How Satan Gets At Good Girls

I'm a good girl.

A girl who always follows the rules. My rebellious phase lasted maybe two months. I get paranoid if someone looks at me funny. I do what I can to keep everyone happy. My conversion story is lackluster. I didn't have to be cleansed from any addiction or horrible past. This girl who did what she was supposed to do, just started living by God's rules one day.

And yet there are days I wonder if following the rules is worth it. Bad stuff still happens to good girls and those they love. God doesn't always answer prayers the way I'd like. There is no perfect life. And when the hard stuff hits, I feel my efforts to be good have been overlooked by God. Why bother? Does it matter? Is there really protection in living His way?

“‎When the truth doesn’t feel true is when we begin to believe it isn’t. Satan’ biggest, most effective weapon against good girls may not be lust or slander or adultery or addiction. It is forgetfulness.”

Emily Freeman
Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life

The truth is, when I'm scared or worried or feeling like nothing matters, I've forgotten the goodness of God in my past. I'm listening to Satan's whispers saying, "this can't possibly work out right" and "what's the point of following a God who doesn't reward your faithfulness" and "it doesn't matter what you do when tragedy and trauma hit everyone."

The moment I entertain these thoughts, Satan's sucked me in. I may not be sleeping with my neighbor or doing drugs or cheating on my taxes, but believing those lies is just as harmful.

Not acknowledging God's faithfulness and goodness in the past blasts away at my faith every bit as much, if not MORE, than any other sin I avoid.

I need to remember Who He is and what He's done. When I don't, I leave myself vulnerable for Satan's attack.


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Photo Credit: CapesTreasures.com

Wanting More

I want to be more. I want to be better.

Yet sometimes in my quest to improve myself, I wonder if my dissatisfaction is a cover. Is this a nice way of saying I want more and I want better? Am I disguising my selfish nature as self-improvement? Are my earthly desires, my temporal wishes distracting me from the beautiful gifts He's placed within me?

Do I slap God in the face by uttering these things?

Not only do I want to be more, I want to do more. I want my time on earth to matter, to make a difference. I want to leave behind something not easily forgotten. But in all my wanting, I get frustrated. In my own eyes I don't measure up. Others accomplish greater things. I realize my insignificance in a great big world and feel defeated.

I know the attitude is wrong, ringing of discontent, but I feel powerless to stop it. Where is the freedom and joy I'm supposed to find in Christ?

“There is only one answer to our craving for more meaning or more purpose in life, and that is God himself.”

Marilyn Meberg
Constantly Craving: How to Make Sense of Always Wanting More

When I find myself craving more, it's a sign my focus has veered to me. Who do I want to be better for? Am I seeking to honor the Lord or impress my fellow man? Am I truly striving to be the best Tami for God, or am I doing it for my own ego? When I feel anxious and restless, is it because my spirit senses a disconnect? I need more of Him, more time in prayer, more time in His Word, more quiet reflection on Him and His ways.

And while the world may see that as a waste of time, for we Christians it is necessary. Jesus Himself said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." When I want more, what I'm really craving is His supernatural touch in my life. I yearn for Paradise--heaven--and since I can't get there without God's divine summons, I must do the next best thing and rest in His presence here.

Do you ever feel this way, torn between what you want to be and what you are? Do you find yourself always wanting more? There's only one solution, my friends. Seek God.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

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Being Worldly?

“Farewell, vain world; my soul bids you adieu. My Savior taught me to abandon you. Your charms may gratify a sensual mind, but cannot please a soul for God designed.”

David Brainerd

There's a lot about planet Earth I like.

I like people. I like the peacefulness of early mornings and hot tea and ice cream. I like stimulating conversations and the smell of rain and my porches. I like laughing and connecting, the warmth of the sun and butterscotch lattes.

But there are some things I wouldn't mind getting rid of. I hate cleaning and scheduling appointments. I get tired of always having something to do, of feeling pressed for time. I hate stressing about money, worrying about my kids, wondering if I measure up. I could live without fluctuating hormones dictating my mood. I get tired and discouraged and depressed. I take things too personally and carry guilt for not accomplishing more.

So as I ponder David Brainerd's quote, I think, absolutely, let's get rid of the yucky stuff, the junk that weighs me down. Amen, brother! But I'm not so sure I want to turn my back on the good. Does God require us to?

It's a matter of where we find our satisfaction, isn't it? In my desire to escape the hard in life, if I turn to worldly solutions that give temporary relief, I'm turning away from God. Those are the "charms that gratify a sensual mind" and don't please God. But Brainerd is not suggesting we ditch everything about this world, only those things that draw our attention away from Jesus. Scripture corroborates this.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 6:17

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 8:15

. . . I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10

There's nothing "wrong" with enjoying the world, as long as it doesn't pull us away from our real purpose on earth, glorifying our Father.

What do you think?


For more ideas spurred by this quote, visit Urailak at LivingforGod.



Photo Credit: kretyen

The Summer Blues

It happens to me every year at this time.

Activities slowly dwindle. School dismisses. And I'm left feeling empty. I want to die down as the busyness does. I carry a general malaise, wishing to hide and ignore everybody, everything. I long to sleep and read and nothing else. I envy my kids who seem care free. I'm just tired, wondering if any of the things that fill my time matter, if they're worth the investment. I feel dry. Used up. Unmotivated. Uninspired.

The guilt for feeling this way compounds my problem. There's nothing for me to be depressed about. What kind of a whiny baby am I?

I take it to God and am honest about my feelings. He says nothing, just let's me get it out. And I keep doing the next thing though my heart's not in it. I go on like this for a week before I realize I'm missing His touch and a sense of His Spirit working in me.

"Why have you left me, God?" I ask. And He shows me this:

" . . . Be strong, all you people of the land," declares the Lord, "and work. For I am with you," declares the Lord Almighty. "This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear."

Haggai 2:4-5

He tells me I'm just tired, to give myself a break, to remember He is with me always, even when I don't feel it. He says keep doing what you're doing until I tell you to stop. He says, "I know. I see."

And though I don't understand and don't really feel much better, I know what I must do. Be strong and work. Know His Spirit is with me. Do not fear.

It's enough to tackle some outdoor jobs I've put off, to cook a decent meal for my family, to spur me to write a blog post I don't want to write. And that is something, isn't it? Eventually these summer blues will pass. My job is to keep moving forward until they do.

Do you ever feel like this, questioning your significance, your place in life? Does the change of season put you into evaluation and degradation mode as it does me? Can you join me in doing what is right, regardless of how you feel?

Be strong and work.
Know His Spirit is with you.
Do not fear.


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Photo Credit: VisualTreats

How Can I Do That?!

“You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read, and your life is under scrutiny every day. What do others learn from you? Do they see an accurate picture of your God?”

John MacArthur

Can you say PRESSURE?!

I get huffy with my husband and yell at my kids and speed when I'm running late and get sassy with the Verizon clerk and mumble under my breath about all the church activities I have to attend. I'm emotional when I'm tired, snarky when I'm hormonal, dwell on myself too much and whisper curse words when I bump my leg on the dishwasher door for the 100th time.

And I'm supposed to be a BIBLE?!

I'm not perfect and I can't be perfect. How can I have the loving, gracious spirit I'm supposed to display at all times? How can I possibly live up to this responsibility?

I don't have to.

Yep, you heard me right. I don't have to live up to this microscopic scrutiny.

JESUS does.

Your very lives are a letter than anyone can read just by looking at you. Christ himself wrote it--not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives--and we publish it.

2 Corinthians 3:3

I can only be a living Bible through Christ's touch, through His Spirit living within me. Left to myself, I will fail. I will disappoint. But in the loving hands of a skillful potter . . . ah, now we're talking.

. . . by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.

1 Corinthians 15:10

HE will make me a Bible. His grace will fill in my cracks. His work will open the eyes of others, not anything I do.

Come, Lord Jesus, come. Clean me up. Shine in me.

Make me a Bible.

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Put Up or Shut Up

I mean well. Doesn't that count for something?

I make big goals and bold statements to God. I tell Him I'll do whatever He asks. But when the task isn't as glamorous or exciting as I'd like, I get disappointed. I question Him. I whine.

I forget God is a fan of Do What You Say.

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

If I say I'll do whatever He asks, that includes whatever He asks, whether I deem it worthy or not. He doesn't require us to promise anything. He just wants us to follow through on what we do. If it comes out of our mouth, He'll hold us to it. He's a God of His Word. He wants us to be too. If I say I'll do anything, I better do anything! God's not much for smooth talkers either.

These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Is that a nice way of saying, "Put up or shut up?" Am I guilty of talking big, but delivering little? Do I put on a good show, yet fail to reflect it inwardly? Do my actions match up with my words? If I say, "I'm Your girl, God," yet sigh over the lackluster job He gives, have I condemned myself? Have I proven my heart is far from Him?

Do I believe what I say? Do I DO what I say?

“The kind of religion that God requires, and will accept, does not consist in weak, dull, and lifeless “wouldings”–those weak inclinations that lack convictions–that raise us but a little above indifference. God, in his word, greatly insists that we be in good earnest, fervent in spirit, and that our hearts be engaged vigorously in our religion.”

Jonathan Edwards

Am I just a woman with good intentions or am I a godly woman? How can I tell? How do I know if my "religion" honors God or disgusts Him?

Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.

Faith that honors God, does what He says, does whatever He says. Faith that He accepts, is genuine and active, not frustrated and whiny.

Lord, I'm guilty of saying I'll do anything for you, but complaining about what You set before me. Make me earnest, fervent and engaged in any assignment You give. Help me put up or shut up.

How can you "put up" better?

What do you think of this Jonathan Edwards' quote? Link up and share your thoughts.




Scripture passages taken from: Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4-5; Isaiah 29:13; John 14:21

If He Wouldn't Have Come

I have a hard time truly understanding the Resurrection. Every year I pray for greater comprehension of Easter and its monumental message, but I can't say I've gotten a better handle on it. I must pare away the churchy words and bring it down to a level I can catch. So this year I decided to think on what my life would be like if He wouldn't have come.

If Jesus wouldn't have come, died, and conquered death by coming back to life . . .

. . . I would be slaughtering animals, OFTEN, to pay for my mistakes. Ew.

. . . I couldn't approach God with any amount of confidence.

. . . there would be no clear way to heaven.

. . . my life would lack meaning and purpose.

. . . I'd always be waiting for the other shoe to drop, certain I'd offended God.

. . . the Holy Spirit wouldn't reside within, guiding and teaching me each day.

. . . I would not know the comfort of a sympathetic God.

. . . there would be no mansion waiting for me in heaven.

. . . I would not have a friend that sticks closer than a brother, available to me any time, anywhere, for any reason.

. . . I would be lost.

By coming back to life, Jesus proved He is God. He provided a way to unite with our Heavenly Father and ensured a place for us in heaven. These are HUGE implications for our lives, yet tough to grasp. I've decided to accept it anyway.

Because I am changed.

I know who I was and who I am since choosing to believe the Truth about Jesus. I know the impact our relationship has on me. I can muddle through no matter how gray the days are on earth, knowing the best is yet to come. Because of Him, I cope with the stresses of life. I know anything hard will be made good. There is beauty in life. Because Jesus came, died and yet still lives, I have hope and a future.

“No one can remain neutral regarding Jesus’ resurrection. The claim is too staggering, the event too earthshaking, the implications too significant and the matter too serious. We must either receive it or reject it as truth for us. To remain indifferent or undecided is to reject it.”

Mark Driscoll

Even though I don't fully understand it, I accept the Resurrection because I am changed.

What about you? Have you believed Jesus, the Son of God, died on your behalf and rose again to unite you with God? Just as ignoring or dismissing a red light doesn't save you from the consequences, ignoring or dismissing Jesus doesn't nullify His work and the impact it has on your future.

How would your life be different if He wouldn't have come? What do you believe about the Resurrection?

Visit Loni at Writing Canvas for more thoughts on this quote.



Photo Credit: David Gunter

When There Are No Words

The four of us sat in the room, words tumbling, attempting to remedy an ugly situation. Stored up hurt got too heavy and broke the dam days before and now we tried desperately to salvage something of the relationship. There weren't enough "I'm sorry"s to fix it. Apologies were appreciated, but didn't mend mangled hearts. Disappointment and pain and awkwardness hung in the air, but as people committed to Christ we knew His mandate to forgive.

How do you forgive when the hurt lingers, reaches deep into your gut?

We had no answer, but knew Who did. The faith that drew us together dictated our next move. We joined hands in prayer. As the Spirit moved, my own guilt weighed me down so much that when it was my turn to pray, I had nothing to say. My words got us in this mess to begin with.

What do you pray when words are inadequate, when you are so aware of your faults, your failures, your sins?

All I could muster up were the sentiments of King David who articulated it so well.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

There was much more in the passage from Psalm 51 that I'd memorized, but I couldn't get it out. Sadness overcame me and as the prayer ended, I dropped my head into my husband's lap and sobbed.

Tears cleansed. Friends were gracious. And God's Word was alive, active, an oasis in many sad days ahead.

I want people to fill their minds with passages of Scripture while they are well and strong, that they may have sure help in the day of need. I want them to be diligent in studying their Bibles, and becoming familiar with their contents, in order that the grand old Book may stand by them and talk with them when all earthly friends fail. From the bottom of my heart, I pity that person who never reads their Bible. I wonder how they expect to draw their consolation in their time of need.

J.C. Ryle

When there are no words, HIS Word supplies. In tender, hard moments, in dark days with heavy hearts, the Word speaks to the depths of our beings. It identifies, soothes, encourages our flailing spirits. But if we haven't put it there beforehand, how will it bubble to the top when needed? It can't surface if it hasn't been planted.

When there are no words, HIS Word supplies.

If we know it.

Has His Word come to your aid exactly when you needed it?


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A Choice

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

Habakkuk 3:17-19

It's a lot easier to "rejoice" when things are good. But when things are bad, I plead, not praise. It's in my nature to be joyful when I like what I see before me, but very unnatural to celebrate God when I fear the future.

But Habakkuk teaches us joy is a choice, not a feeling. Will I CHOOSE to honor God despite the rocky road ahead? Will I set my mind on His goodness instead of my bleakness? Will I trust instead of fret?

Will I rest in who He is instead of what He does or does not do?

Can I be honest and say I don't want to work that hard? I don't want pain or anxiety. I want easy. But easy is not best. Easy doesn't teach or mold. Easy isn't love in the long run. God loves us enough to teach us trust.

He loves us enough to show us how to love HIM, not just His blessings.

Joy is a choice, a decision, an act of my will, a showing of my devotion and trust in a very good God. I love Him by choosing joy, especially when I don't feel it.

Will you love Him too? Will you choose joy in any circumstance?


Visit MiPa at Miriam Pauline's Monologue for more writings on this quote.



Photo Credit: 'Camera baba'

The Secret To Being Content

I get tired of earth, don't you?

There's bills and illness and sadness and tragedies and difficult relationships and crises and stress. Need I go on? And yet, God tells us we need to be content in any circumstance.

. . . I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11-13

Stupid Paul. He makes the rest of us look bad.

But what is the secret he learned? How can we be content in any situation?

Is it fair of God to expect that of us when we're struggling? How can I be content when my budget doesn't work or when a loved one is taken from me or when someone I care for is sick? How do I cultivate a spirit of contentment when all seems hopeless?

Stupid Paul said it best.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

You gotta give it to the guy. He's one smart cookie.

We can be content when we remember that this is not all there is. I gain reassurance and hope by knowing this life is temporary. I won't be here forever. The best is yet to come.

“Being content does not mean we are satisfied. In fact, to be content is to know we will always be groaning on this side of eternity. Yet when we believe that fullness will come, that there is more than this life, we live with contentment.”

Lisa Graham McMinn, The Contented Soul
(found in devotional, Mornings with Jesus, January 30th’s devotion)

The secret to being content? Fix your eyes on the eternal. Remember this is not all there is.

How will you practice being content today?


For more In Other Words posts, visit Loni at Writing Canvas.



Photo Credit: Sentrawoods.

What We Miss By Asking Why

Sometimes things don't turn out how I think they should, how I'd like them to. We sold our first house SEVEN YEARS after we moved out of it. My kids didn't get jobs I prayed for them to get. A video we submitted twenty years ago to America's Funniest Videos got initial approval and we signed papers, but it never aired. I've prayed for and expected miracles which never came. Hardest of all is the waiting. God always requires waiting.

I spend a lot of time asking God why. What's so terrible about revealing Your plan? Why would it be so awful for my child to get that job? Where are You, God? Are You hearing me at all?

Disappointment. Frustration. Aggravation.

But God never promised to meet my every whim. I pray for things that would make my life easier. He answers to make me holier.

“True peace comes from embracing what is, not from ceaseless striving to change everything around me to make my life more safe, secure, comfortable.”

Dan Meadows in The Mosaic Bible

Do I struggle when I fight what IS? Would I feel better if I just went with what God gives without asking why, without doubting His goodness? God doesn't make mistakes. He gives each of us gifts we may or may not like. Disappointment, frustration, aggravation come when we refuse to accept what He's given or how He's working in our lives.

It's like a little boy who asks for a glass of milk and his father gives him a cow.

"A cow?" the boy whines, "But that's too hard. I don't want to work at this. I just want milk."

"I could give you a glass of milk, but soon it would be gone and what would you learn?" his father replies, "With a cow you gain a new skill, get all the milk you'd ever want and have plenty to share. Isn't that better than one glass of milk?"

When I complain about my life, when I ask God to cure my problems quickly, am I asking for too little? Am I asking for a glass of milk when He wants to give me a cow? Am I missing true peace by not accepting what is? Do I get stuck and distracted in my "if only"s? Is wanting easy causing me more trouble than necessary on the road to something great?

What do you think?

Tell me your opinion in the comments, or better yet, link up below and share your post on this quote.

Are Women Less Valuable to God?

I've often thanked God I was not born in Bible times. Women in that time period were treated almost like property. I am always taken aback when I read of the strangers coming to Lot's door, asking to sleep with the men visiting and Lot says, "Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don't do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof." (Genesis 19:8) What?! Shouldn't a daughter expect the same protection from her father?!

If one read the Old Testament alone, it would be easy to say that God doesn't value women. But Christianity is based on Christ and the New Testament suggests otherwise. When I was in college, I did a research paper on women in the Bible and came to the conclusion that while mankind in general didn't give women respect, Jesus did. God in the flesh gives women great significance.

God could have brought His Son into the world in any way, but He chose to use a woman. Does that not speak volumes? Jesus had many gracious encounters with women, some His society wrote off--the woman who'd been bleeding for 12 years, the woman at the well, the woman accused of adultery the Pharisees wanted to stone. He established meaningful relationships with women. And perhaps as significant as the method of His birth, after His resurrection He appeared FIRST to women!

There's value for you, ladies!

Yet sometimes it's frustrating being a woman. Never mind the fluctuating hormones which wreak havoc on our delicate sensibilities. There are certain limitations put on women in God's Word. There's the whole submission issue in marriage I'm not about to touch today (but you can click here to see what I have written before). The one that annoys me from time to time is His command for women to be under the authority of men. Now I'm no women's libber. I completely subscribe to God's hierarchy, knowing it is for His order and purpose and my protection, but sometimes it's disappointing.

Once I was asked to substitute for a couples' Sunday School class. My heart skipped a beat when the teacher asked, thrilled to have the opportunity to take a crack at it. I knew I could get a lively discussion going. I knew I had something to offer on the chosen subject. I had experience and desire and a bit of knowledge. I knew I could get the job done. But I had to turn him down because Scripture clearly states "I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man . . ." (1 Timothy 2:12) Sigh. It didn't seem fair. Everything in me wanted to teach that class. The only reason I couldn't was because I was a woman.

I suppose I could scream for justice. I could push the envelope and worm my way into places God doesn't want me being, but what good would that do? How does that display the "gentle and quiet spirit" He praises? I may not like it, but God limits me some because I am a woman. I can whine about it, or I can accept His plan, trusting His way is best.

I can let Him be God and follow.

“We are women, and my plea is Let me be a woman, holy through and through, asking for nothing but what God wants to give me, receiving with both hands and with all my heart whatever that is.”

Elisabeth Elliot

I can't go against His natural order and expect His blessing. I choose instead to remember how valuable women are to Him and trust His love to lead me where He needs me most. Women ARE part of His divine plan and He treasures us. May we make His joy complete by doing it His way.

Do you feel limited by God? How will you fight that?


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Photo Credit: mharrsch

God in the Ordinary

It snowed on my birthday.

God in the ordinary.

The little girl stood on the back of the chair in front of her, leaning into her daddy's arms, her hair brushing his cheek, singing along loudly and proudly to the praise choruses in church. I couldn't help but smile seeing God capture the young girl's heart, watching His love flow from her little body, bringing joy to her parents, those sitting around her, anyone who saw.

God in the ordinary.

She showed me the animal trails as we walked. We listened for the trickle of water in the creek, soaked in the sunshine, inhaled clean, cool air. Pure. Lovely. Refreshing.

God in the ordinary.

Rushing off to the next activity after a long day of projects, I wrapped the hunk of hamburger too quickly and put it in the fridge. The blood that leaked everywhere overnight was not a welcome sight on a Monday morning, my crammed day of the week. But it got me going early, got me motivated to tackle my new week's to-do list, showed me it wasn't the end of the world.

God in the ordinary.

Just when I felt tired, worn, spent, old, he brought home a new dress, in my favorite color and couldn't wait for me to try it on. How did he know? Did he understand what it would mean to me?

God in the ordinary.

As she told me of God's mercy to her, of how He prepared her for her father's death, I couldn't stop my eyes from misting. She recounted His goodness though she's suffered years of pain.

God in the ordinary.

The moon glowed large on the horizon, so large, one couldn't help but notice and know.

God in the ordinary.

My kids, a couple fully grown and a couple getting there, make a point to give me a hug, for any reason or no reason at all and it seems remarkable, these distinct, amazing individuals calling me "Mom," truly caring.

God in the ordinary.

I feel like I've lost my way and He speaks gently, clearly, consistently. Accept. My gifts are good. I give you what you need. Wait. A Book that is more than a book brings direction, peace.

God in the ordinary.

“If I can’t find God in the ordinary places of life, either I’m not looking hard enough or he’s not nearly as approachable as I need him to be. This is a paradox too. God appears in all the ordinary places, burning bushes, naked Barbies, plumbing disasters. But when he does, those places become holy. Moses had to take his shoes off.”

from an interview with Marcus Goodyear, Barbies at Communion

God is everywhere, in everything. We only need to look.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

Where have you seen God in the ordinary?


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Photo Credit: yeimaya

Can We Reclaim Christmas?

The child sat on Santa's lap, unsure if the jolly old man would grant her wish.

"You see, I'm Jewish," she said.

"Oh, that's all right," Santa said, "Santa doesn't care if you're Jewish or Buddhist or Muslim. He doesn't care if you're black or white or red or green or blue. Santa loves all children the same."

It was supposed to be a sweet moment, but it turned my stomach the way Santa (a fictional character we elevate to superstar status) took credit for the kind of love only Jesus can give. And it irked me that people who don't give any homage to Jesus still want to claim His holiday.

Yet I know I am just as guilty. Satan has done a masterful job of distracting us from the real meaning of Christmas, infusing it with all sorts of rituals and traditions that have nothing to do with the Christ child. I've got a Christmas tree in my living room, presents resting underneath. I've fallen victim to the pressure of creating the perfect holiday for my kids, spending more than I probably should. Twinkling lights hang throughout my house. We'll bake and decorate cookies, eat far too much. Stockings line the banister. We'll drink our traditional egg nog and 7 Up and eat soup at Christmas Eve. And none of it, NONE of it has anything to do with Jesus' birth.

My spirit feels the dichotomy. Tension mounts in my frenzy to get all the Christmas preparations done while something within longs only for stillness, quiet. I sense it isn't right, this strange way of celebrating the birth of Jesus. It feels pagan, too much about us and those we love, without enough solitude to hear Him beckon. And yet I don't know how to reclaim it, to satisfy this yearning in me to make it more, to make it special beyond the thoughtfulness of gifts and good will.

“Christmas belongs to us, the believers of Christ, it doesn’t belong to the world. Christ needs to be elevated in our hearts year around. He didn’t come to be marketed as a seasonal gift on sale for half price. We were the ones that were bought at price.”

David Jeremiah

Shouldn't I try to reclaim it for Him? But how? I like to sit in my living room lit only by Christmas lights, all by myself, and quietly reflect on Jesus, what He's done in my life, who I am because of Him. I like to sit there and ponder, trying in some small way to remember the night my Lord was born. I admit it doesn't happen every year, but when it does, my soul rests and knows gratitude and wonders at the Blessed Baby.

Sigh.

Is reclaiming Christmas a matter of focusing on Him? How can we do that better?

How do you try to reclaim Christmas?


To visit more In Other Words participants, visit Karen at In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus.



Photo Credit: ecastro

Like A Shepherd

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

The shepherds were minding their own business, doing their job.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

God gave them an unmistakable message.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

They believed and sought out Jesus.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

They saw him and spread the news, being part of God's amazing work.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

They praised God.

I've often envied the shepherds. A host of angels would be pretty convincing, don't you think? God doesn't spell it out so clearly for us, does He? And yet, I, like the shepherds, was minding my own business when God gave me a message about His Son. It wasn't through angels, but in confirmation class, from the lips of my pastor. His words about Jesus having a special plan for my life compelled me, causing me to hope Jesus was real, so I believed and sought the Son of God through prayer and His Word. And one day, after much searching and my own spiritual journey, I knew I needed Jesus--I "saw" Him and have spent the rest of my life trying to point Him out to others. Every day brings new opportunities to praise Him for all the wonders He's shown.

“Can we see that we are the shepherds? Can we with open eyes, see who we are and who He is and what He has done? Are we amazed?”

Rev. Mark Shaw

The shepherds were minding their own business, doing their job.
God gave them an unmistakable message.
They believed and sought out Jesus.
They saw him and spread the news, being part of God's amazing work.
They praised God.

Are you like a shepherd? Has your life changed after "seeing?" the Christ child?


Want to know what others think of this quote? Visit Loni at Writing Canvas.


Scripture passage: Luke 2:8-20

Photo Credit: Reza Vazari

More Than Me

She left the room in a hurry, fighting back the tears. I couldn't help but notice. She looked like she needed to get away and I let her, but kept an eye on which direction she headed. I chatted with a few others and something in me told me to find her.

Now I'm nothing special. (No doubt you feel the same about yourself.) Yet, I knew I needed to give that woman a hug. Not because I'm smart, or astute or sweet. Something in me said to go.

“We can thrive — and even offer life-giving rest to others — because God is at home in us.”

Bonnie Gray
Faith Barista blog

I don't have to be anything special to be useful to God. It's probably better that I'm not. Maybe I'm more usable that way. With His Spirit in me, I notice little things which help others, like a teary woman who needed a hug. No words required. No explanations needed. Just a hug. It's the Holy Spirit that brings verses to mind, whispers the right phrases to say, prompts me to pray, nudges me into action. God in me notices, cares. I am only His tool to carry out the work.

We don't have to be super spiritual or insightful or know a hundred Bible verses. We don't need advanced degrees or special training. We don't have to be extra sympathetic or gracious or understanding or patient.

We just have to give Him a home in us.

And marvel as He does the rest.

Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

John 15:4 (MES)

To see other impressions of this quote, visit Debbie at Heart Choices.

A Way to Say Thank You

I have much to be thankful for--a good marriage, peaceful home life, good relationships with family and friends, good health, opportunities.

But having much to be thankful for, makes me responsible for much. Because I'm in a good place right now (one never knows what a day will bring), I'm in a position (and expected) to help others who aren't. God wants me building others up, helping them do what He's asked, whether I feel like it or not. I need to fulfill obligations in every opportunity that comes my way, requiring time and energy. When I've been down, others have come alongside to pick me up, to keep me going. Now it's my turn.

“Let us remember that, as much as has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”
Theodore Roosevelt

How do I thank God for His blessings?

Love His people.

Listen to them. Encourage them. Work for them. Show them how important they are to God. Be in their corner. Cheer them on. Feed them. Hold them up. Speak truth.

Love them.

. . . I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40

The best way to honor God, to offer Him true gratitude, is to love as He does.

Tall order? Sure, but He doesn't ask more of us than He's given Himself. And doesn't He deserve it?

Now it's your turn. What does this quote inspire in you? Write a post and link up here.

A Reason to Be Happy About the Scars

As a Christian, I expect God to protect me. Oh, I don't say it out loud, but my attitude declares it. Whenever something bad happens, my first response is, "Why, God? Why did You let this happen to me? What did I do wrong?"

See? I think if I do what I'm supposed to, my life should be cushy and care free. But God doesn't work that way. He tells us to take up our cross and follow Him. He says blessed are you when men persecute you. Sound like easy street?

“No wound? No scar?
Yet as the Master shall the servant be,
And pierced are the feet that follow Me;
But thine are whole. Can he have followed far
Who has no wound nor scar?”

Amy Carmichael

Jesus promised, "In this world you will have trouble." Don't we know it?! We will experience pain and heartache. Difficulties will be part of our existence. We can expect wounds and scars.

And we should be happy about them.

For those scars are visible reminders that Jesus has called us to walk closer with Him. In our trials, we have no where else to turn, so we look for Him. He says, "Come, my child. Look at Me, not the problem. Let Me show you real peace. Come." We're forced to look beyond what we can see to His greater good, His better plan. To Him.

Our scars are markers of His touch, never to be the same again. They are evidence of healing. They are daily reminders of His goodness. They speak to how He's delivered us. They proclaim His work.

I'll be happy about my scars, because I know how He's brought me through.

I am changed forever.

For the good.

Can you be happy about your scars?

Join Nina at Mama's Little Treasures for more thoughts on this quote.

Why Pray?

I pray for people.

But often it doesn't seem like it makes a difference. I wonder how much good it does when God will do what God will do. Compared to an omniscient God, how do I know what's best for another? Does it really matter what I pray?

Yet when people I love are hurting, there's only so much I can do. I can't always be present for hugs or encouraging words. I can rarely fix the problem. How do you love when there's nothing else to do?

You pray.

“And why should the good of anyone depend on the prayer of another? I can only answer with the return question. ‘Why should my love be powerless to help another?’ ”

George MacDonald

The good of another is not dependent upon my prayer. I don't possess any special connection with God that will make anyone's wishes come true. But my prayers, my attention to the welfare of another, are a loving action. It's something. Time, distance and resources may limit how we can love others, but prayers are limitless.

I can't explain how prayer works or why God tells us to do it, but I will pray, knowing His ways are best.

And I'll love others by doing so.

Find more impressions of this quote by joining my friend, Cindy, at Great Brain Ideas.

To Know Peace

I know when I'm due for some extended time with God. Life seems overwhelming. I feel confused, anxious, desperately wanting Him to explain everything. Or anything.

So I get up while it's still dark and shut my office door and close my eyes to the world. I listen. If I'm alone in the house, I sing, often through tears. I scour His word for something good, for something to hold onto.

Though there's no audible voice, no miraculous sign, no physical indication of His presence whatsoever, as I read or sing or cry or listen, an unexplainable calm sets in. I exhale slowly and my body relaxes.

Nothing about the problem, the circumstance, the issue changes. Nothing. There's no resolution. No quick fix. No amazing new insight, but the burden lifts slightly and I gain new strength for another day.

“We need to walk out of our worship time with God lighter than when we came in. Lighter because we left behind at the foot of the cross the things that needed to go. Left behind in preparation to learn and lean on the promises of God.”

Wayne Corderio

No fancy words from either of us. Honesty. Vulnerability. Stillness. Scriptural reminders of His goodness. These are the foundation of real communication with God, the measure of true worship. And the kicker is, He wants us to come.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Have you found rest in Him?

Join Karen at In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus for more interpretations of this quote.