He Cares About the Little Things!

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

God is good: All the time! All the time: God is good! I type this a little slower than I've typed before! I now have a bandaged finger, bulky with white gauze- in the way of my typical home keys- This finger now boasts being able to strike 2 keys at once! Its humility comes from striking the wrong keys! haha!

Three days ago, I decided, while slicing cucumbers on my mandolin- that it wasn't working right, so I reached my hand past the safety guard, and off went the entire layer of skin from my finger! Yuck!

I frantically searched for my phone, and called my friend and cousin Shelly. No one I know well lives terribly close to me, so despite having 2 children under 2, I tried her- she's a nurse. Typically Shelly is at home at this time, boys napping, cookies in the oven... But today was different!

Shelly and her mother-in-law, Beth, were actually less than 15 minute from my house, just paying for their items at Children's Place. She came right over! She was so gracious, and Beth was able to stay out in the car with the boys while Shelly came in to see the trauma. She took checked on me and then called doctor who sent me to the Emergency Room. After a short discussion, we decided to go to an ER different than where I might usually go. Beth took the older boy, Jacob, home. Baby Benjamin came with us. He was so good in the ER!!!

The nurses were so sweet! We were the only ones there! The nurses told us how unusually empty it was that day!

I was sheduled to take a meal to my other cousin ( Beth's daughter) that evening before a meeting I had scheduled. Prior to the injury, I just felt like I should cancel the meeting, so I did. But I still had the meal. I had made the baked ziti earlier that day, so it was ready to go- just didn't have any cucumbers for the salad! ;) So, as we drove back Shelly called Beth to check on Jacob, and who was at her house? Her daughter! So all I had to do was drive Shelly back to her car (we drove mine, so Beth could take Jacob back to her house) - and drop off the meal there! God is so good! He had every detail worked out! A perfect timing in line at Children's Place- Shelly said that after she got in line, several others lined up behind her. Perfect timing and an empty waiting room and we picked the right hospital!! Rebecca being at Beth's house, so I could give her the meal, without making another trip! ...and I'm sure there are more! But just trust in Jesus! He is so good, and He cares for you!

It used to be so easy...

In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him. 1 Samuel 18:14

We know that God chose David because he was a man who would love Him. David really did have a heart for God! And as he takes on the Philisitnes we can see how much he also had faith in God! Not only was God with him, but he trusted that God was with him.

I have been so blessed, that as I work and pray to and for the Lord, I feel such a feeling of excitement! I cannot wait to see what He has for me. I pray and pray, and sometimes I feel like there's no answer.


When I think back to the beginning of my ministry in JEWELS, I see God's hand upon all of it! I am amazed! But I wonder when I heard God. I probably should've kept a journal, but it was all so effortless. As JEWELS grows, I find myself becoming anxious... really searching for God to show me the way.

I wonder if I'm overthinking things. I don't remember praying this hard before. Is this a good thing? I don't know. I think I'm so sure that all of what has happened before was so God and so good, that I don't want to get in His way now.

Often I pray, Lord, just be with me! And I think this is such a lame prayer... that's all I can think to say to the Creator of the Universe?!?!?!? But when I read about David today I found a great comfort in knowing that all of his success was simply because: "THE LORD WAS WITH HIM!"

So, where do I go from here? What do I take from this? I guess that the Lord is with me. And I need to just love him. I need to trust him. I need to follow his leading...and wait quietly until he says. Maybe I am just overthinking- maybe I'll just know...It used to be so easy...when all I knew how to do was trust...

Lord, bring me back to my childlike faith. Help me to know and to trust you and search You but not search for every answer. Help me to know that you are with me, and that you have chosen me to lead JEWELS because of the love we share. Lord, I give the glory to you. Show me your way, and I will rest in you.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Answered Prayer

As you may know, I am speaking (God-willing) at the Embrace: Worship for Women on November 12th. I have been praying and praying about what God wants me to speak on specifically! So, I emailed this prayer request to a friend 2 days ago!

Dear Yvonne,
I need to have a purpose for whatever I'm saying...please pray for me to have discernment... I really don't want to miss God's mark, and I'm in total reliance on Him! Pray that I don't keep asking him and that I just wait on Him so that I don't speak over His voice.

I desire perfect clarity!!! I cannot do this on my own! And I love it...but it takes some major patience, trust and quiet on my part!
Thanks for praying!

So, as I continued to pray, I just still haven't heard anything! I have been focused on organizing the house, getting rid of stuff and trying to make more room in our modest 900 square foot house. There just isn't alot of storage... so I'm making room! This is good for me, because I often hear God when I'm doing mundane tasks such as these. But, yesterday I ended up being on the phone with my little brother for much of the morning, and therefore, wasn't very quiet.

I packed up the Trailblazer preparing to take it to the Salvation Army, grabbed my camera to take a picture of the full SUV so Jon could see that I really did get rid of a lot of stuff! I proudly closed the door behind me, and went to get in the car. "Where are my keys?" I thought to myself. I peeked in the window and there they were, on the countertop.

Well- prayer answered. I got some quiet time. I set up a chair outback and propped up my feet for probably about 2 hours, and I sat still. I prayed. I still don't know what I'm going to talk about, but I was able to pray for Embrace, for the people involved, and the guests coming. I was able to unload all of it. So, now...I'm just waiting on Him. And he said to me,

"Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. Ezekial 3:10

Dear Lord
Help me to listen carefully and take to heart Your words. Help me to discern Your voice and fulfill Your will!
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thanks for praying Yvonne!

Hell and a God of Grace

Saul's attendants said to him, "See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the harp. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes upon you, and you will feel better." Samuel 16:15

Recently, it has been brought to my attention that so many people believe in heaven but not hell. The reason being that God is merciful, a God of unlimited grace-He wouldn't possibly be so mean enough to send people to hell.

Okay, I get that, but then why do the same people believe that God punishes us on earth. I believe that there are consequences of sin, but not punishment after repentence. Anyway... people believe in ghosts, haunted houses, evil on earth, punishment, but not Hell.

God doesn't choose to send people to hell. People by denying Christ, go to hell. I realize this is not a popular subject or a nice thing to think about, but it's the truth and we need to acknowledge it. Deciding to ignore it is denying the supremacy, and the sovereignty of God- not to mention it's declaring that the death of Christ was unnecessary!

We need to get this! We need to take the whole Bible as truth! It's true! If God allows evil to enter our lives here (for the sake of His kingdom and glory), why would we think that he would'nt allow us to live eternally in hell. He gives us a choice. It's our choice. So makethe choice for eternal salvation. And if you continue to deny Him- beware.

I say all of this in love. I don't want people to be blinded or to miss the whole truth! I want to see you in Heaven. And so I tell you this not to scare or threat but to tell you that God is a God of Infinite Grace! We just need to believe and trust and have faith in the Father and death of His Son Jesus Christ and then we will be delivered.


Revelation 20:15 (New International Version)
15If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

More info:
http://www.gotquestions.org/evil-spirit-Saul.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/book-of-life.html
http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-doctrine-salvation.html

Compassion Challenged

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 1 Colossians 3:12

Cancer: the word of the day yesterday. After my 74 year-old grandmother was admitted to the hospital with back pain, she was now being discharged with orders to see an oncologist. A tumor was found surrounded by "mushy" bones and in place of a completely worn away vertebrae. "We believe it's cancer. There's a chance there isn't, but it doesn't look good!"

My active grandma went from happy and healthy to despair in just a few short days. Plagued with the thoughts of what our new journey would entail tears filled our eyes, hopelessness filled our hearts, and our minds couldn't bear to take in the pain she may endure in her last days.

As my mom cried out to me with the despondent news, I replied with a sigh and searched for hope and truth, and said, "Well, mom the pain won't last forever!"

Where was my compassion? Did I acknowledge the fear, the pain, the emptiness that filled our hearts and minds? How cliche! What I said was true, but it wasn't compassionate. By saying what I said I showed complete disregard for how many family was feeling at that very moment. When my mom pointed it out to me, I became so very convicted.

In my struggle with infertility remarks such as: "It will happen when it's time!" open the floodgates of negative emotions including loneliness, anger, and a feeling that says, "No one gets this! No one really cares to try to understand!" And it certainly is not received as compassion defined as "a tender feeling."

I'm frustrated with the Christian Cliches. "There's a reason for everything!" "It will happen when it's time!" " He's in a better place now!"

We all know these things! And quite frankly, they're lacking compassion. I believe as Christians we need to start showing the love and compassion of Christ. Start saying things like, "I know it must really hurt!" "I know this is scary!" "I know you miss your loved one!" "I can't pretend to understand your pain, but can I pray for you!?" "What can I do to help?" OR We could just listen, and pray.

Dear Jesus,
Help us to be compassionate. Help us not to forget that you give us hope, but you also taught us to be compassionate. Help us not to be so focused on the future, that we forget to meet people where they're at- where they're hurting. We thank you that you are a compassionate God who loves us! Make us more like you!
In Jesus' name. Amen.

After His Own Heart

“’You acted foolishly,’ Samuel said. ‘You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command’” (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

When I look back nearly 2 years ago, I find it so hard to believe that God would chose me to lead such an extraordinary group of women at our church. Living in sin, lost in the world, unsure of who I even was were issues that plagued me. I was seeking God, trying to make new friends, trying to get this "God-thing" figured out. I had been walking in the woods, and was looking for the way out.

I was far from who I would have chosen to lead this group. But as I look at 1 Samuel I see something so important- the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people!

As I look back I see that the only way JEWELS could have ever worked is if I trusted in Him! I didn't know much. I prayed, but I was kind of in the kindergarten of Christianity. The only way I could've led was to seek after God's heart. And so two years later- here we are.

We've gone from a minimum of 2 at a Bible Study to a maximum of 18 at a Bible Study! That's a 900% increase! Not because of me, but because of God.

Interstingly, I find that as I grow and learn more, it becomes increasingly important for me to maintain the real focus. As I grow more confident in my skills and abilities, it becomes more common for me to think I can do it on my own.

Thanks to a great team of leaders, I am always reminded that God is sovereign in control.

I guess, God is just pointing this out to me over and over again and I am drawn to it because I desire to fulfill His purpose for my life, and not my own. I desire to see his 900% improvements rather than my minor influence. I yearn for more of him and less of me. And I must admit... it takes a conscious effort, an awareness, and much prayer. I pray that my work is not done in vein and my motive for having a ministry that thrives on changed lives remains pure and about Him.

As you know more, and read more, are you forgetting God? Are you becoming proud? Be careful! It's so easy to forget the one who brought you here.

Dear Jesus,
Please help me to remain humble! Thank you for the work you are doing in JEWELS and in my life. I pray for the JEWELS group! Give them an undying love for your Word, and for You. Instill in them a deep desire to be obedient and honor you in ALL they do! Lord, protect us from the enemy! Keep us safe in your loving arms! But let us come out of our comfort zones to where you want us to be. Ignite a fire in our group, Jesus. Not for just the friendships with eachother, but with you! And Lord, help me to be a woman after your own heart.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.

All Things for Good?

So, as I read 1 Samuel 8-10 today I could really see how God works all things for good according to His plan. Christians say this all the time... but I wonder in the midst of all that's going on, all that seems wrong, all that seems foolish, or even sinful- even when we claim it- do we trust it?

Do we go about saying, "God makes all thing good..." without really believing, or even just hoping it's true. Do you really see God's good in every circumstance?

Yesterday, our well pump broke, so we had no water when I woke up yesterday morning. I have learned to stay pretty calm about these things by now- living in an old house- these things happen. I could have been angry and annoyed, after all, I was inconvenienced- and let's be real, much of America despise being inconvenienced. I had to go to work (the only day in 3 weeks that I had to go to work), and I couldn't shower.

But good came out of it! I have been wanting to go back to the gym- but it's been one of those things, where I just kept putting it off... embarrassed at the weight I'd gained since I had been there last. Because we had no water, though, I decided it would be a great day to sign up- go to the gym, and shower there!

This doesn't seem important, but I know God wants me to take better care of my body, and I felt like it was a shove to get going! To give God my health means to take care of the body he's given me. And- I struggle with that!

So, appreciate your inconvenience today! What good came out of it! Sometimes we can't see it- maybe running late allowed you to miss an accident- or maybe forgetting an appointment at the doctor results in seeing a doctor later who has more wisdom... sometimes we don't get to see it. Will we trust? I hope so!

Just say, "Yes!"

And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines."
1 Samuel 7:3

When we come to know the Lord as our personal Lord and Savior, I believe we need to do more than just say a prayer.

For God so loved the world, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not parish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

But what about the rest of John Chapter 3? I encourage you to read more.

God is such a loving God, that He wants us to do more than believe.

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
James 2:19

I think we can learn about salvation from what Samuel says far before the life of Christ...
He starts off by saying IF you are returning to the Lord with ALL your heart...

• Rid yourselves of foreign Gods (What is your God? Money, Control, Food, Entertainment, Selfishness...)

• Commit yourselves to Him (make a commitment... perhaps like you did on your wedding day- big deal, right?)

• Serve Him Only!!! (Don't serve your money! Don't serve for self-recognition!...)

AND THEN HE WILL DELIVER YOU!

I believe this is all part of being saved. It's more than just saying, "Yes, I know that God is real." It's about making him God above all, making a commitment to Him, serving only Him, and repenting when we make a mistake- really repenting- not just saying sorry.

So... maybe you've said the prayer, maybe you've said you believed, but if you're ready for the commitment- just say "Yes."

Still Lending

About a year ago, in the midst of a national economic crisis, I drove past a bank. Hanging on the outside of it's stones walls was a huge banner with the words "Still Lending." I haven't been able to stop thinking about that sign for a year...so I am finally writing.

This sign hung proudly on that bank because we were in such a time that even banks stopped lending money to people. It was difficult to get loans. People were losing jobs left and right, and the countrys seemed to be bone dry. It was something worth advertising...still lending.

When times get tough, and nothing seems to be going right, or money's tight, God is still lending. He may not be lending a cure for the cancer, a child for the barren womb, a job for the jobless...

His lending is more than that... it's comfort in the midst of pain, it's joy in the midst of sorrow, it's hope in the midst of hopelessness. His supply of love and these things never runs dry. Do we as a church offer this love? Could we hang a sign on our church that advertises, "Still Lending!" I realize that God is the supplier... but are we soaking it in...are we as a church overflowing from the love we're receiving.

Sure, we need to get it from God, people need to get it from God...but what about those who don't know him? Are we lending the love that leads them to a place a place of comfort, joy, peace, hope. God is still lending! Are we?

Going Home

Our Bible Study group is doing the Beth Moore DVD Study, "Here and Now...There and Then" a lecture series on Revelation. I'm really getting a lot out of it...more understanding of who God is, and who he wants us to be.

Today I read Chapter 4 of Revelation which explains the throne room in Heaven. It talks about where God is, who he is... what it really looks like. Here's what it tells me!

• The colors from the throne are jasper and carnelian (both bright red stones)
• An emerald rainbow surrounds it and lightning and thunder come from it.
• Surrounding the throne are 4 creatures- each looking like an ox, eagle, man's face, and lion.
• The creatures each have 6 wings and are covered with eyes. (Ezekial 1:4-28 says they have wheels with yellow- green gems all over and eyes)
• Seven lampstands
• 24 thrones with 24 elders
• When the creatures give God glory and honor and thanks to God, the 24 elders fall before him and worship him and lay their crowns at the throne.
• They say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

How does this make you feel? In awe? Frightened? Humbled?

Often when I'm tired, weary or going through a tough time, I lay down and curl up and just dream that I'm sitting in the lap of Jesus. He holds me and tells me it will all be okay almost as if he's wiping away my tears.

I have to be honest, when I read this, that thought was challenged! Could I see myself really in the lap of such glory and power and majesty and well.... you know...the whole thing...it's so beyond me!!!

And then I realized, just as powerful as the lightning, thunder, creatures, glowing and beautiful almight God... is the power of his grace.

His grace is soooooo much that it allows me to curl up in the lap of a throne surrounded by creatures, and the powerful presence of the God of the Universe.

I don't have much else to say...I'm just in awe.

Lord, I thank you that I can rest in your great presence. That even though you have power over all the universe, you care about me. That even though thunder and lightning surround you, you are gentle and forgiving. Help me to know more the power of grace, and your desire for our relationship to deepen. Thank you Jesus for suffering a death that was suffered for the underserving...and that we are made righteous because of it. Lord, your ways are not our ways, and that's why they don't make sense....salvation is free!?!?! It is.. Lord we thank you for that. And thank you for loving us right where we're at! In Jesus name. Amen.

Huh!?!?!

Did you ever have a "Huh?!?!?!" moment went reading the Bible? I did today, and I'm just going to share some brainstorming with you...

God has been speaking to me not only about obedience but also reverence for him and I think that this is where it's going...

I have been reading from 1 Samuel. 1 Samuel 1 & 2 told about Elkanah and Hannah. Hannah's womb was barren. When she promised God that she would give her child to Him, she conceived Samuel. She gave him to the Lord and she was blessed with more children. Samuel was given to the Lord and left at Shiloh at the tabernacle where Eli was the priest. Eli's sons did wicked things, the Bible says that they had no regard for the Lord. And the Lord said to Eli (through a man) , "Why do you honor your sons more than me?"

Eventually, God speaks to Eli and tells him that judgement for their sin is coming. When Samuel tells Eli, Eli says, "He is the Lord, let Him do what is good in His eyes." (v. 18)

Huh?!?! I have many questions here...
But I'm just going to journal about 1...
I find it interesting that God doesn't have mercy on him. In scripture it says that only not honoring and revering the Lord is unforgivable...
Eli didn't honor the Lord all that time, and even when God warns him through the man and Samuel's message, we don't see any repentance.
But...when God tells Eli that judgement is coming, he submits!

Hmmm...
I have spent much time reflecting on this, and I believe I will continue to reflect on this, but I guess I'm asking God to do this-

Show me where I am not honoring you with my life, and make me see it- really see it!

Make me repentant!

Make me submissive to you before I sin.

Here's my burden:
Am I accepting God's anger, his jealousy, his tests and trials and missing the part of my heart that he's after!?!?! Has he revealed sin to me, and I'm so caught up in my own life, that I'm missing what God's revealing and asking me to repent of?

I remember one time when my former brother-in-law fell out of a( I think a 3rd story) window. He miraculously landed in a dumpster heaped with cardboard protecting him and leaving with just a few small scratches. His mother's response? "Don't make God try to get your attention again!"

And that is my prayer,

Lord,
Help me not to be so caught up in this life, that I miss what you're revealing to me. Never allow me to forget that you are almighty and powerful and that you are my first love. Never allow me to put my marriage, ministry, or fertility above you, but I want to honor you above ALL things!
Forgive me Lord for the areas where I am fallen!
In Jesus' name.
Amen.

Remember this

Hebrews 3: 15 says: "Remember what it says: Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled."

Can you tell God's working in me with obedience!?!?!

The Bible says that even when Israel rebelled and tested and tried the patience of God, they saw his miracles! Sounds great right? But no, God says, " I was angry with them, and I said, Their hearts always turn away from me!"

I was talking to a sister of Christ on the phone. I listened to her tell of her father's death. She explained that there was a peace, but of course the hurt of loss.

I listened and said all the "right" things: "I'm so sorry... I'm so glad you had peace in knowing he was a man of God...I'll be praying for you..."

And then, I heard the still small voice in my heart saying, "Pray for her, right now, pray for her!" My heart began to thump rapidly, and I'm saying "Really God? You know how much I hate praying out loud- on the phone- and I hardly know her!"

Ughh! As I resisted, and became more distracted by the tugging of the Holy Spirit, I looked down. I looked down at the Bible and I saw the word "Obey."

I obeyed. She wept. It mattered to her that I prayed.

I bring this situation up, because it one of the Holy Spirit's commands that I so often choose to ignore!

I can go to church, run a ministry, spend time in the word, and see God work miracles through prayer and relationships, but if I disobey (and I do)...
I still anger God.

Praise Him, that in the new covenant, I still have a place of eternal rest! But I can tell you anger from God is not something I desire.

Lord, Change me. Forgive me Lord for the times when I have disobeyed. Make me aware of your desires for me! Lord, change me from the inside out so that I desire to obey you and can do so with joy and comfort and trust. Lord, I know that I cannot do this alone! I thank you and praise you for your grace and mercy and for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the ultimate sacrifice from my sins. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Victory

There are two things in my life that I have been in constant prayer about for the past year. The first is that my husband would surrender his life to Christ with no reserves! And the second, is that God would bless us with children. I would be lying if I said some days weren't a struggle! I would be lying if some days I didn't just stay in my pajamas and mourn, or not answer the phone or call anyone because I just can't bear to talk about it. The truth is sometimes I forget how to trust.

In Psalm 3, David reminds us of some really important stuff! After fleeing from his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18) he writes this Psalm. At the time thousands had risen up against him. He had to be in fear- would he make it out alive?

What I found absolutely fascinating about this Psalm, is that David says, " I laid down to sleep!" Hello!!!???!!! Is anyone here with me? I don' t sleep when the dog barks! David was surrounded by enemies, and he rested! The Lord protects us and we can trust him!

But even before that, David says, "So many are against me, saying God will never rescue him!But you O, Lord, are a shield around me, you are my glory, the one who holds my head high! I cried out to the Lord and he answered me from his holy mountain!"

When people or even Satan try tell you that you won't be rescued, that you are not worthy, that even God isn't big enough- KNOW THAT THIS IS A LIE!!!! David knew it was a lie! And we must know too!!!! He was protected! He had peace! He was delivered from his fear! And David didn't even have to fight the battle alone! He trusted God to avenge! And all of this from a man after God's own heart!


Lord, we thank you that we can rest in you, trust in you, and find peace in you! Please reveal parts of our lives that have us in bondage because we are afraid to put them in even your mighty hands! Lord you are good! You give us peace, trust, protection, deliver us from fear, avenge the wicked and Lord, YOU ARE ALWAYS VICTORIOUS! Thanks be to God!
In Jesus' name. Amen!

He Terrified Them

He terrified them! Psalm 2 says He terrified them with his anger! So our God...bigger than the universe, Creator of ALL things... angers! I know that he angers but can we just imagine the wrath of a God this big!?!?! I too would be terrified!

Or am I?

You see, these people were trying to overthrow God because they feared they would be enslaved to Him!

When I was about 13, I remember a time when I was playing outside with all the neighborhood kids. It was a rule at our house that when the streetlights came on, it was time to go in. Well, this particular night, I decided I would be late. I didn't want to obey my mom. I just continued to stay out ignoring our family curfew. When I finally came home, I was dismayed to see my parents waiting for me on the doorstep. I became fearful of the consequence. Prior to the anger of my parents, it seemed like a fine idea to ignore their rules and not to be held captive as a slave. Because, I'm sure you've heard, teenagers are held captive by their parents :)

I think we look at this illustration in the Bible and we want to point fingers in disbelief at the bad guys...but do we look in the mirror?

How many times have we decided that we don't want to feel enslaved? That God's plan for us was to hold us captive? And so we disobey. We go about our business proclaiming untrue and unreal freedom! And we're okay with that...

Because we forget his wrath! We forget his scoffing! We forget His revererance...

And what a great mistake that is. Let us choose to live fearfully and not make him terrify us. I can only imagine the wrath of the Lord and I certainly do not want to experience it. As my parents had rules because they loved me and wanted to protect me and guide me to a better life, all I could see was them holding me captive. As I have grown, I have learned to trust their wisdom and the wisdom of the Lord!

God is not calling you captive! He is designing you a path of righteousness, love, and eternal life! Will you trust?

Makeover Monday

Have you ever gone to the salon for a simple cut and color...and left wondering how a cut and color got turned into a Tie-dyed Takeover? I remember when my younger sister was in beauty school. I would go in smiling...the kind of smile that hides chest-thumping anxiety. You see, my sister- she's a bit more trendy than I am. I was happy in jeans and she needed a dress. I was fine with no makeup while she could rock peacock green on her eyelids with confidence! We were ummm...different!?!?! So when I would go sit in her chair, I would go and expect more.. I would expect to well...come out looking like the trendy, in-style, latest fashion beauty that she was! And well, sometimes I loved what she did... and other times it took some getting used to...and sometimes, I needed to go back for a change the next week. And we all know what it's like to have the hair stylist make it look sooooo great, only to find out that when we get home and shower and blow dry- it's the same exact way it looked before the cut!

I think sometimes we go to God with these great expectations...that if we go this Bible Study, this worship night, this conference, this speaker... that we'll come out lookin' like that rockin' Christian woman we wanna look like. But, sometimes we don't. Sometimes, we leave looking not much different. Sometimes we may even leave jealous, or more self-critical- and we even feel more defeated than when we arrived. I have gone to Bible Studies where I expect some major change...and I leave well...the same. Sometimes the other women may chat you up, compliment you and encourage you, but when you go home, you know your heart remains right where it was... the encouragement doesn't last. Sometimes, even when we don't change...we keep going back hoping to fall in love with something...for something to be right, to leave being "better."

I wanna tell you something about hair... I've had several haircuts, colors, trims, even waxes...and not one of them has overhauled my self-esteem to places it's never been before. I may have left the salon feeling a little better about myself- but in the grand scheme of things I'm still me with the same issues...

So it is with God. We can go to all of the events in the world, hear all of the speakers, sit through 20 Beth Moore Bible Studies, and still come out looking like the same old Christian. Unless we have an internal change, we have the same old issues and hangups. My faith is standin' still along with my self-esteem b/c my hair really isn't the problem! And neither is your Bible Study!

We as women have to connect! God doesn't say go to a Bible Study, make sure you don't miss any Christian Conferences....but he does say this: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit every season." Psalm 1: 1-3

If you want to love your new hair cut whatever it may look like...if you want to be that girl who can rock any style... it has nothing to do with the hair cut and everything to do with believing you're beautiful.

And so it is with our God... it does not matter what we try to do... we can only be made right and have a deeper relationship with God, when our heart changes! And we do this by meditating on his law... it is then when we will yield fruit! It is then we will become filled with love and patience and kindness - those things we want to emulate in others. It only comes from the Lord! There is no other way!