Becky Thompson

2021-08-25T18:31:00.005-07:00

Recently, I've spent a lot of time in the gospels. I find that the more I read the Bible, the more questions I have.

I came across Matthew 8 and Jesus’ encounter with the leper. After the year we’ve had collectively as a society, they year my family and I have had, I saw this passage through new eyes.

"When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” Matthew 8:1-4.

Jesus touching the leper is incredible. Touching the leper makes Jesus unclean, in the eyes of the law. Jesus, as a rabbi, couldn’t enter the synagogue if he was unclean.

There are so many repercussions for this simple act of reaching out and touching him.

Not to mention the reactions the Pharisees would undoubtedly have. It’s only four chapters later when the plots to kill Jesus begin. (See Matthew 12)

But these realizations aren't what stood out to me. It's what happens next for the leper is what caught me off guard, and this part isn’t even in the scriptures.

You see, this leper was an outcast and outsider. This perceived skin disease dictated his social standing or lack thereof.

Until recently, everything I knew about lepers came from the book of Leviticus, chapter 13 specifically. It lays out all the rules, laws, treatments, etc. Verse 45-46 give us a summary:

“Anyone with such a defiling disease must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp."

Back in Matthew, this leper comes, bows low and asks to be made clean.

He should have covered his mustache and called out "Unclean Unclean!"

This prompted me to start reading about lepers. I wanted to learn more, and after talking to a friend, I stumbled across the book The Gift of Pain, written by Dr. Paul Brand and Phillip Yancey.

Dr. Brand shares numerous and really fascinating stories of his life and his journey with patients and their pain locally and abroad. He shares about his work with leprosy patients and what he discovered.
First, leprosy is a nerve disease, not a skin disease. These damaged nerves stop working and lepers literally stop feeling pain.

Many times their injuries are a result of not getting the signal in the brain from the nerve that the body is injured.

Imagine falling and spraining your ankle, you know it hurts, you need ice and rest. Someone with leprosy doesn’t know the ankle has been sprained. Rather than rest, they keep putting the same weight and pressure on it. The sprain doesn’t heal and permanent damage results.

Or if you fall and hit your head, it hurts, instinctively you reach back, feel the bump, and see your bleeding, and you treat the wound. A leper wouldn’t sense the pain, know to reach back, notice the blood and the wound. The wound goes untreated, gets infected and leaves potentially long term damage.

Dr. Brand shares a really shocking and graphic story.

He was working at a rehabilitation facility, in and around the 1950’s in India. They were treating leprosy patients and growing weary because the young men they worked with came to the facility, would be healed, and then go home and almost immediately reinjure themselves.

However, here's what they noticed was happening to the men during their stay at the facility:

"Almost always, the afflicted person noticed the missing digit in the morning. Something ominous was taking place during the night. A patient solved the mystery by sitting up all night in an observation post from which he watched a scene straight out of a horror movie. In the middle of the night a rat climbed onto the bed of a fellow patient, sniffed around tentatively, nuzzled a finger, and meeting no resistance, began to gnaw on it. The lookout yelled, waking the whole room and scaring away the rat. At last, we had the answer: the boy's fingers and toes had not dropped off, they were being eaten! (Brand, The Gift of Pain, pages 127-128)

They quickly worked to trap the rats, and found that cats were an effective solution. After that, all leprosy patients would have a new feline companion when they left the rehabilitation facility.

Because lepers could feel no pain, they were losing their fingers while they slept.

Lepers are consistently dealing with missing body parts, for reasons like this, or due to injury that require amputation, flesh that dies. It’s debilitating.

Let’s jump back to the leper in Matthew 8. When Jesus touched him, “his leprosy was cleansed.” That doesn’t mean that the just his skin was restored.

Jesus literally gave the leper the gift of pain.

Healing him meant that he could feel, that his nerves were restored. I like to envision his body restored, missing fingers reappeared, bald patches of skin now had hair.

For most of us, we don’t experience this type of injury. For most of us our nerves work properly. But we do experience pain. Other forms of physical pain, often times, emotional pain.

And so many times in our lives when we encounter pain we pray for it to go away. We take medicine to make it end quicker. We do whatever it takes. Just like the leper… he approached Jesus and asked to be healed, it's a quick fix.

Did he know that when he asked this that he would be asking to feeling pain? Every cut, every sprain, every burn?

It makes me wonder… how many times in my life have I asked God for a quick fix? Take this from me? Heal this, help me feel better, etc.

How many times has God moved in my life, without me realizing it because it wasn’t what I asked for and expected?

And even deeper, how many times has God allowed me to experience pain, either emotional or physical pain, because, in His all-knowing and perfect love, He knew this pain was actually a gift.

I don’t have any answers for this. It’s something I’m working through. I’m trying to wrap my head around this. But I am starting to see in a deeper way how God loves and cares for us, even when it’s not the way I hoped or prayed for.

More Is Caught Than Taught

2021-08-06T14:29:00.003-07:00

When my son was two, my mother-in-law was visiting us from out of state. She was carrying a grocery sack into my kitchen when the bag broke and canned food spilled out all over the floor, hitting her foot, and crashing with a bang. In her shock and surprise she wailed… “oh shi….” Now, I’m assuming seeing my slow motion… face and voice saying…. “NO…….” she added 9, 10 to it. It came out, “oh shi... 8, 9 10."

My mother in law was pretty pleased with herself. A sign of relief came over me, until my son, a few minutes later rammed his dump truck into the wall and hollered "oh…. shi, 9 10."

That was my first experience as a mom realizing the truth that more is caught than taught.

More recent in my life, my daughter stands in front of her closet, for minutes and minutes, way longer than it should take to pick out cloths to wear for the day. It’s not uncommon to have her come down in one outfit, sit and have breakfast, then go back to her room and change, and come down in something else. It's only when I'm in the car waiting to take her to school, when she finally comes out she’s in her third outfit so far that morning.

My husband looked at me recently and said, “You know she gets that from you.” Ouch.

More is caught than taught.

But here’s the good news. Knowing this, we can model good things for our children. We can be the number one influencer in their life for healthy lifestyles, practices, disciplines.

We don’t have to sit them down and teach them everything there is to know. We could never! That would be a never-ended mission, with no moments to spare.

Rather, we can simply live it, and they will catch on.

Followers of Jesus typically learn and pursue twelve disciplines of spiritual living.

The word discipline can be an off-putting word. Sometimes we think it involves punishment or correction. But actually, the word is Latin and it’s in true form means: giving an instruction to a disciple.

When we study and practice spiritual disciplines, we are becoming more like disciples, and we are allowing God to move in our lives, to make us more like Him, and to give Him the freedom to accomplish His works through us.

Here's the disciplines: Meditation, prayer, fasting, study, simplicity, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship, guidance, celebration.

Because more is caught than taught, we have a responsibilities as moms (also known as generation shapers) to model these to our kids.

Learning, studying and practicing these disciplines is a lifelong practice and there is always more to learn.

Here's a few practical ways you can begin practicing these disciplines.

Download the Infinitum App. This app follows Jesus' model and calls us to live a life of passion, purpose, depth and discipline. Begin practicing the daily prayers each day.

Institute quiet time. There's no right or wrong way to do this.

One thing I found, when my children were little is that I needed to have a plan in place for my quiet time if the kids woke up. Typically they did because they woke up SO EARLY! A cup of cheerios and some juice would distract them for a few minutes in the morning.

Having a children’s storybook bible at the table. Sometimes I’d have my tea and a blanket, and my bible in my hand. And my kids would want to have the same things. So I’d serve a little juice in a tea cup, and have them get their blanket. Honestly, sometimes I never opened my bible. It wasn’t gonna happen, but, when it comes to more is caught than taught, my kids saw me, with a regular rhythm having quiet time.

Practice solitude. This is one many people today struggle with. Our world is so loud, and different voices are vying for competition in our brains. The world it seems is addicted to noise. Solitude is silencing all the noise and voices, emptying our brains of it all and filling it up with God.

Practicing this can be tricky, but you can do it. Try it when you are in your car, waiting in the school pick up line, or even in bed in the morning before you get up. My husband tries this for 5-10 minutes each day when we gets home from work. He actually changes into gym shorts, and heads outside and lays on our trampoline or just walks around. Just long enough to decompress his mind and get a little sun.

Try sitting still and emptying your mind for a few minutes each day. If it's hard, just start with 30 seconds, and work your way up to 5 minutes. I find that having a notebook near by to jot down all those to-do's that pop up in my mind. I write it down, and then force it out of my mind.

The Inner Room App is a great prayer resource. It was created by 24/7 Prayer, which is a movement of 24/7 prayer rooms all over the world. If you’ve been to one of these before it’s pretty incredible! PS: there is a book called Red Moon Rising about the origins of the 24/7 prayer movement that I highly recommend!

This app allows you to enter the people, groups or topics you want to pray over. You can upload a picture of the person or groups, and then you write the prayer requests down. The app will send you reminders to pray. It tracks your prayer times. It also reads your prayer requests to you, and then play music underneath, so you can do this while you drive. It’s amazing.

Let’s talk about study. studying the word of God isn’t rocket science. There are very simple practices you can use to journal and study God’s word. My favorite is WIMAY’s. It’s reading a chapter or a section of scripture and then journaling your response to this question: What Intrigues Me About You (Jesus)?

John 15 and John 17 are two passages I recommend starting with.

Celebration. A posture of celebration is seeing and acknowledging the ways God’s love shows up in our lives and the lives of others each and every day.

One way my family celebrates this is at the dinner table each night. (Think about this... Your child will have approximately 19,000 meals, mostly with you before they hit 18 and leave home.) We value this time together and are committed to making the most of it.

We start the meal with a prayer. We hold hands, and then at the end, we cheer, “We are family” which is a tribute to my grandma’s late husband Frank. He started that with us when he joined our family, and now that he’s gone, we still do this to honor him and each other.

Then, while we eat, we Toastmaster each other.

Each of us gets a turn to stand up and talk about something for one minute. Sometimes it’s something they want to share about, or other times we ask a question and they have to answer it. Either way, they have to speak for 1 min, no longer, no less, and they have to stay away from phrases like ahh and and and uh. This time is usually quiet eventful.

Then, we ask "where did God show up today?" We all come to the table with stories of God showing up. Sometimes the kids are excited about this and ready to share, other times they have to sit there and do some deep thinking. Some days, they admit they didn’t see him at all. But more often than not, this is our chance to celebrate God each and every day.

I pray that these ideas help you as you begin working on living out spiritual disciplines.

And as you work to impact other's in your life, remember, more is caught than taught.

Let’s be diligent to make sure those around us are catching a lifestyle focused on Jesus, prioritizing time with Him, a life filled with worship and celebration.

Reflections: Holy Discontent

2021-08-06T13:14:00.002-07:00

I didn't know how to define this feeling...

It was like a hole. A gap. A disconnect. I felt it in my heart and in my spirit.

I did what many do when they feel this angst. I got on Google. But it didn't help.

You see, I knew that there was this emptiness in me that I shouldn't have. I am a follower of Jesus, and in the moment I began to follow him, my life changed. I would never feel empty or incomplete again. He's always with me.

So years later, there I was... what changed? Why was I feeling this way? Was I far from God? Do I need to prayer more? Or just have more faith? What is going on?

After much prayer and chatting with friends, I discovered something that changed everything.

"Holy Discontent."

I wasn't far from God, or not "faithful" enough. No, I discovered that God placed in my spirit a "holy discontent" as a way to spur me on to what His plan was for me.

I had a good life, actually, a great life. Great family, incredible friends, my personal ministry was growing and impacting lives. Life was good. But I knew there was more, I just couldn't put my finger on it. This term, "holy discontent" brought immediate relief! Yes. This was exactly what I was experiencing.

So now what? I headed back to Google to research the things I knew were on my heart, but nothing seemed to fit the bill.

I researched things from Fair Trade shopping, to international student exchanges, even fostering dogs. But nothing made a dent in this hole I felt in my spirit. While all of those are wonderful things we should care about, nothing got my heart pumping.

Until I saw a local announcement for a Foster Care Orientation.

"Let's just go learn about it" I said to Mac. True to Mac-style, he said "sure." And we were signed up.

I went to that orientation, anxious. If we did this, it would change everything. Nevertheless, I was ready for whatever this night brought.

Here's where I get real honest...

I sat in that room, and felt icky. I had the sickest feeling in my stomach, I was creeped out.

Can I get even more honest? I listened to stories of people in the room who explained why they were signing up for foster care, and I was on the verge of vomiting.

Actual responses and questions from these people ranged from: "Well, I'm already raising my grandkids, I might as well get paid for it" to "how much more do I get if I foster an infant?" The spirit of these questions wasn't focused on the children who desperately need help and a loving home. These questions came from a selfish, me-centered mentality, and I couldn't handle it.

I was disgusted. This wasn't for us.

I left and felt relief. You see, when you have a "holy discontent", and you're pursuing what it is, when you check one box off your list, it's encouraging. That's one less thing I need to be focusing on. God wasn't calling us into foster care, He had something else in mind.

I went back to Google, I kept praying, and kept searching... What could it be?

Fast-forward three years...

I woke up one morning and knew. We were supposed to foster. I knew it. I couldn't explain it, but it had been a long season of navigating this "holy discontent". It was tiring. When you follow Jesus, you know that His Spirit is leading and guiding you. There's faith in the journey, but some days are long and confusing.

Suddenly, on this morning, I knew. And the angst and emptiness, the confusion and wondering? It was gone. We were going to foster. (Keep in mind... this just meant a different type of angst and confusion was knocking on our doorstep! But that's another blog post for another day.)

We signed up for another orientation, and it was perfect. There were incredible people in the room, loving parents, grandparents, people struggling to have kids of their own, and other's who grew up in "the system" and wanted to give these kids the best lives possible. It was full of people who believed in reunification and that helping a family become stable and safe is a win all around.

Ten weeks of pretty intense training, homework, home visits and assessments happened. Mac traveled extensively for work during this time, but he was committed and made this happen. On his weekends home, we'd paint and get furniture for the bedroom, we screwed on cabinet latches and locked up all the chemicals. We were ready.

On March 13th we were approved by the state to become a foster family. On March 16th, we welcomed our first placement into our home.

And our lives were forever changed.

This isn't a hero story. This isn't a story of a family coming in and saving the day for one kiddo. This isn't an easy story. In fact, there is not a day that goes by where I don't wish I would have tried harder, fought more, stood up more clearly and aggressively to fight a system that is broken. There is not a day that goes by where I don't think about him, and how I miss him, and what would have happened if he was still with us.

This is a story about a calling. It's a story of pursuing. We are no longer foster parents. And we've taken on new "holy discontents". But we did what God called us to do and we will continue to pursue Him as we live out our lives.

What I want you to know is that God has a plan for you. No matter what age, or stage or situation in life you find yourself in. He's in the middle of it. And if you let him, He'll call you, shape you, direct you into and toward the life and calling He has on your life. He needs you to fulfill His work on this earth.

He needs you to say yes when it's scary.

He needs you to go into the danger zone.

He needs you to fight for those without a voice. To feed the hungry, to house the homeless, to love the immigrant, the refugee, the lost and the lonely. He. Needs. You.

So if you feel a stirring in your soul, an angst or emptiness that you just can't figure out... keep on my friend. Pursue Him, pursue the call, embrace the journey. You might just find it's the journey of a lifetime.

Mary and Elizabeth

2021-07-09T11:27:00.001-07:00

*Cover Artist: Corby Eisbacher

I realized recently that no matter what I learn and study, I typically look at it through the lens of a woman sold out to women’s ministry. The women’s ministry at my local church literally changed my life. It has redefined the path my family is taking, it’s reshaped the lives of my children. Women’s ministry is literally changing generations, and I am a benefactor of that.

So when I read my Bible, I see how God uses women for His purpose and glory. I see how Jesus gives dignity to women, He models how women should be treated, and His behavior challenges generations previous treatment of women.

God’s word tells us the story of Hagar. Where in quite possibly the worst moments of her life, He shows up. And she infamously names God, El Roi, meaning, “the God who sees me”. See Genesis 16.

Jesus shows up to a well, in Samaria of all places, speaks truth to a woman visiting the well at midday (that’s a whole other blog post for another day!), and she becomes the first missionary! She goes on to proclaim the Messiah, and her entire village becomes followers of Jesus. See John 4.

Jesus reveals himself first to Mary Magdalene upon His resurrection. See John 20.

I could go on.

As female followers of Jesus (more than half of the Church is female, by the way), seeing how women in the Bible respond and treat others, is paramount in teaching us how we should live today.

In particular, I’ve been diving into the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth. One gave birth to and raised the Savior, and the other gave birth to the forerunner of Jesus… John, in his adult years came to be known as John the Baptist.

Mary. Most scholars agree she was a teenager, (maybe as young as 12-13) at the time an angel appeared to her, and gave her life-changing, generation shaping news…

“Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob, forever, his kingdom will never end. – Luke 1:29-33

In response to this incredible, crazy, hard to believe, announcement, Mary has only one, simple question…. “How will this be since I am a virgin?”

What? It’s hard to fathom that she only has this one simple question in response. Most people, myself included, would have MANY questions about this!

The angel Gabriel kindly answered, saying:

“The power of the Most High will overshadow you, so the holy one to be born to you will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative is going to have a child in her old age and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible with God.”

And what was her response:

“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Talk about unwavering faith and obedience!

Gabriel leaves, and then the next verse says this: “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.”

Now, Mary, didn’t hesitate when she left. She hustled… And here’s what I believe Mary knew. She needed community. She needed someone to walk through this with her. Someone who also had experienced a pregnancy announcement story. (See Luke 1)

Without delay, she left, 70 miles, on a long and dangerous trip.

Elizabeth is Mary’s cousin, decades older than Mary. It’s believed she was in her 60’s when she gave birth to John. Elizabeth was married to Zechariah, and was barren. In this culture, it was a disgrace and a dishonor to not bear children, namely a son to your husband. Because of this, your husband could literally and legally find another wife who could bear him a child. Elizabeth’s inability to conceive is a very big deal.

But God has a plan.

The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah first and told him about his wife’s impending pregnancy. (Did you read Luke 1 yet?) But suffice it to say, given her age, she had pretty much given up the hope of ever having children. And what’s more? Zechariah was still with her, never left her, never sought another wife.

And now she’s pregnant.

It was finally her moment. After watching friend after friend, relative after relative all become pregnant. After smiling on the outside for her friend’s happiness but dying on the inside because of her inability to conceive. She was with child.

Then here comes Mary.

It’s finally Elizabeth’s time, it’s her moment, and Mary arrives, carrying the Savior of the world.

There are some “Elizabeth’s” out there who could, say, “Umm no. This is my turn, my moment. You are not stealing my thunder.”

But Elizabeth doesn’t. She welcomes Mary, in fact when Mary entered, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb, leapt and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

And Elizabeth humbly says:

“But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”

Mary, young, not yet married, a pregnant virgin,, facing the hushed whispers and side eyes of those around her now knew she wasn’t alone. Elizabeth understood.

C.S. Lewis said: “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What? Me too. I thought I was the only one.’”

God chose to work through two women. Two quiet, gentle, looked over women. They didn’t come from royalty. They weren’t prestigious, or wealthy. And I believe that God still wants to use women in the same way today. He wants us to have relationships like Mary and Elizabeth, and like any number of women in the Bible.

We may feel like we don’t have it all together, or we don’t have anything to offer. But I’m here to tell you that you are wrong. (Sorry to be so frank! I do love you!) You have a very specific role in the Kingdom, and I believe God has given us the narratives in the Bible as tools for how we should live our lives.

Study the Word, find community, step into your role God has called you to for His Kingdom and His Glory.

Be Salty

2021-07-05T19:09:00.004-07:00

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” - Jesus (Matthew 5:13)

Salt isn’t one of those things I spend a lot of time thinking about. In my home, salt is used in the cooking process either at the beginning, added to some butter and garlic before tossing in the meat of choice. (Yum!) Or at the serving of the meal when the food has been served, and we sit down to enjoy. In the typical household today, salt is used to enhance flavor.

But that’s it. There’s not a ton more that goes into it.

That’s why I’m intrigued by Jesus talking so much about salt.

Last night, I was in my kitchen, and chatting with a friend whose family we had over for dinner. I was filling her in on all this salt stuff. Why I was intrigued by it, and what I’m learning.

And isn’t it like God to have a purpose in everything? While I had salt on the brain, I was also preparing to speak at a Kitchen Collective. This collective met a couple times throughout a Bible study season to take a break from their study to worship and learn together.

I was sharing with her about the Kitchen Collective and how excited I am for them. This opportunity for women, and honor it was that I got to play a small part in it.

And it hit me… last night… right there, while I washed dishes and she sat at the kitchen island, I realized… we were doing was exactly what the Collective is about. Being in the kitchen, creating memories, nourishing souls, feeding bodies. This is it.

I was telling her about salt, and all the different types of salt out there. I literally opened my cupboard and started pulling out salt. Call me a salt-hoarder.

There was iodized table salt, fine sea salt, coarse sea salt, kosher salt, pink Himalayan salt, garlic salt, garlic salt with pepper, garlic salt with parsley, onion salt, seasoned salt and don’t even get me started on the herb infused salts.

And here’s what I discovered. This is us. Salt. Yes, I just called us salt.

Each one of us is different, but we are called to be salt. I enhance flavors differently than you. You enhance flavors differently than me and others. But this is our role, to influence and impact our world. Flavoring our world with the unique perspective, talents and gifts God has given us.

We are different, but we each have a purpose to be the salt of the earth.

How and why do we have this arsenal of salt? If there are all these flavors and infused salts, does this give me permission to not be plain table salt all the time? How can I enhance things differently, just as if I am cooking? If I cook for my husband, I’m definitely not using onion salt! If I’m making air-popped popcorn, with melted butter, I’m definitely using the seasoned salt.

My grandpa, he’s a table salt kind of man. I have a friend that ONLY uses Kosher salt. She actually gave me kosher salt one time because she couldn’t believe I had never heard of it before! For my mom, definitely Pink Himalayan salt. For my Life Group friends… garlic salt.

I can enhance the flavor of life and of my friends and families lives with different types of salt. I can use (or be) the type of salt they need, at that moment, for that meal.

Back in the Bible, when Jesus talks about salt:

Jesus isn’t saying, if you feel like it… be the salt of the earth.

He doesn’t say, if you think you are equipped… be the salt of the earth.

He doesn’t say whenever you are ready… be the salt of the earth.

He is saying, You are the salt of the earth.

That’s who we are and this is our purpose.

I’ve learned a few ways to be salt to those around me.

Know people, and know their story. How can I be the kind of salt they need if I don’t know who they are, what they love, what struggles they may be going through. The good news is, this one is fairly easy… most people like to talk about themselves. I am a human, I can vouch for this.

After knowing their story, the next step is finding the commonalities. Focusing on what we have in common, rather than our differences, makes both of our lives richer.

I used to have a lot of LDS friends. We had different faith beliefs, but for me to be the salt of the earth to them, for me to add flavor to their life, I had to stay focused on what we have in common. My friends were praying women. I am a praying woman.

My friends focused strongly on family values and raising their children with good values. I did the same. When they were ready, they came to me to ask me questions that were on their heart. I was just the right amount of salt for them in their life so when they were ready, I was there for them.

With my Muslim friend, we don’t talk about anything that we disagree on. We focus on what we believe that is the same. She loves God, and she loves Jesus. Her walk with Jesus is definitely different than mine, but she follows his teaching, so we stay focused on that.

Mark 9:50 says "have salt in your lives and live at peace with one another."

Finding the commonalities and focusing on those, rather than differences is a way to live at peace with one another.

One last thing to think on…

Salt makes people thirsty. Have you ever noticed that?

Let’s be human salt shakers. Let’s sprinkle out the perfect amount of salt, each time, which leaves people thirsty and coming back for more.

Living Small to Live Big

2021-07-05T17:39:00.002-07:00

“Comparison robs us of the joy of obedience. When you feel small, know that the inconspicuous tasks are building big things that we can’t see yet.” -Jennie Allen

God’s call on my life to live small to live big is pretty new in the making.

But, I don’t think I would have realized what God wanted to do in my life, if I hadn’t spent time over the last few years in life-on-life community with others. This community is dedicated to falling more in love with Jesus, practicing spiritual disciplines and to urge one another on in our journey to be more like Jesus. Another practice we’ve gained over the months is immediate obedience. Scary huh?

Don’t worry, it’s not like a phone call inviting us to move to Africa for the summer. That’s an entirely different blog post.

Immediate obedience can only be achieved if you’re spending time with God regularly. The more time you spend with him, the more in tune we are to his plan for us, and what he needs us to do.

Over the last year, he's been calling our family to go small. He’s made it clear to us. He wants us to go small, to live big.

We’re not entirely sure where this will end up, but as we have begun walking in obedience, this call is clear. He’s directing our steps, and we follow.

This is only God. I know this because some of the things we are doing, we would never do otherwise.

Most recently, he’s calling us to move. Still nearby, but a different, smaller house, new neighbors, schools, etc.

It’s scary.

I’m walking away from a huge garden I love. And I’m okay with that.

I’m saying goodbye to neighbors who I care deeply for. And somehow I am peaceful about it.

I’ve let go of furniture, antiques and more that I love! And I haven’t even flinched.

My kids are excited and ready. They actually want to move and are ready for new friends, and neighbors. It shouldn’t be this easy, with a teen and a preteen… shouldn’t there be a fight in this?

God is the only explanation I have for this.

Our family is clinging to these verses, 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

So we are moving. We're packing up. We're selling more than half of our stuff, and we're crazy anxious for what's next.

We believe less walls and yard work will result in more time and adventures together. The exciting part? We know this is only the beginning. Who knows what God will lead us to next.

This living small thing might just be the best thing that's ever happened to us.

Or So I Thought...

2021-07-05T16:54:00.003-07:00

It was 2016 and I was standing on the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Soldiers standing were guard in solid cement structures, a slit in the concrete just wide enough to make out the young soldier’s eyes.

“Over there,” our tour guide pointed, “is where Hamas dug a tunnel big enough for a truck to drive through.” They (Palestinians from Gaza), tunneled through the 1.8 miles of “no man’s land.” Land separating Israel and Gaza.

Growing up in the American Southwest, I learned in school and the news that Gaza was full of terrorists. All people who sought the destruction of Israel and the United States.

Here I stood, at the edge of “no man’s land” and for the first time, I heard a different narrative. A different story. And the narrator? An Israeli grandma.

Her neighborhood sat on the border and bomb shelters littered the quiet streets.

Most strikingly, on a street corner, near a playground, was a modest concrete structure.

“What’s that?” someone in our group asked her.

“Oh, that’s a bus stop for the school bus. The concrete is a bomb shelter for the kids. Alarms sound indicating there are incoming rockets and everyone has 15 seconds to seek shelter.”

I sat back in my seat. Shocked. That structure could only hold a couple children. Where would the rest of the children hide?

Now I was convinced… My upbringing, my education, and now what our guide just told us: Hamas, Gaza, Palestinians… they must be terrorists… inhumane.

Or so I thought…

Our tour guide invited us into her home. Dinner was prepared, and we ate mounds of food, typical fare and extravagance poured out to visitors when you visit the Middle East. We were grateful and anxious for more stories.

“Let’s call my friend. She’s a young woman who lives in Gaza.”

What? Bomb shelters, stories of rockets, no man’s land, and now she is calling a friend from over there? How can this be?

We sat nervously as the phone rang, and a young woman answered. She told us her story, her desire to live, to dream, to survive, she told us about her education and her family.

Her dreams were the same as mine. She was just like me. She’s not a terrorist, she’s not evil or inhumane. Didn’t she deserve to live and dream? Not to just survive, but to thrive?

As I listened that evening, I heard stories of teams of people sneaking Palestinians out of Gaza and into Israeli hospitals for care. Stories of Israeli doctors committed to the care, the health and the survival of their enemy.

My neat box I had built around my life, my understanding and my comfort zone was shattered. I didn’t have a box to put all these stories in.

The night went on… stories of Israeli’s and Palestinians who are friends, who love each other. Stories of Muslims and Christians, living side by side, working together, relying on each other. They were committed to a world where dignity and love ruled, not division and hate.

My entire worldview was shaken to the core. And this was why I chose to come.

This trip was facilitated by Amplify Peace, a movement of peacemakers around the world, and these particular trips are immersion trips where you have life-changing encounters with different stories you’ve never heard before.

And then I came home.

I sat at the Thanksgiving table, surrounded by family and friends.

People asked about my recent trip, but their interest fell flat. They did not actually want to know the different perspective now on the table. Could I blame them? What I had seen challenged much of what I believed to be true. Were they ready for this?

I felt completely isolated in my journey to process these perspectives. I cannot un-see what I have seen. I cannot un-hear the stories I heard. I cannot argue with someone’s lived truth and say it is wrong, just because it was contrary to my upbringing.

I turned to Amplify Peace, to learn the principles of peacemaking. I buried my head in books, listened to webinars and podcasts, anything to discover how to really listen to stories I had never heard before, and learn how to be a peacemaker in the midst of it and live differently because of it.

When the holiday season arrives, for many of us, the hot topics of our day are bound to arise during our holiday meals: the pandemic, politics, the lack of unity in our communities, tensions around race, opinions on protesting and more.

Chances are you’ll be sitting at tables this season with people who have different opinions than you. How will navigate these conversations? Here are some tips from Amplify Peace known as the “Principles of Peacemaking:”

1. Seek to understand rather than be understood.

Listening to understand honors the teller. Sometimes it’s hard, and we must listen longer than feels comfortable.

2. Humbly listen and learn, do not sit in judgement.

Understand that every human is on a journey, and we’re all at different pit stops along the way. Some are just starting out, others are at the same pit stop as you, and others are beyond you. This is okay.

3. Enter into open dialogue, not debates.

A conversation should go both ways. It’s like playing catch. It’s no fun to toss a ball to someone and they never toss it back. Allow the back and forth, ask questions, lean in. It is not a win to convince someone to agree with you. It’s a win when those trying to express their feelings or experience have the opportunity to do so.

4. Frame questions respectfully.

Consider responses that go deeper. Use phrases like, “tell me more…” and “how did that make you feel?” Then listen without framing your response.

5. Respect one another’s unique journey and perspective.

God created humans different, with different lives, experiences, circumstances, and opinions. He did this on purpose. Our differences make us better, they make our society creative and innovative. Embrace this!

6. Honor relationships over the need to be right.

Commit to doing everything you can to preserve relationships this season. It might not be easy, but imagine the appreciation and gratitude others will have when they see you care more about them as a person than their opinion, or politics. And remember, their opinions are based on a different life experience than your own. Their experience isn’t wrong, it’s different, and that’s okay.

7. Believe you are engaging in a story bigger than your own.

This is way bigger than one relationship or one holiday meal. This is a new way of living. One that honors the person, their experience, and allows them the grace to be on the journey.

Will we make it through this season unscathed? Maybe not. But we can do our part. We can do our very best and own our role.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

If you want to learn more about Amplify Peace visit amplifypeace.com.

God wrecked my life...

2018-08-01T22:31:00.003-07:00

It was May 2015. I sat in the kitchen of my friend's home. It was her birthday. Friends gathered around a beautiful hand crafted wood table and we celebrated her.

Birthday conversation turned into a conversation about what was on her heart: a blog she'd recently read by Ann Voskamp. It wrecked her and she shared how she was learning to process all she now knew. That night and many times since she has acknowledged, "You can't un-see what you have seen."

After the birthday shenanigans, I went to my car, preparing to drive home, but first... I pulled up the blog.

Ann's blog was about Yezidi women and their children, living in Iraq in shipping containers. The stories were gut-wrenching. The suffering, the loss and the violation these children experienced made me sick to my stomach.

In Iraq, Christian and Yezidi girls (ages 1-9) were being sold for a mere $172. That's less than a trip to Costco for me, or a really nice Harvey's Seat Belt Bag.

Often, these little girls, after being married off, sometimes over 20 times... were forced to have "surgery," believed to restore their virginity, so they can be sold off again... this time as a virgin.

Ill. I was physically ill. It is the 21st century, and human beings are still treating others so viciously, so violently and so inhumane.

That was the turning point for me.

From that day on I have been on a journey to love the "other." I have been on a journey to be with people different from me. I promised myself that I will advocate for and be in community with the oppressed, the lost, the forgotten, the orphan and the foreigner. I committed to waging peace, in my home, my family, my neighborhood, my community and my world.

Because here's the deal... all people on this planet were created by God. All people on this planet, whether you believe it or not, are loved by God. He loves you as much as He loves me. That mean's we are the same, you and I. We are loved equally and passionately by the Creator of the universe.

As the days passed I held close to that disturbing blog. I couldn't let it slip my mind for fear I would go back to my middle class, suburban home and get caught up in the laundry and the school lunches, and the impending Sandals vacation. I promised myself I would never forget.

Seemingly overnight, my quiet time became times of prayer, asking the Lord, "what am I supposed to do?" How can I justify my life and the things I have and want knowing nine year old girls are living in shipping containers and are sold for less than a pair of Nike shoes?

If I was willing, there would be no going back. In the pit of my stomach I knew...somehow these bold prayers would wreck my life. And it did.

God wrecked my life.

God has wrecked my how I spend my money. I've allotted portions of each paycheck to sponsor boys and girls through Compassion and Food for the Hungry. These kiddos have captured my heart and taught me more about sacrifice than I ever imagined.

God has wrecked my retirement plans. Suddenly working for days for a future of rest, golf, beaches and margaritas suddenly isn't so appealing any more. I find myself dreaming about my next trip to the farm fields in the Middle East where water is scarce, not because it's literally scarce but because water is withheld from neighbors over conflicts in water agreements.

God has wrecked my vacation plans. Suddenly a trip to Jordan to serve in a refugee camp with my kids or sitting in the homes of undocumented workers and sharing a meal is more appealing that an all-inclusive vacation to the Caribbean.

God has wrecked my shopping habits, as I have begun to trade in my big-box shopping lists for that of fair trade items. And He's wrecked my social media time as I have shied away from popular and loud news outlets and now prefer that of NGO's making real progress in the world for peace.

I have given up my craft room, (first world problems, I know), to make space for displaced loved ones, a foster child and a new friend, no, a new family member, from across the globe. Each vacancy in that room gives me a chance to clean and pray for the next inhabitant. Only the Lord knows who'll lay their head there next. When they show up, we'll be waiting.

God has wrecked everything... and it's more than I could have ever asked for.

It's Messy

2018-03-29T18:51:00.005-07:00

Meals are messy. Legitimately messy. Recently I had dinner planned in my home with friends, where children outnumbered the adults. As we made our way into the dining room to a table lit with candles and dishes strategically set with matching plate chargers, I heard a voice from the other room…

“Are you sure you want the children eating spaghetti sauce on your carpet?”

And just like that, the candles were blown out and we made our way to “normal” and very un-fancy kitchen table, with remnants of chunky peanut butter from breakfast, crusted on the table. This is not how I imagined the meal going.

Messy.

Maybe you’ve experienced it. The collateral damage left from opening your home to friends and strangers alike. Cilantro smeared on the floor, Kool-Aid spilled on the carpet, a grease stain on your favorite blouse. Can I get an Amen? And I grumble about it. Shocking, I know.

But then I realized something…

All of this is overshadowed by the community and nourishment which comes from being around a table together. When you open your home, you are inviting people to come, messiness and all. They bring the messiness of life, relationships, financial struggles, and more. They are bringing it to you, friend. What an honor you have to sit in the mess with others.

Jesus shared a table with hundreds of people during His ministry: disciples, tax collectors and more.

One messy dinner occurred when Jesus set a table for Peter after the Resurrection. If you recall, Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Jesus three times, (see Matthew 26: 31-35). Peter does in fact deny Him, (Luke 22: 60-62).

Jesus is about to appear to Peter. But first, Jesus prepares a table for Peter, at the beach no less, (that’s how I want to enjoy dinner with my Savoir!) Fish roasting on the fire, fresh baked bread, burning coals to keep them warm. And Jesus speaks.

“Come and have breakfast.”

This is the first time Peter and Jesus have a conversation since Peter’s denial. How fitting that they would sit together and share a meal as they resolve what happened.

During this meal, Jesus actually launches Peter into ministry during this meal. It’s pretty incredible. Read John 21:15-25.

Around 30 years after this messy meal, Peter is now teaching us what he witnessed firsthand from Jesus.

The early church met together and ate. And it’s messy. It’s work, but it is never in vain. Paul commands us to sit together and wait for one another. “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.” 1 Corinthians 11:33.

When you sit around the table with others, you offer them (and yourself) a moment of rest. Don’t rush, honor one another by waiting until everyone has gathered. The purpose of gathering around a table together is not just for the physical satisfaction of a meal.

When you share your story of messiness, you set the tone for others to share their stories too. You can share how God works in your messiness and what sin and grace look like.

Suddenly, messy meals don’t look quite so messy. It looks beautiful.

Sharing a meal together is more than the perfectly baked cake, a clean home and fancy dishes or centerpieces.

It is providing a space for the Spirit of God to move in people. Every table setting, cooked meal and washed dish helps others feel loved and welcome, and God’s Spirit begins to move.

Have you ever used excuses to justify not entertaining others in your home? If so, write them down.

When is the last time you opened your home to others?

What two or three things can you do this week, initiate sharing a meal with others?

I'm a Follower of Jesus

2018-02-19T12:04:00.001-08:00

“I’m a follower of Jesus.”

I never expected to hear those words from a devout Muslim. These words were not uttered quietly or nervously but proudly proclaimed, to a room full of Christians, Muslims and Jews.

What’s more… it wasn’t just one man who announced this. During my week at the National Prayer Breakfast, numerous people of different faiths boldly confessed they are followers of Jesus, and followed his teachings.

In fact, I have never heard the word “Jesus” more than I did that week in Washington DC.

I attended the National Prayer Breakfast, all the festivities leading up to and following the breakfast with a handful of people from Central and a few thousand religious leaders, government leaders and politicians from over 140 countries.

This gathering, started over 60 years ago, is made up of people who agree to pray for world leaders, and to come together on the things we have in common… mainly, the teachings of Jesus.

While not all religions understand Jesus as grace and salvation, most accept him as a prophet, or at least a pretty great teacher.

When we meet at tables with others who look different, sound different, dress different and worship different from us, it is easy to assume we have nothing in common.

My world was rocked when I heard the way Muslims talked about Jesus. They shared about their love, honor and respect they have for him. I heard things like:

“I love Jesus.”

“You aren’t a Muslim if you don’t love Jesus.”

“Growing up in Islam, I missed Jesus in the Qur’an. But now, I see he is everywhere in the Qur’an.”

The thought crossed my mind, “these Muslims might love Jesus more than most Christians!”

Yikes! How does that make you feel? Are you uncomfortable? Are you outraged? Are you regrettably shaking your head in agreement?

Here’s the deal, I’m not out to incite anger or uproar, but… Our Muslim friends and neighbors are open to hearing about the Jesus we love. They are already loving, serving, encouraging and praying for one another, as Jesus commands. They are open to hearing that salvation comes through him and not by works. They are anxious to talk about him.

The last commandment Jesus gave his followers is Matthew 28:19-20.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you until the end of the age.”

As followers of Jesus, we should be pretty passionate about this. When Jesus says “all nations,” he means ALL NATIONS. All people groups, all cultures, all faiths. People across the globe and people across the street.

No one is exempt from this command.

When questioned, Jesus also summed up all of the Old Testament laws in two commands, check out Matthew 22: 36-40:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

It’s pretty clear, right? So, now what?

Ask the Holy Spirit for help. Ask for eyes to see all people as beings created in the image of God. Ask for discernment to know whom Jesus needs you to spend some extra time with each day. Ask for any blind spots, hardness or un-forgiveness in your heart to be revealed to you and be ready to address them.
Create margin in your life. Shop slower. Walk to your mailbox instead of driving by on the way home. Move some patio furniture to your front porch and read your newspaper, mail or enjoy coffee there instead of inside. Slow down and put yourself in situations to run into others.
Greet everyone! Make eye contact and smile at everyone you pass. Take time to really see people.
Invite people to your table. Meals are not just for physical nourishment. More soul nourishment happens around a shared meal than we can ever completely comprehend. If you cannot invite people to your table, get creative. Meet at a park, at a coffee shop, pick up take-out and head to the neighbors or a community center to meet up with others, or venture out and grab dinner at a restaurant together.
Start conversations. You have already asked the Holy Spirit for help and created margin in your day, so now you have time to engage in conversation with any of these people who made need more of you today.

Who, in your neighborhood, place of work or local hangout is open to talking about Jesus? What if all they are waiting for is someone like you to start the conversation?

~ Becky

Finding Simplicity

2018-01-14T16:42:00.002-08:00

Tired and busy are two words which have hijacked my vocabulary. I am very conscious when I use either of those words and I am terribly irritated when I let them slip out, (which has only happened once today. Yay me.)

Mainly because tired and busy are each a self-inflicted state of being. I'm busy because I have either consciously or subconsciously not managed my calendar well, and I'm tired, because, well, I have either consciously or subconsciously not managed my calendar well.

This is why finding simplicity is my goal this year.

Longer walks, conversations that linger, margin in my day to be available to others and quiet time to hear from God. I know I can do this.

I have found in my two short weeks of finding simplicity that it's not so much simple that I crave, but light. Lightness, the opposite of heavy.

When I am tired and/or busy, things feel heavy. My feet are heavy and my body hardly has the strength to put one foot in front of the other. My counter tops are weighed down by the papers telling me what to do and who to pay.

I would even venture to argue that dust is heavy. For reals. You didn't see the amount of dust I cleaned from behind the vase on my dresser last week!

When I am tired and/or busy I laugh less, hustle more, and have unrealistic expectations of those around me. After all, if I'm hustling, certainly you should hustle with me. (I'm only half-kidding).

A life of simplicity doesn't mean living a life without.

"A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life." Proverbs 13:7

A life of simplicity means I get to fill it with Jesus. And I'm trying.

If you want to join me, try this: spend 20 minutes of solitude with Jesus each day.

Find a space that is peaceful and without distraction.
Get into a posture where you'll be comfortable to 20 minutes. (On your knees sounds like a great idea for about 17 seconds! A comfy chair high enough to support my head is my go-to choice.)
I suggest limiting music or any versions of audio prayers. The point is to hear His voice, not the voice of others.
Resist the urge to start talking. What if you were quiet and allowed Him to speak first?
Don't bail! Twenty minutes sounds like a long time, but you can do it! In my experience, 12-15 minutes in is when it gets good. If you bail early, you may miss what God has in store for you.

I never, ever, walk away from time with my Savior tired, heavy or weighed down with burdens. Never.

My bet? You won't either.

Simplicity: Soup

2018-01-07T18:06:00.004-08:00

On my journey to live a life of simplicity this year, I am on the hunt for recipes which offer simple preparation while it providing the greatest nourishment for my soul and my body.

After three days down with "The Crud," (can I capitalize that? I feel like he's a very unwelcome guest), I hadn't eaten in days and knew I needed to put something in my body besides Tylenol PM and DayQuil.

A sweet text from the hubby asking if he could get me anything while at the grocery store was my invitation... without delay, I googled simple soup recipes. I found a soup that required only two ingredients... cauliflower and bone broth.

It can't be more simple than that!

Because I don't believe in a meal without butter. I threw some butter in there for good measure.

This soup was incredible! Please know, this creamy bowl of heaven got me through some of the harshest days of fever, cough and body aches. It was easy to make, between coughing fits and rest breaks from standing up too long. Not to mention the health benefits of organic bone broth, (have you heard about this stuff? If not, google it right now. Don't worry, I'll wait right here.)

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower, trimmed, cut into florets
1 1/2 cups of bone broth (organic, or pull some out of your freezer, because you know... you make your own. More on that to come.)
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Fill a dutch oven or large pot, with water and place cauliflower inside. Make sure water covers all the cauliflower.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer around 15 minutes. Check florets with a fork to make sure they are tender.

Drain pot and move cauliflower to a food processor. Add bone broth and butter. Blend well.
If you can't fit it all in the food processor at once, start with half the cauliflower and bone broth, then repeat.

Sprinkle a little salt and pepper into the food processor and mix thoroughly. Keep salt and pepper handy, as you'll season to taste once you pour your bowl.

Voila! And... you're welcome.

Simplicity

2018-01-07T16:11:00.003-08:00

2017 started by committing myself to one word... Intention.

I committed to simple acts of living that would make a difference in my life, my family and those around me. I hope those closest to me noticed, but for myself, as I reflected on 2017, I know that living with intention marked my decisions, my interactions, and the things I spent the most time doing.

Last year was littered with the loss of family and friends, yet new friendships were woven in between losses. Last year we faced financial challenges and watched as God is faithful during the waiting. Last year we rose to the call of intentional discipleship and peacemaking and we gratefully and joyfully are watching the fruits of those encounters.

2017 was hard, there's no denying it. But in the difficulties, I found that on my knees was sometimes the safest and most hopeful times of my year.

Now as I usher in 2018, I can't escape the word "simplicity."

I can't continue living a life of intention without letting go of the clutter around me. The clutter on my calendar and on my counter tops. The chaos in my Tupperware drawer and in my soul.

While chaos, mess and general hodge-podgeyness (yes, I made that up) are somewhat of "buzz" words, I am spending 2018 resting in what Jesus has taught me.

When I am weary and in need of rest... turn to Him. (Matthew 11:28)
When I am feeling empty and alone... He will carry me. (Isaiah 46:4)
When my calendar and to-do list literally take over my life... I will be still. (Psalm 46:10)

So here's to 2018. A year I trust will be filled with fireplace conversations, invitations to the table for stories and soul nourishment, family board games, simple meal planning, a withdraw from technology overload and good 'ole fashion homesteading.

May you find a life of simplicity in 2018.

2017 Book List

2017-12-31T17:25:00.003-08:00

If you know me at all, you know I am an unashamed New Years Resolution junkie. I actually love them and take them seriously. I don't set impossible resolutions and I don't beat myself down when a resolution or two, (or seven) slip through the cracks.

I enjoy ushering in the new year with renewed energy to tackle new habits.

In January 2017, one of my resolutions was to read 24 books for the year. Two books per month.

I knocked this one out of the park, which is super, since I crashed and burned on my resolution to go to the gym three times a week.

Last year I read 37 books. (Crushed my goal!)

Good books. I'm so excited to share them with you. I have outlined my top five, with a quick blurb. If you're going to read anything in 2018... these five should be on your list!

Just Mercy: Bryan Stevenson: By far, the best book I read this year, perhaps the best I have ever read. It's gut wrenching, raw, and moving. I have never studied the injustices in the criminal justice system, but more than that, I am in awe by Bryan Stevenson and his colleagues unrelenting compassion, grace and mercy they offer to those who need it the most.
Follow Me: David Platt: This book caused me to really answer what I believe about Jesus, when he said, "Follow Me." It has caused me to question everything in my life, including my complacency in faith as well as how I model the gospel.
Radical: David Platt: I believe this book can be life changing for people.
At Home in the World: Tsh Oxenreider: This brave chic traveled the world for nine months, living out of a backpack, oh, and with her three children (all under the age of nine). She is my hero.
A Meal with Jesus: Tim Chester: Jesus is truly the master of hospitality. He knows exactly when and where to set the table for people. I have learned so much about Jesus and his heart for his people (spoiler alert.... ALL OF YOU are his people, even if you don't know it yet.)

Seeking Refuge: Matthew Sorens, Issam Smeir and Stephan Bauman

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World

Hope Unfolding: Becky Thompson (no... not me.)

Love Unending: Becky Thompson (again... not me)

Love Does: Bob Goff: I reread this every year... It's good for the soul.

The Bible: Um... yeah

Nothing to Prove: Jennie Allen

Love Lives Here: Maria Goff

Preemptive Love: Jeremy Courtney

Here Goes Nothing: Kendra Broekhuis

The Christ of the Indian Road: E. Stanley Jones

Spiritual Multiplication in the Real World: Bob McNabb

Giddy Up Eunice: Sophie Hudson

Looking for Lovely: Annie Downs

The Road Back to You: Ian Morgan Cron

Mentoring 101: John Maxwell

How’s Your Soul: Judah Smith

The Four Dysfunctions of a Team: Patrick Lencioni

Of Mess and Moxie: Jen Hatmaker

The Life Giving Home: Sally Clarkson

The Hiding Place: Corrie ten Boom

Follow Me: David Platt… yes again!

Volunteer Revolution: Bill Hybels (Twice)

The Ideal Team Player: Patrick Lencioni

Redeeming Love: Francine Rivers

I Am Malala: Malala Yousafzai

Surprised by Motherhood: Lisa-Jo Baker

The Turquoise Table: Kristin Schell

Finding Jesus in the Exodus: Nicholas Perrin

The Sacrament of Happy: Lisa Harper

Gifted to Lead: Nancy Beach
Know Orphans: Rick Morton

A Sinful Woman

2017-07-05T21:00:00.002-07:00

A narration of the Biblical story in Luke 7

I have heard stories of a man, gifted with the power of God. People tell of beautiful stories and wondrous acts. Some call Him the Messiah. He heals people wherever He goes. I heard He healed a man with leprosy. The leper begged to be made clean, this Messiah actually reached out and touched the leper’s face and said “be clean,” and he was!

Now He is in town. He was invited to a meal with Simon the Pharisee. Why would He go? Pharisees tend to disagree with the teachings and pretty much everything He stands for.

When I heard He’d be there, I knew I had to go. How could I not? He was my last hope.

I’ve been told He is the Savior of the world, and if this is true, can He save me?

I snuck in the back, early, to make sure I could blend in with the servants who were there, greeting guests and washing their feet.

I looked around the room, no one noticed me at first. Surely, if they had, I would have been removed.

I’m unclean. I’m a sinner. Some have called me wicked and immoral. I am a social outcast. I have done things I am ashamed of. So very ashamed of. And no one will let me forget it. I feel terribly for what I have done and I live with constant angst and hurt because of it.

When Jesus walked in, I could barely breathe. “That’s Him,” I whispered to myself. Fighting every urge to run to Him, I held back, slowly walking behind the others, catching glimpses of Him between the huddle of people.

When Jesus reclined at the table, I was shocked when no one approached Him.

No servant knelt to wash His feet, no kiss on His hand, and no oil for His head. Don’t these people know who He is?

I took a couple deep breathes, felt inside my cloak for the bottle of perfume I brought. It took all I had to take that first step toward Him. I stopped right behind Him and the tears began to well up in my eyes.

I began to weep. I couldn’t even look at Him. I could barely stand. I dropped to my knees, His feet just inches from me.

My eyes were still down. How could I look at Him, after all I have done? I make my living in one of the oldest professions in the world and I spend my money on perfume, so that when I put it on, it masks the dirtiness of my life.

My hands reached out and I did the only thing I could think of.

I washed His feet.

I had nothing but my tears, streaming down my face. It was as though all my sins, my unworthiness, washed out of me.

I felt as if washing the dirt off His feet was somehow washing all the dirt off of me.

I looked around for a towel but there was none. His feet, now clean, were too holy for me to use my stained garment. So I reached for my hair.

Still crying, I dried His feet with my hair, and opened the perfume. I had nothing else to offer Him.

Would He accept my humble offering?

As I poured out the perfume on His feet, Jesus began speaking to Simon the Pharisee, the host. They spoke about forgiveness and grace.

Then I heard, “Do you see this woman?”

“Please, no,” I silently pleaded. “Please don’t point me out. Please don’t look at me.”

All my hopes of anonymity were gone. Everyone was looking at me.

Who was I kidding? They all knew of me. They knew how I made money and I was often the talk of the town, hushed whispers when I walked through the market. But no one actually knows me. The real me. But maybe this Jesus does?

Jesus spoke again to Simon the Pharisee.

“Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”

I paused and all was quiet in the room. I tried to process what I just heard, and then, Jesus looked directly at me. His eyes met mine.

“Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Forgiven, faith, peace. I hadn’t said anything to Him. No confession of my sins, nor did I vocalize my faith. I didn’t share how hard life has been for me nor how I mourn for my sins.

He knew me. Surely He is the Messiah, for I was known by Him.

What If The Problem Is...

2017-05-16T22:06:00.002-07:00

"Lord, open my eyes. Don't let me return the same."

This was my prayer as I boarded a plane headed for Tel Aviv last fall. This trip was going to take me into the depths of a people conflict that has been growing for decades. I had no idea what would come next, but I prayed and believed something would.

This prayer was my anthem on the trip. I met amazing women. Women waging peace. Women who lost loved ones, friends, belongings and property to this conflict. Women who refuse to be enemies with the other, and who welcome enemies into their homes. Each day we met women (Christian and non) who strive to bring peace to their communities and countries.

When I returned home, the Lord answered my prayer. I did not return the same. God knows me and I believe He knew exactly how He was going to reach me…

When my children were younger their cry would tug at my heart.

Some cries were emergencies, where I would drop everything and run to them.

Some were the result of pain, a nagging ear-ache or cutting teeth.

Some were a whimper. Like a child waking up early from a nap. I can still feel the cringe on my face. You know, the "I want to cry too," cringe? I just needed a few more moments of peace.

Some cries were helpless. There was nothing I could do to help. I was just a desperate mom, seeking the next remedy or recipe to bring comfort to a restless child.

When I resisted from jumping up and running to my child's side, the cries remained. I couldn't ignore them. I still heard them. I still felt them.

These cries sit deep in my bones.

And don’t the cries of God's children sound the same? Don’t they originate from the same sources of pain, angst, loneliness and helplessness?

"How long will you ignore the cries of My children?"

That’s how God reached me. Just as I can't ignore the cries of my own children, I can't ignore the cries of God's children.

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.

The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

God's word is very clear. But...

"I'm so busy. I really am." That's the first excuse which comes to mind.

Worldliness is contagious. "My son is growing. His knees bump up against my seat when he's in the back seat of our car. I really need a new car."

"It's scary out there. I really like my safe and comfy bubble I live in."

May I suggest, if we aren't intimately walking with the Lord, we aren't capable of seeing the world through His eyes?

"...but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." Daniel 11:32b (ESV)

A global trip might not be feasible for you right now, but there are some practical things you can do to see the world as God sees it and to love and care for His children.

Pray and spend time with Him. Ask for eyes to see the world and His children as He sees them.

Head to the nearest abandoned lot to pick up trash.

Pull your neighbor's weeds.

Host a neighborhood party.

Stand on the corner and hand out donuts as people leave for work in the morning.

Stand on the corner and hand out popsicles as people return home from work in the evening.

Smile and say "hello" to everyone you walk past.

Stock the break room with popular goodies and snacks.

Leave your change, or pre-load money in vending machines.

Serve in ACTS at Central.

Stock local laundry mats by leaving coins in the machines.

Sponsor a child through organizations like Compassion, World Vision, Feed the Hungry.

Join a Multiply Group, (a globally focused Life Group).

Help settle a refugee family.

Serve at Feed My Starving Children.

Shop at Fair Trade Companies like Amazima, Preemptive Love, Noonday, Seek the Peace.

"For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." Matthew 13:15.

Over the last few months, I have realized that the problem, in fact, is me. Father, forgive me.

My lament

2017-02-04T15:52:00.001-08:00

Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.

Psalm 5:1-2

Lament...

Lamenting...

These words are popping up, every direction I turn.

Today, it seems, we have plenty to lament about. Grief for the losses we have suffered.

Regret for the relationships we can't seem to keep whole, no matter how hard we try.

Disappointment for the conversations we need to have, but can't.

They shout at me from my TV, and I read them in the words on my phone as I scroll through social media. As a women's ministry pastor, I hear them in the voices of the hurting.

My lament comes from my heart. It is not birthed out of our first-world problems or even first-world rights. It comes from you, my friends, and this time that we live in, navigating these waters together.

I lament today because I hear you, I see you and I carry these burdens with you.

I am brokenhearted today. My heart has been broken many days... specifically only the days where my mind allows my heart to "go there." It's much easier to keep my guard up. For me to build thicker walls. It's easier not to ask and it's easier to lean away rather than lean in.

My heart breaks for the labels. The same labels which we stand against and yet use in the very next sentence.

My heart breaks for the voices in the margins who are hushed by the megaphones of the privileged.

My heart breaks for the opinions that are shared, because, don't we have the right to share them? Yet, these words are spoken, often unfiltered, and only deepen the divide between us and the other.

My heart is broken that women - generation shapers - are harder on each other than our male-counterparts are on us. Broken because we are each other's worst critic, only after ourselves, of course.

My heart breaks that we proclaim the love of Jesus on our Pinterest boards or in our

Facebook posts, but that our flesh has the last world in the comment section.

My prayer for these times...

May I have a heart that is teachable, calm in the storm, cross-shaped.

May I have a spirit of meekness which shines as power and strength that is under control.

May my spirit be one that is gentle and loving, so that through every action, expression, movement of my body, thought in my mind and word spoken from my mouth not only glorify You, but also be a reflection to others of Christ in me.

May my actions prove, and may I be known, not for those things I stand for or stand against, but that I would be known as a humble servant who kneels.

Amen.

There is no lament we carry that can not be laid at the feet of the Lord. May you place your requests before Him and wait expectantly.

If I Only...

2017-01-22T14:58:00.003-08:00

*Artwork by Daniel Cariola

It started out as a normal day. Normal for her, that is.
A beautiful woman, a child of God. With hopes and dreams, desires and a future. That is until the bleeding started.

For 12 years she had fought it. Sought physicians, remedies and more. Nothing helped. She "spent all she had, yet instead of getting better, she grew worse." (Mark 5:26).

Now, today, after resigning herself to her new normal, a life of being physically sick, constantly. A life labeled unclean, socially unacceptable, she started today as she did every day.

I'm not sure where she actually dwelled, but history tells us, even when accepted by your family, you are not fit to actually reside with them. Most likely she was cast out to a shack behind the family's home... and that's if she was lucky.

"I'm cursed," she tells herself. "I am unclean, I am unwelcome. I am unfit for relationship, for work, for having a life." But, such is life.

Now, today, it's been 12 years. How is she still living? Bleeding for 12 years. It's a miracle. But even more miraculous is what comes next...

Jesus the Christ is near. Just on the other side of the Sea of Galilee to be exact. He's traveling from village to village, often with swarms of crowds following Him, healing and preaching as He goes.

Today, as a matter of fact, He just healed a demon-possessed man. Casting out the demons from the man, sending them into a herd of pigs, while bystanders watched the nearly 2000 pigs rush over the cliff and into the water.

Losing a herd of pigs, a man's livelihood, doesn't typically sit well with villagers. In their shock of seeing this formerly demon-possessed man healed, and the despair of watching the loss of the pigs, the townspeople plead with Jesus... "leave."

So Jesus, gets in a boat and heads across the lake to Magdala, a sprawling fish village at the base of the eastern foothills of Mount Arbel.

Here, Jesus meets Jarius, a synagogue ruler, flustered and in a hurry, Jarius pleads with Jesus, "My daughter is dying. Please come and put Your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." (Mark 5:23).

And Jesus went.

Walking through a heavily populated marketplace, people everywhere, crowds bumping into and pressing on Jesus, we meet her.

She's heard the bustle and she knows He's here. This is her chance. She's heard He heals, that quite possibly just touching Him can heal someone.

"If I only...."

She says to herself. "If I only touch, even His clothes, I will be healed." (Mark 5:28)

And so she does. Silently and discreetly, she makes her way, across the ground, through the busy and moving legs. Inching across the stone floor.

Risking her life, she stretches out her hand.

And then it happens. Immediately the bleeding stopped. She knows her body, and she knows that instantly, she has been healed of her suffering.

But just as quickly as she entered, she pulls back, inching backward to leave quietly, Jesus calls out, "Who touched Me?" (Mark 5:30) And He looked around, searching, waiting for her to come forward.

Knowing she had been healed, and trembling with fear, she presented herself to Him.

"My daughter," He says, "Your faith has healed you. Go in peace, and be free from your suffering."

And very suddenly, men enter the scene and call to Jarius. And Jesus, Peter, James, John and Jarius move on to tend to Jarius' daughter.

I imagine the scene. She's still kneeling there. The crowd that had stopped to witness what happened has now returned to their hustling and bustling. How long does she stay there... processing?

She has a new life. No longer left cursed, to be cast out to a shack, to live among the displaced and untouchables.

I imagine after a few moments she recovers her bearings. Places her hands on the cold floor, she steadies herself and slowly stands up. Still bent over a bit, head hung low. And then, she smiles. She rolls her shoulders back, lifts her head high, plants her feet firmly on the ground. Perhaps she spins, turning 360 degrees, cautiously at first and growing with confidence.

One foot, propels her forward, as she begins her new journey.

And now there's me. And there's you. How many times have we said to ourselves, "If I only..." only, never to follow the thought with action?

Too many I fear.

But today is a new day, just as she can stand tall, no longer an outcast, we can stand tall in our faith. Knowing our Father waits patiently for us, to stretch out our hand to Him.

If I only will.

Intention

2017-01-13T15:43:00.001-08:00

It's kind of a big deal... at least in some circles I run in.

Your word of the year.

To those who take it seriously, your "word" can affect every detail of your life, from the miniscule to the grand.

For me, my previous words have never had the effect on me as I believe 2017's word will.

I do believe it's the focus of my year, the call to my life that God has asked me to pursue.

This year I will act with intention. Live with intention. Speak with intention. Love with intention.

I will be purposeful in all I do. Not giving into idleness, sluggishness nor sheer laziness. (Hello Pinterest!)

Intention is a determination. My determination.

Each move I make, each word I say, will be on purpose. Not a commitment to be accountable for my actions, but a real and sincere decision to live each moment for my values.

To foster a home that is life-giving.

To build a legacy of rich heritage.

To cultivate honest, authentic relationships. Relationship which only time around my table, open hands and God's grace can offer.

To seek Jesus.

To make disciples.

To offer radical love.

To chase peace.

I've Waited All Year...

2016-12-28T08:56:00.001-08:00

I've waited all year to share my reading list from 2016! The good, the bad and the ugly!

Now that I am an adult, I have a renewed loved for reading.

Gone are the days of forced reading from high school. I believe that I always have loved reading, but perhaps a rebellion occurred ever so slightly from the forced reading required of me during the school years.

Now, I read for me, and books are beautiful.

Only in a book can you...

Be transplanted into a fairy tale or a new planet, without even leaving your couch.

Be immersed into a people conflict, that is still alive in the 21st century. Where you find compassionate people, who are just like us... wanting peace, unconditional love and a place to belong.

Be challenged, with your thinking, your way of living, and with the traditions and truths you have always believed to be true, just because.

Reading a book is a great adventure.

Here's my reading list and thoughts from 2016!

The Bible
I didn't read through the entire Bible this year, but I did spend A LOT of time in the Bible. This book is the single most impactful book I have ever read. It is a love story. Although written thousands of years ago, the words are alive and active, (Hebrews 4:12). Each story applies to my life, today, with wisdom and discernment, I have the opportunity to learn from those who've gone before me.

Love Does, by Bob Goff.
Bob is probably one of my most favorite people EVER! Having the privilege of meeting him, he is as genuine as they get.
This book is a yearly one for me. And I'll be starting again on January 1. I love this book so much that it's required reading in my house, and my children, (bless them,) will "get" to read this book and write a book report on it before they are allowed to get their driver's license.

The Lemon Tree, by Sandy Tolan
This book is incredible! I loved every word in it. It's the story of an Arab, a Jew, and the family history of two families during the Holocaust through the Palestinian/Israeli war in 1948. Read This Book!

The Insanity of Obedience, by Barry Stricker and Nik Ripken.
This book is sequel to the Insanity of God, which I read last year. The subtitle is "Walking with Jesus in the tough places." This book addresses the persecution around the world, the rise of it, and what we each are called to be, sheep among wolves, found in Matthew 10:16.

Mother and Son, The Respect Effect, by Emerson Eggerichs
This is by far the best parenting/mothering book I have read. Following the concept of Love and Respect, another book and topic that is spearheaded by Eggerichs, this book literally gives me hope while raising a soon to be teenager. With great concepts and even better examples and tools, I actually applied what I learned in this book, and have seen the most beautiful transformation between my son and myself.

Play with Fire, by Bianca Juarez Olthoff
I love this lady! As a guest at our women's conference in 2015, she lit the place up. She's not only hysterical, she's passionate about Jesus. "Play with Fire" is Bianca's first book, and marries her own personal story growing up in Southern California, and scripture to prove, God is redemptive, and He's ready to use you!

Be Our Guest, The Disney Institute
An indepth look into Disney's world class customer service, plus, amazing and fun insights into Disney, Disneyland, the movies and how everything is literally tied together!

Disney U, by Doug Lipp
This book dives into the principles of Disney University, Disney's employee orientation. Basically an incredible leadership blueprint.

Present Over Perfect, by Shauna Niequist
After seeing Shauna speak at the Global Leadership Summit last August, I knew I had to grab her recent book. Written with a soft and almost poetic tone, this book wrestled with the things we choose to spend out time on, and how to cut out busyness and start a journey to a slower lifestyle, filled with rest, peace and grace.

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, by Dale Hanson Bourke
Written for the purpose of providing accurate information on the details between the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, Dale navigates a glossary of terms and provides fair and unbiased information. This book was huge in me for my understanding phase of this conflict, and I continue to immerse deeper into this conflict.

A Beautiful Mess, by Danielle Strickland
I just love this gal! Danielle's stories are incredible, and she has fully embraced her calling as a story-teller. In "A Beautiful Mess," Danielle walks us through how truly creative our God is and how He is inviting each one of us into this grand design He has for our life and our world.

The Color of Grace, by Bethany Haley Williams, PhD
This book was a tricky read. It took me much longer to get through than a normal book. I really just didn't want to read it, and was turned off by the first few chapters. However, I persevered, and was quite pleased. There was a little bit of a pity party thrown in the book and I really have more things to do than read about other people's self-inflicted pity parties. But, when she got to the meat of the book, and how she ended up in the Congo and in Uganda, I was intrigued. Not by the terrible, terrible, stories that are happening to children over there, but by God's redemption found in the child-soldiers, and the hope that comes from the ashes of a broken life and family.

Into Their Hearts, by Valerie Bell
I have had this book for years, and never picked it up. But, this year I did! It's a quick read and I finished the book with a renewed understanding that the healthiness of my relationships. My relationships are directly related to my priority list. And my priority list shapes the way I live and interact with those around me. If my priorities are skewed, my relationships won't be as genuine, warm and loving. AND... in regards to parenting, she had a quote that is very obvious, but I definitely needed the reminder... "Give them what they need, not what they deserve."

Encounters with Jesus, by Timothy Bell
I love history! And I love historical story-telling. Not sure if that is an official thing, but I think it should be. This book takes the big questions we have in life and provides biblical answers to them. Bell does this by taking the people who had encounters with Jesus in the New Testament and walks us through their story, historically, culturally, etc., and answers their big questions. Questions that are the same for many of us today.

Believing Jesus, by Lisa Harper

Lisa takes the reader through a journey of the book of Acts in this book. Although she leaves out a few key stories in Acts, her purpose is to walk the reader through the book of the Bible and answer the question, is it worth it to believe in Jesus?

Fight Back With Joy, Margaret Feinberg

Not a huge fan of this book. Not sure I'd recommend it to anyone.

The Little Book of Conflict Transformation, by John Lederach

I haven't yet figured out the purpose of this book. It was a hard read with ongoing sentences that didn't say much. However, it did make one statement at the beginning I spent some time reflecting on... "Conflict is a gift." This means that when we have conflict, it causes us to think of things differently, it is a catalyst for change.

What's next for me in 2017?

Here's a sneak peak!

Danielle Strickland has a new book coming out this Spring. It's #1 on my list as soon as it arrives.
The Lifegiving Home, Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming, by Sally Clarkson. I know I'm weird, but I love books like this!
A Meal with Jesus, by Tim Chester. Anything that involves Jesus, food and a table... I'm there.
Daring Greatly, by Brene Brown
Start With Why, by Simon Sinek
Good to Great, by Jim Collins
Looking for Lovely, by Annie Downs
Audacious, by Beth Moore
Love Does, by Bob Goff... again of course, 4th time reading it!

Happy Reading!

Can You Imagine...

2016-12-18T08:48:00.002-08:00

It's lush and beautiful, the foliage full of color. Narrow, a stream that is shallow and emerald.

And I just keep thinking, Jesus walked here. Like, literally here. Where my feet are.

And before Jesus, we encountered many others in our Biblical history who have been here before.

In the days before the wall came down at Jericho, Joshua was here.

In Joshua 3, it tells of the time the Jordan River was at flood stage. Much different than it is right now. It was raging. The water was high, carrying debris from upstream down to where it meets the Sea of Galilee, as it always is at the time of harvest.

On this day, around 1300 BC (the later part of the Bronze Age), Joshua was to be exalted in the eyes of all of Israel.

God was about to use the Jordan River as a powerful tool to show the Israelites that God was with Joshua, just as He was with Moses.

And what happens next is one for the record books...

Twelve priests, representing the 12 tribes of Israel would carry the "Ark of the Covenant," this wooden chest which not only at one time held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, but also was a representation of the presence of God, into the Jordan River.

"See, the ark of the covenant, of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you."

Israel packed up all their belongings to cross the Jordan. The priests went on ahead. The water was raging, white water, rushing.

Can you imagine?

In faith, the priests continued toward the raging water. What was going through their minds? What were they getting themselves into? Afterall, Joshua is new at this. The leader of Israel for what... a few hours? And at his command they are headed straight for the turbulent waters.

Scared or not, confused or not, trusting in their new leader, they stepped into the dangerous waters.

"Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing."

That's right. The water stopped. It piled up a great distance away in a town called Adam.

Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry land, and the priests stood in the middle of the dry river bed, holding the ark, until each person had made their way across.

And my mind keeps going back to the verse in Joshua 3. The Lord, of all the earth, the Lord of the Israelites and of me, went into the Jordan ahead. He went first. And this boggles my mind because in times when I feel alone (even with this rambunctious household of mine), I feel like I'm on this journey solo. But I'm not. The Lord saw it fit to enter the waters before Israel, and He sees it fit to walk before me in my unstable mediums of life.

And then, we find, some 1400 years later, Jesus came. He heard of this man, his cousin, who was preaching to those in the desert of Judea, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." And with that, people would confess their sins and were baptized in the Jordan.

Jesus, hearing of this, came. His intent? To be baptized.

When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he was ready. He knew who Jesus was. The One who would come after him, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist was only baptizing with water. And when Jesus presented himself to be baptized, John was confused. How could he, an unkempt man, with clothes of camel hair, (and I imagine his hair was a tad on the wild side), be the one to baptize the Messiah?

But at Jesus' request, he did.

The waters were calm that day. And, for the first time in the New Testament, we see the Holy Trinity.

Upon being baptized, when Jesus came out of the water, heaven opened up. The Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) descended on him like a dove. In my mind, the gentle dove rests on Jesus' shoulder. And then at the same moment, a voice from heaven spoke.

"This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased."

Can you imagine what that scene would have looked like? For those watching on the river banks. Never, in their lifetime, had they experienced God. Just previously, there had been 400 years of silence, and even when the silence broke, only an Angel of God appeared to a select few.

But here were are, waist deep in the Jordan River, and God, and His Spirit show up for Jesus' baptism. And God, issues a public statement, affirming His Son. For Jesus, although having a wonderful and faithful step-father, this is the first time Jesus, hears publicly from God, from HIS Father.

And quite quickly, the entire scene was over.

Now, today, here I am. Standing, my own feet in these waters. The smooth, slimy rocks, sanded down by the water's current over thousands of years. This water is calm. Quiet.

I am standing upstream, away from the crowds. And I watch the fish mosey through the water. Catfish, Barbel fish, and St. Peter's Fish, (known to Americans as tilapia).

These fish don't know the history of these waters, and based on hydrology, this water is not the water that Joshua nor Jesus encountered. (I googled it, just to double check.) But this place remains. And it remains quite untouched by tourists, by profiteers, by the world.

As I walk away, I can walk a little lighter, knowing not only in my head the One who goes before me, but having the physical experience of history coming to life and reminding me that He goes before all of us, every single day, as long as we are willing to walk in faith.

It's my birthday

2016-11-22T14:51:00.002-08:00

Excerpt from my journal: 11/4/2016

November 4th

It's my birthday, but that's not what has my heart racing.

Today is the day that I leave for my greatest spiritual adventure of my life time. At least, that's what I expect it to be.

Many have asked if I'm excited, and I have answered with an overwhelming... "YES!" That's what I should say, right? So I say it.

But, I don't even know what I am excited for. The words to articulate these emotions escape me.

Is it the unknown? The time by myself? The guilt-free time with the Lord, uninterrupted?

Is it because I have asked the Lord to break my heart for what breaks His and He is doing it?

Is it because I will literally be walking in the footsteps of Jesus?

I know it is all of these things and more.

I will meet peacemakers. Women who embody the characteristics of Jesus himself. They may not even know how much like Jesus they truly are.

I will shed tears... many. Knowing myself, the downpour will happen when I least expect it. What will cause it? Where will I be?

True to my personality, I scheduled a cry session before I left. Will that lessen the escalating emotions, the swings from high to low I'm about to experience?

What will happen when my pent up sobbing meets a physical broken heart?

How will I pick myself up and keep moving?

These are the things I worry about.

I do not worry about my life, my safety. I know the One who holds me.
I have nothing to fear. I know His plan for me extends far beyond this journey.

Perhaps the answer to what I am most excited about is actually not a question at all. What if it's a request.

"Please don't let me return the same."

I know there is no turning away from what I have learned. What I have read.

I know there is no turning away from what I am about to see.

So There's This Village

2016-11-17T05:26:00.003-08:00

You won't recognize the name. In fact, you wouldn't recognize much about this little village.

With 200 families living here, they are a tight knit community. They celebrate the art of agriculture. In fact, each family in this community is given a plot of land to farm. It's a desirable place to live because of the neighborhood and the love each family has for one another.

But there is another side to this village. Actually, it's what lies outside the boundaries of this community that may haunt you.

In this village you can stand on the neighborhood street and in every direction you look, you can see a bomb shelter.

A bus stop with a bombshell shelter next to it for students. If you hear the siren, students waiting to go to school have 15 seconds to make it into the shelter before the rocket hits.

You can hear the rockets being launched from the other side, and without delay you can hear the attack helicopters taking off from here in the pursuit of retaliation.

Just a mere two weeks ago, two bullets entered a home here. A TV, entertaining two boys, became a shield. Bullets, ringing through the home, lodged themselves in the TV, leaving the two boys unharmed... this time.

As I stand in this village I see a wall, 20 feet high. Around the corner are soldiers, tucked safely in a concrete room, openings just large enough to spot his eyes, peering out across the valley.

Over there, across the valley is Gaza. The world's largest open air prison, named by those who live there. "To live there" might sound ambitious. Maybe "to exist there" is better. It seems as though they just exist.

But from within the walls, there is one who tells another story. She shares a story of hopes, of dreams, of a future. Of course I can't see her, we can't go to her, and she can't come to us, so we speak over the phone.

"We have a right to live and a right to dream."

With no access to jobs, medical care, and little hopes for education, Heba refuses to stop dreaming. What does she dream about? Finishing her education. She has been accepted to attend a university in Israel to study bone disease and cancer in the jaw. A noble and beautiful dream. But today she waits, unable to leave the walls that surround her. She is praying for permission to leave, praying for permission to attend school. I am praying also. And so is Roni.

Roni is a brave woman, a peace wager, a friend to Heba, and a friend to me. She chooses to live here, in this village. She could live anywhere. Anywhere. But she chooses to stay here, and wage peace. To fight for those whose voices have been silenced. She is committed to share the story of the other narrative, living on the other side of the wall, only 500 yards away.

Her children are here too, and grandchildren.

She tells us her story, her eyes meeting mine.

"What are you willing to give up for peace?"

In this village, where one can justify hatred and violence toward the other... there are those who are waging peace.

Roni's words still ring, fresh in my ears.

"It is not about one or the other, it is about being side by side no matter what."

At His Feet

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I'm tired. I work hard. Really, really hard. My days are filled with kids, life, household management, family budget (ugh,) two jobs, which I love and friendships which deserve my attention.

I really just want a break. Time for me. There are days when I truly do nothing for myself, besides, maybe eating. Some days I may take a shower, but even that can't always be counted as doing something for myself. Trust me, sometimes, the shower is for the benefit of others!

I really just want the beach, my Pinterest app and a great book. Don't I deserve this? I work so hard.

This feeling of "deserving a break" is reinforced by society. Women are constantly pounded with messages that it is our right to have free time, that I should be allowed to indulge in selfish pleasures since I work so hard everyday.

But recently I was challenged after reading an article that asked readers to find examples in the Bible of when Jesus took a break.

Great. Sigh. The greatest man to walk the earth. A sinless Savior whose time on earth was spent healing the sick, and calling His disciples to be fishers of men. How on earth will I find examples of Christ, to prove my point, that I work hard and therefore deserve rest.

Suddenly my entitlement of deserving a break lost merit. To my excitement, I did find that Jesus did indeed rest, but wait until you see how He spent His restful moments.

During Jesus' life, He required the rest and refueling that all humans require to go on. Jesus knew this and was intentional to retreat from crowds and even His disciples, to get this much needed (and deserved) rest.

But, you won't find Him searching Pinterest for fish recipes.

Jesus spent time at the feet of His Father. He rose early in the morning, or would withdraw to a mountain area to spent time alone with God. And He definitely didn't make a scene about all the work done today and therefore deserving of some rest.

"Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray."

Mark 1:35

"After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray."

Mark 6:46

Jesus carried an unimaginable weight on His shoulders during His time here on earth. Yet, He knew the one true way to gain strength, to refuel, to rest. He wisely spent his time alone with God.

As a busy mom, wife, ministry leader, coach and friend, I must find time periodically to refuel, rest and spend time with My Father.

I can't let this challenge go by. Now that I know how Jesus spent his time, I have no excuse but to re-evaluate my time and how I use it.

I've begun to make over my mornings allowing me more time to sit at His feet, and soak up His Word. Committing to give Him the first moments of my day.

I have intentionally re-framed the way my family spends the Sabbath.

But I also know, now, that my attitude needs adjustment. I do work hard, and I do deserve rest. BUT, they way I spent my time refueling should draw me closer to my Father, rather than worldly distractions (Eh hum... Instagram).

Nourishing my soul needs to take a priority over leisure, and lasting joy is found the more I sit at His feet.

Why We Love Hospitality

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I truly believe, with everything in me, that lives are changed, transformed and more, in the home.

Tears are shed over coffee around the kitchen island.

Life decisions are made around the dining room table.

Calories are inhaled on the back patio (either yummy s’mores or BBQ ribs!)

Forever friendships are strengthened on the couches with a deck of cards and popcorn.

Prayers are lifted around the kitchen table.

Right?

Knowing this, how much more seriously should we take the moments we have in our home and with others?

I honestly feel the weight of this. It’s a burden. But we’re not in it alone, we’re in it together!

Imagine 10, 20 or even 30 years from now, opening up a box, full of pictures, or maybe a scrapbook or photo album. Imagine those pictures capture the memories of every time you welcomed people through your front door.

What would you see in those pictures?

Who would you see?

The Bible talks a lot about hospitality. Jesus himself often spent much time in the homes of friends, and friends of friends. In those times they learned, loved and laughed together. They experienced grace, and demonstrated grace.

Showing hospitality means demonstrating love, offering grace, being intentional with your time and focus. It takes work, but I believe it is some of the most important work we do.

Good 'ole fashioned hospitality can be as nourishing for your soul as it is for your belly!

Whether you're serving lemonade, gourmet appetizers, or a bowl of popcorn (with ranch seasoning, of course...) you are creating memories for you, and in the lives of those you welcome. Next time, take a snapshot, and savor the memories.

Check out a few of my favorite links to get you excited and ready to launch into making your home the most hospitable home on the block.

Hospitality Outside the Box: from Feathers In Our Nest.

Hospitality: from She Reads Truth

60 Family Tradition Ideas: from The Art of Manliness

Last Minute Tips: from Nicole V. Bennett

Family Traditions: from Focus on the Family