The Straight Path

Sorry for the lateness of this post.  It's been a busy week with my boys in camp and getting to join them on Monday.  What a blessing to see them having so much fun with their friends and trying out new things.  What an eye opener as well.

Going into this week, I had thought that the boys from our troop would be together, and they are.  What I didn't realize was that there would be other boys added to the group as well.  This of course does make sense though, as we didn't have enough boys to make a full group.

I met one of the other young boys right away and had the pleasure of meeting his mother who seemed a very nice lady.  Just before we got under way for the day, the other two boys joined the group and made their presence be known.

After a few stations, I could tell that these young men were not being brought up with the same sort of values as the other boys in our group.  Once we hit our fourth station for the day however, I really knew that these boys were not being brought up in a Christian home.  Long story short, topics of discussion that they brought up while waiting for the other boys to have a turn at the next activity were 'hatchet practice', using the father's machetti to cut off chicken heads, and strip clubs - yes, strip clubs!!!  Why on earth should 10 year old boys even know about such a thing?!?!?  I must say that their group leader did a great job at changing the subject and not letting the boys talk about inapproriate things.  While my heart broke for those boys, I was concerned about their conversations being heard by my sons.

This past year has had a lot of firsts for me as a mum.  I've sent our boys out to do things on their own for the first time and to be honest, I've had a lot of anxiety about it.  I've reminded myself again and again to 'be anxious for nothing, but everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God and he will make your path straight." 

Sending my boys out the door for day two of camp without me was hard, especially after the topics mentioned above had been discussed by boys in their group.  I have been reminding the boys that they need to do what God tells them to do and act in a way that is pleasing to Him, not to join in something because the others are doing it.  I tell them to ask God what to do and He will guide them if ever they are confused.  I shared this week's verse with them:
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

This is something that I need to remind myself of time and time again.  I don't need to waste time wrestling with something trying to figure it out on my own.  Go to God and trust in Him, we'll never take a wrong turn with God!!

Is there something that comes to mind today that you need to trust God for?

Next week's verse: Matthew 6:33

Forgiveness

The 10th grade was an interesting year for me because I had lost 30 pounds the summer prior to the start of school and as a result people who had never paid me the time of day before were suddenly willing to talk to me. Although I was still very shy, I felt a little more comfortable in my own skin.

I sat in the last row near the windows in my Geometry class that year. I was friendly with the kids who sat around me and although I did more listening than talking (yes, I know that's a switch to how I am now) we did enjoy socializing before the start of class each day.

As the school year went on, there was a boy who sat in front of me who kept teasing me. At first I didn't think much of it, just that he wasn't fond of me, but as his teasing persisted, the kids around us told me that he was teasing me because he liked me. This made me very uncomfortable! I had never had a boy like me before and to add to that, the kids around me thought it was very funny that he would like me.

I can make excuses that I was young, or that I succumbed to peer pressure, but I'll never forget what I said to that boy one day. It may seem laughable now, but it really wasn't funny at all.

One day he came in and began teasing me as usual and I told him (I still tear up with shame, even now) that no one liked him, not even Santa Clause (it was around Christmas). The look on his face was awful. I really hurt him! At the end of class I apologized, but he walked away. The next day and the next and the next I tried to apologize to him. He would just give me a 'yeah, yeah' response.

As time passed, he was able to talk to me again, but it was never the same.

Several years ago I was at church and one of the gentlemen who lead the men's ministry there introduced us to this man he brought. This man had fallen on hard times and was trying to get clean. When we went up to meet him, it was the same boy I had been mean to years prior. My mind recollected the 10th grade incident with amazing clarity and the sickness in my stomach felt the very same as it had felt back then. I greeted him warmly and encouraged him in his journey and gave him a hug as we left that day. I've often wondered what happened to him. I hope he's done well.

It's been over 20 years since I made a very bad choice and hurt this boy, but clearly, I am still struggling to forgive myself. I am as desperately in need of God's forgiveness as anyone, but I think I can count on one hand how many times I have been mean to someone and it still breaks my heart to think of this.  This is also a good reminder of how damaging the tongue can be! (Psalm 141:3)

God tells us in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I still struggle to forgive myself for this sin from many years ago several years before I knew the Lord, and yet our amazing God can forgive every one of my sins and cleans me!

It never ceases to amaze me that God can love us so much!! It's also a humble reminder that I am but a sinful human, but God is so GREAT, LOVING, FORGIVING, FULL OF GRACE - too amazing to really comprehend!!

What do you think of / feel when you think about God's forgiveness? Do you need to ask Him to help you forgive yourself about something?

Next Week's Verse: Proverbs 3: 5-6

Take the Blindfold Off and Get Movin'

I was driving home from work today with my two boys talking and laughing in the back seat.  About half way home my younger son (just turned 7) said, "Mum, do you know what Tom (that would be Tom of 'Tom & Jerry' fame) does when he sees the big bull running for him, or when a train is headed for him?"  "No, what does he do?", I answered.  "He puts a blindfold on and waits to be hit" he answered with a tone that left me with no doubt that he was smiling from ear to ear.  "Hmmm, I think I would just run out of the way instead of waiting to be hit." I said.  "Yeah," my little man reasoned, "I think he just doesn't want to see what's gonna come and run him over."

The wisdom, and chiding of those words hit me instantly.  When something is coming straight for us, do we get out of the way or simply put a blindfold on and wait for what seems to be the inevitable?

The scripture I'm studying this week with my friend who I am discipling is 1 Corinthians 10:13 -
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Maybe the bull or train that seems to be heading our way is a great temptation.  Maybe it seems that we can't avoid this fast approaching threat.  Maybe, we deal with it, by not dealing with it.  Maybe we put on a blindfold of sorts and wait to be crushed.

Let's step back and look.  As a young lady (or even a married woman), this 'train' may come in the form of a young man whom we are attracted to. This young man may be very appealing (in many ways).  But does he know the Lord?  Is he walking with the Lord?  Where is this 'relationship' headed?  Are we going to get knocked off our feet and off of our walk with the Lord?

Maybe instead, this 'bull' is our enjoyment of good times and partying.  Possibly we start having a glass of wine here to take the edge off when we've had a tough day with the kids, and then we begin a weekly 'girls night out' having a 'few drinks' at the local watering hole.  Next we keep a bottle of something at home to get us through the day.  Will we be brought to our knees and not be able to continue a sober relationship with God?

God does not promise that we'll never experience temptation - a train or bull will come at us from time to time.  He does however, promise that He will provide a way to keep us from being plowed down. 
Instead of reaching for the blindfold, lets look up to heaven and ask God to show us, and give us the strength to get out of the way.  Claim His promises!

Next week's verse: 1 John 1:9

Summer with our Savior

Each year as the spring moves on and we count down to the start of summer, our minds (influenced by our ever-bulging calendars) look forward to the approaching reprieve most of us enjoy in the hot, school-free months. It is right, I think, that we take a break from the hustle and bustle of the school year and hopefully take time to rest and have fun with our families. Those that serve our Lord by teaching our children and leading adult Bible studies also often take a break from preparing their lessons. This too I think is necessary as we want to avoid burn-out.

As much as we all need a vacation from our normal schedule, we must be careful not to take a vacation from God. He never takes a break from us - can I get a big hallelujah on that?!

With this train of thought, I've been considering for a few weeks about having a 'study' on this blog to help us all with consistency in our walk with the Lord. I've had many ideas, but I didn't feel the Lord's leading, until today. I think what we should do is study what God puts on our hearts, but we can come here each week and check in on Monday, sharing what He has had to say to us.


Today I did a little homework as I have begun discipling a dear sister-in-Christ and wanted to be prepared for our time together. Our verse this week is John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete. (yeah - that was from memory. I've always struggled with memorization, but I don't give up - it's so worth it!) This week we're talking about the assurance that our prayers are heard and answered. One of the verses used in this chapter is Philippians 4:6 - 7. Tonight I was brought to a place where I once again had to either chose to trust these verses, or tell God, "All set, I'm choosing to worry this out instead thanks." Phil. 4:6-7 says 'Be anxious for nothing, but everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and soul in Christ Jesus.'

This isn't coincidence. Nope! God knew what was to come and made sure I was reminded once again of His instruction (don't worry - go to Him) and His promise (His peace). I don't know what is going to happen in this new situation that has me so sad/upset, but I do know that it isn't too big for God and that worrying will not help anything. I need His peace and strength to be there for others who will need me and I need to have my head clear to learn what is to be done. (Sorry - it's not that I'm trying to be cryptic, but I don't want to divuldge too much family info.)

So this is what I'm working on this week - or rather, what God is working on with me. I need to not worry, but trust and pray with confidence.

The prayer request I'd like to share: Please pray for discernment and a quick, clear and effective course of action.  

What is God saying to you this week? Is there a key scripture you're claiming? How can we pray for you?

Something to Chew On

There's a group of ladies from church I meet with one Saturday a month whom I have come to sincerely love and appreciate deeply!! We meet each month for our Heart 2 Heart group where we are able to pour our hearts out to each other in an environment filled with love, respect, compassion, understanding and in confidence!! Ahh... the ability to vent with complete peace of mind, knowing your dirty laundry will not be pinned up on a clothes line for all to see!

The second Saturday of the month is quickly becoming one of my favorite days, and I look forward to it immensely!!

One particular month, Psalm 139 was mentioned and as we read it, the words really penetrated my heart and I felt God teach me something almost immediately! (which is quite a feet being as thick headed as I can be!!)

Psalm 139 is a beautifully written song by David (though 100% holy inspired by The Lord).

It begins with David offering praise to God for being all knowing - being of full knowledge of every aspect of David's being, thoughts, actions - that He knows it all before time existed. He so aptly writes: vs. 6 'Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.'

Boy oh boy, I feel that way many times as I study the Bible or as I am on  my knees in prayer. As truths about the Lord and His ways start to sink in.. as I start to think I'm getting a grip on things, I become completely overwhelmed (in a good way!!) by how BIG God is!! how mighty!! how Loving!! how forgiving, gracious,..... I am left just marveling 'God, you are just amazing!!'

There's a verse that may be very familiar to many, vs. 14, 'I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.'

When we look at our children, I think we find this verse so easy to believe, don't we? But what about when you think of it in terms of yourself? Speaking for myself, it can be very hard for me to take in. Poor self-esteem? Am I too 'humble' to allow myself see me in these terms?.. maybe... But here's the key: Simply think on the fact (not just think - no - really meditate on it and prayerfully ask that our hearts be able to accept this truth) that God's word says 'your works are wonderful'! Because if we in fact do believe in the latter part of the verse 'I know that full well', then how dare we have 'low self esteem'? We are part of His work, are we not? Therefore, are we not wonderful in His eyes? And if we are wonderful in our makers eyes, the maker of the whole universe, who are we to think lowly of His creation?... (there's something to chew on... I'm still chomping away)

But here's what really got me about this Psalm; there are 24 verses in this song of David's. The first 18 verses praise God so beautifully!! The next 3 deal with David's enemies. The last 2 he asks God to search his heart for anxious thoughts and any offensive ways that God may lead him in the correct way.

75% of this Psalm praises God!!
12.5%  of the verses are petitions to deal with his enemies who speak out against God!
8.33% are petitions asking God to put him on the right track!

That's the way to be isn't it?!!
What if we were to spend 75% of our life praising!! Joyous hearts in song, or uplifting thoughts. Praising our Heavenly Father! Could we be down, self loathing, lazy, grumpy when we are consumed with praise for another - for God?!!
What if we were to only dedicate 8% of our life talking about ourselves?...

Then, give what we can't control to God knowing He is fully capable of handling any situation.

I think the vast majority of the time when my spirit is down, I can chalk it up to 'self'. How I choose to see things, how I look at things... I am going to make the choice to spend the majority of my days praising!!

Here's a challenge for us all:
Take vs. 14 and insert your name!

'I will praise you Lord for Diane is fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, Diane knows that full well.'

This is not blasphemy - it's just a matter of taking scripture and making it personal to help us take it in as fully as we can.
Go ahead - give it a try.
Start spending 75% of your days praising Him, and remember that you are part of His wonderful work!!

It's About the Pages in THE Book, Not a Page in a Frame

Confession time.
I struggle with the sin of insecurity.  It is a sin because if one truly believed on God's words about our being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and how we are the apple of God's eye (Psalm 17:8) and how He loved us so much that He sent His son to die for us (John 3:16) then how could we feel insecure or have a low self-esteem?

One fall I attended a ladies retreat where the guest speaker was Maggie Rowe who spoke on the friendships of women.  Maggie spoke in such an animated fashion.  Well into the retreat I remembered she read a scene from Anne of Green Gables with such enthusiasm that I found myself wanting to yell out, "Then what?"  She had (and still has, I'm sure) a vibrant way of sharing God's message with us.
I was moved at that retreat.  It was then that I first felt the Lord calling me to serve His daughters.  I had no idea how.  Or when.  Or where.  Or... why???  But I definitely heard Him.
Span forward several years and after peripheral involvement in my previous church's women's fellowship group, the Lord called me to serve Him by serving the ladies of my current church as Women's Ministry Coordinator.  Over the past 6+ years I have been blessed to lead the women in many Bible studies and help to organize many special events and retreats in addition to being an occasional speaker  (mostly within our church).  But every so often I have an almost overwhelming feeling of, "Who am I to do this?  I don't have a theological degree.  I don't have any degree.  I have no formal training.  Who am I to speak to women about God and share His word with them?"

Now enter the truth God shared with me today.  Acts 4:13 - When they (the Sanhedrin) saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.   Did you catch that?  "Unschooled, ordinary men."   If God could use Peter and John who didn't have a shiny framed diploma from Bible U between them to reach people for Christ, then why couldn't He use me?

God can use the least to do His work because it reminds us all that it is His Power, His Wisdom and not anything of our own.

Psalm 130

Don't you just love the Psalms?!
I adore their emotion and sentiment.

I was so struck yesterday as I read the beginning of Psalm 130.  "Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord."  vs. 1.  Can't you just hear the raw emotion?  Have you ever been there, just emptiying yourself  out to the Lord in such honest cry? "Lord, hear my voice!" vs. 2  God always hears us, but sometimes we just want to be sure we have His attention.

My 6 year old son was relaying a story from school on that day.  He was going through the tale in his typical sing-songy fashion with great expression on his face.  About half way through the story he decided that his father's occassional acknowledgements, "Oh ya.  He did?  Really?", were not sufficient and he wasn't convinced that his dad was really listening to him so he climbed up on the couch, continuing with his story, but now his two little hands were on either side of my husband's face to make sure he had his full attention.

I think of this scenario when I read this verse.  It's like David wanted his hands on God's face in order to look him in the eye.  "Are you listening Dad?" 
The answer is in Jer. 29:12 - "You will pray to me and I will hear you."  What a great promise!!

The Psalms are such a great example of how to offer praise and thanksgiving; but what I really love, is their reminder for us to be completely, whole-heartedly honest with God in our prayer. Cry out to Him!

I Could Have Had a Rest-of-Faith!

Do you remember those old V8 commercials?  You know, the ones where someone would partake in a snack that tasted great but offered little to no nutritional value and then they see someone enjoying a vegetable juice and they give themselves a dope-slap while exclaiming, "I could have had a V8!"
Sometimes I feel this way when it comes to missed opportunities with or for the Lord.

This past weekend our church had its 3rd Annual Ladies Retreat.  What a wonderful time we had!! That's a post for another day....  We booked the date of the retreat and the hotel almost a year prior.  In early fall we hired our speaker.  We knew our theme by the beginning of November and from there the active planning and execution began.

Newsletter submissions were written.  Bulletin inserts and flyers were made.  Tickets were printed.  Lists and outlines were drawn up detailing all that was to be done and by whom.  All this happened while our team of four ladies worked, took care of their families, served on other ministries and celebrated Thanksgiving and the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

Once registration was closed in early January, more tasks were now able to be worked on.  As the deadline moved ever closer, I started to feel the pressure.  My mind kept rushing with thoughts; will everything get done?  Will they like the food and will accommodate all of those with allergies/aversions/dietary restrictions?  Will they enjoy the games?  I wasn't able to contact everyone with one item or the other; will they be ok with it?.. and on and on the thoughts went.  I began to lose sleep.  My prayers were changing from praising the Lord for being the whole reason we do this to asking.. no, begging for things to go right.  All the time I would tell myself that this was all in God's hands.  I was saying it, but not fully trusting.

Finally the evening before the retreat as I was constructing a game board we were to use it finally hit me.  I looked over the pile of items that were lined up ready to be packed in the car the next day and thought, "It's all done - or as done as it's going to get and it's good."  God was in control.  All of the stress and sleep deprivation did not make things come together more smoothly.  They did not make things more productive.  I had chosen to give into stress instead of rest in faith.  I settled for worry instead of security.
I had a fizzy, stomach-churning, empty serving of anxiety instead of a generous helping of God given peace.  Now that's a poor choice that deserves a dope-slap!
I was so busy trying to work it all out on my own that I wasn't giving it to the Father and resting in His ability.  When I prayed I forgot to simply ask God to help me to rest in knowing it would be all He wanted it to be.  I should have been still, told Him my concerns and know He would handle it.  Sure, it takes hard work to put on a retreat; but not worry. (Have you ever read a verse instructing us to worry?.. No.  The Bible says over 300 - "Worry not.")

Doh -  I could have had a Rest-of-Faith!

Lesson learned - thank you Lord!!