Word of the Week: Inventory

As 2017 closes:

I look back to evaluate the Connections of this year.

I look forward to what I hear God speaking for 2018.

And I look around to enjoy the present moment.

Eliana's bouncing curls as she laughs.

Raphael’s grunts and sweet new baby smell.

Daily chats with Spencer and Meesha.

Playing with our granddaughter,

snuggling with our newly born grandson,

reconnecting with our son and daughter-in-love.

Priceless precious moments.

Joy filled connections.

Treasures to ponder!

Life was good this past year,

life promises good for next year,

and life is good in this very moment!

This video is from 2015 and yet the three simple questions are timeless.

I pray that you can use them, as I have,

to take inventory on your year in preparation for 2018!

Lessons Learned From Looking Back

“Forty is the

old age of youth,

fifty is the

youth of old age.”

These words of Victor Hugo came to mind today as I was working on a new song for a Christmas project.

Each time I step up to the microphone I realize I’m no longer a skinny little 10 year old standing in front of the mirror singing into a hairbrush.

Childhood fantasies become realities

when you jump at opportunities.

I wrote my first song at age 50 after crying out to God in despair. My children’s childhoods had officially come to an end. Both are now adults making their own choices and living out their own dreams. The time had come for me to find my way back to mine.

Being in the youth of old age means that I can look ahead and know that the time is short. And at the same time I can look back and benefit from lessons that only experience can teach.

The benefit of looking back is found in a few of the lessons learned along the way.

1. Life is short, it’s up to you to make it sweet.

Each one of us is responsible for our own lives. God has a plan and a path for each one of us. There are times when He will use someone else to open a door or provide a helping hand. But, He expects each one of His children to pick up their own spoon and taste Him for themselves. My husband’s favorite baked treat is cinnamon rolls but mine is sweet potato pie. If I eat from his plate I’m not getting the sweetness I crave, I have to accept what he’s chosen.

2. Life is hard, but God is good.

The New Testament makes it clear that we will have troubles in this world. But, we can take heart and have the courage to face whatever comes our way because Jesus overcame every weight that has the power to hold us back from the life God designed for us.

3. Life is not a competition, it’s about connection.

Each one of us has our own race to run. Social media causes us to criticize, compete & compare. We have a tendency to compare our worst to someone else’s best. All of those activities are distractions that can lead us to veer out of our own lane. We must connect with what God has gifted us to do and not with someone else’s calling.

I wrote a song last year that I thought would be perfect for this Christmas project I’m currently working on with my friend Mervin. He writes songs that get people to jump up and down. I confess that I have compared myself to him. I even tried to put together a song similar to his style but I fell short. My husband listened to it and didn’t get it. It wasn’t me and I had to let it go.

I have a new song coming out near the end of the month. It’s a reggae worship song. I remember telling a dj about it and she said, “sometimes you want to move from side to side instead of jump up and down”. Since that conversation I've noticed that each time I’ve performed the reggae song I see people swaying side to side! Her words opened my eyes.

Serving God should not be a competition.

If we connect with God, with ourselves, and with others, we can all move forward in cooperation with one another.

Mervin and I both have goals of pointing others to God. And we’ll be more successful in reaching our goals through connecting and cooperating with one another.

I’m grateful for the lessons He’s given to me. What lessons have you learned from Him?

Word of the Week: Girls

What would you say to your younger self?

At age 14 every emotion is...SO...INTENSE!

According to a study involving over 19,000 children at age 14 in the UK: 24% of the girls and 9% of the boys experience depression.

As part of the study the children were asked if they felt statements were true, sometimes true or not true regarding how they felt in the previous two weeks:

• I felt miserable or unhappy.

• I didn't enjoy anything at all.

• I felt so tired I just sat around and did nothing.

• I was very restless.

• I felt I was no good anymore.

• I cried a lot.

• I found it hard to think properly or concentrate.

• I hated myself.

• I was a bad person.

• I felt lonely.

• I thought nobody really loved me.

• I thought I could never be as good as other kids.

• I did everything wrong.

How would you answer for yourself?

Cyber bullying, stress over school, home life, peer pressure, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and negative thinking are driving forces for these feelings during adolescence.

What transpires during a girl’s teenage years shapes the direction of her life.  

The onset of puberty marks a time of heightened vulnerability. Some girls may have to discontinue their education due to lack of finances or early pregnancy, sexual exploitation, coercion or violence. Each of these traumas can lead to depression.

This past week I have sensed a spirit of despair in the young people who’ve reached out to me. As I pray for them scripture floods my mind.

Every sigh of the soul finds a home in Psalms.

Psalm 69:20 says, “Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.”

In the office I hear how often girls have to face the sting of harsh words, side eyed glances, and unrealistic expectations that all serve to break not only the heart but the spirit.

Every girl needs a safe person to confide in, lean on, and be comforted by.

Those who seek help in counseling are like the psalmist in Psalm 130:1 “From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.”

And in Psalm 40:2 we read, “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”

For those girls who know the Lord, I can direct them to find healing in His love and care. For those who don’t I can pray for them.

I pray that the girls of Belize overcome despair.

I pray that the girls of Belize find comfort from the Comforter.  

I pray that the girls of Belize find hope and healing.

I pray that the girls of Belize find deep abiding joy and will pass it on to others.

Love Where God Lives

Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.

Psalm 26:8 NIV

Where does God live? As a believer He lives in you!

The church is not a building. The church is His people.

Embrace and love the places where His glory lives. Allow the Holy Spirit to have room in your heart. Let Him take over your life. You won’t regret a life lived wholeheartedly for Him.

Live with intention.

Live with vigilance.

Live with hope.

Live with peace.

Live with the knowledge that He lives in you!

I spent years wondering if I looked good enough, if I was smart enough, and if I was strong enough to serve Him. Years wasted being fearful, aimless, and filled with doubt.

I didn’t see myself the way God sees me. I knew He loved me but I didn’t always love me. So I questioned His love for me because I couldn’t see my own worth.

I grew up in the era where we sang hymns about being lowly and was taught not to think too highly of myself.

As I was studying Psalms earlier this year I saw this passage and it finally clicked that the house where God dwells is me!

I need to love how God designed me and utilize each one of the gifts and talents He gave me, all for His glory.

He equips His house, He fills His house, and He makes His house a home.

That is my deep desire for myself and for you! Let God move into His house full time. Not just on Sundays, not just when you feel good, but each and everyday!

And remember He is not just in you but He is in your brothers and sisters in Christ. Respect and love them too!

Value them as you value yourself in God. "Why gaze with envy at the mountain where God chooses to live," like it says in Psalms 68:16.

Encourage those living for Him. Champion them instead of comparing, competing, or criticizing.

May this be our prayer:

Precious Yahweh,

May we remember that we are Your dwelling place. We are Your sanctuary. You live in our praises. You make a home in our hearts. Our bodies are not our own but they are temples dedicated to reflecting Your glory. We trust You to equip us and empower us to serve You. May we begin today to live lives that are worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus. May we live to honor You. And may we love the house where Your glory dwells!

Amen.

Word for the Week: Celebrate!

We can never see the sunrise

by looking toward the west.

Japanese Proverb

With all that is happening in the world it may be difficult to find reasons to celebrate. We need the sunrise to remind us of hope. And it is hope that gives us a reason to rejoice.

Belize received its independence on September 21, 1981. However, the celebrations and decorations begin as soon as the calendar changes from August to September.

Seven years ago we arrived in Belize on September 6th to witness the country of Belize already decked out and decorated in red, white, and blue in anticipation of the holidays to come.

We have been present for Independence Day in several different countries. And the one thing that is uniquely Belizean from my perspective is that Belize doesn’t wait until the day of celebration to start celebrating. And it made me think that we shouldn’t wait for a reason to celebrate either!

Why celebrate?

Because of LIFE:

Life is short. Each breath, each moment, and each heartbeat is a cause for celebration!

Everyone will experience ups and downs in life but the more you praise, give thanks, and rejoice in spite of your circumstances the more you will find to praise, give thanks, and rejoice over!

The Word gave life to everything that was created,

and His life brought light to everyone.

John 1:4

This life is filled with enough Light for everyone. But, if you’re not looking for it you will miss out! The sun rises in the east not the west. Turn your head the other direction and look to Him for reasons to celebrate the life you are living in this moment.

Ponder the path of your feet. Are they leading you toward or away from the Light? It’s never too late to turn around and run the other way and begin to celebrate life.

Why celebrate?

Because of LOVE:

Love is priceless. If you find it embrace it, cherish it, nurture it. Never take love for granted.

Loneliness can be a deadly disease but those who are blessed with loving relationships can survive the harshest of conditions.

Four years ago on September 21st our son married the love of his life and we gained a daughter-in-love. We celebrate their love because it brings joy to our hearts to see two souls in love with God and in love with each other.

Our family has expanded to include a granddaughter and we rejoice each time we see her face or hear her laughter. There is hope, life, joy, and a sense that all is right with the world knitted within the laughter of of a child.  

Who are the loved ones who bring a smile to your lips and joy to your heart? Give God thanks for them right now. Hand write them a letter or speak the words face to face.

Living in another country away from our extended family is hard at times. We’ve missed out on many special occasions large and small over the past 12 years of missionary life.

As I get older I realize that my family in the states has gotten older as well. Tom and I made it a point to express our love and appreciation verbally to my 98 year old grandmother last October. The three of us cried together and spoke words normally reserved for a funeral. I’m grateful that Tom got the ball rolling on that conversation. It is a priceless moment to think back on and cherish.

Why celebrate?

Because of CHRIST!

In Hebrews there is a passage that speaks to me as a reason for celebration and gives a picture of a great celebration to come.

Hebrews 12:1-3 says,

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

There is a great crowd of witnesses cheering us on! We can endure to the end no matter how long our race is. Christ is our example as He endured the shame and pain of the cross to redeem us from sin. Each time I wonder, “why celebrate?” God whispers in my heart, “what about Me?”.

I pray that you will hear His whispers of the heart and look to Him for a reason to rejoice.

Make a list each day of one reason to be grateful for life, one reason to be grateful for love, and one reason to be grateful for Christ in your life.

Begin today to truly value and celebrate life, love, and our Eternal Source of Hope, Jesus Christ!

Do You, Boo!

“You do you, Boo!” such earthly wisdom from reality stars like NeNe Leakes may cause you to fall short of glorifying the King of Kings.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve watched my share of the Real Housewives of Atlanta in the past and NeNe was my reason for watching! She does her in a big bold way at all times and in all situations.

However, I’ve discovered that a constant focus on ‘doing me’ can be toxic to my spiritual life.

It’s important to be authentic. We are wonderfully made. As children of God we are living stones being built into a spiritual house. In view of eternity, knowing Whose I am should lead me to being all that I am for Him and not for my own glory. Does that make sense?

Our behaviors are tied to our beliefs. Much like how the fruit on a tree is connected to the earth by its roots. The fruit has a root.

Our behavior is rooted in what we believe about ourselves, our family and friends, our view of the world, and our concept of God.

If ‘doing you’ leads to ignoring Him Monday through Saturday then what does that say about your relationship with God?

If ‘doing you’ leads to spiteful actions and speaking unkindly all the time then what does that say about how you see yourself?

If ‘doing you’ leads to damaging your marriage then what does that say about your commitment to your vows?

What root does your fruit come from? It’s important to dig out all the unhealthy roots that lead to harmful behavior.

Dr. Dan Allender says in Cry of the Soul, “We are not machines that can be repaired through a series of steps--we are relational beings who are transformed by the mystery of relationship.”

Our roots have been affected by the relationships we have and their fruit will show the results of those seeds that were planted in us.

There are times when my thought life reveals negativity I thought that I had long let go of. I’ve struggled with envy, I’ve struggled with feeling left out, I’ve struggled with trying to be heard. I looked to the wrong people in the wrong places to get emotional and spiritual needs met.

But, those longings can only be filled by the One who intricately handknit them within me on the day of my creation.

My roots must be tended to by my Creator. Only His gentle hand can bring about the healing I so desperately need and desire.

All efforts to find “me”, so I can fully be the me HE crafted, are in vain if those efforts don’t include Him.

I must give Him those moments from years gone by as they come to mind.

I kneel before Him handing over the memory of getting caught bad-mouthing a friend. I place feelings of humiliation and shame at His feet that once overwhelmed my teenage soul that hot Kansas afternoon when my callous words came to light.

I cry out to the heavens confessing that the opinions of others have carried too much weight in my heart and I can no longer bear the burden. Realizing in that moment that although my body is 54 my brain remained frozen in time at age 14.

I confess that there are more roots of mine that have been damaged in relationships but I can only handle bringing them to Him one at a time. The pain of healing is worth it but I can only bear so much in one sitting.

As old wounds get reopened, cleansed, and stitched back together with love, mercy, and grace, I relax. A peace shaped smile begins to form in my heart. And the sensation of His tender Hands mending my soul brings that smile forth to my lips.

Wholeness in Christ reveals the right sense of self. A self that is worthy of revealing to the world. Because the highest self we can attain, is one that points others to Him!

Are there some roots you must attend to in order to live a life that glorifies Him? Take pen and paper in hand, kneel at His feet, and give them over to His care. And in that manner, continue to shine, and “You do you, Boo!”