Dear Devil,
I see you. I wonder at times if you realize how obvious you are. Those moments where you quietly whisper how I'm not enough. The days where I feel like I continually fail. My worst mommy guilt or loss of patience. When I feel vulnerable, lost, or unnecessary.
Perhaps you think you are cleverly hidden in the lies I find myself holding in clutched hands or those tears that come in my most frustrating moments. Camouflaged? Hardly.
Do you know who I am? If not, then let me remind you and at the same time renew myself: I am the daughter of Almighty God (1 John 3:1). He will fight for me (Exodus 14:14), He calms me with love and protection (Zephaniah 3:17), nothing is impossible for Him (Matthew 19:26).
You are already defeated (Matthew 12:29, Colossians 1:13-14). I can have hope knowing I am capable, through Jesus, of resisting you in all aspects of my life (Philippians 4:13, Ephesians 6:10-17). You can try to keep me down, and God's Word tells me you will try (1 Peter 5:8). I hold on to the knowledge that nothing can separate me from God's love (Romans 8:35-37). Nothing.
Sincerely,
The Dearly Loved
Monday, August 15, 2016
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Gifted
I had almost purchased a similar apron months before. My Aunt is a talented seamstress and handed me a gorgeous red and white floral apron in a vintage pattern. It crossed in the back and was exactly what I had been browsing for over the last few months. While I was captured by how cute and retro the piece was, I was most touched by my Aunt explaining she had prayed for me as she made the apron.
Anyone who has met my Aunt would not have been surprised by any of these details. She is known for thoughtful homemade touches (like yummy granola and I am a huge fan of her breakfast muffins), but it is the moments where she reveals her love of God and people which stick with me the longest.
On my drive home Sunday night I felt a tug on my heart, what was I doing to pour into others? Scripture tells us, "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are difference kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (emphasis mine)." My Aunt had taken a gift of praying and matched it with the talent of sewing to bless myself and other women in our family.
Giving doesn't always come easy to me, especially when it is my time. I hoard those silent moments of solitude as if they were currency, and any person with a full schedule knows that sigh of relief which comes with a section of time carved out for peace. There is nothing wrong with quiet moments, as Jesus himself would withdraw from people to reconnect with God. The problem is, I don't always head back into the fray after taking the time.
There are days I want quiet time to go on for another hour...or another week. Yet there is a need for me and for you. We have been created for something special, given a particular gift, that only we can give. Lysa TerKeurst in her new book Uninvited writes, "There is an abundant need in this world for your brand of beautiful." Say it out loud. Say it often! You have something beautiful to share with this world, and God has placed it inside of you with the intention you give it away. Not always easy, but, friends, so necessary. Our world desperately needs more of God and more beauty. Find one way to light up your sphere, that shows the depths of who God is, and give it away.
Anyone who has met my Aunt would not have been surprised by any of these details. She is known for thoughtful homemade touches (like yummy granola and I am a huge fan of her breakfast muffins), but it is the moments where she reveals her love of God and people which stick with me the longest.
On my drive home Sunday night I felt a tug on my heart, what was I doing to pour into others? Scripture tells us, "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are difference kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (emphasis mine)." My Aunt had taken a gift of praying and matched it with the talent of sewing to bless myself and other women in our family.
Giving doesn't always come easy to me, especially when it is my time. I hoard those silent moments of solitude as if they were currency, and any person with a full schedule knows that sigh of relief which comes with a section of time carved out for peace. There is nothing wrong with quiet moments, as Jesus himself would withdraw from people to reconnect with God. The problem is, I don't always head back into the fray after taking the time.
There are days I want quiet time to go on for another hour...or another week. Yet there is a need for me and for you. We have been created for something special, given a particular gift, that only we can give. Lysa TerKeurst in her new book Uninvited writes, "There is an abundant need in this world for your brand of beautiful." Say it out loud. Say it often! You have something beautiful to share with this world, and God has placed it inside of you with the intention you give it away. Not always easy, but, friends, so necessary. Our world desperately needs more of God and more beauty. Find one way to light up your sphere, that shows the depths of who God is, and give it away.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Farmyard Wisdom
I couldn't believe it. All of my hard work from the morning had vanished and I could only stop and stare. I had planted seeds for my garden. The freshly turned up dirt had attracted our chickens to the insect life. As they scratched for food, the seeds were unearthed and eaten. Now what? How bad was it? Would anything grow?
I can say, two months later, a very scarce group of plants have emerged, but the quality of the plants makes up for the small numbers. I was checking on the beans, peas, and squash this weekend and found myself smiling at the overwhelming number of flowers. A far cry from my hopeless feelings when the chickens attacked.
There are times in our lives we feel like our work has been sabotaged. We desperately want answers or reassurance things will be ok. God seems distant or nonexistent as we wrestle and struggle with our pain. Where are You? How could this happen? Now what?
While gardening is a far cry from the growing pains and bumps in our journey, they both require hope. I don't think there is a more hopeful bunch than farmers and home gardeners. They are placing seeds into the ground with the hope something beautiful, useful, and delicious will come along. It doesn't always work out well. Life is like that, too. We pour ourselves into relationships, our jobs, families, and callings - but it doesn't always turn out the way we envisioned.
In times where circumstances are dark, we hear different types of Christian platitudes that don't really help us with our pain or frustration. I often think of Job and how, in his misery, friends visit - but they don't seem very comforting. Job faces a full on attack by evil and the people around him attempt to explain the cause of his grief without realizing the actual cause! In the end it is God who shifts Job's perspective.
When the dark moments come, lean into God. Nothing is beyond him and he can handle our weakness and pain as no one else can. He still speaks through his Word and the Bible tells us he will fight for us (Exodus 14:14), his purpose can be accomplished in ANY circumstance (Romans 8:28, Romans 8:31), but most importantly: "...Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is" (Ephesians 3:17b-18).
Remember that deep love when someone rips up the seeds you've sown. Hold on to the hope that even though your plans may not look as you originally thought, what blooms out of a difficult situation may be more abundant and beautiful than you could have imagined.
I can say, two months later, a very scarce group of plants have emerged, but the quality of the plants makes up for the small numbers. I was checking on the beans, peas, and squash this weekend and found myself smiling at the overwhelming number of flowers. A far cry from my hopeless feelings when the chickens attacked.
There are times in our lives we feel like our work has been sabotaged. We desperately want answers or reassurance things will be ok. God seems distant or nonexistent as we wrestle and struggle with our pain. Where are You? How could this happen? Now what?
While gardening is a far cry from the growing pains and bumps in our journey, they both require hope. I don't think there is a more hopeful bunch than farmers and home gardeners. They are placing seeds into the ground with the hope something beautiful, useful, and delicious will come along. It doesn't always work out well. Life is like that, too. We pour ourselves into relationships, our jobs, families, and callings - but it doesn't always turn out the way we envisioned.
In times where circumstances are dark, we hear different types of Christian platitudes that don't really help us with our pain or frustration. I often think of Job and how, in his misery, friends visit - but they don't seem very comforting. Job faces a full on attack by evil and the people around him attempt to explain the cause of his grief without realizing the actual cause! In the end it is God who shifts Job's perspective.
When the dark moments come, lean into God. Nothing is beyond him and he can handle our weakness and pain as no one else can. He still speaks through his Word and the Bible tells us he will fight for us (Exodus 14:14), his purpose can be accomplished in ANY circumstance (Romans 8:28, Romans 8:31), but most importantly: "...Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is" (Ephesians 3:17b-18).
Remember that deep love when someone rips up the seeds you've sown. Hold on to the hope that even though your plans may not look as you originally thought, what blooms out of a difficult situation may be more abundant and beautiful than you could have imagined.
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Gentle Reminders
But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. Romans 8:25 (NLT)
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 (NLT)
"I'm wondering if we heard God wrong." I said these words with tears starting to well up in my eyes. Jake and I were sitting in a conference room for the lawyer who would be handling our real estate closing. The question which hounded me for the last two months of set backs finally bubbled to the surface. What if we had heard God wrong? What if our move had not been God breathed?
The question seemed preposterous in my own ears, we had been so certain God had lead every step of our journey from unemployed to employed, from one home to another. Yet, here we were signing our papers in the hope it would be signed by the buyer to make it official.
We hoped. Each step of the way we had encountered some new piece of paper or situation that would prevent us from selling our home due to new real estate lending requirements. I was at the end of my ability to handle any of it.
Can you relate? Have you ever reached a moment where you have to wonder about the mission you were given? Charity work, a new job, rehab program, new child, tithing - did you feel a nudge of doubt?
Then, Jake looked at me and said, "Karey, nothing has stopped us from selling the house. We've just needed to be patient." There is the word I dread, and maybe when you read our scriptures in Romans you did the same thing. Patience. It had been our constant companion through ever decision, every open door, and every moment of waiting.
Mine had finally failed, along with my confidence. I was thankful for my husband's gentle reminder, but even more thankful for God's Word which tells me, "...And the scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled." (Romans 15:4b) and "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13).
When we've failed in patience, confidence, and life in general, we can hold on to the encouragement and hope God's Word gives. Beautiful reminders of God's love, Jesus and his sacrifice, and the gift of a Holy Spirit which lives in us. As Jake showed me yesterday, when everything is running low or spreading thin in our life, our God is big enough for the hard questions and has placed his Word into our lives to breathe hope back inside of us.
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 (NLT)
"I'm wondering if we heard God wrong." I said these words with tears starting to well up in my eyes. Jake and I were sitting in a conference room for the lawyer who would be handling our real estate closing. The question which hounded me for the last two months of set backs finally bubbled to the surface. What if we had heard God wrong? What if our move had not been God breathed?
The question seemed preposterous in my own ears, we had been so certain God had lead every step of our journey from unemployed to employed, from one home to another. Yet, here we were signing our papers in the hope it would be signed by the buyer to make it official.
We hoped. Each step of the way we had encountered some new piece of paper or situation that would prevent us from selling our home due to new real estate lending requirements. I was at the end of my ability to handle any of it.
Can you relate? Have you ever reached a moment where you have to wonder about the mission you were given? Charity work, a new job, rehab program, new child, tithing - did you feel a nudge of doubt?
Then, Jake looked at me and said, "Karey, nothing has stopped us from selling the house. We've just needed to be patient." There is the word I dread, and maybe when you read our scriptures in Romans you did the same thing. Patience. It had been our constant companion through ever decision, every open door, and every moment of waiting.
Mine had finally failed, along with my confidence. I was thankful for my husband's gentle reminder, but even more thankful for God's Word which tells me, "...And the scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled." (Romans 15:4b) and "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13).
When we've failed in patience, confidence, and life in general, we can hold on to the encouragement and hope God's Word gives. Beautiful reminders of God's love, Jesus and his sacrifice, and the gift of a Holy Spirit which lives in us. As Jake showed me yesterday, when everything is running low or spreading thin in our life, our God is big enough for the hard questions and has placed his Word into our lives to breathe hope back inside of us.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Shapes
I was reading my devotion this morning in Romans 1:20 (definitely read this verse if you have a moment). I continued reading in chapter one for full context and was struck by verse 22 which states, "Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles." (NLT version) It seems outdated now to think of idols like these, but we continue to find things in our lives which take our attention away from God. What is the shape of my idol? The challenge for any Jesus follower is to identify the shape of what keeps their time, talent, attention, and affection away from Elohim (God our Creator).
Can I be honest? I have many idols. The more this question rolls around inside my head and heart, the more I am keenly aware my life doesn't revolve around my relationship with God. Particularly the idol shaped like my children. Motherhood has been one of the most amazing ways to know and acknowledge the love of my Heavenly Father. It has also been the door for allowing my hopes, dreams, and fears concerning our kids to consume my life. Perhaps you are in the same position I am, or, perhaps, your idol may take a different shape. Entertainment, shopping, eating, porn, media devices - we all have something vying for our attention. What is yours?
My children are a gift from God, not my god. Motherhood is a revelation of God's goodness, love, and mercy, but never to take his place as first and foremost in my life. This is the tension and reality of living in a fallen world. Identifying the people, items, and events which pull us away from our Creator are essential. Take time to think about your idol's shape and ask God for help returning him to his rightful place as your number one.
(This is a difficult process. I don't want to make light of it or act like a quick Band-Aid is easily applied. Sometimes these shapes are scary, dark, and addicting. If you realize your idol may be too much for you to tackle on your own, make sure to ask for help and find accountability with trustworthy people who will walk with you and not judge.)
Can I be honest? I have many idols. The more this question rolls around inside my head and heart, the more I am keenly aware my life doesn't revolve around my relationship with God. Particularly the idol shaped like my children. Motherhood has been one of the most amazing ways to know and acknowledge the love of my Heavenly Father. It has also been the door for allowing my hopes, dreams, and fears concerning our kids to consume my life. Perhaps you are in the same position I am, or, perhaps, your idol may take a different shape. Entertainment, shopping, eating, porn, media devices - we all have something vying for our attention. What is yours?
My children are a gift from God, not my god. Motherhood is a revelation of God's goodness, love, and mercy, but never to take his place as first and foremost in my life. This is the tension and reality of living in a fallen world. Identifying the people, items, and events which pull us away from our Creator are essential. Take time to think about your idol's shape and ask God for help returning him to his rightful place as your number one.
(This is a difficult process. I don't want to make light of it or act like a quick Band-Aid is easily applied. Sometimes these shapes are scary, dark, and addicting. If you realize your idol may be too much for you to tackle on your own, make sure to ask for help and find accountability with trustworthy people who will walk with you and not judge.)
Friday, July 22, 2016
Choices
Judges 14:1-4 (NLT), "One day when Samson was in
Timnah, one of the Philistine women caught his eye. When he returned home, he told his father and
mother, "A young Philistine woman in Timnah caught my eye. I want to marry her. Get her for me." His father and mother objected. "Isn't there even one woman in our tribe
or among all the Israelites you could marry?" They asked.
"Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a
wife?" But Samson told his father,
"Get her for me! She looks good to
me." His father and mother didn't
realize the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to work against
the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time.
This isn't going to end well. Have you ever said that about a situation
you've been in? Or have you watched
someone you care about struggle and you cringe at what lies ahead for them? My
youngest learns the hard way. He doesn't
see why his actions are unsafe or lacking wisdom until he's reaping the
consequences of what happened. Sticking
chocolate chips up my nose is bad and requires a doctor's visit? Who knew?!
In our passage today, Samson was setting himself up for
issues. He was going against his parents
wishes in choosing a wife. His choice
was from a group despised by his people (Israel) and, more importantly, he was
defying God who had specifically said marrying pagans was wrong. Recipe for disaster? It looks like it! Yet, at the end of the
passage we see God is working in this seemingly poor preference. It is a great reminder to me there are times
I make decisions which are less than amazing or counter to what is required of
me, but God is still there and He can work in and through these selections to
bring about what He wants. This
understanding doesn't give us permission to do whatever we please. It does allow us the peace of knowing that
when we screw up, because it happens, we
have a God who will continue to work and use the broken, misjudged, and painful
parts of our life for His glory.
Challenge: Take a
moment to write/type a mistake you have made.
Take a few moments to journal about this moment and how it has changed
the trajectory of your life. Then pray,
ask God to show you how He has begun or will be using this moment on your
timeline in His plans.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Patience and Pancakes
I love to make homemade pancakes. I have a well used recipe I alter to fit our family's pantry for that week. There is just one problem with pancake morning - my youngest screams and cries once he realizes what I'm making, that is until the hot and fluffy cakes hit the table. Now, this can be chalked up to "terrible two" behavior. It can be boiled down to our little man being our biggest eater, especially at breakfast. The reality is: he isn't patient. He knows what is coming and doesn't want to wait. Somehow he decided the best way to handle the wait was to throw a fit. It sounds childish, right? Scream and cry until we get what we want? I do it. I do it with God.
There is nothing more difficult for me than to wait patiently on what God has for me. Seems silly, but when I'm honest, I am often just like a toddler in those times which require patience for what comes next. It doesn't look like a two year old tantrum, but I procrastinate, whine as I pray, lose sight of the daily missions set out for me, and get lost in mundane and unimportant details. Before I know it, I'm a mess of insecurity and doubt, all from losing focus. Colossians 1:11 says "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience {emphasis mine} you need..." Notice it doesn't say that if I lose focus God will just give me what I'm waiting for. Let's face it, as with the pancakes, giving the "good thing" too soon could be detrimental (raw egg) or not as sweet as when it is truly ready. What scripture tells us is God will give us the ability to be strengthened by His power. That isn't strength of our own making. We've already established what trying to do things in my own strength leads to: a mess! Colossians 1:11-12 goes on to say, "May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light." When we focus on God and what He has given us (be thankful) and live lives of joy while we wait (with patience and endurance) there is something great waiting (an inheritance). This goes for our own path in our God given calling and everyday life. If we can take joy in the moment and truly find a thankful heart for our current place, in the right time the Holy Spirit will reveal what we've been waiting for.
Does that mean it is easy? No, there is nothing more frustrating than waiting, but I know if I listen for God, instead of what I'm waiting for, I am able to reach out to others in my meantime. I can be a blessing while I'm waiting to be blessed. If I take the time to be thankful, I am so content with what I already have the next best thing is no longer tugging at my thoughts and creating a negative discontent. It seems so easy when I write it, but much harder to live it. I pray today that we can find patience and endurance by bringing all of the "meantime" worries and frustrations to God, asking Him to turn our minds to all the things we have to be thankful for and help establish real joy as we wait for His next steps in our lives.
There is nothing more difficult for me than to wait patiently on what God has for me. Seems silly, but when I'm honest, I am often just like a toddler in those times which require patience for what comes next. It doesn't look like a two year old tantrum, but I procrastinate, whine as I pray, lose sight of the daily missions set out for me, and get lost in mundane and unimportant details. Before I know it, I'm a mess of insecurity and doubt, all from losing focus. Colossians 1:11 says "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience {emphasis mine} you need..." Notice it doesn't say that if I lose focus God will just give me what I'm waiting for. Let's face it, as with the pancakes, giving the "good thing" too soon could be detrimental (raw egg) or not as sweet as when it is truly ready. What scripture tells us is God will give us the ability to be strengthened by His power. That isn't strength of our own making. We've already established what trying to do things in my own strength leads to: a mess! Colossians 1:11-12 goes on to say, "May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light." When we focus on God and what He has given us (be thankful) and live lives of joy while we wait (with patience and endurance) there is something great waiting (an inheritance). This goes for our own path in our God given calling and everyday life. If we can take joy in the moment and truly find a thankful heart for our current place, in the right time the Holy Spirit will reveal what we've been waiting for.
Does that mean it is easy? No, there is nothing more frustrating than waiting, but I know if I listen for God, instead of what I'm waiting for, I am able to reach out to others in my meantime. I can be a blessing while I'm waiting to be blessed. If I take the time to be thankful, I am so content with what I already have the next best thing is no longer tugging at my thoughts and creating a negative discontent. It seems so easy when I write it, but much harder to live it. I pray today that we can find patience and endurance by bringing all of the "meantime" worries and frustrations to God, asking Him to turn our minds to all the things we have to be thankful for and help establish real joy as we wait for His next steps in our lives.
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