Blankets of Snow

We have had a 'historic event' across this nation according to the National Weather Service.  Snow is covering this country.  Can you imagine what this must look like from above?  A pure, white, clean country.  What if this unprecedented weather was a reminder from our loving God that our nation needs a blanket to cover it again, a blanket of purity that is woven with prayer, selflessness, and love.

I know quite a bit about blankets.  We all have our specific pockets of knowledge, and blankets, well, it's one of mine.   

For one I slept with the very same blanket for over 30 years.  This blanket was made for me by a special "aunt" (really a cousin) and had been with me through so much.  Here's just the highlights:  countless days in hospitals, procedures, recovery rooms, sleepless nights, and even the birth of my one and only son.  This blanket comforted me and caused me to feel peace.  This blanket had holes in it, worn, big, put your hand through them kind of holes from being washed what had to have been washed and dried at least a thousands of times. 

I also know about hospital blankets. Warm hospital blankets are the single best thing about being in the hospital for a stay or procedure.  They are soothing, reassuring and relieving.  If you ever need to spend time in a hospital, heaven forbid, and you are asked if you want a warm blanket, YES!  Take it, take it again and again. 

I also know about the specialness of blankets at home.  You know, the special comforter or quilt that you always snuggle in and go to when you don't feel the best.  I have had a few days at home recently resting from an infection that is making it's home in my body while doctors work to determine the course to send it packing.  So, I have spent a few days to say the least at home.  For those that see me on a regular basis, this is not enjoyable.  Maybe a day at home is good, even feels good, but past the first day and it gets to be annoying.  I want to be out and about, not at home doing nothing.  I feel stir crazy quickly and even start to get panicked about what I need to be doing, could be doing, or should be doing. 

Back to this historical event that my son will remember and tell his kids about someday.  This blanket of snow that covers our yard, driveway and road in front of our house should be a reminder to me that God wants this kind of purity in my life in ALL areas.  That word all, well, that is a tough one.  ALL, means everything, nothing left out or hidden away.  The snow doesn't miss anything.  The snow has covered our trees, grass, vehicles, roofs, and roads.  Nothing has been off limits to this snow.  Just like nothing is off limits to the power and supply of Jesus when I surrender to His desires for my life.

Bigger than just my life, I believe God wants our country to come back to prayer.  Not just the "I will pray for you" kind of prayer, but the kind of prayer that costs us our time.  I am consistently challenged in this area of my life.  Maybe I am alone here, but it's easy to say I will pray.  Actually praying is another thing altogether.  Hidden in my heart are the simple words from 2 Chronicles 7:14 that say, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land."  I need this healing, in my own life and in the lives of this country founded on the principles of God.

Blankets of selflessness.  Sounds great, the words are pretty.  They sound like the "pay it forward" movement across our country.  Now, do I believe in doing good?  YES!  But if I simple am good, I am stopping short of what God can do through me and even in me.  The selflessness I want in my life should be like the God that sent his one and only son to be born in a manger, to suffer the for the sins of the world, and to be the redemption for my sin.  That kind of selflessness is not easy.  It's hard.  It's very hard.  But, if those of us that say we want to be like Christ would live in a way that is truly selfless, thinking of others before ourselves, living a life that inspires those around us to ask us why we do what we do can you imagine the change that would begin in this country?

Finally, a blanket of love.  Not the fluffy clouds, puffy hearts, rainbows and sugary sweet love.  I am talking about the love that digs in and stays when others walk out.  The love that stands up for those who need it and sits next to those who could use a shoulder to cry on.  This love is simple, steadfast and consistent.  What if we had a blanket of love across this great nation that invited others to feel the warmth, the purity, the wholesomeness and the unending care that God has for us? 

While this nation is experiencing a phenomenon of weather, my prayer is that we have a turning in our hearts for the very revival that could warm up this country and cause even the coldest, most frozen, hearts to thaw and experience the truest Comforter I know. 

Be blessed,
Sarah

No, Mama, don't make me go in there!

During JCPenny's "Biggest Sale of the Year" my family overheard a little girl plead with her looking-for-a-bargain Mom while she pushed her little 4 year old body against her with all her might. 

"No, mama, don't make me go in there!"

In the moment, it was cute.  For us it was not just cute, but adorable.  For her embarrassed mother it was a less than wonderful moment, of this I am sure.  In fact, I know this, as my son has a very bargain driven mother to say the very least.

While we went about our day I kept thinking about this little girl and her flustered Mom.  How many times have I told my loving, patient and giving God the very same thing?

"No, God, don't make me go in there!"

Maybe it is a physical 'there', or emotional, or even more daunting spiritual 'there' He wants me to venture into to find the greatest blessings just through the wide open doors. 

You see, friend, I've been the one standing just outside the doors of abundant grace and providence.  I've pleaded, kicked, screamed, maybe even stomped throwing my fit.  Maybe you have thrown a fit too?  I believe the tantrums in life come from frustration, disbelief and maybe even a teensy bit of selfishness.

The beautiful, young, and loving Mom was probably seeking out the deal of the day to bless her daughter with new clothes, or maybe even an ornament for the annual Christmas tree.  Maybe this Mom was even looking at this shopping trip as an opportunity to build her relationship with her daughter.  Perhaps this was the 1st of many shopping sprees that this little girl would look forward to as she grew up, into elementary school, then the dreaded pre-human middle school years, and then the tender high school years where every interaction seems to matter more than the next. 

Does our sweet Savior look at moments in time like this with us?  I believe He does.  After all, we are His kids.  His kids that grow, make mistakes, throw tantrums, learn and slowly grow up.  But we start as children!

What if the simple push of our passionate Papa leads us from one door of divine opportunity to another?  From one moment of being unsure, to learning that if we trust, we learn, and if we learn, we can bless others, and then be blessed ourselves. This little girl first needed to learn how to keep up with her Mom inside a small department store, before she could go travel the streets of NYC.  Just like this little girl who was probably going to go on other bargain hunts with her Mom, our generous God is taking us from a quick trip to JCPenny's to maybe the ultimate shopping spree to somewhere like New York City with unlimited resources.  For the shopping diva's out there, this could be amazing right? 

Maybe we need to learn from our faithful God to see the abundance of His goodness now, before we can begin to understand or grasp the bountiful blessings in store for us.  He will never push us beyond what's good for us.  Even, what is best for us. 

So, from one dedicated sale-finding-bargain-hunting woman, to possibly another, let's remember this cute, blonde haired, blue eyed beauty who pushed against her Mama, pleading not to go into what could be a world of opportunities!  We can make a choice.  Throw an ungrateful fit or trust the blessings of walking through open doors.  It is always our choice.  I am making a choice to stop saying, "No, God, don't make me go in there!" anymore.  How about you?

Be blessed,
Sarah

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?