My husband, Kevin, is a team roper. If you have always lived in Oklahoma you probably know what that means, but just in case you haven't I'll explain. It is a rodeo event that is a timed competition. Another roper ropes the horns of a steer and then my husband ropes the heels. You compete against other teams doing the same thing. Whoever has the best time wins. At least that is how it works in theory.
I am not a competitive person. I watch or read a book.
My husband has a favorite saying about ropin'. "You rope as good as the people you rope with." In the ropin' world, that means that if you only go to easy ropins' where there is not much competition you can win, but you won't improve. Any dedicated athlete pushes himself to be better, and then again better. My husband who has been ropin for 30 years could go to an arena with a bunch of 12 years olds every week and win, but there would be no challenge. And it would be a discouragement to the 12 year olds.
In my time with the Lord today I was reminded of that verse. I could see how spending all my time with people can have me feeling pretty good about myself sometimes. It can also be easy to justify my actions comparing myself to other human beings. It is only when I spend time with the One who is perfect that I see myself as I really am. Spending time with the One who is full of compassion, full of mercy and full of love raises the bar for me. I don't just want to take the easy way, I want to take it up a notch. Spending time with Jesus transforms me.
It is the same way with the people we choose to be close too. They can challenge us to be all we can be, or they can encourage us to sink to a new low. My boss, Leslie, and my pastor's wife, Paula, are very intelligent women. They inspire me to gain knowledge. My friend Kerri has the best sense of humor. She inspires me to enjoy my life. My husband is a hard worker. He inspires me to keep going till the job is finished.
I don't want to get to heaven and God ask me why I only went to 'punkin pullin's' (easy ropins). I want to be challenged. I want to use up everything the Lord gave me. I want to be someone who challenges those around her. Lord, let it be so!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Division is Multiplying
For the last year or so I have noticed a trend in the church I attend. Offense. Hurt feelings. Division.
People that I have gone to church with for years are gone from Sunday morning worship. Even relatives, whom I would have never believed would leave the church are gone. I hear that this family has gone here, or that family gone there, but many have not permanently found a church home.
This morning my pastor's wife came to the Prayer Room and we cried and prayed for those we no longer see. The sorrow was heavy. How can you spend years with a family, go through births and marriages and deaths, and one day look over and they are gone. How do you find peace in that situation?
I searched my Bible this afternoon and a verse hit me square in the face. 1 Corinthians 11:19 says: "But, of course there must be divisions among you so that you who have God's approval will be recognized!" Wow. My desire to be right and your desire to be right is what brings division. How sad that what we each want becomes more important than what God wants, which is for His children to love one another. To prefer the other above ourself. God promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, but that probably won't be necessary because we will destroy the church from within.
Several years ago I read a book called 'The Bait of Satan.' It was a book about how Christians fall for offense and let it seperate them from the church. I hear people teel me every week how they don't need to go to church to be saved. You are right, only the blood of Jesus does that. But Christ Himself instituted the church. It is His body on this earth. That is not something a man thought of, but a concept brought into existance by a Holy God. Argue with Him about the church. Or ignore what He says. We still have free will. It doesn't mean it is always right, though.
The thing is, division, which divides, seems to be multiplying. Those concepts do not go together. What is going on church? Why are we accepting this believers? Let's do what God tells us to do, pray. Pray for that family that you have been missing. Pray for believers who are hurt to be restored to the body of Christ. Pray that no offense overtakes me or you. Pray that it will be more important to us to do what God says than what we feel.
People that I have gone to church with for years are gone from Sunday morning worship. Even relatives, whom I would have never believed would leave the church are gone. I hear that this family has gone here, or that family gone there, but many have not permanently found a church home.
This morning my pastor's wife came to the Prayer Room and we cried and prayed for those we no longer see. The sorrow was heavy. How can you spend years with a family, go through births and marriages and deaths, and one day look over and they are gone. How do you find peace in that situation?
I searched my Bible this afternoon and a verse hit me square in the face. 1 Corinthians 11:19 says: "But, of course there must be divisions among you so that you who have God's approval will be recognized!" Wow. My desire to be right and your desire to be right is what brings division. How sad that what we each want becomes more important than what God wants, which is for His children to love one another. To prefer the other above ourself. God promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, but that probably won't be necessary because we will destroy the church from within.
Several years ago I read a book called 'The Bait of Satan.' It was a book about how Christians fall for offense and let it seperate them from the church. I hear people teel me every week how they don't need to go to church to be saved. You are right, only the blood of Jesus does that. But Christ Himself instituted the church. It is His body on this earth. That is not something a man thought of, but a concept brought into existance by a Holy God. Argue with Him about the church. Or ignore what He says. We still have free will. It doesn't mean it is always right, though.
The thing is, division, which divides, seems to be multiplying. Those concepts do not go together. What is going on church? Why are we accepting this believers? Let's do what God tells us to do, pray. Pray for that family that you have been missing. Pray for believers who are hurt to be restored to the body of Christ. Pray that no offense overtakes me or you. Pray that it will be more important to us to do what God says than what we feel.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Right Note
This morning I was sitting on my front porch reading my Bible selection for the day and enjoying the extra day off this week. Kevin, my husband came outside and and planned on doing the same thing. Our daughter, Kalynn, was inside, and planning on doing some much needed cleaning in her bedroom.
Kalynn's room is inside where I sit outside on the porch. I didn't hear the stereo come on, but I did hear Kalynn begin singing for all she was worth. Kevin and I both laughed. Kalynn inherited her singing ability from my side of the family: we love to sing, but we are not that good at it.
As I sat there for a few minutes listening, God showed me a truth. Everyone who lifts up thier voice to sing occaisionally hits a right note. It is the joy that is in our heart that prompts us to sing. It is the worship that is created that makes the Father smile. Whatever the Spirit of God inside us leads us to do is the right thing to do. We always hit the right note when we make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Kalynn's room is inside where I sit outside on the porch. I didn't hear the stereo come on, but I did hear Kalynn begin singing for all she was worth. Kevin and I both laughed. Kalynn inherited her singing ability from my side of the family: we love to sing, but we are not that good at it.
As I sat there for a few minutes listening, God showed me a truth. Everyone who lifts up thier voice to sing occaisionally hits a right note. It is the joy that is in our heart that prompts us to sing. It is the worship that is created that makes the Father smile. Whatever the Spirit of God inside us leads us to do is the right thing to do. We always hit the right note when we make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Taking With or Going With
It's been quite a while since I posted a new blog. I guess I'll blame it on a busy summer like everyone else. I really think I got a little shy about putting my thoughts out there for anyone to read and comment on. Crazy, but true.
I have been preparing for an opportunity to speak at a monthly women's meeting at our church lnext month. Becasue I facilitate the prayer room at our church I was asked to focus on prayer. So, naturally I have been praying and trying to be sure of what the Lord wanted me to say. It is funny, becasue I went into my conversations with Him letting Him know that the topic was prayer and what did He want me to say? Anyone who has a relationship with the Lord like I do probably knows what came next. "Are you telling Me what you are speaking on and asking Me to help, or are you asking Me what you should talk about and then listening to what I say" WOW!
The phrase came to mind: Am I taking the Lord the Lord with me whare I want to go, or am I going where He wants to take me? The very words that come out of my mouth show the truth. How many plans and reasons do I have that I then ask God to bless? What if I was so in contact with Him that I never doubted whare He wants me to go or what He wants me to do? That comes from intimacy. Daily, hourly, moment by moment contact. The air that I breath. Exposing myself wholely to Him and allowing Him to know me, and in turn desiring to know Him above all else. A life without regrets.
Are you taking Him with you today or are you going where He wants you to go? Let's change our way of thinking. Let's encourage each other to listen to the Lord and get His direction instead of worldly wisdom. Let's share what God is speaking to us so it can encourage others.
I have been preparing for an opportunity to speak at a monthly women's meeting at our church lnext month. Becasue I facilitate the prayer room at our church I was asked to focus on prayer. So, naturally I have been praying and trying to be sure of what the Lord wanted me to say. It is funny, becasue I went into my conversations with Him letting Him know that the topic was prayer and what did He want me to say? Anyone who has a relationship with the Lord like I do probably knows what came next. "Are you telling Me what you are speaking on and asking Me to help, or are you asking Me what you should talk about and then listening to what I say" WOW!
The phrase came to mind: Am I taking the Lord the Lord with me whare I want to go, or am I going where He wants to take me? The very words that come out of my mouth show the truth. How many plans and reasons do I have that I then ask God to bless? What if I was so in contact with Him that I never doubted whare He wants me to go or what He wants me to do? That comes from intimacy. Daily, hourly, moment by moment contact. The air that I breath. Exposing myself wholely to Him and allowing Him to know me, and in turn desiring to know Him above all else. A life without regrets.
Are you taking Him with you today or are you going where He wants you to go? Let's change our way of thinking. Let's encourage each other to listen to the Lord and get His direction instead of worldly wisdom. Let's share what God is speaking to us so it can encourage others.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Silver and Gold
Normally on Wednesday night I am at church, but this evening I stayed home. Kevin and I had both got home early from work and since it was not raining we decided to mow. He rushed around and got ready for church, but I felt God whispering for me to stay and visit with Him, so I did.
I sat our on the porch and read my Bible and then a chapter in the book I am reading. Then I just sat and listened to the birds and the wind rustling in the leaves of the tree. It seemed like the Lord was sitting there with me. We didn't really have to say anything, we just enjoyed one another's presence.
Tomorrow will be my 47th birthday. I was thinking about all I was so grateful for and began picturing all the people who have touched my life in the last year.
I have gained dome new friends in the last 12 months. Jana, the young woman I work with at the school. We did not even know each other before the school year began, but she has become so important to me. Lissa, a young police officer in our community who I go to church with. She is the SRO for our school system and I am blessed to get to see her each week. Kerri, another woman in the office. she is truly a sister in Christ. We share prayer requests and rejoice over the answers.
There are also those friends who have been around the block with me. My sister Leslea, who knows me better than I know myself. My friend Dianna, who I am in ministry with. She has become so dear. We are kindred spirits.
My friend Susan, who is a few years older than me, has been an encourager and a source of strength. a true example that I can follow.
The women I have never even met who read my blog, but share their thoughts with me. How I look forward to those comments.
And dozens of others. Debbie, at church, Leslie, at work, the ladies who bring me my tea each morning at Sonic Drive-in, I could go on and on. How my life is blessed because of them. Richer, fuller, more complete.
It reminds me of an old song:
Silver and gold, silver and gold
Make new friends, but keep the old.
Lord, bless my friends. I pray that they would know how much they mean to me. Help me to remember to tell them.
I sat our on the porch and read my Bible and then a chapter in the book I am reading. Then I just sat and listened to the birds and the wind rustling in the leaves of the tree. It seemed like the Lord was sitting there with me. We didn't really have to say anything, we just enjoyed one another's presence.
Tomorrow will be my 47th birthday. I was thinking about all I was so grateful for and began picturing all the people who have touched my life in the last year.
I have gained dome new friends in the last 12 months. Jana, the young woman I work with at the school. We did not even know each other before the school year began, but she has become so important to me. Lissa, a young police officer in our community who I go to church with. She is the SRO for our school system and I am blessed to get to see her each week. Kerri, another woman in the office. she is truly a sister in Christ. We share prayer requests and rejoice over the answers.
There are also those friends who have been around the block with me. My sister Leslea, who knows me better than I know myself. My friend Dianna, who I am in ministry with. She has become so dear. We are kindred spirits.
My friend Susan, who is a few years older than me, has been an encourager and a source of strength. a true example that I can follow.
The women I have never even met who read my blog, but share their thoughts with me. How I look forward to those comments.
And dozens of others. Debbie, at church, Leslie, at work, the ladies who bring me my tea each morning at Sonic Drive-in, I could go on and on. How my life is blessed because of them. Richer, fuller, more complete.
It reminds me of an old song:
Silver and gold, silver and gold
Make new friends, but keep the old.
Lord, bless my friends. I pray that they would know how much they mean to me. Help me to remember to tell them.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sunshine
How many comments can one make about the weather lately? It's raining cats and dogs...do we need to buy a boat...rain, rain, go away... We all joke about it, but okay already.
My husband and I had planned a trip to the lake this weekend and obviously that is off. What a disappointment to me, as I have looked forward to the trip for some time. I love to just get away with Kevin and do nothing.
So, needless to say, in my time alone with the Lord this evening I eventually let Him know I was a little put out over the rain. "I just want the sun to shine," I whined. Immediatly He said, "The sun is shining." What? The sun is shining. The SUN is SHINING!
Wow! What a revelation. I guess that becasue I could not see it shining I thought it had disappeared. That the sun was taking a break like on the Jimmy Dean Sausage commercials. How ridiculous. Even though I can't see it, the sun is still shining. God set the sun in the sky and said that it would continue until His return. Then He will be the light. It isn't that the sun isn't shining, it's that my vision is blocked. There are clouds in the way. I don't need to ask for the sun to shine, it already is. I need to ask for the clouds to part, for the rain to dissipate.
It is the same way with knowing the Lord. Just because my physical eyes don't see Him doesn't mean He isn't there. He is always there. He is without end. It is just that I may have a few "clouds" blocking my view. Thank you for this truth Lord. Thank you that we can believe in something we don't see. Thank you for increasing my faith today.
So if the rain has got you down, remember, the SUN is SHINING! Storms can't stop it. The SON is ALIVE! Storms can't stop Him either.
My husband and I had planned a trip to the lake this weekend and obviously that is off. What a disappointment to me, as I have looked forward to the trip for some time. I love to just get away with Kevin and do nothing.
So, needless to say, in my time alone with the Lord this evening I eventually let Him know I was a little put out over the rain. "I just want the sun to shine," I whined. Immediatly He said, "The sun is shining." What? The sun is shining. The SUN is SHINING!
Wow! What a revelation. I guess that becasue I could not see it shining I thought it had disappeared. That the sun was taking a break like on the Jimmy Dean Sausage commercials. How ridiculous. Even though I can't see it, the sun is still shining. God set the sun in the sky and said that it would continue until His return. Then He will be the light. It isn't that the sun isn't shining, it's that my vision is blocked. There are clouds in the way. I don't need to ask for the sun to shine, it already is. I need to ask for the clouds to part, for the rain to dissipate.
It is the same way with knowing the Lord. Just because my physical eyes don't see Him doesn't mean He isn't there. He is always there. He is without end. It is just that I may have a few "clouds" blocking my view. Thank you for this truth Lord. Thank you that we can believe in something we don't see. Thank you for increasing my faith today.
So if the rain has got you down, remember, the SUN is SHINING! Storms can't stop it. The SON is ALIVE! Storms can't stop Him either.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Getting Past the Past
Several years ago I was the secretary at the church I attend. It was a job that I loved. I loved the people I worked with, I loved the people in the church, I loved the daily activities. Because I worked at the church and also attended the church, I was at the church alot. What seemed so natural to me, was not to my husband, who was a new believer. Looking back, I am sure he often wondered who I loved more, him or the church. So he asked me to quit my job. And when I could not do it, he did it for me.
Talk about devastating. One of the hardest years of my life followed. I did love my husband very much, but I soon realized that my whole identity was wrapped up in my position of church secretary. When I no longer possessed that title, I felt I was nothing. Everything I had been was lost to me. It created a lot of tension in my marriage, and it was extremely hard for me to continue to attend church. I felt empty. I felt dead.
Thank goodness that is not the end of the story. What seemed like a nightmare eventually ended. Slowly, but surely, with the help of people who loved me, I woke up. Time and the Holy Spirit do heal all wounds. We just have to let them be healed. If I had not given up what I wanted, I would have never recieved what God wanted.
It is not easy to let go of something you love. Sometimes only something you love more will cause it to happen. Honestly, there are times I still miss being the church secretary, but I would have missed my husband more. And, honestly, I loved the attention I recieved. I love people, and I want them to love me. But that doesn't take a title. Loving people is a choice. And they love you back because of how you treat them.
This was a hard lesson. It almost drove me from my church home. But, it didn't. And it has caused me to have compassion for those who have been through similar scenarios. Sometimes the past we are getting over is not one we are ashamed of, but one we wish we still had.
Lord, I pray for restoration today. Help us to take back those things the enemy has stolen. And help us to see our identity in you and not in a title. We are children of the King, royal priests, a holy nation. Nothing can take that away.
Talk about devastating. One of the hardest years of my life followed. I did love my husband very much, but I soon realized that my whole identity was wrapped up in my position of church secretary. When I no longer possessed that title, I felt I was nothing. Everything I had been was lost to me. It created a lot of tension in my marriage, and it was extremely hard for me to continue to attend church. I felt empty. I felt dead.
Thank goodness that is not the end of the story. What seemed like a nightmare eventually ended. Slowly, but surely, with the help of people who loved me, I woke up. Time and the Holy Spirit do heal all wounds. We just have to let them be healed. If I had not given up what I wanted, I would have never recieved what God wanted.
It is not easy to let go of something you love. Sometimes only something you love more will cause it to happen. Honestly, there are times I still miss being the church secretary, but I would have missed my husband more. And, honestly, I loved the attention I recieved. I love people, and I want them to love me. But that doesn't take a title. Loving people is a choice. And they love you back because of how you treat them.
This was a hard lesson. It almost drove me from my church home. But, it didn't. And it has caused me to have compassion for those who have been through similar scenarios. Sometimes the past we are getting over is not one we are ashamed of, but one we wish we still had.
Lord, I pray for restoration today. Help us to take back those things the enemy has stolen. And help us to see our identity in you and not in a title. We are children of the King, royal priests, a holy nation. Nothing can take that away.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)