A God of Creativity

I don’t know about you, but I love to do all of the womanly things I swore, as a teenager, that I would never do. Cooking a big meal from start to finish (from scratch, not a frozen pizza!) is such a liberating feeling. When I look at the meager ingredients I started with and see the masterpiece I created, I feel exhilarated.

Even though many women in their 30’s like me have career ladders and board meetings on their long-term planning goals, I have sewing and scrap book projects that will keep me busy for years to come. Martha Stewart might turn her nose up at the curtains I made for my son’s room from Wal-Mart bed sheets, but I am pretty proud.

There are so many areas that we, as women, can be creative. Busy lives often rob us of our ability to express this side of ourselves. Yet, for many of us, it is lying just under the surface, begging to be released.

Do you ever think your creative projects are frivolous? Is it just one more thing that gets pushed to the side to meet more important demands?

Did you know that expressing your creativity can be a way of reflecting God? It actually can be a way to worship Him in a way that is uniquely “you.” When we look at the creativity He gave us like this, it seems terrible to waste it.

God is the God of creation. Read the first chapter of Genesis and see that He loves to create. While we might have looked down on the earth and saw a big blobby mess, God saw potential. By taking a little of this and a little of that and giving it enough TLC, He created a world that is breathtakingly beautiful.

When we seek to glorify God, we can’t help reflect a little of His nature. Part of that nature is creativity!

For some like me, that creativity may be of the domestic nature: cooking, sewing, gardening, and even a crazy love of cleaning. For others, it may include drama and singing, or even painting. Our areas of creativity are just as diverse as the people He created us to be.

They do, however, have one thing in common: They are given to us to glorify the One who created us.

In my own walk, I have found the closer I am to Him, the more creative I am. I take joy in each aspect of my creativity. It actually becomes a form of worship for me.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Sometimes I catch myself comparing myself to others, and telling God that He must be more pleased with someone else’s efforts more than my own. Yet, I realize He is pleased more with my effort and attitude while creating, rather than the final product.

I am reminded that I delight in each one of the crafts my children brings home from church each week. I don’t compare them to what the other kids made. They are special because of who made them. It has nothing to do with what they appear to be, but everything to do with the heart and hands that made them.

For the most part, I am not a sentimental person. I debate little about throwing something away if I think it will create clutter for me later. Yet, when it comes to the crafty things my children create at home and church, I find myself unable to part with them. Instead I have a big box for each of them in our basement where I silently tuck away each macaroni necklace and toilet paper roll binoculars they make.

Those items, no matter how trivial they are, have great meaning to me. Those boxes in my basement represent the great love I have for my children.

I can only imagine where God must treasure our “little creations.”

Yet, I know that He does value each meal that we make and each hem that we sew. Every time we use a gift He gave us, it brings Him great joy. They are precious to Him, not because of what they are, but who created them.

Why not get CREATIVE today?




I would love for you to visit me at my personal blog, "Overflowing Grace."

Listen to Talking Donkeys!

One movie that always tickles my funny bone is the movie “Shrek.” Nothing spells humor like a big green ogre.

In the original movie, Shrek spends his days trying to impress the beautiful Fiona. He is shocked to discover at the end of the day that she turns into a green ogre just like him. A true lesson in the fact that we are all the same “deep down.”

But I have to admit, “Donkey,” a talkative and sometimes smart alec donkey is my favorite character. His classic comebacks and witty one-liners always leave me dabbing tears of laughter from eyes.

When was the last time you heard a donkey talk? I have to admit, it’s not something I have ever heard. Yet, there is a story in the Bible, with a talking donkey that captivates me every time I read it. This one, although just as lovable as the one from the movie, is minus the wisecracking comments.

Does it surprise you that God could use a talking donkey to get someone’s attention? Several years ago when I stumbled on this nearly forgotten story in Numbers 22, I have to admit I laughed as I read the story.

A talking donkey? In the Bible?

Yes, and would you believe that there is a lesson in it that nearly everyone can relate to?

The story takes places a few years after the Israelites left Egypt by means of a parting Red Sea. The king of the neighboring country, Moab, noticed how powerful the Israelites had become. This king knew that sheer man power alone was not enough to defeat them. So, instead of calling his military advisor, he called Balaam, a sorcerer. He knew something supernatural was the only way he stood a chance of being victorious over the Israelites.

Balaam agreed and was preparing for the journey. The night before he was to leave, however, God told him not to put a curse on the Israelites because they were blessed. In the end, God allowed Balaam to continue on the journey but only under the conditions that he did as God said.
On his way, apparently his motives changed because God was no longer happy with Balaam. On the journey, an angel blocks the donkey’s path. Balaam does not see the angel and beats the donkey for stopping. Twice more, the donkey sees an angel trying to prevent the journey. Unfortunately, Balaam’s heart was so hard by this point, God needed to use a donkey to deliver His message.

Infuriated by his donkey’s disregard for his mission, Balaam again beats the donkey. Now, here is where the story gets really good. Look what the Bible says happened:

“Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’” Numbers 22:28

The donkey talked!

As you read this story, you can’t help but wonder what the look on Balaam’s face must have been. Shock? Fear? Amusement?

The next verse shows us what he did:

“Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.’ Numbers 22:29

In fact, Balaam is so concerned about his own pride, he didn’t even notice the talking donkey! Instead, he argued with him. God was using this animal to protect Balaam from harm. Instead of recognizing this fact, Balaam is furious and threatens the donkey’s life.

Many times pride and a hard heart make us deaf to any message but our own agenda.

When was the last time you were so caught up in your own pride that you didn’t notice God was trying to speak to you?

I like to think in my own life, I don’t miss God, but I do. Some days I get so caught up in housework or other “Mommy jobs” that I fail to notice my boys for the blessings they are. Instead, I see a pile of toys and crumbs that looks like extra work. I see stained clothes that most certainly will require a soaking and scrubbing to look new again.

Sometimes I get so caught up in the mechanics of being a Mom, that I miss the path that God has clearly set before me: to raise men of God.

While the story of Balaam and his donkey have some rather comical aspects to it, it also communicates a message that I need every day: God loves me enough to go to extraordinary lengths to reach me. He doesn’t always do things in the conventional methods I’ve come to expect.

No matter how hard life gets, we need to be watchful of the circumstances God places in our life to remind us of His love and protection of us. Even if they are a little peculiar at first glance.

In the end, I have to admit, if one day my heart looses the sensitivity that God wants it to have and a donkey rings the doorbell, I will listen to every word he says!

Question To Ponder:

What are the "talking donkeys" in your life?




I would love for you to visit me at my personal blog, "Overflowing Grace."


"Donkey" picture courtesy of www.kids.aol.co.uk

Filtered

Filtered



I’m addicted to water. Nothing makes me happier than a tall glass of ice water. I will admit, however, that I’m a bit of a water snob. Tap water just doesn’t cut it for me. Although it looks just like other water, with its clear look, one sip reveals the chemicals and who knows what else that lurks in it.

Before children arrived in our home, I only drank bottled water. See, I told you I was a water snob! If the day came that we ran out, I would refuse to drink tap water. A trip to the store quickly fed my “bottled water only” addiction.

Now that children grace the floors of our home and money is much tighter than it once was, I have lowered my standards…a little. I now drink filtered water. The house we moved into last year has one of the greatest inventions next to the Internet and blogging…filtered water that magically comes from the refrigerator door!!

Once in a while, however, a terrible thing happens to that water. The filter that takes all the terrible chemical tastes out of my beloved water stops working. The result is a less than appetizing liquid that tastes like…gasp....tap water!!

Thankfully we have a spare filter that, if quickly changed, restores order to our otherwise tranquil, water-loving home.

That filter has an incredible ability to remove the impurities that pollute the water. It restores it to its original pure, clean state. As a result, my taste buds are eternally grateful.

It’s easy to settle into life as a “tap water” Christian. It can even be accidental. You look the same on the outside but deep inside there are impurities that linger, only to leave a bitter taste to your spirit.

Things like unconfessed sins and impure motives pollute our hearts. They seem innocent enough in the beginning, but eventually they actually rob Jesus of the intimacy that He craves with us.

Throughout my walk with Jesus, when those little things crept in, I viewed them from a perspective of how they affected me. While they do have a dire effect on my spiritual health, I’ve also come to realize they rob my Savior of something He wants more than anything. A clean heart. A close relationship with me.

Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

1 John 3:3

When we allow things that don’t honor Him to creep in and take up residence in our hearts, He tries to come in for a visit with us but can’t even find a spot to put His sandals!

Just like that water filter that I compulsively run my water through each day, we need to go to His feet and throw out all of the things that are floating around in our hearts that deprive us of the connection we both long for.

So often we make our walk with Him so complicated. We’re too tired for church on Sunday. Prayer and Bible study can’t be worked into our hectic schedules. Our choice of TV programs is questionable. Putting His priorities first in our lives seems impossible. Little by little those impurities creep in and we are left with nothing but a “tap water” walk.

He grieves, longing to clean us like no other filter can.

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14

Question for Reflection:

What things are “floating around” in your heart, robbing Jesus of the intimacy with you that He so deeply craves?




Daily you can find Robyn and her water at her personal blogspot, Overflowing Grace.

A God-Style GPS

A God-Style GPS

Last Christmas I bought my husband one of the latest technology fads for the car: a Global Positioning System (GPS). As a pastor in the Detroit area, he frequently goes to unfamiliar places. A stack of papers under the console, courtesy of Mapquest, evidenced where his day took him. The GPS, I hoped, would change all of that.

This thing is great. Wherever you are in North America, it knows. Tell it where you want to go and it magically pulls up directions. And if reading directions while you drive isn’t your thing, there is a friendly female voice to tell you where to go.

Sometimes our life is like the twists and turns of the large metropolitan area where I live. Some days it seems like everywhere you look there are endless possibilities of where to turn. Which one is right? Other days it seems like you hit nothing but a bunch of dead end roads. Wouldn’t it be nice to have sort of a “real life GPS” to help you find your way through day to day living?

It’s easy to forget in the busyness of our daily lives that God did in fact provide us an incredible set of “virtual directions” in His Word.

As a new Christian in college several years ago, I mistakenly viewed the Bible as a book of old stories that didn’t easily apply to my life. But, as I grew in my faith, I began to see amazing parallels between my own life and much of what was written in the Bible. These people needed direction in many of the same areas that I did.

While you might not find terms like “self image” and “depression” mentioned by name in the Bible, you can see many of the characters struggled with these issues just like we do today. While their exact circumstance may be a little different than ours, the principles His Word teaches through these stories meet us right where we are in life today.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

I have yet to encounter something in life that I can’t find some sort of biblical principle to apply. Throughout my walk with Jesus, I see each circumstance He places me in always has an answer in His Word. My job is simply to open my eyes and find them.

Last week I watched my normally healthy husband be hospitalized for reasons that weren’t entirely clear, even to the doctors. I wondered what God had planned for us during this event. It was no coincidence, however, that my daily Bible reading plan found me in Psalms that week. I was scared and found comfort in the words of David as he cried out to God during frightening times in his life. He knew, just like I did, that God is control of even the most difficult circumstances. His plan will prevail. Those words were like balm to my fatigued soul.

The Word of God is addictive. I used to view Bible reading as just another thing on my “To Do” list that was already a mile long. Something changed in me, however, last year after I determined I would spend even more time reading it each day. Now, I eagerly anticipate what He will show me each day through it. Some days I even “cheat” and read ahead to the next day’s reading. I simply can’t wait to see what is coming up!

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always pretty. Some days what He shows me about myself is down right ugly. I am tempted to slam it shut and do something, anything, that doesn’t shine the spotlight on my soul like that.

But, the thought of not seeing that part of myself and staying in the same old sinful habits reminds me to thank Him that He loves me enough to show me such things.

The Bible should not be something we blow the dust off of each Sunday morning. We are missing out on so much that He wants to give us if we allow that to happen.

When you are seeking God daily through His Word, you can’t help but be changed. It moves you into a deeper love affair with Jesus and changes you at the very core of who you are. All of that for just opening the Book and reading a few chapters a day.

God’s Word is the best road map for there is, certainly better than any modern technology device. It doesn’t just help us navigate through the busy streets that are our neighborhoods; it navigates us through the deepest trenches that are our lives.

There is no blaring speaker that offers suggestions of where to turn, instead the words come straight from the heart of God as He gently whispers them to our hearts.

All we have to do is read…and listen.

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Points to Ponder:

1. What situations are you facing that you struggle to find answers?


2. How frequently do you read your Bible and ask God to show you the Truth as it applies specifically to your life?


3. Do you really “love” the Word of God? If not, what can you do to improve your zeal for it? (Hint: It involves reading it!!)

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Please visit Robyn on her personal blog at Overflowing Grace.

Robyn

Robyn met Jesus as a broken and confused college student 13 years ago and has never been the same. Each day she seeks to fall deeper in love with Jesus. Her passion is helping women, no matter what their circumstances in life, also grow deeper in their relationship with Him.

She met and married the love of her life, Brad, while studying for her master’s degree in seminary. Brad serves as a pastor in the metro Detroit area. They have two very energetic, but adorable little boys named Tyler (3) and Dylan (1).

The ministries God has placed Robyn in since becoming a Christian have been a bit of an eclectic mix that helps her see ministry extends much wider than the walls of a church. Some of these include overseas missionary, inner city missions, public relations writer, and even blogging just to name a few. Now, her role as a pastor’s wife, is one of the most rewarding to date.

When Robyn is not caring for her family or serving alongside her husband in the ministry, there is little doubt where she is. Almost without exception, you will find her sitting in her den doing what she loves: writing. She finds that it helps her connect with others and God in a way that nothing else can.

She enjoys sharing what God is teaching her on her personal blog, Overflowing Grace. She would love for you to join her!!