How I'm Saying Yes to Risk

As writers must of us, if not all of us, have asked the question: "Do my words matter?"

A writing friend took that question to an even deeper level by asking, “Am I legitimate in minimizing the reach my words have or am I constraining God by doubting His ability to use my words to further his kingdom?” Of course I know our words matter; especially if God asks us to write them. Obedience to God is rather important in our walk with Him.

Yet, I often find myself asking if the words I write matter.  My words are simple; not eloquent or poetic. In a sea of many voices mine feel less than. I allow doubt to rule my heart instead of sharing from my heart. I am learning that what the reader wants is authentic hearts, our own voice, not our view of perfection.

I may still wrestle with finding my worth in a wearied world of words but I can be confident of this, “He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6)

We matter. We matter to Him. Every breath we take and every word we speak or write matters to Him.

What if instead we ask God if we are still using our words in the way He intends? Like the changing of seasons, His mission for us could also change. I consider this question as I ponder these words from Jesus in Matthew.

 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

There are two words I have zeroed in on from this passage: Make disciples.

While one aspect of being a writer requires a trust in God to bring our words to those who need to read them, particularly non-believers or those who have turned away from God, I cannot help but to wonder how writing fits into Jesus’ command to make disciples.

Image by Cindee Snider Re

Please join me over at Outside the City Gate where I am sharing as a regular contributor today. You can read the rest of my post here.

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The Way that Never Fails

Image by Cindee Snider Re

It has been two years since we gathered around a table together for Thanksgiving. It has been two years since the Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. when we gathered around our son’s table with his wife and a handful of sailors. It was as close to perfect as you can get this side of heaven.

We are missing family members at our table again this year.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Gathering around the table with loved ones giving thanks for His many blessings, makes my heart sing and dance. 

But I thank God for another day of being able to say, "It is well with my soul." Even though we are not together, God keeps watch over my family both near and far. It is well.

After spending almost a year without my husband, too many holidays without him by my side, my gratitude runs deeper. The song, 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord), by Matt Maher, rings truer: "For all his goodness I will keep on singing."

The past twelve months were challenging ones. There were moments when I wanted to call it quits. There were moments when I pleaded to God, "Enough already. I'm not capable. Give the job to someone else."

Sounds a bit like Moses, does it not?

We have the privilege of knowing how the story goes. He was born in a manger, ministered to the lost, persecuted for His faith, died on the cross for our sins and then rose again. No longer must we sacrifice animals as burnt offerings for forgiveness of our sins. We are forgiven. It is finished (John 19:30).

The story He writes for us ends well. It ends with eternal life with Him. So really, it never ends.

Join me over at Outside the City Gate for the rest of the story.

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Finding Your Worth in a Wearied World {of Words}

I had planned to write to you today about my disbelief in belonging in this space, here at Outside the City Gate. I could have provided Tammy and Amy with a list of others more qualified to share words with you.

My belief . . . my words are unworthy and not-enough.

Numerous times I intended to contact Tammy with an excuse to push off my turn to share. Truth be told, I had a good reason to delay as my husband’s return from Afghanistan was only days away. I had a homecoming to prepare for.

But God (two of my favorite words in the Bible) had other plans. When I would begin to draft an email to Tammy with my reasonable excuse for delaying and God would stop me. “Not yet. I have words for you to share. Wait on me.”

{photo credit: Lisa Kerner, For Simply Living}

My husband returned home on Saturday, September 20th. I have watched over and over again the video prepared by our Executive Pastor documenting his homecoming and I keep humming these words:

“How great is our God – sing with me
How great is our God – and all will see
How great, how great is our God”

As I hum I wonder, how can I sing of His greatness yet still long for more? What is the more I am longing for?

Would you join me over at Outside the City Gate where I am sharing my first post as a regular contributor? You can read the rest of my post here.

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***I have decided to participate in the #write31days challenge. BUT instead of sharing here on my blog [since I am technically on a blogging break] I will be writing and sharing on my blog Facebook page. For those of you not on Facebook, you can follow along here.

My topic: 31 Days of Navigating to a New Normal.

Three Word Wednesday: A Thanks-GIVING Homecoming {Guest Post}

I am delighted to have my milspouse friend, Lori Dunham, share with you today. As I prepare for my husband's return home her message brings needed encouragement. But even if you are non-military, you will find encouragement in her words.

Thank you, friends, for giving Lori a warm welcome.

My heart pounds hard inside my chest as I sit in traffic. My fingers tap frantically against the steering wheel as Blue’s Clues entertains my children in the back seat.

Tears spring to my eyes as I anticipate my hard work unraveling. Because I have prepared hard and well for this day. I have spent countless hours cleaning and reorganizing every drawer and shelf in my house. I have redecorated the living room, and replaced the worn out towels and sheets with plush, high-thread count luxuries. I have washed and serviced my husband’s car and prepared his most favorite foods.

In the last seven months I have potty trained a toddler and gotten a baby to sleep through the night; I have house trained a puppy and fixed the garbage disposal, all on my own.

But I forgot about Norfolk traffic and it threatens to destroy what I had hoped would be the best Homecoming any military family could ever experience.

Finally, the traffic opens up and I rush through the gate. I grab the baby out of her car seat and enlist my son to open the stroller. My toddler grabs the hem of my coat as we race towards the crowd to find a spot in front of the row of bikers holding American flags.

I am hot and sweaty, my hair is a mess, and my baby needs a diaper change. And I come undone!!! Like a teakettle ready to boil over, the stress of the last seven months seeps out in the form of tears.

I cry as I watch the new dad’s get off first, grasping hold of their babies for the first time.

I cry as Sailors pour off the ship in search of their loved ones, and once finding them, hugging long and hard.

And it feels like forever, to spot him. He looks thinner than I remember and sharp in his crisp uniform. He grabs us all up in one big hug and I am overcome with the sameness and differences in him all at once.

I cry in to his shoulder, leaving mascara marks on his uniform that will take numerous dry cleaning trips to remove. I cry for all the moments over the last seven months that I wanted to cry on his shoulder but couldn't.

I cry happy tears for his safe return home; I cry sad tears for key moments he missed; and I cry tears of relief, knowing I no longer have to do it all alone.

And so begins our not-so-perfect homecoming!!!

We military families dream big when it comes to welcoming our Service Member home. We spend months counting down and dreaming about this day. So it is with great expectation and high hopes that we welcome them home!

But it is not always as we expected. 

It seems the military is very concerned with preparing the family for the deployment, but there are not many resources for guiding us through the re-integration process. Sure, we are aware of the signs of PTSD and depression, but how do we work through our child’s anger issues directed toward the returning parent?  How do we readjust to sharing life (and the remote control) with our partner?  

Stress fills our home before we get his sea bag unpacked.

It is in stress moments like these, whether military or non-military, that defines us as a family and as followers of Christ.  

Do we allow ourselves to be swept up in the disappointment when he doesn't notice the changes to the house, or the fact that we cut our hair? Or do we look to the bigger picture and focus on the important things? Because, let’s face it. He really doesn't care about the curtains and the fact that his car is sparkling in the driveway. (although they are nice gestures). He cares most about YOU!!!

There is a danger in focusing heavily on preparing our homes, if we neglect our hearts in the process. If we are lulled in to a belief that all that is wrong with our world will dissipate with the arrival of our spouse….we will be very disappointed. If we allow ourselves to believe that there will be no growing pains as he re-enters our daily life, often throwing off our rhythm and routine, frustration will fill our homes.

Instead, it is through giving thanks that we can genuinely experience a refreshing reunion.  

Set out to intentionally make your homecoming one of great thanks!!! Thank the Lord as a family for your spouse’s safe return; thank Him for the extra laundry your husband brings home, and that towel thrown haphazardly on the bathroom floor. Thank Him for the time apart to genuinely appreciate the man you have married; thank Him for anything you can think to thank Him for. Because this will set your focus on the truly important things in this life (and homecoming)!!!! 

Ephesians 5:20 “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 16:34 “Oh give thanks to the LORD; for he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever.”

*** Lori Dunham ***

Lori Dunham is the wife of a Navy Chaplain, a mother to three energetic children, and one very lazy bassett hound. Lori’s writing is inspired by her deep desire to encourage others in their faith, and to share God’s story in her life.  Her family’s ministry has taken them to the hills of Thailand, the shores of Italy, and the streets of Singapore. She shares of her struggle with secondary infertility, their great joy through adoption, and the up’s and down’s of military life at her blog, www.standingwiththemilitaryfamily.com.

Get to Know You Monday (Vol.15) :: Jennifer

***Today's Get to Know You Monday is host by Jennifer Jackson Link***

Fall is the season I could live in forever.

As September slips away and October is ushered in, I'm overcome with nostalgia.

Saturday's spent at OU football games, trips to the pumpkin patch, friends and family gathered around the table for Thanksgiving.

It's a feeling - deep in my soul - felt the moment Oklahoma is kissed by the first chill of fall.

Felt as I drive down Lindsey Street - the copper, mustard, and crimson leaves swirling against a backdrop of blue sky.











Pumpkin spice candles filling my house with a heavenly aroma, windows wide open letting the chill in, Saturdays watching college football, and big bowls of chicken pot pie.

Slow. Simple. Blessings.

And this fall, I'm looking forward to marking an item off my bucket list as we travel to New England to spend Thanksgiving with our dear friends.

Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine.

My favorite boots, a cozy sweater, and my camera, and I'll be ready to get lost in a New England autumn.

What's your favorite thing about Fall? What's your go-to Fall food?

Here's mine...I hope you enjoy it as much as our family does.


Easy and Delicious Chicken Pot Pie
1 refrigerated pie crust
1 can of mixed veggies, drained
1 1/2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup cooked and shredded chicken 
salt and pepper to taste

Put one of the pie crusts in the bottom of a pie plate. Mix together the veggies, chicken, soup and salt and pepper and pour into crust. Top with remaining pie crust. Poke a few holes in the pie and bake for 45 minute at 350 degrees. ENJOY!

*** Meet Jennifer ***

Jennifer wants to bring hope to first-time mothers who aren't quite sure what they've gotten themselves into.

The author of Bringing Home the Missing Linck: A Journey of Faith to Family and Trucks, Tantrums, and Trusting Him: Confessions of a Boy Mom, Jennifer is passionate about adoption, orphan care, and encouraging others who are struggling with infertility.

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Jennifer received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and spent several years working as a reporter for The Oklahoman.

Jennifer squeezes in writing between diaper changes and dirty dishes. She’s unashamed of her addiction to Dr Pepper and loves anything related to a cupcake!

She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, John, and their son Jackson. She blogs about her faith, motherhood, and adoption at www.jeniferjacksonlinck.com.

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Three Word Wednesday: Why the Military?

Image by Cindee Snider Re of Breathe Deeply

I walked out on him one evening when we were out for dinner with my sister and her husband. Once again he changed the topic of discussion to his desire for our eldest son to enlist in the Navy. Once again I adamantly said we would not have this discussion.

“Our son will not enlist in the military.”

With that I stormed out of the restaurant. My sister and her husband followed my lead.

Walking out of that restaurant and walking out on my husband happened over five years ago.

Fast-forward five years to the present time. In less than 30 days my husband will return home from his first deployment as a solider with the U.S. Army Reserves. He has been away from home since November of last year. Three weeks ago I had a “see–you–later” moment with our eldest son . . . our sailor. His deployment has just begun.

I’m guest posting at the lovely Jen Ferguson's of Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood today. I’d love you to join me over there for the rest of this story!

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Three Word Wednesday: See-You-Later {Guest Post}

There has not been much free time for writing since returning from San Diego. The pre-planning I did by scheduling to have my lovely milspouse friend Sharita of 7 Days Time guest post today turned out to be wise planning on my part. And seeing that I just had another “see-you-later” moment her topic is rather timely.

Please help me give her a warm welcome by leaving some comment love after you read her post and link up. This girl always makes me smile. You will love her!!

By the way, the Love Dare series will continue. I'm taking a short term break with Dare 13 scheduled for Wednesday, August 13th. I have something else in the works for next week. You can catch up on previous posts in this series here.

Now back to welcoming Sharita . . .

As an army wife, I have had my fair share of “see-you-later” moments.

I call those challenging farewell experiences “see-you-later” moments because I despise the word goodbye. “Goodbye” seems so… final.

And if you are a Jesus lover like me, there is no finality to the separation with our fellow Jesus-lovers.

This truth alone gives me strength/courage/hope to get out of bed each day and face whatever challenges God has divinely placed in my path.

Although I sound all macho-rock-star-confident about the see-you-later moments in my life, I wasn’t always like that.

I remember my first “see-you-later” moment with my then-boyfriend-yet-soon-to-be-husband Brandon.

We met 4 months prior and were just a few short days from facing a 12-month see-you-later as he headed to Iraq for the third time.

We were head over heels crazy for each other, already talking about our post-deployment marriage plans once he returned from “The Sandbox.”

Brandon was my first (and only) real boyfriend.  I had only been legitimately walking with Jesus for a couple of months at that point. Needless to day, I was less than excited about the upcoming deployment.

As the days of togetherness drew to a close, the two of us joined his family for a wedding. I was going through the typical process of meeting oodles of his relatives. His great Aunt Nancy was quite a hoot—a woman who was loud, adorable, funny, and a lover of Christ.

I wanted to be her friend.  Until we got to the see-you-later moment.

As we were saying our “see-you-laters” to the extended family, everyone repeatedly told Brandon that they would be praying for him, to keep his head down, all the typical pre-deployment blessings.

Then came Aunt Nancy’s turn. She gave my Beloved a hug and kiss, told him she loved him and said the words I have yet to forget: “Take care of yourself, Brandon. I will see you later. If not on this side, then definitely the next.”

My stomach dropped to my toes. I wanted to find the nearest trashcan, grocery bag or potted plant because I thought I was going to throw up.

Dear. Lord. In. Heaven. He really is deploying. I might never see him again. What am I supposed to do? 

Then I heard God whisper: “Daughter, trust me. I have you both in my care. And since you both love me, you WILL see him again one way or another.” 

Honestly, that sentiment brought me little comfort in the moment. It did keep me from redecorating the nearest potted plant, but I was still a ball of nerves facing the rapidly approaching see-you-later deployment moment.

Thankfully, Brandon returned a year later and we were married two months after he was back on American soil. In the years since that very first see-you-later moment and heart-jarring statement from Aunt Nancy, we have had many, many more see-you-later moments ranging from a few days to a few weeks to several months.

And wouldn’t you know it? As my relationship with Christ has grown, so has my peace and confidence in the thought about not saying goodbye but embracing the promise of “see-you-later” within Christ.

You don’t have to be the spouse or parent of a military service member to embrace this see-you-later concept. We all have experiences where we are temporarily separated from those we love, be it due to miles, technology, life circumstances or even those Christ followers who have already been called home.

Dear readers, when we are facing a tough “see-you-later” experience in life, we should adopt an attitude like Aunt Nancy. We can say our see-you-laters with confidence, allowing His peace and promise to flow through our veins. We can face those hard moments with the knowledge that no matter what happens, we have hope that we will someday take part in the most glorious reunion…

Be it on this side or the next.

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Sharita Knobloch describes herself as a Jesus-loving, enthusiastically creative minister, writer, and Blackaby Spiritual Leadership Coach.  She loves encouraging others to find Jesus in the everyday and live in His light through blogging and coaching at 7 Days Time Ministry. She adores her family, specifically her Beloved U.S. Army Infantry husband Brandon, their sweet daughter Charis, and goofy little dog Justus. Sharita enjoys exploring her current “home” state of Washington, working on her love-hate relationship with running,  breaking in new journals with inky pens, and the occasional square of dark chocolate in the bathtub.

Connect with Sharita on her Website, Facebook or Twitter.

Three Word Wednesday: Faith ~ Life ~ Community {Guest Post}

***The next post in The Love Dare series will be on Friday.***

I fell in love with Circles of Faith the day I stumbled upon their website. The Co-Founders, Elise Daly Parker and Kimberly Amici, have created a beautiful community which is why I want to share them with you. Last month you had the opportunity to meet Kimberly and today Elise gives us a closer look at her dream come true.

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Dreams can sometimes take an awfully long time to come true, right? So it is with my dream, which has resulted in Circles of Faith – Where FAITH, LIFE, and COMMUNITY Intersect.

FAITH

On Mondays - Circles of Faith is a place for people to Inspire one another.

I was traveling around New Jersey, my home state, and many other Northeastern states to share the ministry of Moms In Prayer International. It was an exciting time. I loved meeting moms who were tenderhearted, yet fiercely determined to protect, care for, love, and pray their kids through the many stages of growing up.

As we shared the power of praying, many women through tears of praise and thanksgiving would also tell their inspiring stories of answered prayer. Together we were strengthened, renewed, refreshed, empowered. The impact of sharing our FAITH stories is life-changing.

My burning passion to share our FAITH through stories started then as an ember. 20 years later, it continues to grow, fueled by mounting evidence that Jesus is alive in these stories. I believe everyone has a grand story of faith, marked by many moments of God winks and whispers. Everyone’s story matters—to others, ourselves, to God, and often a combination of all three.

LIFE

On Wednesdays – Circles of Faith is a place for people to Equip one another.

I've been blessed to travel the journey of LIFE with many fellow sisters-in-Christ. We do LIFE together. LIFE can be hard, wonderful, full, empty, lovely, and chaotic. We need the gifts, skills, talents, know-how, fellowship of one another. You may have the answer to my burning questions like:

40-50% of all US marriages end in divorce – How do we stay married?

My family isn't what I pictured – How can I create a Mission Statement?

We have terrible eating habits – How can I fill my home with nutritious options?

I’m lonely…off-track…angry…my relationships are off – Help!

COMMUNITY

On Fridays – Circles of Faith is a place to Connect over music, books, ministry, and events.

Sharing our FAITH and LIFE together leads to COMMUNITY. Through Circles of Faith, I have met women I never would have met without the World Wide Web. (Beth is one of them!) And this year I've been extravagantly blessed to meet many of my online friends in person. That has sparked an effort on the part of CoFounder Kimberly Amici and me to seek opportunities to build in-person Christian community. We've just started a monthly Bloggers MeetUp and we've got plans in the works to host a retreat.

We also now have an excellent, pertinent, informative COMMUNITY calendar that’s coordinated by our dedicated Director of Communications, Joy Kay. New Jersey, which is our own backyard, is a great place to start this effort, but we have a bigger vision. We’d like to see our Christian events calendar populated with happenings all over the US. (If you want to get the word out in your state…contact us.)

And we build COMMUNITY by highlighting resources - music, books, ministries, conferences, retreats. We now have a monthly First Friday Book Faves LinkUp, an In Your Words feature where contributors chat about traditions, how we spend time with God, trends, and more to come.

• Sharing FAITH stories that reform, inform and transform.
• Pouring our gifts and knowledge into one another’s LIFE.
• Building COMMUNITY that crosses over denominational, cultural, ethnic, and racial lines.

At Circles of Faith, we share Jesus…He is the UNITY in our COMMUNITY. He is where the people who gather through Circles Of Faith Intersect.

Come on over and check out Circles of Faith. Subscribe FREE, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. And if you’re a writer, we welcome you to Guest Post and share your story of FAITH, LIFE, and/or COMMUNITY.

Co-Founders: Kimberly Amici and Elise Daly Parker

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Elise Daly Parker is passionate about sharing stories that inspire, equip, and connect. She believes everyone has a story that matters! As a result, Elise is the CoFounder and Executive Editor of the community/contributor site, Circles of Faith, Where Faith, Life, and Community Intersect. Elise has been a writer and editor for over 30 years and is also a speaker and writing coach. Married for almost 30 years, Elise and her beloved husband Chris are navigating life in a “successful nest” (Chris says “empty nest” is too negative). They have four mostly grown daughters, one son-in-love, and a new grandbaby who has filled their lives with new joy. Elise serves as a Mentor Mom in a MOPs group, where she hopes 30+ years of parenting can help calm the choppy seas of marriage and motherhood for others. Join Elise on her blog Our Stories, God’s Glory,  Facebook, and Twitter. Get the full picture at EliseDalyParker.com.

Three Word Wednesday: Faith ~ Life ~ Community {Guest Post}

I consider it an honor to be a regular contributor for Circles of Faith. It has been a little over a year since I stumbled upon this beautiful community and the co-founders, Elise Daly Parker and Kimberly Amici, have been such a blessing to me. They have embraced me as a friend and sister-in-Christ from the very beginning.

Today I'm excited to have Kimberly Amici sharing with us for Three Word Wednesday. You will get to hear from Elise next month!

Both of these ladies are AMAZING. I really hope you take some time to get to know them by visiting Circles of Faith and their personal blogs.

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In my kid’s playroom we have bins. Each of them has a label on it that marks the contents of what’s inside. There are buckets for pens and pencils, tubs for balls, and crates for toys. It not only helps my little ones put things back where they belong but it satisfies my need to be organized.

Just like my children’s stuff, my LIFE used to be compartmentalized. My relationships fell into separate categories: work colleagues, playgroup moms, gym buddies, and playground acquaintances. I had work clothes, everyday wear, and my Sunday best. Everything had a particular place.

Even my FAITH had its own bucket.

I live in the Northeast where most people do not wear their religion on their sleeve and somehow I had become one of them. I listened to Christian music with my Christian friends and secular music with my “not so religious” friends. I didn't talk fashion or design with the church gals nor did I speak about the deep matters of the heart with ladies I knew in my COMMUNITY. Even my ‘spiritual’ books were on different shelves from my novels and self-help/how to books.

I hadn't meant to do this, it just happened.  I began to wonder, What would it look like if all of it, FAITH, LIFE, and COMMUNITY came together? I began to think not just about myself but the region I lived in. Was it possible for the body of Christ, in this part of the country, to cross denominational lines and become unified and do life together?

I wanted to live out my FAITH in community.

Little did I know that God was working behind the scenes and stirring a similar desire in the heart of a woman I was yet to meet, Elise Daly Parker. God brought us together and after almost two years of sharing our hearts with one another Circles of Faith was birthed. It’s the place where FAITH, LIFE, and COMMUNITY intersect.

Nothing replaces real-life relationship, but thanks to technology I get to experience God in online community. Circles of Faith is a place to meet new people, share stories, learn new things, and hear about Christian books, music, movies, and ministries. It’s also a place where readers in the NJ area can find out about events through the local calendar. And this month we are excited to host out first in person meet-up for bloggers.

God is more fully revealed when we experience Him in our everyday and in our everything – especially in community.

My FAITH had grown since I have been in COMMUNITY over at Circles of Faith and I am so glad to have it in my LIFE.

Kimberly Amici is an enthusiastic and dedicated founding member of the Circles of Faith team. She is known for her creativity, strong faith, and commitment to living life with purpose and passion. Kimberly is a writer and community builder whose desire is for hearts to be healed, minds to be renewed and women to be connected in fellowship just as God intended.

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Fearfully and Wonderfully Made {Guest Post}

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” 

Psalm 139:14 became my life verse the day I met with my dear friend Michele.

I had approached her after church one Sunday. We didn't know each other very well at the time so approaching her to ask if she would meet me for a cup of coffee was a step outside of my comfort zone. My pastor had urged me to find a spiritual mentor and God nudged me toward Michele.

Would you meet me for coffee, Michele?

Without hesitation she replied, "Absolutely!"

We met at Panera. It didn't take long for her to ask why I had wanted to meet with her.

Oh yes, there is a reason.

I'm guest posting for "Titus 2 Tips Thursdays" at my friend Rebekah's of A Soft Gentle Voice today. To read more join me there.

Three Word Wednesday: Be Like Mary {Guest Post}

Oh friends, I'm super excited today to share with you my dear friend Joanne. If I could do cartwheels I'd be doing them right now. She is a delight. She is all kinds of awesomeness. I was so touched by her excitement when I asked her to guest post for today's Three Word Wednesday. While I told her she did not have to write about Thanksgiving, I'm blessed by the words God placed on her heart to share with us.

This is her first time guest posting so please give her a warm welcome. After reading her post be sure to go visit her website: Days and Thoughts. You must get to know this fabulous lady who has a big heart for God.

Much love to you all.
Beth

Without further ado, here is Joanne...

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It has continued to amaze me that my two granddaughters are so different from each other. I knew that my two children were different from each other but expected that as one is a boy, the other a girl. But with two girls, sisters, I thought they would be more alike.

So it should be no surprise at my interest in two Biblical sisters - Mary and Martha. They were pretty different from each other as well. Jesus took note of it. Luke made sure we knew the details.....

As the disciples were traveling, they were welcomed into the home of these two sisters. Martha, who had extended the invitation, was hustling about preparing a big dinner. Mary, we are told, sat at the Lord's feet. Martha gets a little peeved when she notices her sister is not helping her at all with the preparations. And she complains to Jesus...

Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! (Luke 10: 40, NIV).

Martha was doing exactly what women in that day would have been expected to do ... prepare and serve the meal. She was the one who had opened her home. Surely she had to recognize the amount of work that would be involved for preparing a meal for Jesus and the disciples. It was a pretty good size group. And men have good appetites! She seems to want Jesus to tell Mary to get up and go give Martha some help.

But He doesn't. I have been stuck on what Jesus responds to Martha for weeks now.....

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10: 41-42, NIV).

For whatever reason, the last few days I have pondered why Jesus did not tell Mary to go help her sister. One would almost have expected He would. Rather, He gently puts Martha in her place and affirms Mary. Given that it was Jesus and His disciples and Mary was joining with them, it is almost as if Jesus was saying this,

Be a disciple.

A disciple learns the ways of another. They are trained by the Teacher. They adhere to their teachings and doctrines because they know Him. They become like their teacher or mentor.

I think He would say those very same words to us today. We can so get busy with activities, good ones at that, and mistake that to be relationship and time spent with Him. But that is not what He wants from us. He wants us to take the time to be with Him. To learn His ways. To be a disciple.

As we get busy with Thanksgiving and family preparations, may we think about these two sisters. Martha was distracted with the preparations and missed the most important which was in front of her. Jesus pointed out that Mary had chosen to pause and spend time with Him. He tells us that she made the better choice.

This Thanksgiving may we remember to make the better choice. For it will always come down to choice and the choice is ours.

Be a disciple.

Make the choice.

Be like Mary.

(photo courtesy of Tria Giovan/www.countryliving.com)

Joanne
Website: Days and Thoughts
Twitter: @JViola79

Now it's your turn to share three words.

1. Choose three words.
2. Share a post, photo, scripture — anything that highlights the three words you have chosen. (link up your post URL, not your blog homepage).
3. Family-friendly posts only. Anything else will be removed.
4. Grab the Three Word Wednesday button on my home page to use in your post or include a link back to my blog.
5. Find someone (or a few) to encourage with a comment.
6. We can also connect on Twitter with the #ThreeWordWednesday hashtag.
7. Don't have a blog? Share your three words in the comments or on my blog Facebook page.
8. Help spread the word and get others involved.

Three Word Wednesday: A Guest Post

I'm delighted to have my dear friend Barbie of My Freshly Brewed Life guest posting here for Three Word Wednesday. The best way I'd describe Barbie is to say she's an encourager! If I were to feature a monthly inspired blogger, like she does at her place, I'd feature her every month. She blesses me with her words and her heart for God. I know she will bless you too.

Let's turn it over to Barbie.

What's the Point?

I often find myself asking this very question. Especially on the hard days, when you throw your heart and soul into life, when you work diligently, careful to follow the rules and not crumble underneath the pressure, yet life still falls apart. It's on those days that I find myself wondering what the point of my life is. Why was I created? What is my purpose? Why does everything go so wrong when I try to do it all so right?

If I'm not careful, my quest to find the reason for my existence can lead me down a dark and dreary pathway, one laden with fear, regret, anxiety and even depression. Before I know it, I lose my joy for simply living in my pursuit of the point.

I once heard a wise man say, "You were made to know God and be known by Him. To love God and be loved by Him."

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

Sounds easy enough, right? So when did life become so complicated?

We want to know what the meaning is in all aspects of our lives. God has called us as women, wives, mothers, teachers, ministers, and the list goes on. And even on those days when you feel as if you aren't sure what the point of it all is, because you are busy spinning your wheels our chasing your tail, there is a point. It all goes back to the beginning.

God desired a counterpart, one who would partner with Him in seeing His glory fulfilled on this earth. He created us for a love relationship with Him. He longs to know us, just as we long to know Him. He longs to love us, just as our hearts yearn to love Him.

My friend, YOU are that counterpart! God loves you. His desire is for you. You don't have to run the ragged rat race of life asking yourself what the point of it all is. You simply need to rest, be still, and breathe Him in. God desires an intimate relationship with YOU! You were made to love Him, and be loved by Him. You were made to know Him and be known by Him.

I know God has an even greater plan and purpose for your life, but let's just start here, shall we? Let's be content in this truth today. The next time you are struggling to fold that laundry, keep up with the house hold chores, or write that book, take a deep breath and remember what the point of it all is.

Barbie is a wife and mother to four children. She works full time while juggling faith, family, homeschooling and ministry. Her heart is to encourage women of all ages in their pursuit of the Lord. She enjoys a good cup of coffee, reading, writing, painting and spending time with family and friends. You can visit Barbie at My Freshly Brewed Life where she shares openly about her faith, sprinkled with freshly brewed grace along the way.

Unraveled

As I struggle to return to writing, I'm grateful for friends who are keeping my place active by sharing their hearts here. Susan is another blogger who found her way to my place many months ago and I'm so glad she did. I had the privilege of guest posting at her beautiful place back in April.

I love Susan's heart for her children and for God. I know she will touch your heart too. 

Much love, Beth

A guest post from The Unraveled Mom.

I love and adore my four children.  But it is also a lot of work.  Homework, poopy diapers, illness, dishes, laundry, and endless battles of will - they keep my head spinning.  And  I unravel.  The urge to snap supersedes my self control. 

I regret those moments.

But sometimes, it is much deeper than a stressed out moment over the baby bathing in spilled apple juice. Sometimes, it's evidence of a depleted relationship.  A depleted heart.  And that's exactly what happened to me.

  I experienced a BIGGER unraveling.  

It started when I was a child.  It was all I ever knew.  It was my normal.

Anxiety.  Social anxiety.  And panic attacks.

Anxiety has always silently dictated my thoughts and actions.  But I learned how to manipulate my life around it. Honestly, I never considered it a heart or faith issue. I never even contemplated the existence of an intense internal battle.   I never considered the constant nagging anxiety to be a product of a spiritual thirst for God that, despite my faith in God, I regularly fed with all else except  Him.

Then I had four children.  I love them very much but the mounting responsibilities of motherhood created an unresolved tension that left me in a constant state of stress.  The anxiety wore me out.  But it was not necessarily visible or noticeable to anyone else.  So I did nothing.

But after my fourth child was born,  I suffered postpartum depression.  The anxiety quickly plummeted into full blown panic attacks and intensified an anxiety driven, and quite embarrassing, muscle spasm of my neck and shoulders.

I finally unraveled.  Big time.

My struggle, as much as I hated it, ultimately saved me.  It finally led me face to face with my sin  – I did not trust God.  And I genuinely rejected His creation: I did not view myself as the treasure He made me to be.

Even with this confession, I still had a major problem. I could not profess God’s truths.  I have long known the truth about who God is and who He made me to be.  In the depths of my heart, though,  I could believe it for anyone else but not for ME.  My mouth could not say that I am His treasured possession or that God hems in the most intricate parts of my life.  My fear always took over as I truly believed that I am nobody in God’s eyes.  I believed that I had somehow slipped into the plan of salvation by accident.

I prayed for God to transform my heart. I searched His word.  I sang His praises.  I surrounded myself with God’s truth to drown out Satan’s lies.  God had brought me to this low so that my eyes would look up to him.  And slowly, His truth transformed my heart.

And I am free from the bondage of anxiety.

But don't misunderstand:  Freedom is not perfection.  I still struggle.  I have had months in which the temptation of anxiety seems to defeat me.  I have had a few panic attacks.  And sometimes, my muscle spasm rears it’s ugly head when I am under pressure.

But it’s only a momentary loss of perspective.   I drown my thirsty soul in His truth and He daily sets my heart free. That constant, internal turmoil – it’s gone.  God has blessed my husband, my children – my family, with a new me.

It is my hearts desire, then, that God would use my struggle to bring Him glory.  So, I pray that my writing through The Unraveled Mom would be dear to your heart as you feel a little less alone and a lot more encouraged in your faith’s journey.

The Unraveled Mom

theunraveledmom.com
facebook.com/theunraveledmom

How Might God Define 'Healthy'?

I'm honored to introduce Jessica to you. God led her to my blog many months ago and a new online friendship soon followed. She is a delight and has this way of always making me smile. I love how she explores the mind-body-spirit connection and I always leave her place learning something new.

 

Let's give a warm welcome to Jessica by leaving some comment love after you've read what God placed on her heart to share with us! 

 

Much love, Beth

I’m so excited to be guest blogging today – I've been a fan of Beth’s site for a while (and was lucky enough to have her post an article the other week!). I also run a Christian-based blog, Prayers and Apples, that explores the science behind the mind-body-spirit connection. My posts typically look at facts – things that can be written down and added up on paper. But today, I want to take a little bit of time to focus on the intangible. Today I want to talk about what the term “healthy” means to God.

Now, before I get started, it goes without saying that these are all just guesses. I in no way mean to speak for God – but rather, hope to simply provide some (nutritious!) food for thought.)

We spend so much of our time trying to be “healthy.” Dieting, exercising, drinking water, taking vitamins, taking medicine, taking the stairs… Does anybody else ever feel like a robot? What is this “healthy” end goal that we’re striving towards? Increased energy? But what about our body fat? Lowered blood pressure? But what about our sleep patterns? It’s like running a race with a million finish lines! There’s no way to win!

And yet, everybody still wants to be “healthy.”

As a personal trainer, one of the first things I learned was to set measurable goals. You have to know what you’re working towards in order to know when you get there. (Sorry, that sounded a bit like a riddle!) This quote from Alice in Wonderland explains it best:

For me, this is where God comes in.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; And He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)

So where does God want us to go with this whole “health” thing? To me, the answer – like so many other answers found in the bible – is closer to Him.

But how can being “healthy” make us closer to God? And what does the term even mean?

Again, a review of scripture provides some clues:

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

In order to be closer to God, we must hear Him. We must be physically and mentally prepared to hear his Word and apply it to our lives. For:

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

In this context, it becomes easier to define our goal. Being “healthy” doesn't mean being skinny. It doesn't mean being athletic, it doesn't mean being fit. “Optimal health”, when viewed in this light, means being in a physical and emotional condition to hear God’s word. It means being rested enough to reflect on the bible before heading into work. It means being stress-free enough to stay constantly mindful of His word throughout the day. Being “healthy” means having the energy to apply God’s principles and spread His love throughout your community. Being “healthy” means maintaining whatever lifestyle works best for you in allowing you to hear and receive God’s word.  

I hope these musings have been helpful and provided a little bit of food for thought! Working in the fitness industry, I know first hand how easy it tempting it can be to chase after the latest “healthy” goal. But I think it’s important to stay most focused on maintaining a clear head and heart so that we have enough energy to devote to God. =)

I want to thank Beth, again, for having me - and hope everybody has a blessed and happy day!.

Prayers and Apples
PrayersAndApples.com
Twitter: @PrayersNApples