Sometimes life takes an unexpected curve. Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." We map out our lives and expect them to go according to plan. And then -

You lose a job,

have to move

or abandon a dream,

You learn you are pregnant or that you can't have children,

or you face unexpected health issues or take on a new challenge,

or run into some other unforeseen development in your life.

Life is like that, always surprising us. While I sometimes wish I knew what tomorrow held, there are more moments when I'm thankful I don't know what's coming because I am able to enjoy the moments of the day without worries of tomorrow. That's my new motto -

Hey! I think I've heard that somewhere - "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Mt. 6:34)

All for Him,

Missy

Labels: Missy

Okay, okay, I'll say it. I'll muster up the courage and announce those three little words that are the hardest ones to say.

I was wrong.

Ouch. Now it's out there, it's official. The whole world now knows that Emily Megan Smith did not get it right. But just the one time. It's not like this occurs on a regular basis or anything...

A couple weeks ago I said that I was sure that my sister-in-law was pregnant with a little boy. And so now I'm sure you've figured out that IT"S A GIRL!!!!

A beautiful, gorgeous little girl with lots of dark hair and the sweetest little coos you've ever heard.

Of course, it's easy to admit you're wrong when you wind up with an adorable new niece. But admitting I'm wrong at work? Or admitting I'm wrong to my husband? Not so much.

The difficulty in uttering those three words comes down to one thing: pride. I have yet to meet a person who doesn't struggle with it in one way or another. It's that human nature within us. The desire to ultimately put ourselves first. To think better of ourselves then we really are. To forget that the only good thing in us is Christ.

The Bible has some pretty harsh things to say about pride, and rightly so, as it is one of the things God hates. Proverbs 16:5 says, "The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished."

If there's one thing I don't want the Lord to feel towards me, it is certainly detest! But my pride comes when I fail to look at God as I should, the Creator of the Universe, the only One who is Holy and Righteous, and fail to look at myself as I should, the one who is created by Him and for Him, and who doesn't live like it.

But the Bible doesn't simply tell us to not be proud or God will hate us. It tells us what to put on instead of pride - humility. Proverbs 22:4 says, "Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life." Psalm 25:9 says, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." Other Scriptures teach that God sustains the humble, He gives grace to the humble, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

What amazing promises God gives to those who are humble! When we are humble we show a right view of God and a right view of ourselves, an understanding of who He is and what He is worthy of, and a desire for Him to be above us and everything else there is in our lives. And when that all happens in our lives good things happen as a result!

I don't know about you, but reading those verses gives me a whole lot more motivation to admit that I was wrong. In fact, I'm pretty sure I probably have someone I need to go say it to now.

Emily

Labels: Emily

Dear Rest,
Why are you so coy with me? I wish you weren't so hard to get. I want you to stay with me. I don't want you out of love for Comfort, but for Christ. Thankfully He is uninhibited by my insufficiency, for I would be significantly less useful to a limited god without you. I am slowly learning all the things I did to chase you away, but you still elude me. I'm growing weary with out you. Please show me mercy. Please return to me.
Please,
me

Labels: Em's Journal

"...body, mind, and spirit are one complete package. When one part suffers, the whole person suffers." "Meet Me at the Well" Virelle Kidder

Please bear in mind I am not a counselor, I'm simply a woman - a wife, mom, daughter, sister, employee, friend - trying to live life guided by God's word, guarded by His Holy Spirit, and surrounded by people He's summoned here for such a time as this!

Did you catch that? "Surrounded by people" - none of us are here on this earth alone. That is the first clue that God did not want us to try to live life "alone". In fact, it was the very reason that after He created man He also created woman. Everything else up to that point was good. Check out Genesis 1, every time He creates it reads "And God saw that it was good". Then we get to Genesis 2, verse 18: "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone'." Not good to be alone? Wow! God created us for relationship!

Our relationships are key components to our emotional health - as well as our emotional unhealthiness!

I don't know where you are in this area of your life, but I do know where I was, and where I am today.

More than a decade ago I was an overwhelmed mom of four, probably living life outwardly looking pretty healthy. But I was shriveling up and dying inside. As I look back thru my journals I recognize the earmarks of depression. At that point I had friends, lots of friends, but what I didn't have was accountability in my friendships. We had fun, but no one was digging deeper to see what was going on underneath the big picture. It wasn't my friends fault! I had not given anyone permission to ask the tough questions, and my personality was, (perhaps at times still is) to make a joke out of something that had the potential to go somewhere I wasn't comfortable going.

That's how I handled it. Someone with a different personality, given the same set of circumstances, would not have made a joke; they would simply have gotten offended and put a wall of silence up between themselves and the person who was digging a little too deep. Another may have responded in anger driving relationships away. Each one of us has coping techniques that we rely on when conversations go where we don't want them to go!

Do you see yourself in any of those scenarios? We are created for relationship and communication, or lack thereof, can make or break a relationship. Healthy relationships, with healthy communication, are a huge part of being healthy emotionally.

God did not create us to be isolated. He created us to be part of a community. No, we don't have to be, in fact we can't be, best friends with everybody. But He created us to be in close relationship with a few key people in our lives. How do I know this? Because He created us in His image and He is a triune God! Think about it - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity is our first example of a healthy, intimate relationship.

He created us - first and foremost - to be in relationship with Himself, but we are walking this earth today with folks that He has placed here too. God's word is full of great wisdom regarding our relationships! It tells us to "encourage one another, build each other up". (1Thessalonians 5:11) That sounds pretty relational to me. It says we are to "speak truth in love", hmmm, hard to do without a relationship in place. (Ephesians 4:5)

I think He probably knew what He was doing, don't you? So how are you living that out? Are you trying to live life alone? Figuring it out by yourself?

Have you allowed someone who loves you enough to speak truth, sometimes hard truth, into your life?

Do you have someone who can ask you "How are you today?" Someone who will not accept "Fine, thanks" as an answer?

Do you have someone that you can be honest and real in front of - even if honest and real is rather ugly?

Do you have someone to cheer you on when the going gets tough?

Do you have someone to laugh with?

Do you have someone who will ask "How's that situation going? Have you done anything to make things right? Are you still offended, angry, avoiding?"

When we don't have a couple of people with whom we can be ourselves typically one of
two things happen; either we will tell everybody our story, laying out our baggage
for ALL to see, (it's what causes people to say  "oh dear, here she comes again")or
we will pack up all that baggage into our hearts, and it will weigh us down - in fact,
it may have the potential to become garbage, toxic garbage - and keep us from being healthy
emotionally. 

I know this is true because I've been there.

But remember, if you want someone to speak real truth into your life the first step is
to ask them to do so - and the next step is to respond graciously the first time they
share their perspective. Another step is to keep meeting, schedule an hour into your
week to meet. Make it a priority! Just as physical exercise is needed to keep your body
fit, the emotional exercise of intentional communication is needed to keep your mind fit!

My pastor says "you're as sick as your secrets".

Why do we keep secrets? Usually because we're afraid of what will happen if people really knew.

I think the evil one knows that. I suspect he keeps us bound up in our fear, and in our pride, 'cause he knows that God's plan is best. If the evil one can keep us from the healthy relationships that lead to emotional healthiness he has won a major battle. We are truly as sick as our secrets. Those secrets fill our hearts and minds with toxic waste. It seeps into every aspect of our lives whether we realize it or not. It steals our joy, kills our relationships, and often robs us of the energy we need to be physically healthy.

We are created in God's image, created for relationship, healthy, Bible-based, God-driven, relationships.

It's what makes the "mind" leg of our 3-legged stool healthy and strong.

For those of you who have not had the opportunity to read Virelle Kidder's book I encourage you to do so! Call your local library and order a copy or head to your favorite Christian book store to purchase it, but whatever you do take time to read it! It is written as a 30 day devotional but if you're like many of us who have already read the book you'll finish it much sooner than that! It is full of real life encouragement.

Until next time.

Beth

Labels: Beth

Recently there has been much written on this website about STUFF-trash, messes, clutter, etc. At the risk of sounding repetitive, I am going to go there again. Lately it feels as if I am continually dumping-stuff out of closets, nooks, and crannies; trash receptacles; the compost bucket; litter boxes; my kids-oops, I think I will keep them! This morning I (finally) emptied the compost bucket that is kept under the sink. (I dump it into a bigger composting bin outside.) When I first began composting, I didn't know much about it at all (still don't!). At that time, I neglected to turn the materials and just let it all sit in the bin-unattended. It didn't compost-it just attracted all kinds of small, living, unattractive things; and it smelled like-like the bad waste that it had become.

Well, it was absolutely amazing the difference when I attended to that 'waste' properly, and-'presto-change-o'-dark, rich, nutrient-filled compost appeared. Of course this didn't happen overnight; it takes time to create good compost out of what we would naturally call 'waste'. It also takes attention from the one who desires to have the compost. There needs to be the right balance of moisture, light/darkness, and stirring it all around. As I was doing the kitchen waste dumping this morning, I felt so glad that Jesus pays that kind of necessary attention to me. I can allow myself to be filled to the brim with waste; and He is so ready, willing, and able to sort through it all, add what is needed, mix it all up, and be patient with me while the 'composting' process is at work. Wow-the thought of God Almighty being patient with ME is amazing; but He knows His desired end result. He desires to continually be at work in me to 'presto-change-o' me into one who will be a richly spirit-filled vessel who will bring Him honor and glory in all I do.

He never sees any of us as 'waste'-at least not the way we tend to see waste. He sees us as His children, created in His image; and He desires to conform us into His likeness-having us possess the fruit of His Holy Spirit as we allow Him to turn our 'waste' into His 'holy compost'; able to be used to do beautiful things! He doesn't throw us away; He transforms us-no matter how stinky and wasteful we have allowed ourselves to become. He is patient and kind in the process; but don't let that cause you to believe the process won't hurt. Remember, the proper balance of waste materials needs to be turned, mixed up, agitated-and not just once! God knows under what conditions we will best be formed to His image. I pray that I-we-will allow Him to have His way as He patiently and lovingly 'composts' us, and then 'spreads' us around to do His wonderful work!

Thanks for reading,

Libby

Labels: Libby

I was talking the other day with my good friend Beth (see her blogs 'Confessions of a Peace Lover' and hear her weekdays at 10 am on the radio WNPQ 95.9 or www.thelight959.com). We were discussing the parable of the sower and the seed (found in Mt.13:3-23) on our Circle of Friends radio program and she posed a question that has continued to drift around my thoughts and heart.

"How's the soil of your heart?"

You remember the story of the farmer who planted his crop and his seed fell in different types of soil - some fell along the road - never even made it into the soil and the birds came along and ate the seeds. Some fell on rocky ground - it grew quickly because the dirt was shallow - but it died quickly because there were no roots going down into the earth to support the crop. Some of the seeds fell into thorns and weeds that choked the crop until the weeds overtook the good plants.

And then there was the seed that fell on the good soil - but even there the crop was multiplied better in some instances than others. In some places it was a hundred times more, some places it grew sixty times more, and some places the seed only multiplied thirty times as much. Jesus goes on to say that we need to 'see with our eyes' and 'hear with our ears'.

What does all that mean? The explanation of the parable is found in the latter verses of that portion of Scripture. The seed along the road that never even makes into the soil is like a person who has no understanding. He 'hears' the message, but doesn't 'see' what it means. The birds represent the Evil One who snatches the seed right out of our hearts before we have a chance to cultivate it into the soil of our understanding.

The rocky soil represents the person who takes in the message of Christ's kingdom with joy, but that's as far as it gets. It doesn't 'take root', change his life, make any real difference. He can't handle trials or persecution or even inconvenience.

And the seed among the weeds? That's the person that is consumed with this world instead of eternity. That worry and focus on themselves keeps the seed from growing. It is only the good ground - the cultivated soil, the fertile heart that produces fruit. And how much fruit? That depends on what Beth calls the 'fertilizer' of our life. The muck and the yuck we don't like to deal with - in a nutshell, it is how we are transformed into the image of Christ through trials and struggles that we allow God to use to change our attitudes, which leads to a change in our actions and behavior.

Her point was that - whether we realize it or not - we are sowing seeds into our life everyday. Those seeds will someday reap a harvest - the question is, what kind of harvest are you reaping? The good news is that even if we're reaping a harvest of bad habits and wrong attitudes, we can start today to sow a good harvest for tomorrow!

Farmers don't cultivate a field once and then are done with it. Soil needs constant attention - fertilization for maximum growth. How's the soil of your heart today? When you are presented with a teaching about God's kingdom from His word is your heart ready to let it go deep into your life? Will that teaching produce fruit or be snatched away, set aside as not that important, or choked out by the world?

Maybe this question will linger for you as it has for me.

All for Him,

Missy

Labels: Missy

The saying that you don't know what you've got until it's gone is painfully true.

We've been having problems with our water heater. Most days a very quick shower would spare us from a very cold shower, but on Sunday we had no hot water whatsoever, and not a lot of hope in fixing it that day. Despite troubleshooting, manual reading, replacing the heating elements, and consulting with others my husband hadn't quite figured what the problem was.

And I was flipping out.

How could we not have hot water? How would I bathe? Do laundry? Do dishes? Survive??!!

And quickly my thoughts turned to the country of Haiti. I have the inconvenience of spending a day or two without hot water, while an entire nation is suffering. Total devastation and destruction. People buried in rubble. And the fact that I can't take a nice warm bubble bath is a big deal to me?

Here I am, blessed beyond measure with every luxury and convenience imaginable, and one's taken away for the day and I think the worst has happened. But what if I was in Haiti? What if I didn't have any water, or any food, or a place to live? What if I'd lost everything I owned, lost everyone I loved, and I was left with nothing?

Nothing except Christ.

Would He be enough?

Oh, I say He is. I even sing in church that He is more than enough for me. But do I really mean it? If everything was stripped away and all I had was my Savior, could I like Paul say in Philippians 4:11-13 "I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."

I'm not there. Yet. And that's the hope I have. That He will continue to work in me and teach me how to be fully content in Him. How to find everything I need in Him alone.

Whether I have hot water, cold water, or no water at all.

Emily

Labels: Emily

To the world and all her ways:

Of course I have joy! I can't take you seriously.
To remember that you are fully tangible and destructible definitely puts your weight into perspective, and I'm flying. I am undeniably enjoying my time with you. You are quite conducive to my wonderment of your Creator, as I continually attempt to remind myself that you aren't even that great. No offense.

To infinity,
Em

Labels: Em's Journal

Here we are, three weeks in to the new year, I trust you've gotten the year off to a good start - taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually - exercising, eating right, taking time to be in God's word, talking with Him, learning from Him, and meeting in accountability with your accountability partner(s) so that life won't get in the way of healthy growth! Unhealthy "growth" often happens when we don't exercise, when we fail to eat right, and when we can't find time to be in God's word or in relationship with Him and His people!

Part of living life to the full is conscientiously taking care of the big three health issues in our lives, (think of a 3 legged stool, if one leg breaks you end up on the floor!) that of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. In the book "Meet Me at the Well" author Virelle Kidder puts it this way, ".body, mind, and spirit are one complete package. When one part suffers, the whole person suffers."

With that in mind I've decided to take a closer look at each component of "The Big 3", beginning with physical health. Since I've previously written about my determination to exercise, as well as my lack of passion in doing it, I've decided to invite my friend Kim Mast-Wagler from Impulse Training in North Canton, Ohio, to offer her wisdom, insight and passion on the subject.

Kim writes:

One of the things I tell my clients is that you don't have to have ANY equipment at all to get a good workout in. The biggest key for a beginner is just getting started. (5-10 minutes for a week and keep raising that 5 minutes until you are where you want to be; 45-60 minutes 5 days per week is optimal) Also, pushups and squats are the BEST total body exercises that you can possibly do! During your favorite one hour show try to alternate 10 pushups (for upper body and core), 10 squats (for lower body), and 10-30 jumping jacks (for cardio), and grab water and rest during the commercials. You can raise these reps if they are too easy.

Walking/jogging has always been my go to method of exercising. It is a great way to clear your mind, give yourself the attention you need and help organize your thoughts for the day. Try starting slow with 10 minutes and increase it 1-2 minutes per day until you have reached 30-60 minutes. Also, grab an accountability buddy! Someone who you know will be there for you and will be happy for you as you reach your goals. (Just a little hint, spouses are generally terrible at this as are friends who are also trying to reach the same goals you are. This is not always the case but if you are trying to lose weight and your accountability buddy is also it can be frustrating to one if the other is successful and the other is not.) My friend often encourages me to continue to be faithful with my devotions while I encourage her in her weight loss. It works great because we never get jealous of each other and are genuinely thrilled when one reaches a hard earned goal!

My perfect morning would be to get up around 5:30 am, grab a handful of trail mix, take a light jog (30 min-45 min.), shower and sit down with a delicious egg sandwich and a coffee and read my devos and spend some time with The Man who understands me and loves me more than anyone! (Also, give my husband a kiss as he runs off to work ;) Then have my son run out and say, "Mommy, I waked up!" and get to spend an hour or so getting him ready for the day. We are so blessed and yet so many of us don't realize it because we don't take care of ourselves and we get overwhelmed to the point that life looks bleak instead of us being able to recognize the goodness the God has placed all around us.

I would encourage everyone to take those 10-15 minutes each day to spend exercising - and do it for yourself! Your renewed spirit and confident attitude will shine through and make everything feel less stressful.

So there you have it, a beginner's guide to starting on the road to being physically healthy. If you have more questions for Kim you can email her at impulsetrainers@yahoo.com. She is a great encourager and knows first hand the benefit of physical, emotional, and spiritual healthiness.

Thanks Kim for sharing your passion with us!

Honestly, at least for me, the renewed spirit and confident attitude is as much of the gain as being physically fit. When we don't feel good about ourselves it shows in our attitude and in our lack of determination to take care of ourselves! It always amazes me how when I am exhausted, even fighting a headache, a 20 minute walk (a walk that I am certain I am too tired to take) will leave me feeling better than I felt before. It makes no sense to me; I consider it to be one of those mysterious ways that God likes to work!

Next week we will look at the second leg of "The Big 3", emotional health - keeping our minds healthy and strong, even in the midst of a busy life!

Until then.

Beth

Labels: Beth

Today when we came into work there was a message left on our business' voice mail. It was an irate customer. A lady who was furious over an oversight on our part. She had cause to be dissatisfied, and in the end she changed her tune because we made things right with her, but in the meantime she left a long tirade that spilled over onto the entire office.

It got me to thinking - I wonder have you ever considered your words may be toxic? If we replayed that message to her would this precious lady feel justified in ranting and raving (not an over-exaggeration) or would she regret them - the tone, inflection, the words and meaning conveyed? I'm sure it was hurt and wounding in another area of her life totally unrelated to the issue at hand that caused her to lash out and over-react to the inconvenience she experienced.

I hate to confess it, but I've done the same thing. Recently. And not with an indifferent answering machine to a room full of strangers. Sometimes we dump our worst on those closest to us. Maybe even more than 'sometimes' - more like 'often' or 'mostly'. Is your home the place you let go of what should be eliminated in a safe place? Anger, frustration, disappointment, hurt - all these emotions are real and we need to acknowledge them, but pouring them out on our unsuspecting families is like unloading hazardous materials with no protection.

Psalm 140:3 speaks of those who plot evil and says, "Their tongues sting like a snake;the venom of a viper drips from their lips." I'm sure when I let go of my anger or other destructive emotion I don't consider myself as 'plotting evil' - but stinging and venom sound pretty close to the results. James says that our tongues are "a flame of fire". Verse 6 goes on, "It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself." He tells us that if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and control our selves in every other way. He goes on to say that no one can tame the tongue - it is restless and evil and full of deadly poison. Yikes!

'Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks' (Mt 12:34) and we know from Jeremiah that above all things our hearts are deceitful and 'desperately wicked' (Jer. 17:9). It just keeps getting worse, doesn't it?

The only solution is found in yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit's control. His fruit is the opposite of toxic, it gives life, wholeness, healing: 'love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control'. I know left on my own I would choose foolishness over wisdom every time and lose control of my tongue.

Did you know that the same tongue that can 'promote health' (Prov. 12:18) also 'break a bone' (Prov. 25:15)? Proverbs goes on to say that 'life and death are in the power of the tongue' (18:21) and whoever guards his mouth keeps his soul from troubles (21:23).

Jesus, in Mt. 12:36-37, warns us, "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you."

Okay - enough of the word study on the tongue - I'm starting to squirm!

I think I will say with the psalmist:

I said to myself, "I will watch what I do
and not sin in what I say.
I will hold my tongue
when the ungodly are around me."
But as I stood there in silence-
not even speaking of good things-
the turmoil within me grew worse.
The more I thought about it,
the hotter I got,
igniting a fire of words:
"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered-
how fleeting my life is.
You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath." (Psalm 39:1-5)

All for Him,

Missy

Labels: Missy

As I walked past my son's bedroom door, my peripheral vision revealed a very pleasant surprise-he had actually made his bed without being asked, poked, or prodded! I quickly found him downstairs and thanked him. I didn't thank him for actually making the bed; rather for making it of what appeared to be his own initiative. Ahhh, there is hope for this wonderful young man! BUT WAIT!! Upon further investigation (okay, I wasn't really investigating-I simply needed to go into his room to retrieve something), my peripheral vision again caught sight of something a bit more revealing-a part of his bedding that beckoned me to go 'undercover'. And so I did. I looked past the carefully arranged top pillows and stuffed guitar, and lifted the edge of the comforter on his finely frocked bed. What did I see? A MESS!! My son had literally taken his comforter and carefully spread it over his sheets and blanket without straightening up any of them. It looked as if he simply jumped out of bed and manipulated that comforter in a way that would look as if he had successfully made his bed. This all took probably about 15 seconds to do I'm guessing. My initial reaction was kind of a mock horror mixed with humor at his 'creative' attempt at completing a task.

I laughed.

Then I didn't laugh.

I found myself wondering what was going through his mind as he was making his bed. (Of course, whatever it was could have only lasted for those 15 seconds I mentioned earlier-not much time for intentional strategy!) Next I found myself thinking about the very real possibility that he actually thought he had completed his task successfully-the finished product was good enough to pass Mom's quality control. The other possibility for his bed-making bedlam was 'deceit'. Ouch! Was it possible that he made the outside appearance of his bed look good enough to fool me into believing that the inside-or what was 'undercover'-was in good enough shape as well? I didn't want to think that he would even be capable of that motive. Well-while I am quite sure he IS capable of that motive (after all, he still contains some human nature within!), it turns out that he simply believed he had made his bed quite successfully. (I wish I could have been there watching him do the job-or maybe not!) To him, there was no ulterior motive, hidden agenda, or deceit-he was just making his bed.

This did get me thinking though about outward appearances versus what's 'undercover'. It does feel good and even 'right' to know that our outward appearances are well tended and groomed. We have spent an appropriate amount of time and energy to accomplish a certain 'look'. But what is lurking beneath the surface-the 'heart'? Do we spend the appropriate amount of time and energy to nurture good character, emotional stability, and a healthy spirit by spending time with THE heart specialist-God Himself? Oh, how I know that I am in great need of evaluating this in my life so often! I also know that if I don't evaluate this area, I will easily be deceived into believing that a 'successful' outward appearance is sufficient-functioning as a well placed comforter over the mess of what is hidden underneath. I need to learn a lesson from observing my son's bed-making effort-each time I tend to the outside (that of my appearance), I need to ask myself if I have adequately tended to the inside (that of my heart). I am truly thankful that it is God Himself who tends to any 'messiness' that lurks within me. He is the only One who can sufficiently clean it up!

Thanks for reading,

Libby

Labels: Libby

I bought my husband an IPod Touch last night.

He had wanted one for a while, especially when he saw his mother-in-law (thanks to a generous son) and his little sister (thanks to a generous boyfriend) both carrying theirs around.

We had gotten a check from his grandparents for Christmas and had just paid off a credit card and other miscellaneous debts, so I didn't feel too bad splurging a bit.

My husband's reaction when I told him what I wanted to do with the money was priceless. "Really??!!! Seriously??!!" We're usually very practical with any extra money that he couldn't believe that I wanted to use our Christmas money for something for him. Multiple times during our trip to Best Buy he looked over and told me that I was the Best. Wife. Ever.

I couldn't help but wonder how he could be so surprised by it. I'm his wife after all. I want to give him good things. I want him to have not only the things he needs but also the things he wants. I love to be a part of that. I'd seen him over the last 8 months as he struggled to find a full-time job. Watched him humbly walk into his old boss's office and ask if he could pick up any shifts. Saw him as he tiredly went off to work a night shift, or when he came home exhausted from working a double. I knew the sacrifices he had made, things he didn't get to do and things he didn't get to have. Why wouldn't I want to do something like this for him?

It made me think of Matthew 7, when Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock. He goes on to say that a parent wouldn't give their child a stone if he had asked for bread, or a snake if he asked for fish. Verse 11 says, "If you, then, though you are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"

Sometimes I don't ask God for things. I know that I have so much, that He's blessed me in so many ways, and that even trials and struggles are a blessing and that I shouldn't ask Him for anything more than He's already given me. But I so often forget that He's my Father and He's told me to ask. He's the giver of every good and perfect gift according to James 1:17. As much as a parent wants to give to their children, or as much as I as wife want to give to my husband, God wants to give to me.

Granted, what He gives and when He gives often differ from what I want, but in the end I never cease to be amazed at what He does. And when I have asked and He answers, I am reminded that the God I serve is not detached or removed from me. He is my Father, my Provider, and the One who loves me more than anyone else.

Emily

Labels: Emily

Identity,

You used to concern me greatly. Nowadays I am increasingly apathetic. Hm. I take that back. It seems I want rid of you. Wait. You confuse me.

That was pointless,
Em

Labels: Em's Journal

I've been thinking a lot about garbage lately, or perhaps I've simply been thinking about a lot of garbage! Real, and figuratively, a family of seven can create a lot of garbage. Our recycling bag is full and my hubby has been making lots of trips to the dumpster to get rid of all the trash that's been generated as we celebrated Christmas, New Years, and Clay's 9^th birthday!

Nice thing to be talking about on a brisk January morning, eh? Well, bear with me. All the garbage that my husband has worked so hard to keep under control has made me think about the garbage of life. Can you relate? Do you keep a garbage can in your life? I'm not talking about the one in our kitchen or garage, the one that gets emptied regularly.

The one I'm talking about is a garbage can for our emotions. It's a garbage can filled with hurts and offenses. Instead of dumping the garbage and washing out the can on a regular basis we sometimes chose to allow it to accumulate; we keep a lid on it and hope we never have to deal with the junk at the bottom of the can. For whatever reason, reasons maybe even we don't fully understand, we just don't want to, or perhaps simply cannot, get rid of all the stuff we've placed in that can.

Every once and a while it gets too full, and those closest to us see the mess that spills out and smell the stink it causes - but we deal with it, cleaning up the worst of it, perhaps dumping out a little of it, and maybe even sticking a "religious-renuzit" on the lid so those who get too close won't realize just how full our can is or how badly it's beginning to smell.

And yet we keep adding to it, little by little. We just keep it close to our hearts so we can slip things in when others aren't looking, and tamp things down if the lid threatens to pop off again.

Sometimes we even let other folks dump their garbage in our can, we store it for them, and if they seem to have forgotten about that garbage we know just where to find it, just in case they need to be reminded about how rotten their garbage was.

We may even feel good about being the garbage can for our family and friends 'cause we're useful and needed. Every messy situation needs a dumpster you know!

The thing is, keeping a garbage can close to my heart, for myself, or for others, can result in a very negative outlook on life. Let's face it most folks don't store precious pearls in a garbage can. Not much fresh fruit gets stored in there either.

The worst thing is, when garbage isn't handled properly it can become a landfill. We don't want to live life without a garbage can, but we really don't want to live next to a landfill either...let alone live life in the middle of one.

A garbage can is very necessary. But we need to be wise in what we receive, we need to recognize that some garbage can be recycled into something useful, and we need to remember to empty and clean the can frequently!

Are you living life with your own personal garbage can full of hurts and offenses? If you're unsure ask yourself this question: "When is the last time someone offended me?" Do you have an answer? Does a face (or faces) come to mind? Are some of the offenses from the past week, month, year, decade? If you can remember who offended you and when and what about, chances are you've been storing that in your own personal garbage can.

Store it too long and the hurts and offenses can become toxic; a poison that invades your life - body, mind, and soul.

Do yourself and those you love a favor. Start talking to God about your garbage! Ask Him to help you dump that trash once and for all. Ask Him to show you what can be recycled into something useful, even beautiful. Ask Him to help you get rid of the garbage on a daily basis.

A dear friend once said "It is as if God puts a beautiful white tablecloth over the trash can of our hearts and helps us deal with the 'garbage' we have stored there one issue at a time." Only my friend didn't call it garbage, she called it by its real name - sin. That's usually what we like to keep in the trash cans of our hearts, the stuff we haven't forgiven others for, the stuff we haven't forgiven ourselves for. The stuff we have placed aside to keep for ourselves instead of placing it at the foot of the cross for God to deal with once and for all.

There's an old hymn that talks about being washed "whiter than snow". January is a good month to understand that word picture! It's also a good month to allow God to wash the garbage cans we've been storing our hurts in, "whiter than snow, yes whiter than snow, now wash me and I will be whiter than snow!"

"Lord Jesus I long to be perfectly whole;

I want Thee forever to live in my soul,

Break down every idol, cast out every foe;

Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow, yes whiter than snow;

Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."

James Nicholson; William G. Fischer

Until next time.

Beth

Labels: Beth

*Editor's Note - Dawn Yoder is a part of the Circle of Friends Worship Team and the COF radio host on WHKC 91.5 Columbus weekdays at 10 am. She is also involved with LaRed Business Network which teaches principles based on the Proverbs. You can check out their website www.lared.org and download their principles for free!

The Principle of Attitude, Part 2

You will reap many benefits from having a positive attitude:

• You will be happy and energized
• You will learn from your failures rather than be defeated by them.
• You will reach your goals more quickly and easily.
• Others will start to reflect your attitude - your attitude is contagious!

If you have a positive attitude, you will possess these traits:

1. You will minimize fear before you face problems, because problems will have a purpose.
2. You will learn from your mistakes and then let them go.
3. You will define your destiny with a clear vision.
4. You will look for creative solutions when difficult circumstances arise.
5. You will believe in yourself and others.
6. You will never give up and you will stay focused and optimistic.
7. You will frequently evaluate and adjust your attitude.

Steps to Follow:

• have a clear vision of the purpose for your life. focus on and give direction to your behavior. Look towards the future. Learn to be a visionary and search for the specifics that will get you closer to reaching your goals.
• Learn to discern negative signs. Signals of negativism are: pessimism, lack of motivation and apathy. When you focus your thoughts on good things, you will find them. "Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious." (Bill Meyer)
• Apply the formula "Yes, I can do it." Doing what is right produces good outcomes. To move towards happiness and success, you must decide and declare: "I can and I will be like that."
• Connect mission with destiny. This will enable you to control your mind while keeping your focus. Understand that each mission (goal) you work towards takes you another step closer to your destiny (potential).
• Become an agent of hope inside your circle of influence - your job, friends, and family. Hope moves and stimulate you and others towards action; hope gives you the energy to solve problems.

With every goal, there must be the right reason. With every dream, there must be the right purpose. The foundation for success is having a positive attitude.

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30

Labels: Guest Blogger

*Editor's Note - Dawn Yoder is a part of the Circle of Friends Worship Team and the COF radio host on WHKC 91.5 Columbus weekdays at 10 am. She is also involved with LaRed Business Network which teaches principles based on the Proverbs. You can check out their website www.lared.org and download their principles for free!

The Principle of Attitude, Part 1

"A cheerful heart does good like medicine" Proverbs 17:22

The dictionary defines attitude a state of mind or a feeling towards a person or subject. The attitude you choose determines how you will learn, serve, listen and make changes throughout your life. "Attitude is a little thing, which makes a big difference." Winston Churchill.

Some assert that they are consistently happy because they keep the right frame of mind. They perceive life and the world around them in a positive manner. they believe this is their secret to remaining stable healthy, optimistic and thoughtful. They believe in the old saying "It isn't our position but our disposition which makes us happy." The right attitude involves taking charge of your mind. Being positive is more than just repeating words of affirmation. A positive attitude takes work. It is acquired through courage persistence and discipline.

When you employ a positive attitude, sometimes the learning experience becomes even more valuable than the outcome. "Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day." (Author unknown). When you look for the opportunity in every situation, then each experience gives you a change to grow and learn from the people or circumstances involved. Your attitude becomes positive even though everything does not always happen the way you would like it to or are expecting. The truth is that you are a bit immature if you believe things always have to be the way you expect them to be. That is not reality. Maturity and success come when you overcome attitudes of self pity, selfishness and other negative ways of thinking.

Labels: Guest Blogger

I don't remember the exact statistic or survey, but on the radio this morning I heard that the majority of people are not all that impressed with how far technology has come within the last 10 years.

Seriously?

Ten years ago I do remember having a DVD player, but I also remember being one of the few to have one. After getting it, we had mentioned something to a friend about watching a DVD and she said, "What? A VDO?" thinking we had come up with a cool new way to say "video." Now the new thing is having a blue ray player and finding a VCR is a rarity.

Ten years ago we didn't have a cell phone. We had a phone connected to a wall in the kitchen, and the cord was just long enough to sit on the steps when the conversation got too long to stand for. When we got a cell phone, we had to plug it in to a cord that attached to an antenna on top of our roof. Now there's the IPhone and some new phone that even has a projector. Why a cell phone needs a projector, I'm not sure, but there is one out there now.

Ten years ago we were still using our computer that had come in three huge cow-spotted Gateway boxes. We didn't have a laptop. The internet had to be shut off for someone to make a phone call. In fact, ten years ago, I was stranded at my school after coming back from my Washington DC trip because my family forgot to come get me and the line kept ringing busy because someone was online. I called from a pay phone. Today, if that would happen, I could use my cell phone to call anyone in my family, because they all have a cell phone, and if someone was on the laptop checking their email there would be no problem. (By the way, someone else who lived near me did take me home that night, and only my dad was awake, using the computer of course, and his response to seeing me was, "Oh honey! You're home! We thought you were coming home tomorrow!" Even though I had left my itinerary on the fridge for them before I left. Don't worry, I obviously don't hold any grudges over that anymore.)

All of this and so much more has changed, but the reason the people surveyed didn't feel like we'd come very far is because 10 years ago they had thought by now we'd have flying cars.

As ridiculous as that sounds, I think I've done that when I've looked at my own spiritual life. I'm disappointed because I'm not flying cars yet like I thought I would be at this point in my life. I was sure I would be Super Christian: Always trusts God, acts on faith alone, and master of guarding her tongue!

And because I'm not there yet, it feels like where I've come from is no big deal. But the thing is, God is much more interested in there being a continual, growing process, and He's the one doing the growing anyway.

Philipians 1:6 says, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Progress on our spiritual journey takes time, patience, and hard work. It doesn't just happen overnight. The point is that we're always growing and moving closer to Him, whether we're in a wagon or in a sports car.

I don't know about you, but I may never even see a flying car 'til I reach eternity!

Labels: Emily

Dear Pain,

Our relationship is steadily growing in health. You would be pleased to know that you remind me more of Beauty and Revelation than Sadness and Regret. Yes, you are rough around the edges. But so am I, that is, to the extent that you are a part of me. I am thankful for you and I think you are beautiful. And besides, a friend of Christ's is a friend of mine.

Cheers,
Em

Labels: Em's Journal

Oh how the years go by. As I look back on 2009 and ask "what do I have to show for my time?" a few things stand out:

There is the obvious; the kids are growing, healthy and strong. It's been a busy year, but a great year. Plenty of opportunities for "Ma, Pa, and the youngin's" to be together, sharing the course of our lives, which results in multiplied joy for me!

Then there are the things I have to look a little harder for; the things that have become a part of my life where, when I take a closer look, I can see answered prayer:

I have been writing a blog every week since the Circle of Friends devotional/blog launch began in February. Perhaps a prayer I prayed for discipline has been answered?

In April I made the decision to join a twelve week study entitled "The Truth Project" (for more information go to www.thetruthproject.org). In case you're wondering, twelve weeks, in my world, is a very long time. That's three months of committing to a study, three busy months of setting time aside. It was time well spent, so well spent that hubby and I decided to host the same study in our home. Twelve weeks later we could hardly believe it was over and are looking forward to hosting it again in 2010. Without a doubt my prayer for personal growth and intentional time spent studying God's word was answered.

I have had the opportunity to be a part of a daily radio program for the past year. (Fortunately for me it is pre-recorded which allows for a weeks worth of programs to be recorded in one afternoon - that suits my schedule quite well, thank you!) And, once again, it was answered prayer. I asked God to help me encourage folks in their daily walk with Him, which just happens to be the goal of our morning program on 95.9. Thank you God for the opportunities You give!

And then there is the very act of prayer. Something we tend to talk about but often find ourselves so caught up in the busy-ness of life that we find little time for intentional time spent in prayer. A year ago several opportunities came up for me to participate in weekly prayer time for our school children and the adults who impact their lives. More answered prayer!

God is so good. Yes, the year flew by, but as I look back I recognize His hand of provision all over it! When we ask Him to provide it may not always be in the way we anticipate but He is faithful to provide in the way that is best for us.

I can't wait to see what He has in store for 2010!

Until next time.
Beth

Labels: Beth

Old Chinese Proverb

"A water-bearer in China had two large pots.

She carried them on the long walk to and from the stream to collect water.

One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.

"I'm ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value for your efforts," the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them.

"For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father's table.

In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste. So as God calls you to the tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway."

All for Him,

Missy

Labels: Missy

A new year brings endless possibilities.

Is it this longing for things to be different that makes many of us set out with resolutions for change?

Resolution: the act or process of resolving, the act of determining, to resolve - to make a firm decision about, to deal with successfully, to clear up, to find an answer to.

"This year I will..." read my Bible every day, pray more, start a diet, exercise, be kinder, more loving, learn patience, clean out my closets, eat healthier, write and call my loved ones more often, get better at communicating God's love with others.

Oh, we start out with such good intentions! What happens along the way that makes us drop the ball?

Recently my son shared with me that he has been reading Erwin McManus' book, Uprising. He told me, "There's a character matrix that the author describes - essentially that courage is born of integrity which is born of humility, generosity is born of wholeness which is born of gratitude, and that wisdom is born of perseverance which is born of faithfulness."

When we pursue any of these characteristics (courage, generosity, wisdom) without going through the process of practicing integrity, becoming whole, and learning to persevere we fail in the areas of being humble, grateful and faithful.

Are you making resolutions for the New Year? Do you want to see changes begin to happen? Start by recognizing that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness" (1 Peter 1:3). And then "add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love" (1 Peter 1:5-7).

For - "if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v.8). A New Year resolution takes determination - to change from the inside out.

Verse 10 promises 'if you do these things you will never stumble'.

All for Him,

Missy

Labels: Missy