Because I can't get these things off my mind, I thought maybe writing about them, would give me some peace. My heart aches over some of these circumstances........
I have never worked in a school before. I have always been in the business world. As far as work goes, it has always been customer service, or keeping an eye on how much production we have or don't have, and will sales be good or slow this month. When I stepped out in faith and took a second part-time job at a school, I did not realize the things I would hear or see. I believe kids deal with more than we did growing up BUT I had no idea the extent of how life for a child really has changed.
It was a little over a week ago that I had this conversation with my daughter. She is five. "Mommy, can a girl marry a girl?" Me: "Why are you asking?" Daughter: "Well, so-and-so asked so-and-so if a girl could marry another girl, and then so-and-so said you go to hell for that." In my head I am having a moment of sheer panic. I stood there, and thought, " Why are Kindergarteners having this discussion? Why do they even know anything about gay marriage?" My answer to her was simple and rooted in God's truth. "Well, honey, God designed marriage for 1 man and 1 woman. Marriage is something that happens when you get much older, and when the time is right God will show you who the right man is for you."
This conversation bothered me, because, I thought kids hear these things, worry and take it in, and then what? I know that this is a controversial subject. I know that some of you will read this and think of me as a hater because I define marriage as between 1 man and 1 woman. I will say this then move on: I believe that the Bible is God's Holy word. In believing that, I believe he is clear on his opposition to this behavior, but I also believe that this sin is no different than any other sin. The sin in my life is only different not any better.
Fast forward, one week, and our playground conversations have changed, This time, it is two little girls. They are upset because, one has asked about the other's mother. Both girls do not have their moms. Each of them have a different story, but still the same the mere mention of the word "mom" brings heartache to them both, and squabble on the playground. I stand there, thinking to myself these poor babies, how can they function with such loss and confusion? After it was settled, I spoke to each of them individually, to encourage them, Right or wrong, this is what I said," God did not intend for you not to have your mom, he wanted you to have a wonderful mom, but in the absence of your mom, he will give you everything you need. It may be found in your grandma, your aunt, your cousins, or your teachers, but he will give you all the love you need, because you are so loved by him."
I have also had to answer questions like, what happens if my dad gets shot? This was asked after the news of an impending deployment came. My answer for this was given to me ahead of time, in the form of their weekly memorization verses. Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Do not be afraid, nor dismayed because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." This is the same for deployed daddies, God is with them wherever they go.
While I have had many silly conversations, I am astounded by what the kids of today hear, know and deal with. My only conclusion is this we need to spend more time with our kids, We need to teach them about God's unfailing love. We need to be the example by which they set their standard. There are so many children who build their ideas of right and wrong from television shows. They take a little from here and there, and then build their own version of a moral compass. The Bible says that we are to be the light. It is in fact a very dark world out there and if our kids are going to learn to be the light, we must shine, and we must shine even brighter than ever before. I heard an evangelist say in a sermon once, that we live in a critical time, because the signs are so clear that the end is near. He proceeded to say it was no coincidence that God had selected us to live in such a time. While the idea of the end, use to be a very scary subject for me, it is no longer. I was inspired by this sermon, as that I was chosen to shine light at such a time as this. I can't help but think of Esther 4: 14b
"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
It is a hard world out there. We spend a lot of time earning money to give our kids the best of everything, but are we giving them the best of us? Our world needs more love. As I write this , I think it needs more forgiveness, but then I cringe thinking of the things I have a hard time forgiving. There is a reason the Bible says, faith, hope, and love but the greatest of these is love. If you LOVE with a true heart, love will keep you from wanting to hurt some one. That is a good way to start shining the light, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
As you go through this week, I hope you will think about the world our kids live in. I pray that you will be motivated to change it, and I suggest you start with more love. Give your family time, try loving even when you are too tired.
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
New Year, New Prayers
Today our Pastor talked about something that has been on my mind. He asked, how are you going run the race? He was referring to the race that is the new year, He asked if we were going to just finish, if we were running to win, or if we wanted to not only win but take home the reward.
If you have been reading my blog, you know that it is not likely that I am going to run anywhere. However, it does have me considering my life and how I am living it and what I want my goals for the new year to be.
I had a pretty amazing second half of last year. I found myself training to be a facilitator for a women's ministry. A place I never imagined I would ever be. I also found myself in a classroom full of Kindergarteners, learning about love.
Last year I wrote a blog about new year resolutions and what I thought about them, and what mine were. I went back and looked at that post. I said my resolution was to be in service some where to God. I had no idea where that was going to take me, That is what I prayed. I prayed God would use me, of course when I imagined being used by God it was on a stage for Women of Faith. I realized that my idea of serving God was often more about me, then about God, I found myself thinking that if I was not serving in this HUGE capacity that it was somehow not serving.
God has worked on my heart. He opened the door for me to be part of Beauty for Ashes. A ministry for abused women. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and the funny thing is that it has nothing to do with me. Beauty For Ashes works because God is the center and focus, I have never been in a place where Gods presence is more apparent. It has been service done in obedience to his calling. It is no place I would have ever taken myself. There were days I thought I don't have time for this, or I am so tired, BUT God was faithful. I left every meeting more energized to serve and secure in my calling.
God also gave me a second job last year. In addition to working with my mother-in-law, I now also work with kids. If you go back and read my post last year about service, it specifically says, I didn't think my calling was KINDERGARTEN. I am now the before and after school Kindergarten teacher at my daughters school. I think it is pretty funny how God works. I have never been happier, than I am with those kids. I love listening to their conversations. I love hearing them learn, I love watching them grow. I believe God wanted to show me love, and he gave me a class room full of kids that give great hugs. They amaze me everyday. They are the perfect place to see God, to teach God, to be an example of God, and how much He loves them, and each of us.
So as I think about how I want my new year to go. I think my prayer is going to change. I want this year to be about obedience to God's will. I want to live like God has called me to, even if it means I am completely out of my comfort zone. I want to pray and live like this prayer in Ephesians:
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
To answer the question of my pastor, do I want to just finish, win, or take home the prize. For those of you who know me, its easy, I want to take home the prize! I want this new year, to be the first of many years where my service is in obedience, my will is more God less me, and my life is filled with the "wide, long, high, and deep" love of Christ, filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I can't wait to come back and read this next year, and see what kind of adventures the Lord takes me on for 2013. I am sure that it will be a road I wasn't planning on traveling. May God give each of you great adventures wrapped in love this year.
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
If you have been reading my blog, you know that it is not likely that I am going to run anywhere. However, it does have me considering my life and how I am living it and what I want my goals for the new year to be.
I had a pretty amazing second half of last year. I found myself training to be a facilitator for a women's ministry. A place I never imagined I would ever be. I also found myself in a classroom full of Kindergarteners, learning about love.
Last year I wrote a blog about new year resolutions and what I thought about them, and what mine were. I went back and looked at that post. I said my resolution was to be in service some where to God. I had no idea where that was going to take me, That is what I prayed. I prayed God would use me, of course when I imagined being used by God it was on a stage for Women of Faith. I realized that my idea of serving God was often more about me, then about God, I found myself thinking that if I was not serving in this HUGE capacity that it was somehow not serving.
God has worked on my heart. He opened the door for me to be part of Beauty for Ashes. A ministry for abused women. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and the funny thing is that it has nothing to do with me. Beauty For Ashes works because God is the center and focus, I have never been in a place where Gods presence is more apparent. It has been service done in obedience to his calling. It is no place I would have ever taken myself. There were days I thought I don't have time for this, or I am so tired, BUT God was faithful. I left every meeting more energized to serve and secure in my calling.
God also gave me a second job last year. In addition to working with my mother-in-law, I now also work with kids. If you go back and read my post last year about service, it specifically says, I didn't think my calling was KINDERGARTEN. I am now the before and after school Kindergarten teacher at my daughters school. I think it is pretty funny how God works. I have never been happier, than I am with those kids. I love listening to their conversations. I love hearing them learn, I love watching them grow. I believe God wanted to show me love, and he gave me a class room full of kids that give great hugs. They amaze me everyday. They are the perfect place to see God, to teach God, to be an example of God, and how much He loves them, and each of us.
So as I think about how I want my new year to go. I think my prayer is going to change. I want this year to be about obedience to God's will. I want to live like God has called me to, even if it means I am completely out of my comfort zone. I want to pray and live like this prayer in Ephesians:
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
To answer the question of my pastor, do I want to just finish, win, or take home the prize. For those of you who know me, its easy, I want to take home the prize! I want this new year, to be the first of many years where my service is in obedience, my will is more God less me, and my life is filled with the "wide, long, high, and deep" love of Christ, filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I can't wait to come back and read this next year, and see what kind of adventures the Lord takes me on for 2013. I am sure that it will be a road I wasn't planning on traveling. May God give each of you great adventures wrapped in love this year.
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Christmas Cheer: The tale of Happy's bike
I have to share this story with you, because this is the kind of story that can only be true. The truth sometimes creates the best opportunity for funny. For those of you who know me personally, you know that my husband and I have humor. This humor also equally applies to my in-laws. Since I joined the family, time and time again I have been victim to what I call a Gravett lie. You see, the only time we lie in our family is when it is to totally fool one-another or just flat out give one-another a hard time.
I was inducted into the Gravett lie very early on in my marriage. When my husband and I first moved to San Antonio, we lived with my in-laws. We sat watching the news one evening. It was during the news cast that my sweet newly-wed husband says," Hey did you know that Albert Flores is the Spurs Coyote?" (Albert Flores, is a weatherman.) I thought to myself, he seems a little too chubby to be the coyote. After all, the coyote does all sorts of stunts. I was a tad suspicious, so I ask my father-in-law. (A little background here, my father-in-law APPEARS to be the nicest person ever.) He looks so kind and so I think, HE would never lie to me. Well... as the story goes it was several months that I believed Albert Flores was in fact the Spurs Coyote, because my sweet father-in-law fooled me.
Fast forward about 10 years. It was around Thanksgiving when my mother-in-law and I started talking about Christmas presents. Of course, we were trying to coordinate the gifts we planned on getting for my daughter. It was then that the ultimate plan was hatched. We decided that grandma and grandpa would get a bike for my daughter. Then we would also, buy a bike for Grandpa (AKA: Happy). HOWEVER, we told him that it was for my husband. So began the fun and games....
It was just after, Thanksgiving when my mother-in-law called a "Family Meeting." This family meeting was to discuss Christmas. She wanted everyone to commit to not buying gifts for the adults. I began to laugh as my father-in-law sat there saying, "BUT if you already have a gift for someone then that is ok." He was talking about HIS bike, that he thought was my husbands. I laughed and laughed, but he never caught on. The laughs continued as he tried to keep my husband out of their garage one day, afraid he would see the hidden bike. He told the story of how he maneuvered things around so that "The Bike" would not be discovered.
The joke hit the peek of funny two days before Christmas. We discussed the assembly of the bike. We suggested that it be taken some where to have someone put it together. Happy INSISTED, that he could and very much wanted to put it together himself. There were rapid fire text messages between the rest of us as we snickered about him putting his own Christmas present together. My sweet father-in-law was putting together his very own bike. He commented on it being reminiscent of the few memories he had with his own father, putting bikes together. It was late at night when he decided to take it for a test ride. We are not sure what exactly happened next but this is how it plays out in my creative mind.
I was inducted into the Gravett lie very early on in my marriage. When my husband and I first moved to San Antonio, we lived with my in-laws. We sat watching the news one evening. It was during the news cast that my sweet newly-wed husband says," Hey did you know that Albert Flores is the Spurs Coyote?" (Albert Flores, is a weatherman.) I thought to myself, he seems a little too chubby to be the coyote. After all, the coyote does all sorts of stunts. I was a tad suspicious, so I ask my father-in-law. (A little background here, my father-in-law APPEARS to be the nicest person ever.) He looks so kind and so I think, HE would never lie to me. Well... as the story goes it was several months that I believed Albert Flores was in fact the Spurs Coyote, because my sweet father-in-law fooled me.
Fast forward about 10 years. It was around Thanksgiving when my mother-in-law and I started talking about Christmas presents. Of course, we were trying to coordinate the gifts we planned on getting for my daughter. It was then that the ultimate plan was hatched. We decided that grandma and grandpa would get a bike for my daughter. Then we would also, buy a bike for Grandpa (AKA: Happy). HOWEVER, we told him that it was for my husband. So began the fun and games....
It was just after, Thanksgiving when my mother-in-law called a "Family Meeting." This family meeting was to discuss Christmas. She wanted everyone to commit to not buying gifts for the adults. I began to laugh as my father-in-law sat there saying, "BUT if you already have a gift for someone then that is ok." He was talking about HIS bike, that he thought was my husbands. I laughed and laughed, but he never caught on. The laughs continued as he tried to keep my husband out of their garage one day, afraid he would see the hidden bike. He told the story of how he maneuvered things around so that "The Bike" would not be discovered.
The joke hit the peek of funny two days before Christmas. We discussed the assembly of the bike. We suggested that it be taken some where to have someone put it together. Happy INSISTED, that he could and very much wanted to put it together himself. There were rapid fire text messages between the rest of us as we snickered about him putting his own Christmas present together. My sweet father-in-law was putting together his very own bike. He commented on it being reminiscent of the few memories he had with his own father, putting bikes together. It was late at night when he decided to take it for a test ride. We are not sure what exactly happened next but this is how it plays out in my creative mind.
"The alley is dark. It is ominously dark as if to foreshadow upcoming disaster. He can not see where he is going, when he starts to feel off balance. Oh no, he is going to fall, BUT WAIT, this is not HIS bike, it is a BIKE he is gong to give to his son. This BIKE can NOT have a blemish. It must be pristine, it must look as if it has never been ridden before. That is when he, in his own words,"sacrificed my body for the bike." While I like to make it more dramatic by imagining him laying out in the alley with a bruised body and an injured ego, that is not completely true. He only scraped his arm and knee."
The next morning we awoke to the news of his fall via text message. I admit, that I laughed so hard, I thought I might pee my pants! My mother-in-law said she was already in bed asleep when he fell. She questioned, what would have happened if he had really hurt himself? She speculated that he would have laid in the alley all night. While this would not be funny had he really hurt himself, it is HYSTERICAL since he is fine. She described him as sore from the fall and occasionally wincing with pain. To top it off, he was going to have to fake it in front of my husband, because it was still not Christmas and "The Bike" had not been revealed.
Finally Christmas had arrived. Together my in-laws wheeled the bikes into our living room, to give their gifts. It was then, that we confessed "The Bike" was in fact Happys! I laughed and said, "You put together your own Christmas present!" He was surprised, and even had a tear in his eye. I like to think the tear was shed over the pain of the fall, but in reality, the tear was over the gift. It was the perfect gift for him to share with his only grand daughter.
Christmas is and should be a joyous time. It should be fun and filled with laughter and love. It should be a time when even if your gift isn't what you thought it was, it doesn't matter because the real joy is in making fun out of what you got!
Merry Christmas to all......
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
A Season of Presence
It seems as though my thoughts are on presence. I can't help but think about the weight of presence in life. It has been a while since I wrote. Since my last blog, I have experienced another death in the family. Well, it is more like adopted family, but in my heart there is no difference.
You see, my very best friend growing up, just lost her father. Their house was where I spent many nights, days, and weekends. I called her parents mom and dad. I vacationed with them. We spent holidays together. For many years, we were inseparable. We have always joked, that our friendship worked, because I always said what she was thinking, and too polite to say out loud. Her family is so dear to my heart, and I love each of them.
The loss of her father, and the recent passing of my sweet Tia Angie, has me thinking about presence. Presence can make such a profound impact on the lives of people. I think of these two people and the impact of their presence in my life. I am so thankful for even the small things they did to encourage and influence me. Often we walk through our daily lives with a list of chores to do, work to do, errand to run, and obligations to meet. It is in this season that I see that presence is all that really matters.
A Christmas Prayer: By Max Lucado
Dear Jesus,
It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.
These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?
Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.
Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.
Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.
This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.
Hopefully,
Your Children
Max Lucado sent this prayer out on Friday after the news of the school shootings. What a beautiful way to show us that Jesus came into our world at a time filled with hate and evil. I thought his prayer was exactly what I have been thinking. His prayer showed the significance of presence, and how important it was then and now. We need God's presence. We need BOTH our MOTHERS AND FATHERS to be present. We need our hearts, families, and communities to be wrap in the loving presence of Jesus. We need to start at home. We need to start with ourselves. We need to take a moment to review our hearts and adjust our lives and start experiencing presence.
My husband and I make sacrifices to put our daughter first. We pray for her, and with her. We read the Bible with her. We are present in her life. It is Christmas time, and what an excellent example Jesus gave us, about presence. God became human to be with us. Jesus died to be with us. How much quality time our we spending with Him? How much time our we giving our families? How much effort our we using nurturing our relationships?
There is a hustle and bustle about this time of the year. For some it is met with joy, and others with sadness. While I admit to having a slow start to finding my joy, I have learned this. If you want to find true joy, lasting joy, love-filled joy, you need only put your eyes on Jesus. The cliche saying," Jesus is the reason for the season," doesn't really do justice to its meaning. The season is decorated and wrapped in pretty paper and bows, but the true joy of the season is experiencing HIS presence. It is not only the gift of his birth, and the salvation found in His resurrection; it is the EVERYDAY PRESENCE that makes a difference.
As you prepare this week and next to celebrate Christmas. I want to challenge you. I challenge you to have a season of presence. Be present for your family and your children, not just in the fast lane or drive thru. I challenge you to experience genuine presence with your loved ones. Make a new tradition. Make more time to hold your loved ones a little longer. Most of all, I challenge you to experience the PRESENCE OF THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD, JESUS CHRIST. When you do He will show you more joy, hope, and love than you could ever imagine. My prayer for each of you will be that you will experience a LIFETIME of presence.
Luke 2:11-14
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
You see, my very best friend growing up, just lost her father. Their house was where I spent many nights, days, and weekends. I called her parents mom and dad. I vacationed with them. We spent holidays together. For many years, we were inseparable. We have always joked, that our friendship worked, because I always said what she was thinking, and too polite to say out loud. Her family is so dear to my heart, and I love each of them.
The loss of her father, and the recent passing of my sweet Tia Angie, has me thinking about presence. Presence can make such a profound impact on the lives of people. I think of these two people and the impact of their presence in my life. I am so thankful for even the small things they did to encourage and influence me. Often we walk through our daily lives with a list of chores to do, work to do, errand to run, and obligations to meet. It is in this season that I see that presence is all that really matters.
A Christmas Prayer: By Max Lucado
Dear Jesus,
It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.
These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?
Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.
Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.
Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.
This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.
Hopefully,
Your Children
Max Lucado sent this prayer out on Friday after the news of the school shootings. What a beautiful way to show us that Jesus came into our world at a time filled with hate and evil. I thought his prayer was exactly what I have been thinking. His prayer showed the significance of presence, and how important it was then and now. We need God's presence. We need BOTH our MOTHERS AND FATHERS to be present. We need our hearts, families, and communities to be wrap in the loving presence of Jesus. We need to start at home. We need to start with ourselves. We need to take a moment to review our hearts and adjust our lives and start experiencing presence.
My husband and I make sacrifices to put our daughter first. We pray for her, and with her. We read the Bible with her. We are present in her life. It is Christmas time, and what an excellent example Jesus gave us, about presence. God became human to be with us. Jesus died to be with us. How much quality time our we spending with Him? How much time our we giving our families? How much effort our we using nurturing our relationships?
There is a hustle and bustle about this time of the year. For some it is met with joy, and others with sadness. While I admit to having a slow start to finding my joy, I have learned this. If you want to find true joy, lasting joy, love-filled joy, you need only put your eyes on Jesus. The cliche saying," Jesus is the reason for the season," doesn't really do justice to its meaning. The season is decorated and wrapped in pretty paper and bows, but the true joy of the season is experiencing HIS presence. It is not only the gift of his birth, and the salvation found in His resurrection; it is the EVERYDAY PRESENCE that makes a difference.
As you prepare this week and next to celebrate Christmas. I want to challenge you. I challenge you to have a season of presence. Be present for your family and your children, not just in the fast lane or drive thru. I challenge you to experience genuine presence with your loved ones. Make a new tradition. Make more time to hold your loved ones a little longer. Most of all, I challenge you to experience the PRESENCE OF THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD, JESUS CHRIST. When you do He will show you more joy, hope, and love than you could ever imagine. My prayer for each of you will be that you will experience a LIFETIME of presence.
Luke 2:11-14
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
The voices in my head
As a women, I think we all have voices in our heads. These voices can be the insecurities of our hearts ringing our ears, telling us all the things we should've, could've, or would've done better if this or that. I have had a couple of weeks where I let the voices in my head tell me things that made each day a bigger challenge, a bigger heart break, and more drama than they really needed to be.
The voice started with, you are not good enough. At the end of that statement you can insert almost anything, and that is where I took it. I was not a good enough mom, wife, employee, and Christian. I found myself metaphorically hitting myself at every step I took. It is that moment when you wake up in the morning, your grey hair meets you at the mirror, and you look down, and think," oh dear God, I am not suppose to look this old!" Then you head to the kitchen craving a doughnut for breakfast. It only takes one thought to poison your mind and set you up for a day of discouragement.
I have obviously been thinking too much. Analyzing my life and how I am living. I have picked apart all aspects of my life thinking, how can I make next week better. How can next week not be full of mistakes? How can I get next week under control, and back into a rhythm that doesn't feel like treading water?
Here is what God says:
1 Peter 4: 12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
We live in a world that fills us with lies about who we are and who we should be. I have said it before, and will say it again, I believe Satan's favorite weapons are the voices in our heads. The verse above says we should not be surprised by his attacks, and infers that we should expect them. He fills us with things like doubt, and confuses us with tiny twists on God's word that appeal to our human nature. He whispers in our ears things like," you should have", or "if only", but the truth is that is not the truth. God is our definition. What does God say about us and to us, these are the things we should have sealed in our hearts and fresh in our minds. One of my favorite truths is the following verse:
Romans 8:1-2
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
This verse is a sweet reminder that God does not condemn those who believe in Jesus. While we may sin and make mistakes, He wants us to remmeber that we are in fact free from the chains of sin by the death and ressurrection of Christ Jesus. Because we are free through Christ, why oh why should we continue to relive the mistakes and regrets of the past?
I find that when I am struggling with the voices in my head, I often pray less, read my bible less, and assume the treading water position. I dislike this about myself. However, I think that it is a common theme for many Christians. The daily struggles are sometimes more difficult than the really big trials. It is simple, if I am sure that I can not handle it, I let God. BUT if I think I might be able to fix it, or I think it just isn't big enough to take to God, that is when the trouble begins for me. When in reality, I should hand all struggles over to God.
If you have read my blog then you know I hate the word submission. However, I find that when I am in submission to God, life is so much easier. When I quit fighting the struggle is not so stressful on my muscles. In submission to God, there is a peace that takes over, right before the joy comes to fill my heart. It doesn't matter the situation, big or small. when I am in God's will, when I am praying and reading his word, there is a confidence, I don't otherwise have.
I still have weeks when the voices in my head try to take over. The voices tell me who the world thinks I should be, but not who I am or who God wants me to be. I found a few verse that I want to remember next time, I am struggling with the voices in my head. Here are a few truths from God's word.
Psalm 139: 14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Ephesians 4:7
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
2 Timohty 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
These are just a few of the precious truths about me, that I often shove aside in lieu of the voices in my head. I AM fearfully and wonderfully made. God's grace IS sufficient for ALL my shortcomings. My needs are fulfilled by God to His glory. (NOT my wants!) Fear is not of God, but power, love, and self discipline is how I was created to be. I pray that next time you have a week or two that are filled with voices, doubts, and discouragement, you will remember that in God's eyes you and I are worth and loved so much more than we tell ourselves.
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
The voice started with, you are not good enough. At the end of that statement you can insert almost anything, and that is where I took it. I was not a good enough mom, wife, employee, and Christian. I found myself metaphorically hitting myself at every step I took. It is that moment when you wake up in the morning, your grey hair meets you at the mirror, and you look down, and think," oh dear God, I am not suppose to look this old!" Then you head to the kitchen craving a doughnut for breakfast. It only takes one thought to poison your mind and set you up for a day of discouragement.
I have obviously been thinking too much. Analyzing my life and how I am living. I have picked apart all aspects of my life thinking, how can I make next week better. How can next week not be full of mistakes? How can I get next week under control, and back into a rhythm that doesn't feel like treading water?
Here is what God says:
1 Peter 4: 12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
We live in a world that fills us with lies about who we are and who we should be. I have said it before, and will say it again, I believe Satan's favorite weapons are the voices in our heads. The verse above says we should not be surprised by his attacks, and infers that we should expect them. He fills us with things like doubt, and confuses us with tiny twists on God's word that appeal to our human nature. He whispers in our ears things like," you should have", or "if only", but the truth is that is not the truth. God is our definition. What does God say about us and to us, these are the things we should have sealed in our hearts and fresh in our minds. One of my favorite truths is the following verse:
Romans 8:1-2
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
This verse is a sweet reminder that God does not condemn those who believe in Jesus. While we may sin and make mistakes, He wants us to remmeber that we are in fact free from the chains of sin by the death and ressurrection of Christ Jesus. Because we are free through Christ, why oh why should we continue to relive the mistakes and regrets of the past?
I find that when I am struggling with the voices in my head, I often pray less, read my bible less, and assume the treading water position. I dislike this about myself. However, I think that it is a common theme for many Christians. The daily struggles are sometimes more difficult than the really big trials. It is simple, if I am sure that I can not handle it, I let God. BUT if I think I might be able to fix it, or I think it just isn't big enough to take to God, that is when the trouble begins for me. When in reality, I should hand all struggles over to God.
If you have read my blog then you know I hate the word submission. However, I find that when I am in submission to God, life is so much easier. When I quit fighting the struggle is not so stressful on my muscles. In submission to God, there is a peace that takes over, right before the joy comes to fill my heart. It doesn't matter the situation, big or small. when I am in God's will, when I am praying and reading his word, there is a confidence, I don't otherwise have.
I still have weeks when the voices in my head try to take over. The voices tell me who the world thinks I should be, but not who I am or who God wants me to be. I found a few verse that I want to remember next time, I am struggling with the voices in my head. Here are a few truths from God's word.
Psalm 139: 14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Ephesians 4:7
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
2 Timohty 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
These are just a few of the precious truths about me, that I often shove aside in lieu of the voices in my head. I AM fearfully and wonderfully made. God's grace IS sufficient for ALL my shortcomings. My needs are fulfilled by God to His glory. (NOT my wants!) Fear is not of God, but power, love, and self discipline is how I was created to be. I pray that next time you have a week or two that are filled with voices, doubts, and discouragement, you will remember that in God's eyes you and I are worth and loved so much more than we tell ourselves.
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
A lesson in Grace
John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
The past week was a very emotional week for me. I loss my favorite "Tia". I wrote about her once before, in a blog titled: Prayer Impact.( http://mogravett.blogspot.com/2011/07/prayer-impact.html ) She was a beautiful, sweet, and faithful woman. She always prayed for me, and my siblings. Her prayers came to life in me as she prayed the armor of God over me so many times. I don't believe she had any idea what an impact those prayers were in my life. Now I suffer from a joyful heartache at the loss of my sweet Tia Angie.
As the week progressed, I feel as though God has laid on my heart that I need to extend more grace. I need to extend grace to family or friends that in one way or another have hurt my feelings or disappointed me. I need to learn to forgive and then give grace knowing that my forgiveness will not change anything for the people who will continue to live their lives never knowing of my silent disapproval. It is then that the John 10:10 came to mind.
You see, the thief comes to steal my freedom and joy. He comes to kill my relationships and the love in my heart. The thief comes to destroy all that is good in my life. The thief uses any means by which to accomplish the destruction of my hope, my joy, my love, and all things I hold dear. There is a real truth here, the truth is found in Jesus and His example. Jesus gives us grace, and so in turn we should also extend grace. I have just considered that while I am free from my sins, through Christ Jesus, I am still held captive by the sins I have not forgiven. I have decided that I no longer want to be controlled by the anger, disappointment, or hurt feelings that are associated with not forgiving. I want to experience freedom in grace that I give to others, the way Christ gave for me.
God always has a way of sealing my thoughts. He often validates my prayers and thoughts through others. Today as I sat in Sunday school, we talked about slavery. We were covering the verses from 1 Peter Chapter 2: 18-25. The verse that struck me most is 19: "A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and stands the pain, God is pleased." My take on this is that the only way to stand the pain of an unfair situation is to offer grace and forgiveness. We forgive not because of fairness or justice, but to free ourselves from the control of the oppressor. Today's Sunday school lesson, helped to solidify and confirm just what I was thinking and what I need to do. I need to live extending grace to others, with as much grace as I have been given.
I think I will start by praying and saying out loud that I want to forgive and that I want to extend grace to others. Then I will try something radical and give myself grace! I think I am often robbed of my freedom, by a thief named Miranda. There is no one harder on me than me. I can kick myself around over things that I should just let go. Grace means that a mistake can be forgiven, it is still a mistake, but there can be love and forgiveness anyway. I challenge each of you to try this with me. Let's make this week, a week of grace, a week of forgiveness for ourselves and for others. I think if we find ourselves wrapped in God's grace and extending grace to others, then in turn we will feel more free and more joy. The thief CANNOT steal, kill, and destroy while the Holy Spirit stands in me. I plan on living life in abundance with the Holy Spirit.
In honor of my Tia Angie:
Ephesians 6:10-13a
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against the flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world ad against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground."
Will you stand your ground this week? Will you keep the thief from stealing, killing and destroying your joy? Will you extend grace? I am certainly going to try! This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
The past week was a very emotional week for me. I loss my favorite "Tia". I wrote about her once before, in a blog titled: Prayer Impact.( http://mogravett.blogspot.com/2011/07/prayer-impact.html ) She was a beautiful, sweet, and faithful woman. She always prayed for me, and my siblings. Her prayers came to life in me as she prayed the armor of God over me so many times. I don't believe she had any idea what an impact those prayers were in my life. Now I suffer from a joyful heartache at the loss of my sweet Tia Angie.
As the week progressed, I feel as though God has laid on my heart that I need to extend more grace. I need to extend grace to family or friends that in one way or another have hurt my feelings or disappointed me. I need to learn to forgive and then give grace knowing that my forgiveness will not change anything for the people who will continue to live their lives never knowing of my silent disapproval. It is then that the John 10:10 came to mind.
You see, the thief comes to steal my freedom and joy. He comes to kill my relationships and the love in my heart. The thief comes to destroy all that is good in my life. The thief uses any means by which to accomplish the destruction of my hope, my joy, my love, and all things I hold dear. There is a real truth here, the truth is found in Jesus and His example. Jesus gives us grace, and so in turn we should also extend grace. I have just considered that while I am free from my sins, through Christ Jesus, I am still held captive by the sins I have not forgiven. I have decided that I no longer want to be controlled by the anger, disappointment, or hurt feelings that are associated with not forgiving. I want to experience freedom in grace that I give to others, the way Christ gave for me.
God always has a way of sealing my thoughts. He often validates my prayers and thoughts through others. Today as I sat in Sunday school, we talked about slavery. We were covering the verses from 1 Peter Chapter 2: 18-25. The verse that struck me most is 19: "A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and stands the pain, God is pleased." My take on this is that the only way to stand the pain of an unfair situation is to offer grace and forgiveness. We forgive not because of fairness or justice, but to free ourselves from the control of the oppressor. Today's Sunday school lesson, helped to solidify and confirm just what I was thinking and what I need to do. I need to live extending grace to others, with as much grace as I have been given.
I think I will start by praying and saying out loud that I want to forgive and that I want to extend grace to others. Then I will try something radical and give myself grace! I think I am often robbed of my freedom, by a thief named Miranda. There is no one harder on me than me. I can kick myself around over things that I should just let go. Grace means that a mistake can be forgiven, it is still a mistake, but there can be love and forgiveness anyway. I challenge each of you to try this with me. Let's make this week, a week of grace, a week of forgiveness for ourselves and for others. I think if we find ourselves wrapped in God's grace and extending grace to others, then in turn we will feel more free and more joy. The thief CANNOT steal, kill, and destroy while the Holy Spirit stands in me. I plan on living life in abundance with the Holy Spirit.
In honor of my Tia Angie:
Ephesians 6:10-13a
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against the flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world ad against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground."
Will you stand your ground this week? Will you keep the thief from stealing, killing and destroying your joy? Will you extend grace? I am certainly going to try! This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
Friday, September 7, 2012
FLAWED ENOUGH!
I have to tell this story. It is just too funny not to tell. My sweet husband and I were invited to dinner with some friends of ours. We had a lovely time. We were one of three couples, all of us had kids and the kids played while the adults visited. The next day, I ran into the friend who invited us over and she thanked me for coming and said the FUNNIEST thing to me. Her comment has made me laugh so much, but also has me thinking. She said, she loved having us over with the other couple, because the husband of the other couple is not saved. She wanted us to be there to show how normal Christians really are. ( Not verbatim)
Ok, so if you are me, this is what goes off in my head: You invited us over, because we are your most flawed friends! Begin enormous laugh here........still laughing..........oh my mercy..... still laughing! While I obviously find this incredibly funny, I also think I am flattered by the idea that we were selected. I can't help but ponder the ideas of those who are not Christian.
I think the stereotype that Christians are perfect has new humor to me. As a Christian, I know something that non-Christians don't know. That simply put is that I NEED A SAVIOR. I need someone to redeem me, because on my own, I am a huge mess.
For example, left to my own devices, I would be a wild cusser. That is right. I would talk what my mom would call, " a wild blue streak." I would be like a trucker. Just ask my hubby about the time he left me at the church on our wedding day, I know a few bad words. I would also probably dress like a fat woman at HEB in the summer. I would let it all hang out. I wouldn't care, because lets face it, it is HOT in Texas.
As it is, as a Christian, I taught my 5 year old to say crap. I have hurt peoples feelings. I have been dishonest. I have lied. I have saught revenge. I have torn the tag off the mattress of all sorts of things that God considers sin. I am no poster child for good. The only difference is that I can admit I am wrong, I can admit that I NEED a savior.
So I guess the real question is, are you flawed enough to be a Christian? Do you have the flaws that require needing to surrender your life over to God? I am happy to say that I AM FLAWED ENOUGH! I have everything it takes to deserve Jesus. What is that exactly? Nothing. I have absolutely nothing good to offer Jesus. I am broken, and hopelessly flawed. I admit it. I have a secret stash of chocolate in my underwear drawer! Those M&M's are a symbol of my secret indulgence in all things that are not good for me.
The amazing thing about God, is that as HE loves me regardless of me. He loves me despite my flaws. His word says that He sent his Son for those just like me, the lost. Before, I knew I needed a savior, I was lost. I had no idea the directions to heaven, to happiness, to peace, and most importantly to love. When I realized that I was FLAWED ENOUGH, He welcomed me in, and filled me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self control. (The fruit of the spirit Galation 5:22-23) While they are not perfect in me, they are in HIM, and that is enough for me.
I hope that this little story encourages you to be flawed enough to step into the Christian family and find your place in HIS plan!
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
Ok, so if you are me, this is what goes off in my head: You invited us over, because we are your most flawed friends! Begin enormous laugh here........still laughing..........oh my mercy..... still laughing! While I obviously find this incredibly funny, I also think I am flattered by the idea that we were selected. I can't help but ponder the ideas of those who are not Christian.
I think the stereotype that Christians are perfect has new humor to me. As a Christian, I know something that non-Christians don't know. That simply put is that I NEED A SAVIOR. I need someone to redeem me, because on my own, I am a huge mess.
For example, left to my own devices, I would be a wild cusser. That is right. I would talk what my mom would call, " a wild blue streak." I would be like a trucker. Just ask my hubby about the time he left me at the church on our wedding day, I know a few bad words. I would also probably dress like a fat woman at HEB in the summer. I would let it all hang out. I wouldn't care, because lets face it, it is HOT in Texas.
As it is, as a Christian, I taught my 5 year old to say crap. I have hurt peoples feelings. I have been dishonest. I have lied. I have saught revenge. I have torn the tag off the mattress of all sorts of things that God considers sin. I am no poster child for good. The only difference is that I can admit I am wrong, I can admit that I NEED a savior.
So I guess the real question is, are you flawed enough to be a Christian? Do you have the flaws that require needing to surrender your life over to God? I am happy to say that I AM FLAWED ENOUGH! I have everything it takes to deserve Jesus. What is that exactly? Nothing. I have absolutely nothing good to offer Jesus. I am broken, and hopelessly flawed. I admit it. I have a secret stash of chocolate in my underwear drawer! Those M&M's are a symbol of my secret indulgence in all things that are not good for me.
The amazing thing about God, is that as HE loves me regardless of me. He loves me despite my flaws. His word says that He sent his Son for those just like me, the lost. Before, I knew I needed a savior, I was lost. I had no idea the directions to heaven, to happiness, to peace, and most importantly to love. When I realized that I was FLAWED ENOUGH, He welcomed me in, and filled me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self control. (The fruit of the spirit Galation 5:22-23) While they are not perfect in me, they are in HIM, and that is enough for me.
I hope that this little story encourages you to be flawed enough to step into the Christian family and find your place in HIS plan!
This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
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