Maybe this scenario seems familiar to you... maybe you remember it from years passed, or you are in the middle of it now, or you anticipate that one day you will be wrestling with a toddler on a daily basis just as I do!
SO, the other day, my (almost three year old) son and I were standing off nose to nose. He wanted to stuff his face with the various chocolates hiding in our locked kitchen cabinet. Some homes have a locked liquor cabinet, well, we have a locked cabinet that houses all the chocolate treats in the house. If it was not locked, my son would sure devour any hint of chocolate within reach, though I often think the lock is for my own benefit, too! :)
My little man all ready had more than his fair share of chocolate for the day, and with dinner time approaching, I was not going to budge. If I can't eat chocolate for dinner, well then, neither can he! :) So, Noah and I were going back and forth. He was laying down in front of the locked cabinet like he was picketing at a protest. (Oh the drama!) And I am proud to say that I was calmly kneeling in front of him with a stern face, a spanking spoon within reach (incase of emergency!) and I was speaking very calmly. To be honest, I was having a hard time not laughing at the child sprauled out like the world was going to end if he didn't get a chocolate fix.
I pulled Noah up and we were staring each other down. I had tried to be logical. I had come up with every reason, and my son was not consenting. So, in an act of desperation, firmly told my son: "I am in charge!" (Not yelling, just letting him know.) And how did my son respond? With great certainty he declared: "No, I am in charge!" OK, now I was stumped.
And in the midst of the battle with my own child, I seriously think the Lord took advantage of this moment. From the depths of my heart, I was sure I could hear the Holy Spirit ask: "Sound familiar?" I was caught off guard with that one. Noah and I went back and forth a few more times with the repeating: "No, I'm in charge!" comment and finally my husband intervened. (So nice that he always takes my side! LOL! What would I do without that man!?)
The rest of the night I couldn't help but think... how often do I act like my two year son face down on the floor, determined to get what I want? In my opinion... way too often! The fun thing was this epiphany moment came just before I got to attend the Desperation Conferences at NLC. I had an incredible time worshipping, seeking the Lord and searching my own heart.
One thing is for sure, I am NOT in charge. I don't want to waltz around like I am in charge. I don't want to convince myself or anyone else that I am. Nope. For me, God is in charge. He gets to plan things out and I am so honored to be a part of HIS story!
I don't know if that hits anything in your life... but I have been giving a lot over to God lately. There were things that I thought I earned or deserved, and things I feared, areas of insecurity, dreams abandoned... and in all of it, I want God in charge! All in His hands. It's His anyway, why waste time and enrgy struggling with the one person who knows me and loves me more than anyone else in the Universe?
God, you're in charge, and I'm gonna follow your lead!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Still Waiting...
Hello sweet bloggers!Here's a little update on some fun things at the Pastor House. Luke was out of town this weekend leading worship for a church in Reno, NV, and didn't get home till about 10pm on Father's Day. But my little SuperMan stayed up to greet his daddy. So Noah had a little pile of goodies waiting and of course ran and leaped and smothered Luke in hugs and kisses. And Noah certainly could not wait for Daddy to open his presents! Above is the card we made for him.
Here's a fun present Noah got to make that morning in his class at New Life Church. How'd those feet get so big?
My creative gift on a tight budget... chocolate covered oreos! These are a FAV at Rocky Mtn. Chocolate Factory... but can be a little pricey! So I bought a package of Oreos and some white and milk chocolate. Noah helped, too! Well, he helped by taking a nap so I could get things done without covering the house with chocolate. :) So Luke has been enjoying a platefull of sweets all week, and he even shares with the rest of us!
OK... If you have not tried this... YOU MUST!!! This morning, I had a spiritual awakening (lol!) as I made pancakes with white chocolate and diced strawberries baked right in! Seriously, I think this will be on my menu in Heaven for like... atleast a billion years or so! HA! You can't even imagine how great it is!
My creative gift on a tight budget... chocolate covered oreos! These are a FAV at Rocky Mtn. Chocolate Factory... but can be a little pricey! So I bought a package of Oreos and some white and milk chocolate. Noah helped, too! Well, he helped by taking a nap so I could get things done without covering the house with chocolate. :) So Luke has been enjoying a platefull of sweets all week, and he even shares with the rest of us!
OK... If you have not tried this... YOU MUST!!! This morning, I had a spiritual awakening (lol!) as I made pancakes with white chocolate and diced strawberries baked right in! Seriously, I think this will be on my menu in Heaven for like... atleast a billion years or so! HA! You can't even imagine how great it is!.................................................................................................................
BOOK UPDATES:
>> I finished the first draft! Woo Hoo! On Saturday night I hit SAVE and was so pleased! Now I am beginning revisions and editing. I have a list of things I want to include, re-work, or clarify. But I am finding that the revision process is really super fun! I had no idea when God inspired all this that I would enjoy it so much!
>>I sent in my first book proposal to a publisher last week. Very Exciting! They wrote back after two days asking me to rework a sentence, and I am still waiting for a word from them. They were quite polite and kind... and I am going to assume it's a good thing that they wanted me to revise something... they could have had 20 things that needed clarification, or they could have said I was wasting their time... SO, I am still hopeful!
..............................................................................................................
THOUGHTS on LIFE: Lot's of WAITING...
Wow, I feel like God has been teaching me sooo much! I wish I had more time to blog it all, so much in His Word, and in Life. And I love hearing from the Lord during worship? Do you ever feel like God totally talks to you during worship? Sometimes I just sit in worship and write in my journal because His presence is so tangible. Anyway...
..
On Sunday night at NLC, they were singing a song that said:
"Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord".
..
I was so blessed, because that song definitely speaks to me. I feel like our lives are in a season of waiting. Luke has graduated, and we are sort of on a summer sabbatical, resting, seeking, and waiting on God. We know we were called to be here in Colorado Springs, and so far we haven't felt a release to go somewhere else. SO, we are waiting.
..
>> HOW is it that one can get stronger while waiting? It's not saying patience rises (though, I am sure it does) but STRENGTH rises as we wait on the Lord. I felt like the Lord revealed to me that it is because HIS version of waiting is not the same as waiting. My waiting is like sitting in a line, rolling my eyes, sighing loudly so the world can hear. My waiting is terribly unproductive and can drive an Achiever like me totally crazy! So, what's the difference?
..
>> If my muscles are going to grow, then I actually have to show up at the gym and do something. I have to engage the things that will make me grow. I guess that this can be hard in the spiritual realm because we don't know what to do? We probably think it means we have to super busy at church, and yet, we think waiting on a God probably means sitting out in a field in a yoga position as we breathe deeply, and sing Jesus songs. Hmmm... Really?!
..
"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and couragous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." --- Psalm 27:14 (NLT)
..
The verb used for wait is Kah-vah. It does not mean, sit around, fall asleep, complain about where you are at, or get lazy in the mean time. (Incase you were curious!) BUT... here's what it does mean! To wait... also means: to look for, gather, expect, bind together (as in a cord or rope).
The verb used for wait is Kah-vah. It does not mean, sit around, fall asleep, complain about where you are at, or get lazy in the mean time. (Incase you were curious!) BUT... here's what it does mean! To wait... also means: to look for, gather, expect, bind together (as in a cord or rope).
..
How BEAUTIFUL is that? I think we often think waiting on the Lord simply refers to us waiting for a divine phone call to give an answer to our question or direction in life.
Waiting is the process of seeking God! We gather his grace in our hearts, we expect to meet HIM. We look for him in the middle of our lives. We look, we open our eyes, we cast our sights upon Him. AND this process of waiting BINDS us together with Him so tightly that we are now wrapped in HIS strength! Our heart is braided with His. And when we need to be brave, His power is made perfect in our weakness.
..
I love that the scripture tells us to be Brave and Courageous... because it is very likely that whatever God calls us to... will be terrifying... atleast in the natural sense. But if we have waited on Him.... sought him in this time of transition, then we will be ready for whatever pops up on the horizon!
..
May you grow STRONG in HIM today!
..
still waiting....
Tiffany
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Opposite Attract a Headache!
"Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God."
--- 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (NLT)
......................................................................................................................
This is one of those verses that stands to hold a GREAT wealth of wisdom if we can embrace it with the sensitivity and love of Jesus. Let's just start by giving a big, fat, hairy disclaimer, shall we?
Is this verse in anyway negating our call to reach people and share with them the grace of Jesus Christ? In other words, is it letting us off the hook from the whole "Great Commission" thing? NOPE! Definitely not.
Is this verse saying we can't be friends with unbelievers, aka outsiders from the Body of Christ? Nope again.
Is this verse telling us to shun people who believe or act differently from us? Maybe we should burn them at the stake or make public rebukes on Facebook? Umm, definitely, NO.
.................................................................................................................
REMEMBER...
>> that Jesus ate with sinners and those dispised in his society.
>> that Jesus touch those with leprosy.
>> that Jesus took time to heal the blind.
>> that Jesus extended grace to the woman caught in adultry.
>> that Jesus hung on a cross for 6 hours, died, and then conquered all death for every single one of us, including all those people you don't care for very much right now.
................................................................................................................
That being said... take a look at the words used in this scripture... "Don't TEAM UP, PARTNER, LIVE WITH..." this is addressing deeper relationships. This is not limiting your mission field, but I think it does require that we distinguish different relationships in our lives.
MISSION FIELD: This is anyone and everyone you come in contact with who does not have a relationship with the Lord. Not to say that you should be quoting them scripture all the time and reminding them that they are sinners. No, these are people that, for a such a time as this, God has entrusted to you. And God is trusting you to shine the light of HIS love, mercy, gentleness, and hope into their lives. This could be a person at work, or school, a person a church, a person on the treadmill next to you at the gym, or the cute guy (or girl!) you are totally crushing on. the fact is, if they do not know Jesus, then Jesus is depending on you to be his hands, feet, and the representation of HIS heart.
BUT... what about everyone else? There ARE those relationships that God has designed for you. A best friend, or a spouse. These may be people we go in business with, start a ministry together, or share a life passion. This is what the Apostle Paul is talking about in these words.
Other versions of the Bible use the wording "yoked"... as in: Do not be unequally yoked with... this is a term that the people of that day would totally understand. The yoke was the tool used to harness and unite two oxen who were plowing a field together. If you had a big strong ox with a wimpy one, then they would often plow crooked and mess up the field. One ox would contantly bear the weight that the other could not hold.
OK, so did Paul just call us a big cow or something? Umm, I'm thinking 'no'! :) But he is giving a very practical word of advice.
Some people take this and say, well, that's easy, just be sure to marry someone who goes to church, or don't go into business with an athiest, or make sure your bestfriend goes to the same church. And, honestly, I think that's a sort of weak cop out on the teaching before us.
When entering very special relationships... put great prayer into it, and look very closely at the people you are engaging.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
In Marriage and Dating... here's what I get from this:
>>Missionary Dating is not a wise choice. Dating and Courtship is a place where people make themselves more vulnerable, yet have many boundaries to maintain. Honestly, I really haven't seen it work. I see people settle, get pressured into things they regret, and walk away hurt. If you are reading this, and this is where you are at, don't think I am picking on you, I am just saying from years of ministry experience, and even my own relationships... I really haven't seen it be a fruitful or wise decision.
>> When choosing a Spouse, (this falls in the dating category), yes, I think that you should court or marry someone who loves Jesus, but let's take it a step further. I have found for me that it was not simply that my husband has a relationship with God, or went to church. What I think really made our marriage special, was that we both shared a very similiar heart for ministry. Luke and I both had no idea we had a calling for ministry on our lives when we got married. We both thought we had totally different plans ahead of us. But we both esteemed God, His Word, His call, and His heart for people (and that IS the ministry of God!) in a similar way. This has yoked my husband and I together in a supernatural way that I can hardly describe! When life makes an unexpected turn, or we feel a crazy call from God, we trust that we can move together with joy, and peace.
I love the wording in 2 Corinthians... my husband is someone who I team with, whom God has joined me with. I live with him. I ultimately want harmony with him. We are united together as one flesh. We are partners. In Genesis, when God made Eve, the word describing her relationship to Adam was a "partner, helper". That is marriage, an amazing partnership.
SO... take an inventory of your gifts, your hearts dreams, your fervor for God, and remember that opposite don't attract much more than a headache. Of course, God may dramatically transform you, change you, open your eyes to something new... so I guess the only real constant in all this IS GOD. He is the hope we hold unswervingly to. He is the plumbline. He is the anchor in our lives. This word from the Lord is not a pillar for your salvation. You can still be saved and have these relationships with unbelievers or young Christians. However, the plow my get off track. The work may be much harder, and there will be a natural, expected amount of friction in the middle of it as well. The other person could likely pull you in a direction you did not want to go.
Because the truth is that God may have an incredible field to put in front of you. There will likely be years and seasons of planting and tending to the field before you see the harvest. And it is most certain that he will yoke you with others to plant and sow together. Maybe it will be that you start a small group together, or a business, or a family, or ministry... who knows, but I trust that He will not want you to do it alone. He will call you up to live life with others who will share the yoke with you.
So, keep your eyes open, seek Godly counsel, and pray your heart out. God does have an adventure ahead for you, now look around and see who will be with you on this journey!
at the plow,
Tiffany
PS. If you are on the other side of this... and you are not equally yoked... In friendship or dating, seek God to show you the right thing to do. If in marriage, stick it out, run after Jesus with more ferocity than ever before, shine the light, and pray your guts out! God will hear your prayers!
--- 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (NLT)
......................................................................................................................
This is one of those verses that stands to hold a GREAT wealth of wisdom if we can embrace it with the sensitivity and love of Jesus. Let's just start by giving a big, fat, hairy disclaimer, shall we?
Is this verse in anyway negating our call to reach people and share with them the grace of Jesus Christ? In other words, is it letting us off the hook from the whole "Great Commission" thing? NOPE! Definitely not.
Is this verse saying we can't be friends with unbelievers, aka outsiders from the Body of Christ? Nope again.
Is this verse telling us to shun people who believe or act differently from us? Maybe we should burn them at the stake or make public rebukes on Facebook? Umm, definitely, NO.
.................................................................................................................
REMEMBER...
>> that Jesus ate with sinners and those dispised in his society.
>> that Jesus touch those with leprosy.
>> that Jesus took time to heal the blind.
>> that Jesus extended grace to the woman caught in adultry.
>> that Jesus hung on a cross for 6 hours, died, and then conquered all death for every single one of us, including all those people you don't care for very much right now.
................................................................................................................
That being said... take a look at the words used in this scripture... "Don't TEAM UP, PARTNER, LIVE WITH..." this is addressing deeper relationships. This is not limiting your mission field, but I think it does require that we distinguish different relationships in our lives.
MISSION FIELD: This is anyone and everyone you come in contact with who does not have a relationship with the Lord. Not to say that you should be quoting them scripture all the time and reminding them that they are sinners. No, these are people that, for a such a time as this, God has entrusted to you. And God is trusting you to shine the light of HIS love, mercy, gentleness, and hope into their lives. This could be a person at work, or school, a person a church, a person on the treadmill next to you at the gym, or the cute guy (or girl!) you are totally crushing on. the fact is, if they do not know Jesus, then Jesus is depending on you to be his hands, feet, and the representation of HIS heart.
BUT... what about everyone else? There ARE those relationships that God has designed for you. A best friend, or a spouse. These may be people we go in business with, start a ministry together, or share a life passion. This is what the Apostle Paul is talking about in these words.
Other versions of the Bible use the wording "yoked"... as in: Do not be unequally yoked with... this is a term that the people of that day would totally understand. The yoke was the tool used to harness and unite two oxen who were plowing a field together. If you had a big strong ox with a wimpy one, then they would often plow crooked and mess up the field. One ox would contantly bear the weight that the other could not hold.
OK, so did Paul just call us a big cow or something? Umm, I'm thinking 'no'! :) But he is giving a very practical word of advice.
Some people take this and say, well, that's easy, just be sure to marry someone who goes to church, or don't go into business with an athiest, or make sure your bestfriend goes to the same church. And, honestly, I think that's a sort of weak cop out on the teaching before us.
When entering very special relationships... put great prayer into it, and look very closely at the people you are engaging.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
In Marriage and Dating... here's what I get from this:
>>Missionary Dating is not a wise choice. Dating and Courtship is a place where people make themselves more vulnerable, yet have many boundaries to maintain. Honestly, I really haven't seen it work. I see people settle, get pressured into things they regret, and walk away hurt. If you are reading this, and this is where you are at, don't think I am picking on you, I am just saying from years of ministry experience, and even my own relationships... I really haven't seen it be a fruitful or wise decision.
>> When choosing a Spouse, (this falls in the dating category), yes, I think that you should court or marry someone who loves Jesus, but let's take it a step further. I have found for me that it was not simply that my husband has a relationship with God, or went to church. What I think really made our marriage special, was that we both shared a very similiar heart for ministry. Luke and I both had no idea we had a calling for ministry on our lives when we got married. We both thought we had totally different plans ahead of us. But we both esteemed God, His Word, His call, and His heart for people (and that IS the ministry of God!) in a similar way. This has yoked my husband and I together in a supernatural way that I can hardly describe! When life makes an unexpected turn, or we feel a crazy call from God, we trust that we can move together with joy, and peace.
I love the wording in 2 Corinthians... my husband is someone who I team with, whom God has joined me with. I live with him. I ultimately want harmony with him. We are united together as one flesh. We are partners. In Genesis, when God made Eve, the word describing her relationship to Adam was a "partner, helper". That is marriage, an amazing partnership.
SO... take an inventory of your gifts, your hearts dreams, your fervor for God, and remember that opposite don't attract much more than a headache. Of course, God may dramatically transform you, change you, open your eyes to something new... so I guess the only real constant in all this IS GOD. He is the hope we hold unswervingly to. He is the plumbline. He is the anchor in our lives. This word from the Lord is not a pillar for your salvation. You can still be saved and have these relationships with unbelievers or young Christians. However, the plow my get off track. The work may be much harder, and there will be a natural, expected amount of friction in the middle of it as well. The other person could likely pull you in a direction you did not want to go.
Because the truth is that God may have an incredible field to put in front of you. There will likely be years and seasons of planting and tending to the field before you see the harvest. And it is most certain that he will yoke you with others to plant and sow together. Maybe it will be that you start a small group together, or a business, or a family, or ministry... who knows, but I trust that He will not want you to do it alone. He will call you up to live life with others who will share the yoke with you.
So, keep your eyes open, seek Godly counsel, and pray your heart out. God does have an adventure ahead for you, now look around and see who will be with you on this journey!
at the plow,
Tiffany
PS. If you are on the other side of this... and you are not equally yoked... In friendship or dating, seek God to show you the right thing to do. If in marriage, stick it out, run after Jesus with more ferocity than ever before, shine the light, and pray your guts out! God will hear your prayers!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Systematic Success and a Whole Lotta Grace!
I am becoming more and more convinced that good things, success, and victories don't happen on accident. I don't know if it's the fact we live in a fallen world, but it seems like everything naturally erodes, or unwinds, or just falls apart. Even when I think of the beautiful flowers that pop up out of the earth out in an open field, I feel certain that our Heavenly Father has been tending to the beauty of our earth with rain and sunshine. :)
Sometimes I think that since we are a people saved by Grace, we get the idea that Grace allows for total, unstructured, unguided freedom. Like we can do whatever we want because we are covered by God' s grace. Obviously, I think a lot of people don't feel that way in regards to sin ( I hope so anyway!) since our sin grieves the Lord so much, BUT I wonder if we don't have that perspective for everyday living and relationships. Sometimes I walk from day to day without a plan or if I have one, it is easily tossed about by the whims of my flesh or things that seem to need immediate attention.
DISCLAIMER: For those of you who are so legalistic or dogmatic about your daily lists, try to hear the heart of this message, and not turn it into another set of rules. :)
I recently read an article by John Maxwell in my Joyce Meyer Ministries Magazine from May 2010. John spoke about the value of SYSTEMS in our life. Of course as a leader whether in business or ministry, then good systems are key to prioritizing and maximizing your productivity. However, I think this principle can have a great impact on our personal lives, too!
Maxwell says that a system is a way of doing things, like a set of good habits to help you accomplish your goals. Systems can save you time, help you do more, promote creativity, and even enhance relationships.
SO, how does this fit into my life. A system I have had for seeking the Lord is my quiet time every morning. And even by having a plan for what I will read, or where I will pray helps me know right where to go. As weird as it sounds, I like reading my Bible more when I actually know what I am going to read. Randomly picking up my Bible and flipping to a page doesn't work for me in a long-term perspective. Sure, God can speak. But there is certainly something to be said about soaking in God's Word as a big picture narrative. And it also amazes me when God can totally speak to my needs on a specific issue when I have been reading the same book for three weeks. It shows me all the more how divine His timing is.
But what about other relationships???
Are we intentionally and systematically investing in our relationships?
Systems for relationships can be a powerful tool!
Take my marriage for instance. I would tell you that my marriage is the single most importantl earthly relationship I have. No question about it, but do I feed that relationship as much as I value it? What about regular date nights? What about praying together every day? What about worshipping together?What about just talking and sharing dreams together?
If we are not careful, life will fly by, and it will be months since I went on a date with my husband! A system that says: "OK, we plan to take this marriage class and then talk about it and regularly open up our hearts to one another" can be such a powerful thing.
Don't just wait around and 'hope' that your marriage or friendships will grow deeper. Do something about it! Join a small group and be committed to it growing relationships each week. Talk to your spouse and set up a time each week to invest in your relationship. (Maybe do it more than once a week! Why not?!) Type it up and put a schedule on the fridge, or declare that a particular night of the week is sacredly held for a certain reason.
Grace is so much more than an allowance for our mistakes.
"So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to ENABLE you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live and you will be honored along with Him. This is all made possible BECAUSE of the GRACE of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Grace is not just a hall pass to do whatever we want... but Grace transforms us and calls us to something so much bigger than ourselves. And Grace EMPOWERS us to do all that God has called us to do.
This means that the Grace of Jesus can empower you to be a better husband or wife to your spouse. By God's Grace, you can be a better employee, a better friend. With the grace of God, you can be brave. You can dream bigger. By the grace of God, we can come boldly and confidently into the presence of our Savior. God's grace can help you faithfully invest in the things that most important to you and to God.
SO, today, be filled with the Grace of God, and take the steps forward to be the person God knows you CAN be!
Nothing But Grace,
Tiffany
Sometimes I think that since we are a people saved by Grace, we get the idea that Grace allows for total, unstructured, unguided freedom. Like we can do whatever we want because we are covered by God' s grace. Obviously, I think a lot of people don't feel that way in regards to sin ( I hope so anyway!) since our sin grieves the Lord so much, BUT I wonder if we don't have that perspective for everyday living and relationships. Sometimes I walk from day to day without a plan or if I have one, it is easily tossed about by the whims of my flesh or things that seem to need immediate attention.
DISCLAIMER: For those of you who are so legalistic or dogmatic about your daily lists, try to hear the heart of this message, and not turn it into another set of rules. :)
I recently read an article by John Maxwell in my Joyce Meyer Ministries Magazine from May 2010. John spoke about the value of SYSTEMS in our life. Of course as a leader whether in business or ministry, then good systems are key to prioritizing and maximizing your productivity. However, I think this principle can have a great impact on our personal lives, too!
Maxwell says that a system is a way of doing things, like a set of good habits to help you accomplish your goals. Systems can save you time, help you do more, promote creativity, and even enhance relationships.
SO, how does this fit into my life. A system I have had for seeking the Lord is my quiet time every morning. And even by having a plan for what I will read, or where I will pray helps me know right where to go. As weird as it sounds, I like reading my Bible more when I actually know what I am going to read. Randomly picking up my Bible and flipping to a page doesn't work for me in a long-term perspective. Sure, God can speak. But there is certainly something to be said about soaking in God's Word as a big picture narrative. And it also amazes me when God can totally speak to my needs on a specific issue when I have been reading the same book for three weeks. It shows me all the more how divine His timing is.
But what about other relationships???
Are we intentionally and systematically investing in our relationships?
Systems for relationships can be a powerful tool!
Take my marriage for instance. I would tell you that my marriage is the single most importantl earthly relationship I have. No question about it, but do I feed that relationship as much as I value it? What about regular date nights? What about praying together every day? What about worshipping together?What about just talking and sharing dreams together?
If we are not careful, life will fly by, and it will be months since I went on a date with my husband! A system that says: "OK, we plan to take this marriage class and then talk about it and regularly open up our hearts to one another" can be such a powerful thing.
Don't just wait around and 'hope' that your marriage or friendships will grow deeper. Do something about it! Join a small group and be committed to it growing relationships each week. Talk to your spouse and set up a time each week to invest in your relationship. (Maybe do it more than once a week! Why not?!) Type it up and put a schedule on the fridge, or declare that a particular night of the week is sacredly held for a certain reason.
Grace is so much more than an allowance for our mistakes.
"So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to ENABLE you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live and you will be honored along with Him. This is all made possible BECAUSE of the GRACE of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Grace is not just a hall pass to do whatever we want... but Grace transforms us and calls us to something so much bigger than ourselves. And Grace EMPOWERS us to do all that God has called us to do.
This means that the Grace of Jesus can empower you to be a better husband or wife to your spouse. By God's Grace, you can be a better employee, a better friend. With the grace of God, you can be brave. You can dream bigger. By the grace of God, we can come boldly and confidently into the presence of our Savior. God's grace can help you faithfully invest in the things that most important to you and to God.
SO, today, be filled with the Grace of God, and take the steps forward to be the person God knows you CAN be!
Nothing But Grace,
Tiffany
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Vacation Time
"When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came."
-- Luke 4:14 (NLT)
What a fun couple of days I have been having. Since Monday I have been on hyperdrive writing my book. (My book is a novel that will create awareness and inspire compassion in our country to fight against human trafficking in our own homeland and abroad.) What an incredible journey as I pray through all this. I really believe this story is inspired by God. I wasn't really looking to try and write a book. Gracious, it it a lot of dedication. BUT, I truly believe God wants to use this for HIS Glory. So, if I get to be a part of that, well, then I am honored to do so.
On Monday I wrote about 15 pages, and I was stoked! So excited! The next day, I think I was under attack. I didn't sleep well, I felt discouraged. I felt inadequate as a mother. I think the devil's default attack is to accuse my role as a mother, because he knows how precious my son is to me. Anyway, after some tears on Tuesday, I acknowledged it for what it was... Just the dumb devil making lousy remarks and shooting below the belt.
So this morning I was reading Luke 4 and saw how the Devil tempted Jesus. He tempted issues of provision, promotion, and protection. All things I must trust in God for as well. But the part that stood out to me today was the verse listed above. Jesus was triumphant. He worshipped God first. He trusted God's provision and timing rather than taking it into his own hands.
But then it said in verse 13...
"When the devil has finished tempting Jesus, he left until the next opportunity came."
Funny how Jesus had been victorious in that moment, but the Devil didn't give up for good. He would still be watching and waiting for an opportunity to tempt and accuse Jesus. If the Devil didn't take a vacation when Jesus was walking the earth, my guess is that he probably won't for me either.
I don't have any reason to fear. I know that the God IN me is bigger and stronger than the devil around me. So, no need for fear... just awareness. The devil is looking for opportunities. He looks for a day when our guard is down, or we are discouraged. He also looks for a day when we try to be independent, or do things in our own strength. He looks for days when we step out in faith, and attempt new things for the Glory of God. He wants to distract us or discourage us from obedience, because he knows that our obedience to God will bear fruit, create intimacy with our Savior, and deepen our faith and trust in God. The devil would rather we stay shallow, selfish, worrisome, and fearful, without any fruit in our lives.
SO, be ready. Understand that when God is stretching your faith, or calling you to incredibly brave things... the devil is poised and ready. When you are ready to forgive someone, or speak wisdom into someone's life, or reach out to someone new, the devil watching. When you are ready to give generously and sacrificially, the devil is watching. When you are ready to step out of a life of guilt or depression, he is watching. But have NO fear!
"Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and he will come close to you." James 4:7-8 (NLT)
Resist the devil! Call him out! Kick him out of your home and your family life. Don't give him even a place to stay in your heart. You tell him, "Jesus has taken up residence here- so there is no room for you!"
I feel so much more free today since reading God's Word and knowing that with God, victory is within reach!
Love to you all!
Truth be Told,
Tiffany
-- Luke 4:14 (NLT)
What a fun couple of days I have been having. Since Monday I have been on hyperdrive writing my book. (My book is a novel that will create awareness and inspire compassion in our country to fight against human trafficking in our own homeland and abroad.) What an incredible journey as I pray through all this. I really believe this story is inspired by God. I wasn't really looking to try and write a book. Gracious, it it a lot of dedication. BUT, I truly believe God wants to use this for HIS Glory. So, if I get to be a part of that, well, then I am honored to do so.
On Monday I wrote about 15 pages, and I was stoked! So excited! The next day, I think I was under attack. I didn't sleep well, I felt discouraged. I felt inadequate as a mother. I think the devil's default attack is to accuse my role as a mother, because he knows how precious my son is to me. Anyway, after some tears on Tuesday, I acknowledged it for what it was... Just the dumb devil making lousy remarks and shooting below the belt.
So this morning I was reading Luke 4 and saw how the Devil tempted Jesus. He tempted issues of provision, promotion, and protection. All things I must trust in God for as well. But the part that stood out to me today was the verse listed above. Jesus was triumphant. He worshipped God first. He trusted God's provision and timing rather than taking it into his own hands.
But then it said in verse 13...
"When the devil has finished tempting Jesus, he left until the next opportunity came."
Funny how Jesus had been victorious in that moment, but the Devil didn't give up for good. He would still be watching and waiting for an opportunity to tempt and accuse Jesus. If the Devil didn't take a vacation when Jesus was walking the earth, my guess is that he probably won't for me either.
I don't have any reason to fear. I know that the God IN me is bigger and stronger than the devil around me. So, no need for fear... just awareness. The devil is looking for opportunities. He looks for a day when our guard is down, or we are discouraged. He also looks for a day when we try to be independent, or do things in our own strength. He looks for days when we step out in faith, and attempt new things for the Glory of God. He wants to distract us or discourage us from obedience, because he knows that our obedience to God will bear fruit, create intimacy with our Savior, and deepen our faith and trust in God. The devil would rather we stay shallow, selfish, worrisome, and fearful, without any fruit in our lives.
SO, be ready. Understand that when God is stretching your faith, or calling you to incredibly brave things... the devil is poised and ready. When you are ready to forgive someone, or speak wisdom into someone's life, or reach out to someone new, the devil watching. When you are ready to give generously and sacrificially, the devil is watching. When you are ready to step out of a life of guilt or depression, he is watching. But have NO fear!
"Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and he will come close to you." James 4:7-8 (NLT)
Resist the devil! Call him out! Kick him out of your home and your family life. Don't give him even a place to stay in your heart. You tell him, "Jesus has taken up residence here- so there is no room for you!"
I feel so much more free today since reading God's Word and knowing that with God, victory is within reach!
Love to you all!
Truth be Told,
Tiffany
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Hide-N-Seek
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8
Today I had a great moment with my son. He is nearly three years old, and he loves to play games (constantly!), so today we decided to play a bit of Hide-n-Seek a few minutes before his nap time. He always loves to count and have me hide. So, I had such fun as I peeked around corners and watched my little boy search for me. I never hid in hard spots... just behind the bathroom door or behind the couch. Of course the funny thing is that his plan for finding me is always to call my name as loud as possible. Not piercing my ears, but loud enough that everyone in the house could hear. So I would smile as I peek around the door and see my little guy searching for me and calling my name. And every time he called for me, I just had to answer, I couldn't stay silent. Even if I gave a little quiet answer so that it atleast gave him a direction to look in.
When he found me I would jump out and squeal and he would cheer and laugh and we would have a big hug. His shock, and awe, and joy in finding me was too much fun, and I couldn't stop playing.
The funny thing I appreciated was that every time he started a new search, he always looked for me in the last place he found me... and I was never there. I could spy on him and watch him check the same places, hoping I would be in the first place he looked. As I was hiding behind the door in my dark craft room... I smiled as I watched Noah search in the bathroom for me which was the last place he found me... and I had this moment with God. I felt like my eyes were opened a bit. How often do I do that? I search for God in the same places I have found him before. NOW, don't confuse... I DON'T think that God hides from us, but I do think there are times when we seek Him, times when He leads us in new directions, and times when He surprises us. I felt the heart of God sharing that His surprises will not be expected, we may not find a deeper revelation of HIM in the places we had before.
>> Does that mean routines are bad? Absolutely not. Spiritual Disciplines are a MUST, and such discipline as we press in to God is a good, good thing, and He always rewards our faithfulness.
BUT, I think that we can mistake God's unchanging nature to be boring or totally predictable... and I don't think that's the case at all. How many burning bushes (with Moses) have you seen? I've only heard or one story like that. OR, how many times did God part the Red Sea (with Moses), or burn a soaking wet sacrifice (with Elijah) to prove himself? Can God do these things again? Sure. But what if God has a Special surprise just for YOU!?
I am certain that God smiles when we seek Him. I am confident that His heart jumps when He hears His precious children calling His name. And, no, He is not hiding from you. He very well could be right in front of you, but in the midst of things you didn't expect.
SO, call out for him. Seek your Savior, Jesus. He delights in those moments. I bet He will surprise you. Relish those sweet moments when he pops around the corner and we can jump and squeal and cheer. Those are great moments!
Love Tiffany
Today I had a great moment with my son. He is nearly three years old, and he loves to play games (constantly!), so today we decided to play a bit of Hide-n-Seek a few minutes before his nap time. He always loves to count and have me hide. So, I had such fun as I peeked around corners and watched my little boy search for me. I never hid in hard spots... just behind the bathroom door or behind the couch. Of course the funny thing is that his plan for finding me is always to call my name as loud as possible. Not piercing my ears, but loud enough that everyone in the house could hear. So I would smile as I peek around the door and see my little guy searching for me and calling my name. And every time he called for me, I just had to answer, I couldn't stay silent. Even if I gave a little quiet answer so that it atleast gave him a direction to look in.
When he found me I would jump out and squeal and he would cheer and laugh and we would have a big hug. His shock, and awe, and joy in finding me was too much fun, and I couldn't stop playing.
The funny thing I appreciated was that every time he started a new search, he always looked for me in the last place he found me... and I was never there. I could spy on him and watch him check the same places, hoping I would be in the first place he looked. As I was hiding behind the door in my dark craft room... I smiled as I watched Noah search in the bathroom for me which was the last place he found me... and I had this moment with God. I felt like my eyes were opened a bit. How often do I do that? I search for God in the same places I have found him before. NOW, don't confuse... I DON'T think that God hides from us, but I do think there are times when we seek Him, times when He leads us in new directions, and times when He surprises us. I felt the heart of God sharing that His surprises will not be expected, we may not find a deeper revelation of HIM in the places we had before.
>> Does that mean routines are bad? Absolutely not. Spiritual Disciplines are a MUST, and such discipline as we press in to God is a good, good thing, and He always rewards our faithfulness.
BUT, I think that we can mistake God's unchanging nature to be boring or totally predictable... and I don't think that's the case at all. How many burning bushes (with Moses) have you seen? I've only heard or one story like that. OR, how many times did God part the Red Sea (with Moses), or burn a soaking wet sacrifice (with Elijah) to prove himself? Can God do these things again? Sure. But what if God has a Special surprise just for YOU!?
I am certain that God smiles when we seek Him. I am confident that His heart jumps when He hears His precious children calling His name. And, no, He is not hiding from you. He very well could be right in front of you, but in the midst of things you didn't expect.
SO, call out for him. Seek your Savior, Jesus. He delights in those moments. I bet He will surprise you. Relish those sweet moments when he pops around the corner and we can jump and squeal and cheer. Those are great moments!
Love Tiffany
