I am not a big pack rat. I used to save lots of things but later found that I was holding on to some of them with a "what if" mentality. What if I might need this one day or what if I need a backup. In the last couple of years I have developed a "less is more" mentality. I usually tackle a project with two trash bags. One for throw away and one for give away. That is the only thing on my kid's to-do list this week of Christmas. It is like a New Year philosophy....out with the old and in with the new.
Something I hang onto tightly are notes, cards, and emails of encouragement. They may be in the form of prayer request, testimonies of what God has done, accountability, support for me, and reminders of how my story has touched someone. Those are just to name a few. I have the note from my pastor when he baptized me. I have notes written to my youngest daughter before she was born. I have notes from my friends that kept me going during difficult times. There are love notes from my husband and kids that can bring me the biggest smile. I could go on and on.
I love to get them back out every now and then and randomly read one. I did that early this morning in the quiet. It was from my sweet, long time friend. Let me set the tone for her encouragement. It was from May 14, 2007. That was two months before I married Ridley. We were married on July 15, 2007. It proved to be a time that I look back to more often than I thought I would. It was a challenging time for me. Most women don't say that when they know they are madly in love with a man and considering marriage. Even though we weren't engaged yet, I knew our relationship was serious and heading in that direction. Neither one of us believed in recreational dating. The challenging part was facing some of the attacks and judgmental attitudes directed at me since i had been married before. I was marrying a pastor. Even in a tolerant world, I quickly learned there was a different standard (in the world's eyes) for pastors. I had to prayerfully consider lots of things.
I realized I needed to pray about more than just marrying this pastor. I prayed about how I could affect his ministry. I prayed about opportunities that Ridley might miss because of my past. I prayed about whether or not he would ever look at me as someone that would hold him back. I prayed that both of us would know without any doubts that marriage was part of God's plan. I am now so grateful that we prayed our hearts out during that time. There have been moments of doubt in our three years of marriage but they are quickly wiped away with the reminder of that season of praying. Have I shared that I firmly believe in prayer?
So, back to my random note for the day. Here are the exact words from my Godly, wise friend during the attacks and challenges:
Here is my tiny, useless bit of advice. You must remember who you are and whose you are! You do not need to justify, explain, nor defend yourself to anyone anymore!! God used Moses to lead his people AFTER he had murdered a man. God still used Abraham AFTER he slept with his handmaiden because he thought God was too slow. God used David AFTER he slept with Bathsheba. God used Jonah AFTER he walked away from his calling. God used Peter AFTER he denied that He was a Christ follower. God IS using you!! There were consequences for each person, as there are for you and me. But, the consequences NEVER prevented God for using the man or woman as he designed. It was because of the sin of the woman at the well that Christ was able to use her for His ministry. Remember, “He who has been forgiven much, loves much.” You and I are in that category. Our sin has given us an even greater love for Him! That is a good consequence! You are a woman who is powerfully filled with the actual Spirit of the living Lord Jesus Christ. You let your mouth be silent and your life speak!! As Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for you, who can be against you.”
Those words blessed me all over again this morning. I pray that her wisdom shared with me in 2007 speaks to you personally today. Please let God be a part of your AFTER. AFTER all, He can do amazing things if we let HIm.
And they lived Joyfully Ever AFTER......
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Undercover Wife
In the middle of worship last Sunday morning, Ridley leaned over and whispered something really spiritual to me. "Hey. What is the name of that show on t.v. where the boss goes behind the scenes at his own company?". I snickered and quickly responded with, "Undercover Boss". I have learned to just answer the questions and let the pastor and the Holy Spirit put the final touches on the sermon. I have randomly thought about that moment a few times this week and one of those times was in preparation for this blog post. My head rolls with lots of topics that I can write about but to narrow down, I often ask God to show me what the focus for the day should be. Don't be confused that Undercover Wife means Undercover Boss. I can be bossy at times but I am not the boss!
I have had the incredible pleasure and sheer heartache of watching my best friend and husband make a very difficult decision in his leadership role. Since we have been married, I have never witnessed such a tough decision for him. I have watched in the wee hours of the night as he is restless. I have watched him in the kitchen with dim lights, a computer, charts, graphs, and calculators. I have heard his prayers begging God and I have heard his crying. The sweet thing is, if it was a decision that just affected him, it would have been easy. However, it was a decision that affected others....others that he loves. Godly decision making requires a heart that longs for His will over anything else. It sounds easy until you find yourself right in the middle of it.
Finding my place in this decision making process has been hard and enlightening. My first instinct is to jump in, love him up and fix it. I am thankful for some wise words that were shared with me during our engagement. They came from my dear friend and pastor's wife. "Don't give advice about church stuff unless you are asked." I have repeated those words so many times in my head. During this time, I have sat beside Ridley, prayed for him, held his hand and silently loved him through this process. This is what I have learned about making Godly decisions while watching.
1. Commit the decision to prayer. Frame your attitude with faith and trust as you pray.
2. Define the decision. Be sure to break down all the distractions or obstacles in an effort to really define the decision.
3. Be ready to accept AND obey God's answer. It is absolutely essential that your will is submitted to God's will, no matter how uncomfortable the answer may be. I believe God may sometimes delay our answer if He knows we aren't going to obey.
4. Exercise faith. As much as we often want an immediate answer, the process may take time. You may have to submit your will to God over and over again. Then, with faith, know that He will reveal an answer at the right time. Hebrews 11:6 says,
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
5. Seek concrete direction. This is the part where the kitchen bar became the work space and Ridley poured over scripture to seek Biblical answers, researched and wrote down things he was learning.
6. Obtain counsel. Yes, even the pastor needs Godly leaders in his life. They contribute important insight, answer questions, remove doubts and confirm inclinations. Make sure to choose individuals who will offer sound biblical advice and not just say what you want to hear. "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22
7. Weight the decision. Make a list if you have to so you can see the pros and cons. This will often show you more obvious direction and give you a more realistic picture of your options.
8. Choose your spiritual priorities. Establish your spiritual priorities as they relate to the decision. Then ask yourself which decision best satisfies the spiritual priorities.
9. Act on your decision. This can oftentimes be the hardest part. When you have every intention of pleasing God's heart, have read your Bible to stay in check, incorporated wise counsel and prayer, you can proceed with confidence. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
I can tell you I have I thanked God a few times for being Mrs. Barron during this season. To watch "Pastor Ridley" love His Lord and his calling this much, has blessed me. My heart is full from learning from such a Godly man. I am a better person because of it and in a bittersweet way, I can't wait to see what is ahead after this journey of obedience.
I have had the incredible pleasure and sheer heartache of watching my best friend and husband make a very difficult decision in his leadership role. Since we have been married, I have never witnessed such a tough decision for him. I have watched in the wee hours of the night as he is restless. I have watched him in the kitchen with dim lights, a computer, charts, graphs, and calculators. I have heard his prayers begging God and I have heard his crying. The sweet thing is, if it was a decision that just affected him, it would have been easy. However, it was a decision that affected others....others that he loves. Godly decision making requires a heart that longs for His will over anything else. It sounds easy until you find yourself right in the middle of it.
Finding my place in this decision making process has been hard and enlightening. My first instinct is to jump in, love him up and fix it. I am thankful for some wise words that were shared with me during our engagement. They came from my dear friend and pastor's wife. "Don't give advice about church stuff unless you are asked." I have repeated those words so many times in my head. During this time, I have sat beside Ridley, prayed for him, held his hand and silently loved him through this process. This is what I have learned about making Godly decisions while watching.
1. Commit the decision to prayer. Frame your attitude with faith and trust as you pray.
2. Define the decision. Be sure to break down all the distractions or obstacles in an effort to really define the decision.
3. Be ready to accept AND obey God's answer. It is absolutely essential that your will is submitted to God's will, no matter how uncomfortable the answer may be. I believe God may sometimes delay our answer if He knows we aren't going to obey.
4. Exercise faith. As much as we often want an immediate answer, the process may take time. You may have to submit your will to God over and over again. Then, with faith, know that He will reveal an answer at the right time. Hebrews 11:6 says,
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
5. Seek concrete direction. This is the part where the kitchen bar became the work space and Ridley poured over scripture to seek Biblical answers, researched and wrote down things he was learning.
6. Obtain counsel. Yes, even the pastor needs Godly leaders in his life. They contribute important insight, answer questions, remove doubts and confirm inclinations. Make sure to choose individuals who will offer sound biblical advice and not just say what you want to hear. "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22
7. Weight the decision. Make a list if you have to so you can see the pros and cons. This will often show you more obvious direction and give you a more realistic picture of your options.
8. Choose your spiritual priorities. Establish your spiritual priorities as they relate to the decision. Then ask yourself which decision best satisfies the spiritual priorities.
9. Act on your decision. This can oftentimes be the hardest part. When you have every intention of pleasing God's heart, have read your Bible to stay in check, incorporated wise counsel and prayer, you can proceed with confidence. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
I can tell you I have I thanked God a few times for being Mrs. Barron during this season. To watch "Pastor Ridley" love His Lord and his calling this much, has blessed me. My heart is full from learning from such a Godly man. I am a better person because of it and in a bittersweet way, I can't wait to see what is ahead after this journey of obedience.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
At the Request of My Daughter
On my chilly snow day yesterday, I got to stay home with my family and my Monday was a nice change from the usual frantic start to the week. I didn't realize I would be missing my oldest daughter so much. It is still strange to celebrate some simple things, without her at times. Counting out the hot chocolate mugs minus one is just one example of the little reminders. I try to keep her up to date on what our family is doing so she knows she is still a part. It just isn't the same.
So, I get a message from her around mid morning that says, "You haven't blogged since December 9th and I could really use one of your blogs in the middle of studying for exams." The fact that she still chooses to read my silly blog, makes me smile. So, I sent her a message back and asked her what she wanted to read about in my blog. She responded, "about patience". YUCK! I admit I wished I hadn't asked, but I did. I started praying and thinking about my own perspective on patience. That one word that people often suggest we steer clear of when praying.
Patient.....Interesting that it is the first word used to define love in 1 Corinthians Chapter 13. Honestly, I am not sure in all the times I have read that and heard Ridley quote it at weddings, that I really thought about the order of the words used to define love. It tends to be much easier to lump all the adjectives together almost like a combo deal. That way, I can drown out the patient part with a little more "kindness" or "does not envy". When everything is going our way, patience is easy. The truest test of patience is when things aren't going our way. Some of us think we have a right to get upset in the face of irritations or trials. The Bible actual praises patience as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) which should be produced by all followers of Christ. I think patience reveals our faith in God's timing and love. (Ouch - that one hurt to type)
I tend to look at patience as this passive waiting. If I am honest, I sometimes approach difficulty with an "I will just ride this out for Jesus' sake" kind of attitude. Then I am quick to pat myself on the back with a "Whew, we made it Jesus." I wonder if Jesus wants to roll His eyes at me and follow through with a "Yeah. We made it, but we are going to have to do it again because you didn't quite get it, silly." Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (NKJV).
There is nothing passive about running a race. If you have ever been in a race, you don't passively wait for the slow pokes. You push yourself and endure the pain to do your best. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
So how do we really get ready for the race? Practice! You keep at it and you tackle the necessary training. God’s power and goodness are crucial parts to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in God’s perfect will and timing, even in the face of evil men who “succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7).
The very first thing we should do is not question, "Why me?" but we should thank Him. I know! That's a tough one. The next thing we do is seek His purpose. Seeking is not passive either. Seeking means watch for it or go find it during the tough times.
Lastly, we grab a hold of His promises. Romans 8:28, tells us that “ in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” include the things that try our patience.
There are so many times that I am running this crazy life race and I get a patience cramp. These are the moments when I want to thank Jesus for being a patient and loving God Himself. I picture Him running alongside of me and saying, "Come on slow poke. I am right here with you. Now, get a move on." He knows what is at the end and He reminds me that some cramps and pain will all be worth it.
So, Morgan...I hope that helps you today. Thanks for being patient with me as I prayed through what to blog. Thank you for challenging me to focus on patience yesterday and super early this morning (3:30 a.m.). I know you have a patience cramp today in the form of a Biology exam but run baby run.....cramp and all. The test really isn't about the Biology. :)
So, I get a message from her around mid morning that says, "You haven't blogged since December 9th and I could really use one of your blogs in the middle of studying for exams." The fact that she still chooses to read my silly blog, makes me smile. So, I sent her a message back and asked her what she wanted to read about in my blog. She responded, "about patience". YUCK! I admit I wished I hadn't asked, but I did. I started praying and thinking about my own perspective on patience. That one word that people often suggest we steer clear of when praying.
Patient.....Interesting that it is the first word used to define love in 1 Corinthians Chapter 13. Honestly, I am not sure in all the times I have read that and heard Ridley quote it at weddings, that I really thought about the order of the words used to define love. It tends to be much easier to lump all the adjectives together almost like a combo deal. That way, I can drown out the patient part with a little more "kindness" or "does not envy". When everything is going our way, patience is easy. The truest test of patience is when things aren't going our way. Some of us think we have a right to get upset in the face of irritations or trials. The Bible actual praises patience as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) which should be produced by all followers of Christ. I think patience reveals our faith in God's timing and love. (Ouch - that one hurt to type)
I tend to look at patience as this passive waiting. If I am honest, I sometimes approach difficulty with an "I will just ride this out for Jesus' sake" kind of attitude. Then I am quick to pat myself on the back with a "Whew, we made it Jesus." I wonder if Jesus wants to roll His eyes at me and follow through with a "Yeah. We made it, but we are going to have to do it again because you didn't quite get it, silly." Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (NKJV).
There is nothing passive about running a race. If you have ever been in a race, you don't passively wait for the slow pokes. You push yourself and endure the pain to do your best. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
So how do we really get ready for the race? Practice! You keep at it and you tackle the necessary training. God’s power and goodness are crucial parts to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in God’s perfect will and timing, even in the face of evil men who “succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7).
The very first thing we should do is not question, "Why me?" but we should thank Him. I know! That's a tough one. The next thing we do is seek His purpose. Seeking is not passive either. Seeking means watch for it or go find it during the tough times.
Lastly, we grab a hold of His promises. Romans 8:28, tells us that “ in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” include the things that try our patience.
There are so many times that I am running this crazy life race and I get a patience cramp. These are the moments when I want to thank Jesus for being a patient and loving God Himself. I picture Him running alongside of me and saying, "Come on slow poke. I am right here with you. Now, get a move on." He knows what is at the end and He reminds me that some cramps and pain will all be worth it.
So, Morgan...I hope that helps you today. Thanks for being patient with me as I prayed through what to blog. Thank you for challenging me to focus on patience yesterday and super early this morning (3:30 a.m.). I know you have a patience cramp today in the form of a Biology exam but run baby run.....cramp and all. The test really isn't about the Biology. :)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Momma Mary
My morning started with praying, laughing and riding bikes with my hubby. I loved it! As I was on my bike listening to worship music, I started thinking about the baby Jesus. I have tried to be very intentional this week to think about Jesus, the baby and what that night must have been like. The images in my head have been about the sheperds, the wisemen, the gifts, the weather, the stars, and more. However, this morning my thoughts turned to Mary. As a mom, I started trying to understand and grasp the concept of giving birth to Jesus and being able to hold him. What responsibility she must have felt. Can you imagine the fear she might have had wondering about parenting the Saviour?
I know I pray hard to be the kind of mom I need to be for all of my children. This is one area that I can really beat myself up about. I often feel desperate that I get one shot to raise my kids and to raise them right. I mean the Bible says that "children are a reward from the Lord." That is is some serious stuff. So think about Mary. Children are a reward from God and she has the incredible blessing and opportunity to be Jesus' mom?
As I thought about Mary's parenting, I wondered if she often said things to Jesus while He was growing up that we tell our kids. I began to be extremely grateful that she didn't train Him up the way that I have been training mine. Imagine some of these top mom quotes that are spoken to our children and how it would have sounded coming from Mary directly to Jesus.
1. What if she had told Jesus "Don't talk to strangers"?
2. Picture her saying, "As long as you live under my roof, you will do as I say."
3. "Don't let me catch you doing that again".
4. "I don't know. Go ask your father."
5. "I don't buy groceries to feed the entire neighborhood."
6. " Do you think you were raised in a barn"?
7. "Enough is enough!"
8. "You'll understand when you get older."
9. "When you leave, let me know where you are going and what you are doing."
10. "Who died and made you King."
Parenting is tough stuff and yet very rewarding. I suggest we do as Mary probably did. Ask God to show us the kind of parent we need to be for our children. Each child is unique and God made them so, who knows them better? Then, lighten up, laugh a little and realize He can walk us through even some of the toughest momma and daddy stuff. If God instructed Mary on how to raise Jesus, surely He can give us direction on how to handle our own kids. The question is, "Have you asked Him to help you in this area?"
I know I pray hard to be the kind of mom I need to be for all of my children. This is one area that I can really beat myself up about. I often feel desperate that I get one shot to raise my kids and to raise them right. I mean the Bible says that "children are a reward from the Lord." That is is some serious stuff. So think about Mary. Children are a reward from God and she has the incredible blessing and opportunity to be Jesus' mom?
As I thought about Mary's parenting, I wondered if she often said things to Jesus while He was growing up that we tell our kids. I began to be extremely grateful that she didn't train Him up the way that I have been training mine. Imagine some of these top mom quotes that are spoken to our children and how it would have sounded coming from Mary directly to Jesus.
1. What if she had told Jesus "Don't talk to strangers"?
2. Picture her saying, "As long as you live under my roof, you will do as I say."
3. "Don't let me catch you doing that again".
4. "I don't know. Go ask your father."
5. "I don't buy groceries to feed the entire neighborhood."
6. " Do you think you were raised in a barn"?
7. "Enough is enough!"
8. "You'll understand when you get older."
9. "When you leave, let me know where you are going and what you are doing."
10. "Who died and made you King."
Parenting is tough stuff and yet very rewarding. I suggest we do as Mary probably did. Ask God to show us the kind of parent we need to be for our children. Each child is unique and God made them so, who knows them better? Then, lighten up, laugh a little and realize He can walk us through even some of the toughest momma and daddy stuff. If God instructed Mary on how to raise Jesus, surely He can give us direction on how to handle our own kids. The question is, "Have you asked Him to help you in this area?"
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Lonely
I read a statistic the other day that made my stomach sink. There are more suicides in December than in the other 11 months of the year. I have pondered that statement for several days. I think part of it may be that we focus more on materialistic things around this "gift giving season". A gift is also tagged to someone special who gives it to you. That tends to make us focus on the people (or lack of people) in our lives.
I woke up this morning with a heavy heart for a friend whose divorce will be final today. I remember my December court date in 2004. Joy To The World is the last thing my friend will want to sing today as her marriage comes to an official end. I have another friend who is preparing for surgery right before Christmas. Then there is the husband whose wife doesn't want anything to do with him. Can you imagine the desperation of wanting to buy her a gift that gets her attention and pulls her back close? He can't buy that. What about the little girl who fixes her own dinner at night because her mom isn't home and she doesn't even have a table to eat on, much less a Christmas tree to gaze at.
Loneliness comes in many shapes and sizes. I often pray extra hard for my single friends during holidays. God created us to desire companionship. It is natural to think that a spouse or children will fulfill this desire. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be married and there is certainly nothing wrong with being married. However, even the greatest of marriages can't fill the complete desire of companionship. Having been married, single again, married, single AGAIN and now married, I can definitely relate to both sides of the relationship fence. In marriage, there can be the distraction of trying in vain to become the perfect lover, and adjusting to another's imperfect love. I've come to realize in my own life that God is the Perfect Lover, the Perfect Father, the Perfect Friend, the Perfect Counselor and more. I have found great comfort in looking for ways in which God is all those things and more to me, that I desire in human companionship. Such a perspective also benefits the human relationships I do have, in relieving them of the expectations to be for me what only God can be completely.
Singleness can be an incredible opportunity to develop a deep, intimate relationship with God. For those who are single, there will probably always be a longing for the companionship and physical touch of another human being. Those feelings can come in a marriage as well, if the marriage is unhealthy. So don't get wrapped up in the label of married or single. Get wrapped up in the fact that Jesus wants to fill all those voids and longings. He is the only one who really can.
I read today in Psalm 68. I have read and heard numerous times verse 5; "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows" but today it was verse 6 that was fresh, new and intriguing...."God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." I read over that again and again. I obviously can't know exactly what God meant when He inspired the Psalmist to write that, but it does reflect God's character. He gives us family. It doesn't say that means a spouse and kids. That means an extended family or maybe a church family. It confirms that he wanted us to experience companionship and that it can come in the form of other people and/or ministries that we pour ourselves into.
I love the part of the verse that reminds us that "He leads". He goes before us and all we have to do is follow and trust Him. The last part of the verse also reminds us that if we are rebellious we will live in sun-scorched land. If we find ourselves in a position where we are mad at God because our life doesn't look the way we wanted it to, we will hit a dry spell and be thirsty for something else. I believe this is where our focus turns into a lonely longing that can do damage. It can take us to a place where we make poor choices, think impure thoughts or allow doubt to creep in and cause us to stumble.
When Jesus was here on earth, He experience the things we do. He experienced loneliness. I am sure there were days he longed to be held again by his mother or to talk to his dad. We know he felt the pain of rejection over and over again. Yet, he had his disciples for great companionship along the way and he had the same loving heavenly Father that we do today.
Fill the void with the greatest gift of all. Receive and remember Jesus!
I woke up this morning with a heavy heart for a friend whose divorce will be final today. I remember my December court date in 2004. Joy To The World is the last thing my friend will want to sing today as her marriage comes to an official end. I have another friend who is preparing for surgery right before Christmas. Then there is the husband whose wife doesn't want anything to do with him. Can you imagine the desperation of wanting to buy her a gift that gets her attention and pulls her back close? He can't buy that. What about the little girl who fixes her own dinner at night because her mom isn't home and she doesn't even have a table to eat on, much less a Christmas tree to gaze at.
Loneliness comes in many shapes and sizes. I often pray extra hard for my single friends during holidays. God created us to desire companionship. It is natural to think that a spouse or children will fulfill this desire. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be married and there is certainly nothing wrong with being married. However, even the greatest of marriages can't fill the complete desire of companionship. Having been married, single again, married, single AGAIN and now married, I can definitely relate to both sides of the relationship fence. In marriage, there can be the distraction of trying in vain to become the perfect lover, and adjusting to another's imperfect love. I've come to realize in my own life that God is the Perfect Lover, the Perfect Father, the Perfect Friend, the Perfect Counselor and more. I have found great comfort in looking for ways in which God is all those things and more to me, that I desire in human companionship. Such a perspective also benefits the human relationships I do have, in relieving them of the expectations to be for me what only God can be completely.
Singleness can be an incredible opportunity to develop a deep, intimate relationship with God. For those who are single, there will probably always be a longing for the companionship and physical touch of another human being. Those feelings can come in a marriage as well, if the marriage is unhealthy. So don't get wrapped up in the label of married or single. Get wrapped up in the fact that Jesus wants to fill all those voids and longings. He is the only one who really can.
I read today in Psalm 68. I have read and heard numerous times verse 5; "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows" but today it was verse 6 that was fresh, new and intriguing...."God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." I read over that again and again. I obviously can't know exactly what God meant when He inspired the Psalmist to write that, but it does reflect God's character. He gives us family. It doesn't say that means a spouse and kids. That means an extended family or maybe a church family. It confirms that he wanted us to experience companionship and that it can come in the form of other people and/or ministries that we pour ourselves into.
I love the part of the verse that reminds us that "He leads". He goes before us and all we have to do is follow and trust Him. The last part of the verse also reminds us that if we are rebellious we will live in sun-scorched land. If we find ourselves in a position where we are mad at God because our life doesn't look the way we wanted it to, we will hit a dry spell and be thirsty for something else. I believe this is where our focus turns into a lonely longing that can do damage. It can take us to a place where we make poor choices, think impure thoughts or allow doubt to creep in and cause us to stumble.
When Jesus was here on earth, He experience the things we do. He experienced loneliness. I am sure there were days he longed to be held again by his mother or to talk to his dad. We know he felt the pain of rejection over and over again. Yet, he had his disciples for great companionship along the way and he had the same loving heavenly Father that we do today.
Fill the void with the greatest gift of all. Receive and remember Jesus!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Crown Dilemma
I absolutely can't believe what I read this morning as I researched a statement I heard this week. I wanted to see if it was really true. I am trying to muster up the energy to pray, but right now I am mad and disappointed. "Disney Animation will no longer make movies about fairytales and princesses." WHAT? I just knew it had to be a rumor.....but it is not.
Can I tell you how disappointed I am? (as if you haven't figured that out by now). the shocking and sad part is the rest of the statement that was quoted from the studio.
"Plus girls today aren't dreaming about becoming royalty. "By the time they're 5 or 6, [girls are] not interested in being princesses," said media critic Dafna Lemish. "They're interested in being hot, in being cool. Clearly, they see this is what society values."
Part of the statement prior to this also indicated that princess movies alienate boys. I am scrambling to know where to even start.
Alienating boys? By all means let make sure that we keep score. I mean, ladies should now be invited to the men's bowling night and all men should be invited to a girl's gab night to be sure they feel accepted and loved. Give me a break. Young men need to learn that there is something really sweet when they can mix in a chick flick every now and then. I firmly believe the men have plenty of exposure to the shoot em up, blow em up, rough em up, fly em up, drive em up and fight em up - movies.
I also know that this world, regardless of age, needs more young men and grown men to learn that they need to be princes for their princesses who deserve to be treated like royalty, because they are.
As for the ladies...."by 5 and 6, girls are not interested in being princesses"? I think this is a lie. This 43 year old mom still dreams of being a princess. I can assure you that every time the prince charming comes out in my prince, I get butterflies and my heart still does backflips. Thanks to poor decisions by some of the famous young women, like Miley Cyrus, our little girls are being drawn to a point of thinking "hot" should be included in their vocabulary at the age of 6.
Here is some truth that hurts. If young women and ladies would act like the princesses they were created to be, then we would probably have more princes out there. When I counsel women, I tell them to walk like they have a crown on. That is because they have a heavenly Father that made them and He is the King! A crown requires great confidence, a head held high and a heart that wants to make decisions that line up with wearing a crown. Trash talk doesn't line up with our crowns. Crowns are not pretty accessories with our skimpy attire. They don't shine near as bright if we are flirting, tempting and striving to be HOT. That doesn't attract princes. Every girl deep down inside wants a prince.
So thanks Disney! How sad to have a "if you can't beat them, then join them" mentality. I am sure your next movie about video games and Xbox will be a winner since we sure don't have enough of that in our homes. Let's encourage our young boys to grow up ignoring their families one day while they sit in front of a video game after a long work day. Now that's hot....NOT.
I saw on Facebook yesterday where my cousin posted that her two year old daughter was telling her the story of Sleeping Booty. I laughed at the irony in that statement. There is already enough of that beating down the doors of our kid's brains and hearts.
Here is the good news!!!! 1Samuel 2:8 "He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD'S; on them He has set the world."
Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
You can help fight back. You are princesses and princes. Walk like you have a crown on for the whole world to see!
Can I tell you how disappointed I am? (as if you haven't figured that out by now). the shocking and sad part is the rest of the statement that was quoted from the studio.
"Plus girls today aren't dreaming about becoming royalty. "By the time they're 5 or 6, [girls are] not interested in being princesses," said media critic Dafna Lemish. "They're interested in being hot, in being cool. Clearly, they see this is what society values."
Part of the statement prior to this also indicated that princess movies alienate boys. I am scrambling to know where to even start.
Alienating boys? By all means let make sure that we keep score. I mean, ladies should now be invited to the men's bowling night and all men should be invited to a girl's gab night to be sure they feel accepted and loved. Give me a break. Young men need to learn that there is something really sweet when they can mix in a chick flick every now and then. I firmly believe the men have plenty of exposure to the shoot em up, blow em up, rough em up, fly em up, drive em up and fight em up - movies.
I also know that this world, regardless of age, needs more young men and grown men to learn that they need to be princes for their princesses who deserve to be treated like royalty, because they are.
As for the ladies...."by 5 and 6, girls are not interested in being princesses"? I think this is a lie. This 43 year old mom still dreams of being a princess. I can assure you that every time the prince charming comes out in my prince, I get butterflies and my heart still does backflips. Thanks to poor decisions by some of the famous young women, like Miley Cyrus, our little girls are being drawn to a point of thinking "hot" should be included in their vocabulary at the age of 6.
Here is some truth that hurts. If young women and ladies would act like the princesses they were created to be, then we would probably have more princes out there. When I counsel women, I tell them to walk like they have a crown on. That is because they have a heavenly Father that made them and He is the King! A crown requires great confidence, a head held high and a heart that wants to make decisions that line up with wearing a crown. Trash talk doesn't line up with our crowns. Crowns are not pretty accessories with our skimpy attire. They don't shine near as bright if we are flirting, tempting and striving to be HOT. That doesn't attract princes. Every girl deep down inside wants a prince.
So thanks Disney! How sad to have a "if you can't beat them, then join them" mentality. I am sure your next movie about video games and Xbox will be a winner since we sure don't have enough of that in our homes. Let's encourage our young boys to grow up ignoring their families one day while they sit in front of a video game after a long work day. Now that's hot....NOT.
I saw on Facebook yesterday where my cousin posted that her two year old daughter was telling her the story of Sleeping Booty. I laughed at the irony in that statement. There is already enough of that beating down the doors of our kid's brains and hearts.
Here is the good news!!!! 1Samuel 2:8 "He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD'S; on them He has set the world."
Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
You can help fight back. You are princesses and princes. Walk like you have a crown on for the whole world to see!
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