Day of Following

Over the last couple of months, our pastor's messages have resonated with me to show love. As I mentioned a few days ago, I firmly believe God's timing is intentional for where I am in my life. After the loss of my brother, something had to change. I could no longer show God's love at arm's length or in a constant state of prefacing every interaction with "this is just what I believe."

Then, came the sermons :-) First, prayer, not in theory, but practical application. Second, Jesus Christ, all attributes: teacher, miracle worker, rebel, leader, Savior. Third, Holy Spirit, the who and the why. Presently, Disciples, how can we multiply and exponentially transform lives through the two greatest commandments: Love God and love each other. Perhaps, Pastor Scott didn't have a roadmap getting us specifically to multiply disciples, but I firmly believe God's plan was calculated and fulfilled intentionally through our pastor! What an honor to follow this "yellow brick road" to build others for the glory of God!

Day 70: Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness in your people to commit to your Word:

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

Lord, considering who you are and the power bestowed on the original disciples, it's difficult to wrap my mind around being able to have the same impact. I'm not the most knowledgable, I have doubts in my abilities, and I am scared of rejection. But, I trust you, God. I place my life before you and I am prepared to receive your wisdom to answer the tough questions, I embrace what we spiritual gift you've provided (even hospitality), and I find comfort knowing rejection itself is out of others' fears of needed changes in their lives. I fall to my knees in awe of your greatness! 

I love you.

Day of Goose Bumps

Children's books by R.L. Stine or little bumps on your arms? Have you ever had goose bumps? Okay, right, dumb question...who hasn't! Can you think of what was happening when you felt the little hairs on your arms stand on end? Did you align with the medical explanation these are involuntary physical responses to stimuli causing muscles attached to hair follicles to contract. Makes sense, right? Do you agree?

I have an additional theory. Of course, I've experienced goose bumps when it's cold, so I won't deny there is physical stimuli which can cause a biological response. But, more often, I have experienced these spontaneous muscle contractions when I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. When I listen to a song touching the depths of my soul, I feel the little bumps. When a sermon delivers a message aligned exactly with what I'm experiencing (this happens A LOT), the little suckers pop up. When I've connected emotionally with someone, my hairs stand on end. Watching a touching video, participating in deep discussion, consoling an injured child, counseling a burdened friend, etc. are all instances I have felt God's presence physically through goose bumps. I wish I had them all the time!!!

Day 42: Heavenly Father, thank you for providing a physical response within me to KNOW your Spirit resides in my heart. I know your faithful to me daily, but without your tangible reminders, I fear I may be passive to your presence. Thank you for God bumps!

Lord, why can't we experience them all the time? Is it because the constant presence of goose bumps eventually would be explained away to simply a biological response? Is it better for us to be in a state of wondering to avoid our complacency? How may I convince a non-believer rhrough talking about their goose bumps that something more is going on within them than the obvious? 

My goodness, Father, I want my loved ones to experience the utter joy and peace I have knowing your Heavenly Counselor lives within me!! Please teach me how! I tried to come up with a parallel scientific equation to the presence of the spirit; but alas, it seems so elementary to your greatness. Here it goes (for the nonbeliever): God = Hypothesis; Jesus = Experiment; Holy Spirit = Results proving the original hypothesis true. What so you think God? I know, kinda silly.

Lord in Heaven, thank you for entertaining my questions and revealing the answers in your perfect responses. However, the answers alone aren't enough. Use me, Lord! I am ready if you think I am!

I love you.

Day of Children

I think it's pretty clear, I adore my children. No, those are not paid actors who let me use their pictures! After my relationship with God, my girls are the most precious relationships in my life. Whose children aren't? You'd actually be surprised!

I'm aghast at the number marriages ending in bitterness and children becoming the pawns of negotiation. It should be the exception to hear "oh, you're sitting at a sporting event with your ex? I could never do that!" This is actually the norm and it shocks me! I've gone through two divorces and in neither situation did it even occur to me to use my children to get back at their dads for some reason. In fact, I would say I probably endure extra uncomfortableness on occasion in order to ensure my girls do not feel they are pitted against either parent. I'm not trying to win brownie points here! What I am pointing out is despite all the pains and hurts from divorce, the adults are the ones parting ways, it has nothing to do with the children. Our society needs to stop using our children for agendas against another parent and learn to work together for the good of the children involved!

Day 37: Heavenly Father, thank you for ensuring my eyes were open to surrender to the needs of my children even when it meant sacrificing something for me. I am indebted to you for my maternal gene. I wonder if me being a mommy and doing things selflessly for my girls despite not having an appropriate relationship with my own mother to emulate was your plan all along.

God, please provide comfort to those with whom I care deeply who are facing the divorcee battles and agendas. Please remind them that you are the source of strength to make appropriate decisions to best fit the needs of their children. 

Lord, we need some help down here! Holy Spirit, please work within those with whom I'm concerned are stuck under the crud of resentment, anger, bitterness, jadedness, and hatred. Father in Heaven, there's an easier way; please, help them see it!! I trust in you and pray others can too!

I love you.