this adventure with the Most High: keepin' it real

Showing posts with label keepin' it real. Show all posts

Monday, May 23, 2011

He's on love's side

During a recent "discussion" with my man, I realized something about God. You see, I have this tendency to think I am right when I argue. But not only that, in those not-so-lovely moments, I can even think that God must think I'm right. And he must be on my side. Cause he's gotta be choosin'.

But, that's pretty much wrong thinking. In fact I don't think He is on any one person's "side." Yes, he is for us as his children. And yes he loves beyond human reason. But ultimately, he's on love's side. Unity's side. His side.

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We are the wayward, selfish ones. We are the ones who misunderstand and misrepresent His amazing-ness. So He's not choosin'. He simply is. Love.

When the thought hit me the other night, it shut my mouth. Mostly. It gave me a different perspective. It caused me to pause and reconsider. Because if he is not choosing my side, then I want to get back in line with his side. The love side.

Humbling.

He's on love's side. He is love.

Bringing it home...
How would thinking of him this way change how we argue and fuss with others?
(Or maybe I am the only one who finds myself in these types of "discussions.")

Saturday, May 14, 2011

taking the leap

Blogger was down for a couple of days due to "technical difficulty." Poor thing. It was so confused. It even sent out one of my older posts yesterday. But, God was and is in control...even over technology.

In fact, the little system glitch was the final nudge I needed. I have started the process of creating a new blog website. And I am so excited.

The content will be the same. But the blog title will be easier to remember. And the platform will be more reliable. Plus...sometimes a fresh start is just fun. Hopefully the changes will be made by the end of June. But I will keep you posted because I can't imagine "moving" without you going with me!

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So grab some good jumping shoes and we will take the leap together. And yes, they can still be cute.

Bringing it home...
Do you like change? Why or why not?

I'll be back on Monday with {number four} of the short series "infusing hope: four things to remember."

Thursday, May 5, 2011

am I THAT thankful for anything

Remember those ponderings from the courtroom? I'm going back there today. Praying for a merciful judge with a tender heart towards me who will have ears to hear. Oh, and, that it will go quickly. Your prayers are appreciated.

In the meantime, if you haven't seen this video yet, it is an absolute MUST watch.

Click here to view on YouTube.

Bringing it home...
I would love to hear your response to that precious video.

Monday, May 2, 2011

birds and mice and snakes {oh my}

Spring has definitely sprung around our house.

A couple of weeks ago my kids discovered a nest in one of their sand buckets with six baby bird eggs lying expectantly at the bottom. The mama wren flew in and out, guarding and waiting. Then last Friday, they hatched. They are teeny-tiny, ugly and precious. And I just can't stop myself from peeking in on them throughout the day.

Then on Friday afternoon my man calls to tell me that he found a baby mouse in the garage. A mouse?! Mice are icky and I run from them. So I wasn't thrilled at the thought of having one as a temporary "pet."

But when I got home, this little mouse sucked me in with its cuteness. It is less than two weeks old with its eyes still shut and when it's all curled up it's about the size of a little bouncy ball. The thought of releasing it caused my mother instinct to rise.

Something then possessed me and I decided to pick up the little guy and feed it with a dropper. {I don't even know who I am anymore.} This God of ours, making baby-everything too cute.

For the record, I draw the line at baby snakes.

Spring. The time when new life births.

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Our God is a God of newness. Beginning with salvation and continuing with transformation. He does not remain static. Just after that winter freeze comes the warm breeze beckoning new life. Flowers bud from once frozen ground. Color bursts from the dim brown.

Someone needs to remember the newness today.

"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind."
Isaiah 65:17

Bringing it home...

How has he shown you personally that he is a God of newness?

Thursday, April 28, 2011

uncovering the smile when life gets tense

My daddy used to say that either we are in a trial, we just got out of a trial, or a trial is on the horizon. Not too comforting at first glance, but reality none-the-less.

On this side of heaven, trials will come. Some are the big, life-stamping trials. The ones that end up defining us. But many are the small, minute-by-minute frustrations of life that aim to steal the smile.

The pressures of the everyday come...every day. If I'm not diligent, then all the stuff that needs my tending can wipe away the grin. And I'm left standing there slicing apples with a frown.

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But I want my kids to remember their younger years with me having engaged eyes and a joyful face. As the daily demands increase and the mental list grows, he is teaching me how to rejoice in my soul so that it comes out on my face. So here are some practical ways that I choose the smile.

When life gets tense, I lay down the list.

Literally. Figuratively. I set it down. I remind myself that I have enough time to do what he has for me to do. And loving those beside me is what fulfills his ultimate call.

I pause to gain perspective.

I sometimes escape to the laundry room and close the door; or go for a long walk...to the mailbox. Alone. Or just close my eyes and slip away in my mind while the wildness grabs onto my legs. The point is in the pause.

I ask for his vision for that moment, or for that person.

The only life-giving perspective is his perspective. When I have stepped away, I commune with him. This is especially vital when one of my little ones is acting particularly irrational or excessively whiny. {One of my flesh triggers.} To see as he sees spurs love.

I choose to engage the now and the one standing before me.

As I commune with him, he often reminds me of the blessings in the moment or the gifts within the other person. The ways he designed them with precision and purpose. They too are a work in progress, just like me. The smile slowly creeps out.

I fail at times. The stuff coming at me occasionally wins. But he is either the God reigning over every single circumstance--big and small--or he is not the God revealed in the scriptures. Believing him sovereign and love mingled together changes me. It changes my face.

Bringing it home...
What brings a smile to your face even when life comes with fierce persistence?

Monday, April 25, 2011

wanting sunday's "He is risen" to affect my monday livin'

I know me too well. I know my desperation for his invasion. Minute-ly. My heart craves things that oppose him. My sin rises from the dead as if it still has a place in this earth-suit. The dailiness can pull at my patience bringing out the unlovely--the attitudes I thought were buried.

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Yesterday was Easter--in case you were wondering. With shouts of praise I declared, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! My Lord is risen." But one of the most amazing things about that awe-evoking truth is that it is so personal. That truth is meant to seep into my individual moments and change things. Change me.

No longer do I fall before my Maker condemned. I am declared righteous. No longer am I a slave to sin. I have been set free from the chains. No longer does my tomorrow have to look like my yesterday. He rose to bring newness of life.

Easter affects things in my now...if I believe. If I fight the fight of faith.

With Paul I desire, "if by any means, (that) I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:11) Eyes set firm on eternal things. Promises from the mouth of my God as stepping stones guiding my path. Reckoning myself "dead indeed to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:11) Because of Easter this is our rightful inheritance.

We shouted, "He is risen." We sang. We danced. We worshipped. We remembered. But may that truth invade our moments of today when life happens and self demands its supposed rights.

He rose to free us. On Monday.

Bringing it home...
What does it mean that Christ freed us?
How is that meant to affect our daily living?

Thursday, April 7, 2011

my ponderings from a courtroom

I went to court a couple of weeks ago. Yes. Humbling. Back in January, a delightful police officer *wink* gave me a traffic ticket on my way out of town for a conference. A conference in which I was the speaker. About the Bible. And God. And holiness. *sigh*

Anyway, my court date finally arrived in which I had the chance to explain "my side of the story." I pictured myself going before a huge man in a black robe, with shackles clanking at my ankles. It ended up being much less dramatic.

As I sat on a hard bench in a mostly brown courtroom with 200ish other traffic offenders, I started thinking. And then I started writing. So here they are, my ponderings from a courtroom...

clouds above the skyline--

floating quiet,

while I sit in a stale room

with faces looking forward.

waiting. waiting. waiting.

but He's here--

knowing each and every soul,

every tear that fell last night,

every fear that steals the peace.

I wonder how many know.

how many see?

how many look to You for life--

the Maker of the skyline?

I wish I could tell you that revival broke out amongst my fellow violators and we had church. But the magistrate was firm in her no-talking policy. So I settled for quiet musings with Him, praying that those beside me might be blessed by my conference notes laid open on my lap. The word does not return void.

And I know you are just dying to know the verdict. Well. I have to go back to court. Again. One day before another conference. Apparently the magistrate cannot hear defense. Though, I might add, she thinks I have a good one. So I'm on the books, still without shackles.

Bringing it home...

How has God shown up in the most unexpected of places?

OR, how have you been humbled lately? Oh, come on. We're all friends.

Monday, April 4, 2011

being freed from the comparison rut

I can fall into a comparison rut if I'm not careful. If I do not diligently guard my heart ponderings, then my mind will entertains lies. And it can happen so quickly.

A click here, a post there, and before long I'm believing myself to be a horrible mom, an ungrateful wife, a bad dresser, with a frumpy house. Then I just want to eat. Chips or chocolate. Or both.

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But that is not what He has for His children. If we set our gaze down here in search of our identity, then we will be left wanting. We will be left comparing.

If we look at those beside us to determine our worth, then the abundance He intended for our daily moments is stolen. And we bow out, surrendering to lies.

When I find myself in that place--holding me up next to another fallen person--there is only one way to freedom. I have to go back to what I know is true.

You, o Lord, are true. You have created me wonderfully unique, with meticulous purpose. You have good things for my today...and my tomorrow. Your love is a banner over my life. Your plans include blessing, even through the hard. Give me your vision. Forgive my discontent. I choose praise. I choose thanks. I choose to believe.

The winds then slowly change. A smile creeps onto my face. A song is churned. And I take His hand's invitation to dance.

Bringing it home...

How have you wrestled with the comparison?

How do you choose Truth rather than believe the lies?

Friday, March 18, 2011

finding renewal in the midst of a mess

Sometimes we need to step away from the mess to gain perspective.

Our house is a mess right now. Literally. The other morning I got up for a moment of quiet before life began. And I was met with the distant sound of rushing waters.

I ran down the stairs and flipped on the light to find water shooting out from behind the refrigerator, hitting the ceiling, and running down the wall. It had formed a pool in the kitchen and soggy carpet in the adjacent rooms. I pulled out the fridge and turned off the geyser then stood there dripping. Thinking.

My man and I quickly shifted into clean-up mode, with my hair now frizzing from the unexpected shower. Insurance was called. Floors were ripped up. Duct work was replaced. And now we live in a wind tunnel waiting for everything to dry.

Life gets messy--physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally. Some messes are monumental--like Japan's current devastation. Humbling. Some messes are just slight annoyances. But all tempt our focus. All lure us towards distraction and discontentment.

In the midst of the mess we have choice. We can choose our mind's meditation. We can choose what our hearts will believe. We can choose to see His gifts.

Sometimes we need to step away from the mess to gain perspective. To walk out onto the front porch, listen to the birds singing for spring, feel the warm sun blanket our skin, and meet Him in all His splendor. Breathing. Believing.

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In that quiet space I listen to my thoughts. I take each one and compare it to His voice. If they conflict, I replace my own with Truth. I choose His perspective. I stand on His promised character. And slowly, His undefinable, unexplainable peace arises. What amazing grace.

Those who wait upon the Lord--binding to Him in faith--
will be renewed.

Isaiah 40:31 (expanded)

Bringing it home...

Where do you go to gain perspective?

How do you find His renewal in the midst of a mess?

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

how to advise the broken-hearted

The phone rings just as my teabag hits the hot water to steep. I answer and hear weeping. There's a gash on her heart. She explains the pain. The reality seems more than any human should bear.

I am left speechless while the clock ticks slow. I absorb her ache. It becomes a part of me.

Lord, give me the words to say.

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I remember the three friends who spoke with such confidence regarding Job's painful suffering--defining God from the earthly perspective, limited and hindered. Eventually the Sovereign chastens their poor reflection.

So I pray. God fill me. Dare I speak words that falsely portray Your face.

Then I ask to pray with her--to take her hand and lead her to the only knowing One. We approach His throne bold because of Christ. Clothed in righteousness. And His words become my own. Graciously.

Truth flows out and fills our hearing. Our faith increases as we remind our souls of who He is. Her faith increases. Her head lifts. Her tears dry. He spoke and comforted.

He spoke. Not me.

Bringing it home...

How can we be wise in our advising of others?

Linking up with sweet Rebecca at...

Monday, March 14, 2011

sifting through the advice of onlookers

I wrote this post in response to my time in the book of Job.
I was not referring to any of the precious people that God uses to
speak words of wisdom and edification into my own personal life.

People mean well. They do. They hear of our lot and have an opinion. They speak out of love or concern... or fear. They hold views based upon experience, pressuring with "shoulds" that ultimately birth from the need to control.

They mean well. They do.

But I ultimately want my God's opinion. I want to follow His lead no matter how radical that path may seem. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. I long to hear Him and then obey with my next step.

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So I take the opinions of those-who-mean-well to His throne room. I lay them down and ask Him if the "shoulds" are the best. And I wait there--believing Him to guide.

I don't want to be one who responds hastily to the pressures of life. I don't like who I am when I make choices out of unstable emotions. I desire to live thoughtfully. Prayerfully.

He is on His throne. He knows the beginning from the end. He sees my momentary decisions. And He shepherds His sheep. I choose to wait on Him.

Bringing it home...

How do you handle the myriad advice from others?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

comparing my to-do list with His

I hold up my list up next to the clock and it seems impossible. How can I possibly check everything off before the sun sets?

People need loving. Stuff needs cleaning. Errands need running. People need loving. But I don't think I can do it all. And I'm not supposed to.

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Tasks often make it to my list that He never intended for my today. In an effort towards external perfection I cram line items onto the page. And it quickly becomes my list. Not His.

We each have enough time to do everything He intends. The key is in the listening--hearing His promptings in the moments of my day.

When I follow His lead, the walk is quieter. The pace is slower. The love is heavier.

His list is best.

Bringing it home...

How have you seen this play out with your own "to-dos"?
How can we know and follow His "list" for this day?

Friday, March 4, 2011

these are the things that ignite my flesh

I have triggers--circumstances that ignite a flesh response. They hold with them the potential of sending me into slight freak-out mode. And it ain't pretty.

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I read the words of Paul describing the flesh--envy grouped together with murder--and I am reminded of my absolute depravity before a holy God. My flesh depravity. Galatians 5:16-25

No "work of the flesh" is more detestable than another. All point to selfish intents. All reveal a heart in pursuit of "me."

But He is teaching me to identify the things that trigger my flesh. And as my awareness grows, I am more prepared to put out a spark before it starts a roaring fire.

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So here are three of my personal triggers and some basics to my "fiery flesh prevention."

The Clock

When I have to race the clock to get somewhere on time--with three young kids in tow--my blood pressure rises.

Practical solution for me: Begin transitions earlier, like loading the car fifteen minutes before I actually want to pull out of the driveway. Or abbreviating my morning mommy tasks by preparing some things the night before.

The Whining

When my kids enter into whiny-mode, my ears ache. Literally. It gets into my brain and eats away any remnants of sanity. (OK, I jest a bit.)

Practical solution for me: Flee. But if I cannot flee due to obvious reasons, then I stop and breathe and pray. I remind that "mommy does not understand whiny voices." And I teach (again) that whiny words reveal a whiny heart. “Let’s each name three things for which we are thankful.”

The Mess

When my house is a cluttered mess, I can get tunnel vision. I focus on the stuff instead of the little ones who need me to be fully present.

Practical solution for me: Along with encouraging our kids to put away what they get out, I do a 20-minute clean sweep through the house each day. I start in the laundry room and fly through the house at unmentionable speeds putting away the strays.

Situations will arise that can easily ignite our flesh responses. But in Christ we do not have to live enslaved to the flesh. That's why He died. And rose. And sealed us with His Spirit.

The only fire escape is through His power, His wisdom, and His filling.

{P.S. My firefighter man will be so proud of my fire analogies.}

Bringing it home...

Have you identified any of your flesh triggers?

Are you willing {and brave enough} to share?

Friday, February 25, 2011

I should be dead in more ways than one.

I should be dead. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. Literally. But God. Heartbreak, addictions, and loss have at times sent me spirally into valleys. But God.

By his immeasurable grace I live. I rejoice. I overcome. I stand firm. I fight the fight of faith. I run the race. I fly with new wings touched by his beauty.

Today I am sharing {an abridged version of} my grace story with my sweet blogger friend Stacey over at 29 Lincoln Avenue. Click here to stop by. I would love to "see" you.

Oh and, have I told you lately that he thinks you are precious? He does!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

calling all couponing-divas for such a cause as this

On Tuesday I posted about my trite need for recipes when the world is dying of hunger. It was a sobering day. But a dear friend commented about her wise use of coupons and it got me thinking.

She coupons in order to stock pile items so that her family can give those things to people in need. Brilliant, huh?! And maybe enough motivation to get me back on the coupon wagon.

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I am the worst at couponing. In grocery store visits of old, I have fumbled around with slippery 50-cent-off coupons while my kids grew ever-impatient, nearly scaling the dairy case. So I gave it all up. The reason to coupon was not worth the hassle of carrying it out.

But, if I had some tips on how to coupon quickly and easily for such a cause as this, I may be able to follow through. And I bet others may be inspired as well.

So we coupon-drop-outs need you money-saving-divas. Either leave a comment with your amazingly easy ideas or link up one of your own blog posts that inspires and equips.

Come on girls. I know you are out there.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

staying on schedule in our very scheduled world

The lady at the pharmacy asks in such a benign way, and I feel my face get red.

I know this. Don't panic. Just think slowly and calmly.

"December 31st, 2007," I say with partial confidence and only a moment's hesitation. You would think that the date of my third child's birth would be more firm in my mind. But I have calendar issues.

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I recently missed an appointment...again. So after a talk with my God, I implemented some practical things to do so I can stay on schedule in our very scheduled world.

I figure there have to be others like me--those with calendar deficiencies. So this is for you, three quick calendar tips to help our kind.

Keep an up-to-date calendar. Google calendar has become my friend. It allows you to easily enter recurring events, like birthdays and work schedules. And you can access it from anywhere.

Refer to it every morning. You would think this is a no-brainer, but I have to make a conscious effort to look at my calendar every morning. I told you: issues.

Do not talk about dates unless you are looking at your calendar. I get into trouble if I discuss dates without actually having my calendar in front of me. Do not commit unless you have confirmed it first.

Missing important dates can hurt those around me. I want to be a blessing.

Bringing it home...

What other calendar tips have worked for you? Come on, friends, I need help.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

I am a {recovering} control-freak

Hi my name is Lara and I am a {recovering} control-freak.

Sometimes I need a strong dose of His sovereignty.

photo credit - picturen8

When people or situations jump out of my box of control, the old me--we'll call her Wilma--is tempted to arise, surfacing as fear or angst or frustration. And I can allow the momentary struggle to steal the joy and peace rightfully mine in the Lord. Rightful through His sacrifice.

It's then I have some choices to make.

I can set my eyes on the thing happening, or the person disappointing, and define my God through my circumstance. {He must not love. He must not see. He must not be able to rescue.}

Or I can define the moment through the character of my God.

He does not say "oops" or "I did not expect that one." No sin or disease confounds him. No man can take his scepter. No storm sends rain apart from his word.

To Wilma I say, "Believe him! He loves. He remembers. He sees. He works. He promises to work all things together for the good of those who love him. He will guide. Abide there. Rest. there."

I twist and squirm as the truth tries to settle down into my spirit. I fight it for a time, questioning in disbelief. But ever-so-slowly, I allow His covering. And His incomprehensible peace soothes and mends.

And Wilma soon retreats.

Sometimes I just need a good talkin' to. {And for those who are wondering...I don't really talk to Wilma. No need for an intervention.}

Bringing it home...

How does life tempt you to believe that He has lost control?

How can we actively choose to stand on His character and promises regardless of our circumstance?

Friday, February 4, 2011

what I DON'T do so I can do what I DO...do

The other day I spent some time with my sweet friend Emily from Chatting at the Sky. (Doesn't she just rock?!) Anyway, through our kid-free conversation we found ourselves in a discussion over the things that we DON'T do.

I figure the list just needs to be blogged. So here goes. Ten things I don't do so I can do the things I do...do...

I don't bake {often}. Unless you count slice and bake.

I don't scrapbook, sew, or knit. In fact, the stack of idealistic cutesy papers and supplies in my hall closet haunts me.

(Martha would be so disappointed.)

I don't {formally} homeschool. I say formally because I don't have official desks. Though we as believers should all be homeschooling to some extent. Read this excellent post from "Motherhood Your Way".

I don't dust, mop, and/or vacuum my house every single week. Learning to be OK with dust at the top of my door frames.

I don't watch {much} TV. I can't find much that impresses me.

I don't nap...except on Sundays. Lovin' the Sunday nap.

I don't regularly re-decorate my home. In fact I still have some blank walls that cry out for a covering.

I don't talk long on the phone. Unless my children are all strapped into their car seats.

I don't spend hours on social media. I try to remain purposeful and remember my "why" and my "how long."

I don't sleep late. Though one day when the kids are away at college, I hope to stay in bed until at least seven. {wink}

I want to do most of those things. I enjoy having fresh muffins for my kids and seeing my walls full of up-to-date photographs. I love to sleep in and engage the social media outlets. But to do what He has for me this day, I simply have to lay some things down.

He gives the same amount of time to each of us. Twenty-four hours per day. No more, no less. We have the time to do all that He has called us to do. The key is seeking Him in the moments to know exactly how He desires we spend that time. No other life fulfills.

So there you have it. Ten things I don't do, so that I can do the things I do...do.

Bringing it home...

What don't you do so that you have time to do the things He has called you to do in this season of your life?

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

remaining purposeful in cyber-space

A small piece of me longs for simpler days. When phones hung on walls and information waited to be discovered in libraries. Instead I wake to my cell vibrating on the nightstand with messages that have streamed in while I slept.

photo credit - flickr D. Bjorn

We live in a noisy, cyber world that can easily consume us. And though the Internet is not satan's spawn nor does Twitter plot evil against mere humans, I have a deep craving that beckons from within.

A cry for His still, small voice to guide me.

Yesterday I shared how my morning quiet before the Lord proves vital in facing these busy days. But once those morning minutes tick away, life awaits. And I want Him to meet me in its midst.

One way I stay focused in our cyber-culture is by determining my "why" and my "how long." Why am I here? And, how long should I stay? Knowing the answer to these two questions enables me to take charge of these fleeting minutes that add up to today.

How do you remain purposeful in our busy, cyber world?

Friday, December 17, 2010

bound by His promises

It's so tempting. Something "unexpected" crosses my path and I'm tempted to question His reign. Or His love. Or His power. Or something.

When my eyes settle in on this physical world or the circumstances that enter my days, fear comes knocking. And without any real conscious effort, I'm there. I'm using what I see as the measure of Truth.

But He makes something very clear. The Lord God reigns above and beyond the day's happenings. He sits secure on His throne and remains faithful to shepherd His children. Always.

Our victory comes when we believe Him faithful.

The King of the earth is not at the mercy of those who declare laws from an earthly courtroom. The doctor's report does not bind our Lord with chains. He does not say "oops" or "I wasn't expecting that." The enemy can only go as far as He allows.

So stand firm, my friend, allowing His Truth to invade our moments.

There is One who ultimately reigns.

And He is only bound by His promises.

Bringing it home...

What circumstance tempts you to doubt God's sovereign rule today?

What causes you to question His immeasurable love and His mighty power?

There are some excruciating things in this world. Excruciating. But hope arises when we allow His Truth to invade our moments. Nothing can separate us from His love.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Monday, May 2, 2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Monday, April 4, 2011

Friday, March 18, 2011

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Monday, March 14, 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Friday, March 4, 2011

Friday, February 25, 2011

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Friday, February 4, 2011

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Friday, December 17, 2010

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