ONE LESS STONE

Merry Christmas! A Very Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about Jesus, you know, that little baby in the manger we see around town this time of year. Have you seen Him? Though it seems the world has tried to wipe out this sweet image, replacing it with a big guy in a red suit, Jesus will always be the reason for the season. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given". (Isaiah 9:6) This child, this beautiful Son, may seem hidden from our view on the streets and in the Christmas displays, but when we look for Him, still "We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor". (Hebrews 2:9)

He is the King of Kings, and the magnitude of His coming in the form of a flesh-and-blood baby is almost incomprehensible. Here is the Creator of the universe, agreeing to come down to His earth and willingly be "trapped" for 33 years in human form, a corruptible body, so the rest of His creation could be made free. Only He could provide what every man, woman and child searches for, and that's why He came, to give us peace, a real and lasting peace that only comes by knowing Him.

I always think of the sacrifice of the Cross as "the big event" of Jesus' earthly life, and truly it is, because that is where forgiveness is found. The Cross is the centerpiece of my faith, the cornerstone of my Redemption, the place where mercy is poured out and I find true grace. So it's a hard idea to fully grasp, that in order to pay for the sins of the world, the Savior suffered more than any other before or after Him. When I think of all the brutality and mistreatment people have endured at the hands of men throughout the course of time, it takes my mind to its finite limit to realize all that Jesus endured for me. But this was the price, the ultimate payment for my sins, made known first by the very miracle of His birth, then by His life of love and compassion, and ultimately by the sacrifice of His death and resurrection.

So I'm thankful to have peace this Christmas, especially knowing that I have received the greatest gift of all time, realizing it came with a very high price tag, the blood of Jesus. I don't need a thing this Christmas. I've got grace. I've got it all. I'm so thankful to be free to walk in in His love and have that undeserving favor and limitless mercy that keeps me looking to Him and Him alone! He is the baby in the manger, but He is so much more, He is my help and my strength, my Savior and Lord. He is my soon-coming King!

Merry Christmas! Truly, it's a very merry Christmas!

A Lot To Be Thankful For

2011-11-24T06:18:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time of remembrance for us and we truly have a lot to be thankful for. This past year has been filled with the blessings of the Lord, and we have seen His hand of provision in every area of our lives. Recently, God has opened doors for us that were previously closed and given us opportunities that we never imagined. God has been so faithful to us, and we can truly say He knows what we have need of.

Remembering...It's hard to believe it has been five years since our dear one, Daniel, was killed by an IED in Iraq. It has been said time heals all wounds, but maybe it would be more accurate to say time heals most wounds, and the ones it doesn't, it takes the edge off.

We are so thankful to have known Daniel, if only for a short time. I can say we really made the time that we had together count. A lot can be said about his loyalty to God, his daughter and his career as a soldier in the U.S. Army. He never did anything half way, always gave it the best he had, and it showed in his every day life.

Losing someone at such a young age, and looking at it from this side of eternity's door, can be overwhelming. But if we could crack that door open just a bit, we see things don't look the same from the other side of glory. And it does take faith to see what I'm talking about, but it's true. I have no doubt. If we've made our peace with God, as Daniel had, then we can rest assured when our time comes to walk through that door into eternity, our Lord and Savior will meet us on the other side. And that's a lot to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wag More, Bark Less

2011-11-07T12:10:00.023-08:00

Jesus is still the answer, and I'm happy to confirm that He is still on the throne. He hasn't been displaced by any mortal being on this earth or an alien from somewhere in this great big Milky Way Galaxy, or anywhere else in the universe, for that matter. And on my best day, I still need Him.

I can't even think to know the depth of His wisdom, but to know His grace in its completed form is really all I need to comprehend. I realize how small and needy I am, and this is after coming to know Him. I was nothing before I met Him, and everything I am now is because of Him. So how can I ever be anything in my own strength or efforts after I've come to know Him?

It's easy to accept grace at salvation, but things tend to get muddied up somewhere down the road, especially in a society, and even in many churches, where doing is so important. Walking in grace can be a tough proposition, because in our everyday lives, most of us are doers. We base success on what we accomplish, what we know, what we drive, what we wear, what we own, everything we can see. Now I'm about to open a can of worms...

I've come to realize that God is not nearly as concerned as men are about outward appearances, especially whether your hair looks like you've been run over by a lawnmower or you wear a wig that makes you look like Diana Ross. God doesn't even mind if your hair looks like Buckwheat, because He's got bigger plans for you. Buckwheat? Did you say Buckwheat? OMG. You didn't really say Buckwheat, did you? Jesus said, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, and if this is true, we all need to measure our words in the light of eternity. If I can't help someone, I surely don't want to hurt them.

So what are you looking at? We should be looking at Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and be praying, God, let the world fade away, and help me see through Your eyes. Make me more like you as that great day approaches. Carnal men (and I use the word men for both sexes) tend to focus first on the outward appearance, and if the inner man is considered at all, he is last.

We've all entered places and gotten "the once over" -- maybe certain individuals do this to us on a regular basis -- and most of us have "done the once over" to others also. Yes, there are times and places when it is necessary to make assessments, but I believe the Lord would have me to first assess myself. More importantly, I can't forget that the people I know and the people I meet have greater needs than my eyes can see, needs of the inner man, that though unseen, are far more important than outward appearances.

So what's the answer? Jesus is still the answer -- for you and for me -- and God wants a relationship with you that is real, a walk with Him that shows the world his love and grace, and not so much a finger in their face. I recently saw a bumper sticker that I thought was the coolest thing I've read in a long time, "Wag More - Bark Less".

Some dogs have been out in the yard barking at everything that goes by for so long, they seem to think everyone is their enemy and have forgotten how to wag at all. And Jesus wants us to be waggers, showing the world that He loved them enough to die for them, and letting His people know that He cares about what's on the inside, the spiritual man, more than anything else. So the next time we are tempted to start barking, let's get wagging instead. ;-)

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord!

2011-10-18T19:06:00.003-07:00

Long time, no blog. Real life has taken over -- and I don't have much time or inclination to blog -- and it is awesome! Now, awesome is a word with a whole lot of meaning, and let me tell you, life has been nothing less than that! What an incredible journey it is, especially when there is no striving to win grace. Knowing the work has been done, and all I have to do is rest in it. I can't help but lift my hands and bless the name of the Lord as I write this!

What a privilege it is to be a child of God! There is nothing like receiving forgiveness, and being able to forgive others. I've found trials are a tremendous opportunity to grow and He is especially close. It often takes time to come full circle and see exactly what the Lord was accomplishing in the worst of times, but I've come to rest in the knowledge that God is faithful. And merciful. And patient. And loving. And kind. Even when I haven't been able to find all these virtues in myself, I can be all that through Him. He is everything to me and everything I need.

I have been blessed with a wonderful Dad on this earth, but my Heavenly Father is the one who fills my days with all that is good. No, every day doesn't go perfectly, but I still bless the Lord! He's in control, and who are we anyway, but lumps of clay in His hands! God has shown me over and over again that I can trust in Him and He is the One who sustains me! Blessed be the name of the Lord!

P.S. Life is funny, because just as I'm getting ready to post this, I got some bad news, something that is potentially very serious, and I won't share it now, but I can still say blessed be the name of the Lord!

Heart's Desire

2011-07-21T11:31:00.013-07:00

As I sat on my balcony this morning wrapped in a throw blanket, sipping hot coffee and reading the Good Book -- I live in the Pacific Northwest, and just because it's July doesn't mean it feels like summer -- I was overcome with such thankfulness to the Lord. Reading the Proverb of the day is quite common for many people, but today, after reading Proverbs 21, I decided to read Psalm 21. I opened the page and saw some writing in the margin and highlighting of Psalm 21:2, "Thou has given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah." In the margin I had written in ink, "Lord, restore unto me what I have lost, 3/17/09". Immediately, I thought back to the time when I had penned that note. We were up for another ministerial move and my husband was asked what he wanted to do. God had laid a place in the Northwest on his heart and he shared this. He was told that would never happen, because my family who live in the area, would be too close. We accepted this pronouncement, though for more than 20 years, by the grace of God, we had traveled back and forth across "the pond" several times in ministry, never allowing family to come before Him and the work He had for us to do. Jesus truly is the Lord of our lives and has been for many years, and I'm not sure what else we might have been able to do to prove that. It's only in these last days that I realize the mindset behind that thought process, but I digress. ;-)

In 1987, when I left home, family, and a successful career as a court stenographer, I truly felt like Paul when he said, "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" in Philippians 3:8, and I can still say that nothing has changed. So I am so thrilled to share with you what God impressed on my heart the other day. "It's payback time!" Hallelujah!

I read this highlighted verse in Psalm 21 today, "You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah." and my heart (and tear ducts) began to overflow with the realization that God had heard me and answered me. The desires of my heart have been fulfilled in so many ways, and it's not just being able to "do life" with my family in this current season. It's so much more.

I don't know what your heart's desire is. You might be waiting on a spouse or other loved one to see the light. Hang on. Maybe you are out of work and need some real relief. God can take you from unemployment and put you right smack dab in the middle your dream job -- maybe even working from home with an internationally known company making more money than you even dreamed -- in just a moment. ;-) Don't give up hope. Whatever your trial, grief, or seemingly impossible situation may be, God is working on it. "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4) We may not always get a quick answer, but He sees and He knows our heart's desires, and His promise of fulfilling those desires will not fail.

I Still Need A Savior

2011-07-08T11:25:00.006-07:00

Works. If that's what I'm offering God, I'm falling miserably short. If my standing with God is contingent on what I do for Him, then I better start memorizing the book of Leviticus and get to work following all the precepts found therein. That's one tall order to fill, considering if I keep the whole law and offend in just one point, I am guilty of all. I recently heard someone say, "Religion is like embalming a dead body." It makes a body presentable, but doesn't give life. Religious works, if that's all I have to offer to God causes me to miss the mark. I've not taken aim on the target and hit a spot just outside the center bulls-eye, but missing the mark with God is more like standing with my back to the target and facing the wrong direction.

As a Christian, I recently came to grips with my own works mentality. I honestly have to say that in the past I often based how I felt or what I thought about myself on what I was doing or not doing. Yes, I knew my own righteousness was as filthy rags and if you asked me, I'd have told you in a heartbeat, “Sure, I'm saved by grace and the blood of Jesus is all I need”. But in reality I was giving myself far too much credit for the Godly life I was living. If there is anything that is in direct opposition to the Cross of Christ, it's a dead religion based on works.

I can wear my works as a badge of honor, put on the right clothes, even say the right things, but what does God really want? He wants His children to be salt and light -- not salt in people's wounds and light in their eyes. And above all all, I don't ever want to forget that I still need a Savior.

Setting the Record Straight

2011-07-05T09:41:00.001-07:00

This blog is not new. It didn't appear as a result of any recent changes in my life or a new-found need for my voice to be heard. One Less Stone, has been around since April 2005, (does anyone know why that time frame is significant?) and it's been a chronicle of happenings in my life. I think the greatest purpose it ever served was being a means of staying in touch with dear ones during military deployments to Iraq while we lived in Killeen, TX.

At times, One Less Stone has gone through times of inactivity, but it's always been there, and it has been a great outlet for me to put my thoughts down and write about events happening around me. It's a blog that anyone can comment on, though I do moderate what is written before it is published. I'm generally not a censor and I'm definitely not a referee. It's a free country, and everybody has a right to their opinion, as long as you're not writing something that's the equivalent of yelling, "Fire!", in a crowded theater. ;-)

We've shared some laughs here, but also shed some tears. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since 2005, but I believe I've been fairly consistent in my endeavor to be uplifting to anyone who happens by and takes the time to read what I've written. At least I hope so. Blogging really is cathartic. I have always made an effort to craft my words with a little bit of humor and light sarcasm, while still keeping the idea of being "one less stone", and don't plan to change that.

I know most people who read this blog really do get it, and that gives me happy feelings. But if you don't, I respectfully ask that put away your giant spiritual measuring stick :-) for a few minutes, take some time to go through at least the last few months of what I've written, and maybe you will get it too. ;-) Now I've really gone negative, haven't I? ;-)

Walking In Freedom

2011-06-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

In my pre-Christian days, I knew condemnation intimately, that dreadful feeling within when I did wrong. I believe God puts that in every unconverted heart. But what if I am born again and still feel condemned? I'm not talking about conviction, that tugging of the Holy Spirit that comes when we're faced with doing right and wrong. We know Paul said in the book of Romans, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit.”

It was as though a light came on when I realized that a child of God can experience unfounded condemnation heaped upon their already tender heart by external forces and not by the Spirit of God. This "accusing spirit is an anti-Christ spirit, because it approaches you with no love, only a tone of condemnation." This evil spirit works together with other religious spirits and strongholds, including legalism to bring children of God back into bondage. These words of condemnation are like seeds planted in the ready ground of our minds, and they often grow into huge invasive weeds that choke out the simplicity of the Gospel of grace.

If we are walking with the Lord, we are naturally guided by our convictions to choose and do what is right. Living for God becomes effortless. The Psalmist said, "I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts." I walk in freedom not to commit sin, but in knowing that as I follow the Lord, He is the One who guides my steps down paths of righteousness. God doesn't tear down. He only builds up, and ultimately the potter does a far better job forming the vessels than another piece of clay can.

Nonexistent Isn't All Bad

2011-06-16T01:45:00.007-07:00

This Searching For Grace comic is funny, waaaaaay too funny! Someone recently mentioned to me how well Matt and I are doing and what a smooth transition we had, after having recently left a church we were part of for more than 20 years. I thought, what did you expect? Were we supposed to be struck by lightning? Suffer total mental collapse? Get run over by a Mack truck and end up quadriplegics? What? Of course, unfortunate occurrences befall people every day, and we don't know what a day will hold, so we continue to walk humbly before the Lord, but puh-leeze! I guess if something bad happened to me, my critics might call it judgment, but if it happened to them, it might just be a trying of their faith. ;-) But I digress...

Becoming a non-entity actually isn't a bad thing. Through this decision, we've found out who our true friends are, and that has been a tremendous blessing. Maybe some are too weak in the faith to realize what is happening within (and I don't write this as a slur to anyone who has broken contact with us), but I've been amazed at the outpouring from both sides from those who do get it.

This has been the best decision we've made in many years, and we haven't regretted it for one second. We know the keeping power of God and are thankful for His faithfulness in every situation. We give Him thanks for all He has done for us these past six months, and we are looking forward to what He has for us. All the glory goes to Him! "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. That's a pretty good promise to some nonexistent people. :-)

I Trust In Jesus

2011-06-07T11:34:00.013-07:00

It doesn't matter what season of life we may find ourselves in, we can trust in Jesus. I feel like I've been experiencing a very long summer in my spiritual walk these past six months. I know at some point, the winds of autumn and then winter will blow, but I also know that I can trust Jesus in every season. Even if today finds you in the middle of a spiritual winter, you can still trust in Jesus. Though life's journey may be difficult at times, Paul, in the book of Romans, said he considered that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.

When I am troubled in spirit and can't see the light of day on a situation, I often blame the devil first. Yes, he uses whatever he has to get us to surrender that sweet peace and communion we have with our Father, and we are not unaware of his schemes. And yes, every good and perfect gift is from above, but often when the storm has passed, we can see God's hand in it all, leading us directly into His perfect will.

So I've learned not to blame the devil for everything I think is bad that may be going on in my life. In every trial, I try to consider that God may be allowing things to be shaken up. If the thunder didn't rumble and the lightning didn't crack so loudly all around us, we might remain just as we are, doing the same things over and over, and never even consider He has a better plan for us.

If we have been born again, God doesn't desire that we live with storm clouds looming overhead perpetually. Yes, the clouds of life come, and often take their sweet time passing by, but they don't stick around forever. The Lord still says, "Peace, be still" in the midst of it all, and we can surely trust in Jesus!

DISCLAIMER: Third Day, who does this song, reminds me of Lynyrd Skynrd -- I'm not exactly sure why -- not that it's a bad thing, but consider yourself warned if you click on the video. ;-)

It's A Wonderful Life

2011-06-03T09:43:00.002-07:00

As I waited for the bus to take me to Seattle the other day, I looked around and began to be very thankful. I chose to take the mass transit to avoid the traffic and expensive parking, but I could tell most of the others waiting at the bus shelter had no other choice. As I began to talk with a woman toting a small child, I thought to myself, it's a wonderful life.

Then last week I ran into an old friend who I hadn't seen in more than 20 years. I almost didn't recognize her. Her hair had grayed, she had almost no teeth left, and a beard...yes! It's true. My first thought was, God, I know I can't do anything about getting old, but at least allow me to age gracefully! Then I thought to myself, it's a wonderful life!

Yesterday I ran into an acquaintance whom I hadn't seen in a couple months, and I could tell he was back to some habits that aren't conducive to healthy living. He had been walking the straight and narrow when I last saw him. It was raining and he needed a ride. My heart cried on the inside, and I thought, it's a wonderful life.

So it's been as if God is giving me some life application in the book of James which we have been studying again. I want to have a faith that is more than a profession, more than words. I don't want to defend my faith, but I want to demonstrate it. Isn't this true Christianity? Whatever we do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, we do it for the Lord.

It doesn't take much for me to start being thankful to God. My husband and I have said this to each other on a regular basis through the years, and it is more true now than ever, it's a wonderful life!

Remembering

2011-05-30T09:23:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day used to be a solemn day of mourning where businesses closed for the day, graves were cleaned, and towns held parades. Though much has changed in America, the last Monday in May still remains a day to remember and honor the many Americans who have died while fighting for all this nation stands for. It's easy to be distracted by the picnics and other activities related to a three-day weekend, but I hope this Memorial Day you take time to participate in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m., no matter where you may be.

We will never let the memory of these great patriots die, today or any other day of the year, for that matter. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, as we live and enjoy the blessings of liberty they sacrificed to obtain and maintain. We remember Daniel and pray for his family, and the thousands upon thousands of other families whose costly sacrifices we can never repay.

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

Moina Michael penned the words above almost a century ago, but it still rings true today. I don't take lightly the value of the blood of those who died in wars, and I know the greatest hero of all, Jesus, who shed His blood for me. We will never forget.

I Choose Grace

2011-05-20T14:16:00.007-07:00

It was so cool to be able to attend the Newsboys concert last weekend, and honestly, the show was just "okay", compared to our evening with Chris Tomlin, but the people we were with made it extra special. ;-) Really, just being there got me thinking about freedom of choice.

A famous man once said, "Freedom is such a desirable thing to every one of us, that without it our lives would be little more than a living death, or at the very least, perpetual misery." The best part of the whole experience was that I was able to make the choice to go, because in years gone by I didn't have that opportunity. And I certainly would never have been free, in my mind or any other way, to go to such an event and hear a contemporary Christian band. No foolin'. It's an amazing and truly liberating experience to make your own choices in the light of God's grace and not feel like a bug under a magnifying glass.

For me, freedom of choice was just an illusion for many years, just like that cow in the cartoon going to the slaughter. I knew Jesus came to set the captives free, but I walked around with shackles on my mind, and really wasn't free at all. I used to think I was walking in the liberty which Christ has purchased for me with His own blood because I obeyed God's Word, and did what I was told. While this is a good way to live, it's actually bondage. If I'm basing my life in Christ on what I do or what people tell me to do, then that's not freedom, and it's definitely not grace.

This freedom is not a license to sin, because sin leads to confinement. Walking in grace is "obeying from an inward compulsion as opposed to an outward constraint". Ding! Ding! Give that man a prize! This reminds me of a note I recently received from Louie Giglio. I had written to him thanking him for the wonderful message he shared at OCC in Redmond and how it touched my heart. I related to him some things that have transpired recently in my life and how I connected with him that night. His response in part was, "I am so glad peace has come and your new walk in His freedom continues until you see Him face to face". I am trusting the Lord that by His grace it will!

I always was and still am willing to do anything God would ask of me, but where is freedom when people or man-made rules are micro-managing every move in my Christian walk? When that happens, it's no longer a walk with Christ, but a walk with the law. The grace of God makes us free moral agents. We are free to make the conscious choice to get saved -- though I've found His grace is pretty irresistible. ;-) But once a person becomes born-again, the real freedom lies in the power to choose to serve the Lord according to the dictates of our conscience. What a wonderful reality in the life of any believer in Christ.

Are you a captive or are you free? Only you can answer that question. But I can now truly say, He whom the Son sets free is free indeed!

Too Good Not To Share

2011-05-14T12:41:00.001-07:00

We saw Christy Nockels with Chris Tomlin at Overlake Christian Church last month. This video is just too good not to share. Every time we watch this, the presence of God moves us to worship Him. Try not lifting your hands during this one.

We're headed back up there for church tonight with the Newsboys

;-) and it's double date time. Wouldn't you like to know who's going with us?

A Special Day

2011-05-09T11:19:00.009-07:00

Yesterday was a special day. For the first time in my adult life, I was able to spend Mother's Day with the one who birthed me. ;-) I'm so thankful to still have my Mom, and God has restored to us the years of separation. Don't get me wrong. My parents came to visit us almost every place we lived in the past 20+ years, and because they lived in Tacoma the past ten years, we spent a lot of time together at the Sea-Tac Airport on our way in and of the country and during conference times. But it's not quite the same as living near each other and being a part of each other's lives, and we all feel so blessed.
This is an amazing season of life for all of us. As kooky as this may sound, things as simple as taking each other to the doctor or waiting together at a hospital have been almost fun. ;-) I have to admit, we've all gotten our miracles medical-wise since October, and we are so thankful to God. But I digress...

Mom tells the story of how she, at the tender age of 15, decided the best way to get closer to God would be to become a nun. She showed up on the convent steps to report for duty, but when Mother Superior found out she was not "of age", Mom was told to come back when she turned 18. At least once a year, around this time, my brother and I thank Mom -- and thank God -- she never returned to sign on the dotted line and take her vows. ;-) When Mom was born-again several years ago, she told us, I always loved Jesus, but now I know Jesus. She's climbed life's mountains and walked through some of the lowest valleys, and she is a true overcomer. She told me not too long ago, Debbie, I've done all the important things in life, and the best I can do now is encourage people. That's a big "wow" in my book, to make your mission in life encouraging other people. But I think that's been her goal for many, many years, and not just in recent times.

Many of you may know this loving and bubbly lady I call Mom. She has always been my biggest cheerleader and her love is unconditional. She says it best, and in a heavy NY accent for effect, "I washed your clothes. I blew your nose. I'm your mutha!" Even when I've made some bad decisions in life, her support and faith in me has been unwavering. If God ever made a perfect mother, it's my Mom, and I'm not just saying this because she's mine. She probably doesn't think so, but I do. As a kid, the harshest thing I ever remember her saying is, "I love you right now, but I don't like you", after I had done something bad. After all these years, I've come to realize she really is the type of woman who could have gotten along just fine wearing a habit and a long black dress. ;-) But we're sure glad she didn't. Love you, Mom!

P.S. Mom had this plaque with the poem below written on it hanging on a wall in her kitchen many years ago, and I believe she and Dad really took these words to heart when raising my brother and me.

Children Learn What They Live

By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

I Lift My Hands

2011-05-04T08:29:00.002-07:00

During his message in Redmond, WA, a few weeks ago, Mr. Giglio shared that the inspiration for the song, "I Lift My Hands", came during a time of great difficulty in his life and is a song of hope. He looked out into the audience of over 5,000 people and said, someone is here tonight who will understand exactly what I am about to share. As he began to relate what he experienced, the details were so in line with a situation I had faced, that it was almost unnerving. Once more, I realized God was letting me know how real He is, that He knows me intimately, and truly He alone is my refuge and my strength.

Mr. Giglio shared that he began to repeat a few words over and over during his times of greatest need, and eventually wrote the words down on a piece of paper and gave it to Chris Tomlin. He said that only Chris Tomlin could put it all together as he had, and the result is the song, "I Lift My Hands". I think Chris Tomlin describes the inspiration for this song better than anyone could in the short video below.

The first time I heard the words, "I lift my hands to believe again", I thought of so many people who knew the Lord at one time, and had turned aside for whatever reason. I thought, if only they would lift their hands to believe again, God could make everything all right. I understand that people can become sour over bad experiences with organized religion or religious leaders in general, but this doesn't change the fact that God is still God and grace is still grace. Oh, how He loves us and no matter where we find ourselves this very moment, His grace is enough. If we lift our hands and our hearts, we'll find the Savior is reaching to us.

I'm no spiritual giant, but I do know what has sustained me through the years. I've not hoped in man. I've not lived for religion. I've endeavored to cultivate my relationship with God. And He has never failed. When our hope and trust is in Him, we can lift our hands, no matter what situation we are in, even when our world seems like it's spinning out of control, and faith will arise.

Amazing Love!

2011-04-22T11:05:00.001-07:00

Everyone needs love. Everyone desires to be accepted. It's not rocket science. Growing up, there were always kids in school who were the outcasts, the ones who got ridiculed and kicked around. Looking back, they were probably some of the nicest kids in the class. So why were they treated so badly? I found out years later, that the biggest bullies are usually the most insecure people of all, poor souls who are looking to feel better about themselves or prove they are superior. Bless their hearts. I've never known anyone who wanted to be rejected. The kids who were bullied didn't ask for it. On the contrary, they were only looking to be part of the "in crowd", to be accepted.

Jesus was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:3). I can only imagine the depth of emotion my Savior felt when our Father turned His face away. To leave Glory and come to this earth would be an unfathomable separation for the One who made the journey to redeem us. Then to be utterly abandoned at the Cross, would be sadness upon sadness. Truly His pain went far deeper than I can experience or even imagine. Jesus knew he would be condemned, despised and rejected. Yet still He came. The most loving man to ever walk this earth was an outcast.

AMAZING LOVE - YOU ARE MY KING

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken

I'm accepted, you were condemned

I'm alive and well

Your spirit is within me

Because you died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king. would die for me

Amazing love, I know it's true

Its my joy to honor you

Amazing love how can it be?

That my king would die for me

Amazing love I know it's true

Its my joy to honor you

In all I do

I honor you

Maybe you need to find true grace at the foot of the Cross, and exchange your life for the one God has for you. Don't wait. Or possibly God been tugging at your thoughts about a choice that you haven't been willing to face. Only you know what God has been speaking to your heart about. Many decisions are not easy, especially those that may cause you to become an outcast. Jesus knows this on a very intimate level. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:9)

I don't know what you are facing today, but this one thing I know: acceptance by God is far more important than any rejection in this world. In knowing that I am accepted by God, I can face rejection by others. It's really that simple. It's not about you. It's not about me. It's not about sin. It's not even about righteousness. It's about Jesus, the One who chose to be despised and rejected, the outcast who offers new life to each one of us!

How Great Is Our God!

2011-04-18T10:24:00.020-07:00

What an amazing and wonderful time we had at the Chris Tomlin concert in Seattle, a night of praying, singing, worshiping, sharing the Word and God's presence! We are still basking in the glory of it all. The music was phenomenal, hit after hit after hit, worship song after worship song. We ended the night singing and dancing to "My Heart Is Free - No Chains On Me"! Oh, the depth of the message in that song resonates in my very being!

Like a rolling stone, like a runaway train
No turning back, no more yesterdays
My heart is free, no chains on me
God, You raise me up, up from the grave
The cross before, I'm on my way
My heart is free, no chains on me!

Music is a very personal choice, in and out of Christendom. It's just the way we're made, that we don't all have the same tastes, and thank God for that. One thing is for sure, God loves to hear His children singing praises to Him ala Chris Tomlin, because He certainly bore witness to this by the presence of His Spirit! Truly He inhabits the praises of His people! But even if you don't like Chris Tomlin's style of music -- and I absolutely give you the right not to -- you've got to hear Louie Giglio speak. His message was amazing. The video below is from a gathering in Baltimore recently, and if you've got the time, it's worth a look. Your thoughts about God are guaranteed to increase abundantly if you do.

Bless the hearts of the classic hymn writers from days gone by. Many of their songs have withstood the test of time, and the first one that comes to mind is Amazing Grace. But fifty years from now, though I believe some top worship songs from our time will still be culturally relevant, some of my favorites will probably have been relegated to the ash heap of obscurity. Heaven only knows what the Redeemed will be singing down here on earth in 50 years, if the Lord tarries, but I hope to be singing praises from heaven by then. ;-)

In my humble opinion, I don't think I'll be singing words like, "Judgment is coming, all will be there" when I get Home. These lyrics should have been given a proper burial long ago. ;-) And I must admit, just the thought of joining a "happy angel band" makes me chuckle every time I think about it. You have my permission to like these lyrics and to like every classic hymn that was ever written. That's okay with me, as if you even needed my blessing. What a boring world it would be if we all were made with exactly the same likes and dislikes, but our great God made us all unique and special in His sight.

Honestly, I actually like some of the old hymns, and many have the ability to stir the heart to look heavenward and bring great encouragement, and God is in them. But I'm not a music Nazi. I like what I like and I'll let you like what you like. I even tolerate bluegrass, and won't label you as a redneck if you like country Gospel music. ;-)

How great is our God! Yes, how great is our God! So many different people, from so many different backgrounds, all gathered together praising the Lord in one place this past Saturday night! So many personal preferences -- raise your hands or don't raise your hands, pray out loud or pray quietly, wear a hat or don't wear a hat, wear a this or wear a that -- and on and on I could go, at the risk of sounding like Dr. Seuss -- but all of us with one thing in common, we came to praise the Lord in a night of music and worship that made the heavens ring! How great is our God! Wish you all could have been there with us!

WARNING: Listening to contemporary Christian music may cause you to feel the presence of God very strongly at any given moment, inducing frequent outbursts of prayer and praise. Taken in large doses, CCM has been proven to cause the partaker to experience great joy in the Holy Spirit. Listening to CCM may also be beneficial in helping to fix one's eyes on the things above. Studies have shown CCM has not caused the lowering of moral standards and has no detrimental effect on users, but caution is advised. ;-)

A Breath of Fresh Grace!

2011-04-15T11:15:00.020-07:00

At this stage of my life, I have the liberty of lying in bed for a few minutes every morning before I have to get up and take on the day. Lucky me. Blessed me. I often begin to think of people and pray for them. My husband, Matt, usually comes to mind first, unless there is someone else I know who may be experiencing difficulty or I feel just needs to be uplifted before the Throne of Grace. I start to go down the list in my head. It's not exactly the same, but there are several people who are always at the top of my list. Today, though, was a little bit different.

I woke up with the word normal on my mind and it made me jump right out of bed! I guess this "normal" thinking came about because we have plans to see Chris Tomlin in concert at Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, WA, on Saturday night. Here's a sample, in case you've been living on another planet and don't know what kind of music Chris Tomlin makes. ;-)

It's not rock-n-roll or bluegrass, or anything inherently eee-vil, but it is contemporary Christian music, after all. I say that with tongue planted firmly in cheek. ;-)

You may be scratching your head right now if you don't know me. What does she mean by saying going to a concert is "such a normal thing to do"? Well, in years gone by, I never did anything like this. So as you are reading this, you are probably thinking about how strange a life I must have lived, or maybe you are wagging your head and saying, what a liberal compromiser.

Either way, this one thing I know: I'm living on the side of grace that brings a freedom to live according to my conscience. That is a breath of fresh air! It's not greasy grace, where I have a license to sin, but I'm done trying to feel good about myself because of the works I do, or feel like I am holy because of the list of don't do's that I live by.

What grace it is! Christ paid a very high price to make sure my sins would be blotted out, and I'm not about to cheapen the cost of His sacrifice by thinking my works -- on any level -- can make me acceptable in His sight or, more importantly, keep my relationship right with Him. Wow! Grace! Grace! Grace! I could shout it from a mountaintop!

As a youngster, I was in a school production called, Geppetto and Friends. It was the story of Pinocchio, from a Christian perspective. Most of us know Pinocchio had a problem with lying, and the character I played was "Conscience", the physical embodiment of that God-given sense of right and wrong. The lyrics to one of the songs related, "I'm Conscience. I'm gonna be your guide." Oh, the wonderful greatness that God gave us not only a free will, but a conscience to go along with it! What a magnificent plan of grace straight from heaven!

I live the way I do because I know the magnitude of the grace of God! So simple a life, living in true grace! I certainly don't believe in a "sinning religion" now and never have. And if I have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in me, surely I can trust His leading!

It's a hard life when you are trying to please others, and it's even harder when you are trying to please God based on what you do or don't do. Nobody is happy, especially you. It's a no-win situation when true grace is thrown out the window and living for God becomes a laundry list. I know this personally, because I allowed so many of man's opinions and not the Word of God -- the ultimate user's guide to life -- to rule me. It was absolute treachery. If you are basing your relationship with Christ on a list of do's and don't do's, I just have one question: How's that working out for you? ;-)

I'm ready for a great weekend filled with the grace of God! If I see you in church Sunday, I'll be sure to tell you all about our normal Saturday night! It's bound to be another breath of fresh grace!

Bigger Than Anything

2011-04-09T11:22:00.008-07:00

God's work on this earth starts looking pretty small when we think one group of believers is His only true church. No one group has cornered the market on God. The church, being the body of believers, belongs to Jesus Christ Himself. God is a great big God, and who am I to say who is going to His heaven or not? God's church is bigger than anything!

I found the cartoon above at Searching For Grace, and it just leaped out at me. Often in the religious world, if you leave a particular church, it is taught you are leaving God. I'm speaking generally, because though the body of believers I was previously a part of taught this doctrine, they certainly didn't invent it. I saw firsthand how this teaching of exclusivity can become a very manipulative practice, causing division and ultimately destruction within the body of Christ.

When the emphasis is placed on a being part of a specific group of believers, the focus is taken away from the One who is worthy of all our affection and worship. I know a God of grace whose work of love that was accomplished on the Cross of Calvary goes on. He will use whatever He has to lead men to Himself, and He doesn't even notice what name is over the door.

Several years ago, I remember singing a song at a local fellowship meeting, Bigger Than Anything, that told how God is, well, bigger than anything. Afterward, a very large woman came up to me with a big smile on her face and said, "Did you know that song was really written about me?" It was worth a good laugh to both of us, but ultimately, it's not about you and it's not about me. It's all about Jesus, and I really don't need anybody else's approval to do what I know God wants me to do. :-)

Another Happy Anniversary

2011-04-01T10:24:00.001-07:00

Saturday, April 2, 2011, is our 23rd wedding anniversary, and we were taking a walk down memory lane. We were both in Bible school, and at that time we were having service in a tin building, so the ceremony was held at a little church in Puyallup.

The only guests in attendance were the minister performing the ceremony and his family, my pastor's wife and daughter, Mom, Dad, and brother, Mike. I still scratch my head and wonder why not even my friends from the girls' dorm were allowed to attend, but weddings were very low key back then.

I remember those first days after we met, and how happy we were. We loved God and had a desire to do something for Him; and after all these years, ain't nothing changed. ;-)

What Really Happened to the Reeds?

2011-03-28T15:07:00.012-07:00

In my last blog post, I mentioned how we had started a new life and we're going in a new direction for God. I wanted to show everyone exactly what I meant. I know a lot of rumors are floating around that we can't be serving the Lord any more because we left our old church. This is absolutely not true, as you can see from the picture on the right. It's still all about the love, man! ;-)

Grace Like Rain!

2011-03-25T09:48:00.008-07:00

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound! I've been experiencing a downright down-pouring of the grace of God recently. It's often in life's greatest upheavals that God makes Himself known in very special ways, and these past few months have been no exception. God has shown me how much he loves me, and He has given me a peace that passes all understanding, in the way of His Precious Holy Spirit.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

The NIV translates this verse, "to give you a future and a hope", and that's exactly what He is doing.

We have started a new life for the Lord, and God has given us a new direction. We have a future and a hope that can only be found in Him. Salvation always has been and always will be in the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone.

Thanks to the blood of Jesus, I am His and He is mine. I am so thankful to know a Savior whose love is unconditional and whose grace has been like rain, falling down on me!

The Secret Place

2010-05-20T15:05:00.003-07:00

Psalm 91

¹He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

²I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

³Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

⁴He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

⁵Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

⁶Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

⁷A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

⁸Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

⁹Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

¹⁰There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

¹¹For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

¹²They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

¹³Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

¹⁴Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

¹⁵He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

¹⁶With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Hang On!

2010-04-25T19:55:00.002-07:00

If you feel like you're at the end of your rope, hang on. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think. His answer is on the way!