Thankful

I am most thankful that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is FOREVER faithful. He has taken situations filled with turmoil and confusion and turned them into blessings and hope. Some of the blessings were “in disguise”, but revealed themselves as blessings nonetheless.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take time to reflect on the blessings in your life. Even in the midst of pain, God is working in your life. Seek Him and look for His masterful hands working it all for good. If it’s not visible, trust Him. He loves you enough to die for you…

In addition to God’s saving grace, I am thankful this year that:

• My husband is a good man; one I adore and respect. In spite of our challenges, our “ups and downs”, and our often completely different points of view, I consider myself a blessed woman to have him. I thank God for him.
• My “wayward” son is home and safe…and my relationship with him is better than it has been for a long, long time. I do believe he knows how much I love him, and I pray that ultimately leads him to embracing the Lord’s love for him. He is beautiful, he has a good heart -- albeit easily distracted from goodness, and I believe in my heart he will do great things someday.
• My youngest son is smart, funny, has a strong sense of right and wrong, and oh how I know he loves his parents. I pray he knows how much he is loved in return. What a wonderful boy…a bit temperamental (as I suppose all teenagers are), but such a joy. He makes me laugh daily.
• My sister-in-law, her three boys, and my mother-in-law are all coming to visit for Christmas. We are so looking forward to having them here. We know that there will chaotic moments, but we are so blessed to have such a loving (and fun-loving) extended family.
• I have parents who love me and who are interested in my life and that of my family, in spite of having their hands full with a “new” family of their three adopted great-grandchildren. My parents are the model of selflessness and living for others.
• The Lord has blessed us financially, giving us the ability to respond to many unexpected expenses this year. I am in awe of His generosity, and I am also thankful that I know from Whom all blessings flow…
• I work for and with other Christians, in a business where one might not expect to find many (if any) Christians. My immediate boss is a Christian, at least three of my counterparts are Christians, two of my direct reports are Christians, and one of my direct reports has just started to come to church with me. I am surrounded by people who I care about, who care about me and who care about others.
• When I feel alone, afraid or disappointed, the Lord so often sends just the right song on the radio, a perfectly timed blog entry from a blogging friend, an email of encouragement, or even His tiny whisper through His Word or through an inward thought. He is ever present, and even when I don’t see Him or don’t sense Him for a moment, He is there. He is my friend, closer than a brother.

I primarily read the NIV of the Bible, but from time to time, I look at other translations to see if I can gain a different perspective. Psalm 34:1-8 is perfect praise, particularly at Thanksgiving, and I thought The Message version was especially relevant and beautiful for all circumstances this time of year…
“I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy: Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out. God met me more than halfway, He freed me from my anxious fears. Look at Him; give Him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from Him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see – how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him.”

Blessings dear friends. May you have a season filled with all manner of things to be thankful for.

Priorities

I’m currently listening to an audio book titled, When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box by John Ortberg. It’s a terrific reminder that at the end of the game of life, we don’t take our “stuff” with us. We leave it all behind… And, John asks, what do you want to leave behind? What will be your legacy? Will it be the accumulation of “stuff” or will it be an impact you made in others’ lives?

One of his quotes is, “Many people aren't living their priorities, they are trying to do guilt management...” I often find that to be the case for me. I have spent a lot of time defining my passions, my gifts and my priorities, but I have not yet completely overhauled my calendar to reflect those things. Instead, I handle the crises as they come... If I’m behind at work, I take time at home to try to get caught up. (By the way, getting caught up NEVER happens.) Then, when my family feels neglected, I put the work aside, but then the family is so used to functioning without me that we all end up in separate rooms doing separate things (surfing the internet, playing Xbox, reading, watching TV…). In the midst of that my mom calls from over 1,000 miles away and says, “I haven’t heard from you forever!” (I remind her it’s only been about a week, to which she responds that is too long.) Around 11p I remember that I was supposed to call the children’s ministry director at church to discuss volunteer opportunities, but it’s certainly too late at night for that…it goes on tomorrow’s “To Do” list (where it’s been for about a month). Oh yeah, all of the managers at work are reading First Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently, so before I drift off to sleep I pick up the book and end up reading the same page about three times because I keep nodding off. By the end of the day, I haven’t prayed as deliberately as I’d like, it’s hit or miss if I completed my devotions, and I sure haven’t had time to work on my “life plan” based on the previously mentioned passions, gifts and priorities. All this leads me to question what my priorities really are.

In the book, John tells a story of an executive who kept saying he would have more time for his family and himself, “once things settle down”. Guess what, folks…things never settle down. This executive kept climbing the proverbial ladder…up, up, up…until he fell off and died. Time ran out before he had the chance to “have more time”. There is no more time…we all have 24 hours in a day, and we all have a finite amount of time to live. How will you chose to spend that time? How will I??

The life story of Jesus is not about someone climbing up the ladder, but it is instead the Son of God descending the ladder to become a servant of mankind. The King of the universe deserved an earthly throne, but instead took on the cross. It was His outpouring of love that moved him to live and die for us. What will we live and die for?

"Lord, I desire to live for You. I pray for Your priorities to be my priorities. Help me to live my life based on Your calling, and may my daily calendar and actions reflect that. Forgive me Lord for climbing a ladder that has led me away from my family and even away from You. Help me to descend that ladder and create a clear path for me to follow. Lord, I know that you call us to step out in faith. It is not enough to ask You to show me the way, I have to take it. The priests carrying the ark had to step in the river before you stopped it from flowing. Moses had to stretch his hand out over the sea, and the Israelites had trust You to walk through enormous walls of water on either side of them to reach safety. Give me the strength to trust You fully, and may my mustard-seed size faith move any mountains that block my path. Thank you, Jesus, for descending the ladder and modeling for us on this earth how to really “live life”."

But Wait, There's More!

God is the same yesterday, today and forever. But don’t misunderstand this truth…He is not stagnant. In fact, He manifests Himself in infinite ways every day, many of which we miss as we traverse through life. But today is not one of those days…God’s manifestation of His goodness, His grace, His peace, and His control was made incredibly real to me today. Allow me to explain…

I participatd in an unexpected conference call at work tonight. During this call, it became very clear that the future of my career with this company is uncertain. The timing of this is incredibly poignant, as for those of you who read my blog know I am struggling with my career, and I have been pondering how I might take a different path in my life. I have been in prayer for the Lord to open and close doors as He desires and based on His will for my life. This may very well be a closing door. And instead of the anxiety and fear this would normally cause (considering I am the only income-earner in my family), I am at total peace. Even though the news was completely unexpected and even stunning, peace has permeated my thoughts and soul.

It gets better…my boss called me later (after I was home) to discuss the situation. She said, “you are much calmer than I expected.” I explained how God had blessed me with His peace. She is also a Christian, and had the same perspective, but she is in a very different place financially than I am, and she fully expected to need to help me come to terms with this. Instead, we discussed how God is in control. We talked about all of the other Christians in this company, most of whom have sacrificed so much for their demanding jobs, and some who have talked of pursuing other opportunities (such as starting or entering ministries). We rejoiced in our faith and our ability to be at peace in such uncertain times.

But there’s even more. After all of this, I read an email from a dear high school friend tonight who had read my blog and clicked on the link to the Turning Point devotional (from my post titled, “No Fear of Bad News”, below). Instead of taking her to the October 16 webpage, it took her to the current day’s devotional (which was at the time, October 19). And guess what the verse was? Joshua 1:16, “All that You command us we will do, and wherever You send us we will go.” She explained how that verse ministered to her at just the right moment…and little did she know how much I needed to read that verse as well! God is so good…He takes what we do and returns it to us in multiples!

Nothing may come of the news that was relayed to me at work tonight, and even if that’s the case, this situation has given me a much-needed attitude adjustment – the reminder that God is in control, a confirmation of what I believe I should be pursuing in my life (my vision/mission), and a willingness to follow Him in all that He commands me to do and to go wherever He sends me. And I believe my post from October 16, and the devotional I read that day, prepared me for tonight’s news. In fact, it is even more meaningful today than it was when I first read it. Since, if you click on the original link, it takes you to the current day’s devotional, I wanted to provide the original text from October 16:

No Fear of Bad News

He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Psalm 112:7

At first reading, Psalm 112 seems too good to be true; but on further study, we realize it's so good it must be true. This Psalm explains how God blesses us when we praise Him, fear Him, and delight in His commandments (verse 1).

Our children will be blessed by our faithfulness (verse 2), our needs will be met (verse 3), we'll become more gracious, compassionate, and righteous (verse 4), and more generous and discreet (verse 5). Best of all, we'll be secure in our hearts, unafraid of bad news (verses 6-8).

This isn't a promise that bad news will never come, for we all read the headlines every day and sometimes face that dreaded call in the night or those difficult conversations with a friend. But faith turns the bad news into items of prayer and objects of trust, for we know God works all things together for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Because of God's sovereignty and Christ's resurrection, we have a peace the world can never understand. Our hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

Blogging friends, I pray you trust in the Lord today, embrace the peace He desires for you, and that you cling to the truth of Psalm 112:7, and also follow the exhortation of Joshua 1:16. May you experience the incredible blessings of God that He is sure to bring you as a result.

No Fear of Bad News

I receive a daily devotional from Turning Point Ministries every morning. This morning's email, No Fear of Bad News (click here), really spoke to me, so I wanted to share it with you. I rarely watch the evening news as I think it should be labeled "Bad News" rather than just "News", but this verse (Psalm 112:7) is such a powerful reminder of Whose news we should trust. Enjoy...

Hope

Can you believe it?!? I won the contest I wrote about in “Leaving a Legacy” (below)! I met with the lifestyle coach, Dory, over the phone last week, and it was a valuable experience. She had great questions to get me thinking, "assignments" for me to complete (both as pre-work and post-coaching), and some really out-of-the-box ideas.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice she provided was to shift the paradigm of my thinking by remembering that "I don't know what I don't know". Instead of trying to fit my ideas into a pre-defined mold, I need to stay open to other opportunities by focusing on what my passions are and coupling them with my strengths/natural abilities (or what Dory calls "calling cards"). In just one hour she pointed me toward possibilities that I hadn't really thought of before.

Also, she calmed my fears about really being able to accomplish my dreams (or actually the fear is that I can't accomplish them without negatively impacting my family financially). I instead need to look at this current chapter as creating the building blocks for my future goals and to define the financial "jumping off point" where I will be comfortable moving from my current career into something new. (You're probably thinking, "well yeah, that makes sense...why hadn't you thought of that?" Okay, okay...I had defined a number of things, including the dollar figure of what I need in the bank to "retire" someday, but I hadn't defined in detail this important milestone in between.)

Here’s the one caveat…it’s again more “work” to move toward a different future. More time, more effort, more work setting things in motion. Already I’m burning the candle at both ends, so that’s truly a dilemma. I’m getting only about five hours of sleep a night. (Well, except today, when my oldest son had to wake me up for homeschooling because I was so tired last night I set the time on my alarm clock but forget to actually turn it on! Okay, and here’s the amazing thing…he actually woke me up and didn’t take advantage of the fact I overslept! I homeschool him on Mondays and Friday mornings due to my work schedule…and I cherish those days…and obviously he doesn’t dread it as much as I thought he did!)

Today I read in one of the blogs I like to visit (http://www.lovejoelr.blogspot.com/) that “the day just needs to be longer than 24 hours”. I sure have felt like that the last couple of months. Honestly, sometimes I forget that my hope is in the Lord. I cannot place my hope in a lifestyle coach, a new career path, or in myself and my efforts. I must meditate on Isaiah 40:31, which states, ”…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I have been trying to rely on my own strength, and I am so weary. I look forward to soaring on wings like eagles as I give it all to God and ask that He be the One to show me “what I don’t know”.

Leaving a Legacy

As I drop off my son each day at school, he asks, “Will I see you tonight?”

You see, I ensure that whenever I can (which is most mornings), I take my youngest son to school on my way to work. I do that to ensure I see him at least once during the day since I often have to work late into the evening. Lately, his question has broken my heart more than usual. I drive away crying, and I find that I am struggling more and more being away from my boys, away from my husband, and yearning in my heart to “come home”.

My job demands many hours and much effort. It consumes not only my presence, but also much of my thought, time and attention. And, as the sole person working in my household, I have felt basically powerless to change it. However, I pray that changes tomorrow.

I entered a contest through “The Daring”, a community website that exists “to bring women together to collaborate, grow their businesses, enhance their lives, and achieve their most daring dreams”. The contest was for a free one-hour coaching session with Dory Willer, founder of Beacon Quest Coaching, which specializes in business success, career and life renewal coaching. Dory went from being an executive at a Fortune 100 company to a successful entrepreneur, which prompted me to enter the contest. After all, she has accomplished what I have only dared to dream about. I am ready to make my dreams a reality.

The contest entailed writing about what makes me ready to take my life to “the next level”. I spoke of my situation, and I explained the work I have done to define my vision statement, which is:

To provide individuals desiring to improve their lives, and the lives of those around them, with Christ-honoring information and resources that enables them to achieve success and fulfillment, personally and professionally.

I wrote of several business models that I thought could be used to fulfill this vision. And, I asked for the one-hour coaching session to help bring clarity and structure on how to successfully start the process to move from a more-than-full-time job to living out my dream full time. I want to move from the temporary trappings of this world and leave a legacy that points to Christ, just as Nicole Nordeman’s song says. May God open my eyes and heart to the path that will lead me there…for His glory, not for my accolades. Nicole says it better than I can…

Legacy
By Nicole Nordeman

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me,
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest.
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so ‘n’ so's that used to be the best
At such 'n' such ... it wouldn't matter much.

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights.
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'.
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world.

CHORUS:
I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering;
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed Your name unapologetically,
And leave that kind of legacy.

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy.
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such, will soon enough destroy.

CHORUS

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred;
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

CHORUS

The Love of a Father

In one of the most amazing blogs I have ever read (http://noahstevenblogspot.com), a grieving mom recently wrote, “To be loved is a powerful thing and to give love is difficult but so fulfilling.” This was written to another grieving woman who had just lost her mom. The writer had lost her beautiful baby boy before his first birthday.

I do not know the depths of such grief. I pray with my entire being that I will never know the grief as one who lives with such a loss on a daily basis. But this woman also exudes love. Love and peace and joy. She is an inspiration, and she is the reason I started blogging, though I have never met her in person.

I praise God that I also know such love. The love of a parent for a child. You have all read my heart as it relates to my own boys, as “My Purpose” states to the right on my blog. Today, I was the recipient of that kind of love…I received the most beautiful email from my father. It read,

Michelle,

I know you are all grown up with a family, but you are still my little girl and I love you. This link is a music video that I heard and expresses my feelings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I5UV4VWCSk

Love, Dad

The music video is Tim Mcgraw singing “My Little Girl”. I cried and cried upon hearing it. What an incredible father I have. This is a man who has always believed in me, accepted me even when I disappointed him, and though his life is quite busy and at times chaotic (raising his three great-grandchildren), he took time to think of me and send me this song. Oh, to be so loved. What a blessing.

Today, have you told someone you care about how much you really love them? Have you done something that expressed that love in a meaningful way? Please hurry. Do it today. Do it every day.

I recognize that for some reading this, you may not have experienced this kind of love from your earthly father. Do you know that there is a God in heaven who is your Abba Father? I remember watching a video one time and seeing a little Israeli boy running after his father and saying, “Abba, Abba”, and the father scooped him up and hugged him close. Abba literally means “Papa” or “Daddy”.

The apostle Paul says that you can call out to God saying, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:14 and Galatians 4:6) The word “Abba” is a loving term. You can cry out to God saying “Daddy”, or “Papa”…and He will answer, scoop you up, and hug you close.

A song, “Abba Father”, written by Rebecca St. James, Tedd T. & Otto Price, really speaks to my heart. It goes like this:

My Rhapsody Playlist

I'm feeling like the eagle that rises
Flies above the earth
And its troubles
Oh yes he knows that
There are valleys below
But under his wings
There's a stronger power

Oh Father - You are my strength
On You I wait upon

CHORUS:
You make the road rise up to meet me
You make the sun shine
Warm upon my face
The wind is at my back
And the rain falls soft
God I lift You high -- You are my Abba

Running in this race to the finish line
The only road for me is the narrow
Not gonna stop or even look to the side

When I fix my eyes on You Jesus
Oh Father - You are my strength
Now more than ever

[CHORUS 2X]

When you've run too far
And the road is long
Can't walk another mile
He is waiting
Hope in Him again
He'll renew you
Then you will rise
Gather up your wings and fly...

[CHORUS 2X]

(Whispered):
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
He gives strength to the weary
To those who hope in Him
They will soar like eagles

Thank you God, for being my “Abba Father”. And thank you, too, for giving me a father who truly exemplifies You and helps me to see You through his life. May I be that kind of person who shows such amazing love…that others may see You through me as well.