Daily Reading Romans 8: 26-30 *click here*
My Princess was born 6 months early. Because of her prematurity (she's now 7) there are a few things we have to deal with, that aren't necessarily a part of other people's day.
One of the "side effects" of premature birth is hyper sensitivity. My Princess feels deeply. If she's upset, she sure lets you know it! Even the neighbors down the street know it. Sometimes this can be super hard to deal with.
Today she had one of her episodes. She was mad, but she couldn't quite figure out why she was mad. See that's another part of it: she feels deeply, but she doesn't know how to express or discuss what it is she's feeling, she is only seven. This is frustrating for both parties.
Usually I call my mom. My mom and I talk about 40 times a day. Ok, that may be a little exaggeration, but we talk... a lot. Today was no different, I called her first. I can always count on my mom to help me out. On top of it, her and the Princess have some kind of special connection. They have some kind of bond that I can't understand. It's deep and special and something that just can't be explained, but it's real and it's powerful. If I need someone to talk Princess down, my mom is the one to call. Today however, I'd had enough. I wanted my daughter to talk to me. I didn't want to hand it over to my mom, my daughter and I needed to figure out our stuff.
Unfortunately our conversation didn't exactly go the way I had hoped. Before I said something I would regret, because I was already frustrated, I ended the call. Ok, I hung up on her, but that's neither here nor there...
As I was sitting there, still at a loss of what to do, I got an idea: call your sister. WHAT!? My sister and I have had a strained relationship for too many years. Calling her at my most frustrated and vulnerable wasn't something I would normally think of, but if there's something I've learned, it's to listen to that still small voice. So I did.
Ya'll to say that it was a blessing would be the understatement of the year. My sister not only helped me with the trouble I was currently having, but her and I made headway in some areas of our relationship that have been a wedge between us for as long as I can remember. In a couple of phone calls her and I traveled miles past some of our issues. We laughed and I cried. I had to do my make up four times (she called me during my morning primp) because once I thought I was done crying, I'd start all over again. She said some things to me that I never thought I'd hear her say. She shared some very personal, emotional things with me, which is not something we've done in a very long time. We were open, we were honest and we talked. This is when we say "God did a work in us".
Out of my super ugly, frustrating, no good-very-bad morning came a miracle so far out of left field that no one saw it coming.
If we listen to the Spirit and really trust God to work out our most frustrating issues, He will not only honor that, He will bless it. God loves us and wants us to be happy. Some of us have a hard time believing that, but it's true! If we let Him, really let Him, He will make lemonade out of our lemons. And the best part is, we just have to hand Him the lemons and He will do the rest! I don't know about you, but that takes a huge weight off my shoulders. So I work my very best to listen to the Spirit when he reminds me that I'm about to make a mess of things. Our nature is to keep all of our problems close to our breast, but ya'll I can promise you God's lemonade tastes better than yours ever could. Go on friend, hand 'em over.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water
Daily Reading Psalm 18: 1-6 *click here*
I have had a couple of really rough days. I have been hit with a wave of discouragement that I just can't seem to shake. My husband, God bless him, still doesn't quite know what to do with a crying woman, so it's been rough all around.
My family has been relocated to a different state. Just one of the perks of military life is moving to a new place and having to start completely over. I was a dedicated worker in my last church home so coming here and having nothing to do has been driving me nuts. I have volunteered in a couple of places at my new home church but sometimes I feel like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. It has nothing to do with the church- they are a wonderful group of people and I already love some of them dearly. My issue is I don't think like a normal person. I find weird things funny, I need structure, and plans and lists, I often make a fool of myself if I feel uncomfortable and more often than not I put my foot in my mouth. I just don't feel like I communicate well unless I can put it on paper, and revise my thoughts at least... 6 times. My last church had spent three years getting to know and love me despite these things. Having to start over from scratch has proven difficult.
To top it all off, I was given a horrible hair cut yesterday which pretty much sent me over the edge. Thank the good Lord for extensions.
The thing I like most about the Psalms is David is so honest with his emotions. He got angry, he got discouraged, he was hateful, he was joyful and through it all he praised the Lord.
When was the last time you were completely honest with God about everything you were feeling? When was the last time you laid everything down at His feet?
We serve an empathetic, loving God who has felt everything we've felt. Who has experienced everything we've experienced. Who did it all and came out on the other side victorious! He made us, He knows our weaknesses and He is not surprised when we come to Him for strength. So "come boldly to the throne" because He is waiting for you.
I have had a couple of really rough days. I have been hit with a wave of discouragement that I just can't seem to shake. My husband, God bless him, still doesn't quite know what to do with a crying woman, so it's been rough all around.
My family has been relocated to a different state. Just one of the perks of military life is moving to a new place and having to start completely over. I was a dedicated worker in my last church home so coming here and having nothing to do has been driving me nuts. I have volunteered in a couple of places at my new home church but sometimes I feel like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. It has nothing to do with the church- they are a wonderful group of people and I already love some of them dearly. My issue is I don't think like a normal person. I find weird things funny, I need structure, and plans and lists, I often make a fool of myself if I feel uncomfortable and more often than not I put my foot in my mouth. I just don't feel like I communicate well unless I can put it on paper, and revise my thoughts at least... 6 times. My last church had spent three years getting to know and love me despite these things. Having to start over from scratch has proven difficult.
To top it all off, I was given a horrible hair cut yesterday which pretty much sent me over the edge. Thank the good Lord for extensions.
The thing I like most about the Psalms is David is so honest with his emotions. He got angry, he got discouraged, he was hateful, he was joyful and through it all he praised the Lord.
When was the last time you were completely honest with God about everything you were feeling? When was the last time you laid everything down at His feet?
We serve an empathetic, loving God who has felt everything we've felt. Who has experienced everything we've experienced. Who did it all and came out on the other side victorious! He made us, He knows our weaknesses and He is not surprised when we come to Him for strength. So "come boldly to the throne" because He is waiting for you.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Ain't No Mountain High, Ain't No Valley Low
Daily Reading: Romans 8: 37-39 *click here*
My Pastor this past Sunday touched on something that really got me thinking. He kept saying "Are you a conqueror or an overcomer?" They're not the same, though they're similar. So sitting there in the pew I thought to myself:
I know there's a difference, but what is it exactly?
So here are the differences:
Conqueror: noun
My Pastor this past Sunday touched on something that really got me thinking. He kept saying "Are you a conqueror or an overcomer?" They're not the same, though they're similar. So sitting there in the pew I thought to myself:
I know there's a difference, but what is it exactly?
So here are the differences:
Conqueror: noun
Overcome(r)
verb (used with object)
1.
to get the better of in a struggle or conflict; conquer; defeat:
to overcome the enemy.
2.
to prevail over (opposition, a debility, temptations, etc.); surmount: to overcome one's weaknesses.
3.
to overpower or overwhelm in body or mind, as does liquor, a drug, exertion, or emotion: I was overcome with joy.
4.
So there are the definitions. Is it enough just to be the victor or do we want to prevail over? Are we someone who simply grabs the victory or do we get the better of our struggles? The word conquer is actually in the definition of overcome. It's beating your struggle and then taking it one step further. It's taking back that which is ours and has been destroyed by the enemy and then rebuilding it in Christ. Our scripture today tells us that we are more than conquerors through Him that love us and that nothing in this world can separate us from His love. So go my friends, go do more than conquer this world, overcome!
Archaic. to overspread or overrun.
So there are the definitions. Is it enough just to be the victor or do we want to prevail over? Are we someone who simply grabs the victory or do we get the better of our struggles? The word conquer is actually in the definition of overcome. It's beating your struggle and then taking it one step further. It's taking back that which is ours and has been destroyed by the enemy and then rebuilding it in Christ. Our scripture today tells us that we are more than conquerors through Him that love us and that nothing in this world can separate us from His love. So go my friends, go do more than conquer this world, overcome!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Be All You Can Be
Today's Reading: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 *click here*
There is something that I struggle with- self esteem. Most people have told me that it surprises them to hear it, but it's been true for as long as I can remember. However, it hasn't been the case my whole life. My mom will often tell me stories of how I used to buck tradition and throw caution to the wind. One story that sticks out in my mind is one that happened when I was quite young a few weeks after Easter Sunday. I wanted to wear my Easter bonnet to church. Knowing that I didn't realize Easter bonnets were only for Easter and thinking I would feel awkward if I got to church and saw that no one else was sporting theirs my mom asked me "but what if you're the only one wearing yours?" I simply replied "If someone else IS wearing their's I'm going to take mine off."
See I thrived in being different. In standing out. But somewhere along the way, the world told me that it wasn't ok. And doesn't the world do that to everyone? It is a place of negativity. It isn't a place of beauty, it's a place of inadequacies and nay sayers. The world tries to make you feel bad about yourself. It tells you what beauty is, it tells you how to act, think and feel in order to bring you down to it's level, but children of God, we must fight back!
God made us to be us, exactly who we are. Are you a little awkward? It's ok. Are you book smart in a crowd of crafters? Is your sense of humor or style a nitch off of everyone else's? It's ok! God wants you to be the best YOU. The best you that He made you to be. He doesn't want you trying to change yourself to form to someone else's mold. He wants to you hone your skills and passions to serve Him. He made us to lean on each other. If we did everything perfectly, not only would we not need Him but we wouldn't need each other. So next time you feel self conscious because you're not like everyone in the room, take a second to refocus your thinking and rejoice in the wonderful opportunity God has presented you with to join hands with others to make one big perfectly working body of Christ.
There is something that I struggle with- self esteem. Most people have told me that it surprises them to hear it, but it's been true for as long as I can remember. However, it hasn't been the case my whole life. My mom will often tell me stories of how I used to buck tradition and throw caution to the wind. One story that sticks out in my mind is one that happened when I was quite young a few weeks after Easter Sunday. I wanted to wear my Easter bonnet to church. Knowing that I didn't realize Easter bonnets were only for Easter and thinking I would feel awkward if I got to church and saw that no one else was sporting theirs my mom asked me "but what if you're the only one wearing yours?" I simply replied "If someone else IS wearing their's I'm going to take mine off."
See I thrived in being different. In standing out. But somewhere along the way, the world told me that it wasn't ok. And doesn't the world do that to everyone? It is a place of negativity. It isn't a place of beauty, it's a place of inadequacies and nay sayers. The world tries to make you feel bad about yourself. It tells you what beauty is, it tells you how to act, think and feel in order to bring you down to it's level, but children of God, we must fight back!
God made us to be us, exactly who we are. Are you a little awkward? It's ok. Are you book smart in a crowd of crafters? Is your sense of humor or style a nitch off of everyone else's? It's ok! God wants you to be the best YOU. The best you that He made you to be. He doesn't want you trying to change yourself to form to someone else's mold. He wants to you hone your skills and passions to serve Him. He made us to lean on each other. If we did everything perfectly, not only would we not need Him but we wouldn't need each other. So next time you feel self conscious because you're not like everyone in the room, take a second to refocus your thinking and rejoice in the wonderful opportunity God has presented you with to join hands with others to make one big perfectly working body of Christ.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
They Like Me...They Really Like Me
Today's Reading: Matthew 19: 13-15 *click here*
There are several cliche sayings, that over time become useless or untrue. Two of those for me would be "Children should be seen and not heard" and "Everyone deserves to be loved"
Now before you start the hate comments let me explain myself. Everyone DOES deserve to be loved, but more over, we deserve to be liked.
I was in my local grocery store the other day and there was a woman sitting on a bench by the door. Her kids were running up to her and yelling happily for her. The woman kept her eyes glued to her phone. She didn't look up, she didn't smile, she just kept on with her texting...or whatever she was doing. When her children reached her they grabbed her arms, excited that they had reached her. She took their hands, stood up, and walked out the door, all without sparing them a glance. This made me extremely sad. I once heard a youth pastor say "Kids should feel celebrated, not tolerated."
Most children know that their parents love them, but how many of them know that their parents LIKE them? I always knew that my Granddaddy loved me. It was something I never questioned, but there were times that I wondered if he really liked having me around. I think this is a serious problem now a days. How many of us go out of our way to show the children around us that we like them? That we enjoy their company? And this doesn't just go for parents.
This was a gift that my mother always gave me. I never, ever had to question whether or not she enjoyed my company, my personality, my jokes, my talents. She always made it a point to tell me that even if I wasn't her daughter she would be my friend. This is a great blessing that not everyone has, that not everyone has gotten.
I encourage you, if you're a parent, to spend time with your kids, doing what they want to do, laughing and hanging out with them. I'm not saying by any means we should give up our parental rights and try to be friends with our children, but there is such a gift in knowing that your parents enjoy you as a person, and not just put up with you because you're their responsibly.
If you don't have children, or work with them on a regular basis, make sure you let the children around you know that you seek out their company, because you enjoy them.
There are several cliche sayings, that over time become useless or untrue. Two of those for me would be "Children should be seen and not heard" and "Everyone deserves to be loved"
Now before you start the hate comments let me explain myself. Everyone DOES deserve to be loved, but more over, we deserve to be liked.
I was in my local grocery store the other day and there was a woman sitting on a bench by the door. Her kids were running up to her and yelling happily for her. The woman kept her eyes glued to her phone. She didn't look up, she didn't smile, she just kept on with her texting...or whatever she was doing. When her children reached her they grabbed her arms, excited that they had reached her. She took their hands, stood up, and walked out the door, all without sparing them a glance. This made me extremely sad. I once heard a youth pastor say "Kids should feel celebrated, not tolerated."
Most children know that their parents love them, but how many of them know that their parents LIKE them? I always knew that my Granddaddy loved me. It was something I never questioned, but there were times that I wondered if he really liked having me around. I think this is a serious problem now a days. How many of us go out of our way to show the children around us that we like them? That we enjoy their company? And this doesn't just go for parents.
This was a gift that my mother always gave me. I never, ever had to question whether or not she enjoyed my company, my personality, my jokes, my talents. She always made it a point to tell me that even if I wasn't her daughter she would be my friend. This is a great blessing that not everyone has, that not everyone has gotten.
I encourage you, if you're a parent, to spend time with your kids, doing what they want to do, laughing and hanging out with them. I'm not saying by any means we should give up our parental rights and try to be friends with our children, but there is such a gift in knowing that your parents enjoy you as a person, and not just put up with you because you're their responsibly.
If you don't have children, or work with them on a regular basis, make sure you let the children around you know that you seek out their company, because you enjoy them.
A Mother's Prayer
"Oh give me patience when wee hands
Tug at me with their small demands.
And give me gentle and smiling eyes.
Keep my lips from hasty replies.
And let not weariness, confusion or noise
Obscure my vision of life's fleeting joys.
So when, in years to come my house is still
No bitter memories its rooms may fill."
-Author Unknown
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Quack Like a Duck
Today's Reading: Matthew 14:22-32 *click here*
I remember when I was maybe around 14 there was a man who was a security guard at a skating rink that I frequented on the weekends. He told me something that has stuck with me ever since. This man who didn't have to say anything to a girl who had just been bullied by some of the mean girls who were there that night. A man who didn't have to talk to some socially awkward teen who had nothing to give him back. But that's a devo for another day.
I pass this onto my Middle School girls during several lessons. I even pass this onto adults who are struggling with gossip situations. He explained to me that ducks have oils in their feathers that allow the water to roll off their backs without sticking to them and weighing them down while they're swimming. He then looked at me and said "So Vanessa, let it roll off your back." How many of us let every word, every look, every whisper stick to us until we are so weighted down that we begin to sink? Remember that the enemy wants nothing more than to do just that, make us sink. But God doesn't just want us to glide through the water safely and confidently, He wants more than that for us. "Come" he told Peter (Matthew 14:29) he wants us to walk on the water with Him.
So friends, let it roll off you back, reach out your hand and set your sights on Him. Don't look around at the things that may get you, the things you are afraid of because that is when, like Peter, you will sink.
I remember when I was maybe around 14 there was a man who was a security guard at a skating rink that I frequented on the weekends. He told me something that has stuck with me ever since. This man who didn't have to say anything to a girl who had just been bullied by some of the mean girls who were there that night. A man who didn't have to talk to some socially awkward teen who had nothing to give him back. But that's a devo for another day.
I pass this onto my Middle School girls during several lessons. I even pass this onto adults who are struggling with gossip situations. He explained to me that ducks have oils in their feathers that allow the water to roll off their backs without sticking to them and weighing them down while they're swimming. He then looked at me and said "So Vanessa, let it roll off your back." How many of us let every word, every look, every whisper stick to us until we are so weighted down that we begin to sink? Remember that the enemy wants nothing more than to do just that, make us sink. But God doesn't just want us to glide through the water safely and confidently, He wants more than that for us. "Come" he told Peter (Matthew 14:29) he wants us to walk on the water with Him.
So friends, let it roll off you back, reach out your hand and set your sights on Him. Don't look around at the things that may get you, the things you are afraid of because that is when, like Peter, you will sink.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
This Little Light of Mine ☼
Today's Reading: 1Corinthians 9:16-24 *click here*
I love seeing everyone come together to work and bless each other. We had our Fall Festival last night and it was amazing to see everyone doing what they could do. Some were patiently helping the kids up and down the big bouncy slide, some were helping with the tractor ride, some were encouraging the small kids in the games and others were working with the adults in the cake walk. Because of this everyone had an amazing time!
We all have talents that the Lord has blessed us with. Some are organized, some are good listeners, some of you really enjoy math, science and paperwork. Some really enjoy music, dancing, singing, crafting. Everyone has a place in the body of Christ and let us just get one thing clear, whether you are a toe or an eye lash or a finger, we all work together to get the job done. So if you're one, don't wish to be another, because the Body would look silly with 45 toes.
Like the Sunday school song says, we need to let our light shine. I think about how a lot of people act with their talents and what they use them for. Most people I know use their talents in the church, to further the kingdom. This is Biblical and appropriate and necessary, however where does a light shine best? If you thought "In the dark" then you and I, my friend, are on the same page.
Now I want you to think a for a minute and picture a candle. (If you want to go light a candle, I'll wait...) Picture a candle in the middle of a room with the overhead light on. Still pretty. I think fire is so mesmerizing. But now picture going over and turning that light off. (go ahead and walk over and shut your light off, I'm in no hurry...) Boy does that make a difference! When the candle (or two or three) is the only light, it stands out ten fold! Sometimes it's good to get out into the world where the light of Jesus isn't always on like it is in most church settings. Matthew chapter 5 says "15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Jesus was a healer, he didn't hang out with the healthy. He saved, so he sought out the sinners. He taught so he went out to the streets to share His message, he didn't stay in the temples and 'preach to the choir' so to speak. Sometimes we need to get out of our box, out of our comfort zone and reach those who are living in darkness. We are told we "are no longer of the world'' (John 15:19) but that doesn't mean we have to stay out of it. People say, in their heart ache and trials, they're looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Brothers and sisters, let's shine that Light!
I love seeing everyone come together to work and bless each other. We had our Fall Festival last night and it was amazing to see everyone doing what they could do. Some were patiently helping the kids up and down the big bouncy slide, some were helping with the tractor ride, some were encouraging the small kids in the games and others were working with the adults in the cake walk. Because of this everyone had an amazing time!
We all have talents that the Lord has blessed us with. Some are organized, some are good listeners, some of you really enjoy math, science and paperwork. Some really enjoy music, dancing, singing, crafting. Everyone has a place in the body of Christ and let us just get one thing clear, whether you are a toe or an eye lash or a finger, we all work together to get the job done. So if you're one, don't wish to be another, because the Body would look silly with 45 toes.
Like the Sunday school song says, we need to let our light shine. I think about how a lot of people act with their talents and what they use them for. Most people I know use their talents in the church, to further the kingdom. This is Biblical and appropriate and necessary, however where does a light shine best? If you thought "In the dark" then you and I, my friend, are on the same page.
Now I want you to think a for a minute and picture a candle. (If you want to go light a candle, I'll wait...) Picture a candle in the middle of a room with the overhead light on. Still pretty. I think fire is so mesmerizing. But now picture going over and turning that light off. (go ahead and walk over and shut your light off, I'm in no hurry...) Boy does that make a difference! When the candle (or two or three) is the only light, it stands out ten fold! Sometimes it's good to get out into the world where the light of Jesus isn't always on like it is in most church settings. Matthew chapter 5 says "15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Jesus was a healer, he didn't hang out with the healthy. He saved, so he sought out the sinners. He taught so he went out to the streets to share His message, he didn't stay in the temples and 'preach to the choir' so to speak. Sometimes we need to get out of our box, out of our comfort zone and reach those who are living in darkness. We are told we "are no longer of the world'' (John 15:19) but that doesn't mean we have to stay out of it. People say, in their heart ache and trials, they're looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Brothers and sisters, let's shine that Light!
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