Crosses and Losses

On Apr.18.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 7 )
You’ve heard the phrase…  “crosses to bear.”
Got any?

You know– little daily disappointments or huge past regrets that we just can’t seem to let go of. Decisions gone bad either by us or for us. Personal shortcomings, losses, disadvantages… physical, financial or emotional.
Yep, I’ve got some.
They infiltrate our hearts and minds as unwelcomed, uninvited guests… squatters… and we are powerless to evict them from the premises. They consume us with great deliberation… arousing any of the many negative emotions… discontentment, anger, pride and bitterness.
Relentlessly they follow us around, clouding our view of what is truly most important… our relationship with God.
Fact: We cannot truly know God when our hearts and souls are caught up in the crosses and losses of our lives.
Paul tells us
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
–Philippians 3: 7-10 NIV
J.I. Packer in his book “Knowing God” states…

“When Paul says he counts the things he lost rubbish, or dung (KJV), he means not merely that he does not think of them as having any value, but also that he does not live with them constantly on his mind: what normal person spends his time nostalgically dreaming of manure? Yet this, in effect, is what many of us do. It shows how little we have in the way of true knowledge of God.”
So, true.
First, to actually think that our losses are anything comparable to the “Cross” seems almost blasphemous to me. There is no loss that any one of us could experience that would hold a candle to what Christ endured on the cross for our sake.
Second, my losses are little and insignificant—nothing, compared to what I gain in Christ—everything.
So much time is spent thinking about all the “what-ifs in life.” We blame ourselves, others and even God for not having the life we dreamed… forgetting what we actually deserve: nothing.
Last, we have the choice to either dwell on what is lost over what is gained. And, what an important choice this is! We can only get so far in our journey of loving and knowing God if we make the wrong one.
I want freedom from the chains of losses to gain intimacy with God. When I look at it like this it’s an easy, no-questions-asked choice, right?!
Ah, but old habits do die hard. Habits like these are embedded into our flesh and they will never go away completely. However, if they are consistently managed they can be mortified… not in our strength of course, but by the Spirit within us.
J.I. Packer also poses the question… 

“Can we say, simply, honestly, not because we feel that as evangelicals we ought to, but because it is a plain matter of fact, that we have known God, and that because we have known God the unpleasantness we have had, or the pleasantness we have not had, through being Christians does not matter to us?”
I can’t, but I want to.

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M.O.M Takes a Spring Break!

On Apr.11.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 7 )

The Secret Giver

On Apr.07.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 10 )
A few weeks ago I wrote about a thoughtful “someone” who left Kelli and I sweet gift and a precious Word of encouragement. You can read about it here.
Well, today I am excited to share a story about another anonymous giver. A precious friend of mine has endured some financial struggles. I won’t get into the details, but I will say that they made the decision to downsize their possessions and their home. 
I know this is hard for her.
I remember when they bought the home that they are leaving and how much she loved it. She thanked God for it, treasured it… she said it would satisfy her completely if her children spent all of their childhood there. I also remember that even then, she knew that God gives and He often takes away.
She has always carried that perspective about everything.
Though no doubt her heart aches some, I see her accepting whatever God has for her with open arms… even without some of the things that have made her life comfortable and without that treasured home. Through this I’ve witnessed joy in her eyes as she embarks on a new adventure… and it’s not that she’s hiding her true feelings… on the contrary; she possesses authentic God-given joy.
She inspires me.
Last week she anticipated a call to hear what they would need to pay to move into their new place. She and her husband were in prayer because they didn’t know how they were going to come up with the deposit.
Then the call came. The voice on the phone gave an amount that was even more than they had thought and her heart sank. However, the voice went on to explain… “someone” came by today and paid it all!
Anonymously. 
Before she let the woman go she boldly asked her if she knew the Lord and told her that she has just witnessed Him at work!
My friend hung up and as the tears fell she lifted her hands and her heart up to God in overwhelming praise and thanksgiving for this undeserved gift.
Undeserved… yes. But, given anyway. Accepted humbly… and used mightily to glorify His Holy name.
She has no desire to find out who the secret giver is. She said… “not knowing who it’s from allows me to just give God the glory… to express my thanks to Him and only Him.”
It’s true, even for the giver, you know.
When we give we must confess that there is some small, quiet part within us that desires acknowledgement for our generosity. But, when we give in secret that urge for recognition mysteriously ceases to exist.
Just as the recipient of the anonymous gift lifts up her most heartfelt gratitude to the Lord, the secret giver gets her richest blessings from Him and not from man.
Jesus tells us…
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” –Mathew 6:1-4 NLT
Have you experienced the sweet blessings that come from giving in secret? I confess it’s been awhile for me… I’m challenged to look for and grasp at the next opportunity He reveals to me. What about you?

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Word Filled Wednesday!

On Apr.06.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 9 )
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new “ And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” Revelation 21:3-7 NASB

As Spring ushers in new life all around us I am reminded of the promise of our new life in Him on the day that He returns. On that day He will dwell among us, brush away our every tear and make us new in a way that we that we can not even come close to imagining… what a glorious and marvelous day that will be. 
I can hardly wait, you? 
Happy Word Filled Wednesday!

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Spring is in the Air!

On Apr.04.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 10 )
 For more than three years now I’ve dealt with Chronic Sinusitis. I carry tissues with me everywhere because I am stuffy, runny and sneezy all of the time. This also makes me super susceptible to colds and sinus infections which require antibiotics. In addition to all of this I do not sleep well.

And I L.O.V.E. my sleep!

For the first couple of years I thought it was allergies and I treated it as such… until I went in for testing. After nearly 90 pokes and scratches and a chunk of money I found out that I’m not allergic to anything. A quick CT scan uncovered the actual nature of my problem in my sinuses and its ugly… really ugly.
Last month my doctor put me on Prednisone to see if it would help my condition. And, it did. My sinuses cleared up a lot and I could even smell things again. The last time I was able to smell anything was in September of last year. I became more rested and it was wonderful.
But, there was a trade-off.
The high dose of Prednisone affected my stomach and my head. I became grumpy and over-emotional. I gained weight. My face puffed up and as I neared the end of the prescription my face broke out terribly with acne. I didn’t have acne like this when I was a teenager!
After I completed the full dose of steroids I went for new CT scan to see if the swelling in my sinuses had reduced. And it had, but not nearly enough. My doctor said the best thing for me was to have surgery and right away. So, two weeks ago this last Friday that’s what I did.
It took me longer than I thought to recover. My nasal passages are still healing and I’m back to not sleeping well again, but I know it’s a process and things will gradually get better.
I tell you all of this because I have found myself in a bit of a rut.
Between the effects of the medication and the surgery I feel like I’ve slipped into a dark cave. My quiet time has suffered. And my desire to write has waned. I feel lonely and disconnected from God.
But, this weekend I noticed some transforming things…
The morning light seeping in from beneath the shutters of my bedroom windows a little earlier.

Slender, bright green grasses pushing their way up through the dull earthy ground reaching for the sun.

White, flowery puffs of beauty blooming on our plumb tree sending the promise of sweet summer fruit.

And the air gradually warming, luring me into short-sleeved shirts and flip-flops.
Spring is in the air!

As all of God’s scenery begins to come alive again I also notice an awakening in my heart. My dark cave is opening up and as I peer out into the blue sky I sense Him faithfully drawing me out. And just as the blooming flower unfolds to the warm sunshine I also respond to His irresistible call.
How lovely are the changing seasons of nature and even more so, the changing seasons in our lives. The moving away from something old and perhaps dark into something full with new life and refreshed in Him.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to 
every purpose under the heaven.” 
Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
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God-Sized Lessons and a Vandalized Car

On Mar.31.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 11 )
Last week my girls and I went to see Gnomeo and Juliet. May I tell you my favorite part? The best part of the movie is when David Hasselhoff’s head bobbles across the computer as a screen saver. I’m cracking up right now thinking about it.
Anyway, I digress.
As we left the theater, our giggling was interrupted by a horrific sight in the parking lot. Our car, baby-seat and all, had been vandalized… fractured windows, shattered glass, and crushed doors. To make things worse, there were broken beer bottles and used cigarettes scattered across cracked pavement.
The scene looked like a big ol’ mess.
I felt like a big ol’ mess as I stood there in disbelief.
I felt weak.
I felt victimized.
I got a little stressed. I cried a little. I wanted to cuss and spit on something. My face flushed into a new shade of red and my eyes flared-up with anger. Out of all the cars in the parking lot, why mine?
Put down the violins y’all, because this is more than just a sob story. The point of rehashing my Friday afternoon mayhem isn’t to wallow in it, but to share two important lessons God taught me in the middle of it.
Needless to say, the ride home was nippy. Gushes of blazing, snowy wind whirled through the gaping holes in our car. My daughter Samantha said with a crackle in her throat, “I think we should pray for whoever did this because they don’t have Jesus in their heart.”

I felt the sting of failure pinch my heart. While that sweet “thang” in the backseat was speaking over high winds about mercy, her Mama had justice and revenge on her mind.
Pray for them… right now? Are you kidding?
God-Sized Lesson Number One
Instead of entertaining thoughts of stringing up the offender, I needed to rush to the throne of grace and beg for strength beyond what I could muster.
My thoughts mingled in a blur, “I don’t want to pay for someone else’s crime.” Right then Jesus interrupted me. He spoke truth directly to my heart, “That is exactly what I did for you. I paid the price for something you did.”
God-Sized Lesson Number Two
My daughter’s desire to pray for the offender flooded my mind and rung out my soul like a wet dishcloth.

My grumbling heart paused.

My thoughts redirected.

The unsettled bones in my body came to rest. Even though in that moment I didn’t feel like praying, I joined hands with my baby girls anyway.

What a great time to practice…
“Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person,” Luke 6:27-28 (The Message).

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When We Get Disappointed

On Mar.30.11 , In Blog , by
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“But, I want to be in the talent show, mom,” my 1st grader whimpered. She wanted to sing in the talent show with a friend who suddenly developed cold feet.
As the cold air began singing around her, a solitary tear of grief welled up in the corner of her eye. All of the sudden, the dam broke and a flood of disappointment coursed down her six year old face. As I watched her, my eyes screamed out for justice. Then a soft voice echoed through the hallway of my mind, “You remember what it’s like to be disappointed, don’t you?”

Disappointment is a feeling of sadness or frustration because something was not as good, attractive, or satisfactory as expected.
God designed us to live in anticipation and expectation of Him. He created us to be goal-seekers and plan-makers. When we project a specific outcome, we live in expectation of seeing it come to fruition. Seeing our hopes and dreams realized.
“Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around,” Proverbs 13:12, (MSG).
Has your heart ever been sick with disappointment?
My casserole tasted like rubber at the dinner party.

That relationship didn’t work out the way I thought it would.
The sting of disappointment hurts. We long for God to apply the healing salve that will take the pain away forever.
Just because we are followers of Jesus doesn’t mean we are immune to disappointment.
When things don’t go our way, we have a tendency to gripe and complain to anyone who will listen. We say with finger-snapping punctuation, “Oh, unh-unh, it wasn’t supposed to be this way.” Seemingly, this only stirs the pot and keeps a steady boil bubbling in our hearts.
God listens.
God’s a good listener. He doesn’t mind hearing all about our complaints. He prefers we go to him first, not our best girlfriend or even our mama. Why not go straight to the One who can actually do something about our circumstances.

God doesn’t turn his back.

God didn’t turn his back or roll his eyes as the Psalmist sang in frustration over their disappointments. He listened to each poetic account of hurt and heartbreak. This resulted in God’s glorification even in the midst of their personal turmoil. In the end, they were the recipients of God’s best and greatest blessings.
When expectation and disappointment collide, there is only one thing to do.
Get to Jesus.

Get there without delay.

Don’t pause to look around.

Get to Him.

He will dislodge the hurt and bitterness that threatens divine intimacy with him. He will prune away limbs of disappointment before they overshadow God’s Fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
So what do we do the next time our soul dips low from aches of disappointment?
High-tail-it to Jesus and abide in the truth of Psalm 22:5 that says: when we get to Jesus we will “NOT be disappointed.”

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Is God the Lord Over Your Details?

On Mar.29.11 , In Blog , by
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Our Ministry at South Reno Baptist Church hosted international speaker Jan Coates a couple of weeks ago. When God qualified me to join him in ministry, I never imagined events, speakers, how to operate microphones, what to do when microphones stop working, and speaking in front of people–would be part of it.
As women, it’s easy to become tangled in a web of details. The ‘to-do’s’, ‘what to do’s’, and ‘how-to do’s’ rattle through our minds like roaring engines out of control. Do the decorations look nice? How does the food taste? Is the coffee too strong?

But God’s divine whisper tenderly reminds us that it’s all about Him and not about the decorations, speakers, or food.

There’s nothing like witnessing the undeniable movement of an Almighty God during fellowship time together. Even if just one person turns back a new page in their love story with Jesus, it’s worth it. It’s worth over planning and last minute errands to see leaks of tears streaming down the faces of women desiring to become more.

Is My Frazzled Self Measuring Up?

But behind every big event you’ll find at least one or two frazzled females. As I scribbled check marks down the list I began asking myself, “When stress bullies its way through the door of opportunity will I live up to God’s standard of peace, patience, and self-control? Will I wrap my arms around the feet of Jesus when I feel myself buckling under the pressure of last minute details?


Will I let God down if I don’t measure up?
The other day on Lysa Terkeurt’s blog she mentioned something her pastor said about letting God down.

“How can you let God down when you were never holding him up?”

I love a great quote, don’t you?
Here’s another one.
My pastor said, “If we sin on the right foot, then we need to confess on the left foot.” So, when I erupt like a volcano because I’m struggling to manage myself, the Holy Spirit will gently remind me to say “Lord, I’m sorry. Please forgive me so I can start fresh.”
So as we step forward with the left foot of confession, we are able to experience God’s immeasurable mercy and grace. After all, he is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, (see 2 Corinthians 1:3).
I felt a brief yet sweet sensation brush over my soul that was undoubtedly God’s voice. He said,

Do you really know I am your mercy behind everything you do?


Your grace behind every mistake you make? And

Your comfort when things don’t go according to plan?

Do you really know that I don’t want your heart to be troubled (see John 14:1)?

As floods of emotion saturated my cheek, I replied, “Yes Lord, I know you are all those things.” Sometimes I just need to be reminded. Thank you for pausing today in the midst of all your creation just for me. Thank you for the revelation that every detail of my day needs to be committed to you. Please be the Lord over my details today and every day. Amen.

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Ini, Mini, Miney, Moe, It’s A Dawna Day…

On Mar.28.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 6 )
“Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil,” Ephesians 5:15-16.

Are we spending our time wisely?

I wish there were warning labels on our favorite pass times such as TV, music, and reading. Detailed labels like the ones on prescription drug bottles. I’ll let you decide which of the following examples you would choose.
Example #1 “BAD” Movie
People viewing this movie may have a higher risk of falling prey to lust, anger, gossip, envy, pride, greed, or unhappiness than people who do not watch this movie. Thoughts of feeling fat, ugly, dumb, unsuccessful, and inadequate have been reported. These events may happen without warning and may cause death. If you experience any of the above symptoms, get emergency spiritual help right away.
Movies such as these may cause guilt, depression, impure thoughts, and a hardened heart. The risk may be higher for people who are young in age, have poor mental health, do not know the Lord, or are under the influence while watching inappropriate movies. If you experience thoughts of adultery, revenge, jealousy, hatred, and or feel just plain lost, stop watching and fall on your knees: Satan will monitor your symptoms carefully and will probably celebrate. In addition, the Evil One may try to test your body’s response to sin. Be sure to tell God how you feel so He can administer the right amounts of grace and guidance to treat your condition with the lowest risk of serious side effects.
Do not watch the movie carefully and ask your church or godly friends if you have any questions.
Example #2 Holy Bible
People who read God’s word may have a higher sense of purpose, love, and understanding than people who do not read this book. This risk may be higher for people who have read the Word for many years. Tell God if you or anyone in your family needs forgiveness, believes Jesus died for you, and/or wishes to commit a sinful life to him.

If you experience a sudden urge for salvation and baptism, get emergency spiritual help right away. Many gifts have been reported which include but are not limited to the following: Prophesy, Healing, Evangelism, Service, Exhortation, Tongues, and the overall lightness lifted from ones shoulders. These events may happen without warning and through Jesus may cause eternal life.
Matthew, Luke, John, and books such as these may cause us to experience Forgiveness, Elation, Dedication, Faith, Encouragement, Wisdom, Compassion, Conviction, and Rebirth. Also, tell God if you make or have ever made mistakes or have sinned at anytime in your life. If you experience any of the following symptoms, continue reading and praise Jesus: Renewed relationships, Love, Peace, Joy, Gentleness, Kindness, Self-control, Patience, Courage, and Faithfulness.
The Lord will monitor the pulse of your heart carefully and will probably order certain tests to check your response to his Word. Be sure to tell God how you feel so He can prescribe the right amount of encouragement to treat your concern for the highest chance of side effects. Read the information carefully and ask God or your pastor if you have any questions.
Which would you choose?

How Do You Experience Emotional Rest?

On Mar.24.11 , In Blog , by
Comments ( 23 )

This blog is in response to Bonnie Gray’s topic on emotional rest. Well, Bonnie how do you like my Faith Barista mug??
I could approach “emotional rest” with a serious tone, but I’m pretty sure I’ve posted my share of heavy weighted topics for the week.
I could spill the dramatic contents of my heart all over this page.
I could wrap a crazy stay-at-home mom story around an important biblical truth.
I could go all theological on y’all right now.
But…
I’ve decided to peel back the layers of sass and get right to the nitty-gritty.
What gives me emotional rest?

My best de-frazzling solution for emotions bubbling out of control is a hot bath overflowing with lavender salts and sudsy soaps. But my emotional rest retreat wouldn’t be complete without my Ipad propped up against the tile wall playing re-runs of Francis Chan’s greatest sermon bites. I know that may sound a little stalker-ish but seriously, that’s what I do.
So, when I re-emerge back into life after my bubble-bath getaway, I don’t feel like strangling anyone. I say things like, “That’s nice hunny. Oh, you spilled chocolate milk on the carpet again? Well, I’ll just clean that right up. Oh look, another load of laundry? I’d better start folding.”
No attitude. No crooked smile. Just a rejuvenated soul ready take on what everybody else is dishing out.
So the moral of this story is ~ When mama is clean, comfy, and calm, everybody else gets their emotional rest too!
So it’s your turn… what gives you emotional rest?

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