Do you mind? I'm trying to listen...

Have you ever sat in church, very intently listening to the pastor and realize you aren't listening to God?

This was what happened to me on Sunday. Great service, I was getting a LOT out of it, taking notes like crazy when all of a sudden I felt a gentle whisper. I shrugged it off, after all I was trying to listen to the message. So I listened to the pastor a little closer... and the gentle whisper became slightly louder. So finally I got the hint and listened... (remember, listening and not arguing this year).

WHAT?! Why in the world would God be telling me that? God, creator of the universe, knows my deepest darkest parts of my heart... He knows that asking me to do THAT may just be impossible (at least in my humble human mind). Seriously God, can't I go to Africa or feed starving children?

So as I cried my way through the rest of an incredible service, more upset over how in the world I'm going to manage to do what I have been told to do than the actual service, I began to pray... Then I remember... God's promises...

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21

and for the whisper in my ear...

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19-20


Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Romans 12:14


But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
Luke 6:27-28

Here Come da Judge...

When I think of a judge I think of a man or woman in a black robe, with a gavel sitting behind the bench in court. The judge, the ultimate authority, the one that holds your fate in his hands.
 
Over the last week the subject of judging has been on my heart...

Why is it as Christians so many of us feel the need to judge? I had a conversation with a very dear friend over the weekend. One who I know believes in God, someone who truly believes and yet doesn't go to church because of the hurtful, judgmental things that have been said to her and her family by fellow believers, her brothers and sisters in Christ! How can I blame her for not wanting to go back to church?

The thing that has been echoing in my heart over the last few days is the one man who had every right to judge us... Jesus, son of God, who knows our deepest hurts and needs and yet even He didn't judge. Think about the woman by the well... (John 4) Jesus knew her secrets. He knew she was a sinner, she had some ugly skeletons in her closet and yet he still loved her. He still wanted the best for her.

Yet, somehow as Christians so many of us feel we have the "golden ticket". Say what you want, even if it is hurtful. How many believers are not going to church, not witnessing to non-believers because of the hurts caused by their brothers and sisters in Christ? This only addresses the believers... it's no wonder our world is where it is, with such a negative opinion of the "church".

We judge our pastors, politicians, neighbors, friends, that very nice homosexual couple down the street, our children's teachers... the list goes on and on...

Christ has called us to a higher standard!


"Do not judge, and you will not be judged." -Luke 6:37

I don't think the scripture could make it much more clear than that "Do not judge..."


"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else..." Romans 2:1

Again... pretty clear... "no excuse"


Lord, make me mindful of my judging, for YOU are the ultimate judge... the one with the golden gavel! Make me more like your son...

Broken Bones and Birthday Cake

A broken clavicle that may or may not need surgery,
on my 9 year old gymnast daughter.
A mother's heart aches!
(more to come following x-rays this Friday)

AND...


A Superbowl Birthday Party for the boy and his best bud.
It is so fun to see him growing into a little man!
A heart full of joy unspeakable!


Thank you God for giving me joy in the midst of my pain...


"... Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice,
and no one will take away your joy."
~John 16:22

The Small Things

I sometimes tend to forget to thank God for the everyday small things... things like...

• Giving me a good job, where I can work with people that I actually LIKE!
• My kid's school, the teachers and administrators are amazing!
• Our dog, the kids love him... they are so happy to see him every day and he loves them more than anything. If you ever want to take a lesson in true love, watch your dog!
• Always having food on my plate and a roof over my head

...and of course I always thank Him for blessing me with two beautiful kiddos. I am blessed beyond measure to see both of them growing closer to Jesus every day. I couldn't ask for more!

"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." Philippians 4:19 MSG