New blog

New Blog:
www.reflectingpurity.wordpress.com


Check it out... let me know what you think.  

A Life of Doorkeeping

Pastor Dino Rizzo spoke last Wednesday night in the new Arena regarding Ps 84. There is so much depth in the Psalms if we just take the time to pick it apart. Pastor chose Ps 84 to pick apart.  I was especially intriged with verse 10 seeing how fitting it is for us at HPC.  We need so many more serving the house. I loved the message and thought I would share it with you. Enjoy!

"Soul Food Series"

Pastor Dino Rizzo

The living presence of God radiates out of our lives as we serve Him with gladness and grace.  Its in how we treat others.  It's in how we live.  (we read through the entire chapter 84, but Pastor commented on a few verses in particular)

Vs. 2: My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Only God can create living among the dieing.  Our God is a living breathing God.

Vs. 3: Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young-- a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

The sparrow laying her eggs represents new life in God's house and in His presence.

Vs. 6: As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

A belivers life is a pilgramage.  You never quite get there until in His presence. 
It's a life long journey.

Vs. 10: Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

If we are going to be a Doorkeeper, then we need to know what it means.  It's to abide by the threshold of God.  It's individual as well as corporate.  The Doorkeeper stands by the door.  They watch and notice things that others do not notice.  Someone who sees things going on that others don't pick up.  To be a Doorkeeper we must know what it means.  What is the responsibility, the outcome, the goal? 

Questions: Am I a Doorkeeper in my family, in my work, in my marriage?

4 MARKS OF A DOORKEEPER:   NOTE:  WE NEED MANY DOORKEEPERS IN THE ARENA!  MANY MORE DOORS.
1.  Doorkeepers help roll out the welcome mat.  They make sure it's rolled out.  They need to be welcoming.
Ever felt unwelcome?  If so, what was your response?  (never returning there, not gonna go back)
Questions:  Is my life welcoming to others?  How about at work?  Does my life say welcome at home?
Welcoming creates supernatural things.
Doorkeepers keep an eye out for the guest.
Being welcomed is a feeling.  When you go somewhere and they already know your name or are waiting on you, then you feel special and wanted. 
May God pour out a welcoming spirit on us.

2.  Doorkeepers bring energy and enthusiasm to a person's experience.
Ever been to a nice hotel?  They open the door for you, they already know you by name, they serve you.  What happens when no one speaks to you?  It makes you want to leave.  It takes a daily effort.  This is big for us in the kingdom of God. 
We've got to make sure the experience is great for every person that enters the House of the Lord.  It's not about a sermon or lighting or whatever.  It's about a persons experience with Jesus. 

3.  As a Doorkeeper, all of our invites become my responsibility. 
It is my responsibility to get the door for anyone that has been invited.  Everybody is everyone's responsibility.
With more invites, there is more work.  Doorkeepers are ok with more work.
It's about the view. Doorkeepers get to see something others don't see.  They have a perception of things that others may overlook or just miss.  They are attentive.

4.  Doorkeepers decide to give their best. 
Doorkeepers are convinced what's about to happen inside has the ability to change ones life.  They believe what they have experienced inside is available to all who enter.  "What God has done in my life, He can do in yours!"  
Doorkeepers are always serving.  They serve at the grocery store, the church, their work...  They serve everywhere they go.  Question:  What am I serving everywhere I go?
Doorkeepers believe in the Bible...the Word of God.  They are convinced in it.
Doorkeepers say "I'll change my life for you so that you can have this experience too.  I'll change my ... my parking spot, my service, my life just for you."  

Our goal:  THE WARMEST MOST WELCOMING PLACE I GO IS MY CHURCH. 
Lord help us if it's ever not.

********************************************************** 

I have been thinking about this message for the past week.  Speaking of message, I love the Message Version which says "I'd rather scrub the floors in the house of the Lord..."  What a great word about serving as a greeter (or any other area).  Made me think of the following questions in my personal life:

Am I welcoming to those in my life?
Do I bring energy or do I drain others in my serving?
Is my life speaking radiating Christ to others?

On a different but similar note, I read a devotional sunday morning mentioning "am I serving for rewards/blessing OR am I serving for God?" 

Lord, let it not be about a reward, recognition or blessing ... ever.  God, may my Doorkeeping be worship unto You.  Let me never look at it as an inconvenience or just as a job/duty.  Lord, open my eyes to Your perspective.  Give me Your view.  May my 10 seconds I have with someone coming in the door be a pleasing aroma to You and not some stinky odor.  May I be welcoming!  In Jesus mighty name!

Lord, Do YOU Think I'm Beautiful?

So, wow!  I didn't do very well posting in February.  I've been on sort of a writing halt for the past month.  Busy is the word.  I really don't like that word, but that's the one I'm gonna stick with.  Between family, work, more family, accident details, and a few random trips, 2010 has been a melting pot of experiences.  Honestly, I've never felt so close to God than I have last month or two.  I cannot quite explain it.  So much turmoil, yet so much peace.  I've seen His hand so very clearly in my life.


I began a new Bible study with a few of my close friends.  We've decided (thanks to the suggestion of Zoe) to go with "Do You Think I Am Beautiful?" by Angela Thomas.  Whoa!  That's about all I can muster up because it takes my breath away.  We are on week two and I feel as if I've studied a month already in a good way.  I was so ready for this yet I didn't even know it.  Angela, way to write straight to the heart of every woman!  If you are a female, I recommend this book and/or Bible study to you.  It's one of those "you gotta read this" for me.  Get a group of your friends together girls... you cannot go wrong on this one.


One thing I've realized in 2010 is the world tends to stifle the whisper of God.  The world wants to remove beauty from my vocabulary.  It's constantly reminding me of the "ugly" in my life.  The ugly hair days, the ugly attitude moments, the ugly insecurity, the ugly whatever it can find to hold over my head.  Can you hear it?  Can you hear God's whisper?  It's time we lean in and listen.  He's not only whispering but He's singing His love over all of us.  Can you hear it?  If not, lean in and listen.  Has your situation's noisy voice drowned out the whisper of the Father?  If it has, lean in past the noise and listen.  Do you feel unworthy or not good enough to hear Him?  He's speaking to all of us and that includes you.  He's crazy about you!!  Lean in and listen.  He wants to whisper sweet somethings to you.  You are valuable.


Speaking of leaning in and listening, I think I'll go do just that.  Nothing like taking your own advice.  Until next time, lean in and listen.  See you before April, I promise. 

Prayer Lake

Retreats....  I often wonder why they are called this.  When I think of retreat, I imagine someone in battle deciding they cannot make it and running away from their opponent, fleeing.  On the other hand, what a "treat" retreats are.  I guess "re"-treating yourself to God is just that, one big treat.


Prayer Lake was more than I expected.  I am partial to the outdoors although I'm such a girl.  I want to see it all (wildlife) but I'm totally afraid of being near it.  I find thats when I experience God the most.  Through nature.  We were delighted to find out upon our arrival that we were in the Rose Cabin.  The pictures online were so cute, however, I would later learn that the room was much more than cute.  We didn't have time to check in the cabin before, so Nancy, Natalie and I settled right in for supper and a seat on the comfy couch.  We were expecting to hear from God (along with a room of women) and that's all that really mattered.  The speakers wasted no time presenting their topic.  I may have gone expecting, but I received so much more than anticipated.  

In an effort not to give away all of Joy Mounger and Lynn McCain's material (which would be pages and pages of many GREAT words), here are five of the MANY take-away's I received:

• Life tries to steal away what we are all born with...Hope.  God doesn't create one person without hope inside of them.  The enemy comes to steal it at every opportunity he has.  However, God (knowing this would happen) planned in advance providing a way out.  He helps us reclaim the hope stolen from our very own hearts.  We must seek God all of the time, not just in crisis.  If we only seek Him in times of crisis, we'll be empty and hopeless.  Questions:  Am I in possession of my hope? Am I a crisis seeker or a full-time pursuer?
• "You don't find ministry...it finds you."  We are all on a journey.  We try to pack more than we need in our suit case although we can only bring certain things.  When we overpack, the suitcase will prevent us from making it to our destination.  Very profound thought!  Too much weight, we cannot carry it.  Without the items we need, we are ill-prepared.  With items not approved, we cannot make it through check-in. Question:  What am I trying to pack that prevents me from moving forward?
• God personally dealt with me about stealing the calling of others.  OUCH!  Either Joy or Lynn may have referenced this, but God definitely spoke this to me in detail.  When you do more than God calls you to do, it's stealing someone else's calling.  They were intended to do a job and if I do it for them, then it prevents them from stepping out and growing.  If I don't do my own calling, then I am stealing someone else's time that they should be using to fulfill their own calling.  Question:  Am I stealing?
• Repent for judging spiritual authority.  We have to protect our pastors and leaders.  If they are not doing something right, it's not our place to announce it to the congregation and make them all question the authority.  If God placed them there, we are to pray for them.  If you've already talked about their authority or judged them, then repent.  
• If you close your eyes and imagine God's Throne, where are you standing in relation to it?  If you aren't sitting in God's lap, run as fast as you can to get there.  I have never been one to see myself there, but this weekend, I finally did.  No better place to be.  Question:  Where are you in relation to the Throne?

Here's a few photos of our weekend at Prayer Lake.  Sorry, the beds not made, but you get the idea of how great the room is.  There is another retreat coming up in March.  I only picked a few points from the weekend to share so you can go experience it for yourself.  If you cannot make it, dig in to those questions above.  If you have not been to Prayer Lake, you should go.  Very worth the drive and time.  The place itself is so very peaceful and relaxing.  Take some time and go treat yourself!  You'll be glad you did. 

  

To Skip or Not To Skip?

It's been a great 3 weeks (well, almost 3 weeks) of Prayer and Fasting.  Being completely transparent with you, I usually just skip around in the Psalms.  Every time I get to chapter 119, I usually shutter with intimidation at the sheer size of the chapter, and hurriedly flip the pages to the 130's (as if I must out run it or something).  That's where some of my favorite chapters are; mainly chapter 139.  


For all practical purposes, mostly out of obedience, I dove into chapter 119.  Tackling a mere 8 verses daily, I found some of the best kept secrets the Bible has to offer.  I learned  1. wisdom of the believer is found in God's commands, 2. His perfect unfailing love is constantly at our disposal, and 3. safety is at our fingertips when we obey.  So very many great lessons to learn!  Not only lessons from His Word, but lessons in not skipping things just because of the size or any other excuse.  Don't let large chapters intimidate you.  They are filled with God's wisdom just like short chapters.  Great things come in small packages... and evidently large chapters too.  


What are you skipping over in the Bible?  
Challenge:  Dig in & find the treasures of God's heart.


I think my next challenge is Song of Songs.  (long pause)  I actually just shuttered typing the name.  I always intentionally skip the entire book because it's... so... well... it's gotten a bad wrap.  It's God's Word.  There is freedom in wrestling the areas of our lives that hold us back.  I think the question is:  What am I missing?  Time to find out!

Mountains and Valleys

Our church is in a series called: Twenty-Ten: A New Adventure.  Pastor Dino's message was very inspiring to me so I thought I'd share a couple of notes from it.  If you want to hear the message, then you can go to online.healingplacechurch.org at 8pm Sunday, Jan 24, and Tuesday, Jan 26 -OR- Friday, Jan 29 at 11am.

Pastor Dino Rizzo, January 23rd Saturday Service

On an adventure you can see things you've never seen before.  The real question is are we ready for the Mountains and Valleys in 2010?  There will be Mountains and there will be Valleys.  That's a fact.
Matthew 17:1-9

1.  MOUNTAIN - The mountain represent meeting with God.  Being connected.  We've got to have the mountain top experiences in our lives.  Without them we'll never be ready for the Valley.  What the disciples "saw" changed them.  Their perspective was different after having heard from God.  Alone time on the mountain is where you receive direction from God and hear His voice (vs 1 "led them up a high mountain to be alone").  Being with God transforms you.

Peter witnessed the radiance of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.  Peter blurted out his thoughts as if he actually had something to contribute to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah's conversation.  Sometimes it's best to just be quiet.  Brother Wayne Austin says "Silence is wisdom.  When you open your mouth, then everyone knows what's going on for sure."  God silenced Peter and gave him direction.  (vs 4 ends with God saying "Listen to Him.")

2.  VALLEY - The valley represents the craziness of life, powerless moments, lack, negativity.  Things happen in the valley.  Don't get too busy that you take up residence in the valley.  Gotta get back to the mountain to refuel. 

Vs 9 "as they went back down the mountain"... Pastor Dino says "Some days you're on top of the mountain, some days you're on your way up or down the mountain, and other days you're at the foot of the mountain in the valley.  That's the adventure."  So much truth to this.  Every day is an adventure in life.  Some days are better than others. 

3.  Why did Jesus go to the mountain?  To hear and listen to God's voice.  It's that simple.  We MUST hear God's voice.  We need direction. 

4.  Why do "I" need the mountain?  Same reason as Jesus.  If Jesus needed to regularly go to the mountain to be alone, how much more do I need it?  If we are going to be all that we are created to be in life, we must receive His direction.

QUESTION:  Am we asking: "what does God want me to do?" OR "what do I want to do?"  We cannot hear God in the valley.  We need to get to the mountain.  It's not what I know, but Who I know. 

Pastor Dino interviewed Pastor Mike Haman who recently returned from Haiti. Pastor Mike shared some of the things he witnessed.  He also mentioned it was very significant that he had been in a specific time of prayer and fasting (Awakening: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting (on the mountain top with God)) at the time of the earthquake.  Has he not, he would not be prepared to be in Haiti (the valley).  Matt 25:13 

Pastor closed on the thought of there are only 2 places you will wake up when you die.  When the earthquake hit, all of those thousands of precious people woke up in either Heaven or Hell.  He asked the question:  Do you know which one it will be for you?  Need to be certain.  Don't wait.  Be prepared.  Make the decision today.

Day 2: Purity Revealed

These 21 days are going to be phenomenal!  Already, I'm 2 for 2 on hearing great things from God.  Today's reading for the 21 Days of Prayer consisted of verses 9 through 16 of Psalm 119.  As you may have already imagined, I found a jewel in those 8 verses.  Being someone passionate about the pursuit of purity, verse 9 hit me like a brick.  It reads:

"How can a young person stay pure? 

By obeying Your Word."

Some versions continue saying "and following its rules."  As I read the words, I thought "That's it young people!  Get in the Word!"  It's as if I was lost in the woods and suddenly came across a path leading somewhere.  Actually this truth applies not only to the young, but everyone.  Male or female.  Young or young at heart (9 days until I celebrate 40, so I'm not really liking the word old right now).  Searching throughout the Bible for years, I've been seeking "the answer".  God finally opened my eyes to HIS answer:  The key to purity isn't found in one or two or three verses, but in the entire Bible.  Purity is a product of obedience to God's simple commands.  I wonder what nuggets tomorrow holds for all of us.   

Question:  How can I be more obedient to God's Word?

Today's reading:  Psalm 119:9-16

21 Days of Prayer

I love setting aside time for dedicated prayer!  Our church, Healing Place Church, is joining with many other churches for 21 Days of Prayer.  During this time, we will be focusing on Psalm 119...a monster of a chapter having over 70 verses.  

Due to it's sheer size, I often skip this chapter while browsing the Psalms, but was pleasantly surprised this morning.  Today, day 1, we read verses 1 through 8.  I love the ending verse for today.  Please do not give up on me!  I especially like the punch at the end.  The exclamation point!  I am sure I over-use them, but I think it's the passionate side of me that likes them the most.  

If I were to be completely honest with you, I feel like I don't live up to my potential most days.  Maybe it's an attitude needing adjustment, perfectionism that I can never attain, who knows what it is.  Other days I feel like I'm on my game.  Regardless of the day, let my prayer everyday be "Lord, please do not give up on me!!!!!!"  I think this pretty much sums up my plea.

My prayer for these 21 days is two fold:  1.  I would grow closer to God to hear His voice more clearly every day, and 2. God would give me direction about where to submit the manuscript to for publishing. 

Today's reading:  Psalm 119

 ¹ Joyful are people of integrity,
      who follow the instructions of the Lord.
 ² Joyful are those who obey his laws
      and search for him with all their hearts.
 ³ They do not compromise with evil,
      and they walk only in his paths.
 ⁴ You have charged us
      to keep your commandments carefully.
 ⁵ Oh, that my actions would consistently
      reflect your decrees!
 ⁶ Then I will not be ashamed
      when I compare my life with your commands.
 ⁷ As I learn your righteous regulations,
      I will thank you by living as I should!
 ⁸ I will obey your decrees.
      Please don’t give up on me!

Lost in Obedience

This morning I was reading part of Nehemiah's account of the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem.  What a man of courage and determination!  What if all of God's people were obedient to the point of Nehemiah's obedience?  What if we all just got lost in obedience to Him?  I think about great men and women like Moses, Abraham, Paul, John...well, actually all of the disciples, and so many others.  Accounts we get the pleasure of reading in the Bible still today. Then there are modern day versions like Mother Teresa and the countless others serving our world today as missionaries.  The obedience required in each of their lives speaks volumes. 

In Nehemiah 9, the people were finished with rebuilding the wall. They stood in place for 3 hours while the book of the law was read, and then 3 additional hours they stood as they confessed their sins and worshiped God.  After 6 HOURs they were still praying!  6 hours and still going...sounds like "Get Out of the Shade" Summer Camp from 5 or 6 years ago, but that's a story for another post.  They began recounting the greatness of God...of His great mercy and unfailing love.  At this time they offered up a simple petition to God not to forget them and their suffering.  Not 30 minutes of reading or praying in my comfy chair, but after 6 hours on their feet, they offered a simple prayer to God.  Amazing to me!  

If each of us were honest, we'd say we have trouble focusing on God for more than mere minutes some days.  At times we complain about having to get up for church or mumble about going to work or having to drive somewhere.  Times when, instead, we should be singing praise to God for the amazing privileges we have...privileges of His unfailing love and great mercy.  How incredibly blessed we are.  Every day, we should wake up with a song of joy on our lips and a heart of obedience to just say "Yes Sir, God.  Yes Sir."  Lord, make me more like Nehemiah.  Lost in obedience regardless of the cost.  With that, I'll just focus on saying "Yes Sir" today.

2010... (continued)

I've really thought about my previous post regarding my "resolutions".  Since I just don't like that word, I'm gonna call them "targets".  Here are my targets for 2010...

1. Read more (aiming for 12 (beginning to end) books this year - seems small but really it isn't for me).
2. Complain less.
3. Think BEFORE I speak.  Encourage rather than discourage.
4. Write from my heart and publish something this year.
5. Love like there's no tomorrow.
6. Be the person God created me to be.
7. Learn, learn, LEARN!
8. Seek Jesus with every single thing within me.  (Less of me, more of Him!)

I don't think I really want to change anything on this list other than shuffle it a bit.  By pursuing some of these it will make me a better mom and wife, while others will simply help me grow toward my God given purpose.  I think simple is better so 8 is plenty enough!

2010...

Thinking about my new year's resolution.  2010.  Hmmmm....what will it be?

As I think back 10 years, we were contemplating Y2K.  How funny is that?  "All computers are just going to stop working.  It's going to be chaos!"  I remember people saying "You better make sure you stock up on can goods."  Wow, were we panicking about nothing.  Our biggest fear should have been those boys living across the street with the arsenal of fire works.  Now, that was something to be afraid of!!

Fast forward 10 years.  It's hard to believe we are on the edge of 2010.  In 1999 that was such a foreign thought.  I could not even wrap my mind around the thought of living in the year 2010, and here we are.  What will this year hold?    

Now, back to the important stuff, 2010 resolutions.  What will it be?  Any thoughts on yours yet?


UPDATE:  I just read Carole Turner's post on resolutions....I think I'll just take some of her list!  I love to read and write.  Running after Jesus with everything I have in me sounds great too.  Looks like a pretty good fit.  Guess I'll have to think about it some more...   


For now, here's my short list...
Read more.
Complain less.
Think BEFORE I speak.
Write from my heart.
Publish something.
Love like there's no tomorrow.
Encourage rather than discourage.
Be the person God created me to be.
Learn, learn, learn.
Seek Jesus with everything in me.
Less of me, more of Him!

Sweet Traditions, part 2

Candy Day 2009.  Pictures from today...

(notice my nephew's excellent sprinkle skills)      (and Micki worked really hard today too)

Sweet Traditions

Tomorrow morning, we continue a tradition in our family that's going to continue for generations (if my sister and I have our way...we're pretty bossy, so I'm quite certain it will happen).  We will gather together to make Christmas candy.  Nothing but the good stuff! 

We make oatmeal no-bakes, fudge, pretzels covered in white chocolate, ritz crackers with peanut butter covered in white chocolate, mini pecan pies, pralines, chocolate crackles, peanut butter blossoms, and the piece de' resistance: peanut butter balls (I just learned last night they are also known as Buckeyes).  I think I missed a few things...I'll remember later I'm sure.

Actually the best thing we make throughout the day are memories.  Memories we never run out of, always enjoy sharing, and most of all, can cherish for a lifetime.  Let the fun begin!

(Here's a pic of mom and my sister getting started last year.  I'll post some pictures of tomorrow when I get home).

Do you have a Christmas Tradition in your family?   

Clickers

Ever have one of those times when you hope no one is looking only to realize it's too late? Someone spotted you, and now you've made a complete fool out of yourself. Tonight I ran out of Wal-Mart with my arms full, barely holding the umbrella with one hand and the clicker for the car in the other hand. As I very approached the car, I clicked and then pulled the handle of the car. Nothing. I click a couple more times as the cold rain splashes me about to drop the milk, wiper blades and Double Stuffed OREOs I'm juggling... which by the way have less "stuff" in the middle than they used to.  That's gonna have to wait for another day. Pulling the handle, I try again.  Still nothing. 


As I glance to the left, I realize my car lights don't stick out like that... oh, wait, this isn't my car! And you would know tonight, I got a second from the front row parking spot. "Up close and personal" as I like to call it.  Security probably uploaded the surveillance video on YouTube already and emailed it to everyone they know!


Life can be just like that surveillance video. Our mishaps and blunders on display for the world to see.  So glad God isn't like that keeping a laundry list of every thing I've done wrong to rub it in my face.  Tonight I learned two valuable lessons:

1. Make sure you point your clicker at your own car
2. Know what your own car looks like

Now that's profound wisdom there!  You might want to write that down.

Rare Jewels

Tonight I discovered a rare jewel from my past.  It's a book we were given on our Senior Retreat.  Each year, every class would go on a retreat around Thanksgiving, but the one you waited for was your Senior year.  It was an over night trip, and everyone seemed to come back energized, ready to conquer the world! As a prodigal slipping and sliding her way through the mud, this would be one of those years God showed up, but I didn't take His offer.


As I thumb through it, I find lyrics from songs like "We Are The World", "Lean On Me", and "Hello".  Some oldies!  The theme song to Cheers and Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" both made the cut too, but my all time favorite has to be "We Are The Reason".  I thought I'd share it below since it might be fitting during this time of year, and because, well... I absolutely love this song!  As my friend Jan would say:  Enjoy!!  

We Are The Reason

As little children, we would dream of Christmas morn

And all the gifts and toys we knew we'd find

But we never realized, a baby born one blessed night

Gave us the greatest gift of our lives.

Chorus:

We were the reason that He gave His life.

We were the reason that He suffered and died,

In a world that was lost, He gave all He could give

To show us the  reason to live.

As the years went by, we learned more about gifts 

Giving of ourselves and what that means

On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain,

Because of love, because of love.

Chorus

I finally found the reason for living,

It's in giving every part of my heart to Him.

In all that I do, every word that I say,

I'll be giving my all just for Him, just for Him...

Chorus

Your turn.  What's your favorite Christmas song?  

What is your idea of reaching out to others at Christmas?

The closer we get, the madder the rush will be.  People frantically shopping for the perfect gift.  Sales Associates dealing with unhappy shoppers.  Unhappy shoppers becoming desperate and often times depressed.  And everything in between.

Why not spread a little cheer by intentionally smiling at people this Christmas?  It's a free gift.  You don't have to be a smile stalker or chase them down.  Just a normal smile will do.  Be intentional and watch for the reactions.  I'm certain they will be priceless and bring a smile to your own face.  You might be surprised what happens.

Smile at 3 people today for no real reason.  Are you up for the challenge?

The View

As I'm sitting here in the office, I'm listening to my family in the living room laughing and playing with our 2 year old granddaughter.  Wow, the perspective from a 2 year old is priceless!  Everything about relationship is important and laughter is paramount.

As an adult, true relationship can take a back seat to the "new" important things in life... such as shopping, TV, facebook, and so much more.  This year for the Christmas holidays, I want to have the perspective of a 2 year old.  I want to see things from her view so I'm gonna ask a lot of questions and listen intently this year.

On a completely separate note, last night it snowed.  Nothing major but, hello?!  It just doesn't snow in South Louisiana.  The best part is it snowed (a lot) last year this time.  Snow, 2 years in a row and the Saints are winning???  I think Jesus must be coming back soon!  Check out Miley's perspective in the picture.  So precious.

My first question:  What are some of your favorite things about Christmas?  That one is for you...go ahead, comment...

Blind Sided by "The Blind Side"

Movies seem to capture my attention...maybe because I am a visual person. Last Friday, I was blind sided by "The Blind Side". It’s been 6 days, and I still cannot shake it. (If you have not seen it yet, I HIGHLY recommend it.)

As I watched the big screen with tears and a lump in my throat, I couldn't help but think "THIS is the hands and feet of Christ in action."  No fancy show.  Just simple.  You don’t need a platform or a microphone to speak into someone’s life; you just need to be yourself to those around you. Offer what you have in your hands.

The hurting people in this world need more families like the Tuohy’s. Families willing to be the subject of controversy. Families willing to step out of their comfort zone to extend a hand of help. Families willing to ignore "the rules" of society and take a risk. The Tuohy family put their reputation on the line and invested in the most precious commodity on the planet: life. Through love, they forever changed the path of one single person while unknowingly inspiring millions around them. I imagine a book or movie deal never crossed the mind of Leigh Anne Tuohy as she said "Big Mike, where you going? Do you have a place to stay?" She simply reached out to someone in need and offered what she had in her hand.

Are you willing to reach out into the lives around you? It's your choice. You don't have to take someone into your home like this family, but the opportunities to invest around you are endless. Get creative!  Step out of your comfort zone. Be willing to be the hands and feet of Christ to those around you.

Am I willing? What am I investing in?
James 2:14-17

Investments and Gold Stars

So many things to type and so little space so I picked 3 or 4 things.  Enjoy...

We had the Garage Sale.  Sold a good bit of stuff.  Unfortunately, we didn't have any stories to share this time or any pictures.  It was rather uneventful.  Among the many guests, we had one sweet woman show up (repeat shopper) that remembered us from the last one.  Well, we did have a new feature:  the "man box".  It was a hit with all the guys.  It had tools and misc man stuff (hunting stuff, parts of things we didn't know what it was therefore it had to be put in the "man box", a vacuum cleaner belt (that would fall under "man box" because men are vacuum repairmen in their spare time), and such.  Michelle decided a "men's department" would be a good addition to future Garage Sales.  I'm in agreement because there are more men shoppers than you'd think.

I wish I had a photo of Michelle and her husband Mark to post here.  What a incredible servants of the Lord!  Michelle is the Garage Sale Queen, and it would not have happened without her.  She organized, sorted, priced, cleaned...just one amazing servant.  She is definitely an example to all people in her life.  Mark was right up there with Michelle too.  He helped however possible shuttling kids (so Michelle could do her thing), hauling things, unloading boxes, loading boxes, and so much more.  Those 2 people deserve a HUGE gold star!!!

On a completely unrelated note, I've been spending a great deal of time in the Word.  My favorite moment happened this morning.  I had the privilege (and I do count it as a privilege) to read the Word this morning in the new HPC Arena.  I cannot wait until it opens.  HPC spent this week having different members of the church pick 15 minute time slots to read aloud the Word and had it online as well.  The goal was to read the Bible from cover to cover.  Most people read during the hours of the night.  I arrived this morning around 4:40am just in time to catch the last chapter of Revelation.  There was to my surprise a small crowd of about 20 people hanging on every syllable as I walked into the future sanctuary.  There was a reverent silence in the Arena that you just knew and felt the presence of God was there as the final words were read.  No doubt.  Don't worry, as I mentioned before, I got to read.  They simply started the New Testament over to keep reading until this afternoon.  During the reading I started to tear up while reading Matthew.  It's a special book to me, and it really touched me that of all books of the Bible I was able to read in, God worked it out so I'd be reading right there!  Only He can orchiestrate moments like this morning.  So honored to have been a part of history at HPC.  (I have a great pic on my phone after I read of Pastor Johnny reading but it will not load on blogger - BUMMER!)

Another of today's highlight moments was the Miracle Offering.  We were able to take all of the proceeds we earned from the two Garage Sales and actually present it to the Lord.  What an incredible feeling to be able to invest in such a worthy cause.  I love this house and I'm grateful for the opportunity to invest in the future of hurting people. 

God, may this house be a fragrant aroma to You every day.  May it be Your hands and feet in action all of our days bringing You alone honor and glory.  May it truly be a healing place for a hurting world.

A Robe & Some Bling...

Tonight I had the opportunity to talk with some amazing young people.  I absolutely love being around young people with a passion for God.  Nothing more excites me than hearing their enthusiasm and seeking for the truth.  I wish I had what they have when I was their age.  Such opportunity and promise.  

The topic of prodigals is still burning within my prodigal heart.  I believe my favorite part of the prodigal son story has to be the dad waiting on the drive way with open arms for the son coming home.  There's something about a father's love.  The son, after going through the mud for a season, came home to see if he might possibly have a place with the servants in his fathers house.  Instead, the father opened his arms up to welcome his son right back into the family.  This father had every right to be angry with him or to shun him from the family, however, he does the complete opposite.  He embraces him, clothes him with a robe and some bling before he's even cleaned up, and throws the ultimate party.

What an image of God!  My own life is one example.  My Father in Heaven opened His arms to embrace me as His own.  He could have written me off.  He could have viewed "Connie the prodigal daughter" as stained, less than worthy, unforgivable, but He didn't.  He simply poured His unconditional love on me for who I am, put people in my life to encourage me and has blessed me in ways I certainly do not deserve.  For this, I am ever grateful.  I'm in debt to Him for a price He paid for me....a price I can never repay.