Growing a boy: Climbing a mountain...daily

First...THANK YOU. Thank you all for your prayers. We can feel them. Thank you for your encouragement. We need them! God knew community was so valuable and we are beyond grateful for the one surrounding us now. YOU are a part of that.

So a little update...

OSH IS EXCITED! Wow! He is so excited about his upcoming appointment at the hospital daddy use to work in--so much so that he has already begun to pack his "-uggage" with stuffies and Little People toys. He decided he wants to bring along some clothes and is also wondering if he can take a picture with the big machine...all by himself. He is excited he gets a date with "just dad" and is even more excited to pick any food he wants after his big appointment. This is truly a blessing! It brings me peace to see him excited to go to the hospital for his upcoming "picture appointment." 

God has heard our prayers (but let us keep praying!).

 

From the last blog to this, I spent much time online learning & re-learning about fine motor function and activities that could help OSH strengthen his grasp, specifically pencil grip for preschoolers. (Fine motor skills...something OSH has struggled with since infancy). I found a FANTASTIC blog written by an anonymous occupational therapist describing many activities such as using smaller broken crayons because they "force" a child to use a tighter grip (too bad I just threw out all of our broken crayons) and "pencil grips." Little did I know....WOW...there are VERY strong opinions about pencil grips. I will spare you the details, but we decided to take a "$10 risk" to purchase a pack of three pencil grips. When they arrived yesterday, I was eager to try them out...and OSH DID GREAT! All this to say...neurological deficits (or not), I feel empowered with some new tools that I can use at home to help OSH grow in his "scholastic" and "artistic" and everyday abilities. 

In life, we often take the simple things for granted like holding a pen, holding a toothbrush, scooping yogurt onto a spoon, opening a door handle or pulling up our pants. To my son, these are mountains he has to climb multiple times every. single. day. And I am SO proud of him for doing it! Without realizing, he is persevering through difficult tasks moment by moment with a smile and good attitude (most of the time). He is too young to feel "sorry" for himself and has yet to make up excuses as to why he can't do something. I PRAY he never does. I pray that every day, he keeps climbing up his mountains, conquering them one after the next. I BELIEVE IN HIM! He is my inspiration.

Growing a boy: Ugh! The Turning Point

Nothing about our youngest is "normal." Yet I think about myself, my husband, our other two kids, my friends etc. And then I ask myself, "What really is normal?" because God has made us each so perfectly unique.

Over two months ago, I took OSH to a neurologist, per the recommendation of his Seattle doctors. In that neurological appointment, it was revealed that OSH does have neurological deficits...we just don't know what exactly they are or how extensive they are. The doctor placed OSH in a category, giving him a mild diagnosis (that I do not wish to share out of fear of labels and partially out of an unwillingness to accept such label). It was recommended that OSH receive a head MRI to further explore his deficits as well as a means to better facilitate his growth and learning. However, to get this MRI, OSH would need a COVID test and sedation. 

My initial thoughts, "NO! I WILL NOT PUT MY SON THROUGH THAT TO SIMPLY "KNOW" WHY HE ACTS THE WAY HE DOES...IT DOES NOT CHANGE WHO HE IS!" (as I type, I can feel my blood pressure rise)

My husband agreed that it was not a necessary procedure, especially given the raising cases of COVID in our city. SETTLED! DONE! I had my "normal" boy "back." (I could put his medical difference behind me and continue on as though he was and is in fact, normal.)

As the weeks have gone by since this appointment, my mind and head fluctuated in waves. "Ignorance is bliss, right?" I would say to myself. Or, "does it really matter if we know WHY or HOW these neurological deficits occurred?"  The doctor had three possible reasons for OSH's neurological hyper-responses. But did we need to know?

 

Then...the turning point 

This past week we have seen OSH have a difficult time opening a doorknob or holding his Legos in his right hand. He began to say things like, "Mom, this is not my power hand because it doesn't work as well, it is not stronger." 

Queue the heartbreak, heartbroken, heart shattering song.

My son is different. Now, I need to know why.

So in the coming weeks, on a scheduled Friday, our sweet youngest will stop eating by 2am. He will stop drinking by 8am, he will get sedated and then, in the early morning, have his head scanned. To say that I am terrified is an understatement. Will there be complications with his sedation? How will his lungs do as he is "under?" How will he manage not being able to eat? Will he be able to handle the noises of the hospital? And on and on it goes...

And...only one parent can go. I so badly want to be there with him; however, Daddy stepped up to fill a spot that I think I would otherwise be too emotional to fill. So what then should be my response? 

PRAISE, TRUST, FAITH and HOPE that our little boy was created FOR and BY God. In his life, God will work all things out. So, I *try* to put my fear aside and embrace this opportunity to display God's unrelenting love to our son and to the watching world. Because God has made us all unique, our own kind of normal to show the world just how GOOD God really is.

Please join us in prayer.

Growing in Faith: Identity Confusion

Has your head ever spun around as you scrolled through several media sites or read varied articles stating multiple opinions about our nation or world or even how YOU should live your life? Everyone has a different idea about what is right, about what is true. Everyone has something to say about EVERYTHING. It is confusing. What should I believe? What do I believe?

What do you choose to believe? By what filter or lens do you view your identity? 

In Matthew 16, Peter was faced with this same challenge. The question of the time: "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" (v. 13). Opinions varied, thinking Jesus might be John the Baptist or Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. 

But in a direct address, Jesus comes to Peter and asks, "who do you say that I am?" (v.15). 

In that moment, Peter had to decided. Peter had to declare. Peter had to not only form and settle on his belief...but say it out loud! (Would he be ridiculed, outcast for stating his opinion? Would he be harmed or shunned for his belief?) Scripture doesn't afford us the inner thoughts of Peter in this moment, but what we do see is Peter's words:

"You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (v16)

This bold proclamation was followed then by Jesus revealing to Peter who Peter was, what Peter was made to do...Jesus revealed Peter's identity and purpose.  Peter was then blessed; Peter would become the cornerstone of the church. Jesus revealed Peter's spiritual gift. BUT--- this only happened when Peter turned from the naysayers of the world, turned off the media (so to speak) and turned to God...only when Peter stared Truth in the face and responded in faith. 

Are you seeking to find your identity based on the beliefs of this world? No news poll, news article or social media post will ever reveal your true identity. We MUST go straight to the source, form and settle on our own beliefs (based on God's Word) and say them out loud. I have found when I say something out loud, it somehow becomes real, tangible--no longer a thought swirling around in my mind. 

Will you be bold enough to ask Jesus about your identity...the life He has planned out for you...JUST YOU!? Are you able to behold and believe the Prince of Life when He calls you to perform tasks outside of your comfort zone? When will you proclaim, out loud, to others that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God? This, dear friends, is our mission in life...to glorify God and seek Him above all else. When we do, our identity will be found and our opinions will be made based solely on the words of Scripture. Be bold, dear friends. Step into the greatness God has created for you.

 

 

Growing in Faith: Witnessing a miracle

Have you ever witnessed a miracle? In my time on earth I certainly have seen a few but in my passage reading today one stands out. It relates to Jesus feeding the crowd of 5,000+ and the crowd of 4,000+ (Matthew 14, 15).

In these passages of Scripture, Jesus takes a few loaves of bread and a few fish and somehow makes it MORE than enough for the people present...even leftovers. Impossible?

Years ago I attended Bible school in Canada. For nine-months I lived on an island with my fiance (and 120 other students from around the world) studying ~85% of the Bible. We participated in daily chores, housekeeping duties, grounds maintenance and once per month outreach activities. During my time there, I participated in a outreach at a local mission. We conducted music for Sunday service, helped in the food bank and on occasion served warm food to our sitting patrons. It was an incredibly humbling and enjoyable act of service. 

On one particular night, a local church was providing the hot Friday night meal--- Chinese food. Boy, it smelled delicious! The weather outside was less than ideal. Dumping rain and frigid temperatures brought in more diners than the normal 100. I forget the number now, but I think the number of people who came for a hot meal was over double than what was expected. The big question: how were we going to serve ALL of these people?

As servers, with hot food dished on paper-plates in hand, we ran back and forth from the kitchen to the seated guests. We had to inform the diners that only one plate of food could be brought out/served per customer (which was not the normal custom). There were many disappointing faces yet they understood. About half way through the night, my fiance and I went once again to check on the food supply. More and more individuals were filing in, needing a free hot meal. 

To our astonishment, the silver trays of Chinese food never when past half empty! We began to serve seconds and thirds. More and more people continued to seek refuge from the cold...AND THERE WAS ENOUGH!  Before our eyes, we witnessed a miracle! No one was "sneak cooking" or adding to the already prepared food...there literally was no more food to give. Yet God, SOMEHOW, made it enough!

To this day, I have NO IDEA how this even happened in practical terms. It literally happened before my eyes and I am still stunned. At the end of the night, there was more than enough food for ALL of the volunteers AND some food leftover as well. Amazing. 

This story reminds me that God will always provide! He does this in unexpected and surprising ways and in the end, all He asks is that we give Him glory for the work He has done.

What miracle(s) is God working on in your life right now? How might you be able to bless others because of the ways God has provided for you?

Amazing, isn't it?

Growing in Faith: You are NOT alone

I missed the mark in my grief after the events of Oliver unfolded almost four years ago. I remained in a self-focused, overwhelmed, negative mindset for months (and longer). I did the best that I could yet reflecting back, I know that God used Oliver to teach me SO MUCH about grief, community, friendships, serving and gratitude. I often fight the "If only".....  If only I could go back and do things differently. If only I could follow Jesus' example in Matthew 14.  It is no good playing the "what if" or "if only" game. BUT-- moving forward I have a choice. Let us learn from Jesus.....

In Matthew 14, Jesus learns His cousin, John the Baptist, was unfairly beheaded. A powerful man of God who prepared the way for Jesus. A man who baptized many and preached the Good News. A man who was a witness to Christ and His miracles....gone because of a selfish king. 

In His grief, Jesus "withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone."  (v. 13). I am sure He cried, mourned and reflected on the life His cousin led. YET- in His grief, a crowd followed Him to that remote place. Selfish, ignorant or not (whatever their motives), the crowds interrupted this private, personal moment Jesus was striving for. Jesus must have wanted to be alone pretty bad (or else why would He have taken a boat across the water)?  

Yet, "when He went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, and healed their sick" (v. 14). Jesus then goes on to feed 5,000 (besides women and children).

In His grief, He served. In His pain, He gave back to others. In His private moment, He recognized the need of others.

I know that I wrote about this in a recent blog, but this lesson never gets old! I think WE need to serve each other! In a hurting church, hurting world, broken communities, fractured corporate infrastructure, difficult decisions having to be made ...how can we give of ourselves to those around us? Are we seeking out the needs of others and serving them with the gifts God has given us? In our pain, are we still choosing to serve?

A challenge for me: move past my challenges, difficulties and overwhelmed heart to serve those around me-- a text message, organizing a virtual tea with a neighbor, a handwritten letter, small gift dropped off on a doorstep, virtual book reading with my niece and nephew.  

 SERVE! There are many physical limitations in our world right now...yet God can work past them. God can WILL inspire you. God WILL bring to mind a creative idea. God WILL respond to you! Are you willing to ask Him? Are you willing to serve Him by serving others? Are you willing to be part of the solution to our hurting world? 

Brothers and Sisters--- Let us be BOLD. Let us be BRAVE to try new things to bring our world together. Just follow the example of Jesus.....

I am praying for you! (If you would like specific prayer, leave a comment or message me!!) 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Growing in Faith: Overwhelmed; Let us pray

I have much to say about the scriptures I read today-- yet my heart is overwhelmed. So here are the general impressions. I pray they speak to you.

• For our nation, especially this week (inauguration), let us pray for unity. Lest we see what Jesus describes in Matthew 12:25 

  “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand."

 

• Let us be FOR God: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30

 

•  What are we thinking---speaking to our generations (family, children, community, co-workers)? "For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart." Matthew 12:34
  

 

• Matthew 13:1-9-- discusses the parable of the sower and the reproduction of the planted seed. Many of the seeds do not grow and instead they wither. Only a few produce good fruit.  My remaining questions: Am I producing? Are you producing? What I am producing? What are you producing? Are you hearing what God is speaking to you? 

Matthew 13:13-15

¹³ This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

¹⁴ In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
¹⁵ For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’

Growing in Faith: I am offeneded

Offended: resentful or annoyed, typically as a result of a perceived insult.

How often are you offended (see definition above)? I find myself offend quiet often. I make scenarios up in my head about some fictional reason someone has not called me back or reached out. I get offended when my husband puts his dirty dish in the sink (when the dishes in the dishwasher are dirty). And I get offended when my children complain about a meal I spent hours preparing. 

I get offended.

But is this the correct response? No...it is a lack of confidence in my relationships and in my God-given abilities. And I recognize, that being offended (although the emotions are real) does not promote growth towards Christ-likeness.

Jesus has something so say about being offended, "...blessed is the one who is not offended by me." [Matthew 11:6]

As I read, I paused...to be offended by Jesus would mean that I am annoyed at Him or resentful of Him. Or believe that He causes me to stumble. It means I would not share about who He is or what He has done out of fear of being mistreated. To be offended by Jesus would mean that as He directs my life, I would become irritated as He tells me to do this or go there or give away that. In my pride, I would allow Jesus to offend me.

But, dear children, there is a different way! As Jesus leads our lives, He calls us to sit at His feet, humble ourselves and learn from Him. He calls us not to shout or yell in the streets about what we are offended about but rather go away in private, directly to Him. And when we are offended (by Jesus or anyone else) to go to the SOURCE first...don't "bad-mouth" or joke coarsely out of anger or simply to "make myself feel better."

In a season where we can all become offended over politics or COVID restrictions, let us not sin in our "offended-ness." Let us build our confidence in Him who created you. Him who directs all of your steps....in Him who only seeks your good. Dear friends, let us learn from Jesus how NOT to become so easily offended and when we rest in Him, He will give us peace for our weary souls.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Growing in Faith: No guarantees

 I think you would agree that the Bible is mysterious in so many ways. It lends itself to, at times, more questions that answers. Yet we know that God is in all things and in Him all things hold together. So, if this is the case, does faith and prayer really matter?

In Matthew 9:18-31, we read of two different accounts of four miraculous healing.

1. A woman who simply touches Jesus' robe and is healed
2. A dead, young girl whose hand was touched by Jesus became alive
3. Two blind men whose eyes were touched and then could see

The common factors I gather:

1. A willing, available & compassionate Jesus
   
2. Faith, prayer, request 
• A father's faith that Jesus can heal his beloved daughter; his request for Jesus to come--He showed up and made the young girl alive
  
• A woman's faith and action--just touching His garment (if I can JUST be near Him), I will be healed-- She was!
• The blind mens' faith and proclamation that Jesus could in fact heal them--they were!

It amazes me that despite who made the request, whether the person who was ill or someone requesting on the sick-persons behalf, Jesus responded. He healed! The young girl could not pray for herself, but the father was able--and he did! The results: she became alive! The woman in this story makes a silent request, puts her faith in action and is healed! The two men publicly and out loud declared their faith and presented their request...they were healed also!

I know that the Lord heals in many ways...sometimes He heals with a, "YES! I will heal you!" Sometimes He answers, "Not right now, child." Or even sometimes, He answers, "No, that is not in my will. I have other plans."

The unfortunate dilemma is that we do not know how He will respond until we act...until we pray and act out our faith. We have to learn to be okay with His "Yes" "No" "Maybe" "Not Right Now" response.

Are you willing to take the chance, to be vulnerable with Him and those around, to make your requests known? Are you willing to petition the Lord for the needs of those you love or those in your community? Do you believe that Jesus can heal you--whether it be physical or emotional? There is a risk either way: "what if I ask and He says no?" ..... Well, the reverse is also true-- What if you ask and he says YES!?!

There are no guarantees in our life, except this: Jesus loves you. Jesus came to this earth to live a perfect life so that you don't have to. Jesus died FOR YOU because He loves you and does not want you to be separate from God. If you love Jesus, you will spend FOREVER with Him. That is guarantee enough for me to seek Him first. It is guarantee enough for me to put my faith in Him and make my requests & the needs/requests of others known to Him.

Is it enough of a guarantee for you?

Growing in Faith: Serving in Hardship

When something hard or unexpected happens, I have learned to control my reactions through the help of the Holy Spirit. My former-self would talk and talk about what had happened. I would post and re-post my experience. At times, I would even exaggerate what had actually happened. Then, I asked myself, "why?!?"

Did I want empathy? Did I want to be known or seen? Did I want others to feel sorry for me or comfort me by bringing me a meal or sending a card? 

I never fully understood why I sought this "attention seeking" reaction. I am relieved that Scripture gives us a different way to react to our hard situations: SERVE!

Yes, when we are faced with hard or unexpected circumstances, we are called to serve! We see a wonderful example in Matthew 7:14-17.

Peter's mother-in-law is sick with a fever. 

"So he [Jesus] touched her hand, and the fever left her. THEN she got up and began to SERVE him."  (emphasis added) Matt. 7:15

Now, that is not the reaction I would have expected. Why didn't she stop to chat with Jesus? Or ask questions as to HOW He healed her (or WHY He healed her). Instead, she took action (got up) and served. She did not wallow in her former misery. She did not try to understand what had happened or why, rather, she did what she was meant to do.

I found it difficult to move from my former "attention seeking" thinking and attitude, however, as I did my relationships with those around me become so much richer and my attitude towards life and its circumstances stopped feeling too big and so overwhelming. Because... we are created to serve. No matter your capacity, limitations or spiritual giftings....YOU ARE CREATED TO SERVE!

Are you struggling with this same "attention seeking" thinking? If so, give it to God. When you are faced with hardship, seek ways to serve those around you. From experience, it reduces anxiety and heals the soul in ways that wallowing never will.

"A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart." Luke 6:45

 

Growing in Faith: I give up

 I am right in the middle of my 3rd basket of laundry..sort, fold. Sort. fold. I have a deep desire to just "skip it," walk away and leave the task unfinished. Every morning, our dishwasher gets unloaded. I think, "does this really matter? I can just leave the rest for later."

Never in my life have I had such compelling thoughts about not accomplishing these daily tasks. I am not sure why I am experiencing this struggle, now, at this moment in time: stress, lack of sleep, feelings of being overwhelmed maybe? Regardless, I have to fight the urge to give up. I have to press on. I have to give myself a pep talk about the benefits of completing such (minor) tasks. 

This morning as I was struggling with the morning routine of unloading the dishwasher, I remembered this verse: 

^{Colossians 3:23-24}

²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

 A shift of focus, from the Holy Spirit. Yes, these tasks I do unto the Lord! Sure, my family benefits from them (and so do I) but that is not my primary audience. I do these tasks for the Lord. I care for the possessions HE has given me (and my family). Today, I will think on this verse more. I will choose joy while I work on such minor tasks; I will persevere through them with a different attitude because my heart is now working for the Master of my life.

Are there tasks in your life that you need to perform for the Lord rather than human eyes? Are you seeking human approval for a job well done or seeking the inheritance of heaven? Whether it be parenting, completing spreadsheets, delivering packages or simply doing the laundry and the dishes, God wants to be the center of it all. We should seek His best. We should seek to please Him over seeking the approval of others on this planet.

This day, comitt your tasks to the Lord. Accomplish them for HIM and Him alone.

Maranath.

~B~

Growing in Faith: When I worry

I had to confess last night to my husband. I had to put into words what my heart and mind were struggling with. After pondering, I knew I had to vocalize my....worry.

Yesterday was a hard, HARD day for our nation. The act of domestic terrorism is appalling. I am not writing this to start a debate, but rather, as an exercise in looking at humanity. No matter what side you stand on, where is the moral ground?

I worry. And at times, I am afraid. 

COVID, my husband, children, our nation, my home, finances, war, death. 

These are just a *few* worries and anxieties I have...there are others like schooling for my children next year, protecting our new flock of chickens (two of which have already died) all while trying to "hold it together."

In Scripture, I am reminded, "don't worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)

I sighed a cleansing sigh. I breathe a refreshing breath. 

My Heavenly Father knows what I need. He will sustain me, take care of the details and heal my heartaches. Even when I am tempted to sit in my worry, He pulls me away. He has better for me.

As a result, I need to change my focus...not on all of the areas of my life that are hard or frightening but rather on His kingdom. For it says, "But seek first the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33). When I do this, I have confidence, from Scripture, that He will provide for my every need.

Cast your worries upon Him. Confess your worries and anxieties. He will do more than comfort you, He will make a way for you in the wilderness of this life and provide far greater things than you could ever imagine. Rest in Him today, and the next day, and the next day after that. 

YOU. ARE. NOT. ALONE.

Growing in Faith: That is just too far....

That is just too far.....

I hear this from my kids all of the time when we are biking or hiking (especially on a new, unfamiliar trail). "It is too far." "Where is the end?" "Is it time to stop?" "I'm tired (even though we just started)."

Although is it not quite the same, in Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus calls us to walk the extra mile, go beyond what is requested, asked or demanded of us (whether it seems unfair or not). ...to go beyond what is expected or necessary. 

I am overwhelmed at this thought. "What, God? You want me to DO MORE?" In a season where I already feel burdened, I couldn't imagine stretching myself any more than I already am...but:

I do not believe this is what Jesus is asking of us. 

In context, Roman soldiers could demand any Jewish citizen to carry a load such as food or military equipment, for one Roman mile, as they traveled city to city. It was often forced on that unknowing citizen. It was hard, exhausting and at times excruciating. Why, then, would Jesus state, "And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two."

After prayer and reflection, here is what I came up with:

• As believers, we are called to highlight God. (When I worked in the corporate world, we called it "surprise and delight the customer"). Since going the second mile was uncommon, it would call the Roman solider to inquire as to why the citizen would voluntarily offer such a painful task.
• Going the extra mile displays generosity and expresses a deep unconditional compassion.
  
• Jesus calls us to take care of those around us. By taking their burden, even for just two "short" Roman miles, we are giving space for God to work in their lives in a different manner.
• We are to respect authority (even if we do not agree) and at the same time challenge authority, in a productive and meaningful way.
• Going the extra mile allows us to build (unexpected) relationships though shared experiences and otherwise uncommon connections.

If I had more time (and I wish I did), I am sure I could ponder this thought more. But work and children are beckoning....so, I will leave you with this:

How is Jesus calling you to "go the extra mile," remembering that it is not *doing more* or *adding more* to you list, but rather taking the opportunities presented to you daily as a means to glorify the Lord?

I challenge you to read this short passage for yourself in Scripture, asking God how you might apply this practice of going the extra mile. Is is easy? NO. Is it worth it.....ALWAYS.

 

Maranatha.

~B~

Growing in Faith: Flavorless

After a sales interaction, have you ever walked away with a bad taste in your mouth, so to speak? Something about the interaction just didn't "sit right" with you. You leave feeling perplexed, maybe even slightly frustrated, unsettled, unsatisfied or angry despite purchasing the object you intended to purchase. 

Sometimes as believers, we "taste" like this...we lose our flavor, lose our focus, and as a result can turn people FROM the Gospel instead of towards it. We grumble and complain, critique or argue. We act grumpy, lash out in anger or make events in our life seem so daunting...all. of. the. time. We forget the blessing of our relationship with Jesus. We turn from gratitude.

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus describes us as "salt." Salt had a very important function in Jesus' day: food preservation/prevention of decay and brought out the flavor within food (among other purposes).

The Bible says:

Colossians 4:6 - Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Mark 9:50 - Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

As believers, we are called to help prevent decay and immorality in our world, our spheres of influence. We are to bring an important "flavor" or a way of living that promotes life. Our lives are to point TO Jesus by how we respond and engage with our community.

I ask, have you lost your "flavor?" Are you striving towards peace and graciousness within your relationships: marriage, family, friends, neighbors? 

As we continue our transformation into Christ's likeness, let us strive towards "salty speech." Let our lives be reflections of God's graciousness towards us and extend that grace to others. Let our lives be a place where others find rest, where others can come for healing from the decay of this world...a respite. Practice "eating" the Fruit of the Spirit (Love; Joy; Peace; Patience; Kindness; Goodness; Faithfulness; Gentleness; Self-control). Practice being "pouring out" like salt.

You and your world will be better for it.

Enjoy your Tuesday.

~B~

Growing in Faith: Drop it, okay

 You are right in the middle of work (providing for your family, caring for employees and customers). A man walks up to your desk and says, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt. 4:19)

Would you immediately leave your workspace and go? ...without texting, posting, calling anyone. Just go? It amazes me in this passage (Matt 4: 18-22) that these fishermen, Simon-Peter and brother Andrew (then later James and his brother John) do just that. They don't bother cleaning up. They don't stop to tell their boss, co-workers or family where they were going. They don't stop to tell their neighboring fishermen. They just respond. Why? Christ was just THAT important (Matt. 4:20). 

I wrestle with this a little because part of me feels like they have "left their mess" for others to clean up (such as their nets and fishing gear left littering the shore) (or maybe this is the mother in me who is constantly clean up after my littles) yet on the other hand...what great examples of deep faith and faith in action. They recognized Jesus' game plan:

A command: Follow me

A purpose: Become a disciple

A direction: "fish" for men (bring others into His Kingdom

In this new year and new season, what is Jesus calling you to leave behind? Are you willing to yield and surrender to His greater good upon your behalf? Change is hard! For me, I often weight my options, make a spreadsheet, and seek outside counsel, yet...yet when God calls (and calls clearly and directly), it is sin not to obey. So today, I encourage you to respond to God! Stop wavering back and forth. Stop playing the "what-if" scenario game in your mind. Stop posting on social media for confirmation. What God has for you is GOOD! Do you believe it? If you do, then what are you waiting for? Respond in faith. Follow Him, become His disciple and bring others into the Kingdom because of your obedience to Him. It is hard, but when God calls you, He always--ALWAYS makes a way. Trust and believe. It is always worth it.

Blessings-

~B~

Growing in Faith: FIGHT

Sunday: Not what I was expecting. A leaky roof and a husband who took a COVID test due to "unexplained symptoms." I would have never predicted these events yesterday when I laid my head on my pillow for the night. Yesterday, life seemed a little less stressed and (dare I say) "normal." Yet today, God had other plans for our family. Plans to rest more deeply in Him and cozy up for a ride that would allow our faith to be put into practice.

In the passage I read yesterday (Matthew 4), after Jesus had been baptized, He was lead to the desert where He was tempted. In His flesh, did He know that after His baptism His faith would be tested?   Despite knowing or not knowing, Jesus relied on His knowledge of Scripture and His relationship with God the Father to sustain Him during these tempting trials. He could have thrown up His arms in surrender (to the wrong thing!!) and acted in His flesh. Yet even when encountered with the "hard things" (temptations from the devil), He leaned in -- fighting them rather than embracing them. 

What things are you facing in your life today that you need to lean in and FIGHT rather than embrace? Maybe it is apathy? Fear? Anxiety? Have you knowingly or unknowingly surrendered to the "wrong thing... the temptations that are starring you in the face?  

Whatever it is, F-I-G-H-T!  

Use the Words of Scripture as your sword and your relationship with Him as your army. You can and will conquer. I am reminded of this verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

 

So... as I press into my day (leaky roof and the fear of a positive COVID test), I lean in and FIGHT with the power of God encompassing me and the Truth His Word brings. It is WORTH it.  

 

Today, what are you fighting? What will your weapons be? Lean in, dear friends, and FIGHT! He is with you.

Growing in Faith: We need to talk

 We need to talk. We need to confess. We need to repent.

...but to who?

In this new year, are you willing to make yourself available and make time to intentionally reach out to others? Creating a space for conversation, confession, repentance and relationship? Are you willing to call others "out" in love based on the commands of scripture?

John the Baptist did just these things and so should we. (You can read more in Matthew 3!).

Despite what others thought of him, John the Baptist remained true to the mission God set before him. Not worried about appearance or popularity, he lived in the woods wearing clothes made of camel hair and ate "weird" food like locust and honey. (Would you go out of the way to be friends with a person "like that?") 

Yet, people WERE drawn to him...not because he was eloquent or popular (or wore nice clothes) but rather because God was with him... and in him... and directing him. Those were the qualities that drew people to the wilderness (so don't be apologetic or embarrassed or ashamed with where God has you right now because chance are He wants to use you just AS YOU ARE...just WHERE you are).

While in the wilderness, John stayed true to his mission. Without hesitation and with Truth, he spoke to the Pharisees (who were opposing his actions)...not to condemn them but to show them a different way. He invited them into the baptism and then left the choice to them. Are you inviting others into the grace of God? I know for me, I struggle with judging other people's motives and creating unreal scenarios in my head. Moving past this, we must invite others into the grace of God! If we don't, then do we really believe what we believe is true, life-saving stuff?!?

John was patient (and available) to listen to the repentance of those who drew near to him. He used his gift of encouragement and gift of serving to baptize those who came. ...giving of himself.

When Jesus came to John and asked to be baptized, John witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime event...heaven opening before him, upon Jesus. You see, when we yield to Jesus and obey His leading, in turn we get to witness miracles of great faith (whether it be someone coming to faith for the first time or resisting a temptation or the like). 

From this short passage, we are challenged to rethink our thinking! ..our thinking about our role in the Kingdom... rethink how and where we "do" ministry. 

How is the Lord challenging you to rethink your faith walk? Like John the Baptist, are you willing to listen and respond to others...making space for others within your rhythms of 2021? Seek the Lord.

• Matthew 7:7:
  

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Growing in Faith: January 1

 January One. New. Fresh. Possibilities. Goals. 

I have never been one to fully embrace all that January 1st brings...such as resolutions: losing weight, spending less, etc. But after a very unexpected 2020, my priorities were revealed (rather lack of priorities): my faith, my marriage, my children, my health and friendships. On the outside looking in, I would have perceived that these items were true priorities but in actual practice...they. were. not. There were certainly aspects of each item listed that benefited from my attention yet my heart....my heart was too distracted---distracted by media, comparison, busyness, my stuff (physical possessions) and the like. I am thankful for the events of 2020 because in the unexpected--- change came: growth, awareness, deeper connection and renewal. These are the things I strive towards in 2021.

At the risk of sounding cliche, I am making boundaries and goals to strive towards in 2021 (most of which I have already started acting on long before the glittery ball dropped in NYC). My handwritten vision board was crafted at our homeschool table with faded Crayola felt-tipped markers on a wrinkled piece of odd colored computer paper. My daughter drawing her own goals for 2021 while my husband was at work and our two boys slept. One "bubble" read: read more scripture. (If you want to know the others, feel free to ask!).

And so, I searched. I sought a New Testament Bible reading plan for the year 2021. To no surprise, I found one quickly and easily. I pulled out the cream-colored card-stock and printed the bookmark-sized reading-guides, placing them in my new (IN) CSB Bible. All set...

I was so excited, I actually started yesterday (knowing there would be days I fall behind in striving towards this goal). And today, I learned I have to think of my time differently. I MUST capitalize on those moments my three young children are playing so nicely together and the house is quiet. I MUST develop a better routine and stick with it. I CAN use my noise-cancelling headphones and sit at the kitchen table while the kids run around and play so that I can read God's Word. These concepts are new to me (although I have taught them to my students for years and have {at one time} practiced them). 

A. NEW. SEASON.   

DISCIPLINE. CREATIVITY. PERSEVERANCE.

So, what did I learn today (the whole, main reason I wanted to write this blog post...):

From Matthew 1 & 2: Joseph had to be willing to move, at any time, at the Lord's direction.

Coming out of Christmas, our family listened, read and re-read the "nativity story" in many different forms over the December month. I mean, it IS an incredible story. But what stood out to me this time was Joseph...his connection with God, the Father...his willingness to listen and immediately respond. 

As a man, (and a godly one at that) I am sure he had a deep desire to provide for his wife and new child...set up a home, establish roots, be around family for support. Although, those things were accomplished (eventually), it is amazing to think of all of the relationships and possessions he had to leave behind when they fled Bethlehem for Egypt and then later moved from Egypt to Galilee. What incredible sacrifices he had to make to follow God.

This, to me, represents a "missionary lifestyle." What if God called you or me to move...RIGHT NOW..to pursue the greater plans HE has for us? What could I take with me? What would I have to leave behind? (And how would that make me feel?) How would my children respond emotionally to this swift change? How would we provide for our family? Where would we live? What would come of relationships with family/friends...how would they respond to a decision to move the family for the sake of following the Lord? As of now, what physical possessions or relationships am I unwilling to surrender to the Lord?

All this has lead me to continue to simplify my physical possessions & be *more* ready to respond if/when God calls our family to a new place. Now, don't worry...God hasn't called us...but shouldn't we all live that way...as if He has called us...unattached to the things of this world?

Interesting thoughts on what Joseph may have felt as he led his family based on a few dreams from God, the Father. WOW! 

Where are you putting your faith? What are you clinging too tightly to? 

SURRENDER.

In this new year, surrender to the Lord. Not for the sake of a pat of the back at the end of the year for accomplishing your resolutions but rather for treasure in heaven for abiding in HIM and following as our Savior directs. What a shift of perspective.

Happy New Year, everyone...Happy New Year!