A Beauty-Full Heart

This past week my heart has been, like so many people's, heavy. It's not just a state of mind kind of heavy  but physically I feel a deep sadness over the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School. 

At first, after the shock dissipated, I tried to comprehend what would cause a person to commit such an evil act of violence, but I couldn't. It is totally inconceivable to me and I like it that way.

I really don't want to understand the depth of the depravity. I don't want to let the influences of evil have any room in my head or heart. The lyrics to a Casting Crowns song "Slow Fade" are streaming through my thoughts..."be careful little 
eyes what you see".

Ephesians Chapter 5 warns us about this very thing. When you have a minute ( hopefully today) read the entire chapter. Verse 11 says "have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." 

"Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise as but as wise". Ephesians 5: 15

Scripture warns us to keep the things of evil from our minds and not o exalt them but to expose them for the evil acts that they are. When we focus our attentions on these things it produces anxiety. The events of last Friday brought me right back to the awful feelings I had surrounding the September 11th  attacks.  I felt anxious.

I have had a choice to make this week. I could listen to the endless stream of media reliving every detail of December 14th or I could turn it off.

 I turned it off.  I chose not to give the acts of evil any more attention. I cast them off as darkness

 Not thinking about the evil does not mean that I have forgotten about the event or stopped feeling the grief for the loss of life and the devastation to the families of the victims. But I have chosen to look tot he acts of kindness of people helping each other.   have chosen to focus on how God is using people to love and care for one another.

Scripture also tells us not to be anxious about anything but to turn to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6) and to fill our minds with good things.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Philippians 4:8

What fills our minds enters our body and eventually changes our hearts and our hearts direct our actions.  "above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Ladies, if you want to live a beauty-full life than you must guard your hearts and minds. I pray that this Christmas and the year 2013 will find your hearts overflowing with the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. That HIS peace will keep you and His joy will be your strength.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Think Lovely,
ruthann

In the Silence

 I have always talked a lot. As a child I dreaded getting my elementary report card  because more often than not I received the dreaded "U' for unsatisfactory in self control. I just couldn't stop talking to the people around me.

My family says I talk from the moment I wake up until the moment I go to sleep. And sometimes sleep doesn't even stop me.

I talk to my dogs all day when no one else is home. I talk when no one really even seems to be listening. For some reason I like to talk. I like to express my self with words.

Along with talking I have always liked to write as well. I have written poems, letters, lists of ideas and for the past year this blog ( along with some of my sisters in Christ).

Over the course of this blog writing year God has been speaking to me. I wrote a blog entry on February 5th about  cultivating a quieter heart this year. I have learned to spend more and more of my time in silence, just listening to God and listening to the sounds of nature of an ordinary day. I have come to love the silence and even begun to quiet my own mouth a bit these last months.

However,I feel the tug of God to go to a deeper place with HIM in a quieter life. Literally, less of my voice and WAY MORE OF HIS VOICE.

.Be silent before the Sovereign LORD, for the day of the LORD is near. Zeph 1:7

"In the quiet of my soul, in the stillness, I hear Your voice call." More Than A Friend by Jeremy Riddle

It has been a Beauty Full year my beautiful friends and I thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts and inspirations but for now I will say good-bye to blog writing. I will be spending MORE time listening and less speaking or writing my own thoughts.

If HE prompts me I will share what HE is teaching me. Oh, I have a lot to learn and this will be a grand challenge for me. My fellow bloggers  will still be writing  so be encouraged by their journeys in this beauty-full life.

I love you all and am grateful for the time we have shared here and what I have learned about the Greatness of our God through this journey.

Keep on filling your lives with HIS Beauty and DO something beautiful for HIM every day!!

Let your crowns of beauty shine for HIS Glory.
ruthann

God, Be My Pilot

My husband and I just returned from a road trip to and from Virginia to see our newest grandbaby boy. The visit and the baby were delightful! And the trip wasn’t bad either.

We had brought along printed Mapquest directions, because I like to have a hard copy to know where we are going before we get there. We also brought our GPS so we could track our miles, ETA, next step, and for any recalculations that might be needed along the way.

On our trip down we had a couple of glitches that happened when the GPS did not agree with the written directions. Then we had to make a decision which instructions to follow. We ended up off the path twice, but recognized our error quickly, so we recovered by relying on our own knowledge of the error we had made. However in those moments we were frustrated.

At one point on our way home we decided to just stay on a particular northbound route which was clearly marked. We both remember feeling confident we could just stay on it easily for miles without needing to consult the GPS or our written directions.

But suddenly, without ever leaving this major highway, we found ourselves no longer on this major highway. We didn’t know when, how or where it had happened. We weren’t sure where we were. We had to depend on the GPS instructions to get us back on track and we relaxed in that.

The voice of the GPS was our guide. It took us on a brief but scenic circular path through our capital city of Washington, DC. We decided the detour was worth it.

It got me to thinking that sometimes we truly don’t know where we are or how we are going to get to our destination. At times we depend on our own limited knowledge, and find that we are frustrated. We might get back on track but the process isn’t always so peaceful.

The times that we rely on the written Word of God or on the voice of God, those are often the times when in our error, God may take us on what seems like the long way around, but it’s actually a short scenic route that brings us peace. 

Which makes me think of the age-old bumper sticker – “God is my co-pilot”. It really should read … “God, be my pilot”.

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

I am selfish

So, in the past 3 days, I've had a whole bunch of my stupid girl-complexes "activated"... some of them really silly, like Jillian telling me she already bought my Christmas present already and me freaking out about it (I don't like presents... too much pressure).  Others a little bit less silly, but still silly enough, like being 'mysteriously' blocked from my dad's Facebook, leading me to believe that he obviously doesn't love me anymore.  (Don't worry- it wasn't him- I'm still his favorite)

A few other things have happened that have challenged my self-esteem and made me wonder about why I'm still letting other people's actions determine my feelings about myself.

No answers, no insights.  But today is my first night at the soup kitchen, and I spent the day (after a quick meeting at work) shopping for food.  I'm about to start cooking, and then I'll be off to finish cooking, and serve people who can truly be considered 'the least of these'.

Above everything else today, I'm exceedingly glad that I have a reason to get my silly brain off myself, and focused on other people.  People who don't have the luxury of having all the stupid girl-complexes that I do, because they're too busy worrying about when they'll eat next, or where they're going to sleep tonight.

They don't wonder if friends are mad at them, because they don't have any friends. 

They don't wonder if their family is mad at them, because they don't have any family.

They don't wonder if what they just ate is headed straight to their hips, because they haven't eaten since Sunday.

They don't wonder about half the stuff I do, because they don't have the opportunity. 

Today, I'm grateful that I can answer their "how am I going to eat tonight" wonderings, and I'm determined to stop thinking about myself for at least long enough to meet one of their most basic needs.


Maybe it'll carry over to tomorrow too :)

Brooke

More

There was a time in my life when I didn't have much hope. I lived my life on my own strength, by my own wisdom and I often didn't have a clue how I could change my circumstances.

 I repeated cycles of dysfunction over and over with no hope to break the cycle. I faced difficult situations with  fear. I tried and tried to change but all I ended up with was more anxiety.

Then I met Jesus and as I lived in this new relationship with God I found that His strength and wisdom were more than what I could have fathomed. His faithfulness was proved over and over throughout the years. And I gained something very precious-HOPE..

No matter what the reality of the situation is I always have hope in my God.
For HE is faithful and true.

But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. 

Psalm 71:14

God is good and HE is faithful AND I love to praise HIM for HE is worthy.  HE has done so much for me; rescued, restored and redeemed me. There is no way that I can offer HIM enough praise but I want to live my life trying to praise HIM more and more and MORE.

For His Glory,
ruthann

God Knows Our Need

I have the honor and joy of caring for a dear woman who is limited in her speech and motor abilities. She is very independent. Most days I just transport her to desired or required places on her agenda. We chat, laugh, and appreciate things together. Because of her difficulty retrieving the words she wants to she welcomes my attempts at speculating what she is trying to convey. While at times she appears frustrated, most often she laughs at herself and at me as we play the word-guessing game. The longer I have known her the easier it has become for me to quickly discern what she is trying to say, sometimes even anticipating her need or want before she even tries to communicate it.

It got me thinking about how it sometimes feels to us when we don’t know how to make ourselves clearly understood to our loved ones, our peers, our workmates, our boss. Sometimes even to God.

Even with full capacity of speech we can get bothered when we are misunderstood or not understood at all. What a relief it is when the people who know and love us are “in tune” with us before we even speak.

Now that’s not to diminish our need to be good communicators, and to “use our words”, as an earlier blog post described.

But how great are the times when God hears our heart without any need for our words, and knows our needs before we voice them.

The Word of God declares in Matthew 6:8b 

“… your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

He loves you and knows you and wants to chat with you, even if the use of words is minimal. And when words fail, maybe laughter is enough.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 declares “Be joyful always.”

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Tangible

Matthew 7:11 says, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

I'm a tangible kinda girl.. I like things I can see and touch and understand.

I don't doubt that God is good, and that He loves us, and forgives us, and that, like the verse above says, He wants to give us good gifts.

I don't doubt that He is sovereign, compassionate, and that He knows our beginnings and our ends better than we could ever understand.

I don't doubt Him. But, sometimes I'm stupid. Sometimes I get caught up in all the bad stuff, and I forget to look for the good. Sometimes I get nitpicky about the little things, and I forget about the big things.

But last Friday morning, He reminded me.

After a 2:15am phone call, a middle-of-the-night search for a 24 hour gas station within 6 miles of my house (cause that's all the gas I had), and what felt like a MILLION hours pacing a waiting room, I walked back in to Labor and Delivery Room 7 to see my best friend and her brand new baby girl. I saw smiles and tears and tiny fingers and open searching eyes.  I watched a new daddy hold the first newborn he's ever held, his own. I saw promise, and hope, and laughter. I saw love and joy.

And I was reminded.. God is good. He loves us. He knows our beginnings and our endings. He gives good gifts.

Yes, we struggle with bad things in this world. Yes, we are all fighting about women's rights, and baby's rights, and voter's rights, and every other right there is to fight about.  Yes, we are fighting for freedoms in other countries that most of us enjoy every day. Yes, we are wondering what happen to our country in the next 4 years. Yes, people are hungry, and homeless, and sick, and disabled, and lonely.  Yes, there is crime in our cities, and overcrowding in our jails. Yes, we can't pay our bills, and yes the economy doesn't seem to be getting any better.

But God is good. He loves us. He knows our beginnings and our endings.  He gives good gifts.

Be Blessed and Hopeful,

Brooke

Held Fast

Last week at church I was talking to two young parents and admiring their beautiful baby daughter when she reached out and grabbed my finger. Even at a few months old her grip on me was strong, she was not letting go.  She stared at me with a big smile  and held on fast.

It made me start to think about when my kids were young and we would hold hands. We held hands so I could guide them to our destination. We held hands so that I could protect them as they crossed the street or from getting lost in a crowd. 

We held hands because they had to face a scary situation, like a shot at the doctors. We held hands so we couldd twirl around  in circles and laugh together.

There were times  I held on so tight that they could not slip or pry themselves from my grip. 

I held on so tight because I love them.

Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 NIV (emphasis mine)

Our Father in Heaven  is holding us with HIS holy, all powerful right hand. And HE will never let us go. No matter how close or far you are from HIM, HE has you in HIS grip.

Be encouraged dear sisters, there is nowhere you can go that HE is not still holding on to you. HE loves you and will never leave you. "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged . for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9c

Held Fast,

ruthann

Refreshments

Ever noticed how simple it can be when at the last minute you’re asked or maybe decide on your own to bring refreshments somewhere. If your cupboard is stock-up you probably have a ready-to-eat or simple-to-prepare item right there. 

 

Then when you arrive you find that others have brought something too and so there is more-than-enough for everyone present. Everyone gets blessed, both those who brought something and those who didn’t.

For each of us who have accepted Jesus as Savior and have made Him the Lord of our lives, we have a portion of His Holy Spirit within our personal ‘spirit’ cupboard . . .  all the time. So everywhere we go we bring our portion of the Holy Spirit with us. It is meant to bless others.

1 Corinthians 12: 1-13 says it this way:

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, (Christian sisters, too) I do not want you to be ignorant. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray… Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit . . .

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

As you head out the door today, to wherever you are going, remember to bring some refreshments to share. It’s simple if the Holy Spirit has stocked your cupboard.

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Becoming Beautiful

Most of you know about my love for home decorating (I've written about it before) and pouring through magazines, websites and "picking" at old country consignment shops. This summer I picked up a book called "Undecorate" by  Christine Lemieux which highlights a simple, no-rules,movement to decorating.

I love the idea of decorating a home not by rules but rather with items that have personal meaning, items that have been handed down, treasures found on trips and just various things that you are passionate about. I believe that creating a special living environment  evolves as you live. It becomes more beautiful as you add expressions of your life to it. The beauty comes from the life lived.

And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it. 

1 Timothy 2:9-10 The Message

God's Word says that HE wants women to be in there praying with the men ! HE says that the way that women become truly  beautiful is by doing something beautiful for God. That means praying and worshipping God.

When Mary of Bethany broke the alabaster jar of perfume and anointed Jesus HE said "She has done a beautiful thing to me." Mark 14:6b NIV And HE went on to say that "Truly I tell you,wherever the gospel is preached throughout he world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." Mark 14:9

Do you see that it's a big deal to God when we do something beautiful for HIM.  It pleases HIM and HE think we are beautiful!!!

I want to be beautiful for God and to God. How about you?

Live beautifully,
ruthann

Tell Your Story

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story. Psalm 107:1-2a

It's Monday, the start of a new week. What if we start this week by giving thanks for what the Lord has done for us.

 If you are redeemed you have good reason to give thanks and tell your story of redemption. Give God the glory that HE deserves and tell your story.

Who can you tell this week? A neighbor, the person at the coffee shop? 

Go on tell your story and Bless the Lord!!!!!

Joyfully,

ruthann

His Love

What do we really want from God?

I was listening to my music in the car last night and a line from a (non-Christian) song sings, “you desire my attention but deny my affection”. I thought about this concept in relation to our relationships with God.

We desire His attention. We want Him to hear our prayers, protect our family, provide for us, bless us… We’ll gladly accept any of His attention. But do we deny his affections? Do we reject the way He loves us?

What about when he leads us somewhere that will protect our future…do we go willingly or hesitate, question, and resist? What about when He assures us that He created us just the way we are on purpose…do we accept ourselves for what we are or constantly berate ourselves over our weight or height or big nose or flabby arms or wrinkles or our personality. Do we believe that He loves us unconditionally and throughout our circumstances or do we question His love when things get tough? What about how he promises to provide for us…do we accept that offer of love or reject it and try to manage life ourselves?

God shows His love for us in so many different ways but so often we fail to accept it. Most of the time, it’s pride or a lack of faith that causes us to think we’re not good enough for God’s love or that we can handle our lives on our own.

Think about one of your most important relationships. How would you feel if that person consistently rejected your love for them? What type of consequences would that have for the relationship? Would it grow you closer or push you apart?

I can’t imagine how I would feel if my husband or sister or best friend only cared for my attention and then rejected all my acts of love towards them. It’s no way to be in a relationship and that exactly what this whole Christianity thing is all about-our personal relationship with God.

Find a new way to accept God’s love for you today. Accept that He will provide for you and bask in the peace that will bring to your life. Accept that when you go through trials, God is teaching you and molding you and loving you through it all. Accept that your self-esteem doesn’t matter because God esteems you as His child. Accept that He loves you and let it be enough.

in Him,

Jill

Imitate Christ

I had the tremendous joy of spending the day caring for my six-year-old granddaughter. She has recently been delighting in the fact that she can very accurately imitate the distinctive accent of her other grandmother and does so when an appreciative audience is within earshot. She also has coined a few of my common words and phrases and gets a sparkle in her eyes as she states them with my tone and inflection when she’s in my presence.

With a thankful heart I was relieved that my granddaughter had not observed or grabbed hold of those parts I would not have wanted her to see or replicate; those occasions when my words or attitudes might be a little off of the mark.

It is said that imitation is the highest form of flattery and that no disrespect is meant by any exaggerations of one’s mannerisms or speech, particularly when the copying is done in and out of love or respect for the one modeled after.

3 John 1:11
Dear child, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.

Modeling, creating and preserving the very best atmosphere for kids and grandkids can be such a powerfully motivating force. Their lives were meant to be fun and carefree, safe and nurtured, with good balances of learning and lots of opportunity to apply what they have learned. So we as caregivers draw lines that we don’t want them to cross, protective lines to keep them from harm.

We all have occasions to “miss the mark”, to step outside the ideal standards that have been set by our loving Father. We all have occasion to sin. But God ideally wants our very atmosphere to be one where temptation and sin are totally foreign to us. He drew lines for us that He did not want us to cross, because of His great love for us.

During our day together my granddaughter and I went to her neighborhood playground, a place she has frequented often since she was a baby. She has now mastered all the many pieces of equipment and was so pleased to show me. She also invited me to follow her – up and down various stairs and ladders and across wobbly bridges. When we came to one of the enclosed tubular slides I needed to “draw the line” in my capacity to follow her. I would not have safely made it down that slide. She immediately understood and so then she led me to activities we could enjoy doing together. What a sweetie! She has begun to learn the art of caring for others.

We are all called to be obedient “children” and to be role models for the “children” both old and young that might be looking to imitate us.

Matthew 18:6

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

I so want to bring God the highest form of flattery and praise by doing what He has shown me to do. I want to be the example that He created me to be. My prayer today is that I want to be able to say to those I love, know or meet…
1 Corinthians 11:1

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Prayerfully and Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Retreat Update

Good Morning Ladies!

This year's Living Beauty Full Retreat is getting closer, and we are getting excited!  Ok- I'm getting nervous.  Ok- I've been nervous since Ruthann first asked me to speak. :) 

We wanted to post the invitation again to you, and let you know that if you did not receive one in the mail, please let us know!  They were sent a few weeks ago, so if you haven't gotten it yet, it's probably lost somewhere in the mail, and we want to make sure you get one! 

So, if you need an invitation- email me at bwalker919@gmail.com, and we'll make sure you get one, probably via email to make sure it gets to you in time for you to return the registration info to us by next Friday.

If you have an invitation, and haven't sent it in yet, please do so!  We've heard from a lot of people that they are coming, and bringing a friend or 2, but we haven't gotten many registrations.

We can't wait to see you all again! 

Sick and Tired?

Is it just me or have you also noticed how many people are sick and tired these days?

People are exhausted, run down and just plain weary. Others have been diagnosed with illness and many more live each day with the stress of unknown, mystery illnesses.

Illness and fatigue are debilitating us and redirecting us from Kingdom building purposes. It is causing us to turn our attentions inward  preventing us from being the servants HE has called us to be.

The bible states that "by his wounds you have been healed". 1 Peter2:24b
Jesus' death on the cross, HIS spilled blood cleansed  us from our sins and healed us. Notice the tense of the verb. we have been healed. Now that is something to rejoice over.

God's will is for HIS believers to be healed. The enemy wants to paralyze us in our illness. Jesus wants us healed.  Honestly, I am sick and tired of the enemy getting his way.

Colossians 4:2  says Devote yourselves to prayer,being watchful and thankful.

Starting October 1st I will be devoting myself to 21 days of fasting and prayer for healing and health, complete and miraculous healing!

Are you tired of being sick?

Are you sick of being tired?

Are you sick and tired?

If you answered yes to any or all of those questions then it would be my privilege to pray for you!!

Please e-mail me your prayer request to boxbreaker@gmail.com and I will devote myself to praying for you. Your requests will remain confidential and will be lifted before the throne of endless Grace.

Believe with me in faith for miracles and start praising our Lord Jesus, the Great Physician!
ruthann

My Unbelief

This Sunday at church we sang the song "Rescue" preformed by Newsong.

The bridge sings:

this world has nothing for me
this world has nothing for me
this world has nothing for me
I will follow you

I sang through the song with my arms held high believing every word. And then it got to the bridge above and my heart was so convicted. Do I actually believe that this world has nothing for me? And if so, what am I doing here? Am I still living part of my life not recklessly abandoned to God's will?

So instead of singing alone with words I'm not quite sure I fully own, I prayed like the father in Mark 9:14-29. A father brings his son to Jesus saying, "...if you can heal him do so." Jesus said in reply, "If you can? Everything is possible for one who believes." The father responds by saying, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

I believe in my head that "this world has nothing for me." But I need God's help to overcome unbelief in my heart before I can sing those words unconvicted.


Have a wonderful start to your week!
Jill

Wisdom and Sound Judgment

As you may or may not know, I’m currently pursuing my Masters in Counseling. Yesterday we discussed assessing a client’s reliability, judgment, and insight. We discussed that many problems arise for people when they have insight and lack judgment. This would be when someone knows exactly what their problem is and how to fix it but continually makes poor decisions.

I immediately thought of the many times in my own life and in the life of my Christian sisters where we know what the Bible says and what God wants for us, yet we continue to choose sin. We ignore wisdom as if God hasn’t revealed any direction whatsoever in His word.

How many of us know that we probably shouldn’t repeat that story we overheard at church because we know gossip is wrong, but we get caught up in the drama while talking with the other ladies and spill it all anyways. How many of us know we should hold our tongue but choose to lash out anyways. How many of us know that we shouldn’t continue a relationship that isn’t glorifying to God but we seek the approval of the world instead and carry on.

How many of us know that we should tithe our 10% but choose fear over trust in God’s provision. How many of us know that God will watch over our families and loved ones but we choose worry and anxiousness instead. How many of us know that our children need discipline as the Bible calls for but we fear the judgment of the world instead. How many of us know that we’re called to pray in every situation but choose worldly solutions instead.  

So often we know the wisdom that God has provided for us in His word but we lack the discernment and judgment to make the right decisions. We have got to stop. How offended our God must be when we knowingly choose to ignore the wisdom He has provided us with....

Proverbs 3:21-23-My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety and your foot will not stumble

God’s word makes it very clear that when we choose discernment and sound judgment, we will not stumble. Why do we continue to choose stumbling? God has more for us. We were created for more than that.

Proverbs 17:24- A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

I want wisdom and discernment to always be in my view. I will choose to rebuke the fool in me who would choose this earth over what God has in store for my life.

My prayer for all of us today is the same prayer that Paul prayed over the Philippeans in

Philippeans 1:9- “...that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”

More often than not, we know exactly which decision to make in any given situation. But we ignore God’s wisdom and throw discernment right out the window. Let’s choose discernment. Let’s choose sound judgment.

In Christ,

Jill

Humbled by a Backslider

Ever feel like you are just totally out of practice for doing things that used to come so natural? Enthusiasm and then action has waned. Or worse than that, that what you have been practicing has at times become so “old hat” that it seems to be a meaningless “by rote” activity without substance? Like occasions of scripted encouraging words and prayers that sound hollow, as if spoken over a bad phone connection? Harboring an acute case of “the blahs” that borders on becoming chronic? Am I the only one? (Any anonymous responses to validate that I am not alone will be appreciated.)

I had occasion to briefly speak with and pray for a dear soul recently as she was recovering from a serious health episode. Here I was thinking I was the encourager, but her subsequent words proved of more worth than any I could have said or prayed.

She began to speak with such a candor about her seemingly “backslidden” state. She reported she’d not been to church or active in her faith for quite a while. She chose trustingly to disclose that perhaps in the midst of her crisis God was calling her back. 

She recollected with great gratitude the times God had been gracious to her, and divulged how God had used her former waywardness, His extreme mercy, and her outspoken ways to be a beacon for many poor souls who nobody else reached out to. She talked of her former pastor with direct and sincere honor. She blazed with an honest rendition of her appreciation for her God, the One who loved and accepted her despite her crude honesty and actions with Him and others. She described new perceptions to me of how God views and uses everyone. She exuded a zeal for Him that I had not felt for a while. She caused me to rethink who was really helping who.

I watched as she talked herself back into the arms and grace of the Lord. And I left humbled by this precious so-called backslider, and grateful that while God may have sent me into her hospital room, it was so that I could leave her room a bit more healthy.

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Corn Mazes and Worship

Pumpkins and apples, gourds and corn mazes mark the Fall season. It is my favorite time of the year.  I enjoy going to my local orchard for apple cider and fresh hot, crispy old fashioned donuts and picking out just the right pumpkin but I don't like corn mazes.

I have only been in one corn maze in my lifetime and that's because I got miserably lost. It was a very small maze, not one of those mammoth mazes that are advertised but I still could not find my way out. No matter which path I chose it did not lead to my desired destination, the exit.

It was extremely frustratin to be so close to where I wanted to go but not be able to get there. Each path I chose seemed like it was going to be the one but it wasn't. To add to my frustration there were people that were passing me that had made it to the end and were going through a second and third time.

Finally, I had enough and I decided to follow someone that knew the way out. What a relief it was to get to where I had wanted to go all along.

Worship can be just as frustrating as getting lost in a corn maze.

"We can take whatever path in worship we choose, but not all paths will end at the feet of Jesus." A.W.Tozer

The most important destination in my life is getting to the feet of Jesus and for all too long I chose the wrong path.  I chose my own way and I was frustrated that I couldn't get to HIM.

Finally I had enough and I decided to study how others that had made it to the feet of Jesus got there. I studied the life of King David, Mary of Bethany and others who had intimate experiences of worship with God.

I danced before HIM, bowed down, stretched my hands and my heart up to meet HIM and sat down at HIS feet and worshiped.

There is no other place quite like the feet of Jesus. So don't give up until you get there.

Humbly,
ruthann

People make the Memories

This weekend I'm visiting my newly engaged brother-in-law and sister-in-law-to-be in Virginia. I'm back visiting places and friends that were a big part of my life for the 3 years I lived here for school.

I spent the morning this morning visiting with the 2 kids I used to babysit for and talking with their beautiful mother who was so wonderful to me while I was living here. Now 5 and 2, the kids have grown and changed so much. As I sit here reflecting as they nap upstairs, I realize how truly honoring t is for a family to let you be a part of their lives. I have been truly blessed having them be a part of my story.

I'm also reflecting on all the memories of people not here anymore; my best friends from college, my old roommates, my old co-workers, my old professors...As we've all moved up and onward with our lives, it's so strange to be in the same town, at the same store, driving down the same streets-yet it's all so different now. It's so different because what made most of those memories great is gone-the people.

The people God puts in our life are undoubtedly there for a reason. Relationships are worth it and if you're struggling through an important one right now-hold tight and prayerfully work through it. It's people that matter. The places of our lives mean nothing without the people that make the memories.

God truly does so ordain our steps and journey. I did not enjoy every second of being away at school. I questioned whether it was the right move, I questioned whether it would be worth it. I questioned that part of my journey a lot.

I would be a very different person if God hadn't kept me here in good ole' Lynchburg, VA. Some of the people I care so deeply for and who have so impacted my life wouldn't have been a part of it. If your questioning where you are right now, have faith-you're there for a reason.

Have a blessed weekend,
Jill

Qualified and Equipped

I was at a job interview recently and one of the questions I was asked was “What would your colleagues say about your qualifications for this position?” I won’t go into detail about how I answered that question. I will tell you that on paper before me was a job description that was precise about both the qualifications and the duties of the specific role they were seeking to fill. I have the qualifying degree and license. Once I received those, they were mine. I also felt pretty comfortable about my ability to fulfill most of the duties. There were some though that would be a challenge for a time. I was hopeful that I would be able to ask and learn and practice the ones as yet unfamiliar to me.

However later I got thinking about how lacking in confidence I would have been if the expectations were totally out of my league, say for example the license and duties of a plumber. (I have replaced faucets and the flex tubes in my bathroom sink, which is probably why I do not qualify or apply for plumbing jobs!)

Then I thought what the response might be to a similar question like “What would your brothers and sisters in Christ say about your qualifications for the kingdom?”

Gratefully, the answer to the base question would be “We only qualify by the grace and mercy of God, the atoning sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf, and the free offer that was made to each of us to believe and receive those truths personally. Once we receive it, it is ours – Thank you God.

But what about the observations of others that show we are qualified? Are there “quantifying” measures that others see? And are we doing what we were qualified and equipped by God to do for His Kingdom?

Jeremiah 29:11 states, “I know the plans I have for you. They are plans to prosper you and not to harm you. They are plans to give you a hope and a future.”

This verse has been a comfort and encouragement to many of you, I’m sure. Today it reassured me in a different way. It spoke to me of God’s personal commitment to each of us to use us in His Kingdom in a way that He has qualified and prepared us. It also speaks of His desire to bless us and keep us from harm in the process. I believe He has a precise job description for each of us, where He takes what we are comfortable and confident in, and then adds some things that are out of our comfort zone or league, so we will absolutely need to depend on Him. And His plans are to give us hope and a future

Gratefully, hopefully, expectantly HIS,

Jan

The next A Beauty-Full Life Retreat

Hello Ladies,

You should be getting one of these in your mailbox any day now.  Can't see the details in this picture, but we wanted to give a heads up that we are well into planning the next A Beauty Full Life Retreat, and we want you to come! 

The basics:

Oct 20th
9:30am- 4:00pm
In Wrentham (same as last year)
a light breakfast and lunch is included in the $20 cost
Jan and I will be speaking, and Troy will be leading worship again.

Registrations are due in early October, so start thinking now about who you'd like to bring!

That's it for now- I'm off to the post office! Hope to see you all in October!

Brooke

Remembering His Love

Eleven years ago today was one of the hardest days of my life and I remember it like it was yesterday.

I spent the day with two little boys distracting them (as best I could) from the trauma of the day. It didn't work very well.

They had tough questions that couldn't be answered.

 We waited and prayed with family and friends for the call that never came.

Their father, a friend and fellow servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, died that day at the World Trade Center in New York City.

That Tuesday, September 11th  is frozen in time in my memory.

Although the months that followed that terrifying day have become a bit of a blur there is one thing that is crystal clear, Love.

In the midst of the heartbreak, confusion, and fear the lives of these two boys and their mother were permeated with love. Love from God expressed through family, friends, members of their church AND total strangers.

God walked with them through the long and arduous valley of death, and even though they couldn't always feel or see HIM through their pain, HE was there. HIS fingerprints of Love are all over their lives.

I along with so any others, miss my friend. I miss his constant challenging to go deeper into God's Word .I miss his mischievous smile and his love and sold out devotion to Jesus. The world lost a wonderful man and the boys lost a wonderful dad.

The boys are both in college now and I pray that they will one day come to fully "grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:18b).

For the love of God is AMAZING and FAITHFUL and ETERNAL and it transcends all evil.

Humbly,
ruthann

What Are you Thinking?

It's Monday morning and the beginning of a brand new week so let's start it off right!!

...friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble,reputable,authentic,compelling,gracious-the best,not the worst;the beautiful,not the ugly;things to be praise,not things to curse. Philippians 4:8 The Message  

God tells us to think on things that are beautiful !!!!! I challenge you to take God at HIS Word this week. If it isn't one of the types of things listed in the Scripture above then don't give it a second thought,

Think Beautiful Thoughts!!!

ruthann

What's a Friday without some car damage...

Today, I was very excited to get my mileage check. It was a big check, much bigger than usual because of a transport I was doing for the month. I had all sorts of ideas about what my husband and I would be able to pay with this particular mileage check. 

...And then on the way home I hit a guard rail when someone cut me off and scratched/crushed the length of my car. 

Irony at its grandest. Provision at its grandest. Protection at its grandest.

Am I sad that I jacked up my car? Yes. Am I a little bit mad that someone cut me off? Yes. But I'm also very thankful that the car didn't hit me. And that no one got hurt. And that there was a guard rail instead of a telephone pole on the side of the road...or a house...or a person walking...

And I'm thankful for the fact that my life is so orchestrated by God that I have a job that pays high mileage- that happened to require me to drive a lot this month-and that gave me my check today. Some may say coincidence. BUT, some agencies only pay half as much mileage that mine does, my mileage check is NEVER this much, and I don't always get it this Friday...

This is not the first time that I've gotten a not-so-normal check and then something goes wrong (almost always with my car).

I'm not generally an optimistic person. Not that I'm not hopeful in Christ, but I'm very much a realist. It's been a challenge for me to learn to see the bright side of things. Or to appreciate the lesson in a circumstance. A year ago, I wouldn't have been able to say the things that I'm thankful for about the situation. I wouldn't acknowledge the blessing of having just gotten my mileage check to spend on the repairs-I would have just been angry that I didn't get to keep it to do with it what I wanted. I wouldn't have been able to say, "at least it wasn't a telephone pole.."

Be encouraged that we are not in fact unteachable, and that God will change and mold a willing heart.

Have a wonderful weekend

Jill

On a separate note, if anyone has a spare 2009 Kia Spectra fender hanging around, let me know :)

 

Letting Go

One of my granddaughters started her first day of school this week, excited and happy. Her parents on the other hand had the appropriate mixture of emotions that were not quite as fearless or tearless. I was led back to reminiscent feelings myself of a similar day 30 years ago.

So for all you Beauty-Full Moms, Foster Moms, Spiritual Moms, and Grandmoms who might be in a place of yet one more “letting go” stage with one of your precious children, let the following words be a comfort. And let’s pray one for another and for the God-ordained destinies of the ones that are in our care.
 

Letting Go

Let the tears flow, then mop them up
‘Cause God’s going to put them in His Daddy cup
He keeps them safe where they age like wine
Transforming them into joy divine
He understands the “letting go”
Much more than you could ever know
Your child, like His¸ is on their way
To the destiny for which you pray
Without the wrenching “letting go”
There would not be the space to grow
And so dear one, as you release
He holds you both within His peace

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Sonflowers

Labor Day weekend has just passed. The air is crisper and cooler in the evenings now.  And although I hate to say good bye to the long hot days of summer I am eager for my favorite season, Autumn.

The New England countryside is getting ready to be ablaze in color and one of the first signs is the brilliant face of the sunflower.

The sunflower's enormous face is radiant with beauty as it stands taller than all the other flowers.

 The amazing sunflower in it's bud stage keeps it's face steadfast on the sun. It turns and follows the sun throughout the day. When the sun moves it moves. It follows the sun!

 I love this annual reminder to Follow the Son.

Jesus called HIS disciples by saying "Come, follow me" Matthew 4:19a NIV

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I am called to follow Jesus, the Son.

I can use the sunflower as an earthly example of a spiritual truth to "set my face like flint" (Isaiah 50:7c NIV) on Jesus. 

I can make a daily choice to fix my eyes upon Jesus (Hebrews 12:2a), locking  my gaze so intently on HIM that when HE moves I move with HIM.

This Autumn, as I see sunflowers scattered around the countryside or in a work of art I will choose to use it as a reminder to follow the Son.

How about you?

Take a photo and send it to us. Let's encourage one another to be Sonflowers, standing taller than everything else, faces set to the Son, radiating HIS marvelous beauty.

Be Encouraged,
ruthann

Dreams

I’m doing Kelly Minter’s study on Nehemiah right now. I’m only in the second week and have been so convicted already. At the beginning of this week’s lesson, Kelly says something like, “God is a jealous God-He does not want to share you with your American Dream.”

Well that just about did me in. I often fool myself into thinking that I’m not one of those women who just wants her own little “American Dream”…but I am…and I do. I want the house to decorate and the babies to raise and the cushy little life that I think would be easier.

I know in my head that it won’t necessarily be easier, and I know in my head that life is about so much more than that-but what do I desire in my heart?

I’ve been wanting to do Max Lucado’s study, “Outlive Your Life” for over a year now….but avoid it like the plague because I’m terrified that I’ll fail  to put in place the changes I’m convicted to make.

In the grand scheme of things, I do want so much more than any “American Dream” I can build for myself and my family. I want God’s dream for my life and family. I want to live for Him and not for myself. I want to make a difference in the lives of people that will “outlive my life.” I want to store up treasures in Heaven and not on earth (Mt 6:20).

Despite what I want in the grand scheme of things, it’s difficult for me to live that large in my day-to-day. So, like Paul says, I’ll continue to work out my salvation (Philippians 2:12)…and with God’s grace and mercy, abandon my own American Dream and trust in His faithfulness to lead me where He wants me to follow.

Be blessed,

Jill

What’s New?

I awoke to a refreshingly cool crisp morning and thought “How appropriate.” September approaches; a new month that ushers in a new season. School days are beginning for many; new teachers, new friends, new clothes, new challenges. Speeches and ads prepare the way for an election that looms before us; a new term or a new president? Garden centers display the customary mums; new plantings to take the place of the colors of summer’s glory.

For the most part we love “new”. Newness is beauty-full! It’s exciting, invigorating and motivating. The trouble with “new” is that by its very nature it is swiftly gone.

However we get a new start every day; every moment even. God’s mercies and compassion are new every morning, and every moment that we communicate our need to Him.

I recently brought to the Lord some old recollections that surfaced that I honestly didn’t remember if I had ever acknowledged to him with a repentant heart. I immediately experienced a glorious impression of Holy Spirit’s presence. I honestly felt renewed in my thinking, my attitude, and my emotions. I even felt different physically; lighter, dreamier, emptier yet also fuller all at the same time. It was a “new” that I didn’t want to fade away.

The Word of God says to put off the old and put on the new.

Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

I got a perspective on this concept in the natural just over the past couple of days. I went school shopping with two of my granddaughters for a few hours. With little coaxing they were both able to take off and try on a number of pants, tops and shoes in record time so that they could choose the “new” that they desired.

I also reviewed my day yesterday and realized that in the span of 15 hours I went from bed clothes to walking clothes, then my shower robe, followed by donning my professional suit attire for an interview. After a successful and hopeful interview I too went shopping and carried 11 clearance items into the dressing room for some quick change exercise. (I only bought 2 items.) When I got home I immediately changed into my comfies to cook dinner, but then accepted an invitation to a meeting where my comfies needed to be replaced by decent casuals.

As females we sure know how to put off old things and put on new. But we also sometimes spend inordinate amounts of time just putting on the old again.

However “new” looks Beauty-full on you. The truth is “new” looks good on everyone. Let someone know today about God’s “new” mercies and compassion.

Lamentations 3:22-24

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Goodbyes

Today we said a somewhat bittersweet goodbye to one of the kids who had been with me since Oct 2011.  It's bittersweet because the poor girl has been moved around countless times in her short life, and it just isn't fair.  It's not fair that her family can't take care of her. It's not fair that she hasn't gotten the she needs help with the emotional issues that she has. It's not fair that the rest of her siblings are together, and she's alone. It's not fair that once I realize I can't help someone, it becomes too hard to even try.

So, we packed her up, and I drove her to her new house almost an hour away from the life she's had for the past 10 months. Almost an hour away from her parents, who live down the street from me. Almost an hour away from the few friends she made here. Almost an hour away from a particular 15 year old boy she's had a crush on since Christmas ( I think because of his Beiber-like hair).  But it's also an hour away from a terrible teacher, and the kids who picked on her. It's an hour away from her parents, and maybe the distance will help with the inevitable closure that's coming. It's an hour away from Heather, who has more toys than her. It's an hour away from the other little girl in my house, who is going home to her mom soon. It's an hour away from me, who can't help her anymore.

I spent my return hour praying for her, and her new 'family', that she would feel welcomed, and loved. That these next people will be better than I at helping her through the next phase in her life, which will be a tough one. That her new school will accept her, and that her desk will be next to a girl who loves Justin Beiber as much as she does, but also loves math. I also prayed that her sticky fingers would un-stick, and that she would hold off on the tantrum-throwing for a bit. I prayed that God would remind her of the good things we shared, and flush the bad times right out of her mind.

Will you pray with me?  As much as she drove me crazy, she's lost in so many ways...

Brooke

Afraid No More

Most of my life I was afraid. I was afraid of "monsters under the bed", thunder and  lightening, spiders, heights, going too fast and being alone. But most of all I was afraid of my future.

I wanted to know everything that was going to happen so I could be prepared, so I could have a plan. I needed to be in control so that I could make sure nothing bad happened. I fretted, worried, planned every step of my life and carried fear in my heart.

Well, the problem was and is that "I" can not prevent bad things from happening in my life.  Bad things did happen and unfortunately they will happen in the future as well. It is just a part of life here on earth.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;don't try to figure out everything on your own.

Proverbs 3:5 The Message

When I became a Christian I put my trust in God, the Creator of the Universe and HE took my fear away.

God alone knows everything about me and about my life. HE already knows everything that is going to happen in my life and HE will be right there for me! God is on our side  (Romans 8:31b) .

What a deep sigh of relief I experienced when I truly grasped that God is on my side and that HE can work together for good any situation (Romans 8:28)

Today I still don't like thunder and lightening, spiders, heights or going too fast but I did outgrow the fear of "monsters under my bed". However, I can say that am not afraid to be alone because I know that HE is always with me.

And I am not afraid of my future because I TRUST HIM. I am in a relationship with GOD and I listen to HIS direction for my life in prayer and in studying HIS Word. HE guides me and comforts me and HE let's me know if i am heading down the wrong path. 

I can not control the future or any heartaches or trials that it may bring my way but I know that I will not face them alone and unequipped.

I don't need to be afraid about what tomorrow holds because I know that God loves me.

" I am convinced that nothing-nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic,today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable-absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the  way that Jesus our Master has embraced us."  (Romans 8:39The Message)

Jesus has rescued, redeemed, restored my life and HE remains loving me with HIS different kind of Love. And HE is waiting there for you!

Gratefully HIS,
ruthann

A Different Kind of Love

Good Monday Morning Ladies. 

Take a few minutes to listen to the words to this song. And if you are grateful that Jesus found you and that HE loves you with a different kind of love, SING OUT LOUD AND PRAISE HIM!!!

ruthann

Priorities

This summer has been very busy for me. My sister moved home from college, my other sister is getting married, my other sister is moving off to college, my cousin is having a baby, a close family member is struggling with health issues, I continued to attend Graduate school while working full time, and so much more.

I’ve always been a busy person- I thrive with a full schedule because a lot of downtime leaves me bored and wanderlusty (which I think I just made up). Even though I’m very organized and enjoy a busy schedule, I’ve never been good at prioritizing-because in the moment, one thing seems just as important at another.

I value time spent with my husband. I value time spent with my sisters. I value the time I have to visit with my parents and in-laws. I value the time I spend continuing my education. I value time I spend at church. I value the time I spend with God each day…..

…And by each day, I mean when I’m not too tired from valuing my time too much in other places…

I’ve always struggled with setting apart time each day to spend with the Lord before all my other “stuff” begins; but oh how important it is. One of my problems is that I tend to think like this: “well as soon as _____ is over, I’ll have more time to be consistent with my devotional time.” That never works. Especially if you’re like me and always have stuff going on.

We are on borrowed time here on this earth. We are a vapor that disappears in the blink of an eye. We’re not promised tomorrow.  And one day, when my tomorrow never comes, I better be sure that I’ve spent enough time with God-who I’ll be spending eternity with.

When one thing ends, another always begins. Which is why it’s so important to make daily time with God a priority. A priority that I will be working on over the next couple of weeks and months.  Feel free to hold me accountable!....And if you need to work on the same priority, I’m happy to hold you accountable J

Have a great weekend,

Jill

With Child-Like Delight

I had the great joy of observing a toddler recently. The whole scenario brought to mind what our childlike relationship with God should be like. I share it with you, punctuated with scripture verses to ponder.

I watched as this precious little guy stood motionless and mesmerized by the whimsical jingle of an approaching ice cream truck. His little feet were planted firmly and his sturdy little legs didn’t move a muscle for several minutes, so enthralled was he by the music it seemed. I truly wondered what held him in place for so long. (I would have taken off running.)

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

When he finally joined other kids and accompanying adults on their way to the truck I lost sight of him. When he came into my view again amidst a crowd of active treat-seekers milling and crowding the single service window of the truck I noticed him again, stock-still, his little neck craned back at a painful looking angle, his head moving left and right, then left again to gaze at the colorful pictures of frozen delights splashed all over the side of the truck.

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

He didn’t push forward or look to his caregiver for help or guidance or assurance. His sole purpose appeared to be to take in the totality all the pleasures that this four-wheeled wonder held. When it appeared he had made his choice, he still did not move forward, but instead he sought the face of the truck attendant and just stared at her, as if by merely gazing at her he could capture her attention.

Psalm 27:8
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.

And capture it he did! Their eyes locked. Her smile was nearly as captivating as his was. No words were spoken. It was as if in that moment only those two people were in existence; the giver and the receiver. The little guy just pointed to the picture of his choice and licked his little lips. She craned around the truck window to follow the direction of his finger, then looking back at him she too pointed to his selection and they both just nodded at each other.

Psalm 21:2

You have given him his heart’s desire, and You have not withheld the request of his lips.

As she retreated to get his chosen pleasure he slowly stepped forward, reaching up with both hands. She returned and gently placed it into his outstretched little mitts.

Psalm 16:11

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

I lost sight of him again in the array of others and disappointedly glanced away. When next I saw him he was happily sauntering back with his family, decorated well by the melting drips of ice cream, all down his chin, and neck and belly.

Psalm 133:2

It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes.

May we delight in our God as a little child delights in what he longs for.

Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.

Gratefully HIS,

Jan