Sparks

Where do I begin?  I don't even know.  This will likely be all over the place.  So much to write and so little time.  


Ever have one of those days (or weekends) when things just start happening like crazy?  Today was one of those days for me.  I've been waiting for it for almost 2 years.  The 6 am blaring alarm sounded off very, very early.  Note: I am NOT a morning person.  Once I was ready to leave, I opened the garage to notice my car was blocked in, so it came quite early for my daughter as well when she had to move her car to let me out.  Oops!  Then, the car was conveniently on E.  I raced to the gas pump to quickly put enough fuel in to "get me to the church on time" and headed down the interstate.  By this point, I should have expected the unexpected, but I hadn't awaken completely yet.  


Finally!  I made it to church.  How I missed being a Greeter, and I didn't even know it.  I had taken a break over the past many months but had recently returned to the list.  Today was my first day back.  Simply being there to say good morning, welcoming those entering the house with a smile and opening the door for them... it just felt good.  A fellow Greeter shared her story with me (seems to be a common theme for me this weekend) and it gripped my heart.  So many people outside of the church are hurting as well as INSIDE the church.  Encouragement poured forth from my own recent walk, and we entered the doors with a promise to be praying.


From there I met a friend dealing with family issues for coffee.  How I love coffee!  We visited and shared our hearts before randomly running into one of the worship leaders at our church.  He began sharing his thoughts with her as I listened.  At some point during the conversation, he started talking about his love for youth and WHAM!  Out of no where, the passion for youth ministry ignited.  It's like turning on your gas stove.  You can turn it on all day long, but without an ignition source, at the end of the day you only get a smelly house.  [If you've read my blog over the years, you have likely realized I've been in a wilderness for the past 2 years (which is a story within itself).  God took away my desire to plug in anywhere so I'd have no distractions or excuses for drawing near to Him.]  Anyway, at that exact moment, God pulled out the Holy flame clicker and ignited the passion to serve the youth right there in the coffee shop.  Who would have thought September 27th, 2009 would have held such a day for me?  I composed myself until I got in the car.  I drove home in tears praying for God to speak loudly.  I needed to know if it was "Connie" wanting to serve or "God wanting Connie" to serve.  


Fast forward approximately 7 hours...  So tonight, I dove in head first.  I put on my old high school shirt (Vision Night's theme), walked into our church with my eyes pointed up, expected the unexpected and by the time I left, I felt as if the Heaven's had truly opened and sparks were flying.  Lord knows that old school shirt may have seen it's "glory days", but it had never experience God like it did tonight.  I assure you, I was worshiping something back in the day, but it wasn't God.  You know, I think that shirt might have even gotten saved tonight, but regardless, I'm all in.  It's all or nothing.  


I cannot wait to see what God's about to do.  The goal is to see the unexpected.  I don't want to miss it.  I know it's going to be incredible.  I'm super thankful for the Wilderness experience itself and grateful to be released from the Wilderness.  I believe those 2 years of Wilderness prepared me for something great to come.  If not anything else, just to be closer to Him.  I'll take it.  Look out world, I've been released!

What's your story?

Sometimes you have to leave your neighborhood to meet your neighbors much less hear their story.  We've lived here for about 7 years now, and sadly we stay in our own little "Holy Strip" as it's referred to.  We have MANY neighbors that attend our church and we often joke that we are the "O M Campus" at HPC.  


Tonight, Doug and I went to our first Married Couples Connect Group.  After many years of previously serving with our student ministries, I admit it's weird hanging out with people our own age.  The funniest part is we met a couple from about 10 houses down our street at the group.  I've seen them many times.  I've often wondered about them (you know, what's their story).  Well, tonight I heard it.  AND WHAT A STORY IT IS!   I am not going to share it out of respect for them, however, I will say God's finger prints are all over this wonderful couple.  What an inspiration!  


I am so excited to be connected with such an amazing church FULL of amazing stories.  I LOVE doing life at this church!  I cannot wait to hear Jennifer and David's entire story, and just maybe she'll give me permission to post it.  You'd love it!

Not some, but ALL things...

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose.  Romans 8:28

I am convinced that ALL THINGS work together for good when walking with God.  Especially while in the wilderness.  At times it may seem like a pit in the lowest place, BUT GOD...   like the middle of the ocean, BUT GOD...   like you're lost in the desert, BUT GOD...  I believe He doesn't put us in pits or oceans or deserts, but He allows us to make decisions that may land us down there.  I also feel that, unfortunately, bad things just happen to good people.  Regardless of the path, I believe God uses all of those experiences to bring about good in ones life.  I've watched Him do just this very thing time and time again in my own life and the lives of those around me.  I'm watching Him walk one out right now as we speak.  Sometimes He allows you to sit in the back row and simply observe.  Other times you gotta get your hands in the dirt while on the front row of life.  Either way it's always an adventure.

Speaking of adventure...  Working away on the manuscript.  Almost complete with the edits.  About to prepare my proposal letter and make some decisions on what publishers to send it to.  So very exciting!  Cannot wait to see what His plans are for this message.  Loving the journey.

Manuscript

Blocks. Football players face them, vehicles drive around them, toddlers play with them, and writers sometimes become immobilized by them. One way or another, we all face them in some way, shape, or form in our lives.  I've looked eye to eye with mine far too long. 

Finally, I feel as if the door to my thoughts and creativity is once again open. It's as if I can see the exit to this no-man's land.  I've spent probably 8-10 hours of the past 2 evenings writing my heart out, and I've loved every minute.  The manuscript editing is going well, and I must say the changes are coming together quite nicely. I may have even picked the title.  Finally!  So very thankful...

Run Along

Last night, as I tossed and turned until well after midnight, visions of publishing my manuscript and writing raced through my head.  Lately, I feel like a kid in a candy shop who can only think about one thing: C-A-N-D-Y!   I believe I am on the edge of something... perhaps a new season.

When God opens the flood gates of ideas, it's time to put on the running shoes and run.  I'll be running along now.

Should I stay or should I go?

Am I a complainer like the Israelites or am I obedient like Nehemiah?  Do I whine at the thought of another meal of manna or am I thankful for God's blessings and protection?  The Clash lyrics keep blasting through my mind this afternoon yelling "Should I stay or should I go?  If I go there will be trouble, if I stay there will be double!"  Ever have days when you feel doomed either way? 

In the wilderness, there seems to be no way out.  It's almost as if the circumstance surrounds you... choking the life right out of you... leaving no good option.  I've found that going may get you into trouble, but staying creates even more.  Obstacles still come up when I go in the direction I feel God leading.  However, when I stay, I find myself rooted deeper in fear and everything else that holds me hostage.  Not only do I have to dig my way out of insecurity or some dimminshing label, but then I still have the original problem staring me in the face.  Hence the term "double trouble".  The circumstance (or quiz as I like to refer to it lately) keeps coming back until I look it boldly in the eye and shoot it with the stone in my sling shot.

God...He always provides.  When the Israelites found themselves on the shore of the Red Sea (Ex 14), they were faced with a choice:  complain or trust?  When they found the well but the water was bitter (Ex 15), complain or trust?  When they were hungry without food (Ex 16), complain or trust?  Complain or trust?  Complain or trust?  No more complaining.  In this season, I am choosing to trust.  When I chose to follow after Him, He always gives me the strength I need to endure life's challenges.  So I guess the question is this "Why not go?"

Peace University

Today is our first step to taking control of our financial future.  We began a 13 week course changing our thinking and controlling our money instead of our money controlling us.  Dave Ramsey presents things with clarity while entertaining along the way actually leaving me to feel empowered as well as informed.  With a small manageable step we begin our journey to a big plan.  Look out future...here we come!  No more throwing our money down the toilet.  

Goal: Financial Freedom

If you want more info about attending, go to HPC.

Wilderness

As I've mentioned before, I'm working on One In A Million (Bible Study).  This study is packed with so much practical information.  I believe regardless of where you are in your journey it will speak into your life.  


Tonight's nugget is simple:  No matter what season you are in, "EVERY wilderness season increases your chances to see God's supernatural and miraculous power working for your good." (Priscilla Shirer)  I don't know about you, but I don't want to camp out in the season of yesterday.  I'm learning to embrace my right now looking with wide-eyes for the opportunity to grow.  

"It is good to remember that the tea kettle, 

although up to its neck in hot water, continues to sing." 

- Author Unknown

Oh, that I would continue to sing joyfully no matter how hot it gets.

Lessons

You know, God has a sense of humor.  Some days He has a really big sense of humor!  I picked up a book about Boundaries this weekend.  Thought I'd just give it a quick read.  Glean some ideas, maybe a few points.  God had another plan in mind:  Pop-Quiz!  Today, He decided he'd give me lots of opportunities to use these new ideas and points I was so confidently thinking I had under control.  I'm thinking I failed and need to start the book over.  Thankfully, He's a God of 2nd chances, and 3rd, and 4th, and 5th, and ......


I've also been studying Priscilla Shirer's new Bible study call One In a Million.  Packed with great stuff; it's exactly what I've needed in this season of the wilderness. I'll post more on this tomorrow, but for now, headed out the door to go have a coffee with one of my daughters.  Now, that's something I cannot fail.  

Number 40

40 seems to be a number that my life keeps stumbling over a lot lately.  Moses was in the wilderness for 40 years, Children's Cup 40 Days of Prayer, and Doug's 40th recently to name a few.  Most people I know cringe at the thought of turning 40.  Gasp!  For some odd reason with approximately 137 days to go, I think I might actually be getting excited about it.  I cannot quite put my finger on it, but I think I am.  Is that wrong?  So what if there are a few dozen wrinkles and, well, I don't exactly 'look' the same as I did 20 years ago.  You're only as old as you feel, right?  I admit I do feel quite ancient at times, however, I am about to change that.  Inside I still feel like I'm on the edge of adulthood, but outside is about to get a wake up call.  Tuesday is the day I'm diving in:  gym membership!  It is time.


Speaking of time, I must get back to the book I've been glued to since I got home this evening.  I'll tell you all about it when I'm done reading it.  Good Night!

A Day in the Life of Me, Myself & I

Some days are just blah.  Blah, blah, blah.  I woke up thinking today would be one of those days, but I was in for a pleasant surprise.  With everyone at home having other plans, "Me, Myself and I" randomly took off just to check out the Labor Day sales.  You would have thought Macys hid $100 bills in the racks the way people were buzzing around the store.  Sales tend to bring out the funniest things in individuals.  People watching is one of my favorite pastimes (I know, I need a hobby), and today offered plenty of opportunity.

Finding myself bored with the people watching and shopping (hard to believe), Barnes and Noble became my next destination.  I love browsing through books with a coffee in hand, but somewhere along the drive,  I was sidetracked.  Like a magnet I was pulled toward the Cinema at Perkins Rowe finding myself in line to purchase a lone ticket.  I singled out Julie And Julia although I have to admit I only selected it because of the movie time.  WOW, am I so glad I did!  The movie centered upon Julie blogging about her experience of cooking her way through Julia Child's entire cookbook (500+ recipes in one years time) and discovering herself in the process.  Inspired by the movie,  I decided I should blog more.  I absolutely love to write.  Even though I sometimes think no one reads it, I really enjoy it.  My new goal is to blog daily (or at least weekly).  Anyway, back to the day...

From the movie I decided I'd make one more stop before going home... the new Kirklands.  Oh, it was love at first sight.  I have to be careful going in that store.  The aroma…the choices…the colors…I love it!  It's almost as if the buyer knows my taste and buys only things I would love to have.  A financially dangerous place for me to be.  So many choices, so little money.  Somehow I managed to get out without spending one penny.  On the way out I spotted DSW Shoes.  I had never gone in there, and since Me and Myself didn't mind tagging along, I decided to check it out.  They should call it Shoe Heaven.  Oh Mama!!  Now, I am really in trouble.  Kirklands and my new favorite shoe store three doors apart.  I was in an overload of bliss!

Sometimes the best day is just Me, Myself and I hanging out.  The thing I love the most about it is you can go check out anything you want as long as you want without having to worry about your company not wanting to go or being bored.  Today was one pleasant surprise after another.  A welcome break from the wilderness of life.  Thanks Lord!  

Wilderness Adventures

If there's one thing I've learned over the past few years, it is when you reach that "great place with God" watch out for the wilderness. It's coming. For some it's out of the blue - WHAM! For others, it just sneaks in the back door; quietly undetected. I'd say mine has been somewhere in between.

During this time, I'm comforted by reading what the Israelites experienced in their wilderness. I'm no theologian, but I noticed a couple of things:

• God protected the Israelites by taking them the long route. I tend to complain unless the long route was by my choice...usually that happens on vacation, just to simply take in a view or even to admire one of my favorite places on the way home. The Israelites were purposely led the long route. They didn't have an itinerary or schedule to follow. They just followed. But the purpose was to protect them (Ex 13).
• God never allowed the Israelites to starve. He more than provides for them, however, faith, trust and obedience was required. Faith that God's taking care of their needs. Trust that tomorrow God's going to provide again, and Obedience to just do what He says.
• Moses spent 40 years in the desert and not a moment was wasted. Now, I'm almost 40, and I cannot imagine being in the wilderness that long. 40 years. 40 LOOOOOONG YEARS. Wow, what faith Moses required! Or maybe acquired... God spent the 40 years preparing him, teaching him, guiding him. And during those 40 years, God never left them alone (Ex 40:38). He was there with Moses and the Israelites day and night.

Those couple of points made me look at the wilderness from a little different perspective. Here are a few random lessons I've learned so far in my own journey...and I believe the lessons will keep coming:

• The wilderness usually follows a time of peace. As I'm reminded of my previous season, I felt on top of the world. When I began to feel the desert knocking at my door, I kept thinking "What did I do wrong? Did I walk away from God?" Certain that I must have committed some huge sin, I came to realize that maybe, just maybe, it was a designed time with God. I had gotten my routine down and had reached a sort of high in my life. I realize that in the peace-filled, sitting at God's feet moments, He was simply preparing me for the wilderness that was before me.
• While in the wilderness, God's steadily teaching me. When I listen and get quiet before the Lord, He's speaks to me like never before. He recently gave me a flock of sparrow on my patio right after reading Matt 10:31. Unbelievable! Moses experienced the Burning Bush (Ex 3), the Israelites were led by a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Ex 13), the many angels bearing messages in the Bible (too many to note), and my favorite Wilderness Explorer "Job"...now that guy walked in trials, but by the time he was healed and restored (in his own words speaking of the Lord) Job said ""I had heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes." (Job 42:5) Without the wilderness, Job might not have gotten to that level with God. I want to see God like that. God uses the wilderness to mold and shape us.
• No miracle ever happened without a great need, and don't doubt for a minute that this great need wasn't some person's wilderness. Miracles can be big and small but there is one common factor: a need bigger than the person's capability. In the words of Priscilla Schirer "You can't see miracles unless there is an impossible situation you can't figure out for yourself." If one can figure it out, how is that a miracle? I want to see miracles. I guess I need to ask myself "Am I willing to take the path to get there?"

So if you find yourself in the wilderness, look at it with anticipation. God's about to do something big in your life. His time, His way, His miracle. We just get a front row seat to the action. So pull up a chair, grab some popcorn, and keep your eyes open. You never know when it's gonna happen, but I assure you it's worth the wait!

"God comes in our ordinary moments suddenly, unexpectedly and often inconveniently. BUT if we are prepared, that moment can become the catalyst that changes our lives, and potentially the course of history."

-chris caine