Oops Miley did it Again!!!!

The last couple weeks it seems that all people can talk about is Miley Cyrus. OMG did you see what Miley did on her new video. What the heck is this new Twerking thing about? What happened to Hannah Montana? People can't get over how shocking, disturbing, gross, promiscuous this young girl who used to be a role model for little girls has become. 

Tonight, at work, not surprisingly, the whole subject came up...AGAIN. At first I rolled my eyes and yelled, "SHE NAKED that's why people are watching this junk, not because she can sing good." All of the sudden I stopped and a crazy thought hit me. People want to watch this garbage. Okay so this might seem obvious to everyone but it really isn't. Everyone cries out in disgust when things come out like this. "Did you see?" "What a slut?" "Can you believe that she....?" People make statements, and organizations protest and people get all up in arms. It all comes down to this....people want to watch this stuff. There is something inside everyone of us, whether curiousity or a desire to see something bad that draws us to these types of entertainment. Then after we have indulged ourselves we cry out in disgust or anger or whatever our reaction will be. 

Okay so what is my point about blogging about this? The reaction of people is not going to change what she did, or what Madonna did, or Britney, or Gaga, and the list could go on and on. If I continue to give my attention to this it will never go away.

Don't get me wrong this isn't about judging these people, you know why because that's not my job. This is about taking an honest look at myself and my own motives for even wanting to see something like this. I am a hypocrite. I can cry out in disgust and gasp in shame but I was the one who CHOSE to watch this. I heard it wasn't good, I still watched it. I had a feeling it wasn't going to be edifying but I did it anyway. So who is really wrong? Is Miley really the only guilty party here? I think not. I believe we all are. We have created a society that says if you do something shocking and disturbing you are going to get attention. We cry out in outrage at the very thing we have created. Hypocrites! 

Psalm 141:4 Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers: do not let me eat their delicacies. 

To change the trend I must change, I must resist the urge to satisfy my desires. Most of all, when I do, I need to be willing to repent and not cry out in outrage, because I'm the one who chose to take part in it.

Rant of the week! 

But even if He doesn't...

So right at this moment, I'm sitting in the recovery room with my husband who just had surgery to repair his ACL. He's a little woozy and sleepy so while I wait, I 'm thinking and writing my next blog post by hand in my journal. So hopefully as I translate my terrible freehand into times new roman, this blog will reach someone today.

Often in Sunday school we hear the story of the fiery furnace with wide eyes and childlike faith. We are amazed that God saved those three guys with the weird names from being burned alive. As I began reading this chapter again for the umpteenth time however, I discovered more than I had ever seen before.  I was amazed with the way the Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego responded to the king's threats.

Now these days, "Why God?" crosses my mind a lot more often than I care to admit. When I see tragedy, sickness, rumors of war, children being abused, hopeless pointless living, and lack of purpose, I am flabbergasted. So "Why God" seems  to be my only response to all of this. However, when I read the way three young men dealt with their imminent death it helped me put into perspective a life lived in faith no matter what.

Now understand, for these three guys bowing down to the King.s image was a violation of their Jewish tradition, so they had a choice in front of them. That was to do what all of society was doing and in one moment sacrifice their integrity to save their lives or to face the penalty. Humbly and respectively this is how they responded.

17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[a] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” 

Daniel 3:17-18

A lot of times we focus on how these guys were willing to stand up and die for what they believed in and that is noble and valid. What I saw that really helped me was the phrase "But even if He doesn't...". Its not that they were not afraid to die, or not distressed with their situation, it was how much faith and hope they had in God that whether He saved them or not, they would not give in. 

So all my why God questions in one moment may have not been answered specifically but I was given a perspective that helped me to deal with it. God, even if I live or die, even if there is sickness and death, even if there is tragedy and hopelessness, I still believe in You, I will obey You and I won't give in. We have the power to hope in a God who loves us. We have the power to overcome fear of death, with hope in life. Even if the outcome isn't ideal or even deliverance, we can stand in hope that God is the ultimate. The alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. That is what Shadrach and Meschach and Abednego seemed to understand. Living there heritage, their faith, their integrity and trusting God was more important in that moment than death even if God didn't swoop in and save them. I would challenge any of you reading today that when you start to despair in life, you say Even if he doesn't, I will believe.  If everything around looks like its falling apart, look up and say one way or the other, I will trust you. There is freedom and victory in confidently declaring the sovereignty of God. 

Live full of Hope today! God has given you the power to!

A Wicked Long Time

I know its been a WICKED long time sing I have written in my blog. I basically took the summer off. Now that the kids have gone back to school, I seem to have a lot more time to write. I'm going to change the title of my blog, simply because I think I have changed in my priorities for what I want to write about. As much as I love talking about politics, I find that it can be pointless at times to rant about something that at times seem completely out of control.

 So there are a couple things I really want to focus on going forward. First and foremost, the Word of God. I love the Bible, I love learning new things, I love when the Holy Spirit clarifies a portion of scripture for me and changes me on the inside, and I pretty much love Proverbs. I think if people would follow proverbs they would be the most successful people on the planet. So I want to focus on that. I'm going to continue to share my parenting experiences, marriage and ministry because frankly that is my life and I want to share that with people. I hope that you all will tune in, be encouraged, and laugh. 

So now my question for you all is this, I don't know what to change my blog title to, so I'd love some ideas. If anyone has any send them my way. I'm looking forward to relaunching and sharing my life with you guys! 

I needed a Time Out!

As a parent, so often we form expectations as to how our children should be. We have our
own definition of normal, well behaved, good, and our standards for our kids become based on our own comfort, pride, and ability. A couple of weeks ago, I was struggling with how I was treating my children and how they were acting. I was extremely frustrated and like a whiny, ungrateful child I was complaining and wishing that life could just be easier.

It was in the incredible providence of God, that on a Sunday in the middle of all of this, our wonderful, sensitive pastor preached an entire message on parenting God's way. The phrase that stuck out for me during that message struck me so profoundly. He said, "God has given you your children so that you can come closer to Him." All of a sudden, I was overwhelmed with the love of God. I realized that as frustrating as it may be sometimes to be a parent, God has given me my kids not only to bring them up, but because He is bringing me up. He loves me so much He doesn't want me to stay the same, He is using my kids to make me who I'm supposed to be. The best version of myself. I'm going to quote myself from a Facebook post I made shortly after this revelation.

"'Everything God gives us in life, whether our children, circumstances, spouses, jobs,triumphs and tragedies are to bring us closer to Him. To lean on Him and find strength and refuge in a real relationship with God. Some say, He doesn't give us more than we can handle. The reality is He wants to handle it, but He gives it to us so we can get on our knees and give it back." 

I came to realize that all of the struggles I was facing, whether self made or child made were
all God's way of changing me. How could I place unrealistic expectations on my 6,4 and 1 year
old, when I am not exemplifying love and grace and mercy to them? 

For so long, I have looked high and low for a divine calling. To go to the far ends of the earth and serve other cultures, or to stand on a street corner preaching shamelessly, or to give my life up for the gospel. Those are noble callings and many have been called to that. But then I remember what the beginning of 1 Corinthians 13 says: 

 "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains,but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

If I do not love my God and love those He has put in my care, all the other stuff I do doesn't matter. If I don't allow God to work in me and the love of God to change me all the ministry and sacrifice I make would be for naught.

Literally, a week after all of this revelation, I began to change my approach with my kids. The change in my oldest son Caleb, was remarkable. He tends to have a difficult time in school, but I received an amazing report that his behavior had improved and he was doing much better all around. The love and revelation of God is beyond comprehension. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows how to change us and transform us. I am extremely grateful that He loves me enough to allow me to struggle so that I can surrender to Him and allow Him to change me.

Hebrews 12:5-6

5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6 

because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

A break from the norm: Fitness 101

Recently, I was talking to my brother about my fitness routine. He was wondering how I get the motivation to get up and go to the gym and lose the weight. The reality is, I'm no fitness guru and I'm definitely not an expert but as I was talking to him, I realized that I have a lot of knowledge on the subject and I want to share a little of that with you.

 A couple of years ago, after I had just had Riley (my 4 year old),  I realized I wasn't going to retain my youthful, slender bod. So I got a gym membership and started going. I tried classes and cardio on the elliptical. However, I just didn't have a goal. Other then really wanting to get my body back. So finally I decided to try something I had never done before. Run a 5k. You have to understand, I love sports, love playing basketball and football for fun, but I regret to say that I never did sports in school. I never learned the discipline that comes from playing one. So when I decided to run a race,  it was actually quite challenging for me. I started training.  The day of the race came I ran it in 39 minutes. I was kind of disappointed. My husband was so proud of me. He said you did something you have never done before. So when the next year came, I adjusted, trained harder, and cut my time to 33 minutes. I learned the value of having a goal and of pushing myself. That second race felt so awesome and I felt so accomplished.

There is something about working out that makes you evaluate your mindset. You realize that you have to beat your body with your mind. Past the pain of the run, or the weight, or the exercise. You have to focus and push yourself. Something that I never really had to do. Running that race was a huge breakthrough for me, that same year I tried P90X which was amazing. So hard, but so rewarding. I learned how to eat better, how to work out different, how to push myself.  So I wanted to give some advice to those of you who might be thinking about working out or losing weight. I want you to know that if you put your mind it you can do it.

1. Have a goal in mind. My goal was my 5k, it changed my life and helped me feel accomplished. So whether it is a weight loss goal, or a lifestyle change, or a physical challenge (like a race) Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want.
2. If your willing to invest financially, make sure you don't waste your time or money.
3. Pick something that you like to do. (For me running is hard, but I like it. The longer I run or the faster I run the more accomplished I feel, not to mention the cardio advantages). It might be playing a sport like basketball, rock climbing, or doing some Zumba. Its much easier to start if it is something you like.
4. Weight train. Okay so this doesn't necessarily mean become a body builder, but building muscle makes your body into a calorie burning machine. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn. I focus on my legs and do workouts for them twice a week. On off days I do arms, chest, and back. 
5. Having a partner is great to. If you work out with someone and are accountable, its easier to keep focused.
6. Don't say I can't. Anybody can work out, anybody can have a goal. You just have to make one and you have to start. 

After giving my brother the advice I gave him, I realized something about working out that has really changed my focus. Working out is a battle. When Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9, that we need to run as if to win the prize, that is the mindset you need to have. Even when I woke up this morning after having a couple days off I said to myself, "Man I really don't want to work out." But I got up and tied my sneakers and headed to the gym. There is something to be said about overcoming your feelings, overcoming your urge to sit on the couch and eat food all day. 

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

I hope that today you can reflect on the spiritual implications of this scripture, but also the value of doing something to better yourself. God gave us the bodies we have and it is our responsibility to do the best with what we have been given. Have a great day!

Parenting for Sissies

I have found in my parenting journey that I'm kind of a sissy. When you are young and you have everything figured out. You have nothing to be afraid of, nothing to worry about, and nothing to lose. Then you have children and all that changes.  The way you thought it was going to be is shattered into a million pieces and you begin to realize who you really are. You realize how self-centered you are, how impatient you are, how strong you really are and all because of the little infant that you hold in your arms in the hospital. How could something so small cause so much self introspection? The answer is, it doesn't end in that place, it is just the beginning. Now 6 years and 3 boys later, I'm still learning. 

Recently, I read an article about a woman who wrote a column saying that having kids was the biggest mistake of her life. Many people praised her honesty while others were disgusted by her lack of sensitivity. The truth is it takes courage to be a parent, and I'll be the first to admit that my courage has faltered often, more than I like to own. The desire for everything to appear perfect plagues me. I find myself getting frustrated because I just want my kids to be good, not struggle, to listen, to be perfect angels. I think I have mentioned in the past that I'm worried what people think about my kids. Maybe that is the way I was raised or just my own personal insecurities. Thank God He doesn't see me the way I see myself.

The truth is, I was supposed to be Caleb, Riley, and Carson's mom. I forget this all the time. God saw me and saw them and purposed that we walk this road together as Mother and sons. It is the plan of the enemy to make me feel unworthy or afraid. If it was truly God's plan for me to be their mom, then I have everything they need to become all that they are supposed to be. Does that mean I'm good the way I am? Probably not, I have a lot to learn and a lot to change, but the fact remains that my children were a gift from God and it is my responsibility to take care of this gift. 

So courage to raise them comes from my Father. I might not have all the tools or all the strength or all knowledge, but I do have a Heavenly Father who does. We have to remember that whatever God gives us to do, He WILL give us all that we need to complete the task. Even something like parenting. Sometimes, it takes laying down our own ideas about how it should be done and trusting the Word of God to give us all the wisdom we need. It gives us resolve, not to give up or call it quits or whine or complain but to trust that we will make it. That our children will make it. 

So even if I have been a sissy as a parent, the truth is I don't have to stay there. I don't have to be afraid. I have everything I need to be the parent I'm supposed to be. 

Sometimes it hits the fan....

So ministry comes with many ups and downs. The last two weeks have been on the lower end of the two. I often remember my parents telling me when I was a little girl, that the families of ministers come under great attack. When I was young I didn't completely understand this or really want to since it seemed scary. However, as I have gotten older and being in ministry for over 10 years, I have begun to see that there are forces at work above us that seek to kill, steal, and destroy. The scripture in Ephesians 6:12 says that we do not wrestle with flesh and blood but with powers and principalities. This helps me to put into perspective the events of the last few weeks.

It all began about two weeks ago. My husband and I had just come home from an awesome weekend with our students. It was at our annual youth convention that we saw a lot of breakthrough in our kids. They experienced God like we had not seen up until this point. It was awesome! So although we came home exhausted and worn out, we also came home with a lot of joy and victory in our hearts.

I want to preface what I say next with a little background. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail but I want to explain that our financial situation has not always been easy and these last two months we have experienced a lot of freedom in this area of our lives. This has been a huge victory for us. So when our furnace broke and not just one but both of our vehicles broke down equaling over a 1000 dollars in damage, its safe to say we were feeling frustrated. Now many people might say this is just bad luck or just a coincidence. But being back in the same financial position we were before after having such victory was no coincidence. Then humanity seeped in and the WHY GOD questions began. I called my mother-in-law and just broke down. I was sobbing on the phone. What she said snapped me back to reality. She said, "You are being attacked. You think that the devil is happy with what is happening?" All I could think of was that he was pulling out the big guns. I'm not one to chase after the devil or to see every bad thing as an attack from the pit of Hell, but at that moment, what she said resonated with me. I realized that this was an attempt, by powers and principalites, to steal the joy that comes from the inside and not from things on the outside.

No financial security can become a substitute for the joy of the Lord and the peace that comes from knowing that He is in control. The attempt from the enemy was to steal that from me. When I realized that, I had the real victory. There was a part of me that was saying "bring it on". I now know that like Jeremiah 29:11 says the plans of the Lord for us are good and that He has a great one. It makes me look forward to the future because God has AWESOME things in store for us.

The end of the story is even greater. As I am writing this most of our savings has been restored and God has provided. In the midst of the fight, we don't always see the victory in sight, but God gives us the strength to keep fighting.  He never leaves us. Just writing this today has strengthened my reserve to continue to trust and serve the Almighty God. Be victorious today!