Advent Conspiracy

Maybe it is the face of the stranger with the suitcases that is haunting me. Or just maybe, it is the Holy Spirit's continual nudge to do something different this year for Christmas. Either way, I am realizing that many people need things and frankly, I don't need them nearly as much, if at all.

With the stores already filled with Christmas gifts, mailboxes filled with Christmas catalogs, and credit card companies filled with credit limit extension requests, how are you going to approach buying gifts this Christmas?

Before you decide, please watch the video below and click on www.adventconspiracy.org. See what buying one less gift this year could do when you give that money to a worthy cause for Christ. May we all "worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all."

Ponderings

Thought I would share some quotes with you that I am pondering today.

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action. Mother Teresa 

If you want the blessing, you have to take the burdens that go along with it. Kurt and Brenda Warner

Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared. Eddie Rickenbacker

Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes progress. Unknown

What is your favorite inspirational quote? I would love to hear it!

A Day in the Life of...

I guess you can take the girl out of psychology, but you can't take the psychologist out of the girl.

Thought you might enjoy seeing the project that BigGuy, Bird, and I made this weekend.

The little creature is the one and only Perry the Robo Dwarf Hamster. (He's not biting anymore!)

Dear Stranger with the Suitcases

Dear Stranger with the Suitcases,

I drove past you two weeks ago. I was on my hurried way to pick up my son from school. You were strolling on the sidewalk…in the rain.

Your presence piqued my curiosity. I don’t often see women walking in the rain with no umbrella, much less pulling two suitcases alongside.

I had a brief talk with Jesus as I drove by and promised Him that if you were still on the side of the busy road, I would stop and offer you a ride.

Then, I happily pulled into the pick-up line at my son’s school, never imagining that the possibility of picking up a complete stranger would preoccupy my mind.

As we pulled out of the school’s drive, you were there on the opposite side. I immediately turned the other way, but quickly felt the conviction in my heart of the promise I had made.

I turned the car around, as I explained to my children what we would do next. They responded in excitement. I responded with hesitation and fear. My selfishness wouldn’t ordinarily allow me to react this way.

As I stopped the car and pulled out the umbrella, I sent up a quick prayer for guidance and reassurance. After all, this wasn’t my idea. I thought however, that maybe God was getting ready to do a mighty work.

I was wrong…maybe.

As I approached you and offered you a ride, you bluntly declined my offer and boldly stated I had nothing to give you. I offered to pray with you. You informed me you wanted nothing to do with my God. You began to walk away. I ambled back to my car wondering if I had misheard the nudge to stop and speak with you.

As I reentered my car and debriefed my sons on your response, I felt deterred. My sons thought otherwise.

They reminded me that even if someone does not want help or prayer, we could still request it from Jesus. So we did just that – we prayed for you and for help to come to you in a way that you could accept and receive.

Then life went on…

Dear Stranger with the Suitcases, I saw you again this week in a completely different part of the city. You only had one suitcase this time. You were still walking in the rain.

I prayed for you again and wondered if I could help you this time.

I drove past.

Your face however, still lingers each hour in my mind. I worry for your safety, your well-being, and your missing suitcase. Did someone steal it? Or did you have to leave it somewhere as you rushed off?

I wanted to let you know that I am still praying, despite your refusal or perceived need.

And as crazy as I may sound, I hope someday soon I can see you again.  

For God is doing a mighty work.

I just realized today that it is occurring in me!

Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' (Matthew 25:37-40, NLT).

He Is!!!!

If you sat in my car today, checked my computer, or heard me singing, this is the song you would hear. And if you saw me listening to it, you would see me with hands lifted up, praising our amazing God.

Turn up your volume. The message is so powerful. Thank you Mark Schultz for recording this amazing worship song.

I pray you find it as worship-filled as I do! I would love to hear what you think!

She Did What She Could

I love the fact that the Word of God is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Based on the advice of Bible teacher, Wendy Pope, each time I read God's Word, I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His “nugget of truth” that God wishes to teach or show me for that day.

I want to share with you the “nugget” that spoke volumes to me last week.

On Friday, my chronological reading included the accounts in the books of Mark, Matthew, and John of a woman anointing the feet of Jesus. (John 12 says it was Mary of Bethany, Martha and Lazarus’ sister.) 

Mark 14:3-9 (NLT) reads

 3 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head.

 4 Some of those at the table were indignant. “Why waste such expensive perfume?” they asked. 5 “It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor!” So they scolded her harshly.

 6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

As I read this familiar story, the first part of verse eight jumped out and touched me like a warm, soothing blanket handed to a shivering child.

Read it again with me.

“She did what she could...”

Sweet friends, this verse brings such healing to my weary soul. The fact that Jesus realized that Mary simply did what she could. No more. No less. She gave her all in the place and time that God made her. Not only was Jesus touched and satisfied. He promised others throughout the world would remember and discuss her act of devotion.

So often, I think that I have to do more, be more, give more in order to be remembered. If I was this woman, I probably would have been trying to sell that alabaster jar on ebay just so that I could have more to give. :-)

But Jesus says "No. Give me what you can. I know where you are in life. I know your heart. And all I ask is for you to give me what you can. You!"

Oh sweet friends, may we all kneel in humble devotion today, giving Jesus what is priceless in His eyes - ourselves!

A Biting Problem

Recently, my life never seems to have a dull moment. In the midst of flu recovery, "phantoming" the neighbor children, and preparing for another women's rally this weekend, BigGuy's hamster has started biting.

Now, you may not think a hamster, much less a "robo" dwarf hamster, could chomp through an almost forty-year old's calloused, dry hands.

Let me reassure you.

HE CAN!

Perry the hamster, after all, is a rodent - a fellow member of the mice, rat, and all other chewing animal family. Their teeth continue to grow ya'll. That's why rodent owners buy chew sticks and hard food, such as dried corn and super-vitamin packed large pellets.

In an attempt to remedy our small problem, I spent time looking on the internet for answers to why a once very friendly hamster is now attempting to bite the very hand that feeds it and cleans its abode.

I read through various articles. Nothing made sense until I read the words "dwarf hamsters may begin biting when they sense a new threat in their environment."

Then it hit me!!

For the past week we have been lax about closing the door to the guest room where Perry is placed at night. (Yes, I realize we do strange things all in the name of a good night's sleep. And yes, we have been a little preoccupied.)

In the meantime, Perry the hamster has had a new friend visiting him up close and personal while he sleeps. More than once, we have found Henry the cat sitting right next to Perry's cage meowing and attempting to place a small paw through the spaces between the cage wires.

Oh! I guess I would get a little defensive too if a huge predator stood at my door and attempted to come through my window!

Everything is making sense now.

So, let's just say over the next week or two, we are going to start keeping a better eye on the guest room door and a better sense of where each critter is in the house.

Hopefully, with increased security and better boundaries, our little rodent will become our little, kind friend again.  And I can quit wearing the only band-aids available in our house - the ones with the green camoflauge covering.

Blessings on your weekend everyone!

Friendship

What would we do without friends?

I have been thinking about my friends so much this week. We are all undergoing such different life scenarios – illness, child difficulties, marriage upsets, and new jobs. Yet in the midst of all life throws at us, we are able to find commonalities and comfort. Without each other, our hearts would have uniquely-shaped empty holes that no other person could fill.

For this reason, friendships are a treasure to guard and keep.

What about our friendship with God?

How well are we guarding and keeping it?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I realize that God is the giver of eternal friendship when we receive His Son, Jesus, as our Savior. But how are we doing in keeping up our day to day friendship with Him?

What are we doing to keep up our side of the connection?

Are we allowing God to fill that uniquely shaped hole made by Him and for Him? Or are we attempting to fill it with other things, even people?

Hmmm. How are you doing?

If you haven’t connected with Your Friend lately, try calling on Him today. He is always ready to re-connect!

(If having a closer friendship with Jesus is something you have always desired, I have some exciting news about a resource that just might help you. Stay tuned and I will announce it soon!)

Smile and Hallelujah

I apologize for my tardiness in posting today.

To tell you the truth, I am exhausted and coming down off of an amazing Sunday.

Thank you to all the wonderful women at the Altenburg Zone LWML rally for making yesterday so special. I can't wait to get to know you even more as you visit the blog and as I return in November for Concordia's Advent by Candlelight. You are some very special women!

Because I am lacking in words today, and actually in voice, I am posting a great video sent to me. I hope you enjoy this version of the Hallelujah Chorus as much as I did!

Blessings on your Monday!

What's in a Name?

Can you name all twelve disciples?

Most of us can name Matthew, Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Judas. But what about the other six (Matthew 10:2-4)?

Can you recite any names of the seventy-two that Jesus commissioned and sent out ahead of Him into all the places He planned to visit (Luke 10:1)?

You shouldn’t be able to answer this one. Their names aren’t mentioned.

Which brings me to the purpose of this blog post.

Last night I received some news about an aspect of my ministry. I found out my name was minimally inlcuded on a significant marketing tool.

As I ingested this little piece of information, my initial reaction was tearfulness.

My second reaction was anger. What about all the work I had done?

My third reaction was realization. Realization that the presentation I am giving this weekend focuses on making sure our service and missions point others to Christ, not ourselves.

Oh! Ouch!

My fourth reaction was immediate confession and handing the entire situation over to God to use for His glory alone. What else could I do?

And in the quiet moment after letting go, my heart asked my head the questions that I asked you.

Can you name all twelve disciples? Can you recite any of the names of the seventy-two?

And then I realized, my name is not what matters.

Serving Jesus Christ and making His name known does! I want this truth to be at the center of everything I do!

Where are you struggling today? Whose name is most important to you?

Flu, Flu, Go Away, Come Again Some Other Day

Hey sweet friends. I am sorry I am without inspiring words today.

I am knee deep in preparing for a wonderful women's rally that I am presenting at this weekend, and Bird has come down with what is probably the flu (or at least something similar with coughing, fever, headache, and achiness). Ugh!!

Could you please pray for Christ's peace and healing to rule in this house today and this week? (Okay, and next week too. I have another women's rally on the 24th.)

As always, I know God uses these times of unexpected difficulties to remind us of our dependence on Him alone.

I know God is always faithful, in the midst of the chaos, to grant us small reassurances of His loving control, too.

For example, BigGuy ran into me accidentally on Sunday and broke my glasses. I am wearing taped up glasses and suffering from a sore ear and headache due to their uneven fit. Guess what the title of the presentation I am giving on Sunday is?

Drumroll, please.

"What is Your Focus? Finding 20/20 Vision." (I know. Are you smiling too?)

Thankfully, I now have stories to use that I never would have had if this craziness had not happened.

God is amazing!

Only He could orchestrate such good out of what initially appeared bad. He is so great.

By the way, I would love to pray for you! Please leave your prayer request in the comments section, and we can all rest easier knowing we are prayed for.

Blessings on your day!

Living in a Lived In House

With papers scattered across the kitchen island, toys strewn on the floor, and the smell of jambalaya sandwiches still lingering from Saturday night, this poem makes me feel less guilty about the current state of our home. I thought maybe it could help you today, too.

I Love a House That's Lived In

I love a house that's "lived in"
with clutter here and there
a magazine left open
a jacket on a chair
a smell of something cooking
a special recipe
an over eager offer
of hospitality.
I love a house that's "lived in"
it seems to stand apart
for in it is a woman
who has a loving heart.   

Exciting News!!

I am so excited to share some wonderful news today.

First, I am celebrating one year of blogging this week. When my friend, Alicia, blessed me with the set-up of these pages, little did I know that God would provide a whole year of words and ideas. To Him be all the glory in this endeavor!

Second, as most of you know, I am a huge fan of contemporary Christian music and of the hope and encouragement it provides to all who listen. Since 2001, I have listened to our local listener-supported Christian radio station JOYFM (94.1 and 97.7). This station is near and dear to my heart. I tell everyone about it, and even have a decal on my window advertising it. Unfortunately, even though it broadcasts on two signals, not everyone in the St. Louis and surrounding area can pick it up.

That is all about to change!

This week, JOYFM announced they have worked with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and will be purchasing their signal 99.1 FM (KFUO). JOYFM will be able to reach 2.7 million people with their message of hope and joy, reaching out 100 miles in every direction from St. Louis. The LCMS will be able to use the proceeds to reach even more people through increased funding for their programs, too.

I was so thrilled that I just cried and cried with joyful tears when I heard this news. God is so amazing! He provided a win-win situation for two missions in my life which so strongly influence my daily walk with HIM!

Please join me in praying and even supporting this growing mission field.

After all, how often do you get the chance to influence 2.7 million people who need Jesus?!

Find out more information by clicking on www.joyfmonline.org and by watching the amazing video below.

Would you also please join me in prayer for the large number of people who will miss the classical music of KFUO? Please pray that God would provide a new signal to broadcast this beautiful offering of music for all to enjoy.

May we all remember that God is in control as we look outward and upward! 

Learning to Receive Part 2

Happy Wednesday!

I promised you in Monday’s post that I would answer the question I posed – “If I struggle to receive gifts from loving, caring friends, what else am I struggling to accept?”

You may be surprised at this Christian speaker and author’s answer – it’s God’s grace.

You see, from little on, I have believed that our eternal salvation is purely a gift from God – a gift of pure grace. I can do nothing to earn it. I can never pay it back. I understand this and freely accept it. I get this.

Where I struggle is in receiving God’s gifts of daily grace – the blessings of speaking, the blessing of authoring a book, the blessings of two incredible children, the blessing of a loving, faithful husband, the blessings of having what we need, the blessings of friends with which to share this journey.

Somehow, in the living of my life, I started believing myself “not worthy” of God’s loving hand. I started struggling to accept His intimate, daily blessings without feeling a need to pay Him back.

So, I started to “prove myself” worthy of His love. I somehow began to believe that I needed to show Him I could repay His generosity.

Just like when a friend offers childsitting and I insist her children come to my house twice, when God blessed me, I attempted to pray more, read His Word more, give more, open myself up to doing more. All this was to prove my worthiness.

Unfortunately, it never seemed enough.

Then last week occurred, and I really couldn’t do anything to prove myself to God. I had no extra energy. My prayers seemed stilted. His Word was just words. And do you know what?

I felt more loved by God as I sat at His feet with nothing to give, just hands open wide, hoping to receive. My heart became overwhelmed with the truth of His compassion, His caring, and His intimate desire just to love me!

Oh sweet friends, if you find yourself in the same situation I was in – struggling to prove yourself to God and to accept His grace, I pray that you take time to just simply sit and receive! Through open hands and open confession of your faulty efforts, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE TRUE LOVE AND PEACE OF THE FATHER.             

You don’t have to prove a thing!

Learning to Receive

Thank you to everyone who wrote a kind word or email this past week. Your compassion and love meant so much to me during a time of difficulty.

However, I have to admit something.

Because of my tendency to believe I need to be the encourager, receiving encouragement made me feel guilty. I felt like I owed everyone an extra blog post, an extra word of support.

God stopped me in the midst of these thoughts; He showed me that I needed to learn something about receiving love.

If you are like me (and most women), I somehow believe that I need to always be ahead or at least equal to those around me. If a friend happens to buy me a soda/coffee while we are at the mall, I make sure to buy the next time. If a friend offers to watch my children for me, I invite hers over, twice! If a friend asks if she can do something for me, I promise I can handle it alone.

This past week, I have been guilty of doing this very thing, not only with emails and cards, but with much more. Rather than graciously receiving love in the form of restaurant gift cards, a meal from a friend, or offers of childsitting, I confidently attempted to convey that I did not need anything. Surely someone else needed help rather than me. After all, how could I ever repay them?

Yet after conveying the message that I didn't need anyone time and time again, God showed me that deep down my words were not true.

I did need a break from cooking. I did need someone else to care for the kids. I needed time to rest, rejuvenate, and grieve. These were gifts He was trying to give me through others. Blessings that were given with no strings attached, just sweet presents of love.

Yet, I mostly refused them or only accepted them with the promise of repayment.

So I had to ask, “Why do we, okay, why do I, struggle with receiving?”

Yesterday, I finally realized my answer.

I somehow have always believed that receiving makes me look weak or needy. I have always thought receiving makes me appear less than perfect, less than put together, less than others. Receiving makes me feel dependent on someone else other than myself.

Coming to this conclusion was a breakthrough for me. Unfortunately, realizing this answer brought up another question.

“If I struggle to receive gifts from loving, caring friends, what else am I struggling to accept freely?”

Ouch. Heavy question indeed!

I will tell you that answer on Wednesday.

In the meantime, what do you do when friends or loved ones offer you help? Have you always reacted this way?

Welcoming Prayers

Sweet Friends in Blogland,

Hubby and I would sure appreciate your prayers this week.

After a long battle, Hubby's father walked quietly Friday into the presence of God Himself. I can only imagine the rejoicing voices of the saints as they celebrated another homecoming.

At the same time, knowing the truth of heaven doesn't make the pain completely disappear here on earth. We would greatly appreciate prayers for strength, perseverance, and safe travel for all family and friends. Most of all, would you please pray that God's love becomes undeniably real to all those left behind!

Thank you so much. You all are the best!

In Memory 

The Miracle of the Moment

I am working this week to live in and appreciate the miracle of the moment. After all, each one is a special gift from our Almighty God!

May you enjoy your gift today!

If you would like to read the lyrics of Miracle of the Moment, click here.

Who's Responsible Here?

I think I have just gone crazy. I am not only living with two rambunctious boys and one lazy cat. Recently, we added a fish, and yesterday a dwarf hamster to the mix.

Now, let me just say that I thought adding new small pets to our family would be a great learning experience for BigGuy and Bird. After all, I look after Henry, the cat. Having increased responsibility for pets seemed like a great idea for BigGuy and Bird too.

Note the word “seemed.”

Here is the rundown of this past weekend’s pet events.

Woke up Friday morning, Bird’s birthday present, Swimmy the fish, was simply sitting at the bottom of the aquarium. Since Swimmy was a Betta fish which breathes from the top of the water, this was not a good sign. Thanks to the pet store’s return policy (yes, you must bring the fish with you), I was able to obtain a gift card for the amount of the fish.

Friday afternoon, Hubby asked Bird what he was going to buy with his pet store gift card. Bird looked surprised, as I had not told him anything about the gift card. After all, doesn't a boy need time to mourn the loss of the fish? Evidently not. As soon as I confessed about the card, Bird eagerly asked to travel to the pet store and buy a new fish. His name is Speedy.

Saturday, all day, our cat Henry meowed at the fish. I kept running him out of the room.

Sunday afternoon, Bird informed BigGuy and me that he would like to give him the last $30.00 of his birthday money if I would take BigGuy to buy a pet. After much deliberation, (I mean how often does a brother give money away in love), we drove to the pet store. BigGuy picked out a robo dwarf hamster. After going to check out, the clerk kindly informed us that the reason the hamster is called a “robo” hamster is because of its ability to outrun all other hamsters.

BigGuy now has a faster than lighting, silver dollar sized hamster named Perry.

Sunday evening, our cat Henry meowed at the hamster. I kept running him out of the room.

Sunday night, Bird informed me his fish had white, feathery things flowing from his fins and body. A phone call later to my fish-owning brother-in-law confirmed Speedy has a fungus disease. I assured Bird that Speedy would be all right. Oh, and I sprayed silicone spray into the hamster wheel to stop the squeaking, which was bothering BigGuy. I prayed the new hamster wouldn't die from the fumes.

Monday morning, I am off to the pet store to find a pill to heal the fish.

And who was supposed to learn increased responsibility through this experience? ;o)

Blessings on your day! May you be truly blessed by your pets!

Update on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 7:10AM by Kristen Myers

Monday morning, and we are saying good-bye to Speedy. He didn't make it through the night. We are looking at Plan B this time!

Psalm 23 Revisited

Have you ever read a part of Scripture that you are very familiar with only to have it appear brand new?

That is exactly what happened to me as I read Psalm 23 in the New Living Translation.

You can read it with me…

The Lord is my shepherd;
      I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
      he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
   He guides me along right paths,
      bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
      through the darkest valley,
 I will not be afraid,
      for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
      protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
      in the presence of my enemies.
   You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
      My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
      all the days of my life,
   and I will live in the house of the Lord
      forever.

Did you let the words really sink in?

Let’s reread some of them again…

The Lord is my shepherd, I HAVE ALL I NEED.

I will not be afraid, FOR YOU ARE CLOSE BESIDE ME.        

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. MY CUP OVERFLOWS WITH BLESSINGS.

Surely YOUR GOODNESS AND UNFAILING LOVE WILL PURSUE ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.

Today, no matter what comes my way, I am choosing to stand on these truths: I have all I need. God is always beside me. My life is filled with blessings. And God will pursue me for the rest of my life by showering His goodness and unfailing love on me, even when I don't deserve it.

Now that's some restful realizations!

Some Perspective

Sorry for my absence on Monday. Hubby and I spent the weekend visiting his parents, visiting his father who daily is moving closer to his heavenly home.

As I pondered yesterday how quickly life can take a sharp left turn, I begged for God's perspective on life. In my head, I knew that God was in control and that He cares deeply about each of His children. However, in my heart, which was hurting beyond measure, I needed reassurance and tangible proof. I needed to see that God could handle the humongous.

That is when I received these pictures in an email from my mom. 

Talk about reassurance!

Father, Creator of the planets, stars, and universes. Who are we that we should matter to You? Yet we do. Your Word promises us that not even a sparrow falls without Your knowledge (Matthew 10:29 & 31). Thank You for handling our problems, our doubts, our fears, and our sorrows. And thank You for doing it all out of Your unconditional love. I love you Jesus. Amen