I don' t know about you, but I often times think I know how to do everything! Only I can clean the house the way it needs to be cleaned. Only I can fold the laundry just right. Only I can plan an event like it should be planned. This leads to becoming overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed out. Not a good way to live a balanced life.
I remember early on in my marriage, I would FREAK out if I came home from work and the house was a mess. I remember yelling at my husband that I do EVERYTHING around the house! Being the awesome husband that he his, he quickly realized that if he picked up a few things, his wife won't freak out when she got home. Well guess what, I was not a good wife! He would have the dishes done, the house picked up, and guess what I would notice? The kitchen sink was dirty. Instead of thanking him for what he did, I would always point out what he didn't do. Then I was back at doing it 'all myself'!
When you look at how Jesus led his life and how obviously He was the BEST at doing EVERYTHING. He still empowered His disciples and His followers to help Him carry out His ministry. When He began His ministry and as the people began to hear about His miracles and teachings, the crowds began to flock to Him.
How overwhelming would that have felt? Ever feel like you could use about 4 more hours to your day because you have so much that needs to get done? I bet some days as the day drew to a close, He would look out and see them still coming.
In Matthew 9: 35 - 38 it shares that as He went through the towns and villages, teaching and healing EVERY (not just one here and there) EVERY disease and sickness. When He saw the CROWDS, He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Just think of the masses that were coming to Him? Ever feel like everyone wants something of you. Ever feel like there is just not enough of you to go around? Ever feel like you will never get it all done?
So what did Jesus do? Well He didn't freak out and start shouting, I do everything around here. How come I am the only one that can do all of the teaching and healing. Give me a break!
Instead in Matthew 10:1 it says that He called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. He empowered them. He said, 'YOU can do this!' He called His twelve disciples. He didn't sit back and wait for them to come to Him and say, 'How can I help you'. I see you are a little over-worked. No, He got on the phone, called them up, and said "Hey, I need some help over here and I think you would be great."
Look who we are talking about here! JESUS! The Lord and Creator of the universe! He called and asked for HELP! So why is it so hard for me to say, "Hey, I need some help over here?"
PRIDE. That is why! I think I can do it all. I look at Suzy Cue over there and think, "If she can do it, so can I. She is not asking for any help." So I continue on my journey, stressed out, over worked, and frustrated. When what if I realized that I am not that great at EVERYTHING.
How awesome is it that when I get home the house is picked up and the dishes are done and all I have to do is take a few seconds and clean the kitchen sink? I give my husband a hug and say THANKS. I really appreciate everything you do!
So my prayer to you today is that you remove the PRIDE in your life. Ask Jesus to break down that pride barrier and release you from feeling like only you can do the job. Ask Him to reveal to you the people in your life that can help you. Ask Him to give you the strength and the courage to call and ask for help. Then when the help is provided, empower those that helped you. Look at all of the awesome things they did to help you. Accept the help graciously, knowing that they also gained in the giving.
Matthew 9:37 says that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.
So the next time you are raving about how much YOU do! Remember, Jesus very easily could have done it all, but instead to keep a balance in His life, He called and asked for some help. He then empowered His helpers and said, "I know you can do this." He praised and thanked them for their help, acknowledging everything they did and not just what they didn't do. Then remember what satisfaction the disciples must have felt, knowing that they were giving back. They were helping and making a difference in the lives of those they were healing, but also in the life of Jesus.
Jill
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Faith is Just a Few Steps at a Time
I grew up loving track and field and had the privilege of being able to compete at the high school and collegiate level. One of the things I enjoyed was late afternoon runs. Still through out my adult life, when 4:00 rolls around I get a bit of a twinge that it is time head out.
As the years have pasted the 4:00 hour has been filled with homework, getting supper, phone calls, work, and driving the girls to their activities. I have to laugh because I remember my mom saying, "When you have kids pulling on your apron strings......" Being young and nieve, I remember thinking, "Right, I will always make it a priority."
To have the wisdom of those who have gone before you!
Occasionally though, I still get the chance and I was able to do so this week. With the recent time change, leaving at 4:30 it was quickly getting dark and there was a heavy, dense flog setting in. I chose to run a trial that I frequent, so I would know the terrain and with my Ipod tuned onto my favorite play list I was off.
It was cool and the heavy fog, made for a damp mist. As I neared the 2 mile mark and was ready to head back, it was becoming darker and even more foggy. Most of the time, I was only able to see just a few feet in front of me. It amazes me that I always run better when I can't see too far ahead. I believe that it is because I can focus on one step at a time and not get defeated looking to see how much more I have left to go.
As I was running, I began thinking that faith is really only being able to see just a few steps ahead.
Hebrews 11:1 gives the definition of faith as being sure of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we DO NOT SEE!
Sometimes when I set out for a run it seems overwhelming. I am tired. I just don't feel like doing it. I just don't have the time.
I know that it is best for my physical and mental health. I know that I will feel great when it's over. However going through the process is sometimes painful. At times I question if I can make it another mile. That is when I focus on just taking one step and then another and before I know it I have made it to the end of the trail.
In my entry way hanging on the wall are the words; HOPE and FAITH. It reminds me of being sure of what we HOPE for and CERTAIN (faith) of what we DO NOT SEE!
As the years have pasted the 4:00 hour has been filled with homework, getting supper, phone calls, work, and driving the girls to their activities. I have to laugh because I remember my mom saying, "When you have kids pulling on your apron strings......" Being young and nieve, I remember thinking, "Right, I will always make it a priority."
To have the wisdom of those who have gone before you!
Occasionally though, I still get the chance and I was able to do so this week. With the recent time change, leaving at 4:30 it was quickly getting dark and there was a heavy, dense flog setting in. I chose to run a trial that I frequent, so I would know the terrain and with my Ipod tuned onto my favorite play list I was off.
It was cool and the heavy fog, made for a damp mist. As I neared the 2 mile mark and was ready to head back, it was becoming darker and even more foggy. Most of the time, I was only able to see just a few feet in front of me. It amazes me that I always run better when I can't see too far ahead. I believe that it is because I can focus on one step at a time and not get defeated looking to see how much more I have left to go.
As I was running, I began thinking that faith is really only being able to see just a few steps ahead.
Hebrews 11:1 gives the definition of faith as being sure of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we DO NOT SEE!
Sometimes when I set out for a run it seems overwhelming. I am tired. I just don't feel like doing it. I just don't have the time.
I know that it is best for my physical and mental health. I know that I will feel great when it's over. However going through the process is sometimes painful. At times I question if I can make it another mile. That is when I focus on just taking one step and then another and before I know it I have made it to the end of the trail.
In my entry way hanging on the wall are the words; HOPE and FAITH. It reminds me of being sure of what we HOPE for and CERTAIN (faith) of what we DO NOT SEE!
Our walk with Christ is just the same.
How many times do we ask ourselves how will I ever make it through? How will the bills get paid this month? How will I ever know the right things to say in a difficult situation? How will I get through the loss of a significant relationship in my life? How will I___________? You fill in the blank.
When we focus on managing the BIG stuff in life. When we think we can do it all ourselves. When we try to run the show. We fail miserably over and over again. God is there to handle the BIG and the little stuff. It is our responsibility to TRUST and just keep taking one step at a time. We can't always see the end of the trail, but what we can see is a few feet ahead. When we take those steps, He helps us see a little bit farther. Our job is to be obedient and diligent in our walk. To show up everyday when we don't feel like it and when our designated hour gets filled with all of life's stuff, we carve out another time to grow in our relationship.
So the next time you get tired and just want to throw up your hands. Remember the trail and the dense fog and remember that it is OK. You just have to keep taking one more step and then another and each time you will be able to see a little bit farther.
As I finished up my run that foggy, cool night my play list was finishing up with Lincoln Brewster's, 'Everlasting God'. As my stride fell to the beat of the music and the dampness of the fog was moist on my face, I smiled knowing I was almost done.
I knew that my Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even muse will become weak and tired and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who TRUST in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Jill
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Puking Out The Car Window
Ever have one of 'those' days?
As we are rushing out the door this morning, my youngest, who stayed up a bit to late last night was complaining of a tummy ache. In the rush of the morning, I summed it up in one sentence. "I am sure you are just a tired."
Sure enough, about 40 minutes later the phone rings and it is the school nurse sounding just as trepidations as I was about the 'tummy ache'. We again reinforced the need to 'hang in there' and back to class she went. About an hour later I get another call saying she has thrown up on the playground, however it was not witnessed and according to Madison, "Well, it was a little, not really that much." It was the 'official' puking that does call for the mother to officially come and pick up her child from school and even the nurse chuckled as she hung up the phone.
During this conversation, I am getting beeped by my oldest that she had forgotten her saxophone and needed me to bring to school. I reschedule the rest of my day, leave to pick up my 'sick' child and drop off the saxophone. When I arrive at the nurse's office, I am greeted with a smirk and Madison climbs into the back seat sighing as she props her head on the door. I am thinking, 'she thinks she has pulled a fast one." Off to the next school to drop off the saxophone and like any good mother, I am formulating in my head how I can truly verify this 'illness'.
Knowing that she loves hot chocolate at her favorite coffee shop, I ask if it is OK, to stop and pick up a cup of coffee in the drive through lane. She agrees but to my surprise, she doesn't request a thing. She sighs again and props her coat up as a pillow and I think, "She is on to my investigation."
Then without a moment to spare, as I am pulling out of the drive through lane, hot coffee in hand, she flies up from seat, screams for me to roll down the window, and proceeds to leave a trail the rest of the way home. I on the other hand, go down for yet another 'worst mother of the year award'. As the wind is blowing her hair in her face as she is now into the drive heaves stage still hanging out the window, she cries out, 'Dear Jesus, I don't think I can make it. Please help me. Mom, just keep driving."
The innocence of a child and what lessons we can learn. I am so grateful that she has a heart for the Lord that despite any short comings that her mom may have, she relies on the Lord for her strength and for me to help her in her journey. 'Mom, just keep driving.' Lessons learned to slow down and pay attention to the details in life. Lessons not to think 'I know everything' and lessons to remember that Jesus is always there for us, even when we are puking out the car window.
A wonderful friend of mine emailed me today and shared that for no reason at all, God had placed me on her heart a month ago and she had been praying for me. Unknown to her, I have been really struggling this past month and in a pity party I was throwing on Sunday, shouted to my husband, 'No one really cares about me.' I have been shouting for months, "God, are you there? Help me out here!" God through all His wisdom led her to email me today of all days to share that she had been praying of me and didn't really know why. I was able to share some of my struggles and thanked her for guidance and prayers.
As Madison and I pulled into the garage, she gingerly gets out of the car and says, "Sorry for puking all over your car, mom." I smile and say, "You can puke all over my car any time. Sorry for having to stop for coffee." We venture into the house for a bath and an afternoon of cartoons, a blanket and a pillow, and snuggles on the couch.
Isn't our God just like that. We cry out, "Please Jesus, help me. I don't think I can make it." He is there to rub our backs, send us friends to support us as we look up to Him and say, "sorry for puking all over you." He smiles back and says, "I forgive you and I love you."
To experience the mountain top experiences of life, we often times have to walk through the valleys and back up the rugged terrain of the mountain. We even find ourselves puking out the car window and crying out for help, all the while remembering that we have the most everlasting, amazing God, who loves us and wants a personal relationship with us. He is our Savior and will always take the car to the car wash!
Sincerely and With Love,
Jill
As we are rushing out the door this morning, my youngest, who stayed up a bit to late last night was complaining of a tummy ache. In the rush of the morning, I summed it up in one sentence. "I am sure you are just a tired."
Sure enough, about 40 minutes later the phone rings and it is the school nurse sounding just as trepidations as I was about the 'tummy ache'. We again reinforced the need to 'hang in there' and back to class she went. About an hour later I get another call saying she has thrown up on the playground, however it was not witnessed and according to Madison, "Well, it was a little, not really that much." It was the 'official' puking that does call for the mother to officially come and pick up her child from school and even the nurse chuckled as she hung up the phone.
During this conversation, I am getting beeped by my oldest that she had forgotten her saxophone and needed me to bring to school. I reschedule the rest of my day, leave to pick up my 'sick' child and drop off the saxophone. When I arrive at the nurse's office, I am greeted with a smirk and Madison climbs into the back seat sighing as she props her head on the door. I am thinking, 'she thinks she has pulled a fast one." Off to the next school to drop off the saxophone and like any good mother, I am formulating in my head how I can truly verify this 'illness'.
Knowing that she loves hot chocolate at her favorite coffee shop, I ask if it is OK, to stop and pick up a cup of coffee in the drive through lane. She agrees but to my surprise, she doesn't request a thing. She sighs again and props her coat up as a pillow and I think, "She is on to my investigation."
Then without a moment to spare, as I am pulling out of the drive through lane, hot coffee in hand, she flies up from seat, screams for me to roll down the window, and proceeds to leave a trail the rest of the way home. I on the other hand, go down for yet another 'worst mother of the year award'. As the wind is blowing her hair in her face as she is now into the drive heaves stage still hanging out the window, she cries out, 'Dear Jesus, I don't think I can make it. Please help me. Mom, just keep driving."
The innocence of a child and what lessons we can learn. I am so grateful that she has a heart for the Lord that despite any short comings that her mom may have, she relies on the Lord for her strength and for me to help her in her journey. 'Mom, just keep driving.' Lessons learned to slow down and pay attention to the details in life. Lessons not to think 'I know everything' and lessons to remember that Jesus is always there for us, even when we are puking out the car window.
A wonderful friend of mine emailed me today and shared that for no reason at all, God had placed me on her heart a month ago and she had been praying for me. Unknown to her, I have been really struggling this past month and in a pity party I was throwing on Sunday, shouted to my husband, 'No one really cares about me.' I have been shouting for months, "God, are you there? Help me out here!" God through all His wisdom led her to email me today of all days to share that she had been praying of me and didn't really know why. I was able to share some of my struggles and thanked her for guidance and prayers.
As Madison and I pulled into the garage, she gingerly gets out of the car and says, "Sorry for puking all over your car, mom." I smile and say, "You can puke all over my car any time. Sorry for having to stop for coffee." We venture into the house for a bath and an afternoon of cartoons, a blanket and a pillow, and snuggles on the couch.
Isn't our God just like that. We cry out, "Please Jesus, help me. I don't think I can make it." He is there to rub our backs, send us friends to support us as we look up to Him and say, "sorry for puking all over you." He smiles back and says, "I forgive you and I love you."
To experience the mountain top experiences of life, we often times have to walk through the valleys and back up the rugged terrain of the mountain. We even find ourselves puking out the car window and crying out for help, all the while remembering that we have the most everlasting, amazing God, who loves us and wants a personal relationship with us. He is our Savior and will always take the car to the car wash!
Sincerely and With Love,
Jill
Friday, November 9, 2007
Balance in a BUSY world
November 11th, 2007
I find that when asking someone 'How are you doing?' a common response is usually, "I am so busy." Many times I stop to think, what does 'busy' really mean? Is it just a common 'canned response' that everyone gives? Or are we so busy being busy that we can't stop to think of anything else to say?
So I checked it out in Websters and found that busy means to be actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime, not at leisure; otherwise engaged, full of or characterized by activity,meddlesome, clashing in design or colors; cluttered with small, inharmonious details, to keep occupied.
I am so actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime. Activities that sometimes may be meddlesome, clashing, and small just to keep me occupied.
Then I checked out to see what God's word had to say about busy.
Luke 10:40 said that Martha, overly occupied and too busy was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone?
John 9:4 said "That we must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight; night is coming on, when no man can work."
2 Corinthians 5:10 says "For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil, considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing.
I recently conducted a women's survey and asked 300 women, 'what prevented them from having an intimate relationship with the Lord?' 45% of those women indicated it was time and over commitments. WOW! That is an alarming number.
How easy it is to get so caught up in the daily 'to do' list that we so easily forget the most important relationship in our lives. I am so guilty of that myself. Being a detailed, organized person I LOVE to have my check list and check things off as I go. I feel a great sense of accomplishment in doing so. I am so much like Martha, I am busy in the kitchen getting dinner prepared for the company and managing all the details that I become angry and irritated, feeling like 'I am doing everything'. I muttle to myself, 'When is someone going to stop and help ME?' Sometimes having that daily quiet time becomes just a check on my 'to do list'. I am guilty of rushing through, so I can move on to the next thing. Unfortunately, I am Martha many more times in day than I am Mary, who simply sat at the Lord's feet listening and growing in that relationship.
John 9 says that we must be busy with HIS work, because soon the daylight will be gone and the night will fall and we will not be able to work. WOW! That is powerful. It makes me stop and think, those days that I rushed through my 'to do list', did I ever once stop and ask, seek, and listen to what God's plan was for me that day? MY number of daylight hours is clicking by and when my judgement day comes, how will I account for my 'busy' days? 2 Corinthians reinforces that when our day comes to account for all of our business, what will that account look life, both good and bad.
There is a beautiful song, called 'Word of God Speak'. It is soothing and calming and when I hear it, it reminds me of the importance of needing to be quiet and just listen to God speak. In today's society, quiet is a seldom attained. We can't even go to the grocery store with out back ground music. We are constantly being stimulated. My youngest daughter was grounded this past week from playing with friends, watching TV, and playing on the computer. For 7 days she had to fill her time with other activities and what I discovered after 12 years of parenting, that decreasing her stimuli actually improved our relationship. I am a slow learner! While at the start of the week, I questioned was the grounding going to be harder on me than her. It turned out to be a great lesson for BOTH of us! We found time to talk more, do some 'quiet' activities and grow our relationship.
So I caution you today the next time you are pressed to say 'I am so busy', stop for a moment and think, what AM I busy doing. Am I caught up in tasks that are producing good for the Kingdom or I am just busy being busy, filling my time, because sometimes it is too hard to sit and be quiet, for fear of what I may discover.
Finding a balance, carving out time EVERY day just to pray, mediate on His Word, to listen and to hear. I pray today that you are able to carve out some time just to be quiet and listen. What is He saying? He is yearning for a relationship with YOU! A personal, deep, authentic relationship. He is your best friend and He knows every need, worry, and thought. Matthew 10:30 says, "Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered'
So I encourage you today, as you strive to seek a balance in your life, start by carving that time out EVERY day to spend with the Lord. Just to be quiet and to listen to what He has in store for you for the day. Trust me the 'to do list' looks much less daunting when you do and although intimating at first, like grounding my daughter from all TV, computer, and friends I was worried about 'could I handle it', it turned out to be the BEST decision for both of us!
Proverbs 11:1 says, "A FALSE balance and unrighteous dealings are extremely offensive and shamefully sinful to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight."
Jill
I find that when asking someone 'How are you doing?' a common response is usually, "I am so busy." Many times I stop to think, what does 'busy' really mean? Is it just a common 'canned response' that everyone gives? Or are we so busy being busy that we can't stop to think of anything else to say?
So I checked it out in Websters and found that busy means to be actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime, not at leisure; otherwise engaged, full of or characterized by activity,meddlesome, clashing in design or colors; cluttered with small, inharmonious details, to keep occupied.
I am so actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime. Activities that sometimes may be meddlesome, clashing, and small just to keep me occupied.
Then I checked out to see what God's word had to say about busy.
Luke 10:40 said that Martha, overly occupied and too busy was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone?
John 9:4 said "That we must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight; night is coming on, when no man can work."
2 Corinthians 5:10 says "For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil, considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing.
I recently conducted a women's survey and asked 300 women, 'what prevented them from having an intimate relationship with the Lord?' 45% of those women indicated it was time and over commitments. WOW! That is an alarming number.
How easy it is to get so caught up in the daily 'to do' list that we so easily forget the most important relationship in our lives. I am so guilty of that myself. Being a detailed, organized person I LOVE to have my check list and check things off as I go. I feel a great sense of accomplishment in doing so. I am so much like Martha, I am busy in the kitchen getting dinner prepared for the company and managing all the details that I become angry and irritated, feeling like 'I am doing everything'. I muttle to myself, 'When is someone going to stop and help ME?' Sometimes having that daily quiet time becomes just a check on my 'to do list'. I am guilty of rushing through, so I can move on to the next thing. Unfortunately, I am Martha many more times in day than I am Mary, who simply sat at the Lord's feet listening and growing in that relationship.
John 9 says that we must be busy with HIS work, because soon the daylight will be gone and the night will fall and we will not be able to work. WOW! That is powerful. It makes me stop and think, those days that I rushed through my 'to do list', did I ever once stop and ask, seek, and listen to what God's plan was for me that day? MY number of daylight hours is clicking by and when my judgement day comes, how will I account for my 'busy' days? 2 Corinthians reinforces that when our day comes to account for all of our business, what will that account look life, both good and bad.
There is a beautiful song, called 'Word of God Speak'. It is soothing and calming and when I hear it, it reminds me of the importance of needing to be quiet and just listen to God speak. In today's society, quiet is a seldom attained. We can't even go to the grocery store with out back ground music. We are constantly being stimulated. My youngest daughter was grounded this past week from playing with friends, watching TV, and playing on the computer. For 7 days she had to fill her time with other activities and what I discovered after 12 years of parenting, that decreasing her stimuli actually improved our relationship. I am a slow learner! While at the start of the week, I questioned was the grounding going to be harder on me than her. It turned out to be a great lesson for BOTH of us! We found time to talk more, do some 'quiet' activities and grow our relationship.
So I caution you today the next time you are pressed to say 'I am so busy', stop for a moment and think, what AM I busy doing. Am I caught up in tasks that are producing good for the Kingdom or I am just busy being busy, filling my time, because sometimes it is too hard to sit and be quiet, for fear of what I may discover.
Finding a balance, carving out time EVERY day just to pray, mediate on His Word, to listen and to hear. I pray today that you are able to carve out some time just to be quiet and listen. What is He saying? He is yearning for a relationship with YOU! A personal, deep, authentic relationship. He is your best friend and He knows every need, worry, and thought. Matthew 10:30 says, "Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered'
So I encourage you today, as you strive to seek a balance in your life, start by carving that time out EVERY day to spend with the Lord. Just to be quiet and to listen to what He has in store for you for the day. Trust me the 'to do list' looks much less daunting when you do and although intimating at first, like grounding my daughter from all TV, computer, and friends I was worried about 'could I handle it', it turned out to be the BEST decision for both of us!
Proverbs 11:1 says, "A FALSE balance and unrighteous dealings are extremely offensive and shamefully sinful to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight."
Jill
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