Thoughtful Thursday: Are you Ready?

This is a busy season. Now that I have all of my shopping finished, holiday parties completed (except for a cookie decorating party with some of Claire's little friends tomorrow) and cards mailed, I hope to take some time to BREATHE and appreciate the true meaning of this season ... the birth of my SAVIOR! I read this earlier this week and thought it fitting ...

I wonder, if Jesus were making a holiday preparations list, what would He include? What if those who were there on Christ’s birth day could advise us on getting ready for Christmas? What would be on their list?

Joseph might recommend we listen closely to the voice of God to prepare.
Mary may suggest we ponder the miracles of heaven.
Perhaps the angels would propose we sing about the King.
The shepherds may gently guide us to follow their act of worship.
Possibly the wise men would teach us to give Jesus our most valuable gifts.
The innkeeper may suggest “Hospitality: open your heart and home.”
And Jesus’ list would likely encourage us to be a light on the hill pointing the way for others to know Him.

by Van Walton

Now, are you truly ready for this holiday season? I know that I still have a lot of work to do.

Thoughtful Thursday

I will try to be brief today. I am "thunk" out. I sat in a CLE (continuing legal education for you non-lawyers) from 8:30am-5:45pm today and I will be there again all day tomorrow. Here is one of my favorite devotionals from this week.

Making the Christian Life a Reality
Micca Monda Campbell

“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
I Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)

For a long time I was confused about the Christian life. After I trusted Christ to be my personal Savior, life didn’t change as I had hoped.

At first, I was filled with genuine joy and passion. I couldn’t get enough of God and His Word. I prayed a lot, attended church a lot, shared my faith a lot, and spent a lot of time reading my Bible. But somewhere along the way, I grew weary. My attempt to live the Christian life in my own strength quickly gave out. Why didn’t it last? I wondered.

I’m not alone in my struggles. Many believers I meet are just as confused as I was. Guilt ridden, some give up while others choose to just pretend. Then, there are those that still desire but question, “Is a changed life even possible? If so, why isn’t it a reality in my life?” It’s often why we came to Christ in the first place – for freedom, forgiveness, peace, and purpose. Yet, instead of living an empowered life, many of us are living an exhausting one.

I could sense there was something more, but I couldn’t put my finger on what was missing. Discouraged, I’d speculate…Could it be that God isn’t holding up His end of the agreement? Or, is it me? Maybe you’ve asked yourself the same questions.

It took a long while before I realized that the Christian life isn’t about following a bunch of rules. It’s not even about trying my best to be good. The Christian life is all about relationship. It’s about knowing and loving the God who already knows and loves us. It’s about being a friend of God. This changes everything.

Friendship requires commitment. The same is true in our companionship with the Lord. We often neglect vital portions of our relationship with Him. Sometimes that neglect is due to a lack of understanding in how to commune with Him. Other times it is sin or apathy in our lives causing us to overlook our need to fellowship with God.

In order to stay passionate about our faith, and live an empowered life free from sin, you and I must participate in our friendship with God by:

1.) Abiding in Christ. (John 15:4, NIV)
2.) Praying daily. (Mark 1:35, NIV)
3.) Meditating on God’s Word. (Joshua 1:8, NIV)
4.) Putting off the old and putting on the new. (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)
5.) Being continually filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18, NIV)
6.) Exercising God-given gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NIV)
7.) Actively sharing the gospel with others. (Mark 16:15, NIV)

Which of these areas are you lacking in? Could that be the key to jump-starting your empowered-by-the-Spirit life?

The Christian life is real, satisfying, and available to all who are willing to have an on-going daily relationship with the Lord. Once I came to understand my role and participate in the relationship, I found the empowered life I was looking for. I’m convinced you can too.

© 2008 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

Thougtful Thursday

God is really trying to get a point across to me. This was my favorite devotional from this week and it goes along with my current mantra of cleaning out the clutter in my life ... both physical and spiritual.

Clean House and Clean Heart by Tracie Miles

“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NLT)

I was tired of tripping over shoes, left over belongings, stray hangers, and dirty clothes!

I finally admitted I had to clean out my closet. After hours of sorting clothes, I stepped back to admire my clean, neatly organized closet. I breathed a sigh of relief and reveled in my success. Although it took quite a long time, it was well worth the effort. I could hardly wait to get up the next morning and enter my tidy closet, looking for my clothes with a fresh, new perspective.

Cleaning is something we all prefer to avoid, but its something that is necessary. When it comes to cleaning house, the more we neglect doing what is needed, the worse things get, and the longer it will to take to get clean again. That was the case with my closet.

As I admired my coordinated closet, I considered how our hearts are like messy houses at times. On the outside we look in order, but on the inside our hearts are full of clutter – clutter such as unforgiveness, bitterness, self-condemnation, sadness, lack of joy, worry and much more. All this clutter makes for a huge mess behind the closed doors of our hearts. Just as putting off cleaning our homes creates chaos around us, the longer we allow our hearts to stay cluttered and messy, the more messes our bad habits make in our lives. Think about the havoc negative self-talk, selfishness, or grumpy attitudes have caused in the past.

I felt God nudging me to do a little house cleaning, or should I say, heart cleaning. For example, in a house with two young teen daughters with changing hormones, busy social lives, and lots of drama, sometimes I have to remind myself that they need a happy mommy, not a grumpy mommy. They need a patient mom, not an impatient mom. They need a forgiving mom, not a mom who constantly reminds them of their mistakes. My husband needs a happy wife. My friends need a faithful friend. My church needs a willing servant.

The mentality of cleaning up our heart can apply to every area of our life – marriage, family, work, relationships, and even self-image. Let’s face it, as nice as a clean house is, it is more important to have a clean heart!

Today’s verse reminds us how we should desire a clean heart. When David prays this prayer, he desires a new heart, a clean heart, and a spirit that desires to be like Christ. David knew that the only way he could achieve a clean heart, was through the power of Christ. So it is the same with us. Therefore, we must ask God to create a new heart, a clean heart, within us and believe that as a result, our spirits will be renewed.

Maybe you know you have some serious house cleaning to do, but could it be you have some heart cleaning to do as well?

© 2008 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

Thoughtful Thursday

It's back. Thoughtful Thursday. I have taken a little hiatus from this weekly post because I have just been too busy. However, I have finally figured out a way to share something that has been inspirational to me each week without too much effort. So ... from here on out, I will be posting my favorite devotional from the week. I get daily email devotions from Proverbs 31 Ministry and they are AWESOME! So ... I will pick my favorite each week and share a "snippet" with you on Thursdays. This devotion really spoke to me because I have been doing a lot of de-junking in my house recently. I have realized I need to look inward and get rid of some of the junk on the inside of my life as well.

NOTE: The following was written by someone else. I am not trying to make any special announcements that we are expecting baby #3. Sorry for any confusion!

Hiding My Junk by Whitney Capps

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV)

My husband and I put our house on the market this week. We've been prayerfully considering moving closer to our families, but couldn't settle in our hearts the ideal timing for such a change. God answered our prayers for clarification when we discovered that we are pregnant with our third child. That means three babies, three pregnancies, three varied and growing sets of stretch marks in less than four years. God has been so faithful and gracious. So, we are moving closer to home. Here we grow...

We spent all weekend cleaning our house to get it ready to show it. It's amazing how much more junk I notice when I think about strangers walking through and evaluating our home. It was a full day's work. We cleaned out, threw away and hid an obscene amount of really unnecessary stuff (i.e. junk). I have watched enough HGTV to make this process a little bit easier. I knew ahead of time that less stuff equals more open space. Without the visual interruption of clutter, the eye can take in the full size of the room, the bones and beauty of the space. We all know that buyers appreciate a clean slate. It's easier to see the good stuff without all the junk around. I know this, but in the midst of all the cleaning out, I still questioned if people really care.

Let me be a little more specific. Could a buyer overlook the winter coats and hats dropped in the bottom of my pantry floor? Would they mind the empty video game boxes stacked neatly in the corner? I know they'll look in my junk drawer to see empty medicine bottles, matches, broken sunglasses, playing cards and takeout menus. But doesn't everyone have a junk drawer? Surely, visitors won't mind boxes of the boys’ winter clothes clogging up the closet space.

During the process, I couldn't help but wonder if it was time for a spiritual open house. I sense that I've been storing unsightly clutter for far too long. It's a lot of junk really. I think I could make a better use of the space if I'd just let some things go. I'm afraid when people look at my life they see spiritual clutter (i.e. sin). Can they appreciate the bones and beauty of the work of God in my life or does their eye stop on all the junk? Do they see an overcrowded life that squeezes out the space God longs to fill with His peace, presence and holiness? Will they notice good but unnecessary things that fill the void?

Let me be a little more specific. Could someone look past my too-often indulged habit of gossip? Will they really mind the irritability I often display with my husband, and what about the petty jokes made at his expense? I know they will look at me and see gluttony, pride, a love of television and a lack of discipline. But doesn't everyone have stuff they struggle with? Do they wonder about a woman who leads small group, teaches women's conferences and disciples youth, but has a hard time regularly sitting and being still before the Lord?

My personal challenge for the next few days is to look at my life not the way a perfect stranger would, but the way a Perfect Savior would. It's unlikely He will look past the things that I'm far too complacent about. Once I've taken a spiritual inventory I'm not going to just hide the junk. I don't know about you, but that junk always seems to reappear and at the worst possible time. No, I'm going to do my best to let my junk go. Friends, I'm moving closer to my Father. Here I grow...

Thoughtful Thursday: Vicious Vulnerability

This chapter talks about how parenting confronts cowardice and builds courage. I love this quote:

"Character without courage is empty. Courage is what enables us to act on our convictions."

---Susan Yates.

Parental cowardice ultimately wounds our children. Overprotective parents deprive their children and even harm them. Cowardice grows from selfishness, i.e., "I don't want to lose my children", "I don't want to go through the pain of seeing something bad happen to them." Part of God's plan for parenting is designed to confront this self-centered tendency.

Cowardice is a constant temptation for anyone called into God's service. The Bible is filled with examples where God, Jesus or an Angel told someone "do not be afraid." God repeatedly urges biblical characters not to fear. One clear lesson emerges from these examples: Do what you know is right regardless of how scared you feel. As parents, we cannot control the fears that surround us but we can choose whether to listen to them.

The catch? Courage is not always rewarded with success. Sometimes fears come true. However, when we step out in faith, God shapes and develops our souls. Parenting helps us learn to overcome our fears. We have many things to fear as parents, but none of the possibilities can compete with the providence of God. "Children will never perish apart from God's watchful eye or without God's covering grace."

How do we overcome our fears? Talk to yourself instead of listening to your self. Don't "tune in" to doubts and fears. Instead, build your spirit in scripture. Despise apathy more than you fear failure. Boldly step out and take risks on behalf of God's kingdom. In the process we will be blessed, transformed.

A final Word: "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:25-26.

Thoughtful Thursday: Seizing Heaven

Okay. I wasn't feeling so "thoughtful" last night after a busy week at work. I actually did not get on the computer at all last night when I got home, which is rare. So ... here goes ... one day late.

This chapter talks about how raising children teaches us to listen to God. Listening is a constant refrain in the teachings of Jesus.

• "Listen and understand." Matt. 15:10.
• "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 4:9.
• "My sheep listen to my voice." John 10:27.

While most Christians don't actively rebel against God, we do ignore him and that offends him just as much as refusing to obey. Humble people listen; prideful people never seem to have the time to wait on God.

How do we discern God's voice? God won't speak contrary to his Word. In the large majority of cases, God follows common sense. And, God has given us the church (i.e., other believers) to help us discern his words. That is why Christian fellowship is so important.

How does parenting teach us to listen to God? As parents, we constantly fail, fell overwhelmed, etc. By raising kids, we seek God on a daily, if not hourly basis. If we are constantly checking in with God on a daily basis, we get used to listening and don't panic when big decisions come along.

How does God speak to us? Through his word. Nature. Silence. Dreams. The ranting of a child. A great work of art. A majestic piece of music, or a particular circumstance in life. I love the current song on CCM radio by Mandisa entitled "God Speaking". It makes me want to become more aware of my surroundings. Pay attention to everything around me. God is everywhere and in everything that happens to us. There is no limit to what he will do to get our attention. I need to humble myself, realize my weaknesses, seek God and LISTEN.

Thoughtful Thursday: The Gold Behind the Guilt

Wow! Is it Thursday again already? It seems like I just wrote this post for last week. This week has gone by quickly. I will be brief tonight because there aren't too many coherent thoughts in my head right now.

This chapter is about how raising children teaches us to deal with guilt.

"Repentance, contrary to popular misconception, is not a heroic first step I make toward Christ, nor is it a feeling-sorry-for my sins. It is the divine gift of being turned toward truth. -William Willomon.

Here are some highlights from this chapter:

(1) We are human. Parenting puts the spotlight on our MANY imperfections. As my children grow older, they will realize that in some areas, I fall short.

(2) Parenting demands skills of me that I do not possess. It requires an understanding and wisdom that I lack. Sometimes, I don't even live up to my own capabilities (I am less than my best, which already isn't good enough).

(3) We are not raising robots; we are raising humans who live with freedom of choice, their own wills and a personal responsibility of their own. This is my FAVORITE part: none of us can be such good parents that God becomes obligated to save our children's souls and none of us can mess up so badly that our children somehow extend beyond the reach of God's mercy. Simply put, perfect parenting does not guarantee that my children will always choose wisely. That is where God comes in.

(4) God will use my own failings and inadequacies as a parent to compel my children to find refuge in him. I should focus my efforts on introducing my children to God not trying to be the "best" parent.

(5) Guilt can play positive roles in our lives:

-Guilt can point us to God: "I can't be God to my kids, but I can model my need for God."

-Guilt can motivate us to do better: use our failings as teachable moments.

-Guilt can remind us of God's providence: God knew our limitations when he made our children and still placed them in our care. Christ promises to make up for what we lack.

-Guilt can teach us to love mercy: without guilt, there could be no mercy.

-Guilt has a positive "hidden agenda": God loves me just as much as he loves my children. God wants the process of parenting to change all of us.

(6) God has a remedy for guilt: Forgiveness!

Practical application: I am going to fail as a parent. Do not let the guilt I feel when I fail discourage, weaken and frustrate me. Instead, use my failures and resulting guilt as motivation and encouragement to stay focused on God.

Today ...

While driving to work this morning, I was given a gentle reminder by God from something I heard on the radio. Our local christian radio station was talking to the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church (home of the famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir). He said that we are only guaranteed today, this moment. He said we should live each day based upon the premise that TODAY is the ONLY day we can share our faith with an unbeliever ... the ONLY day we can do something nice for someone ... the ONLY day we can spend with our family ... the ONLY day we can tell someone that we love them. This really puts everything in perspective for me. If I really believed this, would I have rushed out of the house them morning without telling my children a proper goodbye? Would I have watched the Today Show while I was getting ready instead of talking to my husband or talking to God in prayer? Would I have slept so late? Would I be spending the day at work? I know that in all practicality, I cannot use this as an excuse to forego all of my daily responsibilities at work and at home. However, it does remind me that I should realign my priorities and not get so hung up on the little things that suck away my time from what really matters in life.

On a less serious note: I got the mildew stain out of David's outfit. I think the Oxy-clean spray is what really finally did the trick. Of course, maybe the spray was able to work its magic because of the three previous soaks in Oxy-clean, the ammonia soak and the lemon juice/salt solution soak. I mean, is this thing still safe for my child to wear? Is it toxic now? In light of my statements above, I probably should have tossed the outfit, and spent the time it took to work this stain out to do something more Kingdom-worthy.

Thoughtful Thursday: The Hardest Hurt of All

The theme of this chapter is that raising children teaches us to value character and service over comfort. I think this chapter is particularly applicable is today's world where parents frantically work to spare their children any stress or pain. I love this excerpt from a letter Abigail Adams wrote to her nine-year-old son when he was having second thoughts about going on an overseas trip with his father. She wrote:

It is not in the still calm of life ... that great characters are formed. The
habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great
necessities call out great virtues. When a mind is raised, and animated by
scenes that engage the heart, then those qualities which would otherwise lay
dormant, wake into life and form the character of the hero and the statesman.

Abigail's son, John Quincy Adams, later became president of the United States.

It is natural for us to want to make life as easy as possible for our children. In doing so, we oftentimes cause them to miss character-building experiences. The main goal of our parenting is praying, working and striving for our children's salvation and that they will become servants of God. If our children never experience emptiness, they will never appreciate their need for God and salvation through Jesus Christ. If our children never hurt, sin or fail, they will never sense their need for a savior and ultimately, they may face God's wrath because of it. See I Samuel 2:25. As parent's, we must accept this important truth: God's kingdom far outweighs the personal comfort of my children.

The honest truth is that by seeking to spare our children from suffering, we are ultimately trying to spare ourselves the hurt of seeing them hurt. With God as our model parent, who allowed his own son to suffer death on the cross, we can certainly expect times when we will have to watch our own children suffer for the greater good. But, God in his goodness promises that suffering is not the end of the story. By suffering and facing hardships, our children will become strong individuals who can make a difference in the world.

Practical application:

(1) I need to develop the courage to allow my children to face some difficulties and even suffering.

(2) Do my kids see me and my husband spending our time and effort focusing on something bigger than ourselves, even bigger than our family?

(3) I need to teach my kids to use challenges, failure, rejection and pain to fuel their sense of mission and to foster their dependence on God.

A parting Word: "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3.

Thoughtful Thursday: Papa God

Now for a more serious post. If you read my first post, you know that one of the reasons I started this blog was to become a more thoughtful and reflective person. At the beginning of the year I joined a weekly bible study with some girls from our small group at church. We just finished a book called "Sacred Parenting" by Gary Thomas that I loved. So ... I plan to post each week what I learned from the study about "how raising children shapes our souls" (that is the byline of the book-I didn't come up with that myself). Here are a few bullet points from the first chapter:

(1) The process of raising children requires skills that God alone possesses and I am not God.

(2) The genius of children from a spiritual standpoint comes from their helpless state-we are fallen, helpless and in need of someone to pay the price on our behalf and then imbue us with a foreign power to live life the way it was meant to be. Parenting daily reminds me of my need for God.

(3) Having children is not about us-it's about God. He commands us to "bear fruit" and raise children who will love Him and obey his commandments.

(4) We must see parenting as a process through which God purifies us-the parents-even as he shapes our children. If we neglect our own spiritual well-being, our motivations for parenting become polluted. Parenting will lead us to confront spiritual sins that we never knew existed. Paul defines the process of parenting as "perfecting holiness".

(5) A God-centered parent acts out of reverence for God-it doesn't matter how my children respond to me as much as it matters what God has called me to do. When God does not supply our motivation, we may raise courteous, obedient children, but we won't pass on what is of ultimate importance.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. This book has some good stuff in the coming chapters.

"Dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." 2 Corinthians 7:1.