Labor and Delivery Playlist

Music is my language. While preparing for my labor and delivery, I decided to compile a list of songs into a playlist to help me 1) relax, 2) stay focused on Jesus, and 3) calm my fears. I listened to these songs for several weeks leading up to my labor and was encouraged every time I opened my heart to the lyrics. I definitely recommend having songs on hand during the birthing process. Though I only labored for a little over two hours at home before rushing to the hospital (read the crazy story here!), I was able to listen to a few of these songs on my playlist before we left. When a contraction hit and my response was to tense up and fear the pain, these songs helped keep me calm and steady. Hearing truths in the lyrics of these songs (i.e. be still and know that He is God....faithful God, every need You've met....my Father comforts me....He walks with me where angels fear to tread...) brought comfort to me and reminded my heart that I am His child and I am in His hands.

Below is my playlist. It's a combination of fast and slow songs. Some instrumentals. Most all of these can be found on iTunes.

• Amazing Grace (instrumental) - Josh Wilson 
• Be Still and Know - Steven Curtis Chapman
• Beautiful Baby: Pachelbel's Cannon w/piano and strings - Music for Labor and Delivery
• Beulah Land - my grandfather (www.lisembys.com)
• Bless Us and Keep Us - John Waller
• Blessed Assurance - Eden Symphony Orchestra
• The Blood of Jesus (live) - the Collingsworth family
• Bring the Rain - Mercy Me
• Dreams - Eric and Leslie Ludy
• Edelweiss - Sound of Music soundtrack
• Faithful God - Laura Story
• Fear Not Tomorrow - the Collingsworth family
• Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - Matt Redman
• Find You on My Knees - Kari Jobe
• God Walks the Dark Hills - Vestal Goodman
• Grip of Grace - the Perrys
• He's Always Been Faithful - Sara Groves
• Here - Kari Jobe
• His Burden's Light - Austin's Bridge
• His Grace is Sufficient - Mike Bowling Group
• Hurt and the Healer - Mercy Me
• Hundred More Years - Francesca Battistelli
• I Can Trust Jesus - the Collingsworth family
• I Look to You - Selah
• I Need You More Today - Jeff & Sheri Easter
• I Place My Trust in Him - Reggie Lisemby (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/he-guards-my-way-audio/id446655886?i=95189020&mt=2)
• In the Calm - Jennifer Deibler
• The Lord is My Shepherd - Keith Green
• Nearer My God to Thee - (www.lisembys.com)
• O Lord, Our Strength and Confidence - Ingrid DuMosch
• One Desire - Kari Jobe
• Only Trust Him - Eden Symphony Orchestra
• Perfect Peace - Laura Story
• The Potter Knows the Clay - the Perrys
• Rise - Kari Jobe
• Steady My Heart - Kari Jobe
• Sweet Hour of Prayer - Anne Walsh
• Take My Life - Kari Jobe
• Tell the Mountain - the Collingsworth family
• Thou Oh Lord (Psalm 3)
• The Well - Casting Crowns
• Where Angels Fear to Tread - the Worship Crew
• Where Joy and Sorrow Meet - Avalon
• While I'm Waiting - John Waller
• Yearn - Shane & Shane
• Your Grace Still Amazes Me - Phillips, Craig, & Dean

Do you have songs that still your heart and calm your fears? Feel free to share!

My Savior Leads Me

Fanny Crosby wrote in her beautiful hymn,

All the way my Savior leads me;

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who through life has been my Guide?

Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate’er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know, whate’er befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

photo credit

2012 was a year that, for me, held both sorrow and great triumph. Like Dickens wrote, "It was the best of times...it was the worst of times." The Lord granted us a sweet, soon-to-arrive little girl and so many other blessings! He gave us memories that I will cherish forever. He is, indeed, a GOOD God. And yet in the midst of beauty, He also allowed us to walk in the darkness. Sometimes I was afraid. Some moments I was angry. Other times, I could only sit and cry and ask God the question we always seem to ask - "WHY??"

If I could sum up 2012 - personally - it would be, He led. 

In life, there will be days when we walk through valleys and deserts where, quite frankly, our spirit and even our flesh cries out in agony. Other days we will walk on mountain tops where we are high above all the trouble and pain and heartache that seem to cover the world we live in. But still He leads. Our great Savoir is far above all that we can see or think and He has more than we can ever imagine in His plan for our lives. He calls us to follow Him. And though our typical, Christian answer is to say, "Yes, Lord, we will follow You," our actions rarely obey the call. He calls us higher. He calls us to trust Him. He asks us to let Him lead. He may take us through deserts where we feel nothing but dry, desert sand that leaves us panting with thirst. He may take us through dangerous storms that threaten to plummet us. He may lead us through darkness so thick that we wonder if we will ever see light again. Up and down, twists and turns, darkness and sunshine.... sometimes it may look as though we will never reach "the end." But if there one thing I have learned, and will no doubt continue to learn, in 2012 it is that our great Shepherd leads all the way. And He leads well. He truly never forsakes. The pain that we experience in doing His will is so very little in comparison to the pain of not trusting the Master's voice. The fear we may feel in following Him is only a little shadow that He can rebuke with one word. As Fanny Crosby wrote, For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. All things.

Regardless of the past, I pray that this year - in 2013 - you and I will both answer His call to daily die to self, pick up our cross, and follow Him. One year from now, when we look back on 2013, I pray we can say that He led us...and He is still leading. Let us then let Him lead us....all the way.

Let Go, Child

Yesterday, as I was working with Nathan on his walking, God revealed a very big message to me.

Nathan and I were in the kitchen and he was holding on for dear life to a chair. I was encouraging him to "come to momma." He would grin, take a step towards me, then turn back to the chair. After a few repeats of this, Nathan reached for me, then turned and flung himself to another chair. I giggled. He giggled. I sighed and rolled my eyes. Then I stopped smiling...

I do the same thing.

I would throw myself in front of a semi to protect my son. I will not hurt him. I'll catch him when he falls. I'm going to protect him.

But he hasn't learned that yet.

.....and I haven't either.

There are things in my life that I cling to. I have people in my life, dreams in my head, and passions in my heart that I hold on to for dear life. They are my "chairs" that I keep a firm grip on. I don't want to let them go because, let's face it, if I do, I will fall. Hard. Right?....

I see my Father's hands held out to me, and I even hear His voice telling me, "It's okay. Let go. Come to Me." I reach out. I even smile like Nathan smiled at me. But do I let go and walk?? Sometimes. Not often. Very rarely.....hardly ever.

Proverbs 3:5 says, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Oh how I do that. I trust in my own understanding.

God, I know You're there to catch me.... but I am safe right here, you know?

Lord, I hear You say to let go....but don't You know that I HAVE to have this?

Jesus, You are all I need.... but I also need this too.


Oh, be patient with me, God.
What I have to remind myself time and time again is that when I let go and trust my Father, HE will not let me fall! He never once has failed me. He has always been (and will always be) faithful. He protects. He gives. He comforts. He has the very best in mind for me. If all is placed and surrendered in His hands, if I truly trust His voice that says "Let go, my child," and obey Him, and take a step of faith to my Savior....then blessings and peace will abound....and I will walk.

That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God. - Amy Carmichael

Practical Ways to Be Still

There are mornings when I rise early and I enjoy a cup of coffee with my Bible as my little boy plays on the living room floor. (And I love those mornings!) And it seems as though the rest of the day is more peaceful and joyous. But then I have days when I roll out of bed and rush through the whole morning day, somehow making it in one piece by bedtime. I keep telling myself, "I'll just put on one more load of laundry, then I will sit down with my Bible," or "If I wait until naptime, I'll have peace and quiet." And then before I know it, the day is gone.

As a wife, it is easy to be rushed. I have my husbands' clothes to wash, dry, iron, and fold. I have his home to tend to. I have food to prepare for dinner. I have errands to run.

As a mom, it is really easy to be rushed! I have feedings, bathtime, naptime, playtime, and time that I intentionally set aside to teach him.

No matter how long you have walked with Christ, it will always be a struggle to simply be still and get alone with God. Satan will try every tactic he can to distract us and remind us of our never-ending "to-do" list. We have to be INTENTIONAL in our relationship with the Lord....or we will grow to be frazzled, stressed out, and lacking in the beautiful atmosphere that alone time with Jesus brings.

  
 

After having my "fill" for a crazy, frazzled day, I made the following list of ways to remind me to STOP and BE STILL!

1. Do not press snooze. Get up. Greet Jesus.
     
2. At breakfast, as you recite Nathan's mealtime verse, find one (or two!) yourself to meditate on throughout the day.
      
3. Pray while folding the laundry or doing dishes.
     
4. At naptime, intentionally set aside time for quiet prayer and study.
     
5. Get to bed at a decent hour. If possible, bring your Bible to bed and read a few passages before you turn out the light.

"Thou layest Thy hand on the fluttering heart, And sayest, “Be still!” The silence and shadow are only a part Of Thy sweet will; Thy presence is with me, and where Thou art I fear no ill." - F. R. HAVERGAL.

"Be still and cool in thy own mind and spirit from thy own thoughts, and then thou wilt feel the principle of God, to turn thy mind to the Lord God, from whom life comes; whereby thou mayest receive His strength, and power to allay all blustering storms and tempests. That is it which works up into patience, into innocency, into soberness, into stillness, into stayedness, into quietness, up to God with His power. Therefore be still awhile from thy own thoughts, searching, seeking, desires, and imaginations, and be stayed in the principle of God in thee, that it may raise thy mind up to God, and stay it upon God; and thou wilt find strength from Him, and find Him to be a God at hand, a present help in the time of trouble and need." - GEORGE FOX.



I'm linked to: Raising Mighty Arrows

Blocks in my Father's Shoe

photo credit

A few Sundays ago, as we were getting ready for Church, Grant walked into the kitchen laughing holding up his boot. He had discovered one of Nathan's blocks inside!

Nathan is at the age where he...is...everywhere. He stands up, he climbs around, and he crawls....fast. He pulls things out and, apparently, is more than capable of putting things IN various places....like a block in a shoe, for example.

As Grant laughed, he said, "Nathan wanted to leave me a present!" That comment has been stuck in my head ever since.

I want my Lord to "have a present" from me. All day. Every day.

Nathan isn't old enough yet to give his daddy big, grand gifts. He only has his blocks and other various toys. That's all he has to give. I am unable to give my Savior everything He deserves, but I CAN give Him all I have to give. The last line of one of my favorite hymns, says:

Love so amazing, so divine

Demands my soul, my life, my all

My life.

My soul.

My all.

....I can give Him that. They can be my "blocks" in my Father's "shoe."

1 Chronicles 16:29
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

He Stays The Same

Sometimes I have moments when I despise being an emotional creature. Emotions are crazy things. They can sneak up on you, grab you up, take you for a joyride (not sure where the joy is, though), and then drop you on your head....hence the headache.

A few days ago, I felt like I was going through an emotional roller coaster.

Oh yes, I'm happy. Sooooooo happy! *smile*

I'm just....so.....down!

I'm really, really not happy.
What a pretty day! *smile*
My day has been rotten.
No, nothing bad happened...
I'm fine, really.
Okay, I'm NOT fine.

No, I don't know why...

Sound familiar, girls?

My poor husband was at his wits end and, to be honest, I was too. Call it hormones. Call it being a first-time mommy. Call it being a wife. Call it what you will. I call it annoying and exasperating.

Oh yes, I'm human. I have plenty of days when I snap at my husband, when I am totally and completely selfish, when I actually want to be angry, and when I am not happy about anything. And then suddenly, it's like all is right in the world. Out of nowhere, I am happy to be alive, excited about my future, sweet as sugar to my husband, and giddy as a little girl!

Where did that come from?? I have no idea....  I can only say I'm a woman and I have a truck-load of emotions. And they change.... a lot.

All in all, I am thankful that God created me as an emotional creature. I want to feel things. However, I do not want my "feelings" to take over and have control. I want to bring my body - emotions included - into subjection (1 Corinthians 9:27). That isn't always easy though, is it?

Thinking back to the other day, I almost wish I could just stay happy all the time and never, ever change. My feelings are always shifting and it is a job to simply not get lost in my endless parade of emotions. However, this provides two good lessons.

Lesson #1 - Happiness is based on circumstances. Joy is based on contentment. Happiness is a feeling. Joy is a state of being. Happiness is momentary. Joy is eternal. And joy - true joy - comes from Christ.

Lesson #2 - If I were unchangeable, I would never stand in awe of my unchangeable God.

I am still a work-in-progress. I will still struggle to keep my emotions in check. I will continue to forever be striving, with God's help, to act in accordance with the Word of God. But how encouraging it is to KNOW that right by my side is a Helper, Companion, Friend, Leader, Provider, and Savior who is never confusing or swayed at any time by any thing. How comforting it is to know that, although my feelings may change every day, I serve and follow a God who stays the same.

Malachi 3:6a
"For I am the LORD, I change not...."

Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

I Serve a God Who Parted the Sea

Do you ever have those days when you feel like "it" (whatever "it" is in your life) is impossible?

I do.

There are moments when my faith is so weak; when I look up to the Heavens and say, "WHY?" or "HOW?" It's embarrassing to admit that most times I do not truly trust the Lord. I can easily grow faithless and doubtful and hesitant and sceptical.

Horrible, isn't it?

God is teaching me much these days. He is teaching me how to be His version of a mother and a wife. He is teaching me about real beauty. And He is teaching me about trust.....which I have determined is a lifelong classroom lesson.

Trust is hard!

I don't understand why it is so difficult to trust the GOD who created me and knows me better than I know myself. I don't understand why it is so hard for me to let go and allow God to do things HIS way. I don't know why I sometimes think that I know best. Usually, "my way" ends up horribly wrong. HIS way, however, is always perfectly right. And though it may not be how I would like it, or in "my" timing, if HE is in control of things, it is all going to work for His glory. The key is for me to trust Him....and for heaven's sake, let go of the steering wheel!

Will I ever learn?

I was reading today in Exodus, being reminded when God parted the Red Sea for Moses and the children of Israel. Usually in movies, the parting of the sea is depicted in this dramatic "ahhhh" moment. Moses lifts his hands and - SWOOSH! - the waves roll back and TA-DA! Dry land! But if you read carefully, that is not how it happened. In Exodus 14 verses 21, it says, "And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided."

Did you notice the words "all that night"? Meaning....there wasn't an instant parting. But the winds blew all night long. It didn't happen immediately.

Now, I am convinced that in that great multitude of people, there were at least a dozen who were probably thinking, "Moses, I know you believe God said He would part the sea. But it's been...what? three hours now? Let it go!" Considering the history that the children of Israel had with "murmuring," I'm sure there were plenty of people that night who grew faithless and doubtful and did not trust what God said He would do. I am sure they wanted to believe, but since it didn't happen instantly (or in an hour or so), they gave up went to plan B.

Don't we do that? I know I do. Sometimes, I wish God would work NOW! And sometimes when He doesn't, I grow doubtful and skeptical. But OH to remember that the God who said He would part the sea (Exodus 14:15-16) WILL keep His word! OH to be faithful in ALL things! Oh, to be unmovable in my faith and believe with all that is in me that the God who promised, WILL remain true to His promise!

The Lord has made so many promises to us:

* He is our ever present help in times of trouble. - Psalm 46:1
* He has overcome the world. - John 16:33
* He will give us rest. - Matthew 11:28
* We have everlasting life. - John 6:47
* He is faithful to His covenant. - Deuteronomy 7:9
* He will sustain us. - Psalm 55:22
* He will listen to our prayers. - Jeremiah 29:12-13
* He will ANSWER our prayers. - Jeremiah 33:3
* He will lead and direct us. - Proverbs 3:6
* He cares for us. - 1 Peter 5:7
* He will supply our every need. - Philippians 4:19
* His grace is sufficient for us. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
* He has great plans for us! - Jeremiah 29:11

What a wonderful God we serve who, even in our failings and in our disbelief, STILL keeps His word. He still answers prayer. He still "parts our sea." No, it may not be in my perfect timing. No, it usually isn't the way I want it to be. But what a peaceful thing it is to KNOW that if all is in His hands, all is well.

On the days when I am looking over a very big sea that I can't imagine ever getting across, it is good to be reminded that MY God, the Lord that I serve, still parts the waters.

Isaiah 43:2
"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

Isaiah 43:16
Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;


Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Scars of Beauty

I am nine weeks post-partum and the Lord is teaching me a hard lesson for a young woman in today's world to learn. Real beauty.

When I married Grant one year and two months ago, I was skinny. Oh, I didn't think I was at the time, but looking back over our wedding and honeymoon album, it's for sure. I was skinny. I had no idea that my body's pre-pregnancy days were numbered. Three months into our marriage I became pregnant and then some crazy things started to happen. In the first trimester, I was delighted that I would have a baby and couldn't wait to see that little baby bump! The second trimester brought the baby bump! Again.....delighted! The third trimester was different. I was still delighted about having a baby, but not so delighted about what it was doing to my body. My ankles used to be sleek and definitely not swollen! My face? Let's say acne had had a field day! My hips had widened, my feet were always sore, and my arms had swollen on top of everything else. I was ready to have my baby and get back to normal.

Normal? HA!

Of course, I knew life in general would never be normal. For the rest of my life, I would be consumed with my son; caring for him, nurturing him, teaching him, raising him. I knew life would never be the same. But I never entertained the thought that maybe my body would never be the same again.

The Lord may enable me to return to the body I once knew before pregnancy. It might happen. But, most likely, if I am like the majority of mothers out there, I will probably live the rest of my life with regular reminders that my body has carried a child.

And to be honest, that is difficult for me accept.

Grant and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary two days after I came home from the hospital with our baby boy in my arms. Needless to say, my first anniversary was nothing like I had always dreamed it would be. My life, in just one short year, had changed so dramatically. I had married, moved nearly two hours away from my family, became pregnant, underwent major physical changes that I didn't love, and then gave birth - all in 12 months! Though that day was still special and precious, it was very difficult for me as a woman. I did not feel like the girl in the white wedding dress one year earlier. I felt physically and emotionally exhausted and very overwhelmed. And with my postpartum body, I definitely did not feel beautiful. I am blessed, however, to have a husband who does not have the mentality of the modern men of the world. One such moment when I was crying because of my "undesirable" body, Grant got my attention and said, "You are still gorgeous! You are my wife and it was through your body that you gave me Nathan...."  Talk about perspective.

I can do my best to look attractive but if the Lord grants us the honor, I will, no doubt, undergo pregnancy and childbirth again. And I will have many challenges that are difficult, if not impossible, to escape. I will have the swelling, the extremely unattractive stretch marks, and all the other glories of housing a life. Inevitably, I will grow old. My hair won't be a shiny light brown. One day, it will be grey. My skin won't be smooth. One day, I will have wrinkles. One day, I won't be young anymore and my body will not be as it was one year ago, or as it is today. And I know God wants to teach me through those things.

Oh God, let me see myself as YOU see me!

I pray, if I am given the opportunity to bear more "little arrows," that I will have the heart of Christ where I pray not for my own will....but THINE be done. I want to praise God with my postpartum self! Why? Because I, as a woman and as a mother, can actually identify with Christ. He, too, gave His physical body for the glorious work of creating life where there was no life. He gave Himself to have far more pain and suffering than labor pains and childbirth. He gave His whole body to be offered up as a sacrifice..... and I am to follow Christ as His disciple. It hit me just today that HE took my body (which is rightfully His) and used it as an instrument to showcase His glory. He took a life and placed it in my body, which I gave up as a living sacrifice when I asked Him to come and take control. (Romans 12:1)

When Jesus resurrected and came to Thomas, He showed Thomas His scars. Through the giving of life, Jesus had endured suffering and pain....and He had marks on His body as a permanent reminder of what He had accomplished. In Revelation 5:6, Jesus is described as "a Lamb as it had been slain."  What a humbling and beautiful thing; that Christ bears in His body reminders that God has used His "ruined" body to bring life.

The physical part of me sometimes feels "ruined." But if I am still and quiet before God, and allow Him to speak truth to my heart, I can begin to see myself as He made me - as His daughter whom He has used to bring forth new life and to carry in my body the evidence. And just as the scars of Jesus make Him more beautiful as our Savior and Redeemer, and hold within themselves hope, life, and the Gospel itself, MY scars make me more beautiful as a mother, a wife, and woman who desires to showcase God in and through and ON my body.



Isaiah 53:5
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

Galatians 6:17
"From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus."

Psalm 90:17a
"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us..."

Proverbs 31:30
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

Thy Will Be Mine

And shall I pray Thee change Thy will, my Father

Until it be according unto mine?

Ah! No, Lord, No, that never shall be! Rather

I pray Thee blend my human will with Thine.

I pray Thee hush the hurried, eager longings;

I pray Thee sooth the pangs of keen desire.

See, in my quiet places, wishes thronging,

Forbid them, Lord, purge, though it be with fire.

And work in me to will, and do Thy pleasure

'Til all within me, peaceful, reconciled,

Tarry content, my Well-Beloved's leisure;

At last, at last, even as a weaned child.

~ Amy Carmichael

Such profound words. Would that we all had that passionate desire to make our will melt with our King's Will. I often stand in awe wondering why God loves me so. Why would He want me?? Have you ever thought of that concept? Our Heavenly Father, the Creator of the Universe who threw the stars in space and spoke the planets into existence, the Only God and Holy One wants me! He doesn't need me, nor does He need anyone or anything, for our God is so high and pure and magnificent that He has no need of anything other than His Righteous Self. Yet...He wants me!! Why? I simply do not know for my faults are immense! I willingly refuse to yield and often find myself rebelling against His Will. I am impure and deserve the punishment Jesus Christ endured. And in spite of all I am, God wants me. My prayer today (and every day) is for Christ's consuming and purging fire to come and cleanse me and for Him to do a work in my life, blending all my desires and human nature into His.

Something to meditate on...

Ephesians 1:6 -
"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

Dying to Self

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ,


That is dying to self.


When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinion ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient loving silence,


That is dying to self.


When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, and interruption by the will of God,


That is dying to self.


When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown,


That is dying to self.


When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, whild your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances,


That is dying to self.


When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart,


That is dying to self.


~ Amy Carmichael

Beautiful Clay

Isaiah 64:8
"But now, O LORD, thou art our father;
we are the clay, and thou our potter;
and we all are the work of thy hand."

These days, image is everything. Just take a trip to the mall. Turn on the TV. Glance at any magazine. Just look around for a moment and you will see that "image" has become somewhat of a priority in today's world.

Nobody knew that, years ago in my early teens, I was really struggling with my image. I wrestled on a daily basis with how I looked and, I am ashamed to say, that I was very unsatisfied with God's handiwork. I hated my thighs, I wanted a flat stomach, I wished my arms were smaller and my legs were more sleek. I would too often compare my body with those around me. I would see only my faults and then dwell on how unappealing and unattractive I was. Like so many girls and women, I believed the lie that my outward appearance determined my worth. Sadly, I know many of you girls reading this will understand and relate....and that breaks my heart.

I didn't know it at the time, but I was hurting myself. Looking back, I can see the damage I did to my mind. It played a major role in my attitudes. I would sometimes stay home from various activities for the sole reason of not wanting to be around "those skinny, perfect girls." What a battle it was!

But there was another battle going on inside me at the same time. Maybe it is going on in you as well. God was trying to get my attention. Oh, I tried to ignore His Spirit but, thankfully, He kept pursuing me. Finally His conviction became unbearable and I found myself turning to Him and His Word. As I flipped the pages of my Bible, I was bombarded by gentle reminders of how beautiful, special, and loved I was - and not just by my family or friends - but by God Himself! I realized that only God could fill my needs. I saw that no matter how thin or "model gorgeous" I could be, it would never be fulfilling because true fulfillment comes from only one place - Christ! The clincher was when I was reminded that my body is not my own. My body doesn't belong to me, it belongs to God! It is His temple, the dwelling place of Jesus...

1 Corinthians 6:20
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

My transformation began when I believed and received God's Word. I began to reprogram my thinking. Being human and constantly pitched at by Satan, it is still a struggle sometimes, especially now that I am waddling around 9 months pregnant, but God continues to remind me of His truth. As I look back, I am so grateful for all that I have learned about my Creator and Savior.

Unfortunately today we, girls and women, are bombarded by images of those "perfect" girls. All the different diets and "fast weight loss" programs, all the make-up, hair supplies, injections, surgeries, and enhancers can make your head spin and your self confidence plummet. But I challenge you to refuse society and its attempt to make you self-absorbed, and concentrate on simply radiating Christ. I lost sight of the fact that God created me exactly how I am. He didn't just make me, He FORMED me. Like a potter takes clay and molds it into something amazing and beautiful - GOD took me in His hands and, day by day, is working to shape me into what He desires me to be. Psalm 139:13-16 says that He shaped me from the womb. He lovingly took me in His hands and molded me. He chose the right shade of blue to put in my eyes. He gave me my ears, my nose, MY mouth, my arms, legs, face.... and He said it was good. That's an amazing thought alone! For the Creator to take a piece of clay and view it at beautiful! What a God we serve...

As one who has "been there, done there," I want to encourage you all to not dwell on your outer beauty. Sure, take care of the body that was given to you by God, but do not make it a top priority to have perfect skin, a flat stomach, or silky hair. Do not compare yourself with Hollywood's "models" and celebrities. Do not fret or look up to God, disappointed with His work. Outer beauty WILL fade. What matters is the beauty of the heart and the beauty that showcases God's beautiful work inside a changed life.

1 Peter 3:3
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Genesis 2:7
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

Proverbs 31:30
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

Deuteronomy 32:18
"Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee."

The Pouring Out

Psalm 62:8
"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."

There was a woman in the Bible who came to Jesus days before his arrest and crucifixion and anointed him with precious ointment. Carrying with her a box of alabaster, she knelt at his feet and began to pour out that costly perfume onto the feet of Jesus. As she wept, she let down her long hair and washed his feet with her tears and her locks. Many rolled their eyes, many pursed their lips in disapproval, and many were shocked at the “nerve” she had to interrupt their gathering, yet she cried all the more. She poured out her precious alabaster, but she also poured out her very life.

We are quick to say we love Jesus deeply and ardently. We are quick to say that we obey Him and will serve Him to the end. But do we love Him enough to grovel at His feet, kissing Him and worshipping Him with complete abandon? Giving all that we are to Him? Giving up everything we want or believe in and clinging to Him and all that He is? Many can honestly say that if Christ were sitting in their presence, they would fall on their knees and lay everything they treasure at His feet…and that is probably true. I’m sure most everyone would do that if God Himself were in their living room. But instead of pouring out Estee Lauder, Chanel, or some other costly perfume of our day, what about the pouring out of one’s life on Jesus? What about adorning the Master with our thoughts, words, actions, and pursuits? What about lavishing Him with obedience and commitment? What about laying down all that we are and getting up possessing all that He is?

Pour out your life to Jesus. Your cup will overflow if you do.

My Jesus

This month has been filled with traveling; revivals, weddings, and doctor's appointments. I have to say that this month has taught me many things. The revivals have been uplifting and it has been wonderful to meet new people, get reacquainted with old friends, encourage the young people, and see souls saved and lives renewed. It has been a blessed month. But along with being blessed, I have also been burdened. I have seen, more than ever before, a lack of interest in the Word, in the Gospel, and in Jesus Christ. I have seen a scary decline in the fear of God. I have seen empty hands without a Bible. I have seen immodesty. I have seen cell phones take the place of Spiritual hunger. I have seen and heard girls and boys, claiming Christianity, use filthy and perverted language. I have watched them drink, smoke, and hook up....and I have been consumed with righteous anger and an overwhelming sadness. More than anything, I long to see men and women step up and answer the sacred and holy call of our God and King. He is so worthy....

A few posts back, I blogged about my husband; how he is my love, my prince charming, my best friend, and how happy and utterly blessed I am to be his wife. Now, I would like to brag a bit about another Prince of mine who has my heart, and He is not of this world.

His name is Jesus Christ.

He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my Lover, my Creator.

He is my King, my Prince, my Captain, and my Healer.

He is my Forgiver, my Sacrifice, my Light, my Song, and my Leader.

He is my Refuge, my Rock, my Comfort, my Upholder, my Source of Strength....and He is my Salvation!

He is NOT a cuss word! He is not a reason to live your way. He is not an excuse to frustrate His grace.

He forgives, but He demands obedience. He calls us to live holy because He is holy.

He saved me from my sin. He saved me from eternal separation. He saved me from hell. FOR THAT REASON, I will live for Him. I will obey Him, I will follow Him, and I will serve Him. He deserves my allegiance, my loyalty, my respect, my praise - my ALL.   He is worthy of everything.

My Jesus....it is because of my relationship with Him that my earthly relationships survive. It is because of Him that I am alive and well. He is worthy of my life. How I wish others would love Him as much as I do. And how I wish I loved Him more than I do.

If you do not know my Jesus personally, you certainly can right now!

1. Admit you are a sinner
2. Believe Jesus is God

3. Confess your sins to Him

4. Ask His forgiveness

5. Invite Him into your heart and life

Lord Jesus,
Have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe in you and that your word is true. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he died on the cross so that I may now have forgiveness for my sins and eternal life. I know that without you in my heart my life is meaningless. I believe in my heart that you, Lord God, raised Him from the dead. Please Jesus forgive me, for every sin I have ever committed or done in my heart, please Lord Jesus forgive me and come into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior today. I need you to be my Father and my friend.

I give you my life and ask you to take full control from this moment on; I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23
"...The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 5:8
"God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."

Romans 10:9
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

O Lord, Our Strength And Confidence

O Lord, our strength and confidence,
Our eyes are unto Thee;
Thou art the rock of our defence,
Our song of victory,
Thou who dost still the violence
Of any raging sea.

Thou at the flood didst sit as King;
What are our floods to Thee,
To whom it is a little things
To walk upon the sea?
We wait to hail Thee conquering,
King of eternity.

Only, O Lord our God, we pray,
Teach us to do Thy will,
Through windy hours and flying sprays
Thy purposes fulfill,
Until the word of yesterday
Thou speakest - "Peace, be still."

          --- Amy Carmichael

For Such Is The Kingdom

Lately, I have been pondering the phrase Jesus spoke 2,000 years ago.

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."   (Luke 18:16)

It is almost like Jesus is saying that the key to the kingdom of heaven is child-likeness, isn't it? In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus said to be as little children and if we come to Him like a child comes to their father, then we are made great in His kingdom.

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 18:1-4)

These passages in Scripture have been on my mind heavily for quite a while now. Coming from a family of five younger siblings and quite a handful of young cousins, I can say that I know a bit about children.
 
Children are innocent. Children are trusting. Children have a spirit of adventure. Children dream, while adults force themselves to focus on the tough reality. Children believe the unbelievable. Children are teachable; easily able to mold.
 
For such is the kingdom....
 
The more I think about it, the more I realize that I need to be more childlike in my relationship with Jesus. I need to be constantly filled with pure innocence, dwelling on the holiness of God. I need to TRUST my Master in all things. I need to trust that He will never leave me, never do me harm, never stop loving me. He will provide. He will prosper. He will give peace. I need to forever have the spirit of joyful adventure as I walk each day in His will. I should be anxiously and eagerly waiting for Him to move and speak every moment of every day. While living in a sin-cursed world, I should not focus simply on my hardships, but on the beauty of the Christian life, while serving and living out His dreams for me. I need to believe He can do miracles. I need to believe that He will do the impossible. And probably most of all, I need to be teachable by Him. I need to be clay that will not fight the potter; accepting every squeeze, every painful shaping of life, knowing that He who hath begun a good work in me, WILL perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.  (Philippians 1:6)

Too often, I am hard and cold. Unteachable. Untouchable. Haughty. Unkind. When I should be welcoming whatever the Lord brings to me, may it be rain or shine, many times I reject the opportunity to be as a child. When I should be giving, I am often selfish. When I should be trusting, I am frequently doubtful.

How I need more of Jesus in my life! The walk of a Christian really is an endless school of learning how much we lack and how we need Him more and more. I NEED HIM like a child needs his/her father and mother. And even though I am a grown woman, I still need to be as a child for God to work mightily in me.
 
Many times throughout Scripture, Jesus speaks of children. Many times, we see Him healing a child, holding a child, and - best of all - calling US His children.

 
Matthew 18:5
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Matthew 19:13
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray:....
 
Mark 9:37
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Luke 17:2
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Ephesians 5:1
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;


Our Savior, Christ Jesus, said to be as a child...for such is the kingdom...and I can see why. May it be so.
 

Am I Willing Enough?

You might say that lately I have been reevaluating, and soul searching; searching myself and my heart. Inner housecleaning, for lack of a better word. Things that should not be there need to be removed. I have been looking at everything in my life and asking myself if such-and-such is worth it, if "this" or "that" is important, etc.

Is this attitude of mine damaging my testimony or is this friendship Christ-centered?

If not, how can it be? What can I do for this person to spur them on to Godliness?

Is "this" desire MY desire for myself or GOD's desire for me? Is this hurting or distracting me away from my relationship with the Lord? Does this take too much of my time?

Am I compromising? Am I slipping into a mediocre version of Christianity that I, myself, have created?

Is my life built around Christ or am I trying to just fit Christ into my life? How far am I willing to go to be all the Lord wants of me?

Question after question....and it has brought me to here. :) A time of inner cleansing and thinking of how much more time I can spend growing in Christ, and of how much more I can do for the Kingdom of God. This poem, that I wrote a few years ago, has been on my heart for the past two days now. Since I am currently at a state of "questioning and soul searching" I have to say that this poem says what I'm at a loss for words to say, and the words below capture many of the questions, that we all need to ask ourselves every day.


Am I willing enough to serve my Lord
Though I may serve alone?
To choose the path of Christ
Forsaking all that I have known?

 Am I reluctant to follow His words?
Am I ashamed to live as He?
Or have I chosen to be steadfast
And be all He desires of me?

 Do I have within a faithful spirit -
One that believes with little doubt?
Will I blindly walk by faith,
No matter what may come about?


Do I posses a servant's heart
Or do I seek glory or fame?
Is my mind fastened upon God alone
Or set on some worldly aim?

Do my actions, thoughts, and deeds
Reflect what He has placed inside?
Am I living a life that is set apart
Or one that is ruled by pride?

Am I a vessel God can use
To do with as He sees fit?
Or do I run and reject His call?
Do I refuse to yield and submit?

Am I willing enough to serve my Lord?
Am I bold enough to be
That which my Eternal God
Desires of me?

 © Kristen Lisemby 2005

I Want To Disappear

On a day like this, I want to crawl beneath a rock
A million miles from the world, the noise, the commotion
That never seems to stop
On a day like this, I want to run from the routine
Run away from the daily grind
That can such the life right out of me
I only know of one place I can run to...

Chorus:
And I want to hide in You, the way, the life, the truth
So I can disappear
And love is all there is to see coming out of me
And You become clear, as I disappear

I don't want to care about earthly things
Be caught up in all the lies that trick my eyes
They say it's all about me
I'm so tired of it being about me...

Chorus:
And I want to hide in You, the way, the life, the truth
So I can disappear
And love is all there is to see coming out of me
And You become clear, as I disappear

I would rather be cast away
Separated from the human race
If I don't bring You glory
If I don't bring You glory


For the past month or so, God has placed in my path more subtle messages on this one reminder - it's NOT about me! (I know what you're thinking, "Oooh, touchy!") So many of us, myself included, would love to stand up and say with an ultra-confident smile, "Well! I'm glad I'm not one of those people who think only of themselves." Hmmm.... we're so blind sometimes. I know I am.

Getting out of the "it's ALL about me" attitude is harder than you think. It is a daily dying to self choice. It is a daily surrendering. It is a daily yielding of one's being to Christ. And it's hard to do because our flesh screams "NO!!!!" at the very thought of giving up control of anything in our lives.
  

Our human flesh has a tendancy to be completely self absorbed. We have the natural flare of the dramatic when it comes to Christ living and working through us. We try to think of every loophole and plea bargain just to remain in control of ourselves. But we forget that Christ did not save us ONLY for us to enter into Heaven. He also came and died so He could live His life THROUGH YOU! Why is it that so many of us think that by saying yes to Jesus once, that gives us the green light to say yes to the world and to ourselves for the rest of our lives? Why is it that so many of us assume that because we live good lives of integrity and somewhat high morals, that makes us somehow superior? Why is it that we have no concept of "dying to self"? Why is it that so many of us give no thought to the people around us who are dying lost, without hope....without Jesus?

We can come up with some "great" excuses:

So-and-so's spiritual condition is none of MY business!

Everybody makes their own choices, I made mine. If they want to die lost, it doesn't hurt me.

I don't want to push them away.

Well, that's not my calling. I'm no preacher, you know.

On and on it goes. My friend, it IS our business. As a Christian, we are ambassadors of the Most High God and King, and it is our job to see to it that everybody we know is a Christian. If they are, we should edify and encourage them in their walk! If they are not, then it should be a priority to do everything in your power to lead them to Christ. It should burden our hearts if someone we know is not in the fold. It should hurt you. It should concern you. If it doesn't, then something is wrong. I used to be afraid of pushing people away until I realized that you can't push them any farther away from God than they already are right now. We should not be Christians who say we are living for Christ, but rarely say a word about Him in our day-to-day conversations. Let us not be Christians who care only about our own lives, think about our own comfort, our own safety, our own success, our own image, our own wealth, or our own needs (or wants). Let us DIE! Let us crucify our flesh. Let us run a million miles away from everything distracting. Let us run away from routine, from mediocrity, from monotonous, dullness, from the watered-down, modern day Christianity that we somehow have gotten used to. And there's only one place to go - into the cleft of the Rock of Ages, which is Christ. I want to hide in Him because it is in Him that everything becomes clear...our purpose, our reason for existence, our path, our strength - EVERYTHING.

And the more we hide in Him, the more WE disappear.

John 3:30
"He must increase, but I must decrease."

What Kind of Christian Am I?

A Sudanese Christian boy has his knees and feet nailed to a board and he is left to die. When rescued he says he forgives the man who did this because Jesus was also nailed and forgave him.

A Vietnamese pastor is sentenced to two years in prison. When he is offered an early release, he declines stating that he has a group of new Believers in the prison he has to disciple.

A Colombian missionary is kidnapped and told she only has two hours to live. She tells her captors that if she only has two hours to live, she wants to spend it telling them about Jesus.

The persecution of Christians around the world is a tragic reality. Our brothers and sisters are beaten and tortured simply for their faith in Jesus Christ. And some pay with the ultimate price. However, in the midst of this persecution is some of the courageous stories of faith.
http://www.persecution.com/

___________________________________________________________

This brief "article" mixed with over an hour of surfing the World Changers website last night has me asking this question:

What kind of Christian am I?

Am I a Sunday-morning Christian? Am I a Churchgoing, good person Christian? Am I a "I don't all those really bad things" Christian? Am I a Christian only by my words...and not my actions? Or am I a sold-out, unmovable, God-seeking, God-fearing, bold and committed Christian? One who lives for God alone; One who lives for His applause only, not the applause, praise, admiration, or acceptance of other people; A Christian who knows his/her place and gets IN it. Am I a devoted Christian? A disciplined Christian? A Christian who will not be shaken, moved or swayed by the world's loud appeals?

What kind of Christian am I?

Reading the above, I almost cried thinking, Goodness, do I have the kind of Godly, selfless love in me where I would instantly forgive someone who nailed my knees and feet to a board?

Do I have the kind of Christlike mindset where I would forsake the comfort of an early release, choosing to stay longer in a prison so as to lead more souls closer to Jesus?

Do I have the kind of unwavering faith in me, where when I am to die in two hours, my only thoughts are those of my captors' lost souls?

I'd like to stand up, raise my hand, and shout YES I DO! with a very big grin. But I don't think I do. I'm almost ashamed to say that if I had my feet and knees nailed to a board, I would be angry at my enemy, and would probably be filled with bitterness. If I was put in prison for my faith, then offered an early release, I would probably take it immediately and not give one thought of staying to disciple those in my cell. If I was kidnapped and told I would be killed in two hours, I would probably spend those two hours shaking with fear and praying to be delivered from such a fate! I would probably wonder why such things would fall upon me. I would probably wonder what I did to "deserve" such horrible treatment. I would probably doubt God. I would, more than likely, question His ways of running things. I may even doubt His love. I'm not sure what exactly I would do, how I would be or what I would think, but I'm afraid I may succumb to such selfish thinking. And I wonder, HOW could I think of myself? How could my thoughts be on me and my comfort INSTEAD of on the souls around me who are on their way to hell? Instead of on Jesus???

How could I even be so haughty and foolish to think and believe that I deserve better?! My goodness....did not nearly all the great followers of Jesus die horrible deaths? Flayed? Sawed in half? Crucified? Crucified upside down? Beaten? Stoned? Beheaded? Burned? Bound in chains and thrown into the sea?

And I dare to say I don't deserve persecution! I dare to say I don't deserve to live and/or die in "this" or "that" way.

God help me.....

I've read stories of Christian men and women around the world who were attacked, speared, forced to watch their families murdered in front of them, burned alive, raped, tortured, humiliated and viciously killed.

Here I am, in an air conditioned building. I have clothes and shoes. I spent an hour getting ready this morning (complete with shampoo, conditioner, makeup, hair gel, blowdryer, and perfume). I have plenty to eat! I can drive to my destinations. I can go to Church whenever I want and not have to wonder if I will be caught and killed for it. I am free. I can sing a gospel song loudly outside or leave my Bible in plain view in the car. I have friends. I have a wonderful family. I have a TV, a stereo, an iPod, a phone, a camera, a laptop, etc. I have so many "luxuries" and so many blessings....maybe too many. And yet, I sometimes complain about my persecution. Someone hurt my feelings. Someone spread rumors about me. Someone doesn't like me. Ah me, I am persecuted!

*shakes head*

Although, it IS a form of persecution, it can't come close to the unimaginable horrors that Godly men and women - both young and old - are undergoing every day all around the world. And yet....when they are being beaten, burned, stoned, hanged or nailed to boards, they don't complain! Rather, they rejoice that they are counted worthy of such an honor! To be hurt and hated and despised....was not Christ? And they praise God for letting them be worthy enough to share such pain. They don't complain. They don't try to get even. They react in selfless love. They pray for their enemies. They pray for those that "despitefully use them" and they reach out to them, even when they are about to die.

What kind of Christian am I?

Am I bold about my faith? Do I put my God before ALL ELSE? Do my actions back up my words? Do I have a heavy burden for my friends, my coworkers, my family members - total strangers! - who are lost? Do I cry for them? Am I saddened when a Christian isn't living as he/she should? Am I brokenhearted when a lost person dies? Does any of it affect me at all? Do I have a desire to be close to God always? Am I ever satisfied with where I am in my walk, thinking I don't need to be any better? Am I willing to do whatever it takes to be the Christian God wants me to be? Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone and forget about everything except what Christ wants of me?

Am I willing to die for my Savior? I would say yes, I am.

BUT, the bigger question is this:

Am I willing to LIVE for Him?

Not with words alone. Not with Church membership or Church attendance. Not with good intentions. But with the same passion as the greats. The same selfless love. The same perspective. The same mindset.

What kind of Christian am I? What kind of Christian are you?

Love is...Christ is...Am I?

At a Bible Study last year, one of the men of our Church brought out a very interesting view of 1 Corinthians 13 – “The Love Chapter” as it is most commonly referred to. He said, “anytime you see the word love or charity, place Christ’s name there and read through it again. After you finish, place your own name in the place of love.” It struck a chord with me and reminded me of Amy Carmichael’s “Calvary Love” quotations. We are to love with the same love as Jesus Himself. We are to live as He lived, talk as He talked, go as He went, and love as He loves.

Let us love….

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:


Love is patient. Christ is patient. …Am I patient?

Love is kind. Christ is kind. …Am I kind?

Love does not envy. Christ does not envy. …Do I envy?

Love is not proud. Christ is not proud. …Am I proud?

Love is not arrogant. Christ is not arrogant. …Am I arrogant?

Love is not hateful. Christ is not hateful. …Am I hateful?

Love is not selfish. Christ is not selfish. …Am I selfish?

Love is not easily angered. Christ is not easily angered. …Am I easily angered?

Love does not keep a record of wrongs. Christ does not keep a record of wrongs. …Do I keep a record of wrong?

Love finds no joy in sin. Christ finds no joy in sin. …Do I find joy in sin?

Love delights in the truth. Christ delights in the truth. …Do I delight in the truth?

Love can bear anything. Christ can bear anything. …Can I bear anything?

Love never loses faith. Christ never loses faith. …Do I lose faith?

Love is always hopeful. Christ is always hopeful. …Am I always hopeful?

Love endures all things. Christ endures all things. …Do I endure all things?

Love never fails. Christ never fails. …Do I fail?



1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never dies.
– From The Message Bible


1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].– From The Amplified Bible

Ellie and Her Worship

I have heard my Dad preach on worship for as long as I can remember. In the Bible, there are many different definitions but he always brings out two that are very rarely used. They are:

1. To kiss toward.

He always says that a kiss is the most tender, personal thing two people can do and is held as such a special act. It, in itself, is worship.

2. To lick...as a dog would lick his master's hand.

The second is what I was reminded of just yesterday. We have two dogs, one of which is our little baby. Her name is Ellie and she's the cutest little mullins feist you'll ever meet. While my family and I were gone on revival, some friends took care of our "baby dog." Yesterday, Mom went to pick her up and bring her back back. Well, as I walked towards the door as Mom entered with Ellie in tow, Ellie went crazy jumping and running all throughout at house at full speed! She wagged and shook and pounced up and down, running circles around us and trying so hard to jump up and lick us. She seemed unimaginatively thrilled and amazed that she was graced with our presence.

Ellie worshipped us yesterday and, as I watched and laughed, I couldn't help but wonder why I don't do the same thing towards MY Master. All I do for Ellie is feed her, play with her, and pick her up whenever I find the time. I let her walk with me around the house and let her help occupy my lovely bed whenever she wants. And she worships me for it. She worships us all for it. When she does something she should not do, we spank her. Yet, she worships us still. 

But Christ, who provides for all my needs, who cares for me so deeply that He sacrificed His life for my sake, who comforts, strengthens and directs me, does not receive that same kind of total adoration. I don't worship Him the way my Ellie dog worships me. It struck me yet again today...I have heard that definition all my life and am just now understanding and seeing this humble act in a new light. I needed to be reminded and...who knows?...maybe you did too.

Steven Curtis Chapman's song, "This Is A Moment Made For Worshipping" comes to mind when I think of this. This one line always gets me thinking:

This is a moment made for worshipping
Because this is a moment I'm alive

I fail miserably in that department. The last line says, for every moment that I live and breathe, it is a moment made for worshipping.

I need to burn that into my brain so I'll never forget and willingly dismiss a chance to worship. I guess I can thank little Ellie, huh? :)