My Banner Will Be Clear

Each year the university where I teach gives students the opportunity to go on missions trips in the US and all over the world--from Tanzania to Thailand to Illinois to Guatemala. This year, over 20 mission teams will be sent out. These are invaluable experiences for our students to learn to serve and share their faith. One comment I hear often upon their return is how much passion and commitment they see in Christians all over the world. Sadly in the US, we have much to distract us from our calling and purpose in Christ.

I do not want to be distracted, but committed passionately to Him. As the song goes, "I want a true and holy passion . . . I want to know and follow hard after Him!"

Below is something many of you might have read before. It is a challenging reminder to pursue Him passionately - may "our banner be clear" when He returns!

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me - my banner will be clear!

(Written by a young African pastor and tacked on the wall of his house.)

Blessings!

Adele & Simon

For Children's Book Monday hosted by Elise at A Path Made Straight, I have chosen to highlight Adele & Simon. I discovered this book as I searched for Christmas books for my children. As soon as I saw this one, I knew my daughter would love it.

It is the story of a Adele and her little brother, Simon, walking home from school. Simon is a curious little boy who loses things along the way--coat, scarf, crayons, hat, etc. On each page, you can search for what he has lost.

The pictures by Barbara McClintock (one of my favorite illustrators) are amazing--beautifully rich and detailed with an old-fashioned charm and water color quality. Also, you will get a great lesson about Paris. Adele and Simon's walk home carries them through familiar areas and landmarks of the city with notes in the back about each.

The Price of Privilege

Hi friends. I would like to ask for your prayers for my husband's family-his grandmother passed away this week. We will be traveling this weekend to the funeral.

My post for Jehovah Java, titled "The Price of Privilege," will be posted Saturday if you are interested.

Blessings!

Change

I have never been a huge fan of change. I like tradition, consistency, and steadiness. While I do enjoy adventure and new experiences, I prefer them in intermittent, controlled doses--not the upheaval of unexpected, unwelcome change that can often occur in life. I think that is one of the reasons I love to read so much--experiencing different ideas, places, and stories from the comfort of my cozy chair.

Part of this is very much a female thing. In Bringing Up Boys, Dr. James Dobson describes a woman's tendency and preference for stability and a man's inclination toward adventure. To me this is not saying that women don't like new and adventurous experiences--I would be the first to sign up for a back-packing trip across Europe or a safari in Africa. I just want to be able to return to the familiar rhythm of everyday life at home afterwards. It's that nesting instinct that is the "home-making" gene we carry.

I do know, though, that the Lord has used "change" tremendously is my life to grow and teach me. I had to be removed from my comfort zone to prevent me from becoming stagnant.

Change.
We love it. We hate it. It is good. It is bad. It is easy. It is difficult. It makes us vulnerable. It gives us confidence. It shakes our very foundation. It grows our sense of security. It stretches us. It causes us to withdraw. It is frightening. It is refreshing.
Change is challenging. Change brings a creative flow of feelings and experiences that give life more quality. Change brings new perspectives. Change teaches us. Change….
Change is an inevitable part of life.
--Ann Kiemel Anderson

So while change can bring discomfort, anxiety and many other unwelcome feelings, we can take solace in the the fact that God is refining us through these changes and "bringing all things together for good." Change brings a clearer perspective, often times when things we have come to depend on have been stripped away. We are driven to declare our dependence on Him alone. I can now look back with gratitude at these times of change.

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In relation to parenting, I believe that this is so important to model to our children--dealing with change. In working with college students, I encounter many that have no ability to deal with change. If they are not in control or having their circumstances controlled by their parents, many can't cope with dealing with life and the many changes that they are experiencing or will experience. They seem to either spiral out of control or shut down.

My husband and I strive to respond in obedience and faith to the changes that God brings into our lives, and pray that our children will see that change is inevitable, but that we do have a stability and security in Christ. There is no need to fear change--He is in control, thankfully not us!

So the next time you are facing a big change in life, be challenged to ask God what He might be desiring for you to learn from it. Meet change with obedience and faith!

The Fourteen Bears

Children's Book Monday is official now! Elise at A Path Made Straight has put up a Mr. Linky so that we all can join in and visit each other on Mondays. So come share your favorites--I've already discovered new books to share with my children.

This week I am sharing a book that I discovered and bought my daughter this past Christmas. It has quickly moved up our list of favorites! The Fourteen Bears in Summer and Winter by Evelyn Scott is a book back in print after being out of print for decades. It is the sweet story of a father and mother bear and their twelve bear cubs. It is full of detailed, colorful illustrations that are so fun to "explore" with your kids. Your children will even learn a few nature lessons along the way. Just a charming book!

Putting on Armor

Finally, Be strong in the Lord and the in the strength of His Might.
Lord, I feel so weak, I so desperately need your strength. May you be glorified in my weakness-the days where I am not patient or kind.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Lord, I need your guidance and protection. My enemies overwhelm me--pride, selfishness, busyness, frustration, instant gratification. May I have courage to fight this spiritual war.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Lord, I will clothe myself in your grace and love that I be able to stand for you even when the world seeks to move me. May I persevere until the end.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,
May no gossip or false words cross my lips. May honesty and sincerity gird my efforts.
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
May the righteousness of Christ strengthen my heart.
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the

gospel of peace.
May I abound in the knowledge of the gospel which inspires obedience, even during struggles.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
When Satan attacks and tempts me, I seek shelter behind the shield of your grace and place my hope in the sacrifice and redemption through my Savior Jesus Christ.
and take the helmet of salvation,
I will not believe the lies of the enemy for we are more than conquerors through Christ

who is victorious over sin.

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
I strive for diligence in hiding your word in my heart, the word is a weapon that can slay the lies and deceptions of the enemy through skillful knowledge and use.
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
May I pray boldly in the Spirit for personal strength, but also for fellow believers.

--from Ephesians 6:10-20 and my heart

Spend Yourself

Today I am posting at the CWO team blog, Jehovah Java. So come visit as I share about "spending yourself."

Firecracker Daughters

I have an adorable, energetic daughter. As she was growing up through the toddler and preschool years, more than one family member said- "Boy, she's a firecracker." My husband and I could not have agreed more! She was in sharp contrast to her calmer, more reserved older brother. While we continue to help her learn to channel her spunk, she has grown so much in the past few years. My children's book selection this week has been one of her favorites since she was two--she could quote it while I read! I think she saw a bit of herself in Mad Maddie Maxwell.

Mad Maddie Maxwell is the story of a preschooler who learns her lesson about getting angry and jumping to conclusions. The story is told in rhyming verse and lots of repetition, making it perfect for the under 5 crowd. Good lessons on self-control, selfishness, and forgiveness.

Check out Elise at A Path Made Straight for more Children's Book Monday.

Ordinary Days

I just had a few minutes to read a couple of nights ago, and picked up a book on my 2007 reading list called Ordinary Days: Family Life in a Farmhouse, a collection of stories about family life by Dorcas Smucker, a fellow blogger. I could not put it down over the past two days--I have not enjoyed a book this much in a while. In the introduction, Dorcas writes:

My relatives were wonderful storytellers. Fertsayluh they called it in Pennsylvania German-the art of spinning tales and of seeing the quirky and unusual in the most ordinary events. . . This book is a collection of stories about our lives, telling the simple blessings and ordinary days. . . I hope they will echo in your own life, reminding you of family times, lessons learned, and God's loving touch on all of us.

Dorcas Smucker truly carries on the family tradition of wonderful storytelling. Her keen eye of observation to the moments and happenings of life is beautifully translated through her writing. This was such an enjoyable read! It challenged me to slow down and savor the flow of everyday life--we pass up so many opportunities for God to bless and reveal himself to us because we are so busy.

A few of my favorite stories:

• "Just Like Mom"-beautiful reflections on the connections between mothers and daughters over generations.


• "Christmas Memories"-that memories will just happen as we are focusing on the message of the love and redemption brought through Christ--maybe we don't need to try so hard.


• "An Irrelevant Generation"-how we must be careful not to make the older generation feel "irrelevant" and miss out on the priceless treasures they have to offer us and our children.

Don't miss out on these stories. I felt like I was sitting at the kitchen table or on the front porch listening to a friend share. There is such power in a story, making us often see things more clearly in our lives. I think this is why Jesus used stories to teach. Through the parables, He taught many profound truths, helping us understand and relate. May we slow down and pay attention to the blessings and lessons of "ordinary life"--which when following Christ, are nothing less than extraordinary.

Prioritizing

At certain times in our lives, we must take a step back and make sure our priorities are where they need to be. While I love sharing my thoughts through blogging, it seems to be eating up more time than I can sacrifice during this time in my life. I have a lot on my plate and need to put more focus other places.

Therefore over the next few months I will be cutting back on my posting. I still plan to continue posting "Children's Book Monday," as well as posting once or twice a week additionally. So if you are a daily visitor, just check in weekly with me instead. I hope you guys stick with me!

I will also be blogging twice a month at Jehovah Java, the CWO team blog--I will be there the 12th and 24th of this month.

Blessings!

The Charm of Maple Hill Farm

If you have not already visited the world of Maple Hill Farm, you are in for a treat. Two books we have particularly enjoyed around our house have been The Year at Maple Hill Farm and Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm by the Caldecott-winning of Martina and Alice Provenson. These books are wonderful stories with beautiful, detailed illustrations.

The Year at Maple Hill Farm follows the goings-on at Maple Hill Farm for each month of the year, providing a great introduction to farm life and seasons. You have to pay close attention to the illustrations for lots of fun detail that could be missed.

Our Animal Friends goes into more detail with each different type of farm animal and how they are cared for, and so on. There are lots of great learning points and more great pictures. So don't miss out on the wonderful charm of Maple Hill Farm!

What Do You See in the Mirror?-part 2

It seems that this issue really hits a chord with women. I am so glad that many of you were encouraged by my summary of Chip Ingram's study on this topic. I will finish up where I left on last week.

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But just knowing the truth about how God sees us isn’t enough and doesn’t change your life.


We must BELIEVE GOD’S VIEW IS TRUE

Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of
what we do not see.”

Can you imagine what would happen if you believe it is true?

Three things to help us believe:

1) Faith is built on God’s word

Hebrews 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

When you expose yourself to the Word of God, faith grows.

2) Faith grows when you renew your mind.

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We must be conscious of how we spend our time. We can waste so much time on worldly endeavors. Instead, spend that time learning God’s view of you through Bible study and memorizing scripture and you’ll be transformed.

There are 168 hours in every week.
1 hour of church vs 167 hours of the world’s impact
Which is going to influence you more?

Develop a plan to remove the distorted mirrors in your life and replace them with the mirrors of God’s word. Affirmations from God’s Word & praying God’s Word.


Ways we can celebrate the unique person God has made us to be:

1) Unwrap your spiritual gift
I Corinthians 12:4-10
Every believer has at least one. It is incredible to see what happens when God uses those gifts to touch lives.

2) Use Your God-given Talents
Exodus 31:3
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts, to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in a all kinds of craftsmanship.

Different talents
- Many of you bury them.
- Sometimes you don’t see it as a talent, but it is unique and somebody needs it.
- Just make them available.

3) Leverage Your Past Experience
Romans 8:28
“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.

Parenting. Divorce. Cancer. Sexual abuse. Miscarriage. Etc.
God doesn’t waste pain.

II Corinthians 1: 26-31 -- The comfort and grace God gave you through your pain,
He wants you to use that for others.

God usually works in our weaknesses. Do we most often respond to someone who says, “Hey, I can’t help you with this” or someone who has experienced it and shares from personal experience?

Let’s move beyond our gates of safety and give it away. Get focused on others. Ministry is how God makes what’s true of us, true in us.

Loving others is the key.
Gallop poll:
Only 10% of laymen in churches are using their gifts in church.
50% have no interest in doing so.

So in brief review:
Your plan:
1) Refuse to believe you are inferior.
2) Fill your mind with how God sees you (Scripture).
3) Jump in and give to others.

Miss Suzy Has Captured Our Hearts

I am joining Elise at A Path Made Straight again today for Children's Book Monday. My Mondays will be easy to fill for a long time to come--there are so many wonderful books out there to talk about!

One of my favorite, most memorable books growing up was Miss Suzy by Miriam Young and illustrated by Arnold Lobel of "Frog and Toad" fame. This charming book was written over 40 years ago, and was out of print for awhile. It was re-published in 2004 and I snatched it up as fast as I could!

Miss Suzy is the story of an adorable brown squirrel driven from her simple, but cozy tree home by a group of bully squirrels. She seeks refuge in the attic of a nearby house and makes a new home in a dollhouse there, while also making some new friends. Even so, she still longs for her tree home. The ending of the tale brings in themes of friendship, bravery, and contentment.

This book now is one of my children's favorites--its appeal seems to reach across generations. This is one of the most requested books in our home, and I certainly love to read it, since it is one of my favorites. Don't miss out on this simple story with beautiful illustrations!

What Do You See in the Mirror?

Our culture is obsessed with appearances-of all kinds. Image seems to be all that matters, and it is so frustrating for parents seeking to teach daughters (and sons) about the true source of their worth. It has gotten so bad that even secular studies are showing the harm that these images cause girls.

Lately, my five-year-old daughter has become increasingly aware of what she looks like and what she wears. She has become concerned at points on what other people will say about her appearance. I can't believe she is already starting to think about those things. At five, I was clueless--of course, most of the clothing sold for girls now would have alarmed most parents when I was a child. Inch by inch, standards have eroded, and over time the effect on young girls growing up has been devastating. Parenting and teaching in this area must be very purposeful to help our daughters fight these terrible lies that Satan uses to debilitate women.

I was reminded of a study I participated by Chip Ingram on self-image, and thought I would share some great application for this topic.

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It is important to realize that self-image, how we view ourselves, is important. A study of 5- and 6-yr-olds showed how they viewed themselves was a higher determinant of success than IQ. How each of us views ourselves is pivotal in the quality of our lives and the quality of of our ability to serve the Lord. We all struggle with questions such as:
Who I am?

Where do I belong?

Am I significant?

Am I ok?

What do people think of me?

Chip points out that many times we see ourselves as if we are looking through those distorted mirrors at carnivals and county fairs. Three specific distorted mirrors he describes are:

1. APPEARANCE MIRROR
“my value depends on how I look”
2. PERFORMANCE MIRROR
“my value depends on what I can do”
3. STATUS MIRROR
“my value depends on what people think of me”

Until we see ourselves as God sees us, we are destined to feel inferior.

Until we can get away from basing our value on how we look, how good we are, and what others think of us, we are destined to feel inferior. We must see myself as God sees us. We don’t have to be in bondage to the distorted mirrors of our world. Chip describes how we can learn to see ourselves through God's eyes.

How do we see ourselves in the way God sees us?

1. KNOWLEDGE
See God’s view of you- His perspective.

a. You are UNIQUE!
Genesis 1:27 “God created man in His own image

Psalm 139:13-14 “For You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb, I praise you because I am
Fearfully and wonderfully made.”

You one in 6 billion
Your DNA is different from everyone else on this earth
Unique

An artist paints an original piece of art and then prints are made.
God didn’t make prints.
You are an original!

b. You are LOVED!

Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness”.

I have to accept God’s love all the time, knowing that He knows everything about me and still loves me

No one can make me accept it; it is a step of faith.

c. You are VALUABLE!

1 Corinthians 6:20 “ you are not you own; you were bought with a price”

We are all slaves—slaves to sin-- destined to eternity without God
But were bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ

d. You are SECURE!

Ephesians 1:13 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, your were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.”

Because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can be secure for eternity if we believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

When buying a house, you have to put down “earnest money” or a deposit to secure the house-
Jesus was our earnest money for all eternity.

e. You are INDISPENSABLE!

Ephesians 4: 11-13 (different gifts)

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.”

God has a plan to touch people in this world and YOU are the one to do it!

You are important and have a special assignment on this earth-and it doesn’t depend on how smart or how beautiful you are.

But just knowing the truth isn’t enough and doesn’t change your life.

I will continue these thoughts next time, as this post is getting rather long!

I Never

I have been tagged by Kim at Mercy Days for this unique meme. Please feel free to join in and learn some little known facts about your blog friends!

1. Which dramatic role have I never had?
a. Rumpelstiltskin, title role, 4th grade skit
b. Amaryllis, piano lesson girl in "The Music Man", 6th grade, community musical
c Fairy in "Dance of the Swan" , 3rd grade ballet
d. Emily in "Our Town," high school

Well, I have never had any of these roles, but was quite involved in community theater from the ages of 10-16, in plays like Annie, Sound of Music, and The Wizard of Oz. I developed this dramatic interest after being cast in The River, a movie with Mel Gibson and Sissy Spacek, when I was in the fifth grade.


2. On which athletic team did I never compete?
a. softball
b. field hockey
c. tennis
d. swimming

I have never competed in field hockey (we don't do field hockey in the south) or swimming, and just softball and tennis recreationally. I played volleyball and basketball growing up and went on to play volleyball in college. I love volleyball!

3. What kind of lessons have I never taken?
a. piano
b. riding
c. tap dance
d. etiquette

I have never taken riding lessons, but need to. I always seem to get the wild horses on trail rides!

4. Which type of vehicle have I never driven?
a. stick shift car
b. dirt bike
c. pickup truck
d. ATV

I have never ridden a dirt bike, but am guessing that is in my future. My husband grew up riding them and is itching to buy one for our son (and himself!)

5. What is my favorite genre of literature?
a. historical fiction
b. science fiction
c. romantic fiction
d. nonfiction

This is tough! I would say it is a close call between historical fiction and nonfiction. Since college, I have read a lot more nonfiction, but am re-discovering the enjoyment of great fiction.

Have a wonderful weekend ladies!

The Sandpaper Strategy

Do you have those people in your life that are just tough to love and deal with? I certainly do! I struggle at times ministering to many of the college students that I work with, and even at times, my family and friends. It is hard to practice patience and kindness to those challenging people in our lives. It can be easy to try to insulate ourselves from these people and surround ourselves with people we enjoy - usually people that make us feel good.

In my study this week in Living Beyond Yourself, God really challenged me through one of my favorite passages of scripture in James 1. God's word teaches us that trials and difficulties refine us and produce steadfastness or patience which helps complete what is lacking in us.

Beth Moore describes those tough relationships like sandpaper rubbing together. It is uncomfortable and rough, but with time and consistent contact, will smooth out. God uses that friction in our lives to grow us. My first reaction is to avoid that discomfort, but God is revealing to me that I am called to connect with those frustrating people He places in my path for their growth, as well as mine.

Join me in applying God's "sandpaper strategy" to your life. Can you think of that person God has placed in your life that is a big challenge for you? Do not run from this opportunity for you to be "made complete, lacking nothing."

My Thirteenth Tale

Last week I finished The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, a book that has received comparisons to the writings of the Bronte sisters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! For me a good fiction book brings me inside its pages so that when I put it down, I am a bit disoriented as to where I am after being so absorbed in the story. Also, a great book by my definition brings reflection. The Thirteenth Tale would definitely qualify on these points. I am no literary critic, but will share some reflections on this intriguing tale.

The story revolves around two women and their stories. Vida Winter is a world famous British author who has never revealed her true personal story, always chooses to tell a story when interviewed over the years. As she is growing older and failing in her health, she chooses an obscure biographer named Margaret Lea to pen her biography. Margaret lives and works in a small, bookstore specializing in old books, run by her father. Margaret is an avid, passionate reader, living a rather isolated existence with only her father and books to keep her company. I will not go into any more details--you need to read it for yourself! What follows, though, is the story of the growth of Vida and Margaret's relationship as Vida shares her haunting, often disturbing story. Both women have pasts they confront and truths they finally acknowledge.

My gripe is not with lovers of the truth but with truth herself. What succor, what consolation is there in truth, compared to a good story? What good is truth, at midnight, in the dark, when the wind is roaring like a bear in the chimney? What you need are the plump comforts of a story. The soothing, rocking safety of a lie.
--Vida Winter

"The Thirteenth Tale" came to represent to me Vida's truth--her true story. As stated in the quote above, Vida avoided the painful truth and chose instead to live in a world of stories that could be fashioned as she wished. The reality of this path is she could not change the truth of her past, it remained the same and was always with her. Crafted personal stories can bring a soothing comfort in the midst of pain, which may be beneficial at times. As a substitute for the truth, though, stories do not suffice.

This book made me think, "What will be my thirteenth tale, my true story?" At the end of my life, how will my story read? Am I living in truth, embracing my past, present, and future in the light of God's sovereignty in my life? I am striving to live in truth and without regrets. I pray that my thirteenth tale will be one of joy, in the struggles, as well as the blessings.

This book also reminded me of the deep pain that is suffered by so many people and how that scars and impacts their lives. I felt deeply convicted that I do not seek to minister to those people as I believe I am called to do. As Christians, we must not shrink from the ugliness that is in our world, but try to shine the healing light of Christ in those very difficult situations.

Palms Down or Palms Up

I don't know about everyone else, but I like to hold on to things. I like to have control over my life. I like stability and avoid uncertainty. I have found this to be true of most women--we tend to be nest-makers, while our men tend to be adventure-seekers. I believe that these desires are part of God's design, but like so many things can be manipulated by Satan to bring defeat into our lives.

I am reading The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges, which is proving to be an instrument that God is using to refine me and challenge me. I have been uniquely impacted by the concept of training in godliness. Coming from a rich athletic background, I have always been drawn to illustrations of physical training and how the same concepts apply to spiritual growth and training.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
--Hebrews 12:1-2

I want to run with endurance the race set before me, but I must first lay aside those things hold me back. This is so hard sometimes, letting go. Jerry Bridges states that one of the principles of training is the cost of commitment. He writes:

There is a price to godliness, and godliness is never on sale. It never comes cheaply or easily. The verb "train," which Paul deliberately chose, implies persevering, painstaking, diligent effort. He was well aware of the total commitment those young athletes made to win a crown that would not last. And as he thought of the crown that would last-the godliness that has value for all things, both in the present life and the life to some-he urged Timothy, and he urges us today, to make the kind of commitment necessary to train ourselves to be godly.

God is challenging me that I must make the choice, the commitment, to give up those things in my life that prevent me from running with endurance. I would take this a step further, to use the word surrender. With surrender there is a complete release or letting go. When we hold things palms up, we can always take them back. If you let go of something with palms down, once it is released, you can not hold on to it. This type of complete surrender is what is required of us. Are your palms facing up or down? Is there anything God is calling you to let go of, so that you may run with endurance the race He has set before you?

I Am

I recently posted Where I Am From and have enjoyed reading as several of you have posted your own version. Owlhaven has posted a new writing template that is similar called, "I Am." Once again I would love for you to let me know if you decide to post so I can read yours. It is such a creative way to express yourself and learn about each other.

I Am

I am the baby born in Kentucky to a seminary student

and high school teacher & coach

Who almost lost me to pneumonia at age two.

I am the child who played Wonder Woman, detective, sports, and dolls.

Who loved to put on shows with my brother and cousins

and loved to run through sprinklers and make mudpies-for real!

Who stored notes from my brother in my treasure box.

Who dreamed of being an ice skater like Dorothy Hamill

and never thought she would actually get to be in a movie.

I am the teenager who liked hanging out with my family.

Who wore parachute pants and jelly shoes and

loved my youth group and hated cliques in school.

Who dreamed of making an impact and knew she would be in ministry.

I am the woman who loved the college experience, playing volleyball,

and building relationships of depth.

Who loves my Savior and my family

and my ministry to college students.

I am the mother who loves reading to my kids and

whose moments of perfect bliss come when I get to cuddle

with my kids after their bath with freshly shampooed hair.

I am the teacher who loves schedules and

avoids (okay- procrastinates) things that bore me.

I am the woman who reflects and plans and obsesses, at times.

I am the person who desires change and growth

and then encounters frustrating bumps along the way.

I am the woman who still loves autumn days & summer evenings,

staring at the ocean, and the smell of rain and books.

Who still longs to learn at the feet of my Savior.

I am the person who dreams of walking on the beach with my husband

on our 50 year anniversary and living with purpose and without regret.

I am grateful for my spiritual heritage and grace.

And I am the woman who hopes that her children

will rise up and call her blessed.

The Cold Within

The Cold Within

by James Patrick Kinney

Six humans trapped by happenstance

in black and bitter cold

Each possessed a stick of wood,

Or so the story's told.

Their dying fire in need of logs,

the first woman held hers back.

For on the faces around the fire

She noticed one was black.

The next man looking 'cross the way

Saw one not of his church

And couldn't bring himself to give

The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes

He gave his coat a hitch,

Why should his log be put to use

To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought

Of the wealth he had in store,

And how to keep what he had earned

From the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man's face bespoke revenge

As the fire passed from his sight,

For all he saw in his stick of wood

Was a chance to spite the white.

And the last man of this forlorn group

Did naught except for gain,

Giving only to those who gave

Was how he played the game.

The logs held tight in death's stilled hands

Was proof of human sin,

They didn't die from the cold without,

They died from the cold within.

I am studying the Fruit of the Spirit through the Living Beyond Yourself study by Beth Moore. This past week I learned so much about joy. One aspect of joy that really hit me was that God wants us to experience joy through the body of Christ--to minister to and be ministered to brings joy! So many times I allow my busyness or selfishness get in the way of being a joy to those around me.

Sadly we can see this disconnect everywhere in our culture. We need those connections, we are designed for relationship. If you stop and look, people are dying inside all around us from "the cold within." May we strive to reach out to bring joy to the body of Christ and to those searching desperately for connection and love.

You have given me a great joy and encouragement, because you, brother (or sister), have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
--Philemon 7