HIS Love Never Fails

Lately I have been outreaching to some people and in addition have been spontaneously contacted by some others. They’ve all needed to talk. All of them have had a lot going on in their lives. (Who doesn’t, right?) 

The truth about each of them, and perhaps us too, is that a lot has gone on in all of our lives and continues to, both in the past and in the present. And until or unless we get past our past we can be hugely affected by it. We make judgments and choices, responses and reactions, mistakes and excuses, so often based on where we’ve been. And this can be true for those who are without a faith, new to the faith and mature in their faith.

Some of the dear ones I have talked with recently have needed to talk about old stuff and new stuff, and at times even stuff coming up. Sometimes the truth doesn’t dare stretch its neck out for fear of humiliation or retaliation or the anticipation of yet another apathetic response. When it comes to sharing the hard stuff, the old stuff, and the hurt places with someone, there needs to be relationship, trust, and a sense of safety and security.

Sometimes you just need to let the good, the bad and the ugly out and know that it will be heard and accepted unconditionally. Being the brave talker or the tender listener takes a God-grounded kind of trust and love that we don’t always come by naturally. (Can I get an “Amen?”)

So it would seem that both the talker and the listener have a deep need for HIS love to be in the midst of every conversation.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 John 4:18a There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…

In Brooke’s candid post yesterday The Problem with Grace and Mercy I liked that she defined both grace and mercy. And I really appreciated that she talked honestly about how we all can so misuse and distort our versions of them. I also read between the lines that her quest to get an answer was based on her love for another and for the truth.

Isn’t that what confession is? Isn’t it freely and safely talking about what we’ve done wrong or what wrongs have been done to us?

James 5:16 says, Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Easy, right? Sometimes. With certain people, about certain things, but not about everything. We all sometimes just naturally don’t expect to be accepted or comforted or forgiven.

And yet once the truth gets out there, while the words are lingering in the atmosphere, true grace and mercy can fall on them. And it might even be expressed through us!

Once we have experienced authentic versions of HIS grace and mercy, and the changing course that they take us on, we have a tall order; one that I fall short of, I must confess.

II Corinthians 1:3-5 states, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ⁵ For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

One of the people I visited with this week had some former distresses that I could relate to so I could offer understanding. She also shared some serious tales of anguish that I couldn’t relate to, couldn’t even fathom. I must admit that hearing her woes made me feel sad, irritated, powerless and provoked. I wanted to leave the conversation for selfish reasons or take action for the sake of the victim before me. But my place at that moment was to just love by listening.

1 Corinthians 13: 7-8a Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Love - HIS love - It’s what keeps me running, and it’s what keeps me from running away.

In the midst of all the stuff that goes on in our lives, I am so grateful for the LOVE, grace, mercy, truth, comfort, hope and healing that I find in the Word of God.

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

The Problem with Grace and Mercy

The other day I was lecturing a certain child, for the thousandth time it seems, about a certain behavior she has that is particularly.... annoying, detrimental to her relationships, potentially unsafe if it continues or happens outside of home, expensive (for me)...  it's a bunch of things. 

My point was- she continues to do this particular thing, despite being asked not to, yelled at, punished, rewarded for not doing it; the whole nine yards. Not only does she continue to do engage in this behavior, but she freaks out (as in, crying, screaming, swearing, slamming doors, threatening, etc.) when anyone does the same thing to her.

The other day I was at the point of begging her to tell me why she thinks it's ok for her to do this to us, but when it happens to her, it's the end of the world. I asked her why she is so much better than the rest of us.

Not only was I mad, I was confused, and really trying to understand why she thinks it's ok when she does it, but not when anyone else does it.

Upon reflection, and during a nice long car ride in the middle of the night, I realized that as unattractive as this attitude is in her, it's even more so in me.

I do the exact same thing. When I wrong someone, I immediately expect them to understand my reasons, my circumstance, my excuses. 

But when I am wronged- I jump to the worst, and often most ridiculous conclusion, and refuse to see the situation any other way.

When I "withhold information", I have a reason, and I expect that my reason will be understood, and sometimes even appreciated.

When someone LIES to me, the world has ended, and I will forever question everything that person says.

When I say something hurtful or out of turn, I apologize, and assume it is understood that I didn't really mean it, and that I'm sorry. Then I forget about it. Or, in my case, play it over and over in my head, wishing with everything in me that I could take it back, and replaying the conversation the way I wanted it to go.

When I am hurt, the other person is mean, and hateful, and horrible, and obviously I am a horrible, awful person, or else they wouldn't have said that and meant it. 

One of the definitions for grace is this: "A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve."

The definition of mercy is: "compassionate treatment of or attitude towards an offender, adversary, etc."

The problem with grace is that I accept it greedily, but I hold onto it like I'm the only one who deserves it.

The problem with mercy is that I assume I will receive it every time I need it, but often refuse to offer it.

The problem with grace and mercy is me. It's us. We're emotional, and sensitive. We have strict expectations of everyone but ourselves.  We have high standards that only we are allowed to deviate from.

We have no problem believing and even sharing God's grace and mercy with people. I know that God loves those wrong me, understands them, will forgive them and offer them the same grace and mercy that He offers me over and over again.

But, my pride gets the best of me way too often, and I get to thinking that I am the only one in the whole world who has a viable reason for my poor actions. My poor attitude is understandable, while everyone else should be able to control theirs.

Like a certain child, I get to thinking that it's ok when I misbehave, but not when anyone else does.

Oh how messed up I am.  How in need of grace and mercy I am.  How thankful I am that my God doesn't withhold it the way I do.

I'm off to search the Bible- hoping there's a verse in there that will tell me specifically how to gracefully and mercifully teach a traumatized child that stealing is bad, and that if she continues to do it, I'm going to be the one crying and screaming and slamming doors.  Actually, I do that already sometimes :)

Be Blessed,

Brooke

OnTarget

As a child I went to summer camp and I didn't much like it. I was and still am a person that likes to set my own agenda. I also am not a very athletic person so I didn't enjoy or excel in many of the activities.

There was one activity  however that I did like; archery.  I don't think that I ever did get a bulls-eye but I hit the target! I even came pretty close to the center of the target on occasion.

In archery I knew what my goal was- to hit the target and better yet to hit the center. My walk of faith with Jesus is much the same. My goal is God. My goal is to be as close to Jesus as I can be, in the center of the target  ( and i don't mean the store ). I  have to make decisions everyday about my life under the scope of "is this bringing me closer to my target?".  And honestly, I very often miss the mark.

"So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this:Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road  he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God with everything you have in you today-live a good life." Deuteronomy 10:12-13 the Message

God desires us to live in His presence!  He isn't telling us to just come and be with Him once a day or just on Sunday. God wants us to LIVE in His Presence.

God does not tell us to go away to a secluded place to be with Him, He tells us to LIVE in HIS Presence and this is no easy task. Our enemy knows that when we are in the center; close to God, that we have more wisdom, knowledge, strength and power and he will do anything to keep us from reaching our target. The enemies distractions are endless.

God tells us in our Scripture today that we should follow the road He has set out for us. Did you note my emphasis on the word"He"? God tells us to follow the road He has set for us, not our own path. When we spend time with God in prayer, worship, waiting and studying His Word He will reveal His path for us.

God tells us to love Him and serve Him with everything that is in us for this is the way to the center of the target. Every word that we speak and every action we make ought to show HIM how much we love HIM.

What is your goal? Is your eye on the right target-God? 

Are you practicing and taking aim with your hearts desire of hitting the bulls-eye- living in the presence of God?

Take a good honest look today at your life, your decisions, your hearts. Are they heading toward the center of the target -God?

If you desire to LIVE in the presence of God are there an changes you need to make to hit the target?  Are your eyes truly fixed on the target? Are you equipped with the right tools  ( the Word of God) to accurately hi the bulls-eye? Are you spending "some" time with Jesus or are you practicing "Living" in HIS Presence?

Are you on target?

Humbly,

ruthann

Wrong Way!

Today I got on the highway going the wrong direction. I was on auto-pilot. I usually take 495 SOUTH to meet with people in Taunton, but today, I was supposed to take 495 NORTH to meet someone in Franklin. So, I hopped on 495 SOUTH and one exit down I said to myself, “JILLIAN! You got on the wrong way! ...oh, no you didn’t...good, never mind”...and continued to drive in the wrong direction. A few exits down it really hit me that I’m going the wrong way. I got off, turned around, and got on 495 NORTH. Then my gas light came on. Needless to say, I’m going to be late. I had planned on meeting this person at 8:30; I got there at about 8:50. Not too bad, considering.

So often we get on auto-pilot with life, and miss the direction God actually wants us to go. We get so busy and our priorities get so out of whack that we end up convincing ourselves “oh, I’m going the right direction...”

When we don’t take time each day to foster our relationship with God, we can miss big things He has for us. I struggle with this, and know I’m not alone. I’m a busy girl, and I want certain things for my life. But more importantly, I want what God wants for my life. I’m a better person with Him and my life is better with Him. But I have to put the time and effort in.

Do you have an effortlessly intimate relationship with your friends/children/spouse/parents? Most likely not. We have to put the work in. This is where our priorities make us fall apart. We end up prioritizing other things before our relationship with God and before long we’re going the wrong direction.

Then, by the time we finally realize it, we’re “out of gas” and exhausted because we’ve been living by our own strength instead of fostering that relationship with God and living on His strength. And at that point, we’re late. Our stubbornness or pride or disobedience or wrong motives or sin or lack of commitment may have made us miss something big that God had for us.

I want to be going the right direction. I don’t want to waste my life chasing the fleeting things of this world when God has so much more for me. I want His path. All the time. Easier said than done. And if anyone has figured out how to never get turned around, let me know. Until then, I’ll be praying these verses over my life and my family:

Psalm 16:11-“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence”

Psalm 23:3-“...He guides me in paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake...”

Psalm 25:4-“Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths, guide me in Your truth and teach me...”

Psalm 119:32-“I run to the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.”

Proverbs 3:6-“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.”

Proverbs 4:11-15“I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. DO not step foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”

Have a great weekend,

Jill

“Assignment”

Do you ever think back on your school days and remember certain teachers more than others? Chances are some are remembered for how they inspired or helped you. Others may be sorely remembered for being strict or intimidating or just too serious. Some may be known and remembered for being both tough and motivating. Those are the ones that you might have disliked at first but grew to appreciate despite their demanding assignments. As you walk the halls of your schooldays memories you probably can even picture where their room was located.

Remember times just before the bell rang at the end of some classes when you would already have all your books and gear ready to snatch and run with, because you just couldn’t wait to get out the door. But then the teacher would begin outlining your “Assignment” for the next time and you’d have to fumble for pen and notebook and scramble to jot down the information. You probably had already missed some of it and of course some of the teacher’s spoken details might get swallowed up in the final blaring bell or buzzer. So you might have never actually written much of anything down and even if you did, you weren’t sure if you got it all down.

At that point you had some choices. You could ask the teacher for clarification and get the accurate instructions. You could ask a classmate and get their version, be it right or wrong. Or you could take your chances and presume you had enough to go with. By now you could be late to your next class and your head is filled with fresh distractions. So regardless of the method you chose to be familiar with the “Assignment”, thoughts of it were soon abandoned for other things.

Later when it was time to get to work on the “Assignment” your earlier choice takes on a greater significance or consequence. You could have clarity from attentively hearing or consulting your teacher and that allows you to move forward with confidence. You might have some help from a peer whose influence helps you confront the task, but with some uncertainty and just a hope for the best. Or it could be that the meager points you remember on your own might not only diminish your preparedness but might also make for a halfhearted approach. Worse scenario is that disruptions within the day even made you forget the “Assignment” totally.

We probably all recognize that the best of all ways to get precise instructions how to do something is to go to the source, the creator of the task.

In the same way that we probably resisted that approach with teachers, how often do we overlook this in the “Assignments” of our everyday lives, given by our Creator?

How often do we fail to hear the voice of the Master, and settle for the voice of others, who in fact may not only have a different perception of the “Assignment” but may actually have a totally different assignment all together?

How often are we in such a hurry that we miss out on the most important preparation details for what lies ahead of us and for us?

I know I am guilty of getting easily distracted and forgetting things. And sadly, this happens often when I am sitting with my Master Teacher. I often rush out the door to my next ‘whatever’ before making sure I have given Him time to prepare me for my next “Assignment”.

Sometimes I hear, read or write only part of the plan and then wonder why I am floundering to know what to do.

On occasion I listen to ones who are not the best source tell me what to do and how to do it, somehow thinking that their direction is better than God’s personal guidance to me.

God generally doesn’t demand that we complete an urgent mission daily. But I do think He has daily assignments for us that He would like to communicate to us. He desires that we be patient and attentive to listen and willing and ready to complete.

I am grateful that on the days that I don’t stay long enough in His quiet presence to gather all the details, that He can still use me, guide me, equip me, and find me faithful, simply because He walks right beside me through the halls of the school of life. Best scenario though is that I ask and listen for His “Assignment” directions first.

In Leviticus 26: 3 God states, “If you follow My decrees and are careful to obey my commands…”

Then God says in Leviticus 26:12, ^“I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.” and again in II Corinthians 6:16 “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Holding Up

The other day, Kerrie was standing on a chair, checking to see what kind of light bulbs I needed to buy.  I don't remember why, but it ended up taking longer than we thought, and she started complaining about her arms being tired.  Helpful sister that I am, I put my hands on her elbows, and held up her arms for her.  It was meant to be a ridiculous gesture, but like most ridiculous things, it got me thinking.

We all remember the story from Exodus (chapter 17) when the Israelites were warring with the Amalekites, and Moses sent Joshua out to fight them. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, and when he lowered his hands, they weren't. Since wars are long, and Moses is human, his arms got tired. Luckily, he had a brother and a friend, and they got him a rock to sit on, and held up his arms for him. In the end, Joshua and the Israelites defeated the Amalekites, and all was well in the wilderness again.

Kerrie's arms getting tired was not war-winning, or even life changing, but it started me thinking about the different ways we 'hold up each other arms' in this day and age.

For me, it's Jill and Kerrie offering endless support with Heather, and any other random children who happen to be here.
It's texts asking how my day was.  Last week it was one telling me that I'm the perfect me.
It's Jane, threatening bodily harm to anyone who hurts me.
It's Dad, telling us we're his favorite, and knowing that he's so good at loving us that we all believe it.
It's the help that shows up at the soup kitchen each month, and those who only come when they can.
It's people praying for me, and telling me so.  
It's the babysitter who swears she loves my kids, even though I'm sure they drive her crazy.

Everyday occurrences that we often don't think twice about, are what keep us pulled together, keep us sane.

These examples are just where I am in life right now.. There are different ones from different points in my life.

Financial support when I've needed it.
More moral support that any normal person should need.
Being welcomed into someone else's family when you're convinced your own doesn't understand.
Listening ears and shoulders to cry on and hugs.


I don't know what it looks like for you, but I hope you have people who 'hold up your arms' for you too.

More than that, I hope that we take time out of busy lives to hold up someone else's. I'm guessing that Aaron and Hur were just as blessed as Moses by God's faithfulness in delivering the Israelites, even though, technically, it was Moses' arms that were the "official" tools of that deliverance.

We should seek to be a blessing to others.  Jill's post on Friday talked about the type of friends we need, and it stands to reason that that's the type of friend we should be as well.


I know that I'll be seeking more ways to be that friend, knowing how grateful I am to have those friends.


Brooke

Are You A "Picker" ?

I am a "picker". Once a week, usually Friday mornings, I make the rounds to some of my local country salvage/antique shops.I go there often so I can keep my eye on what's there and not miss anything There are so many unique and interesting things of old to look at, I easily get lost in the past.

 I browse and dig and "pick" through the stuff  looking for little treasures.  I never know what I am going to find, some days I leave with empty hands but a head full of new ideas for some of my old stuff.

Other times I have my arms full of little treasures, cups and saucers, picture frames, old wooden kitchen tools or things to make jewelry with for my small business. I like old stuff and finding ways to re-purpose them into a brand new life.

"Picking" is fun and I have made an unofficial commitment to it in that I partake regularly in this relaxing hobby.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". Matthew 6:21 NIV

Although I find it fun to "pick"  through some old junk I find my true satisfaction in searching for real treasure in God's Word. It is here in the pages of Scripture that I pick up the little nuggets of Truth that change my life.

Some days I  pick up a small treasure in a devotion and ponder it through the day and then study it more later that night. Other days I dig and dig and come up with a heart and mind full of treasure.  I don't just swing through God's Word once a week but I go there everyday.

 I am a picker of God's Truth and I search there multiple times throughout my day so I don't miss a thing He has waiting for me.

"I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know about God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else." 

Colossians 2:2-3 The Message

Go ahead and become a picker of God's Truth. God's Word is a treasure trove  just waiting for you (there is no junk in God's Word). God wants to meet with you and take your junk and re-purpose it for HIS glory.


Your picker sister in Christ,
ruthann

The Company We Keep

Proverbs 12:26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 22:24-25 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
________________________________________________________________________________

What type of company do you keep? The verses above make it clear that the company we keep affects us. When we have friends who believe the things we do and are convicted of the things we are, we’re less likely to stray from the straight and narrow road we all aspire to walk on. When we have friends who don’t, we’re more likely to be lead astray.

It’s hard. It’s hard to choose to distance ourselves from people we love and who we’ve been friends with for long periods of time. This doesn’t necessarily that we need to cut ties with them forever-otherwise we can’t build relationships in order to minster to people. I’m talking about the people we spend the most of our social time with.

Do the people you “hang out” with encourage you in your walk with Christ? Do they pray for you and encourage you to be praying? Do they hold you accountable for resisting sin? Do they pursue God’s heart and support you in doing the same? OR, do the people you hand out with encourage deviation from the straight and narrow? Do they encouraging worldly living and pursuing what the world has to offer? When you get home do you feel good about the time you spent with your friends and thing things you guys did for fun, or guilty? Do your friends make you a better person, or make you feel shameful?

Don’t let the company you keep become a stumbling block to your walk with Christ. Be cautious about who you spend your time with. Along the same line-be a Godly friend to other women. Encourage them, pray for/with them, help to hold them accountable. Be that person to someone and find people like that for you. It can be challenging. I struggle with this, it can be hard to make a connection with someone that you don’t have a history with-but all lasting friendships start somewhere.

Think about the person you are when you hang out with your “friends.” Is that the person you want to be, or do you need some changes?

Be blessed this weekend,

Jill

HIS Princess Bride

The joy and beauty of weddings has been a recurring theme for me in the past few days. I know a couple of my sister bloggers just came back from celebrating at the wedding of a darling we all know. I’ve been reminiscing my own because my anniversary is coming up. I purposely listened yesterday to the song “Forever Forever” that I had chosen for my wedding procession and it brought me right back to the awesome wonder of it all. Then just last night while wiping down tables after serving at a soup kitchen, I heard one of the little guests, a girl of about 9 years old, tapping out a tune on the piano that strongly resembled the tune of the traditional wedding march. This morning on my walk I passed a display of bridal wreath pouring lavishly over a fence. If I did some research it would probably show that the majority of weddings take place in May and June.

All this led me to ponder being a bride. Probably every little girl dreams at one time or another (or a zillion) of being one. It’s kind of right up there with being a princess. And they really are one and the same. Because what young (or old) sweetie doesn’t long to be loved, chosen and cherished forever by a prince?

Well, beauties, married or not, you get your wish! Because the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest King, has chosen you for His very own. He has bought your perfect gown, fitted it especially to you, spread out a carpet and sung a song of love over you that can lead you right into His arms.

For those of you still waiting for your earthly prince, rest easy in the arms of Prince Jesus. He has all your yearnings on His mind and is able to fill them all.

For those who are presently sharing life with your earthly prince and with the Lord of All, devote yourself to both of them. I hope that you are able to ask each one of them to assist you in your devotion towards the other.

For those who may have lost your earthly prince, I pray that there are reminiscent moments for you that play a comforting melody in your heart. I know the Son of the Father of eternity lovingly chooses to be your kinsman redeemer, just as Boaz was to Ruth in the Old Testament.

For those who may be needing a reconciliation with any or all of the princes in your life, remember that you were born to be a princess. And in that position of royalty, you are destined to pursue and possess grace and harmony in your life.

If you’re feeling today like the bridal gown doesn’t quite fit, or the crowning veil is a bit askew, or maybe the fancy jeweled slippers are causing you some discomfort, there is a sacred wedding planner whose very purpose is to refine and steady you, comfort and console you, teach and remind you, prepare and uphold you. The King and Prince have sent the Best Man, Holy Spirit, to perfect your readiness to be wholly loved and loving. And you, dear princess and bride, are Beauty-Full in His sight!

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

Open Doors. Open Hearts.

Two weeks ago I received a phone call from my pastor asking if  we would open our home to six students for one week. I didn't hesitate even a second before the word "Yes" slipped from my lips.

These six students were coming  to the area to evangelize at a local college and I was excited for their arrival even though it was coming at a very busy time. My oldest son is graduating this week among other events on the calendar.

These six young people were in need and I was grateful that I had the space and could help. I love people and I love the opportunity to open the doors of my home to others.  I found out that there would be four young women and two young men coming so I began my preparations.

 I made beds and moved furniture to accommodate them, I tried to create private spaces with the coziness of home. I prayed over the rooms and hoped that God's purposes would be fulfilled while they were here.

And I wrote them a little note on my kitchen chalkboard. I wanted them to know they were welcome here.

Then another phone call came from a person in desperate need of temporary housing and my husband said "Yes". So we began rearranging and making preparations for seven people to join our family.

Arrival day came. The doors to my home were open and everyone moved in to their respective spaces.

 Suitcases, boxes, refrigerator packed with food and those awkward moments as we all tried to remember each others names.

After everyone was settled in  we gathered at the table for our first meal together. The doors to hearts flew open and we began to share.

We shared about our pasts. We shared about how God touched our lives. We talked about our futures. We shared funny stories and even our embarrassing stories and we laughed.

During the week there were many quiet moments shared one on one. There were many meals shared elbow to elbow around the table. There was prayer and worship and games of pool and darts. There were new friendships forged.

 As God worked in and through us, as we touched each other lives our lives became more beauty full!

They have gone now except for our one friend in need. The house is quiet and the fridge is nearly empty but our hearts our full or gratitude.

The gift of hospitality is truly that- a gift. When we open our hearts and lives to God's people, loving them like family , God pours such blessings into our lives.

I know that my family is all the richer from having shared our home and our hearts.

I found a little message on my chalkboard after they had left and it touched my heart the same way I had hoped that my message would do for them.

I plan on leaving this note there for a few days as a reminder of the blessings that come from open doors and open hearts and saying "Yes" to God!!!

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

Humbly,
ruthann

To Friendship

I just returned from vacation for a week and a half. Last weekend it was my younger sister’s college graduation, and this weekend was the wedding of one of my best and oldest true friends. This dear friend of mine moved to Florida about 5 years ago. I’ve seen her a few times since then, but being on a college student’s budget did not paint many opportunities to travel into our story.

The last time I saw my friend, Ally, was at my own wedding two years ago. I missed her dearly and didn’t really understand how much until I got to spend so much time with her again this week. In addition to being able to spend so much time with her, I was reconnected with other old friends from years ago.

If this last week taught me anything, it’s that God puts people in our lives for a reason. As we spent time reminiscing about old memories and creating new memories, it became very clear why we’d been friends for so many years: we need one another.

The Bible makes it very clear that we were not meant to be alone and that companionship is vital for survival. I’ve met some people who claim that husbands are the only companions that women need. I so disagree with this statement. For one, no one has ever provided any Biblical backing for it. Secondly, men and women are different. Hello, 6^th grade health class. Women fulfill certain needs for women that men can’t fulfill.

We need friends. We need women in our lives to share life with. Husbands are wonderful, great companions. But don’t let that stop you from connecting with other women. We need one another.

Over the years, Ally and I have encouraged one another, cried with one another, kept one another’s secrets, hurt one another, mended one another, and supported one another. We’ve been on many adventures, made friends together, lost friends together, fought together, and made up together. Most of all, we have laughed together.                                                  

If there are friends in your life you’ve lost touch with, I encourage you to see if it would be nice to reconnect with them. I encourage you to think about some of the ways women meet needs you have that a man can’t meet. I encourage you to examine what kind of friend you are, and consider the importance of good friends for you and other women out there. Let’s make a effort together to be the friend that other women need.

Congratulations to my dear friend, Ally. I pray that your marriage is blessed and filled with the love and peace of Christ.

Jill

The Who Not The How

I was talking with someone recently who voiced a lack of confidence in her prayers and a discomfort about praying in front of others. I felt led to suggest something to her that I will mention at the end of this post.

There are some simply wonderful books and teachings out there about prayer. I have some favorites I could recommend written by Andrew Murray, Stormie Omartian, Beth Moore, John Eckhardt, Germaine Copeland, and Dutch Sheets, to name just a few. They each hold gems of truth that the authors have gleaned from the Word of God and no doubt from their own personal experiences.

Some of their themes include praying out loud, praying scriptures, praying in the Spirit, praying first thing in the morning, writing out your prayers, thanking God in advance, praying continually, praying for a designated hour, praying with others and praying privately, praying persistently but not praying repetitiously, praying fervently, and praying with right motives. The inventory of ways to pray could go on and on. It would seem as if some contradict others, but that is not true. All of these methods are biblically sound, have been proven powerful and are worthy of pursuit. Each has its proper place in the course of our life of faith.

Now take a few minutes and compare how you talk at home versus elsewhere, with elsewhere being job, home, church, hometown, unfamiliar place (where you know you’ll never be seen again!), a courtroom, school meeting, sporting event, crowded coffee shop, concert, etc. Then think on your varying conversations with workmates, your boss, acquaintances, your pastor, siblings, a counselor, in-laws, a police officer at your driver’s side window, your best friend, your parent, etc. You get my drift? Perhaps a little variation occurs in your vernacular with each one. If you were asking for a favor, a need, a want, you might do it differently with each one, and with each request you would already have a sense about whether they could actually make it happen. Even how you greet, question, praise and have small talk with others may vary dependent on who it is and what the circumstances are, right?

In each situation hopefully we consider the one we are communicating with. And that very person always has an identity, a name, a personality, a presence, a capacity that we are drawn to and gear our heart and mouth towards.  Sounds to me a little like the varying ways we pray.

The key of real prayer, in all its many forms, is that it is with the great I AM, trusting in the ONE whose life and death and life again was to save and bless our very lives. And if we believe that the very name of JESUS holds the greatest power to create or change things, we can use that name in faith, believing. The rest just might be formal details.

You probably know someone who is a little self conscious about praying in front of others; perhaps even in front of God. In fact it might even be you! Maybe it’s just a general extension of being uncomfortable speaking “formally” in front of others about anything.

Or it could be that compared to others you might feel less proficient at prayer because you don’t know or remember all the right scriptures or “lingo” of effective prayer. How regretful that anyone put a quotient on prayer effectiveness. I don’t think that was ever God’s intent.

So what makes our prayers upright, worthy, acceptable and accepted?

I guess that would be all about the Who they are directed to and the relational trust we have in that Who.

So, about the person I mentioned at the beginning of this post. She needed to get some things off her chest, and sounded pretty comfortable doing so. She poured out her heart, voicing faults and hopes. I gave some appropriate nods, a few affirming comments, a question or two for clarification. But mostly I felt like I was eavesdropping. Because when she was done I felt prompted to tell her what I had heard from God, which was …

“I know sometimes you feel like you haven’t prayed nearly enough, or the right way …

But some of your best times are like today, when you just have coffee with your DADDY!”

Gratefully HIS,

Jan

The Reassurance We Need

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Heather spent two days asking when she would see Jill.  She needed constant reassurance that Jill was coming over on Thursday. This week, she's needing constant reassurance that she she will be going to school, and taking the bus. A few months back, I had to tell her that I loved her every ten seconds.  Literally, as soon as I was finished saying "I love you", she was asking me to say it again.  After that, she was asking me to say "same" and "yes".  I have no idea what I was saying "yes" to, or what "same" was referring to, but just hearing me say it seemed to please her, so I kept saying it. Honestly, it's annoying. I'm not a fan of repeating myself, and yet that's what she needs from me.

It's easy to qualify Heather as needy. She is.  It's also easy to qualify her as different, but the more I think about it, the more I think she's the "same" as me.  As us.

Maybe it's not as evident in some people, some women, but we all need reassurance, and we all seek after it in some way.

We look for reassurance everywhere.

I look in the mirror every time I pass it, thinking that this time I'll see something different. I never do.

I look at the layer of dust on my shelves, my unfolded laundry, the stack of work piling up on my desk to tell me that I've done enough. I haven't.

I look at a half finished bible study to see if I'm being a good "Christian". I'm not.

I look to my dad to tell me that I'm his favorite.  I look to my sisters to tell me that I'm their favorite. Of course I am always reassured in these to situations :)


When Heather doesn't get the reassurance she needs about something, she whines, yells, throws things. Sometimes she's hits me. Not the best reaction.  But don't we all want to do those things sometimes? 


When I don't get the reassurance I need, I up the anti- do what I think I need to do to get what I'm looking for.  In some ways I think it would be less detrimental to hit people :)
  When someone doesn't make me feel loved, I try and figure out how I can make myself more loveable.

When someone doesn't make me feel pretty, I debate new clothes and more make up.

When the media makes me feel frumpy vs the sexy 'norm', I consider lower necklines, tighter pants, higher heels.

Instead of being who I am, the woman that God created and loves, I try and change myself in order to get the reassurance that I need.

In some ways, Heather may be a lot easier to deal with.  She asks for what she needs. She wants me to tell her I love her, so she asks. The rest of us just hope that someone can figure it out, and when they don't, we think about all the ways we can get them to figure it out.

I know that I need reassurance, and I also know that I look for it in the wrong places.

I know that if I looked to God to tell me what I need to hear, I would hear Him tell me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), that He is enthralled with my beauty, (Psalm 45:11) that I am so loveable that He sent His only Son to die for me (John 3:16).

It's kinda funny... Heather knows what she needs to hear. She knows I will tell her what she needs to hear. So she asks me. And I tell her. And she's reassured.

I know what God would say, if I asked Him, and it's exactly what I want, what I need to hear. But I continue to look in all the wrong places to hear it.

Maybe Heather and I aren't the same after all.


Brooke

Really?

Yesterday I posted a video of the song "Like You Jesus" by Rita Springer. This song  has meant a lot to me over the years. If you didn't get a chance to listen I recommend you take a moment and do it now- it's a beautiful song- it's worth it!!!.


This is one of those songs that ministers to my spirit. You know the kind of song that resonates deep down inside reviving your spirit?


It is one of those songs that I might even call a "life song". When I play it I sing the lyrics with heartfelt gusto. I sing it with all my might, at the top of my lungs. 


 I sing the opening lines " I want to be like you Jesus, To walk in all Your holy ways. No matter what You ask me Jesus,  I'm willing to obey"


WAIT A MINUTE. Really? Do I really mean what I  am singing? Or am I just singing what some one else believes? Am I REALLY "wanting to be like Jesus"? AM I REALLY "willing to obey"?


It is easy for me to sing those words and even think that I mean them because I want to mean them. I want to obey Jesus, I really do want to be like HIM but it is just so hard.


It is not easy to say "Yes" when HE calls me to sacrifice my time, or my money, my agenda, my "fun time", or my rest.


It's not easy when HE calls me to help in a situation that may be messy. I like things tidy and predictable but HE calls me to trust in HIM and do HIS will, no matter what!


God wants me to obey and say "YES" to what HE asks me to do just like HIS Son Jesus did! No matter what the cost or end result! 

"Think of yourselves  the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human.  It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death- and the worst kind of death at that- a crucifixion." (Philippians 2:5-8 The Message)

One thing I love about this song is that it also gives me the reminder of what I need to do so I can say "YES" to Jesus. The song continues on to say "I will serve You. I will bow. I will put all my hope in YOU".


That's the key! When we daily put our hope in HIM because we know and trust God we can bow down to HIM and leave behind our desires and REALLY serve HIM.


I don't know about you but I want to authentically serve HIM. 


I don't want to show up at church on Sunday and do my little part and say "I am good, I have served HIM". I want to be like Jesus and serve HIM everyday where ever He has placed me, and where ever HE sends me. No matter what!


I want to serve my family, my neighbors, the downcast, the homeless, the addict and whoever God asks me to serve in the love and name of Jesus.


 I have to bow down everyday and submit to God and ask the Holy Spirit to help me be more like Jesus because today I am not like HIM. I am full of my own selfish desires so I need the continual and ever increasing help of the Holy Spirit.


How about you? Are you letting the Holy Spirit transform you more into the likeness of Christ? Do you REALLY want to be like Jesus no matter what??? 


Lastly, the next time you are singing at the top of your lungs along to your favorite Christian song take a minute to think about the words. Then ask yourself if you REALLY mean them.


Keep Living Beauty Full!
ruthann

Like You Jesus

Be Blessed in this Living Beauty Full Moment!!!

 "Like You Jesus" by Rita Springer
Humbly,
ruthann

Growing Newer

                                               Me             Brooke             Kerrie

These are some of my sisters. When we were younger, Kerrie and I looked like twins until I was about 8. People thought we were twins, and we often even had the same outfits, thanks to my well-meaning mother who thought we were adorable when had the same haircut and wore the same light blue, velvet 101 Dalmatians sweat suit (thanks Mom!). And then as I got older, I started to look a lot like Brooke. Now that we’re all adults Brooke and Kerrie look the most alike.

Oh how the years change us. Not just the way we look; every experience we have shapes and molds us into something newer. It’s a whole new way to look at aging. We’re not getting older, we’re growing newer. With each passing day.

Isaiah 64:8

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. 

Jeremiah 18:4-6

“...But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

We have to believe that as time goes by, and the Lord continues to mold and shape us like clay in a potter’s hands, we are not aging into someone less valuable, but growing newer, into someone who looks more like Jesus every day, and whose value never depreciates in the eyes of the Lord.

As Brooke wrote about the other day, we are away for Kerrie’s college graduation. Of course, there’s been reminiscing, stories from our mom about when we were little, and celebrating where we are now (especially for KerrieKerrie!).

When I think back on the different experiences that have definitely been God molding me into the woman He had more in mind when He created me, I can’t help but whisper sweet praises of thanks to Him. I wonder how my daily attitude may change if I consider each experience from this perspective. We have the most creative Potter any clay could hope for. He created beauty, and takes responsibly for molding our mangled selves into something more beauty-filled with each experience this life brings.

We’re not aging; we’re growing newer, and more beauty-filled with each experience. With each move of the Potter’s hands, we have the opportunity to embrace growth and change that will make us more like the women God created us to be. Time and change don’t have to be negative things.

I, for one, and very thankful for the changes the Lord has made in my life, and in each of my sisters’ lives. I am very proud of both and them. I pray that we can all see the potential for Beauty-full change in each of our experiences and that we can embrace the creativity of our Potter as we grow newer each passing year.

In Him,

Jill

The King of Spring and Everything

Spring is here. Although April showers were just a bit delayed into May, dandelions, lily-of-the-valley, tender green grass and spreading violets poke upward and outward in my yard.

My dogwood tree is in bloom much earlier than ever before. Its buds unfurled from tight little orbs into vibrant blossoms in the short span of 3 days. While the folklore legend of the dogwood tree is not considered accurate, we do know that it was in the spring that Jesus gave His life for us to have renewed, redeemed, supplied, abundant, eternal life. We know that in 3 short days He went from being wrapped in lifeless form, to being totally and magnificently alive forevermore.

The delicate flower petals of the dogwood form the shape of a cross. The darkened spots that stain the petals' edges could represent the nail prints in Christ's hands. Its center does resemble a tiny crown, perhaps depicting both the thorns and the royalty worn by the King of The Kingdom.

Spring holds lots of reminders of all He is, of all He did, of all He does.

Birds flit by with beaks laden with twigs and string and dryer lint. Mourning doves gather in pairs together on the clothes line, tree limbs and telephone wires, cooing their sorrows to each other, while appearing totally at peace, unruffled. Their very sound brings a restful calm to the atmosphere.

A betrothed male wren had recently begun to build a nest in my sister’s dryer vent opening but for safety it had to be shut down so any future wren eggs wouldn’t end up cooked in the flow of hot air. It was a disappointment to both my sister and I. We worried that the wrens would not have a home in time for egg laying. However upon researching the nesting habits of wrens, it turns out that the male builds a few nests at the same time and then lets the female choose. So even with the closing of one, we were amazed and relieved to know that another home existed for this precious family.

The male cardinal, in all his brilliant red regality sounds his single chirps, calling his mate to the seeds scattered across the deck, which the bold blue jay has conveniently arranged for them by aggressively plundering the bird feeder intended for small-birdies-only. The sparrows, chickadees and goldfinches swoop back and forth from tree to feeder, at seemingly designated times, to refuel from their travels. Plump robins bob across the lawn.

As I watched several of those robins after this morning’s drizzle, one stood very still and poised. Then with a wee small tilt of his head he made a brisk hop. This was immediately followed by a swift and confident poke and pluck. And behold, a plump moist worm emerged from the ground between his beak. I continued to watch and he repeated the process many times. As I remained watching, all the robins repeated the same routine and each of them had repeated success. Every time!

What is so very significant about all these signs in nature is that they all occur without us having to do anything. I know we all know this but how often do we really appreciate it and give a hearty hip-hip-hooray to the Creator of the universe; He who puts all things in place and in order and holds all things together. He who supplies all we need.

Oh, to be as Beauty-Full as the dogwood tree and as representative of our Savior. Or as serene as the mourning dove and as prepared as the wren. To be as assured of our provisions as the birds of the air and as keenly tuned in to how to reap our continual supply as the robins are.

Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Luke 12:22-32
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. ²⁴ Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! ²⁵ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? ²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

²⁷ “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ²⁸ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! ²⁹ And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

³² “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

I am rejoicing in Him, and delighting in spring! Hope you are too!

Gratefully HIS,

Jan