For as long as I can remember my Granddaddy had free fish fries at his home on the Tennessee River. Every Saturday before Labor Day he served catfish, french fries, homemade hushpuppies, and slaw for the community. We started feeding at noon and served as long as anyone came. Some years we fed over 500 people. The women brought drink and desserts. We also cooked hamburgers and hotdogs for those who did not like fish. Granddad always said this was his gift back to the community. There were items I struggled with...like why did the potatoes have to be washed, peeled, sliced and then fried? Why couldn't we just buy frozen french fries. Why did the women have to start before dawn making meal for homemade hushpuppies?
During the winter we cooked chili..southwestern style with whole kernel corn. We would load everything up and drive up to gasoline alley. We set up shop in the back of the Exxon building. Granddaddy would start one of his burners up and cook that chili all day. People would come in all day to eat and fellowship....just for the fun of it. Somebody always had something to say to the "Preacher".
I must have been inspired by Granddaddy because I have been dreaming up big ideas ever since. For years I hosted a creative arts day camp in my Grandfather's homestead here on the river. Since then we have moved to the local YMCA and ministered to kids in their summer program as well as their after school program.
Most recently I am privileged to direct a seven week outreach with the local YMCA to kick off the season of Advent, the coming of Christ. Our time together includes storytelling, music, dance, and games each week as we celebrate the real reason for that first Christmas. On December 2nd, the kids will participate in One Wintry Night: A Christmas Story at a nearby church as we celebrate the results of "dreaming big". As I plan for the night's event I am thinking now about decorations for the food tables. We will feed the kids and their families a snack supper before the program. I want my grandmother's quilts on the table covered by plastic to protect them. I want large vases with burning bush and rosemary. At the bottom of the vases I want large magnolia branches maybe with some holly woven throughout. As I consider the detail of creating a particular scene and inviting all the senses of our guests, I better understand the extra mile Granddaddy went with the fried potatoes and the hushpuppies. When you are sharing Christ be it through a fish fry or Christmas program, nothing but the very best will do.
This past weekend I worked the 25th Annual BMW Brunch. It is an annual fundraiser for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. As one of the speakers shared, I eagerly listened to her support of her own mother's dream some 25 years ago. The mom called to say, "I have this great idea. I want to serve a meal out of the mechanic's shop. The tables will be set up in the car showroom. People will buy tickets and the proceeds will go to the Foundation." Although it took a bit more to convince the daughter to come on board with the mom's vision, she soon saw the potential of the dream. Some twenty five years later, over 200 people each year buy the tickets and attend to help support a greater cause that serves those less fortunate than themselves.
Recently I became reacquainted, actually through this blog, with a childhood friend who is inspired to do ministry for women in the community where we both live. Her young adult daughter supports her dream. Interestingly enough, across the ocean in Berlin, where my oldest daughter Lawren attends a discipleship training school, God laid a similar vision on her heart. Lawren's vision included working with single mom's in the community where we live. The desires that the Lord has placed on Lawren's heart dovetail with my existing MomHeart ministry. The paths the Father is crossing is nothing short of a miracle. It is with anticipation that we look forward to all He has in store for us as we press in together to what He is welling up within us for His glory.
One of Lawren's most recent comments included, "Mom, you told me if I wanted to do something, so long as it was honorable, then we would take it before the Lord and trust. I have been able to do amazing things because you believed God wanted those things for me. I want those girls to know they too do not have to be limited by their circumstances. " I cannot state how humbling it is that my daughter not only would want to spend time with me in ministry but also embrace the same vision I have for mothers across the globe.
The importance of dreaming can't be overstated. The word of God says, where there is no vision the people will perish. It makes no difference whether you are raising millions from your event to support a charitable cause or you are speaking life giving words into the heart of a child. When it is done in the power of Christ, lives are changed. What dreams do you have to impact the world for Christ? Who is believing in you and supporting your dreams? How can you get your kids to really think big and outside the typical box of daily activities? Happy dreaming! And please share some of them with me!
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Friday, 12 November 2010
Listening for the Music of God's Voice
The button badge shown is promoting this year's MomHeart conferences. I have been a part of these conferences for the past twelve years. Next to my walk with the Lord, the messages of Sally Clarkson have most greatly impacted my parenting journey. I am strengthened in my faith, encouraged, and inspired to greatness each year as I go and sit under her teaching.
I am inviting every mom who reads my blog to come with me to Raleigh in March. I have asked for the conference fee as a Christmas present for the last twelve years. Some of my greatest memories include attending these events with like minded moms, staying up way too late, sharing our hearts, eating great food, crying and laughing together. I have traveled to Dallas, Raleigh (twice), Charlotte, Atlanta, Denver, Nashville, and somewhere around the St. Louis area...can't remember the city...just the beautiful hotel we stayed in and the great time I had with a dear friend. The message each year from Sally has been just what my heart needed and prepared me for what the Father had in store for me to walk through. If you are interested in finding our more about these life changing conferences go to www.wholeheart.org
Most recently in August, I applied and was accepted to attend the first MomHeart Leader Intensive Training at Sally's home in Monument, Colorado. It was a weekend full of training, inspiration, great food and fellowship. I went into the weekend physically exhausted and still grief filled from my loss earlier that year. I was aware that I would most likely be the only single mom there. As overwhelming as my life circumstances were I stepped out in faith believing God had something for me...just no idea what. The MomHeart message had become part of my identity...because it is a Christ based message to moms. Yet, I was at a place where I was literally just putting one foot in front of the other. My joy had waned with the loss of my love. I could not feel anything at all.
As sole provider and caretaker for my kids I knew I was the one to get them up each morning...get them off to school..get them to practices, lessons, etc. I had been just going through the motions wondering if my joy would ever return.
I wasn't angry with God for taking my love and best friend...I just couldn't seem to get over being numb. So, that was the condition of my heart upon arrival in Colorado. Yet, I walked confidently in Christ that He had afforded me this privilege and He would be faithful to sustain me throughout the weekend. I was eager to hear from Him...specifically in how to grow the MomHeart group....reaching many other moms with the same wonderful messages that have inspired me for so many years.
There were many different things I learned through the course of the weekend regarding servant leadership, writing and more. However, before I ever checked into my room that day I was asked the following question by young men videotaping for the weekend, "What book have you enjoyed reading the most with your kids?" Hands down, Ruth Graham's One Wintry Night came to mind.
At that point God began giving me an idea for outreach at our local YMCA with the after school care kids. The more I thought on the idea, the more ideas kept flooding in for a creative literary outreach to share the Christmas story with these kids from creation to ascension using One Wintry Night. God kept saying, "I want these kids to know that just like I planned for that first Christmas over 2000 years ago, I also planned for each of them. I want them to know they can be a part of HisStory.
It was the first idea I had received for ministry in over a year and a half. Having been filled with grief I had resolved that I might never get an idea for ministry again.
I am happy to say we are in week 5 of the seven week outreach. Our efforts will culminate with a Christmas program performed by the kids on Dec 2. Each week there is a team of us who meet at the Y and spend almost two hours together singing, dancing, and storytelling. The kids there have learned to identify God as protector, creator, promisekeeper, faithful, and deliverer thus far. We are having a blast.
I share this with you from this chapter entitled, "Listening to the Music of God's Voice" because this outreach came from Him. And I believe He gave me the idea because I was choosing to listen and seek Him in spite of my heartache.
Jeremiah 29 says we will find Him when we seek Him with our whole heart. I have tried life in many ways without Christ only to repeatedly find myself come up empty handed and with an empty heart. So through my faith walk I have learned to guard my heart by only putting in what is beneficial to my well being...the word of God. Also, prayer...daily time alone just to be with God...to be still and wait for Him...And finally, the community of like minded people that I walk through life with.
By practicing these disciplines, the Father continues to meet with me and gives me great joy. I had resolved in my heart that if the Lord never returned my joy in the absence of my love then He would be enough. Although my heart was downtrodden, it was filled with the peace and love of Christ. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that He would not only restore my joy but also cast new vision and allow me to serve in such sweet ways...and have such a fun time doing it.
It has been my privilege to share part of my journey as we pressed through this book Dancing with My Father. My daughter Lawren introduced me to a new song which I love called Dance with Me. I have listened to it repeatedly and rejoice that I too have this love relationship with my heavenly father. It is my prayer for each of you as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esW85eDJFv0&feature=&p=BA3EE477BD379BB1&index=0&playnext=1
Are you hearing from the Lord. Will you make time...even just a few minutes to be quiet before the Lord...to get away from the busyness of your day and let Him love on you...bless you....and inspire you to greatness. Will you surround yourself with like minded believers who support you and encourage you in your faith walk. May you enjoy the dance with your heavenly Father and be blessed as you go about responding to His moves and His voice.
The author's prayer:
My precious Father,
How grateful I am that you are my King, my Redeemer. Open the eyes of my heart so that I may see the bigger picture of history, of which I can play a part. Help me to know you as my lover,my caretaker, my friend, and my king. Show me how to dance in your reality every day. Give me eyes to see the truth of your kingdom and prepare me for the celebration of life with you, which will go on through all eternity. Sweet Lord, restore to me the joy of my salvation. I love you so much. In Jesus, my Prince's name, I come. Amen.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Exchanging the Drudgery of Duty for the Dance
We live in a definite performance based society. Culturally, our value is measured by our output. Our success is defined by the world in regards to who has the most stuff or the latest and greatest things or who is the best known. Thankfully, this is NOT God's perspective. I am learning more and more about God through my kids. In the beginning of my parenting journey, the verbage in my home consisted of a lot of "shoulds"...you should do this and you should do that. And my motive was one of pride and fear of embarrassment should my kids act out in any way...heaven forbid in public at least in front of others. Unfortunately, my two older girls have had to correct some wrong thinking about how God feels about them and what His desires are for them as a result of my skewed view of God.
Joshua defines success as this, "meditate on it (God's word) day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful". Joshua 1:8
King Solomon, the wisest person who ever lived wrote in Ecclesiastes chapter 12:
13All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man. (Amplified version)
Finally, in the New Testament, John the Baptist, a cousin to Christ, says, "I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of Him. The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine and it is now complete." John 3:29
The point from all three passages is that the key to having joy and being joyful is Christ. We can have outgoing personalities which are friendly and optimistic and bounce around merrily for awhile but sooner or later the rubber will meet the road and life goes south due to some difficulty, tragedy, etc. It is then that the smile fades, tears form, our step becomes slower and outlook on life questionable. Only when our foundation is a life in Christ...we have trusted Him and are appropriating Christ life through us... will we be able continue living with joy in our hearts.
Most of us carry around alot of baggage in our hearts and lives from many sources. This baggage weighs us down, creates insecurities, and hinders us from receiving all that the Father has for us....life abundant. I know I have had to go back to my two oldest girls and confess. "I got this wrong...if I could do it again, here's what I would say." As I have grown up in seeing God truly for who He is through His word...not what other people are saying about Him, I have grown in grace and hopefully become a more gracious person. I am better equipped now in truth to extend God's love and grace to those around me, including my children, who fail each day. Now, rather than shaming them into behaving in a manner that is not embarrassing to me, I am able to ask questions to address their heart, discuss honor and consideration with them, and point them to Christ.
Because that is exactly what the Father does for me. He is not standing there with a pointed finger wagging it at me shaming me for failing once again. His arms are open...He welcomes me (Come to me)...He knows me (all you who are weary and burdened)....He gives me rest (and I will give you rest)..He gives Himself to me (take my yoke upon you)...He teaches me (and learn from me) He is gentle with me(for I am gentle and humble in heart)..Matthew 11:28-30
For today, be good to yourself. Don't beat yourself up for your failures or get caught up in basing your worth on performing for others. Rather run to Christ who is waiting for you with open arms to wrap you in His love and grace, to strengthen you, to uphold you, and to give you great joy!
1. Read Psalm 103:13-14. According to this verse, is God aware of our fragility and limitations? Does he expect more from us than we can give? What kind of compassion do you think a good father would have for his children? In what ways have your tried to earn God's acceptance. Write down any failures or sins you have committed that you think God has held against you. Write across the paper, "Forgiven and loved" and then throw it away-as an act of accepting His love and grace.
2.Read Psalm 13:1-2. What are the things in your life that are "too great" that you have been trying to handle?What would it look like for you to give these areas over to God? How can you still and quiet your soul?
3. What does it mean, "Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3) How does a child exercise belief differently from an adult? Adults usually require proof before they will trust in anything. Does God want us to provide for our own needs or depend on him to provide? What would that look like in your life? How do you need to change your heart attitude in order to more fully enjoy God's Fatherhood?
4. Commit to simplifying your life and seeking God with the innocent heart of a child, depending on him alone to accept you, just as you are.
The author's prayer:
Dear Precious Father,
Help me to truly understand and know your compassionate love for me. Help me to quiet my heart and lean against you as a small baby leans against her mother. Please open my eyes to your priorities, and give me eyes in my heart to see you and enjoy each day. I do love you! In Jesus' name, amen.
Joshua defines success as this, "meditate on it (God's word) day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful". Joshua 1:8
King Solomon, the wisest person who ever lived wrote in Ecclesiastes chapter 12:
13All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man. (Amplified version)
Finally, in the New Testament, John the Baptist, a cousin to Christ, says, "I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of Him. The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine and it is now complete." John 3:29
The point from all three passages is that the key to having joy and being joyful is Christ. We can have outgoing personalities which are friendly and optimistic and bounce around merrily for awhile but sooner or later the rubber will meet the road and life goes south due to some difficulty, tragedy, etc. It is then that the smile fades, tears form, our step becomes slower and outlook on life questionable. Only when our foundation is a life in Christ...we have trusted Him and are appropriating Christ life through us... will we be able continue living with joy in our hearts.
Most of us carry around alot of baggage in our hearts and lives from many sources. This baggage weighs us down, creates insecurities, and hinders us from receiving all that the Father has for us....life abundant. I know I have had to go back to my two oldest girls and confess. "I got this wrong...if I could do it again, here's what I would say." As I have grown up in seeing God truly for who He is through His word...not what other people are saying about Him, I have grown in grace and hopefully become a more gracious person. I am better equipped now in truth to extend God's love and grace to those around me, including my children, who fail each day. Now, rather than shaming them into behaving in a manner that is not embarrassing to me, I am able to ask questions to address their heart, discuss honor and consideration with them, and point them to Christ.
Because that is exactly what the Father does for me. He is not standing there with a pointed finger wagging it at me shaming me for failing once again. His arms are open...He welcomes me (Come to me)...He knows me (all you who are weary and burdened)....He gives me rest (and I will give you rest)..He gives Himself to me (take my yoke upon you)...He teaches me (and learn from me) He is gentle with me(for I am gentle and humble in heart)..Matthew 11:28-30
For today, be good to yourself. Don't beat yourself up for your failures or get caught up in basing your worth on performing for others. Rather run to Christ who is waiting for you with open arms to wrap you in His love and grace, to strengthen you, to uphold you, and to give you great joy!
1. Read Psalm 103:13-14. According to this verse, is God aware of our fragility and limitations? Does he expect more from us than we can give? What kind of compassion do you think a good father would have for his children? In what ways have your tried to earn God's acceptance. Write down any failures or sins you have committed that you think God has held against you. Write across the paper, "Forgiven and loved" and then throw it away-as an act of accepting His love and grace.
2.Read Psalm 13:1-2. What are the things in your life that are "too great" that you have been trying to handle?What would it look like for you to give these areas over to God? How can you still and quiet your soul?
3. What does it mean, "Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3) How does a child exercise belief differently from an adult? Adults usually require proof before they will trust in anything. Does God want us to provide for our own needs or depend on him to provide? What would that look like in your life? How do you need to change your heart attitude in order to more fully enjoy God's Fatherhood?
4. Commit to simplifying your life and seeking God with the innocent heart of a child, depending on him alone to accept you, just as you are.
The author's prayer:
Dear Precious Father,
Help me to truly understand and know your compassionate love for me. Help me to quiet my heart and lean against you as a small baby leans against her mother. Please open my eyes to your priorities, and give me eyes in my heart to see you and enjoy each day. I do love you! In Jesus' name, amen.
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