“To read is to empower
To empower is to write
To write is to influence
To Influence is to change
To change is to live.”
~ Jane Evershed ~

I find home somewhere between the pages of books. As novelist Jean Rhys said, Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but most importantly it finds a home for us everywhere. And since we all need places to feel like home, here are some books that will welcome you in.

• Xealots: defying the gravity of normality, Dave Gibbons. Gibbons shows us how God shapes us through pain and how our greatest failures may actually be God’s greatest gifts.
• All There Is, Storycorps, Dave Isay. NPR’s Storycorps hit the road and documented 75 love stories from everyday people. I love love so this is right up my alley.
• The Genesis Process, Michael Dye. For those dealing with addiction and control issues, this curriculum is amazing.

But there are times when the smell of meat intoxicates and the aroma of seasoned protein makes me salivate. I know this because my gym is located next to a southern barbecue restaurant. This restaurant has smokers and broilers and grills working around the clock to ensure you get the best piece of carnivorous flesh possible. There’s a large window granting voyeurs full access to the kitchen and every morning there are four prep chefs seasoning, basting, and marinating meat. Yes, at 4:50am the chefs have begun to cook the meat for the 7:00pm dinner rush.

The patience poured into each piece of meat is interesting. It’s an art, if you will. Yes, meat by itself is tasty. Heck, even raw meat is great [Think of carpaccio with a buffalo mozzarella or a sashimi sushi]! But I believe you can take something good and make it better. Like marinating.

Hebrews 5:11-14 compares our spiritual maturity to that of an infant processing food. As a mature believer, consuming meat [solid food] is a sign of our spiritual ability to break down God’s word.

To build upon Paul’s analogy, I want to take the idea of meat [God's word] and marinating it. Or should I say marinating in it?

Marinating is a process that tenderizes meat and adds complementing flavor. To take the example of the barbecue house near my gym, the cooks prep by mixing about 12 spices, a splash of Jack Daniels, some bourbon, and a secret sauce they won’t reveal and lather the meat before the load it into the smoker. For 8-10 hours the meat absorbs the flavors and the outside caramelizes due to the low heat. By the time the meat is ready to be served, it’s so tender you can pull it off with your fingers.*

Now compare this to God’s word. If we just eat scripture up [read a portion daily or weekly], it’s good. It’s carpaccio. But guut Got, if we season that junk up with 12 spices, a splash of living water, and refine it by low fire, do you KNOW how good that spiritual piece of meat will taste? Its heaven-sent barbecue, people! F’real.

I came upon a scripture that I read before and simply glanced over it. However, I thought about how packed with info it was and I wanted to do some marinating. I’ve been marinating on two scriptures for a month. Seriously. I haven’t read anything else but those TWO scriptures every day. I’m marinating it and hope is that it becomes savory and seasoned and so good I would be selfish not to share it.

Eat up, y’all. Dig into His word because nothing will satisfy you more that Bread of Life, Meat of His word, and Living Water. Bon appetite!

What piece of God’s meat is your fav? Have you been eating the proverbial carpaccio or seasoned meat? Have you been eating anything?

*Not like I would know. I am afraid to the go to the restaurant because I heard they serve unlimited bread balls as appetizers and the meat is addictively good. I told Matt I could be tempted to binge eat and leave nothing more than a trail of bones in my wake. Get behind me, Satan!

The cool thing is that there’s a parable in the bible that speaks about a massive party and at least I could read about being a party animal. As Matthew 25 states, it was not only a party, it was a wedding celebration and the bride had a ton of bridesmaids; ten to be exact. [Ten bridesmaids sounds like a nightmare to me, but to each their own, right?]

As the story goes, five were prepared and five were not. Five saved the date, had their dresses altered, and had their supplies readily available. The other five waited around, lolligagged [what does that even mean?], and said they would be ready when the time came.

The story unfolds and the unprepared bridesmaids missed out on a night of fun, festivities, and celebration.

Moral of the story: Be prepared not to miss an invitation to celebrate [that's my loose translation].

Well, I have a SAVE THE DATE card for you! Why? Because I’m inviting you to celebrate! The best news is you don’t have to be a virgin or wear a tacky dress. You’re invited to be part of a summer party* June 1st-2nd, 2012. Every year I teach of a summer series for six weeks, but this year I want to mix it up. You know, because I’m a party animal and all.

This is me. As a wild party animal. Rawr.

So save the date and get ready to have your mind renewed. The goal this year is to discuss the seat of our will: our mind. The seminar will revolve around the idea of our mind being a beautifully dangerous thing as noted by Paul the apostles on several occasions in the book of Romans.

Why do we do the things we don’t want to do? How can we refuse to be conformed to the world, yet transformed by God’s word? Why am I an emotional basket-case who is depressed when my life is great? How can I control my temptations and addictions?

The seminar will begin on Friday night and run through Saturday afternoon, include lunch, worship, a DJ [what party doesn't have a DJ?!], small group discussions, and three main sessions.

Grab your friends and make a weekend out of it! We will reserve some rooms at a great rate at the local DoubleTree hotel. Since you’ll be only 15 minutes outside of Los Angeles, spend a night on the town.

You know, because people like us are party animals! Rawr.

Info:

• When? Friday, June 1—Saturday, June 2, 2012
• Where? Calvary Chapel Montebello
• Who’s invited? Everyone and their cousin’s momma’s neighbor’s friend from second grade. Or your friends.
• Why? Because our minds need healing and WE NEED JESUS. Or maybe just I do. Whatever. You’re invited to the freak show.

Party on, RockStars!

*Summer seminar would be a more appropriate word, but I think party has a better ring!

Wednesday:
Kitchen tables, laptops out, discussing calendars and schedules, Matt asks, Why did you send me a speaking notice for September 7th? Being the amazing wife that I am I reply, Erin sent me a request and I wanted you to have the date in your calendar so you know when I’ll be gone. 

This is where I seal the deal for Worst Performance As A Wife for all of 2012.

Matt: B, did you confirm for September 7th?
Me: Yes, I checked our calendar and I’m free.
Matt: Are you really?
Me: Wide open. Clear as the sky.
Matt: September 7th is our anniversary.

And this right here? This is the stuff comedic tragedies are made of.

I’m from a generation who asks, What is my purpose? What is God’s will for my life? Yes, there a heaps of people who ask this question, but there’s a fascination [and dare I say stagnation] of people my age who expect God’s will for their life to drop from the celestial heavens like manna. Christine answers my questions with 18 minutes of goodness! Check it out and enjoy If you have more questions or comments, feel free to drop it like it’s hot.

The gift that is on you will destroy you, if what is in you can’t sustain you. —Christine Caine’s podcast

When Christian marriage was banned and illegal, Valentine performed religious ceremonies for Christians who wanted to be joined in holy matrimony. There isn’t much in history about him, but his belief in love and commitment is one to be admired.

Admired by all. 

I was unmarried for 10,950 days and have only recently been able to share a bed with someone I love. But it’s all too close to pretend I can’t remember being President of the Lonely Hearts Club. I was the one wearing black, rolling my eyes as women gawked over dinner plans and roses, while joking about going out with two men simultaneously [Ben&Jerry loved me, people!]. I would drive home on Valentine’s day and ask my parents to make some fattening dinner so I could drown my feelings of aloneness in Paula-Deen-amounts of butter.

While single girls were getting dressed up and watching chick-flicks to celebrate Single Awareness Day [aka Valentine's Day for singles], I believed those activities were drawing attention to my pathetic love life so hid behind the door of my parent’s home.

A couple years ago I resolved to be like Valentine. As I begin to research his life, I was painfully slapped with a stunning revelation. Valentine took great risks, went to great lengths, rebelled against authority to preserve love and marriage… yet he was single. Yes, Valentine himself was not married, but single.

In the year 269 AD, Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution of a beating, stoning, and finally decapitation all because of his stand and resolve to celebrate committed love. He believed in making a sacrifice in celebrating the lives of others, even if that meant his pain.

Some of my closest friends are in a season of singleness and I don’t want to talk about chocolates and roses and gifts on Valentine’s day. I want to celebrate love… even when it hurts. To celebrate unity… even when alone. To remember others… when it’s easier to think of self.

That’s what Valentine did. And that’s what I want to do. Happy Valentine’s day, friends! You are loved.

Technology is a modern phenomena I can’t live without. I’m so lucky to have been born in a time in history when I could pull up an image from an ancient artifact in 1.87 seconds on Google, find a great restaurant within walking distance, and research theology, cancer, or wax with a click of a button. I’m especially grateful for technology because I’m old enough to remember when research would have to be done in something called a library and books had to be found in something called a rolodex.

For all the negative things people hate about social media and technology [yes mother, I'm talking to you], there’s something more powerful, more engaging, and more real about the world wide web than people realize. At no other time in history has there been a way to connect with people in the way we can today.

To celebrate 300 blog posts, I’m giving away three iTunes gifts cards to the top blog commentors: Suzanne Physick, Erica Gunderson, and Christy.

But let me tell you something, friends! Listen up because I’m going to tell you the truth. WILL SMITH IS A LIAR!

I landed in Miami last night expecting neon lights, gorgeous women in sun dresses, and rhythmically gifted Cuban dancers singing out, Beinvenidos a Miami! But no, I waited in a long line at Enterprise Car Rentals to be greeted not by a handsome Floridian but a rude clerk who didn’t even look me in the eye [as a home-schooled child, this is very disconcerting]. Furthermore, the convertible Will slid across on the beach boardwalk wasn’t even an option to rent?!

People, don’t believe the hype. Will Smith and pop-culture cohorts live a MTV life we just won’t ever see. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I’m in Miami for the ONE Conference and would love to connect if you’re in the area. I’ll be in the Impact Center representing The A21 Campaign and answering questions about human trafficking. The lineup for the conference is INSANE. Seriously, every speaker represents a different segment of Christendom and it’s so refreshing to see the Church united. There’s still time to register, so don’t wait. Do it now.

I looooove connecting with blog readers, so if you’re in any of these areas this month, I’d love to meet you:

• ONE Conference, Miami, Florida, February 10-12
• Valentine’s Couples Dinner, CCM, Montebello, California, February 14
• Ignite College Ministry, CCM, Montebello, California, February 19
• Brewed Awakenings, The Crossing, Costa Mesa, California, February 27 [women only]

And remember dear friends, never trust anyone who slides across the top of a convertible and dances on the streets of Miami… even if it’s Will Smith. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get Jiggy wit it.

In others words [said with a Georgian draw a la Scarlett O'Hara], I do declare, Lord! Repeat it, write it down, put it on Post-It notes, whatever you want. This is too good to keep to myself, so I’m sharing it with you!

I DECLARE Im going to experience God’s abundance this year. As I trust God and obey His Word, I will see God do amazing things in my life. I believe and declare I will give birth to every promise God put in my heart and I will become everything God created me to be.  This my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE by faith I am child of the Most High God and I know who I am in Christ.  I’m going to walk in God’s power like never before.  I m going to have strength, resolve and determination to overcome every obstacle in front of me. This my declaration. Amen!

I DECLARE that it’s not too late to accomplish everything that God has placed in my heart.  I have not missed my window of opportunity. God has moments of favor in my future.  He is getting me prepared right now because He is about to release a special grace to help me accomplish that dream.  This is my time. This is my moment.  I receive it today! This is my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE I am grateful for who God is in my life and for what He’s done.  There’s so much I can be thankful for. This is my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE a legacy of faith over my life.  I declare that I am going to store up blessings for future generations.  My life is marked by excellence and integrity.  Because I’m making right choices and taking steps of faith, others will want to follow me.  God’s abundance is surrounding my life today. This is my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE God’s dream for my life is coming to pass.  Theres I potential on the inside of me that I have not yet tapped into.  There are seeds of greatness that are going to take root. God is going to make up for time that’s been lost.  He is keeping the records and when its my time He is going to place me in the foreground. This is my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE Ephesians 3:20 over my life, which says that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to the power that works in me.  As I stay in faith, God will turn every problem into a stepping-stone and take me to a higher level.  Everything I’ve been through up to now is to prepare me for what God is about to do.  Nothing in my life has been wasted.  This is my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE I am special and extraordinary.  I am above average!  I have been custom made.  I am one of a kind.  Of all the things God created, what He is the most proud of is not that spectacular solar system, not the magnificent sunsets, not even the amazing animals.  The creation that God calls His masterpiece is me.  I am His most prized possession.  He created me in His very own image.  This is my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE that God is bringing about good seasons of change.  I know that He is stirring things up because He has something better in store.  I’m going to be open to change and let God direct my steps.  I’m believing He’s going to open a new door and take me to a higher level.  This is my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE Psalm 37:19 over my life, which says that even in famine the righteous will have more than enough. Instead of complaining about the economy, Im going to believe for the best year ever. I’m going to believe God to bring increase in the middle of what looks like a bad situation.  I know I can trust God today because He is a trustworthy God.  This is my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE faith over fear!  I’m going to use my energy to believe what God says about me.  Fear has no part in my life because I’m trusting in what God promises in His Word.  This is my declaration.  Amen!

I DECLARE that  I’m going to pray bold prayers and expect big and believe big.  I’m going to ask God to bring to pass those hidden dreams that are deep in my heart.  Those promises that don’t look like they’er going to happen I’m going to pray with boldness, expecting God to show Himself strong.  This is my declaration.  Amen!

However, the formality threw me off. I had my iPad loaded with notes and bullet-points and color-coded references, but it all seems too structured. I stepped out from behind the podium and sat on the hunter green chairs neatly lined symmetrically along the hunter green carpet and asked a simple question.

What are you giving up to pursue ministry?

I think those attending the workshop thought it was a rhetorical question because silence was the answer I was given. But I—obstinate as I am—didn’t move on. I wanted us to really wrestle with the tension of what we daily give up in serving others. Our lives zoom past us with power walks, power lunches, and power naps like one huge PowerPoint presentation. Next slide. Next slide. Next slide.

Ministry doesn’t mean an occupation within clergy. Ministry actually means service unto others. That’s it. So remove any stigma that comes with thinking a life within ministry is being a professional Christian. Ministry is facilitating a small group. Ministry is befriending the lonely person at work. Ministry is taking the time to pray for someone. Ministry is the selfless things we do for others.

The deafening silence was broken with my response, I’m sacrificing being with my father for his 60th birthday today. I shifted in my hunter green chair as silence broke. One by one people were able to articulate what they were sacrificing.

I’m sacrificing extra time with my kids.
I’m sacrificing working out at the gym to mentor.
I’m sacrificing  my Fridays to hangout with youth group kids.

We all give up something when we accept something. To accept the challenge of serving others means we are dying to parts of us. Sometimes it’s unhealthy but most of the time it’s realizing that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Yes, I missed my father’s 60th birthday. However, I planned a pajama party for him the day before with all my siblings, my mom, and heaps of his favorite breakfast food. Ministry does mean sacrifice, but I fight for making sure it doesn’t mean compromise. I won’t compromise who I am or who I want to be for ministry. Yes, there are sacrifices—even painful ones—but finding a balance is imperative in giving back to those around you.

What are you giving up to pursue ministry? Are you healthy? Are you sacrificing or compromising? How do you find balance?

If nothing else, I hope we find ministry as self-sacrificing, yet life-giving. It begins with recognizing what we are giving up in order serve others.

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