Chicken Pox…

My brother was 5 years old when he got the chicken pox. He had a very mild case and I watched as family members brought gifts and my mom catered to his every need. In fact, my Aunt Mary brought him the coolest cactus plant, it was in a small clay pot. I really, really wanted my own cactus.

Shortly after, I woke up with a bump next to my eye and presented myself to my mom. Yep, she confirmed it was a pox and in a wink of an eye, I was back in front of her in my pajamas, with my blankee and my beloved stuffed rabbit, Bobbi ready to be pampered just like my brother.

I did not have a mild case of chicken pox. I was one sick little girl and I still have the scar from that first pox that appeared dangerously close to my right eye to this very day.

Scars are interesting things, aren’t they? A scar is a mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore has not healed completely and fibrous connective tissue has developed. A scar inevitably tells the story of a deep wound and is a visual reminder of that hurt.

We all have scars, don’t we? Some of those scars we carry in our souls and often are inflicted by people that we know and even love. Some scars may even be a result of choices that we’ve made or pain we have inflicted on ourselves.

Jesus has scars too. His scars are the result of the most enormous love we have ever known. He bears those scars on his hands, feet and side, a constant reminder of the price of our sin and the enormity of His grace. You see, there is beauty in your scars because of Jesus.

Do you have wounds that need healing? Let Jesus’ in and let Him heal. As I was reminded this week by teacher, Christine Cain, “what you don’t reveal, God can’t heal.” Jesus’ love leaves a mark and His mark has the power to fully save and fully redeem.

You should know that my Aunt Mary brought me a cactus too, in its own small clay pot. There is always joy after pain! You see, Jesus conquered it all for us. We can trust in His scars. And we can see our scars as a reminder of His strength and His healing. Our scars become part of the fabric of His redemptive story and they can shine His hope to those in pain around us!

Be hopeful!

Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean, scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don’t look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I’ll sing anthems to your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I’ll let loose with your praise. Psalm 51:7‭-‬15 MSG

Wash Some Feet…

The Bible lesson for our Wednesday night children’s program was on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. I decided the best way to teach this lesson was to demonstrate it. So, I washed the feet of some of the crew leaders, while talking to the kiddos about this powerful lesson from Jesus.

Jesus, in His perfection, humbled himself and took the role of a servant. He washed the feet of the disciples, who that very night argued about who amongst them would be greatest in heaven. He demonstrated greatness, when he unwrapped the cloth from his waist, grabbed the basin and knelt down before the disciples. Do you want to be great? Wash some feet.

Jesus washed all the disciples’ feet that night, including Judas. Yes, the disciple who would trade him later that night for coins in complete betrayal had his feet washed by our Savior. Has someone betrayed you? Wash some feet.

Jesus washed Peter’s feet too, even as he argued with Jesus, not realizing the beautiful symbolism of the moment. The disciple who would deny him three times before the rooster crowed that next morning felt the gentle hands of His Savior on his feet. Has someone denied you? Wash some feet.

Jesus has called us to be His servants. He gave us the perfect example during his time as a man on earth. The question is whether you are willing to humble yourself, kneel down and gracefully serve those around you: regardless of the task; regardless of the risk; and regardless of whether it is deserved.

Let’s wash some feet folks!

Be hopeful!

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:12‭-‬17 NIV

Walking the Track…

The family went to the track on Sunday afternoon. The Angel Dog was thrilled to join the fun and eagerly took off prancing in his own lane, ears back, focused on the journey ahead.

He made it around the first loop and then the grass of the football field caught his attention. He wandered off to explore the grass. I kept walking, feeling very confident that he would quickly catch up. However, his distraction kept him longer than he wanted and when he finally got back on track, his angel face seemed overwhelmed by the distance he had to make up. I stopped, knelt down, opened my arms and waited, welcoming him with an embrace when he reached me again.

I can’t help but think God was giving me a reminder that day. You see, most days, I take off too, thrilled to be on the track, focused and prancing in my lane with Jesus’ leading the way. Then, just like that, I find myself side tracked checking out the grass that might be greener somewhere over there. And then, before you know it, I realize that the distraction has kept me longer than I wanted. And in that moment, life just seems completely overwhelming. But, then, I look up and see Jesus with arms stretched wide open waiting to embrace me and put me back in my lane, ready to lead the way. Are you overwhelmed? Look up! Are you side tracked? Fix your eyes on Jesus. Are you in need of a Savior? Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Be hopeful!

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord . “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
Jeremiah 29:13‭-‬14 NLT

Highs to Lows…

Yesterday, my daughter went on her first true date. Her boyfriend picked her up and took her to the movies, unsupervised. Today, he broke up with her. Within twenty four hours, I went from hearing her giggling voice filled with teenage puppy love to a tear-filled voice filled with teenage heartache. Oh, the highs and lows of life!

Goodness, we’ve all been there haven’t we? One day, we are crushing it in life and things seem to just be clicking. The next day, we get that news about our health we weren’t expecting; or maybe we receive harsh criticism from our boss; or a friend says something that hurts our feelings; or possibly we experience complete rejection by a loved one.

Even Jesus experienced this during his time on earth. The same people that laid palm branches down and shouted “Hosanna” as he rode triumphantly into Jerusalem on a colt, raised their fists and shouted “Crucify Him” only a short time later. Oh, the highs and lows of life!

Let’s pause right there. Jesus experienced it too. Please don’t brush past this point. Jesus understands and can provide comfort for us in the highs and the lows of this life. There is absolutely nothing that He did not experience. He stands beside us in the highs and he holds us in the lows. He laughs with us in the joy and he wipes our tears in the pain. We are not alone in the highs and we are definitely not alone in the lows.

Hebrews 4:15-16 reminds us, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (NLT)

Mercy and Grace come in the highs and the lows. All Glory be to God our Father!

Be hopeful!

Imperfections…

I woke up Friday morning with a pimple the size of Texas on my face. Seriously, this thing was humongous and I’m pretty sure it had little eyes and hands that were waving at me. The reason I say this is I could literally see this thing hanging out on my cheek at coffee with the girls that morning. I was afraid to turn my head for fear of wiping one of them out. Ridiculous. I haven’t had a pimple like that in years.

The funny thing is it brought back all kinds of memories of my years of acne. It’s truly a wonder that I didn’t do permanent damage to my skin because my friends and I would use enormous amounts of benzoyl peroxide on our faces. I’ll put it to you this way. I had to sleep on a white pillow case for fear that my face treatment would bleach it. Honestly, my chest was where I would smear the cream because that is where I broke out most, so I had to sleep in a white tee. Thank God that white tees and men’s boxer shorts were stylish to my friends and I. Do you think I am kidding? Here I am in the 8th grade.

Yet, I digress. Back to the issue at hand, which is the second nose now growing on my cheek. You need to understand that even as a write, I am dealing with the aftermath of who I now call, Gigantor.

Imperfections. They come along and shift our focus on a regular basis, don’t they?

And I think that is just what the enemy wants for them to do. He wants us to focus so much on our imperfections that we are completely distracted by our perfection in Jesus. You see, if all I am focused on is the ways in which I fail to measure up, then I fail to look up and find my treasure, my hope and my Savior.

We live in a world filled with imperfect, broken people. Yet, because of Jesus, we find perfect hope, perfect love and perfect freedom from our brokenness.

Where is your focus today? Is it on that blemish on your face? Or is it on the perfect face of Christ Jesus, our Savior?

Lord, help me look up at Jesus!

Be hopeful!

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:14‭-‬16 MSG

Promises…

I consider myself a woman of integrity and place value on my words, especially when a promise is made. I hope that most people have experienced this to be true when interacting with me. If I say that I will do something, I will do it.

Lately, I have been wondering how many times I have made a promise to myself and promptly broken that promise. Unfortunately, I think this list of broken promises might be longer than I want to admit.

How about you? Do you value a kept promise? How would you score on keeping promises you make to your self?

In Luke 10:27, “Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

Love God with everything you have and then from that vertical relationship of love flows a horizontal relationship that extends love to everyone around us. But what I find fascinating here is that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. Self, now that’s something that gets all the attention in today’s day and age. But what if it doesn’t? What if how we truly love ourselves is lacking?

You see a pattern of broken promises to myself is not a reflection of love. The same kindness, forgiveness, love, and benefit of the doubt that I extend to others should also be extended to me, myself and I.

I was reminded in church this morning the sweet message of grace. Because of Jesus, I will not be judged on my sins, failures and shortcomings; rather, my name appears in the Book of Life and someday I will spend eternity in heaven with my Father. God loved me so much that He sent my Savior Jesus, keeping His promise to Himself and to me. Now that is some new year hope!

Lord, help my love you more. Then, let that love fill me and spill over to everyone around me. Help promises to myself be as valuable as promises to others. But, above all else, let me honor you with every promise! Amen for me. And Amen for you!

Be hopeful!

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16‭-‬18 MSG

New Year’s Resolution…

As 2018 comes to a close, I find myself considering some resolutions for the New Year. But, before I resolve to do anything, I think there are some things that I need to leave right here and not take into tomorrow.

Let’s take one of my favorite go to combinations: guilt mixed with a little shame. Why don’t ya’ll just stay here? I’m done allowing you time in my life. Oh and that pesky guy pride? Well, he can stay in 2018. For that matter fear can stay put too. I’m not interested in living another minute with jealousy based on comparisons and assumptions. And while I’m cleaning house, negativite thoughts and words be gone!

You see, tomorrow brings the opportunity for a fresh start and to resolve some things, which means decide firmly on a course of action. I was reminded that because of Jesus I stand firm in hope. Hope is manifested through God’s love for us and we can live in anticipation of good things to come, even when faced with trials.

So, I resolve in 2019 to be more hopeful. I resolve to see possibilities when faced with challenges. I resolve to find ways to be thankful every day. I resolve to laugh more often and love more deeply. And I resolve to spend time with Jesus each and every day. For it is because of Him that I can resolve to do anything.

Be joyful!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

He’s Here…

We had a Birthday Party for Jesus last night at church. We played a version of the game musical chairs with the children, using a wrapped present. The children passed the present around their circle while the music played; then, when the music stopped whoever was holding the present unwrapped a layer of paper. The person to unwrap the last layer of paper got to keep the gift. This game is so much fun to watch! Each time the music stopped, all of the kids squealed with delight. One little girl in particular caught my attention last night.

She was absolutely “all in” when it came to this game. She squealed along with everyone else and while another child was unwrapping the present she whispered, “please let there by another layer, please, please”, eyes full of delight, she was so stinking cute!

It occurred to me that I want to approach these next four days leading up to Christmas much the same. I want to squeal with delight at the lights, trees, cookies, carols and gifts that surround me. I want to gaze at Jesus in the manger, eyes full of delight and remember that Jesus is born. He’s here for me. I want to whisper to that baby, “please let there be another layer of your love, your hope and your joy in my heart. Please, please.”

I don’t know where this Christmas finds you. Maybe you are dealing with a broken heart, illness, separation from loved ones, depression, anxiety or other disappointments. I encourage you to take time to gaze at that precious baby boy in the manger and find comfort, joy and peace. He dwelt among us. He could have left us on our own. But, He did not. There is nothing that Jesus did not endure after He arrived lowly in that manger and He went on to save each one of us. You are not alone this Christmas, this year or the next. He is here!

Francesca Battistelli reminds us of the beauty of Jesus with her song, You’re Here. I pray these words wash over you and give you Christmas hope!

Hold on now, I gotta take a deep breath; I don’t know what to say when I look in your eyes.
You made the world before I was born; here I am holding you in my arms tonight.
Noel, noel, Jesus our Emmanuel.
You’re here, I’m holding you so near.

I’m staring into the face of my saviour, king and creator.
You could’ve left us on our own, but you’re here.
Don’t know how long I’m gonna have you for; but I’ll be watching when you change the world.
I look at your hand, they’re still so small; someday you’re going to stretch them out and save us all.
Noel, noel, God with us Emmanuel.
Someday I’m gonna look back on this; the night that God became a baby boy.

Someday you’re gonna go home again; but you leave your spirit and flood the world with joy.

Hallelujah! You’re here! Hallelujah! You’re here!

Be joyful! Jesus is here!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Depleted.

“Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin? Jesus is calling. Have you come to the end of yourself? Do you thirst for a drink from the well? Jesus is calling.” (O Come to the Altar by Elevation Worship)

A sweet friend of mine asked me this week if I ever get tired or burned out. She shared that she was feeling completely overwhelmed by everything right now in her life: job responsibilites, parenthood, working out, errands, life in general. Her zest for life had vanished. I asked her how her spiritual life was going. More specifically, I asked her when was the last time she just spent some time with her Father. Her precious face told me the answer before her lips even spoke. She had let her focus shift from Jesus’ face. She was feeling depleted because she simply was depleted. She needed her Father.

“O come to the altar, the Father’s arms are open wide. Forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.” (O Come to the Altar by Elevation Worship)

Yes, I have experienced seasons of my life when I have felt completely overwhelmed, holding on to life by a thread. I have noticed that when these seasons hit, I am typically not plugging in to the power source. I am not spending time in God’s Word. I am not carving out time for prayer or devotion. I am not letting God rule in my heart, nor my life. I am completely task driven and have shifted my focus from Jesus’ face.

When my first husband called and said that he wanted a divorce, I was a shell of the woman God intended me to be. I was physically, emotionally and spiritually depleted. I had traveled on my own road for about ten years and had not cultivated my relationship with God. The results were astounding: 100 pounds of added body weight and probably twice that in emotional weight. Yet, amongst all that added weight was a spirit that was literally starving.

“Leave behind your regrets and mistakes, come today there’s no reason to wait. Jesus is calling.
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy, from the ashes a new life is born. Jesus is calling.” (O Come to the Altar by Elevation Worship)

Where do you find yourself today? Tired? Depleted? Trying to simply survive yet another day? Jesus is calling. Turn to Him and let Him tend to your weary soul. Crawl up in your Father’s lap and let Him take the burdens of this life from you. You see, His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). I am living proof that no matter how far you wander, He can reach you, revive you, and restore you.

Be joyful and find rest!

“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 NIV

Cycling Class….

Thursday mornings are so much fun because I offer a Cycling class at the best gym in the world. Class preparation is pretty basic: show up early and get your bike; wheel it into place; make some adjustments to the seat and handle bars; strap in and get those legs moving. At this point, the lights are on in the studio; some are grumbling about sore, tired bodies; some are wiping the sleep from their eyes; caps are pulled down low; and most people are moving pretty slow.

But, something magical happens at 8:30 when the lights go off and the music cranks up. You can feel the mood of the room shift, heads down and focused, minds shifting to the task at hand, legs finding the cadence of the beat. About thirty minutes in, people are out of the saddle, sweat is pouring and mouths are grunting as we climb that second hill. You can feel the class riding together, catching their second wind, and giving it their best effort. And when that post-aerobic cool down comes and we find our way back to flat road, you can see the look of satisfaction at the determined effort. We conquered yet another mountain, together, victorious!

Each morning poses the same opportunity in life as my Thursday morning Cycling class. All we have to do is show up, drag ourselves out of bed and get ready for the task God has given us for the day. We need to put on the proper gear and wipe that sleep from our eyes. And the ride is so much smoother when we strap in and gear up with the power of His Word, minds in prayer and the shield of His love and protection surrounding us.

Before we know it, we are out of the saddle, pumping hard, surrounded by our fellow Warriors in Christ in this dark world, giving it our best effort because He is worth it. He is worth every ounce of blood, sweat and tears we have to offer because Jesus offered His blood, sweat and tears for us first.

And before we know it, the angel chorus will explode and we will be greeted with the sweetest satisfaction in Him, knowing that we conquered this mountain called life together, victorious.

Ride hard today! And be joyful!

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6‭-‬8 NIV