During my quiet time this week, God has reminded me of the incredible ways that He uses us in His Kingdom. I have put this scripture on my heart to remind me of why I am here on the Earth.
Isaiah 61 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.[a] 2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come,[b] and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel,[c] he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. 5 Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards. 6 You will be called priests of the LORD, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches. 7 Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
At times, when I have found myself traveling through some the hardest trials and my flesh asks the question, "What is it all for?" I'm reminded that nothing...no part of my story and yours....will be wasted in God's economy. Regardless of whether my pathway is clear...whether I can see up ahead enough to catch my bearings, I was reminded tonight by a precious friend that God's light is truly a "lamp unto my feet." Step by step, He's using every testimony...every trial...every detour...to minister to those whose paths I will soon cross. As much I'd love Him to shine a spotlight up ahead...because I truly don't like to travel in unknown territories...I am realizing more and more that He is writing yet another chapter...to this long, long novel called, "My LIfe," so that He can teach me a lesson that I will in turn share with others.
I cannot help but stand in awe of a God, who is so interested in using us…right where we are…with all of our flaws…to bring the Good News. He could have made us flawless and perfect. He could have made us sinless…but then who would believe in a Higher Power except for the fact that He chose to use me…and you…to make HIS mark in the world? I think when people see us, they sometimes scratch their heads in wonder. It just doesn’t make sense to the world around us.
All I know is that God chose to use us, regardless of how feeble, to accomplish His purposes in this world.
Who better to speak to the broken-hearted…than the one who has watched as pieces of her heart were mended seamlessly together by a Savior’s incredible and infinite love?
Who better to speak to the captive shackled to their past, than the one who has been set free from bondage to dance a dance of hope?
Who better to wipe away the tears, than the one whose tears fell into the loving, nail-scarred palms of a Savior?
Who better to speak of grace, than the one who had it heaped upon them? Who better to speak of love, than the one who was loved unconditionally?
Who better to show the Father to those who are lost, than the one who was found…cleaned up…and placed on the road to Salvation? So, who are you to speak for the Father?
You are the Daughters and Sons, and God will use you in an incredible way to offer others a hope and a future. May God bless you richly and may you be reminded continually of a Sovereign Lord who has not taken His eyes off of you…not for one minute along this journey.
May you continually make your mark on this world for a Savior so willing to shed His blood for you...with no strings attached. May your journey be filled with stories that you will one day share with fellow travelers.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Fresh Wind on My Face
Have you ever wondered if...in the big scheme of our lives what "Fresh Wind" might feel like blowing across your face announcing God's presence? You know when you've felt so hot...and that cool breeze blows across your face? Don't you close your eyes, breathe in deeply and sort of lean into it, to caputre every ounce? That's exactly what I did today as God announced His presence loud and clear.
You see, I've seen this before...I've been down this pathway more times than I can count in ministry....and yet, sometimes in the midst of these detours that we seem to find ourselves on...God shows up and makes sure that beyond a shadow of a doubt that this particular road sign is spotlighted and clearly marked. So today...unlike many others...I stopped along the roadside and really took in the scenery and the signs that I believe that God was trying to show me.
Three things I've been praying in earnest for:
1) That my husband would hear the call that God placed on his life a long time ago louder than any doubt or fear that have stepped in to disguise the voice of Truth and that his heart would be filled with that message;
2) That my precious daughter would find her song once again and sing it with reckless abandon before the throne. That her new song would speak of a God who is continually faithful and has carried us over every hill and down every valley.
3) That my son will find the pathway that God has carved out for him and that he will be fully used in His kingdom.
Of course, I pray for other things... but this seems to be the things I am bringing before the throne lately on an hour to hour basis. I long to hear the voice of God reassuring me that the imaginary celiling that I place on my prayers is lifted and that far beyond that is my loving Father....grabbing hold of every word that leaves my heart as I search for just the right ways to explain what I am feeling. I am thankful for a God who doesn't need me to edit my words as I strive so desperately to do as I put them into a printed message. Today, as God revealed to me that indeed He is along this journey with me and that He not only hears my prayers...but is using those around me to share how very interested He truly is in making sure that we don't miss this message.
Today, as we stood like countless visitors do at a new church, we walked in with hesitation.
Oh, we've been there several times before, but regardless, we're still visiting...we're nomads searching for a new place to pitch our tent. We walked in to the auditorium and my husband went to find our seats. We spotted a friend from our last church and as we were standing there a woman walked up and introduced herself to us. Laura (our friend) began sharing our connection to one another when my husband, Dub, walked up. The woman turned to Dub and said, "At first, I thought I was supposed to pray for your wife, but God kept telling me I needed to pray for you. I asked God that if I was, you were going to need to walk up here to confirm that. You did...and I feel like God is asking me to pray for you right now. Is that ok?' She said before praying, "I think he's asking me to put my hand on your heart because that's where he wants this message to penetrate." She placed her hand on his heart and began praying the words of our hearts. She said that he was called from a very early age to share the gospel. She said that God plans for you speak clearly about promotion...not demotion. She said that parts of his heart had been severed through ministry, but God is healing all those parts with his love. She then took her hand and put it on his head. She said that God is telling her that his head consumes him...that he thinks too much and that God is telling him to let his heart lead his calling. She spoke of expanded borders and territories that reach far beyond that from which he came from. She said that his name would be blessed just like that of Jabez and that his ministry is not over....it's just beginning. As I stood there...she turned to pray for me and said that God has heard you and He wanted to remind you today that he has not let his eyes off of you through this trial. He wants you to reassured and trust him today and be anxious for nothing. As I stood moments later, lifting my hands to God in worship, I couldn't help but cry out to Him with a grateful heart. During this trial, I haven't questioned, argued, or complained (my typical response when the rug has been pulled out from us in ministry). Well, I haven't done it out loud any way....but God, who knows me best and sees beyond the facade that I put up for others, knows the very beat of my heart and when I need him to grab my face to remind me that He is close by...He does!
I am so thankful that today my precious husband was reminded of his calling and that God still has a plan for him to be used in His Kingdom. I am so grateful for a worship time with Christians to see my daughter feel the love of a Savior who cares about every desire of her heart. May we all feel the Fresh Wind of God blow over us reminding us of His presence in the details of our lives!
You see, I've seen this before...I've been down this pathway more times than I can count in ministry....and yet, sometimes in the midst of these detours that we seem to find ourselves on...God shows up and makes sure that beyond a shadow of a doubt that this particular road sign is spotlighted and clearly marked. So today...unlike many others...I stopped along the roadside and really took in the scenery and the signs that I believe that God was trying to show me.
Three things I've been praying in earnest for:
1) That my husband would hear the call that God placed on his life a long time ago louder than any doubt or fear that have stepped in to disguise the voice of Truth and that his heart would be filled with that message;
2) That my precious daughter would find her song once again and sing it with reckless abandon before the throne. That her new song would speak of a God who is continually faithful and has carried us over every hill and down every valley.
3) That my son will find the pathway that God has carved out for him and that he will be fully used in His kingdom.
Of course, I pray for other things... but this seems to be the things I am bringing before the throne lately on an hour to hour basis. I long to hear the voice of God reassuring me that the imaginary celiling that I place on my prayers is lifted and that far beyond that is my loving Father....grabbing hold of every word that leaves my heart as I search for just the right ways to explain what I am feeling. I am thankful for a God who doesn't need me to edit my words as I strive so desperately to do as I put them into a printed message. Today, as God revealed to me that indeed He is along this journey with me and that He not only hears my prayers...but is using those around me to share how very interested He truly is in making sure that we don't miss this message.
Today, as we stood like countless visitors do at a new church, we walked in with hesitation.
Oh, we've been there several times before, but regardless, we're still visiting...we're nomads searching for a new place to pitch our tent. We walked in to the auditorium and my husband went to find our seats. We spotted a friend from our last church and as we were standing there a woman walked up and introduced herself to us. Laura (our friend) began sharing our connection to one another when my husband, Dub, walked up. The woman turned to Dub and said, "At first, I thought I was supposed to pray for your wife, but God kept telling me I needed to pray for you. I asked God that if I was, you were going to need to walk up here to confirm that. You did...and I feel like God is asking me to pray for you right now. Is that ok?' She said before praying, "I think he's asking me to put my hand on your heart because that's where he wants this message to penetrate." She placed her hand on his heart and began praying the words of our hearts. She said that he was called from a very early age to share the gospel. She said that God plans for you speak clearly about promotion...not demotion. She said that parts of his heart had been severed through ministry, but God is healing all those parts with his love. She then took her hand and put it on his head. She said that God is telling her that his head consumes him...that he thinks too much and that God is telling him to let his heart lead his calling. She spoke of expanded borders and territories that reach far beyond that from which he came from. She said that his name would be blessed just like that of Jabez and that his ministry is not over....it's just beginning. As I stood there...she turned to pray for me and said that God has heard you and He wanted to remind you today that he has not let his eyes off of you through this trial. He wants you to reassured and trust him today and be anxious for nothing. As I stood moments later, lifting my hands to God in worship, I couldn't help but cry out to Him with a grateful heart. During this trial, I haven't questioned, argued, or complained (my typical response when the rug has been pulled out from us in ministry). Well, I haven't done it out loud any way....but God, who knows me best and sees beyond the facade that I put up for others, knows the very beat of my heart and when I need him to grab my face to remind me that He is close by...He does!
I am so thankful that today my precious husband was reminded of his calling and that God still has a plan for him to be used in His Kingdom. I am so grateful for a worship time with Christians to see my daughter feel the love of a Savior who cares about every desire of her heart. May we all feel the Fresh Wind of God blow over us reminding us of His presence in the details of our lives!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Wendi's Bio
Through the years, God has shown me that regardless of our circumstances that He longs to use each one of us in His kingdom. This is the message that I have shared over the years through our ministry with teens. Upon speaking with woman along the way, however, I realized more and more that we, like those teens, are often just middle-school versions of ourselves with some of the same doubts and fears still hovering close by.
There was a time when I personally found myself struggling to see how God could possibly use me...and yet, in spite of it all...He can...and does daily. As far as I have fallen...and as low as I have found myself...God reminded me of these words, "For we have this treasure in jars of clay..to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." God could have made us flawless and perfect. He could have made us sinless...but then who would believe in a higher power but for the fact that He chose to use me...to use you... to make their mark in the world. I think when people see us...they sometimes scratch their heads and wonder. All I know is that God chose to use me...regardless of how feeble to accomplish His purposes in this world. Who better to speak of grace than the one who had it heaped upon them? Who better to speak of love than the one who was loved unconditionally? Who better to show the Father to those who are lost...than the one who was found...cleaned up...and placed on the road to salvation? So...who am I to speak for the Father? I am His daughter...longing to share with others on this journey a hope for a future.
To contact Wendi about a speaking engagement email:
wendi4god@bellsouth.net
Monday, February 26, 2007
TESTIMONIALS
"Wow! Wendi was amazing! She has this incredible energy for the Lord and it completely filled the room. She had us laughing one moment and then in a blink of an eye, we found ourselves with tears flowing. I love the way she seemed to share a message with woman of all ages. What a gift!"
-Amy Mento-Sharble
Saginaw Church of Christ
Saginaw, Texas
"Wendi came to our church at just the time we needed her most. As parents, we had struggled with "being in the world and not of the world," while raising our children. Many of our Christian teens had fallen away from the church and purity was of the utmost concern. Wendi candidly shared how she and husband were intentionally parenting their children and challenged us to seek God's face every step of the way. Her passion is evident and her enthusiasm for sharing this message is contagious. As a woman, I immediately connected with her precious heart feeling as if I too could actually become an "Intentional Parent."
- Angela Caswell
Glennwood Springs, Colorado
"I've heard Wendi Hall speak a dozen times and every message has helped me draw closer to God. Wendi has a unique gift of relating to young women. Her messages are powerful and as a result, lives are changed! Wendi is not ashamed of the gospel and is using her God-given talent to further the cause of Christ."
- Lori Minor, Principal
Mobile Christian School
"What can I say about Wendi Hall? If asked to describe her I would say, “First of all, she’s cute just like her mom!” Next I’d say, “I remember the first time I heard her speak. She led a group of teen girls in a Wednesday night skit to our Ladies’ class. I was impressed at her preparation and coordination in preparing these young ladies to minister to the adult women. Then she took over and applied the teens’ skit and made it so relevant to our lives.” Then I’d tell you about the time she spoke to our Ladies’ Retreat and used the Word to help us realize that we are “vessels” for God’s use. Finally, I’d say “You have got to have her tell you the story of her Grandmother Dot’s pink lipstick story. She will have you ‘rolling in the aisles’!”
-Margaret Istre
Port City Church of Christ
Mobile, Alabama
God has blessed Wendi with an amazing gift to communicate His heart to women. Her enthusiasm and love for the Lord are contagious! Whether it's a coffee date as a friend, or a speaking engagement in front of aroom full of women, I never leave her presence unmotivated! Wendi has away of expressing my heart, with the words I didn't know to use. She is a breath of fresh air and a women after God's own heart.
-Tara Bensinger
Oak Mountain Christian Church
"Wend Hall is one of the most gifted teachers and speakers that I have ever met. Her messages are relevant, convicting, and inspiring. I am blessed to count her not only as a mentor, but as a close friend. I take every opportunity to share her with others, as I do regularly with a Mom's encouragement group that gathers in my home to hear her advice on raising Godly children. She lives what she teaches, and one need only to look at her wonderful marriage and precious children to see that she is "the real deal."
-Jamie Tarence
Crossbridge Church of Christ
“It has been my privilege to hear Wendi speak. The Lord has gifted her withthe ability to reach out to everyone in the room so that they feel Hisnearness through her. Young women will be especially impacted by Wendi'smessage. She's "cool" enough for them and grounded in the Word with a heartso full for God, that Moms can't help but be pleased too. Don't miss anopportunity to hear what she has to share with you!”
-Dorothy Harris
Administrative Coordinator
Port City Church of Christ
-Amy Mento-Sharble
Saginaw Church of Christ
Saginaw, Texas
"Wendi came to our church at just the time we needed her most. As parents, we had struggled with "being in the world and not of the world," while raising our children. Many of our Christian teens had fallen away from the church and purity was of the utmost concern. Wendi candidly shared how she and husband were intentionally parenting their children and challenged us to seek God's face every step of the way. Her passion is evident and her enthusiasm for sharing this message is contagious. As a woman, I immediately connected with her precious heart feeling as if I too could actually become an "Intentional Parent."
- Angela Caswell
Glennwood Springs, Colorado
"I've heard Wendi Hall speak a dozen times and every message has helped me draw closer to God. Wendi has a unique gift of relating to young women. Her messages are powerful and as a result, lives are changed! Wendi is not ashamed of the gospel and is using her God-given talent to further the cause of Christ."
- Lori Minor, Principal
Mobile Christian School
"What can I say about Wendi Hall? If asked to describe her I would say, “First of all, she’s cute just like her mom!” Next I’d say, “I remember the first time I heard her speak. She led a group of teen girls in a Wednesday night skit to our Ladies’ class. I was impressed at her preparation and coordination in preparing these young ladies to minister to the adult women. Then she took over and applied the teens’ skit and made it so relevant to our lives.” Then I’d tell you about the time she spoke to our Ladies’ Retreat and used the Word to help us realize that we are “vessels” for God’s use. Finally, I’d say “You have got to have her tell you the story of her Grandmother Dot’s pink lipstick story. She will have you ‘rolling in the aisles’!”
-Margaret Istre
Port City Church of Christ
Mobile, Alabama
God has blessed Wendi with an amazing gift to communicate His heart to women. Her enthusiasm and love for the Lord are contagious! Whether it's a coffee date as a friend, or a speaking engagement in front of aroom full of women, I never leave her presence unmotivated! Wendi has away of expressing my heart, with the words I didn't know to use. She is a breath of fresh air and a women after God's own heart.
-Tara Bensinger
Oak Mountain Christian Church
"Wend Hall is one of the most gifted teachers and speakers that I have ever met. Her messages are relevant, convicting, and inspiring. I am blessed to count her not only as a mentor, but as a close friend. I take every opportunity to share her with others, as I do regularly with a Mom's encouragement group that gathers in my home to hear her advice on raising Godly children. She lives what she teaches, and one need only to look at her wonderful marriage and precious children to see that she is "the real deal."
-Jamie Tarence
Crossbridge Church of Christ
“It has been my privilege to hear Wendi speak. The Lord has gifted her withthe ability to reach out to everyone in the room so that they feel Hisnearness through her. Young women will be especially impacted by Wendi'smessage. She's "cool" enough for them and grounded in the Word with a heartso full for God, that Moms can't help but be pleased too. Don't miss anopportunity to hear what she has to share with you!”
-Dorothy Harris
Administrative Coordinator
Port City Church of Christ
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Unchained
"Unchain My Beauty"...this was the title of my girl's breakout class this year at Youth in Action ...or was it really MY title at all? As I stood in Wal-Mart on the Thursday before this youth rally, I received a phone call from the director of the rally asking for a brief synopsis of my class on "Unchain my Beauty." "Byron, " I questioned, "Are you sure that THAT'S the title? I was sure I emailed "Unchain my Relationships" to the coordinator of the classes...not "Unchain my Beauty." Much to my surprise, it was indeed the title that they had printed on the list of breakout classes. There I stood...in the middle of an aisle at Wal-Mart flooded with panic. I'm trying to listen to the quiet voice of God and to really trust that He knows best...but to change my class at the last minute seemed unthinkable.
Sometimes, I have to laugh out loud...because I'm sure way up there...looking down on me is God who is shaking His head and saying, "I know you only think this is about you...but the picture I see is larger than you could even possibly fathom." You see, I am completely anal when it comes to speaking engagements. I prepare months and months ahead and memorize ever word...every pause...every inflection. My need for control is huge. Over this past two years, God doesn't seem to be very concerned about this comfort zone that I have neatly set around me as a safety net. As a matter of fact, lately, He seems to be really asking me to walk on a sort of tight rope out in the middle of the abyss with complete trust that He will be the one speaking...not me. Maybe that's what this title of "Unchained" is all about. If you're like me and you like the comfort of knowing what lies ahead, maybe just maybe, that's precisely why God is choosing to keep nudging us forward into the unknown. Have you ever played that game where you’re blindfolded and someone leads you through a sort of obstacle course? I confess, that as much as I know I'm supposed to just close my eyes and trust the guidance of the guider...I tend to rely on that tiny crack in the blindfold at the bottom where it doesn't quite lay flat on your face to give me just enough vision to guide myself. Maybe that's what I've done with God. Maybe God has been trying to show me that the truth is, I have kept myself chained to...well, me...and my need for control. I have been so guilty of relying on myself that somewhere I forgot that God really does want to fully unchain me so that others will see a new dance...a dance of freedom. Imagine what that must look like to others. It doesn't make sense...but I'm reminded of the verse that says, "For we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God...and not from us." God could have made us with these minds that always know just what to do at any given moment. He could have given us the ability to know just the right things to say in order to reach a crowd. Maybe God just wanted us to realize that he could have made us this way, but then, who would ever believe in a higher power if not for the fact that God chose to use such a feeble person as me...as you...to be His mouthpiece?
As I looked into the faces of the girls in those breakout classes, I realized something. As much as I had a plan about what I thought these girls needed to hear about relationships...the Creator, the Master Crafter...knew His creation so well that He knew that tears would flow from even the prom queen and the head cheerleader when He reminded them that He calls them His daughter. He knew that the possibility of "dancing on daddy's feet," would cause the girl who barely lifts her head to look you square in the eye to sit up straight and take notice. He knew that these words from the song "The Real Me" would speak to the heart of every woman and girl there who longs to be called, "beautiful."
I am realizing more and more how much God longs for us to just let go and let Him lead us...without peeking. I can see the plans that He has for me to be more than I ever hoped or imagined in His kingdom. My prayer is for God to present to me more opportunities to trust him and to see first-hand the power of the Almighty. I long to be used by God to make an impact in this world...maybe God's just waiting for me to let Him decide how.
Sometimes, I have to laugh out loud...because I'm sure way up there...looking down on me is God who is shaking His head and saying, "I know you only think this is about you...but the picture I see is larger than you could even possibly fathom." You see, I am completely anal when it comes to speaking engagements. I prepare months and months ahead and memorize ever word...every pause...every inflection. My need for control is huge. Over this past two years, God doesn't seem to be very concerned about this comfort zone that I have neatly set around me as a safety net. As a matter of fact, lately, He seems to be really asking me to walk on a sort of tight rope out in the middle of the abyss with complete trust that He will be the one speaking...not me. Maybe that's what this title of "Unchained" is all about. If you're like me and you like the comfort of knowing what lies ahead, maybe just maybe, that's precisely why God is choosing to keep nudging us forward into the unknown. Have you ever played that game where you’re blindfolded and someone leads you through a sort of obstacle course? I confess, that as much as I know I'm supposed to just close my eyes and trust the guidance of the guider...I tend to rely on that tiny crack in the blindfold at the bottom where it doesn't quite lay flat on your face to give me just enough vision to guide myself. Maybe that's what I've done with God. Maybe God has been trying to show me that the truth is, I have kept myself chained to...well, me...and my need for control. I have been so guilty of relying on myself that somewhere I forgot that God really does want to fully unchain me so that others will see a new dance...a dance of freedom. Imagine what that must look like to others. It doesn't make sense...but I'm reminded of the verse that says, "For we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God...and not from us." God could have made us with these minds that always know just what to do at any given moment. He could have given us the ability to know just the right things to say in order to reach a crowd. Maybe God just wanted us to realize that he could have made us this way, but then, who would ever believe in a higher power if not for the fact that God chose to use such a feeble person as me...as you...to be His mouthpiece?
As I looked into the faces of the girls in those breakout classes, I realized something. As much as I had a plan about what I thought these girls needed to hear about relationships...the Creator, the Master Crafter...knew His creation so well that He knew that tears would flow from even the prom queen and the head cheerleader when He reminded them that He calls them His daughter. He knew that the possibility of "dancing on daddy's feet," would cause the girl who barely lifts her head to look you square in the eye to sit up straight and take notice. He knew that these words from the song "The Real Me" would speak to the heart of every woman and girl there who longs to be called, "beautiful."
I am realizing more and more how much God longs for us to just let go and let Him lead us...without peeking. I can see the plans that He has for me to be more than I ever hoped or imagined in His kingdom. My prayer is for God to present to me more opportunities to trust him and to see first-hand the power of the Almighty. I long to be used by God to make an impact in this world...maybe God's just waiting for me to let Him decide how.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Let's Be A Little Childish, Shall We?
Le'ts be a little childish, shall we? Today's post is inspired by something I read recently about being like a child. A little girl at church named Emma had only been in Bible class for about 45 minutes when she saw her daddy waiting for church to begin. She ran through the foyer, wrapped her arms around his legs and squealed, "Daddy, I've missed you so much!" It wasn't like he'd been gone on a long trip...they had only been seperated for a short time, but she couldn't wait to see her daddy's face! I love that picture. I love hearing how with such excitement, she announced her love to all. He didn't try to quiet her...he just reveled in this display of love being shown by his tiny daughter.
I guess looking back a bit, as my children are now teens, I can see that many times I pushed my children into this little mold that like many who had gone before me had lovingly advised would be a perfect fit. However, some of the best advise I ever got was from this amazing mentor of mine who seems to live her life with that same sort of child-like qualities. She scolded me for always being more concerned with what people thought about me than what my Father in Heaven was thinking. I have always lived my life with this sort of concern, "What Will they say if I....." etc. Since meeting this amazing woman who sees the world through the eyes of a child, I can honestly say that I want to run to my Father with my arms open wide, squealing with joy and, I want to raise my children to do the same. I can remember back to when my son was little and suddenly he had these opinions that differed from mine. I know... Horrors! I tried and tried to squeeze him back into this nice little package that I wanted to present to the world. Why...because of what people would think about me. I have learned more from watching this baggy pants boy about God than I have learned from most people the church places high on a pedastal. You see, this boy that I tried to mold into something I thought was so godly showed me Jesus in the flesh time and time again.
Ever since reading this post, I have been a child-watcher. As a teacher, I am continually amazed by the things I learn from children, but suddenly, this served as a reminder to me that I am to live my life like a child. So, what does that mean? Well, tonight, as I stood in this incredibly long line at Wal-Mart with my kids after church, I noticed these two little girls playing in line. Now you have to know that I hate shopping AND I especially detest Wal-Mart because of this very thing...long lines...but tonight, I was reminded of my need to be more like a child. There was this little girl standing with her mother in line. She had this sort of sparkling personality that seemed to light up the entire line. As I stood there, I saw this little four year old girl with the pig tails skip back in the line where another girl about her age stood with her mother. "Hello" the little girl said to her, "do you want to be my friend?" She nodded in approval, looked at her mother and suddenly, they were fast friends. The other little girl was Hispanic and spoke very little English, but this didn't seem to hinder their conversation at all. They held hands, skipped all through the line, and played a game of chase after knowing each other for only five minutes. "You speak Spanish?" the first girl says..."that's ok if we don't talk the same, we can be friends anyway." Amazing! Although I hate Wal-Mart...I loved seeing God sharing with me just one more way I can grow closer to Him. I was reminded that I am never quite so comfortable as this little girl when I first meet someone. So...for me...I'd like to be more childish in the way that I live my life. I'd like to walk up to somone, introduce myself and then skip off with them as my new best friend. I will work this week on learning what it means to be child-like, what about you?
I guess looking back a bit, as my children are now teens, I can see that many times I pushed my children into this little mold that like many who had gone before me had lovingly advised would be a perfect fit. However, some of the best advise I ever got was from this amazing mentor of mine who seems to live her life with that same sort of child-like qualities. She scolded me for always being more concerned with what people thought about me than what my Father in Heaven was thinking. I have always lived my life with this sort of concern, "What Will they say if I....." etc. Since meeting this amazing woman who sees the world through the eyes of a child, I can honestly say that I want to run to my Father with my arms open wide, squealing with joy and, I want to raise my children to do the same. I can remember back to when my son was little and suddenly he had these opinions that differed from mine. I know... Horrors! I tried and tried to squeeze him back into this nice little package that I wanted to present to the world. Why...because of what people would think about me. I have learned more from watching this baggy pants boy about God than I have learned from most people the church places high on a pedastal. You see, this boy that I tried to mold into something I thought was so godly showed me Jesus in the flesh time and time again.
Ever since reading this post, I have been a child-watcher. As a teacher, I am continually amazed by the things I learn from children, but suddenly, this served as a reminder to me that I am to live my life like a child. So, what does that mean? Well, tonight, as I stood in this incredibly long line at Wal-Mart with my kids after church, I noticed these two little girls playing in line. Now you have to know that I hate shopping AND I especially detest Wal-Mart because of this very thing...long lines...but tonight, I was reminded of my need to be more like a child. There was this little girl standing with her mother in line. She had this sort of sparkling personality that seemed to light up the entire line. As I stood there, I saw this little four year old girl with the pig tails skip back in the line where another girl about her age stood with her mother. "Hello" the little girl said to her, "do you want to be my friend?" She nodded in approval, looked at her mother and suddenly, they were fast friends. The other little girl was Hispanic and spoke very little English, but this didn't seem to hinder their conversation at all. They held hands, skipped all through the line, and played a game of chase after knowing each other for only five minutes. "You speak Spanish?" the first girl says..."that's ok if we don't talk the same, we can be friends anyway." Amazing! Although I hate Wal-Mart...I loved seeing God sharing with me just one more way I can grow closer to Him. I was reminded that I am never quite so comfortable as this little girl when I first meet someone. So...for me...I'd like to be more childish in the way that I live my life. I'd like to walk up to somone, introduce myself and then skip off with them as my new best friend. I will work this week on learning what it means to be child-like, what about you?
Are You Sure It's Free?
I recently read a post called, "Believing or false belief?" In it the writer talks about the magnitude of this idea that for no other reason than because of love, Jesus died for us. Wow! I am certain that this writer addressed something that for many Christians, we continually grasp to understand fully this idea of grace. I grew up with this same sort of thought about my salvation...scratching my head and asking, "Are you sure it's free?" Crazy! Today, as much as I'd like to believe I have grown leaps and bounds in my spiritual walk...occasionally, I look back on the pathway that I have traveled and I look for some sort of toll road that I must pay to continue. When I got baptized, I remember thinking, "This is it?" "Isn't there something else I need to do?" Of course, you and I both know that there was much more that God was requiring of me. The water...while not magical by any means...made a statement to the world that I, like Jesus, knew I needed a Father. While Jesus did this to "fulfill righteousness" I believe with my heart that He just wanted to be the example for us. After surrendering my life to Christ...taking it back more times than I can count...and finally coming to the end of myself...I realized this simple fact: I was lost...really lost and then...suddenly for no other reason than because of love, my Savior reached through hell to rescue me. I don't understand it...I guess I never will and I can't begin to tell you how many times I attempted to return this free gift to Him. Looking back on this journey...I realize that for some time, grace eluded me. Yes, I knew I was a Christian...yes, I knew that I wanted to live with reckless abandon for Jesus...but something was holding me back. As I sat in a counselor's office trying to sort out the twists and turns that had gotten me so off course....I finally heard a message that only years later finally, finally sunk in. You see, ironically enough, my counselor's name was "Grace." Funny, right...because the whole time I went to Grace...I never really WENT TO GRACE. Now years later, I find myself sharing the time of my life where I realized how lost I really was and the minute I began telling about Grace...the irony of it all finally sunk in. You see, I'm a little slow sometimes and obviously need some processing time to make sense of it all. Now...I find myself using my gifts from God, not because they are a payment of some kind for that toll...but because of love. His love and now...mine. I do work at church...I am a minister (oh...not a paid one...but a minister none the less) and find that while I didn't understand this free gift years ago and still have trouble explaining it to myself some days...I will live this life of mine recognizing daily this sacrifice for me.
I've heard it said, "If there were no one else in the world...Christ would have still died...just for you." So...what about you? Go on...take this free gift...embrace it and look grace straight in the face and see that One who gave it to all of us...unconditional.
May God bless you on the road to living in grace. May He wrap you up and seal it tightly around you to wear with pride. When others see you...they won't understand it...but...they will see a peace in you that says it all....grace!
I've heard it said, "If there were no one else in the world...Christ would have still died...just for you." So...what about you? Go on...take this free gift...embrace it and look grace straight in the face and see that One who gave it to all of us...unconditional.
May God bless you on the road to living in grace. May He wrap you up and seal it tightly around you to wear with pride. When others see you...they won't understand it...but...they will see a peace in you that says it all....grace!
Friday, August 04, 2006
Jesus on the Streets
Fear...
Have you ever been afraid...I mean really, really afraid? As I began preparing for my upcoming mission trip to Honduras...I experienced this fear that gripped me beyond belief and began consuming my every thought. I couldn't actually explain why I was afraid...I just was. Satan? Perhaps the evil one whispered fear in my ears so that I would be too afraid to obey the words that Jesus spoke when He told the disciples to "go." Whatever the reason....I was truly, truly afraid.
I realized from the very moment that I arrived in Honduras that God was going to be asking me to step way, way out of my personal comfort zone. As nightfall began covering all of Honduras during our first full day there...I found myself standing in the middle of downtown surrounded by street children who seemed to crawl right out of the ground. As I looked around at this hopelessness and despair...there high above us, up on the hill, stood this imposing figure. He was lit up for all to see...it was Jesus. At first, as I looked at Him...looking down on us...I thought how proud He must be of us for coming so far to do His will. (Isn't that just like us to always try to pat ourselves on the back...as if without us, God couldn't perform such amazing feats, right?) But...the more I looked at Him sitting so far away up on that hill...I realized that Jesus...the real Jesus was right there in the streets with the unlovely. He was right there giving a sweet smile and a loving touch. He shared a tortilla sandwhich and a cold drink straight from a baggie with His children. He shared His love in us and through us. As I stood there watching the hopeless....I realized that for that moment...we gave them hope. For that moment...because of a group of adults and teens all the way from Alabama...for just that moment, Jesus made a personal appearance. Was I still afraid? Yes...but the more I trusted my Savior, whose call I answered....the more I realized that I was safe in His arms the entire time. As I stood there that night, I sang the song in my head, "Thou oh Lord, are a shield about me"....and He was!
May God show you that you are safely tucked away in the Shadow of the Almighty and that He hasn't let you out of His sight...not for one moment. So...go on...be the hands and feet of Jesus. Be the Jesus on the streets...and not up on a hill.
Have you ever been afraid...I mean really, really afraid? As I began preparing for my upcoming mission trip to Honduras...I experienced this fear that gripped me beyond belief and began consuming my every thought. I couldn't actually explain why I was afraid...I just was. Satan? Perhaps the evil one whispered fear in my ears so that I would be too afraid to obey the words that Jesus spoke when He told the disciples to "go." Whatever the reason....I was truly, truly afraid.
I realized from the very moment that I arrived in Honduras that God was going to be asking me to step way, way out of my personal comfort zone. As nightfall began covering all of Honduras during our first full day there...I found myself standing in the middle of downtown surrounded by street children who seemed to crawl right out of the ground. As I looked around at this hopelessness and despair...there high above us, up on the hill, stood this imposing figure. He was lit up for all to see...it was Jesus. At first, as I looked at Him...looking down on us...I thought how proud He must be of us for coming so far to do His will. (Isn't that just like us to always try to pat ourselves on the back...as if without us, God couldn't perform such amazing feats, right?) But...the more I looked at Him sitting so far away up on that hill...I realized that Jesus...the real Jesus was right there in the streets with the unlovely. He was right there giving a sweet smile and a loving touch. He shared a tortilla sandwhich and a cold drink straight from a baggie with His children. He shared His love in us and through us. As I stood there watching the hopeless....I realized that for that moment...we gave them hope. For that moment...because of a group of adults and teens all the way from Alabama...for just that moment, Jesus made a personal appearance. Was I still afraid? Yes...but the more I trusted my Savior, whose call I answered....the more I realized that I was safe in His arms the entire time. As I stood there that night, I sang the song in my head, "Thou oh Lord, are a shield about me"....and He was!
May God show you that you are safely tucked away in the Shadow of the Almighty and that He hasn't let you out of His sight...not for one moment. So...go on...be the hands and feet of Jesus. Be the Jesus on the streets...and not up on a hill.
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