The Old and The New

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... two turtle doves....

We are all familiar with this song. There are all sorts of fun ledgends and stories as to the true meaning of this song.

The turtle doves have come to symbolize many things over the years; peace, love, sacrifice… just to name a few. They are also unique in that both the male and female share the incubation and feeding of the young. They both have their part to play in raising up their children. It is a bit fitting then, that some have even used them to represent the Old and New Testaments.

Both the Old and New Testament share in the incubation and feeding of the Lord’s children. The Old gives birth to the New and the New finds its stability in the Old. They work together in harmony to paint a beautiful picture of our life story in Christ; past, present and future.

There is no greater example of their unity found then when we study the birth of our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Old, foretells of a righteous King ( Jeremiah 23:5-6 ) that would shoot up from the stump of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-5) , bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom to the captives (Isaiah 61:1-2) and would rule over His kingdom as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). The New breathes life into the foretold King. First as a babe; born of a virgin, placed in a trough. Later as a man crucified for the sins of the many. Finally as the risen Savior who sits as King at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:3).


The Old gives way to the New.


Together, they give us the greatest story ever told.


Together, they mold and shape the story of Christ.


As we focus on the beauty of Christ during this season, let us not forget the greatly laid out foundation given in the Old Testament. For without the beginning, there would be no ending.




You can find me at my personal blog:

The Plank in the Road

The other day I was on my way back from Starbucks gettin' my fix. I ran out of my vitamins about a week ago and coffee has been taking their place until I get my shipment in. I know... terrible trade out!




So, I glance over to my right and I see a woman eating a taco of all things while driving. I mean she's got the whole head turn thing going so as not to loose anything as she takes a bite. And then, I kid you not, she reaches down to take a swig out of her drink that is sitting in the dash cup holder - with taco still in hand. And then... yes there is more... we come to a light and she grabs her cell phone and so now she has the cell phone in one hand while eating the taco that is in the other hand. The light turns red and she cradles the cell phone in her neck to keep talking, takes a bite of taco and starts to reach for her drink. (I'm not entirely sure that her knees weren't what was keepin' hold of that steering wheel).





At that point, I holler to one of my darlings in the back of the Suburban to "look at that woman", and as I begin to point in her direction, I fling a piece of muffin, that was in one of my hands, across the front seat and begin to reach for my cell that is ringing.

Hmmm... what was that scripture about the plank in the eye? Ouch!

"And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye."
Luke 6:41-42 NKJV

If I'm being honest, sometimes I really don't like this verse. I don't like looking in the mirror and seeing the sins that I carry and faults that I need to work through.


But, look I must.


Because, if I don't, that blasted plank will remain there and hinder my witness in Christ to my fellow sisters.


So, next time you are driving down the road and see that gal with breakfast in one hand, coffee in another, talking into her headset while jugglin' the steering wheel.... don't point and wag your "no-no" finger. Instead, pray for her... and then peek in the rear view mirror and see if there is anything hindering your view.


Oh, and if your in Texas and see that gal; pray a little harder - it's probably me... still working on juggling that plank!

The Battle Cry

Now, imagine with me for a moment.

The war is raging and you are in it. You are on the front lines. You are ready to go. You’ve got your long denim skirt and Birkenstocks on, or maybe you are the one that is sportin’ the cute capri's pants and flip-flops; or maybe yet, you’re the gal that fights better in her dress and high heels. You’ve got your HELMET secured down; your BELT fastened tight, your SWORD in one hand and SHIELD in the other. You are ready to face the enemy. You are ready for the battle. But are you?

In her book, The Fruit of Her Hands, Nancy Wilson gives us this battle cry:

"As Christian women, we must repudiate the world's agenda for women and seek to understand the Word's agenda for women... we must determine to be obedient to the Word of God no matter what is says, with no compromises. This is what is means to be a woman of the Word. We must find out what the Bible teaches about marriage, about children, about men and women and their roles, and then we must be obedient with no apologies, no matter what the cost. Is this radical Christianity? No. This is basic Christianity."

Women of the Word….

No matter what
No compromises
No apologies
No matter the cost

Let me repeat that last one again… No… matter….the…cost.

But they’ll laugh at me….

No matter the cost.

But they’ll say I’m just too uptight…

No matter the cost.

But they’ll say I’m way too conservative…

No matter the cost.

But they’ll think I’ve lost my mind.

No matter the cost.

But I’ll be misunderstood…

No matter the cost

But they’ll shun me…

No matter the cost.

The battle lines have been drawn. Do you know where you stand?

Or have you let the world influence you so much that when you look down for that line in the sand, it is so smudged you can’t tell which side you are on anymore. Or maybe you’ve never even decided which side you need to stand on.

Go ahead and pick up your Sword – the Word of God – and take a look for yourself. But REALLY take a look. Ask Him to show you what He wants,

For your marriage
For your children
For your family
For yourself

And then, prepare yourself for His answer…

No matter the cost.

Biblical Hospitality

“Hospitality is becoming an almost forgotten Christian virtue in our style of life today… In the New Testament, however, hospitality was a distinctive mark of Christians and Christian communities.” ~Alexander Strauch

For most folks, life is busy. Just plain busy. Sometimes it seems we don't have time to stop and even catch our breath. But what about entertaining? Entertaining? Seriously? Most folks barely even get dinner on the table on time! But did you know... hospitality is a biblical command.

"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:1,2

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9

"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth." 3 John 5-8

"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13

Time and time again we see in Scripture that we are told to practice hospitality. In fact, it is a requirement for Elders and Deacons (1 Timothy 3:2) But what does hospitality look like? For years I reasoned that I was indeed a hospitable person. After all, I made sure I signed up to take a meals to families when a need arose. I was kind and made small talk with new folks at church and reached out when someone needed a hand. But, just what does hospitality truly mean?

Hospitality

the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers
the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.

Did you get a couple of those key words.... RECEPTION and RECEIVING. This implies having someone actually in your home. Inviting someone in to your world, into your family. Oftentimes hospitality revolves around some sort of meal; although it might just mean inviting someone in for a glass of lemonade and cookies or simply a cold glass of water or hot cup of tea.

Yes... we are commanded to have people in our homes, for the purpose of entertaining them with our fellowship. Don't get me wrong - taking meals to someone in need is an incredible act of service (which is also commanded) but this isn't the same thing as hospitality. Ministering to folks in other places - at the park, at the coffee shop, at church - these are also important as well, but it's just not the same as having someone in our home.

When we invite someone into our home, there is a vulnerability that can't help but happen. I think this is why sometimes it is so hard. It's easy to make excuses....

Excuse: We just can't afford to make a big fancy meal
Reality: The Bible doesn't command a big fancy meal. Cornbread and beans would do just fine!

Excuse: But my house is a wreck
Reality: Most folks don't care what your house looks like; but if it bothers you then work towards keeping a tidy house so this doesn't become your excuse

Excuse: I'm not a social person
Reality: Get over it - God commanded it - you need to do it! It's time to step out of your comfort zone and let God work through you and in you for His glory and not your own!

Excuse: Oh, I plan to have someone over, but I need to get this, this and this done first. And just as soon as I do, my doors are open!
Reality: Procrastination only leads to procrastination. Stop talking about it and do it or the moment will pass you by.

Excuse: But it will cut into our family time
Reality: What better way to spend your family time than by ministering to others. Besides, your time belongs to God - use it for Him.

If hospitality isn't "your thing" or you just haven't made it a priority, I would encourage you to spend some time over the next several days praying about this. Ask him to give you opportunities to show Biblical Hospitality to someone (or many someones).... and then be ready. You never know just whom He might have you entertain. (Hebrews 13:2)

Quiet Reflections

What excuses have you used lately to justify not "entertaining" in you home?

What are some steps you can take to prepare your home to have others over?

What are some steps you need to take to prepare your heart for an attitude of service?

Is God Enough?

Every so often, I'll be reading through Scripture and a passage will just illuminate and jump out at me. It will grab a hold of me so firm that I will think on it for days and days whilst the Lord is showing me what it is He wants me to take from it.

Recently, Psalm 73 was just that passage.

If you have a few moments, go ahead and read through Psalm 73 to get the big picture. You can go here… I’ll wait for you.

Here is the part I want to really focus on…

"Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. “

Would you do me a favor and go back and reread those couple of verses, just one more time – this time a bit more slowly and reflective.

Do you really get what the Psalmist is trying to communicate here?

God is enough!

Oh, but Chelsey, you don’t understand. We have $5 in our bank account and two weeks until we get paid…

God is enough!

But, my child has been diagnosed with a life treating disease…

God is enough!

But, my husband just left me and I have four children to raise on my own…

God is enough!

But, I just had to bury my baby whom I only got to hold for just a short time…

God is enough!

But, I have just been diagnosed with cancer and my prognosis doesn’t look good…

God is enough!

But, we just found out that we can't have children

God is enough!

But, our home burned to the ground and we lost everything…

God is enough!

Do you get the point?

And no, I haven’t experienced all of those circumstances personally, but each one is a personal example from women I actually know. And, I can absolutely tell you that God was enough!

We have GOT to come to a place in our Christian walk that no matter what our circumstances, God is enough. HE is enough – more than enough. It is only when we come to this realization that we can truly "count it all joy" when we walk through circumstances of this life.

I can not begin to tell you how thankful and grateful my heart is that God is my portion, that HE is enough, for if he wasn’t I truly don’t know how I would make it in this world that’s not my home.

If you have a few more minutes, take a look at the video below. Barlow Girls sing a wonderful song that centers on Psalm 73, called My God’s Enough. I think you’ll be blessed! (I’ve printed the lyrics below so that you can follow along).

Psalm 73(My God's enough)(feat. Todd Agnew)

My God’s Enough

I've had enough of living life for only me
And reaching just for the things that keep destroying me
So sick of envying the lives of so many I see
Somehow believing that they have what I need

[Chorus:]
My God's enough for me
This world has nothing I need
In this whole life I've seen
My God's enough, enough for me

I can't explain why I suffer though I live for You
Those who deny You they have it better than I do
Cover my eyes now so that my heart can finally see
That in the end only You mean anything

Who have I in heaven but You
Nothing I desire but You
My heart may fail but not You
You are mine forever

What about you? Is HE enough?

Lord, you are my portion and my strength. You are my refuge when all else has crumbled around me. Help me to come to a place where, no matter the circumstance, you are ALWAYS enough for me. Give me the peace that I can only find when I rest in the saving grace of your Son.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Have you ever had one of these days where you just long for Jesus to come RIGHT NOW! I had one of those moments last night. It wasn’t because “this world is so awful and heaven is such a better place”, or “oh my kids are so awful, I need rescuing”. Nope, it was “please Jesus come back and save me from myself”. Yup. I was dealing with the “ugly” me. Every word that came out of my mouth that previous hour, I just wanted to pull back in. I kept hearing that verse in Romans 7 in the back of my head when Paul says, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do”.

I really do want to believe that I am perfect and have it all together; that I never raise my voice or yell at my children; that I never speak an unkind word to my husband or about him; that I am the perfect friend, the perfect wife, the perfect mother. And, let us not forget the most important; I am the perfect child of God. For a few moments sometimes, I let myself believe that. Then that world comes crashing down, and I remember who I really am. I am a full-blown sinner.

In fact Isaiah 64:6 says,

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”

Let’s face it; I am ugly, and I have a lot of ugly in me. There, I have said it. Ouch.

Thankfully, though, when my Father looks down upon me, He only sees beauty and perfection. Of course, he is looking at me through blood stained glasses; the blood of my beautiful and perfect Savior Jesus Christ. The blood that is my saving grace.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” 1 Corinthians 12:9.

Undeserved grace. Unmerited forgiveness. The ugly turns to beauty and the slate is clean once more. Of course, that isn’t to say that the ugliness doesn’t rear its head or that I don’t still long for the return of my savior. However, at least while waiting, I can rest in His saving grace and forgiveness.

Oh heavenly Father, how thankful I am that each day is a new day in You because of the saving mercy of your Son. When my flesh screams ugly, You cover me in beauty. Help me to remember, everyday, who I am in You Father.

Do you have moments of fleshly ugliness? What promises do you lean on to remind you who you are in Him?

Moments with Jesus

My time spent with Jesus changes as my life changes. When I was younger, before I had children, I had longer periods of quiet times that I devoted to him. When I married and had children, those quiet times were found early in the mornings or during nap times. Now that I'm a bit older with five little and not-so-little blessings to devote time to, those longer periods have become "stolen moments".

When I wake-up before the children
When I am brushing my teeth
When I'm getting ready for the day
When I am changing a diaper
When I am doing morning devotionals with the children at breakfast
When I am preparing and cooking meals
When I'm scrubbing the floors
When I am folding laundry
When I am ironing
(I hate ironing - so this is a good time to throw on my ipod and "think on Him" while listening to some of my favorite praise and worship music or devotional speaker)
When I am walking on the treadmill
When the children are all tucked in bed and I have some quiet moments alone
When I wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep

Stolen moments. I love them!

I love what Mrs. McDonald says in her book Passionate Housewives Desperate for God, “I believe that one of the heaviest burdens well-meaning Christians place upon the shoulders of mothers at home is the mandate of ‘quiet time’ ”. She goes on later to say, “Too many women are in bondage to the man-made myth that everyone should pray in one great big gush early each morning. But rather than praying a river at an appointed time every day, I would suggest a more reasonable and feasible option for a busy mother: pray in ‘droplets’ throughout the day. Not only is this achievable, it is biblical. We are instructed to ‘pray without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) and to let our souls follow close behind Him as His right hand holds us up (Psalm 68:8)."

I have to learned to use all the wonderful opportunities that I am given throughout my day!

“I have become a wonder to many, But You are my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day.”
Psalm 71:7-8

Don't get me wrong, when the opportunity arises for those "longer periods" of time, I take full advantage of it. Today, my sweetie watched the children for a couple of hours whilst I high-tailed it to Panera Bread for some alone time with a yummy Asian Chicken Salad, an awesome cup of coffee, my Bible, my notebook and time with Jesus.

Special moments. I love them!

Another favorite time spent with Him, is when hubby and I are studying His Word together in the evenings. I LOVE this time when we dig into the Scriptures and see what He has to say to us.

Together moments. I love them!

Oh God, thank you for those stolen moments that I have with you. How thankful I am that I can come to you at any moment of the day and you are there to listen. Help me to always remember that prayer is my "lifeline" with You and that there is never a time that I can't come before your throne and sit at your feet.

What about you? When are your favorite moments with the Savior?

A Servant's Heart

One of the greatest desires I have for my children is that they would have Servants Hearts. Scripture teaches us that Jesus came not to “be served, but to serve” (Mth 20:28). We struggle with this on a daily basis in our family. So, in an effort to work on this principal and lifestyle of servanthood, I have been reading the book Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends, during our morning breakfast devotional time to the children. It was written by three siblings ages 21, 16 and 12. We read a few pages every day, talk about it, look at the scriptures that are referenced and then pray about what we have read.

One morning we were particularly inspired as we read about the characteristics of a true servant. I’d like to list a few of these here for you (taken from pgs 44-45):

A true servant:
Knows that all assignments are actually from God
Will be quick to volunteer
Considers his assignment important
Takes orders
Does not desire to have authority
Will do what others do not or will not do
Enjoys meeting needs
Doesn’t need recognition
Will voluntarily serve without pay
Doesn’t seek higher status
Will do more than is required
Does not have his own selfish ambitions
Will serve anyone – even those who others don’t like to serve
Is willing to be treated like a servant
Does not seek the “big” and “important” assignments
Will serve with a joyful attitude
Will put his whole heart into each task
Thinks of others before himself
Desires that his master receives the credit
Desires that God receives the glory

As we read through this list, I felt myself being wholly convicted. This list doesn’t just apply to our children. It’s not limited to age. It’s not limited to gender.

As we read through this list, I began thinking of all the times recently I have failed to be a servant. Here I am trying to teach my children to have a servant’s heart only to realize that maybe the example isn’t being set to well. The phrase “monkey see, monkey do” quickly came to mind. My sweet little monkeys are only doing with they see their mamma monkey doing.

As part of our devotional time, we talked about what we could do today to serve Daddy. Now, serving can be done in a multitude of ways. One of my husband's main “love languages” is acts of kindness or service. So the boys decided that today they would serve Daddy by picking up and tidying up the backyard and raking the leaves for him. (This is a task that he has been wanting done for a while now). So, as I type this, they are out working on it. I, too, have written down a list of things that I can do to serve my husband.

To go along with our devotional time on servanthood, our scripture memory verse is Ephesians 6:7-8:

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”

It is with a humbled heart I ask you; are you living a life of a servant? How have you served your husband today? Your children? The book goes on to say that, “God has given each of us the perfect place to learn to be a servant – at home”. This is so true. How can we be true servants outside the home, if we are not first being servants in our own home?

Father God, the desire of my heart is that my children would learn to have a servants heart. I fully realize, however, that this begins with me. Show me what I need to change in my own heart so that I might set the example that your beloved Son set for me.

Wisdom and Knowledge

I was reading in my quiet time and my eyes fell on this verse,

" I...do not cease to... make mention of you in my prayers:
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the
spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him." Ephesians
1:15-17

"The spirit of wisdom and knowledge of Him" …I can't think of two things more important to have in our lives. With wisdom and knowledge come understanding of God. Solomon is the one who showed us the way to wisdom - he prayed for it - he understood and recognized the need for wisdom. He didn't pray for a good marriage, or obedient children or money to pay the bills - he prayed for wisdom. And not that praying for these things is wrong in anyway, but having a good marriage, being a submissive wife, training our children... it's all bound up in wisdom.


Elizabeth George said this, " Sometimes I feel like life's demands are bombarding me on all fronts. And every assault calls for something from me - a word and answer, a judgment call, an action, a choice. I have to decide what to think or not think, say or not say, ask or let lie, work on or wait on. I even have to determine whether to buy or not buy, pause or move into action, get up or sit down. In a word, what I need with my every breath is wisdom!"


How true is that?

Every little thing we do, every moment of the day - it's all bound up in wisdom. We can lose wisdom if we fail to have a heart for it - a desire for it, or if we don't' apply what we have learned. I know that I so very much desire a life marked by God's wisdom. It is my daily prayer.


I wonder if you have a verse that speaks to your heart or something that you have read this week that pertains to the need for wisdom or knowledge in God? If you do, I would love for you to leave a comment and share it with everyone. We can all encourage one another in the Lord.

Charles Swindoll says in his book Living on the Ragged Edge that," Wisdom is the God-given ability to see life with rare objectivity and to handle life with rare stability."

I pray that as you go through the rest of the week that God grants you wisdom to handle each task with objectivity and stability.

Stop by and visit sometime... it'll be a joy!

Eternal Perspective

If you knew preparing dinner this evening would result in an eternal reward, would the task seem less than boring?

If you believed cleaning your bathroom would endure beyond this life, would you do so with more purpose and joy?

What is the difference between the eternal and the temporal?

Might some of what we consider “daily” actually have eternal significance?

Scripture tells us that what we do is “wood, hay, and stubble.”(1 Corinthians 3:12-13). We know these things burn at the end of time. First Corinthians says only three things survive eternity: faith, hope and love. Piety for the sake of reputation is rewarded in full when recognition is given. There is nothing eternal about it. Something as small as a cup of water given in the name of Jesus, however, is eternal.

The difference is the motivation of the heart!

If we anticipate that all things are restored in Glory, have you ever wondered why Jesus retains the scars of his crucifixion? Could it be because those scars are the evidence of faith, hope and love? If this is true, would it mean that I could take dinner to my sick neighbor out of a feeling of social obligation with no lasting effect but refilling my husband’s empty water glass with the intent to minister in a tiny way to his needs lasts forever?

How many times might we, as women, perform a seemingly unselfish task that is secretly motivated by our own desires?

How often do we dismiss a “small” offering as insignificant?

Is it possible we have it backwards?

Is there glory in the daily?

When I drove up in my taxi cab at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many taxi drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, and then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself..

So I walked to the door and knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'. 'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said.

'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice'.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. 'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator... We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds.. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now.'

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse. 'Nothing,' I said.

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut... It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

I would encourage you to spend some time looking for the eternal in your life. Interact with your children intending to be a living picture of God’s love for His children. Submit to and bless your husband as an example of the Church’s devotion to Christ. Perhaps there is more to the daily than we realize. Perhaps an element of the victory will come in seeing earthly tasks through eternity’s eyes.

Oh heavenly Father, give me your eyes with which to see things. Help me to remember that this world is not my home and that my time here isn't about me. Rather, Father, it is all for your eternal glory. That is such a hard concept to grasp but one that I must seek to understand. Give me a heart for You above all else, so that just as your precious Son brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave Him to do (John 17:4), I too can bring you glory in the "daily".

Stop by and visit sometime... it'll be a joy!

A Modern Day Samaritan

A few weeks ago, on the way home from work, my sweet husband had quite a frustrating experience. Some guy, who was turning left into four possible lanes, decided to swing out to his right in order to make his left hand turn. Naturally, my husband honked and lifted his hands to say, "what are you doing?" In doing so he drifted a bit to his left which led him straight into the median. Well, apparently his tire exploded because when he came down off of the median he was on rim.

The car is his grandmother's '84 Buick LeSabre that only has 86,000 miles on it and is in pretty pristine condition. It also has hubcaps, Buick hubcaps. Most cars usually have hubcaps that just popped right off. These were not popping off. As he pulled it loose on one side it would close up on the other. He worked on it for about fifteen minutes getting more and more frustrated as the traffic kept going right on by. Are you conjuring up images of the story of the Good Samaritan yet?

Just as he was about to take the crowbar and treat the car to a nice "walk around", someone finally came up behind him and said, "can't get it off." He explained to my sweet husband how to pop off the center cap and loosen the bolt holding it on. The hubcap slid right off.

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 36,27

How often do we act like the first two people in the Good Samaritan story instead of the third? How often do we "assume" everything is ok? How often do we pass up an opportunity to be a servant to those around us?

God calls us to be servants. It is a major theme throughout the Gospels and the New Testament. In fact it was the very essence of who Christ was.

"...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

Oh Father, as we strive to walk in the fullness that is Christ, may we ever endeavor to be servants to those around us so that they can see Jesus in us.

Stop by and visit sometime... it'll be a joy!

"You want me to do WHAT?"

“You want me to do what?” He could hardly believe what was being asked of him. Yet, he knew he had to obey.

Slowly, they began the climb up the mountain. The man looked over at his son, his only son, and tears began to well in his eyes. Only yesterday, it seemed, he was holding his child in his arms and bouncing him on his knee. What a fine young man he had grown to be. And now the man was being called to do the unthinkable. All he wanted to do was yell out, “Why God why?”, but he knew he had to trust. Still, he had to will himself to put one foot in front of the other to continue this journey up the mountain to the place he was called.

“Father!” the boy cried out.

“Yes, my son, I am here.” The man said.

“We have the wood and the fire father, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

Pulling his son tight to him, he searched his heart for the words to say, but his heart hurt more than words could express at the moment. He finally let go and met the boys gaze. “My son,” the man said softly, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering.” Somehow, it seemed, the boy understood.

They reached the clearing and the man called for his son. “Come here my boy, this is where we will offer our sacrifice.”

Quietly he began to build the alter. Ever so gently he placed his son on the wood and bound his hands and feet. No longer could he hide the pain. Tears flowed down his cheeks, unashamedly as he wept out loud.

Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.

Of course, we all know the end of that story. God stopped Abraham just in time and instead provided a perfect lamb, without blemish, for him to use instead of his son, Isaac.

But Abraham didn’t get the advantage of knowing the ending.

Abraham was willing to give up his one and only son, simply because HE asked.

SACRIFICE.

To surrender, give up, or renounce something that is prized or desirable for the sake of something or someone else.

Oh, I know what you’re thinking… we don’t have to worry about the “big” sacrifices like Abraham did. God would never call us to actually put a knife through one of our children on an alter. No. You are right. He wouldn’t. He already did that for us - only with nails through the hands and feet of His one and only son – the perfect lamb.

He does, however, call us often to surrender our desires, our wants for the sake of His glory. That, my beloved, is what it is all about…

His Glory.

It doesn’t matter if the sacrifice is big or small, as long as His Glory is shining through.

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:15-18

Abraham had his eyes fixed on the unseen. He had to. If he had looked too carefully at what was in front of him – it would have broken him. He was, after all, only human, just like you and me. He chose by faith, however, to allow the Glory of the Lord to shine through him.

We have that choice too - even in the small sacrifices. Do we fix our eyes on what we can see right in front of us, or we do we choose to fix our eyes on the unseen and allow ourselves to be used for His eternal glory?

Oh Father, sometimes even the little sacrifices you call me to make are so hard. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like for Abraham and Isaac up on that mountaintop. My hearts desire, Lord, is to be used by you, no matter what the cost, or sacrifice. Help me Lord to keep my eyes focused on you so that I can be an instrument for your Glory to shine through.

Big or small, what has God called you to give up for His eternal glory?

Stop by and visit sometime... it'll be a joy!

De~cluttering the Home and Heart

De~cluttering the Home and Heart

We have been spring cleaning in our home! With hubby home for the summer, this is our family’s opportunity to get a lot of those organization and rearranging projects done that are so often hard to find time for during the rest of the year.

We have been rearranging rooms, getting rid of junk and clutter and reorganizing the “stuff” that we do have. I think we must have given away 10 boxes of stuff so far (maybe more) and thrown away probably 10 trash bags full of stuff! Wow! How easy it is to just accumulate “stuff”.


You know how it is! We hang on to something thinking we’ll need it for later. Chances are we forget we even have it!

As I was sitting down on the couch yesterday cleaning out one of our “junk drawers”, I was struck with the thought of the junk in my heart that might need to be cleaned out and tossed away! So often we work on projects around the home to make our home clean and well organized. I wonder how often we do the same with our hearts? When I look around my home and look at what “fills” it up, is it junk or it is beneficial and meaningful items? The same can be asked of our hearts.

I am reminded of verses such as:

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11

”But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2

“…for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7b

I have to ponder, what exactly is it that is filling up my heart? Old grudges, hatred, anger, unconfessed sin, pride, shame? Maybe nothing that obvious, maybe just complaining and bitterness and a bit of selfishness. How much room have I truly left for God’s word, for His love, for His light? I think during this time of “de-cluttering” my home, I might need to take some time and reevaluate and de-clutter my own heart. If Christ is truly dwelling within me, how much room I have I really left Him? What junk is in His way? Oh Father, it is my hearts desire that you would create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within (Psalm 51:10).

Make me know you, O Lord
In the depths of my soul.
Purify me and I will be clean.
Wash me whiter than snow.
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew your Spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew your Spirit within me.
The sacrifices acceptable to you,
O Lord, are a broken spirit.
A broken heart, a contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew your Spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God
And renew your Spirit within me.
By Gilberto Barreto

Quiet Reflections

Do you have any junk that is cluttering up your heart?

Examine your heart and ask the Father to show you if there is anything you need to get rid of to make room for Christ.

Stop by and visit sometime... it'll be a joy!

Ever Been Disappointed?

Is happy to INTRODUCE Chelsey Hall to our team! Join us today as we share our "first cup" with her! WELCOME CHELSEY!!

Ever Been Disappointed?

Have you ever been disappointed with God, or even just flat out angry with Him? Not too long ago, I lost my mother to cancer. Disappointed? More than words can express. Angry? I shook my fists in the air and I got mad! Question God? You bet! It's during times like these that we do question Him and His Sovereignty. We want to just cry out and say why God, why? It is so easy to forget that God is truly in control. God might allow us to walk through certain things in our life, but He does have an ultimate purpose for each of our lives. He promises that, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28). God desires for our faith to be stronger and deeper. We want answers but that is what faith is all about. He calls us, for whatever reason, to have faith in the unseen - in Him.

Hebrews 11:6 says
"Without faith it is impossible to please God".

Why? Why does our faith need to be strengthened?

I can't answer that for you, but I know that sometimes God uses very difficult circumstances to deepen and strengthen our faith. He doesn't enjoy seeing us walk through pain and hardship; I think we all know this. He always has a purpose even though we might not know what that is until much later in life - sometimes not even on this side of eternity. As hard as this is to hear and grasp, God doesn't owe us any answers.

He is accountable to no one.

He isn't a genie who pops out of a bottle and answers our prayers, or wants, or even our needs, on demand.

He isn't our servant – we are His!

Sometimes he chooses to perform miracles.
Sometime we see an explanation for his actions.
Sometimes not.
Sometimes he simply says TRUST ME!"

One of my favorite verses to lean on when I don't understand God, or find myself asking why, is

Isaiah 55:9
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thought than your thoughts."

Our ability to understand God's ways is so limited. We just don't have the ability to understand the meaning of all the circumstances in our lives. And in that sense, we should take comfort in the fact that we don't have to try and figure it all out, because God has it handled. If we are doing our part in walking as close to the Lord as possible, serving Him and trusting Him, then we don't need to worry.

I am not saying it is wrong to ask why; Lord knows I did, but you have to live in the understanding that God won't always choose to answer us! We have to learn to obey God in spite of our circumstances. Proverbs 3:5 is another one of my favorites – you probably know it already!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding"

We have to make a decision – we have to choose – do we trust or do we not? Do we allow the disappointment to overcome and overwhelm us to the point that we grow bitter with God? God assures us that He is in control of the works He is doing in our lives. If we truly are trusting in Him, are submissive, obedient and willing to be formed in His hands, then we can get through the caustic adversities that serve to make us stronger.

I know, it's a lot of words and maybe easier said then done. I've walked it and I've lived it – several times. Not only did I lose my mother but within a year after that, I lost my best friend, and most recently my Father-in-Law. Rest assured, I don't have it all figured out yet - I still struggle. I think we all do. The important thing to remember is to not let the enemy win this battle. Don't give in to the enemy’s way of thinking that God doesn't listen and He doesn't care. He does.

He loves you.
He wants you to trust Him - even when it is hard.
Even when you don't see that "light at the end of the tunnel".
Even when you are disappointed and angry with the Almighty, praise His name anyway.

And then sit back and wait…wait for it. You will feel it. His love will be pouring out all over you. That's His peace washing over you. That is His reminder that, though you walk through the desert place, you will never walk it alone.


Quiet Reflections

• Have you have a time recently that you have been angry or disapointed with the Lord? If so, how did you hande it? Don't be afraid to go the Father and tell him how you really feel. If you need some encouragment in this area - check out Psalms. David did an excellent job of showing us how to "let it out" to the Father.



• Do you see an area in your life where God is using a circumstance to strengthen your faith? If so, how do you think He is trying to grow you or show you through this?

Father God, thank you for allowing me to cry out to you in times of anger and disapointment. I detest some of the circumstances I have had to walk through in this life thus far, but I fully realize that the path I walk pales in compaison to the road Your Son walked to Calvary. Help me, Father, to "sing praises to your name" even when that is the very last thing that I want to be doing. I cannot begin to understand your infinite wisdom or grasp the "bigger picture" that you have for me , but I can rest in your comfort and peace that all things will work together for Your glory.




Stop by and visit me sometime - it'll be a joy!

Chelsey Hall

Life is always an adventure in our home with five children running around the house – from infant to teenager. I am livin’ my dream job as a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. I call home Dallas, Texas, and I have been married to my best friend, Dan, for almost fifteen years. Former youth pastor turned teacher, my husband now braves the school halls as a middle school teacher.

When I think about my life, the analogy of the Potter and the Clay about sums it up. Jeremiah 18:6 says, “…As the clay is in the potter's hand, so you are in My hand…" I started out this life as an ugly lump of clay; shapeless, formless, waiting to be designed. I am a flawed and broken child of God that seeks to be used by Him each and every day of my life. I am human and my flesh is weak. Apart from Christ, I am nothing. Scripture says all our righteousness’ are like filthy rags (Is 64:6). Thank goodness for the blood of Christ that covers all of that!!! As I come to know Him more, he is forming me, molding me, shaping me, sometimes breaking me and starting again so that I can be molded to His likeness.

My passion is living out my calling as a wife and mother and encouraging others to do the same. The Lord has put a special place in my heart for Biblical Womanhood and all that entails – mothering, homemaking and especially marriage. When I’m not chasin’ around all my wonderful blessings and taking care of my sweet man, you can find me in bloggy land trying to pour out some of what God has poured in to me over these last several years and sharing the new ways the Potter is designing and redesigning me.