kings 3 King Solomon asks God for wisdom to rule His people. Solomon asked God to equip him with something that would benefit others. God replies, "Because you have asked for
wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a
long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—I
will give you what you asked for! And
I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame!" (1 Kings 3:11, 13) Solomon sought God with pure motives and God rewarded him. However, things fared differently for Solomon's father, King David.

In 2 Samuel 11 King David notices a beautiful woman bathing near his palace. Unmoved by the fact that this woman is married to a man named Uriah, King David sleeps with her and she becomes pregnant. In his moment of weakness King David arranges for Uriah to be killed in battle and then takes Uriah's widow as his wife. In 2 Samuel 12:8 God comes to David and says, "I
gave you your master’s house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel
and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much,
much more."

Can you hear the grief of a Father's broken heart?

Rather than recognizing that God had given David everything he needed--and would have given him much, much more--David allowed the desires of his flesh to rule his life. And David paid dearly in the loss of his child. But God is a God of compassion and forgiveness. In 2 Samuel 12 David professes his guilt before God and God restores David by blessing him with another son--Solomon, the wisest king to ever live.

James 1:17 reads, "Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father." God may not always give us what we want but what He does give is good and perfect.

What is it that you need? What is it that you want? Go to your Father in prayer, to the One who knows you best. Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

Seven

July 27, 2012



"On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work." Genesis 2:2

Today marks the seventh anniversary of the birth of our identical-twin daughters. Seven years ago today we received the unexpected news that our first and second child were gravely ill inside my womb.  Seven years ago today doctors delivered our two babies and whisked them off to neonatal intensive care before we ever had the chance to hug them, kiss them or hold them. Seven years ago today
doctors diagnosed one of our twins with a Grade IV brain hemorrhage, and
told us that our daughter stood little chance for survival. Today marks the beginning of a string of events that would eventually lead to one of the most difficult experiences of my life.

While we REJOICE over the life of our surviving twin daughter our twins' birthday normally proves a difficult day for me to process. One child to celebrate; one child to mourn. It seems unfair. I despise death. I ache to hold two babies in my arms at once. The desires of my flesh quench the Spirit within.

But this year I noticed something different.

Seven represents the number of perfection and completion. God created the world in six days, and on the seventh He rested (Genesis 2:2). David was Jesse's seventh son (1 Chronicles 2:15). Jesus fed 5,000 men plus women and children with seven loaves of bread. When the crowed finished eating the disciples collected seven baskets of leftover food (Matthew 15:34-37). In the book of Revelation John writes a letter to the seven churches in the province of Asia (Revelation 1:4). Many claim seven as God's favorite number.

Seven years ago God used the death of our child to redirect the course of my life. While I sometimes failed to see the beauty of the path on which I traveled, seven years later I realize that He truly works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). In the seven years since the death of our child God has allowed me the privilege of sharing the hope of Christ with others--when I often feel unworthy of even mentioning His name. Seven years later I find myself having just returned from serving the Lord in two different countries. Seven years after the premature birth of our twin daughters my life feels more full and rich than I ever dreamed possible. Though I once felt incomplete without my child, seven years later I realize that my completeness comes from Christ and in living the life He intended for us to live.

The mama in me misses our daughter. But the child of God in me rejoices daily in His presence. What normally proves to be a difficult month faded to a few difficult moments yesterday afternoon. Because
I miss our daughter less? No. Because the hurt fades? Not necessarily.
Because time heals wounds? Not ever. Because the grace of God rescued
me? Absolutely!

I realize the depth to which a parent can plummet following the loss of a child--indeed I've experienced the hopelessness, and would feel blinded by despair now except that I asked God to show me the way out of my pain. And once I asked, "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:2)

Happy 7th Birthday my darlings.

The Rocks Speak

July 17, 2012


"He replied, 'If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!'" Luke 19:40

While in Africa I had the pleasure of speaking at local churches on Sunday mornings (did I mention that ONE church service runs three and a half to four hours?!?). The first Sunday I prepared two different messages. Having realized in my own life the importance of building our foundation
of faith on God's Word rather than on hearsay, I based one message on
the passage found in Matthew 7:24-27.

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though
the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat
against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."

As Saturday night drew to a close I remained unsure of which message God intended for me to deliver the next morning. I prayed over and over for wisdom and discretion. Desperate for direction I decided to ask God for a sign.

In all honesty, I'm not sure it pleases God when we ask Him for signs. In Judges 6 Gideon asked God twice for a sign to affirm that he should attack the Midianites. But I also observe in the next chapter of Judges that God seemed to require an increased amount of faith on behalf of Gideon when God decreased Gideon's army from over 30,000 to just 300. God prefers for us to follow Him by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

I'm uncertain of what motivated me to ask God for a sign. Call it weak faith, call it jet-lag but the night before I spoke I asked God to show me a brick. Just one tiny brick. I decided that if I arrived to the church and saw a brick--or anything that even remotely resembled a brick--then I would deliver the message based on the passage in Matthew 7 (do you follow my logic . . . bricks as in building our foundations on the Rock?). No brick meant I would deliver the message I had originally prepared.

Are you sitting down?

Because as we arrived at the church the next day, this is what I saw.

Do you see them? Not just one brick. A whole pile of bricks. Right there, at the bottom right corner of this picture.

The photo is an original; no photo-shop here. Just an image of our powerful God who loves to interact with His children.

In Luke 19 Jesus told the Pharisees that if His followers hadn't shouted praises to Him, the rocks would have rejoiced in their place. To the casual observer, it's just a pile of bricks in my photo. But to me the rocks speak volumes of God's love, presence, awareness and very desire to communicate with me.

Kingdom Work

July 17, 2012


"But on the judgment day,
fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will
show if a person’s work has any value." 1 Corinthians 3:13

Beautiful Feet

July 16, 2012


"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings
good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God
of Israel reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

Africa lies nearly half a world away from the good ol' US of A. Forty-eight hours passed from the time our team left the Lone Star State to the time we arrived in Rwanda. With little sleep on the plane(s) I arrived to our destinations feeling like a zombie (and looking like one too).

While waiting to board
the plane to Nairobi, Kenya from London I noticed many mzungu's (that's
African for "white people") in line. From their matching attire I identified at least three Christian groups. My heart filled with warmth at the thought of God moving so many feet to bring good news to Africa. And while I want to believe that God
used each of the American teams to accomplish His purpose in Africa, I
can't help but to consider how much He used the beautiful feet of Africans to accomplish His purpose
in us.

I wonder if your impressions of Africa prove similar to the preconceived notions I had before I traveled to this beautiful land. Inept at geography I failed to remember much from grade-school about the world's second-largest continent. I simply thought of Africa as a place where people went without food and proper shelter; a place overrun with fighting and barbaric practices; a place deep in need of the hope and love of Christ. And while many of those preconceived notions proved true, I realized a heart and spirit about Africa that exceeded my wildest dreams.

God moved in Africa in ways I've never before seen Him move in America. Many Africans have endured vicious crimes against them and their families; many of them live in conditions which would prove fatal to you and me; many of them feel blessed to have even one meal per day--one meal of rice, beans and potatoes. Some of our national ministry partners there continue to go without food. But still these believers praise the Lord with all their being. They know and depend on God at a level I believe few Americans--myself included--will ever experience.

One of the women said to me through a translator, "If we and our children wake up in the morning we know it is by God's grace. We praise Him because He let us live another day."

Ever lived with that kind of gratitude?

I fell in love with Africa but I question why. It's just me--a mzungu from America, a cowgirl (as the Africans called me) from Texas. Why do my heartstrings feel such a tug to return? I believe it is because in Africa I experienced God like never before. God moves in America but oftentimes we're too busy to take notice. In Africa, there's not much to distract. False religion, yes. But when the power of God begins to work in an African heart, the glory of God is evident for all to see.

I thought we were the ones God intended to send to Africa with "beautiful feet" (Isaiah 52:7). But it was the feet of the African women and children to which I found myself most attracted. Feet which rise to praise God for allowing them to awake another day. Feet which carried them 3 hours daily each way to attend Bible study. Feet which stand firm in faith regardless of what comes their way.

Gray Hair

girly moment

Mirrors

The Congo

July 11, 2012


"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my
victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

The Congo.

When I first realized that my call to Africa would include a week in DR Congo I gave the trip heavy consideration. My only impressions of Congo were those formed by the hands of overly-enthusiastic Hollywood movie directors, and let's just say that those impressions weren't pretty. I knew Congo presented great risk but over time I felt that God made it adamantly clear it was His will for us to enter the war-torn country.

Fighting in Congo began to escalate about six weeks before our trip. Over 10 active militias continue to reek havoc throughout the country, slaughtering families, attacking women and forcing children into fighting. For a short time it seemed as if our entrance into Congo would prove too big of a safety risk. However, just one week--ONE WEEK--before our arrival into Congo the government declared a cease to the fighting. Though the militias remain in-tact they prove less active when not pursued by the government. Our ministry partners in Congo said, "Its obvious your people are praying."

Some time ago My husband placed a quote on our refrigerator by Edmund Burke which reads, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Though fighting had descended the risk for Congo still proved great. I considered allowing fear to keep me from entering the country--but then evil would have won. The risk was high but God had allowed a small window of opportunity for us to enter Congo. We decided to trust His lead.

While in Congo our team ministered to a group of 22 widows from the jungle area and 30 former child soldiers.  On the first day the expressions on the women's faces communicated their shame and grief. As I began to share with these widows my own experience with grief, their hard faces began to soften. I overtly confessed my realization that my circumstances prove VERY different than their own. But I asked them to consider if our circumstances hadn't caused us to share similar questions about God.

God, are You there?

God, how could You allow this to happen?

God, are you mad at me?

God, don't you love me?

God, how will I ever recover from this tragedy?

I led them through Scripture to demonstrate God's care and concern for them. My ministry partner revealed to them the need for forgiveness and reconciliation--not for the sake of their offenders but for the sake of their own hearts. And by the second day--yes, over a matter of two days--the widow's faces began to glow. The women explained, "No one ever comes to Congo. Most mzungu's (that's Swahili for white person) are too afraid. But because God sent you, now we know He hasn't forgotten us. Now we know God still cares for us."

Please hear me when I say I take NO credit for this. Nothing within me could offer hope to women who have endured such crimes against them. No. Our team witnessed the power of God at its best.

When light shines in a bright room the effect of the light goes unnoticed. But when light shines in a dark room the power of the light appears magnified. The same theory holds true in Congo. Compared to a place like Congo I'd say America shines brightly. But sadly, God's glory and power often go unnoticed in our country. In a place like Congo, however, the light of God bursts forth like the sun rising over a mountaintop. Only the power of God could have renewed the hope of these women. Only God can offer forgiveness for the types of crimes the former soldiers chose to commit, or as in most cases were forced to commit.

The people of Congo endure so much. The least I can do is offer myself as a vessel for God a few weeks of the year to go and remind them of the Good News (Romans 10:14).

Our team crossed the Congo border back in to Rwanda last Thursday afternoon. My heart broke to hear that apparently the government resumed fighting the next day. Over the weekend the militias captured three towns within 24 miles of Goma, the city in which we held our conference. The capturing of towns means more attacks, more lives lost, more children enslaved. Before our time in Congo, more fighting simply meant more fighting; according to Hollywood it's what they do in Congo. But now I have faces to go along with the fighting.

Jeannie, who danced in elation when she
discovered we shared the same name and who lives as a widow with a
bullet in her shoulder because she has no money for an operation.

A faithful grandmother who selflessly
cares for her grandson because she lost the rest of her
family--including her daughter--to the war.

Martin, the father of six and our host pastor who risks his life daily to intercept child soldiers and war-torn widows with the hope and love of God.

Johnson, the UN helicopter pilot who
served as my driver one Sunday morning. A young family man, he flies
rescue missions through the Congo jungles from 9AM-5PM. We heard
helicopters such as his flying hourly over our conference location in
Congo.  The woman who had 4 sets of twins--4 sets--but who lost all 8
children in the war. Samuel, one of our translators from Congo.
John-Paul, a pastor desperate for our team to visit the his beloved
church outside of Goma.

I do not share these stories to dramatize the events in Congo. I share them to ask for prayer.

Congo is a dangerous place. But God loves Congo, and the people of Congo so much He used His strong right hand to cause a cease in the fighting for one week; enough time to allow His message to be proclaimed through His servants.

Would you join me in praying for this war-torn country? Pray that those fighting would lay down their weapons, that the victims of war would be reminded of God's love and provisions, that the people of Congo would turn their faces back toward God so that they may be restored.

Home

July 9, 2012

^"For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land." Ezekiel 36:24

I'm home.

Last night I slept in my own bed in my own room in my own home for the first time in 23 days. While I'm overjoyed to be reunited with my family part of me found it overwhelming to return home. I spent three weeks in a one-bedroom hotel room sleeping under a mosquito net. Warm water often escaped us and nearly every meal consisted of rice, beans and potatoes. Yet most of whom I met while in Africa could only dream of living under such accommodations. Most of whom I met would give anything for running water and three meals a day. Many of whom I met would give anything for just a blanket and one meal a day. I'm glad to be home but my return feels bittersweet.

I realize there's nothing wrong with our family owning a home. But so help me if I ever take our living accommodations for granted again. God has blessed our family in countless ways. May I always remember to be thankful for all He has done. For to whom much has been given, much will be required (Luke 12:48).

My time in Africa ranks as one of the most memorable experience in my life--alongside of my wedding and the birth of my children. I failed to write during our time in Africa because internet access proved hard to find. But I pray God allows me the time and the words to share my experience with you over the next few weeks.

Thank you for your love and support over the past few weeks. May you join me in giving thanks, praise and glory to God for the work He accomplished through us, and for our safe return. "And you are helping us by
praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has
graciously answered so many prayers for our safety." 2 Corinthians 1:11

Something from Nothing

May 18, 2012


“What
does this bunch of
poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the
wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually
think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred
ones at that?” Nehemiah 4:2

Our
home has served as a nature observatory for the past several months. First we watched ants build a
tremendous network of tunnels inside an escape-proof shell. Then we
witnessed five squirmy caterpillars transform into beautiful
butterflies. Our latest specimen? Lima beans. We wrapped a few beans in a wet paper-towel and placed them in a plastic bag. Within a few days the beans began to sprout.

While
I enjoyed watching the butterflies and the ants (did I mention they were in an escape-proof
container?), the Lima beans seemed to outscore their competition. The ants and caterpillars began (and thankfully, continued on) as living
creatures. However, the Lima beans once seemed as good as dead to me. Yet out
of a pile of plain, crusty, dried beans grew a healthy creature teeming with life.

God specializes in making somethings from nothings.

Take Creation, for example. "By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that
what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." Hebrews 11:3

Think about the Israelites rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem after they returned from captivity. What to the casual observer seemed like nothing more than stones from a heap
of rubbish God used to enable the Israelites to fortify the Holy City in just 52 days (Nehemiah 4, 6).

And remember
the five loaves of bread and two smelly fish? Jesus used that which most
considered enough to feed only a small boy to instead feed 5,000 men
plus women and children (Matthew 14).

God specializes in making somethings from nothings.

Consider
again my Lima beans. After sitting on my pantry shelf for at least a year--left over from last year's science project--the chance of the beans growing seemed slim. However, once I began to give the beans that which they so desperately needed--sunlight, water and food--they began to flourish. Beans which were once ignored. discarded. rejected. forgotten.

From something that seemed as good as dead

Grew this plant, teeming with life.

We even knocked our plant sideways to observe how it would respond.

But once life emerged from our bean, nothing could stop it from stretching toward the sky.

If God can do this with a Lima bean, what can He do with you?

Do you feel as if you've been placed on a shelf? Ignored? Discarded?
Rejected? Forgotten? Ever felt like a heap of rubbish? Its never too late.

God
specializes in making somethings from nothings.

Come out of the
darkness and place yourself before the Son. Wrap yourself in humility
professing your inequities before God. Soak in the Living Water. Absorb
your daily bread. And what others once considered as good as dead will
soon be teeming with life.

Nothin' to Do Today

May 8, 2012

"For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:30

A never-ending list of things "to do" drives me to the point of exhaustion by the end of each day. In addition to our normal, homeschooling routine I am preparing for a three-week trip out of the country. There are shots to get (and lots of 'em, I might add . . . ouch!), lessons to prepare, miscellaneous travel documents and items and clothes to acquire, trinkets to purchase for the kiddos while I'm away, letters to write, a spiritual life to maintain . . . the list extends on into eternity.

I want to do all these things. Colossians 3:23 says to work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. I make a list of all the things I can do to work toward a particular objective so that I can give the Lord my best. But somehow I never find enough time or energy to complete the tasks I want to do. All I end up giving the Lord is an earful of complaints. When I fail to finish each task on my list I end each day feeling inadequate and discouraged.

Earlier this week I read in a magazine published by Proverbs 31 ministries an article titled, Are You Driven or Led?, written by Holly Gerth. That's easy, I thought to myself, I'm driven! I esteemed myself over my natural state of staying busy. But as I delved deeper into the article, I realized the error of my ways.

"If you're driven, you can't be led," wrote the author. I realized she had a point. The author listed three indicators of a driven lifestyle: exhaustion (check!), a lack of joy (check!), and a desire to control . . . everything (check, check!).

Jesus says, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away
with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real
rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the
unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on
you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly" (Matthew 11:30, The Message).

How do I know if I'm driven or led? I simply examine the fruit of my labor. Lately my work has failed to produce anything worthy of consuming. The only thing that's ripe is my attitude.

So yesterday I made a change.

As soon as I awoke I said to the Lord, "Father, I have nothing to do today. Not a thing. Only that which You desire to put on my plate. Please show me what You would have me do." I placed both feet on the ground and smiled. For the first time in weeks I did not have an impossible-to-finish "to do" list staring me in the face. I simply had to wait upon the Lord. I knew the day would prove enjoyable because His yoke is easy, His burden--light.

The Lord placed before me a joy-full and peace-filled day. We accomplished more schooling than normal, cleaned house (some of it, anyway), washed, folded and put away laundry (any of you mamas KNOW what an accomplishment that is), and I even had time for one more shot (polio, that is . . . not the other kind!).

What's on your list of things to do today? I haven't a thing on mine . . .

Band-Aids

May 3, 2012



"But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the
Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.'" Matthew 19:14

Last night while helping teach four-year-old choir, the teacher became the student as the children taught me a great lesson in curiosity and compassion. In what typically proves to be an hour of organized chaos (20 four year olds in a class with 3 adults, need I say more?), nearly half of the class paused at some point to inquire about a Band-Aid on one of my fingers. Granted, I was wearing a Strawberry Shortcake Band-Aid to go along with my ensemble, but the care and concern of the children blew me away.

Children aren't afraid to show compassion for other people. To be fair I'll admit that sometimes children so no concern for others, but generally speaking, when kids see someone hurt they want to know what's wrong.

When was the last time you noticed someone wearing a Band-Aid? I'm not talking about an adhesive bandage that you pull from a box. I'm referring to the things we sometimes use to cover wounds which lie beneath the skin.

There are those who choose to wear neon-colored Band-Aids, crying out for attention.

There are those who select camouflage-printed Band-Aids in attempt to hide their wounds.

There are those who prefer Band-Aids adorned with the face of a cartoon character, covering the hurt by pretending to be someone they are not.

There are those who wear jumbo-sized Band-Aids because their injury is simply too large to conceal.

There are those who can get by with Band-Aids the size of a small circle, almost as if the penetration of their soul never occurred.

And then there are those who wear Plain Jane Band-Aids to avoid calling any attention to their needs.

Let us all be like the little children. The next time we notice someone wearing a Band-Aid let us be sure to stop and ask if we can help right the wrong.

Trading a Ladies Event for Lemonade

April 28, 2012


"There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42

I love attending ladies events. What stay-at-home mom doesn't look for an excuse to dress nice, immerse herself in adult conversation, and enjoy a time of praise and worship without curtain-crawlers tugging at the hem of the aforementioned nice clothes?

But today I made a last-minute trade for time with my children at a lemonade stand over a ladies event hosted by my church. I do not condone boycotting all ladies events. Much prayer and planning and preparation go into these types of events; events which are meant to reach and inspire women in the faith.

Scripture tells us to encourage each other and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). But today as I drove away from a friend's house after having dropped off my children so that they could participate in a lemonade stand to raise money for Bibles--Bibles I will distribute in Africa with a missions team this summer--something felt gravely wrong. I glanced down to see myself wearing heels, stark-white pants and a nicely ironed shirt . . . while my friend sat in the hot sun with more than half a dozen children anxiously awaiting their first sale of juice.

What was I doing? What kind of message was I sending to my children? Let someone else do the work while I sit in a beautifully decorated, air-conditioned building sipping my tea listening to an inspirational message? I couldn't do it. There was only one thing worth being concerned about. My friend had discovered it and it will not be taken away from her. Though I love a good women's event, I knew what I had to do.

Risking disappointment from a few church friends and women from my Sunday school class, I drove straight home and changed into my grungy clothes. I returned to my friend's home, pulled up a chair beside her and the children, two of which were my very own, and settled in for the duration of the lemonade stand.

Let me say again that I believe there is a time and a place for women's events. We must encourage and build each other up in the Word of God. But when we choose listening to someone talk about faith over the chance to live out our faith, we must question whether we have become too complacent; whether we have exchanged conviction for comfort.

My actions today may seem a little crazy to some. But sometimes, crazy's fun.

And the tally from the lemonade stand? A whopping $125. Enough to buy 12 Bibles in Africa. Twelve Pastors; maybe 12 Widows; maybe 12 former Child Youth Soldiers; maybe, just maybe 2 Youth (ages 16-26) who will leave our conference equipped with 6 Bibles each, trained to lead Bible study in their own community.

Did I make the right decision today in trading a ladies event for lemonade?

Only eternity will tell.

The Power of "J"

April 27, 2012


"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11

Did you know that when it comes time for a caterpillar to form a cocoon it attaches itself to a leaf (or as in our case, the top of a lid) and hangs upside down in the shape of a letter "J?" I had no idea! Not until the girls and I watched our fuzzy little guys (or gals) do so this week as part of our 1st grade science curriculum (amazing what you learn while homeschooling your kids!). I find myself awestruck by this seemingly insignificant detail for two reasons.

First, as I stand in front of our school shelf mesmerized by these creatures I capture a clear display of God's love for His Son. I imagine Creation went something like this. God said to Jesus, "I know! Let's make the caterpillar form the shape of a "J" as it prepares to enter the Pupa phase . . . You know, for your name, J-esus." And Jesus said, "Awe shucks Dad, really? Isn't that a little much?" "No way!" responded God. "I want the whole world to know how much I love You!"

God loved His Son SO MUCH that He enabled even the tiny caterpillar to bring glory to His Son's name.

But guess what?

God loves us as much as He loves His Son (John 17:23).

Hard to believe, isn't it?

Maybe God didn't cause Creation to form the first letter of your name. Instead, Scripture says that He writes your name on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16). He rejoices over you in song (Zephaniah 3:17). His thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand (Psalm 139:18).

God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you, and for me. God's one and only Son. You know, the Son that He loves so much He causes the caterpillar to form the first letter of His name? God loves you that much.

The second thing which captivates me about our caterpillars is the symbolism they represent of a life transformed by the power of "J." The caterpillar enters the world as a hairy, multi-legged belly-crawler. Not much to look at. But once the caterpillar recognizes it's need for transformation, it grows still and allows the "J" to do its work. And out of the "J" emerges a beautiful creature; one who finds him (or her) self ready to fly.

We must each come to a point where we reach up and attach ourselves to Jesus. He invites us to come away with Him, into our own cocoon while He transforms us by His Word. And like the caterpillar, out of our cocoon will emerge a beautiful creature; one ready to soar on wings like eagles.

Will You Put a Bible in My Hand?

April 23, 2012


"People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

I hate fundraising. Maybe "hate" is too strong of a word but I despise asking people for money. However, tell me that a woman, a child, even Pastors live without a copy of the very words of God, and I have no shame asking others for support.

In a few months I will travel with a team to Africa to teach at two discipleship conferences. Hearts will come, hungry for the Bread of Life. Women who have endured unimaginable acts against them. Children once forced to enlist as soldiers. Pastors struggling to lead congregations of faith amidst war-torn countries. Am I tugging at your heart strings? Good.

It is hard to comprehend the atrocities that happen half a world away (or often times, even in our own backyard). But just because I can't imagine these acts doesn't make any less real the hurt and pain others endure. In a world which proves highly unfair our only hope is the One who is unchanging, the One who is faithful every.single.time.

Would you help put a Bible in my hand, and in the hands of my teammates? How about 600 Bibles? Over the period of several weeks our team will minister to 100 women and Pastors. We will equip 100 youth--many of whom are former child soldiers--to lead Bible study amongst their peers. With your help each youth will receive 5 Bibles to share as they train up future disciples.

Often times we give money but never get to see our donation in action. This time its real. Your donation will go with me. Below is a picture of one of our teammates distributing Bibles at a previous conference.

Will you put a Bible in my hand that I may pass it onto another? E-mail me or visit www.equipdisciples.org for more information.