Morning Musing Over Coffee - Finding My Voice

credit: Michelle Meiklejohn

Each of us has a voice, something we want to say, something we want to share. And even more importantly, there is something that God wants each of us to share with the world around us. Whether is be to one or two people close to us or to a large audience, that voice is there, waiting for expression.

I am realizing this more and more lately as I find myself at a bit of a crossroad, looking at new directions and opportunities, wondering, waiting, praying,  listening to the voice rise up within me and yet, at the same time, unsure of what, exactly it is trying to express.

But as I explore new options and paths, I am excited for what is ahead, and for the adventures waiting as I share this journey with those around me. I know there are topics I am passionate about, I am pretty sure of the general themes that run strong in the nature God has made me with, and the talents, interests and strengths He has given me. I know there are things I am not cut out to do, that are simply not what I was made for. And although there is at times a very real pressure to try to be someone I'm not, or to do things that I was not cut out to do, I am learning to recognize this and move in another direction.

At the moment, finding my voice seems to taking me in these directions

1. Becoming more involved in the church I am now in. Learning from and with, encouraging and being encouraged by, sharing the voice within me as I listen to the voice of each one around me.

2. Writing. Using this blog as a way to share, to speak out about those things I am passionate about, and again learning from and with, encouraging and being encouraged.

3. Within the community. Each of us, in our own community, are here for reason. It is time for me to take a more active role within my own community, to be more open to those around me. I'm not sure what direction this will take me, at the moment I am simply paying more attention to the needs and opportunities around me as I wait for direction.

4. And last, but probably the most important, within my own home. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in all the other opportunities around us and forget that those within my own homes, whether immediate family or simply in my care for the day, need me most. They are the ones who need my best, who need me to be the person God created me to be, right here, right now.

Jeremiah 29:11 is a great encouragement to me. I know that God has a plan for me. I can see how He has worked in my life up to this point. And I am excited to see where He will lead me next and the new ways He will have for me to express the voice He has given me.

 

 

 

"For I know the thoughts I have for you" declares the Lord. "plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11



Lessons From the Rich Young Ruler - Notes From The Morning Sermon

Mark 10:17-22
¹⁷ As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
¹⁸ “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother. ”
²⁰ “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
²¹ Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
²² At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
²³ Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”


Hebrews 11:1-5
  ¹ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for.
³ By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
⁴ By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
⁵ By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”^[a] For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.

Isaiah 55:8-9
⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Jesus was not interested in the rich young ruler's money. He wanted him to take his eyes off of what he could see and focus on what he could not see. His whole life had been based on what he could see - his actions, the approval of those around him, his money. Jesus wanted him to live by faith, not by sight.

Do not deny reality, but do not put your faith in that reality.

As we look around us we see many things that may cause us to fear, but we need to remember that our faith is in an unfailing God. It may not be as easy as it was but it will be profitable for you if you trust in God.

These are notes, quotes and paraphrases from our morning sermon at White Hill Church of the Brethren, preached by Jim Chappell

~ Linking Here ~

Keeping Faith Fresh

Bonnie Gray from Faith Barista is asking the question this week - How is God challenging you to keep faith fresh?

It's a topic that hits close to home for me right now as we begin to make some changes.

Over the Christmas holidays last year, Doug and I talked about it and decided it was time for me to back the size of my licensed childcare business. We made this decision for a number of reasons, mainly because I wanted to be able to be more available to the children I did take care of instead of being spread so thin. We decided to make the cut around the end of the summer when several of my kids would be going to school anyway. Dropping the license and only caring for five or fewer kids would also mean a lot less paperwork, because being a licensed childcare comes with an awful lot of paperwork.

Now as we're getting closer to the time to cut back, Doug's hours are also being cut back at work. It's not an extreme cut, but it is a cut. And there are rumors of more cuts coming.

I find myself wavering, wondering if it's fair for me to cut back right now, when other things are uncertain. I wonder if I'm being selfish. But then I look at the kids around me and know that they need a mother and a caregiver who can be fully present, instead of pulled in so many directions at once. I know what is needed and that if I am willing to wait and trust, to have faith in His leading, He will provide enough light for each step I need to take. And as I take those steps, one by one, I will be led to make the right decisions.

So instead of stressing and worrying I will continue to take one step at a time, knowing that if He wants me change directions He will make the clear to me. If He wants me to continue this course that will also be clear and the what-ifs and how-tos will be dealt with in His perfect timimg.

For more on keeping faith fresh read the encouraging posts linked up at Faith Barista JAM.

The Source and Giver of Love

Love.

One word, and yet so many things are interwoven in this word.

As Anne Voskamp so beautifully portrayed in her post this morning, love is first patient. Patient with the frustrated child, the curious child, the active child.

And love is gentle and kind. Even when the patience is tested and stretched and pulled to the limit.

Thankfully, God is love, He is the source of all patience, kindness and gentleness. And He freely gives as much as I need to get through even the toughest day with the most energetic group of children.

All I have to do is remember to ask.

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Morning Musing Over Coffee - The Jesus They See In Me

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Sunday I was looking through the notebook I use to take notes during Sunday School and the sermon on Sunday mornings and I came across this note from a couple months ago -

Sometimes it easy to say "People just don't want Jesus." The truth is people do want Jesus, they just don't want the Jesus they see in you.

I think there is way more truth in this than we sometimes would like to admit. I know, personally, there are way too many days when an onlooker could easily say, if she's an ambassador for Jesus, if she's an example of what a person who walks with Jesus is like, I don't need that. And yet deep inside there is still the longing for the peace that only Jesus (the source of truth and peace) can bring.

It's something I really need to remember today.

Morning Musing Over Coffee - Christians as Nourishing Flowers

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Christians are like the several flowers in a garden that have each of them the dew of Heaven, which, being shaken with the wind, they let fall at each others roots, whereby they are jointly nourished, and become nourishers of each other.

~ John Bunyan ~

~ Linking Here ~



Morning Musing Over Coffee - Thoughts on Humility

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Over at Ann Voskamp's blog A Holy Experience the topic today and for the next three Wednesdays is The Practice of Humility.

I wasn't too sure I had anything to say on this topic. I've been thinking about humility all week and still nothing that I wanted to write about. Humility tends to have some very negative connotations for me, along the lines of allowing others to run roughshod over me as I passively accept it.

Until late last night.

Some nights my four year old has a very hard time sleeping. He tosses and turns and cries out. He checks to make sure I'm there with him but then cannot seem to allow himself to be comforted.  Last night started out as one of those nights. Then, just as I was deciding it was going to be a very long night he did something a little different. He reached out and grabbed my hand and held onto it. And fell peacefully asleep.

And then it hit me.

What a sweet example of humility. Simply saying "I need you. Will you hold my hand awhile?"

We all want to be needed. And it we're honest (and not too proud) we all know there are times when we need someone else to simply hold our hand awhile. We're all in this life together. And when we offer a hand and are willing to reach for and accept a hand to hold onto, we are practicing humility in all it's beauty.

~ Linking Here~

Walk With Him Wednesday
The Wednesday Window

Morning Musing Over Coffee - Where I Can Be Me and You Can Be You

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As I begin a new day I find myself thinking of two quotes I read last night. They are both from the book Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado.

And here they are.

1. God never called you to be anyone other than you.

2. If you aren't you we don't get you. The world misses out.

3. You play no small part, because there is no small part to be played.

Wow!

This is so freeing to me. I am not the way I am by accident. I am created to be me and me alone. Not who or what someone else wants me to be. Not even who I think I should be compared to those around me. I am simply meant to be uniquely me. In fact, it is important that I embrace the person that God has made to be because this is where I am most effective for Him and most fulfilled as a person.

And this allows me to go into my day with a freedom and joy that cannot be found when I am trying to be a person I'm not meant to be.

~ Linking Here ~
Titus 2sdays
Simply Homemaking
The Wednesday Window
Women Living Well
A Holy Experience

Morning Musing Over Coffee - Creativity and the Signature of God

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"Creativity is not necessarily a special calling or gift from God to the few, it is a natural expression of the fact that we are created in the image of God, who is the Creator. It is His thumbprint on our souls, a part of His signature. The real question is "How will I live out this fingerprint of God on my life?"

~ Michael Card ~

 I first read this quote on the side bar at  Create With Joy have been pondering it since then.

Then last night just before I went to sleep I was reading The Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado and a couple things I read seemed to fit with this.

Here a few of those quotes

"God endows us with gifts so we can make Him known." page 3

"Stand at the intersection of your affection and successes and find your uniqueness." page 4

"Your ability unveils your destiny." page 6

And finally  this verse which he included -

"The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others." I Corinthians 12:7 CEV

~ Linking Here ~
MONDAY - The Week In Words, Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood TUESDAY - Titus 2sday Wednesday - Women Living Well



Morning Musing Over Coffee - In Which I Fall Down - And Am Lifted Up Again

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 Something about Monday always makes me a little excited. I think it's the feeling of having a new start, and the idea that there are some fun adventures coming up.

And this week I'm even more happy to see Monday. Why? Because it was a rough weekend. Last week I was not feeling good at all. Sinus pain and pressure was making my head ache. I caught the cold that the kids have been passing around. The dog made me fall and I wrenched my knee. I was trying to adjust to the new summer schedule which means more activity than usual. And I thought I had done a really good job of holding my own through it all, of keeping on keeping on, not complaining, smiling and laughing and keeping things fun for everyone in spite of it all. I dealt with all the things that kids with autism, ADHD, biplar, NLD managed to throw my way with a side of croup and strep throat for good measure.  I tried not to burden anyone else with my problems but to respect that the fact that others had challenges as well.  Honestly, I was having fun  making it all work well in spite of the challenges. Not that everything was perfect but it was pretty darn good.

And then I felt like I got slapped across the face over a little detail that really wasn't mine to be responsible for in the first place.

 And it  HURT!

I kept trying to shake it off but somehow it just wasn't happening. I wrote a scathing post Saturday morning, just to vent, but couldn't bring myself to hit publish because I knew I needed to calm down.

I struggled all weekend.

But this morning a fresh realization dawned on me that no matter how badly I felt I was treated it was nothing compared to how badly Jesus was treated.

For me!

 And that no matter how much I felt like I had given to others it was really nothing compared to how much Jesus gave.

 For me!

And that no matter how much I needed to forgive it was nothing compared to what  Jesus chose to forgive.

For me!

And that Jesus triumphed over death itself and rose in victory, in order to provide that same victory in all areas of life for all of us.

For me!

For you!

For all who make mistakes and hurt others. For all who are hurt by those mistakes. For all who struggle in so many ways, both in the same areas as I do and in all other areas.

Because we are all human and make these mistakes. If I'm honest I know of times I've done it to others.

So, on this Monday morning, I am choosing to accept that gift of victory.

I am choosing to walk in love, in forgiveness, in the humility of knowing that I too make the same mistakes ( and far worse ones) and need that same forgiveness and love. I am choosing to walk in joy.

It's Monday!

A new start. New lessons - or rather old lessons learned again. New adventures.

I'm ready. Anyone want to join me?

~ Linking Here ~
Soli Deo Gloria

The Wednesday Window
Walk With Him Wednesdays
Thought Provoking Thursday

Morning Musing Over Coffee - Laughing at God? Or Laughing With Him?

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I'm sitting outside this morning, enjoying the coolness of the day before the heat that I know is coming. I have my laptop with me and just read Genesis 17 online.

This chapter talks about God coming to Abraham and making a covenant with him. Also in this chapter God promises Abraham and Sarah a son. And Abraham laughs. I'm always struck when I read this chapter at the audacity of Abraham laughing at God. And immediately after I laugh at Abraham for laughing at God, I'm brought up short by the realization that I am way to often guilty of the same type of reaction.

God says He will supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19). Yet I worry. Not as much as I used to but I still find myself slipping back into worry sometimes.

God says nothing is impossible with Him (Luke 1:37). Yet all too often I live in a realm of self imposed limitations.

We know that Abraham and Sarah did have a son. And I'm sure that they were once again laughing. But this time it was with the joy in the awesome work of God. And I'm sure God was laughing with them. Because He takes joy in the joy of His people.

I would much rather be laughing with God than at Him.

Wouldn't you?

~ Linking Here ~
Living Well Wednesdays
Titus 2sdays

Tap Dancing on My Toes

As our pastor began preaching and I realized that his topic today was on forgiveness I settled back comfortably, ready to listen but feeling like I was in pretty good shape in this area.

He talked about how forgiveness is a choice. I know that. He said it's an ongoing process. I know that. And then he said that building walls around yourself to keep others out is one sign of unforgiveness. And suddenly he was tap dancing all over my toes.

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I'm very good at building walls and slamming doors shut and locking them tight. I put up the "I forgive you, it's all forgotten and now you can't reach me" wall very well. I can smile, be friendly and sweet natured and have my heart behind locked doors.

But Jesus entire ministry was based on forgiveness and tearing down walls. His ultimate goal was to build relationships and extend love to the very people whose sin was causing Him to be nailed to the cross. It was about opening doors, about freedom.

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Is there risk involved with opening doors and tearing down walls? Of course there is. But there is an even bigger danger in hiding behind the supposed safety of fear inspired barricades. Because not only am I keeping something away, I am closing myself away from so many blessing that were meant for me.

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

I'm not sure how to go about beginning to break down some walls but I know the time has come to begin. It scares me a little to even write these words but this dancing on my toes is getting a little uncomfortable.

~ Linking Here ~



Waiting For a Call?



What is something new God is asking you to step out in?

This is the question asked at Faith Barista today.

When I saw the topic for today I was a little excited. I found myself wondering as I meditated on this question what wonderful adventure God was going to show me. Surely now that I was ready and listening I was going to hear something big and wonderful.

I waited but there was nothing. I searched my mind, wondering if somewhere along the way I had received a hint and missed it. Nothing. I tried to listen harder. Still nothing.

Then, slowly, a light began to dawn. I am, right now, in the work God has called me too. When I stop being restless and looking for something else I know that.

My calling is to minister right now, where I am.

To the children who are in my care every day, my own and the children of others. There are so many precious little individuals with distinct personalities looking to me each day for love and direction. There are so many talents that need nurturing. So many challenges that need a loving helping hand as we work to rise above them.

There are the families of each of these children who bless me in so many ways and who I am proud to be friends with. We are in each other's lives for a reason, to learn and walk together on the journey of raising little ones.

And within these roles are so many ways for me, personally to grow and learn. To develop new skills and learn new concepts and ideas. To share what I learn and learn from others.

And there is this little space here where I share my life and take a peak into the lives of others. Here is where I am challenged to think and to express those thoughts in a way that adds to the community. Here is where I am so frequently encouraged and enriched by the words and experiences and wisdom of others.

I am blessed and I know it.

I am called and I know it.

Now, the challenge for me is to walk out in the knowledge of that blessing and calling and be the person God has created me to be in confidence, knowing that He who gives the call also gives the strength and wisdom to live the call.

 

 

Two Bowls - Servanthood or Serving Self

Today in Sunday School we studied the sixth session of studying the book Compelled by Love by Ed Stetzer and Philip Nation. Along with the book there is a video segment presented by the authors for each chapter.

The part that really caught my attention was when the authors spoke of the two bowls of water involved in the true story of the crucifixion of Jesus.

The first bowl is the bowl of water Jesus used to wash his disciples feet. This bowl represents servanthood. And not only servanthood to those who were faithful to Him. Jesus washed the feet of those who He knew would sleep through his hour of agony in the garden. He washed the feet of the man who would deny him three time in one night. He washed the feet of the one who would doubt His resurrection. And he washed the feet of the one He knew would betray Him before the night was over.

Servanthood in it's purest form.

The second bowl is seen when Pilate stood before the crowd of people filled with blood lust and washed his hands as a symbol of his innocence of the blood of this blameless man. And then he walked away, turning his back on his own responsibility as he tried to deny the guilt of taking the cowards way out. A total opposite of servanthood, this act of self service and the inability to take a stand for another.

A true story from long ago that still has relevance today.

Which bowl do I choose when faced with the choice of serving or turning my back?

Do I pick and choose who is "worthy" of being served?

If Jesus used the same criteria to decide whether or not I am "worthy" of the ultimate act of servanthood He performed for me that I use to decide another's "worthiness" where would I stand now?



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Forever

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)

When Gladness and Hunger Meet

Last Sunday our Sunday School class was talking about having a calling. The comment was made that the need is the call. This simple statement has been on my mind ever since. It also reminded me of a quote that I used to have on the refrigerator by Frederick Buechner. I looked it up to make sure I had the wording correct.

"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.

~Frederick Buechner ~

Another quote that I find meaningful in thinking about my calling or about what God wants me to do is this -

Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.

~ Mother Teresa ~

So often finding our calling can be achieved simply being the person God made you to be in place you find yourself right now.

Another way to put it could be - bloom where you are planted.

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This post will be linked to Hear it On Sunday, Use it One Monday, Women Living Well, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Faith Filled Friday,  and Thought Provoking Thursday.



Most Sinful Man?

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I wrote yesterday about one of the topics that were talked about in our Sunday School class that morning. And though I found myself very fascinated with Joel 2:13, I did manage to catch a few other things from the discussion (and even join in a little.)

Here is another thought that caught my attention. It was posed as a question.

Who was the most sinful man on earth?

I can think of a few people who seem like candidates for that list -Adolph Hitler or Jeffrey Dahmer seem like they could go on that list. Their crimes against humanity were horrible, their sins were about as black as I can imagine sins to be.

But neither of them were even mentioned.

Because the greatest sinner on earth - was Jesus.

For that period of time, when He hung on the cross, He took all the sins of the world on Himself. For that interval He bore the sins of Hitler, Dahmer, and every other person who ever was, is or will be upon Himself.

Can you imagine the weight of all those sins? No wonder there were several hours of darkness, with all those sins in one place.

And He took on the punishment for all these sins freely, with an all consuming love for the sinner. And our part of the bargain? - Receive the gift. Receive the gift of forgiveness, of our penalty being paid.

What an awesome gift at such an awful price.

Joel 2:13

Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:13

Today in Sunday School we looked at the second chapter of the book - Compelled by Love.

I was so caught by the first sentence in this verse from Joel that I had a bit of a hard time keeping up with the rest of the conversation.

Rend your hearts and not garments.

To rend means to tear. What if my heart was truly torn in repentance for my sometimes uncaring attitude toward the will of God and the lack of true love I sometimes have toward those around me?

What if, instead of these unfruitful attitudes, I instead showed graciousness, compassion, patience and love?

Not just talked about it (rending my garments) but lived it (rending my heart)?

There is a difference.

Meditations From Bubble Island

See, there's this game on Facebook called Bubble Island that I am seriously addicted too. There's just something about popping all those bubbles that makes me ridiculously giddy. And that little raccoon is happy to keep handing me more bubbles as fast as I can shoot them. Before I'm really even aware of it I can lose a whole hour popping those little bubbles. And even after I'm aware of it I can lose a whole lot more time.

But . . .

I think all this bubble popping may have served a valuable purpose. As I was popping bubbles this evening I noticed a few things. In this game if you waste a bubble by shooting in the wrong direction or not popping any other bubbles with it your next bubble popping turns do not rack up as many points. After I realized that important little point I began playing it safe, trying to always leave myself some bubbles of each color to pop  in case I needed them. And my score began dropping ever further.

Because playing it safe doesn't get me very far. Going for the gold (so to speak) gets me somewhere. Reaching for the stars gets me somewhere. Shooting for the top brings results. Sometimes launching those bubbles further than I can see is the way to go. Strategic thinking along with risk taking gets me somewhere. Playing it safe gets me nowhere exept the land of mediocrity (not to mention a sad little raccoon.)

Real life is like that sometimes. It may seem wise to play it safe but where does it really get me. When an idea just won't leave maybe it's time to follow it and see where it takes me. I read somewhere once that ideas are like little gifts from God. When we open them what we find may not seem so safe. But that's not going to get me where God is trying to take me. It's not going to pop any of my bubbles of fear, worry and doubt. I may have to take that little bubble (idea) he gives me to pop some other bubbles (the aforementioned fear, worry and doubt) that are just hanging around in my way. Oh, I could just give those ideas a half hearted little toss and say I'm playing the game. I'm making the moves. I launched the idea and, see, it didn't amount to a whole lot. And now I still have all these other options around me that were here before to launch another idea at.

Or I could give it everything I have, launch the bubble (idea) high where everyone can see, take a risk and go for the gold. And rejoice in the results. Because God doesn't give little trinkets for gifts. When He gives us an idea, a calling, an opportunity, He's giving us something big. And He's going to stand behind us and guide that idea to it's intended destination. But first we have to be willing to launch. To leave the comfort zone and aim high.

And while the payoff won't be a happy jumping raccoon, it will be something so much better. Something beyond our imagination.

"For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Lets go pop some bubbles.

Compelled By Love

"For Christ's love compels us" 2 Corinthians 5:14 (HCSB)

The church my family and I attend has begun a study called Compelled by Love and today was the first day of the study. All the Sunday School classes are studying this and there are Bible studies throughout the week focusing on this study.

The main focus of this study is that we are compelled by love for those around us to share the the Gospel and God's love wherever we are.

Here are a few thoughts from Sunday School as well as the sermon, which had the same focus.

God began His relationship with man by giving. Genesis 1:26

We sometimes hesitate to share the gospel with those we know because we don't know how they will view us if we do. This is because we are still focusing on ourselves instead of the love God has for the other person. The love that should be flowing through us to them.

The Gospel is best shared through building relationships, showing God's love and sharing God's Word.

God is love.

This question in the handout we were given really stood out to me.

If love became the central compulsion in your life, how would the following areas of your life change?

Marriage?

Parenting?

Work relationships?

Life with your church family?

Your study group?

And to that I would add-

Neighbors?

Friends?

How would you answer these questions? I'm still working my answers.

This post is linked to Hear It On Sunday, Use It On Monday and Thought Provoking Thursdays.