Redeeming the Time

Wow! In the whirlwind of beginning a new school year, I have allowed half the year to go by without spending time sharing on my blog. It is exciting to once again share my heart.

This Christmas and New Year season, God has laid a message on my heart I want to share with you and believe it or not, it all begins with a Karen Kingsbury book. 

You see, when I was in high school and college I read every single one of her books. Then I turned to reading non-fiction and memoirs because I felt I was wasting my time reading about imaginary people's lives. At the library a couple of weeks ago, I saw Kingsbury's new book Coming Home.  With some more free time to do some reading over Christmas break, I picked it up. 

This book led tears to run down my face more than once in the quietness of our bedroom as I read well past midnight.

In a horrible accident, a mother, father, and 3 daughters are killed on their way home (traveling from Texas to Indiana) for a special birthday party. The book shows the battle in the hearts of brothers and sisters. One sister is devastated because she feels there were too many things left unsaid between her and her sister. Hurt words and actions were left alone in their fragile relationship. She wishes for one more chance to tell her sister she loved her and believed in her.
Of course, the family begins to question God but then quickly realizes the only way to make sense of this tragedy is to cling to God's promise of faithfulness and everlasting life. 

Then this morning I read in Ephesians 5: 15-17 which says, "So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make of most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days, redeeming the time."
        The study notes in my bible say, "As a believer, your purpose is to fulfill               God's purposes in this Earth, lining up every opportunity for useful worship         or service."

How does this story and verse go together in a life changing way for me? 

I realized I must live each day to fullest because tomorrow may simply never come for me, my loved ones, the ones God has laid on my heart to share His love.
I want to look for ways each day to show Justin, my husband, I love and admire him.
I want my parents to know I love them and am so appreciative of the way they support, encourage, provide, and love me.
I want by brothers to know I believe in them and am sorry for the way I get too focused on my own life instead of investing in theirs the way I should.
I want to spend more time with my grandparents and listen to stories of their life growing up.
I want to talk to and serve my co-workers at school by shining for Christ through a joyful attitude and humble heart. 

Above all, I want to wake each morning singing in my heart the tune my mother taught me when I was a little girl. "This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made, that the Lord had made, we will rejoice, we will rejoice, and be glad in it." I want to live each moment in Him and for Him even during the normalcy of life such as doing dishes, folding laundry, checking math papers, or waiting in traffic. I want to see each moment if a gift from God, an "opportunity for worship or service".

As you begin 2014, embrace each day, redeeming the time. Tell your loved ones you love them and praise God for each moment, even the not so happy ones. He is our Redeemer, may we live our moments in a way that brings Him praise and glory.

Do You Need to Be Revived?

Justin (my husband) and I just spent a wonderful week at the beach. For our ride down there, Justin bought some Old Time bluegrass songs for him and the Passion CD for me. One song, "Revive Me, Lord" has really spoken to my heart these past couple days. 

I had never really thought of what it means for the Lord to revive me. Now I believe it means to empty myself of me and allow Him to fill my heart, to restore it to be completely full of Him.

As I let go of summer and begin to embrace the planning, the excitement, and the frenzy of a new school year, my heart begins to feel overwhelmed. I know I will miss the summer days of sharing each day with my hubby (he is a teacher too), going on spur of the moment camping trips, sleeping in, and reading. It is time to learn to teach and love this new group of students God will place in my room this school year.

You know what? Yesterday I was fighting this. I did not want to think about letting summer go. Many things were on my mind yesterday and as each situation began to spiral downward, so did my tears. I was extremely emotional over very little things and needed to stop, take a deep breath and ask the Lord to revive me, to empty me of me and fill me with him. 

So often I focus on what isn't important in life. I want the Lord to help me "focus on what is unseen, for it is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18). I will never be able to do this without His spirit of love, joy, patience, and kindness filling me. 

When I am sad, He revives me with gladness.
When I am worried, He revives me with peace.
When I'm full of questions, He revives me with His faithfulness.
When I'm overwhelmed, He revives me with gentleness. 
When I feel alone, He revives me with unconditional love.
When I'm frustrated, He fill me with patience.

I challenge you to listen to this song with a heart of praise, asking the Lord to revive you. I promise, the reward is great!

Sadie's Theme: Play, Rest, Delight

Our sweet dog Sadie seems to have a theme to her life which should be applied to our own lives. Her theme is: PLAY, REST, and DELIGHT. Enjoy these 10 ideas of how we can apply Sadie's theme to our lives:

1. It's rather ok to take more than one nap in a day.
     If Sadie isn't playing or eating, she is enjoying a nap. It may be a nap basking in the sun, under the shade of our pin oak tree, or stretched out under the fan in the living room. Not such a bad idea is it?

2. Let small things in life bring joy.
     Sadie jumps up and down when we mention a walk, runs in circles when she gets a new toy (her baby), bounces in the yard when a cool breeze is blowing, and wags her tail fervently when she gets to attack a bug. What if we could find joy in a sunrise, a yummy meal, an evening walk, a small gift, a beautiful day, or even an interesting looking bug? I believe our lives would be filled with more smiles and laughter.

3. Take time to be still.
     During our early morning walks, Sadie and I enjoy hiking through a large field beside a creek. With the morning dew resting on the green grass stalks, Sadie turns this into a nice comfy bed. She will run and slide on her belly, stretching out her back legs. She then listens to the birds, feels the sunshine, licks the grass, and gazes across the field. She will stay like this until I tell her to come. Sometimes, she ignores me and continues to lay in her bed of grass. We also need to learn to be still, enjoying the presence of God, living in the moment instead of thinking of what needs to be accomplished next or what will happen later in the day.

4. Be willing to taste anything.
     Sadie loves to eat, but not necessarily her doggie kibble. Sadie loves to eat whatever Justin and I are eating. Whatever we give her, she is willing to try. Our doggie has tried carrots, sweet potatoes, watermelon, bananas,  broccoli, and apples. And she has eaten each one! So taste that new food, you might just really like it.

5. Love each person you meet.
     In Sadie's eyes, everyone is wonderful. We have often wondered if she would protect us if our house was broken into. Many people have said, "What a sweet dog!" Why can't we treat and accept others like this? Seeing the good in everyone? 

6. Sometimes your quiet presence is enough.
     There have been times I have been very upset and retreat to sit beside my bed on the floor, trying to hide from the day or the situation. It seems Sadie senses this, and she comes to sit or lay beside me. Her quiet presence encourages me and lets me know I am loved. When a friend, spouse, or family member is going through a hard season in life, remember words are not needed. Only your presence.

7. Play, play, and play some more.
     As with most dogs, play is engraved in her heart. Sadie will play whatever game you want to play with her until you tire out. Whether it is throwing her "baby", across the living room floor, having a race, or a game of chase, she is always ready. May we always have time to stop being so serious and play.

8. Look someone in the eyes when they are talking to you.
     Ok, I admit it, I talk to Sadie. I ask her questions and tell her stories as if she understands me. And, deep down, I can't truly deny my belief that she doesn't understand. Whenever I talk to Sadie, she looks me in my eyes, turning her head back and forth, trying to read my voice. May we be sure to look our spouse, friend, co-worker, cashier, parent, brother, etc. in the eyes when they are talking to us. Let's show we are interested and care.

9. Sit at your Master's feet. 
     I know dogs dont' have a choice but to lay at our feet, but what about ON our feet? Sometimes Sadie will come and plop right on top of my foot, giving a good lick while she's down there. This reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha. You see, Mary and Martha are sisters and Jesus comes to visit their home. Martha is busy preparing the meal, cleaning the dishes, and straightening up the house. On the other hand, Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to his teaching. Jesus says, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled at many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-11:54 ESV). 
May we take time to plop down at the feet of Jesus, listening to His voice as we read His word.

10. Greet each new morning with excitement.
     Sadie shares a smile and a tail wag each morning. She is happy to get her breakfast, fresh water, and the opportunity to snuggle back on her bed on school mornings, when Justin and I get up in the wee hours of the morning. I challenge us to greet each day with a smile and a happy heart. 

I hope you enjoyed the ideas I have learned from my wise dog. May we allow ourselves to PLAY, REST, and DELIGHT in life.


Shared with: Gracedsimplicity.com, Wearethatfamily.com, Raisingmightyarrows.net, and Servingjoyfully.com
Also linked to Top Ten Tuesday
   

Give Thanks In All Circumstances

School is out for the summer and although I miss my second graders, I am thankful for this chance to sleep a little longer, read, shop, relax, and reflect.

Mom with her granddaughter

The first book I began to read this summer is titled Once Upon A Wish: True Inspirational Stories of Make-A-Wish Children by Rachelle Sparks. This is a precious book; a book that leads your heart to ponder what is truly important in life.

However, my heart has struggled greatly. Tears have been shed and unanswered questions lifted up to my Heavenly Father, who I trust, yet do not understand. I know I am not meant to understand His ways, but this small heart of faith asks him questions daily. I am so sorry for the way I know I break His heart. 

While the illnesses in the book vary, the vast majority of the stories in this book are cancer stories. As a daughter of a mother who has and is still facing cancer, I can relate to the hurt of these families as they watch someone they love face a relentless battle they wish never had to been fought in the first place. I know the many times they turn to God asking WHY? I know how the peace of God's presence becomes a lifeline, because without it, you feel as if you are sinking. I know the hope found when good news is shared and the sorrow when questions remained unanswered. I know the freedom of heart found when you finally surrender your trust and fears to the Lord, trusting He knows what is best for your loved one.

Oh What We Do To Feel Beautiful

To be a woman in this culture is more difficult than it should be. Our culture places so much emphasis on beauty, sometimes we can't help but be swept in the waterfall and taken in the stream of our culture's expectations. 

Over this past month, I have been swimming in this stream. Buying a couple new pairs of pants at Rue 21, a couple shirts from Old Navy, and a new pair of polka-dotted flat shoes made me feel a little better. Next came a new haircut, getting it layered shorter than I ever have. This was not quite enough so I decided to change the color of my hair. I bought a $4.00 box of do-it-yourself hair color  at Walgreens and am so thankful my hair did not turn green! Now I am a shade blonder, have more layers in my hair, and have a few new outfits to wear. Yet I was still unsatisfied-I still did not feel beautiful even though my husband tells me this each day-he is so sweet!

During my quiet time before school while eating strawberry oatmeal, God led me to 1 Peter 3:3-4, which I clung to during my middle and high school years yet somehow it must have gotten buried deep in my heart. I am thankful God spoke these words to me through Peter:

Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel, rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God's eyes.

Speech Seasoned with Salt

I don't know about you, but my husband and I use Lawry's Seasoned Salt on almost everything: from chicken to stir fry to french fries. This seasoning has become a staple in our home.

I have been challenged this week with Colossians 4: 5-6, which talks about our speech being seasoned with salt. We will dig more into this verse later on, but let me first give you the background.

My 2nd graders and I have had to have a few "class meetings" this week. My students know when I call I class meeting, something very important or exciting is about to be shared. They are very quiet as they anticipate what will be said. Our class meetings this week have needed to be about how we talk to each other. 

What God Taught Me Through A Brownie Batter Filled Donut

This past Friday Justin met his family at Dunkin Donuts to share dessert for his Mom's birthday. I was SO excited to taste the new brownie-batter filled donut: I mean doesn't it look delicious?

Yes, it was delicious. However, the next morning I allowed the devil to have a "foothold" in my thoughts and allowed him to almost ruin my day.

Snow Owls

When you face heartbreaking circumstances in life, how does your heart react? 

My first reaction is anger. I admit, I put up a wall in my heart, refusing to even turn my thoughts to God or think of his unfailing love and soverign purposes because frankly, I just want to be stubborn and try to figure it out on my own.

When this passes, the tears flow and my heart realizes I have absolutely no hope, joy, peace, or purpose unless I cry out to God at that very moment, turning my heart back to Him.

The amazing thing is he accepts this wayward heart back each time, this heart of little faith, this heart of broken vows.

How do people face this life on Earth without the hope of Jesus? Without feeling His presence, knowing his faithfulness?

I do not know what will happen in the next moment, yet God knows every detail of life, and these plans are for good, not to harm, to bring a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

We, as fragile humans, just will never understand the ways of God. This God who created every twinkling star, every colorful bird, every grain of sand, every dazzling sunset also made us. He knows how many hairs are on our head (Luke 12) and every thought before you think it. (Psalm 139). How amazing to know He loves us with unfailing love, enough to offer us His gift of grace, which we are so unworthy. (Romans 8:38, Ephesians 2:8, 4:7)

Who am I to question God? 

Yesterday, when I was going through the anger phase of reacting to heartbreaking news, I was outside at recess with my 2nd graders. 

My 25th Birthday Weekend: Running a 5K, Flooding the House, and Eating Pizza

This weekend has been one I will always remember. Not only have I turned 25, I have won my first 5K (the women's division anyway) and almost, almost flooded our house. Let's start from the beginning.