Dark Places…

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 NKJV

Dormancy is defined as “a state of suspended animation.” In botany, it means “not actively growing but protected from the environment.” I’d been in a state of relative dormancy the past two years, tucked away and in the dark. However, I was recently surprised by new areas of growth.

My frequent pangs of grief have thankfully passed. I am no longer just going through the motions or drifting along with the flow. Seeds of purpose planted years ago may finally be taking root. I’ve been working part-time and loving it. I’m pursuing a writing career in earnest with encouraging results. I’ve taken a few classes. I’ve even picked up my camera again.

Physical or mental illness, grief, and disappointment can leave us feeling isolated and in a very dark place. Still, these same dark places and periods of dormancy can facilitate the growth necessary to eventually produce fruitful results.

The seeds I plant in my garden require isolation, a few downpours, and a fair amount of heat if they are ever to grown into the plants I desire. These same conditions in our own lives often cause discomfort, distress, and leave us searching for God. The promise of a blooming season can seem long lost as we linger in the dark.

Yet, transformation occurs in the dark. Beneath the surface roots form. What was once a seed evolves into something entirely different.

God does the same with us.

In our painfully quiet times, we can gain wisdom and clarity that would not otherwise be found. The darkest times in my life forced me to rethink and regroup—reconsider visions and dreams that faded long ago.

Dark places aren’t necessarily bad spaces. Everyone talks of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, but little is mentioned about that Silent Saturday where Jesus was alone and entombed in the dark. When He emerged, some of the people closest to Jesus did not recognized him.

Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” John 20:14-15 NKJV

If our Father felt it necessary to transform His Son in the dark and away from everyone else, surely each us can be transformed during our darkest days as well.

Allow your dark places to prepare you for your purpose and the harvest yet to come…

Into the Deep!

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:4-5 NKJV

The very things we long for, pray for, and make resolutions toward will never happen unless we move out of shallow religious routine and into deeper fellowship with God.

Miraculous things happen in the deep. You will not find an Orca where you can easily pick up sea shells. We often wait on God for a breakthrough even as He waits patiently on us to venture into the unknown. Deep means different things for different people. Your “deep” may be a new career, hobby, or even in a break in stale religious habits that no longer yield spiritual fruit.

 Scripture depicts how Peter fished for hours and came up empty. As a skilled fisherman, he should have caught something. Defeated, Peter gave up. Yet, at the prompting of Jesus, he moved away from the shore and caught a haul too large for his boat to contain. That’s the kind of miracle most of us are praying for!

Still, when the realities of life interfere with our plans, we can become scarred and bitter. Consequently, we may play it safe and refuse to trust once more. Yet, the safety of the shore is only an illusion. Shark attacks readily occur in shallow waters. Our personal sharks often lurk about: doubt, fear, and naysayers who can never envision what God would do for us!

To receive God’s best we must brave the deep with Him.

  • Make God a priority;  talk complain less and listen more.
  • Dig deeply into the Word. Don’t merely read the Bible, study it.
  • Seek God not for what He can do but for His presence and direction.
  • Dare to attempt the impossible when God says “yes” while everyone else says “no.”

 We must allow God to stir us up and out of complacency!

I want to experience the kind of wonder Peter did out in the deep with Jesus. I would rather a dynamic relationship with God into the unknown than to sit idly along the shore without Him.

What about you?

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. Matthew 14:29 NKJV

Christmas Presence

For Ashley, a post from Christmas past…

 

“Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me,” Psalm 51:11 NKJV

Many people who celebrate Christmas and even some who don’t find themselves rushing around with too much to do and too little time to do it this time of year. A few are stressing over hosting duties. Others have parties they must attend. Still, more are in a frenzied search to find the perfect gift. If retailers had their way, we would all be enticed to buy more presents!

However, I challenge you to breathe a little and focus instead on God’s presence.

God is ever waiting for us to come before Him, worship, talk with Him, and listen to what He would say.

If some of us would only slow down, we could enjoy the goodness of God instead of falling into the trap of running ragged to meet the expectations of others. If only we put that much effort into pleasing God.

 If you want to truly embrace the reason for the season, come into God’s presence. Slow down. Sit down. Bow down. Allow God to enter in your spirit and your space.

Christ’s birth and death provides us not only salvation but also the privilege to connect with God without the need for a mediator, high priest or intercessor. Jesus Christ left and ascended so that the Holy Spirit could be available to us. Such a perfect gift our Savior gave us, yet we often fail to “enter in” and appreciate the comfort and peace only He can provide.

The pursuit of things and our attempts to please others can often leave us with little time for God if we aren’t careful.

So, if you are in a continual state of chaos this holiday season, I implore you to run toward His presence. God can calm, refresh and restore. Allow Him to dictate your Christmas season and prompt you to be a blessing instead of constantly stressing.

Choose to end this year seeking God with a renewed passion. Allow each gleaming light to remind you of His Light. The best gifts can’t be placed under a tree. Only God can provide peace, joy, and unconditional love.

May you be overcome by God’s presence this Christmas season.

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore,”
Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,”
Acts 3:19  NKJV

Fruitful?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

I finally grasped the difference between busy and fruitful at some point in the last few years. I once ran myself ragged trying to do far too much and none of it to my satisfaction. I now realize fruitful doesn’t equate to a steady stream of productivity coming off a line.

As in my garden, there are times in the process of bearing fruit that seem barren. It looks like nothing is going on. There are dry patches and periods of dormancy. Then there are times when the storms of life inundate us, and we feel like we will never feel the warmth of the sun (or Son) again. Yet, it is all part of the process.

Few things of any substance grow without considerable changes to their environment and a substantial amount of time.

Some things sprout overnight, like the weeds I’d rather be rid of. I’ve grown wary of anything that offers instant gratification. Things that are truly valuable like fulfilling relationships, accomplishing goals and realizing our dreams tend to take time and attention to not only develop but to also keep those things alive.

  Thankfully, God rewards faith and patience as evidenced by Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, Moses and a slew of other flawed yet willing figures in the Bible. And God rewards us as well.

If we do not give up on those dreams God plants within us, we can eventually yield the promised harvest if we trust and obey. This also means keeping the faith when we are pruned (as were our heroes of the Bible) so we can eventually produce something good!

Pruning is painful and leaves lasting scars. But it is necessary. God would have us reach for the new things He wants to give. Instead, we often hold fast to dead dry things. When we are stubborn, God simply rips away the very things (or people) we are clinging to for our own good.

Left to ourselves, we can produce a lot of different things.

Doubt. Fear. Worry.

But that is not what God ever intended. Our Father wants more for us in this life.

From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
and the work of their hands brings them reward. Proverbs 12:14 NIV

So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ,
that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead,
in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4 NIV

I’m striving to produce those things our Father desires, not just whatever happens to come to mind.

I’ve also learned that becoming fruitful means enduring temporary pains to produce long-term gains. I’ll admit that lesson probably took a lot longer than it should have to learn.

Thankfully, God is patient. God’s power working in and through us can produce a harvest that truly glorifies Him and even allows us to love one another in the process.

What are you bringing forth?

Omnipotent…

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.
Psalm 24:1-2 NKJV

Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?
Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has bound the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name, and what is His Son’s name,
If you know?
Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Proverbs 30:4-5 NKJV

Cast your cares.
The Creator of the multiverse is more than capable of handling your problems.
Let Him.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:2-4 NKJV

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY  to all those men who are strong when we are weak, offer shelter from life’s storms, and pull us up when we fall down.

In memory of fathers who served and sacrificed, held thankless jobs without complaint and simply did the best that they could…

Thank you.

 

 

What Are You Searching For?

Seek the Lord while he may be found;
    call on him while he is near.  Isaiah 55:6 NIV

But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
    “The Lord is great!”  Psalms 40:16 NIV

Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
 Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always. Psalm 105:3 NIV

 

 

Time…

Timing is everything.

Or, at the very least it is mighty important.

Time is quoted in the Bible hundreds of times. The NIV cites “time” eight hundred and eighty-eight times!

I have a strange relationship with time. There have been times in my life I was quite short on time. As a result, I don’t like to waste it or eagerly give it up.

Some people don’t like to give up their money. My issue is with time. I figure, I can always earn more money but time, once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Then there are times when I know I did not act in God’s timing and lost favor I would have received had I done it when I was prodded to.

A few days ago, it struck me to go for a walk. There is a hill nearby that would give me a quick mile. It was nice and cool, around seven that morning. Well, I sat on my porch and drank some coffee. Then, I watched the birds. I even spent time with God. When I got up and got going it was nearly nine o’clock. The same number of steps, same calories burned but I worked for them! The time of favor (ease) I let pass a couple of hours earlier.

Have you ever regretted not doing something in a timely manner?

Did you learn from it?

I am a firm believer of “all things work out for the good of those who love the Lord,” having witnessed this firsthand. Still, I’d like to remember to do what God wants me to do promptly and not have to wait on God to work out the mess I make.

Live and learn.

Continually.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need,” Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV

“In our time of need.”

This makes me wonder if in those times I don’t receive what I’m looking for, if maybe I already have the grace and mercy I need and just don’t realize it?

Hmm…

Time is fleeting.

It is also precious.

I am trying to make the most of mine even as I learn to give it away.

Our times are in God’s hands.

Thankfully.

My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Psalm 31:15 NIV

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 NIV

Happy Mother’s Day!

“Her children rise up and call her blessed”

Celebrate your mother, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, godmothers, teachers, community leaders and all the women who have positively affected your life. If possible, give them flowers while they can smell them and kind words while they can hear them.

Here are ten lessons I learned from my mom…

Keep your eyes on your destination, not your current location

Good manners show respect for other people

The value of a good education

A great attitude can take you farther than a good education

Money can’t buy common sense

Don’t expect anything you aren’t willing to work for

How to cook with love

Generosity

Unconditional love

How to pray!

  Be grateful for all the great women God has placed in your life. 

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:  “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3 NKJV

Mother’s Day…

Two words that evoke love or dread.

Mother’s Day.

This weekend, mothers of all capacities will be celebrated. There are mothers to be and new moms engulfed in the glow of their newfound status.

There are also mothers mourning the unimaginable loss of children born and unborn.

This will be the second year without my mother. It will also be the first Mother’s Day I spend without the company of my children.

When my husband asked me what I wanted to do for Mother’s Day, my answer was, “lay low.” A day that once brought about fun memories with my kids now makes me keenly aware that Mother’s Day is painful for many.

 Yet, I distinctly remember one thing my mother said to me over twenty years ago.

“I will always be your mother and I will always love you.”

And she did.

The love of a mother and its bonds are strong.

It withstands life’s pains and problems. It allows grace for failure. A mother’s love suffers much. It restores confidence with a word and offers support in silence.

A mother’s love evolves and bends, but it never completely breaks. Maybe that’s why there is no other like a mother.

Celebrate your mother by heeding her wisdom and mothering those in need when you can. You don’t have to literally be a mother to teach, guide and love like one.

And If you’re like me, who would do well to merely reappear when it’s over, I challenge you (and myself) to smile over memories and good times once shared.

Give thanks for the women that love and nurture you.

Mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, sisters, sister-friends and aunts.

Other mothers who listen to and encourage you.

Show them love while you can.

Be gentle.

Be kind.

Be considerate and wise.

Celebrate and give thanks for the great women in your life, past and present.

Even take a moment to celebrate you.

Happy Mother’s Day.

 

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