Last January after the death of my dad; 2 major surgeries; and a tough year in ministry a friend gave me a devotional book called "Jesus Calling." I was very thankful for my friend's gesture and deeply appreciated her prayers and support; however, to be honest I was suspect of a devotional book. Devotional books are very personal and what one person loves another person may not.
I was surprised that I fell in love with "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. I immediately connected with her story because it began in the community of L'Abri started by Francis & Edith Schaeffer. Sarah's writings are a blessing and encouragement each day -- to connect to the Father, Son and Spirit; to live in the flow and grace of the Spirit; to trust and wait on God; to rest and not strive for approval and recognition.
Even though I do not read the devotion every day, I can't tell you the numerous times I have sat and wept because the words written were exactly what I needed for that moment. I gave a copy of this book to my wwKids leaders. Often I would text various leaders asking, "Did you read your book?" believing that the words would touch them as well.
Sarah also has a kid's edition of "Jesus Calling" which I love as much as the adult version.
God's gifts and blessings often come in packages I don't readily appreciate. My desire today is to have eyes to see and join in where the Spirit is moving.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Reflections on Mary - Luke 1.26-38
I want to be beautiful on the inside and out like Mary.
When I am thoroughly shaken, trembling with fear
I want to be like Mary.
When I have doubts and questions about how things will play out
I want to be like Mary.
When God remind me that nothing is impossible with Him (1.36)
I want to be like Mary and respond,
"Yes, I see it all now, I am ready to serve." (1.38)
When God's plan involves uncertainty and public embarrassment,
I want to be like Mary and respond,
"Let it be with me just as you say." (1.38)
When God's way is unclear and I can't see the trail
I want to be like Mary, confident
"believing what God said, believing that every word will come true." (1.45)
Luke 2.33. . . "this child (this situation) will mark both the failure and recovery of many in this community. . . a figure misunderstood and contradicted -- the pain of a sword thrust through me. But the rejection will force honesty in the community as God reveals who they really are."
Then I will be like Mary.
When I am thoroughly shaken, trembling with fear
I want to be like Mary.
When I have doubts and questions about how things will play out
I want to be like Mary.
When God remind me that nothing is impossible with Him (1.36)
I want to be like Mary and respond,
"Yes, I see it all now, I am ready to serve." (1.38)
When God's plan involves uncertainty and public embarrassment,
I want to be like Mary and respond,
"Let it be with me just as you say." (1.38)
When God's way is unclear and I can't see the trail
I want to be like Mary, confident
"believing what God said, believing that every word will come true." (1.45)
Luke 2.33. . . "this child (this situation) will mark both the failure and recovery of many in this community. . . a figure misunderstood and contradicted -- the pain of a sword thrust through me. But the rejection will force honesty in the community as God reveals who they really are."
Then I will be like Mary.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Blogging: Why do it?
Haven't blogged in a while because I found myself . . .
Worrying about what I was going to write.
Wondering if it was important enough to share.
Questioning my motivations for blogging.
Life has been full, maybe too full and blogging was one of those things I could put on hold while I sorted out my thoughts.
Blogging is good for me. It helps me communicate my thoughts and often I develop a greater personal understanding in the process. I share this with others, because I hope and pray that something touches your life and encourages you.
Blessings -
Worrying about what I was going to write.
Wondering if it was important enough to share.
Questioning my motivations for blogging.
Life has been full, maybe too full and blogging was one of those things I could put on hold while I sorted out my thoughts.
Blogging is good for me. It helps me communicate my thoughts and often I develop a greater personal understanding in the process. I share this with others, because I hope and pray that something touches your life and encourages you.
Blessings -
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Why did my mom not keep me?
It's hard to believe it's been 6 years since we were in China. Allie, is the oldest of the Tongling 12 and she turned 8 on September 20. Tomorrow, Sept 29, is the day that she was found. I think about her birth mom a lot this time of year.
We have had some interesting conversations about our family. One day Allie asked questions about her older siblings (age 31 and 27). She asked, "what is a step sister?" I explained that she and her older sister, Sarah, have the same dad but a different mom. Allie was quiet than asked, "Do I have a step-mom in China?" I replied, "No, you have a biological mom in China." We talked about how Jeff, our 11 year son, grew in my tummy; but Allie do not grow in my tummy.
Then she asked the kicker. . . "Why did my mom not keep me?" WOW
I paused and said, "I don't know...I believe that she loved you very much, but maybe she couldn't take care of you."
Then I told her story about another mom who loved her baby boy very much, but the government was trying to hurt the little boy. The mom, and the boy's bigger sister did what they could to protect the little guy, but the mom eventually let another family raise and care for her son, so that he was safe. That little boy was named Moses.
My husband does a lot of teasing in our family. One day, Allie teasingly called me, "My not real mom." I laughed at her and responded back, "yes, my real daughter!" She giggled and smiled.
She's beginning to grasp the concept of adoption.
Just interesting conversations that often leave me "pondering things in my heart!"
We have had some interesting conversations about our family. One day Allie asked questions about her older siblings (age 31 and 27). She asked, "what is a step sister?" I explained that she and her older sister, Sarah, have the same dad but a different mom. Allie was quiet than asked, "Do I have a step-mom in China?" I replied, "No, you have a biological mom in China." We talked about how Jeff, our 11 year son, grew in my tummy; but Allie do not grow in my tummy.
Then she asked the kicker. . . "Why did my mom not keep me?" WOW
I paused and said, "I don't know...I believe that she loved you very much, but maybe she couldn't take care of you."
Then I told her story about another mom who loved her baby boy very much, but the government was trying to hurt the little boy. The mom, and the boy's bigger sister did what they could to protect the little guy, but the mom eventually let another family raise and care for her son, so that he was safe. That little boy was named Moses.
My husband does a lot of teasing in our family. One day, Allie teasingly called me, "My not real mom." I laughed at her and responded back, "yes, my real daughter!" She giggled and smiled.
She's beginning to grasp the concept of adoption.
Just interesting conversations that often leave me "pondering things in my heart!"
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