Genesis Moments - A Writer's Journey

Back-To-School #withpurpose drop off today!

Last week we shopped for school supplies and this week we dropped of a bag of donated supplies to Mom's House in Phoenixville. They provide free daycare for single, low-income parents attending school full time. My friend has volunteered there for awhile but today I enjoyed seeing the facilities and learning more about their program and their needs!

I added slides to my whrrl post which is embedded in THIS past post but here is a picture I took today:

Again, a special thanks to DaySpring and Collective Bias who made this donation possible with a gift certificate for me to spend at Wal-Mart, buying one school bag full of supplies to keep and one to give away! Thank you for the opportunity!!

 

AND, here's the link to article I just posted over at DIYFrugal which will be in the Phoenix this weekend about the whole thing!

Back-To-School Shopping with Walmart and Dayspring! #withpurpose

Check it out! I'm new to Whrrl but I just learned how to make a story of our shopping trip to buy school supplies at Wal-mart where I was given a gift certificate from DaySpring & Collective Bias to buy supplies to give a full school bag away to a needy recipient (still to be determined but I have a GREAT idea) and still get some supplies for my girls to split! {They already had school bags so I let them split part of our gift card.}

We also found some amazing new school supplies by DaySpring who has started a DaySpring Living with Purpose Society HERE! I love all the cool verses and color schemes they used on their notebooks and binders and pencil cases. Very nice! See them in my Whrrl story below!

(Updates coming on our school bag recipient!)

 

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Technorati Tags: #withpurpose, dayspring back to school

This week I am reading about adiaphora or the extra -- the "actions which are neither morally mandated nor morally forbidden" specifically in worship.

Tabletalk is a small print publication put out monthly by Ligonier Ministries and R.C. Sproul which starts with several articles and then scatters more articles in and around a devotional for every day of the month. This month, the theme is worship. Several authors chose to include this new word to me --adiaphora -- as they talk about the essentials of worship in church and in our lives.

Adiaphora - it is almost sing-song. A romantic word and yet a controversial topic that has divided denominations and fellow believers for years, . . . no, centuries. What is essential? What is allowable? What is extra? What detracts? What adds without detracting?

My church is a fairly conservative church in the Presbyterian Church of America. We believe in Christ as God's Son who came to Earth, wholy man and wholy God, to die for our sins and rise again to bridge the gap between us and God. We believe in the supreme authority of the scripture and in the beautiful mystery of the Trinity . . . God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Music is used to help us worship together -- not a performance we watch. It is beautiful and we worship as a body of believers. My husband worries about the sound as he tinkers with the soundboard when some members of our small choir get too close to the microphone. I worry about my children actually opening their hymnal and singing along.

But, worship takes place on a daily basis in our lives too -- how we spend our time in the word of God --how we spend time with God -- how we honor Him in our time with others -- how we honor Him with our time -- period. Some of you may wonder why it even matters. I know God created me. I know my entire being was created to worship Him. It matters, alright. I know that I also have extras in my life that don't specifically honor or displease God. His word doesn't tell me whether to write for a living or put my kids in horse camp or not. But, that's why I love knowing that because I am a child of God, the Holy Spirit is in my heart. It nudges, convicts, condemns and send me reminders in God's mysterious way.

Ah, the adiaphora of our lives . . the adiaphora of our worship . . . how that word rolls off the tongue in a lyrical whisper.

What things in your life make you wonder, question, drop to your knees in prayer wondering if you are doing the right thing?

I've just finished a 5-week bible study in my home on Biblical Womanhood. Whew. You want to know convicting? Studying, teaching and discussing being a godly woman committed to Christ, family, church and community is just about the most heart & mind stretching activity you can do.

And yet, I crave more. I've missed most of the bible studies this year as schedules conflicted and I honestly forgot what I was missing. So, in a moment of insanity inspiration, I decided to create a 5 week study using material out of a 10 chapter book called "The True Woman: The Beauty and Strength of a Godly Woman" by Susan Hunt.

We covered two chapters a week - which is too much - but I wanted to get through the book before we broke for the summer. Using the book to guide us through scriptures on different godly woman topics, we talked about the following:

• what it means to be redeemed from sin by Christ's sacrifice,
• how to be a recipient of that redemption, recognizing our purpose to glorify God and finding our ultimate authority in God's word,
• how to be a reflection of redemption,
• how to be a cultivator of community and compassion,
• and how to live in piety & purity preserving God's calling towards domesticity (maintaining a godly, joyful home) and in submission to those God has put in our lives - with respect and honor.

As we closed today, I shared the times I thought I had some truly inspired quote I was sure would wow and impress my Twitter and Facebook friends, but then I would stop myself and say - my kids, my husband, my"real life" friends don't care about what I am typing into my computer - anywhere into the computer. My husband and kids are inspired when they come home to a clean house, with laundry put away, shirts ironed and dinner cooking - and I can tell you that these last two years were sparse in that regard. My friends care that I am sending them a quick note in a card or calling to see how they are doing. The online world will still be there when my role as wife, mother and friend are complete on any given day - or year. My kids are going to grow up and go away. They need my full attention now.

But, even as I share this, my daughter said to my mom the other day, "My mom can't even get one children's book written." You know, she was being kinda funny - kinda serious but I had to deal with that in my heart because I quit work two years ago to write a children's book. The characters have been with us in the car when we ride to school and have shown themselves in their various school projects from scripts they wrote for drama class to short stories (to which I cry - copywrite infringement! --  But, I would give them my life so why not my characters?). The act of thinking through various plots and character traits have inspired them to more fiction writing than I have done b/c I have been busy practicing my writing elsewhere  {hmm. . . blogging, column writing, storytelling, maybe?} I haven't focused on finishing those books b/c of doing laundry, dishes, housecleaning, teaching and writing for paying jobs that will help my family and my community right now. 

So, how do you balance a calling put on your heart by God and the well-tended home life you desire to maintain out of love for your family and love for God who blessed you so richly? Day by day - deciding priorities -- deciding what's urgent or not and what will impact the family in a negative or positive way -- working through it with your husband, your kids, your family.

Life wasn't meant to be easy but God says He's with us and that He's put His Holy Spirit in our hearts to guide us along the way when we believe. What a happy, comforted heart I have knowing that truth. I hope it touches your heart as well. And even as I reread this to edit and re-edit I know there is so much more to say but I have a home and other priorities calling.

Go in peace. Read God's word and be blessed. Teach it and you will be truly inspired and I guarantee - you will go away wanting more.

“No, I’m okay.” Through gritted teeth, I assured the kind neighbor who peeked out her front door and offered assistance that I was fine – at least –sorta fine. She must have been curious about the woman lying in her front yard holding her knee and wincing.

The faster I walk, the faster I talk. The other day was no exception as my friend and I wrapped up a 4 mile stretch around every cul-de-sac across three neighborhoods. It felt good to exercise and to discuss our worlds, to make sense of God’s divine plan in our lives as we felt the wind and sun on our faces.

Then, as we were headed down a steep hill, my foot slipped off the sidewalk. Down, down a hill, I went with all my weight landing on the one knee that connected with the sidewalk as the rest of me tumbled over onto my back in the small grassy patch between the cement and the road. Ouch.

It takes a minute for bodily damage to register -- then the bleeding from torn skin, then the stinging and swelling from the impact. We were so close to home. I assured my friend and the neighbor that I would be fine since I had every confidence that I would be. I scrapped myself off the sidewalk and hobbled home. My dear friend brought an ice bag and my family brought me things I needed to the one place I plopped myself -- at home in front the computer at the kitchen table, with one leg propped up on a chair in front and the ice bag over my knee. This was totally going on Facebook.

My mother saw it within three minutes of posting and called. “What happened to your knee?”

The next day, all my helpers went their way: kids to school, husband to work. I was left to nurse my wounds and get housework and writing done. I knew that sitting still would be pretty much the worst thing I could do to the sore muscles I had wrenched from falling. I wasn’t ready to go walking quite so soon when my friend called again in the morning but there was work to be done around the house that would keep me occupied and limber – moving gingerly at first and then warming up to heavier tasks.

As I picked up from a busy weekend and managed light cleaning, I thought about the fall and how often, in parallel, words and experiences can suddenly and unexpectedly wreck havoc in our lives too. The impact of an unexpected blow can sting and hurt – and sometimes you don’t realize just how much damage is done until later. I had a boss once who was pretty good at making sure you knew exactly how much you were at fault. It was tough. I cried pretty much every week I worked there. After each blow, you pick yourself up and keep going if you want the job. But, at some point, you have to decide just how much scar tissue you can take. I was a softy – I made it 9 months and called in saying I never wanted to see the guy again.

I guess I learned that life is going to happen. People are going to get mad, say things that hurt and you have to decide whether it is going to paralyze you or are you going to let it roll off, work through the pain and healing and take it one day at a time – gingerly at first, perhaps, and then letting it heal – letting it scab over as new skin takes it place – a new and improved tougher skin ready to take on the world. You take precautions to make sure it doesn’t happen again – but it might. Next time, you know what to do, where to go to get away from potentially painful situations. Developing that wisdom is called scar tissue of the heart – which can toughen you or choke you.

My advice in all this? Learn from the hurtful experiences, grow from them and let others help when you are in the most pain. That way, when others are hurting, you know from experience what meant the most to you.

Ever sat at a baseball, basketball or even football game and watched as a young athlete scores a point for the wrong team?

At that very moment, that child is working hard, running, sliding, stretching, sweating, risking limb and life as the crowd begins to roar and somewhere inside that goal-focused brain the only thing he or she is thinking about is making the point, doing what athletes are trained to do -- to win the game.

And, then somewhere along the path, the air begins to carry waves of disapproval - like a slow-motion, frame-by-frame replay -- the coach, the fellow players, the parents from the stands begin to yell and the athlete absorbs them from the outside first and they sink into the depths of decision making but not before the inevitable.

"You are going the wrong way. Turn around. Wrong goal."

Whoosh! Goal! Touchdown!

The moment of instant gratification, of joy and adulation expected by the triumphant child is met with humiliation and defeat. "Wrong way" echoes from ear to ear, rattles around inside and the head hangs down as the realization sinks in that the points went to the other team - not only NOT helping the athlete's team but actually helping the other team get ahead.

That's a tough moment for a kid and we tell them - it's okay, don't worry about it. Team members aren't as easy on their fellow teammate - "Whaddya do that for? That was dumb." You can imagine the taunts but then life goes on and the athlete swears to himself to pay better attention next time and other players make mistakes. Coach (hopefully) reminds them to help each other, not put each other down.

Playing team sports can be a lot like life. We have to make decisions where we are going to put our time, our energy. Sometimes, it is not until we've sunk too much time into something that we realize - Hey, I'm playing for the wrong team here. I just scored a point for the side I should be working against - or at least not for.

Personally, I've tried a number of different venues for my creative energies in the last couple of years and yes, I have had a lot of fun. But, at some point, you stop dabbling. You've met the people who are giving 100% in the various areas of your life and you have to decide, where do I want to give my 100%? Who will I claim for my home team? For whom will I suit up, take on the identity, and go after the ball?

Those are questions we each have to answer individually but I can tell you that as a child of God, I hope that whatever point I am scoring is for Him and if I am not using my creativity in a way that best does that, than whose team am I helping?

Maybe you just enjoy the view from the sidelines. I know I'm not wired to just watch from the stands. I've gotta get my hands dirty and you know what, with it comes pain, stretching and potentially torn ligaments. But, there is also that intense satisfaction that you were able to make a difference, to help your team win and that somewhere along the way, you tried your best. I believe that God calls each of us to do our best and yes, we're going to screw up. We might even score a point for the other team but by getting into the thick of it, we learn and grow and achieve God's will for our lives.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (New International Version) (via BibleGateway)

 ²⁶Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."^[a]

Below is an article I wrote, published recently in the Voice of Grace and Truth (Click on the name to see more great, inspiring articles):

National Day of Prayer – 59 years and counting

May 6, 2010 will mark the 59^th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer, officially signed into law in 1952 by President Truman and amended in 1988 by President Reagan, designating the first Thursday in May for this purpose.

At precisely 7 a.m. MST, the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force will join over 80 ministries in prayer, continuing the long-standing American tradition of public prayer and national prayer days.

The Continental Congress first called for a National Day of Prayer in 1775 as they sought God’s wisdom in forming our nation. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the need for a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. Since Truman’s joint resolution with Congress in 1952, every president has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

According to the NDP website, Mrs. Shirley Dobson, chairman, eloquently reminds us: “We have lost many of our freedoms in America because we have been asleep. I feel if we do not become involved and support the annual National Day of Prayer, we could end up forfeiting this freedom, too.”

Using the theme, “For such a time as this,” the NDP Task Force delves into the rich scripture of the Old Testament to quote Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him.” Old and New Testament references support the vital element prayer must play in the life and faith of a believer, a child of God, called to follow His will.

Paul entreats the church of Corinth to pray when he says, “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV). He knew the power of godly prayer, words both audible and silent inspired by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, spoken to glorify God alone.

Acts 1:14 documents believers in the New Testament coming together in prayer: “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”  Acts 4:24 continues with: “And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them.’” They began their prayers to the Lord with praise, acknowledging the essence and being of our holy God who reigns over our entire being.

Spending time in prayer together is vital to the community, to the church, to the individual, to the country, to the world. The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4) teaches us how to pray with adoration, confession and petition, asking our requests in Christ’s name. “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 1:13 ESV)

 As we gather, we acknowledge the beliefs of many who came before us who believed that God would hear and who saw results when they put their faith in Christ’s promises. From the beginning of time when Adam walked in the garden with God to the Pilgrims who prayed their boats to safety in this new world to our current day, we must never forget the power of prayer -- spending time alone with God -- nor give up meeting to pray together.

“For such a time as this” – Events in our lives threaten our peace and we still must praise God for his sovereignty.

 “For such a time as this” – We must confess our sins and our own misdoings, allowing grace to reign as we follow Christ’s example and humility in our interactions with others, with the world.

“For such a time as this” – As we offer our prayers, we acknowledge that only God knows the best way to answer them: sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes maybe later.

 

 

 

 

The other day, I picked up a bedraggled little book from the floorboard of our Suburban, the gathering place of the crumbs of a busy life with kids, pets and activities too numerous to count.

 

Turning it over, I spied a familiar title "The Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English." My girls just finished a five-month-long Sunday School class preparing them to become communicant members in our Presbyterian church. Each week, they were required to bring this booklet plus a workbook and their bible. The easiest way to remember everything often meant leaving the items in the pocket behind the front seats of the car. This little book showed signs of water damage and dirty footprints from falling onto the floorboard more than once.

 

But, the words were still readable when I happened to open it to page 11 where I read the question at the top of the page:

 

Q. 36 What benefits in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

A. The benefits that in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification are: the assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, and growing and persevering in the grace to the end of our lives.

 

What glorious benefits we enjoy as Christians here and now. Yes, life with Christ in eternity is a wonderful end result of being called by God but right here and now, on a daily basis, we can bask in God's love, be filled with joy and knowledge that we are God's children, citizens of a greater kingdom. Let there be joy in serving God today in every way!

 

I love the show "Lost" about a group of individuals stuck on a remote island after their plane crashed. The show has progressed with so many twists and turns that often one feels "lost" after watching it. This year touts the title "the final season" and in it several members are becoming disillusioned with the death of a prominent leader for whom they gave their life and service. They were promised that everything had a purpose and a reason -- that their sacrifices were not in vain. Now this leader has been killed, though his ghost appears at random giving strange instructions to one individual, and everyone is thrown into confusion and upset. The theme of the show is becoming more and more of a loosely biblical parallel as the leader they sacrificed their lives for is now dead but keeps showing up in visions to give instruction and the evil force in the land is gathering followers as he shows up as a familiar figure we also know to have been killed but can come and go at will and disappear into thin air. It is the basic good versus evil theme and "who are you going to follow - to what end?"

 

I won't confuse you further with the details but when I watch the show, I can't help but think of my life and assess what I am doing and why when I see these characters trying to make sense of their own decisions. It makes you think about where your allegiances lie - in the time you spend, in the activities you enjoy, in the books you read and the movies you watch. I am grateful that my "leader" is the almighty, all-knowing God able to grant grace and mercy not to mention peace, joy and hope.

Do you find yourself sometimes "lost" in the current of life? Take a moment to be reminded why and for whom you exist. Rejoice in the benefits of being a child of God as you seek guidance on where to place your priorities, your precious moments here on Earth. If you don't know the joys of a life in Christ, I would be happy to share with you more about it!

Psalm 134:

A Song of Ascents:

Come bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord!

Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!

May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!

Head over HERE to Mel's World today to check out my Godly Gals post "Baking Soda on Burnt Food."

Let-down is imminent after you've run a big retreat. You are nervous, anxious, worried about the details. And then the day comes. And, then it's over.

This last Saturday I ran our 2nd annual PresWIC (Women in the Church) Focus on Prayer day retreat for the 11 churches in our presbytery. We had about 47 women from seven of our churches plus individuals from other local churches. Women enjoyed a light breakfast followed by a time in the sanctuary with special speaker, Pat Moyer who shared with us the treasures we have in Jesus. She also shared about God's presence in her own life as she dealt with two daughters having cancer. Both are alive and well today, praise the Lord! I couldn't help tearing up. I have two girls too. I never want to go through what she did but God used that experience in so many ways and now she can share about it which is beautiful.

After the morning announcements, singing (which is so NOT my talent so I am eternally grateful for those with musical gifts), an offering for our annual WIC Love gift and announcements by our WASC leader (or Women's Advisory Sub-Committee leader - my "boss" in our PCA- Presbyterian Church of America - denomination -don't you love all the acronymns?!), women spread throughout the church to pray with the scripture and topics we gave them.

There is nothing more I love than to see individuals spread out in quiet prayer, in time alone with the Lord, hovered over their Bible - blessed as the Holy Spirit touches their hearts by a particular scripture or word of inspiration. I love to see it at youth retreats, women's retreats, any retreats and this day was no exception.

Lunch followed; after which I shared what the Lord has done in my life in the last couple of years. I'll have to share that in a post all by itself. I wanted to get it up before the weekend (as practice) but it was just too much to do. Several more women shared what they felt the Holy Spirit leading them to share and we broke out into group prayer by churches - letting individuals join the smaller churches. We praised God for who HE is, we silently confessed things that weren't right with God, we thanked God what He has done, and then we had a time of intercessory prayer when we could lift up our requests in Christ's name. I gave the ladies scripture to use if they needed it and we closed with the Lord's prayer. It was indeed lovely and moving.

Suddenly, we came to the last 1/2 hr. of the day, sang, listened to Pat wrap up the day and we were done. The cold I had been fighting off all day went full blown by the time I hit the bed at 4:30 PM. I didn't get up until 6:30 AM.

I am weary but filled with joy. Yes, one woman complained that we charged too much ($20 for breakfast, a notebook chock full of excellent materials on scripture & prayer w/ a journal included, lunch and a special speaker); yes, I didn't get in all the details on the recipient of the offering that I wanted to; yes, I probably spoke too fast; yes, I didn't let my friends know how much it would have meant to me for them to show and so most didn't and so I am sad about that; yes, I was frustrated when people called out sick; BUT, I do KNOW that God is working and women were truly blessed by the experience and it is my prayer that this event will grow and change lives and help women focus their eyes on Jesus through the year by beginning with a day dedicated to prayer. I know God is working and for that my heart can only be happy and let go of the negatives that threaten my spirit. I know this is worthwhile. It is a good thing and I was so blessed by those who did come to help make it happen. What prayer warriors we had -- who inspired me immensely! I really can't ask for more.

Time to start planning for next year!

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with  power through His spirit in Your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you , being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:16-19

(Upcoming: I will be sharing how God has been working and how I shared it at the retreat with the great object lesson I found to use. I will also be adding a post about going to see Lovely Bones in which I was hoping my daughter and I showed as background extras. I think I saw a brief flash of us in the mall but I will have to buy the DVD and pause it! The experience was still worth wondering and waiting! Movie was pretty good too.)

Adiaphora

This week I am reading about adiaphora or the extra -- the "actions which are neither morally mandated nor morally forbidden" specifically in worship.

Tabletalk is a small print publication put out monthly by Ligonier Ministries and R.C. Sproul which starts with several articles and then scatters more articles in and around a devotional for every day of the month. This month, the theme is worship. Several authors chose to include this new word to me --adiaphora -- as they talk about the essentials of worship in church and in our lives.

Adiaphora - it is almost sing-song. A romantic word and yet a controversial topic that has divided denominations and fellow believers for years, . . . no, centuries. What is essential? What is allowable? What is extra? What detracts? What adds without detracting?

My church is a fairly conservative church in the Presbyterian Church of America. We believe in Christ as God's Son who came to Earth, wholy man and wholy God, to die for our sins and rise again to bridge the gap between us and God. We believe in the supreme authority of the scripture and in the beautiful mystery of the Trinity . . . God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Music is used to help us worship together -- not a performance we watch. It is beautiful and we worship as a body of believers. My husband worries about the sound as he tinkers with the soundboard when some members of our small choir get too close to the microphone. I worry about my children actually opening their hymnal and singing along.

But, worship takes place on a daily basis in our lives too -- how we spend our time in the word of God --how we spend time with God -- how we honor Him in our time with others -- how we honor Him with our time -- period. Some of you may wonder why it even matters. I know God created me. I know my entire being was created to worship Him. It matters, alright. I know that I also have extras in my life that don't specifically honor or displease God. His word doesn't tell me whether to write for a living or put my kids in horse camp or not. But, that's why I love knowing that because I am a child of God, the Holy Spirit is in my heart. It nudges, convicts, condemns and send me reminders in God's mysterious way.

Ah, the adiaphora of our lives . . the adiaphora of our worship . . . how that word rolls off the tongue in a lyrical whisper.

What things in your life make you wonder, question, drop to your knees in prayer wondering if you are doing the right thing?

If you really want to be inspired by God's word, teach it.

I've just finished a 5-week bible study in my home on Biblical Womanhood. Whew. You want to know convicting? Studying, teaching and discussing being a godly woman committed to Christ, family, church and community is just about the most heart & mind stretching activity you can do.

And yet, I crave more. I've missed most of the bible studies this year as schedules conflicted and I honestly forgot what I was missing. So, in a moment of insanity inspiration, I decided to create a 5 week study using material out of a 10 chapter book called "The True Woman: The Beauty and Strength of a Godly Woman" by Susan Hunt.

We covered two chapters a week - which is too much - but I wanted to get through the book before we broke for the summer. Using the book to guide us through scriptures on different godly woman topics, we talked about the following:

• what it means to be redeemed from sin by Christ's sacrifice,
• how to be a recipient of that redemption, recognizing our purpose to glorify God and finding our ultimate authority in God's word,
• how to be a reflection of redemption,
• how to be a cultivator of community and compassion,
• and how to live in piety & purity preserving God's calling towards domesticity (maintaining a godly, joyful home) and in submission to those God has put in our lives - with respect and honor.

As we closed today, I shared the times I thought I had some truly inspired quote I was sure would wow and impress my Twitter and Facebook friends, but then I would stop myself and say - my kids, my husband, my"real life" friends don't care about what I am typing into my computer - anywhere into the computer. My husband and kids are inspired when they come home to a clean house, with laundry put away, shirts ironed and dinner cooking - and I can tell you that these last two years were sparse in that regard. My friends care that I am sending them a quick note in a card or calling to see how they are doing. The online world will still be there when my role as wife, mother and friend are complete on any given day - or year. My kids are going to grow up and go away. They need my full attention now.

But, even as I share this, my daughter said to my mom the other day, "My mom can't even get one children's book written." You know, she was being kinda funny - kinda serious but I had to deal with that in my heart because I quit work two years ago to write a children's book. The characters have been with us in the car when we ride to school and have shown themselves in their various school projects from scripts they wrote for drama class to short stories (to which I cry - copywrite infringement! --  But, I would give them my life so why not my characters?). The act of thinking through various plots and character traits have inspired them to more fiction writing than I have done b/c I have been busy practicing my writing elsewhere  {hmm. . . blogging, column writing, storytelling, maybe?} I haven't focused on finishing those books b/c of doing laundry, dishes, housecleaning, teaching and writing for paying jobs that will help my family and my community right now. 

So, how do you balance a calling put on your heart by God and the well-tended home life you desire to maintain out of love for your family and love for God who blessed you so richly? Day by day - deciding priorities -- deciding what's urgent or not and what will impact the family in a negative or positive way -- working through it with your husband, your kids, your family.

Life wasn't meant to be easy but God says He's with us and that He's put His Holy Spirit in our hearts to guide us along the way when we believe. What a happy, comforted heart I have knowing that truth. I hope it touches your heart as well. And even as I reread this to edit and re-edit I know there is so much more to say but I have a home and other priorities calling.

Go in peace. Read God's word and be blessed. Teach it and you will be truly inspired and I guarantee - you will go away wanting more.

Bloody Knee . . . Bloodied Emotions

“No, I’m okay.” Through gritted teeth, I assured the kind neighbor who peeked out her front door and offered assistance that I was fine – at least –sorta fine. She must have been curious about the woman lying in her front yard holding her knee and wincing.

The faster I walk, the faster I talk. The other day was no exception as my friend and I wrapped up a 4 mile stretch around every cul-de-sac across three neighborhoods. It felt good to exercise and to discuss our worlds, to make sense of God’s divine plan in our lives as we felt the wind and sun on our faces.

Then, as we were headed down a steep hill, my foot slipped off the sidewalk. Down, down a hill, I went with all my weight landing on the one knee that connected with the sidewalk as the rest of me tumbled over onto my back in the small grassy patch between the cement and the road. Ouch.

It takes a minute for bodily damage to register -- then the bleeding from torn skin, then the stinging and swelling from the impact. We were so close to home. I assured my friend and the neighbor that I would be fine since I had every confidence that I would be. I scrapped myself off the sidewalk and hobbled home. My dear friend brought an ice bag and my family brought me things I needed to the one place I plopped myself -- at home in front the computer at the kitchen table, with one leg propped up on a chair in front and the ice bag over my knee. This was totally going on Facebook.

My mother saw it within three minutes of posting and called. “What happened to your knee?”

The next day, all my helpers went their way: kids to school, husband to work. I was left to nurse my wounds and get housework and writing done. I knew that sitting still would be pretty much the worst thing I could do to the sore muscles I had wrenched from falling. I wasn’t ready to go walking quite so soon when my friend called again in the morning but there was work to be done around the house that would keep me occupied and limber – moving gingerly at first and then warming up to heavier tasks.

As I picked up from a busy weekend and managed light cleaning, I thought about the fall and how often, in parallel, words and experiences can suddenly and unexpectedly wreck havoc in our lives too. The impact of an unexpected blow can sting and hurt – and sometimes you don’t realize just how much damage is done until later. I had a boss once who was pretty good at making sure you knew exactly how much you were at fault. It was tough. I cried pretty much every week I worked there. After each blow, you pick yourself up and keep going if you want the job. But, at some point, you have to decide just how much scar tissue you can take. I was a softy – I made it 9 months and called in saying I never wanted to see the guy again.

I guess I learned that life is going to happen. People are going to get mad, say things that hurt and you have to decide whether it is going to paralyze you or are you going to let it roll off, work through the pain and healing and take it one day at a time – gingerly at first, perhaps, and then letting it heal – letting it scab over as new skin takes it place – a new and improved tougher skin ready to take on the world. You take precautions to make sure it doesn’t happen again – but it might. Next time, you know what to do, where to go to get away from potentially painful situations. Developing that wisdom is called scar tissue of the heart – which can toughen you or choke you.

My advice in all this? Learn from the hurtful experiences, grow from them and let others help when you are in the most pain. That way, when others are hurting, you know from experience what meant the most to you.

Don't You Hate Scoring Points for the Wrong Team?

Ever sat at a baseball, basketball or even football game and watched as a young athlete scores a point for the wrong team?

At that very moment, that child is working hard, running, sliding, stretching, sweating, risking limb and life as the crowd begins to roar and somewhere inside that goal-focused brain the only thing he or she is thinking about is making the point, doing what athletes are trained to do -- to win the game.

And, then somewhere along the path, the air begins to carry waves of disapproval - like a slow-motion, frame-by-frame replay -- the coach, the fellow players, the parents from the stands begin to yell and the athlete absorbs them from the outside first and they sink into the depths of decision making but not before the inevitable.

"You are going the wrong way. Turn around. Wrong goal."

Whoosh! Goal! Touchdown!

The moment of instant gratification, of joy and adulation expected by the triumphant child is met with humiliation and defeat. "Wrong way" echoes from ear to ear, rattles around inside and the head hangs down as the realization sinks in that the points went to the other team - not only NOT helping the athlete's team but actually helping the other team get ahead.

That's a tough moment for a kid and we tell them - it's okay, don't worry about it. Team members aren't as easy on their fellow teammate - "Whaddya do that for? That was dumb." You can imagine the taunts but then life goes on and the athlete swears to himself to pay better attention next time and other players make mistakes. Coach (hopefully) reminds them to help each other, not put each other down.

Playing team sports can be a lot like life. We have to make decisions where we are going to put our time, our energy. Sometimes, it is not until we've sunk too much time into something that we realize - Hey, I'm playing for the wrong team here. I just scored a point for the side I should be working against - or at least not for.

Personally, I've tried a number of different venues for my creative energies in the last couple of years and yes, I have had a lot of fun. But, at some point, you stop dabbling. You've met the people who are giving 100% in the various areas of your life and you have to decide, where do I want to give my 100%? Who will I claim for my home team? For whom will I suit up, take on the identity, and go after the ball?

Those are questions we each have to answer individually but I can tell you that as a child of God, I hope that whatever point I am scoring is for Him and if I am not using my creativity in a way that best does that, than whose team am I helping?

Maybe you just enjoy the view from the sidelines. I know I'm not wired to just watch from the stands. I've gotta get my hands dirty and you know what, with it comes pain, stretching and potentially torn ligaments. But, there is also that intense satisfaction that you were able to make a difference, to help your team win and that somewhere along the way, you tried your best. I believe that God calls each of us to do our best and yes, we're going to screw up. We might even score a point for the other team but by getting into the thick of it, we learn and grow and achieve God's will for our lives.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (New International Version) (via BibleGateway)

 ²⁶Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."^[a]

National Day of Prayer: May 6, 2010 "For Such a Time as This"

Below is an article I wrote, published recently in the Voice of Grace and Truth (Click on the name to see more great, inspiring articles):

National Day of Prayer – 59 years and counting

May 6, 2010 will mark the 59^th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer, officially signed into law in 1952 by President Truman and amended in 1988 by President Reagan, designating the first Thursday in May for this purpose.

At precisely 7 a.m. MST, the National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force will join over 80 ministries in prayer, continuing the long-standing American tradition of public prayer and national prayer days.

The Continental Congress first called for a National Day of Prayer in 1775 as they sought God’s wisdom in forming our nation. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the need for a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. Since Truman’s joint resolution with Congress in 1952, every president has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

According to the NDP website, Mrs. Shirley Dobson, chairman, eloquently reminds us: “We have lost many of our freedoms in America because we have been asleep. I feel if we do not become involved and support the annual National Day of Prayer, we could end up forfeiting this freedom, too.”

Using the theme, “For such a time as this,” the NDP Task Force delves into the rich scripture of the Old Testament to quote Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him.” Old and New Testament references support the vital element prayer must play in the life and faith of a believer, a child of God, called to follow His will.

Paul entreats the church of Corinth to pray when he says, “You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV). He knew the power of godly prayer, words both audible and silent inspired by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, spoken to glorify God alone.

Acts 1:14 documents believers in the New Testament coming together in prayer: “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”  Acts 4:24 continues with: “And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them.’” They began their prayers to the Lord with praise, acknowledging the essence and being of our holy God who reigns over our entire being.

Spending time in prayer together is vital to the community, to the church, to the individual, to the country, to the world. The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4) teaches us how to pray with adoration, confession and petition, asking our requests in Christ’s name. “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 1:13 ESV)

 As we gather, we acknowledge the beliefs of many who came before us who believed that God would hear and who saw results when they put their faith in Christ’s promises. From the beginning of time when Adam walked in the garden with God to the Pilgrims who prayed their boats to safety in this new world to our current day, we must never forget the power of prayer -- spending time alone with God -- nor give up meeting to pray together.

“For such a time as this” – Events in our lives threaten our peace and we still must praise God for his sovereignty.

 “For such a time as this” – We must confess our sins and our own misdoings, allowing grace to reign as we follow Christ’s example and humility in our interactions with others, with the world.

“For such a time as this” – As we offer our prayers, we acknowledge that only God knows the best way to answer them: sometimes yes, sometimes no, sometimes maybe later.

 

 

 

 

What benefits in this life come from justification, adoption and sanctification?

The other day, I picked up a bedraggled little book from the floorboard of our Suburban, the gathering place of the crumbs of a busy life with kids, pets and activities too numerous to count.

 

Turning it over, I spied a familiar title "The Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English." My girls just finished a five-month-long Sunday School class preparing them to become communicant members in our Presbyterian church. Each week, they were required to bring this booklet plus a workbook and their bible. The easiest way to remember everything often meant leaving the items in the pocket behind the front seats of the car. This little book showed signs of water damage and dirty footprints from falling onto the floorboard more than once.

 

But, the words were still readable when I happened to open it to page 11 where I read the question at the top of the page:

 

Q. 36 What benefits in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

A. The benefits that in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification are: the assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Spirit, and growing and persevering in the grace to the end of our lives.

 

What glorious benefits we enjoy as Christians here and now. Yes, life with Christ in eternity is a wonderful end result of being called by God but right here and now, on a daily basis, we can bask in God's love, be filled with joy and knowledge that we are God's children, citizens of a greater kingdom. Let there be joy in serving God today in every way!

 

I love the show "Lost" about a group of individuals stuck on a remote island after their plane crashed. The show has progressed with so many twists and turns that often one feels "lost" after watching it. This year touts the title "the final season" and in it several members are becoming disillusioned with the death of a prominent leader for whom they gave their life and service. They were promised that everything had a purpose and a reason -- that their sacrifices were not in vain. Now this leader has been killed, though his ghost appears at random giving strange instructions to one individual, and everyone is thrown into confusion and upset. The theme of the show is becoming more and more of a loosely biblical parallel as the leader they sacrificed their lives for is now dead but keeps showing up in visions to give instruction and the evil force in the land is gathering followers as he shows up as a familiar figure we also know to have been killed but can come and go at will and disappear into thin air. It is the basic good versus evil theme and "who are you going to follow - to what end?"

 

I won't confuse you further with the details but when I watch the show, I can't help but think of my life and assess what I am doing and why when I see these characters trying to make sense of their own decisions. It makes you think about where your allegiances lie - in the time you spend, in the activities you enjoy, in the books you read and the movies you watch. I am grateful that my "leader" is the almighty, all-knowing God able to grant grace and mercy not to mention peace, joy and hope.

Do you find yourself sometimes "lost" in the current of life? Take a moment to be reminded why and for whom you exist. Rejoice in the benefits of being a child of God as you seek guidance on where to place your priorities, your precious moments here on Earth. If you don't know the joys of a life in Christ, I would be happy to share with you more about it!

Psalm 134:

A Song of Ascents:

Come bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord!

Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!

May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!

Featured today at Mel's World with the latest Godly Gals post

Head over HERE to Mel's World today to check out my Godly Gals post "Baking Soda on Burnt Food."

Weary but Joyful: Letting-down After the Prayer Retreat

Let-down is imminent after you've run a big retreat. You are nervous, anxious, worried about the details. And then the day comes. And, then it's over.

This last Saturday I ran our 2nd annual PresWIC (Women in the Church) Focus on Prayer day retreat for the 11 churches in our presbytery. We had about 47 women from seven of our churches plus individuals from other local churches. Women enjoyed a light breakfast followed by a time in the sanctuary with special speaker, Pat Moyer who shared with us the treasures we have in Jesus. She also shared about God's presence in her own life as she dealt with two daughters having cancer. Both are alive and well today, praise the Lord! I couldn't help tearing up. I have two girls too. I never want to go through what she did but God used that experience in so many ways and now she can share about it which is beautiful.

After the morning announcements, singing (which is so NOT my talent so I am eternally grateful for those with musical gifts), an offering for our annual WIC Love gift and announcements by our WASC leader (or Women's Advisory Sub-Committee leader - my "boss" in our PCA- Presbyterian Church of America - denomination -don't you love all the acronymns?!), women spread throughout the church to pray with the scripture and topics we gave them.

There is nothing more I love than to see individuals spread out in quiet prayer, in time alone with the Lord, hovered over their Bible - blessed as the Holy Spirit touches their hearts by a particular scripture or word of inspiration. I love to see it at youth retreats, women's retreats, any retreats and this day was no exception.

Lunch followed; after which I shared what the Lord has done in my life in the last couple of years. I'll have to share that in a post all by itself. I wanted to get it up before the weekend (as practice) but it was just too much to do. Several more women shared what they felt the Holy Spirit leading them to share and we broke out into group prayer by churches - letting individuals join the smaller churches. We praised God for who HE is, we silently confessed things that weren't right with God, we thanked God what He has done, and then we had a time of intercessory prayer when we could lift up our requests in Christ's name. I gave the ladies scripture to use if they needed it and we closed with the Lord's prayer. It was indeed lovely and moving.

Suddenly, we came to the last 1/2 hr. of the day, sang, listened to Pat wrap up the day and we were done. The cold I had been fighting off all day went full blown by the time I hit the bed at 4:30 PM. I didn't get up until 6:30 AM.

I am weary but filled with joy. Yes, one woman complained that we charged too much ($20 for breakfast, a notebook chock full of excellent materials on scripture & prayer w/ a journal included, lunch and a special speaker); yes, I didn't get in all the details on the recipient of the offering that I wanted to; yes, I probably spoke too fast; yes, I didn't let my friends know how much it would have meant to me for them to show and so most didn't and so I am sad about that; yes, I was frustrated when people called out sick; BUT, I do KNOW that God is working and women were truly blessed by the experience and it is my prayer that this event will grow and change lives and help women focus their eyes on Jesus through the year by beginning with a day dedicated to prayer. I know God is working and for that my heart can only be happy and let go of the negatives that threaten my spirit. I know this is worthwhile. It is a good thing and I was so blessed by those who did come to help make it happen. What prayer warriors we had -- who inspired me immensely! I really can't ask for more.

Time to start planning for next year!

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with  power through His spirit in Your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you , being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:16-19

(Upcoming: I will be sharing how God has been working and how I shared it at the retreat with the great object lesson I found to use. I will also be adding a post about going to see Lovely Bones in which I was hoping my daughter and I showed as background extras. I think I saw a brief flash of us in the mall but I will have to buy the DVD and pause it! The experience was still worth wondering and waiting! Movie was pretty good too.)