My Little Pumpkins!

My Little Pumpkins!!! I love the way they attacked the pumpkins at the pumpkin patch. I wish I engaged life this way. What an attitude. These two little pumpkins are my joy boys. Let me show you just one of the many reasons why. My oldest, Max has been telling me for two or three weeks now that he can't wait for school! He wants me to hurry so he can get there. He says this year is even better than last year. He loves first grade! He told me that he likes to work hard and that the more work he is given at school, the more fun it is. Yeah!!! Just keep hold of that attitude cutie. We talk about how if we never learned anything new or never worked hard at something then life would be boring. That is what makes life interesting, exciting, fun and worthwhile.

This is the way God and Jesus want us to engage life. I admit I often fail miserably at this. I tend to worry and look for all the things that could go wrong, as if this could prepare me or change anything. Anyway, I learn daily from my little guys how to carpe diem and make the most of each day, each moment. They help me see the little blessings all around us all the time. We do have such a good God. My boys tell me that often. Oh, how I love to hear those words coming out of those sweet little mouths. They can speak God's truth much more eloquently and clearly than I ever can.

Look for God's blessings today and thank him for all he has done and continues to do for us. His mercies and grace are never ceasing.

The Death of Complacency

One of the hardest things to do in our Christian walk is to fight against complacency. Life gets so busy and hectic that it is easy to lose sight of our goals in the juggling of all the demands thrown at us. Many times I have thought how wonderful it must be for monks and nuns. Thier only demand is to serve God. I feel like I am serving God and all the rest of mankind...(my husband, kids, extended family, friends, clients at work, the list goes on and on.) I fear God and Jesus get lost in the shuffle. There is an urgent and important battle between our priorities.

We must realize that the good often becomes the enemy of the best. We must constantly ask ourselves not if something is good, because there are sooooo many good things out there for us to do, even with the right heart and attitude, but if it isn't the BEST, the Thing that God has called us to do, then it is a distraction and that can be deadly to the cause of Christ. It can also be damaging to our walk.

We wonder why we are so worn out, tired, frustrated and burned out. It is because we have committed to more than God has asked us to do. We must be wise as serpents with the gift of free will and choices. We must excercise the word NO more often, not to God or Jesus, but to ourselves and others. This is part of the sacrifice involved in following Him.

Think of an athlete training for the olympics. They have to give up a lot of things, many of them good, in order to devote enough time to accomplish thier goal set before them. We must remember to do the same. Don't forget the goal or plan God has for you in the furthering of his kingdom. If we have nothing worth dying for then we have nothing worth living for. Jim Elliott said that, "He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." How wise these words are.

Part of our call as Christians is to die to ourselves, mainly our old nature. Only then can we be transformed. If we want to stop struggling with complacency we must die to ourselves and live each day for Christ's plan and not our own selfish desires. I cannot place God and Jesus into a safe little box that doesn't touch the rest of my life. No, it must permeate and transform every part of my life and all that I do. I can no longer be the boss, I must give that role up to one much more worthy.

One of my biggest fears is to find out at the end of my life that I didn't fulfill that plan which God had for me. I don't want to dissappoint him or myself. To think of my life wasted. I want to live a life that shines for Him and blesses others. Don't we all want to do great things?! But we also don't want to give up things/sacrifice in order to make that happen. Why does sacrifice have to be such a dirty word? I wish I could embrace it more often by realizing what it can accomplish.

William Barclay said it well, "The Christian must realize that he is given life, not to keep it for himslef, but to spend it for others; not to husband its flame, but to burn himslef out for Christ and men." An anonymos quote says, "If we don't find something greater than ourselves to serve, we will end up serving ourselves." That would be a tragic end to our lives.

Remember that even Jesus struggled with sacrifice when he prayed in the garden of Gesthemene and asked, "Lord, if it is possible, take this cup from me, nevertheless, not my will, but thine." We all struggle. This is part of working out our salvation with fear and trembling. Just don't give up the good fight. It is worth it. Fight on!!!

What Is Your Super Power or Not-So Spiritual Gift?

My kids are getting all geared up for Halloween. Every since October 1st they have been drawing pictures to tape on our front window. Now we have officially covered every space possible. They each picked a pumpkin out, went to the Pumpkin patch, played in the hay maze, fed animals and rode a camel. They are so excited about the costumes they picked out--themselves!!! Sam is Robin from Teen Titans. He loves the Japanese song they sing. Max is Obi Wan Kenobi...I am sure I didn't spell it right...I have no idea. Anyways, Halloween is ON! We spent last night driving around on a mission to find any homes with Halloween decorations. They went ballistic and yelled out everything they could spot, kind of like a lets find Waldo version of looking at Christmas lights.

Well Max had to tell me what his super power was the other night. It was very confidential. I probably shouldn't share this in case any arch enemies are listening in, but here goes...His super power is his Awesomeness. Yes, you heard it. He can beat all his enemies with his Awesomeness. Huh, wasn't expecting that one. But really, we have been talking about what makes a real super hero. My kids know that there aren't real super heroes with super powers. We talk about being God's super heros by helping others and doing God's work. Our power comes from our prayers and most importantly from loving God. The more we love God and Jesus the more of him we have in our hearts and the more of His power he gives us. It is not something earned. It is all about us accessing the power and gifts He gives us freely as our inheritance. We are children of God.

We are grafted into the family and given these gifts. Even though our gene pool is different, we are made, transformed into His likeness, His sons and daughters. But we must accept this gift just like we must accept the salvation offered us. God is always waiting to bless us, we just aren't always looking and waiting with open arms. So what is YOUR super power? What is your spiritual gift? I joke that mine is making everyone around me feel tall. It definitely isn't my faith, though I wish it was. So take up your cloak, dawn your boots and take the leap of faith. Ask God to show you your spiritual gifts and talents. Ask him how he wants to use you each day. Be God's super hero. There are never enough of them. Besides, I know you've always wanted to. Seize the day for Christ and God!

Not a Safe God

I am currently reading another good book, "Not A Safe God" by Tim Riter. It talks about the fact that we tend to think of God as safe, soft, comforting, our father to run to, our provider, our refuge and strength. Yes God is good, but he is more than that. He is also not safe. The bible also refers to him as an all consuming fire, jealous for us. "The Lord will judge his people. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:30-31). God will come into our lives and disrupt it in order to transform us and use us. His laws are absolutes, not warm fuzzy suggestions representing good things to strive for. They are not overstatements used to grab our attention to make a point. They are also not legalistic requirements designed for us to struggle with in vain. I know I cannot reach them.

Sometimes it is frustrating. Did God give us these impossible rules to sabotoge us, tease us and set us up for failure? He knew we couldn't keep them. That is why he sent Jesus to bail us out and save us from our sin. So why the rules at all? Even just trying to attain them causes us to turn inward, focusing more on perfecting ourselves than on following God and helping others. This is what the Pharisees did. Aaagghh!

I think God gives us these rules to teach us how impossible it is to save ourselves, how much we need him. They are also targets for us to put into action our faith. With God's help we can attain some, but not all. But it still doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Our transforming and perfecting doesn't stop here, it is a continous process until we get to heaven. We can't earn our salvation. It was already done for us. We just have to accept it gratefully and live out each day in a way to honor God out of love for him.

Our life here isn't about us, it is about HIM! God and Jesus aren't here to help Us achieve Our goals and ambitions. We are here to serve Him and His will, His purposes. That is the first thing we must get into our heads and hearts. I admit it is a hard thing to remember. Life gets busy and closes in on us and it is easy to lose perspective. That is why we must always keep looking to Him.

So we know that we have a good God, a demanding God, and a God who is not safe. But he is also a God who will never leave us nor forsake us. Don't let your faith falter because of a vision of God that is incomplete and false. Look at ALL that he is. He is marvelous and He will astound you. Oh the dreadful wonderful love of God!!!

Remember just who the Word of God Comes From

Oswals Chambers said that "we should never interpret the word of God apart from the one who uttered them." I need to keep this in mind. All too often I get irritated when reading God's word. Yes, I know that sounds awful. I should be inspired and in a holy, otherworldly state reading it, but reality isn't always pretty. Yes the word of god is powerful and inspiring, encouraging, but MY SINFULNESS isn't. How I recieve the word (and how much truth and help I get from it) is all dependent on my state of mind and spirit reading it. God has already done his part in giving the word (His tools) to us. It is my part to prepare my spirit to recieve it. UGHHH!!! Can you hear me slapping my forehead again and again? It takes a lot to get through it. It seems like a duh, no contest info. but it is soooo hard to remember and do.

Even if my spirit isn't in the right place, though, I should still prod on, obedient to seeking God. It is these times we develope patience, steadfastness of spirit. Eventually the word will speak to us again. I have had times where I couldn't even pray. I just had to sit still and allow the Holy Spirit to speak for me, praying for me with groanings too deep for words. Oh we have a good God, even if we don't always feel like it. God understands and provides for us in all circumstances. Just remember in the good times that if we aren't hearing from Him and we feel dry, it may be that we aren't coming seeking Him or his will.

There are always going to be dry times. I just pray that the dryness will not matter nor affect me. I can't become stuck by it, overwhwelmed and use it as an opportunity to be dissappointed with God. God is God not matter what the circumstance. We may not understand Him or his ways, we may not see him, but just like the mountain top covered by clouds, he is still there as majestic and powerful and present as ever.

God's word says to obey his rules. Oswald Chambers said that "God never insists on obedience. He tell us what we ought to do, but ne never takes means to make us do it...The Lord does not give me rules, He makes His standard very clear, and if my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without any hesitation." It is a matter of trusting God, that what he says is best because he only wants to protect us and give us the best. If we love him we will trust and want to please him. That is why He says "IF" so often in the bible. "If ye love me ye will keep my commandments" (jon 14:15) "If any man will become my disciple let him deny himself. (Luke 14:26).

His word also says that, "All things are permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial." That is why God wants us to listen to him, just like a parent raising their child. A parent doesn't try to squealch a child's fun. A parent just tries to keep a healthy boundary of protection using good judgment. Yes other parents and kids may be doing something, but it is not best so they don't give you permission. It is done out of love, despite the parent knowing the grief of pouting and tantrums they will probably elicit by it. Still, protecting you and giving you the best is worth it. Don't we act like children to God in response to his direction? I do, time and time again. Thank goodness (Godness) that He loves us so much to put up with us.

So remember each time you read the word of God, that it is coming from a God who loves you so passionately that he would die for you to save you and give you his inheritance, his best. Don't get frustrated, remember who is speaking the words. Then it is much easier to keep the proper spirit and perspective to recieve it. His word always is spoken to us in love. Recieve it in love. And only speak it to others in love.

Fear? Fear Not? What should we fear?

It can be confusing. Actually confusion tends to be a continual state with me. I can go round and round and confuse myself with just about anything. I ask too many questions, instead of just listening and beleiving....TRUSTING!

But really, doesn't the bible say to not fear? We are supposed to put our trust in God and Jesus and they will take care of the rest (Matthew 6:25-34). "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life...look at the birds of the air...and the lilies of the field...will he (God)not much more clothe (and feed) you O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?', or 'What shall we drink?', or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be yours as well. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."

But on the same hand, there are even more verses that deal with the fact that we should fear God. (Proverbs 9:10) "The fear of the Lord is the beginnig of wisdom." (Proverbs 19:23) "The fear of the Lord leads to life". So is fear good or bad? should we fear or should we not fear?

I think the question is not IF we should fear, but WHAT we should fear. Fear is a response in nature, given to us by God. It serves a function to protect us. But we should be careful about how we let it lead us. It is a warning for us to stop and prayerfully take a look at our life, our circumstances...is this thing healthy for me? Is it dangerous? Use it with wisdom. We should not fear the world or worry about our provisions. This does not mean we don't work. But God will provide through us.

Rather we should fear God and worry about whether we are pleasing him, seeking him...or are we being led astray, hardening our hearts to him? I like this next verse and find it very helpful. (Luke 12:4-12) "I tell you, my frieds, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear; fear him who, after he has killed, has the power to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. And I tell you everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies me before men wil be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you are to answer or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."

Aaahh. We can relax. We don't have to worry and agonize over every little thing in this life. We just need to keep it simple and fear God (worry/concentrate on following him) and not Man or the things of this Life. If we fear God (By this I mean having a healthy respect for him and his authority over us) then we need not fear anything else. How freeing is that!!!

Not only is it freeing, it opens us up to more of his work in our life. If we wonder (which I admit I do often since I obviously struggle with this) why I don't seem to hear God's voice or sense his leading in my life, then I need to look at simplifying my life. Everytime I falter in my walk it is because I think I know more than God or Jesus. I do not seek them or let the Spirit guide me. My PRIDE is my downfall. Was this not the first origional deadly sin that led to Lucifers downfall and to Adam and Eve's...and on to all mankind's downfall? It destroys our relationship with God. It kicks our hineys and kicked us all out of paradise.

If we are humble and keep life simple, we will see God, hear him, and be able to follow and not be confused and distracted. Simpleness isn't a curse, but a gift. It keeps us in a right relationship with God. I work with kids with disabilities and if you notice those who seem to have a simpler mind (we tend to call "challenged"), they always seem to be happier and to see the truth more easily. They state the truth so well. I am always lifted by them and led back to God. We complicated, sophisticated ones are the cursed ones..."challenged" as we are by our distractions.

So don't worry about this life. Don't question, just concentrate on Him and what He has put before you. That is the simple path to victory.

Why can't we see God or Jesus?

I was talking with my four year old today. He started telling me that Jesus was greater than anyone and that people are not perfect. He heard a song on the radio that talked about the fact that there are no perfect people. He started mentioning the fact that nobody could see God or Jesus. I asked him why that was (mainly because he has asked me that question himself in the past and I wanted to find out what he had understood and retained---nosey mom that I am).

He didn't remember why to my chagrin, but we just talked about that we can't see them with our human eyes, because they are weak and not perfect. But when we die and go to heaven we will get new bodies with eyes that can see God and Jesus, glorious bodies that will never get hurt or sick or sad.

That is the easiest was I know of explaining it to children. It is the same with the Holy Spirit. I use the example of the wind, how we can't see it, but we can see its effects when it blows our hair, a leaf, trees,etc. If little ones, or even big ones of us, have trouble believing in a God and Lord that are not visible, try this example to explain it. At some point it must come down to faith. It is a hard concept for adults to grasp (and to find faith in), let alone children with limited knowledge. Anyway, I hope that example helps you when your children ask about the spiritual vs. physical.

John 20:29 "Because you have seen you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."