Mystery Solved!

Did everyone enjoy the holiday weekend?  We sure did!  Complete with beach, bikes, family, precious friends, and a little sushi date thrown into the mix.  On Sunday, there were some other pretty exciting activities...

...my one and only "brudder" Willis proposed to his fabulous girlfriend Caitlin and she said yes!  We could not be happier!  She is a perfect fit for my favorite brother.  Congratulations you two!!

In other news, remember the mailbox mystery?  Well, we have finally cracked the case....it was our incredible next door neighbor.  He saw what the storm did, knew exactly how to fix it, and that's exactly what he did. 

I really can't tell you how much it meant to me. He totally went out of his way to help us without anything to gain in return.

In 1 Peter 1:10 it says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 

In our neighbor's case, he was very handy and had experience fixing mailboxes, so he shared that gift with us!

But how am I using my gifts to serve others??  

My initial answer is not enough.  I may think of ways to serve, or come up with ideas, but turning that into a reality is a completely different story. 

Thinking about how touched I have been by this random act of kindness has challenged me to examine how I serve others.  Sometimes, it's the smallest things that can make the biggest difference.  

"Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: '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 mind and with all your strength.'  The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." 

Mark 12:28-31

 

Click here to read more on "Loving Your Neighbor"

Linking Up

Happy Friday Friends!

Just a few links to share today:

Yesterday, my sweet friend Mary Elizabeth wrote another fabulous post on her CaringBridge site.  I was particularly moved about half way down by a piece she wrote called "It's Okay If My Plane Goes Down."

Saturday, my heart was swept away by a new book by Ann Voskamp called "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are."  Read it.  It's deep, insightful, captivating, challenging, and life changing.  Ann is a unique and powerful writer.  She paints her words on a page in a way I can only dream about, but love to devour.

You can also read Ann at her daily blog, A Holy Experience.  This morning, I enjoyed reading two posts:
When What You've Got Doesn't Seem Like Enough
When You Feel Like You Just Keep Blowing It

Also, are there American Idol fans out there?  I can't say I followed the season very closely, but last night, I caught up a bit on YouTube.  I know to many, American Idol is like so five years ago, but I just love the way American Idol makes dreams come true.  We may not have Royals here, but we DO have our American Idols.  Last night I watched Scotty's homecoming visit to his little town in North Carolina.  I teared up pretty much the whole way through, because I was so moved by the way the whole town came together to support and encourage him.  They were so proud of him.  I also loved seeing his genuine humility and disbelief that this was all even happening.  Yes, I'm a big cheese ball, but who doesn't like a little heartwarming?   Check it out below:
(Email subscribers click here.)

Fixing What's Broken

Tuesday, we had a fierce afternoon thunder storm rip through Virginia Beach.  I need to start following the weather, because I had no idea there was even a severe weather alert.  It's amazing to me what kind of havoc a twenty minute storm can wreak--trees down, power outages, school closings--my parents were even evacuated from the movie theater.

In our tiny corner of the world, we didn't have any real damage to report, except that when we arrived home, our mailbox had been split into two parts.  Our shiny, green mailbox with its red little flag lay strewn about the gravel.  We did our best to stand it up, so the mailman could attempt to deliver our mail on Wednesday, but it was still only about a foot from the ground.

We drove away Wednesday morning, the mailbox still on the ground, leaning against its original foundation.

When we arrived home, what did we find?  Our mailbox standing at full attention and fully repaired. With no explanation and no cost or labor to us, our shattered mailbox had been made whole.

I smiled as I went to inspect the repairs, because I just couldn't believe it.  We left with a broken, malfunctioning mailbox and returned to a restored, fully functioning mailbox.  We even had mail inside!

Yes it's just a mailbox.  And Bernie's not so sure someone didn't run their car into it and then quickly fix it before we could get to it.  It also could have also been our wonderful landlord, but regardless of how it happened, at no expense to us, our mailbox is whole once again.

Isn't that just like the Lord?  Sometimes without cost, effort, or even explanation, our sweet God is quick to come into our hearts and heal and repair our broken and shattered pieces.  It's may not always be as quick as an 8 hour work day, but our God is the ultimate Restorer.

Whatever broken parts you are faced with today, you can count on Him to make them whole.  Because you see, our God—THE God—our Savior, and our Healer, He's in the business of taking our broken selves and making them new once again.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows]."

Psalm 147:3 (Amplified) 

"Behold, I am making all things new."

Revelation 21:5 (ESV)

“Forget the former things;
   do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
   and streams in the wasteland."

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

In Training

Ginnifer Godwin in Win A Date With Tad Hamilton

Is it just me, or is everyone around you "in training"?  It must be new summer jobs...

Last week, it was our waiter's first night, so we watched as he slowly learned to write stuff down, repeat the order back, and serve us.

On Monday, my grocery check out girl was brand, spanking new and all I was buying was produce...there is just nothing worse!  Together, we looked through the spinny thing to find jalapenos, cilantro, portabellas, and eggplant and punched in the codes.

Last night, I went to a little specialty Italian store, and even they were training a new person.  I tried to wait ever so patiently as she learned how to make a sandwich for the woman in front of me, run a credit card, and then learn to use the scale to weigh the cheese I bought.

My heart wants to smile and say, "Good for you!  Congrats on your new job!  I'm so happy I can help you learn how to excel!  Wait?  What wait?  You just take ALL the time you need!"

But my impatient heart wants to say, "Ummm...excuse me, can we please get this show on the road?!  I don't have ALL day!  Let's move it girl!"

Quite the conundrum.

Yesterday, we looked at how our God is quick to bestow on us a second chance.  Not just with small things, but major things like running away from Him, disobeying Him, and hiding from Him.   

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?

Romans 2:5 (NLT)

In response to God's grace and patience, how can I not try to bestow kindness and patience to others in bigger things and even something as small as ringing up groceries? 

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

2nd Time's A Charm

Last week, I mentioned Jonah, and since it's pretty much the primary thing I'm learning about right now, you can probably expect to hear more little bits and pieces along the way....

Last night in my Bible study we looked at chapter 3. Right after Jonah prays and is spit out by the fish we see God come in verse 1:
  
"Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.”

After Jonah flees, God speaks to him a second time.  No lecture, no condemnation, no "I told you so", no "How stupid can you be?"...just a second chance.  God says exactly what he said to Jonah in chapter 1, "Get up and go to the great city of Ninevah...."

Like Martha Stewart, Robert Downey Jr., and our Bachelor Brad Womack, Jonah gets a second chance. 

As Pricilla Shirer says, "Jonah 3 is such a triumphant celebration of return and restoration.  It is a stunning and fantastic reminder of the mercy and grace available to all those who messed up and need to know that they aren't all washed up." 

I'm beyond grateful that the God we love is one of second chances, third chances, fourth chances, fifth chances and beyond...it's a reality I'm all too familiar with, but incredibly grateful for.  Even when we blow it, run, or blatantly disobey, God, in His great kindness and rich mercy, bestows on us another chance. 

"I have seen (her) ways, but I will heal (her);  I will guide (her) and restore comfort to (her)." 

Isaiah 57:18

 

"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

 

 

The End Goal

Thursday night I quickly stopped off at the grocery store for two things: cornmeal and cereal.  Even with a list, do you know how hard it is to make it out of there without anything extra?  My eyes kept wandering...first the watermelon, then to the chips and pasta on sale, then to the candy aisle, and lastly to the trashy magazines at the checkout.  Yet, despite my wandering eyes, I made it! 

Fast forward to Saturday morning when I went for a run on the boardwalk.  Running on the boardwalk is one of my most favorite things to do here, but as the weather warms up, it's proving to be quite challenging...Saturday my goal was to run 4 miles, but I found myself continually distracted by all the fun, festivities, and food.  Throughout the run, I was tempted to stop and grab some Starbucks, do some shopping, eat some funnel cake, or sip a cocktail by the pool.  Even when we have a goal, it's easy for our eyes to quickly lose sight of what we're working towards.

I see this play out in my faith as well.  My heart only wants eyes for Jesus, but I'm easily pulled away and distracted by something else.  A small example of this is in the mornings when I settle in to spend time praying and reading the Bible.  Often, I open my computer to turn some worship music on, but one things leads to another, and before you know it, I've hopped on Facebook, read some blogs, checked out Gilt Group, and before I even know what happened, 20-30 minutes of my time with God has lapsed.  

Or on a bigger scale, God could be calling me to something or telling me to do something, but I find myself dragging my heels a bit, and looking for any possible distraction or loophole to deter me from what He may be telling me to do. 

For me, even when the number one desire of my heart is to know more of God and follow His plans, I'm so easily distracted.  It's a daily struggle... 


God, I pray that above everything else, I will seek first You kingdom and Your righteousness.  (Matt 6:33)  Lord, may the cry of my heart be Psalm 16:

That I will set You continually before me.  And know that because You are at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Thank you that when You are before me, my heart is glad and my glory rejoices.  Thank you that when You are before me, My body will dwell securely...God, thank you that when you are before me, You make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.  Lord, strengthen and equip my heart and my body to put you first, no matter what distractions may vie for my affection, may You are the desire of my heart.  In Your mighty, holy, powerful name, Amen.    

Will You Marry Me?

Happy Friday Friends!  Have ya'll seen the latest YouTube video going around?  Not only is it cute and incredibly thoughtful, but the girl gets engaged in a movie theater!  My home away from home—comfy seats, big screen, popcorn, AND a new fiance—what could be better?

Check it out below:

(Email subscribers, click here) 

A Secure Heart

Monday night, around 5:00 I went on a quick run.  As I ran along the service road, I couldn't believe how many trash cans were already out and ready in preparation for Tuesday trash day.  I don't know about you, but we're lucky if we even get the trash out by Monday night.  Usually, we practically chase the garbage truck down the road with our trash can rolling behind us.  (Not quite, but wouldn't that be a sight to behold?)  As stupid as it sounds, when I see all the garbage cans getting ready so early, I feel pressure to get ours out ASAP, as if to say to our neighbors, "trash day is coming and we're prepared too!"  (I know, I know, how insecure can possibly I be?) 

But whether our trash is on the street Monday at noon, or Tuesday morning, the trash gets picked up.  Still, it's easy to find myself comparing myself to my neighbors, friends, and family on stupid things like trash to bigger things like degrees, jobs, and major life decisions.  There's a certain pressure I feel to keep up with my house, family, clothes, body, spiritual journey, etc.  In the small details of life and the much more significant ones, I care what people think about me. 

But deep, deep down, I know there is only one opinion that truly matters.  Yet too often I work much harder on earning the seal of approval from everyone else, when what I really need is for my insecure heart to rest confidently in the abundant security that only our God can provide.    

"The Lord gives his people strength; the Lord grants his people with security."

Psalm 29:11 (NET)

(She) will have no fear of bad news;
   (her) heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.  

(Her) heart is secure.

Psalm 112:7-8 (NIV)

How Deep Is Your Love

Right now, I'm doing a study on Jonah by Priscilla Shirer.  Not only do I love it because one of my best friends is pregnant and planning to name her son Jonah...which, I might add, I think is funny that right now, Baby Jonah is also in a belly (yes, I'm quite easily amused).  But what I'm loving most of all is how despite Jonah's blatant disobedience and fleeing, we see God pursue Jonah, redeem him, and give him a second chance. 

In chapter 2, when Jonah is in the belly of the fish, he prays for the first time.  It wasn't until he had reached rock bottom, that he calls out.  God's response?  He answers. 

Chapter 2 shows us that no matter how far we run, no matter how low we sink into the depths, God's love can reach us; it's never too late. 

Despite Jonah's initial reaction, God gives him a second chance.  I don't know about you, but reading about, hearing about, and experiencing first-hand God's redemption and unfailing love for his children is almost too much--what an undeserving, precious gift!    

Today, may your heart be encouraged that no matter how far you've run, or how deep you have sunk, you can never go so far that God's love can't find you, restore you, and bring you back.  THAT, sweet friends, is how much He loves you.   

I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble,
      and he answered me.
   I called to you from the land of the dead,
      and Lord, you heard me!

Jonah 2:2

He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. 

Isaiah 30:19 (NASV)

Build Me Up, Buttercup

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another..."

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (Amplified)

This past weekend was spent with some of my best friends in the world—what a treat!  Pretty much all we did was chat, eat, laugh, and chat some more.  At one point, we went around and each of us said things that we love about each other.  Anything from "I love your legs" to "I love how ready and willing you are to go where God sends you".  Yes, it sounds a little "kumbaya", but it's amazing what a little encouragement can do.  

Who doesn't like to be encouraged?  As a little girl, I would work my butt off just to hear my teacher say something encouraging like, "I love how Elizabeth is sitting quietly in her chair waiting for our next activity."  Even something as silly as being noticed for sitting at my desk, meant the world to me.  

Encouraging words are great medicine to give to others and they can also be great medicine for our hearts to feed upon.  It's easy for me to focus on the countless ways I fall short--letting God, my family, and friends down.  But to hear that I'm not a total failure?  To hear there are people who think I'm doing something right?  It's incredibly uplifting. 

Among other things, encouraging words can strengthen our weary hearts, equip us to fulfill the plans God has prepared for us, and remind us of who God says we are in Him.

So this week, whether it's through an email, a hand written note, a phone call, a wall post, a tweet, or anything else your heart desires, go out of your way to encourage at least one person in your life.  It's amazing what a little edification can do for a girl! 

Friends

"A friend loves at all times."

Proverbs 17:17

This morning, I'm incredibly grateful for the rich frienships that God has placed in my life.  

The friends who are my lifeline—I can call at all hours of the day and night and know they'll pick up, or call me right back.  

The friends that love me whether our lives feel totally put together, or totally falling apart. 

The friends who know and see the real me, but still choose to love me anyway—despite my poor listening skills and obsessive controlling ways.  

The friends that I can cry hard with, but then turn right around and laugh even harder. 

The friends who strengthen my faith and make me desire more of Jesus without even trying.

The friends who pray with me—even when we're in different cities, states, or countries.   

Thank you friends.  I love you more than you know. 

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

Proverbs 27:17

Click here for a great post on friendship by Jodie Berndt.

Also, Virginia Beach friends, want to know more about friendship?  Check out the Changing Seasons Friendship Study beginning in June.  Click here for all the details. 

Lead Me

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,

for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk,

for I give myself to you...

Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward

on a firm footing.

Psalm 143: 8,10 (NLT)

Running To You

I don't know about you, but I just love a good country song, especially in the summertime.  Some of my favorite summer memories are driving around with my sisters listening to the sounds of Faith, Sara, Shania, Keith, and Kenny.

Recently, I have been LOVING Lady Antebellum.  My all time favorite is I Run To You.  I'm pretty sure it's not about God, but whenever I hear it, that's all I can think about.

"This world keeps spinning faster to a new disaster, so I run to You..."

There are all kinds of places to which I can, and do run—my husband, friends, mindless TV, shopping, a glass of wine, Pizza Hut bread sticks—but nothing, absolutely nothing, can hold me, protect me, comfort me, and strengthen me like the supportive arms of the Lord.  

God is "My lovingkindness and my fortress,              My high tower and my deliverer,              My shield and the One in whom I take refuge."

             Psalm 144:2 (NKJV)

 

Send It Up

DC Bible Study Girls

Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.  

James 5:15-16 (MSG)

Over the weekend Bernie and I were in DC for a wedding celebrating Danielle and Ryan.  In addition to the joy of celebrating their new life together, one of the highlights was getting to see all my old Bible study girls, including Danielle.  I've mentioned these girls before, they are without question one of the top things I miss in the District.  Each Monday night, no matter what was transpiring in my life, I could count on these girls for a home cooked meal, laughs, tears, encouragement, and prayer.  I miss them dearly. 

Last night, I had the treat of attending another type of celebration honoring a dear friend and her new baby boy.  But rather than a traditional baby shower, this was more of a "mommy shower."  All of girls showered the mom-to-be with food cravings, little treats to pamper herself before and after the baby arrives, and prayers and words of encouragement.  The highlight was taking some time to pray for her, the baby, the delivery, and all the other details that go along with bringing a new baby into the world. 


On my drive home, I kept thinking about what a gift it is to be able to pray with other women.  Whether it's a group of girls I know well like my sweet DC friends,  a group like last night where I didn't know everyone that well, or even one dear friend over the phone, there is power when women come together to pray for one another.  It's a divine gift that I don't always take advantage of.   

I don't know about you, but it's easy for me to say that prayer is a good thing, but taking the time to pray with others is another story.  I'm not always quick to embrace praying together.  I'm not sure why...sometimes it feels awkward getting started, sometimes it's easy to stick to the surface and not make an effort to go deeper (I'm more comfortable sticking with "solid" topics like shopping, The Bachelor, and celebrity gossip), sometimes I'm insecure about what people will think if I ask them to pray, and sometimes, it seems, "there's just not enough time"...

...but something happens when two or more come together in the name of the Lord: God shows up! True, technically, He's always there, but Jesus assures us in Matthew 18:20 that, "When two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." (MSG)

I saw that on Monday nights in DC, I saw that last night at the shower, and I believe and expect it to be true throughout my life.  I don't know about you, but I want to give Jesus as many chances as I can for Him to show up.

In high school, the theme verse for my small group was Hebrews 10:24-25:

"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."   

There are many ways we can encourage each other throughout life, but let's not forget the power of praying together.  There is power in prayer.  

A Mother's Delight

 Happy belated Mother's Day!  I hope you all had fabulous days yesterday!

We were in DC for a wedding and my fabulous older sister Laura was kind enough to take us in for the weekend.  Bernie went fishing bright and early Sunday morning and knowing it was Mother's Day, I tried to lay low and stay out of their way in the morning, so they could have some family time.  

Yet even in my attempt to get out of the way, I was still privy to bits and pieces of the big Mother's Day reveal...Lulu lined up in the hallway waiting to bring her mom french toast, a card, and an imprint of her hand.  When it was time to go in, she just couldn't wait to be with mommy and show her what she made, but what struck me the most, was hearing the genuine joy and delight in Laura's voice over her daughter's creations.  Some people might look at scribbles and a hand print and think nothing of them, but Laura was overjoyed.  You see, they weren't just any scribbles and it wasn't just any hand, they were her daughter's.  The one she created, the one she loves, and the one she is so pleased with.

This led me to think of my own mother and the countless drawings, cards, and clay creations--pinch pots, animals,  and Greek godesses, she has held on to and cherished throughout the years.  And let me just tell you, with five kids, she has acquired some interesting pieces, but she delights in each one. 

Similarly, at work, my boss doesn't opt for the traditional stuffy office art in her office, but she has lined her walls with framed artwork from her two amazing boys, because more than any established or up-and-coming artist, these works of art are priceless.

It's incredible the joy and delight mother's take in their children and each one of their creations.   

But even more incredible is the joy and delight that God takes in us, His children.  He made us, He knows us, and He is proud of us.  Similar to Lulu's handmade creations, when we come to God with an offering in our hand--a song of worship, a prayer, or a willing heart, He is pleased. 

Don't hold back.  He is so worthy of any offering we can bring to Him.     

It is good to praise the LORD
   and make music to your name, O Most High,
proclaiming your love in the morning
   and your faithfulness at night...

For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD;
   I sing for joy at what your hands have done.
How great are your works, LORD,
   how profound your thoughts! 

Psalm 92:1-2, 4-5

I Lift My Hands

Happy Friday Friends!  Below is my favorite worship song of the spring.  It's called "I Lift My Hands" by Chris Tomlin.  Hope you like it as much as I do! 

(Email subscribers click here).

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose

Friday. Night. Lights.  Those who watch, you know, this is one of the best television shows ever made.  Those who aren't on board yet, you are missing out.  If you've spoken to me in the past year, chances are I've encouraged you to take the leap.  But I always caution it will take the first 3 episodes to get hooked.

At the risk of totally embarrassing myself, I will admit to bloggy land, that this show made quite an impression on me.  If you think it's all about football, you're wrong.  What I love most about it is the rich character development in all of the characters, not just the football team, but the families and community surrounding the team.

The show won me over and I fully embraced the entire town of Dillon, Texas.  I laughed, I cried, and I found myself wondering throughout the day what was going to happen next, or how they were feeling...at times I forgot it was just a TV show.  

Sadly, Tuesday night, Bernie and I finished the fifth and final season.  Believe it or not, I was a tad overly emotional about the conclusion of the greatest show ever made.  How could I move on with my life without Friday night football in Dillon, Texas?? 

I think what I love most is the way the show makes the viewer feel like they're a part of it.  Each character is faced with their own set of problems, and throughout the series, I wanted so badly for each one to succeed--on the field, in school, with the scholarship, in spite of their health, in their marriage, with their jobs, with their family, etc...no matter what character it was, I was routing for them. 

So Tuesday, as I said goodbye (who am I kidding, I'm totally watching the whole thing again one day) I let the characters go and just have to wonder how they'll make it in land of canceled television shows.

That's when I realized that similarly, we have a God who is watching us, routing for us, and wanting us to succeed.  He cries when we cry and rejoices when rejoice.  But even better than a stupid TV show, He is near.  He can intervene.  He equips and supports us.  He acts on behalf of those who love him.  And with God, the show never ends.  He will not leave us and He will never forsake us.  With God, our channel is on 24-hours a day--He never turns us off, He never changes the channel; He is our biggest fan.    

"Indeed, he who watches over Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.

 The LORD watches over you—
   the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
   nor the moon by night...

the LORD will watch over your coming and going
   both now and forevermore."

Psalm 121:4-6, 8

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. 

Psalm 46:1-3,7

Joyce & Obedience

Last Friday I had the treat of going to hear Joyce Meyer speak.  If you've never heard her, you are missing out.  She is a delight!  When it comes to Joyce, there's no sugar coating; she just tells it like it is.  Yet even with her very direct speaking style, she always leaves you wanting to go so much deeper in your faith.

Typically, when I go to a women's conference, I'm always excited and expectant, wondering what it is that God may have in store for me?  They are a great time to refresh, recharge, and be reminded of who God is, what His promises are, and what He may be calling us to do.

You can imagine my disappointment when Joyce said she was going to talk to us about discipline and obedience...not quite the "warm & fuzzys" I was looking for.    

From the day I was born, obedience has not been my strong suit.  As a little girl, if my mom would put me in my room and tell me not to leave, with my hands on my hips, I would look right in her eyes and put my foot right over the threshold of my bedroom, just to test her.  I did not like to obey and I did not like to hear the word "no".

So, I can't exactly say I was thrilled to be sitting through a talk on obedience on a Friday night.  Yet, during that hour, my eyes began to open to see just how important obedience is to God.  Not in a way where He gives us a list of things we can and can't do and expects us to follow them all, but in a way that is designed to bring us closer to Him. 

One of the verses she shared with us was Deuteronomy 6:17-18

"You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God and His exhortations and His statutes which He commanded you.  And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may go well with you and that you may go in and possess the good land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers."

In other words, "Do what I tell you to, so that you can experience the good plan I have for your life."

Obedience isn't about a bunch of rules and regulations, but it's about the strength and willingness to say "no" to yourself and "yes" to God.

And here's the thing, I may complain and come up with all kinds of excuses...I can't, I don't want to, it's too hard, it's not a good time, I think my way is better...but beyond all the excuses I can come up with, more than anything,  I want to be a woman who is willing and able to say "yes" to God.   

I believe that God has a good and perfect plan for my life, but to get to that place, it starts by being obedient and disciplined in the small things, so that when the bigger things come my way, I'm ready!

I like big BUTS

Today we get to hear from my sweet mom, Lisa!  She just can't wait to talk to you today about her big BUT...

I have been struggling.  As a person who wants to live her life to the fullest,  I want to be eager to say Yes to whatever God has for me to do.  I know that His ways are higher than my ways,  (Isaiah 55:8)  I know that He has a plan and a future for me, (Jeremiah 29:11)

BUT, I want to do it my way.  I don’t want His ways to inconvenience me or change what I want to do.  This is a problem for me. 

God wants me to watch my what I say to others.   BUT, I have some really juicy stories to tell about people.

God wants me to change by attitudes- or “Baditudes”- as Meg’s grandmother used to say.  BUT, I like feeling sorry for myself.

God wants me to spend a little more time maintaining my house. BUT I don’t have time to put my stuff away, so instead I create another pile of papers.

The words I tend to focus on are “I hear you God, BUT I don’t want to...” instead of the two words that can change everything: BUT GOD….

But God created the heavens and the earth.

But God loves you more than anyone else in this world.

But God has a plan and a purpose for your life that is so much greater than anything you could ever imagine.

But God can strengthen us when we feel weak.

But God can pour His love, His patience, His strength into your life. 

This week, my heart is longing to stop focusing on my big BUT of excuses, and start focusing on the promises that come with the much bigger BUT GOD...

On my own, I am full of cant's, won't, and don't want to's...what I need to remember is BUT GOD.  "BUT with God all things are possible."  (Matthew 19:26)

Our Fairytale

My favorite picture of the wedding...check out the flower girl to the left!

I know I've already chimed in on the Royal Wedding, but honestly, I had no idea how much I would love it!  Even at 27, I just can't get enough of a good fairytale.  I love what Nina wrote in her blog on Friday:

"Loved it. Loved the dress, the hats, the boys choir, the carriage, the titles, the lack of last name…Most of all loved the fervent celebration. We are a people hungry to celebrate something beautiful and full of promise, are we not?"

We live for the happily ever after, and on Friday, we watched it unfold right before our eyes.  What girl doesn't dream of one day becoming a princess?  Which one of us, at one time or another, didn't dream about hopping across the pond to marry William or Harry? Or maybe that was just me...

But here's the thing, all of it—the prince, the jewels, the gowns, the palaces, the royal title, the polo matches, and the fabulous hats doesn't even come close to the inheritance that we are eligible for in Christ.  

I just love the Princess Diaries movies.  In part 2, one of my favorite parts is when the Princess is parading through Genovea and she stops to see a little girl from the orphanage and declares that all of them can be princesses for the day.  I cry almost every time, because it's just a tiny glimpse of God's adoption and unfailing love for us.  I love how for the first time ever, these children are acknowledged, appreciated, and rejoiced over; much like what God does for us. Email subscribers, click here to watch.



So as the buzz over the new Duke & Duchess rolls on, and the world continues to rejoice in the beauty and promise of their modern-day fairy tale, remember your fairytale too.  "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God" (1 Peter 2:9). 

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."

Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV)