Promises, promises

by Cally Robertson

Today I was struck by the fact that God fulfills His promises.  Yet Kelly Minter reminded me that "God's promises aren't necessarily realized without struggle."  


This is such a good word for me, as sometimes the inevitable hardships and obstacles in life cloud my view and cause me to doubt the Lord.  I just want to encourage you, even if you are in the midst of an incredible trial, that the Lord is faithful.  Believe God and believe His promises, whether personal to you or those in the Bible.  Easier said than done, but I have found, even just this morning, that saying "God is faithful.  Do not doubt God's promises," over and over again makes it easier to do.  I know this blog doesn't have the most comments, but I challenge you to find a promise in the Bible that you need to believe today and write it down or post it as a comment.  It will be just a little bit easier to believe.  

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Joshua 23:14

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

Psalm 145:13

I Was Made For This

Today, we have another guest post!  Some might call me a blog poacher; when I see a post I adore, I beg and plead for permission to repost it.  This week was a success!

My precious friend Eliza Joy gave birth to a sweet little girl, Hannah, about two and a half weeks ago.  We all know how wonderful a little bundle of joy can be, but what I love about Eliza Joy is her candor in fully acknowledging this incredible gift, but also her willingness to share her heart and struggles along the way.  I don't know first hand, but I hear parenting isn't always the dream we envision as we await that stage of life.  I also love how her post below is applicable to any stage of life: mother, student, wife, daughter, entrepreneur, business woman—you name it!  So I hope you enjoy!

The last few days, I have been convinced of the following regarding parenthood:

I was made for this. 

I know it in my spirit.  It’s what we asked for.  It’s what God has called us to.

And yet as soon as the thought enters into my mind, it is immediately followed by the cry, “But I don’t want to do it anymore”.

Shocking, right?  Well, not as shocking as I thought it would be after talking to numerous moms who have echoed the dozens of feelings that are prevalent in my life right now.  Nine plus months of waiting for this precious little gift and all of a sudden I’d prefer to call it quits?  Surely there is something wrong with me.  Surely I’m missing something.

Or maybe this is exactly the way God designed it…. to bring me to the end of myself…  to show me that I cannot do it on my own.  This is evident of the daily breakdowns occurring in our house.  I cannot even come close to doing it on my own.  We are in full blown survival mode.  One day at a time.  One hour at a time.  And the best part of it is this:  If I don’t quit, I win. 

This simple slogan has become my goal.  When Hannah is screaming at 1am for the tenth night in a row…  When her proclivity towards spitting up has her in her fourth outfit of the day…  When the gas in her little tummy is causing her to squirm and squirm and she refuses to be comforted, I just need to be reminded, If I don’t quit, I win. 

God isn’t measuring my success by my ability to calm her down or keep her healthy, contrary to what I once thought.  Instead, I feel Him saying, “Just keep going.  You were made for this.  I will help you.”

It’s the same message He speaks to all of us…. in our marriages, in our jobs, in our callings, in our relationships.  Just keep going.  If you don’t quit, you win.  And when the temptation to quit is seemingly too strong, just lean in a little closer.  I will help you.

song of solomon 8:5
“who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her Beloved?”

  
Hear more from Eliza Joy at her blog My Road To Emmaus




 

Two Are Better

"As iron sharpens iron,
      so a friend sharpens a friend."

Proverbs 27:17

The more you blog, the more your mind begins to think in blog posts.  When Cally and I finished our run on Sunday, my mind went to a similar post, but sweet little Cally beat me to the punch. 

What I love about our experience is that initially, I may have been the one to keep us moving toward our goal, but as we neared the end, I was ready to quit early and grab a drink at Catch 31.  She, however assumed the role as task master and encouraged us to keep going.  Not only that, she was the one who thought it was a good idea to "finish strong" and sprint to the end. 

In this one instance where we ran four miles (hopefully there will be more to come) we both needed each other to reach our goal.  Just as Cally said yesterday, we need people in our lives to support, encourage, and in some cases, propel us forward when we feel like quitting. 

God didn't make us to live alone.  At the very beginning of creation, after God created Adam, He said "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

One of my favorite verses that speaks to the importance of surrounding ourselves with others is Ecclesiastes 4:9-10:

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." (NLT)

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed...For a control freak like me, who tends to think I can do everything on my own, this is a great reminder.

Two are better than one. 

Not only is God a constant support to us, but He has given us the gift of friends who can help us along and encourage us to keep going. 

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Hebrews 10:24

Running

By Cally Robertson

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Now I know you are all aware of Elizabeth's adventures with running (if not read them here), and she has recently dragged me into her running phase (or possibly new lifestyle, though I'm guessing phase).  

Elizabeth can set a time or distance in her head and just make it happen.  Perhaps she'll slow down for a bit or be "running" at a pace when walkers could pass her, but she sets a goal and reaches it. 

I, on the other hand, might start out running (after a nice warm-up walk), only to reach a stop sign and actually obey, even though my "run" had only lasted about a tenth of a mile.  Then I will enjoy the neighborhood at a power walk pace and possibly start running again if I see a car coming or need to feel better about myself and pass a slightly slower person.  Running is definitely not a passion of mine, and I have an ACL repair and a few other creaks and pains to help me justify my lack of perseverance on a run.  

This past Sunday, Elizabeth and I were planning to run/walk on the boardwalk.  In my head, we were sort of trying to get in shape but I was most excited to have a 5 mile stretch to chat, catch up, and people watch.  Elizabeth, however, had it in her mind to run 2 miles to the end (I thought that was it) and then turn around for another 2 (I began to dread the rest of sister-bonding time, though by the time I realized her goals, we were a mile into it). 

Now, any runners out there might not think this is such an achievement, but I would literally try to sprain my ankle on the timed 2-mile run on the field hockey team in high school.  I also refused to run on campus in college, because while most of the runners at school looked like fresh gazelles with perfect ponytails, I felt much more like an old hippo with frizzy hair. 

All this should set the scene for the two of us running together.  

Believe it or not, we actually reached our goal!  After Elizabeth and I finished, I felt so accomplished and satisfied that I had actually "gone for a run" that involved more running than walking.  I am fully confident that I would not have done that alone.  

When I am by myself, I have reasons why I should stop and walk or turn around early flooding my head the whole time.  

When I was with Elizabeth, we could encourage each other through it, and I knew that if I stopped, she would also stop and fall short of her goal.  

For this to work, both people have to be somewhat motivated and equally paced. 

I "run" with my boyfriend, but that usually consists of us running together for 5 minutes before I let him run ahead and come back to meet me about 20 times.  I know that I cannot keep up with him, and I get discouraged and don't push myself at all.  When I "run" with my mom, we prefer to power walk most of the way with a block of running thrown in a couple times.  While I love that, it doesn't push me physically.

This really reminds me of our journeys with Christ.  Alone, we can give up or look for excuses or shortcuts with every step.  When comparing ourselves to those we view as "better Christians," we can get easily discouraged because we don't love praying for hours every day or because we don't have a heart for the poor like they do.  And when we are close to someone who is slowly walking or even standing still in their faith, it is easy to become content with where we are and never push ourselves to grow closer to the Lord.

It is the people in our lives who are tracking with us, running next to us with the same motivation who help us the most in our faith journey.  We need people to encourage us when we are tired, talk to us so we forget the pain, and remind us of the goal.  We are called to fellowship and accountability with other Christians, and I am convinced that it is the best way to stay on track with your faith and grow closer to the Lord.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24

Do It Afraid

To start off this Monday morning, we have two very exciting announcements.

1.  Last Thursday morning, one of my oldest and dearest friends, sweet Megan McWaters Rathbone and her husband Dave welcomed baby number two, Micah Jeffrey Rathbone.  Isn't he adorable?

Micah joins his older brother Noah.  You can read about a post I wrote when Noah was born here.   


2.  Those of you who have been following the Stones' story will be elated to hear about the miracles that took place in Boston this past week.  God is moving in the life of precious John and it's amazing to see the way God continues to answer our prayers! 

Mary Elizabeth and John

Now, a little more on fear.  You know, nothing helps face your fears more than a little public speaking on a Saturday morning.  As I was driving to a conference for work this weekend, I kept saying Habakkuk 3:19, "Lord you are my personal bravery.  You enable me to walk and not be paralyzed by fear."

I love how in the big and the small things, God is with us.

Even in something as small as speaking to a few people, or as big as a major life-altering decision, in moving forward, we still might begin with fear and trembling, but Joyce Meyers encourages to "Do it afraid."  

You see, it's in moving forward and facing our fears straight on where we begin to see God move.

How will we know God's ability to equip and conquer, if we choose to sit back and let our fears take over?  We'll never know what could have been.  It's in the midst of stepping out and taking a risk that God enables us to move forward little by little and step by step.   

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

Isaiah 42:16

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

Joyce Meyer, another woman I adore, wrote an amazing article on facing fear called, "Do it Afraid."  You can read it here.

Happy Monday!

Fearless

(In eager anticipation of Taylor Swift's new album next Tuesday, it's only fitting our title is one of her songs.)

So, I apologize if yesterday was a little heavy.  In no way am I an expert on hearing the voice of God.  That is one of the many things I'm constantly wrestling to discern.  Even when I'm fully confident in where God is leading and hearing His voice, it's so easy to have other voices that allure me to second guess myself and fill my heart with fear and doubt. 

There is however, one thing I'm confident in:  listening, trusting, and relying on the voice of God through His Word. 

In Beth Moore's Believing God Study she talks through a five statement pledge of faith:

• God is who He says He is
• God can do what He says He will do
• I am who God says I am
• I can do all things through Christ
• God's word is living and active in me

There is much to be said about all of them, but it's important we recognize the power and access we have each day through God's Word.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the word of God is living and active."

So today, rather than trying to discern what is or isn't the voice of God, I want to flood our hearts and minds with truth about facing our fears.

One of my new favorite verses about fear is Habakkuk 3:19 in The Amplified Bible:

"The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!"

Isn't that amazing?  As we face our fears, we can be confident that God is our strength, our personal bravery, and invincible army.  He enables us to walk forward and not be paralyzed by fear so that we can make progress on our high places of trouble, suffering, and responsibility. 

It's hard to fully convey emotion through text, but I hope each you all are as excited and I am about how rich and assuring the above verse is.  I mean, I love, love love it!!!  Try saying it out loud.  It's powerful!  Below are some other gems:

"I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." 

Isaiah 41:13

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

 

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"

Psalm 27:1

"So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:6

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:27

2 Voices 1 Truth

In facing fears and learning to tackle them, one thing that's extremely important is learning how to distinguish between the negative voices in your head and the voice of God.

Maybe it's just me, but most days I'm guided throughout the day by a series of voices that shape my decisions, actions, and thoughts.  Sometimes, the voice is tender and assures me of who I am in Christ, what I'm capable of with God, and in the event that I need to be corrected (who me?) it is gentle and compassionate.

Yet there are other times, where I lose sight of this guiding voice and rely on a voice that is harsh and filled with doubt.  One that makes me question myself and my abilities, and fills me with even greater fear of stepping out to fulfill and accomplish my dreams.  "Who do you think you are?  You can never do that.  You don't belong here.  This dream will never happen.  You're making a huge mistake."

Can anyone else relate?

Nicole Johnson, author of Fresh Brewed Life explains that these negative voices, "keep our souls chained in the basement.  They make us fearful to try anything new, anxious about what others may think of us, and they keep us on the treadmill of performance.  In short, if we allow them, these voices can easily rob every ounce of enjoyment from the lives we have...They can discourage us and cause us to think too small and expect too little from our lives...They make us afraid to be who we are."

Some days, these different voices come against each other throughout the day, but it's important to learn how to separate the nagging voice and the voice of God.


Paula Rinehart says it's good to remember that "God's word to us is straightforward declarations about who we are and how he sees us in Christ.  You are a child of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ, lavished by his grace.  You are.  You are.  You just are--because God declares you are.  There is nothing to do but lay claim to who you are in Christ."

In contrast, she says, "the enemy of our souls comes to us in a different manner, amazingly similar to the way he came to Jesus in the wilderness..."If You are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread."  If you are...that is the key phrase.  The enemy challenges us at the bedrock level of our identities.  Who we are is not something to rest in and thank God for.  It is something to be proved--over and over.  If you are...this is one way in which we distinguish the negative tapes in our heads from the actual voice of God."

Don't you love that comparison?  I don't know about you, but I'm always trying to figure out when I'm hearing from God and when I'm being attacked by what Paula refers to as the "enemy of my soul."  Paula's contrast above is one way to help to begin to distinguish what is Truth and what is trying to tear us down and restrict us from living the abundant, fulfilling lives we were born to live.

My prayer for all of us is that we will lay hold to the voice of One and allow that voice to shape and guide our lives each day and cling to its promises.

"Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Fear

Throughout my life I can see different places and times I have been crippled by fear.  When I was little, it was a fear to go to sleep because I was afraid of the homeless people and raccoons living in our attic (five raccoons eventually proved to be true; no idea how I imagined the homeless people).

As I've gotten older, fear has evolved into something that can limit, restrict, and bind me from pursuing dreams, stepping out, and fulfilling my goals.  What if I fail?  What if this is mistake?  What if I'm missing God?  

In lining things up for our most recent move, for weeks, I was plagued by a fear and anxiety that we were making a mistake.  After a long process of prayer, we finally arrived to a place where we were confident that God was leading us to move and were expectant about this new season.  Fast forward two days, and I watched as my joy was being squashed by irrational and insecure fears.

Paula Rinehart in her book Strong Women, Soft Hearts (yes, I'm still talking about it) wrote an incredible chapter on Living Beyond Fear that I read at the perfect time.  One thing I embraced in reading it is that I'm not alone in my fears.

"I can only conclude that fear is endemic to the human condition because the Bible speaks about fear so often.  Every angelic appearance begins with the same three words: Do not fear.  When Joshua was preparing to enter the Promised Land, God repeated to him over and over: Do not fear, for I am with you.  I guess Joshua was having a few bad dreams too.  Even in the New Testament, Paul's forceful personality did not cancel out his fear.  He admitted to the Corinthians that all the time he was telling them about Jesus, he was there 'in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.'  I find that comforting."

If Mary, Joseph, Joshua, and Paul show signs of fear, I guess I'm in good company! 


Is there anyone else out there who has been discouraged and crushed by fear?  Paula says, "Fear is truly the enemy of passion and a roadblock to the wisdom God would give us...Fear can breed a kind of paralysis that makes you think you have to wait until the fear is gone to do the thing you need to do."


(I think we need a whole post called "Paula Says"...did I mention I love her?)

Tomorrow we'll look more at tackling fear and stepping out in spite of our fear to fulfill our dreams, but until then, I'll leave you with one of my favorite promises about fear.

"Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Guest Post from Cally

I know there is a misconception that becoming a Christian means life will be easy and God will take care of you.  Though Scripture actually promises that your identity as a Christian will lead to hardships and persecution, I occasionally go through phases where I wish the former idea was true.  

Recently, I have been realizing the importance of hardship in our Christian walks.  Now of course, it is much easier for me to write this blog when I am not in a place of intense and continuous pain, but these principles are constant, even though our faith journeys fluctuate (mine almost daily).  


The times of struggle draw us closer to the Lord and create a dynamic faith journey.  If everything magically took care of itself, not only could we not relate to other people, but we wouldn't appreciate the work of Christ in our lives.  I just want to remind you that struggle, pain, and hardship are a part of the world, but Christ promises peace in the midst of it.  Our reactions to these hard times in our lives are what defines us and our faith.  What we cling to when the rest of our lives feel like they are falling away means much more than including church in your weekly routine.  These times draw us closer to the Lord.  There is no doubt that we will face difficult times in this world, but we can trust the truth that Christ has overcome the world.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
      You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
  that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
      O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Psalm 30:11-12

Whether you are in a time of mourning or dancing, draw near to the Lord.  Pray for peace, strength, guidance, and resolution.  He is faithful to answer prayers and work things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Calling Out

"From the ends of the earth I call out to you;

When my heart is failing I call out to you. 

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I;

You have been my refuge for all of my life.

So let me dwell in your house forever,

And find my refuge in the shelter of your wings.”

Lyrics based on Psalm 61:2-4

Getting Into God's Stride

"Enoch walked with God..."

Genesis 5:24

"The true test of a person’s spiritual life and character is not what he does in the extraordinary moments of life, but what he does during the ordinary times when there is nothing tremendous or exciting happening. A person’s worth is revealed in his attitude toward the ordinary things of life when he is not under the spotlight (seeJohn 1:35-37 and John 3:30). It is painful work to get in step with God and to keep pace with Him— it means getting your second wind spiritually. In learning to walk with God, there is always the difficulty of getting into His stride, but once we have done so, the only characteristic that exhibits itself is the very life of God Himself. The individual person is merged into a personal oneness with God, and God’s stride and His power alone are exhibited..."

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Click here to read the entire passage. 

A Reason To Sing

"All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship"

Desert Song, Hillsongs

"I, even I, am the LORD,
       and apart from me there is no savior.

 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
       I, and not some foreign god among you.
       You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.

 Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
       No one can deliver out of my hand.
       When I act, who can reverse it?"

Isaiah 43:11-13(NIV)

"I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One."

Revelation 1:8 (NLT)

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
       my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
       My heart leaps for joy
       and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

Battle of the Boxes

Before we do anything else today, we need to herald the arrival of a precious little baby girl.  Hannah Leigh Capps was born on Monday, October 11th weighing in at a respectable 7 lbs and 5 ounces.  In keeping in line with her mother, Hannah decided to follow her mom's steps of perfection and arrive right on her due date.  She also added in a little patriotic flare and decided to enter into America on Columbus Day--I like her already!

LOVE!

Now that I've given you something pretty to look at, I'm going to balance it out with something a bit more disturbing.  Please don't judge me.

Yes, we're at it again.  Unpacking.

Last night, as I continued to unpack box by box I felt like we're not making any progress.  On my worst days, I would tell you the boxes play tricks on me and multiply while we're away at work.  Will it ever end?

Yes, I realize I'm just talking about boxes, and while I've always been one to embrace the dramatic, deep down I know that ultimately, the boxes will not be the end of me, but do you ever feel like life is one big series of boxes that continues to grow?  No matter how hard you work, you can't seem to get them under control.  If it's not one pile of boxes, it's another.

Or, alternatively, you Miley Cyrus fans, could also call these mountains in the climb of life.

Your pick.

Regardless of your choice of analogy, boxes/mountains/hills/obstacles are a part of life.  Even when we make the decision to become a Christian, there is no guarantee that our lives will be pain free, in fact Jesus tells us that we will have trouble.  Yet, as Christians, we do have a promise that we can confidently cling to amidst adversity as Jesus assures:

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

Not only has Jesus overcome the world, but through the troubles of this world, He is with us and He will strengthen us!

"The LORD will guide you always;
       he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
       and will strengthen your frame.
       You will be like a well-watered garden,
       like a spring whose waters never fail."

Isaiah 58:11

This week, I've fallen in love with "The Desert Song" by Hillsongs.  To me, these lyrics are so real that my heart jumps right in to echo them in prayer.  It so beautifully depicts different seasons in life and our confident response through the promises found in scripture.  Here's a sampling:

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides


And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames


And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain


I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here


All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

And, because I love you, here's the entire song:

Guest Post From Camden

Today, we get to hear from one of DC's greatest assets, my sweet friend Camden Elliott!

How Great is Our God

I had a humbling moment last week. As I was stressfully driving through rush-hour traffic, mentally berating the taxi driver in front of me for going too slow (because, of course it was his fault I was running late), Chris Tomlin’s voice from the radio slowly seeped into my awareness. I turned up the radio loud enough to block my spinning mind, and I began to focus on the chorus of his song How Great is Our God.  In that moment, I just sort of stopped, listening to the simple words of the chorus:

“How great, is our God,

Sing with me, how great, is our God,

And all will see how great, how great, is our God.”

Coming from a family that loves music, I’ve always been one to think about how music is used to move people. In fact, for me, music is usually the one thing that can get my mind to the right place. I personally love every single lyric of this song, but one part always sticks out as a perfect example of God’s greatness:

The Godhead, three in one,

Father, Spirit, Son

Our God is our great Creator and he knows us distinctly, always and everywhere. He is our Father. In the words of David, the original song writer of praise:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Psalm 139:13

“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all of my ways… Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. “

 Psalm 139:1-3; 7-8

God our Father also loved us in spite of our sins, enough to become human to save us, by sending his son to die for us. Can you imagine the kind of greatness it takes to have that kind of love?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:16-17

 Indeed, God knows us, He saves us, AND he even gives us with his holy spirit to speak His truth to us, as our guide through this world.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

John 14:16-17

 The greatness of God means he provides for our every need, as our ultimate Father, human savior, and personal guide and comfort through daily life.

 My absolute favorite part of this song, however, is toward the end, after Chris Tomlin has sung about many more ways in which God is great, when the original chorus (“How great is our God”) can be heard behind these overarching lyrics:

“Name above all names,

You are worthy of all praise”

We must pray to remember, in all moments, whether we perceive them as negative or positive, that our God ‘s love for us means that He is always for us: He is always great, ever worthy of praise. It’s so easy to forget that simplicity in the midst of the demands and pressures of everyday life! So, whether it’s through song, a moment of prayer, or time in Scripture, take time today to thank God just for being who he is: our great God.

“I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music.”

Psalm 101:1

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his.”

Psalm 100:1-3

“I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.”

Psalm 86:12

Hear the song below:

Year 4—Trust

Well, today is Friday and we have finally reached year 4 of my time in DC.  Thanks so much for bearing with me!

It's a bit more difficult to reflect on something so fresh, so I've decided to give you year four at a glance.  Plus, since I started blogging much more frequently this year, a lot of it has already been written!

So here goes, we'll ease in with a little pop culture...

Favorite Song:  I Run To You, Lady Antebellum
Favorite New Show:  Modern Family
Favorite Old Show I Never Knew I Needed: Friday Night Lights
Favorite Movie: Crazy Heart  (Also, am I the only one who actually liked Valentine's Day?)

Other Highlights:

• A surprise trip to Kansas City to see Eliza Joy (currently, she's anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Hannah!!)

• Channeling my inner Julia Child 

• A big move down the street

• Discovering the greatest cupcake in the world

• My first experience on the Carnival Pride 

• Seeing Beth Moore with my mom and sisters—LOVE!

Book of the Year: Strong Women, Soft Hearts by Paula Rinehart.  Here are some posts she inspired:

• Groove is in the Heart
• Holding Out Hope
• Falling Backwards Into God's Goodness
• Stumbling Upon Trust 

 Favorite worship song: Restoration by David Brymer


Key Verses:

"I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
         That I would see the goodness of the LORD
         In the land of the living.
       
 Wait on the LORD;
         Be of good courage,
         And He shall strengthen your heart;
         Wait, I say, on the LORD!"

Psalm 27:13-14

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)

This year was and continues to be a year where I am praying for a heart that simply dwells.  You can read more about it here and here, but below are two verses that so beautifully depict that desire.   

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; DWELL in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”
Psalm 37:3 (NKJV)


“Blessed are those who DWELL in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”
Psalm 84:4-5 (NIV)

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!  Much of this past year has been a time where we have been searching and crying out for clarity and direction.  Over and over I have sensed God whispering, "Just Trust Me."  

We have put our trust in Him and watched as He carried us from DC to Virginia Beach.  Now, as we begin our new adventure, we are confident that while we may not know the whole story, the best is yet to come!  

Year 3—God Provides

2008-2009 was an interesting year.  As I ponder about how to summarize, I find myself a little stuck.

Much of the year was spent embarking on new beginnings—a new family, a new apartment, and a new name.

First Christmas in our apartment

With joy we also embraced the uncharted waters of being "aunt and uncle" not once, but three times.  It didn't take long to see that Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Bernie was an incredible job--you get your baby fix in and then at the end of the night, you go home and sleep in peace.

Maximilian

Finnian

Louisa

In January, an incredible job filled with many once-in-a-lifetime experiences came to a close.  Though I was tired and exhausted as I neared the end, I struggled to let go of something I invested my heart into for two and half years.  I reluctantly walked away and said, "Okay God, what's next?"

A few months later, I watched as a long-term career aspiration was suddenly no longer a possibility.  I mourned the loss of an unfulfilled dream and struggled to make sense of the hows and whys.

Yet in the midst of it, God was faithful to provide several different vehicles that catered to my talents and desires.  Additionally, I saw God awaken new career dreams in my heart that I never knew I had, but now I can't imagine my life without them.  

I relied heavily on the verse in Proverbs 16:9 that says,

"In his heart a man plans his course,
       but the Lord determines his steps."   

I also clung to the promise in Psalm 138:8:

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands."

I thought I knew the way, but throughout the year, I continued to see that God has a plan, even though it may be difficult for me to see the big picture.

I also adjusted to a severe pay cut and quickly embraced the motto that frugal is fabulous.  Plus, in the midst of a tremendous economic downturn, savvy savings had never been so chic! I became an avid coupon cutter and squealed with delight when I managed to save around 55% off our original grocery bill.  What was fascinating to me was that even though I had to put a moratorium on shopping and by the world's standard was living with less, I watched as in big ways and small ways, God faithfully provided for us time and time again.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19  

If I were to sum up this year in three words, without a doubt they are "God will provide."  Spiritually, emotionally, relationally, financially—time and time again I saw the faithfulness of God and the abundant provision He bestows upon His children.    

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:25-34

Year 2 in DC

"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
       your sins like the morning mist.
       Return to me,
       for I have redeemed you." 

Isaiah 44:22

Today, before I want move on to year 2 in DC, there are two little gems I discovered that I failed to mention:

• The sheer joy and delight of weekend brunch;
• And how much funnier watching The Office is when you actually have things to compare it to.

Year two was a big year for me.  Some of the smaller things included watching the Redskins beat the Cowboys, getting into two car accidents (neither was my fault), discovering the genius of Netflix, and finding myself reluctantly reeled back into the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise that continues to remain with me.

Spiritually, I began to see the need to establish stronger supports in my life.  After trying a year to navigate my faith alone, I quickly discovered that I'm not very good at it.  We all need different things in our lives, but one thing that has helped carry me through life since high school is a strong group of girls committed to praying, challenging, and encouraging each other.  And so, with the help of Sallie, we organized a little Bible study on Monday nights.

Getting started was a bit awkward as we didn't all know each other well, but it was only a matter of time before the group was quickly bonded.  Now, three years later, that group was one of the hardest things for me to leave in DC.  Over the past three years we laughed and cried through breakups and engagements; job losses and promotions; family struggles and family milestones; and through out it all continued to journey deeper in our faith together.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Hebrews 10:24-25 

Additionally, I began to discover the joy of belonging to a church.  In college and my first year post-college, I was definitely a church shopper.  I bounced around and went to whatever fit into my schedule and mood.  I enjoyed coming in late, sitting in the back, and then leaving at the end unnoticed and unknown.

In year 2, I was challenged to step up and be known (something that terrifies me).  Bernie and I decided to join a small church plant near my apartment that began meeting in a home on Friday nights.  The first few meetings were very awkward for me, but eventually, I learned the joy that can come from being invested in a church.  In January of 2008, we moved into an actual church that met on Sundays, and watching the church deepen and grow had been such a gift.

For one of the first times in my life, church wasn't just something I went to on Sundays because I felt like I had to, but it was something that I longed to attend because I was a part of it, and I was committed and excited to see this new church off the ground.  I watched with expectant joy to see what God would do.  And now, three years later, this sweet church is another thing I am saddened to let go of as we settle into life at the beach.

Isn't it funny how often the things you're reluctant to embrace at first end up being the things that you don't want to let go?

Year 2 was also a year of love.  First, I began Long To Love (formerly All You Need Is Love) and was challenged to step out and simply pray, "Lord, more than anything else, I just want to love you."

Secondly, I married my best friend Bernie.  Definitely NOT part of my four year plan when I arrived in DC in 2006.  Until I met Bernie, I never knew that you could have a relationship with God AND love an amazing man.  I always tended to tended to think you had to choose between God OR the cute boy, but as I began to fall in love with Bernie, for the first time, I saw that as my love for God grew, my love for Bernie grew as well.  Still, as wonderful and perfect as Bernie was and is, I was also reminded that year that no one can take the place of my love for God; He will ALWAYS be enough.

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

Deuteronomy 4:4-6 

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."

1 Corinthians 2:9

2 years down, 2 more to go! 
 

Little Girl in the Big City

So, I'm sure you've all been hanging on the edge of your seat wondering how the move went.  Well, I am happy to report that we successfully moved from point A to point B.  Of course there were a few bumps along the road, but has anyone ever heard of a stress-free move?  But those are stories and posts for another day...

Before The District is too far away, I want to take some time to reflect on those four years and the ways that God stretched, challenged, and provided for me.  So, this week, we're taking a little jaunt through the past four years.

Paying George and Laura a visit with Anna

I arrived in DC in September, 2006.  Once the allure of the first month wore off and I started working,  I struggled to navigate life post-college.  I don't know anyone who has successfully integrated into the real world without a little griping.  I mean, seriously, college life is too good to be true.  And so, my sweet roommate Sallie and I supported each other daily through the transition.  If one of us didn't have tears one day, they were coming the next.  Little by little we learned to adjust and encourage one another along the way.

Sallie and I at our first Redskins game.  Hail!

Here are a few of the gems I discovered that first year:

• It is possible to spend all of your salary on rent and live off of popcorn
• A new appreciation for a good happy hour at the end of the day
• The joys of professional football (even if your team can't win)
• The confidence that can come from a fabulous pair of high heels
• And the delight of being walking distance to the National Zoo

On a more serious note, one verse that God gave to me very early on in my time there was Psalm 112:7-8

"(She) will have no fear of bad news;

       (her) heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

  (Her) heart is secure, (she) will have no fear;
       in the end (she) will look in triumph on (her) foes."

Learning to navigate the grown-up world and a big unfamiliar city was terrifying, but this verse reminded me that God was with me, He could be trusted, in Him I was secure, and I had nothing to fear.  

Yet even with this comfort, without many of the spiritual supports that were available to me in college, I struggled to find my way.  Often relying on spiritual highs to get me through—a new devotional book, a conference, or an encouraging phone conversation with an old friend would quickly draw me back in and remind me of my desire and my need for more of God.  Yet, it didn't take long to lose sight of that and try to navigate life again on my own. 

Throughout my first year, I knew that God was with me, but that was a truth that I only sporadically embraced and, SPOILER ALERT! as I entered year 2 of the real world, I began to see that navigating life on my own wasn't really cutting it.  

Four Letter Word

We have another post from Cally!  Enjoy! 


WARNING-- I am about to reveal the truth that I am not a "good' Christian.  Please do not judge me.

Okay, here is my true confession: I don't always like to pray.

I know that prayer is a wonderful gift from the Lord, a direct line to our creator, and something to be cherished.  I know that the Lord answers prayers and it is an amazing way to connect with the God of the universe.  I know that prayer is an important part of the Christian walk and helps us grow in our faith.  There are plenty of things I know about prayer, but actually internalizing those truths and feeling those things is a different story.

I'm hoping that I'm not the only one who feels this way, but if I am, then you can all just say a powerful prayer for me to constantly feel the joy of prayer.

Elizabeth wrote last week that when she had a "blog-freeze," she sat in the Lord's presence for ten minutes, and stood up feeling refreshed and revived.  Now I know that happened for Elizabeth, as she is a prayer inspiration, and so I actually tried to sit there without reading or writing or anything, and I don't think I lasted ten seconds. 

I first tried to clear my mind and focus on the Lord, asking the Lord to help me focus on Him, and almost immediately I start running through my mental to-do list, then feel guilty and pray for focus again.  Then I start wondering how in the world I am going to get everything done, then feel guilty and start praying, only to find myself distracted again.  And I look at the clock and notice that it's been one minute and I am nowhere near refreshed and feeling like a prayer-failure.  I hate to fail, so I just stop trying. 

 I go through a series of feelings when it comes to prayer, depending on my season in life: guilt that I am "not good at prayer," feeling like my mental worry list will automatically transfer to Christ's to-do list, not really thinking much about prayer, or knowing that prayer is absolutely the only way I can make it through the day and wanting to glorify the Lord through prayer. 

Amy Julia Becker (wonderful writer and speaker, and fellow Princeton grad) said a few weeks ago that there are certain times in life when prayer is too much, and you need other people to stand in the gap for you in prayer.  There are times we all face (or will face) when we really cannot handle our lives, much less pray for them, and in those times, we are called to "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).

Now, what about when we aren't in a place of utter desperation like Amy Julia described, but we feel overstretched, overworked, overtired, and completely insufficient?  In those times, we know that the Lord can help us, but if we can't reach that tranquil state of mind where we feel like we should be to pray, we just don't.  I think this is such a misconception.  While it is great to sit before the Lord in peaceful prayer, it's not a prerequisite. 

Paul Miller writes in his book, A Praying Life that, “Learning to pray doesn’t offer you a less busy life; it offers you a less busy heart.”  We don't have to be calm and peaceful with three days set aside to sit on a mountain and pray (though that would be great).  Christ calls us to pray just as we are, and we can come to the Lord and just say his name.  This summer, I found myself simply praying, "I surrender all."  I didn't have to go through the details of everything happening in my life, but I surrendered them to Him, and though I still needed to take care of the busy things in life, my heart really was much more at peace. 

If you're anything like me, sometimes finding it challenging to spend an hour (or even ten minutes) in quiet prayer or reflection, I'm pretty sure you don't have to worry.  I think we can keep our busy lives and learn to pray through them.  If you can relate to me, I want to invite you on a little challenge: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything" (Philippians 4:6). 

I am planning to turn my worries into prayer, just as they come up, with the knowledge that Christ will take my burdens and shape my future.  I am hoping that by taking this little step in regular prayer, I will get to the place where I can "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and eventually "withdraw to lonely places to pray," just like Jesus (Luke 5:16).