I wonder if every woman embraced the truth that the Creator of all the universe "breathed the breath of life into them" would they hold their head higher?
I wonder if every woman knew their immeasurable value before God would they no longer condemn or criticize themselves?
I wonder if every woman knew their purpose on earth would they continue searching for something else to define them?
Psalm 139 speaks to these three truths.
Verses 13 through 15 attest to God creating us...specifically stating, we are fearfully and wonderfully made; the psalmist speaking about God says, "Wonderful are your works (you and I are the work he is referring to), and my soul knows it very well."
I am constantly thinking about people I value...how I can bless them or encourage them or minister to them. Well verses 17 and 18 let us know that God is valuing us by thinking of us.....ALOT! The writer says, "How precious are your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand."
My daughter is at the beach right now....I hope she walks along the sand and realizes that her heavenly father has her on his mind in a big way.
Finally, regarding our purpose, God lays it out as well in verse 16 "And in your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them." In other words, God has eveything planned out for us before it ever happens...nothing catches Him off guard. He knows past, present and future.
So I am made by Him, for Him, and am deeply loved by Him. These truths should produce great contentment in my heart. Then why is it that often I I still feel either inadequate or overwhelmed by my life circumstances producing discontent in my heart?
Maybe it's because I have never fully embraced the truths form the time they were taught to me. Maybe I have never given much thought to what God really says about me but rather have listened to the world with its distorted view of what makes one valuable, successful, and beautiful. Maybe even my parents didn't know these truths so they could not pass them down to the next generation.
Regardless of the reasons the truth is now out. It is inviting to me. And embracing the truths of scripture produce contentment and peace. Why? Because I am choosing to trust in Almighty God...the blessed controller of all circumstances (1Tim 6:15) who is "for me" and has my best interest at heart...who has given me a future and great hope (Jer 29)...plans to prosper me....and not to harm me. Over the past nineteen years I have trusted little by little and found God faithful so today it is much easier to go back to what I know to be true...His word, His nature, and His character.
I am most assuredly discontent at least once a day if not more. I am only human. The most beautiful part is I now know how to recognize it, who to give it to, what truths to appropriate in my discontented circumstances, and can then rest and be at peace. And what an enormous difference it has made in my life.
Do you believe you are valuable in God's eyes....that He is constantly thinking about you...His creation and how He can bless you?
Do you know God has ordered your days to operate in the passions and giftings He has bestowed to you. It is in that place of corporate businesswoman, doctor, or homemaker that we find contentment. Are you operating in your giftings?
We are commanded in Genesis 1:28 to subdue...or bring to productivity that which is in our domain. Are you bringing to life and productivity what is under and around you?
First though you must believe that you were created by God and in the image of God. We as believers are the image bearers of God. Are you properly presenting Him in and through your life to those around you.
My prayer for you today is that you WILL walk with your head higher because of who made you, that you will relish the idea of God thinking about you ALL the time when so often our love tank is empty from disappointment in personal relationships and life, and finally will you ponder your giftings and abilities questioning whether you are content...I would love to know your thoughts regarding these truths.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Content in my circumstances
Learning and practicing contentment will be in the forefront of my journey for this year as our book study group works through Calm my Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow. So exactly how does one find contentment in the midst of horrific circumstances?
If Paul, who penned the majority of the New Testament, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had learned contentment in the midst of chains, assaults, near death experiences, to name a few....can't I too find this contentment?
I believe we can. The answer is given in Philippians 4:6-8. "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God." This command is easier said than done when one is in the midst of incredible trials...right now I can think of three people off the top of my head who are walking through unfathomable hardship. One young adult in our youth developed spinal meningitis last summer from a virus. He is now in rehab due to a fall and is experiencing seizures baffling the doctors. My pastor just had to bury his own brother who died from cancer after the brother just lost his wife tragically last November during a routine surgery. A young man, 23 years old, attended the Alabama game on Saturday only to be killed in a car accident on the ride home from the game. One only need to look around momentarily to find someone in a desperate situation of pain be it emotional, physical, or spiritual. This exercise has worked everytime for me. The moment I begin to feel sorry for myself I only need turn on the news to see that someone is in significantly worse shape than I. Remember that old song "I Sure could use a little good news today?
Once we've embraced the command from verse 6, God's word follows with a promise for us..."and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Isn't peace of mind what many of us long for the most? As one of my moms said, "this means all the irrational thoughts stop flying around in my head!"
As we give our problems over to the Lord in prayer, we must practice replacing the negative thoughts about our current circumstances with positive. The Father does not leave us hanging alone in that area as well. He tells us. in verse eight.."whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about those things."
Proverbs 23:7 says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" Our thought life is usally the last to give up as a believer. It is fairly simple to know the biggies...don't steal, don't use coarse language, etc...but no one knows my critical thoughts or judgemental spirit right??....except for God who knows everything and loves us enough to show us our faults. It is these very things for myself that cause me to lose my contentment. Your weaknesses may be different. But we all have them because we live in a fallen world. We take these thoughts (the negative ones) to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5) and are commanded to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2).
Today I know of women who are struggling with whom to ask to do their $1000 hair weave and families who are longing for their son to get off drugs. Regardless of your social strata, we choose to be content in our circumstances because we believe God is the blessed controller. The author reminds us that, "ultimately, contentment is more a shift in attitude than a change in circumstances."
We renew our mind by learning God's word and using it to replace any faulty thinking we have...The product of this application: CONTENTMENT..why? Because we are appropriating the truths of Christ to our individual life circumstances so we see Him at every turn.
Finally, although the author does not mention it...I want to add the importance of community. When we walk through these hard times, it is imperative to have a group of people around you that love and support you. They are the ones pointing you back to the truths of God's word which sustain you and bring contentment to you in your painful place. They are Jesus with skin on...not one who necessarily can change your circumstance but will walk through it with you always pointing you to the all sufficient one who may not rescue you out of your hard place but promises to be enough and walks through it with you as well. Remember He said, "I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5)
That's why I love my MomHeart group. We can meet and share and be there for one another to point one another to Christ but support each other by our presence.
Who do you have? Will you ask the Father to bring you someone to journey with? Will you dive into the truths of scripture that will sustain you during your darkest moments because they are the bread of life.
If Paul, who penned the majority of the New Testament, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had learned contentment in the midst of chains, assaults, near death experiences, to name a few....can't I too find this contentment?
I believe we can. The answer is given in Philippians 4:6-8. "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God." This command is easier said than done when one is in the midst of incredible trials...right now I can think of three people off the top of my head who are walking through unfathomable hardship. One young adult in our youth developed spinal meningitis last summer from a virus. He is now in rehab due to a fall and is experiencing seizures baffling the doctors. My pastor just had to bury his own brother who died from cancer after the brother just lost his wife tragically last November during a routine surgery. A young man, 23 years old, attended the Alabama game on Saturday only to be killed in a car accident on the ride home from the game. One only need to look around momentarily to find someone in a desperate situation of pain be it emotional, physical, or spiritual. This exercise has worked everytime for me. The moment I begin to feel sorry for myself I only need turn on the news to see that someone is in significantly worse shape than I. Remember that old song "I Sure could use a little good news today?
Once we've embraced the command from verse 6, God's word follows with a promise for us..."and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Isn't peace of mind what many of us long for the most? As one of my moms said, "this means all the irrational thoughts stop flying around in my head!"
As we give our problems over to the Lord in prayer, we must practice replacing the negative thoughts about our current circumstances with positive. The Father does not leave us hanging alone in that area as well. He tells us. in verse eight.."whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about those things."
Proverbs 23:7 says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" Our thought life is usally the last to give up as a believer. It is fairly simple to know the biggies...don't steal, don't use coarse language, etc...but no one knows my critical thoughts or judgemental spirit right??....except for God who knows everything and loves us enough to show us our faults. It is these very things for myself that cause me to lose my contentment. Your weaknesses may be different. But we all have them because we live in a fallen world. We take these thoughts (the negative ones) to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5) and are commanded to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2).
Today I know of women who are struggling with whom to ask to do their $1000 hair weave and families who are longing for their son to get off drugs. Regardless of your social strata, we choose to be content in our circumstances because we believe God is the blessed controller. The author reminds us that, "ultimately, contentment is more a shift in attitude than a change in circumstances."
We renew our mind by learning God's word and using it to replace any faulty thinking we have...The product of this application: CONTENTMENT..why? Because we are appropriating the truths of Christ to our individual life circumstances so we see Him at every turn.
Finally, although the author does not mention it...I want to add the importance of community. When we walk through these hard times, it is imperative to have a group of people around you that love and support you. They are the ones pointing you back to the truths of God's word which sustain you and bring contentment to you in your painful place. They are Jesus with skin on...not one who necessarily can change your circumstance but will walk through it with you always pointing you to the all sufficient one who may not rescue you out of your hard place but promises to be enough and walks through it with you as well. Remember He said, "I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5)
That's why I love my MomHeart group. We can meet and share and be there for one another to point one another to Christ but support each other by our presence.
Who do you have? Will you ask the Father to bring you someone to journey with? Will you dive into the truths of scripture that will sustain you during your darkest moments because they are the bread of life.
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Contentment....
The search for and acquisition of contentment, a place of being satisfied, will most likely be debated for years. As I scan through my life years and circumstances thus far, I am reminded there are times when I believed a variety of events, material possessions, and people would bring contentment into my life.
For example, as a mom I will be content when my toddler is potty trained or my teenager stops rebelling. As a single woman I will be content when I am in a relationship. As a working woman I will be content when I get a raise or promotion. This list goes on and on. You can fill in the blank. I will be content when _________.
However, when we base our contentment on externals, we come up empty handed. We are satisfied momentarily but then continue to look for the next "place of contentment". What we have seems never to quite be enough.
As I am journeying through life I am finding that real contentment is a way down deep place in my soul that is at rest regardless of the fact that I have tummy fat that I can't seem to be rid of, a few varicose veins in my legs popping up, deteriorating eyesight, a man has NOT shown up as a companion, I have not received a promotion, and just when my children move through some difficult phase (which seems constant since there are five of them!), they move into some new arena of challenges because life is just hard and we live in a fractured world.
Recently I finished The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. It was my second read of this book. Her autobiography is a glimpse of real contentment, an assurance of the indwelling peace of God, in war torn Holland as her family hides Jews, is betrayed, and she spends years in a German concentration camp. More than anything as a mom I am convinced her faith was grounded in shared experiences with her family during her growing her years.
Now faith is described as a gift from God. Yet this faith is deepened and then tested throughout life as trials come along. However Paul tells us that contentment can be learned. I think before embarking upon this new study of Calm My Anxious Heart in MomHeart I have always approached contenment, like faith. Because Christ is content, we are content. But I see now as I study more that really contentment is a Christlike characteristic that can be taught and cultivated. Paul's life was full of anything but positive circumstances. He wrote them while imprisoned, chained to a guard, was misunderstood, beaten, deserted by friends. Yet, here are the words he penned:
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is like to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who strenthens me." Phillipians 4:11-13
As I walk through the various trials of life whether they be parenting or relationships, etc. I can learn to be content regardless of whether these hard situations change or not when I trust that Christ is the blessed controller of every situation. (I Timothy 6:15) When I choose to believe the truth that God is in control of everything, then I know nothing happens in my life that has not been first sifted through His hands. And I can choose to say from Psalm 16:5 "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure."
Some of my hardest "assignments" have been in the form of discipline for poor choices...choices I made that contradicted the nature and character of Christ. Yet, when I look at those hard assignments through a grid of love....the love of Christ for me....love that came to save and died to save....I can't help but give thanks for a loving God who orchestrated events in such a way to get my attention in order to draw me closer to Him, to depend on Him, to know Him better and to be conformed to His image(Romans 8)....a purpose of our creation.
I keep finding the Father to love me enough to let me often hurt through my circumstances here on earth in order that He might do a greater work of healing my heart restoring me to a place of contentment in Him that stands the test of time.
Are you learning contentment? Will you embrace the truth that the Lord has "assigned" you your portion of whatever you are walking through today. There is rest and satisfaction and knowing as a believer you belong to the Creator of the world and your lot is secure..He is in control and promises to never leave us or forsake us even in them midst of our most difficult circumstance.
For example, as a mom I will be content when my toddler is potty trained or my teenager stops rebelling. As a single woman I will be content when I am in a relationship. As a working woman I will be content when I get a raise or promotion. This list goes on and on. You can fill in the blank. I will be content when _________.
However, when we base our contentment on externals, we come up empty handed. We are satisfied momentarily but then continue to look for the next "place of contentment". What we have seems never to quite be enough.
As I am journeying through life I am finding that real contentment is a way down deep place in my soul that is at rest regardless of the fact that I have tummy fat that I can't seem to be rid of, a few varicose veins in my legs popping up, deteriorating eyesight, a man has NOT shown up as a companion, I have not received a promotion, and just when my children move through some difficult phase (which seems constant since there are five of them!), they move into some new arena of challenges because life is just hard and we live in a fractured world.
Recently I finished The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. It was my second read of this book. Her autobiography is a glimpse of real contentment, an assurance of the indwelling peace of God, in war torn Holland as her family hides Jews, is betrayed, and she spends years in a German concentration camp. More than anything as a mom I am convinced her faith was grounded in shared experiences with her family during her growing her years.
Now faith is described as a gift from God. Yet this faith is deepened and then tested throughout life as trials come along. However Paul tells us that contentment can be learned. I think before embarking upon this new study of Calm My Anxious Heart in MomHeart I have always approached contenment, like faith. Because Christ is content, we are content. But I see now as I study more that really contentment is a Christlike characteristic that can be taught and cultivated. Paul's life was full of anything but positive circumstances. He wrote them while imprisoned, chained to a guard, was misunderstood, beaten, deserted by friends. Yet, here are the words he penned:
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is like to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who strenthens me." Phillipians 4:11-13
As I walk through the various trials of life whether they be parenting or relationships, etc. I can learn to be content regardless of whether these hard situations change or not when I trust that Christ is the blessed controller of every situation. (I Timothy 6:15) When I choose to believe the truth that God is in control of everything, then I know nothing happens in my life that has not been first sifted through His hands. And I can choose to say from Psalm 16:5 "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup, you have made my lot secure."
Some of my hardest "assignments" have been in the form of discipline for poor choices...choices I made that contradicted the nature and character of Christ. Yet, when I look at those hard assignments through a grid of love....the love of Christ for me....love that came to save and died to save....I can't help but give thanks for a loving God who orchestrated events in such a way to get my attention in order to draw me closer to Him, to depend on Him, to know Him better and to be conformed to His image(Romans 8)....a purpose of our creation.
I keep finding the Father to love me enough to let me often hurt through my circumstances here on earth in order that He might do a greater work of healing my heart restoring me to a place of contentment in Him that stands the test of time.
Are you learning contentment? Will you embrace the truth that the Lord has "assigned" you your portion of whatever you are walking through today. There is rest and satisfaction and knowing as a believer you belong to the Creator of the world and your lot is secure..He is in control and promises to never leave us or forsake us even in them midst of our most difficult circumstance.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Feasting can be defined as that which affords unusual pleasure to one's mind or senses. In the bible, this morning, I am reminded of the feast Abigail "carried" out to the dessert to David and his men as a peace offering for her foolish husband Nabal's actions against David. Abigail carried two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five bushels of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins, and two hundred cakes of pressed figs. David received her offering and left Nabal alone. Although soon after God had his way and struck Nabal dead and made Abigail the wife of David, the future King of Israel.
Also, I am reminded of Queen Esther, a humble Jewish girl, who providentially ends up in the king's court. Upon the knowledge of Israel's pending destruction from Haman, she prepares a feast for two days inviting both the King and evil Haman into her chamber. Upon filling their bellies and practicing hospitality by serving these men, she unveils Haman's evil plan to ruin Israel. King Xerxes responds by hanging Haman and Israel is saved.
Two women doing what they do well...cooking, preparing food, serving, making things beautiful change the course of history.
This past weekend I spent 72 hours feasting in the home of my friend Sally Clarkson, pioneer in the homeschool movement as well as author, speaker, blogger, faithful wife and mom. Sally led a MomHeart Leader Intensive Training for 29 of us women from around the globe, literally. There were two moms from Australia along with two Canadian moms.You can find out more about Sally and her family's ministry at www.itakejoy.com, her blog.
Along with wonderful meals, music, candles, and the gorgeous Colorado mountains, we were poured into with inspiring messages of God's design for us as women and inspired to likewise cultivate our own feasts in our own homes. Taking the time to prepare something small like cookies and coffee or large like dinner and inviting others to feast gives value to people. It opens their hearts to listen and respond more favorably to the charge before them to go and make disciples. Thank you Sally and the MomHeart team for a beautiful weekend feast.
Try it yourself the next time you have a run in with your teen or preteen or preschooler....See what gets you closer to their heart...you yelling and administering punishment or offering a treat and asking questions to better understand their heart. Let me know how this works out for your family. My guess based on experience is that they will soften and you will have an opportunity to shape their thinking, guiding them, and charging them to go change the world as well.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
She is beautiful from head to toe
Song of Solomon 4:7
Happy Birthday Mary Catherine!
Monday, 23 May 2011
Thirty Days Ago
Thirty days ago I did not know Phil Campbell or Hackleburg, Alabama existed. The fury of tornadoes that ravaged through the state of Alabama on April 27 changed that for me.
That Wednesday started out as any other day even though the weather men had been talking storms for a week. When you live in the south, March and April is tornado season. So having severe thunderstorms with tornado watches or even warnings for that matter are quite common.
Yet by Wednesday night things were different. Although the storms passed all around our little town of Lacey's Spring, we did lose power around 5:30 that evening. By eight or nine that night the worst was over and reports from battery operated radio were indicating several tornado touchdowns and damage.
Because the media tend to sensationalize so much it was hard to know how bad things were. There were thousands without power. We used the down time to pull out Granddaddy's burners from the fish fries and cooked out on the deck. On Thursday we realized obtaining gas was to be a problem because of the power outage. For the first time I can remember the city and county were put under a mandatory curfew for days. Fortunately our power returned by early Friday morning while most in the surrounding areas were without until the following Monday and many as late as Wednesday. Generators became a hot commodity for many quickly.
Since work was shut down we took the time to travel to Nashville to see Mary Catherine play some softball. We managed to get enough gas from two different stations to get us up there. It wasn't until late Friday night when Lawren opened her laptop in the hotel did we finally see what devastation there was across the state. The sights were overwhelming. Videos of the many tornadoes were already downloaded to YouTube. It was worse than a horror movie. It wasn't long before the realization sunk in there were many deaths and many still missing.
My heart became burdened for the communities hit the hardest. One tornado swept just 17 miles south of my home taking an entire family of five. The next closest storm hit about thirty miles northeast of here. Although I have never lived through a tornado hit, I know exactly what it feels like to wake up one day and your world be turned upside down. Having spent a year in grief from tragic and unexpected loss endears you to those who are suffering their own tragic loss.
Within days teams were formed and people headed out to serve their neighbors. My mother's day gift this year was an opportunity to serve alongside my oldest daughter and oldest son in the Harvest area. Most of our time there was spent hauling tree limbs from fallen trees.
Less than two weeks later many of us headed over to Phil Campbell, Alabama where a disaster relief team was already in place cooking meals for volunteers serving in the community. What an eye opening experience to see a community completely leveled and hear the tragic stories of lost lives and loved ones.
These experiences has drawn my oldest daughter Lawren back two more times. Lawren took a team from the southeast family YMCA yesterday to work in Hackleburg. The entire day was spent clearing and protecting a victim's fig tree before her place was to be bulldozed over.
The task is overwhelming ahead for these two towns in particular but for many others as well. There is simply not enough man power to get the job done. I have pondered the following many times over the past month:
Why did the tornado take that route? Daily I have thanked the Lord for His protection and provision of safety. On my best day I can feel overwhelmed as a single mom of five. It is beyond my psyche to consider what it might feel like to open a closet door and your house be gone or to find dead people in your yard and pool. I just simply can't imagine the hardship even though intellectually I know God would be enough.
Where are all the families that lived in those homes that are gone?
What's the man to do that lost his entire family?
What's the woman to do who was an orphan and widow? While she stayed in a hotel waiting on an adjuster, looters came and took all her valuables from her basement.
The suffering of the tornado victims and the suffering I experienced this past year has propelled me to go and be with them in their painful place. I can work hard to remove brush, debris, etc, I can give them food and water but most importantly I can be present in their hard place. Just present so they realize they are not alone in this difficult time. I certainly cannot change their circumstances.
I can only hope that my small act of service might inspire someone else to go and be with someone hurting when the time comes. We were not meant to be alone. And in the event that tragedy ever hits Lacey's Spring, Alabama there is someone somewhere who will come be with us as well.
Recently one of my dear friends Carol joined me on a recent trip to Phil Campbell. Presently she is joining forces with her daughter near the Tuscaloosa area to help one family rebuild their home. A FEMA trailer is coming but it will be empty. She is on a hunt for baby cribs, mattresses and bed frames for the family. If anyone has any to share please let me know.
That Wednesday started out as any other day even though the weather men had been talking storms for a week. When you live in the south, March and April is tornado season. So having severe thunderstorms with tornado watches or even warnings for that matter are quite common.
Yet by Wednesday night things were different. Although the storms passed all around our little town of Lacey's Spring, we did lose power around 5:30 that evening. By eight or nine that night the worst was over and reports from battery operated radio were indicating several tornado touchdowns and damage.
Because the media tend to sensationalize so much it was hard to know how bad things were. There were thousands without power. We used the down time to pull out Granddaddy's burners from the fish fries and cooked out on the deck. On Thursday we realized obtaining gas was to be a problem because of the power outage. For the first time I can remember the city and county were put under a mandatory curfew for days. Fortunately our power returned by early Friday morning while most in the surrounding areas were without until the following Monday and many as late as Wednesday. Generators became a hot commodity for many quickly.
Since work was shut down we took the time to travel to Nashville to see Mary Catherine play some softball. We managed to get enough gas from two different stations to get us up there. It wasn't until late Friday night when Lawren opened her laptop in the hotel did we finally see what devastation there was across the state. The sights were overwhelming. Videos of the many tornadoes were already downloaded to YouTube. It was worse than a horror movie. It wasn't long before the realization sunk in there were many deaths and many still missing.
My heart became burdened for the communities hit the hardest. One tornado swept just 17 miles south of my home taking an entire family of five. The next closest storm hit about thirty miles northeast of here. Although I have never lived through a tornado hit, I know exactly what it feels like to wake up one day and your world be turned upside down. Having spent a year in grief from tragic and unexpected loss endears you to those who are suffering their own tragic loss.
Within days teams were formed and people headed out to serve their neighbors. My mother's day gift this year was an opportunity to serve alongside my oldest daughter and oldest son in the Harvest area. Most of our time there was spent hauling tree limbs from fallen trees.
Less than two weeks later many of us headed over to Phil Campbell, Alabama where a disaster relief team was already in place cooking meals for volunteers serving in the community. What an eye opening experience to see a community completely leveled and hear the tragic stories of lost lives and loved ones.
These experiences has drawn my oldest daughter Lawren back two more times. Lawren took a team from the southeast family YMCA yesterday to work in Hackleburg. The entire day was spent clearing and protecting a victim's fig tree before her place was to be bulldozed over.
The task is overwhelming ahead for these two towns in particular but for many others as well. There is simply not enough man power to get the job done. I have pondered the following many times over the past month:
Why did the tornado take that route? Daily I have thanked the Lord for His protection and provision of safety. On my best day I can feel overwhelmed as a single mom of five. It is beyond my psyche to consider what it might feel like to open a closet door and your house be gone or to find dead people in your yard and pool. I just simply can't imagine the hardship even though intellectually I know God would be enough.
Where are all the families that lived in those homes that are gone?
What's the man to do that lost his entire family?
What's the woman to do who was an orphan and widow? While she stayed in a hotel waiting on an adjuster, looters came and took all her valuables from her basement.
The suffering of the tornado victims and the suffering I experienced this past year has propelled me to go and be with them in their painful place. I can work hard to remove brush, debris, etc, I can give them food and water but most importantly I can be present in their hard place. Just present so they realize they are not alone in this difficult time. I certainly cannot change their circumstances.
I can only hope that my small act of service might inspire someone else to go and be with someone hurting when the time comes. We were not meant to be alone. And in the event that tragedy ever hits Lacey's Spring, Alabama there is someone somewhere who will come be with us as well.
Recently one of my dear friends Carol joined me on a recent trip to Phil Campbell. Presently she is joining forces with her daughter near the Tuscaloosa area to help one family rebuild their home. A FEMA trailer is coming but it will be empty. She is on a hunt for baby cribs, mattresses and bed frames for the family. If anyone has any to share please let me know.
Saturday, 14 May 2011
When I Was a Little Girl..
When I was a little girl I wanted to be a stewardess. I think they call them "flight attendants" now. But I wanted to fly on airplanes and bring people their drinks. Most likely this idea came about from my yearly flights to Shreveport, LA to visit Aunt Peg. She would typically fly my brother Jonathan and myself out each year at different times to visit her.
I loved every moment about the flight experience. I especially got a lot of attention being a child traveler. You got to visit the pilot in his cabin and received a pair of Delta wings after every flight. The flight attendant paid special attention to you and brought you extra peanuts and coke. Somewhere I even have a picture taken with a man at the Delta counter in some airport.
Each year I observed the flight attendants and dreamed about becoming one when I grew up. It was on every grade school sheet that asked, "When I grow up I want to be a ______________."
My work today is a lot like a flight attendant. Rather than a plane I work at Lyn's Gracious Goodness behind a counter. I take your order or deliver your sandwich to you when it's complete, often complete your order by plating your salad, wipe your table, and give you a cup to fix your drink.
Not only do I enjoy serving but I have grown to love the customers at the shop as well. We have some regulars who eat with us several times a week. They take the time to ask how you are, smile, and are genuinely thankful that you have served them.
Sometimes my job includes leaving the restaurant to go and work a catered event. This past week I served at a local bank board luncheon. So what happens is the following: I go to work in my uniform which consists of shorts, Lyn's lime green tee (with the big orange fork), and tennis shoes covered in red clay from hours at the ball field practicing and coaching.
Once at work, items are loaded into my van for the lunch. All the goodness is hauled down the street and unloaded and carried, thankfully by cart, up to the fourth floor board room where it is unloaded again.
The next hour is spent folding napkins, putting out water and tea glasses, salt and pepper shakers, sugar containers, and silverware, plating the salad and finally filling the glasses with ice, water and tea. Meanwhile, the yummy lunch goodness is warming in the oven. Everything looks great. I am now just waiting for the board members to arrive.
Meanwhile I forgot to mention that my contact has said hello. I have inquired how her mother is who is transitioning between apartment living with a housesitter to a residential home. My friend relays to me how her mom fell during the day of the tornadoes and had to travel by ambulance to the hospital with a broken pelvis. We share because this job of serving has afforded me the privilege of building relationships with people who care about one another's lives.
Everything is ready...except for my clothes. You can't serve board members in shorts and a tee shirt. So I race into the bathroom and change into my black pants, black heels, and black top. For a minute I feel like Wonderwoman, who had a regular life but when duty called went into a corner and came out a superhero to meet the needs of the moment. The outfit isn't exactly like the flight attendant's navy blue but it's real close.
I proceed back to the kitchen of the boardroom where for the next hour I serve the fourteen board members their lunch. This particular day it's fresh salad greens with tomatoes, toasted pecans, and green onions topped with basil buttermilk dressing. Next there is pot roast and gravy, mashed potatoes, greenbeans, and cornbread. For desert we have chocolate silk pie with homemade whipped cream and coffee if desired. My bank contact helps me clear and serve while I keep their glasses full of water and tea. As usual, lunch is a hit.
Both jobs..the flight attendant and my restaurant job today are about serving. It's probably a good fit because it's how I am wired. Actually it's how all Christ followers are wired regardless of your profession.
River of life lesson: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant..."(Philippians 2)
I believe regardless of your position you can be content and fulfilled in your work when you operate out of your giftings. Many left brainers who spend countless hours toiling over a project for the space system can be equally fulfilled when a particular problem is solved or project is complete. He or she has served their team or supervisor well.
Likewise, in the countless thankless hours of a stay at home mom, she too can rejoice that when she has done everything there is to do in that day, she can say, "I am an unworthy servant, I have only done my duty." (Luke 17:10) This mom has served the Lord as well as her children as she ministered to them throughout the day whether it was fix a cup of juice or wipe a runny nose or stayed up late talking to her older teen or young adult child who is struggling with life issues.
The lesson when we operate out of our giftings in the individual areas the Father has called us to is the realization that He gives us the desires of our heart. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."When we delight in the Lord and enjoy fellowship with Him, the overflow is joy and thanksgiving that spills out into other areas of life such as work and family. They get the best of us when we delight in Him.
I realize today how the Father has given me the desire of my heart to love and serve others through my role as a mother and also at work. It took getting sidetracked on a business degree in college and many other twists and turns to come to this place of contentment. Looking ahead, I wonder what it will look like when the fruition of my most recent ten year longing comes about: to open a bed and breakfast in my home. A place to be called River of Life Inn.
As the longings, ideas, and plans cultivate in my heart and mind, it is with anticipation I look forward to watching how He moves to do what He promises to do: Give us the desires of our heart, when we delight in Him.
If your life lacks joy or contentment, could it be that you are not operating out of your giftings? How are you loving and serving others? If you belong to God, it's your make up. And share your story here. I would love it.
I loved every moment about the flight experience. I especially got a lot of attention being a child traveler. You got to visit the pilot in his cabin and received a pair of Delta wings after every flight. The flight attendant paid special attention to you and brought you extra peanuts and coke. Somewhere I even have a picture taken with a man at the Delta counter in some airport.
Each year I observed the flight attendants and dreamed about becoming one when I grew up. It was on every grade school sheet that asked, "When I grow up I want to be a ______________."
My work today is a lot like a flight attendant. Rather than a plane I work at Lyn's Gracious Goodness behind a counter. I take your order or deliver your sandwich to you when it's complete, often complete your order by plating your salad, wipe your table, and give you a cup to fix your drink.
Not only do I enjoy serving but I have grown to love the customers at the shop as well. We have some regulars who eat with us several times a week. They take the time to ask how you are, smile, and are genuinely thankful that you have served them.
Sometimes my job includes leaving the restaurant to go and work a catered event. This past week I served at a local bank board luncheon. So what happens is the following: I go to work in my uniform which consists of shorts, Lyn's lime green tee (with the big orange fork), and tennis shoes covered in red clay from hours at the ball field practicing and coaching.
Once at work, items are loaded into my van for the lunch. All the goodness is hauled down the street and unloaded and carried, thankfully by cart, up to the fourth floor board room where it is unloaded again.
The next hour is spent folding napkins, putting out water and tea glasses, salt and pepper shakers, sugar containers, and silverware, plating the salad and finally filling the glasses with ice, water and tea. Meanwhile, the yummy lunch goodness is warming in the oven. Everything looks great. I am now just waiting for the board members to arrive.
Meanwhile I forgot to mention that my contact has said hello. I have inquired how her mother is who is transitioning between apartment living with a housesitter to a residential home. My friend relays to me how her mom fell during the day of the tornadoes and had to travel by ambulance to the hospital with a broken pelvis. We share because this job of serving has afforded me the privilege of building relationships with people who care about one another's lives.
Everything is ready...except for my clothes. You can't serve board members in shorts and a tee shirt. So I race into the bathroom and change into my black pants, black heels, and black top. For a minute I feel like Wonderwoman, who had a regular life but when duty called went into a corner and came out a superhero to meet the needs of the moment. The outfit isn't exactly like the flight attendant's navy blue but it's real close.
I proceed back to the kitchen of the boardroom where for the next hour I serve the fourteen board members their lunch. This particular day it's fresh salad greens with tomatoes, toasted pecans, and green onions topped with basil buttermilk dressing. Next there is pot roast and gravy, mashed potatoes, greenbeans, and cornbread. For desert we have chocolate silk pie with homemade whipped cream and coffee if desired. My bank contact helps me clear and serve while I keep their glasses full of water and tea. As usual, lunch is a hit.
Both jobs..the flight attendant and my restaurant job today are about serving. It's probably a good fit because it's how I am wired. Actually it's how all Christ followers are wired regardless of your profession.
River of life lesson: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant..."(Philippians 2)
I believe regardless of your position you can be content and fulfilled in your work when you operate out of your giftings. Many left brainers who spend countless hours toiling over a project for the space system can be equally fulfilled when a particular problem is solved or project is complete. He or she has served their team or supervisor well.
Likewise, in the countless thankless hours of a stay at home mom, she too can rejoice that when she has done everything there is to do in that day, she can say, "I am an unworthy servant, I have only done my duty." (Luke 17:10) This mom has served the Lord as well as her children as she ministered to them throughout the day whether it was fix a cup of juice or wipe a runny nose or stayed up late talking to her older teen or young adult child who is struggling with life issues.
The lesson when we operate out of our giftings in the individual areas the Father has called us to is the realization that He gives us the desires of our heart. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."When we delight in the Lord and enjoy fellowship with Him, the overflow is joy and thanksgiving that spills out into other areas of life such as work and family. They get the best of us when we delight in Him.
I realize today how the Father has given me the desire of my heart to love and serve others through my role as a mother and also at work. It took getting sidetracked on a business degree in college and many other twists and turns to come to this place of contentment. Looking ahead, I wonder what it will look like when the fruition of my most recent ten year longing comes about: to open a bed and breakfast in my home. A place to be called River of Life Inn.
As the longings, ideas, and plans cultivate in my heart and mind, it is with anticipation I look forward to watching how He moves to do what He promises to do: Give us the desires of our heart, when we delight in Him.
If your life lacks joy or contentment, could it be that you are not operating out of your giftings? How are you loving and serving others? If you belong to God, it's your make up. And share your story here. I would love it.
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