Communication Can Be Awkward

As much as I value and love communication I won't always share what's on my mind with another. Often the reason is because if I share then I feel like the other person's response may be simply be out of duty or obligation, especially if what I share is related to how I feel about something.  Sometimes I don't share because, even though I may have a valid opinion, maybe it is not my 'place' to provide input. Sometimes when I share it can make another feel awkward, nothing really gets resolved and I (maybe both of us) are left feeling less likely to try that again.

Communication is tricky, especially if there is not an already existing foundation of trust or friendship between the two parties. If effort is not made, then misunderstandings can occur. People assume you mean one thing when maybe you mean another, however they do not always ask for clarification. They just run with what they think they know or heard from another. You might call that miscommunication, failure to communicate adequately.

A lack of communication between two people is difficult. When you add more people into the equation, then the difficulty and possibility of miscommunication is magnified. So, why would a large group not be able to communicate with each other? I don't know all the reasons but here are a few:

-"I don't want to stir up trouble."

-"It's not my place."

-"What's the use? It won't do any good."

-"My opinion is not worth much."

-"I am scared to speak up."

-"If I speak up someone may retaliate against me."

-"It will work itself out."

-"I feel like I've already tried but no one is listening."

I am sure there are other reasonings but you get the idea. Maybe you aren't the only feeling the way you do. Maybe others would also like to talk about  the issues. 

Communication is not always neat and tidy. Sometimes it can be messy, stirs the emotions and challenges us to continue listening even when we don't like what is being said. The key is to not stop listening. Make sure you understand what the other person is saying or implying. Though you may not like what you hear, if you have accurate information then you can at least make wise decisions from that. 

What if it really is not your 'place' to contribute or to start the conversation? If you see it happening or are involved in a second-hand kind of way, then I would suggest you simply encourage those who can do something about it. Encourage him/her or them to pursue understanding, to do the hard yards by being pro-active. Encourage someone to step up and step out of their comfort zone. 

As parents we encourage, almost demand, that our children learn how to resolve their conflicts. We teach them what the bible says about love, forgiveness and reconciliation. Yet we, as adults, harbor dark thoughts toward one another. We don't resolve conflicts. Rather, we let them fester and boil over and then agonize at the results of something that we had an element of control over. 

Whether the lack of communication is in our home, our business or our church we need to be mindful of our part. Cast aside fear and 'be the change'. Pursue that change in love. Don't be demeaning nor demanding. The best way to be heard is to be willing to listen. 

May you live long and communicate often. Much love to you all. 

Can We Pet the Elephant?

"Mommy, look! There's an elephant over there!" The mother quickly tried to hush her wonder-filled child. "Shhh, be still. Don't stare." The child could not help but stare at the massive elephant that he saw. Try as he might, he could not contain himself and again said to his mother, "Mommy, can we pet the elephant?" His mother quickly looked around and bent down to whisper to her child, "No, we musn't pet the elephant. Be still. Not another word."

As the child's mother began talking with others around her the child began to wander around the room. He never took his eyes off of the elephant. He wanted so much to go over and pet it. As he walked around he saw another adult that he knew. He thought a moment and quickly went over after one quick glance at his mother. She was engrossed in her chat and did not seem to notice.

He approached the other adult and tugged on his sleeve. The adult looked down, smiled and asked what the child needed. The child quickly pointed to the corner of the room where the elephant stood. "Can you take me over there to pet the elephant?" The adult's smile faded and a puzzled look came upon his face. "What elephant?" he asked. "I don't see any elephant."

The child scratched his head and looked at the adult as if to say, "How can you NOT see the elephant?" However, the child walked away. As he looked around the room he began to notice that everyone was talking to each other but no one was looking at the massive elephant standing now in the middle of the room. In fact, the more he looked at their faces the more it seemed that everyone was purposely not seeing the elephant.

The child did not understand this. He could not figure out why no one wanted to look at the elephant. A couple of other children came into the room and the first child watched as their eyes got big and they each exclaimed to their parents about the elelphant in the room. He saw his friends get hushed just as he had been by his mother.

The other children came over to him and asked if he saw the elephant. He told them that he did and then he told them how everyone else seemed like they were refusing to see the elephant. The children could not figure out why the adults were acting so bizarre. Why didn't anyone want to talk about the elephant in the room?

Good Girl

Sitting in the darkness
By herself
All alone,
Hoping that
He'd stay away,
But knowing
That he won't.

He then walks
Into her bedroom,
With that strange
Glint in his eye.
He walks
Ever so slowly,
All the time
She's asking
"Why?"

Still he keeps on
Walking,
With that strange
Look upon his
Face.
That's when she
Starts pretending
That she's any
Other place.

Soon after he's
Finished,
Soon after he's
Through,
He gets up,
Looks at her,
Then quietly
Leaves the room.

The next morning
When she awakens,
Everything
Is just the same.
The dog is barking,
The sun is shining,
And her mom is
Yelling her
Brother's name.

She sits down
At the table,
And eats her
Breakfast slow.
Her father looks
at her and says,
"You're a good girl, you know."

This poem could be anybody's story. It is lived everyday in countless homes around the world. I often write from an empathetic viewpoint. I share this now in hopes that it may somehow give a voice to the voiceless. Maybe it will empower just one to break their silence, although when their silence is broken they often bear the brunt of the secrets revealed. Homes become broken, children become displaced and lives are forever changed. Sometimes that is good and what is necessary. Sometimes it is not.

How can we, as adults, as teachers, as mentors or as any responsible person dare to take up the cause of one we suspect is caught in such a life? It is quite often a double edged sword, guaranteed to cut you just a little. On the one hand we bear the burden of having a responsibility to protect, even to err on the side of caution for the sake of the child. That burden can be heartbreaking. On the other hand, if we remain silent and do nothing, what then?

If we suspect someone is in trouble and do nothing are we not condemned by our inaction? We can certainly expect to be condemned by our actions. You can expect to be misunderstood. So, what do you do? Do you turn a blind eye? Do you secretly pray that someone else will see, know or suspect and do what you are unable to do?

If you suspect someone is being victimized, then please consider the best course of action for the sake of the child. Gather resources, partner with someone for advice and follow protocol if you are in a position that has guidelines already set in place. Don't turn a blind eye. Yes, that double edged sword may cut you, but the bleeding will stop after a while. Your pride or loss of popularity will recover but that child may not.

If you are a victim of sexual abuse, please tell someone. Find a trusted adult, family member, teacher or  pastor and get help. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline. It is completely confidential unless you choose to reveal any personal information. That number is 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Dare to be different. Do what is right.

What's a War Between Friends?

A silent war was waged

between you and I.

I don't know 

How it happened

And cannot tell you why. 

Are we jealous?

Are we threatened?

How can we really know? 

This war that stands between us

Has yet to really show.

So we go on as days go by,

Strangers in passing,

Like ships in the night. 

For all appearances
It seems everything is alright.

We play a charade 

Of friendship, or

Acquaintance,

Is more the word.

Sometimes we talk

But seldom are heard. 

Although we do not fight

It seems we don't agree.

I'm not sure what

Is the problem.

Is it you?

Or is it me?

It seems we've much in common,

Even our walls appear the same.

So closely we are guarded,

And so we play this game. 

I imagine you are funny

And ever so sweet to know.

I have a wicked sense of humor,

But to you it does not show. 

I sometimes lament 

about our friendship,

That never got to form.

Perhaps we're both 

A little battle-weary

And our trust is a little worn.

Still, I cannot help but wonder,

You see, it's what I often do.

I wonder about people,

I wonder about you.

So often I want to reach out,

To walk beside you 

As a friend,

But I understand your distance

Though it seems 

This war

May never end.

I could wave 

A white flag of surrender,

To try and forge 

A compromise,

But would your

Jaded eyes behold its color

And even recognize

It as a sign of peace,

A sign of love,

A sign of friendship

If you will?

I would meet you 

At the top

If you were willing 

To climb the hill. 

But how do I do that

If you do not even

Acknowledge we 

Are at war?

If your denial

maintains your distance,

Then perhaps we'll never know

How great a force 

We could be together

And how together

We could grow.

We wrestle not against flesh,

And not against blood

Yet here we are 

You and I.

Wrestling to know 

Each other, 

Not understanding why.

Why are we strangers?

Why aren't we friends?

They whys in this war

Quite possibly have no end.

I don't mind the questions

Nor do I mind 

The pursuit to understand. 

I often contemplate 

In silence and in prayer. 

I must confess 

I have a handicap,
And thought it needed

To be shared.

I am socially awkward, you see.
Polite conversation
is difficult for me.
I struggle to talk
About the weather,
And I struggle
to answer, "How are you?"
You see I want
To be too honest.
I want my answers to be true.

But how can I be honest
When an answer you
Do not really seek,
And a cursory glance
Is all you can afford.
It is in these moments
Of shallow interaction
That I am sadly convinced
We are in an unnamed war.

I war to be different.
You war to be the same,
Or is it the other way around?
Does it matter
Which is true,
As we behold the
Casualties on the ground?

Our friendship is one casualty.
Like an aborted fetus
In the womb.
It was taken before
It had a chance at life,
Like a flower's wilted bloom.

So where do we go from here?
How does a silent war
even try to find an end?
How do our walls
Come down, so
That a friendship
May begin?

Perhaps the walls remain
And our friendship
Is denied,
Perhaps in our
own minds
We each think we
Have already tried.

Would it be true
That the war would
Remain
If indeed we each
Had really tried?
Would our efforts
Be so much in vain?
Perhaps instead it
Is really pride or fear
Of feeling pain.

The pain of rejection,
The pain of betrayal
Pick a pain,
I am sure any would do.
At the end of the day
It's really just fear
That keeps you from me
And me from you.

In case it ever
Crossed your mind,
One more thing,
Before I go,
I really don't dislike you.
You can't hate someone
You do not know.

If ever you need
Help to dismantle
The bricks from
Your wall,
I hope you will
Not hesitate
To give me a call.

Once we we are finished,
And once we are through,
We can work
On my wall,
And I'll be sure to
Call on you.


This is dedicated to all the strangers I know who may one day become friends and to all my friends are still yet strangers. May we set fear and presuppositions aside. May we be willing to be surprised at how awesome we each are.

It's a Choice...Not a Condition

The first attack I had was in 2009 while we still lived in Australia. We had just eaten dinner and shortly after my back began to hurt. I didn't think much about it but the pain worsened as time passed. Soon it was almost unbearable. Since it was late, almost midnight, my husband stayed home with the kids and I drove myself to the hospital. Once there they hooked me up to a heart monitor and took my vitals. I got sick at one point and had to vomit. The doctor could not determine what had caused the pain, so he sent me home with two morphine tablets. 

Eventually, the pain subsided and life went on. Over the next few years I would have more attacks and later come to find out that I had gallstones. In 2011 I had several gallbladder attacks. These would last about twelve hours or more. I was severely nauseated and the slightest movement would cause me to wretch. The pain was awful and debilitating. All I could do was sit on the couch and ride it out with a bucket in my hands or nearby. I did go to the hospital once more and they performed an ultrasound. That test confirmed the presence of gallstones and sludge. 

I was told that I would eventually have to have surgery to have my gallbladder removed. I used to eat a lot of antacids and was mindful of the types of foods I ate so as not to trigger another attack. That only helped a bit. I still had attacks. In January 2012 I had an episode of what was later called gallbladder colic. It lasted about six days. The pain was more dull but never really left. I called a friend one night to ask for prayer. To my surprise she showed up a bit later at our home. It was around 9 p.m. She came over to pray with me. That time of prayer was awesome. As our prayer moved from my need to another need I heard the Holy Spirit say to me, "You are healed." 

I knew the Lord had spoken to me and I quietly received His words. I didn't share His words for quite some time. I kept them to myself for a couple of reasons. First, I believe in the power of words. I believe that we can tear down or build up another by what we say. I did not want to share this special message and have others negate God's word in my life. 

Secondly, I wanted time to pass. I wanted to see this miracle take root and stay in my life. I treasured God's words to me. It was like a holy secret that we shared. 

It has been two and a half years since that night. I have not had another attack since then. Prior to that it seemed I was heading for an eventual surgery, possibly even an emergency surgery. 

As I was driving home this morning  I was thinking about some books I have been given. One is called 23 Minutes in Hell. It is a true life account of how a man was taken to hell and what he saw while there. There are other books about similar types of visions or journeys that people have said they experienced, often with Jesus as their guide. 

That got me thinking about my own story. We are often so quick to discredit someone because of something that seems too unbelievable, lacks logic or simply flies in the face of what we believe. A few of the books I know about are:

1. Heaven is For Real

2. A Divine Revelation of Hell

3. 23 Minutes in Hell

4. Close Encounters of the God Kind

5. The Valentine Prophecies

I know there are countless others out there where a person was either taken to heaven or hell. I have not read all the books listed above but am most familiar with these titles. Why is it so hard to fathom that the God who created the universe and everything in it is also able to take select persons on a divine journey? While we can expect opposition from a disbelieving population of the world, why do we, as Christian brothers and sisters, try so desperately to tear one another apart? 

I am not saying that every account is genuine, but do we start out from the viewpoint that what they are saying happened might be true? Or are we reading only to find ways to validate our point that everything is false? Yes, we must 'test the spirits' as the word instructs. I find the dynamics of interpersonal relationships between professing Christians to be interesting. How quickly we can devour one another with our high and lofty opinions without the effort of truly establishing a relationship with the other person. 

Of course, we can also be very supportive and sincere. I am not trying to throw the baby out with the bathwater. My point is this: What if God took you on an incredible journey, whether to heaven or hell, or to some remote part of the world? What if He showed you specific things so that you may share His message with this world and His people? How humbling and fantastic would it be to be a part of that? How troubling would it be to face the rejection and ridicule, not from the world. That would be expected. How about when your church family rejects and ridicules your story, your message? 

This does not happen only when books are written or divine journeys are made. We devour one another for more simple things. The bible tells us in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." It does not say, "Blessed are the poor in attitude", yet, that is what we often become. 

We become petty, proud, resentful, superior, contentious, judgmental, self-pitying, suspicious, hateful and accusatory. If we are not careful our motives become deceitful, even deceiving ourselves. We offer Hallelujahs and Praise the Lord, yet go home and slander the very thing we praised God for in another. 

We should not be ashamed nor afraid to share our stories with one another. So, what can we do? The only person we really have control over is ourselves. No matter how 'good' we try to be to others we will not be able to please everyone. Once again, it comes down to motive of our hearts. If we are real and sincere before God, repentant and obedient, then we must trust Him to see us through the rough waters of rejection, misunderstandings and every other tough thing that may come our way. We must make a decision to truly TRUST GOD. Once we get settled in Him the rough waters won't feel so rough. 

We also need to check our motives and our attitudes. If we are gossiping about others, judging, tearing down instead of building up, then maybe we need to evaluate why. Our attitude, how we respond to another who upsets us or simply does something we disagree with, is a CHOICE...NOT A CONDITION. 

In other words, someone may say or do something to you that causes you to feel hurt or angry. What you do with that hurt or anger is your CHOICE. It is NOT a CONDITION you are afflicted with. You could choose to reconcile, forgive, ask for greater understanding of the situation or pray for that person. You have options. 

You may think you have a 'right' to feel and act the way you do in response. Maybe you have a right when simply living by the rules of this world. However, when living by the rules of God's word He makes it really simple.

1. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

2. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

3. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive  him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

4. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

5. Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Give up your right to yourself. Give in to the love of God. Let His love fill you so that you have no room for any poor attitudes. Make a choice everyday to honor God with your attitude and actions. Take time to know one another, to understand each other. When in doubt about another person’s story, journey or message, seek God. Ask Him to help you discern truth from error. In all your ways, acknowledge Him.

Many blessings to you all.

5 Versions of You

How many versions of you do you think there are? As I thought about that tonight I counted at least five. In general terms they are:

-Who you used to be
-Who you are now
-Who you hope to be
-Who others think you are
-Who God intends you to be

What is your story? Where do you come from? What have you come through? Who did you used to be? Would your story surprise or shock anyone?  How do you feel about who you used to be?

We all have a story of who we used to be. Some stories are better than others. Some are worse. Who we are today is based a lot on who we were yesterday. Many people have overcome extraordinary circumstances of difficulty that has made their today better than their yesterday. Others have succumbed to circumstances which may make today a bit darker than yesterday. 

Sometimes people around us forget that everyone has a story of yesterday. A common saying is that, "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." That may hold true to remind us to use a cautionary approach with some. However, should we define everyone by past behavior, especially when past behavior is just that...in the past? We do it all the time. Some may be more discreet in their judgments than others, nonetheless it is there. 

Perhaps when another is cast into the spotlight of shame and/or judgment it is then that we feel our past can disappear or at least appear so much less that the one in the spotlight. Instead of deflecting blame for an incident we are deflecting shame of our own past failings. We need to stop doing that. Who we used to be, especially when we have been born again into the kingdom of God, should be just that...who we used to be. Even if you are not a Christian but have reformed or overcome your past, then that is where it should remain.

Who are you now? Do you know yourself? Do you allow others to define who you are? Have you learned to stand up for yourself or for anything, even if you are standing alone? Are you comfortable in your own company? 

Are you ruled by popular opinion on who you think you should be? We often have many 'hats' to wear when fulfilling many roles in our lives. Who are you when you take off all the hats? Take time to know yourself. I have no doubt that you may be surprised at how awesome you really are. Own your awesomeness, even if you have to do it quietly. Remember that you were fashioned by God Himself. No matter how you got here, planned or unplanned, you have a plan. The Creator of Heaven and Earth formed you in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-16). 

Who do you hope to be? How do you plan to become that person? Are there things you may have to lay down in order to reach that dream? Some may want to sprout wings and fly. While I do not wish to discourage anyone, I believe that so long as we are working within the laws of physics and limited only by the word of God then we can achieve just about anything- maybe minus the sprouted wings. 

Do you have hope? Do you aspire to anything? Do you have an unfulfilled call on your life? If yes, then pursue it! Let not the naysayers stand in your way nor discourage you. Find yourself in the word of God and in the presence of God and be led by His Holy Spirit. Can you achieve great things apart from God? Of course you can. However, those things will perish and fade away. When your aspirations line up with God's design for your life, then you will achieve great things. These things will become a legacy that will impact the kingdom of God. 

How do you define greatness? Inventor? Scientist? Doctor? Missionary? Preacher? Astronaut?

Those are all great things. However, what about mother, father, teacher, friend, encourager, intercessor, loving, giving, hospitality, listener and so many more? The world around us defines greatness in so many ways. Sometimes their definition can make our contributions feel less than they are. We begin to underestimate the role we have been given and the importance of sowing into so many lives, even just in our homes and communities. Don't get me wrong. If you have been called to missions, homeless shelters, outreach, the pulpit, music...whatever...then go. If your calling is more discreet with less recognition, then embrace it. Pour everything into it and leave that legacy that you were created by God to leave. 

That leads us to the question, "Who does God intend for you to be?" This really ties into the question before, "Who do you aspire to be?" It would be my hope that your vision lines up with God's intentions. You may be surprised how similar they are to each other or even how much more fulfilling His intentions and purpose for your life are, in contrast to what you may want for yourself.

Finally, who do others think you are? What others think of us can be a crippling thought. The thoughts of others can keep us a prisoner to our past, held down in our present, left unfulfilled in our aspirations and can ultimately rob us of what God intends for us. Be careful who you listen to.

Sometimes we allow this version of ourselves to dictate the answer to all the other versions.

Words are a powerful weapon. They can tear down or they can build up. Learn to discern the voice of the Lord. If what others are saying does not line up with what God is saying about you, then choose to trust God over those around you. We can never fully persuade everyone of who we are, nor should we try. Focus on who you are now, who you hope to be and who God intends for you to be.

Be mindful of who you think others are or should be. Don’t become the crippling force in their lives. Let us build one another up in every good work.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-22 reminds us to:

 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil.

It is my hope that you will become who God intends, in spite of your past, present or the opinions of others. Much love you to you all. 

Seeds

Pastors, teachers, preachers and ministers of the Lord often refer to the time of giving as a time to sow seeds into the Kingdom of God. As Christians we give for many reasons. Some are practical. We know that money is needed for operational expenses of the church. The light and water bills have to be paid. Church staff have to be paid. Monies are needed to help aid missionaries both near and far. Our giving is a way of sharing the financial responsibilities of the church. It is a practical way to meet practical needs.

Giving also has a spiritual application and it is explained and spoken about in various ways throughout the word of God. Giving is an act of obedience and also a revealer of our hearts. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."

We don't give because God has a shortage in heaven. We give out of obedience. We give to meet practical needs. We give as a way of testing the Lord in His faithfulness to us.

His word tells us in Malachi 3:10,

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it."

God challenges us to try Him in His faithfulness to return what we give to Him. He won't just match our giving. He will exceed it. 

The bible talks a lot about seeds in a few different ways. One of the most familiar passages is the one in Matthew 13:3-9 when Jesus spoke about the Parable of the Sower. It reads as follows:

Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

A few verses later Jesus explains in verses 18-23:

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

This parable speaks more on the condition of the soil which the seed is sown into than it speaks of the seed itself. 

Other verses speak about the result of the type of seed you sow.

 Galatians 6:7-9 tells us, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Luke 6:43-44 speaks about the fruit of the seed, “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.

What about the size of the seed?

Matthew 17:20 tells us, "So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

In the church we often define seed as money- tithes and offerings. Money is the most practical seed we can sow to help meet the practical needs of the church. Of course, money is not the only seed and I would dare suggest it is not the most important seed either.

Just as in a garden seeds come in many varieties and can even serve many purposes. Some seeds we can sow in the church and in our lives are:

-Prayer- these seeds are often sown and grow best in the dark. While these seeds are effective when sown in a group, they will also yield beautiful fruit when grown alone. These seeds must be planted with faith seeds.

-Faith- these seeds are companion seeds to the prayer seeds and necessary for prayer seeds to properly germinate and grow. These seeds come in all shapes, though some are even as small as a mustard seed.

-Walking in the Spirit- These seeds are powerful and produce beautiful fruit that all around us can enjoy. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

We begin to walk in the Spirit when we keep ourselves in the word and in the presence of the Lord through prayer. It is then we become immersed in His will, in His desires, in His plan.

-Tithes/offerings- these seeds are a challenge from the Lord that comes with a promise of reward when done faithfully.

At times we may not have seed to sow in regards to tithes/offerings. Some say they cannot afford to tithe. Others say a person cannot afford not to. Regardless of which position you take, a drought is often a drought in regards to finances. This is a time when we may be able to sow secondhand seeds.

Secondhand seeds are seeds we receive from another. They are seeds harvested from the seeds of generosity. For example, a parent may give a child some money to put into the offering plate at church. That child did not have money of his own but was able to sow an offering seed from his parent’s abundance.

Likewise, when in a drought, a friend, neighbor or sometimes even a stranger may offer secondhand seeds to that person who lacks, thus enabling an opportunity for a harvest. Secondhand seeds are precious. They are burden bearing seeds.

Romans 15:1-2 tells us, “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.”

This list is only a small example of the seeds that can be sown. As you spend time in the word of God you may find other seeds that you can sow and offer unto the Lord.

No matter which seeds you are sowing, sow in obedience to the Spirit of the Lord. Do not be afraid to be a blessing to others. Do not be afraid to be blessed by the Lord. The beautiful thing about sowing spiritual seeds is that the blooms never look the same, no matter how many times we may sow the same seed.

Let me leave you with 2 Corinthians 9:10-11, “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”

Pecan Sandies

The big meeting spot for our family is at my grandmother's farm. We call her Mammaw. She doesn't go too many places anymore, but she has trained us all to come to her. She is a clever lady. I think one of everyone's favorite things about Mammaw's place is the snack drawer in the fridge. In the bottom two drawers she keeps snack cakes and miniature candy bars. In the back room she often keeps single bags of chips as well as cookies. One of the refrigerators is primarily used for drinks. My mother often bakes, so finding jam cake in the freezer is not a hard task. It is safe to say we are all a bit spoiled to the love she offers in the form of so many tasty treats.

I have noticed that when I visit I will eat things at her house that I would ordinarily give no thought to. I have even found myself snacking on a pecan sandie, one of the least flavorful cookies out there. Now, do I go out and buy pecan sandies for my house or bake a jam cake for my freezer? No, I don't. It tastes better at Mammaw's house. I enjoy it while I am there.

As I think about that I cannot help but think about the many different churches within the Chrisitan faith. Each church offers something a little bit different from the next. As we visit one another we may find that the pecan sandie is a bit sweeter at someone else's house. We may look forward to that jam cake found when visiting brethren that live elsewhere. We may never ask for the recipe or keep the same cookie on our shelf but it's nice to receive the love offered in many forms at another's home. We are grateful that they share with us so willingly.

Mammaw has never required that I keep the same food at my house as she keeps at hers. She loves the fellowship of her family. She shares what she has willingly. I am not condemned for not liking pecan sandies or for not baking that jam cake. She has always welcomed me each time I pull into her yard. She often tells us how blessed she is to have a family that visits regularly and that cares about her so much.  

We are a large family. Mammaw and Pappaw had nine children. They in turn had the grandchildren who in turn have had the great-grandchildren. We are many personalities with varying faiths, habits, inclinations, hopes and desires. We each have our own story to tell. We have each carried a burden, sometimes shared, sometimes alone. Sometimes we disagree and on a rare occasion may fight. Often, with enough pasing of time, wounds heal and our family remains.

The same should be true for the church. We are a large family much the same. May we make time to visit one another regularly and to love often. May we share what's in our kitchen with one another and be willing to be surprised at how good a pecan sandie can actually be.

Much love to you all.  

Do Not Weep, My Soul

Do not weep, my soul
For that which 
You may not have.
'Twas was never
Your portion
To be known.
Look into tomorrow
And see the 
Shoots of grass,
For they are the seeds
You have sown.
 
Though you may never
Feel the blades
Gently beneath your feet,
Take courage and know
Their roots are strong,
And their fruit is sweet.
 
Silently you walk alone,
With seeds and water 
In your hands.
Steady your gaze,
With your face in the wind, 
As daily you
Tread these lands. 
 
Take courage, my soul
Do not feel bereft,
Truly your burden is light.
'Tis only a lie,
Whispered by he who hides, 
Deep in the cloak of night.
 
Wrestle not against flesh,
Wrestle not against blood,
'Tis a war in the spirit,
You see.
The prince of the air
Seeks your very life,
Though a defeated foe
Is he.
 
Feed your faith,
And starve your fear,
Put on your armor and stand!
Speak the word daily,
Wield the sword
Of the Lord,
Drive out the beast 
From the land!
 
Be not ashamed,
Of what you may not have,
Only be ready each day,
As the Lord God commands,
Whether seen or unseen,
To faithfully love and obey.
 
Take up your cross daily,
Lay down your pride, 
Your anger, your fear
And your hate.
Embrace the Lord Jesus,
Lay it all down,
Lay it down
Before it's too late. 

Saying Sorry

I read a quote by Joyce Meyer that asks, "Are you willing to take on the role of a peacemaker? Are you willing to be the first one to say, "I'm sorry"?"

I began to think about those two words, "I'm sorry". They are often the hardest words for a person to say. It may be generalized that men have a harder time saying theses two words than women. While I do not have official data, I can only surmise as to the reasons this may or may not be true.

In the dictionary sorry is defined as:

1. causing sorrow; grievous
2. grieved for a loss, a mistake, a sin, etc. ; feeling sorrow, regret or penitence
3. melancholy; dismal; gloomy; mournful

The act of saying I'm sorry can seem like an arduous task. Maybe we still feel right in our minds, therefore we should not have to be the first one to say it. Perhaps we are not ready to let go of the sting of the event, the anger or grief that it brought, so we hold on. Pride refuses to yield. Our role as a superior (as in a parent, boss, leader) prevents our lips from uttering such a phrase that may be so great as to restore peace, harmony and even healing to another. We defiantly say within ourselves, "No! I will not  be the first or the one to say, "I'm sorry." We are right and that is how we plan to stay.

As a parent we should realize the importance of being able to tell our children, "I'm sorry." Our willingness to yield ourselves to their forgiveness molds them and teaches them a valuable truth. Parents mess up. We make mistakes and we should acknowledge it when we do. We should seek to minister to our children the healing words of a heartfelt apology. We, in the church, often speak about serving one another in love. Our children should not be the exception. We should serve them in love as well.

As a boss or leader it may be even harder to say, "I'm sorry." Many industry leaders are taught to never apologize, as it can be perceived to admit fault, blame and/or responsibility. At some point someone needs to be responsible. Fear often dictates where common sense, common decency and courtesy should prevail.

It would seem that the phrase, "I'm sorry" could be the most under-used phrase, despite the power that the words may have when spoken from a sincere, contrite heart.

Doctors often heal bodies with medicine or therapies designed for the affliction. They are trained in their profession and/or specialty. Words and wrong actions are wounding to the very core of our being. They often have a more devastating effect on people than the affirmities their physical bodies may face. Hearts are broken, spirits are crushed, self-esteem is stripped away, our sense of worth is made worthless and the brightness of our intellect is often made dim simply by the words we speak to one another.

I do not want to be justified at the expense of your spirit and your mind being crushed. If that is how am I justified then perhaps I have been lied to and perhaps I have believed the lie. What about you? Have you believed the lie? Do you need to be right more than you need to make things right?

We do not have to have specialized training to administer healing words. We can begin today, this very moment, in administering the healing balm of a sincere apology. We can change our actions or behaviors that inflict pain or that antagonizes another. Love, humility, empathy, remorse, gentleness, peacefulness and forgiveness are all instruments of healing that we can carry with us everywhere we go.

Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart;Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me,And lead me in the way everlasting."

God's Holy Hush

It is a beautiful place in prayer when one arrives to the place of silence as a Holy Hush fills the room and all prayer seems to cease. With eyes closed, hearts beating with expectation and hands lifted toward Heaven in reckless abandon, you can almost feel your spirit lifted to the threshold of Heaven's gates. You can sense the Holy Spirit's presence as you anxiously await God's words to be spoken, as you await a work of His hands. His presence is almost tangible like a thick fog that engulfs you all around. His presence is safe, secure and, at times, exhilerating. It is in these moments that you want to be so completely yielded to Him so that you miss nothing. Your ears strain to hear, your mind is eager to absorb His truths, your hands reach a little further toward heaven as though you could actually touch its gates. Your list of petitions has long ceased to be mentioned as you simply marvel in His glory. 

"Be still and know that I am God." You hear the whisper of the word of God reminding you. Then it happens.

You find that you cannot be still. The Holy Hush that seemed to draw you to the very gates of Heaven has now been interrupted. "Be still..." It seems so simple, yet it is a struggle. How often has the Lord invited us into His inner court? How often has He longed to share the deep secrets of His heart to a willing child of His? Despite how comfortable the silence of the Holy Hush is, whether in a group or alone, it seems it is often interrupted. How long is too long to "Be still and know that I am God"? I would say that if we failed to get to the part that says, "...and know that I am God", then we probably did not wait long enough. 

I believe many people have been trusting the Lord for a breakthrough in their lives, whether it be in relationships, finance, health, faith or other. 

Breakthrough is defined as: 
1. a military movement or advance all the way through and beyond an enemy's front-line defense.
2. an act or instance of removing or surpassing an obstruction or restriction; the overcoming of a stalemate.
3. any significant or sudden advance, development, achievement, or increase, as in 
scientific knowledge or diplomacy, that removes a barrier to progress  

Let us be challenged to truly learn to wait upon the Lord. Let us endeavor to fulfill this command in all its simplicity. Let us, "Be still and know that I am God." Perhaps it is then that we will have our breakthroughs as we learn to war in the stillness of God's Holy Hush. Many blessings to you all.

Faithful Beginnings and Fair-Weather Christians

Luke 6:12-16

12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples toHimself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.

Before Jesus chose His twelve disciples He spent the night in prayer to God. Once chosen He called them apostles. This passage brings two thoughts to mind.

First, when you have a decision  to make do you spend valuable time in prayer so that you may discern the right choice? Jesus had many followers but He needed to assemble a team, an inner circle whom He could teach, instruct, guide, mold, prepare and ultimately send out to spread His message.

His team included a traitor, deserters and one who would deny Him three times. Jesus did not seem perplexed by this as He made His way to to the cross. He is not recorded at having second guessed Himself or the Father in regards to the men who were called and chosen to be His apostles. 

John 2:23-25 tells us, "23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man."

Jesus knew what was in man. He knew what was in the men He chose that day, yet He was obedient to the Father when He appointed them. He looked beyond who they were with limitations and saw who they could become. We need to be the same way.

We need to be dedicated to prayer.

We need to know the Father's voice. 

We need to be obedient.

We do not need to second guess what we know the Lord has told us. 

We must be faithful even when it seems we are being betrayed, even when we have been deserted, even when we have been denied. As we take up our own cross we must be faithful to the end. 

Sometimes when it seems our plans are falling apart and people are not who we thought they should be, it is then that things are really beginning to come together. We must not be short-sighted. If our plans were prayerfully sought, then we should trust the Father to see it through to the end despite what our eyes may see and our ears may hear.

If we are not dedicated to prayer, if we do not know the Father's voice, if we are not obedient we will continually second guess everything that comes our way. We will be ruled by emotions and fears. We cannot  be faithful to the end if we are not faithful to begin. 

Secondly, verse 16 says that Judas Iscariot became a traitor. He was not that from the beginning. He was chosen to walk with Jesus. He was given a chance to know the Savior. Hen then had to make a choice. The same is true for each of us. We have a chance to walk with the Savior but we must make a choice. 

Jesus was not a fair-weather savior. He did not die when it was convenient nor was He surrounded by friends and comforters. He taught, loved, mentored, prayed for and encouraged his disciples in spite of what He knew they would do. On the darkest day of His human life He was alone. Even upon the cross He was forsaken by the Father as our sin was placed upon Him.  

He had the power of heaven at His disposal,

Yet He remained upon His cross

For the love of a world

He knew was lost.

Forsaken by His Father,

Deserted by His friends,

Jesus's love kept Him

On His cross to the end.

What will keep you to the end? Don't be a fair-weather christian, only serving God on the good days. In all your ways and through all your days acknowledge Him and serve Him to the end. 

Don't Worry, We Are Christians

I talked about you today.

In my conversation with

A friend, the topic of you

Had no end.

We pondered your choices,

We pondered your pain,

We shook our heads knowingly

At what we do not know.

Don’t worry, we are Christians.

It’s okay to discuss and dissect

Our brothers and sisters,

Like cadavers on a slab.

We make better choices for you

When you are not there.

We know the path

You should tread.

Don’t worry, we are Christians.

We agreed you need prayer,

Though we did not pray

For you today.

In our mock humility

We spoke of how the world,

And you, would be better,

If only…

Don’t worry, we are Christians.

We only spoke in love

And Christian clichés as

We ‘fixed’ you in our talks.

We also pondered why

Churches are divided.

It doesn’t make any sense.

Why can’t we get along?

Don’t worry, we are Christians.

As our talks moved

From you to the church

We shook our heads knowingly…

Don’t worry, we are Christians.

What's Your Motive?

Why do we do, say, write and even think the things that we do? One answer that comes to mind is motive of the heart. A book called, 'In His Steps', challenged people to consider one question before making any decision. That question was WWJD, What would Jesus Do?"

Motive of the heart is essentially the same thing. It examines the why of what we do. Why do we feel the need to say and do certain th...ings? What do we hope to accomplish? Do we seek to be noticed, heard, validated, affirmed, accepted, approved or seen? Do we want to be right, to feel superior or to wound, even for a moment? Are we motivated by malice, greed, envy, rejection or a need for revenge?

Do we do things simply out of love, care and concern for our family, friends and neighbors? If we considered our motives before we acted would the world be a more quiet place? Would we write less, talk less or even do less?

Maybe it isn't that we would do anything less. We would just do it differently. Perhaps there are some things that a pure motive would not allow at all but, ultimately, if our motives were considered before each speech, each post, each sermon, each lesson, each shared moment, then maybe life would be sweeter. Perhaps true unity would abound.

Even as I write this post I have to ask myself the same question I present to you. What is my motive? My answer for you is that I want to share because these are the questions I ponder almost daily. As much as I love to write and share, I find myself writing less as I question my own motives.

It is my hope to write when truly inspired by the Lord, so that anything written would have more of an eternal value. Less of me and more of Him. Be encouraged and be not afraid to be silent in the moments when you want to shout, to be seen, to be heard. God sees you, hears you and knows you. It is my hope that we would be most satisfied in Him.

At the Feet of Jesus

I must write and tell you what the Lord has done. This past month has been a month of ministry to and from the Lord. I am humbled in His Sight and in His Presence. 

A few weeks ago my aunt invited me to an intercessory prayer meeting. It takes place on Monday nights. It is a group of believers who gather from different churches to come together in the name of the Lord. The Lord is ministered to through songs, praises and prayers. It is a beautiful move of the Holy Spirit as folks come together to pray for one another. We pray for the local and state governments, the nation and for Israel. As the Spirit moves upon a person's heart other prayers are offered. I have always loved prayer and deep sea diving in regards to the things of the Lord.

As I have attended the Lord has been working within me, healing so many place in my spirit and in my heart. It has been humbling as the Lord pours out the fragrance of His love upon me.

Last night at the meeting, as I was praying, I began to think about the feet of Jesus. Three women from the bible came to mind that were found at the feet of Jesus. They were the adulteress who was to be stoned, the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears, and Mary, the sister to Martha.

All three women were found at His feet for different reasons. The adulteress, at His feet, found forgiveness. The woman who washed His feet with her tears and dried His feet with her hair offered unashamed worship. Mary broke tradition and offered seeming neglect of her duties so that she may not neglect her Lord.

Each woman had a different story but all were found at the same place...at the feet of Jesus. Forgiveness, worship with complete abandon, unbroken attention to His words. Wow. As those images and thoughts filled my mind I found myself longing to only be found at the feet of Jesus. The understanding of what that meant deepened for me greatly that night.

We really cannot let anything or anyone keep us from the feet of Jesus. I don't want to break fellowship with my Lord. His work, His message, His love, His mission...all are too important to be anywhere else.

I was broken and hurting from many years of many things that even I cannot give reference to. The memories of most have faded but somewhere along the way, the daggers of hurt and wounds inflicted remained. Jesus has been loving me through that this past month. I can truly say with sincerity that I do not want any of my yesterdays to hinder my tomorrows and my right nows. I lay it all down at the feet of Jesus.

I have returned refreshed and renewed. My burdens are being lifted as His love fills me. His call upon my life has been renewed by His grace and precious favor. I love you all. I look forward to sharing more with you about what the Lord is doing in my life.

How much of the Lord do you want? I pray that you, too, be found at the feet of Jesus.