Daily Faith

100 DAY Challenge - How are you?

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:39:00 +0000

Well, we are in month 2 of our 100 day challenge. How are you doing? How is your resolution going? IS it still going?

We've had the winter-crud vandalize our bodies the last three weeks; kids, then husband, then me... all with that long-lasting junk filling our lungs and sinuses....yuck. It made everything else take a back seat. Laundry piled up. Dishes may or may not have been cleaned or put away. Vacuum? Dust? My 100 day challenge? Blog? (insert sigh here) It has been a long three weeks.

So what do you do when the unexpected interrupts your resolutions?

Plan for the unexpected. Make preparations ahead of time for what to do when_____ happens. My resolution revolves around eating choices, and there was a birthday and Valentine's Day and Easter to consider....how do I stay committed and not be offensive? How do I keep on track and not weaken my resolve?

We plan to fail when we fail to plan.

Having a line of attack set in our minds for when the unexpected happens, strengthens our resolve and ups our chances for success....

And yet.....(when I was a child, my siblings and I were notorious for saying, "Yeah but!" after everything my parents said...so much so, that we were not allowed to say, "yeah but" anymore. So we changed it to anything that remotely said the same thing. "And yet" became my personal favorite.)

And yet....is our resolution only for the sake of success? Of winning? Of saying we made it 100 Days? Or rather is that just a part of the point. But the REAL point is the deepening of our relationship with the One who carries us through the victories and defeats of our lives.

Plan for the unexpected, be ready...do what you can do with what you have in the time you are given, and then rest in the loving arms of Him who rides you on the train of His triumph......

How My Readership Hit Zero

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:42:00 +0000

Also entitled: My thoughts on political mudslinging:

Political mudslinging has already begun. On TV, social media, behind podiums. Here is my two bits: to anyone mudslinging those who hold positions of power (ESPECIALLY to those who say they are faith-based people doing the mud-slinging): we are called to honor those in authority over us.

God allowed that individual to be in that particular role (whether to truly lead and guide us or to be an example of what happens when we throw God to the way-side).

No one in these positions TRIES to fail. I would imagine that anyone going in to office doesn’t go in thinking, “I’m going to mess things up so bad! I’m going to let everyone who doesn’t like me get a taste of my wrath.” No, I think that in a position of power, one goes in firmly believing that they are putting their best foot forward, that they are going to work really hard and serve the best way they know how. And my guess is, they had no idea what great strain that seat of power holds. Some buckle under that kind of pressure, some rise to the challenge.

Either way, they are a human – just like you and me – no, not even like you and me, better than us, because they had the courage to stand up and do something about what they believe, fought hardships to get where they are, paid a high price to serve –yet a human being. Mortal. And occasionally frail. A human carrying the weight of a country, or a state, or any place of leadership, it’s hard.

Could you do a better job than they? WOULD you? We may not agree with a leader’s political position, moral preferences, or decisions. But they are (most likely) doing the best that they can. We don’t have to agree with them, but we can still respect the position, and honor the man. (or woman) We can share our thoughts and opinions, but can't we do it in a way that doesn't wound the person? Wouldn’t we hope for the same if it was us?

And as people claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ – we have an obligation to the LORD and in keeping of His Word – to honor those in authority over us. It never categorizes that honor by saying, “if they are deemed worthy; if they live up to your hopes for what you think they should be doing”. It just tells us to honor them. And to pray for them.

In these coming politically-charged months, how about if instead of throwing mud at these people, we toss up prayers to heaven on behalf of them. Let the people of faith rise up in a new standard, one of respect, and honor and prayer on behalf of those serving in leadership. And may we all remain humble, so that God will not be opposed to us, but for us. And when He lifts us up in due season, may those we serve be as respectful as we have been in the past.

Get Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:06:00 +0000

"Why have you fallen on your face? Get up!"

Those words stood out at me in blaring deafness, not any louder than if they had been audibly shouted at me. I was reading out of the Old Testament book of Joshua, chapter 7. And verse 10 sucked the air out of my lungs. Just a few days after I had written to you that "I had fallen flat on my face." in regards to my 100 DAY Challenge. Here in the pages of Scripture, a way-too-close-for-comfort phrasing of my own words, jumped off the page at me. But let me give you the back story:

They had been called to defeat those who were living in the place God was giving to them. They had one success in removing the opposition. And before the next battle began, they fall. They sin. They disobey. Unaware God has removed His blessing, they enter the next fight and get beaten. Badly. And their leader falls on his face before God, pleading an understanding of what happened, what went wrong.

And God says, "Why have you fallen on your face? {you} cannot stand before your enemies; you will turn your back before them, for you have become accursed. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the things in your midst that are under the ban. GET UP. Consecrate the people and say, "consecrate yourselves for tomorrow. For the LORD, the God of Israel has said, "There are things in your midst that are under the ban."'" (this is my own paraphrase, not any particular translation.)

Someone had stolen something. Specifically, whenever the Israelites defeated a nation they were to take nothing for themselves except what the Lord allowed. Most nations were utterly destroyed. But one man kept for his own possession things which God had said were off limits to take. So the entire nation of Israel stands before the LORD, and He identifies the one man who sinned and that one person, his entire family, all his things, and what was stolen - everyone and everything related to this one person - are stoned to death, burned and buried.

Extreme. Violent. Horrific.

God had the Israelites stone, burn and bury their own. Not just the one who sinned, but everyone connected to him. Why? Perhaps because one sweet taste of victory was enough for them to forget what was at stake. They - all 2 million or so of them - were about to enter their Promised Land. After 400 years in captivity, 40 years of wandering, they FINALLY were to enter what was promised.

But they had to clear out the land before they could possess it.

Victory was guaranteed. On one condition. They only had to remain obedient. Not turn back. Not retain old habits, familiar ways. They were to be a chosen people, a holy nation, consecrated- set apart solely for the Lord - and therefore, completely holy. No sin tolerated. No sin. Not once. The extreme consequence - an experience none would soon forget. Nor the promise. Victory is secure IF you remain steadfast on the LORD. His way, always.

Are you seeing some connections to our own situations? We began the 100 DAY Challenge to rid ourselves of some habit, or to retain some desired behavior, that would bless and not curse (us or others). God has promised us freedom and abundant living; our resolutions (I'm assuming) are part of the process in claiming that freedom and that abundant life. But in order to do so, we must rid ourselves of what is not of God. And the stakes are higher than we might imagine.

While God does not command US to stoning, burning and burying entire families for one person's sin - He did allow the preciousness of His very essence - His Son - to be tortured, whipped, stripped, nailed, to die, be buried....for the entire family of Adam who sinned. By our agreement to receive that Sacrifice on behalf of our own required punishment, God demands one thing: all of us. Every part. Laying down the old. Pressing on to the new, to claim in reality the Promised Land already ours spiritually. It is Extreme. It is severe. It is required.

Last week I mentioned that it was okay if you had already messed up your resolutions, if you - like me - had fallen flat on your face. And it is. In Christ, we have complete assurance that all will be well. In our journey on this earth, only what is of Christ will last for eternity. And only He can accomplish that in us. Guaranteed. But what He requires, is an open-handed obedience to Him. An utter dependence on His ability. A resting in His finished work.

And that obedience, dependence and rest cannot happen if you are hiding contraband. It could be chocolate, it could be pornography, it could be someone else's somethings...or it could be what cannot even be seen with the eye: jealousy, hatred, gossip, bitterness, a pain you are refusing to be healed from, a relationship you will not release....whatever that THING is that you decided to work on these 100 days....if you find in this journey you have fallen - on purpose or not - we must do what God asks of us - GET UP. And consecrate ourselves for tomorrow.

"Why have you fallen on your face? Get up! And consecrate yourselves before the LORD. You cannot stand before your enemies until you utterly destroy the things God banned you to have - that you have hidden. Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow."

We must get up. We cannot stop just because we fell. Growth requires progression in a forward manner. Not always movement (because sometimes our greatest spiritual growth is when we rest - just as nature proves with each quiet winter, that rest enables spring to flourish in all it's beauty) but progression.

We must consecrate ourselves. Set ourselves apart. Again. No matter what lies you are hearing in your head, let me just tell you something: You ARE NOT the person you were. You ARE a new creation in Christ. All things ARE new. And what He has already accomplished on your behalf, He will work out in you this present moment. Your actions may not always line up with this truth, but that doesn't mean it still isn't true. Line yourself up with the truth, sweet friend. And do it today.

Do it today....for tomorrow....one of these tomorrow's will be a day of reckoning....and don't you know you want to be already set apart and ready for that judgment. Until that reckoning comes though we must remember, that tomorrow His mercies are new again and ready to completely save you, even from yourself. If you have fallen, get up. Remember why you began in the first place. You are WORTH IT to continue this challenge.

'This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.

The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’

The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,

to the person who seeks Him.

It is good that he (or she!) waits silently for the salvation of the LORD.'

Lamentations 3:21-23

100 DAYS: Week Three

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Well friends, I MEANT to blog more than this-once-every-18-days....I smile as I type that because how many of us in our 100 DAY Challenge commitments have already stumbled? How many of us have already fallen flat on our faces? I smile as I ask, because I can quickly answer "yep, that'd be me" to both of the questions.

I have already stumbled in my challenge.

I have already fallen FLAT on my face.

And it's okay.

It's okay! I am glad that I have stumbled if for nothing more than I can tell you - by experience - that it's okay. Walking this journey with you, with dirt on my knees and scrapes on my elbows only let's you know two things: I'm committed to see this thing through, AND I'm giving it all I've got, though not perfectly.

I hope my hiccups on the journey give you permission to admit any of your own, to allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes.

Because, can I share I secret with you?

This 100 DAY Challenge is NOT about committing to a resolution perfectly....

It's about continually entrusting yourself to the One who IS perfect while you focus on this new goal.

The goal is not the point; perfection is not the point. Walking in a closer tandem with God is the point. And perhaps you might share similarity with me; perhaps an effective means to get you to keep pace with the King is to realize you can't take a step without Him: ESPECIALLY when starting something new. Your resolution is important and good; but what you learn about Him and yourself through the process is KEY.

So how ARE you doing? How have the last 18 days been? Share as you feel free to...and keep going. In the words of anyone who has tasted success: Get up. Keep going. The only failure is to stop before you've finished.

100 DAYS: WEEK ONE–BEGIN

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:37:00 +0000

Well friends, today is the day! We begin our 100 DAY Challenge. I am excited to partner with you on this adventurous journey. Someone once said, “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” And hopefully, we have not only planned, but planned well. We have chosen ONE thing to focus on; we have covered that one thing in prayer; we have made sure it is measurable and we wrote it down.

Today, as we begin to begin, take a few moments and pray over the next 100 days. Perhaps your prayer could touch on these areas:

your desire to succeed AND your knowledge of frailty which only leaves His faithfulness to fill the gap
perseverance for the long-haul
focus through the distractions
you remain in His will through this process
your openness for what He has planned, even if its different than what you have planned
His will be done, His glory to be made known, others blessed, and you a better YOU.

As you are praying, ask the Lord if there is a particular Bible verse or quote that you can carry with you as inspiration during this journey; something to write on your heart that you can bring to mind through the joy and the struggle. A verse that could become a promise to claim or challenge to pursue. Over the next few days, listen to His voice, pour over His word and see if something stands out to you, and then ask Him if you’ve found what He had in mind. His word is powerful and He sends it out for healing. (Psalm 107:20) Be sure you write your verse down!

And now, here is what I would ask you to do. To remain accountable and to encourage each other, please leave a comment stating your name, where you are from, and your verse or quote. If you would like to share what ONE thing you are focusing on for the next 100 days, please do so, but don’t feel like you have to. I respect your privacy and sometimes, some goals are meant to remain between you and the Lord. I’m sure we all could be blessed by reading the verses or quotes we’ve picked and be encouraged by one another. After you have done that, swing on by to our 100DAY Challenge page on Facebook! Be sure to “Like” it, so you can get instant updates and join the community of fellow-sojourners there!

I’ll go first:

Jody, Greensboro, NC, John 15:16, 17 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in My name. This is my command: Love each other.”

100 Days: Prepare

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:24:00 +0000

Before we begin our 100 day challenge, a few things:

1) Pick ONE thing you will focus on for 100 days.

Just make it one; us over-zealous, over-achievers may itch to do more, but let's not. Let's pretend we're five years old, just learning how to balance backpack while climbing stairs....let's just do one thing at a time.

2) Pray over that one thing.

You may find that God's preferred choice is not your number one pick; it may not even be on your radar screen...but to ensure success, let's begin with prayer. Let's seek God's best in this, trusting that the One who created us must know what that ONE thing is, that will impact most in 2012, for our best, others' benefit, and His glory.

3) Make sure it's measurable.

Whatever that one thing is you plan to focus on for 100 days, make sure you can measure how you're doing...not that it's the end all, be all, this measuring....but it will become frustrating to you in tracking your progress, if you cannot measure if you've hit the mark or not.

An example of a hard-to-measure-goal would be: "For 100 days, I choose to be especially kind to someone I find difficult to love." How do you measure it? The factors would depend not just on you, but on how the recipient is feeling, behaving, responding.... but a measurable goal would be: "For 100 days, I choose to restrict my comments to that difficult-to-love person to those that are kind, true and necessary." Or, "For 100 days, I choose NOT to say any disparaging remarks to said unlovable person." That is something you can measure.

4) Write it down.

And be ready to write it down daily. If you're not a writer, type it. If you are not a natural tracker, start. By day 45, you'll be so glad you tracked your progress, your consistency. It will show you, in your hand, that you CAN do this. You ARE going to finish strong, because you have proof that you have finished strong every day before....

Are you ready? Sunday is just around the corner....let's prepare well to begin well, so we end well.

The Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:09:00 +0000

100 days

What could you do in 100 days?

Resolute a new habit...

Learn a skill...

Achieve a goal...

Beat a record...

What would you do in 100 days?

The 100 day challenge - begin on Sunday....are you up to it?

Not Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:35:00 +0000

Last week was a rough week for me. The throws of summer vacation had my schedule all wack. My selfishness was getting poked, prodded, pulled and punched. And I didn’t much like it. I rebelled in anger, that my way wasn’t getting done and I turned into an ugly personality that no one, not even myself, wanted to be around.

Ever not want to be around yourself? Yah, that was me.

Until I got away with the Father…had some quiet moments with the One who knows. I love that Scripture says He is a God who knows….He knows it all, and more, He knows me.

He knows me.

He knows you.

And I sat in His presence and read His words, listened to His Spirit and just cried. And waited for a whisper, if He had one to share….and He did…perhaps just because He knew I wanted one.

“Be still in this refining process. I am preparing you for service in My house and you are not ready. Be still. I have not asked much of you yet.”

“I have not asked much of you yet.”

The frustrations, irritations and exhaustion of the week – all real, all valid – it's weight equals “not much”….I wonder how many of us move through life with a burden we imagine unbearable, though our Father is whispering, “I have not asked much of you yet….”

I say it gently. Even now I think of several who, it seems, from my limited view of the play-by-play, have been asked of much, and who are carrying on in amazing ways.

But what if…oh, dare I say it?….what if, even their seems-so-much, is really still-not-much? Not that it isn’t worth anything, or hasn’t cost them something in the process…

but what if there is more…so much more that Father dreams to ask of us, if only we would stop fidgeting and complaining long enough to hear His whispered request….the “ask” that feels like if we agree, our entire life will be gone…

But oh…isn’t that what we were told from the beginning?

“Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast, these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”…And Jesus answered them saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:20-26)

From the beginning, He asks of us everything. He asks for our very lives…but He does not force us to make good on the promise, even though He has kept up His end before we’ve even said, “Yes”.

We promise Him all, when we ask Him to be our Savior and our Lord, but we have no clue as to what that really means, how it really plays out…and He is so gentle in the showing us…not demanding too much, too soon…but slowly, so slowly….He reveals to us what it means to have Him save us….daily saving us from ourselves…from the old mindset, the old patterns, the worn-through-with-familiarity-ways…

He dreams big dreams for us….can you imagine what He has in mind for us! If we would only release the hold we have on our lives…our dainty lives and follow Him.

Like the seed…completely encapsulating everything it is destined to be, it remains only a seed until it is planted, as good as dead, and buried, to bring forth something it could never be unless it died….fruit…fruit that will last…..

In Christ, we are everything He ever meant for us to be…but until we lay it all down, reckon ourselves dead, buried in Him and raised to newness of His life…we will never birth all that He has planned for us.

Do you see? If we want to see Jesus, in our life, in our walk, in US…then we must follow Him. Him, not our own agendas, plans, preferences…but Him.

We are all called to service in His house. And the way to serve is to die…to our wants, desires, all that is not of Christ. If we don’t die, we live alone. If we die, we live with Him, bearing much fruit, living the life that is true living…

It sounds okay on paper…the reality of it on my Monday afternoon, Thursday morning, or whatever day I wake and do not renew my mind to His Truth,… it smacks my pride, my flesh, my all that is not of Him….

But what do I want?

I want to see Jesus….

“If anyone serves me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.”

That’s what He says.

Can’t I follow Him today? Can you?

He has not asked much of us yet….

What I Love About Him

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:28:00 +0000

Know what I love about Jesus today? About His Father?

If He gets aggravated at me, He never tells me so....

As slow as I am, dull-witted and stubborn, He always uses His "gentle" voice (as my 3-year old says) with me.

Firm sometimes, but never exasperated....

Gentle. Loving.

I just love that about Him today....

What do you love?

Normal vs. Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:25:00 +0000

She had a Bible verse at the bottom of her email and my lip curled a bit as the thought flashed: what is SHE doing with a Bible verse on her email?

As if she wasn't good enough.

As if it wasn't normal to claim some Truth of her own.

She doesn't SEEM like someone who would normally put Scripture next to her name.

And I sit in the seat of Judge because that's much more fun and easier than sitting in front of my own reflection wondering if I look any more normal.....

Does Jesus look any more normal on me?

The Magnificence of Heaven....how can He look normal on anything created? On anyone?

Am I willing to be not-normal to receive His presence?

Am I willing to risk the curled lip, the snarled thoughts, the judgments of others as they execute verdicts on whether my actions line up with my quoted verse of the day?

But....

Isn't it all grace?

This life...this breath...these typed letters formed words.....the Word made flesh, living, rubbing shoulders with....the "normals"....

Isn't it all grace?

How can grace be anything but a lavish gift?

And if a gift...then how can we say anything but "thanks" and do anything but live grateful?

"Do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism." James 2:1

Favoritism is "normal"...Gratitude is grace.

All is grace. ALL. GRACE.

Finding Rest

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:28:00 +0000

I posted on Facebook the other day an incident about my girls:
Rachel had decided to play hide and seek with Carly but didn't tell her that was what she was doing. So from a hidden part of the house, Rachel is yelling, at the top of her voice:
"Come find me!" "COME FIND ME!!!!!!"
Because Carly didn't know what in the WORLD Rachel was doing, Carly yelled back, equally loud:
"NUH-HUH!!!!!!! NUH-HUH!!!!!!!!"

This exchange went on for several minutes until Rachel gave up and finally came out of hiding. Innocent as it was, I gulped back tears....isn't Rachel's cry for someone to come find her the cry of every individual in the world? And isn't Carly's response the world's response?

I had posted on Facebook how thankful I was, that there IS a God who created us, loves us, redeemed us, made a way for us, and faithfully says, "Come, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

I ended my "status update" with that verse. It was enough for Facebook. But not for you. Not for you dear friends. Friends who have quietly read and encouraged and some times commented, asking nothing of me, and graciously receiving the tidbits I'm able to post on this blog....there is more I need to tell you.

I am weary. In varying degrees and ways, accounting for several factors, I find myself weary at the start to this new year. And as I discuss this weariness with the Lord and ask Him, how I can maintain a state of "rest" in this relationship I have with Him, and what that might look like (for His kind of "rest" is not related whatsoever to lethargy), I sense Him telling me to release some good things in order to narrow my focus for higher quality; higher quality relationship, higher quality output; higher quality rest.

I have been stretched thin as of late...the areas I feel responsible for are more than the Lord has for me right now and I need to step back for a time. Reassess, regroup, rest. Then perhaps, reestablish. And so, my treasured gift in bloggy-land...it is with a sad, but relieved heart to tell you that I will not be blogging on Daily Faith. I'm not sure how long this pause will last. It will not be one day longer than the Lord requires for I love sharing with you and hearing from you. And as fun and as good as it might be to blog....it is not so good for me right now.

I pray you understand. I pray you will give me patience. I pray you will still come back and visit from time to time to see if I have started blogging again.

The Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace. I love you so.

To Give Thanks - When Repayment Is Impossible

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:26:00 +0000

Giving thanks today for the things I cannot repay:
#121-125

Love

Redemption

Grace

Forgiveness

Restoration

Mercy

What, dear friends, has aroused a spirit of thankfulness in your hearts?

From The Word....

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:13:00 +0000

He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me because He delighted in me....

Me: How can You delight in me? I'm a mess!

Him: How can I rescue one that doesn't need rescuing?

Me: But I'm such a mess! There's nothing delightful in that....

Him: Between the two of us, you are the only one fooled by the appearance of your good behavior. I know who you are and I love you...you bring me great delight. I love that you need me. Let me love you....

Me: (ugly cry with occasional snort) This cannot be beautiful....

To Give Thanks - In The Midst Of Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:54:00 +0000

With all the thankfulness thrust in our faces this past week, its hard not to have at least a few things to be thankful for on the tip of our tongues. Over the last seven days we have hosted out of town guests, fed 12 in our tiny house, had a wedding, all while three of us were fighting off colds. On this dreary Monday we are tired. Just tired. And yet, my heart is very ready to give thanks. For my God is good and He is always deserving though never needing my praise. And while there are many things I have to give thanks...on this day, I thank God for these He has strategically placed in my path:

#62-120

His Son, Jesus Christ,
My Husband
My girls
Mom
Dad
Sisters and their families
In-laws and their families
Sarah
Karessa
Jillynn
Leslie
Lisa
Lisa
Wanda
Amy
Sherrie
Jennifer
Ronda
Beth
Michelle
Lorin
Kasey
Ainsley
Robn
Jeremy
Kelly
Beth
Jack
Anne
Ken
Matt
Amy
Amy
Karie
Ashley
Caroline
Cassie
Kathy
Angie
Ashley
Shirley
Janice
Terri
Denise
Denise
Dot
Jessie
Jill
MaryAnne
Lara
Lara
Julie
Martha
Pam
Susanne
Shari
Ken and Carol
Barbara
Susan

The Gift of Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:08:00 +0000

It started with looking around her room wondering how we would fit another birthday's worth of gifts in with all the rest of her "stuff". A sigh escaped my lips as I shook my head, just shutting the door, wishing that birthdays didn't have to equate with gifts. But she was turning seven and I couldn't exactly stop the cycle cold, now could I?

But then my friend Lisa sent me some posts to publish on her blog and as I was reading the posts, I realized I had an answer to my problem. You see, Lisa is the executive director for Caroline's Promise; a non-profit focused on reclaiming hope for orphans through education, financial assistance for families adopting and orphan care. And right now, they are collecting gallon-size bags filled with school supplies for children at Casita Adonai in Guatemala City, Guatemala. And an idea began to form...

I talked it over with Rachel, who, at first was very hesitant, and then within a few minutes was ecstatic about the idea. We decided that in lieu of birthday gifts at her birthday party, we would ask her friends to donate to Caroline's Promise on her behalf. (I had to reassure her, she would still be receiving gifts from us and her grandparents.) Her excitement at "making a difference in the world!" was so sweet and touching. She actually thought she was going to change the whole world by this one act.

So we sent out invitations, giving details as to how they could donate, where and why we were doing it. The day of her party arrived and some kids still came with gifts, but all had donated. There were questions and comments and many opportunities to share with the families why we were doing this seemingly strange thing.

A couple weeks after the party, Lisa called and told me all the money had come in and we planned on a date to shop for the school supplies. It was very important to me that Rachel be able to see what her sacrifice of birthday gifts had truly done. So one night last month, we met Lisa and her daughter Caroline at the store. (Caroline and Rachel have been friends since infancy. It was so fun to have her join us in the special shopping spree!)

(Can you tell who is more interested at her face on the surveillance monitor than shopping?)

When we got to the school supplies section we told the girls how much had come in for Rachel's birthday. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS. $150.00!!!!! When we added up the price per bag, with tears, we realized that 21 children at Casita Adonai would receive much-needed school supplies...because of the generosity of 8 families. We were blown away....

(Rachel and Caroline thought they were hot-stuff getting to shop like "grown-ups".)

Rachel and I took the supplies home, divided everything up and packed up all the bags. Three grocery bags later, Rachel stood there shaking her head at all the "stuff".

Rachel: "How many kids again mom?"

Me: "How many kids again, what?"

Rachel: "How many kids did I save?"

Me: "Well, you didn't save any of them, honey. But you did give 21 children school supplies that they wouldn't have otherwise."

Rachel: "I'm glad I did this. It makes my heart happy to give up birthday prizes to make a difference in the world."

I have to say, my heart was swelling with pride. My girl, learning at this young age, that there is more to her world than her little world. Others, who desperately need basic things that we take for granted and treat with disregard, are being helped by her willingness to make a difference.

You know, its been over a month since her birthday and she hasn't missed a single gift. She never speaks of not receiving, but only how giving made her feel. This certainly will be a yearly tradition for us...I cannot stomach the idea that next year we would receive $150 worth of gifts that she doesn't need, when we could do something much more important. Because you see, in the end, it was never really about Rachel receiving less birthday gifts, less clutter in her room, or teaching her about doing her part...I realized it wasn't even about us.

It was always about those who would receive......

If you are interested in donating school supplies for the children at Casita Adonai, or to learn more about how you can make a difference, check out Caroline's Promise website at http://www.carolinespromise.net/ for more information.

To Give Thanks - In The Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:21:00 +0000

These past days have filled my heart to the point of bursting - not necessarily with joy...so I am choosing to give thanks today, in the rain of my life, because HE IS WORTHY, no matter what.

#45- 61

an understanding smile
autumn rains
tiny arms in a big hug around the neck
crimson-stained heart leaves of the Bradford Pear
awaiting time with out-of-town family
planning ahead for the holidays
having a word in season (Isaiah 50:4)
beautiful music
the biographies of the faithful
the faithful who make those biographies true
pure belly laughing from my girls
piggie-tails and plastic pop-beaded necklaces
comforted tears
rest
the hope of something better
cherry chap stick
"C'mooooon sithy, come wit me!"

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7

Yes, He reigns, even in the rain. Especially in the rain.

Will you join me? Will you too give thanks?

The Gift Of Unemployment

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:57:00 +0000

Dear hubby found out today that come December 1st, he will be out of work again. Through circumstances that had nothing to do with him, we will be experiencing our third round of unemployment in the nine-ish years we've been married.

In light of that fact, and the crazy economic situation most of us are enduring, what I'm about to say is going to sound crazy. Ludicrous. Insane.

I believe that unemployment has been a gift to us. And not for the reasons you might think. Getting out of a horrible job situation, having a chance to reevaluate your career path, taking time to get some extra education are all positive ways to look at unemployment. And we've done all of those things. But that's not why I call it a gift. I call it a gift because...

~in our seasons of unemployment, God has been able to show off how faithfully and lavishly He cares for us~

God has promised in His word that He will care for our needs. Neither shelter, food or clothing do we need to have a worry or care about, as He has promised to provide it all. In the book of Philippians, it says, "And my God shall supply ALL your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." That's a huge promise. It is fulfilled with every paycheck you receive from your job. It is fulfilled with every meal that is placed on the table, every month the bills are paid, every season of clothing that is available to be worn. But until those needs have no human way of being met, that promise seems to lose its oomph on us.

Let me say it another way: when we enter a season with no provision but continued need, and somehow everything is provided for anyway, we are experiencing the reality of God's promise in Philippians 4. And may I boldly say, most of our wants too.

This has taken me years to realize and appreciate. Our first round of unemployment lasted seventeen months. It began in our first year of marriage. (Um, can anyone spell "stress"?) And I was a jumble of emotions from the first month to the seventeenth. Begging God. Pleading with Him. Angry at Him. Rarely trusting Him. Our second round of unemployment I started out on the proud foot of "I'm-gonna-make-Him-smile-at-how-I-handle-it-this-time." and then as the months ticked by - all fifteen of them - my stance waivered and waivered and wobbled until I was back to the begging, pleading, angry tears of confusion.

Through the process of dear hubby landing a 6-month contract job at the end of those fifteen months, I went through a really rough patch, asking questions that were the wrong questions. I wanted to know "why" on so many levels I could have built a sky-scraper with them... And "why" isn't necessarily a bad question to ask. But when the goal is to have a relationship with and glorify God, "why" is usually not the question to ask. "What?" is a better question. "What was the purpose?" "What did I learn?" "What did God do?" "What could have been different?" "How?" is a good question too. "How did I grow from this?" "How did God reveal Himself?" "How did I bring Him glory?"

So gentle and patient, God showed me the many, MANY ways He provided for us in every situation. From truly miraculous interventions, to the Body of Christ, looking more like the first century church than a building, to guiding us through some financial decisions...God showed off in huge ways how very capable He was of handling our needs. We truly were on an adventure, watching, sometimes daily, to see how He would show up and provide. He always did. Hear me on this: GOD ALWAYS PROVIDED. And it RARELY looked like how we thought it would/should/could. But it was sufficient. More often than not, it was LAVISH.

God is the epitome of a joyful giver.

Do you know what I came to learn through this experience? I am not afraid of what lies ahead. I know God will provide. I know He is quite capable of caring for me and mine. And as we broach this next season of uncertainty, I nearly embrace it (just being honest here...I'm nowhere near perfect and in my flesh, this slightly sickens me) with a full heart. Though I know God was the ultimate provider with every paycheck we received these last six months, I also know its easier for me to see His creative ways when no paycheck is in sight.

In the United States, Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Can you believe it? Christmas is around the corner. We are about to enter this holiday season with no clue as to what lies ahead. And I am so thankful that God has given us this chance to show our little world what it looks like when we trust Him not just for eternity, but for today. For the needs of this day. This unemployment, I tell you, it is a precious, precious gift. As we look at the recent past of His faithfulness, may we daily walk in trust and give Him much well-deserved glory for how He loves us.

Do you have a story to share of God's faithfulness to you?

To Give Thanks - A Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:17:00 +0000

I came home from work today frustrated by a turn of events that affected me indirectly. Situations that could have been altered or avoided had I done...more. Had someone done more. Inconveniences plagued me till I was worn out. Ready to throw in the towel. And it was barely noon.

Then I read of a girl whose "inconveniences" are tantamount to life-threatening situations and I was struck humbled and grateful that my day's events are only inconvenient and nothing more. I received a perspective on grace and gratitude. Compared to most, I should have NOTHING to share but praise...and thanks.

Giving thanks for just a few things today...

#21-44

smell of coffee brewing while still in bed
great coworkers
answered need with a willing heart
sunshine warming me
"I so happy see you momma!"
wet kisses and fierce hugs
honest bed-time heart-cries
child-prayers
laughing hard
loads of dirty laundry with clothes to spare
finding a family to help in secret
social networking at its finest - to quickly encourage across miles
baby's normal bodily functions
health during flu season
dear hubby caring for our basic needs without complaint
brilliant gift ideas
finished tasks
team work
great deals and exact finds
paying cash for saved items
sleeping past 7:00am
working heater
cotton-candy clouds
dancing leaves in the air

Now its your turn...what are you thankful for today?

Orphan Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 23:58:00 +0000

Today in the United States we honor Orphan Sunday. A day that we speak, even briefly, on the plight of orphans in our neighborhood and around the world. Millions of orphans. And many will probably hear this Bible verse quoted:

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1: 27

Have you ever wondered why that is? Why looking after orphans and widows is what God considers pure and faultless religion? (I think we all kind of "get" why keeping yourself from being polluted by the world fits in...) I was reading a book by Susan Meissner, called Widows and Orphans and through a character in her book she addresses this very thing. I thought it fitting to share with you.

The reason that God accepts looking after orphans and widows in their distress as pure and faultless religion is two fold:

1) we get to remember what we would be, were it not for the great mercy and grace of God. In Biblical times, widows and orphans were the most vulnerable of all people, without basic necessities, but also battling loneliness and trying to survive without an inheritance. Since God is spoken of as our Father, and Christ, as the bridegroom of the church, we spiritually are just like orphans and widows without God's great mercy and grace - with no father and no husband...just as needy, just as vulnerable, just as broken. Without God, we are most like the orphan and the widow. (This is taken directly from her book, p.189. Copyright 2006 published by Harvest House Publishers)

2) In caring for these especially vulnerable people, we get to represent God's love and concern for them in a very tangible way. In caring for their physical and emotional needs, we open doors for God to reveal Himself to them in the greatest way - to meet their spiritual emptiness. No one wants to hear about spiritual needs when the growl in their tummy or fear of their safety overpowers the spoken word, right?

Would you like to know a way to help? There are many...here is one place you could go for more information, education, and opportunity. Sometimes, that's all we need - to be educated and given a chance to do something good. So here's yours...what will you do with it?

Me Too

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:37:00 +0000

"I feel like you are expecting me to be perfect and your words sound harsh to me, that's why I'm crying!"

Her frustration and vulnerability mix in the sound of her voice, tears flowing over it all, in a rush of fear and obedience.

I have done it again. My selfishness has hurt her again. Not wanting to take the time to explain or to participate in the answer, I expect her to KNOW why, to just do it, and get over it. Move on.

But she's just a child. My child. One whom I have unintentionally hurt with my words, my tone, my actions...or inactions, as it may be.

My heart just breaks as I wonder how many times this has happened and she's not had the courage to say so.

Through tears of my own I thank her for being honest, for telling me truth even if it hurts. And I apologize for asking too much, for letting her think I expect perfection. Do I expect her to be perfect? It sure would be easier....But no, I just want her to be her. The best her she can be. She's the only oldest child I have and I just want her to be the person God made her to be. Everything else is just fluff, just extra.

In the quiet darkness of my room I cry out to God and tell Him this life is too hard, and I'm tired of trying to be perfect, and if I'm honest, sometimes He just seems harsh.

"Who says you have to be perfect, child? I just want you to be you. You bring Me much glory and joy when you are living out in pure authenticity exactly who I created you to be. This life is hard, so lean into Me, come to know Me in the daily moments of each hour, learn to trust Me, I am worth your trust. The more you come to know Me, the more you will be able to be you. I love you so."

Truth washes over my heart and I struggle to believe. I'm tired. And not yet ready to cave into His arms in surrender.

Hours pass, and as I check on her sleeping form and kiss her head 'good night' warm tears splash down and hit her pillow. The love I have for this child is intense and burns my heart sometimes. How in the world could I ever not have time for her and her questions, and her playing, and her talking, her incessant talking? She brings such joy to me when she's living out the essence of who she is and not living out of fear...I think these things to myself.

And quite suddenly I hear Him whisper in my heart, "Me too, sweet one. Me too."

Thoughts To Ponder

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

She said in her blog post,

"Today really is as simple as breathing and believing."

And I read this quote today:

"There is nothing but God's grace. We walk upon it; we breathe it; we live and die by it; it makes the nails and axles of the universe." Robert Louis Stevenson

And most importantly, these words:

"Search high and low, scan skies and land, you'll find nothing and no one quite like God. The holy angels are in awe before him; He looms immense and august over everyone around him. God...who is like you, powerful and faithful from every angle?" Psalm 89:6-8MSG

To Give Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:24:00 +0000

Her blog is like the best dessert and warm hot beverage to soothe a heart-heavy-soul....for me. Its a wanna-be-writer looking up to the best kind of writer...one that writes for her Maker and for no other. Her words, a dance troupe, all in perfect animation, creating one whole breath-taking picture of rejoicing, of praise, of introspection, with no fear of going too deep, thinking too long, contemplating too much. Its my meat-and-potatoes of favorite blogs, if I ate meat anymore that is. Here is what she wrote today to give you an example of the richness that exudes from her posts. Praise the Lord for it, as I think that's how she prefers it....

Anyway, every Monday she sets aside that blog post for thanksgiving. To publicly and intentionally express gratitude for the "thousand gifts" surrounding her and lovingly lavished on by the One who made her. And every Monday, she invites us to do the same. Today, on the first of November, this first day on the month set aside in this country to remember our thanksgivings, I too, join her in giving my due appreciation for One Thousand Gifts....

#1-20

His grace

pink-ribboned sunrise

cool breezes and warm sun

a 2-year-old "wuv-uu"

lost-tooth excitement

family

my man

first sip of coffee

great work environment

mid-day naps

heat and hot water

new life in bundles of blankets and diapers and sweet baby smells

good friends not afraid to call at early-o-clock with praises to share

Aunt Anne and the wisdom she loves me with

sunlight coming through the windows and caressing what lies within

pictures that tell more than 1000 words

good books

The Good Book

Iron-sharpening-iron conversations about eternal truths

bloggers and their words that feels like home I've never seen

Will you join me in this journey of being thankful? Nothing but blessing can come from it.

When She Cries Out

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:28:00 +0000

Her cry pricks my ears from rooms away. Its a cry of surprise and pain and hurt feelings. Mostly of pain. Funny how a parent can distinguish a cry down to its degrees of meaning. I pause for just a second to make sure I heard correctly. Yes, its a real cry. I come running. I can't help myself. My baby is crying and I must know why. Must make it better. So I run. Straight to her.

Hold her face in my hands as the words tumble out in pieces and hiccups and tears. Seems little sis was a bit too aggressive. Again. (insert large momma sigh here. Large as in size of sigh, not as in size of momma, thankyouverymuch)

And as we three hold hands and one tiny "sowwy" and genuine big hug is given and received, I remember something:

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17.

He hears my cry. Immediately. In the book of Daniel, it says the angel of the Lord told Daniel that as soon as his prayer was uttered, it was heard, and an answer was given. He is moved by our cry.
Swiftly He moves, with certainty and intense purpose He holds us in His hands, as our words and pain come tumbling out. His heart is to heal and to make Himself known, the greatest healing balm...He comes quick for He can't help but be moved when His children cry.

And don't you know, like any good parent, He too, distinguishes, with precision, a cry down to its degrees of meanings. He knows my frustrated, cry, my scared cry, my angry cry, my physically in pain cry, my terrified cry, my fake cry. Oh yes, He knows the fake cry.

Hosea chapter 7 verse 14 says, "And they do not cry to Me from their heart when they wail on their beds;" (emphasis mine) Yes, He knows the fake cry. Does He still come? Well, He's always HERE, so to say He comes, is, well, a mis-perception. But there are times in the throws of a fake-cry-party where I am the sole star of my own show, I sense Him waiting. Waiting for me to get a hold of myself and take a breath. Waiting for me to see if I notice Him waiting. So I can be ready for His healing. He is ready, am I?

"O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me." Psalm 30:2

"I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul, and You have set my feet in a spacious place. " Psalm 31: 7,8

"The righteous cry, and the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34: 17-19

The verses are many that proclaim how loving our Father is to hear and respond when His children cry out. My deep and intense love for my child, how I am moved to immediate action when I hear her cry is but a poor and pale reflection of how God cares for us in time of need, fake cry or not.

What about you? Real cry or fake? Angry or sad cry? Hurt or scared cry? Are you ready for the healing He offers? He's been waiting to love on you....are you ready?

Matching...

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:32:00 +0000

I already posted this hilarious story on Facebook, but had a spiritual epiphany about it and wanted to repost it here:

While going through my daughter's school-work folder I found this picture:

I was all verklempt, (how DO you spell that word????) as they say, and could barely ask her why she chose me for the tears that were coming...and she said, "Because you match."
"I'm sorry...what?!"
"You match Mommy."
"Oh. Ok."

How could I inquire further when it was so obvious that it made perfect sense to her? I was her hero because I matched. We had a good laugh about this on Facebook...and as I was poking fun at myself, it hit me.

Oh, that what I say and what I do would match.

May I be my daughter's hero because she sees authentic living. She hears what I preach because it echos what I do.

1 Thessalonians 4: 11, 12 "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

Family Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Jody) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 21:25:00 +0000

Whose arms are you trusting to save you? Whose hands are strong enough to hold your cares? Who is worthy for such a trust?

May it be the arms of your Father, and may you jump carefree and headlong into the strong capable Hands of the One who created you.

And should you need a bit of cheering on to help you jump....

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41: 10

Oh how He loves you today. He's worthy of your trust. Jump.