God always takes care of His kids? ALWAYS in ALL WAYS?

God always takes care of His kids.  Really?  ALWAYS in ALL WAYS?

I know I sound skeptical, and a good church girl shouldn't say things like that, but come on--really?  I have heard this so many times.  I've said it to others.  I've recited it to myself.  I have even whispered it in the quiet hours when all I could do was depend on Jesus. 

I've had seasons of my life filled with joy and victories.  While others periods of my life have been riddled with pain and what felt like defeat.  Maybe I could be so bold to say that I have had moments where I was, again, dare I say it, angry or just plain annoyed?

Joy, victory, pain, defeat, anger and annoyance.  That's life right?

There's more.  There's so much more.  What's the more???

The more is simple for me.  It's my own personal cheerleader running through my mind with pom-poms and cute pony tails.  You see, I always wanted to be a cheerleader.  So, in my own little world I have a personal cheerleader.  Don't judge me.  I bet you want one too.

God always takes care of His kids. (This is all said with a cheer leader jumping with shiny pom-poms and perfect uniform.)

God takes care of me when I feel joy and experience victories.
God takes care of me when I am in pain and feel defeated.
God takes care of me when I am angry or annoyed.

Why?  Well, two reasons.

1.  I am God's kid.
2.  God always takes care of His kids.

Simple.  Yeah, on paper.  But, in real life it is complicated.  So complicated.  I know it, I really do.  Promise.

Today I chose to stand on God's word and believe the promise in Deuteronomy 7 that says, "God wasn't attracted to you and didn't chose you because you were big and important---the fact is, there was almost nothing to you.  He did it out of sheer love."

I am the "you" in this scripture.  It could read more like this....

Sarah,

I wasn't attracted to you and didn't choose you because you were big and important---the fact is, there was almost nothing to you.  I did it out of sheer love.

Love,
God (The One who always takes care of His kids)

Maybe I needed to document this promise just for me, or perhaps you needed to hear it just one more time.  God takes care of His kids.  Not because of us.  But, ALL because of Him!

Be encouraged!  If you are in a season of jubilance, breakdowns, or discontentment---it doesn't change the care of our Jesus!  He chose us, not because we were either big or important, but because of His unqualified, utterly amazing, love.

God always takes care of His kids.  ALWAYS in ALL WAYS!

I am living a blessed life,
Sarah

 

Follow me?

Follow me.

I love pinterest.  LOVE it.  It's like I can go shopping without spending a dime.  Feel crafty without gluey messes.  I can be a chef in my own little world without any prep work or clean up.  And to top it off I can do all three (or more) things at the same time.

I've come to love looking at creative manicure/nail designs.  I have the most creative, almost famous, lady in my life who does my nails.  When I go see here it's like I am transported to another world.  I don't answer my phone, or have any responsibilities.  I get to listen to the chatter of those around me and share with her my two week update on what's been happening with me.  It's amazing.  It's also fun.  Because she is so stinkin' creative I get to dream about what I might want next on my nails.  And, she does it.  It's just that simple.  And when I have her do a design and she likes it I feel like a hand model for just a moment as she has me "pose" for a picture.  See, pretty incredible right? 

Back to pinterest.  I've become, in my own mind, somewhat famous.  Sick, right?  I mean really, come on.  How can I even say that?  Well, I have pinned a whopping 455 nail designs and have ladies now following just this one board filled with only inspiring designs for my next gel manicure. 

So this has had me thinking for awhile about "following".  What does it mean?  Something my amazingly talented friend who designs works of art on my fingertips and I have in common is the love of thesauruses and dictionaries.  It's the nerd in me that loves looking up the meaning of words, synonyms and all that jazz.  So, what does any word loving woman do, but look up "following" on my dictionary app installed directly on my smart phone.  Just writing that sentence makes me want to look up synonyms.  Sick. 

So the root word of following is follow.  I'm going to start there.  Follow is a verb.  It's an action. 

1.  To come after in sequence, order of time, etc.
2.  To go or come after; move behind in the same direction.
3.  To accept as a guide or leader; accept the authority of or give allegiance to.
4.  To conform to, comply with, or act in accordance with; obey.
5.  To imitate or copy.
6.  To move forward along (a road, path, etc).
7.  To come after as a result or consequence; result from.
8.  To go after or along with (a person) as a companion.
9.  To go in pursuit of.
10.  To try for or attain to.
11.  To engage in or be concerned with a pursuit.
12.  To watch the movements, progress, or course of.
13.  To watch the development of or keep with.
14.  To keep up with and understand.

WOW!  The geek in me is super happy right now.  That's honestly way more than I thought I would find. 

Pinterest is a silly, unimportant, trivial and time wasting device.  But it does have me thinking.  If I have 263 followers on my pinterest, how many followers do I have in my life?  In the real world, where shopping does cost money, crafts do get sticky, and I am so far from a chef the word shouldn't even come from my lips.

This leads me to ask some real questions.  What are people following?  Why are they following?  Where are they following me?  Who is following me?  And how can I live my life in a way that all of those action definitions above are worthy of being followed.

What are people following?  First, I'm a real woman.  A woman with fears, failures, disappointments, frustrations, muffin tops (not the ones I want to eat!), dreams, plans, painted nails, pajamas on right after work, and so much more.  But above all of this, I am a woman who loves Jesus.  I love Jesus.  If I were to be known for one thing in life I wouldn't want it to be that I was driven, motivated, caring, committed, fun, trustworthy, or honest.  All of those things are great, and I would want them to be true, but I want people to know that I love my Jesus. 

Why follow me?  Do I live a life with passion, joy, and love? Or do I merely make it through the day only to get it up early to do it all over again?  Do I reflect Jesus in my life?  Are my actions, words and thoughts even what I would want others to follow?  There are days that I wouldn't want anyone to follow me.  Other days I am proud of how I went about my day.  Either way, the why is a question I need to ask myself more often.

Where am I headed?  I love quotes.  LOVE them.  See, total nerd.  But, one I really like says if you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there.  I know where I am going.  I am headed to my Father's House.  The one He's prepared for me.  Does the road there have stops and starts along the way?  Yes!  His word reminds us that in this world we will have trouble, but take joy!  He has overcome the world. 

Who is following me?  Good question.  Do I live my life in a way that inspires anyone to follow me?  And if I do the who then can get pretty mind boggling.  Is it the co-workers I see over 50 hours a week, or is it my husband and son who I adore and often times feel like I see less than I should, or is it those I interact with at the grocery store, or maybe it's my "friends" on Facebook, or could it be the community of believers I see every Sunday at church?  Who????  I pray that there are a lot of "whos" in my life. 

Finally, how will I lead?  Will my life reflect the forgiveness of my Savior or stay mundane and tainted with this world's lies?  Will I lead as a servant, wanting my actions to reflect God's love and care for each of us?  Or do I want to be puffed up and seen as "having it all together"?  How do I live my life each day with obstacles, expectations, dissatisfaction, and complaints to reflect the awesomeness of my Provider who takes care of my every need and knows my future?

If I had a pinterest of my life what would be on the boards?  Would I have 263 followers who want to copy what I have done?  I am not so sure.  I'm challenged today to evaluate the application of my life to ensure I am reflecting the purpose of my God in my life. 

Proverbs 31:30 will always be my all time favorite scripture.  It says, "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

I don't desire praise from my peers (although it sure does feel good, right?), but rather to be a woman that makes my Abba Father proud as I follow in His footsteps.  I am on a great adventure to be His follower.

Staying in the Sweet Spot of Surrender

I surrender all, I surrender all.  All to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

I have had this simple and powerful verse from a song I learned as a child running through my mind for weeks and weeks and weeks.  Weeks...seriously, in the shower, on the way to work, in the office, when I go to sleep, when I wake up.  All the time.  It was really getting annoying to be completely honest.  I would find myself singing, especially in the car when I was alone on the way to work.  Now, I am not gifted with any singing ability.  Zip, zero, nada, 0, no ability.  But I sang it anyways, thinking the cars that drove beside me were under the impression I had the voice of a nightingale.  In and of it's self, that's a lesson.  But, that's not what God was focused on this past month or so.    He was preparing me for today.

Today we had a very special group of ladies at our Women of Worth Morning at church.  These ladies are from a local women's recovery home, "Hannah's House".  What song did they sing, but a song about surrender to Jesus!  Of course they did!  These ladies had the joy of the Lord from deep in their souls to the smiles on their faces.  It was shining through them! 

And then it all clicked.  They had surrendered.  You see, these beautiful, talented, transparent, passionate, hard working, and Jesus loving ladies knew the joy of the Lord.  They understand surrender.  They've come from different paths.  Some came from picture perfect homes, others from less than ideal upbringings, but either way they stood together and proclaimed their surrender to Jesus!

 

We all come from different paths.  It's that way on purpose.  How else would we be able to impact the world around us.  But that's not enough.  I really can't make a difference in my co-worker's life if I am not living a surrendered life to my Jesus.  Here it goes again...I surrender all, I surrender all.  All to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all. 

It's easier to sing than to do (even if it is off key).  But I learned something today that my mind knew but my heart had become hardened to---it takes surrender to find and keep joy. 


You see, my friend, the surrender is the sweet spot.  I don't play sports.  If I had my way I would never throw a ball, run, sweat, mess up my hair, or break a nail.  But what I hear from my husband, who does love sports, is that there is such a thing as a sweet spot.  According to this wonderful tool called the internet I was able to learn a bit more. 

The sweet spot is the spot in where the ball hits perfectly.  I have never felt that sweet spot because you see I am not coordinated, and honestly could care less about the whole idea of becoming a sports lover.  I only like going to football games (Go Ducks!) for the thrill of the crowd.  I digress.  The sweet spot generates the greatest amount of velocity.  So the sweet spot in any activity is the specific aspect of that activity that generates the greatest result.  Okay, so I get it now.  Surrender is an action.  An action that is repeated, again and again.  Surrender = Joy!

Surrender is our sweet spot.  It's the place where we generate the greatest result.  Not because of us, but because of Him.  It's the surrender that rids us of our selfishness, our pride, our hurt, our bitterness, our deepest secrets, and largest disappointments.  The surrender is where the joy begins.  If we stay in surrender it's where our joy remains.  Thanks Abba Father for being patient with this hard headed and stubborn daughter of yours.  I get it now.  I need to stay in the sweet spot of surrender.  This is going to take some effort, but I am ready to do it.  Are you?

So, I'll sing it loud and from my heart.  Sing it with me friends. 

I surrender all, I surrender all.  All to thee my precious Savior, I surrender all.  All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give.  I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.

 

So tired, so so tired.

Tired.  Really tired.  Sit down and fall asleep tired.  That's me right now.  Not just literally, but emotionally.  I feel drained.  I feel like someone has left the water running for a long time and the well is about empty.  (Insert sleepy sigh.)

I know all of the scriptures to quote about rising up like eagles, joy of the Lord is my strength, don't grow weary in doing good, and on and on.  I know it.  I just don't feel it.  Should I even be saying this out loud?  Is this too honest?

I can't be alone in this feeling.  Come on, let's get real.  We are living in a fast paced, got to get it done, keep it moving world.  It's no wonder that I feel less than energetic.  That's saying it nicely.  To be blunt---I feel like falling over.

I don't say this to complain.  Not at all. I just want to get transparent.  I know so many around me are going through so much more than I am, and I pray for those dear loved ones (and count my blessings). 

I love my family--boy do I love them.  I am blessed with an amazing husband and adorable son.  I love them with all my heart.  But, goodness sake, sometimes they wear me out.  I love my career.  I really do--and I know I am blessed to be able to say that in a world of those looking for a job and feeling hopeless in their daily work.  I enjoy what I do, and can't see myself doing something else (well, I can but it would be a promotion).  I even love the ministry opportunities I have at my church.  I am trusted to lead others.  I don't take this lightly and really do feel honored to see God use me. 

But...well, some days are just easier than others and I am stinkin' tired.

Some days I would love to get in my car, drive away and sit alone on a beach, park, or let's face it even the Target parking lot.  Yes, I've been known to pull my car out of my work parking lot, only to drive 2 minutes to a parking lot across the street to have a moment alone. 

What I am finding lately is that I can't shake is this feeling of "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"  Do you know what I mean?  That feeling where you feel like you could just scream?  And just might if it didn't make you seem absolutely insane?  Yes, that feeling.  You all know it.  And if you don't, you will.  And if you don't know it now, you've known it. 

I've come to the conclusion that I need a revival.  I need a revival in my soul, deep down.  Deep.  Deep.  Deep. I don't want the revival that ends when I stand up from the altar.  I want the revival that causes shockwaves and generations to find Jesus.  But first, I want it for me.  I want to be refreshed, changed, motivated and moved.  Maybe if I can get very real with myself, because Jesus already knows, then I can begin chopping and chipping away the lethargy and paralysis of my soul.

If you will join me in this revival cry I'd love to know it so we can encourage each other.  But, moreover God wants to know it.  He already knows the weariness of our hearts.  He has come to give us rest.  So, I am going to let out the scream that has been burning deep inside my belly.  Here goes....but not of desperation, but an exhale so I can inhale the breath of God in my life. 

What about you my friend?  Are you tired of being tired? 

Let's go to Jesus together.   

Cape on.

Contentment is the enemy.

Enemy is a strong word, and I know it.  It's a word that reminds us of wars and hatred.  Enemy reminds us of evil and bad guys.  I mean to use the word enemy because that's just how strongly I feel about contentment in my life.

Throughout life we are taught to be thankful for what we have and enjoy what we've been given. This still is 100% true.  I agree that one of the keys to a successful life is to find peace in where we are, who we are with, and where we have been.  But, I don't believe that holds true when we look to where we might be headed or who might be headed there with us, or even worse, without us.

Here's an example.  Should I be content with being a Mom that only pays attention half the time to my son?  NO!  And if I said yes to that I know some people who know some people if you know what I mean.

Now that I have your attention, let's take it a step further. 

Is it okay to be content with where we are in our walk with Jesus?  Should I be content with only sitting in the seats of my church keeping them full rather than needing to stand to allow someone new to sit down?  Should I be content in just getting by?  Should I be content in only giving "enough" to get it done? 

I am done. 
I am done being content. 
I am done. 
I am done being a good church girl who doesn't cause waves. 
I am done. 
I am done being one in a crowd instead of the one who stands out from the crowd.

So yes friends, contentment is my enemy.  Contentment keeps me complacent, lazy, apathetic, self-centered, wishful, quiet, weak, and unfocused.

I so desire a Godly passion to burn within me that I am no longer afraid to push the envelope, stay muted, or be satisfied with just getting by.  Are you with me?  I mean really with me?  Not just, a "like" on Facebook or a quick :) in a text, but a "YES!  I am with you!"

Hebrews 10: 22-25 says it well.  "So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."

How do we do it?

We live for Jesus.  Plain and simple.  It should drive every decision we make, every motive centered on His plan for the world.  Then, we do this together.  We get creative.  We encourage.  We help out.  We come together, but not to warm a seat, but to remind each other of the promises and then GO!  The BIG DAY is approaching.  Reaching beyond ourselves has to be our mode of operations.  It has to be the way we live and drive all we do, not only independently but as church bodies all across our great nation.

I don't know about you, but contentment is my enemy.  It's my arch-nemesis if you will. 

My son, who loves superheroes, has quite a few games, comics, you name it with superheroes in or on them.  Well, I may not know all of the heroes, but I will tell you that most often there is an arch-nemesis.  The villain is fighting all the time against the hero.  So much so that so that is what makes this whole world of comics come alive.

If we are children of the Most High King and do have a real enemy, let's own up to it, know it, and fight.  Be ready, because until the Big Day comes and Jesus reveals heaven to us we will be in the fight of our lives, and more importantly for the lives of those who don't yet know the love, forgiveness and peace of our Jesus.

Staying content is no longer an option for me.  Too many lives are waiting for me to put my cape on and reach out beyond myself.  Who's with me? 

Dirtbag

Labels.  We all read them, use them, depend on them and try to be them. 

Most every day I drive by a small gas efficient car parked on the side of the road with a label on the way home from work.  It's not "Honk if you love Jesus" or "My other car is a bus".  The label is big, bold and across the entire back window.  I can imagine if I gave you 100 guesses you wouldn't get it unless you've seen it.

Dirtbag.  Yes, that's it.  Dirtbag.  Lovely, right?  Each time I think to myself who would put this label on their car.  Who would want others to see their car and read dirtbag?  Not me.  I can't think of anyone who would. 

Well, God uses even small cars with odd labels to get my attention.  Even if I had to drive by it 100 times for it to sink in.  He knows I am not His brightest child.  Thank goodness He's so patient.

How many times do I put a label directly across my forehead that only I can see---but think others see?  Labels that say things like 'quitter' or 'fatty'.  Or maybe put labels on the inside, on my heart, that no one else can see--but impact the way I live my life.  Labels that become part of me without me even knowing.  Labels like 'people pleaser' or worse yet 'gossiper'.

Maybe I am alone in this, but I don't think so.  I hope not, it's too lonely.  I believe we all put labels on ourselves like this car down the street.  Maybe the labels are what we want people to see.  Words like 'all put together', 'happy' or 'fulfilled'. 

What would happen if we took off all the labels?  The ones we are putting on for all to see or the labels we have that we see every time we look in the mirror, or feel deep in our hearts.  What if we could take off the labels that create painful meaning into our hearts.

When I was a teenager the labels everyone wore were GAP, Guess and Esprit.  These labels were the epitome of 8th grade.  I didn't have very many items with these labels but what I had was treasured.  I learned that I wore the certain labeled clothing for specific events and even had a bag that said GAP.  Those labeled items were special to me, and made me feel different when I had them on or near me.

God puts labels on us.  So many labels.  Loved, redeemed, precious, important, and wanted are just a few of the labels He bestows on us.  He wants these labels to be seen on us, treasured by us and lived through us.  When I think about the labels I have placed on myself they are the opposite of what God thinks of me.  Why is that?  Why do I believe the labels that make me feel inadequate and small, but not the ones that build my character, purpose and even future?

Dirtbag.  It's a yucky, horrible and disgusting word picture.  But on the other hand, it's incredibly raw, real and introspective.  God already sees the dirtbag in each of us.  He loves us.  He wants the you and me that comes to Him with the reckless abandon to find our true destiny.

So, let's rip off the labels that we have worn around, maybe since as long ago as the 1990s.  Maybe longer. 

One.  Two.  Three.  RIP!  Rip those labels off with me.  RIP!  Rest in peace.  Yeah, that sounds good to me.  I will choose to rest in peace because of the worth I know Jesus sees in me even when I don't see it.  Even when others don't see it.  Even when I give reasons why no one should see it.  I refuse to be adorned by labels of self loathing, inadequacy, and judgment.

Are you ready to rest in peace?  His peace that passes all understanding.  Who knows what label God will put on you next as you rest in His love--maybe it will be missionary, or speaker of truth, or could be it be woman of faith?

I'm excited to see the new labels.  I'm sick of the old, tired and worn out labels.  These labels are ones I have been holding on to that much like my 1990s GAP bag that had holes it, looked worn out and needed to be let go a long time ago. 

I will read the labels God has for me.  He's outlined that in His word.  He's so faithful to leave us this resource that often times is left to gather dust or stay hidden away in our smart phones.
I will use the labels God puts on me for His kingdom.  Whatever the label is, I will use it for Jesus. 
I will do my best to be label that is dependable.  I plan to wear the label of Christian proudly. 
And most of all I will try to be the label, disciple. 

Thank you God for reaching out to me, even with a label like dirtbag that was once on my heart. 

Move your Tassle from the Right to the Left!

Graduation season is here.  We are in the thick of it.  Caps, gowns, tassles, tears, silly string, boucing beach balls, high heels, sunglasses, and uncomfortable bleachers. 

It's hard for me to consider that my high school graduation was in 1998.  I was 18, hopeful, determined and "ready" for the world ahead of me.  I drove a 1976 Ford Maverick that was the exact same color as a Barbie. I am not exagerating.  I loved that car because my Great Grandma gave it to me.  In fact, wish I still had it today.  I thought I was overweight.  I wasn't, I was healthy.  I wasn't the size 4 cheerleader, but I was beautiful.  If only I had realized that then, the world of hurt it could have saved me from.  I had my life perfectly planned.  (That I really thought was true!)

Well, the Maverick ended up being sold, the weight issues were untrue but tainted my world view, and my life was not perfectly planned.  But, my life would turn out perfectly!

Graduation was a time of excitement, new beginnings, and freedom.  I went on to Eugene Bible College in the fall of 1998 where I planned to stay for 4 years.  I stayed there for just a year.  I was "dumped" by long time boyfiend in the spring of 1999.  I wish him the best, but God sure took care of me and gave me a loving, adorable, fun and exciting husband.  Then, on top of that he blessed me with a son!  I lived in the dorms on campus that didn't feel exactly 'free' but learned some valuable life lessons. 

The cap and gown are now in a costume box.  The high heels were sold at a garage sale a long time ago.  The sunglasses I "had" to wear as I walked on to the North Eugene High School baseball field were lost.  But, that feeling of hope and determination never was put away, sold or lost.  Did it waiver from time to time?  YES!  But I am thankful it has never left. 

Graduation season is here and while I listened last night to shining, beautiful young ladies with long flowing hair blowing in the wind on a sunny Oregon night I thought back to my own graduation and purposed within myself to renew the excitement in my life.  Does that mean I will jump from an airplane tomorrow?  No (but it would be fun!).  Will I quit my job and fly to a foreign land?  No (but can you imagine if you could?!?)  I will restore the joy of my life. 

I am reminded of the scripture in Psalms 51:12.  "Restore to me the joy of your salvation."(NLT)

Maybe you are like me and get overwhelmed by the business of life.  Life is messy.  We can't renew the joy of our salvation on our own.  The silly string, bouncing beach balls and sunglasses seem to be long gone and you are left with just the uncomfotable bleachers.  My friend, be encouraged.  We all can have a graduation in our hearts today. 

Stand up.  Put on your sprirtual cap and gown.  Find your high heels and sunglasses.  Put them on!  Our futures are bright.  Just because we are not the fresh faced 18 year olds graduating from high school does not mean we have to miss out on the excitement, freedom, hope and determination of life. 

Stand with me, move your tassle from the right side of your cap, to the left.  Look at the future with bright hopefilled eyes and be ready to take on the world.  Not because we have life perfectly planned or becasue we know it all, but because we know the One who does.  And not because we can do this on our own, but because we are fully reliant on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith. 

We are all individuals with our own set of circumstances, dreams and desires.  But today, we are in our perfectly pressed gowns and are united in Christ's redemption.

So today let's hold our heads high, walk with purpose, live in Christ's freedom and know that if we just ask He will renew the joy of our salvation.  The salvation that brings peace, guidance, and contentment.

Graduation day is here in our hearts!  Throw that cap high in the air and look forward to the future God has for you!