Counting on God

Praying this Hymn often....



God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Specially Marked

I have three birthmarks and my mom always said I must be extra, extra special since my two siblings don’t have a single one!  This helped me be less self-conscious of the spots, and I never thought much of them my entire life until recently.  Twelve years ago my husband and I were just dating when I told him that God had convicted me that part of His plan for my life was to foster parent and/or adopt.  After a decade of marriage we began the process of waiting for “the call.” After the first year of waiting, I did some serious praying and then near the second year mark, I began to wonder if this was really what God wanted for our family. After all, I could have another baby or finance a private adoption.  We had been praying for the protection of our future child, and for discernment to know when to say yes.  God never let go of me on my core belief that in the state system there are many children that just need a chance and lots of love in a healthy family.  Over the years, God sent my husband and I and our boys many adopted children and orphans that we have loved and enjoyed building relationships with before and during our wait that gave us much encouragement and compassion for adoption. I was really wondering if there was a child “in the system” that could fit our family’s parameters though.  During the second year, God worked on us about accepting more risks than we originally thought and about taking a child that was older. I am so glad he did.  We also brought the boys in on praying for a child to love that needs a family during our family devotions that second year.    About one month before my two year deadline I had given God (Yes, I am ashamed of myself…but oh so human and weak that he loved me enough to respond to my desperation.), I had a good cry with our small group and asked them to pray.  Then, only two days later THE call came.  Our life group must have really prayed!  She was a two and a half year old that had been in foster care her entire life.  She had been in a loving Christian foster home with folks we now love and adore!   We said, “Yes!”  Only a few weeks after that meeting, she was in our home and relishing every new opportunity on our farm.  The answer to our prayers was praying with us and FOR us.  It was incredible!  She seemed destined for two brothers.  I already felt so much confirmation of our decision to love her forever since her transition to our family was really quite natural for us all.  But, God was not done with teaching me that he’d had things under control.  Only about two weeks after her adoption day, I was snuggling with her after nap when I noticed it.  Two of my birthmarks are small spots just above each knee.    As it turns out, she now has one above her left knee in the exact location of mine.  I don’t know when it came up, but I had never seen it before.  I cannot help but think that God was clearly telling me that though she was not my biological child that even before she was formed set her apart (Jeremiah 1:5).  He had marked her special just for me, and I knew her frame was not hidden from Him (Psalm 139).  Great is His faithfulness!

 

Dave Ramsey V. Francis Chan and David Platt ...money.

Like most of my blogs...I hope this one day gives my kids some perspective on my heart and my thoughts on things...like money.
 
Well, I just can't get my head around reconciling these superstars in the Christian world.   How can we live in America and dream that big dream every day and still live for God as a true disciple?  I feel like Platt and Chan somewhat contradict what Dave Ramsey says...and they have a point.  Too much saving and too much preparedness...where does that leave trusting God?  I am all for not being irresponsible, but living your entire like to store up for yourself just doesn't sit well with me...or saving so you can get out of debt to give later...humm...what if you don't make it there?  I want to give now.

"...the goal of the American dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God."  David Platt, Radical

Here's all I know for sure we'd all agree upon:

1.  I do think credit cards are evil and you better pay them off every month or you are a slave to debt.

2.  Debt kills marriages and creates serious stress  

Proverbs 22:26-27

Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you..

3.  Materialism is silly and basically a monster that will eat you alive.

4.  Getting out of most all debt is freeing (though I have issues with folks not living and not giving and wives and husbands working all the time b/c they are busy saving to pay off homes when that is a tax write off and some business debt is smart debt if it is a wise and decently safe investment opportunity).  

5.  Setting financial goals as a couple and having some small fallback net is wise.

6.  Getting out of debt frees you to focus on more godly things and people you need to love.

7.  Getting out of debt allows you to give more to the church and the poor around the world.

8.  We should work hard and do whatever we do as if we are working for the Lord (and all these people who keep chasing a dream job need to get REAL...there is a reason why it is called a j-o-b and they pay you to do it.  I am all for using your giftedness and what you are passionate about, but some folks just can't seem to find that and they need to quit looking and just work.  No job is wonderful all the time).  

9.  Wanting too much money is dangerous.  1 Timothy 6:7-10
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 

Here's what I am not sure about:

1. I know I don't want to pay for my kids' full college education...and hey, they might not even want one.  I had to work and scrimp and save during college and pay off loans afterward and I think that is very healthy for a maturing adult!
2. Does God really care if you go to college? No...and here I am a college instructor!
3. Does God want you slaving to pay off that house while your kids grow older and move out and you didn't invest your time in loving them well?  Is your TIME margin more important than any financial margin?  Proverbs 16:8  Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice. 
4. What if I don't live to 50 or 60...I am afraid I would be wishing that I did not live like Dave Ramsey said per say, but instead made investments in eternal things (like my kids/giving to the poor ).  
5. What if I amass all this wealth and then my kids waste it on a college education they don't use or I die and they get money quickly that they didn't earn and then turn from God to wild living instead of disciplined living?  What did I accomplish then?  God gave the money to me and J and we should spend most all of it while we're here I think...I know that is controversial.  
6. If I am working on saving to get this house paid off and not supporting missions and not giving to the poor/my church like I should...is God really into just waiting until I am "where I want to be" for me to start giving more generously and freely!  I don't think so.  
7. Some people are just as prideful about being debt-free and how much they save/manage as the other side of the spectrum of pride in giving it away.  Some folks are just too proud of their frugalness, sacrifice, and envelope systems, stock accounts, 401Ks, etc.  It can cut both ways that pride.  

I want to say that God does want me to keep things "in balance" but as I am reminded by Radical and Crazy Love Jesus was never a man of balance.  He said to the rich young ruler, 

 “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:21-23)

I suppose that I am just for a little financial margin, but totally against having such a margin that you don't really need God anymore.  When I quit my job,  I did not know how we would make it.  A few years later, I realized ...I need a job and yes, God provided that and has provided it for 6 years now.  Are we saving? Not much.  If I have extra cash, am I to save it to make an extra house payment at the end of the year? Maybe.  Or, shall I give it away.  Or, shall I adopt again and invest it in a child's life.  These are questions I can't get my head around.  Should I go back to work so we can meet more financial goals or foster parent and invest in people.  I think I know which way I am leaning.  It really makes me uncomfortable when Christian financial counselors focus on building wealth.  I just don't see that model in the Bible?

And then there is the insurance issue.  How much insurance do we really need...and if we over-insure everything do we really need to trust God?  I don't want to be that way.  In fact, I think we might consider very little home insurance when the bank doesn't own this place.  I just don't know if it is a wise expenditure.  Sure, we need enough to have another place but some folks have ridiculous policies on vehicles, boats, and animals.  Matthew 6:31-33  “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

There is plenty of scripture to warrant saving and scrimping:

Prov 6:6-8 Go to the ant, sluggard; consider her ways and be wise; who having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest. 

Proverbs 13:11  Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

Proverbs 21:5  "The plans of the diligent lead to profit, as surely as haste leads to poverty."

Proverbs 13:22 "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous."          but is he really referring to money?  not sure?  

Luke 14:28--"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"           Yes, this makes since to most...don't put on credit cards what you can't afford.

Luke 16:11  "If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?"        Yup, we have to figure it out.     

Prov 27:23 Know well the face of your flocks; and pay attention to your herds.   Yup, we need to know what we have to work with and where it is going.  

1 Corinthians 16:2  On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

Psalm 112:5
It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. 

But there is more possibly about not saving so much...

"We've missed what is radical about our faith and replaced it with what is comfortable. We are settling for a Christianity that revolves around catering to ourselves when the central message of Christianity is actually about abandoning ourselves."  David Platt, Radical

"This is the unavoidable conclusion of Matthew 10. To everyone wanting a safe, untroubled, comfortable life free from danger, stay away from Jesus."  Platt, Radical

According to David, “the dangerous assumption we unknowingly accept in the American dream is that our greatest asset is our own ability. The American dreams prizes what people can accomplish when they believe in themselves and trust in themselves, and we are drawn toward such thinking. But the gospel has different priorities. The gospel beckons us to die to ourselves and to believe in God and to trust His power.” Pg. 46.  

ROI: Return On Investment is something that we hear about often.  But, is there a plan B for telling folks how to get to heaven while I am investing in getting my house paid off?

David writes, “God has made a way of salvation for the lost, and people cannot come to God apart from faith in Christ...If more than a billion of people today are headed to a Christlesss eternity and have not even  heard the gospel, then we don’t have time to waste our lives on an American dream.” (pg.157)

Quote: God won’t ever say, “I wish you would have kept more for yourself.”

Then, there are those who just want to give some money to their own...citing this verse:

¹⁰ So then, ^gas we have opportunity, let us ^hdo good to everyone, and especially to those who are ⁱof the household of faith.  Gal 6:10   Still, the  Great Commission is for all believers and not just those who are "called" and not just those who are in America...and if you are going to give them the gospel then they can't be also hungry and thirsty and sick?  Matt. 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.   and...

James 2:15-16

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 

Another author that influenced me in this are is Randy Alcorn and his book The Treasure Principle.  

Fifteen percent of Christ's teachings in the New Testament deal with money and possessions, more than his teachings on heaven and hell combined.   Alcorn compares heavenly treasure, which lasts forever, with earthly riches, which will die with us.  He says that clearly amassing wealth and being full have not made Americans completely happy! 

Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 

Proverbs 21:26
…the righteous gives and does not hold back.
Proverbs 22:9
He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.

Proverbs 28:27

He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses. 

Luke 3:11
And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.”
Luke 6:30
Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
Acts 20:35
In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Romans 12:8
…Or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.  Not sure saving up qualifies there....so I suppose it matters what you are saving for...

I guess this issue with how to manage what I'm giving/keeping is just something I am going to constantly evaluate.  I am just going to keep working through and praying about how it will flesh out in our lives...

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  

50 Things that Matter

Part of the reason I keep this blog...besides that I love to write and don't have time to keep a real journal anymore ...is so that my kids can always have a record of some of my thoughts!
I found a little book at a store called 50 Things that Matter and it got me thinking...

50 Things that Matter to me in the day-day life I live:

1.  Jesus' Resurrection.  Christmas is fine and all, but without the living part...well, Christianity could just be another religion.
2.  My husband's unconditional love
3. The fun my family has together
4.  My children laughing

He watched this for weeks and finally got to ride!

5.  Being able to play outside mid-morning on warm days with my kids and  not a being stuck in a classroom with kids that aren't mine
6.  summer nights out late playing in the yard
7. traveling anywhere you can, as much as you can
8.  letting the kids run wild
9.  camping out
10.  hiking to waterfalls
11.  throwing rocks (I have learned to really enjoy this pastime with the boys).
12.  cool nights on the porch swing
13.  walking with J on the driveway even if is short bursts
14.  laughing with girlfriends
15.  having friends who don't judge me when I mess up
16.  loving children that aren't mine
17.  petting animals of any sort
18.  getting lots of good exercise
19. my mom not giving us sugary cereals, soft drinks, cheese puffs, and spaghetti o's growing up!--so thankful!

20.  compassion

first tennis lesson!

21.  having a dad who played sports with me
22.  tennis
23.  encouraging people when I can
24. giving compliments
25.  Popsicles
26.  dancing for fun and silliness
27.  learning new things
28.  good books
29.  Bible verses that change my life, convict me and inspire me.
30.  missionaries
31.  feeling cool river water run through my toes
32. smelling mtn laurel

33.  jumping waves in the ocean
34.  sun therapy after a mid-mo winter
35.  snuggling up with the kids in bed with a book
36.  kissing Cay's cheeks
37. playing sports with Jeb
38.  singing with Molly and her sweet, sweet voice.
39.  a mother in law who will help me keep the babies and really acts like she always enjoys it!
40.  late night chats in the dark with J about all kinds of things important and silly
41.  watching my children learn
42.  enjoying and respecting college students, even though I don't get paid much to teach them
43.  walking to the waterfall
44.  getting muddy in the creek
45.  hearing the river and digging in the sand on the shore
46.  reorganizing things and throwing out junk (I do get in trouble for getting rid of stuff sometimes though)
47.  a husband who is happy to keep the kids for shopping, girls night, etc.
48.  good pictures that make you laugh and weep, too
49.  telling people what you think (yes, I do go too far sometimes  but at least folks know where I stand)
50.  a church that focuses on all the right things (not perfect, but focused)
so I could not stop at 50 and I just left this blog open for days as I thought of them...
51. frappucino
52.  getaway adventures with J
53. going out of your way to invite new people to things and plug them in to friends!
54. try new things...don't be so close-minded towards other experiences/food...or too afraid!
55. good college friends who make you a better person even though they were only with you for a season
56.  making smores
57.  swimming all the time in the summer
58.  saying thank you often and much for big and small things
59.  going to church and loving it ...not just when it is convenient or special
60.  going for a walk
61.  seeing a little baby smile
62.  having a sister who is a friend
63.  my flowers blooming each spring  esp. the ones from Granny's
64.   snow days when school is cancelled
65.  a good find at a thrift store
66.  my mom cooking good meals and having us all sit down together usually

Mildred almost froze in our freezer, sneaks in my car, and has been rescued off the roof.  If he did not love this cat so much, she would be GONE.

Begging for Prayer: A video on the newest nation in the world and why it should matter to you.

“The government in north Sudan will not change,” Nhial told CT.“The American government cannot stop war in Sudan by words only. They need action. I’m saying this because more than two million people were lost during the war and the number is going up. We need help, and we need help today. We are dying. We are crying to the world that we need help.”

What makes me sad is that if I didn't follow a rather small non-profit from Alabama I don't think I would even know about the Holocaust currently happening in our world...her quote continues...

Nhial asked the Western church for prayer as independence day approaches. “On July 9, we are going to be a nation, and we need prayers,” he said. “We need to be covered by prayers. We need Christians all over the word to pray for us and rescue us. We are begging them.”

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"
1 John 3:17

This country's plight has haunted me and J for a long time now since we knew their independence day was coming and everyone knew that would mean violence. We were so excited to be a minute part in working with Make Way Partners to put an orphanage in Sudan and watch it fill up with 500 orphans (through their newsletter "watch") only to find out recently they are all in grave danger along with thousands of innocent people around them. To put it in its most basic form: the Southern part of Sudan contains more freedoms (Christians) and more oil (money/power). The two are a toxic mix to Islamist in the North who want one and not the other (and I bet you know which). How can I do anything about what is going on in Sudan? Those quotes above make it shockingly apparent.

Furthermore, this blog post :http://kimberlylsmithblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/today-we-face-our-worst-times-with.html makes it even more clear (don't read it unless you are seriously ready to have a talk with God about lots of things) that I am to do more than pray.

To be totally honest, it sometimes disgusts me to live my life in America. I am still grappling with what this means. Every day I seem to be more thankful, though, of what we have and how God truly has blessed America. AND more keenly aware of the heroes that create/ed this place like our forefathers/troops/citizens/civil rights leaders/politicians (yes, even them throughout history) and normal folks who won't rest until they see change, etc. I even struggle more with hearing my kids whine and fight over light sabers knowing so many kids are starving/ dying of diseases from dirty water. I am ashamed that it took me a while to share this for some folks around thinking I am crazy for caring about people so far away. For some folks thinking it's prideful "oh she thinks she is so holy for caring for them". OR for some folks thinking "oh, the world is so bad and there is not much I can do about it" OR for some folks thinking "why did she share something that would make me so sad." Well, I finally said, "WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK." Put it out there because what breaks God's heart (and I know this does) SHOULD break all of our hearts.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
Romans 12:15

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

Video: Independence Day for South Sudan | Need to Know

"So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."
1 Corinthians 12:25-26

You can read a full article from Christianity Today here on the situation there: http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2011/07/southern_sudan_1.html

If you want an outlet to give check out this website: http://makewaypartners.org/.

Western Adventure Part V: Sequoia National Park and King's Canyon

We left the High Sierras and headed back through the San Joaquin Valley (think loads of fruit) to Sequoia National Park. Here we saw the General Sherman Tree (the largest tree on Earth!)and went atop Moro Rock. The road to Moro rock was an adventure in itself (see photo of the road and its switchbacks up the mountain). We then climbed over 400 steps to reach the top of this giant rock (6,725-foot elevation). The stairway is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The view from the rock encompasses the Great Western Divide. At Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, live the five largest living giant sequoia trees in the world. We also found two "baby" bears and a mama that they had almost surpassed in size!

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir

This tree was once a saloon!

Tunnel Log is a tunnel cut through a fallen giant sequoia tree in Sequoia National Park in California. The tree, which measured 275 feet (84 m) tall and 21 feet (6.4 m) in diameter, fell across a park road in 1937 due to natural causes. The following year, a crew cut an 8-foot (2.4 m) tall, 17-foot (5.2 m) wide tunnel through the trunk, making the road passable again. You can see the van going through in the pic!

Grant Grove is home to the General Grant tree, a.k.a. "the Nation's Christmas Tree".

I think I said this in the first post, but CA has to be the most interesting of the American states. Two more things we saw there that you don't see where we live are wind farms and oil-drilling. You can see both in these pics.

King's Canyon: This place has some extreme elevation changes 6K-over 14K and is even deeper than the Grand Canyon. When we finally got to the bottom I was a bit freaked out b/c it was getting dark and the river at the bottom was RAGING scarily almost over capacity and onto the road. The waterfalls were flooding the picnic areas and well, I decided I would not be camping down thee for the night!

Cool Fact : The snowy, saw-toothed mountain range is over 400 miles long and 60-80 miles wide SO the Sierra Nevada range exceeds the whole Alps area- French, Swiss and Italian. I did NOT know that! Palisades Crest in the Kings Canyon area has six peaks itself over 14K.

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.
John Muir

Family reflections

After all the recent rain, I saw all our boots lined up outside the door and I thought that I should capture what our family looks like in boots right now! So many good times on the farm together.

I have to say that every time I think that I can't love my family more...I do! We have so much fun together and just love to laugh together. Someone asked me a while back if we ever sit down at our big kitchen table together to eat. I was am proud to report that strangely enough we sit there pretty much EVERY night and I cherish each evening when I finally get all the food and all the people there. I guess we're strange? I know that the time is coming when they'll have their own lives and this will be so much more difficult to do! Still, it will always be a priority for me to TRY to sit around the table each night. One of our favorite things now is hearing all of Jeb's school stories followed immediately by Cay's imaginative stories about his class and "Mrs. Butterfly" his teacher. His stories sound a lot like Jeb's?


Not only do I treasure my times with our little family, but sometimes I am amazed at the sweet fellowship that our faith family shares. Our small group went bowling recently and I still have some warm fuzzies from the laughs we shared together and the rich history we have with friends of 10 years here now. I cannot think of better people to walk through life with and to share deep, true, friendships with than those in my church. My children are so blessed to have many other adults in their lives who love them and enjoy them. I am so thankful to have so many kids to love in my life in addition to my own. These folks make it so that we don't just "go to church" they are "being the church" as we serve, struggle, laugh, sin, repent, strive, forgive, celebrate, cry, and pray for each/with each other. 1 Corinthians 12: 25-26 The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance (The Message).




And, of course, our biological family around the commune here on both sides of our street is such a rare and beautiful thing! Being surrounded by so much love and care is seriously wonderful. I would have loved for so many cousins to have lived closer to me growing up. Wild times!

I wanted to include my new, wonderful table/bench that J built me for Mother's Day. It was a labor of love. I said I wish I could have a table that would fold away and boom--there it was! I am sure that it was not that easy, but it seemed like it. He's amazing!

My home 6.5 years later...and other thoughts, of course

On Oct. 4, 1999, I found a poem/song lyric that is below. I wrote on the top of the paper, "What I Dream my home will be like..." WOW! Here I am 12 years later with my home and my family (6.5 years after building our home)and I just found that paper this morning and it was so sobering. I have to say that I don't feel like I am doing badly at making it that type of place, but I have so far to go and truly desire for God to use our home.

If we are afraid to be different from the world, how can we make a difference in the world? ~Rev. John I. Jenkins
In Chan’s book, he mentions that, “something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.”
“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.” Chinese proverb
“All Are Welcome” by Marty Haugen
Let us build a house
where love can dwell
And all can safely live,
A place where
saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive.

Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
Rock of faith and vault of grace;
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions;
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.


Let us build a house where prophets speak,
And words are strong and true,
Where all God's children dare to seek
To dream God's reign anew.

Here the cross shall stand as witness
And a symbol of God's grace;
Here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.


Let us build a house where love is found
In water, wine and wheat:
A banquet hall on holy ground,
Where peace and justice meet.

Here the love of God, through Jesus,
Is revealed in time and space;
As we share in Christ the feast that frees us:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.

Let us build a house where hands will reach beyond wood and stone.
To heal and strengthen, serve and teach, and live the Word they’ve known.
Here the outcast and the strange bears the image of God’s face.
Let us bring an end to fear and dangerl
Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard,
And loved and treasured, taught and claimed as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter, prayers of faith and songs of grace.
Let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:

All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.

Other Thoughts I've been thinking and hearing lately...

Sometimes we love our kids too much...so much we don't discipline them anymore. We love them so much we look just like the world raising them to be in the perfect school, have perfect clothes/shoes, have perfect attitudes on the surface--but their hearts are far from God, TOO SPOILED!! And then, we overprotect (I am not saying that in today's world we shouldn't protect) but sometimes we take it too far. Sometimes they grow up thinking the world owes them and that they are blessing to others (not vice versa) and then they are terrible employees and citizens and friends. I am praying against raising my children to be so self-centered, but it in today's world that is TOUGH. In Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love, he mentions that, “something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.” I think too much of our child rearing makes sense to others.

"Don't let God's blessings take the place of God."

I heard a speaker say that lots of parents are going to be surprised when they end up in Hell and their kids are in heaven. They might say, "what can I do God to be in heaven with my kids?" And God might say--hey, that's why you're in hell....you loved them more than me!

If we are afraid to be different from the world, how can we make a difference in the world? ~Rev. John I. Jenkins


“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.” Chinese proverb

Love this new song...well, it was new to me?

Leave Room for Cream

My mom sent this devotional to me with a kind note about how it reminds her of me, and it was the greatest compliment I've gotten in a year or so. I love living life to the fullest and always have. I love to host Girls' Nights, small groups, family get-togethers, birthday parties, surprise parties, farm parties, and Thanksgiving. When my Aunt Jeanie introduces me she sometimes says, "and this is Abby our niece who likes to live large!" I guess that means that I like to do a lot, go a lot of places, try lots of things, adventure often, and make the most of my days here. I read the devo below and I was so thankful that my mom thinks I am leaving room for cream. The bottom line is that life is hard (for everyone), so we all need to leave some margins in our life and make some plans to add cream often for a sweeter existence. I am aiming to do more for God this year when it comes to giving some cream and sweetener. We are thinking more about giving until it really hurts us and requires us to sacrifice more than we are these days. I think we'll be the ones with a sweeter life in the end b/c we can't out give God (Matt 25/Mark 10: 17-28).
I create sweetness in my life not only by being with others, but I also love to curl up with a good book, go for a long walk, and dig in the dirt and plant flowers. When I go somewhere you better believe I do everything there is to do and try everything there is to take in (food/culture/sights). I am as J says, "afraid I might miss a little fun!" Unfortunately, I have sung him the "every party needs a pooper" song more than once and even Jeb knows it now-ha! For the most part, he tolerates my shenanigans and usually end up enjoying it. I cook supper early in the morning so I can play outside with the boys until the very last minute before dinner. I love a mini-van full of kids (some that aren't mine) singing country music very loudly. I enjoy cherishing all our 4-legged and 2-legged friends here and I don't mind when they make me nasty or slobber on me one bit. I know that having fun and going and doing can become too much and idolatrous (and if I'm honest my next "fun" thing does consume too much of my time-ha!), but I have a hubby who keeps my feet firmly on the ground I think! He won't put up with too much junk or the music too loud for too long. I think if it weren't for him I'd be a vagabond probably...well, maybe not b/c I do love home. I try to balance creating sweetness with a nice dose (but not nearly generous enough) of serving God and encouraging people every chance I get or can create. I used to wonder why I loved living this way, but then I realized that BOTH my grandmothers were socialites who enjoyed things like front-porch chatting, laughing with friends, bridge club, DAR meetings, and being involved in their church. Then, when I try to call my Dad he is usually playing tennis, going to Christian Motorcyclists meetings, at his sailboat, at choir practice, or meeting with his buddies from high school for dinner. Now I realize why I am the way I am...I come from a long line of folks who loved life. I have always loved these quotes:

"Keep the main thing the main thing."
AND
"Don't be so busy doing that you don't enjoy being." Even though some of my "doing" looks like business it is often that which add cream to my life; I am a high energy lady folks. It is just the way I was born: no caffeine required (although, I drink some every day!). I love having fun and I love people and so I love doing things and planning fun things with people. Sometimes all these fun things can look like and become selfish endeavors, but I find that investing in relationships with people involves spending quality time (that is my love language of course) together. I find that if I don't make plans and put it on the calendar intentionally then memories are never made and real friendship never happen and time just slips by.


Room for Cream
BY
Marybeth Whalen

"The thief comes only to steal, and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:10 (NIV)

"Shall I leave room for cream?" the smiling barista asks me as I place my coffee order.

I smile back at her and nod, anticipating receiving my cup full of dark liquid so I can carry it over to the doctoring station and customize it with a generous splash of cream and two sweeteners.

As I wait in line to create my comfort in a cup, I ponder the barista's question. I think about the idea of leaving room for cream—not just in my cup, but in my life. I always leave room for cream in my coffee, but I can't honestly say I always leave room for cream in my life.

Cream sweetens and lightens and richens. How do I leave room in my life for the things that sweeten and lighten and richen? As I pour and stir, my thoughts drift to the last week. I've done the have-to's: laundry, carpool, dishes, exercise. But it's harder to think of those little extras that fill my cup to the brim... sweet, light, rich extras.

Sweet: Time with friends just laughing and enjoying each other. Turning on a favorite song and dancing in the kitchen. Listening to my children when they talk. Taking the extra time to hear their hearts. Putting fun things I look forward to on the calendar. Turning the pages of a novel just for the joy of experiencing a great story. Pushing pause on my life so I can rest and recharge.

Light: Time in God's Word, which the Bible says is a light for our path in life. Journaling what He's telling me and what I'm learning about life. Time to pour my worries and anxieties out to Him, then leave them at His feet. Time to press into Him so I can hear His voice above all the others in this loud, busy world. Stepping out of the rat race and worshiping Him with abandon lightens my load.

Rich: Giving of myself through my time and talent. Tithing regularly to my church. Finding people who need a meal, a donation, a word of encouragement and then making the effort to actually give it to them and not just think it's a good idea. Surrendering myself to God's will instead of holding fast to my own.

All of these are things that bring me great joy, that help me reach that place of abundance I believe Jesus wanted us to live in now. Abundance, I am finding, does not come from merely wanting it. It comes from intentionally reaching for it—a result that requires action. It requires leaving room in my life for these things—not packing my life so full of have-to's that the cup is already full.

When that happens, I can try to add the cream but it will only spill over, wasted. It starts when I leave room from the beginning or take a moment to pour out what is already too full. With a little thought and a little effort I can learn to hear Jesus ask me, "Did you leave room for cream?"

And I can smile back at Him and say, "You better believe I did!"

Dear Lord, I want to live the life of abundance You called me to—a life that is sweet and light and rich. Help me remember that I have to leave room in my life for abundance or it will always elude me. Help me to seek You first and let You show me how to leave room for cream. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Marybeth's blog

The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

She Reads a division of P31 for fiction fans

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Application Steps:
If you brew coffee at home or order a cup at a coffee shop today, while you're waiting for it spend time praying for God to show you ways you can leave room for cream in your life. Resolve to think about having an abundant life every time you fix your coffee.

Reflections:
What does an abundant life look like? What would fall in my sweet, white and rich categories?

Power Verses:
Psalm 65:11, "You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance." (NIV)

Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)

© 2011 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

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