"Now We Remember"

Merry Christmas to loved ones, far and near

Whether a great or a terrible year,

Lovely reasons exist to celebrate:

The One for Whom all the world did wait

Indeed, the whole of creation groaned

For the One who could rightly for sin atone.

Our good and glorious God above

Sent Jesus to offer the world His love

After birth, life, and death, He rose to the sky.

Gave the gift of the Spirit to guide us by.

Now we remember, rejoicing, elated

Each year His birth will be celebrated!

Whether a great or a terrible year,

It's a Merry Christmas: Emmanuel is here!

~Jess Connell, 12/25/2013

Feeling Weak? Need "a little help"?

"With God, all things are possible"

"That is what the Christian needs.  He has an Almighty God that he worships.  And he must learn to understand that he does not need a *little* of God's power, but he needs (with reverence, be it said) the whole of God's omnipotence to keep him right, and to live like a Christian.  The whole of Christianity is a work of God's omnipotence. ...I want to call upon you now to come and worship an Almighty God.  Have you learned to do it? ...God trained Abraham to trust Him as the Omnipotent One.

...The cause of the weakness of your Christian life is that you want to work it out partly, and to let God help you.  And that can not be.  You must come to be utterly helpless, to let God work and God will work gloriously.  It is this that we need...  I could go through Scripture and prove to you how Moses when he led Israel out of Egypt, how Joshua when he brought them into the land of Canaan, how all God's servants in the Old Testament counted on the omnipotence of God doing impossibilities.  And this God lives today.  And this God is the God of every child of His.  

And yet, we are, some of us, wanting God to give us a little help while we do our best. "  

~~Andrew Murray, in Absolute Surrender

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Temporary Dwellings, Life on Earth

I calculated it yesterday: 28 months out of our last 6 years (72 months) have been spent in temporary housing of one kind or another... whether a guest flat with just the essentials, a raised wooden traditional Thai house, an ultra-modern apartment in Hong Kong, vacation rentals, or a guest home here in the US, we've had a lot of time in temporary dwellings.  We've done it around the world, and with 2, 3, 4, and 5 kids in tow.

Yesterday, it occurred to me that this earth is a temporary dwelling place.  This temporary body houses my eternal soul until I'm given an eternal body like Christ's.   When we experience resurrection to eternity with God in Heaven, these things that seem so normal and so much like "home" will seem distant, just like all of those temporary dwellings seem to me now.

So I thought, what can I learn from our experiences in temporary situations?

1. Temporary dwellings are definitely something to be grateful for.  Each home we've stayed in has met a need... a need for medical attention, a need for rest, or maybe a need for a place to stay while something else was found & prepared for us.
   
   I'm thankful for life on earth, even though I know it's not all it could have been, or all it will one day be on the New Earth.
   
2. Temporary dwellings can sometimes make for strange situations: like me getting locked in a small bathroom on our first night in Hong Kong, or lizards crawling across our ceiling while our newborn daughter slept in a bamboo & mesh cage to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes in Thailand (photographic evidence above and below).
   
   Sometimes things on earth work out strange too.... godly people struggle with infertility while the unwed druggie has multiple children.  Now we know that rain falls on the righteous and unrighteous; and drought strikes both groups too... but it can be downright weird and potentially discouraging when you happen to be in that moment where hard circumstances hit the faithful, and you see unbelievers heaped up with blessings.
3. Temporary dwellings can be inconvenient.  Everything isn't where you think it should be.  Maybe you don't have a good knife, don't know the best places to shop, or you lack basic information or resources that everyone around you seems to have.  Even things that seem necessary may not be available.
   
   Boy, this relates to life here on earth as a believer, doesn't it?  Sometimes I feel like I'm just not equipped right.  I can be brash and short with people when frustrated, and I see this principle in everyone around me too.  We all have these deficiencies... not just sin, but sometimes personality foibles and quirks that make others scratch their heads (or, in 6th grade, call names).  Paul calls them "these momentary afflictions."
   
   
4. Temporary dwellings make you feel unsettled.  This one has struck me the most, particularly while living in them.  You didn't pick the furniture, maybe you dislike the location, you don't have your favorite household items, and you're living in transition.  It's just unsettling.
   
   Sometimes we sense this here... our bodies wear out quickly, and we feel exhausted and used up.  We feel weary of life and tired when the hardest moments hit.  But do we really feel this way like we should?  I don't.  Even after reading (and leading a study) on Randy Alcorn's book Heaven, I tend to think of earth as "home".   

As I anticipate moving into our new home, the one I hope we'll get to live in for a long time (however long that is will be handled by the Lord, as He's always seen fit to move us around according to His purposes), I think I have this little glimpse of the excitement we should feel about Heaven... there's this place that's been prepared for us... it will suit our needs & we won't feel this constant unsettling (course, we ultimately will because we aren't in Heaven yet, but you know what I mean).  Right now, though, I just want to express gratitude for all the ways God has provided for us even in the midst of temporary situations.  He is good, and all His ways are good.

Weight, Women & the Human Soul

Now that Moses is weaned, I'm thinking more carefully about getting my body to a healthy weight and shape again. I noticed more with him than I ever had before (with my other 4 babies) that any "trying" to lose weight significantly affected my milk supply. Thus, I put off any real efforts to lose weight (aside from just making good choices, like following the No S "diet") until I weaned my little man. Well, that happened last week.

So last Monday, my mom and I joined Weight Watchers and will work together and hold each other accountable. She's lost 54 pounds with WW before (a subsequent injury and the business of life caught up with her and she's gained it back), and I'm excited about it because it's just thinking carefully while eating real food and living real life. I don't have to buy special food; I don't have to change the kinds of meals I eat (i.e., suddenly supplement 2 meals a day with a shake or something). Choosing meals thoughtfully, with goals in mind, will likely lead to short-term weight loss and long-term weight maintenance while helping me to be more healthy and intentional in the process.

It's been interesting to me to live out this last year of not doing ANYTHING to lose weight, feeling not always thrilled with pictures of myself, having been asked multiple times if I'm pregnant (my baby weight just basically hung on for dear life), and knowing that I'm heavier than I've ever been not-pregnant. America is a very interesting place-- with a mixture of everything from quite obese people to those who are unhealthy in their relationship with food by not eating enough. And the pressures on young women to be sexy, toned, busty, thin, and ___insert description here___, all while going through the demanding season of raising young children are all around us-- magazines, comments from old ladies in the church, television, and internet ads, and they can overwhelm any sense of reason or balance on this issue of weight.

I guess I just want to encourage others out there who are in a difficult place with your weight. Do what you can do be healthy, but do not let the American cultural focus on size 6, 36-26-36, perfect bikini body, yada-yada-yada get you down. Be healthy; take care of your body-- it's the temple of God. But do not raise up this goal and let it become idolatry.

If you are pregnant, or nursing a baby, or taking care of little ones, your time is limited and your body has been affected by these things. And that is OK. Balance and PERSPECTIVE are needful at times like that. There are seasons in a woman's life, and some seasons afford more time and energy than others. And the great news is: even at times when you don't have time to care for your body, you always have time to pray and care for your soul and grow in godliness.

"While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds the promise for the present life and also for the life to come." ~1 Timothy 4:8

The Bible says that bodily exercise profits a little. Just last week, I went to a funeral, and was reminded once again- this body is only a part of me. My SOUL is the unique inner part that will not die. I don't need to ignore my physical health, but most of my focus and energy should be tasked toward making my soul healthy and beautiful, not focused on making my body healthy and beautiful.

"The LORD sees not as man sees:

man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart."

Do not let a number on a scale or a measurement on a measuring tape obscure the larger aims God has set for your life: Love God. Love others. Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God. Bodily exercises profits a little, but strive most to grow in godliness.

Muffin image: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Scale image: sundayhill / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Impacting Eternity

I just found this unpublished post, dated 6/30/2010, less than 2 weeks before our 5th child was born. I don't recall why I didn't post it at the time, maybe because I wasn't posting as often back then, but I'll share it now. Since he just turned a year old, I'll share photos of our little Moses Henry enjoying his birthday cupcake. :)

*****************************************

(Written 6/30/2010)

...I've just been pondering these thoughts these last weeks, as I wait for little Moses to arrive... I don't know if they'll come out disorganized, but I just wanted to share.

It's hit me more with this baby than with any other just how amazing it is to wait for labor to kick in. Not just the finding out of the gender, if you wait to find out, or the learning of the size/weight/length data. Not just the first sight of that precious face, or those sweet early moments when "HE/SHE is HERE!!!", or the first feedings or special moments with siblings. Not just the early months of figuring out this new little person, or the parenting of him/her throughout their formative years.

But the fact that THIS IS AN ETERNAL SOUL!


I'm about to meet someone who will impact my life, and the lives of the people closest to me, for the rest of our lives-- AND BEYOND! For all of eternity, the things we do together, learn together, live together, and believe together will bring wisdom and joy, and ultimately, praise to the Father who created us all!

I'm about to meet someone who will teach me things I never would have known otherwise... and someone for whom I will be responsible. Because of him, I will grow in ways I would not otherwise grow.

I'm about to meet someone who will bring depth of joy and delight to my husband, my children, and our extended family and friends-- he will enrich the lives of the people I love most!

I'm about to meet someone who will have a unique fingerprint, a unique personality, and a unique perspective through which the rest of us can learn a bit more of what it means to be "made in the image of God".

I'm about to meet someone the world has never seen, and would not be the same without.

Like millions of mothers before me, I'm about to meet my son. But like no other mother in the world, I'm about to meet Moses Henry, my son. He is a unique creation of God, unlike any other... a precious, individual soul. For however long I live, for however long he lives, our lives will be intertwined. We will live and learn together and, I pray, both grow more like Jesus in the process.

I am just so excited to meet him. What a pleasure to do something with such enormous ETERNAL impact!

Thinking About Legacy

This week in ladies' Bible study, we were given the prompt:

"What legacy do I want to leave?

What did God create me to be and do on this earth?"

I used to think about these questions a lot more than I currently do. Life can get overwhelming and just putting one foot in front of the other, changing the next diaper, packing the next box, getting on the next plane, driving to the next get-together can seem like enough. Enough. ENOUGH! :) Ever been there?

But I was thankful for the chance, yesterday, to consider these things. Here was my response, first in bullet-point, then in a more fleshed-out longhand version.

• Devoted Christ-follower
• Obedient child of God
• Joyful wife
• Loving mother
• Faithful friend
• Cheerful giver
• Hospitable
• Genuine & Honest

I want to be a woman who lives intentionally, who obeys and loves God even in difficult times (pressing through feelings to faith!). I want to do Doug good, and not harm, all the days of my life (Prov. 31:12). I want to welcome, encourage, and challenge other women and friends to trust in Jesus Christ. He is trustworthy! I want to cling to and trust God's Word above my own opinions, experiences, or thoughts. What He says, I believe. I want to wholeheartedly love and thoughtfully equip our children to launch out like arrows, flying according to the "bent" God has given them. I want to be someone who doesn't give up in the struggle of sanctification, but instead be like the righteous person in Prov. 4:18, who keeps shining brighter and brighter until my final day. Basically, I want to be a woman who "ponders the path of her feet" (Prov. 4:25-27). ***

In response to the question, "what did God create me to do?", in addition to the things listed above, things I'm living out each day, I'm currently considering my options for distance-learning and pursuing a Marriage & Family Therapy Counseling degree/certificate program. It's something I could do from home during these years when I'm primarily in the home with occasional blasts of "free" time (nap times, evening hours, Saturday mornings, etc.), that would be beneficial to me now but potentially very useful LATER, once the kids are grown and launching from our nest.

What about you? Have you thought about the legacy you want to leave? What kinds of things would you want someone to be able to say about you at your funeral one day?

Are we living in a way that clearly shows who God made us to be and who we are in Him? These kinds of questions are not easy... they force us (wham!) into seeing ourselves as we really are. But it's what the Bible encourages us to do-- to think of ourselves with sober judgment-- truthfully evaluating our lives in the light of Scripture.

"By the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." ~Romans 12:3

Feel free to share in the comments or link to a post on your own blog if you'd rather explore the topic more deeply there. I welcome your thoughts.

*** I reserve the right to edit this as I continue thinking these things through. :)

The Gaze of the Eyes & Philippians 3

As humans, God created us in community-- to watch, learn from, interact with, and love one another. And that's a beautiful thing. 

 But often, even if we're surrounded by other Christians, our gaze can shift from where it ought to be to focus on things that are at odds with faith in Jesus. We can focus in on beauty, that elusive thing called "happiness", money, fashion, getting prize-winning photos of our children, having an amazingly decorated home, or more...

I've been reading through Philippians over the past few days, and yesterday I came upon the last portion of chapter 3:

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

At times that I've read it before, I got hung up on Paul's admonition to the believers to watch him. I would think, "man, would I ever be in a position to say such a thing?" I've heard others attack him for pride on this point. But really, that's not the point of this passage. What I noticed this time was the contrast he presents here-- it's about where our focus is.

He's saying-- don't get caught up being jealous of and making idols of those who are walking in opposition to Christ! They may eat amazing food, they may have lives that seem "enviable", they may seem to have the Pottery Barn life... but he points out: the final stop of their lives will be destruction. They bow down and worship their human appetites and desires. They are focused on earthly things. They revel and delight in things that are shameful.
Instead, our eyes should be fixed on Christ. And we should take as our mentors those who walk in God's ways. Those whose citizenship is in Heaven. Those who eagerly await Christ the Lord, their Savior. Those who recognize the transformation Christ offers now and await the change He'll bring about later. Those who value eternity more than they value the here and now.
Our eyes should gaze in the direction of eternity. It's not wrong to want to learn skills, to work to take care of the home and people God gives you, or to befriend sinners. In fact, those things are good and right and natural for us to learn, and Jesus was and is the ultimate Friend of Sinners. But (I also have to be careful of these things) we have to be careful not to get caught up in fancy photos or (partial) descriptions of someone else's life.

Not only should we not BE the person whose god is our appetite... but we need to keep our gaze from focusing in on the person who lives that way.

We must guard our hearts-- and not let our hearts lust after the life of those who don't know about eternal joy in Christ. OR those who claim Christ's eternal joy but live like they don't really believe it. This passage is saying to us: our priorities need to reflect eternity... and we need to hold fast. That won't happen if our gaze is focused in on those who live like this life on earth is all there is. We have to find people ahead of us-- people worthy of emulation... people who recognize the treasure of Christ and live life in light of eternity. Definitely something to think about.

What say you?
Do you have people like Paul describes in your life that you watch?
Do you struggle with jealousy of those who seem to have a perfect life here on earth?
Do you find yourself leaning towards making a god of your belly or focusing on earthly things?
Let's talk about it.

The Disciple-Making, World-Changing, Heart-Molding Role of Mother

If you are one who loves Christ, who desires to see people come and know Him, and longs to find her purpose in the world, let me commend to you the role of mother.

If you are a young woman who has been told all the horrors and sob stories of colic and tantrums and have somehow missed hearing about the joy of raising up interesting, unique individual men and women who will know and serve God, let me commend to you the role of mother.

If you are a gal of my generation, who was told you could "be anything you wanted to be" without ever even having it be hinted that that "anything" might include being "everything" to some little people, let me commend to you the role of mother.

If you are a lady who wants to change the world and make it a better place, let me commend to you the role of mother.

If you are someone who desires to impact people in a huge way, help others to overcome difficulties and find their strengths and God-given abilities, so that they might in turn serve God & contribute to this glorious world in a more weighty manner, let me commend to you the role of mother.

Mothers...

• ... have the opportunity to impact lives, day-in, day out-for 18+ years, more time than any professor or doctor or preacher or counselor will ever be able to have in the lives of the people they seek to impact.
• ... have the privilege to study and know their children so that they can train, counsel, and encourage them as they grow towards adulthood
• ... are given the blessing and responsibility of connecting deeply and wonderfully with their children in ways that are virtually impossible with the world at large.
• ... have the opportunity to love and be loved in a way that is entirely distinct from any other sort of relationship.
• ... are able to change the world through a mastery of various fields and talents that they themselves do not possess, as they spur on and encourage their children to find their God-given place of service.
• ... are able to teach and train and sharpen and shape and guide and gear their children in ways that will forever alter human history.
• ... have the privilege of praying with intimate understanding for the hearts and lives of people from the very beginning of their existence.
• ... have a purposeful career designed by God Himself, with His assistance and leadership guaranteed throughout.
• ... have the unique experience of watching the man they love grow into a man who loves in ways that were unseen and unknown before he became a father.
• ... have a God-given life with sanctification built-in by the requirements of hard work, selflessness, disappointment, perseverance, patience, grace, self-control, and a continual seeking of wisdom from above.
• ... have the unique opportunity to work hand-in-hand with God Almighty and the husband He has given to mold future adults.

I am not saying this is the only way-- but I am absolutely saying that it is an awesome way, and a God-designed way, for women to yield to their Maker by welcoming with joy and with great sober responsibility the blessing and gracious gift of children into their hearts, lives, and wombs.

God continues to do amazing things in my heart and life and draw me closer to Himself through this role of mother, and I would be a foolish woman indeed if I did not speak highly to you of this beautiful means of sanctification that God has given to women: the disciple-making, world-changing, heart-molding role of mother.

Sanitizing the Suffering Right Out of our Lives

We've probably all heard about people who sanitize their homes to the point that they, and their entire families, are always sick. It's a vicious cycle... they think there are more germs, so they clean more, and are thus giving their kids' bodies less and less opportunities to really do combat with germs, so they get sick more.

Long story short, a completely bleached house does not a good immune system make.

Nor does a life sanitized of suffering lead to good character.

LIFE ON EASY STREET
We live in a time in the world where you can pretty much set yourself up to have quite an easy life. As Americans, we are the most isolated, comfort-driven nation, probably in the history of the world. We can "have it your way" in virtually every area of our lives, big or small.

• Don't like the city you live in? Move!
  
• Don't like your spouse? Get a new one.
  
• Don't like your car? Trade it in!
• Friendship get uncomfortable? "Defriend" them (on Facebook) and avoid all contact.
  
• Don't like the inconvenience of pregnancy? Avoid the hassle through any number of available methods!
• Don't like your boss? Put in your notice and look elsewhere.
• Don't like the service you received? Complain!
  
• Don't like feeling variances in temperature? Set your thermostat so you always have it precisely where you like it.
• Don't get along with someone at your church? Find a new one.

And on and on it could go.

But there's just one problem with this-- as Christians, God has built suffering into our lives for good and godly and GLORIOUS purposes:

• Suffering teaches us to how to endure with hope.
• Suffering with Christ is a witness that we really are children of God.
• However heavy the suffering is, the weight of it can remind us of just how much more glorious the coming days will be.
• Suffering reveals our shared humanity and gives us the opportunity to act as the body of Christ.
• Going through times of suffering teaches us how God comforts us, so that we can comfort others with that same God-given comfort.
• It is a gift to not only be able to believe in Christ, but to suffer for Him.
• Suffering gives us new eyes to see that so many things we value are really as rubbish in comparison with knowing Christ.
• Suffering is part of God's boot camp and trains us to be stronger.
• Times of suffering give us reference points of God's faithfulness to prepare us for future suffering, and remind us to look with joy towards His future eternal faithfulness.
• Suffering drives us to prayer.
• Everyone suffers, whether for foolish things or good things. If it's God's will that you suffer, it's better that it be for doing good.
• Suffering reminds us that we aren't in control, and that we can rejoice in Christ-- the bearer of the Name Above All Names.
• Suffering unites us with hurting Christians around the world and can quicken our minds and hearts to pray for them.

The Word makes it clear that as humans, we will suffer, and even moreso, as Christians, we will suffer. Though it's painful, unpleasant, and often leaves us sore and shocked, we should not run from the suffering God has placed in our lives. I can tell you, from our experiences-- with unexplained sickness, miscarriages, and facing unexpected life changes, which is still nothing compared to the suffering of so many-- that suffering does indeed teach endurance. It is valuable for one's character. It absolutely can deepen faith in Christ. It gives us a oneness with other hurting people. Suffering moves us to prayer. It teaches us more about how to comfort and love others who are hurting. It gives a deeply needed perspective in our highly-controlled, highly-comfortable lives.

Please hear me-- I'm not saying we should seek to suffer. Nor that we should never seek to change a situation if there is pain or discomfort.

But what I am saying is that when your marriage relationship is discouraging, or when there is no fruit on the vine of your life, or when you've been publicly humiliated, or when sickness has taken hold, or when a relationship gets extremely uncomfortable, or when you suffer deep loss, or when there seems to be nothing left, or when it would just be easier to leave and find a new church, or when everything looks bleak, or when you lose your job, or when you have overdrawn your account, CHRIST IS THERE. HE knows suffering. HE bore suffering. He will walk with you and teach you unspeakable things in some of the lowest moments if you'll let Him.

Don't be tempted to sanitize suffering out of your life... pray. Look for what He will do. Be patient. Don't run from it-- endure! Read of His sufferings. Dare to hope. Cling to Christ!

Back on the Bookshelf-- Hinds' Feet in High Places

Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hulnard has come at an incredibly helpful time in my life. In recent months, there have times that I've needed to "accept with joy" what comes my way, trusting in my Shepherd's guiding care to lead me the best way to the heights He means for me.

Facing loneliness. Not having a vision for where God wants to take you. Thinking that He does not see. Wondering if He will come to your aid when you call. Learning to receive the teaching and growth that comes through suffering and sorrow. Resting in the promises that God has given.

All these things and more are directly addressed with great spiritual clarity and discernment in this rich, descriptive picture of the Christian life. As "Much-Afraid" walks through the deep valleys, climbs the cliffs, and walks through the mist, where nothing she has been promised-- and has even seen with her own eyes-- seems to be near, there are many lessons for the reader to glean.

I enjoyed this book a great deal, and am thankful that I read it in this season of life. Here is a helpful study guide for those who want to go deeper in thinking about and applying the lessons from Hinds' Feet on High Places.

Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs: Beautiful Feet

You all may have seen some of my previous blogs about LeCrae-- this song is on his new album, Rebel, and Dawntoya (the woman in the picture at right, with her husband and new baby girl Zipporah) is featured on this particular song (she has a really beautiful voice!).

This song has grabbed my heart. I love it... it challenges me. It encourages me. It burdens me. Maybe it will speak to you too.

Beautiful Feet by LeCrae & Dawntoya

"I pray y'all listen-- it's all a true story."
"How beautiful are the feet of those that bring the good news." (From Isaiah & Romans)

Carlos was born in killa cali, was walking down an alley
he caught a bullet in his head that left him bleeding badly.
He lost everything at that moment except for his life
he lost his hearing, lost his movement, even lost his sight
He laid there in a coma, but man nobody cared--
the Gospel preached in his neighborhood? Nobody dared
But 'los got up out that coma and was able to hear
a missionary shared the gospel to his open ears
He got saved, got trained, got discipled
back to the hood, you could find him preaching the Bible.
He led a homie to Christ that's from the same hood
part of a church plant, come on now, aint His name good?
This is a blessing; I'm stressing that this is not the norm
we need leaders and believers to help carry it on
But who would minister in this sinister part of town?
I pray if Jesus is calling you that you would be found

Go, go, go (run with those beautiful feet)
Go, go, go
You hold the truth that saves, so run and shout it to the world
They can't believe in something they ain't never heard
Go, go, go and run with those beautiful feet

Eric used to go to Bible study as a kid
he got older, started doing what the hood did
A rival gang caught him slippin, tried to take his life
but then the gun jammed on him, so them beat him nice
He woke up in the hospital singing Bible songs
Praise God he had a place to learn the Bible from
But then he gets saved and wanna preach Christ--
they make him change his whole culture, whole way of life
He gotta get him a bachelors, wear a suit and tie,
go to seminary, by then all of his boys will die
Jesus came to invade culture outta Nazareth
and used a couple fisherman who people saw as hazardous
The feet are beautiful if only they'd go
if ain't nobody in the hood preaching, how will they know?
See, Eric is better used taught truths in his context
somebody please plant a church in his projects.

Go, go, go (run with those beautiful feet)
Go, go, go
You hold the truth that saves, so run and shout it to the world
They can't believe in something they ain't never heard
Go, go, go and run with those beautiful feet

In Luke 4:16 on down to 21,
Jesus says he's the Messiah, says he's the chosen one
But more than that he quotes Isaiah, that shows that our Savior
targets oppressed, captive, blind, the broke and I'm saying
He had a heart for the poor, had a heart for the low
and 1st John 2:6 is way we should go
In Deuteronomy even tho they under the law,
the tithes every third year the poor'd get em all
And I ain't sayin you wrong if you live in the burbs
I'm sayin turn your attention to the hood; we hurting
Man, if you ain't burdened, please pick up your word and
tho this world is going down, while we here we can serve him
We bring this to the streets because we knew the streets
I pray that more would be burdened to have beautiful feet
You never knew the streets but truth is what you preach?
I pray to God you'd be burdened to have beautiful feet.

Go, go, go (run with those beautiful feet)
Go, go, go
You hold the truth that saves, so run and shout it to the world
They can't believe in something they ain't never heard
Go, go, go and run with those beautiful feet

You can listen to other LeCrae songs here. Praise God for real people writing real music that speaks to the real need for Christ in our culture!

Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs: Be Still, My Soul

Here's another favorite... and yes, some of the lyrics are slightly altered from the original translation:

Be still my soul; the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain.
Trust in thy God to order and provide;
Through every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still my soul, thy Best & Heavenly Friend
Through trying times leads to a joyful end.

Be still my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake
What once was mystery shall be bright at last.
Be still my soul; the wind and waves still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below

Be still my soul, when dearest friends depart
And all is darkened by the rain of tears,
Then you will know the love of our Lord’s heart
He’ll come to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fears are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still my soul: when change and tears are past
One day, we’ll meet our Jesus, safe at last.

Amen and amen. I love this song.

God is Sovereign Over All Human Authorities

Eight years ago, my new husband and I were glued to the TV screen watching every facet of analysis and political commentary we could hear. Our then-engaged friends John & Julie came over to our tiny apartment and we all stayed up late into the night, waiting to see who would win... only to give up in the wee hours of the morning (which turned out to be a good thing, as the election didn't get cleared up for many weeks).

Four years ago, again, we watched eagerly, from our home in Texas, and were glad to see clear election results after the scandal and drama of the previous presidential election.

2008: McCain vs. Obama
This year, living in an apartment in Central Asia, I have been able to check in on the election when I want to, and aside from the fury of blog articles popping up in my bloglines account, I've been able to almost ignore the election except for when I go looking for information about it. Honestly, even though it at times feels strange to be so "out" of it (particular as a politically-minded gal), it's been kind of nice.

I'm sure some of my lack of worry and sense of disconnectedness comes from this being the first time I live overseas during the presidential elections, and the fact that I'm not seeing 24/7 wall-to-wall coverage of it. Some of it probably comes from the fact that "my" horse in the presidential race dropped in the Spring and I'm not *jazzed* about either candidate (although I definitely DID vote... and you should, too!).

But, also, God is giving me a new sense of peace about it all. Regardless of who wins... and however we feel about that (I know Christians who will be angry if McCain wins, and some who will be angry if Obama wins, and some who will be angry no matter what happens), it is absolutely wonderful to be able to rest in God's sovereignty.

Psalm 47: 8 says:
God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.

Proverbs 21:1 says:
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.

RESPONDING TO THE OUTCOME
I feel challenged myself... and want to share this challenge with you all: whoever wins, let's agree to lift them up in prayer... no matter who it is, he will need it.

1 Timothy 2: 1-3 says:
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

We don't have to despair or be driven into fearmongering or slander. No matter who wins, let's avoid despair. Let's avoid letting this consume us. Let's not sink to bitterness or slander.


Our citizenship is in Heaven. Our hope is not in one who will promise change (in whatever party/ideology), but in the One who never changes. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is still in control! Our salvation does not lie in human governments. Our hope is not in a candidate. True change does not come with a new administration. Let us hope in Christ!

"Home"?

20 days ago, I had the opportunity to fly back from where we live overseas to my home in Texas for a couple weeks. Wow. The roads, the wide open spaces, the seemingly endless sky, the houses and businesses I've grown up with all my life, and the people... family, friends, church members, longtime familiar acquaintances, etc.

Most of my life has been spent in Texas. And yet, in many ways, it no longer feels like home. In some ways, it will always have that familiar pull on my heart. There is nothing else like a Texas sunset. Nothing like the Dallas skyline that rises up from the flat land around it. Nothing else like good Tex-Mex in your belly and family at your side. But it's no longer completely "home" for me.

LIVING OVERSEAS
One of the spiritual benefits of living overseas (for me) is having that ever-constant awareness that I'm not "home".

In the places we've lived so far, it is rare to feel completely normal in day-to-day life. Perhaps you're eating food you'd never eat, or using substitutions for everyday ingredients. Certainly you're speaking a different language when you leave your home. People stare. Food doesn't always sit right. Apartments don't have closets. Shoes aren't worn inside. Backyards are scarce (or even nowhere to be found). Furniture looks different. Customs take some getting used to.

But, I'm coming to realize that all of these things are blessings... I can't get too "settled" in this life. The lack of a full feeling of "home" here reminds me that my true Home is with Christ on the New Earth.

WHAT IS GOD'S INTENT?
We were not created for an endless "this". The sin, despair, hurt, shame, perversion... all of it was brought on by our own sin-- not as part of the original design. The creation intent for us was fellowship with and worship of God, fellowship with one another, and enjoyment of Him and His creation.

Reading Randy Alcorn's book, Heaven, several years ago really opened my eyes to what the Scriptures have to say about Heaven. After the judgment, God is going to redeem our earth, making it "home". Gossip, back pain, frustration, weeds, tears, sickness, misunderstandings, and difficult relationships will all be gone. And we will be Home. To our true Home. The home that our bodies, our minds, our hearts, and our souls were fashioned for.

After my visit back to Texas, I'm echoing what my friend Tanya says, I'm "homesick for Heaven".

Finishing Well

Last night, we finished up Peter Jackson's "The Return of the King", the final video in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

In it, King Theoden, one of the kings of men, is attacked in the final battle of men and lies dying when his niece, Eowyn, finds him and embraces him. As tears slip down her cheeks, he tells her, "I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed."

You see, there had been a time when, if Theoden HAD died, he would have felt shame. For a portion of his life, he had given in to evil. And even after being freed from the strongholds of evil, when he had begun walking in truth and life, he had still been fearful in his heart. He had run from battle with the enemy, instead of being strong enough to attack the enemy. But having gone into battle against the enemy with the King of Kings, once he lay dying, he knew he would no longer be ashamed to meet his ancestors.


The writer of Hebrews warns us about not becoming satisfied with lukewarmness, and uses the awareness of our "fathers" and their eyes on our lives as motivation to press on:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)

We are not to just live mediocre "just get by" lives, where we just mark time from Sunday to Sunday, and try not let the enemy gain ground. We are to be on the OFFENSE, not the defense. Matthew 16:18 says that the gates of Hell will not be able to prevail, or withstand, the church... we are not to be passive.

As Christians, we are fighters.
We are at war with an enemy.
We're to be on guard so we're not taken captive.
Even our children are likened to arrows, a weapon of war.
We have the Spirit of God within us.

We are not to take a backseat in the battle against the enemy who is at work in this world. You might say, "well, I'm not a preacher," or "my husband isn't even a Christian". Or, "I'm a young mom- I'm already used up and maxed out." Or, "I wasn't raised in a Christian home. I may not be the best Christian, but I'm plugging along and my kids aren't doing drugs. We're doing pretty well in the whole scheme of things."

But THAT is not the abundant life of a child of God. Our charge is not to just keep things from going bad. We are to be like a light in a dark place... so that everything within our influence is made lighter and more accurately seen by our presence.

I can't speak for you, but King Theoden's words really resonated with me: "I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed." He felt that way because He had stood up and fought against the powerful enemy, even in the face of fear and death.

When I stand in the presence of King Jesus, and am in the company of men like Paul, David, Moses, and Jim Elliot, and women like Esther, Priscilla, Gladys Aylward, I don't want to feel shame for how little of an impact I made on the world around me. I don't want to be ashamed because I never went to war with the enemy.

Consider this, as written by R. Logan and T. Clegg,

"I believe that the enemy divides all people into two categories: those he can ignore, and those he has to fight. I want to be one of those he has to fight."

Strong words. But, truthfully, even though there may be fear in your heart at words like those, don't they also stir up something more courageous and honorable in you? Something in me jumps up and prays,

"Lord, don't let me mark time. Don't let me be ignore-able. Make me a mighty warrior, even if it means that I have a target on my back. Don't let me die unused and having just kept things 'even keel'. Teach me to fight. Teach me to be on the offensive. Teach me how to bring TRUE light to the world you've put me in."

You may not be called to go to Ecuador to a savage tribe like Jim Elliot, and you may not be a Queen with the ear of powerful people, like Esther was. But you are an important warrior in the battle against evil. Whether you see it today or not, God has a strategic purpose for your life. Seek out what purpose He has for you- and think of the strengths He has given you... what might He have made you to do in the place where He put you?


Lord, reveal to each of us what your strategic purpose is for us. Show us what we were made for. Make us brave against the enemy, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy all that you would have us do. Help us to be useful in this world, so that we might not be ashamed when our time to die arrives. Make us bright-shining lights in the growing darkness of this world. In the powerful name of Jesus, may it be so.

When the Storms are Raging, Look Heavenward!

Yes, it's 2:32 a.m. And yes, I'm up, blogging.

About an hour ago, I awoke from a deep sleep with the claps of thunder. Our A/C hasn't been working and so we've been sleeping with the windows open. The thunder that jarred me awake sounded like God Himself was clapping right over our heads. Within a matter of seconds, my almost-three-year-old son came running into the room, shaking and crying. The minute I scooped him up, he settled right down and fell asleep, safe and sound, secure in my arms.

Image used courtesy of Inmagine

This Texas weather has been crazy lately. I've lived in Texas nearly all my life, and I've never experienced such vivid storms in such a rapid succession. In the last few weeks, there've been lightning storms, tornadoes, flash flooding, and wind that blows huge trees over roots and all. Some people say it's global warming. Some people say it's El Nino. I say it's labor pains.

"For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains." - Matthew 24:5-8 (also found in Mark 13)

"You yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'there is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. " - 1 Thess. 5: 2-3

"As lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.... At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory." -Matthew 24: 27, 30

My friends, Jesus is coming back. Sooner than we realize. Maybe not today, and maybe not this week, but He is coming!

Once labor starts, it doesn't stop. It's not designed to slow down or stall. Ever notice that there are a lot more natural disasters than there used to be? The hurricane season gets worse every year, and each year famines, tsunamis, civil wars, storms, and earthquakes get increasingly more powerful and more numerous, worldwide. It's no coincidence. I believe He's getting the attention of people all over the world, so that they will search for security and peace in their most desperate moments and find that Jesus Christ is the only source of peace and security in such a turbulant and unpredictable world. God's shaking up the earth, preparing people for the coming of the Son.

And oh, how desperately I want my unbelieving friends and family to know Him on that day! Don't you? I want them to run to HIM as the only secure place during the storms of life... just like my son ran to me a little over an hour ago. Children have the right response to storms-- to be emotionally jarred and to seek out security. Those who are secure can live confidently, even in the midst of storms, but those who ado not have security will only become increasingly more fearful until one of two things happens: (1) the storms stop, or (2) death comes. I ache for those that I love that have not yet trusted in Christ. I have been pleading with the Lord for them with a new urgency tonight because of this clapping thunder and these lightning strikes.

The storm is palpable, and the labor pains are getting stronger and growing closer together all around the world, and I'm looking to the sky. And even while I fervently pray for the souls of those I love, my heart is crying out "Maranatha," which means "Come, Lord Jesus!"

What Will You Be in the Final Hours of Life?

A friend of mine has just been told that she probably has about three days left on this earth. As a godly woman, wife, mother, and prayer warrior, she has led a full and lengthy life. My prayer is that she'll be strong in these remaining hours, strong in her faith, preparing herself for seeing Him face to face.

Her news has got me to thinking about what I would want to be like, if I knew I had three days left. Not in terms of, "I would have wanted to bungee jump and see the Pyramids...", but rather:

What kind of faith will I want to have on my deathbed? An unwavering, constant faith... faith that would lead others to believe, faith that would cause my loved ones to be of good cheer, faith that would sustain me in my final moments.

What kind of Scripture verses will I want to be acquainted with? Verses about Heaven, about faith, about joy, about strength. I will want to know them well enough to bring them to mind, even if my mind is hazy, even if I cannot read anymore, even if I am alone.

What kind of life will I want to have led? Is there anything I'm doing now that I will then regret? Are there things I'm not doing now that I will regret not having done?

I just really wanted to share these thoughts- you are welcome to share any additional thoughts, but I just wanted to get this out "on paper"-- a tribute to my friend, a challenge for myself, and an encouragement to you.

Lord, let each of us soberly estimate what our lives are today, that we will not look back with regret, having not lived cautiously and intentionally. Let us be all that you intend for us to be today, walking in the abundant life you offer, alive to Christ and dead to sin. Make us attentive to your will in all things, big and small. Make us aware of our own mortality, so that we will honor you with our lives.