Moving Blogs

For those of you that have faithfully followed and checked up on me between my ups and downs here at my blog, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Most of you I have never met, but yet, I feel as though you are old friends. I thank God for each and every one of you. I have started another blog through Wordpress. I am just getting started there, so there is much about it that I am still working through and trying to figure out. There are a few reasons I changed my blog, but suffice it to say that sometimes we just need a change, and that precipitated my move more than anything. I feel that God is teaching me so many things about Himself, about the brevity of life, about what is most important. And although I have tried to convey that here, I feel He is moving me to go deeper and seek more of His will for my life.  It just seemed like a fresh start in so many ways. If you would love to catch up with me and my family there, I would love to hear from you. I hope to be visiting you all again real soon too.  I have missed my blogging friends. My new blog address is repurposingmylife.wordpress.com   My blog name is A Purposeful Life.  I look forward to seeing you there.  Love to you all!

Changing Seasons

I know you've heard me say it many times, but I just LOVE fall.  It seems I am more motivated to do fall cleaning than when it is spring.  I love the cool, crisp weather.  And it seems that the moving bug always starts to hit me around this time of year.  Every move our family has made since being in the military has always been in the summer.  And we have never stayed longer than three years in one place.  It seems to be a cycle that we find ourselves in.  We move, get our home settled, begin to make friends, feel a part of the community, get involved, really learn our way around the area (you know those secret routes only people native to the area seem to know), and then about the time we hit a few months into our third year (that would be about now)…it's time to start anticipating our next assignment.  

The older I get, the more I don't like waiting to the last minute to get things done.  Throw homeschooling full-time, year round in there and there isn't a lot of last minute time to get things decluttered and organized.  I find myself thinking quite a bit about the upcoming move.  I know anything can happen and there is always the slim chance we might be able to stay.  But, that has never happened yet with us.  

So, as I decorate and welcome fall, I am also working on areas in my home that need work.  It always brings me back to the minimalist mindset.  You really begin to think about what you need and love when you move often.  It is no fun lugging things from one place to another and having no need for them in either house.  It just takes up much needed space and time by demanding attention to clean and store properly.  

So, my fall cleaning is underway.  Right now I am weeding out curriculum that I have collected for years and know that I will not use again.  It is time to try and sell at a good price and hopefully, bless others in the process.  What are your plans for fall?

It was never my intent to stay away this long.  But, that is what life brings sometimes…the unexpected.  So much has happened since the last time I wrote…over a year ago.  There have been health issues, homeschooling, classes in co-op, housekeeping, fellowshipping with friends and so many other things.  Some have been pleasant and good.  Others have been hard and hurtful.  But, through it all, God has remained ever faithful and that I can always say with confidence.  

There are times when we all need a break.  Time to focus or re-focus.  I needed that time. A time to hear from God and a time to prepare for what God knew would be one of the hardest times of my life.  I may feel the liberty to share some of that time, but for now, I don't sense a freedom to do so.   It is fitting that I am drawn back in the fall of the year.  This has always seemed more like new beginnings for me than January.  I really do love this time of year.  The changing leaves and the crisp fall air…smores, campfires and hot chocolate, I love so many things that fall brings.

I hope to share from my life and my home as I feel led.  It is my desire that this be a place to help record my ordinary days…days that God takes and makes something special.  After all, it is finding joy in the ordinary days that makes life so worth living!  

Creating Great Writers

One of the areas I have been concerned about in our homeschool has been writing.  It is no small thing to teach writing, and it takes time to help proofread and edit essays. I have tried various writing curriculum, but never found one that fit with our daily schedule and time restraints. I have used the IEW program by Andrew Pudewa and I do highly recommend it.  But, more times than not, writing was more miss than hit in our home.  We key on English grammar, which of course is a foundation for writing, but I was one of those Moms who worried that somehow my lack of consistency in this area was going to ruin my children and they were never going to be able to put two sentences together that sounded good and made sense!  Have you ever been there?  Then I had all the baggage from my public school mindset that these things must be formally taught…well, you get the picture.  I went to conventions and loitered around all the tables that showed me the "best" way to teach writing to  my children.  The years passed, we never stuck with a program, and writing got pushed to the back burner.  All of a sudden I had a fourteen year old girl that I just knew would be a dismal failure in this department because I had dropped the ball.  Then, it happened.  My daughter caught the writing bug and I began to read her work.  Her sentences for English sounded like something out of the page of a best-selling novel.  I was floored.  How had this happened?  I remember something I kept hearing from seasoned homeschool Moms over and over and over.  Just read to them.  Readers make great writers.  And for the first time, I realized this is absolutely true.  So, may I encourage all you homeschool mothers out there that may think you can't teach writing, or you are daunted by the task.  Read, read, and read some more to your children.  My oldest daughter wants to be a writer.  Whether she feels that way 5 years from now, only the Lord knows.  But, I know she could be if she really wanted to do so.  Was it because I was a great writing teacher?  No.  It was because one of the things I did do consistently was to read to my children.  Historical fiction, nursery rhymes, poetry, children's books, classics, Lamplighter's, missionary stories, and most importantly, the Bible.  Writing really is caught, and all my children love to do it.  I do want to share with you next time an activity I did do in the way of writing that was a success in our homeschool. It is a fun exercise that gets the imagination going.  But, in the meantime, read to your children.  It accomplishes so much more than you realize.  

Spring Cleaning

I don't know about you, but when the days start warming and the grass begins to green, I get the cleaning bug.  Although it is still cooler in our part of Oklahoma than it usually is, there have been days where we have glimpsed the start of spring and relished the warmth of sunshine on our skin and the feel of the cool grass under our feet.  The birds are more active too, which is always a good signal that spring is right around the corner.  We have taken off school this week to give me much needed time to do some deep cleaning…ovens, grout, baseboards are just a few things on my list.  I have also changed out seasonal clothes and rearranged my boys drawers and plan to do the same for my girls before the week is out.

Since we school year round, it is also a time for my husband and I to re-evaluate the curriculum…see if there are changes we want to make…items to delete and some to add.  It is a time for scheduling and making lists…something I enjoy very much.  But, in all the productivity of spring, it is important that I not neglect the spiritual cleaning.  How often do we assess the recesses of our heart and decide what to get rid of and what to add?  So often we become so used to "little sins" that they don't even seem like sins anymore. They become such a part of us…gossip, harsh words, watching and reading materials that are not God-honoring..and the list could go on and on.  This is also a week to do a spiritual spring cleaning for me.  There are areas I need to dust and wipe away the grime…to get clean before my God. 

There should always be more of Him and less of me.  I am praying Ezekial 36:26... 

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." It is so easy for us to develop a heart of stone in certain areas.  When we get in a pattern of sin, bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, frustration, procrastination, it becomes a part of us.  We stop seeing it as something that needs to be eradicated, but rather look on it as a personality trait we have to live with.  That, however, is not the way God sees it.

So, if you are like me, and you are beginning your spring cleaning soon.  Ask God to show you areas in your heart that need cleaning.  He is faithful to show us those things when we ask because our Father desires us to be righteous before Him.  And trust me, that kind of cleaning is so much more profitable than having a spotless house.  Happy Cleaning!

Battling the Lies of the Enemy

If there is one thing I know as a Christian, it is that the enemy is alive and well.  He knows just how to attack.  He knows how to say just the right things that will cause us to doubt who we are and what we are capable of doing.  No ground is too sacred for his warfare and as Christians we must always be ready for the battle.  How many times have you looked in the mirror and said…I'm too ______?  You fill in the blank.  Or, I wish I were more like _______________.  Or, I am such a failure in ________________________.  I don't have the talents or gifts that __________________ has.  If only I could do ______________, I might be more effective for the kingdom.  ______________'s children are so much __________ than mine, I must not be doing something right.  And the list could go on and on and on….to infinity.  Yes, the enemy knows just how to whisper those things to us and if you are anything like me, it is easy to fall under those attacks.  

I'll be honest with you.  This was one of the areas the enemy had me bound, until Christ set me free.  Do I still hear these words?  Yes, of course, Satan's kingdom doesn't give up that easily.  Do I ever give in to them?  Yes, unfortunately, sometimes I still do.  But, praise God, it is less and less and now I do battle rather than settling for defeat.  So, for all of you who have ever heard these words from the enemy and have fallen under them…this is for you.  I want to leave you with the weapons of our warfare.  The sword and praise.  The enemy cannot stand against the Word of God and praises.  So, the next time those voices try to remind you of what you are not…you remind them of who you are!

You are a child of God.  

 But to all who have received him--those who believe in his name--he has given the right to become God's children … John 1:12

You are a friend of Jesus.

I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father…John 15:15

You are a fellow heir of Christ.

And if children, then heirs (namely, heirs of God and also fellow heirs with Christ)--if indeed we suffer with him so we may also be glorified with him…(Romans 8:17)

You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ… (Ephesians 1:3)

You are chosen, holy and blameless before God.

For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love (Ephesians 1:4).

You are redeemed and forgiven in Christ.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).

So the next time the enemy comes and tries to tell you all that you are not, you remind him who are you because of Christ who has set you free.  And then you start praising God for all He has done in your life and for who He is.  Trust me, the enemy will flee.  

The Rhythm of Our Days

What does the rhythm of your days look like?  I must admit, ours varies depending upon commitments, unexpected sicknesses, and a myriad of other things that demand our attention.  But there are some things that are non-negotiable in our lives.  First, we seek to spend time with God everyday.  Before we start school, our children know they are to have their quiet time with the Lord.  A day cannot start out on the right foot without making Christ the priority.  Satan will always tell us how we are too busy, too tired, too whatever to get this most important time done, but that only reminds us that this is of the utmost importance if the enemy seeks to keep us from it.

Then some time in the early morning routine we stop to have a morning devotional together.  My husband is off to work at this time, so I gather the children and we read through a book of the Bible, one chapter at a time.  We have some discussion about what that particular passage means to our Christian life and then we pray.  School always seems to flow so much smoother when our morning devotionals are not neglected.

Other activities fill our days…homeschooling, cooking, outside play, creative pursuits…but none of those compare to the time spent with the Savior…at His feet…seeking His face…asking Him to order our days.

Hugs, kisses, sweet words, I love you's…these are the things that our children will remember.  Don't forget the importance of your touch and lovely conversation in the lives of those you love.  I have to constantly remind myself that when my children grow up they won't remember the phonics lesson they do day after day, but they will remember the attitude Mommy had while doing it. My children will learn to read and do math and a long list of other things, but will they remember a gracious mother who loved them every chance she got?  That is the kind of mother I strive to be.

And it is only by loving the Lord as I should that I can love my family properly.  Only the Holy Spirit can illuminate that kind of love through us.  So remember…give the Lord your day and everything else will fall into place.  

Perspective Matters

There's a lovely spot in our part of Oklahoma called Mt. Scott.  If you drive all the way to the top, you can see for miles unobstructed.  It is a breathtaking view.  I can learn all over again that God's beauty is everywhere, if we only have eyes to see it.  It is amazing how small everything looks from that elevation.  It reminds me that perspective truly does matter.  Those man made objects that we live, work and breathe around every single day suddenly become minuscule and trite from this height.  Isn't that also true of our lives as Christians?

It is easy to only focus on the pressures breathing down on us every day, whether that is the drivenness of our schedules, or a particular trial we find ourselves facing.  It is not until we rise above it and begin to view things from God's perspective that we can truly breathe deeply and find peace.  Perspective does matter.  I am reminded of the story of Elisha and his servant in the Bible. In 2 Kings 6, the king of Aram sends an army to defeat one man, Elisha.  Elisha's servant sees the army and in fear asks Elisha, "What shall we do?"  That is when Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened and Elisha says, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

 

Perspective matters.  Elisha's servant was living in the situation; Elisha rose above that situation and was living in the protective hand of Almighty God.  I wish I could tell you that I rise above every situation and seat myself beside God and look from His perspective.  But, part of living this Christian life is honesty with one another.  I so often am like the servant of Elisha…seeing my circumstances, living below the abundant life that God has called me to live, listening to the lies of the enemy that things will never get better, this is how it will always be, there is no such thing as abundant living.

But praise God He is teaching me that perspective matters, and I am more and more able to rise above and rest in the protective hand of my Father.  It is not that God looks down and sees how minuscule things in my life are.  It is that God looks down and loves me so much that He knows that even though these things are little to Him, they are big to me and He loves me enough to carry the burden, to put me on His shoulders and let me see these things from His perspective.  And it is at that moment that I breathe deeply, take in the view, and rest under His shadow.  There is no better place to be.  Yes, perspective matters and I am thankful I have a Father who loves me enough to show me the big picture.  

Sickness

Sickness…that is what we have been experiencing off and on for the past three months.  It has been a difficult time.  But, God remains faithful.  It seems my children have caught multiple viruses.  Looking back over the years with our military moves, I have noticed that the first winter in every place we move is usually the hardest.  Not sure why, but I think it may have to do with adjusting to a new climate, new heating/air in the homes, new viruses in different parts of the country.  Whatever the reason, it is not easy.  

This year is the first year we have joined a co-op.  All my children are finally mobile enough to handle going every week and it has been a good experience. On the flip side, there have been multiple viruses going through the co-op and I think my children have caught everyone of them!  I am looking forward to spring and the fact that we tend to stay well during that season.  

There is so much God has been teaching me that I long to share.  I pray I will do so soon.  He has been so very faithful to me, during valleys and mountaintop experiences.  We all have them…and it is experiencing both that bring us a closeness to our Father.  The mountaintops give us a glimpse of what Heaven will be like, the valleys show us so much of the gentleness of God.  I thank Him for both.  I pray you are sensing the closeness of God in your life.  God bless!

Finding My Way

It has been a little over two months since we have moved and I am still staring at boxes in our garage and bonus room.  We are slowly working our way into our new home, creating a new fabric for the day to day rhythm of our lives.  Being a military spouse has taught me so very much about working with constant change.  We change houses, churches, doctors, hairdressers, our favorite places to shop, grocery stores and all the things we can no longer find…or things we can finally get now…vets, piano teachers, homeschool groups, sewing teachers and yes, even friends.  We always keep the old friends, but must become accustomed to not seeing them regularly and finding new ones.  That is one of the hardest things about moving.  Sometimes it seems like friends are plentiful in some places, sparse in others…just another indication of a new season in one's life.

As much as I dreaded Oklahoma…and believe me, I did!  I am learning that my Father in Heaven has His beauty everywhere, despite the myriad of scorpions that I find in my home!  The sunsets here are beautiful and the crazy wind?  Well, who would have thought?  My children love it here!  There are birds that we see here almost on a daily basis that I never saw back east…like a great blue heron and a lovely osprey that fishes in the pond behind our yard.  There are coyotes serenading us some evenings…that I must say is not quite a thrilling!

And as much as I have always wanted to stay put in my own home…planting fruit trees that I can watch grow with the passing of each year, painting scriptures and small pictures on my walls, etc., God continues to show me that I am only passing through.  This military life gives me a true taste of the pilgrimage.  Life is so very short.  Children grow up so quickly.  Soon, I will be staring at the empty nest years and I will long for these transient days when we were all together.  What really matters is that we have each other and more importantly, we have the Lord.  Everything else is a far second from that fact.  And although my children will never remember their childhood home like most children…I pray they remember the love that went with them everywhere they lived.  And I hope they take away the thought of blooming where God plants them…no matter where that is.  

Elections Have Consequences

I have been listening to political pundits and radio/TV personalities about the outcome of last night's election.  One phrase that is finding its way among the conservative circles is "elections have consequences."  This is too true.  And to say that I am disappointed in the outcome of this election, would honestly, be an understatement.  Already, there is the analysis of what went wrong.  Somehow conservatives didn't court the Latino community enough…they didn't deal with women's issues enough…Romney was a little too late in showing he was a personable guy…conservatives didn't do a good enough job in proving this was Obama's economy rather than Bush's…and on and on it goes.  But what most seem to be overlooking is that there is a fundamental change in the make-up of this country, yes and even the world.

Conservatives are not conservatives simply because that is a great thing to be. Conservatism was built on Biblical principles and that is its fundamental foundation.  Working was God's idea long before it was a Republican one.  God said a man and woman would make up traditional marriage, long before it became a pillar of the conservative movement.  Helping others without enabling them has always been God's way of doing things.  Being responsible in your stewardship of your monies was God's idea way before the Republican's made it a mandate.  The sanctity of human life is God's idea, not conservatives.  

If you look at the social issues that have been passed this election, to me, the reason behind the loss of the election is clear.  Two states legalize same-sex marriage, Colorado passes the legalization of marijuana for any use, not just medicinal, Massachusetts introduced an amendment to legalize doctor-assisted suicides.  One thing I agree with the President on is that we are no longer a Christian nation.  We were founded on Christian principles…we were once a Christian nation…but no longer.  Biblically Christians have always been in the minority.  The Bible makes that clear.  But, America was at least always morally Christian.  That is no longer the case.  And that is why this election was lost.  It is a spiritual problem and no candidate in the world would be able to fix it, not even a conservative one.  Now, please don't get me wrong.  I think it is our duty to vote for the candidate that most closely aligns themselves to Biblical principles, but that candidate will not change the hearts of men. 

So what does this mean for Christians?  Elections do have consequences.  What they will be is only known by God.  But, I do know this.  It is time for those who call themselves Christian, including myself, to make sure they quit looking for their salvation in a political party or movement.  Work in a movement for the good of the country?  Yes, but never, never, never cross the line in thinking this is the way to save our country.  Spiritual revival is the only way to save this land and that only happens through prayer and sharing the Gospel with others. Some of us wouldn't have a problem knocking on doors to hand out a political flyer, but how many of us are as courageous to share Christ?  And believe me, I say this to myself long before I say it to you.  I have not been good about this.  Many times I have cared more about my comfort, or what others will say or think of me.  Time is short and people are dying without Christ.  God still reigns and none of this has happened without His authority.  Somehow this works out in His plans for all of us, and only God knows.  But, I do know this…He promises that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.  That is good news.  So instead of fretting about who is occupying Pennsylvania Avenue…rejoice that our Heavenly Father is in Heaven ruling the affairs of men.  Pray…pray…and pray some more.  Pray God brings revival…that He gives men eyes to see and ears to hear…that He strengthens us and gives us courage.  Pray that we will not fear man, but God. We are only passing through…our citizenship is in Heaven and no election can ever take that away from us!  God bless you!

Where the Buffalo Roam

I used to sing the song when I was a kid in North Carolina, "Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam…"  Little did I know it was prophetic for me many years later.  About 20 minutes from our house, we have a Wildlife Refuge.  It spans about 600 acres across parts of Texas and Oklahoma.

They are actually bison.  There are herds of bison, elk, and long horn cattle that run free here.  It really is a fascinating place.  The children love it.  

Yes, I was really that close to this guy while he was scratching his head!  Fortunately, we were in our van.  You can get out and walk here, but these are still wild animals and you still have to be careful.  We were told there were deaths from the animals every year.  Some people get too close and end up losing their lives.

This guy was awfully big.  They are so used to vehicles…they aren't even phased.  But, of course, if I were as big as he is, I might not be phased either!

This guy was eating beside the road. 

This is a little harder to see, but there is a prairie dog there.  They have a large part of the refuge that has hundreds of these little guys.  They are so adorable!    

This is one of the more pleasant things we like about Oklahoma.  I look forward to filling you in on other things as well.

On another note, today is election day…Please go out and vote.  Remember, regardless of who is President elect this time tomorrow…Jesus is still on the throne!

Reflection

Photography by Joy Fowler

Eight months since my last post…and so much to tell.  There have been mountaintop experiences and deep valleys I have traversed.  But, through it all, God's hand has led and He has been my rock and refuge in every time of good and trouble.  I have missed the blogging world, but needed to step away for a while.  Sometimes we must do that.  We must step back and evaluate…listen to the Lord, find what He is calling us to do and always to be faithful to that.  

I don't know if I will divulge all the things that have happened along the way.  Some are too personal, too raw to write.  It is enough that God knows.  But, I know that in many ways I am not the same blogger I was.  Experiences change us…they deepen our understanding of so many things…they sharpen our focus. 

Since my last post we have moved across the country.  We left North Carolina to find our new home in Lawton OK.  The above picture is one of the many beautiful sunsets we enjoy overlooking the pond behind our house.  I hope to fill you in about our new home soon.  God has been so very gracious to me.  He continues to walk with this child of His every step of the way.  I cannot thank Him enough!

When God Redirects

I have confessed to you all before that I am a planner.  I like to plan so much at times, that the planning is often  more fun for me than actually carrying out those plans.  I would be content having large blocks of time to plan for all sorts of things…menus, homeschooling, chore charts, reading lists, and on and on and on!  Every year around the first or so of December, I begin getting a little giddy.  And it is not about what gift might be waiting for me under the tree, but rather the fact that another year is approaching so that I can start making my list of goals for the approaching year.  I know…that's a little weird.  I admit it.   

I have read books, listened to CD's and watched DVD's about the importance of planning and the need to do so.  I truly loved those books and lectures!  But, recently, God has redirected me in a way that I never suspected.  It is in every way against my nature and personality.  But, God often does that when we ask Him what we need to change.  And I am no exception.  It has finally occurred to me that God does not want another grandiose list from me of all the things that I want to accomplish for Him in the coming year.  God wants me to focus on who I am rather than what I will do.  I know my tendency.  I feel better about myself when I can check off a list of things that I feel make me a successful wife, mother, friend, church member, etc.  God doesn't want me to get some counterfeit righteousness from my list of things to do, but rather to seek righteousness above all things. 

When I began looking at the men and women of the Bible, so much of their lives were unplanned.  God told Abraham to leave his home and he didn't know where his final destination would be.  Moses was taken from the palace life of Egypt to end up a leader to God's people and 40 years of that he spent wandering with them in the wilderness.  Ruth had no idea what awaited her with her mother-in-law Naomi.  She just knew that being with her was the right thing to do. 

I do not think that having a plan is a bad thing.  There is some planning that must go into successfully accomplishing things.  I know God has called me to homeschool, therefore to do so effectively I must plan.  My home needs to remain clean, so I must plan the chores that must get done to keep it that way.  To save money at the grocery store, I need to do menu planning so that I don't overspend.  But, my yearly plan has changed.  Although my goals were not bad, God has shown me that they were not the best.  It is as if God is was telling me that if I focus on my character and being all He desires me to be, all the other things will fall into place.  It forces me to seek after those things that are most important more diligently...like holiness, righteousness, patience, love, etc.  If I posses those qualities like I should, God will naturally move me by His Holy Spirit where it is He wants me to go and what it is He wants me to do.  I realized that sometimes my long range planning was an excuse to keep myself from the moment by moment communicating with the Spirit of God and being open to His leading at any time.  It was a hard thing to let go of in one respect.  I have listened to those I respect talk about the need for 200 year plans!  You can imagine how exciting that was for me!  And although I am not saying that planning like that is wrong...that may be exactly what God has called someone else to do.  But, clearly God changed my direction.  And at times, it is a scary thing to change course and seemingly go against the tide.  But isn't that what living a life filled with God's Spirit is all about?  So now, instead of waking up and running through my mind all the list of things that I can see myself checking off for the day.  I wake up and say, "Lord, fill me with Your Spirit.  Make me more Christ-like today.  Let me be Your hands and feet to my family and all those I come in contact with...and let me be open to the schedule, events, and places You desire me to do."  And although it is a much greater effort to live in a constant awareness of the Spirit of God and an attitude of prayer, it is eternally and infinitely more rewarding!

Funny, but so true!

I don't know how you feel about the area of sports.  We all probably have some very strong emotions when it comes to this subject.  I came from a home where sports was an idol.  There was always a game of some kind on the TV or radio.  Church was easily missed to get ready for big bowl games.  My father would get so upset when his team lost at times that for days it was difficult to be around him because he would almost go into a depression.  I became an avid college basketball fan.  Of course, it didn't help that I attended UNC-Chapel Hill!  This became a powerful tool for time with my father.  Sports was one of the few things where I felt we could make a real connection.  Because I grew up this way, I quickly saw the emptiness of this type of existence.  Vicariously living through the lives of the sports figures on the screen seemed very sad to me.  As a result, I couldn't even tell you who was playing in the Super Bowl or when it was to be on. I don't know when college basketball season officially starts, and I don't have my favorite player anywhere.  Well, okay, I take that back.  I like Tim Tebow…but not because he is a football player, but because of his love and courageous stand to be a witness for Christ!  

This video is funny and sad at the same time.  I am not saying that watching any sports event is sinful.  But, does our culture spend too much time on a game that matters little in the scope of eternity when there are so many other important things we could be doing.  Is our obsession as a culture with sports just another way for the enemy to keep us distracted from kingdom work?  Just a thought.

Denying Self

One of the books on my reading list this year is Radical by David Platt.  Amazingly, this was one of the textbooks used for a class that my husband took at Southeastern Seminary last semester for an ethics class.  Although I have not read the book yet, my husband would read enough excerpts from it to me to peak my interest and to start us talking at length about what biblical Christianity really looks like.  We have had these conversations before.  It is as if the Lord is bringing us to the realization that this western culture is very foreign to the real cross carrying, gospel centered, selfless service type of Christianity that Christ speaks of in the Bible.

So much of what we do here is so very ME centered.  Our hobbies, our sporting events, our spare time…all revolves around us…what we enjoy…what makes us happy…what we feel we have earned the right to do.  When I read about the life of Christ and His disciples however, I never see this ME centered living.  You don't see Paul running off to the nearest Olympic event to watch his favorite athlete compete.  You don't see Peter saying, "I worked my whole life as a fisherman…I did my time…Now it's time for me to enjoy my days!  I've earned it!"  You don't see the early Christians carting their children all over God's earth to the next event, or competition, or party…or whatever so they will be well-rounded and have all these accomplishments behind their names.  One could easily argue that this is because these types of things didn't exist in the early days of the church, therefore they couldn't.  Well, that is partially correct.  Sports have been around since then for sure!  We got the concept of the Olympics from the Greeks!  But, that would not be my question.  My question would be, "If they were around then, would the early church have been participating?"  I think not…at least not to the extent we do today.  The early church's philosophy was cross carrying…think about it.  A cross was not a pretty thing.  Oh, we wear them around our necks and hang them in our houses…because today they are a symbol of true salvation for us.  But, back then…the cross was a symbol of execution, of death, of pain!  And Jesus tells us to take this cross and carry it daily.  What does that mean?  Are you dying daily to your desires for those of Christ?  What cross are we carrying?

“We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves.” 

― David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream 

Now, before you think I am too radical, let me tell you what I am not saying.  I am not saying that having some activities is a wrong thing.  But, we need to ask ourselves…why do we do these things?  Are they all about us, or are they about Him?  As a disciple of Christ, shouldn't everything be about Him?  We make sure our children are involved in all these activities that we deem to be beneficial, but how many times do you make sure they have a chance to share the Gospel, work in a kitchen serving the homeless, visit a nursing home, pray outside an abortion clinic, give to orphans and widows?  Todays kids get their latest video games and DVD's, Kindles, Ipod, Ipads, etc., but when was the last time they were the hands, feet and voice of Christ to a lost and dying world?  When was the last time you or I were?

“If we were left to ourselves with the task of taking the gospel to the world, we would immediately begin planning innovative strategies and plotting elaborate schemes. We would organize conventions, develop programs, and create foundations… But Jesus is so different from us. With the task of taking the gospel to the world, he wandered through the streets and byways…All He wanted was a few men who would think as He did, love as He did, see as He did, teach as He did and serve as He did. All He needed was to revolutionize the hearts of a few, and they would impact the world.” 

― David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream 

This isn't just a problem with our children.  It begins with us.  You know, I would guess that our retired generation today is probably one of the least fulfilled and unhappy in decades.  The more our culture has immersed themselves in their own desires, the unhappier we have gotten.  Remember it was Jesus who said it is better to give than to receive.  Those words are true.  And if we continue to live for our next trip, our next sporting event, our next this or that…we will always come away empty and unfulfilled.  I cringe to think what we American Christians will have to answer for…how much money have we spent on our own amusements when there are people literally dying around the world just for something to eat?  Or our fellow Christians who would suffer great hardship just for a Bible and some of us barely read ours or we have several in our homes and not even give it a second thought?  What about persecuted Christians around the world who need help and medical attention just because they have claimed Christ and risked all?  Where your treasure is…there will your heart be also.  So next time you are heading for the golf course or the video game store or to get a Starbucks coffee…stop and ask yourself…if I just gave this up just one time a week, month, you fill in the blank…how could I take this money and further the kingdom's work?

“But then I realize there is never going to be a day when I stand before God and He looks at me and says, 'I wish you would have kept more for yourself.' I'm confident that God will take care of me.” 

― David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”
― David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

“We desperately need to explore how much of our understanding of the gospel is American and how much is biblical.”
― David Platt, Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream

The Rhythm of Life

Some days feel like a caption off a hallmark card…you know the feeling…those days when just the thought of being alive overwhelms you, the sun shines, the flowers bloom…you sense the beauty of God's creation and you exude joy!

Those days the rhythm of home and life seems to flow smoothly and you can easily get lost in the beauty of it all.  I love to soak up those days when they arrive…learning to thank God for these small glimpses of glory.

Then, there are those days when the rhythm of life seems to bump and weave and create havoc.  Instead of a home serene and clean, you get mounds of clutter in corners of your home due to sickness.  Instead of sitting down to dinner at the big table, you spend your time on couches with sick children.  Sometimes strange things happen…like both Mommy and Daddy getting a stomach bug at the same time…and then you realize you are thankful for different things.  Thankful that it is not always like this…thankful that you have an older daughter who knows how to keep the rhythm of the home going for the others and to take care of her parents when needed…thankful that God is still God no matter what is happening…thankful for Christian friends who help out when needed...and thankful that you once again get a glimpse of glory by realizing you are bound for a place where there is no more sickness.  These are the days we have had this last week.  But God is still God…and He is training us for His purposes.  And for that, we can always be thankful!

Anywhere but There, Lord…Please!

Being a military spouse, you get used to the constant moving.  Not that one always like it, but it just goes with the territory of military life.  But there usually is a place or two on everyone's list that ranks at the very bottom for desirable places to live.  We all have our different reasons.  Some prefer the cold, others warmer climates.  Some love the plentiful trees and flowers of the south, others the wide open spaces of the west, still others the heartland of America.  If you ask most military people, they can give you the one or two places they would least like to go…and the reasons for it.  There have only ever been two on my list…otherwise, I am pretty easy going when it comes to picking up and planting myself somewhere else.  The first place I would never choose…Alaska.  Why?  The six months of light deprivation would probably drive me crazy.  I NEED my sunshine!  It makes me happy!  The second place I would never choose…Oklahoma!  Now, for you Oklahomans out there…nothing personal.  This is just my list.  I wasn't too crazy about my own southern hometown either.  Two days ago, we found out where we are going next…want to take a guess? FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA!  Yes, number two on my least desirable place to live.  In case you are curious about this place I will soon call home...here we go:

1)  LOTS and LOTS of days of 100 degree weather.

2)  Home of the brown tarantula (Did I ever tell you I have arachnophobia?)

3)  Has my second least favorite arachnid - the scorpion.

4)  301% above the national average for tornado activity

5)  Higher than the national average crime rate…need I go on?

Yes, in September (Praise the Lord He gave me 8 months to get a handle on this one) we are Oklahoma bound.

But, the most discouraging news…the two things I prayed about most…finding a doctor who specializes in the care I need and a good church.  God knew that even Ft. Sill would be welcome if those two factors were met.  

I don't know about the church yet…but there is not a single chiropractic doctor that specializes in the care I need in the whole state of Oklahoma.  The nearest one…three hours away in Texas.

So, what am I to do?  Cry?  Check…did that!  Have myself a pity party?  Check…did that too!  Get mad at God!  Heaven forbid!  Does this mean He doesn't love me?  That He doesn't understand my needs?  That He didn't ordain these events for my good?  No, it doesn't.  How can I talk about the Sovereignty of a loving God and not believe it when things like this come into my life?  This is one of those moments when I do not see the hand of my God…but I choose to trust His heart.  I know He loves me…I know He knows my physical needs…and I believe that He will work ALL things for my good.  So, no more pity parties, crying spells, and rantings about the negatives.  God has ordained that I go to Oklahoma…what do I believe He will do?

1)  Give me lots of sunshine with that 100 degree weather…after all, sunshine makes me happy.

2)  Help me face my fear of spiders.

3)  Oh, and scorpions too!

4)  Show me that He is the God of the storms of life…whether they be the ones over the horizon, or the ones I face personally

5)  Show me that He is the One I put my safety in…not what man can do to me.

What about the doctor?  Well, I am trusting Him for a miracle…and Oklahoma is just as good a place for a miracle as any other!