Woman to Woman

How much time every day do you spend thinking about other women? A strange question, yes, but I’m willing to assume that it’s more time than you think.

You see, we women have a terrible tendency to constantly compare ourselves to other women. We do it for one reason: pride. We either compare ourselves to other women so that we can point out everything that we do better than them, OR, we compare ourselves to other women to covet what we think they do better than us.

We notice that we raised our children differently (the right way, of course). We notice that we make our husband lunch more often than them. We notice that we volunteer more, drink less, read our Bible more, clean better, or do any number of things more/different/better/less/right.

Then on the other hand, we notice that they are thinner than us, have better hair than us, work out more than us, have a better home than us, cook better, have nicer clothes, make more money, have better behaved children, have a more Godly husband, and of course they probably have no problems at all in their life whatsoever….

Last week I wrote about looking at people within their own context. So first of all, remember that as you compare yourself to other women, you’re probably making all the wrong assumptions.

More importantly, why do we constantly look to other women to boost our ego, validate our own behavior, or aspire to be like? The Bible tells us that we are created in God’s image, that we’re all unique, that we all have different gifts, and most importantly, that we should all strive to be more like Christ. NOT EACHOTHER.

It’s not wrong to look up to other women, to take their advice, to be mentored by them, to respect them, or to have a healthy admiration for them. It is wrong to covet the things they have, are, or do. If you want to make a change, seek what the Bible says about the woman God created you to be. Don’t worry about the fact that the pastor’s wife has great hair, next-to-perfect children, and a husband after God’s own heart.  She’s got issues of her own. Seek what God wants for YOU.

How are we supposed to live in community with one another, encourage one another, and fulfill God’s mission alongside one another if we’re constantly judging, comparing, gossiping, and coveting….that’s not a very beauty-filled way to treat one another, whether we do these things out loud or not.

We shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to other women, we should be comparing ourselves with what the Word says. We shouldn’t be coveting, idealizing, and idolizing one another. We should be striving to be more Christ-like. We shouldn’t be degrading ourselves based on someone else’s apparent “togetherness.”

Let’s make the conscious effort to have a more beauty-full attitude towards other women. To encourage one another, to be uplifting, and to lay our judgments aside and consider the missions set forth for us in God’s Word. Think about how the community of believers would change if women started to change their attitude about other women? Less drama, less gossip, less judgment, less fear, more encouragement, more togetherness, more humbleness, more respect, more love. More Jesus.

In Him,

Jill

Look Out For The Vines

Over the past few years there has been a proliferative vine growing throughout the entire wooded area around our property. In our yard it started out as little shoots coming up here and there. At first it not only looked harmless, but familiar and pretty. The new tender shoots had perfect little leaves and they gently wound themselves around anything in their proximity, like pleasantly curving lines of ivy.

When still tender and small the vines can be pulled with reasonable ease from unwanted places in the soil. In the path of a lawnmower they are powerless to save themselves. And under the influence of Roundup® they are left limp and lifeless. In the fall, some of the heartier vines on the edge of the woods sprout yellow shell casings that at first conceal then burst open to reveal bright orange berries that are a delightful treat for the neighborhood birds.

Oh, how sweet! Not a problem, right? However just try yanking on one that has been left growing for a while.

This vine has an appropriate and dual name. Bittersweet. Interesting, too that there are 2 species of bittersweet. At first glance they greatly resemble each other. One has smooth stems and does no harm to us or to other growth nearby. I would view that kind as “sweet”. The other however has blunt thorns and is deadly to all plant life in its proximity, including its “sweet” counterpart species. I’m sure you would agree that’s the “bitter” kind.

We have never tended to the woods surrounding us because they are either not part of our property or they are not a yard work area because they are . . . well . . . woods. (Not that I am much of a yard work person anyway). And so these woods have been taken over by the “bitter” element of this plant. In slow, creepy, stifling, choking, and destructive degrees, this vine has begun to change the whole landscape around us.

What initially seemed innocent has become an out-of-control destroyer. In just a few short years the growth and spread of this fierce plant has strangled, harnessed and pulled down trees a lot older than I am. I know this because some of those destroyed trees were ones I had played in or under as a child. (In case you’re wondering, I currently live where I grew up.)

So, where am I going with this? A few places actually.

First, I am reminded that back when I was a child (a way long time ago) there were a few of the harmless “sweet” vines growing in our side yard. They were pretty. We picked some in the fall to put it in vases or to hang on the door. It didn’t invade our yard or trees. It just grew and looked beautiful.

Somewhere in the past 50-plus years that harmless “sweet” species literally got subdued and overpowered by its “bitter”, evil counterpart. And none of us saw it coming because initially they both looked the same.

Things in our life can be like that. Changes can start out so subtle or look so familiar that we don’t realize that they are taking the life out of something healthy and beautiful. Like a bad habit that slowly creeps back into your life. Or maybe some attitude toward something crops up again and begins to eat at you. Or you hear yourself share a bit of gossip or falsehood. When left untended a little wisp of hurt from or toward someone can turn into a trailing stem of unforgiveness. Particular relationships if not properly assessed, valued or maintained can stifle or pull us down instead of helping us grow. Even what we spend our time on for leisure or recreation can insidiously become a life stealer.

What’s in our yard, our domain, our soil needs to be frequently surveyed, to keep it cleaned up. (Just please don’t use my yard as a good example!)

What’s in our soul needs to be examined regularly too. Ideally it should be daily, or if you’re like me, maybe several times in a day.

Proverbs 5:21 “For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines all his paths.”

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. ²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

I am so thankful that God is ever gracious with me and that He reveals to me the things that can really hurt the garden of my heart. He helps me pluck them out, pull out the roots, or mercifully wipes them out with His blood. I’m sure He loves admiring the Beauty of a well groomed heart.

Gee, if it wasn’t raining out right now, I’d maybe go out and get some yard work done. Ok, so on quick self-examination, I realize that was probably a fib. Please forgive me. Those pesky little vines...

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Giving without the Sacrifice

I really dislike grocery shopping.  I don't want to say I hate it, because I really like cooking, and grocery shopping kinda goes hand in hand with cooking.  And eating.  I like that too!

But, I don't really like grocery shopping.  A) it's expensive, B) you've got to put it all away when you get home, and C) it's all gone again in a very short period of time, and you have to start all over!

Heather loves grocery shopping.  She got a gift card from her Nanny a while back, and when I was explaining that it was money, and she could go shopping and buy something with it, she asked to go to "stopshop".  It's very clear she that does not have my DNA.

That being said, once a month, when it's my week to shop and cook for the soup kitchen, I love going grocery shopping.  I look forward to it. I jump in the car, find a place to park (without caring just how far from the door I am), and head inside.  I don't get annoyed when I get the cart with the squeaky wheel.  I walk around, light on my feet, humming to whatever awesome music they happen to have on. I'm not rushing myself to get out of there.  I stroll through the aisles, light hearted-ly filling my cart with 120 servings of whatever we're serving that month.  I even enjoy doing the math to figure out how much of each thing I need to buy to get to 120 servings. That right there might be a sign of the Apocalypse or something.

When my math is all done (and I've called someone to confirm that I'm actually buying enough food), I head up to the checkout.  I joyfully empty the cart I just filled (see... grocery shopping is so counter-productive!!). I watch with a smile on my face as large quantities of food get rung up.  I laugh when the lady says "wow.. that's a lot of meatballs".  "Soup kitchen," I say, feeling all warm and fuzzy (and perhaps just a tad prideful) inside.

And then she gives me the total for my order.

And immediately, I cringe inside.  My heart shrivels up a bit, Grinch-style, and I begin thinking about everything else I could do with that amount of money.  I start thinking about what I need.  What I want. What Heather needs. I think about the fact that I need to repaint Zoe's room from the destruction of the last child who lived in there.  I start thinking about how much I don't like my bathroom, and the fact that I really need a 2nd one.  I start thinking about the gas that I need to get to the Cape for work. I start thinking about books I want to read, and music I want to buy.

I start thinking about me.

I forget about the fact that we're feeding 120 people with that money.  I forget about that fact that some of them don't have any bathrooms.  I forget about the fact that this meal might be the only one they get until Sunday, when the soup kitchen opens again.  I forget about the fact that my "needs" pale in comparison to theirs. 

I want the blessing, without the sacrifice.  I want to give, but I don't want it to cost me anything.  I want my heart AND my wallet to both be full. I want to spend my time serving others, and still have all the time in the world for me. I want to 'store up treasures in heaven', but enjoy them here on earth.

I could list off all the scriptures that tell us to give. Cheerfully, freely, without boasting, in secret. More blessed to give than receive.  But we've heard them all before.  We know them, can quote them. We pull them out whenever we have a worthy cause we want people to help us support.

I'm looking for the scripture that tells me how to fix my heart.  The one that reminds me that Christ did not sacrifice his life for me so that I could have the best of both worlds. The one that says, "Brooke, stop thinking of yourself. You don't need anything. You have ME.  That's enough."  (You know I'm totally in the Bible right?)

In John 14:8, Philip says to Christ, "show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."

Of course Jesus replies with, "umm, hello, don't you know Who I am?  And you still ask to see the Father?"  (that's my translation, obviously)

I know who He is.  I want Him to be enough.

Ephesians 6:7 says, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men."

Tonight at the soup kitchen, I will choose to see Him in every person who walks through the door. I will not see the tattered clothes. I will not smell the stench of days on the streets. I will not see the liquor bottles in their bags. I will not question their hearts, and I will not judge their circumstances. 

Tonight, every time the price of all that food crosses my mind, I'm going to make sure I remember that I bought it for the One who gave me everything.  The One who gave up His riches, His crown, His very life for me.



Brooke

Open Your Mouth

Last week was incredible here in New England with it's sunshine and summer-like days.

 I threw open the house windows and let the fresh air in.

I unpacked my cotton skirts and capris and pulled out my flip flops.
Ahhh my flip flops, how I love wearing flip flops.

I sat on the back stairs and watched my three dogs roll around on the greening grass. They made me laugh.

 Then I drove to the local ice cream shop  (they just opened for the season) for a homemade cone of my favorite flavor- coconut !

 I was so excited  (If any of you know my family then you know we love our ice cream) to have my first cone of the season that I forgot I ALWAYS order the kiddie size because the small is simply too big!

So there I sat in the warmth of the sun with this HUGE cone of coconut ice cream. I could tell it was going to be good. I was filled with anticipation for it's creamy goodness.

I opened my mouth and took a bite and then another. Mmmmm it was delicious. I enjoyed each and every bite. I really savored it by taking in the texture and taste and I had no problem finishing every last bit.

As I was eating a Scripture started floating through my mind:

Taste and See that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.Psalm 34:8

You see the wonderful taste of coconut ice cream couldn't compare to the best thing I have ever tasted- God. 

When you experience how wonderful HE is with all your senses there will never be anything that can compare. Your appetite will never be satiated by anything less than the Presence of The Lord.

The Message Bible states the verse

 Open Your mouth and taste; open your eyes and see- how good God is.

Blessed are you who run to him. Psalm 34:8 

Although  I find myself a week later bundled up in a heavy sweater with a cup of tea  (afterall, it is  March in New England) I am anticipating the summer and more ice cream cones.

 But more importantly I look forward to opening my mouth and tasting the goodness of the Lord in His Presence and reminders of His goodness in the little delights of my days.

With Joy,
ruthann

Too Beauty-Full Not To Share

An inspiring video too beauty-full not to share.


http://www.openmyeyeslord.net/theseasonsoflife.htm

Consider Their Context

SO, I got this new game on my phone this week. It’s basically Pictionary you play with friends over the phone.

I am no artist. Most of my friends are not artists. It can be extremely difficult to try to guess at what they’re drawing (you should see Brooke try to draw ‘wedgie’). The most fun part about the game, is that on your turn, it plays back you drawing your last picture and you see at what point in your drawing the other person guessed what it was, how many hints they needed, how many times they guessed the wrong thing…

In one of my games, I had to draw “iceberg.” So, I drew what I thought clearly depicted an “iceberg.” However, it wasn’t until I drew the ocean, a ship, labeled it “Titanic”, and then drew and arrow to my “iceberg” that my opponent actually guessed that it was an iceberg.

My iceberg needed context.

We all have a context in which we live in. Which means, of course, so do all the people who pop in and out of our daily lives. I think one of the hardest things in life to do is broaden our minds beyond what we can immediately sense and see people in their whole context.

The lady at work that we can’t stand- has a context. The creepy guy at the corner market-has a context. The person who cut us off in traffic-has a context. The punk kid in class with our precious angel child-has a context. The delinquent who you see on the news-has a context. That alcoholic family member-has a context. The promiscuous young woman who had several abortions-has a context.

Everyone has a context. Imagine what people would be able to think and judge about us without considering our context? Try to look at yourself objectively for one second, and just look at your behavior-no reasons, no excuses, no anything. It’s not always pretty is it?

This goes beyond not judging people. Although we’re not supposed to do that either (Matthew 7:1-5). This is about empathic love. About having the love of Christ. About seeing people the way God sees them.

This doesn’t mean we have to accept people’s behavior-it doesn’t mean we condone their sin. But, it does mean that we love them the way Jesus does.  

James 2:10 says, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” The chapter goes on in verses 12 and 13 to say, “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be show to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

Our sin is just as bad as anyone else’s sin. We are either perfect, or we’re sinners. People hate to hear that their gossip is just as bad at their neighbor’s adultery-but its truth. God does not rank sins “most offensive to least offensive.” Christ blood covers murder just as well as it covers a lie. Christ’s blood is all anyone needs.

Unless you can claim perfection-you’re a sinner. Just like the lady at work that we can’t stand, the creepy guy at the corner market, the person who cut us off in traffic, the punk kid in class with our precious angel child, the delinquent who you see on the news, that alcoholic family member, and the promiscuous young woman who had several abortions.

Consider their context. Consider their story. Consider their needs.

And let mercy triumph. Let love triumph. Let Jesus triumph.

Be humbled with me,

Jill

In Honor of a Warrior

A life well lived is a beauty-full thing. A life cut short brings such sorrow but cannot alter the value that is left behind.

This world lost a mighty warrior with a tender heart this week. His wife and daughters sadly lost what heaven dearly gained. Family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ are left to sort out the myriad of emotions that follow an untimely passing of one who had so exemplified life and health, servanthood and integrity, humor and talent.

He was a brother-in-Christ from my former church family. His name was Marc, which means “mighty warrior”, “warlike” or “defender”. A Godly soul, unwrapped of his earthly cover, was swept into an all too early meet and greet with the Premier of Glory. I picture him suited now in a manner worthy of his name.  A double dose of irony though comes in knowing that while he no longer needs a fighting suit, those who remain feel stripped, weak, maybe even defeated.

It has caused me to think about the cloaks we wear and the fruit we bear, while we cling to this earthly address. We all get our chance. Our very existence here allows both good and bad seed to be sown into our core. The weeding, pruning and cultivating we choose to submit to always determine our crop, our character.

We hold out our best fruit for inspection and hope that our foliage covers our poor fruit or maybe our good fruit that we want some poor souls to glean from.

The fruit of one of Marc’s talents was offered in the form of private guitar lessons to the youth in his church, perhaps as if to graft them into a future worship team in remembrance of his own joy serving there.

His fruit of secret giving was known to only a rare few, for the simple reason that it was done in secret.

In this most recent season he bore much fruit ripe with courage. He extended choice pieces of it to his family, his friends, those who cared for him, especially near the very end of his earthly harvest time.

Just recently after astounding everyone by coming out of a severe health crisis, his fruit of kindness and humor was extended to his church family when he apologized to them from his hospital bed, sorry that he hadn’t been answering their calls or emails, due to sleeping a lot.

The fight, the endurance, the suffering that had transpired in Marc’s life for months had at the outset been somewhat masked by Marc’s presented zeal and hope, some of his most shiny fruit.  Supporters may have initially side glanced to save themselves from seeing the harsh realities he was facing.

Eventually though, there were so many standing with Marc and his family with love and unyielding belief . . .for a magnificent healing miracle to be manifest. Earnest hearts wanted God to be glorified by the removal of that foul enemy called cancer. All those who held firmly to their faith in God and His promises diligently tried to carry this young man to the Healer.

Their love for him strengthened their own resolve. Their persevering prayer for him developed fresh realms of their own faith.   Their fasting for him newly defined their own ability to sacrifice. Their unity built a crest I am sure God was proud of. Their timely and timeless support for their brother reached the satisfied face of the timepiece called the Ancient of Days.

Perhaps the most priceless paradox revealed is that in the midst of the loving acts of faith for a miracle, that appear to have been thwarted by Marc’s passing, in reality what was accomplished is that all those who acted in love on his behalf have been transformed into warriors of greater effect than they ever were before. In his mounting departure he has left behind more “warlike defenders”.  Not stripped or weak or defeated, but strong and ready to take up arms of faith and of love, at the next battle cry, for the sake of another.

Galatians 5:6b “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

May the fruit of our lives always be for the sake of others, until we all have the fulfillment of going home.

Please join me in praying our Lord’s most tender comfort for Marc’s family. Thank you.

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Community

Ask anyone who knows me well enough (there aren't many) and they'll tell you that I don't like new people. I don't like meeting new people, talking to new people. I dread the greet your neighbor part of church. If they did that part before the worship, I'd time it and sit in the car until it was over. I don't let very many people get past that "new person" stage.  I don't like my people meeting new people. They threaten my place in life. Or something like that anyways. 

In Jill's post a few weeks ago, she said "There’s a reason we’re built for companionship and relationships...There’s power in community."

She's right. I was built for relationships. Community. I don't like it, but I need it. Too often I'm content sharing life with just my people. I love them. They know me. They know my history. They love me just the same. I don't have to give any back story, I don't have to dredge up my whole life again.

But sometimes I need to. It offers me different perspectives. From other people, but from myself as well.

I know my story really well. It's my story after all. I know all the feelings, and where they came from at this point. I remember the details.  And when I'm with people who know my story just as well, I don't have to recount it. I don't have to say it out loud.

I was telling my 'story' the other night, in a small group (with new people!) and I said something that I'd said and thought a million times before.  And I realized that I didn't feel that way anymore. I'm used to feeling that way.  But I don't anymore. I've grown up. Faced it. Forgiven. Apparently. But it wasn't until telling the story to someone who didn't already know it that I realized it.
  

God uses things we don't like to teach us. Sometimes it's that annoying person who teaches us grace and patience. Sometimes it's that consequence to our sin that we were hoping to get by without. Sometimes it's a health issue, telling us we need to slow down and rest more. Sometimes it's the removal of people we rely on more than God.  The bad part of the equation is sometimes painful, but the good that comes of it is always worth it. The lessons we learn, the character we build.

This time, it was a the uncomfortable act of bearing part of myself to people who I don't know yet, or trust yet. But what He taught me is that something else I don't like - some of the feelings associated with my past, my childhood, don't exist anymore. Something that once defined me, stopped. And I didn't even realize it.

Sometimes we need bad things to realize good things. The evil of Joseph's brothers saved those same brothers from famine. Esther had to risk potential death in order to save her people. Christ willingly faced certain death to offer us life.

For me, 'community' is a risk. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's evil, but I'm definitely more content to stick with people I already know. But I also think that some of the best things in life come out of risks we take.

Lately, I even want to take the risk of community.. and I know myself well enough to know that desire isn't coming from me.  I have to wonder what else God is waiting to show me, if only I'll take the risk.

I don't have to wonder if He'll be right there with me through every uncomfortable "Nice to meet you".  :)


Be blessed,

Brooke

At the top of the page, you'll notice a new "About Us" tab.  For those of you who don't know us all, check it out and you'll find some pictures of us all, and a little bit of info about who we are!

Taking Hold

One of my three dogs, Lucy, a Boston Terrier loves to play tug o war. She can be sound asleep in the chair and somehow she  knows when I look in her direction.

 If I make eye contact it's all over. Lucy springs into action frantically looking for the nearest toy. Within seconds I will have a toy pressed against my leg as she stares with huge, pleading eyes for me to take hold and pull.

She is relentless. She is persistent.   I can say over and over "Not now Lucy! " but she will not give up. I can push her away but she keeps coming back.

 She will sit at my feet with the toy in her mouth, keeping her eyes fixed on me and wait. Every few minutes she will try again with eyes full of hope.

She will not stop until I finally take hold of the other end of her toy and pull. And once Lucy has a hold, she will not let go!

"Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word". (Hebrews 10:23 The Message) emphasis mine

God's Word is filled with countless promises for us. SO what would it be like if we were to take hold of these promises and not let go? 

What if we held on so tightly that even the life situations that give us a bit of a whiplash wouldn't loosen our grip?  

What if we awoke each morning knowing that we have God on our side of this tug o war match called life?

What if we had the persistence of Lucy and of the widow that Jesus speaks of in the parable in Luke 18:1-8?.

"Jesus told then a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit." (Luke 18:1-1 The Message)emphasis mine

What if we started to pray consistently and cling to the promises of God. What if we started to have the tenacity of someone who has their eyes fixed on God, knowing HE ALWAYS KEEPS HIS WORD?

I am convinced that life would be different (more beauty full in fact) if our eyes stayed fixed on Jesus and we waited for HIM. If we grabbed hold of HIM and never let go!

Are you ready to take hold ?

Be Beauty Full,

ruthann

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Furious

"His love is deep, His love is wide, and it covers us

His love is fierce, His love is strong, it is furious

His love is sweet, His love is wild, and it's waking hearts to life"

Meditate on His love this Monday with me and let's allow it wake our hearts to life this week.

In Christ,

Jill

Uncomfortable

What I have to share today piggybacks on what Jan shared yesterday. Bear with me if this is repetitive, however I think it’s such an important thing for Christian’s today to grab hold of. It was certainly an important thing for me to grab hold of this week.

When I get home from work at the end of my usually very long days, I first take my shoes off. Then I take my hair down, and then I change into some sweatpants. I grab a hot drink or snack, turn the heat up, and then curl up on my bed or couch to settle in for the rest of my evening. Sometimes, the door doesn’t even close behind me before this process starts. I want to be immediately comfortable.

Comfortable-“being in a state of physical or mental comfort; contented and undisturbed; at ease” (dictionary.com). 

This week in church our Pastor spoke about comfortable Christian’s. We find a church we like. We serve in an area we feel “blessed” in. We enter church thinking, “oh, I wonder what the Lord has for me today.” We like our seats and our friends and our leadership. We get comfortable.

The Pastor stressed that yes, God does comfort the broken-but he also calls the comforted. Once we’ve been comforted by the Lord, it’s time to pass it on. We should broaden our mindset to include the areas that make us uncomfortable. Maybe we should give up our good seat for someone we invite to church. Maybe we should begin to serve in an area we previously have avoided because it’s outside our comfort zone. Maybe we should stop admiring the leadership and BECOME the leadership. Maybe we should wonder what WE have to offer the Lord and His people on Sunday’s instead of focusing on what we can “get out of it.”

This is a huge struggle for me, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Jan shared about stopping for someone clearly in need and sharing Christ with him. I so admire her willingness to be vulnerable. Ruthann shares stories often about the way she witnesses and I’m challenged by her willingness to be made uncomfortable by God's mission for us.

In small groups this week I shared how I struggle with this area and so desperately want to be more uncomfortable for Christ. How I want to share Christ with those closest to me and perfect strangers. I find it more difficult to witness to those I’m close to. Old friends, family members, co-workers…

I was encouraged by a fellow brother in Christ on Tuesday. He reminded me that our mission-to go and make disciples-may be uncomfortable sometimes, but it’s also urgent. We’re not promised tomorrow-never mind, “next time I see them.” Christ could come back any day, we could meet our Maker at any moment, they could pass away…

The thing that stuck most was when this man said, "if Christ comes back and you and your friend are headed in opposite directions, wouldn’t they ask “why didn’t you tell me?”

This mission is not about being comfortable. Our walk on the straight and narrow is not always made to be “contented and undisturbed.” It’s not about our comfort, it’s about our calling. That man’s comments opened my eyes big time this week. I don’t want anyone who I cross paths with to be able to ask, “why didn’t you tell me?”

This week I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone with me. To serve outside our box. To forgo our comfort on earth and exchange it for treasures stored up in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

In Christ,

Jill

In HIS Name

I’ve been walking with a friend lately. We try to head out real early in the morning several days a week, walking briskly to counter the briskness of the air. We talk, we walk, we pray together for all kinds of things. Throughout the winter we’ve always used the outdoor path around the local YMCA. Cold at times, but it’s a great way to greet the day. Walking (pun intended) out our faith, or at least trying to.

We have offered up prayers for those who come in and out of the doors there. They represent a good sampling of the people in our greater community, so it has sort of made us more conscious of the focus of our prayers, which are the numerous souls that are so precious to God. Ones that don’t know him real well and those who do.

Our conversations have been sprinkled with concerns and testimonies, yearnings and learnings. Some days our hearts have rejoiced. On others they have been heavy and burdened. You know, just like your days, I bet.

One morning I sat in the “Y’s” back parking lot waiting for my friend to arrive. It was a Saturday, which is an extremely bustling day at the YMCA. I inadvertently began people watching and gathered a whole new perception of their lives.

Now I certainly don’t presume to know where each one stands; whether they have or don’t have a personal faith. But I was taken with the thought that there seemed to be such an urgency in their coming to the “Y”. Couples, singles, elderly, young adults, large and small families, all exited their cars, heading in one direction, into a place for fitness, social connection, fun, challenges, therapy, endurance building, a float in the pool, a competition, a class.

The souls trailing before me were all on a mission to improve either their physical, social, mental, emotional, or developmental health. Some may have landed there because of an invitation from a friend, a competitive spirit, a doctor’s suggestion, an upcoming class reunion, or a penchant to sweat. No doubt a few may have acquired a free pass, but most had to pay a substantial membership fee to attend.

That got me thinking how many of them have the same resolve, commitment, or habits in addressing the condition of their spiritual health.

The world is continually bombarding us with ideas to self improve. Some are worthy; some not so much.

How do we, as believers, make the statement to others that self-improvement is ok, but God-improvement should be the principal thing?

How many are fit-for-life, but aren’t yet fit-for-after-life? Now I don’t mean to be morbid; just practical. Because, you see, it saddens me that many of those same people marching into the "Y" have never strolled into a church or a Bible study. Many have never even heard any spiritual health tips. They’ve not met the Great Physician or even heard of him.

It got me thinking that we all speak so readily about some things but not others. We ask God for opportunities to speak of HIM but we don’t always put ourselves into them when they present themselves. I was reminded that exercising my faith entails more than just walking in circles.

The other day when my friend and I went walking we took a route through town instead of the “Y”. We walked past several churches, schools, town offices and local businesses. Our talk and prayers were pretty much the same as usual.

We passed a man sitting on a bench; the one frequently occupied by some of our town’s homeless. I recognized him from school days past, called his name, we exchanged hellos and I continued on my way. But something about his face made me think about him all the way back to our cars.

As my friend went her way to work I was stirred to drive back to the place where the man had been. I conversed with God about what I would say if the man was still there when I got there.

He was still seated on the bench, head lowered. I pulled up nearby, rolled down my window and asked him if he was alright. With despairing eyes he looked up and answered, “Not really”. As I pulled over and motioned him over to my car, he began to freely share some of the reasons for his despair. He declared he had a few meager plans to tackle some of his pressing issues. But I knew those would not be enough.

I so wanted to do something for him. Wisdom seemed to speak profoundly to me that my part this time was not to offer money, a meal, a ride or clichés. Mine was to do something a little like Peter did when he said in Acts 3:6 “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus . . .”

 So I spoke to him about the ONE who has a better plan for his life. I told him that apart from trusting in God and in His Son, Jesus, the very best plans for his life could not come to pass. Choices may have gotten him to where he was, but one right choice could begin to get him out.

And then I invited him to church. I informed him of a men’s group. I spoke of my pastor as a resource. I gave testimony about men I knew who had fallen into places just like he had, but who, by the mercy and grace of God, had been changed. I prayed and spoke blessings over him.

He listened. He nodded. He pondered. He hoped. He thanked.

As I drove away with tears in my eyes, I prayed. I pondered. I hoped. I thanked. And then I prayed some more.

Hebrews 3:13a "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today. . ." 

Gratefully HIS,
Jan

Shiny People- A Guest Post

Well, I'm out straight with a giant work project, that needs to be done, like yesterday,  and a 2 day conference that we're hosting, which begins tomorrow.   Lucky for me, someone offered to do a guest post!!  

Even luckier for me, it's Marcia Walker, who raised me with my dad, through my high school years and beyond.  Even if I wasn't swamped, and had all the time in the world, I wouldn't be able to say enough about what her presence in my life has meant for me.  We haven't always gotten along, we still don't sometimes, but she's proven time and time again that she loves me, even though mothers generally don't have to prove that sort of thing. I'm special :) Like most mothers, she's taught me how to do some things in life, and how not to do some other things. I'm grateful for all her lessons, even the ones I don't follow. I'm blessed by her love for my dad, and I'm thankful that God put her in my life.  I sure did need her. 

Read on, be blessed by her reminder. I know I needed it.

Two weeks ago, I visited Gordon College. I went with our daughter who is a high school senior, she has been accepted there and was scheduled for a tour. I have to admit that I really did not want to go. The thought of getting up an hour earlier than usual and driving through the Boston area morning commute was less than inviting, nonetheless we set out bright and early.

We arrived much sooner than we needed to, because there were no back-ups in the morning traffic (Thank you Lord). We pulled onto the college property not knowing for sure which way we were supposed to go. We had a map and a location, so we pulled over to check the map. A car pulled up next to us and a friendly woman asked if we were lost. We said “Not really lost, but unsure of where to go”. She asked if we were here for the tour and directed us where to go.

Now, as college tours go, this was pretty standard: check in, hear a welcome speech, listen to a student panel, meet some department members, lunch, tour the campus and attend a class.

What wasn’t standard was the people who we met throughout the day. The greeters were very friendly, but then I expected that. They were there to make a good first impression. Then we were moved to the first venue. While we were waiting for a few stragglers the staff mingled with us. They were lovely, beauty filled women. One of them was the friendly woman from earlier, who had stopped and directed us when we first arrived on the campus.

The president of the college gave the welcome speech; he was a handsome, beauty-filled man. Younger than any college president, that I have encountered. He spoke of not just becoming educated, but becoming transformed.

The student panel was made up of three beautiful and beauty-filled young women and one nice looking, beauty-filled young man. They spoke of their college experience and their student teaching experience and how their faith aided them in their teaching, even when they could not speak about it in the public school arena.

I was beginning to think that we were being romanced by the best and brightest, both students and staff, but as the day continued, I came to realize that the beauty coming from these people was genuine. They were filled with the love of God and it was “sticking out” all over them.

We were invited to attend a service at the chapel, it was filled and the morning “sermon” was quite convicting to me! A young woman gave a testimony and she was again beauty –filled and it was showing on her face.

I don’t believe that I encountered a single negative or ill mannered person the whole time we were there! 

We were seeing God’s work in action! These beauty-filled people were that way because of the love of God they had in their hearts. They never told us that, they never said “I believe in Jesus”, or “I am a Christian”, or “I do this because of God’s love”. They didn’t need to, they showed us!

I think that it was a needed reminder to me that if God’s love fills your heart, it will show on your face and in your deeds. It will make you a beauty-filled and a beautiful person. 

May we all take to heart what Matthew says in 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before me, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Shine for God and be beauty filled,

Marcia

Find a Happy Place

In the Disney movie "Finding Nemo" there is a starfish named Peaches that lives in a fish tank at a dentist office When Peaches thinks that it will be sucked up into the filter it exclaims "Find a Happy Place! Find a Happy Place! Find a Happy Place!" while desperately clinging to the side of the tank.

I have also been known to shout out or mumble  "Find a Happy Place! Find a Happy Place!"from time to time. I am not afraid of getting sucked into a filter but there are plenty of  less than desirable situations that I could easily  be sucked into if I didn't run to my happy place.

 Do you know what I mean? The day that the kids are quarreling without ceasing? The day that nothing seems to go smoothly? The day that people try to take you captive in an ugly situation? The day you get some  REALLY bad news? The day you "lose it" by  spewing venom on those you love?

We all face days like this on an all too regular basis however, there is good news. As Christians we have been given access to a very happy place.

This "happy place" is not the slippery side of a fish tank but rather a refuge with  our unfailing, unchanging, and  merciful God. It is at HIS side listening to HIM that we can find peace and be lifted above any situation.

"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:8

The Message translation says "I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post." (Psalm 63:8)

There are some days that I feel like my clinging has turned from a grasp to a holding on for "dear life"!

I want more than anything to continue to hold on to Jesus for "my dear life" because HE is what brings me life! HIS Word brings me life!!!! HIS Presence makes my life so dear. Therefore, I desperately need to spend time sitting at HIS feet. So I run to the secret place, my happy place where HE is waiting for me. It is in being there with HIM that allows my soul to cling to Him

"When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father, who is in the secret place; and your Father, who sees in secret will reward you openly " (Matthew 6:6 NKJV)


No matter what happens in our day we can always go into a quiet secret place in our heart (room), free of distractions (shut the door) and talk (pray) to our Father. It is here that we learn more about HIM. We learn to know HIS Voice. It is here that HE can talk to us in the quiet places of our hearts and change us. It is here that HE  create a more beauty full us (reward).

The beautiful thing with the secret place is that it is not reserved for stressful situations only. We can go to this beauty full secret place anytime day or night!!!!


I leave you today with the first verse of the song "Take Me Into The Beautiful" by Cloverton.

Take me into the Beautiful

Won't you take me back again.

With a Love unexplainable 

Come and fill up this dry land.

Let it open our eyes to a world we've never seen.

Let it open our hearts up to feel YOU inside of us.

Run to the Secret Place and be beauty full,
ruthann

second chances

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Jonah and obedience.

Last week, we had a guest speaker at church, who spoke about, you guessed it, Jonah.

One of the comments he made has been stuck in my head since then.

He said, "Jonah's call was to be a prophet, but he chose to be a judge instead."

Lord, don't let that be me!!  Don't let me take something You have for me to do, and do something totally different.

And when I do, I'm thankful for this scripture..

"Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.." (Jonah 3:1)

The guest speakers message was on second chances.. Once again, Jonah is a perfect example for me, this time for God's gift of second chances. I am so grateful for them.

If you're needing a second chance today, take it. As Jill said in her post on Friday, you never ever have to be the same.

Brooke

His Change

I love music. All the time. If I could listen to it 24/7 I would. It’s a very rare occasion that I’m not singing to myself, or others, or God, or no one at all. This is both a blessing and a curse. Some have said they’ve been “touched” by my singing; others closer to me beg me to shut up for even 5 seconds of quiet.

 As my sisters, husband, and Dad can attest to, when I’m in the car, if I sing a word in a song wrong, I have to start it over until I do it right. This is not good for anyone riding along because sometimes, it can take 10 tries for me to stop messing up.

The other day in the car I was singing my current favorite worship song, “One Thing Remains” by Jeremy Riddle.  The song sings,

                                “On and on and on and on it goes

                                It overwhelms and satisfies my soul

                                And I never ever have to be afraid

                                This one thing remains…

                                Your love never fails, never gives up,

                                Never runs out on me”

Well, I started up the song and found myself singing, “…and I never ever have to be the same…” So I started the song over again… “…and I never ever have to be the same.” Again, I mess up and start the song over, “…and I never ever have to be the same…”  Right as I was about to start the song for the fourth time, it hit me, JILLIAN! You NEVER have to be the same….

They may not be the words to that particular song but its truth nonetheless…

Oh how many things I would love to change about myself; my pride, my time management skills, my lukewarm heart, my judgmentalism, my attitude, my priorities, my bitterness, my (fill in your blank). I think we, especially as women, try so hard to make ourselves better. We’re constantly doing Bible studies geared towards better Christian living. Some women spend their whole Christian lives simply (or not) trying to be better.

Good news ladies, WE DON’T HAVE TO STAY THE SAME!

If the Bible is first a book of love, it is second a book of change. Abraham, changed. Sarah, changed. Moses, changed. David, changed. Solomon, changed. The Disciples, changed. Mary Magdalene, changed. (P)Saul , changed. A million other people, changed.

We so often get stuck in the rut of self-defeat. We can’t seem to change enough, we can’t seem to be motivated enough, we can’t seem to be disciplined enough….

What’s the common denominator? WE. WE aren’t enough. WE can’t change on our own. WE can’t will ourselves into “better” Christians. 

God is the master of change (which is ironic since He’s the only one who ever stays the same). We can’t change on our own, but this does not mean we cannot change. We can do all things with Christ, our strength (Phil 4:13). Our strength isn’t enough. Our motivation isn’t enough. Our will isn’t enough. But His is.

I will share one of the biggest areas in my life I want change in right now.  I need to have a more consistent daily devotional time. My road blocks over the past few years have been lack of time, energy, and quiet. I want to spend time with God each day, I want to care enough about that relationship to put it first, I want to be consistent, and I want to develop that time alone just with Him. But then- time, energy, noise, and life get in my way.

I know I’m not alone in this. What I’ve found to be helpful so far has been to be honest with the Lord saying, “God, I don’t feel like having this devotional time right now. I am out of energy, have no time, and have no quiet. But I love you, and I’m committed to you, so please forgive me and change my heart as I sit and try to draw closer to you. Father, change me.”

I’ve found that when I don’t want, He gives me His want. When I’m not motivated, He gives me motivation. When I have no time, He pauses it for me. When I have no energy, He rejuvenates me. WE don’t make the changes, He does.

So when you’re not feeling like having a devotional time, do it anyway. When you’re not feeling like being loving towards that person, do it anyway. When you’re not feeling like having a good attitude, have one anyway. Lean on God and let Him make the changes. If you need accountability, find a trustworthy sister in Christ who can encourage you and who you can encourage. We’re not alone. We are a huge body of believers in a society that teaches us to be islands until we’re perfect and then can join everyone.

Because of Christ, we don’t ever have to be the same. Let’s let Him change us for the better this week. Feel free to leave comments below sharing what helps you make changes.

In him,

Jill

What To Wear

Ever gone through times of wardrobe changes that weren’t based on seasonal variations? Like when you started a new job, or began taking care of a new baby or pet, and you realized you either needed to dress up or dress down to accommodate your new responsibilities.

Then there’s the intentional dressing for a specific activity or event. You wouldn’t be sporting your pumps or platforms for gardening or jogging anymore than you’d wear your sweats to your grandmother’s funeral.

And if you’re into renovations (home, not body) like some women I know you, you just might have tool belts and protective gear accessible in a closet nearby.

Or maybe school or profession required a uniform. That’s always interesting. You adapt to the changes and they become habit for as long as they are necessary.

Ultimately some occasions require the perfect, unique, made-for-you, one-time-only attire, like the wedding dress that dreams are made of. You may never wear it again but you save it forever.

We pack away or bag up what we aren’t using. We forget we have them.

I think we would all agree that what we put on often has a way of changing or expressing the way we feel about ourselves. Jammies, baggies, a power suit can silently holler “sleepy”, “comfy”, “frumpy”, or “confident”.

At times one of the only ways we exercise our creative energies is by choosing our apparel for the day. I bet you’ve had days where your bed is littered with rejected choices so jumbled up that you don’t even remember (or can’t find) the first item you pulled from your closet.

Your vision had the best of intentions, but some cruel view distracted you from your original intent. The size, shape or design just didn’t match who you were on that day, perhaps because you weren’t feeling very “beauty-full”. You might eventually settle for ‘whatever’ by not looking at your reflection on the way out.

And what about a time when you haven’t got an umbrella or a hooded coat with you and seemingly the cloud that is directly above you is the one that bursts . . . right when you are halfway (a very long halfway) between your car and your destination. So much for making an impressive appearance.

I realized a while back that I had gotten out of the habit of putting on one of my longstanding favorite outfits. Somehow it had fallen to the bottom of my morning routine pile. I had somehow bagged it up and packed it away behind newer accessories. I had forgotten how good it suited me; how confident I felt with it on.

It had ceased to be my deliberate first choice to express who I really was. I had stopped remembering that it had matching protective gear and some handy gadgets attached that could be needed at a moment’s notice. I had stopped making it an intentional part of my total wardrobe.

I am so grateful that it only lasted a while . . . before I looked at my reflection on my way out the door and realized that I was half naked.

I had not been consciously putting on my Armor of God!

Now I am not implying that God had stopped protecting me, or that I had not been depending on Him or serving Him. But I had let down a guard that I couldn’t afford to. You see, for me the very essence of putting on the whole armor of God means to daily speak it out, to see and handle each of the pieces found in Ephesians 6:13-17.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

Just like my need to coordinate, get into, and then look at the clothing I wear each day, I benefit from elaborating mentally on each one of the armor pieces. Do I have a verse that will fit around me today and will keep me put together? Have I checked to see if my heart is pure so that His covering over it will keep me safe in right standing?

Do I have a spring in my step and a steady stride that is ready to face anyone and anything that might have a need or be a nuisance? Have I been exercising a weighty enough amount of faith that I can keep it lifted and positioned at all times? And am I hydrated enough by the water of the Word that I could put out flaming arrows?

Am I willing to risk having a bad hair day by putting on a heavy cumbersome helmet that will forever save my life? Do I have enough sustaining truth within me that I could speak it out so sharply that it would cut up the foulest attacker? And if indicated am I prepared to use the blade on the other side of that very sword for trimming any of my own flesh that needs to be cut away?

Am I letting the Spirit prompt me to pray, about everything, without ceasing?

I must admit that armor would not by nature be my preferred attire. But it is His chosen uniform for me, for us. And I do feel confident putting it on every day before I step out. In fact I have gotten into the habit now of checking my reflection in the mirror to see if it’s all in place. I caught a glimpse of a polished shine on it the other day and I distinctly thought I heard God say, “You look good standing in that light. In fact in My eyes you look “Beauty-Full”.

Gratefully HIS,
Jan

being loved, and loving

I am loved. I know I am. As a daughter, sister, friend. As whatever Heather thinks of me as in her sweet brain. As Brooke.

As much as I know it now, I haven't always known it.


When I was little, words (not his own) told me my father didn't love me.


When I was a little older, too much time and too much space told me my mother didn't love me.


When I was a lot older, broken hearts told me he didn't love me.


The backdrop to my childhood, adolescence, and some of my adult life is the notion, and behaviors that stem from that notion, that if my parents, the two people who should love me no matter what, if they couldn't even love me, no one would.

I haven't read the 5 Love Languages books, so I don't know officially what mine is.  I know it's not gifts. I'm willing to bet that it's got something to do with time. Togetherness. Communication.   I think it's the reason why I trust my dad's love so implicitly now. Because he always has time for me, even when he really doesn't. Because he always gave me time, even when I didn't trust it.


Despite all my unloveable insecurities, I sometimes forget to love other people. I forget to give them the time and togetherness that I thrive on.


Every once in awhile, my baby sister will inform me that I've been ignoring her. For weeks I haven't answered her calls. I've half-replied to texts. Might not seem like a big deal, but she's 1000 miles away, and has been for 4 years. Answering the phone, sharing my life with her is kind of important. Of course, half the time she only wants to talk to Heather, but that's besides the point.

She knows I love her.  But does she feel it during those times? Doubtful.

I know she's not being overly sensitive, or making things up. I can feel when I want to pull away. Lock the doors and stay unconnected in my own little world.

But that's not the message, the feeling I want the people I love to get from me. I want them to know I love them. Not to wonder about it. 

If the people I love most question me, what on earth am I portraying to the rest of the world, those whom I don’t love in this earthly sense, but in a heavenly one? Those who haven’t met my Father yet? Those who might be looking to me to see what "it’s" all about?

My unloving will be superimposed on my God. They will think He loves like I do- poorly.

Read through Psalms, and we know this isn’t true. His love is unfailing. His love endures forever.
We see in Hosea that He loves us at the worst of times, when we set Him aside for other lovers.

Read John 3:16 and we see just how much He loves us. 

That love, that John 3:16 kinda love, is what I want to reflect.

And in case I've been neglecting her lately, Baby Sister, you are loved. Even when I don't answer the phone. Even when you are 1000 miles away and forget to come home to kill bugs for me.  Even when you want to talk to Heather more than me. You are loved. As a sister, a friend. And as a daughter of the King. 



For me, today is the perfect day to put my loving into practice. Think I'll go do that.

Brooke

Beauty Talk

Last week I spent the day with my eldest son and husband at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Although I had spent a lot of time there during college and in the years shortly after that it had been many years since my last visit.


I was excited  to go but particularly to see the new contemporary art wing.. I was not disappointed. They did a spectacular job integrating it with the old architecture. .


I studied art history in high school and college and have always had a strong appreciation for the Arts even though I myself have very little talent in those areas, I have A LOT of appreciation (even for the works that I don't quite understand).


I have always loved to get lost in the beauty of a piece of art in a studio, gallery  or even in a book.


This day I was drawn to some works about nature. There were the most amazing drawings by a Dutch artist of white rabbits with incredible detail to each hair on their bodies. I just wanted to reach out and stroke them.


And then there was a painting by a French artist that was startling in the way he captured the beauty of the sunlight shinning through the forest. It was captivating.


However, the impression that lingered in my heart was how awesome our God is that HE, the Creator of all, would allow us (humans) to share even in a very small way in the privilege of creating.


The art displayed at the museum was created by people who had spent years perfecting their techniques. But our God just spoke HIS creations into being. How awesome is that?


HE spoke and a flower had it's brilliant colors. HE spoke and a butterfly had it's intricate design.


HE spoke and created breathtaking landscapes.


HE spoke beauty into existence. God is beautiful so HE can't help but create beauty.


As Christians we are given the privilege of creating AND of worshiping HIM. And each of these privileges  can be a response to the other.


We can be inspired to create something from an overflow of  love or revelation from being in HIS Presence. We can also be inspired to worship HIM  because we have been witness to the beauty of creation. 


Although I love to gaze upon creations of beauty I can't think of anything more beautiful than our God. My heart resonates with the desire of David's heart "To gaze on the beauty of the Lord". Psalm 27:4 Is there anything more beautiful? I think not.


In the book "Scribbling In The Sand" by Michael Card he says " The God who is beautiful is love. His unqualified love reaching out to us through Christ is what makes us beautiful, and in response to that reaching out we hunger for more of his beauty. Out of that hunger we reach back to him through our worship, which calls us into new creativity. Beauty and love, two colors in the spectrum of the Light that is God."


God is the Creator of all the Universe and everything in it and HE desires that both our creativity and our worship glorify HIM.


I can't paint or draw or sing a beautiful song but I can speak. I too can be creative and speak beauty with my words.


"A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything-or destroy it!" (James 3:5 The Message)


I can speak beauty into the world and glorify God.


I can  speak the beauty of God's Love to someone that needs love.


I can speak the beauty of God's Forgiveness to someone that needs to be forgiven.


I can speak the beauty of God's Freedom to someone in bondage.


I can speak the beauty of God's Healing to someone who needs to be healed.


I can speak the beauty of God's Hope to the hopeless.


And so can you!


I love  Sara Groves' song called "Add to the Beauty".  The chorus says:
 "And I want to add to the beauty
    To tell a better story
   I want to shine with the light
   That's burning up inside"

And Mother Teresa said "Words which do not give the light of Christ, increase the darkness."

Every day we have  a choice to  add to the beauty and speak the Creator's Word or to speak into the darkness. I choose to speak the light of Christ and fill the world around me with HIS beauty!

Keep Being Beauty Full,

ruthann