What Are You Waiting For?

Today I read the following article.  It blew me away.  I wish I had read it years ago as a single woman.  But, it is helpful to this married woman's heart, because it's principles are biblical and universal. 

What are you waiting for?  Waiting isn't just for single women.  I've spent many a day waiting for . . .

• school to start/end
• my prince charming to come on the scene
• my wedding day to arrive
• babies to spring forth
• doctors and lab results
• pain to subside following miscarriage
• my husband to get better
• a positive preganancy test
• sick children to get better
• sons to give their hearts to Jesus
• God to open the eyes of friends who are spiritually blind
• God to reveal His will for the next step of my mission

During those waiting times I am drawn to my knees in desperation.  And there I find Him, ever patient, ever sure.  A painful lonely place is suddenly warmed by His light and love.  I am no longer alone in my waiting places.  And you don't have to be alone in yours either.

"I just didn’t want to wait anymore – didn’t want to live like I was waiting on anyone to get here.  I already have Him … and He is everything."  - Grace

Click the following link to drink more in . . .

I Don't Wait Anymore

 "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:5

"Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"

Psalm 27:14

"For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth." Psalm 37:9

"Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation."
Psalm 62:1

 

"For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him."
Isaiah 64:4

 

"Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.  For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18

"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

"It is good that one should hope and wait quietly, for the salvation of the LORD."  Lamentations 3:26

 

Push the Pause Button: Taking Time to Evaluate

At this very moment I am enjoying a rare moment of bliss.  My laptop, Bible, calendar and I are sitting at a local coffee shop, in an air conditioned room with, ironically, a cozy fireplace flickering nearby.  It is doing it's job well, relaxing me while I sip a blueberry Italian soda, nibble an M & M cookie, and reflect on life.  Yes, I'm spoiled.  A whole pack of thank you notes wouldn't be enough to thank my sweet husband.



It is a break, yes.  But, it is also a work appointment.  As a wife and mother I take my job very seriously.  And sometimes I need to get away from the workplace I love to renew my perspective.



As a stay-at-home wife, homeschooling mom, host mom, writer, daughter, friend, and growing child of God, I must take time to pray, evaluate, and plan for coming days.  When I was single I needed to do the same thing.  It was tedious to face life's ups and downs alone, besides being responsible for everything. 

We all need TIME to REFOCUS.

Here are some questions to help us check our path as we push the pause button:



1.  God - Is God still a priority in my life?  If so, what is the evidence?  When is the last time I was truly abiding in Him?  Have I poured my heart out to Him today?  How many times a day do I think about Him?  Do people know that I am His?



2.  Myself: God's Temple - Is my heart soft or hard?  Am I where God wants me to be?  Do I need help?  If so, am I asking for help?  Am I a thankful person?  Am I taking care of my spirit, mind, emotions, and body?  Am I doing ____ for God's glory or mine?  Are my goals in life reasonable or am I constantly defeated by unrealistic expectations?



3.  Others: Eternal Souls - Who has God given to me as priority relationships to help?  Am I putting them first?  Am I doing my best to help them in their walk with God?  Do I pray as much for others as I pray for myself?  Do I need to change my schedule to make more time for others?  Am I using my influence for good in my home, neighborhood, church, community, and beyond?



4.  My Home: God's Embassy - Do I have too much stuff in my home?  Is taking care of things weighing me down and sapping energy better used elsewhere?  What do I need to get rid of?  How often do I have people over?  Is my home a refuge for my family?  Is my home a God-place?  Am I clinging too tightly to things?  Is my house a place of peace and joy?



5.  My Schedule: My Soul Test -  What does my schedule say about me?  About my view of God?  Is it too packed or do I need to add some things to use my time wisely?  What is causing me the most stress?  What about it is stressful?  How much time do I spend online every day? What is the first thing I'd like to remove from my schedule?  Why?  Am I dwelling in the past or future instead of today?

Jesus told us what our priorities should be ...

"Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40



^"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33



"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2



Blessings abound in us because we are daughters of the King.  Whether we are single, married, with or without kids, an empty-nester, a grandmother, or are standing at the end of life on earth, God wants to help us live with His heart.  All we need to do is ask Him! 

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. 

- Forgaill

Do You Need a Makeover?

There is an old street near our library, adjacent to the town square, that still has its original bricks. They must have been solid and attractive years ago, but these days the gigantic rivulets, careening potholes, and jagged edges only seem to be capable of rattling my brain and nerves.  I almost feel guilty taking an alternate route, because I absolutely appreciate the idea of treasuring our past and keeping history alive.  However, there comes a time when what was useful no longer is useful.  Improvements need to be made. 

As I was riding the waves on the old brick road last night, an image came into my mind of a woman beyond her teenage years, trying to look and act as if she still is a teenager.  Have you seen her? Instead of convincing us she is young, we find ourselves feeling a little bit embarrassed for her. The young look used to be quaint, but it doesn't work for her anymore.

What Is Beautiful?

Some of the most beautiful women I know are far beyond "29 and holding"! They choose cheerful, modest clothing; avoiding too tight, too short, too low, unnatural make-up, and pigtails.  Their communication is filled with grace, humor, dignity and humility.  They keep a style that fits their personality and is becoming to them, somehow reaching a balance of drawing people to them without bringing too much attention to self.  If I could put it in a nutshell . . .

•  They are confident in God's love for them.


•  They are secure in God's grace which supercedes their sin.


•  They are in love with God more than anything or anyone else.


•  They love others with Christ's love.

They aren't perfect.  Even mature women struggle with "the uglies" - physical, emotional, and spiritual battles which affect their inner and outer beauty.  The difference is that they have learned to focus on Christ, the One whose opinion really matters.

^"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:11, 13

God's Plan For Our Beauty

God is patiently calling us, drawing us, loving us.  He wants us to receive His free gift of salvation.  He then chips away at the ugly sin in our lives, uncovering the masterpiece He's had in mind all along.  If we are willing, He will make us more useful and more beautiful for Him.



When I look at a picture of myself from twenty-five years ago, I see a shy teenage girl, wearing a pastel plaid blouse and a string of white beads.  "Who is that?"  It seems like a lifetime ago.  Do you think I would look silly wearing the same outfit and acting like a fifteen-year-old at age thirty-nine?  Yes, of course.



Yet, spiritually speaking, when my spiritual birthday comes around every April (see My Testimony to find out more), I am humbled and ashamed that I am not more mature in my faith.  My heart cries out, God help me not to be carried away by every emotion and circumstance - help me be strong and mature in who You are, thus who I am in Your eyes.


What about you?  Are you "acting your age" physically, emotionally, and spiritually? 



1.  Physically . . .  Do you need to make a trip to donate old clothes, calling in a friend with the "dressing gene" to help you build a new wardrobe?  Shopping for bargains takes practice.  And sometimes you need to spend a little more money to invest in an outfit that becomes you.  We don't need a closet full!  We just need a few outfits that work well.



2.  Emotionally . . .  Are you holding onto habits that are pulling you down, keeping you from being the best you can be for God?  Are there some hurts you need to forgive and fears to need to forsake?  God is waiting to help you.



3.  Spiritually . . .  Compared to one year ago, are you more like Christ?  Are you more patient?  Are you less critical of others?  Do you run to people or God first?  Are you encouraging the faith of those around you, even if they are at a different place of growth than you? 



These are tough questions, but there is no need to fret.  Spirituality isn't some grand robe of accomplishment you earn when you reach certain level of faith - it is the direction you are going.  Are you going toward God or away from Him?


I would like to look better, to be sure.  But, if I were offered a free makeover, I would worry that the person "remaking" me would turn me into someone who doesn't reflect my personality and preferences. I might hate my new look, be confused about my identity, not be able to maintain the new regimen, or get a big head about my cuteness! 



While I continue to try to keep my outward appearance fresh and current, I usually choose to invest more energy in getting to know my Creator.  He specializes in spiritual makeovers.  And His sense of style is perfect.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

 

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Beauty is a Choice - Part 2

George Macdonald said, 'If you knew what God knows about death you would clap your listless hands', but instead I find old people in North America just buying this whole youth obsession. I think growing older is a wonderful privilege. I want to learn to glorify God in every stage of my life.

                                                                                   - Elizabeth Elliot



Tim often tells me “I have a hole in my heart the shape of your figure.” To Tim, I am beautiful.  But, when I look in the mirror, I see every flaw. It is so easy for me to get sucked into a worldly view of beauty without even realizing it.

It was smooth sailing until age 27. All of a sudden, this skinny kid couldn’t eat as much as before. During our engagement I meticulously monitored every bite. After the wedding, like most people, I relaxed and gained some weight. Now, after five pregnancies (two live births and three miscarriages) I have experienced first-hand the battle of the bulge and feel my age creeping up on me. Sometimes I detect jealousy in my heart when I observe younger women, full of youth and vitality. This year I’ve enjoyed going to the gym, and I’m happy to report that I’ve seen some of that energy return. Strength training is a beauty tip I learned from the Virtuous Woman herself … “She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.” Proverbs 31:17

While God is working to make me someone truly beautiful, from the inside out, for His glory (not mine), He has given me wonderful examples of beauty that touch me to the depths of my soul. 

Please let me introduce to you my dear friend Rayetta. Rayetta is known for being a vibrant, successful Mary Kay representative (she earned a pink car!), a committed Christian, a concerned and involved citizen, always dressed to the hilt with perfect accessories, so gorgeous that anyone would take a second glance at her. But, her outward beauty would mean nothing without her inner beauty shining through: her posture reflects confidence in God, while her radiant smile and bubbly laughter springs up like a shimmering fountain, spilling Jesus onto everyone she meets. Her loving arms and open heart have welcomed hundreds of exchange students from around the world into her home. She not only believes in God, she LIVES with Him and for Him. She is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met.

Last night, however, physically speaking, the woman I saw was a shadow of the Rayetta I once knew. You see, my 65-year-old friend was recently told by her doctors that her earthly life will end in a matter of days, weeks or just a couple months. After an on-off fight which began years ago with breast cancer, she now has tumors over-taking her brain. We pray for healing, but we are prepared to let her go to be with God.



My dear friend Rayetta

The picture above is worth a thousand words ... love shines through her cloudy eyes … she looks peaceful under her pretty scarf … her still adorable, warm quivering smile speaks, “I’m so glad to be here with you!” Every word is thankful, others-focused. Rayetta’s unquenchable faith in God and assurance of Heaven radiates from her words of praise and thanks to God, for loving friends and a Savior who took her sins upon Himself at the cross. Rayetta is more beautiful than ever!

So, go ahead – keep buying face creams, foundation, mascara and modest lovely clothes that compliment your smile. Both Aunt Helen (see Beauty Is a Choice - Part 1) and Rayetta would encourage us to look our best, as earthly representatives of Christ. But, invest MORE of your time and energy in eternal beauty:

• Bathe yourself in the blood of Jesus


• Beautify your eyes by digging into the Word of God


• Groom your soul by praying without ceasing


• Flush out bitterness and apply the balm of forgiveness


• Curl your smile to uplift those around you


• Shield your eyes from the glare of comparison


• Wear plenty of Son-screen to protect you from the harmful rays of Satan's lies


• Before taking medication, focus on meditation and memorization of God's precious Word


• Exercise grace to edify, speak the truth in love, pointing others to God


• Wear the delicate fragrance of a meek (boldness under control) and quiet spirit


• Thank God for your struggle with weight and how it drives you to depend on Him more


• During your pedicure thank God for your feet and ask Him how He can use them to take you places to minister in His name.

True beauty is Christlikeness.  Look in the Bible to find the clearest mirror of all.  Through it God will reveal what you need to change in your life.  He wants to help you become less focused on self and more dependent on Him.  The more you know and appreciate God, the more beautiful you will become.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was." James 1:22-24

I look forward to my heavenly glorified body!  It will be so restful not to have to worry about calories and cellulite.  But, I am absolutely certain that when I am in the presence of my beautiful Savior, I will be in awe of Him - nothing else will matter.

"Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Psalm 29:2

Beauty Is a Choice - Part 1

Yesterday I bought a bag of cotton balls and a jar of face cleanser.  God has given me one face, and I am determined to keep it in the best condition possible.  As I stood in the store aisle, wanting to try something new and feeling overwhelmed by the hundreds of options, I chuckled when I thought about my great Aunt Helen.  She’s enjoying life with God now, but while still on this earth, even into her nineties, she had nary a wrinkle.  The nursing home staff begged to know what face care regimen she subscribed to:  turned out, it was whatever cold cream was on sale at the time!  I’ve been told that at least three enthusiastic nurses proceeded to raid local drugstores, stocking up on Aunt Helen creams.  Thanking God for my beautiful (inside and out) Aunt Helen, I finally chose what I hoped would be the best match for my pores, placed it in the cart next to the double roll toilet paper and plush Easter bunnies, and headed toward the check-out counter.



Then, I knew it was time.  Time once again to pass by those Cover Girls we all love.  Their glaring double-lashed eyes and puckered sultry lips mocked me with silent scorn: “What’s the use? You’ll never be as thin and gorgeous as I am!”  Armed with God’s strength, and with the word “airbrushed” palpitating in my brain, I pushed on through the dark tunnel of comparison …  there, at the light at the end of the tunnel, was a friendly normal-sized young woman waiting to take my money.  Glancing back at the beauty queens, I thought, “They too will get old and fat,” as I smiled a comforted, yet pitying, grin.  Focus on God, Sara ... soak in HIS beauty.



Choose Your Consequences

Eons before Cinderella, Hollywood, and Barbie, our first mother gave in to her curiosity … What if I could be like God? (There weren’t any other women, yet, with which to compare.)  Eve never dreamed the cost of that single juicy bite: 

• excruciating pain
  
  



• raging emotional battles 


• sagging, bagging and wrinkling 


• sapped energy 


• unsatisfied desires 


• loneliness 


• broken marriages 


• tears of despair 


• a billion-dollar skin care industry 


• eating disorders 


• plastic surgery 


• miscarriages 


• abortions/murder 


• self-centered esteem confusion 


• diet programs and weight loss infomercials


• separation from God


• death for all

We could go on and on, but you get the idea of the extensive “un-makeover” Eve thrust upon the entire human race.  No doubt, if it had been you or me talking to that slimy Devil of a serpent, we would’ve fallen, too.  I believe that if Eve had known the extensive ramifications of her disobedience – not only impacting herself, but bringing misery to all of her children and grandchildren, she NEVER would’ve munched.  Sadly, she didn’t listen to, nor trust, God’s warnings.



Praise God, there is good news and hope for all of Eve’s children!  Because of Christ’s substitutionary atonement on the cross, God offers forgiveness – if we will only receive His free gift by faith – He will remove all of our ugly sin and replace it with His grace, clothing us in His beautiful righteousness.  Our CHOICE to take on the beauty of Jesus also has consequences: 

• a relationship with God


• contentment


• forgiveness  


• godly confidence   


• assurance of eternal life 


• a spiritual battle and the equipment to fight victoriously 


• the chance to invest our lives in what truly matters 


• children who will learn about true beauty and lasting values 


• comfort in pain 


• joy amidst trials 


• God using our weak hands to assist the needy and lift up the fallen 


• wisdom to feed the weary with chocolate chip cookies as well as the Word of Life 


• unending beauty that reflects God’s beauty to all around us 

The consequences of choosing God’s gift of true beauty are of eternal benefit and priceless worth.

 

 

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

Image courtesy of Microsoft free images.

Cherish Today

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

We've all heard catchy little phrases like, "Enjoy today - it's a gift.  That's why it's called the present!" (source unknown).  Each day we get a little older, and hopefully wiser, as we continually open up and share the gift of life we've been given. 

In 2012 I am scheduled to turn 40.  This month my sister will become a gorgeous 50, and later in the year, my mom a beautiful 80.  We've talked about how we should celebrate: dinner out, a Caribbean cruise, a trip to Hawaii ... it's fun to dream!  We really should celebrate the gift of life and our good God who gave it to us.

I admit it.  I'm struggling a bit with turning 40.  It sounds old, and I don't want to be old.  Well, I do want to be mature in wisdom and experience ... but physically, give me back my 20s!  I was telling a friend the other day that the best thing about growing older is looking back at how God has worked through circumstances for good ... Romans 8:28 is really true.  Not that I doubted it, but it's a blessing to see it ring true in real life.  God is faithful!  God loves me!  God has a plan for me!

Lately I've spent time with someone who has the habit of wishing she were somewhere else.  When it's almost the holidays, she can't wait for a break.  When she gets there, she seems miserable, longing to get back to normal.  At our house we call this being an Eeyore.  Well, I gave this friend a pretty little sign for Christmas that says, "Cherish today."  I was astounded when she asked me, "Why should I cherish today?  Why shouldn't I look forward to the future?" 

Missionary to Ecuador and martyr Jim Elliot said, "Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”  Jim's insight challenges me to cherish today and my God-given mission.  Instead, I often find myself whining quietly or out loud about my circumstances.  It is usually when I hear about trials other people are going through that I stop complaining and start thanking.

God treasures our thankfulness.  At times life is so hard, and God knows that it can take a tremendous amount of effort to say, "Thank you."  Sometimes in our pain we can ask God, "Please help me to be thankful for what You are allowing in my life."  After all Christ has done for us, we can make the sacrifice of joy, and with determination, "I will ... I will..." praise Him.

"And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD."  Psalm 27:6

In Luke 12 we read about a man who had laid up for years to take his ease in retirement.  Just as he was preparing to party, God told him he had reached the end of his days and he'd better prepare to die. What catches my attention is the end of verse 21:

"But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 'So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.'" (italics mine)

I want to cherish today, and the only way I can do that is to live "rich toward God."  As I spend time with God in His Word and talk to Him in reliance throughout my day, I will have the correct focus.  And even when I don't feel like I have the strength to turn to God, He will hear my cry and come to my aid.  And yes, we as God's children have a lot to look forward to!  One day there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more aging, no more sin, and no more death.  God has given us a mission and a future - what a privilege.  Forty?  Bring it on!

 

More verses about contentment...

Let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with what you have: for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. – Hebrews 13:5



A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of Yahweh than great treasure with trouble. – Proverbs 15:13-16



A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy is rottenness to the bones. – Proverbs 14:30



But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. – 1Timothy 6:6-7



Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am in to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13





Suggested reading: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp





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