Pausing for Thanksgiving: Abound in Hope

Please welcome my guest, Lore Switzer:

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

I was grumpy by the time we arrived at the airport. Living three days without power after an unseasonable October snowstorm, packing, and coming up with “Plan B” for kids and animals was not pleasant!

Our Charlotte flight blinked “DELAYED” at the gate. I threw back my head and groaned knowing we’d miss our connecting flight. Then, there it was ̶ “Plan C”-winking back at me. A direct flight to Raleigh-Durham ̶ and we’d arrive two hours early ̶ minus a commute.

 Picking up our rental car in a different city than the drop off? Not so easy. Paying $300 for that privilege? Unacceptable. No time for negotiations. We boarded the plane ̶ hoping for the best.

 Settling in for the ride, I opened my notes and stumbled onto this:

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Believe. Believe like Jesus. Live who I am ̶ His beloved daughter filled with hope ̶ on whom his favor rests. Could this be a situation for God to prove himself mighty? I couldn’t wait to land and see all that God had in store.

Upon arrival, our airline switched our tickets showing a Raleigh departure AND waived the $300 fee due to the snow storm outages. I was more than excited. How fun to walk in God’s favor!

Oh, but there’s more…

A line of mustangs caught our attention at the car rental agency. We thought how exciting to tool around in one of those and inquired about it. Our friendly agent sympathized with our snow-storm-living-with-no-power-for-three-days-flight-delay-story, but unfortunately the mustang rental was substantially more than the subcompact. So we smiled and said, “Thanks anyway,” and he handed us our contract and keys with a wink.

There we stood at the designated parking spot ̶ the one that matched the number on our contract ̶ staring at a shiny, black Mustang. I couldn’t contain myself any longer and started jumping up and down and laughing and thinking, “My Father loves me! My Heavenly Father delights in me!” He provided exceedingly and abundantly beyond all I asked or imagined.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

 

Lore Switzer celebrates 25 years married to the love of her life and serving alongside him in ministry. Together they are proud parents to 4 children and Lore loves to mother those who want to come along.   She also enjoys quilting, reading, gardening and connecting with friends and family but her greatest joy is deepening her relationship with her heavenly father and learning to walk in the light of his love and favor.

Pausing for Thanksgiving: Be Still

Today's blog is written by Renee Rowell, blogger and She Speaks graduate.

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10 

What a wonderful time of year. The onset of autumn with its peaceful, amber glow as the leaves change color and the earth settles into rest from summer's heat. The cool, crisp air carries the familiar fragrances of woody pine cones, falling leaves and the occasional scent of burning wood as fireplaces are lit. The anticipation of family, friends, fellowship and feasting begins to excite and stir the heart.

Ahhhh....simple pleasures.

It’s not long before this quiet reverie is interrupted by the hustle and bustle ritual of what we think it takes to enjoy these simple pleasures:

Prepare the guest list. Check it twice. Make sure no one is left out. Buy the turkey and all the trimmings. Gather all the recipes. Check the pantry to be sure it's stocked. Clean the house to such a sheen that it would make Martha Stewart proud. Carefully place all the decorations so the house looks like the cover of the holiday issue of Southern Living.

Then, there are the questions: Where is that tablecloth...the one that I purchased at last year’s end-of-the-season sale and kept in a safe place to use this year? Will there be enough food? How many days does the turkey need to thaw? Is the guestroom warm enough?

But amid the waves of stress and emotion the gentle voice of the Father reminds us to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

 Being still is a three-part process:

• Pause (a temporary stop)-reflect on God's goodness in your life
• Breathe (to pause and rest before continuing)-take a deep breath, and let your spirit rest
• Be thankful (participate in thankfulness)-call a friend and tell them how much they mean to you. Write a letter to loved ones who cannot be with you during the holidays. Tell your family how much you love them.

Being still requires little effort and brings everything else into perspective, and peace will rule the day.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with many pleasant and peaceful pauses and heartfelt thanks for simple pleasures.

Renee Rowell
Life Outside the Margins

Renee Rowell, lives in Elgin, SC with her husband David and their youngest son. Their eldest son is serving overseas in the U. S. Airforce. For the past twenty-five years she and David have served shoulder-to-shoulder in worship ministry and presently minister at The Church of the Harvest in Lexington, SC. Renee's current projects are blogging at Life Outside the Margins and authoring a book, Loving Like Jesus Loves: Strengthening Your Heart for the Extra Mile. Renee welcomes visitors to her blog or facebook page.

Pausing for Thankfulness: Really Giving Thanks

Please welcome guest blogger and She Speaks graduate, Angela Mackey:

Angela Mackey
Guest Blogger
Rethinking My Thinking

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name." Hebrews 13:15

My heart felt torn. My eyes burned as tears threatened to spill. I cleared my throat, "Thank you." I nodded my head willing that she know how deeply grateful I felt. This was no polite thank-you like I say to the lady who took my order at the drive-thru, but the I-was-in-desperate-need-and-you-answered-the-call type.

How often do I offer feeble thanks to God? The polite thank-you for the socks you got for Christmas rather than thanks that comes from a humble heart.

Is it possible that we forget we are in desperate need–that without Jesus we are hopeless, helpless, enemies of God? Real thanksgiving comes from a humble heart. A heart that realizes I could never have done this alone and I can never repay you for what you have done.

Isn't that what God did for us through His Son? But we forget, we justify ourselves. We think we aren't that bad, we could somehow work our way to heaven. Then suddenly the gifts we could never earn turn into something we demand to have. We think we have earned a life free of strife, illness, financial burdens, relational stress, and loss. Instead of "a sacrifice of praise" (Hebrews 13:15) we reluctantly mumble, "thanks God." All the time wishing He gave us a box of chocolates rather than a fishing pole.

We lose sight of how desperately we need a Savior. We forget our original state. We were "God's enemies" (Romans 5:10), "slaves to sin" (Romans 6:6), and our "minds were blinded" (2 Corinthians 4:4). All our good deeds are like "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). Max Lucado once likened us to a "lame leper begging for a back on which to ride."

Oh that we would come to God from that humble state of mind. Remembering who we are without Him. Knowing our desperate need and thanking Him from that humbled state. It is from that humbled place we can offer thanksgiving in the painful things of life. When we remember our nature before He saved us, we can see that all God gives is grace.

Let us pause to remember the desperate situation He saved us from and let us give thanks with that in mind.


Angela Mackey lives in the Arkansas River Valley with her wonderfully supportive husband and three amazing children. She is passionate about teaching women to renew their minds through God’s word so that they may live transformed lives. Angela is a writer, speaker, nurse, and stay-at-home mom who openly shares her struggle with infertility. She loves college basketball (especially the Kansas Jayhawks), reading, writing, and laughing at herself. You can connect with her on her blog, Rethinking My Thinking , on Twitter and on Facebook.

Pausing for Thankfulness: All Things New

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

She stared at her name--four letters swirled in blue ink across the page.

Her identity--past and present, good and bad--captured by one simple word. So simple, her forth grade face flushed from it's unmelodious sound sung in music class. 

Life's disappointments named her, too: small, unnoticeable, insignificant. Her heart believed life's shouts, birthing shame packaged in shyness--squelched creative expression.

She was good. Deep down, she knew this. She. Was. Good. But her ears only heard the Enemy scream, "Not. Good. Enough."

Her core raged anger. Silent war waged against her heart. Walls went up and she took up arms--arms with clenched fists--against those who loved her, including the One who made her.

But He pursued, whispering "You. Are. Enough" until she heard Him. His grace-full hands reached down deep--rescued her heart.

His forgiveness freely given--freely received with unclenched hands--begged to be freely offered. And her fingers curled inwards. "But..." she started. His tender fingers gently silenced her words. "Give me your heart--wounds and all. Let me restore it--make it new," he said.

And as He restored, her walls crumbled, her fingers unfurled and her arms raised in praise to the One who makes all things new--even her. 

Delighted, she asked, "How can I ever repay you?"

"You can't. But you can forgive as I have forgiven you," was his reply. "If you want to know true restoration, true freedom--then forgive."

She felt small again, traveling that narrow road called forgiveness. The journey was long but not impossible. He came with her. Walked ahead and sometimes carried her over dangerous passes. But, they made it and He stepped aside so she could offer her gift--forgiveness--with open hands.

Her gift offered became her gift received--freedom. She felt new deep down inside--heart new.

All this raced through her mind, still staring at her name. "How do you speak my name, God? What do you sing over me?" she dared.

God spoke, "Every day is new, pure, bright. You are all things new. Crawl upon my lap and watch me write your story on pure, white pages--words written in love, with my Son's blood. You see, your story begins new. Through Jesus, all things are new. You are new."

"Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said to me, 'Write, for these words are true and faithful.'” Revelation 21:5

Pausing for Thankfulness: In All Circumstances

It's an honor to welcome guest blogger and She Speaks graduate, Heather Ablondi

Heather Ablondi
Guest Blogger
Reclaiming Our Royal Inheritance



“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Marrying my best friend. Celebrating my daughter’s first birthday. Moving into our first house. Welcoming two more daughters into our family. All of these are blessings from God for which I am very thankful.
 
My father’s alcohol and drug addiction. His death in a drunk driving crash that he caused. My first daughter’s premature birth and subsequent 89 day stay in the hospital. The four months that my husband worked last year, but didn’t get paid. Can I honestly say that I am thankful for these, as well?

It is so very easy to be grateful when life is going well and all is working out as planned. It can be so much harder to have a heart of gratitude when the unexpected happens or when we experience great loss.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Does God really expect us to be thankful for the difficult and painful times? I believe that the answer can be found in the following verse:

“He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

2 Corinthians 1:4

It is during the difficult times in my life that I have drawn closer to God to receive the comfort that only He can give. On the other side of the valley, I find that my faith has grown deeper and stronger. It is for that growth that I can be exceedingly grateful.

Because of my father’s death, a message of sobriety has been shared with nearly 100,000 young people across our country. I have been able to wrap my arms around a teenage girl who is aching for the love of her absent father and tell her that I understand.

Since my daughter’s premature birth, God has allowed me to walk with other families as they ride what is called the “NICU roller coaster.”

During these difficult financial times, I have been able to share how incredibly God takes care of us and provides for all of our needs.
Most importantly, I have been able to share the comfort that can only come from God, the same comfort with which I was comforted.

So while I certainly wish that my father was still alive or that my daughter didn’t have to endure the trauma of an early birth, I can honestly say that, yes, I am thankful. Thankful not necessarily for the circumstance, but rather for the opportunities to share God’s great love that came as a result.

Author Bio: Heather Ablondi is a homeschooling mom to her three preemie princesses. She resides in Fredericksburg, VA with her husband Steven. In her “BC” life (before children), she worked as the Young Driver Safety Program Coordinator for the State of Maryland. She traveled the country for 10 years sharing the story of her father’s life and death with students in an effort to keep them from making the same mistakes. Currently, she shares the messages that God has placed on her heart through her blog and at various women’s ministry events.

You may visit Heather at her blog, Reclaiming Our Royal Inheritance or on Facebook.   

Pausing for Thanksgiving: Shoebox Letters

"Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord." Psalm 102:18

Tucked away up under the eaves sits an army-green footlocker full of early courting mementos and shoebox letters. 

We lived eight hours apart that first year, a decade before desktop computers and cell phones, so our affection spilled across blank pages at least three times a week.

 Those personal, hand-written words expressing emotions, drawing visions of our future now lay stacked atop one another--hidden treasures for future generations.

David, the shepherd boy and king, poured love-words out. Long days and nights spent in solitude--watching, feeling, expressing--living life. David's psalms, heart-cries, gratitudes to God, the creator of everything--stored away.

Opening Psalms today, I felt like a child discovering his hidden treasure of shoebox love letters to God. His raw affection poured out for all to read--uncontainable emotions, hopes, dreams, and prayers. His letters written not only to his audience of One, but "for a future generation, that a people not yet created (you and me) may praise the Lord" (Psalm 102:18).

Envisioning the eyes of future generations combing my words is something I often ponder as a writer. My shoebox love letters tell the story of courtship meant only for my family's eyes. I imagine our children, grandchildren, maybe great grandchildren giggling and crying over them as our story unfolds in their imaginations.

Yet, I wonder of my other writings--my public words. What do these words tell of my heart? Do they accurately tell my love story between me and God? Do they move the reader to worship? Do they bring glory to God?

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

It's been a privilege meeting some She Speaks writers this summer through Proverbs 31 Ministries. Their words move my heart to worship and praise God every time I read their blogs. I'm excited to host a few of them right here on Dawn's New Day throughout November and December.  Our first guest post will be this Thursday, November 10th by Heather Albondi. I know you'll be blessed as she pauses for thanksgiving.

Pausing for Thanksgiving: God's Splendor

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." Psalm 29:2

Daybreak reveals early snow devastation along crooked country roads. Rugged trees toppled, limbs weighed down, bent low, snapped, dangling like loose teeth. Fire-reds, brilliant yellows, orange hues--all muted.  Autumn's splendor stolen. Nature askew.

Road bends, curves, climbs. Movement ahead. I brake slow. Graceful doe eyes blink left, then right--white tail cautions. My heart leaps joy watching her join doe-eyed sisters under wooded cover. God's grandeur in creation.

One kind woman stops at my table of books. Our hearts connect and before she parts, lifts her eyes, a hand--whispers God's blessing. She didn't realize my ears heard. God's beauty in spoken word.

We rake brown leaves for jumping. Three-year-old granddaughter notices, "Grams, this flower is my favorite color. May I pick it?" Delicate pink blooms frozen in time, survived the storm. God's glory on thorny bush.

And I think, who is God that I should ever be disappointed? Amidst the storm, through devastation and disappointment His glory still shines forth. Everything, everywhere begs us worship Him. But, will we? Will we train our eyes to notice his glory?

Will you be watchful today for God-glory around you? 

"Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" Exodus 15:11

Lord,
How majestic is your name. How wonderful your glory shows all around. Teach us to be mindful of you, ever watching, ever listening for you. Reveal yourself to us today, that we may worship you.

Thankful Thursday: Broken Limbs

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

October snow melts under warming skies lifting its icy hold on still green earth. I venture out mindful of broken limbs piled high against scarred trees through town.

I take the narrow wooded road. Unmarked hazards slow me, cause fear. I almost turn back, but her lonely waiting, needy anticipation begs me come. I creep up toward the hill where she sits behind brick and glass nursing her own broken limb.

She too is scarred from unprecedented storms. Her once strong limb carried her miles around New England town each day, now lays broken, bruised and braced. She sits wishing for younger, stronger, healthier, less lonely times. Who wouldn't? She prays, too--for healing--with faith and patience and thanks. She who lives broken gives thanks.

Thankfulness in the midst of brokenness. Thanks for brokenness. Is this what God wants?

God never delights in our trouble but without brokenness how can anyone know his mercy, healing power, forgiveness or strength? Not even Jesus could know these things without suffering: "...it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation {Jesus} perfect through suffering." Hebrews 2:10

We offer God our broken sacrifice of praise and somehow he comes--God our healer. God our provider. God our strength. God our salvation--he comes close.

Her nurse meets me at the door. "She's feeling puny today--a bit under the weather."

More suffering. More brokenness. And before I leave, she who lives broken, gives thanks.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Pause for Thanksgiving: Light-Bright

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6

Did you own a Lite Brite by Hasbro? You know the jingle, "Lite Brite, makin' thi-ings with li-i-ight. Outta sight, makin' things with Lite Brite." I never owned one but I bought one for myself--*cough, *cough--I mean, bought one for my kids when they knew electric sockets were for plugs NOT fingers.

Lite Brite’s simple design--a hollow, plastic, triangular shell with a pegboard screen and a light bulb inside--didn't impress my kids at first glance. After all, what's so exciting about a bunch of white stamped dots on black, back-lit paper? But once they saw the pattern emerging from the illuminated colored pegs, their excitement grew and their fingers flew faster from pegs to board.

I got to thinking, we're a lot like a Lite Brite: born by God's design, embodying great potential and color with his imprint on our souls.

Following the design--setting one peg at a time in its place--is a slow, tedious process. Unlike Lite Brite's stamped patterns, our life is not a DIY design with easy, numbered instructions. Instead, God only reveals his pattern for our lives as we seek intimate relationship with him through his son, Jesus Christ (plug into the Source).

Once we take that step, the Bible says the Holy Spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:16) and illuminates us to the knowledge and glory of God by salvation through Christ:

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will." Romans 8:27

 Learning to follow God's lead through the promptings of his Holy Spirit takes patience too. We must set time aside to listen for and recognize God's voice from within, through Scripture, and through other believers. Once we recognize his voice, we have a choice--to willingly obey him or go our own way.

Taking little steps of obedience are like placing the colored pegs on the Lite Brite pattern. Each peg--each step--illuminates God's Holy Spirit from within. When the last peg is placed or the last step is taken we can step back and see the result of perfect cooperation between us and the Master Designer.

Imagine your life as a Lite Brite, today and ask yourself these questions:

• Am I plugged into God, the source of Light?
• Do I spend time listening for God's voice?
• Am I following God's pattern by obeying His voice?
• Have I lost patience, given up and gone my own way?

Lord, thank you for the gift of Light through the life, death and resurrection of your son, Jesus. I accept your gift and ask that your Holy Spirit shine brightly through me according to your plan for my life. Grant me patience to persevere when I'm frustrated with following the pattern or just weary from life so that in the end, your glory shines through as a beautiful masterpiece. Amen

"But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” John 3:21

Pausing for Thanksgiving: Tricks and Treats

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Psalm 100:4

It's November 1st and unlike the retail businesses, we're pressing the pause button instead of fast forwarding into Christmas. We're stopping to open our eyes, slow our pace, and breathe deeply of God's grace, presence, and provision in our daily lives between now and Thanksgiving Day. It's my prayer that you will be inspired to do the same and share your thankfulness with this blogging community.

Our hearts quicken listening to unprecedented October blizzard winds howl. Heavy laden limbs creak cold in midnight winds, then snap. Breath holds while lights flicker, waiting for dark. We pace and pray...pace and pray...ever watching until sleep overwhelms.

Morning light proves snow hit New England hard. Phone lines open. Family all safe. Some sought shelter. Our lives spared. Hot coffee slides down deep warming to our core.

Last night, snowmen dot lawns with jack-o-lantern heads. Giggling, costumed children traipse through green leaves and crunchy snow shouting, "Trick or Treat!"

While many surrounding towns sit dark and cold forced to cancel celebrations, we whisper thanks for God's protection through the storm. Surely, some tricks amongst the treats this Halloween. 

  Lord, we thank your for your protection through this storm. We praise you for family, laughter, and treats and surprises around every corner.

Thankful Thursday: Family

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Strong, skilled hands built it to last. Every beam and stainless steel bolt driven by love for his grandchildren. Standing tall and sturdy, I wondered how we'd ever take it down when they grew up--too cool or too big for it.

After countless swings and slippery slides, secret forts built with sheets secured with clothespins I think it's time to disassemble. But no. Instead it becomes the teenage hangout and quiet conversation spot.

Standing underneath that sturdy frame on a cool autumn day, twenty-two years of memories wrap warm around me. My son's image smiles back at me from that familiar swing--blond hair, the same overlapping front teeth, that familiar twinkle.

I call my granddaughter by her auntie's name. Wasn't it just yesterday that I pushed my daughter way up high? We sing silly made-up songs, listen to songbirds and slide down that sheet of stainless steel--all connected in love.

That's how God forms families. When we include him--invite him to build our family foundation--he fastens us together and builds us to last. From generation to generation he promises to bless those who honor him.

"His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation." Luke 1:50

Today I breathe gratitude for:

• Godly foundations
• God's images in our faces
• Sturdy hands who built in love
• Children who still love coming home
• Generational blessings
• Silly, made-up songs
• Swinging and sliding
• Building forts fastened with clothespins

Stepping Into Our Role

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

2 Corinthians 9:8

She leaped onto center stage unabashedly and sang her heart out in the middle of Doolittle Park. This grandma, proudly looking on from the circle of park benches, noticed her granddaughter's delight and confidence in her own performance. 

Bending low at the waist to her audience of one, I couldn't help but wonder, "What if we all stepped into our God-given roles with such free abandon?" What if we stopped worrying about what other's thought of us, what we looked like, or if we were holy enough? What if we just stepped into our role with fearless abandon--without questioning God? What would that look like? How would that change us? How would that affect others?

If your like me, when God asks you to step onto center stage, you hesitate and ask God if He's mistaken, "You talkin' to me, God?" Then, you spend weeks, months, years maybe asking for confirmation. I think confirmation is necessary to make sure you're in sync with God's will, but when you know that you know...then enough already...step out in faith and obedience. Stop feeling self-conscious and keep your eyes fixed on heaven. He will direct your paths.

I say this knowing these decisions to follow God are difficult because although He leads, sometimes His path, His way is difficult. Stepping into our God-given role  might look different than the all-American dream of a house, two cars, 2 1/2 kids and a dog. It might mean giving up the American dream and living uncomfortably on faith day by day.

I don't know what your role looks like, but I do know we all have a role to play in God's big story. What's your role? Have you ever thought about it? Have you ever asked God what part he wants you to play? If you know, what's holding you back from leaping onto center stage?

"For I know the plans 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

Journey Towards Healing: Shedding the Old Labels

"...you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow." Isaiah 62:2

Penny welcomed me into the neighborhood that first day.  Although complete opposites, we remained best friends until the day I moved. Her size and personality overshadowed me but I didn't notice until some boys pointed it out.

Pedaling around the new housing development we rounded a corner where these boys played football on their side lawn--Penny leading, of course. "Fat bannana, skinny bannana! Fat bannana, skinny bannana!" they taunted until we disappeared out of sight. My eyes dampened, my face flushed embarassment and my heart wounded. They labeled us without permission.

Isn't it like that when we fall victim to unwarranted heart wounds of any type? Wounds usually occur without permisson and instantly label us--fatty, skinny, stupid, clumsy, ugly, abandoned, unwanted--fill in the blank_________.

Thankfully, God offers us a new name when we surrender our wounds to Him through His Son, Jesus. He fully restores our hearts, removes those labels we never asked for, and gives us a new name. He did that all the time throughout history and continues to do that today. Abraham (high father) to Abraham (father of many nations), Sarai (contentious) to Sarah (princess), Simon (he has heard) to Peter (solid rock), and Saul (asked for) to Paul (humble).

Are you ready to shed your old label, your old identity and put on your new name in Christ? Why not spend some quiet time today asking God for your new name. What is it He calls you? Is it blessed, beloved, beautiful, creative, strong, graceful? 

"I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it." Revelation 2:7

Oh God, as we spend time in solitude today, peel away our old identity wrought in pain and woundedness. Breathe on us Holy Spirit, wash and cleanse us by the blood of the Son, Jesus. Whisper our new name over us, oh God, and open our ears to hear and our hearts to believe. May we continue to walk upright in this new identity--one given by You, our Creator. Amen.

Journey Towards Healing: Restoration

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10

The act of forgiveness does not magically erase the years of pain or instantaneously heal our heart wounds but it does realign our hearts with God's. Forgiveness gives us a heavenly perspective that dissolves barriers and  makes restoration possible--restoration of our  relationships, our hearts, and our God-given dreams.

Relational restoration takes time and both parties must be willing to work at this. Complete restoration may not be possible, especially if betrayal was part of the break down. Rebuilding trust is difficult work and in our humanness, forgiveness may have to be extended more than once.

Heart wounds leave scars. This side of heaven, no matter how much time has passed, or how well we've healed, our scars still show. But did you know scar tissue is the strongest tissue in the body? Scars remind us not only of our wounds but more importantly that God healed--restored and made new.

In Madeleine L'Engle's book, A House Like a Lotus, her character Polly O'Keefe says, "There isn't anything that happens that can't teach us something, that can't be turned into something positive. One can't undo what's been done, but one can use it creatively." This is how God makes all things good. He takes our pain, our scars and makes us stronger. He intertwines the desires He's placed deep inside our DNA with our scars and makes something good--if we let Him.

Facing my father--offering him forgiveness face-to-face--took months of courage and constant reminders from the Lord. But oh, the sweet walk of forgiveness can never be replaced and I am so glad I stepped out in obedience. That simple but difficult act not only restored a relationship but released God's blessing of creativity in my life that had been locked up for years. He's placed opportunities in my life beyond my imagination and birthed a ministry of encouragement that is at this moment still a work-in-progress.

Forgiveness is a step of obedience and must precede restoration. Withholding forgiveness builds barriers between you and the other person but also between you and God. Although offering forgiveness takes time and courage, it's the only thing that breaks down those barriers and opens us up to the flow of God's blessing and restoration.

Paul reminds us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" 2 Corinthians 5:17. Won't you allow God to make all things new?

Oh Lord, thank you for your mercy and forgiveness through your son, Jesus. Thank you for restoring us and opening heaven's gates to us. Help us in our humanity, to offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us, in obedience to your will. Restore us one to another and open up the flow of heaven's blessings in our lives. Amen.

Journey Towards Healing: Identify Your Heart Wounds

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." Psalm 139:23

No one wants to read how perfect your life is. It's not real or attainable. People want to know that your heart's been wounded--just like theirs--and you bleed red. And, if by some miracle you find healing, a way to soothe the pain--then lead the way to The Way of healing.

 
We carry wounds merely as citizens of earth--Paradise gone bad. The once perfect world created by God's spoken Word, circumvented by proud, scheming, lying Lucifer. Mankind's disbelief in God as Truth and his belief in Lucifer's lie led to disobedience. His actions wounded us all. Generations later, we still wear the scars of that decision but so removed from Paradise, identifying those wounds proves difficult.
 
The first step toward healing is knowing where you are wounded. Where do you bleed? What holds pain? For me, growing up in a broken family wounded me. It's wasn't anything I did or caused but it was my life. And for decades, unable to identify my heart wounds, my heart oozed pain that affected everyone around me. 
 
Then God.
 
Angry from hitting walls--spiritual, financial, relational--God met me. He asked me, "Do you want to be healed?" Honestly, I wasn't sure. It meant letting go of my identity, my victim mentality--putting on humbleness and walking hard steps of obedience. But through it all God's grace, mercy, patience, and compassion strengthened me.
 
What about you? Do you want to be healed? Will you let God show you where your heart wounds lay? Are you ready to turn the corner and change paths?
 
This week, won't you join me as we walk this journey toward healing together?
 
Today, find a quiet spot where you can listen for God's voice. Ask him one question: Lord, where am I wounded? Allow time to hear his voice. Write down what you hear and allow healing tears to flow.
 
Dear Lord, our hearts are wounded--hold years of pain suffered. Show us where our wounds lay. Name the wounds and in doing so, bring your healing waters. Wash over our hearts, cleanse us from the poison of pain, neglect, and lies. Your word says, "{You} heal the broken hearted and bandage their wounds" {Psalm 147:3}. Today, Lord, I ask for healing. I want your healing.

Thankful Thursday: All Good Gifts

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

We traipsed well worn orchard rows searching for harvest and found apple limbs bent low, heavy with sweet, juicy, red fruit ready for picking.

We walked straight open rows dotted with pumpkin orange beckoning dreams of grinning, candle-lit jack-o-lanterns--round and plump, long and thin--on darkened neighborhood porches.

We found fields of heavy yellow heads--autumn's last blooms--turned heavenward, always following the sun that at dusk bow their heads in thanks.

These good and perfect gifts shared in crowded orchards or open fields or around family tables come not only from the hands of the sower, but from the Giver--the One who made the seed and caused the fruit to grow. Our God and Creator of all good things.

On this Thankful Thursday, let's not only thank God for his good gifts but turn our attention away onto the Giver--the Maker of all good things "who does not change like shifting shadows."

Thank you Lord for your beautiful gifts. May we accept them with open arms for our enjoyment as you intendend. Accept our praise as we lift up our hands in worship to you, as the Giver of all these good and perfect gifts. Amen.

Book Review: Close Enough to Hear God Breathe

Greg Paul in Close Enough to Hear God Breathe: The Great Story of Divine Intimacy drew me in immediately with his storytelling prose. Paul captures and holds his reader's attention with his personal yet common-to-all life moments while answering the ultimate questions: Does God love me? and Where do I fit in God's story?

While I found his stories captivating, his topic and strategy were reminiscent of John Eldredge's, Epic (Thomas Nelson, 2004). It was difficult for this reader to restrain from this comparison since I've read all of Eldredge's work. Unlike Eldredge, his creative prose struggled with passive voice that interrupted the reader's rhythm.

However, from Genesis to Revelation, Paul creatively weaves God's love story throughout his own making God's love reachable, intimate, and real. His choice of imagery from life to death, common to all humanity, is especially powerful and worth the read. But, if you're a fan of Eldredge you may want to skip it.



I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Off the Mountain

"For with you is the fountain of life, in your light we see light."

While I sat silent on that mountain top, the Light pierced darkness hidden deep within my core. Fearful, I wanted to run but Light's love spoke no condemning words. Rather, Light washed forgiveness, healing, hope over me--offered reconciliation.

Light tore the veil between heaven and my hell--revealed his plan to make good--offered me a part, if I agreed. Basking in the Light, I hesitated, knowing my "yes" meant scaling down that mountain top back into the valley.

Jesus took Peter, James and John to the mountain top to pray and God's presence overwhelmed them, even frightened them as Jesus' God-glory shone. And there on that mountain, the disciples witnessed God's extraordinary revelation through Moses and Elijah, heard God's voice and His plan for world salvation through Jesus. And Peter's first words were, "It's good for us to be here. Let's put up three shelters..." (Luke 9:28-36). Let's stay here in the memory of this magnificent, extraordinary, heavenly vision!

But, Jesus knew they had to scale back down the mountain, go back into the valley. For there, among the ordinary is where God's vision would become Truth and Salvation born.

Taking vision to the valley is most difficult. It serves up humbleness and sacrifice but all is born from God's vision through God's grace for God's glory.

Where are you today? Have you met God on the mountain top? Are you basking in the memory of His vision or are you scaling back down toward the valley where that vision can be realized?

Lord, thank you for revealing yourself to us, offering heavenly vision, inclusion in your great plan for good. Let us not shelter ourselves in the memory of your vision but give us the strength, the courage to scales back down toward the valley to bring your Truth to life. Lord, in all we do may we bring you glory. Amen.

"The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him." Luke 9:37 (NIV)

Homesick

"Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11



 Normally I revel in solitude, soaking up uninterrupted free time doing whatever my heart desires. But this time, I wish Peter were here rather than deer camp. And the funny thing--he feels the same.

Maybe because Future stares us down hard, lately--threatening Death's cold breath on our shivering necks. We feel frail Auntie's loneliness, longing for Uncle. We watch Father gasping, search for Father lost and hear Mothers weary. All tired of struggled life--yearning for eternal life.

The mirror reflects our own aging. Gray hair, wrinkles, stiff joints and creaky bones tell no lies. And though we know God holds our future, our humanity cries at thoughts of loss--fails to wrap our minds around unknown, unfathomable God-places.

Solomon wrote "{God} planted eternity in every human heart but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end" (Eccl. 3:11).

So here we are-- living between here and there--feeling homesick.  We long for the face memorized, the heart warm, the unspoken thought known, the hand clasped before dreams--each other.

And we long for God, too--separate and together--knowing He's all that matters when we're living between here and there. Living homesick.

God is all that matters.

"He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears." Isaiah 25:8

Thankful Thursday: Creative Footprints

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it." Psalm 139:13-14 (NLT)

I arrived home from my class, Remember to Leave Your Footprint: You Were Created to Leave a Legacy (Mandy Adendorff, 2011) last night, to hear that Steve Jobs, founder and CEO of Apple, passed away.  Ironic. Steve Jobs' legacy reached through time and space, "To infinity and beyond!" some reports say, quoting Pixar's character, Buzz Lightyear. Where can you walk without seeing someone holding an iPod, iPhone, or an iPad? He thought outside the box and changed the way we think and live and do business. He changed the world.

It's easy to look at his legacy and say, "Wow! What favor he enjoyed." But did you know we're all favored? Did you know we're all God's favorite child? Just like a parent, expecting their second child, you wonder how you'll ever love this new child like the first. But, as he matures inside you, you grow to love him--the same, but different. It's like that between us and God. He loves each of us (His created) the same, but different. We're all His favorite child for different reasons.

We don't all have to be a Steve Jobs to find God's favor. All we have to be is us--who God created us to be. We're all born with the creative capacity to change the world.  Genesis 1:27 says, "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (NLT). If God is Creator and we hold His image in our DNA then we have the ability to create--whether through technology, visual arts, music, writing, business...the possibilities are infinite.

Addressing the graduating class at Stamford University, Jobs said, "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

So, what's stopping us from leaving our creative footprint? What do we have to lose?

There's so much more to say on this subject of leaving a legacy. As I ponder and learn over the next few weeks I'll write more. Until then...

On this Thankful Thursday I am grateful for:

• Being God's favorite daughter
• Infinite creative possibilities
• Dreams

"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand." Psalm 139:17-18

Finding God in Butterfly Kisses

"He prays to God and finds favor with him, he sees God’s face and shouts for joy." Job 33:26

Sunshine broke through gloomy rain and spread golden warmth all around. Under blue and white roofed tents the sleepy-eyed fair yawned morning. Quiet conversations broke the silent din and in midsentence God caught my eye on butterfly wings. The effortless beauty of Monarch flight above the sundrenched tents stretched a smile across my lips.

My heart whispered, "Yes, I see you God. Thanks for the butterfly kisses. I see you."

"Keep looking," he answered back. "I'm here, today. Come find me."

And I found Him:

• in Ann's whispered words of encouragement. "I've prayed for you all year. Keep writing. Your book opens conversations with my little ones--conversations about family."
• in Friends' embraces
• in A stranger's lonely voice forming incomplete thoughts
• in High-fives from little boys I once taught and hugs from little girls with painted faces wearing princess dresses
• in Unspoken words of a dying friend whose love lives strong

Everywhere I looked--in every face--I found God.

Solitude is healing and necessary to replenish our souls in God's presence. But other times, God calls us to find him in the world and amongst people. Where has He called you to be today? Are you looking for Him where you are? Can you find Him? Do you see Him?

When you find Him, will you encourage our hearts and share your God moment with us today?

Stop, Look, and Listen

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track."

Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)

She's three and proud of her acquired independence evidenced by her newest phrase, "I can do it!" when we try to help. So, patiently we watch her wiggle into her jeans, struggle with collars, adjust her backward socks, and step into her black Mary Jane's with the wrong feet.  But she figures it all out, eventually, or asks for help to get unstuck.

Signs of maturity don't stop with dressing herself. On our weekly walkabout the neighborhood she prefers pedaling her musical car alongside us--fully engaged--rather than passively riding in the stroller. Her senses on high alert, she's learning to stop, look and listen for on-coming traffic when she gets to stops signs at our sleepy, suburban intersections. But, for those distracted times we're there giving verbal cues--feeding her independence while guarding her from harm.

In our walkabout with the Lord, we crave independence, too. And, patient God watches us wriggle throughout our day--struggling to place our left foot in the right shoe--until we get stuck and ask Him for help. Like a loving parent, He's right there alongside us when we face those big red stop signs--encouraging us to stop, look, and listen to Him before we meet life head-on at the intersection--yet never usurping our independent will.

Learning to navigate with God through this world isn't easy. It takes patience. Just like learning the rules of the road, we start young, small--like a toddler learning to ride her bike alongside their parent before they're trusted and ready as a sixteen-year-old with the family car. It takes time, patience, and yieldedness.

We first have to learn to:

• Be alert -fully engaged with our surroundings and God's presence
• Obey the signs- stop, slow, caution, curve to avoid harming ourselves or others
• Look and listen- for God's cues before moving forward