Chair Time

I was honored this past weekend to guest post for my friend Megan at The Tuckers Take Tennessee. After praying about what I could share, I felt led to continue my story and write about the legacy I want to leave my children. I hope you will join me there, and read about why I need a small group of women in my life. Also, please take the time to say hi to Megan and thank her for inviting me to share my heart! Just click on the button below:

Looking Forward,

Chair Time

Unwrapping Joy.....

As I mentioned last week, I have been studying the Fruit of The Spirit this summer. While focusing on Joy recently, God gave me the chance to worship with the lovely Kari Jobe. She was visiting our church and during the service she spoke about "putting on the garment of praise." It is taken from this verse in Isaiah:

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
(Verse 61:3 , New International Version)

The thing that hit me so hard as I reflected on this, was that we have to be willing put on the garment of praise. Some days, I don't feel like it. I'd rather wear despair. Some days, it is a spiritual discipline to put it on. But as I do, His joy covers me. And according to these verses I then have the chance to be called an oak of righteousness, lovingly planted by the Master Gardner. I become a display of His splendor. From ashes, despair, and weeping to gladness, praise and splendor! Now that is a transformation!

Lord, it is my prayer that I will actively seek to put on the garment of praise every day. Even on days when despair feels more comfortable - that by faith I will put on joy. I will put on praise. And I will be transformed into a glorious display of your handiwork for all to see.


Joyfully,

Chair Time

love.

joy.

peace.

patience

kindness.

goodness.

faithfulness.

gentleness.

self control.

Does this list feel like a cold drink on a warm day, or does it send chills up your spine because you don't recognize any of them in your life? I have leaned towards the latter lately. So, I thought it would be good for all of us at our house (and by that I mean myself) to have a reminder of what the Spirit controlled life looks like (hint: see above list from Galatians 5:22,23). I am spending time each week focusing on a different quality and then the following week sharing it with my girls. 2 weeks for mom, 1 week for them. This is by design. Hopefully they will see it in me before I teach it to them.

In the New Living Translation version of the Bible it says, " But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us....." He produces the fruit. My job is to give Him control to do it. When I try to produce this kind of fruit myself, I end up with one big mess.

The best picture I have of this was from a Bible teacher I heard in college named Jim Sylvester. He said that when we are not spirit controlled the fruit we produce is like a moldy, rotten, smelly peach. No one wants that. But when I let the Spirit produce His fruit in and through me, it is like a crisp red ripe apple that makes a glorious crunch when you bite it. And the juice runs down your chin. It is so good. You want more. More importantly, others want what you have.

So I have to ask myself this question: Does anyone around me want what I have? Am I allowing His fruit to be produced though me in such a way that it is recognizable as His produce? More importantly, what will my family say?

On second thought...maybe 2 weeks is not enough for mommy.

So far to go,

Chair Time

I have realized a couple of things about myself recently. The first, is that I do pretty good with the big picture kind of stuff in life. This is one reason why One Million Arrows resonated so deeply for me. It spoke my language. Second, the issues I struggle with are daily laid down life kind of things. Like serving others and letting go of my flesh driven selfish nature. Can they see His character - the Fruit of His Spirit living in me? And by they, I don't mean the Publix check out girl. I can be loving, joyful, patient and gentle with her for at least 5 minutes. I am talking about the people who know me best, the ones I can't fool...my family.

"It simply is not natural for most of us to love God or love others in the dramatic discipline of a laid down life. We are selfish, self-serving people... Yet God in Christ came among us in lowly service. He came to minister to us, to give Himself to us. And so, because He first loved us, we in turn are to be willing and ready to love Him and others."

(see John 3:16-17 and1 John 3:16-17)

Lessons From A Sheepdog, p 56

I recently read this little book and fell in love with the sweet dog Lass. I saw so much of myself in her. The above quote is one that truly spoke to me. My flesh does not want to lay down my life and serve. I often find myself grumbling that I have do "it" myself. But the truth is that Christ came among us to love and serve. His was a life laid down from the very beginning (Philippians 2:5-11). His Spirit lives within me. And because of that I have the capacity to love, serve, and show His character to others. He isn't asking me to do anything He wasn't willing to do. And He doesn't ask me to do it myself either. All He asks of me is to step aside and allow the Fruit of His Spirit to do it through me.

"Little children, (or in this case their mother), let us not love with word

or with tongue, but in deed and truth."

1 John 3:18

Looking Forward,

Chair Time

The day started with a bang. The girls clamored for their breakfast. Between the four of them there are about 15 requests.

As I finished up kitchen duties and moved to put the baby down for a nap I was immediately met by my four year old who wanted to play on the computer. I knew this was a good activity for her while I taught my two older girls. So, I said, "Let me get the big girls started on their work, you dressed and then mommy will put you on the computer."

Teaching my first grader is at best a challenge. I have to bring my "A" game ready for lessons. On this particular day I was overly tired, due to a teething baby and interrupted sleep the night before. As we were making some headway, my oldest burst into the room in tears. She didn't understand what she is reading and was having a meltdown. I sent her to room to finish her emotional breakdown.

Next, I fed the baby who had been crying for about 30 minutes. At this point, it was lunch time for the rest of us. Lunch, like breakfast had about 15 requests. While I was moving the baby to her play seat I realized she was dirty and needed to be changed.

After I changed her she spit up all down the front of me. I cleaned myself up and decided once again to put her in the play seat. As I was dong this, the sisters overwhelmed us to 'love' on her, which really means "hang on me."

This was the tipping point......I lost it verbally, tired, hungry, and overwhelmed by the needs of so many.

I admit, it wasn't pretty. And after placing the baby gently in the play seat I quickly gave myself a much needed time out. Sitting alone in my guest bedroom I had a long talk with the Lord. I cried out to Him. I asked for forgiveness. I told Him I could not do it without Him. I decided that even though I would really like to stay in that bedroom alone for the rest of the day, I needed to check on the kids.

When I returned to the kitchen my lunch had been made by my oldest.
3 of the girls were playing sweetly together.
The air was clear.
I was forgiven.
It was 12:52 pm.

Some days are just like that. It seems like everything goes wrong. And I blow it big time. But, in those moments I am so thankful by this verse:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

I have been studying Romans 8 and this truth has truly captivated me. He does not condemn me. In fact later in Romans 8 it says He is for me. And nothing can ever separate me from that love. Even me at the tipping point.

Looking Forward,

Stacey

Chair Time

What chair time is really all about...

My 4 year old and her babysitter were playing a game last Wednesday in my big and cozy chair and a half. The sitter said, "This is a great chair, I just love it." My daughter replied, "This is Mommy's chair. My daddy got it for her. It is where she sits and talks to God." A few minutes later she left to go get a toy and said to the sitter, "Stay there, if God talks to you while I'm gone, you should listen."

Oh sweet Lord! I wonder at times if what I'm saying is making a difference. I praise you that my actions speak louder than my words! And Lord, thank you so much for meeting me each morning in this place. May I always be listening for you to speak, because little ears are too.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

Chair Time

Prayer for me is like breathing. I find myself in a constant conversation with the Lord. I know, that if my kids know anything about me is that I pray, a lot. Lately, the prayers have been out loud and more desperate, "Oh Lord, please help me, I need You to make it through this day!" I believe firmly that prayer works. God hears my call, and more importantly that I am the one transformed as I do. I could write a good many things about prayer and the legacy I want to leave my children. But, I heard this quote the other day and it truly sums up my heart. I am not one to say something that others have said better. So I thought I would share this with you:

"We must live for God out of the prayer closet if we want to meet God in the prayer closet. We must bless God with praying lives if we want to have God's blessing in the prayer closet. We must do God's will in our lives if we want to have God's ear in the prayer closet. .....If we want to have have God's presence in the prayer closet, God must have us out of the prayer closet. There is no way of praying to God, except by living to God. The prayer closet is not a confessional, simply, but the hour of holy communion, of high and sweet communication, and of intense intercession."
E.M.Bounds from his chapter on Prayerless Praying

My heart, my passion, my prayer is that my life outside the prayer closet will make my time in it filled with sweeter communication and intense intercession. And, that as little eyes are watching the line between the two will be hard to see.


Looking Forward,

Chair Time

When I was a little girl, I attended Vacation Bible School each summer in a non-airconditioned church that had the most beautiful stained glass windows I have ever seen. I sat underneath the colored light streaming in from the morning sun and said this pledge:

I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's Holy Word.
I will make it a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path and
I will hide it's Words in my heart that
I might not sin against God.

I'm not sure I could write anything better than that today about why God's Word allows me to leave a legacy that will pull my children to Jesus. My legacy or story, is pointless without them knowing that the one thing that makes it possible for me to draw breath are His very Words that I read each morning in my chair time. His Word shows me the way. His word daily hidden in my heart keeps sin from taking too much territory.

My prayer is that I will allow His Word to richly dwell in my heart. That I will diligently seize teachable moments throughout the day to speak the Word to my children. But more than that, they will be able to read it in my face, see it in how I love their father, and experience it as I lay down my life and seek to be the mother He has called me to be. I have so far to go. More failures lately than victories. Gratefully, He is a patient teacher and class is always in session.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

"If you would follow on to know the Lord, come at once to the open Bible expecting it to speak to you. Do not come with the notion that it is a thing which you my push around at your convenience. It is more than a thing, it is a voice, a word, the very Word of the living God."
Pursuit of God, page 82
A.W. Tozer

Chair Time

I have been thinking a lot about stories. Specifically, the story my children will tell about me when they are older. The story they will tell their children. This is my legacy.

I am reading a book called The Story Factor by Annette Simmons. She says, "Other methods of influence - persuasion, bribery, or charismatic appeals - are push strategies. Story is a pull strategy." See I want to live my life in such a way to pull my kids to Jesus. Not push them. I want my life to draw them closer to Him.

So how do I do that exactly? This of course is the million dollar question and where I must face the cold hard truth. I can't just hope the story turns out in the end okay in the end. There is too much at stake. I have a part to play as well. God is the author, but He does require that I do my part. For me that means I am to pursue Him every day through His Word, pray like crazy that His story will shine through my life, and to be in a small group where I am accountable to others.

And when all that is said and done, I have to tell them, every day, all day long as we are "sitting in our house, walking along the way, when we rise up and when we lie down..." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). But with kids, our stories are told not only in our words, but in our actions. So as I am telling them the story, they are simultaneously watching it unfold before their eyes. My prayer is that these two versions of the story line up and will impress upon their hearts the image of Christ.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

P.S. For the next couple of weeks I will expand on this idea during Chair time. I would like to spend a week each on Bible, Prayer, and the power of a Small Group as it pertains to our Legacy: The Story Our Children Will Tell. If you have any thoughts, please leave a comment or join the conversation in the 29lincolnavenue blogfrog commmunity.

Chair Time

The truth is I am a fairly optimistic person. Lately though, I have been tired. You know the feeling. You are so tired you actually hurt.

Yesterday was a day. Let's just say that I had my limit. My 10 year old dissolved into tears over a timed math test and my 7 year old discovered how to make it snow in Central Florida. (hint: think styrofoam). I gave up and decided to head to our community pool. Physical education is a school subject after all! Besides, I thought a little sunshine might be good for me, too. Earlier, I had thrown up one of those prayers to Jesus, "Lord, Help me. I can't do this today. Send encouragement." Luckily, He delivers poolside.

I was watching the girls play another round of "Which mermaid are you?", and the lady who cleans the pool stopped by. This is what I have always called her. We struck up a conversation about the nice day and the lack of respect some kids have these days for public property. But then the conversation turned. She saw my sweet 6 month old and said, "Four girls, that is so great!" I was immediately encouraged because most people laugh or apologize to me for having four girls. As it turns out, she is a homeschooling mother of 5, and Her youngest is 17. Instantly, we had a connection. We spoke for about 15 minutes and my heart was lifted. When I left she said, "Keep going, it is worth it. And if you need a break, I live down the road."

I can't tell you how loved I felt. His great big love for me is wider and deeper than I will ever know. (Ephesians 3:18). Jesus knows when I need to be encouraged. He hears my cries for help. And He is willing to use whoever or whatever is available. Even pool cleaning ladies. Her name is Elaine. If I disappear for awhile, you can find me at her house.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

P.S. Technically speaking I was in a chair...this time it just happened to be poolside.

Chair Time

Ephesians 1:18,19
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe..

I have been praying this for my husband for well over a year now. I love praying through these verses and asking God show him that there is surpassing great power toward him every day of his life...the same power that raised Christ from the dead. It is my earnest prayer that he live in victory and not defeat.

Have you read a little book by Joseph Stowell called Simply Jesus? I've had it for some time in my guest bedroom. I thought it would be a good book to read to prepare my heart for Easter. The title is so inviting! Last night I read this awesome quote:

The Resurrection is at its very essence the ultimate victory over sin, death and hell. All the forces of evil spent their best efforts to permanently ground their Archenemy behind a massive, immovable stone--guarded by imperial guards from the most powerful empire on earth.
And then with

a word from God ---the merest breath--

death was defeated, and sin and the forces of hell no longer held sway. Jesus lives and in Him the power of sin is rendered weak and ineffective." p 61

Oh my that is rich! In Christ we have victory over sin - it is rendered powerless and ineffective. Hell no longer holds sway! Hell brought all it had to the table and it took one word from the Father and death and its vice grip was demolished!

Lord,
Thank you that the Resurrection means that there is surpassing great power for those that believe. That you desire us to live in victory - not defeat. May we rise up to meet that calling for the hope and glory of all that you plan for us this day!

Looking Forward,
Stacey

Chair Time

Do you ever feel like you are just surviving your life? I do, and if I'm keeping it real, that is truly how I have been living lately. I find myself reacting to life instead of being Spirit filled and purposeful. So last week I was reading one of my favorite devotionals called, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. I love this little book. It is written as though Jesus were talking to you directly. On March 19, the entry said:

Since I dwell in you, you are fully equipped to be holy. Pause before responding to people or situations, giving my Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me; this is atheistic living.
Page 82

I was intrigued by the word pause. According to dictionary.com it means:

v. To dwell or linger
n. A cessation of activity because of uncertainty.
A break or rest to emphasize meaning.

Last year, my word for the year was dwell. So when I read that definition I smiled. I am to "dwell (in Christ) before I respond to people or situations (i.e. my children, husband...)" As I dwell or pause in Him, it gives the Spirit room and space to act through me. Now there is a novel idea.

Then I was reminded of this today:

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness
Psalm 103:8

I noticed immediately that it does not say, "Stacey is compassionate and gracious. Stacey is slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness...." But the beauty of it is, Jesus is in me. And as I pause and give Him space He can and will be those things through me.

Oh Lord, I have so much to learn. I am so grateful that you are gracious and compassionate with me. Please give me gentle reminders this week to pause and let you be all you can be through me.

Looking Forward
Stacey

Chair Time

"Abundance is at the very heart of who I am".... from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

I love that Jesus walked with a band of totally real, normal people like me. He did not surround himself with religious leaders. I appreciate His patience with their slowness to learn. It gives me great hope. I also like that He involved them in His teaching and even more important in His miracles. They did not just see them,they lived them. See, I learn mainly by doing. Ask my very sweet husband about teaching me how to use Photoshop. I have to feel and experience it to understand.

Today I read from John 6:1-14. As usual, multitudes of people where following Jesus. He called to Philip and said, "Where are we to buy bread that these may eat?" Now I know, Jesus had a plan all along. He was inviting Philip to be part of the work He was about to do. I love his answer, "That would cost a lot of money" (paraphrase mine). Andrew must have been a few steps ahead of Philip. He offered five barley loaves a couple of fish to Christ from some child whose blessed mother had sent him with a lunch that day. I can just see her running after him out the door, "Honey! Don't forget your lunch!" Little did she know she would be part of a plan to feed thousands! Can you imagine the dinner conversation in that house?

I love this part of the story. Jesus took the loaves and the fish. Thanked His Father and distributed the food to the people. They were filled. And then so wisely He asked the disciples to gather the left overs. Twelve baskets full. One for each of the disciples to hold, see, smell, and touch. Brilliant teaching from the Master.

So I ask myself, how often do I live on the 5 barley loaves of my own effort? When do I settle for what I can come up with in my own strength? If I take and lay it at the feet of Jesus He would bless it and delight in giving me from His abundance. I am not talking about money here. But my own self effort of teaching, mothering, and loving others. What I have to offer in my own power is no comparison. My bread may cure the munchies, but will it give life and point others to Christ?

"...and the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy house; They drink their fill of the abundance of Thy house.."
Psalm 36: 7-8

Lord,
I thank you that you have a plan. That you are blessedly patient with my slowness to learn. And that you delight in pouring forth your abundance upon every area of my life that I give to you.

Looking forward,
Stacey


P.S. When have you given Jesus your 5 loaves and few small fish and seen Him do a work only He could do? What was the result? Who else got to take part in the miracle? You can leave a comment or use McLinky to link to a blog post! Thanks!

Chair Time Tuesday

I've decided to make Chair Time a regular Tuesday post and provide a place where we can share with one another what God is teaching us. You may leave a comment or use the Mc Linky to connect to a blog post that you have written. Just be sure to use the URL that directs us to your specific blog post. Also, please provide a link to 29linconlavenue so we can find our way back easier. I can't wait to see what God is writing on your heart as you sit with Him each day.


The Lord mostly speaks to me when I am sitting with the Him in the quiet of the morning, pouring out my heart over His open Word. Sometimes, He chooses other times and places to begin a conversation. This week it was in worship.

Sunday morning I had been faced with the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good of healthy vibrant children all needing me in the same moment. The bad of no sleep and the the ugliness of my own sin ringing in my ears as yelled at them. It was not pretty. And I knew it.

Later, during worship time we were preparing our hearts. Clearly, this time of preparation was just for me. We sang a verse that I had never heard before that went like this:

I'm choosing to die to myself and my pride,
what a glorious death it will be.

It was the cold hard truth. And it pierced my heart. That morning I needed to die to myself when I didn't get my way. When I didn't get the proper sleep. And when my girls were acting like children and not little soldiers. I could go on and on...

The amazing thing is that out of this death comes the most beautiful thing. The power of Jesus and all His awesomeness fills me up and I am instead made radiant with Him. And He overflows to those around me. Awesomeness verses ugliness. Enough said.

I was reminded this week that "The work of the cross is deadly but effective" (Tozer) This is true, but only when I allow it to be.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me..." Galatians 2:20

This post has been linked to Prayer and Share @ Heart to Heart with Holley

Chair Time

Struggle.
Weary.
Tired.
Exasperated.

All synonyms for how I'm feeling lately. Six months of not enough sleep and I have become a walking shell of myself. So last week, I began singing a song the Lord put in my heart. It is an old hymn that I remember singing at church when I was a little girl. The chorus goes like this:

I need thee, oh I need thee.
Every hour I need thee.
Oh bless me now my Savior,
I come to thee.

Guess what the closing song of invitation was Sunday morning during our very contemporary worship service? "I Need Thee Every Hour.'' It was as though I was the only one in the 5,000 seat auditorium and He played it just for me. Then I heard the Lord whisper,

I see you.
You are never alone.
I am at work.
This is all part of the plan.
I have you right where I want you ---needing Me every hour.

I discovered today, that this hymn was written in June of 1872 by Annie Hawks, a housewife in Brooklyn. She wrote this beautiful prayer of dependence on the Lord while working in the kitchen.


Looking Forward,
Stacey

Chair Time - Secrets

I've been thinking about secrets lately. Saturday I had a date with my oldest daughter and we shared secrets about the power of beauty. She is only 10, but we are taking the time now to be purposeful and talk openly about growing up to be the kind of girl that God desires her to be. We had a lovely time at the Art Museum, lunch at Panera and a stroll through the mall. She is an expert at picking out the not so modest clothing that seems to be everywhere these days. I made a promise to her to help her create her own unique artistic style that would only captivate one man - her future husband. These secrets are precious for me to share with her.

But the Lord also has secrets to share. They are precious to me too. Look at this amazing verse in Deuteronomy 29:29

"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and our sons forever..."

My heart desires to be one who the Lord bends close to and reveals much. Am I putting myself in a place of trust for the things He desires to reveal to me? And the neat thing is, they are not just mine. They belong to my daughters (no sons here :) forever. The things He is revealing to me, I am to reveal to them. (Duet. 6:6-7) Wow! That is rich!

Looking Forward,
Stacey

Question: How about you? What has God been revealing to you that you will be able to pass on to your sons or daughters forever?

*I highly recommend this amazing resources called Secret Keeper Girl that has 8 great dates with your daughter!

Chair Time

"Quiet Time. The term is vital, descriptive of the very manner in which we receive an in-flooding of the Lord's life..."
"We must have a fresh in-flooding of life for soul and body too, or we will dry up and be like deserts in a desert."
"The real question, however is this: Where are we to find our fresh springs of life?"
(from You Are My Hiding Place by Amy Carmichael)

I long for a quiet place in my life. A place to sit and just be given life for soul and body too. I feel by the end of my very long days, like that desert in a desert. Yet when the horrible sound of the alarm pierces my sleep deprived body I am tempted to ignore it time and time again. Until I realize that if I am to truly make it today with any life left in me, I have to meet Him in our place. The place where I receive the great exchange. I give Him my tired, weary sin sick soul and He breathes fresh life from His ever flowing spring of joy and goodness into me.

"Jesus...cried in a loud voice, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! He who believes in me-who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on me-as the Scripture has said, 'Out from his innermost being springs of living water shall continuously flow.'"
John 7:37-38 Amplified

Coming Thirsty,
Stacey

*Photo credit goes to my husband who found this beautiful mountain spot in the early hours of quiet this past July in Rocky Mountain National Park.

**I'm participating in Prayer and Share with Holley and Tuesday Unwrapped at Chatting At the Sky.

Chair Time

Psalm 90: 12, 14

So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom...O satisfy us in the morning with your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Last year for Christmas my husband bought me an amazing chair and a half with a matching ottoman. I have always wanted one. This is the place I meet with the Lord in the early morning hours when the house is silent and my little ones have not yet discovered that I am awake. I love to sneak downstairs (do you do that too?) and curl up with my cup of Komodo Dragon Starbucks Coffee,my Bible, a journal, and some Kari Jobe on my Ipod.

He is always there, waiting for me. Many times lately, I have not made our appointment. But patiently He waits for me. He has so much He wants to teach me and pour into my heart. I was most struck this week by Psalm 90: 12 & 14 and I know that I need it to be written on my heart! My cry to the Lord is that each morning I would find my satisfaction in Him.. and sing for joy and be glad all day long...not looking for a person to satisfy me, not looking for circumstances, but just satisfied by Him. Every single morning.

Most mornings I am discovered by a 3 foot tall messy haired girl who is dragging a blanket and a large stuffed bumble bee. She snuggles up close to me and I am reminded why I am in the chair in the first place.

Looking Forward,
Stacey

I am linking up to Chatting at the Sky for "Tuesday Unwrapped". This is truly a lovely blog that has encouraged my heart!

My Favorite Blog Post for 2009

How about A Warm Cup of Coffee and my favorite blog post of the year? I love the blog world, because when we see a great idea we share it! Sarah Mae at Like A Warm Cup of Coffee, got this idea from Heathalee. I am joining the party and having one of my own! My first official Mr. Linky Party! What is your favorite blog post from your blog this past year? Just click Mr. Linky at the bottom of this post. Add your title and the the direct URL to your actual favorite post. Do not just link back to your blog. Also, add a link back to my blog so readers can find their way back here! You can copy and paste the address from the URL Bar above! Whew! It sounds harder than it is! Here is mine from
August 27, 2009.


Mediocracy Is So Much Easier....

This has been so true in my life over the past couple of weeks. Last week, I began a study with my girls called "Eight Days of Honor." We have been talking about what honor means, how to have a good attitude and to look for opportunities to demonstrate both in our home and in our relationships. Since we started this adventure it seems like bad attitudes and whining have only increased! I have found myself saying, "Is any of this making a difference?"

The second thing I started was a new Bible study on the book of Revelation. I have found my quiet times super charged with truth and encouragement. But as my study time has deepened, the light and momentary afflictions have escalated. Now don't get me wrong, none of these are major ordeals, but when you put them all together they have been draining and frustrating to me.

But then I realized that though mediocracy is easier, it is not what I am called to. I am not called to comfort - though I crave it. I am not called to an easy life - though it sounds great. I am called to do hard things and they are not always easy or fun. Rewarding? Absolutely. Do I always see it immediately? No. But I am holding on the the fact that when I am faithful, the Lord enters into the situation and He promises to "strengthen those hearts who are completely His." (2 Chronicles 16:9a).

Now, let me just finish this thought with my love for my profound and funny friend. She is an amazing woman of God. She has challenged me on many occaisions to do hard things and is the one who really set me on a course about 9 years ago to get serious and study God's Word. I pray that I can and will be that kind of woman for others!

Looking Forward,
Stacey

Books and People

I was instantly attracted to the chapter titles of the new book I am reading called All I need Is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans by Susanna Foth Aughtmon. Here are just a few of them:

• I Am Oh So Tired
• I Am Not A Supermodel
• I Have Pride Issues
• I Worry About Things
• I Want Chocolate to Solve My Problems (my personal favorite!)
  
• I Have A Long Way To Go

Need I say more? Probably not, so let me just share this quote from the introduction:

"We need a whole lot of Jesus. Because there is this woman that we long to be and there is the woman that we actually are. Right here. Right now. The woman who struggles but longs to be more. The woman who is empty who longs to be full. The dissatisfied woman who longs to be content. The woman who longs to be overflowing with goodness and peace and have rher impulse spending under control. And the only thing that can bridge the gap between these two women is buckets of grace. Unending grace. And the only person who embodies this grace is Jesus." P. 15

This book arrived by bedside through a dear friend. I was just thinking to myself, "I need to find something new to read," and somehow she just knew. Don't you just love when that happens?

Oh Lord, give me more of You and less of me...and more friends like her to point that out to me!
Looking forward,
Stacey