this adventure with the Most High: March 2010

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

He asked.

My son carried the floppy-eared stuffed bunny to the car--a bunny I had witnessed as a child in my mom's yearly Easter decorations. As he hugged and verbally adored his new favorite friend, my daughter realized what had happened. "Why does he get to bring one of Mimi's stuffed animals home?" she forcibly insisted--searching for justice. "Well," I thought for a moment, "he asked and Mimi gave it to him."

As we drove, I pondered. He asked, she didn't. He received, she didn't. It's so simple.

Over and over Jesus explains that if we ask, then we will receive. There are only a couple of stipulations.

Relationship

Just like my son with his Mimi, there has to be relationship with the Father. I dare say that if a neighborhood kid knocked on my mom's door and ask for a stuffed rabbit that she would probably say--with kind, southern inflection--"no." But when her grandson asked, that's a different story.

If we are going to ask and then receive, we have to start by calling the King, "Daddy." He responds to the prayers of His children. And as we get to know Him intimately, His desires will become our desires and we will know the heart of our Father. We will know what to ask in His name.
Faith

My son believed that his Mimi would give him the bunny, that's why he asked. Likewise, our Father desires we ask in faith--believing that what we ask, we will receive. I like a phrase that Beth Moore has coined. She says, "I want to ere on the side of faith." I want to believe Him big. If He impresses it upon you or me--as His child--then may we believe Him to fulfill it. He is the God of the universe. Nothing is impossible with Him.

So, I'm asking. I'm believing. My Daddy will answer.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Branches Waving

Holy week began yesterday, and the culmination is not the welcoming of an overstuffed bunny who hides eggs and delivers chocolate--and who sends my 3 year old into a panic. Christendom upholds this week as a remembrance of things past--a remembrance of Jesus.

The Sunday before Easter--yesterday--is termed Palm Sunday. Just four days prior to the crowds shouting, "Crucify Him!" the multitudes praised Him as King--in hopes that He would be their national Redeemer. They had just witnessed Him raise Lazarus from the dead--a miracle that sent the region into an uproar of excitement. And now He rode into Jerusalem on a colt.

There was no army or sword or pomp--as typically leading a kingly entrance. There were no flags or chariots or trumpets--at least not in the physical realm. He did not wear a crown with priceless gems, in fact his head didn't have a home. But thousands shouted, "Hosanna!"--an exclamation of adoration to the Lord--while laying down their clothes as His royal carpet and waving branches of palm in praise.

His presence demanded a choice--then and now. Grown men left everything to follow Him. Multitudes whispered and flocked to see His signs. Others despised from envy and rejected in fear. But His character insisted the heart to choose.

So, who do you say He is?

You are King, o Lord. You are King.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Love Transformed

A few years ago I realized that I did not truly know how to love. I mean really love, with no strings attached and regardless of the other--love like my Savior who died on splintery wood for His enemies. So I started conversing with God. I laid my conditional love at His feet and desired it to be transformed. And He faithfully moved in.

In the past two years I have learned more about true love--unconditional, piercing love--than my thirty years prior. True love--God's love--evidences itself most vividly when someone unlovely is in our path. When we have been betrayed, mishandled, or broken and we choose to allow the immeasurable love of our Creator to shed forth onto another through our feeble hands, regardless of their return. This love passes human comprehension and frees the soul.

We cannot love like this from our emotions. It is an outflow of His love in us--an overflow of fullness. His love is love. Everything else wears the mask of cheap imitation.

Your love breaks the chains. Hands raised.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

What's that noise?

I've been meaning to tell you what happened the other night--the very same night, in fact, that I wrote the blog entry entitled Irrational Fears.

My hubby was working this particular evening so it was just me and the kids. They were nestled all snug in their beds, I in my nightcap...oh wait, that is another story. Anyway, at 2:12 a.m. my deep sleep was rudely interrupted with a BLARING sound coming from downstairs. I shot up in my bed and listened--hoping it was all a bad dream.

In less than thirty seconds the noise began again, "BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM!!!" WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THAT! JESUS! I thought in a silent scream. So with my heart pounding out of my chest, and my legs seemingly frozen under the covers, I began to pray in a desperate whisper, "Dear. God. Help me."

Courage slowly came to my bones so I got out of bed and gradually inched my feet to the top of the stairs, trying to miss all the creaks in the floor. Then the audible terror came again, "BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM!!!" It honestly sounded like a hammer against the wall.

I just stood there completely still. Thinking. Praying. Then I remembered what I had written just a few hours prior--what God had prompted me to write: "How many fears do we entertain to which our heavenly Daddy looks tenderly down upon us and responds, 'Sweet one, that is nothing to fear. I, the Maker of heaven and earth, am with you and will never forsake you. Keep your gaze upon Me.'?"

Though it seems strange now, I did not go downstairs. I did not call the police. The noise stopped and I went back to my bed.

For the next three hours I lingered between prayer and sleep, eagerly waiting for sunlight. I had planned on studying the next morning in final preparation for the lesson I was going to teach on Sunday. But those plans I was debating. As I laid in bed and the clock reached the place where I usually arose, fear almost kept me under the sheets.

But then I got mad.

"I am not going to let an irrational (well, somewhat rational) fear keep me in this bed." So I stepped into the hallway and started preaching out loud to whomever or whatever had been below. With every step down the stairs my boldness grew. I finally reached the room from whence I had heard the heart-stopping sound. (I don't think I have ever written or said "from whence." It's cool. It's cool.)

I flipped on the light--while still preaching the Truth--and noticed our bunny...in his cage...with his litter box off the hinges in complete disarray. ELVIS! The bunny. I lost sleep because of a bunny. You have got to be kidding me.

All this to say, does anyone want a free bunny?! (just kidding...sorta)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Real

I am real.
The things I write I really say to my kids.
They really respond with, "Preach it momma."
I really desire to honor my God in the mundane of day-to-day.
I really love to laugh.
I really say things like, "Get that out of your nose!"
I really battle my flesh at times.
I really have tasted the love of this God and cannot get enough.
I really need to mop my floors.
I really want to bless my man.
I really have experienced the miraculous grace of God.
I really have seen Him break strongholds that suffocate.
I really like to eat cheesy chips.
I am real.
This is me.
And my hands are pointed to the God who makes us alive.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A Rebel Renewed

God is up to something amidst His church. From so many directions I am hearing others speak exactly what He laid upon my heart 6 years ago, namely "revival."

There have been seasons where the pounding grew faint, and there have been times where the beat was a undeniable thud. These days, I cannot shake it. I am taken by it. I cannot deny it. It is real and He is speaking it into the hearts of many.

It's time that the church be the church, representing the God of the universe in the power due His name. He is drawing us and revealing His might. He is moving and pursuing. He is calling His own to be on fire--full of Him. There is no other life abundant!

I have lived in this world. I have fulfilled the lusts of the flesh. I have abused His name in years past. But He has worked something in this prodigal's heart that nothing this world has to offer can touch.

Paul says in his letter to the church at Ephesus, "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit." (5:18) This world offers things that ease the pain for a moment, but our Creator offers life abundant--a completely different camp than the passing highs our fleshly bodies can experience.

This past Sunday I taught on being filled with the Spirit. The truth is, as believers, we can be sealed with His Spirit (see Ephesians 1:13, 4:30) and not filled with His Spirit. Being filled--walking our day-to-day in the power and love of God--comes by faith in His character and promises. We have to set our minds on His will and ways, and then believe that if He said it then it will come to pass.

The God of the universe is up to something very big. And I want to have a front row seat! Use me Lord!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Believe BIG

I awoke with this so loudly in my mind. Maybe it's also for you...

I want to believe God for BIG things. Not random things, but big things that He lays upon my heart--like building a boat in the midst of a drought or packing up our home if He tells us to "go." If He impresses upon me to believe Him for something that from the outside seems outlandish, impossible, or even irrational, then I want to be one who steps forth raising my shield of faith regardless of what others may think or say.

He guides those whose hearts are turned to Him. If we honestly want to know His will and ways, then He will faithfully lead. And if He leads me to believe Him BIG, even when everything in my view screams otherwise, then I want to believe Him BIG...regardless.

Our God is mighty. He calls individuals to believe Him for things this world deems ridiculous. He is God. He can do what He wants. If He speaks it, then may the church believe it and reflect Him rightly...for the glory due His name.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Irrational Fears

It was a man on the corner dressed like a giant, blue shampoo bottle, holding a sign that read, "I love Great Clips." Now my 3 year old son cannot sleep.

The fear began as soon as his little naive eyes caught a glimpse of the waving hand this afternoon. "Mommy, close your window," he insisted as we were making the turn. "Baby, he will not hurt us. He is just a man who works for the hair salon with a (very strange) costume on. No worries." But that dreaded image has followed him to bed.

So tonight while looking into his saucer-sized eyes, I gave a long dissertation of reality explaining in detail that there was nothing to fear from this humongous hair product, including the theological perspective. He finally seemed satisfied with the scene where Jesus comes dressed in His knight's costume and then cuts the shampoo bottle's head off. A little graphic, I thought, but OK.

But it made me think. How many fears do we entertain to which our heavenly Daddy looks tenderly down upon us and responds, "Sweet one, that is nothing to fear. I, the maker of heaven and earth, am with you and will never forsake you. Keep your gaze upon Me."?

Over and over He commands that we fear not. Why? How are we not to live in fear when this world seems so chaotic and tainted? We rest in the love He has for His children. We trust that nothing can enter into the lives of His own, that His hands of love have not first touched. We believe that if it crosses our paths, as His beloved sons and daughters, then it is for our ultimate good and His deserved glory.

Wow. Tough to swallow when in the deepest of valleys. But either we believe Him to be who He has proven Himself to be, or we stand on the slippery slopes of emotion.

Fear. Not.

And to that big, blue, shampoo bottle guy: you have not been easily forgotten.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Strength Made Perfect

I love that Paul had a thorn in his flesh. Not that the misery of others brings me delight. But the Lord's explanation for allowing that thorn infuses hope and strength to my bones. (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Paul was an instrument through which God performed countless healings. He had experienced an earthquake sent to free him from prison chains. He had been bitten by a venomous snake without the slightest reaction. Over and over and over again, this man knew firsthand the power of his Mighty God.

Yet he was given a thorn, "a messenger of Satan to buffet him lest he be exalted above measure." We are never told the specifics of this thorn--which also blesses me. But three times Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove it. And knowing the Paul the New Testament church, this pleading probably included a season fasting, weeping, and being face down in the dirt. Yet God did not remove it.

Instead the Lord replied, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." And do you know Paul's response? "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." What a testimony!

There are those thorns in our flesh that the Lord is willing to remove if we would simply ask and believe. But then there are those thorns that He allows. And the promise to Paul is a promise to us: His grace is sufficient! His strength is made perfect in weakness!

Oh how He delights in the one who puts their trust in Him.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

big.

Either God is who He has proven Himself to be, or He is not God. He brings worlds into existence with His breath. He parts waters and calls the dead to life. His arm crushes the greatest foe. His love covers the most heinous of sin. His plan stretches across the globe and throughout eternity. Regardless of the seeming giant in my path, He is neither intimidated nor swayed. This God is big, yet He interacts, intercedes, and intervenes for the one who calls His name. Do you believe?

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Disdain of "D"

In my humble opinion, it seems that the institution of marriage has been so cheaply mishandled. And before you think I am pointing fingers, I include myself in this assessment. But by His grace, God has been deepening my understanding--taking rich color and adding it to the drab picture I have often held in my mind.

I taught this last Sunday on divorce. And to be real honest, I hate the "D" word. It carries with it these tattered cloaks of shame for all who have walked its path to don. And before I proceed, it is vital for me to say that in Christ there is NO condemnation. If you are one who has stepped through "D's" door, then rest in the work of Christ. All sin and shame have been nailed to a cross and covered by innocent, Divine blood. It is washed away.

Now with that as the backdrop, let's look at divorce. In my study this last week, I wanted to know more than, "God hates it so don't do it." Like my 5 year old asks continually, "Why? Why does He hate it?" God is not arbitrary. He is purposeful and love and good and on the side of His child. So why would He say He hates it? This was my continual question before His throne.

The majority of my study and teaching was taken from Malachi 2:10-16, and though you will one day be able to read this in the book God is leading me to write ;) I felt led to share with you the passion God is fanning into flame in my own heart.

Here's the thing about marriage, God absolutely loves it. In its perfect design it is a glimpse into the movement of God. This entire thing, from beginning to end, is the story of how He is wooing His bride--the church--to Himself, one day to be brought to completion at that glorious wedding feast. It is meant to reflect a much more eternal reality--one in which we are but a recipient of His adoring love.

The reason, ultimately, why He hates divorce is because divorce deals treacherously with His holy design. It profanes His reflection in this world. When a covenant is made before the Lord between a bride and her bridegroom, He covers them--clothes them--with a remnant of His Spirit (see Malachi 2). He makes the two one. And He then says in Malachi 2:16 that divorce takes that covering, that garment, and tries to hide "violence" under it. And He desires they be cut off.

We have so cheapened this marriage thing--myself included. We have believed that it is simply an external agreement to be done with as we please--as our feelings lead. But there is depth and beauty and meaning, far beyond the four walls of our home.

The beat of my heart is revival among the church of our Mighty God. That we would reflect Him rightly--in all His fame and power. And it seems that understanding marriage in the glory of its Maker, proves foundational to the outpouring of His Spirit.

So, in as much as depends on me, I want to honor Him as a wife covenanted before Him to my man.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

You are Seen

Back in January I wrote a blog entry entitled "More than a Burger." The last phrase was a prayer for guidance, "Lord lead me. Show me how I can hand a word of hope out my window." So I wanted to give you a follow-up.

The Lord impressed upon me to contact the Local Ministries pastor at our church. I wanted to know if our church already had something in place that families could tangibly give to those we saw on the streets--no need to reinvent the wheel, right?! Well, he said they did not and asked if I would want to get the ball rolling.

So the Lord led me to write this:

You are Seen

As cars fly by, seemingly unaffected by your circumstance, there is a God who knows you perfectly. He formed you. He loves you. And He created you to know Him.

You are seen.

As men and women avoid eye contact, unknowingly treating you as though you were not a treasure, there is a God who values you immeasurably. He knows your fears. He understands your ways. And He desires your gaze.

You are seen.

As children point and others snicker, forgetting that the hands of the Almighty knit you together, there is a God ready and willing to transform your heart. He will meet you exactly where you are as you lift your hands in surrender to Him.

You are seen.

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God must believe that he is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6

I then found an amazingly powerful image on istock photo that portrayed a homeless man sleeping on a bench. After presenting it to our local ministries they took the idea and had the poem and picture printed onto postcards. The result was beautiful.

Now someone else has stepped up (thank you, Lord), also moved to help in this outreach, and a plan is being made to present this to the church along with ideas of how to reach out to those in need--those right outside our car window.

I am not naive. I do not think this postcard will end homelessness in our city. But as the pastor encouraged, "It is tangible." It is something we can give to maybe spread a word of hope to those possibly living under the weight of hopelessness. Our God is able to restore.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Organized Chaos

A few of you have asked about specifics regarding how I reduce the morning madness. To be quite honest I feel strange even writing about it because it is so basic--you probably all know all of this stuff already. But I have decided to combine these tips with a response to some other inquiries I have received over the recent months regarding how I structure my day.

First, I am by no means the authority. I have just adopted a few things that seem to work in this unpredictable season of life with small kids. Second, there is a lot of grace surrounding everything I am about to say. Some days I do it all. Some days I don't do any.

Foundation:
The absolute key to my day is that I start it with my Lord. I need time with Him before the demands ensue--otherwise it just ain't pretty. I then desire Him to overflow into every moment--the whiny, happy, frustrating, joyful, and overwhelming moments--where He graciously guides and comforts and forgives and blesses. He is that detailed.

Practically speaking, I ask Him throughout the day how to best spend my time. From one-on-one time with the kids to cleaning toilets to writing and studying, I want to be faithful with my moments because I have learned that this will be the place of most blessing for me (and my family) and the way He will be most glorified in my little life.
Cleaning:
OK so here are some tangibles. I used to be a perfectionist when it came to the cleanliness of my home. Then I had three kids in three years. My standards were obliterated. Now my goal is simply to knock the top layer of grime off the surface, staying just above the "disgusting" range.

So when it comes to cleaning, I do one thing each day: Monday, Windex; Tuesday, bathrooms; Wednesday, kitchen floor; Thursday, vacuum; Friday, wash sheets and towels; Everyday, load of laundry. But like I said above, much grace surrounds this schedule. Don't even ask when I last mopped my kitchen floor.
Home Management:
At nap time and bedtime, once the kids are down, I take about 10-15 minutes to put most things back where they live--which may include loading the dishwasher with crusty breakfast dishes. I start in the laundry room and do a "clean sweep" throughout the house--quietly and quickly, like the Tasmanian devil on mute. If a toy crosses my path, then I just toss it into the playroom--my freedom room. The kids will put it away later, right?!
Prep for morning:
If it is a school night then there are a few things that make the early morning routine run much more smoothly--and keep us all from ending up in tears. First, we pick out my daughters clothes the night before. She is my child who tarries, so she is the one who needs the most preparation. Then, I make her school lunch and pack any snacks that my boys and I might want that next day. I also get any bags together that need to go out the door with me in the a.m.

I also do not spend much (or any) of my evenings watching TV. Deep gasp from the audience. It is one of those things that seems to distract me from the essentials of my life. Rather I just keep "badgering" the Lord to see how He would have me spend my time, which in turn helps me prepare for the following day--physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.

I want you to know that I do all of this with very clumsy feet. I trip and miss and get skinned knees, but God faithfully restores and sets me back on track. The key is getting before Him with our moments--asking Him to invade and change our responses. Nothing is too small that He does not want to lead in and bless abundantly. Nothing is too mundane that it cannot be done to the glory due His name.

It is me before Him, you before Him--our moments an offering at His feet. And here's the thing: He says stuff to guide us because He absolutely adores us. We will be most blessed, and He most glorified, when we choose to listen and obey.

So how about you? What tips have you learned along the way that could benefit us mommies of young ones?

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Morning Madness

School mornings prove to be my breaking point. Getting myself and three young people ready to walk out the door by 7:45 a.m. dressed, fed, and with just a little bit of joy can push me to my limit.

For example, my precious first born is my artist; but with this creative side comes a tendency to be distracted. I often find her standing in front of the mirror leisurely singing a song she has just made up about brushing her teeth, while in the background I am running around the house like a mad-woman. "Baby, let's keep it movin'," I'll say in the kindest southern tone I can muster with a clinched jaw, trying not to squelch her gifts.

Meanwhile my youngest may be arguing with his brother over firetrucks while screaming "NO!" in the most ear-piercing tone ever created, or possibly spilling his milky cereal all over the already crumby, kitchen floor, or pulling out every DVD and then scraping them on the brick hearth--all while having a messy diaper.

So I recently asked the Lord to show me some ways I can prepare more effectively for the morning chaos...I mean routine. And He faithfully answered. He faithfully impressed some things upon me that I can practically do to help me move more victoriously from my morning quiet with Him to loading all of us into the Bling.

One would think that I would simply obey.

This morning was one of those mornings that I hadn't followed His words of wisdom--and we were almost all in tears by the time the tires pulled out of the driveway. So I started mumbling to Him, "God, what happened?! Why is it like this?!" He so gently reminded me of His words. You know. The ones I had neglected to follow.

But here's the thing. When God instructs His child toward something, He does it out of love. It isn't that He is mean or a party crasher or out to ruin all the fun. He guides us because He loves us. If we will simply obey His promptings in the small things, then the life of abundance in our moments will wash over us like springs of fresh water--even on school mornings.

It sounds so churchy and simple, but He really is for His child. He wants us to be blessed. And the place of most blessing is in the shadow of His wings--in the covering of His wisdom.

Thank you Lord for your guidance and your ever-reaching grace.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

No Other Love

Our culture emphatically insists that love is a feeling—it can be here today and gone tomorrow, just sign on the dotted line. It rides the waves and gets out of the boat at the first signs of discomfort. But what if love was so much more—so much more complex and steadfast?

Let’s be honest. Most of our “dating” records left much to be desired. We based our pursuits on looks and butterflies and what we could get from the deal. Our hearts were broken; our reputations were (possibly) tainted; and our pillows were wet with tears. But what if love was so much more—so much more sacrificial and unconditional?

If God’s love is true love, then maybe we should consider allowing it to invade our understanding, and even our momentary choices. God’s love does not fade when I am having a bad day. His love pursues those who reject, pierces those who defy, and upholds the weary. It is timeless and eternal—never to be separated from His own. It stays. It chooses. It begs to differ. This is the love we are empowered to give. This is the love that fulfills and frees.

Thank you, Lord.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Mess Overtakes

Just wanting to keep it real this Saturday morning. For all of you who ponder the lie that my life must be perfect, that I never overreact, and that my kids don't make any messes--THINK AGAIN!

This picture was taken in recent weeks--though it could have been any given day--after just one trip around town. I am not sure if you can fully grasp the level of "pileage." After taking my one small bag inside, I opened the door to the Bling, and had to take a deep breath as happy meal toys and coloring sheets fell desperately out onto the ground in hopes of some freedom. Then I grabbed my camera to document.

Are you little people, serious? Are you animals? Does everything in this car have a magnet attached, and is the floor a refrigerator? From coats to toys to magazines--torn into a multitude of pieces by my little guy--I simply stared for what seemed to be hours as time stopped while I assessed my plan.

Oh yes. I live in the real world. I just want Jesus with me.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Rise Up

How would an onlooker describe our God based upon our response to circumstance?

During an intense time of prayer with the Lord recently, this phrase kept coming to my mind, "May the church be the church." Think about it. We serve a God who defeats the power of death. He speaks and worlds come into existence. His robe fills the throne room. He is other-than.

Yet He reaches down and calls us individually--intimately--to Himself. He enters time--and years and moments--and His eyes rest upon those searching for Him. He then breathes life into these jars of clay and seals us with His own Spirit. This is the church--His bride. So how are we representing Him?

It comes natural to ride the waves of emotion--to live on what we feel from one day to the next. Believe me. I am a woman. I know the land of emotion. I have my membership card--laminated. But feelings are not truth--they are slippery and fluid. If we want the life of victory, the life of abundance, the life that reflects a mighty God--regardless of circumstance--then we must start believing that God is who He has proven Himself to be.

This is not just Sunday-talk. The church can be the church in Target, in the coffee shop, and especially in our homes--with goldfish flying past our heads and paint dried on the table. We as His bride have been given power--His power--to be more than overcomers. So do we dabble or are we diving in?

We all have brief "freak-outs"--those initial reactions to things that cross our path unexpectedly, or reactions to the building frustrations of the day. But what is our overall reflection? Would an onlooker see peace in the midst of seeming chaos? Would they see joy that rose from ashes? Would they be amazed at love and forgiveness and grace towards someone who had done the unimaginable? This is the God we serve.

May the church be the church. May we represent Him rightly--in all His fame and glory. Not only is He worthy, He has designed us in a way that no other life will fulfill. Praise Him.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

active.

Either God is who He has proven Himself to be, or He is not God. He reigns on high. He is moving and affected and purposeful. He hears our cries. He responds to faith. He intervenes, binds up, and equips. He is not arbitrary. He is not detached. He is active. Do you believe?

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Princess Pinkie Star

My daughter and I have GN every week or two. GN is short for "Girls' Night." We wear pink boas and paint our nails pink and eat pink fluffy foods. OK, so maybe I am exaggerating the pink thing just a touch. But we love GN.

The other night I asked my daughter what she wanted to do for our special time--our special "no boys allowed" time. She decided, "We just must watch Gigi." (For those of you not in-the-know on such things, Gigi a video and book series documenting the happenings of this young girl, also known as God's little princess.)

I popped the popcorn and we snuggled onto the sofa. But as the movie progressed I started to get a little annoyed with Miss Gigi. In this particular episode she wanted a castle just like Princess Pinkie Star--a fictional doll in this fictional plot. The castle was to be a gorgeous pink with lots of flowers and a chocolate mote--just like Princess Pinkie Star. Gigi was demanding and whiny and a bit rude.

She got exactly what she had insisted upon--in spite of what the King had originally planned. But the flowers made her sneeze. The chocolate mote brought a swarm of bees. And the bathtub was so deep she nearly drowned.

By the end she realized that the King had castle plans that He had drawn specific for her. And His plans did not bring on an allergic reaction. And her heart softened.

As I sat there, absolutely sucked into the turn of events, I realized that Gigi was me. Yep. Talk about humbling. Too often I see someone else's "castle" and I think it would be perfect for me. And I whine and kick and have a small fit. But with popcorn kernels on my shirt I realized, I don't want a swarm of bees. I want what my King has just for me.

He made you and me. He knows us perfectly. He designed us with color and depth and beauty. And His plans for you and for me are an exact fit. Why do we try to fight it?

So. I have mentally torn up Princess Pinkie Star's blueprints. And I look towards my King--worthy of trust and praise--for His hand to guide these clumsy feet.

Wet Feet

I seem to be at the water's edge in my faith. Do you remember that story?

The Israelites were about to cross the Jordan River to enter into the promised land. (see Joshua 3) God instructed through Joshua, "as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters...shall stand as a heap." (v. 13)

Can you imagine this? The waters did not part until their feet got wet.

The victory is our faith. (1 John 5:4b) Believing that God will do what He says He will do, even when our eyes cannot see the outworking--even before the waters part--breeds the abundant life we all desire.

Our faith in the promises of God over us should move us to action--stepping out, stepping forward, based not upon what we physically perceive but based upon the character of a holy God. It is through this kind of contagious, active faith that waters heap.

If He said it, then consider it done. Now, let's get our feet wet.