Love My New Role

There aren't words for the privilege of loving children.  Why God even begins to trust us with the care and nurture of another human being is sometimes beyond me.  Our dreams and hopes for each generation is that they will know the love of God.

There is an amazing joy in watching our own children love their children.  Seeing their joy and watching them fall head over heals crazy gaga over their Ty has totally blown me away.  Josh and Amy are wonderful parents.  Ty adores his mama and can't get enough of his daddy.  They know that Ty's spiritual formation is their responsibility.  Psalm 78:4 says, "we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power and the wonders He has done."

Now as Grandma, I am learning my greatest privilege is to pray, love and encourage.  I so believe in my kids.  They are followers of Christ who have dedicated their whole lives to serving Him.  I trust their hearts and I trust our Lord to lead them well.  My job is not done, simply different.  And I absolutely love my new role. 

Shake It Off

This morning I was reminded that we often are called to shake off the enemy’s attempts to steal our joy.  He uses quit a few different tactics like fear, pride, paranoia... His list is long.  However, when you recognize His schemes and know God’s truth, you can move forward in faith.  For me the Word of God is life.  The Word along with the Holy Spirit are the sources for discerning between my own hang ups or the enemy’s schemes and the truth God has put before me.

Lean into the Word and listen for the Spirit.  If we don’t, we will be dragged into enemy territory.

Jesus Is Enough

 Jesus is enough.

There are moments and seasons in life when words cannot give meaning to all that goes on deep within the soul.  When those seasons arise, Jesus is enough.  When your heart feels like it will break in two, Jesus is enough.  When your days fill up with stress, Jesus is enough.  When you know that getting out of bed in the morning will start another day of more of the same, Jesus is enough.  When life as you know it has just been turned upside down and sideways, Jesus is enough.  When all you can do is look into the eyes of our Lord, then look deeply.  There you will find comfort, understanding and the power of God to heal and transform you in your real life present moment.  

Simple Prayers

This morning as I spent some moments in quiet, I asked God  to show me one simple thing I can do today to connect with Him.  It wasn’t long after that I picked up a book I read last fall titled “Same Kind Of Different As Me.” (For those who read, I would highly recommend it)  In the book I read this line that rocked me back on my heels.  It said, “Recycle the love you’ve been given to somebody that’s not easy to love.”

A few years ago I determined that I would live my life loved, in other words that I would live to trust, experience and believe daily that God loves me.  By doing so, I believed that God would deeply transform me into the woman He created me to be.  With praise and glory to God, He is helping me on that journey.

There are always next steps though. Now I am to recycle that love not only to those who are easy to love, but to those who are far different than me, those I don’t understand or those who don’t like me.  Might I add this isn’t just in word but in deed.

Well so much for asking God for a simple way to connect to Him :)  He has a way of answering our prayers.  

Reflections From My Soul

Over the past weeks I have been taking time to think about the events of the day. Taking time to reflect and meditate is counter to life as we know it. Sometimes the reflections hold up a mirror to my face and reflect back the issues I don’t want to deal with.

Last week while at Beaver Lake, I sat out on the deck. Early in the morning, the lake is extremely calm. It was so calm that the lake clearly reflected the landscape. When the breeze would pick up, the reflection was blurry.

While taking in that beautiful scenery I was reminded that my life is to reflect the beauty of Christ while living out His character. However, the wind will toss us around to the point that our lives are veiled to the world and Christ is barely noticeable to us or to those around us. Sitting on that deck, I know I need to dedicate time for Christ to search my soul so He can transform me from the inside out. No matter what life throws our direction, may we open our minds, hearts and souls to His redeeming touch, allowing Him to change our direction and destination.

Last night I went to bed knowing that I was to lead a devotional during Soul Care at 6:30 a.m. without a clue as to what God might have in mind for our time.  I normally do not make this a habit, but for the life of me I could not get a sense from God.  So, headed to bed without clear direction does not make for a great night's sleep.

The alarm went of at 5:30 without even a trace of a dream to hang on to.  By 6:15 I was headed to Soul Care knowing that God would meet us where we were.  He lead our time in Psalm 23, through John 10:1-5 then on to Zeph 3:17.   May God's Word refresh and restore your soul. 

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

 ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
       he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he restores my soul.
       He guides me in paths of righteousness
       for his name's sake.
 ⁴ Even though I walk
       through the valley of the shadow of death, ^[a]
       I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff,
       they comfort me.
 ⁵ You prepare a table before me
       in the presence of my enemies.
       You anoint my head with oil;
       my cup overflows.
 ⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me
       all the days of my life,
       and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
       forever.

John 10

The Shepherd and His Flock

 ¹"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. ²The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. ³The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."

Zephaniah 3:17 (New International Version)

 ¹⁷ The LORD your God is with you,
       he is mighty to save.
       He will take great delight in you,
       he will quiet you with his love,
       he will rejoice over you with singing."

Strong Teams

Strong teams share some common traits.  They know the direction they are headed.  They bring it all and leave it all on the field each and every time.  They come as individuals with incredible strengths knowing they don’t stand a chance without their team mates beside them.  They celebrate each other, don’t always agree on every detail and are ready to step on to the playing field.  Focusing on results and growth they begin to move in sync as one.  They become family, living life in the thick and thin.

Great teams do not happen over night or by accident.  It is no accident that God has created you with strengths to be a part of something bigger than you could ever do or become on your own.  Each person influences family, co workers and friends 24/7 to follow God through living lives of integrity, compassion and love.  Don’t minimize your roles in real time life and the kingdom significance you have there

Yesterdays, Today and Tomorrows

 

So where did time go?  Time is now all those wonderful memories that I hold and treasure.  Thankfulness for the past and great hope for our future is some of God's great gifts.  

Take a look at your babies and know there will come a day that you will send them off into the world.  Help them get ready.  Teach them about Jesus.  Show them how to handle pain and disappointment.  Remember skinned knees teaches them that there is someone to help them up.  Show them how to rejoice in the Lord and all He gives them. 

Lauren emailed wanting my pie crust recipe.  Then it hit me.  I never taught Lauren how to make pie crust.  She has watched but we never took the time to actually have a hands on lesson, a hands on lesson of what makes a good crust or how a good pie crust feels in your hands while you are working with it, or the little secrets to making the crust beautifully golden.  I didn't ever get that done.  

Wow where did the time go?  

Time is today, this moment. At the end of each day, I long to live in the "No Regrets" zone.  Keep short relational accounts.  Love people well.  Listen more than talk.  Speak kindly even when you don't feel like it.  And when you don't do any of those things well take responsibility for it, seek forgiveness, get up and move on.  

I sent the pie crust recipe to Lauren.  She's a big girl now.  She'll figure it out, call if she needs anything and learn her own tricks.  Hope she shares them with me because I have a lot to learn.  :) 

Well I am on day number 9 of Dennis' 10 day trip to Honduras.  Man am I ready to see him.  I miss him like crazy.  The house is quiet, too quiet.  Cooking for myself stinks.  I can take about 3 or 4 days ok, 7 if I have to.  But 10?  This is nuts. 

One good thing to Dennis being gone?  Less laundry. Hummmmm, I think I would rather do laundry.  Did I just say that? 

Miss you darlin and come home to me soon!

Babies and Grandmas

Grandma. I thought "Mama" was the most precious name I could have. Even to this day, as old as my kids are, I love to be called Mama. However, I have a feeling that my heart strings are about to move to the sweet sound of baby calling out "Grandma" or "Mee Maw" or "Nana" or whatever this precious one will call me. Yes I am going to be Grandma. The role of Mom is amazing and the role of Grandma is beyond words.

I am looking forward to many things. Naps, reading books, snuggling, baking cookies, outdoor walks, playing in the snow, days on the lake, overnighters while mom and dad are gone or simply need time away, movies, projects...wow the list is endless.

So pass this on to other women. I would love to hear from you. What are your favorite memories of your Grandma? What made her special to you? If you are a Grandma, what do you love to do with your grandkids and how are you creating memories for them?

Please comment and send out the word!
Thanks,
Cathy

Words For The Tough Days

Today I woke up feeling attacked. Sharing this with a friend via text, she emailed back words that I believe God wanted to me to hear. I am simply going to pass her email along to you. May it refresh your heart and soul as it has mine today.


Habbakuk 3:17-19

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the LORD, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places."

I think it's interesting to note that it says at the end: "To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments." So, it's likely that this was a song.

You invest in people, you invest in projects, you work hard to sow into those you've been called to. And, yet, there are times when there is no crop. Nothing to show for it. Sometimes there's been a spat of bad weather. Sometimes bugs have gotten in the way. Sometimes there is no explanation for why there is desolation where there should be life.

Sometimes, like Elijah's servant, we just can't SEE the things that are real. We see only an enemey's army and not our Protector's. Sometimes, like Elijah himself, we survive and thrive in the midst of an awesome test and showing of God's power, like with the prophets of Baal, and yet we end up defeated beneath a tree, asking for God to take us to Him rather than let us be swallowed up in lonelineness.

Regardless of the whys and hows and even the whats, our God is merciful. He doesn't expect us to see everything. He doesn't expect us to rejoice in the lack. He, in his lovingkindness, helps us survive. Yes, he came to give us life, and more abundantly. But, the Author of your heart surely knows its limitations.

I am praying for you to take your joy in God...your strength. Your provision. Your rescuer. Your answer. Your crop.

Thanks Jena for your obedience in sharing.

Spiritual Space

This week, I have been challenged to make space for God in my life. Giving Him permission to work the way He wants rather than what I am merely willing to accept is a huge step for me. As life changes, I am beginning to recognize that so much of what I had planned for He has changed. Prayers tend to be directed about what I desire rather than listening for what He wants.

God is leading me to quiet green pastures beside still waters where He longs to restore my soul. Funny thing is that is a place within my soul. It isn’t simply a departure from life but a place where my soul resides even in the midst of chaos. This “place” is not in the physical. I definitely have a responsibility to quiet my soul, making space by pulling away for moments of silence with God. But as I return to those quiet places, I may be in a meeting, doing household chores or taking a walk.

Friends, without sounding pink, take some time to sit in silence with God giving Him permission to speak as He desires instead of telling Him what you want. Then after some time of silence, lay your greatest need before Him allowing His light to shine on this challenge you face. Listen to Him. Allow Him to show you what you need to see. Give Him space to speak, move, direct and give you all you need.