Just Wanted to Share...

The message of this song is so powerful.  I know it has ministered to me today. May you also be blessed.

The Relevance of Words

Words.

Power.

Imagine if we didn't just recognize the power of the spoken language, but took the next step and chose our words carefully before we spoke them aloud.

Hmmm...I'm imagining.

It wouldn't be easy. I bet it would be a daily choice. And for many, that choice would be a battle.

I desire for my words to empower and not tear down. Even the words that challenge others. The words spoken to correct my child's behavior or choice.

Life is a continuous learning curve, is it not?

This is part of my quest.

And now I am going to continue to ponder how different the world could look if we all did this...because that would be amazingly beautiful.

 

Mid-Week Worship

Family. Faith. Life. Worship.

Time doesn't stop.

Life continues.  

Smiles.  Tears.  Laughter.  Concerns.

  

The Facade of Control

Control.

Is it something we can ever have - really?

People want it - or the appearance of it.  Some will spend their lives striving for it...never truly achieving it. Others define themselves by the control they have or at least what they perceive it to be.

And then the rug is pulled out from under them...

I'm reminded of Luke 17:33 - Whoever tries to keep their life, will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.  That's the NIV translation.  

I also like The Message which says If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you'll lose it, but if you let that life go, you'll get life on God's terms.

Could this be the core of the temptation that Adam and Eve faced?  Is it possible to think that the temptation was really the facade of control?

Jeter and I were talking about this just last week.

Yesterday he took a jump shot while playing basketball at school and rolled his ankle when he hit the gym floor.  It hurt but he didn't go to the nurse.  His words "what would she do Mom?  Give me some ice?"

Yes...and tell you to elevate it and maybe give you some ibuprofen and call your mom...

He went through the last half of the school day with a hurt ankle but apparently assured everyone that he was okay.

And then he came home.  He told me what happened.  And I saw his ankle - swollen and sore.

I thought we were dealing with a sprain.  After a trip to OIP we learned that we are actually dealing with a fracture in the growth plate and he's looking at being in a cast for the next 6 weeks.  That's the fall soccer season.  Done.  

He's handling it well.  He's a great kid.  

This morning he said "I can't believe one jump shot could turn my life upside down.  But it did."   

Later as we were getting him ready to go to school - because I'll be driving him - he said "I think one of the most difficult things is needing the help of others."

Like mother like son.  It isn't natural for me to ask others for help either.  I dealt with the whole facade of control when I was in college.  Granted, little lessons continue throughout life but the bulk of that lesson happened during my sophomore year.

I've observed Jeter tackling so many life lessons throughout his 11 young years.  Many of which he has dealt with earlier in life than I had to.  

My heart's cry has been for my ceiling to be the floor for my boys.  At the same time, I know there are certain lessons they need to tackle on their own and my heart swells with pride when I am amazed by how well they are learning to navigate through life.

This momma would have loved to have the ability to change what happened.  To keep my son from experiencing the pain and frustration of this fracture and the inconvenience it poses. Yet I know there are life lessons he will glean which will have a far greater impact on his character.

My hearts prayer is Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  NIV

Thankfully I don't have to yearn for the facade of control.  I know the one who can steady my heart no matter where I am in this journey of life.  He's done it before and He will do it again.

The Faithful One

Ahhhhh...I needed that.

Things don't usually happen the way we would want them to - or even expect them to.

Sometimes its a blessing. Other times, its a struggle or a frustration.

Just needed to remind myself of who is consistent and faithful in all things and at all times.

Never Walking Alone

With the pending return of the team from Honduras...I can't help but be super excited to know that tonight I get to wrap my arms around my hubby and my oldest son.

I believed, from the beginning stages of planning this trip, that this had the potential to be ground breaking for my Jeter. A moment in time when the foundations of his life and core values would continue to be firmly built upon and strengthened. And the fact that Simms would be able to actively be part of that. Wow. That has just got to be a most amazing thing for a parent. I'm sure he'll tell me all about it...and I can't wait to hear all the details.

 Meanwhile, this song has been on my heart today...God is faithful. Regardless of the circumstances of what is going on in your life today. He is faithful. And He promises to always be with you. Awesome.

 

Everything...

I know. I know. Another video. And yet - this is what is on my mind and my heart right now.

 


Part of me wants to elaborate on what this means to me right now.  Part of me just wants to have this song on replay and soak it in...

Overall, that is the part that is winning right now.  However, I will state that I am so very grateful to live in a country where I am free.  Today we celebrate that freedom.

And now, if you have five minutes, join me...listen, watch and read - there are some good postings throughout the video.

Hope's Anthem...we sang this today at church. Definitely fitting with the upcoming trip to Honduras.


 


 Just had to share.

Life is a Journey...What Fuels Yours?

The lyrics are what I like best about this song.  It's a bit more hip-hop than my typical genre of choice but I keep coming back to it because of the words.

In the crossroads of life, the direction I take is from Him alone.

Typically, these choices are not the popular ones.

Good thing my motivation isn't to please man.

Recently I've been reminded multiple times of milestones in my life.  A facet of each one brings me back to Romans 14.  Individuality.  Personal responsibility.  Choices.  Consequences.  To summarize - we are different - there are similarities, but each of us is wonderfully complex at the same time.  The key to what should be linking us together is the heart or core of the 'what' and 'why' in life.

There are those who would be more comfortable with what I'll call 'cookie cutter' people.  All the same.  No surprises.  Unfortunately (for those with this affinity) this wasn't even the heart or intent of our Creator.

So...what do you choose when you're at a crossroads?  Does the facade of control pull your heartstrings or are you able to release that control and allow Him to take the lead...wherever it may go?

This might be what you feel is before you...

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

...and when I feel that way, this is what I look for...

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other.  Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault.  You're certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God's work among you, are you?  I said it before and I'll say it again:  All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling.  When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus.  So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating.  Don't eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love...If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong.  Romans 14: 19-21, 23 The Message

Awake & Alive

This weekend officially kicked off our spring soccer season.  Jeter's game was home but Barber's was away...1-1/2 hours away.  That is a lot of driving for an hour game but it is truly so enjoyable to watch and cheer for my little guy and his team.  They have grown so much since last season.

We spent a better part of the trip listening to Skillet's Awake and Alive CD.  I don't think my parents would have ever listened to this music with me.  There are times when I wouldn't mind a break and maybe listen to some Jack Johnson or Jason Mraz.  Julie Meyer or Desperation Band would be nice too.  Even Jesus Culture.  But we were on our way to a soccer game and I'd rather Barber get pumped up to some positive lyrics.  So Skillet it is.  Turns out I might become a Skillet fan before the end of the season.  The boys would be thrilled.

    

It's not Just a Walk to the Bus Stop

I have all of these wonderful pics from our weekend and Project Man aka Simms.  The plan was to get them uploaded and let you in on our latest project this morning.  I probably will still try to do that later today or later this week.

Meanwhile, there is a song that has been ministering to me this morning.  Don't know if you heard about the teacher who was killed.  I don't know him or his family but loss hurts and everyone can relate to that.

There have been multiple songs that I've been listening to that have ministered to me in various ways but this one stood out this morning as the one I wanted to share to kick-start this new week...

It is moments like this that our "project" seems menial.  In the grand scheme of things it is.  This doesn't mean I won't post and share because the reality is I live with and love my Project Man.  But for now, that's on hold because I feel the need to pause, breathe and take time to be thankful for the ones that make my life complete.

Today...the 'joy' of walking with Barber to his bus stop is much greater and once again I remind myself to live life intentionally.

Toby Mac, Skillet and now...

...the Newsboys.  Groups that the boys love to listen to.  Newsboys has been officially added to the list thanks to this song.  Not that I'm complaining.

Riddle Me This

What do Steve Fee and Star Wars have in common?

Think about it...

I'll give you a little more time...

Give up?  I would have too.

I only know the answer because I've experienced it.  The answer is... drum roll please...my son Barber.

Today, while preparing some food I overheard him.  He was in the midst of some imaginative play with his Lego Star Wars and I'm sure he was acting out some sort of story line that he created - because this is a very common occurrence in our household.  But he was singing...not humming, singing.  I started to hone in to hear what it was he was singing and then smiled because I clearly heard "...our God is risen and reigning and we're elevating the glory of our God and King.  Everybody rise and sing.  Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh..."

So that's what I'm doing today too - in the midst of my food planning, cleaning, laundry, and just being Mom my heart is going to be in a place of worship.  Want to join me?  Need a catalyst?  Play the video above, read the lyrics - you can even rise and sing.

Moving Mountains Today

Lots of stuff going on right now.

Lots of people walking through different things - some really difficult too.

While praying and spending time with God this morning - which doesn't just mean sitting with my Bible and a cup of coffee.  I mean that's ideal - and it does happen - but a lot of times it's done while washing dishes, sorting laundry, cleaning and sanitizing the home, etc. Okay...got a little off track there.  Anyway, this song came on and stopped me in my tracks.  Everything around me seemed to be still and when I did what the song declared...just stood and worshiped Him...I cannot even put into words the goodness that resulted.

So I just had to share because this can impact your day too.  He is that amazing.

Oh...if the title doesn't make sense to you, check out I Corinthians 13:2.  Standing and worshiping in the midst of life and all that fills it...that can be the faith needed to move the mountain.

Thoughts for Today

No matter the season

No matter the circumstance

No matter the emotions

No matter what twists and turns this day takes...or tomorrow or the next...

He is there.  He is real.  He is faithful.

Life and its Complexities

Life.  If we knew what would be on the journey before us, would we go?

Talents. Gifts. Abilities. Calling. When you step into it - if no one has told you before - it's pretty much a guarantee that there will be a battle.  Isn't that something to look forward to?!

Choices. They aren't always easy or obvious.  Discernment is key. And there are little eyes and hearts always watching...always learning...and often repeating.

It sometimes feels like it would be easier to throw my hands up and just stop caring.  But that would mean that I would be choosing to live a lie. I can't do that.  Because I do care. My heart is filled with both love and compassion.  The difficulty is navigating through all the - let's just call it 'junk' - knowing that the choices I make are not just for me.  My boys are watching and learning - even without a full understanding of what is really going on.

I have thought about NOT rising above the circumstances, getting on the same level as the attacker(s) and doing my darnedest to dish back whatever is dared to be thrown my / our way and then some.  I could even justify my reasoning for it.

But that is the old me.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not a doormat.  You aren't going to get away with attempting to steamroll over me or my family.  I've just learned to listen to Him and then respond in His timing and how He wants me to.

He reminded me of two scriptures that I've read in the last week. The first is found in Exodus 14.

God will fight the battle for you,

And you? You keep your mouths shut!

The second is found in John 14

You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, 

and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. 

As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.