Spirited Sons

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Schooling two active boys has never been more... interesting. That's the word I'm looking for! I love my boys! God has given them the blessing of strong, active bodies and minds. We continually pray the first will remain intact, and the second will remain engaged with Him first, and then the school work. You'll meet my sweet sons, both entirely different, but both loving God to the best of their ability in the way He made them. I lovingly refer to them as my Bell Pepper Boy and my Habanero or Hambone. That should say it all! This blog is an eclectic mix. The events, conversations, and the thoughts behind it all will be in here. Every once in a while I'll try to capture something I don't want to forget. I hope you find things you enjoy. Please let me know if you do! Blessings!

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Sunday, July 13, 2008

Seasons of Life

Posted in God Things

At the encouragement of a friend, I am doing my very best to put an illustration, or a God-visual if you will, into some kind of written form. Please bear with me as I try to communicate something I'm sure God uses in my life as I think about the maturing process in our daily walk with the Lord. It's not based in Scripture, but I feel it doesn't conflict with anything in Scripture either. I hope you enjoy it.

Have you ever considered fire? Fire is one of the most amazing things ever created by God. The use of fire has been a blessing to us for thousands of years. It's uncontrolled damage has been equally devastating to us for all of those years. But, this isn't all of what the Lord was showing me. I wanted you to think about fire for a moment. This is just scratching the surface of the whole of fire, I think. Let's consider fire from a seasonal perspective. This kind of pondering might lead to something fresh. A fresh wind from God, perhaps?

There are spring fires. Perhaps I should say there are attempts at spring fires. You know things are more damp at this time of year than any other time. The soggy fuel smokes, almost sputters, as the fire fights to stay lit. It's purely trying to consume anything that might burn. A slight breeze, and it may be snuffed out. A bit of a sprinkle, and the fire is merely a puff of gray smoke drifting as far as it may on the air. We try not to cook over these fires, or the taste of smoke just overpowers whatever gets barely lukewarm in the process. *lol*

Yet, these fires are so obvious and have their place. Both of my favorite "reality show men" say these are the fires you want if you plan to attract attention when you need a rescue. These fires, while not drawing people to them in a pleasant, enjoyable way, certainly draw attention and possibly action from onlookers. These are great fires in their own right. They may prompt neighbors to sniff, look, and close their windows. (Don't ask how I know that.) See, something obvious prompted action! ;')

There are summer fires. These fires burn hot and fast and are, by far, the most dangerous. They begin so easily with the dried out grasses and branches that are plentiful during this season. A lot of fuel, plus a lot of energy, and you get something very different! A bit of wind will spread the fire as fast as it blows. These fires roar and rage and terrify at times. Let loose, these fires consume everything in the path. Most people avoid the dangerous summer fire. Yet, in all of their danger, these fires are useful and have their place. Some trees would never seed if not for a hot summer fire. Prairies practically need fires to continue on, and so people will do "controlled burns" for the prairie areas here. Our heavenly Father proves once again that all things can be used for good. Again, here is a fire that doesn't naturally draw people necessarily in a pleasant, enjoyable way, but it will be noticed. It will elicit attention and, hopefully, action on the part of onlookers. What a fire!

There are fall fires. Of all the fires, we may be most familiar with the fall fire. Who can just observe a fall fire? You can't, can you? Aren't you drawn to the warmth in the cooler season? Don't they light just so easily with the fall tinder that's so readily available? Yet, they are more easily controlled. It may be the timing of the season, or it may be the God-timing within the people involved. We draw near them for warmth, cooking, and the fascination of the fire itself. A fall fire is going to draw people to it, and soon there will be a whole group of individuals who are now communing around the pleasant, enjoyable fire. Stories will be shared. Hot dogs and s'mores will suddenly be all around the group. This is where the fire brings warmth, fellowship, and something more. What a fire! It is entirely different from the others. Is it as dangerous as the others? Yes. It can consume whatever it touches, the same as the others. Yet, there is such a difference in this fire's capacity and function. (I wish to be a fall fire someday more than anything!)

The winter fire. There is just one other fire we haven't talked about: the winter fire. This fire is incredibly unique and special! You just can't begin to fathom the depth of a winter fire. The season says we need this fire so much more than any other season. But, this fire is indoors. This one takes place in a warm home in the fireplace, designed to be in one special place. The uniqueness of this fire is it's precious invitation-only status. One has to be both intentional and invited to sit near this fire. After all, we drive by these fires in homes completely unaware every winter. We are not privileged to enter those homes and thoroughly enjoy the benefits and warmth of these fires. These fires require relationship, time, stillness, and almost an intimacy with the fire. Are they every bit as dangerous as the three other seasons? Yes. Will it consume anything it touches? Absolutely. But, these fires, managed in their cozy fireplaces as they usually are, complete a whole other function. The coals are hot. The home is warmed. It isn't for everyone to see. It is only for those who are invited in, or who take the time to come in.

I love this illustration! Can you just see it?

Have you been the spring fire? Goodness, I remember being so young in the Lord. I'm sure I was so obviously new in Christ. No doubt, I teetered between weakness and strength, truth and love, balanced and not so. People noticed. I'm not sure they were drawn, but they noticed. As Christians, this is a precious season not to be missed. See how amazingly noticeable it is? See how it can be used? Precious days these are!

Have you been the summer fire? I can think back on days (and some not so long ago) when I was burning so brightly, yet far from controlled. Yes, the Lord used that season. I'm convinced it is a natural part of the growth and maturation process. We become bold because we pray for that. We become a bit more grounded in truth and speak it (though, sometimes the balance of love lacks). I have days even now when I tend to get all "fired up" about something. It's an emotional thing for me. I pray God uses this season in me to its end. I pray, in all of the heat, somehow His glory would be shown. I pray people would notice what makes me burn so brightly. I pray I don't hurt anyone in the process.

Ah, the fall fire. I mentioned I hope to be a fall fire one day. The warmth, intrigue, and sweet fellowship of this fire calls me in the depth of my soul. Some of the people who surround me are a reminder that God can move me in this direction. Yet, he inspires me with a few fall fires around me, keeping me aware of the goal and showing the possibility of growing into this special "fire" in the days ahead. This, by far, is the most inspirational fire in my near future.

The winter fire, to me, seems to be a bit down the road. This isn't about putting the fire under a bushel, no! ;') This fire is reserved for the days when I am, perhaps, less able to get out and burn brightly in a public capacity. I envision the depth, intimacy, even a wisdom in this fire that the others may not have. I want to burn brightly just the same in this season, but I want to be sure I'm welcoming to those who would take the time to sit by my fire. I want to be doing the Lord's work even then, for as long as He permits! I don't believe God ever intended for His children to "go out" in some little puff of smoke. I think He intends a blaze of His glory to the end!

Let me stay lit for all seasons! Let me look at my "fire season" and deeply and preciously embrace what He will do in and through me when I am closely walking with Him!

"And that's all I have to say about that." ~ Forrest Gump

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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

This Day. . .Only This Day (Part Deux)

Posted in God Things

Many of you have been praying for my family and all that is going on right now. You, dear ones, deserve an update, and an update you shall have. First, I wanted to be sure you all knew how precious your heart-felt prayers were (and are) to me. I can't thank you enough for standing with us as we wait.

Now, for the update. We know . . . as much as we knew before. The interview took place yesterday afternoon, so the first one is over. We don't know if there will be a second interview. I would love to say that my Hero felt fabulous about the whole thing, but that's not the case. The feedback from our close friend was something like "I don't think we got a chance to see the real [Hero] during the interview." *sigh* I know Hero was nervous, more than any other interview.

We are praying right now that God would give us peace that surpasses all understanding. We are fighting for our hearts to remain steadfast, focused, and faithful to the One who holds all things together. I am purposing not to let my heart or mind wander to those things which are not in keeping with the verse in yesterday's entry! Feel free to check that one out.

So, we wait. And there are verses that flood my mind:

"Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength. . . "
"As the servant looks to the hand of the Master. . ."
"[W]e know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. . ."

And, I have the lyrics "given to me" some time ago as a reminder:

I'm Not Alone
by Me

I'm caught between what was and is and what may be
If I do life alone, the "was" is my home and "what may be" waits to take tomorrow's stage
I'm alone. . .
I'm freed from all that was and is to what may be
If I do life with You, the "is" is infused and "what may be" waits to take tomorrow's stage
I'm not alone!

Who loves that David's songs often begin troubled and end in freedom!

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Tuesday, July 1, 2008

This Day. . .Only This Day

Posted in God Things

If you are anything like me, you tend to look at a day with big eyes. Think of a smorgasboard and the "hope" it offers: the promise of sustenance, satisfaction, variety, and so much more. I get to the middle of the buffet, and I find I have a full plate; yet, I have eyes for more. Not wanting to miss anything scrumptious, I take smaller portions of everything I want. My eyes are set on the next wonderful surprise down the line.

Ladies, can I tell you how my days can begin to look like this. While a carpe diem approach to each day is sweet and adventurous, but I have to be careful I don't see a day as a springboard to the next . . . and the next . . . and the next. (You get the picture.) I have to caution myself against placing hope in the day itself, and not my God who created and ordains it.

My sweet God has special things ordered for this day. He has even given a little peek into the works He has prepared in advance for me (and my husband, my kids, and some friends) to do. Those things that are obviously prepared deserve precious attention. They are not to be seen as frivolous, non-event stepping stones to something else. If they are stepping stones, then He has ordained that, and I am blessed. Whatever they might be, they are definitely precious gifts from God. They are moments when He has specifically chosen to work in and through me (or my husband, my kids, or friends).

This day is special. What does He have prepared in advance? Will I know it? Will I step up to the challenge of being His "Plan A" in that moment for accomplishing His will? Will I choose to live in the moment enough and so closely in step with His Spirit that I can be His "Plan A" in that moment?

Today is a special day for my Hero. He has an interview that we've been waiting for with tons of excitement. In all the excitement of this day, though, will we lose sight of what God has set aside for us specifically as His hands and feet and mouth? No, Lord. May it never be!

Love you, ladies! Please pray along these lines as you feel led today. I would be honored and blessed if you would!

A friend send me this perfect passage to meditate on today! Isn't it just right?

Phil. 4:4-9

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your
gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious
about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever
is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me
—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

(My bold and italics.)

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Tuesday, June 10, 2008

When Lists Make Terrible Masters

Posted in God Things

My "To Do List" probably rivals Santa's handy list in length right about now. Have you ever felt that way, too? I look at the potential for a day, and I hold up my list. There's a few seconds of promising productivity, and then the awful overwhelming feeling floods my heart, mind, and soul.

A list makes a great guideline. It's even not bad as a target. But, there's this fine line that gets crossed in my heart and mind when my tightly clenched fist grasps my list and won't let go. My heart wants to finish everything that's on the list, my mind is determined, and I get very preoccupied with the list. The next thing that happens makes me sad: I start to ignore all else. I'm a woman on a mission.

The kids know what's happening in those moments. They shy away from asking questions for fear of receiving one of those too-busy-to-answer-so-it's-gotta-be-no responses. (Do I want my kids to feel that way?) My Hero even has a brilliant response--if he's really quiet, he seems to be assured he won't get rooked into my devious plans to overtake the ~~world~~...uhhh...list! (Hmmm. Is that some kind of "turtle move" going on there?)

The thing that I have just come to this morning is something very important to me. Didn't I just say I wanted God's will in my life in a clear and tangible way in my last entry? (Why, yes, I did.) So, as I take a serious look at this scenario with the list, how does it fit in with my heart to know and follow God's will? Does the Scripture say "As the servant looks to the hand of the master" in Psalms, or does it say as the servant looks to the list?

Today I want to look to the hand of the Master! This day has the potential to be full of "works that He has prepared in advance for us to do." I want to be sensitive to this in ways I might not normally be. Today, I want to be in the center of His will, even if it means in the everyday mundane stuff.

So, what do you have for me today, Lord? As we go forward from these morning moments, can we do together those things which You have prepared in advance for me to do? Show me Your plan for this day, the balance between productive and lovingly-present with my family, and those things which really need to be accomplished in this single day.

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