Hope for Tomorrow

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland, Isaiah 43:19(NIV).

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Have a wonderful weekend!

Stop, Look and Listen #19 Dandelion

God speaks through the simplest of things to remind me of a greater spiritual truth. I love the daily adventure of finding God in ordinary life.

Take this dandelion for example. Isn't it beautiful? I took this picture this week on a field trip to Elitch Gardens, a formerly owned Six Flags amusement park. Something about the way this weed changed from a yellow flower to a fluffy ball fascinates me. The small parachute shaped seeds are fun for kids(and adults) to "make a wish" with. Except when they blow their wishes in my yard! Now that's off limits and unacceptable.

Do it in someone else's yard. :)

Don't let the beauty of this dandelion deceive you. After all, a dandelion is classified as a weed, right? Hired landscapers work to remove them from grassy lawns using harsh chemicals. Home owners do the same in their flower beds and vegetable gardens using handheld yard tools. If weeds take residence, watch out. They eagerly move in to choke out our future harvest. Weeds are not welcome! They must be removed at all cost.

But like this weed, some get overlooked and thrive. They multiply fast. They hid in dark, tight places. And when they are lucky enough survive past the yellow bloom, they create another generation of blooms. More seeds for more weeds.

Which reminds me of my heart. Funny how weeds and my heart seem have a common connection. Weeds of the heart are sins. They must be removed at all cost.

Now I'm thinking and asking myself questions. What does the landscape of my heart look like today? Is it freckled with yellow dots or fluffy seed balls? If so, do I work hard to pluck them out one at a time before they take over? Do I grab my weed killer or a shovel? Or am I too tired to respond? Is the job so overwhelming that I don't know where to begin? Do I hire a helping hand?

The choice is mine. God knows what is best for my heart but in His grace and love, He gives me the freedom to choose what to do with my dandelions. The best part is I can trust that if I do my part, God will do His.

He is my Master Gardener.

So this morning I look deeper and ponder my two choices.

1. Ignore the weeds and eventually reap their harvest. Death.
2. Grab my yard tool, hat and gloves, and start digging. Life.

The health of my heart is at stake every day. It's time to do some yard work. Bitterness no more. Pride be gone. Anger back off. Self righteousness enough is enough. Selfishness, please not today.

As God would have it, today is a work day for me in my yard. His timing is perfect. Looks like it's also a work day for me and my heart.

Care to join me?

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)


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Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.

Stop, Look and Listen # 18 Eye

Not too long ago I started experimenting with my Canon camera. I learned I could use the macro setting and get a clear close up shot of just about anything. Fascinating! Nothing was off limits. Ant piles. Fresh fruit. Budding tree limbs. A Triscuit cracker.

One day while waiting for Hannah to get in the car after school, I focused my lens on my son Justin's eye. I couldn't believe it. I could see his eye better with my camera than I could with my own eye. Beautiful! So much detail. And to think no two irises are alike. God's creativity goes way beyond my finite mind. Wow!

As the weeks went on and I continued to take close up shots, God spoke to my heart.

"Just like you are with your camera always looking for beauty and getting close up to capture something on film, I am close up to you. Appreciating and capturing your every moment."

Talk about a breathtaking and scary moment. To acknowledge the Creator of the Universe has His eye on me all the time. Knowing He sees what I cannot see and that He still appreciates something in me blows my mind. He doesn't miss a moment. He stays up close and personal to capture my life through his lens. Who wouldn't want a relationship with a God like that?

Just think right now, He's focusing and capturing you too. Simply beautiful!

Say cheese. :)

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, Psalm 33:18 (NIV)

Stand By Me Video, Playing for a Change

(Please pause my music player on bottom of blog)

I'm always moved by seeing the nations of the world sing. Somehow their voices touch the heart of my deepest dreams.

Enjoy!

A Song by Roxanne Lingle ---"For Me"

(Please pause my music at bottom of blog)


Here's a video by my dear friend and prayer partner Roxanne Lingle. She's singing a song based on Jennifer Kennedy Dean's poem "For Me." This is for you! Enjoy her heart of worship!

I'm adding words from my journal that God spoke to my heart in April. May His words touch you. He is closer than we can imagine.

"Come, (put your name instead of mine). Come closer. Do not fear intimacy. I will not hurt you. I am not a man. I am God. What I am is more than you can imagine. Where we are going is beyond your wildest dreams. What's required of you is total surrender. A willingness to respond to me at all times. No shrinking back in the face of fear and doubt. Full confidence, not in yourself, but in Me. The author and finisher of your faith, Your greatest hope and strength. I will not fail you no matter what comes your way. There will be times of movement and times of rest. Both are key to my setting up the plan. Are you in?"

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To visit about Roxanne, click here

Another Note

Went back to the Prayer Center this week. Prayed in another room with two friends. We prayed big dream prayers. On my way out, I stopped by my favorite room. The notes were still there, hanging in along the walls instead of across the room. Took many more pictures of the notes. I plan to share them as the Lord leads.

Here's one for today.



Father God, create in me a passion for living out my faith in such a way that the world knows You are real. Holy Spirit, burn away my apathy. Break my heart with what breaks Yours. Inspire me to love well and forgive always. Grant me strength to finish strong and fight the good fight of faith. In my own strength, I tire easily and run to comfort. Help me run to You instead. Restore my weary soul. I need You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Powerful Words

Working on a lot of projects over here, but wanted to post a picture that needs no added commentary by me. Let this speak for itself.

You matter for such a time as this.

Stop, Look and Listen #17 Notes

Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.



Last week, I walked into the prayer room where my friend Roxanne and I usually meet and thought, Wow, what a creative way to worship!




Captured by these colorful index cards, I wanted to read everyone. Actually, I wanted to make my own and hang it. I love creative arts. I love words.

Beautiful worship.
So out of the box.
So artistic and free.
Just my style.

I loved the feeling of the room. To think so many people were in there writing words to God. I felt distracted by the notes above my head. I struggled to focus and pray, but that's okay, God used these cards to speak to me.





As we prepared our hearts to pray, I kept looking at all the sweet love notes. Some were honest, raw confessions. Some powerful verses. Others songs of praises. My guess was this probably happened during a night of worship for the college age discipleship group 24/7 that meets in the building.



Then I saw this note. I echoed this note in prayer, "Yes, Lord, I will never stop loving you."

God spoke to my heart, "Read it again. It's from Me to you."

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God wants you to read His words today. This note is for you too.

Stop, Look and Listen # 16 Hope

Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.



This weekend Hannah had her spring piano recital at a local church. In the hallway was a bulletin board with pictures from kids about what hope means to them. This one captured my eye. Wanted to share it to encourage you. I know of many families who are going through dark times right now. This drawing speaks volumes.



May you find HOPE as you pass through the tunnel of life.


"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light," Ephesians 5:8 (NIV).

Thank you, Jesus, for the heart of a child and how they teach me about You. Help me to live with greater childlike faith every day. Thank You for being the light that leads me out of the dark tunnels of life. Shine the way, Lord, shine the way. I'm blind without you. I need you.

Remembering What Lasts Forever

Today I'm out planting flowers into pots and into the ground. What a beautiful day I'm having. Warm, sunny, peaceful, birds singing. Therapy for this ready gardener. We have to wait until after Mother's Day here in Colorado Springs. I just love getting my hands into dirt to plant annuals. Something about creating beauty from the dirt makes me happy. :) While I was working outside, God reminded of what lasts forever. And it's not flowers.

“All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever,” 1 Peter 1:24-25 (NKJV).

Thank you, Jesus, for this word this afternoon. As much as I love flowers, I love You and Your Word more.

(Sidenote: for those of you who would like to hear my abortion testimony from Mother's Day. It's now online available. I'm the 4th person to share about 20 minutes in. I talk for about 8-10 minutes. The Gathering Mother's Day Service

Stop, Look and Listen # 15 Feet

Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.



Ever felt God pulling on your heart to step out and take a risk? Inside everything in you freezes up at the thought, right? But then something deeper tells you that there just may be something even better on the other side. Your choice? Move forward or abandon the idea altogether. You sit on a rock and fret until you can't take it any longer. At last, a step one way or the other. You feel liberated.




When I first saw Hannah and her friends walk across this stream, I thought of Joshua and the priests as they carried the ark of the covenant into the promised land. (See Joshua 3) The Israelites were instructed to step into the Jordan River at flood stage. I can only imagine what I would've said to that brilliant idea. Not exactly wise or logical. Dangerous or even deadly. We all know what raging high waters can do. I think of the recent devastation with hurricanes and floods.

As I took pictures of the scene, I remembered a time when I took a step over six years ago. I was scared and insecure, but I wanted to pursue professional writing. There was a Christian writers conference coming up and I shared my desire to go with friends. My friend Katie responded with something like, "You may just have to put your foot in the Jordan before God will part the waters." That phrase haunted me. I was waiting for God to make the first move and provide the money as a clear sign.

But often times, God waits for us to walk by faith and step out first. That was the case with me.

I stepped out and God provided a partial scholarship and a free stay at beautiful home blocks away from the conference. God confirmed my desire in the sweetest ways. New friends. A book given to me from an author on hope. Beautiful songs of worship that I felt were written just for me. I cried almost the entire weekend. Every message, workshop, and writer I met spoke deep to my longing to write about Him. I can't imagine now what my life would be like today if I never stuck my toes in the waters. (Thank you, Katie, for speaking truth in love. God used you in a big way.)



This picture reminds me of how we all need someone to hold onto as take a step/risk. Look around, God usually provides a spouse, parent, coach, or friend. If not, there's a better source. God Himself. What comfort it is knowing we have someone we trust who won't let us drowned. I love Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."


My Bible study notes adds a great commentary about the Jordan river experience. It's so good that I have to share it with you.

"The Israelites were eager to enter the promised land, conquer nations, and live peacefully. But first they had to cross the flood-level waters of the Jordan River. God gave them specific instructions: in order to cross, the priests had to step into the water. What if these priests had been afraid to take that first step? Often God provides no solution to our problems until we trust him and move ahead with what we know we should do. What are the rivers, or obstacles, in your life? In obedience to God, take that first step into the water."

The first step could be anything. Seek counseling for your rocky marriage. Reach out to reconcile with a friend. Ask your child for forgivenness. Ask for prayer. Confess a long hidden secret to just one. Try something new. Or it could be a bigger step like changing jobs or moving towards a God-sized dream. Only you and God know what your next step is.

With that in mind, look at what stepping into water can look like. I found myself captivating by the sights and sounds. Living water. Beautiful. Refreshing. You don't want to miss your chance at feeling the cools waves rush between your toes.








Thank you, Lord, for capturing my attention while a large group of 6th grade kids tested and enjoyed the waters. And thank You reminding me of a time when I stepped out into waters myself not too long ago. You simply amaze me. I pray for each reader reading this today that they might find the courage to step out in the way You are calling them to. Remind them that Your promise land awaits. Part the raging waters, Father God. Do not let Your children be swept away by the strong current. Show us Your power and favor in our time of need. And then, like the Israelites, we will place our memorial stones down in the dry riverbed and then be able to tell our children and their children of how great You are. You can do beyond what we can ever hope or imagine. We love You with our whole heart. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.

Stop, Look and Listen #14 Signs

Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.



How does God guide your everyday life? Can you trust His warnings and directions? For me, it means following the prompting of His Holy Spirit moment by moment, not just in the morning with my Bible open.

God is a creative God. I fully believe God knows how to get through to us if we will ask and listen long enough to hear. In my life, God often speaks through a variety of ways. Like through another person, through my daily experiences like being in a shopping line or at a basketball game, through watching my kids interact, or through a movie or nature. The list of ways is endless. All I know is I do not want to limit God's voice in my life. I need Him. Desperately. Every minute.


For example, I've had days when I've been moody and stressed and I want to talk down to my kids or husband. I sense God's Spirit saying, "No." "Be quiet."
If I listen, I still feel mouthy but I sense a blessing for obeying. If I denied the voice and say a little piece of my mind, I feel remorse and conviction.

Now what I do with that conviction leads to one of two things. Either greater intimacy or distance with God. I either draw near to God, say I'm sorry and admit my need for Him. Or I push God away and His voice gets quieter next time. The better of the two is back towards relationship with God. Humbling yes, but letting Him live through me is the harder, sweeter road to travel.


How 'bout this sign? How do you know when to turn directions?

One way for me is by sensing a restlessness that won't leave me even after prayer. For example, something changed in my attitude and mind at our former church home. Not the pastor, his messages were still good. The change was deeper and in my heart. My restlessness became so loud that I couldn't pay attention. I heard every cough. I felt bored and found myself checking out the tops of heads. Don't ask.

This frustration led to a conversation with my husband. More than once. We prayed and eventually decided to change churches. It was hard leaving some of our dear friends. But once we moved and settled on a new church home, peace returned. I believe God knows what He is doing when we sense a restless heart more than I do. Change can be good. Why we fight Him is beyond me. I've found good gifts by following his sign to turn directions.

One example is the amazing opportunity I had yesterday to share my testimony on Mother's Day. God gave me the chance to speak to my church family about how great He is. I felt completely alive to be able to testify of God's love. How He took my darkness moment and brought me new life! I'm humbled to know that I was able to give honor and dignity again to my baby named Grace.

Thank You, Lord for signs. Thank you for both the no's and the signs to turn in a new direction. Help me to obey when "no" is the harder but right thing to do. You are our trustworthy guide. I can follow You without fear. You're always a step ahead of me pounding in directional signs. Help me see the signs as they come and enable me to gladly follow Your marked trail. I love you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Lessons from the Park

I went on a family walk last night with my husband, daughter and her two neighborhood friends. On the way back, we stopped for a little break. This is what I learned in a brief ten minutes at the park. Love the free and playful spirit of a child.



Life is more enjoyable with a friend at your side.



For greater enjoyment, lean into life!



Real living is feeling the grass between your toes and throwing your socks up ahead of you.



For the fresh perspective on the world, try laying low with your belly down. You just might like it.



Even when life turns upside, you can still have fun.



No matter if you win or lose, enjoy the race! And who cares who's watching.

Fog

I'm learning that trying to see ahead for my future is like driving through the fog.
With weather like this, I can't go the regular speed limit. Slowing down is required.
I must be extra alert because my visibility is limited. I can only see what is right in front of me. Yet I long to see so much more. So I grip my steering wheel, press lightly on my gas peddle and inch forward, watching for road signs and red lights that may appear at the last minute.

Deep down, I ache for the dark skies to break and for the SON to come shining in with a clear voice, "This is the way walk in it."

If that day never comes, I will still appreciate the weather and drive for what it is. Because I know I am never alone. God is with always me.

(As for today, the Son is shining! But now I'm blinded by His light. Still limited in vision. It's always something! God knows best.)

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What's the visibility like for you today?

Stop, Look and Listen #13 Picture

Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.



I know I said I'd be writing light this week because of time restraints. God won't have that. I cannot focus until I write this entry for whatever reason. God is funny that way. I tell Him my plans and He says "Not!"

Let me take you back to February with me. I was in a battle because I let the life that I had known go. I felt completely alone and yet I knew this was God's path for me. The unknown way. So I sat in my recliner and poured out my thoughts in my journal.

"Lord, praise to You for speaking to me in powerful ways. Thank you for calling me deeper into relationship with You. I sense I am to walk out my life in Christ. Not just with you. Abiding in you each day. I'm grieving from letting go of my professional website. I cannot believe my life is shifting. I love it and at the same time I hate it. I want to cling to the old, but I know that is not Your plan. I must let go to receive the new. Old things have past. I do believe I have a call of ministry on my life. I'm not sure how to live this out. I'm fearful. I cling to labels. I seek validation from others sometimes. But hopefully my heart is more pure and focused on giving You to others."

As I paused I sensed God speak to my heart.

See the picture of Derek and Hannah.




"Yes, Lord, I see it."

What do you see?

"A father helping his daughter."

Why?

"So she won't trip over her shoelaces."

Okay, now hear Me. I watch over your feet. I'm looking to make sure your feet won't slip.

"Thank you. What a beautiful gift You give me. Your constant care. Wow!"

Thank you for coming to me and letting me help you.

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This picture from years ago now has a new meaning. A sweet reminder of God's care as my Father. As I look back over the past few months since this moment, I see God is making a new way for me. Sure, my feet still feel wobbly but I can trust Heavenly Father who watches over me. So can you!


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My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my

prayer.Psalm 17:5-6(NIV)

Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard;

he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. Psalm 66:8-9(NIV)

Where I am at Today

I'm trying to get some things done this week. If I don't move forward, I'll be in a pinch and feeling stressed. When I am too overloaded, I do nothing. So chances are I will be light on my blog posts and visits. I need to be productive.

Here's where I am:

Reflective. My family and I went to a celebration of life service this weekend for a 13 year old who lost his battle with cancer. The service was full of songs and testimonies. Truly it was life-giving to all who were present. God was honored and so was Ian. Ian Lyons was an amazing young man of courageous character. It's amazing how some people live shorter lives but make a greater impact on others than someone who lives a longer one. Ian did just that. I'm reflective and reminded of the brevity of this life. Our lives are truly a vapor. What are we doing to touch the lives of others? Will anyone have anything to say at our funeral? We have a choice today. Let's live now! (Feel free to sign the guest book for the Lyons family by visiting the link attached)

Unsure. I have a couple different directions I could take in life. Right now, I'm stuck with no clear path to take. So I wait. The hard part is I am not a patient wait-er. I want movement. Forward motion! God knows best. All I know is I must wait for His leading. My life is lived at a turtle pace. Some days I wish I were faster.

Determined. Some things in life are negotiable, some aren't. One thing in my life that isn't is my faith. I will follow God at all costs no matter what. And I realize that looks different or odd to some. I'm okay with that. Here's the deal, I need prayer again. I've been asked to give a 5 minute testimony for our Mother's Day service. I said yes. Pray that I am filled with Spirit inspired words. I will be mentioning my loss due to my abortion. I hope to give dignity back to both lives lost and the shameful mothers in the room. This is not a typical service we have planned. Instead it's God's plan. He's out of the box!

Thankful.Today is my friend Beth Vogt's birthday! I'm thankful for Beth's friendship in my life. She was the one who cheered me on when I first started freelance writing. She taught me the ropes, corrected my weaknesses and pointed out my strengths. She believed in me when I didn't. She listened to me and accepted my tears. Without her influence, I wouldn't be who or where I am today. Every day I'm reminded of her. The gifts she's given me are spread out throughout my home. (Yesterday Beth wrote a sweet post about Ian on her blog. If you have time, bless her with a birthday comment. Thank you!)

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Now to you! What few words come to mind to describe your current place in life?

Stop, Look and Listen #12 Gauge

Thank you for joining me for another Stop, Look and Listen where I share how God speaks through the simple, everyday and the ordinary.



What do you think of when you see a thermometer? Do you think of your heart and your burning desire for more of God?




Does seeing a temperature gauge bring to mind this verse?

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked," Revelation 3:15-17(NIV).

What if every time you saw a thermometer you cried out in prayer?

Oh, Father God, I need You. Without the Holy Spirit, I am blind and prone to wander. I am prone to lukewarm-going-through-the-motions-living. It's sickening and I feel like throwing up. I cannot live another day in the middle. Cover me in a heating blanket of Your love. Crank the heat up on high. Let me know You are real. Today. Now. Speak to me in the ordinary moments of life. I need Your presence to remain faithful during these turbulent times. I especially need You when life is going well. I am hungry and thirsty, and if the truth be told, often times lukewarm or even cold. Captivate my mind and heart once again. Come, Lord Jesus. Come close and breathe on me again. Revive my tepid heart. In Your name we pray, Amen.