I had planned not to blog about my lunch adventure a couple of weeks ago. I changed my heart and my mind. My prayer this morning was for my heart to expand as much as Jesus needed it to in order to love all the people that He is putting into my life. The more I get out and meet new people, the more I realize God wants us to love people.
I think we tend to throw the word LOVE around a little too loosely. We love certain foods, we love certain movies, we love certain songs, we love whatever. The Bible says numerous times that we are to love people. (Leviticus 19:17, John 13:24, John 15:12, John 4:11, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 3:14). Now that doesn't mean you can't tell your friend you "love her hair". However, I wonder if it has become so easy to throw love out everywhere except to people. I mean the strangers or the people who look different than us. People across the world understand the impact of love. Even people who don't believe in Jesus Christ understand the real meaning and feeling of love. Imagine if that was lived out in the way God really intended.
These are the thoughts and prayers of my heart and a few other friends lately. So we decided since we have grown up in Jesus together, it was time to really love people. We have shared tons of lunches over the years. As much as I love lunch with friends, we did the math and realized we could be loving on a lot of people during those hours and still be together. As we gathered around a kitchen table for the first day of outreach lunch, we prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide us. We made our homemade cookies and headed out. We went to the area where we had all driven past numerous times over the years. We couldn't tell you one story about any of the people who live in that area. That was about to change!
We knocked on doors and were greeted with uncertain faces that quickly softened when they realized we didn't have an agenda or campaign material. We shared laughs, stories, and prayers with several. As we rounded a corner of a row of houses, we saw a man sitting on a front porch. As we approached, we heard his little radio and saw his denim overalls. He waved and greeted us with the same look of uncertainty. Our conversation was sweet and interesting. Mr. Scruggs lived by himself and had been in that house for forty years. He had ten kids grown and busy. He knew history about our small town and was overjoyed with our simple homemade cookies. He asked for seconds as he joked and stood to share hugs. I will never forget Mr. Scruggs. Pushing back my tears, I felt guilty for the years of lunches and my selfishness. He invited us back soon and that is a lunch I look forward to.
As we finished the small section of homes, we had extra cookies. We went over some nearby railroad tracks and the scene was completely different. Within just a few yards, the houses were grand and well kept. The hired help was out in the yard and I have to admit that our homemade cookie offer suddenly made me a little nervous. I wasn't sure what reaction we would get. The greetings of uncertainty didn't fade as quick and the smiles weren't so obvious. There were looks of confusion and doubt. One person even offered to pay us for the cookies. I wondered if they would even eat them. I quickly wanted to go back to the other side of the tracks.
I don't share any of that for anything more than to challenge you. There are people everywhere waiting to be loved. There are people who love their things and have forgotten the love of people. There are lonely people with lots of love stored up to share. You don't have to give up your friend lunch or your Starbucks run. Just find a way to share it with someone else. It will fill you up in so many awesome ways that you will want to have lunch out every day.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Finding My Way Through the Memories
With yesterday being my birthday, I couldn't help but think about memories. Most of the time it has been more fun for me to think about the memories of my younger days with family and celebrations. As I got older, special events and birthdays became a magnet for disappointment. When I was married before, I found myself dreading those memory making moments. I had grown somewhat numb to the treatment I got (or didn't get) on days like my birthday. However, I worried about my kids, my extended family and my friends as they watched with anticipation of a new opportunity for things to be different. Those special people in my life stepped up each year to try to recreate sweet memories for me. Those did matter and carried me most times.
Being married to Ridley for four years now, I find myself wanting to slow down time since I just found him. Then at times I want it to all go fast so I can have more memories under my belt that are happy, loving and fun to remember. Part of "do overs" in life is finding the balance between what to remember and what to forget. It is about remembering the things that are productive to remember so you can trace God's grace in your life and live grateful each day. It is letting go of the old things that try to creep into the new memories and eat away at them like a cancer.
A couple of weeks ago I was at a family reunion with Ridley's family....his big, extended family. There were eighty plus people there and typically that is what you will find every Memorial Day Weekend. I sit and listen to stories and honestly, I still try to remember who goes with who. It is a lot to keep up with. I love getting to know each family member and I love listening to stories as I try to cram as many in my memory bank as I can. They have been so loving and accepting of me and my girls. On Sunday morning, during this year's family reunion worship time, there was a memorial service moment where we remembered and reflected on the family that has passed away. With each picture on the screen, I had very few memories to reflect on. I sat in my chair almost wanting to squeeze my eyes shut as if to make some appear in my thoughts. I will admit it was a bit of an empty feeling. There were pictures of Josh and Sarah as well. I am the first to want to keep those memories alive for the people I love, but in that brief moment I felt I was in the way.
For the next few days, my thoughts would trail to my negative memories that I really want to forget most of the time. Then my thoughts went to the fact that I don't have very many new memories to cling to. That doesn't mean I don't have great friend and family memories over the years, but I am referring to my immediate family, grown up memories. I guess you could say it is the mom, the dad and the kid memories. I couldn't find my place in the memory department. It was almost like watching a DVD and rewinding or fast forwarding to get to the right place in the movie, but you just keep passing it by.
As I was driving one of the days after the reunion, the verse Jeremiah 1:5 popped in my head from nowhere. (I just want to say I don't always remember where something is in the Bible so I have to look it up. Don't ever feel bad for not knowing where to find the verse. It is most important to just know it). Jeremiah 1:5 says, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb". In that moment, I took a deep breath and peace landed smack dab in my heart. I am a Jesus memory!
If you are feeling like you are trying to find your place, your worth, your name, or your memory. There is one constant thing you can anchor to. There is one single point of reference you can always go back to safely. There is one mark you can always bank on and shoot for. You are a giant, Jesus memory! May that single thought land smack dab in your heart today and give you PEACE.
Being married to Ridley for four years now, I find myself wanting to slow down time since I just found him. Then at times I want it to all go fast so I can have more memories under my belt that are happy, loving and fun to remember. Part of "do overs" in life is finding the balance between what to remember and what to forget. It is about remembering the things that are productive to remember so you can trace God's grace in your life and live grateful each day. It is letting go of the old things that try to creep into the new memories and eat away at them like a cancer.
A couple of weeks ago I was at a family reunion with Ridley's family....his big, extended family. There were eighty plus people there and typically that is what you will find every Memorial Day Weekend. I sit and listen to stories and honestly, I still try to remember who goes with who. It is a lot to keep up with. I love getting to know each family member and I love listening to stories as I try to cram as many in my memory bank as I can. They have been so loving and accepting of me and my girls. On Sunday morning, during this year's family reunion worship time, there was a memorial service moment where we remembered and reflected on the family that has passed away. With each picture on the screen, I had very few memories to reflect on. I sat in my chair almost wanting to squeeze my eyes shut as if to make some appear in my thoughts. I will admit it was a bit of an empty feeling. There were pictures of Josh and Sarah as well. I am the first to want to keep those memories alive for the people I love, but in that brief moment I felt I was in the way.
For the next few days, my thoughts would trail to my negative memories that I really want to forget most of the time. Then my thoughts went to the fact that I don't have very many new memories to cling to. That doesn't mean I don't have great friend and family memories over the years, but I am referring to my immediate family, grown up memories. I guess you could say it is the mom, the dad and the kid memories. I couldn't find my place in the memory department. It was almost like watching a DVD and rewinding or fast forwarding to get to the right place in the movie, but you just keep passing it by.
As I was driving one of the days after the reunion, the verse Jeremiah 1:5 popped in my head from nowhere. (I just want to say I don't always remember where something is in the Bible so I have to look it up. Don't ever feel bad for not knowing where to find the verse. It is most important to just know it). Jeremiah 1:5 says, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb". In that moment, I took a deep breath and peace landed smack dab in my heart. I am a Jesus memory!
If you are feeling like you are trying to find your place, your worth, your name, or your memory. There is one constant thing you can anchor to. There is one single point of reference you can always go back to safely. There is one mark you can always bank on and shoot for. You are a giant, Jesus memory! May that single thought land smack dab in your heart today and give you PEACE.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Nobody is Looking
Like most people, I watched several tribute shows regarding the anniversary of 9/11 over the weekend. I too remembered where I was, what I was doing and even the thoughts that ran through my head in those moments. As I reflected, I tried to put myself in some of those people's shoes. I imagined the people on the airlines that knew things were going wrong. I thought of the men and women who were trapped in smoke filled buildings and what must have gone through their heads. I thought of people on the streets that had to witness strangers jumping out of windows from the 100th floor. So many images were swirling in my thoughts every time I reflected on that one day. Then I realized something else. I couldn't tell you the name of one single person who was a hero that day.
I know there were many. In the worst of times we often see the best of people. There were men and women who pushed through their own personal fear to calm others. There were strangers that helped others with medical conditions down the numerous flights of stairs. There were the police and the firemen who risked their lives to go into the danger. There were moms and dads that made the tough decision to sacrifice, knowing they had family anxiously waiting to hear about their well-being. With that many people affected and that many people pulling together, I can't remember one person's name that made a difference that day.
I want to be that kind of hero! I don't want my name on a book cover so I can be remembered. I want people to hear about the Author and Finisher of real faith who can restore hope and provide healing. I don't want credit for loving on people. I just want a loving God to become real and personal to a world that is lonely and looking. I want to run the race that God has personally called me to run not to be a winner, but to share the kind of strength that comes from God. I want to be a no-name hero for God!
You see, it takes two hands to hold the horn we want to toot when we get prideful. I believe Jesus wants us to use those two hands to pray and to grab a hold of someone as they face the impossible. When nobody is looking, we are to love and serve at our very best understanding that we are doing it just because our heart genuinely wants to. At all cost, are we willing to be that kind of hero? Jesus was. He sacrificed big time for you and for me. People didn't believe Him and He didn't care. He knew what was good and right. Today, people still don't believe Him. He knew that was going to be the case too and He died for us anyway.
Be a no-name, do it anyway, kind of hero!!!!
I know there were many. In the worst of times we often see the best of people. There were men and women who pushed through their own personal fear to calm others. There were strangers that helped others with medical conditions down the numerous flights of stairs. There were the police and the firemen who risked their lives to go into the danger. There were moms and dads that made the tough decision to sacrifice, knowing they had family anxiously waiting to hear about their well-being. With that many people affected and that many people pulling together, I can't remember one person's name that made a difference that day.
I want to be that kind of hero! I don't want my name on a book cover so I can be remembered. I want people to hear about the Author and Finisher of real faith who can restore hope and provide healing. I don't want credit for loving on people. I just want a loving God to become real and personal to a world that is lonely and looking. I want to run the race that God has personally called me to run not to be a winner, but to share the kind of strength that comes from God. I want to be a no-name hero for God!
You see, it takes two hands to hold the horn we want to toot when we get prideful. I believe Jesus wants us to use those two hands to pray and to grab a hold of someone as they face the impossible. When nobody is looking, we are to love and serve at our very best understanding that we are doing it just because our heart genuinely wants to. At all cost, are we willing to be that kind of hero? Jesus was. He sacrificed big time for you and for me. People didn't believe Him and He didn't care. He knew what was good and right. Today, people still don't believe Him. He knew that was going to be the case too and He died for us anyway.
Be a no-name, do it anyway, kind of hero!!!!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
What Do I Do Now?
Why is it there are some days that seem perfect and some days that just go so wrong? I don't believe any one person wants to wake up and have a no good, feel bad, all wrong-kind of day. There are those days where you wonder how in the world the day before could have been so good as you stand immobilized by the mess of a new day.
You know the days where one unexpected something pops up and throws the whole course of the day and your attitude in a different direction. Maybe it is the washing machine that breaks or a fight with your kids. Maybe a family member has been diagnosed with a terminal health issue. Maybe it is a pair of jeans that don't fit or a husband that speaks harsh words that cut into your self esteem. Or how about a denied credit card as you stand in the grocery line to buy diapers. There might be addictions revealed or gossip that makes your stomach sick. The list could go on and on. Some of those moments can literally leave you disappointed or weary to a point that you try to decide if you really want to "do this" anymore. The conversations begin in your head as you "talk yourself off a ledge". Sometimes I find myself or a friend at that point where you question why even put forth the effort if these kind of days continue to pop up. Typically the question I can almost hear myself whisper is, "Now what?"
I can't speak for men, but I think for a lot of women when we find ourselves in that "now what" moment, we suddenly want to look long term. We can take that instant fear, doubt or discouragement and start to project and cast a vision statement for our life for the next five years. We can picture ourself standing at a fork in the road as if the next decision isn't just a step, but it is a leap into our future. However, when a great day happens, we just simply relish the day for what it is and enjoy it. Nothing else is on our mind.
A little over a week ago I was on the phone with a woman who was desperate. As she explained her situation, I found myself lacking words of encouragement or wisdom. I must admit, her situation seemed bleak and I didn't want to throw out advice as if I had all the answers. Then came the dreaded question. "Now what do I do, Lisa?" I replied with a simple answer...."I don't know". The next thing I spoke out loud was a statement I have used on myself numerous times since then. I told this woman, "Do the next right thing you know to do". It sounded too simple with little hope for success. The truth is, it works! It is obtainable for any person in any situation. It doesn't require an unrealistic amount of energy when life has just sucked the energy and joy out of you.
If we read about King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles, Chapter 20, we find that Jehoshaphat receives a message that a vast army is marching against him and headed his way. That probably made for an unexpected bad day. "Jehoshaphat was terrified and begged the Lord for guidance" (verse 3). "He prayed" (verse 6) and I think that is one of the best "next right things to do". Then one of the men had the Spirit of the Lord come upon him and he said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s." (verse 15). Then he continues with direction from the Lord, "Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.(verse 16) But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” (verse 17).
I love that these verses instruct Jehoshaphat about what to do tomorrow (twice) and that is it. The Lord doesn't give direction for the next five years. Along with the advice about the next right thing to do, is the reminder that the battle is not ours, but God's and He is with us. So if you find that today hits you hard or tomorrow has an unexpected moment that pushes you to a point where you are too zapped to respond, just do the next RIGHT thing you know to do!
You know the days where one unexpected something pops up and throws the whole course of the day and your attitude in a different direction. Maybe it is the washing machine that breaks or a fight with your kids. Maybe a family member has been diagnosed with a terminal health issue. Maybe it is a pair of jeans that don't fit or a husband that speaks harsh words that cut into your self esteem. Or how about a denied credit card as you stand in the grocery line to buy diapers. There might be addictions revealed or gossip that makes your stomach sick. The list could go on and on. Some of those moments can literally leave you disappointed or weary to a point that you try to decide if you really want to "do this" anymore. The conversations begin in your head as you "talk yourself off a ledge". Sometimes I find myself or a friend at that point where you question why even put forth the effort if these kind of days continue to pop up. Typically the question I can almost hear myself whisper is, "Now what?"
I can't speak for men, but I think for a lot of women when we find ourselves in that "now what" moment, we suddenly want to look long term. We can take that instant fear, doubt or discouragement and start to project and cast a vision statement for our life for the next five years. We can picture ourself standing at a fork in the road as if the next decision isn't just a step, but it is a leap into our future. However, when a great day happens, we just simply relish the day for what it is and enjoy it. Nothing else is on our mind.
A little over a week ago I was on the phone with a woman who was desperate. As she explained her situation, I found myself lacking words of encouragement or wisdom. I must admit, her situation seemed bleak and I didn't want to throw out advice as if I had all the answers. Then came the dreaded question. "Now what do I do, Lisa?" I replied with a simple answer...."I don't know". The next thing I spoke out loud was a statement I have used on myself numerous times since then. I told this woman, "Do the next right thing you know to do". It sounded too simple with little hope for success. The truth is, it works! It is obtainable for any person in any situation. It doesn't require an unrealistic amount of energy when life has just sucked the energy and joy out of you.
If we read about King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles, Chapter 20, we find that Jehoshaphat receives a message that a vast army is marching against him and headed his way. That probably made for an unexpected bad day. "Jehoshaphat was terrified and begged the Lord for guidance" (verse 3). "He prayed" (verse 6) and I think that is one of the best "next right things to do". Then one of the men had the Spirit of the Lord come upon him and he said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s." (verse 15). Then he continues with direction from the Lord, "Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.(verse 16) But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!” (verse 17).
I love that these verses instruct Jehoshaphat about what to do tomorrow (twice) and that is it. The Lord doesn't give direction for the next five years. Along with the advice about the next right thing to do, is the reminder that the battle is not ours, but God's and He is with us. So if you find that today hits you hard or tomorrow has an unexpected moment that pushes you to a point where you are too zapped to respond, just do the next RIGHT thing you know to do!
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