Sunday, December 23, 2012

Sacrificial Gift

Sacrifice.  It began at birth.  When Jesus came, He sacrificed the luxuries of heaven, the highest place, to come to this earth in the form of man, a baby, the lowliest place.  Jesus' sacrifice for us began at His birth and was completed at His death on the cross. "It is finished," He declared as He stretched out His arms of love on earth to the heavens, offering Himself up for us.  May Jesus' sacrifice of love inspire us all to offer up ourselves as gifts of love.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Broken Offerings

15 
"Open my lips, Lord,

    and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise."  
Psalm 51:15-17

A place to begin.  Offering God my best isn't enough.  Offering Him my brokenness is.  When I am honest with my brokenness, then I know I can begin to receive healing and grace.  Honesty, though, is different than awareness.  Awareness is knowing I'm broken (my sinfulness reminds me of that every day).  Honesty with my brokenness is recognizing up-close how broken I am.  Today, Lord, I begin handing you each broken piece because I know, like a mosaic, You will make something beautiful out of them. 


Friday, December 21, 2012

New Hope


New life
because of a Living Hope
the reward
of genuine faith.
Hurt no longer weighs on me
like a metal-plated vest,
I can swim freely
towards the bright horizon
filled with brilliant colors of the rainbow
and touched by glittery gold.
God has thrown me
a new life vest
one that lifts me above the waters
as if I'm being carried by His wings.
The wind caresses my face with its warmth
and the Spirit fills me with a fresh breath
"Keep going. Keep going."
I hear His encouraging whisper
and look to see felled trees around me,
courage and humility strengthens my flight.
Off in the distant I see the LORD with an axe
sharpened and ready to cut down more trees-
"Take heart! I have great power,"
He calls to me
and I move forward with more determination
than ever before.

.AMY.. 2010

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Faith Is More Than an Accessory

"But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation." (1 Thessalonians 5:8 ESV)

True. Faith is something to put on or, as also stated in Ephesians 6, to take up. But certainly God never intended for us to wear faith like an accessory. Faith is not a cross around the neck, a bumper sticker, or a status label.  Faith is something to intentionaly put on as a piece of armor, which is an essential protective garment.  Faith is something we need to wrap ourselves up in the moment our feet leave the warmth of our bed sheets and hit the cold floor.  Faith is something we would want to wear when difficulties destroy the peacefulness of our lives, when tragedies paralyze us, when confusion conquers contentment, and when joy turns to mourning.  Faith ought to be the uniform we wear on the battlegrounds of spiritual warfare, which is happening daily both in and around us.  Faith is not an accessory of being a Christian.  Faith is the necessary act of being a Christian.

"Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." (Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG)

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Restoring Joy

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:12     

Joy can fade like a sweet dream.  Alive and vibrant, joy is exciting, invigorating, and powerful.  But then, something happens to disturb your sleep, to wake you from your sweet dream.  Once awaken, it's as if the dream never happened.  Joy dissipates in the reality of life. 

Sin, hurt, tragedy, physical pain, busyness, heartache, exhaustion, worry, negativity, jealously, ungratefulness, bitterness, resentment are all causes of a joyless life.  Joy comes only from the Lord, and it is something we must choose to live.  To live a joy-filled life, honor God with your life and serve others.  Worship and selfless acts are catalysts for joy. 

Choosing joy should be as intentional and integral part of faith as praying.  Even King David needed to pray for the restoration of joy.  Choose joy today and live in such a way that gives joy to others and to God.

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Hope


A soul determined
presses on
even in a silent changing world.
"Hope deferred makes a heart sick"
I will always hope in the Lord;
therefore, I will never have an ailing heart.
My God is faithful
He fulfills every promise
because His promises are truth.
Like springtime after a long bleak winter
life rejoices in the regeneration
of Light and Love and Freedom.
On eagle's wings I soar
strengthened forever
because my hope is in You, Lord.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Let There Be Light

My hallway had a drab ceiling light.  I don't know if it once had a globe around it to make it something special, but when I moved in, it was anything but spectacular.  I had tried to ignore it because it did, afterall, provide light, which was all I needed.  However, my attentiveness to decorative detail could no longer ignore the all-exposed, plain lightbulb. 

When I removed the old light, it left a rather large ring on the old popcorn ceiling.  Instead of just putting up the new fixture, which was actually an old fixture a friend had given me, I wanted to cover the ring.  Finding paint to match would have been possible; however, I also wanted to add a decorative touch to the hallway.  I had thought a medallion would do the job nicely as well as fit in with the nostalgic feeling of the house.  Ceiling medallions are fairly inexpensive, but I just didn't want something I'd have to paint.  Also, I didn't feel the size of the medallion would be right for the space.  As a result, I went in search of another idea.

I found this decoupage tray at a local antique mall.  It is made of some kind of resin or cardboard-like material--material, anway, I knew I could drill through.  When I held it up to the ceiling, it reminded me of the painted ceilings in Rome.  It was perfect for the decorative-detailed look I wanted!

 I drilled through the tray, and with some longer screws and help from a friend, my new light was hung to the tray on the ceiling.  Now my hallway has gone from drab to fab! 

I love my new light fixture and the little touch of color the tray gives the ceiling.  Most of all, I love the way light can make a space.  How true is this in our spiritual lives?  Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, can make all the difference in the spaces of our hearts.  He illuminates all the dark places, and he brightens our dull lives.  His light of love always shines spectacularly.  He is the decorative detail of our lives.

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"  --John 8:12

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2, 3 NKJV)

Joy in the midst of a trial?  That's a bit of an oxymoron, don't you think?  Yet, we are told again in 1 Peter chapter 1 to rejoice in our sufferings (verse 6) and again in Romans 5:3.  We all know that anytime God repeats Himself, He is making a point. 

Because rejoicing in suffering is such a contrast of an emotion to have, it is not easy to do whatsoever.  It is a strength builder like lifting weights.  The more I lift weights, the more strength I build in my muscles, and eventually I can lift heavier weights.  Likewise, the more I rejoice when suffering, the more strength I build in my faith, and eventually it's not so hard to rejoice. 

So how do I rejoice when feeling such pain?  Start by giving thanks.  Think about all the ways in which God is blessing you and focus on those things.  Next, start each day new.  Leave the weight of yesterday behind.  Praise God for a new day and pray for Him to give you a bright outlook on the day as well as to be equipped for whatever the day shall bring.  Finally, rejoice by being still.  Yep, there it is again.  Being still allows God to be at work, and not us.  God's power is more present and more perfect in our weakness; therefore, be still and let God work.

"But let patience have  its  perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4 NKJV)

"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:13 ESV)

Monday, September 24, 2012

Be Still

I'm learning.  I'm not just learning to be still; rather, I'm learning that by being still, I am more able to learn.  "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him" and "Be still and know that I am God" are two phrases in the psalms (37 and 46 respectively) that command us to be prepared to learn.  I know that when I am teaching, I feel I have my students utmost attention when they are still.  I feel they are more willing and apt to hear what I'm going to teach them when they aren't fidgety and talkative.

Being still isn't just about being quiet, being immobile, or being at peace.  It is about being a willing student ready to learn from the Master Teacher.  It's putting aside all distractions, emotions, stresses, and control.  It's about listening to the Shepherd's voice and letting Him lead.  It's about trust.  It's about hope.  It's about faith.

Be still and wait patiently.  Know God.  Trust Him.  He's got you, and He wants to teach you something.  His power is made perfect in our weakness. Be still.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Live Contentedly

"I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." Philippians 4:11-13 (MSG)

I'm inspired to aspire a life of contentment.  When I'm discontented, I complain.  When I recognize all the ways of which I am blessed, I give praise.  Therefore, to live a contented life, I must live a life of thanksgiving.  God in His mercy and grace has given me (and you) a promise of eternal life.  What more shall I (we) be in need of?  Yet, in my sinfulness, I want more--more attention, more affection, more acceptance.  I have been promised all of those; and yet, I want more.  I have been discontented because I haven't been thankful.  I've been focusing on what I don't have, instead of what I do.  I want to be like Paul, who says in Philippians 4 that he has learned to be quite content whatever the circumstances because he has learned to be who is in God.

The way I see it, to live a life of contentment no matter the circumstance, I must immerse and keep myself immersed in Christ.  It's like I've been dipping my toes in the pool, but I haven't plunged in.  I've been shivering in the cold because I haven't been under the waters of God's warmth.  I lose my sense of self when I'm not swimming in God's Word. 

I went to a Hillsong concert last weekend, and for two-and-a-half hours I was totally saturated in worship and praise.  I couldn't imagine being anywhere else or doing anything else.  I would've stayed in that place forever.  Indeed, it gave me a glimpse of heaven, but it also showed me that when I'm in complete worship, I am in complete content.  I need nothing.  I am full.

My recipe, then, for happiness and contentment is to live a life of gratitude that gives glory to God no matter the circumstance.  How great is our God and most worthy of praise!  Immerse yourself today in His word.  Give Him thanks for He is good and His love endures forever.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Kindness is Inspiring

Kindness comes in all kinds of packages: big ones, small ones, misshapen ones, perfectly wrapped ones, frilly ones, serious ones, expected ones, and unexpected ones.  Today kindness came in the form of the unexpected ones.  The unexpected ones are my favorite because they trigger joy.  Unexpected kindness dissipates dark clouds, removes gunk blocking the light, and lifts the heavy heart into new hopes.  Unexpected kindness inspires me to want to pass on kindness so that I may have the pleasure of blessing others the ways I've been blessed this day.  Therefore, I challenge myself (and you) to pass on kindness.  Tomorrow, I look forward to providing unexpected kindness to three people the way I've been shown kindness today, which is in the form of providing food, a gift, and encouraging words.  Pay it forward!  Kindness IS contagious!  Inspire a life today!

"In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven."
 
Matthew 5:16
New Century Version (NCV)

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Inspired to Memorize Scripture

I've been challenging myself to memorize more Scripture.  I began earlier this summer when I hosted a camp for middle school girls that taught them how to see Scripture in a more visual and poetic way. 

We made journals out of Mead Composition books and some mod podge.  I then asked the girls (and myself) to find a Scripture verse that inspired them.  Next, they were to write out part or all of the verse in any way, shape or form; but, they were to work on it for 15 minutes by adding color, images, and playing around with fonts. 


I continued this technique in my own devotional time.  I find that by saying the verse and creating something visual with it for that full 15 minutes, I memorize a whole lot better than by just reading the verse over and over.

I'm going to incoporate this technique into my classroom this year with hopes that the boys will find the visuals as appealing and helpful as the girls.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Inspired by a Question and John Wooden

A devotion was read this morning about the inspirational and legendary coach John Wooden.  He was asked a very poignant question by his friend John Maxwell:


When Coach Wooden was ninety-two years old, I interviewed him in a conference, and one of the questions I asked was how he wanted to be remembered. His response brought a gasp from the audience.  “I certainly don’t want to be remembered for trophies and national championships,” he said without hesitation. After thinking a moment he said, “I hope people will remember me as one who was kind and considerate of others.”

(http://johnmaxwellonleadership.com/2010/06/23/for-my-friend-john-wooden/)


What a humble response!  After reading this devotion, my principal turned to all of us teachers and asked the same question John Maxwell asked Coached Wooden.  How would we want to be remembered?  I instantly thought, "I hope people remember me as a child of God and follower of Christ."  But then, I furthered the thought into the question how.  How will people remember me as a child of God and follower of Christ? 

I'm inspired to live each day with this question in the forefront of my mind.  I pray that my faith will shine, my words and actions reflect love, and my presence brings peace.  This is how I want people to remember me: a woman of faith, love, and peace.


“Make each day your masterpiece.”
-John Wooden

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Inspired by Boxes

Back in January, I began a prayer box.  I went out and searched for some antique tins to use as a box (see blog post dated January 9th) .  What I didn't realize was how quickly my prayers would fill that little box.  Consequently, I went out in search of a new box (really, anything that gives me a purpose to do some antique shopping, I do without hesitation).  With the help of a friend, the new, wooden box I found was perfect, except that it needed a face lift. 

The yellow glow of the box was inviting but the painted pears were not so inspirational when it came to praying.  With a bit of mod podge magic, I turned that tacky terrific wooden box with a latch into a vintage victorian prayer box.  I used scrapbook paper, some excerpts from Psalms that came out of an old unused Bible, lace, paint, wooden and cardboard letters, rub-ons, and some other decals I found in my craft collection.

I have been using this wooden box for several months now, and while the box is a lovely decorative display on my shelves, it is more of a reminder of handing over my burdened prayers to God.  So as I pass by this box every day, I am inspired to pray, to keep praying, and to trust in my God who hears all prayers whether written, spoken, or simply thought in my heart.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

"Stay Inspired"

God is in every moment.  I never cease to be astounded by the little miracles He has in mind to reveal to us.  I believe there are many throughout the day, and I believe if we seek them like treasure hunters, then treasures aplenty we will find. 

Today, I was sitting in the banquet hall of the hotel with worship music surrounding me, soothing me like a warm summer breeze.  I looked down at my hotel key, and smiled at what it said.  A miracle moment took place.  It was if God was saying, "Stay inspired," like He was confirming me in this quest to look for ways in which to be inspired.  There it was--in the palm of my hand and in the form of a shiny plastic card--my inspiration for today.  My miracle.

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 
his love endures forever.
Psalm 106:1

Friday, August 3, 2012

Inspired by Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27 ESV)

As if a violent storm in the night suddenly erupted, my peace was gone.  Next to patience, peace is a quality of the spirit that comes naturally to me, and it was gone, destroyed.  It was replaced with hurt, frustration, and insecurity.  I didn't recognize what had changed.  I just knew a storm had come and broken branches like hair clippings after a cut lay scattered about.  

After reading a Joyce Meyer devotion, which God specifically saved for me to read tonight and through the workings of the Holy Spirit, I saw what the storm had damaged: my peace.  Joyce Meyer said in her devotion that we have to be peaceful on purpose because peace is powerful and Satan will attack and destroy something that has that kind of power.  Jesus left His peace with us.  Satan doesn't want us to have anything that keeps us attached to Jesus.  "Let not your hearts be troubled," He said.  Don't you think He said that because He knew we would have troubled hearts if not peaceful ones? 

My heart has been troubled lately, and it's because I have been powerless without God's peace.  Thank you, Joyce Meyer, for being a vessel of inspiration.  Thank you, Lord, for speaking to me and for restoring my peace.  May the power of His peace be with you, also.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Inspired by Psalm 46

I long to drink
the spiritual waters
flowing abundantly
beside me.
The ground I walk upon
is giving away
but

I will not stop.

Even as the sky turns
an ominous black
like a dark cloak,
I will walk on.
The winds pick up
I feel more unsteady
but

I will not give up.

For You, O Lord, are with me.
You are the strength and solidity
of my walk.
I will trust in You
with all that I am.
I rest in the palm of Your hand;
in the midst of You

I will not be moved.

You surround me like a fortress
even as the earth trembles
and falls apart around me.
For Your love carries me
and holds me together.

I will not fear.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

A Quest for Inspiration

I have been neglecting this blog mainly due to the fact that I wasn't sure how to use it.  I originally started it in order to keep me more accountable in living intentionally for the Lord.  We can see by the lack of posts my epic failure in those intentions.  Lately, it's been on my heart to use this blog as a way to record what inspires me since I did in fact put in my subtitle that this is a blog with a desire to inspire.  Therefore, I am on a quest for inspiration. 

Daily God inspires us.  He is living in every moment.  He shimmers the morning grass with dew drops, He gives robins sweet songs to chirp, He places cute dimples into children's cheeks, He creates beauty from ashes, and He yearns for us to notice all of these things.  Inspiration is all around us.  I will seek it, explore it, use it, create with it, write it, take snapshots of it, and share it with you. 

I desire to inspire.  May God continue to be our ultimate inspiration.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Our Living and Active God

"But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King..." (Jeremiah 10:10 ESV)

Our God is active and alive. Longfellow wrote this line in one of his poems, "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep." Longfellow wrote that line on Christmas day during the American Civil War. In the midst of cannon fire and of longing for his son who was in battle, Longfellow heard the Christmas bells of the church ringing and reminding him that peace on earth can still be heard, can still be felt.

Sometimes cannons are going off all around us. The thick smoke of confusion burns our eyes and blinds our vision. The earthshaking booms of fear deafen our ears. The mayhem can be paralyzing, but "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep." We can have faith, hope, and peace because our God is alive and is actively involved in our lives.

"Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'” (Exodus 14:13, 14 NIV84)   The Egyptians were in pursuit to kill the Israelites. They were the physical form of fear. Moses assured the Israelites that their living God would fight for them and deliver them from their enemy.

What is your Egyptian? Our enemy Satan intends to devour, to kill anything good and holy, to destroy hope, truth and joy. Our God is active and alive. He is not dead, nor doth He sleep. Be still. Wait upon the Lord. Trust in Him with all your heart. He is worthy. He is powerful. He is good. He will fight for you.  He is active and alive. "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" (Psalm 42:2 ESV)

Monday, April 30, 2012

beLIeVE

We live what we believe.

If I believe I am a failure, then I will live my life disappointing people, I will be miserable, and I will not accomplish my goals.  If I believe that I am not beautiful, then I will live my life focusing on my flaws, comparing myself to others, and wasting my valuable resources of time and money trying to be something that I am not.  If I believe I can't, then I won't.

We live what we believe.

If I believe the words of Proverbs 3: 3-4 (ESV), then I will bind steadfast love and faithfulness around my neck and write them on my heart so that I will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.  If I believe that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), that I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), and that I am precious and chosen by Him (1 Peter 2:4), then I will live a life holy, honorable, worthy, satisfied, and beautiful.  If I believe "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 ESV), then I CAN do ALL THINGS. 

We live what we believe.

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..." 
--2 Corinthians 10:5

Monday, April 9, 2012

More Trials of Trust

Nothing challenges my faith more than trust. It's not that I don't trust God, because I most fervently do, it's that I don't put my trust in Him. I struggle daily with this. I try to control, manipulate, and badger God instead of simply putting my trust in Him and His Will for me. Ha! "Simply" I say. Simply and trust shouldn't even be seen in the same sentence.

Trust isn't as simplistic as I'd like to think. If it was, then why can't I put my whole life into God's hands and go on without another thought about it? Why can't I just entirely surrender myself to Him as I should? Why do I question, doubt, stress, worry, and impatiently pace about in my mind over things I really can't control no matter how much I'd like to think I can? If trust was simplistic, then God wouldn't ever need to test me.

Daily I hear God say to me, "Trust me," and pretty much daily I fail to fulfill this "simple" request. I put my trust in lies, insecurities, routines, my own limited knowledge and experiences, what I can see and touch, and in worldly things. I try to limit God, humanize Him, and lessen His love and care for me. This is why I need and welcome the daily trials of trust.

God is trustworthy. He is more knowledgeable, more powerful, more gracious, more loving, more caring, more concerned, more capable, more miraculous, more wondrous, and more everything. That's where the simplicity of trust can come in--knowing God is just "more." He's more than any situation, circumstance, worry, doubt, stress, struggle, failure, disappointment, joy, blessing, and plan. He is more, and if I would trust in Him, then I can be more too.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37 ESV)

Monday, April 2, 2012

Listening to His Sweet Voice

If I want to be more intentional in living my life for Christ, then I must listen to His voice. Romans 8 talks about living by the Spirit, and when we do, we must distinguish the Spirit's voice from all the other voices in our heads. I was reminded of this during the early hours of this morning.

Last night I went out to dinner with my lovely mother to a very nice restaurant. We ordered an appetizer of mussels. They were absolutely delicious! As we were eating and talking, I grabbed one of the shells and a (what I thought was silly at the time) thought came in my head, "Don't eat that one. It'll make you sick." As quickly as it came, I dismissed it. Well, guess what? Yep, I was sick in the early morning hours and throughout most of today.

Was that just a way for God to say, "See! I still speak. Are you listening?" Obviously, I have not been. What would've happened if I didn't dismiss that thought and tossed that one particular mussel aside? I can 100% confidently say I would not have been sick today. How do I know? Romans 8 was my devotion this morning, and I feel God has used this small,painful yet preventable lesson to teach me that He still speaks. I just need to start listening more to His sweet voice. If I easily dismiss it when it comes to little warnings with food (and why wouldn't He warn us of something that would unknowingly harm us), then how often have I dismissed it when it has come to big things?

I know one thing after this experience: no matter how silly it seems, I'm going to heed to His instructions. I don't want the unpleasantries that come when I don't listen. Intentionally tune-in to His station, and nothing but sweet, saving sounds will come.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Good Intentions or Hot Air?

I pulled out a journal from my nightstand today that I had begun back in November with the good intentions of rededicating myself and committing myself to a more intimate relationship with my Lord and Savior. I wrote that first entry with such spirit and high hopes. I feel ashamed for not keeping to those intentions and for basically blowing a lot of hot air from my heart. Good intentions really aren't good unless they are lived out.

I realize I have no one to blame except myself. True, the devil will attack us more the closer we try to get to the Lord, but ultimately we are responsible for the choices we make. I made a choice to give the firstfruits of every day to God by dedicating some quality time in His Word, and yet, I have also made the choice in the last couple of months to blow that time off with a quick five minute devotion. If I was sincere about giving my firstfruits of every day, then I should be spending the first 2.4 hours with God. (That might just have to be something I work up to...can you imagine, though, spending every morning in worship and meditation with God for 2.4 hours!? Just think how equip you'd be for the day!) I obviously have some work to do.

I suppose God doesn't mind that I have intentions to improve my relationship with Him, and I'm certain He appreciates any effort I try to make. But I believe He would rather have any thought of Him or any act I do for Him no matter how small or insignificant in appearance than to not have any at all. I know I appreciate the smallest of gestures from others even if it's just a quick "Hello," because then I feel affirmed, acknowledged, and cared for in those little moments.

So, I once more intend to draw closer to my Lord whether it be in the quickest, most sincere of thoughts or in a 2.4 hour devotion (aiming high!). I know one thing for sure, I want to live for Christ. He really is worth living for.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Running an Intentional Race

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." --Hebrews 10:36

As I think about living more intentionally for Christ and not for myself, I realize what a challenge that is and has been and will be. I bet Paul after his conversion had to rethink his whole way of living. I suppose that's why I love his writings and teachings of running the race and putting on the full armor of God. He knew the biggest challenge of life is living a life for Christ, but he also knew it was the most rewarding.

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21 ESV)

I am a runner. I love it. I love the feeling when I accomplish a long distance that seemed difficult at the start. The beginning is always the most challenging for me because I'm anxious to get it over with, my muscles are tight, and my body seems to reject any form of exercise. But once I overcome the ailments that the beginning of my run presents, I coast pretty well.

Approaching the end destination, though, can be difficult on some days. I may be out of breath, dehydrated, not had eaten well that day, have a blister, or cramped due to one of the aforementioned issues. If I push through all of that and persevere, I feel more successful on those running days than on the ones I coast through. I also know that if I stop and walk, which would be less painful and easier, then I feel defeated and unaccomplished even if I do finish the long distance.

Intentional living is so much like running a race or running a long distance. It's difficult to start because you have to go against everything you do naturally. You have to make an effort where there wasn't any effort before. You have to push through the trials that come (and trials will come because Satan does not want you serving the Lord). You have to keep running even if walking would be easier. Walking would still get you to the finish line, but you've just prolonged the race and the prize. Plus when you finish a race, a new one is waiting for you to begin. With intentional living, every day is a different race and a different distance.

As I write this, I can see why I have been having difficulty running my race of intentionality. I've been strapping on my running shoe but I haven't been tying them tight with the readiness I need for the run. Instead of running with the wind (a.k.a. the Holy Spirit), I've been running against it. I haven't been paying attention to the signs along the course, I've been going in my own direction. Because of that, I've had difficulty completing the race. The more off track I run, the longer I make the race.

I need to stay on course by spending time with God and His Word every morning so that I know the direction I need to take in the race that day and so that I have the power to run. I need to maintain my pace by praying unceasingly throughout the race. I need to strengthen my faith muscles by following the signs that say "Uphill battle ahead: Stay faithful. God is." I need to rehydrate at the water stations along the way by receiving the blessings of serving someone other than myself. I need to push through what is difficult and the desire to do what I want because in the end if I run the race God had designed for me and intended for me to run, I will receive the prize He has promised and I will hear Him say the sweet words of accomplishment, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." (1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV)

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Complaining vs.Thanksgiving, A Challenge

All week my seventh graders and I have been studying the Israelites in the wilderness after they had crossed the Red Sea.  The complaining that came from the Israelites' lips is astonishing.  They had witnessed the most phenomenal miracles of God and had experienced first hand His protection and provisions; and yet, they repeatedly grumbled and complained and even said things like, "If only we had died in Egypt!"  In other words, the Israelites would have rather been enslaved again than to be with the Lord in freedom.  Hm, sounds familiar...

Grumbling and complaining comes from fear, doubt, dissatisfaction, insecurity, and uncertainty.  It is self-centered and prideful.  It is spitting in God's face and saying, "What You have for me, Lord, is not good enough and I do not trust you."  Sounds extreme, doesn't it?  Well, sin is extreme. 

What good comes out of complaining?  Absolutely nothing.  All it does is cause rifts in relationships, depression, and more darkness.

Thanksgiving, on the other hand, comes from appreciation, trust, security, hope, and knowledge that the Lord is good.  It is Christ-centered and humble.  It is praising God and saying, "What You have for me, Lord, is enough and I trust you with all that I have and with all that I am."  It is intentional and honorable.

What good comes out of thanksgiving?  EVERYTHING.  "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." 1 Timothy 4:4

God has challenged me to replace complaining with thanksgiving.  Instead of saying, "I didn't have any time today."  I should be saying, "Thank you, God, for giving me time in the day to do what I needed to do."  Instead of saying, "I didn't get my break today."  I should be saying, "Thank you, Lord, that I was able to serve You today by helping someone out."  Instead of saying, "I have so much work to do."  I should be saying, "Lord, thank you for giving me work to do.  Continue to bless it."  What an attitude changer!  Already, I am humbled by these thoughts and anxious to praise God.

I challenge you, too.  When the urge to complain comes, stop and replace it with thanksgiving.  If you do so, I warn you to be prepared to receive more eternal blessings.  God is so good to His faithful servants!

One last thing...
Trusting in God means waiting on Him even when we cannot see the Promised Land. 

Wait in peace and with thankful hearts.  All God's best to you.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Bitterness is Subtle Tangling of the Soul

I'm ashamed to admit, but I know I must, that I've been bitter towards God.  The veil has been over my eyes these last few weeks; and so, I haven't noticed the bitterness until God revealed it to me this morning through His Word.  Consequently, He tore the veil.  In my despair of this realization (because, really, who am I to be bitter towards God?!), He touched me with the sweetness of His forgiveness and redemption.  How undeserving am I to receive such sweetness!  How grateful I am to have it!  Praise be to God!  Therefore, the least I can do is to share how this bitterness came to be.

Bitterness is like taking your dog for a walk on a clear, sunny day.  Nothing seems out-of-place.  Everything is quite fine.  Then, when you get home and bend down to take off the leash, you discover tiny little burrs all over your dog's soft fur.  Your dog seems not to mind, but you can see the tangled mess the burrs cause.  So, you spend the next hour or two tediously pulling each burr out so that your dog's fur can be silky and soft once more.  Bitterness is subtle tangling of the soul.

I was unaware of it these past few weeks because it began ever so quietly.  It began with not getting what I want. (Oh, how I invited the burrs to cling to my fur!)  It multiplied by comparing myself to others (dissatisfaction added to the bitterness as well as jealousy).  I became tangled even more, then; because as the burrs of bitterness daily clung, I loosened my faith and trust in God and who He is.  How do I know this?  I made these last few weeks all about me. 

For example, I'd been reluctant to spend time with God and serve Him.  In fact, my devotion time wasn't about spending time with Him and investing in that relationship.  It was about getting "my fix" for the day.  The time I gave to God was short and quick.  I wasn't being authentic.  I was using God.  (I've noticed, now, this flaw and pattern in me that when I am bitter towards someone, it's usually because I'm hurt by him or her, and my reaction to that hurt is to use him or her in order to make that hurt go away.  Of course, this approach is a total fiasco.  No healing takes place in this, and no bitterness is removed.) 

To be clear, most certainly God hasn't hurt me in any way.  I have only felt hurt because I am limited in my understanding.  I have not been "trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding" as Proverbs 3:5 so wisely advises me to do.  So, instead of allowing the freshness of trust to comb through me, I've allowed the prickliness of bitterness to cling on. 

God in His goodness and mercy waited until today, when I could sit still, to begin carefully removing the burrs of bitterness from my soul.  He's been so gentle in His approach, and I have been so humbled and grateful as He gingerly and meticulously removes every burr.  Love certainly covers a multitude of sin and untangles it from our souls.  Glory to God, who cares for us to be tangled-free!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

A Proverbial Picture




Every year I must create an item that involves all of my students for our school's auction.  This year, a parent pulled an old frame out of a dumpster and gave it to me.  I love old frames.  I guess it's because I love the possibilities of filling them.  Perhaps we are all empty frames, and God is just waiting to fill us.  Think of the possibilities if we just let Him!  Here's how I made the auction item:

First, I chose a favorite Bible verse.  Then, inspired by the trendy photos that spell out words, I had my students pose as letters that would spell out certain words from that Bible verse.  I took and developed black-and-white pictures of them. 

 Next, I took a piece of hardboard (masonite works, too) and covered it with burlap, which I used hot-glue to secure the burlap. 

Then, I cut scrapbooking paper as backing and used adhesive tape to stick down the photos.  (I cut some of the paper with Fiskars Paper Edgers just to add some interest). 



Using my cricut cutter, I cut out the letters to the words that would fill in-between the photos.  I secured the photos and the letters with hot-glue.







I added embellishments to my design and to my lettering with adhesives from Recollections.




Finally, after having some glass cut to fit the frame, I framed my final product, added some backing, and voila!  An auction item was born!


Saturday, February 18, 2012

Lifted Up in the Completeness of God's Joy

Everlasting joy is found in God alone.  If we depend on others to produce joy, then we only experience temporary moments of it, and we are never satisfied. I write this from experience.  I depend some days on a hug or a compliment or an acknowledgement from certain people in my life, and when I do receive one, I feel joy and elation.  The days when I don't receive one, I feel more insecure and dejected.  I hinge joy on a hug!  How crazy is that!?  Therefore, I repeat, more for myself than anyone else, EVERLASTING JOY is found in God alone.  Period.  The joy that I receive from others just comes and goes.  It's erratic and inconsistent.
If we live our lives depending on others to produce joy, then we will live our lives in disappointment and dissatisfaction.  Only God can produce complete joy.  "For the LORD your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete." (Deuteronomy 16:15) 

I found joy in the past week by serving others because in essence I served the Lord.  I also was filled with joy when I spent time in God's Word and shared with others the wisdom gained from it, when I took care of the little things that hung over my head like tacky, irritating ornaments; and when I poured out love onto others even when I knew it might not be reciprocated or that it might be rejected.  Joy was in my heart because God was there, and I relied on His love, His faithfulness, and His goodness. 

The beauty of God's joy is that because it is complete, I'm overflowing with it when I do receive the hugs, the compliments, or the acknowledgments from certain people.  There's nothing better than to be flying above the clouds because of God's propelling joy and to have a gust of wind--bits of joy that comes from other people--lift me up even higher.  May God joy fill your hearts this day and may you receive the extra blessings that come!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Lost Intentions

I began this blog with the intentions of living a more intentional life for the Lord in order to serve Him better and to inspire more to walk in faith.  A month has gone by, so I intend now on evaluating the past month.  I am ashamed to say that I have not been intentional each day like I aimed to be for several reasons.

One, busyness is a scheme-a "half-truth"-Satan uses to keep us from intentional living.  In busyness it was easy to think I was doing something for God because I was so busy doing some things.  But here's the truth: I was less intentional of serving the Lord because I was so busy!  Balance not busyness is needed in order to remain spiritually intact.

Two, God will test any intention of serving Him.  Why?  God desires us to "be strong in the Lord" (Ephesians 6:10) because there are battles going on-a Spiritual Warfare-and we have to be ready to fight.  Testing is not something we should fear; rather, we should praise God for caring enough to include us in the fight over our souls.  Testing grabs attention.  Testing strengthens the weak areas of faith.  Testing causes dependency on God alone.  God tested me this past month, and I admit to failing in the area of intentional living.  At times I used the circumstances of my test, but at other times, I allowed the circumstances to use and rule over me.  These were the times I had lost intentions.  I've learned from this to embrace testing and "to consider it pure joy" (James 1:2).

Three, I had not been intentionally living for the Lord each day because I did not make any effort to do so.  I became self-absorbed and selfish.  I struggle with this sin.  I consume myself with my self.  Notice that no where in God's Word, in any of His commands, does it say "Honor Thyself" because we naturally already do.  We honor thyselves when we are not honoring God.  I did not honor God as much as I should have.  Honoring God is putting my own needs behind His needs.

As I sit here and reflect on all my intentions and all my failures in following through, I still sit here assured of one thing:  not all intentions are lost.  God will receive and use whatever intentions I give and follow through on.  I may not intentionally live each day for Him, but I am intent on living a life for Him.  I will keep at it, and I will take my lessons from this past month and put forth my new knowledge and my best effort toward this next month.  God bless you all in your walks of faith.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Inspired Oaks of Righteousness

Inspired by an idea I saw on pinterest, I created a way to use an old Bible of mine, Mod Podge, canvas, and acrylics to display a powerful Scripture verse in my kitchen. 

I first took a scalpel and cut out random pages from the Bible. 



Then, I brushed Mod Podge over the canvas and layered the pages. 




Next, after the canvas was covered, I brushed more Mod Podge to seal the pages down.



Finally, using acrylic paint, I painted a tree and the Scripture verse. 


(Until I get the picture framed, I hot glued ribbon along the outside edges so that it has a finished look.)



Now, everytime I walk into the kitchen, I am reminded of what I may be called--oaks of righteousness--and why I should be a planting of the Lord--so that He may be glorified.  May you be inspired and reminded, also.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

God's Impeccable Timing

In a devotion I read yesterday, it said,"You will discover God's best in God's time. But you cannot rush the revelation of God's will for your life. Your understanding will follow once His work of grace has grown your trust and transformed your relationships. Jesus wants you to know Him deeper, before He leads you further." (Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters). How deeply these truths cut into my deceptive, confused layers. All week it has been a battle to find joy. I fought for it, held onto it, but then, out of the blue, something would come along and knock it away from me.

At one point I cried out, "Why, God? Why?" because my vision of understanding was blurred and limited. Then, yesterday, God answered, and He answered with a victorious sound. The dust settled, the sun came out, and the trophy of joy sparkled once more in my hands. God is impeccable in His timing. Truly that devotion I read yesterday was meant for me. Truly God speaks to those who seek Him with questions and cries for help. Truly God's best comes in His time.

Admittedly, I often try to rush God's will for my life. I'm impatient. My failure to understand causes me to question God rather than to trust Him more. If I want to live a more intentional life, then I must learn to trust God more even when I do not understand His ways, His timing, and His silence. Trust is essential for me to rely on Him completely. Joy begins in trust. Therefore, even when I cannot see the reason or outcome in my next battle and I am being beaten by confusion, I must use the weapon of trust in order to receive the trophy of joy and the victory of God's best in His impeccable timing.

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Greatest Fear

A friend of mine tonight was talking about a speaker, who she heard at her church recently, say that to know someone's greatest fear and to love them for it is a great gift of encouragement. She was talking in reference to a marriage and understanding and loving your spouse, but for me, it spoke volumes of wisdom. What if we knew everyone's greatest fear and then aimed to love them in that area?

What a challenge it would be to live each day more intentionally for Christ by loving others in the areas of their greatest fears! We would mirror Christ all the more, for He did this very thing as He walked the earth. The fears of dying and death, of permanent illness, of hopelessness, of burdens too heavy to bear, of uncertainty, of failure, of loss, of unworthiness--you name it, the fears were there--surrounded and sought the Savior of the world.

Repetition is a technique often used to get a point across. Parents use it, teachers use it, kids use it, and even God Himself uses it. Repeatedly (at least 85 times) God said in His Word, "Do not fear" or "Do not be afraid." Go ahead, search those exact phrases in biblegateway.com. (I used the NIV translation.) The more I think about it, the more I realize how fear can either drive us away from God or drive us right to Him. Those who had great fears (as mentioned above) sought Jesus' healing, love, and salvation. The dead rose, the lame walked, the hopeless hoped, the burdens lifted, the uncertain became certain, the failures turned in to successes, the loss found, the unworthy made worthy. Therefore, do not be afraid. Do not fear. The Lord Jesus Christ has restored us through His great love and has conquered all fears so that we may be free.

Consequently, I must do my part in response. I must live more intentionally for Him by loving those who live in fear or who are hindered by great fears. I don't mean just love them, but love them in those areas so that they may be strengthened by God's love and be assured of His freeing gift of grace.





1 John 4:17-19


"This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
We love because he first loved us."

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Finding Joy in the Midst of Suffering

"But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:13

Finding joy when going through a trial is like trying to find a flower in a blizzard. Confusion, hurt, stress, and agony are some of the emotions that seem to accompany suffering. To rejoice when it seems as if the world is crashing down around you-or at the very least pressing down on you-is a ludicrous request; and yet, that is the very thing Peter writes as God's Will for us. "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." 1 Peter 4:19 When I commit myself to Christ during my sufferings, I, then, share with Him those sufferings as well as in His glory (vs. 13). His glory always comes just like the sun always shines after a storm. You and I can be assured that His glory will come. This is why we should rejoice. "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)

This week I have suffered some, but nothing like Christ had done for me and for all of us. To live an intentional life for my Lord and Savior is to rejoice in my sufferings. And so I do. Joy cometh.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Praying for those Who Persecute

The other day I wrote about intentionally giving thanks to God in all circumstances. Today, I feel He has challenged me to do just that as well as to pray for those who persecute me. I feel like I have had one beating after another today. Ever feel that way? It didn't just rain, and it didn't just pour, it sleeted, it stormed, it pummeled hail the size of golf balls. That's the kind of day I have had. That's the kind of challenge God has set before me. Will I still give thanks? Yes, absolutely, 100 percent. He still hangs on to me, even if I have lost my grip.

Not only will I get down on my knees tonight and give thanks, but I will also pray for those who persecuted, hurt, or upset me today. Matthew 5:44-45 says, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." See, it rains on both the righteous and the unrighteous. I, at least, know that when it does rain, like today, my heavenly Father is there to hold me up under the weight of it, otherwise I would drown. To live intentionally for the Lord, I need to pray for those who persecute me because they, too, need to know that God, the Father, is holding them up.

Yes, today was one storm after another, but God is my anchor, my Rock, my refuge. I will not let the storms of today change my course of intentional living. Tomorrow the sun will rise, and my King will set before me a new horizon. I go forth in trust.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Worship

Intentional and inspirational living happens especially in worship. Worship should not be routine. It should not be habitual. Worship should be a desire of the heart. It should be intentional.

My desire to go to church to worship God is because of my need to respond to His love. One way I intentionally live for Him is in worship by making the songs and liturgy my own words. When the pastor is praying, I silently repeat some of his words, especially when he is praying for people of our congregation. Worship becomes more meaningful to me when I make it my own. Anything we do intentionally for God, comes back tenfold.

Psalm 86:11-12
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Giving Thanks

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." --1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Gratitude is a huge part of living intentionally for the Lord. When we have hearts full of gratitude, then God is being honored, praised, and recognized for the goodness of His character. This is especially challenging when things do not always go our way.


Today, things did not go my way. I had prayed for a certain outcome, and the opposite happened. My natural, immediate reactions were frustration, hurt, and grumbling. I look back now and see the error in my ways. I was reacting in a selfish, distrusting way. I was not saying, "Lord, You are God, holy and just. Thank you for always doing what is best for me. I trust you with my life and I trust in your character, which is good and worthy of praise." This is why I need to be more intentional in giving thanks in all circumstances.

I found this journal (see picture) at a Family Christian bookstore. I aim to write in it daily the thanks I have for the Lord. I pray that we would all have hearts full of gratitude, "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5









Colossians 3:15-17

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Choices

Every day there are choices to make. How intentional are we in making them? Do we purposefully make choices that would please the Lord? From what we wear to what we eat to what we say to what we do, we should think about how the choices we make would honor God. The Spirit is in us and He will lead us to make the right choices. Stay in-tuned with the Spirit by daily staying in God's Word. I intend on consulting the Spirit more since He ultimately knows what is best for me.

Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Listening and Encouraging

Intentional living involves the simplest of intentions. Providing a listening ear and an encouraging word to someone who just needs to vent serves God. We all need assurance that someone cares. Everyone desires support, an affirmation that states, "You are okay."

I'm sometimes emotionally drained after listening and encouraging. I'm sometimes more stressed because I gave up time that I could have spent doing the things that I needed to accomplish. Yet, I never regret lending a listening ear and giving an encouraging word because I feel most complete in doing that small act of service for someone.

I want to do more than just the polite, "Hey! How are you?" I want to be more intentional by saying, "No, really. How are you? Is there anything I can help you with? Is there anything I can pray about for you?" I may never be asked that in return. I may exert all emotional energies listening. I may even receive a cold shoulder to my kind gesture. Regardless, I need to do this for the Lord, to be His voice and His light. I need to do this not only for those closest to me, but also for those I pass by daily but never really stop and say, "Hey! How are you really?" I need to be more intentional in listening and encouraging to those I'd least likely be intentional towards.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Reaching Out to the Unlovable

I teach middle schoolers at a Christian school. The devotion I read to them this morning talked about grace being love undeserved. It went on saying that we are to love when someone is least deserving. That's how we know we are truly demonstrating God's love and representing Christ.

I challenged my students to say a kind word today to someone they like least, to someone who annoys them, or to someone who you wouldn't normally say a kind word to. I challenged myself to show love to someone I'm not close with more than I would to my best friend, my sister, or my mother. That challenge was met; not because I wanted to, but because I saw the need to.

A "friend" of mine was crying out with a need for a friend. We're not that close, but I knew as soon as we interacted today, I knew a close friend was needed. The challenge of showing love today was a door waiting to be opened. It's also a challenge that I realize I can't just fulfill and be done with. Showing love to this "friend" isn't a one-time event. It's one that I know I'll keep continue doing, and I can say with confidence that it's not because I have to but because I want to. It does a person's heart good to give love.

The thing that I didn't think about when I gave this challenge to myself was the impact it would have on me. Intentional living is about serving God and others, but what I'm experiencing is how I'm being served in the process. I am being blessed in ways I wasn't aware I needed. I'm feeling more complete and more satisfied than ever before. There's healing taking place, there's joy, there's excitement, there's growth, there's peace, and there's power. Intentional living is reaching out to the unlovable because only then, can we understand the grace and love of God and why He reached out to us.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Prayer Boxes




The other day I read Francine Rivers' book "The Shoe Box," which is a Christmas story about a foster child, Timmy, and the shoe box that he takes wherever he goes. Timmy doesn't let anyone see what is inside the shoe box, and when he is asked about what's in it, he simply replies, "Things."




Various events take place throughout the story, but the most standout event is the Christmas play. Timmy is one of the wisemen, and instead of using one of the props as the gift to give the King, Timmy gives his shoe box. By the end of the story, all is revealed as to what was inside because Jesus has opened the shoe box and has displayed all of the items.


The story plus what Francine Rivers wrote in the preface inspired me to find a prayer box. Francine Rivers writes about how difficult some of her burdens were when she first became a Christian. She had made a box and wrote down her prayers to put into the box so that she wouldn't have to carry the burdens anymore. I find myself not so much carrying burdens but trying to control certain areas of my life. This is why I have decided to have my own prayer box.



Therefore, I set out yesterday to one of my favorite antique malls to find the perfect prayer box. I don't care too much for shopping unless it is antique shopping. That is my retail therapy. I'll shop for clothes if I need to, but I'd much rather go antique shopping. I love the stories antiques seem to shout as they sit there all cluttered and used.





Anyway, I found three vintage tin boxes that I absolutely loved! So I really could have three different kind of prayer boxes if I wanted to like one for thanksgivings, one for letting go of control, and one for noting God moments. I'm definitely sticking with the one purpose of the prayer box, which is to let go of control so that I can live a more intentional life for God.


I then went to Michaels and found a pretty shabby chic notepad on which I could write my prayers. My prayer box is designated for the things I keep asking God about but I'm not actually trusting Him to have control. I wrote down one right away yesterday, and I already feel I've let it go because I know now in a more tangible way that God has it. It's remarkable how writing something down releases it!






Matthew 6



25“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Sunday, January 8, 2012

New Beginnings

When a new year begins, we often hear the human attempts of new starts, new resolve, and a new me. We all want more, to be better. New beginnings like a new year reignite hope that faded with the passing of time. Just like a captain looking out across the sea and knowing ahead he'll find land as he takes his voyage, I, too, look out at this new year with new hope.

God deserves my efforts even in their smallest attempts. His grace is sufficient for me, and His love is abundant and unending. How do I respond to this love and grace? By going through the motions of each day like a hamster on a wheel? No. I mustn't anymore. Because even though it feels as if I'm moving, I'm not. The wheel might be turning, but I'm not going forward in any direction. This is not what God has intended for us, for me. He has called us (He has called me) to be more and to have more purpose than to go through the motions of life.

My resolution, then, is to live a more intentional life for God. What this means to me is to look for opportunities each day to serve Him, to do what He desires for me to do, to spend more time in His Word, to do the things that go against the natural flow of the day and the natural desires of the flesh, to go against what I may want, to be more grateful, and to look more actively for the presence of God in each day.

Intentional living needs accountability, which is why I began this blog. I will attempt to blog each day about how I'm living more intentionally for the Lord. I pray that this inspires others to seek out Christ who offers love, grace, forgiveness and freedom, and who has called us to something better: "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." --Hebrews 11:40

There may be storms ahead for me in this new year and with this new resolve. My ship may capsize, but I know for certain I will not drown. No, I refuse, in fact, to go down the the ship. I have a life-Savior who keeps and will continue to keep me afloat. I may drift, but I am determined to arrive to my destination. I will always look for the Light that will signal the shore is close. I will lift my sails toward the horizon of this new year, and I will let the winds of the Spirit guide me. Therefore, every effort I make to move my ship forward, I will make with intention. This is my resolve. This is my new beginning.