This Little Light of Mine

Our garage is in the basement and sometimes, when we come home at night, we like to tease each other by turning out the lights in the stairwell. The girls always let out a squeal as their daddy starts going "OOOOH, OOOOH", like some ghostly figure in Scooby Doo. There are no windows near our stairs, so when the lights go out its darker than dark. You can't even see your hand in front of your face. Its only when the lights come back on that we can find our way up.

Salvation is just like that. In John 3:3 Jesus said, "Unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God." John 3:19 compares salvation with light stating that God is the Light but the people loved darkness more because of their evil ways.

In the same way that light in our homes illuminates our way, it also shows us the dusty tables and floors and imperfections in our walls. As sinners, we tried to avoid the Light because our own imperfections would be exposed. But eventually, in the darkness, we just could no longer find our way. We were spiritually blind.

Jesus is the Light of The World. By turning to Him, our pathway is easier to see and though some dust may remain, only by seeing it can we be wiped clean. And just like coming home on a dark night, only in the Light can you find your way up.

Basic Needs

We've all heard it before. The necessities for life are food, water and shelter. But really, you could live without shelter. Not pleasantly, but a few leaves or a good hole in the ground would suffice. What's left? Food and water... anything else? What about sunlight? Without it the earth would freeze, leaving every living thing to die.

But, have you ever related your physical needs to what is required to sustain your spiritual life?

Food - "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again." John 6:35

Water - "Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:13)

Light - "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." (John 8:12)

We know how far most people would go to get their basic needs. Fulfilling your spiritual needs is way simpler. God is waiting, always ready to feed you, quench you and light your way. No grocery store lines, waiting lists or SPF numbers.

Girl, Interrupted

I just sat here and deleted the post I was working on. I have been feeling a little overwhelmed. The economy has gotten to me, and I'm scared. I've spent a lot of time going back to Phil. 4:6, "do not worry about anything".

And all the time I'm writing, God is saying, "Shut up, listen. Listen. HEY, you're not listening!" Of course, He's right.

God says, "You wish you had a smaller house and a simpler life, so why do spend so much time worrying about losing these things? Don't you know I'll always make sure you have what you need?"

God says, "These trials will prove your faith and build endurance. And your hope will not lead to disappointment."

Thank you Father, for being what I need, when I need it.

Miracle On The Hudson

I'm watching the numerous interviews with the survivors of this incredible accident yesterday. They have said that after being told to "tuck and brace" there were many audible prayers heard throughout the cabin. This one woman said she was a born-again Christian and that was when she knew they would be okay.

We never hope that it will take a tragedy to bring people to Christ and fortunately, this potential tragedy turned out to be a miracle. God protected these people and blessed the hands of the pilot and they were all saved. God is so great!! Perhaps there were people on board who were not believers but maybe now have a different opinion.

Bad Habits

I'm not very good about changing out the empty roll of toilet paper. I just set a new roll on top of the now empty one. Drives my husband crazy.

Just now, discovered that darling had replaced the roll, except now it feeds from the bottom...WHEN EVERYBODY KNOWS IT SHOULD COME FROM THE TOP! I think its his way of getting even.

Sick Day

We're into day 2 of Chloe's yucky cold. She's my five year old and she's not feeling so well. Nothing serious, coughing, sniffles and a bit of a fever. I'm giving her Tylenol and juice, but what she wants most is Mama's love. So we've also spent lots of time snuggled together under the covers.

Isn't that how it always goes? Whenever our kids are sick, or hurt, or sad, they run to their parents for comfort. And we're always there, waiting with open arms. And if you're like me, you savor these moments knowing that, as the years pass, they will become fewer and fewer. We all grow up and want to take care of ourselves.

I think God often feels the same. He sees His children suffering and wants so badly to comfort us. But our independant nature makes us think that we can handle it all on our own. Just like our own children, He can't hold us unless we run to Him first. And don't you know that He cherishes each and every minute we spend just "being" with Him?

When we are dealing with all our grownup issues, why are we so stubborn and insist that we can fix things ourselves? We spend so much time grumbling over our woes and so little time resting in The Father's arms. Most of the time, all it takes for our kids is a good hug and they're off and running again.

So next time you fall (into sadness, illness, or just plain crabbiness), remember that God is always there ready to hold you and make it all better.

Paying It Forward

A lovely and Godly woman blessed me with this award. If you don't know Sherri Watt, you can visit her site here. Thanks for spreading the love, Sherri!

I'll be passing this award on to other deserving bloggers and I encourage you to check them out and be inspired, as I have been.

Shaun Groves' Shlog
Marlo - The Joyful Christian Wife
Valerie Lynn - Simply 4 God
Trey Morgan's Blog
Jamie - Rose Cottage

Now, if you're so moved, pass this on to other bloggers you love. Just add the logo on your page, link to your favorite blogs and be sure to let 'em know. Now go spread some love.

My not-so-subtle God

Tonight I had my first care team meeting. Let me backup a bit. I have never been the type to get too involved. I don't feel obligated to buy girl scout cookies, or wrapping paper or pizza kits from school kids. I'm not the mom who attends every single field trip or drags her kids to a dozen activities every week. It's just not me. Call me lazy, appathetic, scared... okay maybe that last one. Especially when it comes to church stuff.

For those of us who didn't grow up in church, do you remember that feeling of never wanting to go to Sunday school because you just knew they were going to ask you to list the descendants of Adam? That's me! I've never read the Bible cover-to-cover but I know the basics. I'm learning more everyday.

Well, I've been feeling a bit convicted about serving the Lord. I've had a few people approach me about volunteering at church, but a lot of it would take me away from the main service. I just feel like I need Pastor Jerry's message each week, like I just need to be fed. But our church (only just over a year old) has decided its time to put together a care team. I missed the initial meeting a few weeks ago. I had planned on going but something came up. I figured, "Oh well, I probably wouldn't have been good at it anyway." And I let it go, thought God would let me know where to go.

Yeah, in that not-so-subtle way that God likes to deal with me, He let me know. Somehow, the team leader ended up with my e-mail address. So I was being included in the first few prayer/care requests. I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid! I don't know why me for this, but who am I to question Sovereignty?! Okay, okay Lord, you don't have to shove! (a gentle nudge, maybe)

And so, I made it to tonight's meeting. I had such a nice time, met lots of new people and left feeling really fired up about this new opportunity. We listened to a woman whose little boy died after a three year battle with brain cancer. She turned her tragedy into a foundation (The Jay's Hope Foundation) that assists families of children with cancer. Talk about triumph over adversity! She lost her son only 2 years ago, but firmly believes that God led her through that storm to prepare her for this work, this labor of love. She was quite inspirational, to say the least.

So here I go, serving God, blindly. It's okay though, I've got His eyes to guide me and His words to come through me. Just don't ask me about Adam's descendants!

Compassion International

In case you haven't taken a little time to browse around my page, let me draw your attention to the little box just to the right of this post. Its a link for Compassion International. I think many of you are aware of this organization, but for those who aren't, take a minute to check them out. They are doing a great job of ministering to impoverished children and their families all around the world.

Sponsoring a child is pretty inexpensive when you consider all that they provide. And if you're like me, I always wonder how much of my money actually goes to helping the kids. Compassion boasts that 83.5% of all money goes directly toward the programs, leaving only 16.5% for administrative and fundraising costs. I learned about Compassion when I started reading Shaun Groves' blog (or Shlog, as he likes to call it!). He's a funny, entertaining blogger and an extremely gifted singer/songwriter. You can check out his page here. Its definately worth the click!

I'm really not trying to be a cyber-marketer but I like spreading the word about a worthwhile cause. Even if you cannot sponsor a child right now, you can still help by pasting one of their links on your own home page. They have lots of styles to choose from and one of your readers just might help a desperate child in need.

Thanks ya'll and God bless!!
(1.8 lbs lost, 26.2 to go!)

Another Resolution

I had a one of those "ah-ha" moments at church today. It made me realize that I complain too much. I'm not one of those completely pessimistic nay-sayers, but I think in my quest to learn more about God and His ways, I might come off as a griper. Or one of those people in constant need of reassurance. I've been around people like that, I don't want to be one.

I realize I spend a lot of time praying for things that I want and/or need. Not that these are frivolous requests, most of them weigh heavy on my heart. You might even say I tend to "grieve" over a few. At church today, God reminded me to be happy with what I have been given, and thankful to Him for providing. God doesn't want me wasting so much time focusing on what I still want. My worrying and grieving won't make it happen any faster. God's timing is perfect and it'll happen when it happens.

This is not to say that I shouldn't pray or I should just stand by waiting for God to do whatever it is He's going to do. Prayer keeps us in communication with God, enables us to hear from Him and perpetuates the relationship He desires with us. But I need to pray and then wait, no matter how long it may take.

Some prayers go unanswered, for our own good. Others just take time, who knows why. If we knew God's plans, we would probably find shortcuts in them and miss out on some of the opportunities to learn and savor His power.

So, one more resolution: Trust in God and wait for Him. After all, He's the one leading the way, not me. Happy New Year!

Another year, and another opportunity for a "fresh" start of sorts. Why do we consider this a time to start over? Isn't the new year just the day after the old year? Nonetheless, most of us will resolve to do things differently, better hopefully. I'm no different. I have made my resolutions, only this time I won't simply rely on my own will to succeed. My first and most important resolution is to further strengthen my relationship with God. Its a two-way street and while God is always sending me messages, I must remember to stop long enough to listen.

Secondly, I plan to eat healthier and excercise. Such a typical resolution, right? What makes this year different is that I won't simply depend on myself to get up earlier to workout, or keep my hands off the kids' snacks, or stay away from the sushi bar. I pray God will keep me ever mindful that my body is His body and that to accomplish all He has planned for me, I must take care of myself. And I know that apart from Him I can do nothing, but with God, all things are possible.

Lastly, I will quit smoking (again). I quit in September 2007 but started again in May 2008. Nine months without cigarettes down the drain. It wasn't so hard before but I was using medication. My doctor won't give me that anymore since there have been some bad reports associated with the drug. I've tried patches in the past but they didn't help the habit, only the addiction. I hope it will be easier this time because I know I've done it before, and I remember how much better I felt and how much easier it was to breathe. And unlike before, I have God.

So there it is. My list for 2009. I will begin my diet and excercise program Monday and quit smoking as soon as I finish the pack I have now. I think maybe I'll try to add a ticker to my posts to track my progress. I'm depending on all of you to hold me accountable. And when I slip, nudge me back on track and then kick me in the pants.

Any of you have resolutions you's like to share? We could encourage each other. Happy New Year! I hope God blesses your socks off!!