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!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
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!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Finding Good
Well, I am 35 years old, and I believe I have just learned one of the most profound lessons of my life. I HAVE FOUND GOOD. I will let you in on a secret, finding good is directly related to obedience to God's will. God has poured out opportunities in my life and I have found two things that I am good at, and that bring me indescribable joy. ( That is aside from being a wife and mother.)
I have worked at jobs that I have been good at but were not my true passion. I have prayed for my life to matter. I have prayed that God would use me to glorify Him. I have prayed He would grow my faith. I have prayed He would give me a servants heart. I have asked God to show me where He wants me in his plan. However, in MY answer to these requests, I imagined, becoming a speaker for Women of Faith. I always seem to make myself bigger than Him in my imagined responses to my requests. Then I catch myself and pray, Lord, please help me not to seek fame or credit, but to make my life honor you.
I blogged once about feeling passionless, in No Pinterest. I have often felt passionless. I am not a crafter, I don't have a hobby if you will. It was like a crisis of identity if you asked me what I like to do. I find it easy to list the things that I don't like doing, but I could take three days to find the things that I love to do. My attitude about many things I do is lack luster, and I have a hard time claiming to be good at anything. I have come to realization that the reason, I feel I have no passion is because up until recently, I was not considering what God wants me to do. What are the gifts He has given me, and am I using them? Some where between what God puts on my heart and what I do there is a disconnect. It may be called fear, it may be called insecurity, but it has kept me from following through. Maybe I have heard God whisper to me before, but I have not actually been brave enough to stop and listen, and accept God's calling in my heart.
"Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
I have been delighting in the Lord. I have been seeking him. For a change I decided to listen and follow the tugging on my heart. I mentioned in my last blog that I am now working with Kindergarten kids part time. I have to say, I had my reservations. How was I going to wake up so early? Was I going to like being in a room full of kids. I've never done anything like this, will I even be good at it? However, I was certain that God was being clear on this matter, this is what He wanted for me. I have followed him faithfully, into the scary unknown. I have been tired, but I have also felt indescribable joy from being with these kids. I love listening to their silly stories. I love listening to their prayer requests, and hearing them pray. I even love the ones that test me! Kids are the best teachers in life. They love without bounds, they say what is on their minds, they ask for help when the need it. They are truly brilliant, created by God to show us adults what we have forgotten.
The Lord has also clearly put me in another situation, also mentioned in a previous blog. I have been attending the Beauty for Ashes bible study/support group. It is a ministry for abused women. I took the class with my mother-in-law to see if we would like to be co-teachers/leaders/facilitators. I was completely blessed by God during this class. I was blessed to meet some amazing women. I was blessed by the lessons, the truth of God's word, and how He views abuse. He desires total healing for all His precious and loved children. I have a new passion after seeing the freedom found through Jesus that the women experience as a result of speaking God's truth and removing the lies of the world. It is something that can not be described. When you see a woman, who has suffered her whole life, let go and accept that she is LOVED by the almighty, it is more than words can describe. It is not only the presence of Almighty God, it is the complete and total vision of the cross. After attending the Graduation class, I feel as though God may be calling me to continue in this ministry. I don't know when or where I will find the time, BUT if this is God's will, I intend to follow him in faithful obedience. Just read the passage of scripture the class is based on below:
Isaiah 61:3
to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Who doesn't want to encourage and share the freedom found in hearing the truth about how God loves you and made you? Who doesn't want to trade in their ashes for beauty?
There it is, I have followed God and I have found joy. I have found good. It is one of the few times in my life when I have thrown caution to the wind. I have had no idea what I am doing! I have stepped out of all my familiar surroundings. I have left the comfort of "my box." I have taken a risk, and handed over the control to God. The craziest thing has happened, I have been equipped by God in ways I could never do myself. Therefore, being in His will is where I am made good at something! My conclusion, if you want to find out what you are good at, where your passion is, and what you have true joy in, find out what God is calling you to, and don't be afraid to step out and step in to HIS plan.
2Corinthians 3:5-6
I have worked at jobs that I have been good at but were not my true passion. I have prayed for my life to matter. I have prayed that God would use me to glorify Him. I have prayed He would grow my faith. I have prayed He would give me a servants heart. I have asked God to show me where He wants me in his plan. However, in MY answer to these requests, I imagined, becoming a speaker for Women of Faith. I always seem to make myself bigger than Him in my imagined responses to my requests. Then I catch myself and pray, Lord, please help me not to seek fame or credit, but to make my life honor you.
I blogged once about feeling passionless, in No Pinterest. I have often felt passionless. I am not a crafter, I don't have a hobby if you will. It was like a crisis of identity if you asked me what I like to do. I find it easy to list the things that I don't like doing, but I could take three days to find the things that I love to do. My attitude about many things I do is lack luster, and I have a hard time claiming to be good at anything. I have come to realization that the reason, I feel I have no passion is because up until recently, I was not considering what God wants me to do. What are the gifts He has given me, and am I using them? Some where between what God puts on my heart and what I do there is a disconnect. It may be called fear, it may be called insecurity, but it has kept me from following through. Maybe I have heard God whisper to me before, but I have not actually been brave enough to stop and listen, and accept God's calling in my heart.
"Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
I have been delighting in the Lord. I have been seeking him. For a change I decided to listen and follow the tugging on my heart. I mentioned in my last blog that I am now working with Kindergarten kids part time. I have to say, I had my reservations. How was I going to wake up so early? Was I going to like being in a room full of kids. I've never done anything like this, will I even be good at it? However, I was certain that God was being clear on this matter, this is what He wanted for me. I have followed him faithfully, into the scary unknown. I have been tired, but I have also felt indescribable joy from being with these kids. I love listening to their silly stories. I love listening to their prayer requests, and hearing them pray. I even love the ones that test me! Kids are the best teachers in life. They love without bounds, they say what is on their minds, they ask for help when the need it. They are truly brilliant, created by God to show us adults what we have forgotten.
The Lord has also clearly put me in another situation, also mentioned in a previous blog. I have been attending the Beauty for Ashes bible study/support group. It is a ministry for abused women. I took the class with my mother-in-law to see if we would like to be co-teachers/leaders/facilitators. I was completely blessed by God during this class. I was blessed to meet some amazing women. I was blessed by the lessons, the truth of God's word, and how He views abuse. He desires total healing for all His precious and loved children. I have a new passion after seeing the freedom found through Jesus that the women experience as a result of speaking God's truth and removing the lies of the world. It is something that can not be described. When you see a woman, who has suffered her whole life, let go and accept that she is LOVED by the almighty, it is more than words can describe. It is not only the presence of Almighty God, it is the complete and total vision of the cross. After attending the Graduation class, I feel as though God may be calling me to continue in this ministry. I don't know when or where I will find the time, BUT if this is God's will, I intend to follow him in faithful obedience. Just read the passage of scripture the class is based on below:
Isaiah 61:3
to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Who doesn't want to encourage and share the freedom found in hearing the truth about how God loves you and made you? Who doesn't want to trade in their ashes for beauty?
There it is, I have followed God and I have found joy. I have found good. It is one of the few times in my life when I have thrown caution to the wind. I have had no idea what I am doing! I have stepped out of all my familiar surroundings. I have left the comfort of "my box." I have taken a risk, and handed over the control to God. The craziest thing has happened, I have been equipped by God in ways I could never do myself. Therefore, being in His will is where I am made good at something! My conclusion, if you want to find out what you are good at, where your passion is, and what you have true joy in, find out what God is calling you to, and don't be afraid to step out and step in to HIS plan.
2Corinthians 3:5-6
5 We don’t have the right to claim that we have done anything on our own. God gives us what it takes to do all that we do. 6 He
makes us worthy to be the servants of his new agreement that comes from
the Holy Spirit and not from a written Law. After all, the Law brings
death, but the Spirit brings life.
This week I suggest letting God give you what it takes to find GOOD. This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
This week I suggest letting God give you what it takes to find GOOD. This is my mindset, now let me hear yours!
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