Day of Direction

There are countless things I love about God (you know I can ramble, so probably best to leave it at "countless"). One of my favorite things is His direction. I am a person who loves to know what is expected of me. I like being told what to do. No, no, not some "1950s, woman go make me dinner, and rub my feet" kind of demands, but rather clear cut expectations for which I can achieve and surpass (hopefully). I do well with approval and affirmation (you may recall, my love language is Words of Affirmation, so this kind of makes sense). The military was a perfect setting for me because there are clear roles, expectations, and accolades for success.

God provides two directions which go hand in hand, in my humble opinion, and my favorites. First, the two greatest commandments: love God and love others. Second, disciple making: go and make disciples. We get these all jumbled and confused when we try to analyze them "what does this mean, what does that mean." In reality, they are extremely simple, at least for me. Even in my most confused and pained moments, I never stopped loving God or blamed Him for my circumstances. Heck, I wouldn't be who I am today, without God's love working through people to guide and protect me.

Some people have asked me how do I know He exists when I can't see Him. I answer very directly: I see Him everywhere. I see Him in my children. I see Him in my family. I see Him in the beauty of nature. I see Him in the compassionate neighbor. I see Him in a volunteer. I see Him, I feel Him, and I experience Him. This leads me to the second, experiencing His love. From a secular view, I suppose some might say I've been lucky to turn out the way I have. No luck, all love!! I was given a loving family to watch over me when my mother couldn't. I was welcomed by a spiritually nurturing church fostering my understanding and demonstrating God's nonjudgmental love of His people. I was placed on paths with supportive teachers, mentors, friends, coworkers, and bosses all looking out for me in ways most people may not have the pleasure of recognizing. It's easy for me to follow the second commandment as well because I want to share with others what I have experienced first hand.

Making disciples. Of course, it sounds hypocritical for me to say "don't analyze, just do" when I'm hosting a weekly community group to learn how to make disciples. But, the concept is simple to me. Jesus was the example, He taught the disciples what to do (and what not to do), He granted them great power, and said now go and do! Powerful stuff in a pretty simple concept. We even have the map to follow, if you will. Our jobs are relatively easy, emulate what is written in the Bible. Don't fear rejection, don't fear ridicule. You've been armed with the power of God: LOVE!!

Day 78: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son, your direction, and your grace (when I get it wrong...a lot). Thank you for your patience with me when I complicate the simple with trying to rationalize away your intent. Thank you for protecting me from myself when I really don't know what's good for me, but think I do.

God, what an amazing honor it is to be tasked with spreading your love throughout the world. Perhaps, we only connect with those in our church family or maybe in our communities. But, every interaction showing your love can be multiplied exponentially. When we are able to understand we all have a part of the body, we all have a role in order for the body to function properly, you've prepared us with clear direction, and armed us with the greatest weapon, how can we lose? I pray for those struggling to understand their purpose. May you reveal to them the value they have in your church and the role they play to share your love with others.

Father, I don't know what John Lennon believed in his heart, but you must have placed something there for him to share the song Imagine. As I ponder the words, love resonates. At first glance, it appears he's very anti-You. But, you gave us love. Lennon says "let's live as one" through love. Hmmm...seems awfully Godly to me. I pray John did join you in the great Kingdom because he might be upset to realize You worked through him to share your love for all the people. Thank you for using all of us even those for which we may be surprised.

I love you.

Source: http://www.midlifedivorcerecovery.com/cheating-on-yourself/

Day of Commitment

I speak of the successes of my children quite often. They are not perfect, certainly not; but, are any of us? However, there are fantastic lessons to be learned from their patience, determination, dedication, and perseverance. I think too often people feel like they can't learn from children because they haven't had as many life experiences, both positive and negative, as adults. I'd beg to differ. Children face all sorts of battles, sometimes being triumphant, sometimes unsuccessful. What amazes me are their responses to such battles.

My eldest is gifted; this is fact, not opinion. She achieves academically, athletically, and personally. When she sets her mind toward something, she gives it her all. She definitely struggles with the nerves awaiting the outcome and is known to catastrophize the situation a bit, but I have never witnessed her not giving her all; it's just not part of her DNA. She is a freshman and knows where she wants to attend college, what she needs to achieve academically and financially, what she will study, and ultimately, what career she desires. Not many children are prepared to make major life decisions in their freshman year of high school, but this is who she is. I wish more adults could find the confidence within them to "just do it," versus finding all the reasons why they can't or shouldn't.

Yesterday, was another example of her determination to achieve even when it wasn't something she chose to complete. She received an assignment in AP World History to research a topic; she chose Jonestown. She did the best she could with the assignment. Her teacher, impressed by the research and created documentary, encouraged her to enter the piece in the National History Day District Competition. My daughter agreed, though wasn't running around saying "look what I did." I soon learned this wasn't some competition where you submit something and hear back; she had to attend a presentation and interview with judges related to her submission. Again, she downplayed the event (it is a big deal actually), presented her documentary, comfortably shared her passion for the topic, and that was that. Then, came the judging. Perhaps, in the back of her mind she was curious how she rated against the other submissions in the category, but prior to judging, she was already determined to try again next year. Out of nine submissions in her category, my daughter's documentary received runner up....third place in her category and will be competing at the state level of competition. What a lesson of not giving up, doing the best you can, and letting the chips fall where they may!

My daughter's determination resonates in her faith. She speaks candidly, devoutly, and lovingly about Jesus Christ. Where others may be intimidated to approach complete strangers, she embraces the call of discipleship. She gets it! She sees her role in spreading the faith. She understands it's not a job for the next guy. She recognizes her interaction could be the only interaction someone has exposing them to Christianity and God's hope and love for everyone! This is how I want to be in my discipleship. I want to leave myself vulnerable knowing I've laid it all out there for others to know Him, know His glory, and most of all experience, the greatest love man has ever received!

Day 74: Heavenly Father, thank you for the lessons you relay through my children. Thank you for opening my eyes to seeing they are often far more mature than I am in my faith. Thank you for loving them, protecting them, and using them for your wonderful ministry.

I am indebted to you, Father! You could have selected anyone to raise these two girls and you chose me. I will never understand why I have the honor and privilege of guiding them through childhood and preparing them to lead others to you. I have so many flaws, Lord, I don't understand why I am so privileged when you have far more obedient followers. But, thankfully, it is with my human understanding for which I am left bewildered and trust in your greater plan and purpose. I pray I raise them as you expected and prepare them to fulfill your roles for them successfully.

Father God, I pray other parents take time to recognize the great gifts you place in their arms. I pray they value the limited time they have with their children. I ask for your wisdom in their lives to refrain from the feelings of burdens of parenting and embracing the job with gratitude and joy. I cannot imagine a greater honor than being a parent. I am saddened for parents who struggle to look beyond themselves, their wants, and their desires. Thank you for entrusting your children to me for a little while and teaching me great lessons in the process.

I love you.

Day of Community

I am so thankful our pastoral staff encouraged our congregants to join a small group for a 5-week exploration into discipling (check out https://multiplymovement.com/vision to see how you can embrace Jesus call to make disciples). In the midst of what seemed like a chaotic schedule last week, I felt ill-prepared to guide our group through last week's discussion of the importance of reading the Bible. I was already feeling at a disadvantage in this area as I'm probably the least knowledgeable of our group in terms of biblical facts, so to be unprepared to guide the discussion on "God's autobiography" was quite disheartening.

The beauty of these community groups is  they are indeed collaborative. We're learning not only from the text and the Francis Chan/David Platt video clips, but also (and in my opinion, more importantly), from each other. When I was feeling inadequate discussing the material and unprepared to guide the discussion, we each offered independent views from our own experiences, offered support and guidance for confusing concepts, and shared our personal journeys with the Word! When we build community within our church family, these relationships and experiences can foster lasting impact beyond the doors of our church building.

Day 84: Heavenly Father, thank you for humbling me last week by learning more from my community group than they probably learned from me. Thank you for bestowing wisdom on Pastors Chan and Platt as they share the simple, yet effective concepts of making disciples. 

Lord, I have many faults and can only thank you for your grace. I've never thought of myself as proud. Last week after our gathering, I felt disappointed in myself for not carving out the necessary time to better prepare for our weekly discussion. I let pride and jealousy get the best of me that night. I want to glorify your name, Father, but I felt at the time I fell so short. In hindsight, were you teaching me a lesson about the church? After learning and leaning so much on my fellow group members' experiences and understanding of the intent of your Word, I realized the lesson of NEEDING the church. I am grateful for not being rescued from my uncomfortable state for it makes me appreciate even more the importance of surrounding myself with friends in Christ who can help build me as I help build them.

Father God, I pray this Multiply experience has sparked a fire within my friends to continue learning and leaning on one another. This world can pull you down with pride and jealousy and keep you from seeing the lessons in front of us. Thank you for revealing them to me in your timing, the perfect timing!

I love you.

Source: http://www.carmelumc.org

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 Preparation

Could you be part of the starting lineup if you didn't practice? I suppose you could be, but how would you fair on the team? You may face embarrassment, ridicule, and slander, completely unmotivated to ever try again.

The same can be said for creating disciples. Would spreading God's message using people who enjoyed the light, poetic parts of the Bible, but didn't make the hard choices, have a long-lasting effect? Not likely. An interest may develop initially and possibly explored. But, when the kumbaya aura wore off and people faced decisions like giving up lifestyles of comfort or turning away from self-satisfying sinful behavior, the effect would be short-lived. 

Making disciples requires the disciple maker to prepare himself with not only knowledge, but also recognition of the motivation behind such a transformation. As I've pondered my motivation, I was initially concerned what drives me to participate in one of our community groups. I'm nervous because I have limited biblical knowledge compared to so many. I won't have all the answers and may not know where to find the answers. I've led youth group topical discussions, but not a discussion with my peers. But, then it dawned on me...showing God's love.

Unbeknownst to me, God's been preparing me for this opportunity. My commitment to this little blog has transformed my conversation with our Father and along the way helped provide encouraging words to others. My efforts to lessen my angst (lessen, the key, I'm not a saint) toward a coworker who disparaged me instead of motivating me have reaped rewards in my interaction with her. My directness, although for some may be too abrasive, has rebirthed a relationship I never thought would exist and lifted heavy, painful memories from my psyche. All of these changes have had a common theme, wanting others to experience God's love through me. I can't think of a better reason to embrace becoming a disciple maker!

Day 69: Heavenly Father, thank you for trusting me with such an honor to serve you! I am humbled by your confidence in my participation in a community group of followers. Thank you for the leadership within our church to recognize the bold approach we must take to be your true followers and obedient to your direction.

Jesus, it seems the disciples were not apprehensive when you asked them to follow you (okay, maybe Thomas had a little doubt). Is this true? Did they hesitate? Did they say "let me think about it?" Did they even bat an eye? My elementary understanding is they simply dropped everything and followed. How is this possible? What about their families? Their jobs? Their income? Loved ones relied on them. How were they able to just "about face" in a new direction? 

Lord, I pray I am as committed. I fear I could not turn away from my children. I trust you and say you are the center of my everything, but then I place qualifiers to that statement because of my children. I know you are a protective, loving God and would never command something of me at the detriment of my children. But, I still cannot shake the worry. Please forgive, be patient with me, and continue working w/in me to a full, all-in acceptance of your expectation of my commitment.

I love you.

Source: http://faithcommunityracine.org/content/ministries/children

Day of Heroes

What characteristics do you seek in a hero? Off the top of my head, I'd list moral, pure, trustworthy, upright, compassionate, fair, and protective as adjectives describing my view of heroes.

Usually, we view heroes as standouts from the crowd, displaying attributes unique to most people (at least, all packaged in one individual). Maybe, that's why it's so easy for me to consider Jesus my hero! He exemplified each of these traits and so many more. It would be incredibly amazing if I learned the first superheroes were created with Jesus as the model!!

Day 59: Heavenly Father, thank you for being my hero! Thank you for providing a life model full of unyielding love for God and His people! 

Lord, I am in awe of your unending greatness and crave your direction. I desire to share characteristics like yours. The greatest honor to me would be for anyone with whom I interact to experience my hero through my actions! 

Father God, why does society elevate on pedestals people who display immoral behaviors or those who are perpetually dishonest, proud, or lack integrity because they have some musical talent, athletic skill, and humorous acting? I don't even recall superheroes displaying these negative qualities. Yet, it seems those we lift up in society are those who display the exact opposite of what I would consider to be traits of a hero. 

Father, would it be within your plan to highlight your modern disciples who emulate hero qualities to provide a reset of views for the human race? I have such a faith in you and your people, Lord. I trust if a reset helps fulfill your great story, more heroes displaying Jesus-like qualities will walk among us and be lifted on pedestals by even the most staunch atheists! All for your glory!

I love you.

Day of Pursuit

When you think of things you've pursued with your whole heart, what things come to mind? Some might say a career, a status, a spouse, or a family. How often to you hear someone say Jesus?

I'm reading an eye-opening book right now titled "Not a Fan." It challenges the reader to determine whether or not she is a follower of Jesus or simply a fan. It's a difficult read because I view myself as a follower, but appear to be falling in line with many fans. At first I found this quite disheartening, but soon realized, it's ok. Recognition is the first step to change! 

Sometimes, I think maybe my openness regarding faith and my priorities in life have those who care about me concerned I'm "taking it too far." But, that's just where we differ in opinion (and I love their concern). For me, it's an all or none thing! Either I am fully committed to my relationship with Jesus Christ or I'm not. It's no different than a marriage. You're either all in, fully committed to the one with whom you've shared vows or you're not. Commitment isn't a part way, I'll give 75% of myself contract. It is giving all of you because you expect the same in return. The cool thing about this relationship with Christ, you don't have to worry about whether He was a man of His word!

Day 48: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me before you even knew me. I understand the magnitude of this by loving my girls wholeheartedly before I even knew their names. Thank you for your faithfulness in me even when I appear to be a fan of yours.

Lord, am I on the right path to be called a follower? I know there isn't a checklist, but rather a point in time when I won't feel like I need to ask. I want to be like your disciples, dropping EVERYTHING when you said "follow me." Lately, I feel this transition within me desiring more...more knowledge, more prayer, more involvement, more commitment, more goose bumps. Perhaps, this is my "follow me" moment?

Father God, please provide me the clarity to pursue you through all the distractions. Please provide me the drive to remain when the aha! moments aren't constant. Please provide me the commitment to your teachings when there's an easier way out. I am in pursuit of you, your Son, and your Spirit. Just call me the Trinity Stalker!

I love you.

Source: http://www.ccfla.com/knowing-god-my-lifes-ultimate-pursuit/