I copied this from another blog. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to share it with all of you. It was written by a friend of my sister's named, Lynette Carpenter. Lynette is a recently published author as well. She has generously allowed me to post her words of encouragement here for all of you, so please read this and let this minister to you. It inspired me. Good stuff!
Across America, Christians have a reputation. We are known as hypocrites. Uncaring, judgmental, unkind… Too many people have taken advantage of the gospel – using it to pad their own wallets and propel their own agenda (and themselves) forward – leaving the hurting, the lost, and the broken still hurting, still lost, still broken sitting in the parking lot of our churches – believing there is no room for them inside.
Too many people have told me, “I can’t tell you the things I’ve done!” Our past calls out to us at every turn, blinding us from anything but who we were and what we’ve done. There was that abortion… those drugs… that affair… Shame hangs heavily around our neck. It comes by the sins we have committed, the sins done to us by others… and sometimes it’s the shame we carry for another’s sin.
Shame and guilt… Two voices who persistently whisper lies, trapping, binding and ultimately crippling believers. We’ve accepted God’s love and forgiveness, but we refuse to lay aside the chains of guilt and shame! We tell ourselves it is the cross we must bear – after all, we deserve it! We resign ourselves to the harsh reality that God will forgive us, but sometimes the church won’t.
How many of us enter the sanctuary of our churches with those chains of shame and guilt tucked neatly beneath our well-pressed suit or silk scarf. We hope against hope that no one sees what lies beneath. We beg to God that no one hears the chains clanking as we walk by. In our desperation to keep from being found out, we sit quietly in our pew, unwilling (or unable) to reach out to those around us lest they see who we truly are. In all reality, we are so far removed from those around us we may as well be sitting in the parking lot as well, listening to the lies of the devil – “You’re too broken. You don’t belong here. If they knew half the things you’ve done…” That thought alone leaves us cold and afraid.
But here’s some good news from Matthew 21:
Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants.
He angrily removed the merchants – the self-focused, self-serving people who were taking advantage of Who God is to make a buck. Jesus knocked over their tables, threw their stuff and ultimately, put them out of business. He DIDN’T want them there!
So who DID He want in the Temple?
After Jesus removed the merchants it says, “Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in.”
He was making room for us! The blind and the crippled! The lost and the broken! He didn’t want us sitting outside in the parking lot anymore! The Bible says, “They came to Jesus and He healed them.”
It’s time to get out of the parking lot! No longer should you be blinded by your past! No longer must you be crippled by the chains of guilt and shame!
Jesus has made room for you! No longer shall you stand on the outskirts wishing you were good enough. Because of Him, our guilt can be removed! Because of Him, our shame can be erased!
Let Him heal you of the past that blinds you and the chains that cripple your life! Then you can be as the children in this story who ran through the Temple shouting praises to Jesus!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Christ Above Circumstance
Hello again! (It's Jana Dover) As I read your comments from my last post, I was elated to know why I felt led to share that with you all! God is so good! Sweet Mary has invited me to this party once again and to be honest with you, I kinda like the company here :) It's a difficult task for myself (major control issues) to know that I NEED to write something by a certain deadline, and yet wait on God to lead me. But my faithful Father didn't waste too much time this go-round, so, here we go!
Everyone has those moments when something is said that makes a light bulb go off. Maybe a sermon, maybe a song, maybe a conversation, or maybe just a word. Several months ago, our worship leader made an incredible statement that I will never forget. She said "Don't allow your problems to be exalted above what Jesus did on the cross." Wow. I believe it was this statement that led me to a thought that I will forever use in prayer...a thought that has since then become my personal family motto. It is this. "I will not allow what Jesus did on the cross to be done in vain." I will squeeze every ounce of Jesus' blood into every circumstance that life throws my way-it's too precious to waste. To fully understand this thought, you have to understand what his death (and resurrection) brings us! Look into his word! Sure, your first thought is salvation, but dig deeper than that. The word says that "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) Jesus' death was not just for us to have eternity in our hands. It was so that we could triumph over the devil in every area of life! He died for our sins. He died for our sicknesses. He died for our peace. He died for our health. And that's just from ONE scripture! He died to give us the power we need in every situation in life! And the word confirms this over and over again! He didn't have to, he CHOSE to. That brings up a whole notha' topic that I am certain will get me off track, so I'll stay here :)
Let's just look at one thing we are ALL experiencing this season: What do you do when sickness rolls through your family? Do you disrespect what he did for us (and wallow in your pathetic pity party) or do you exalt the cross above that sickness? Do you speak his word over your sickness? Do you get mad at the one who is attacking you? I can't tell you how many times I tell the devil, "What Jesus did will not be overlooked in our home!" I refuse to exalt life's problems above his crucifixion anymore. I've spent too much of my life acting as though his death didn't even happen! I know that we don't do it intentionally, but it's time that we exalt God's word over our own problems. "God, I don't care what my body is telling me...your word says that I am healed!" "I don't care what my situation says, your word says... _______." (you fill in the blank!) I am typing this passionately as my husband has just been diagnosed with the flu, my 9 month old has a runny nose...possible beginnings of the flu, and my soon-to-be-30 year old 'temple' is feeling some flu-like body aches. I'm not a naive believer that denies life's problems but I'll be darned if I'm going down without a true fight for my King and what HE did! The truth is, I expect health and healing to flow through my household because I believe what God's word tells me more than what my circumstance tells me. God wouldn't ask of us "in all things give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) if we didn't have a cross to exalt above every situation that life (and that petty devil) throws our way. His blood is too precious to waste. Use it.
Everyone has those moments when something is said that makes a light bulb go off. Maybe a sermon, maybe a song, maybe a conversation, or maybe just a word. Several months ago, our worship leader made an incredible statement that I will never forget. She said "Don't allow your problems to be exalted above what Jesus did on the cross." Wow. I believe it was this statement that led me to a thought that I will forever use in prayer...a thought that has since then become my personal family motto. It is this. "I will not allow what Jesus did on the cross to be done in vain." I will squeeze every ounce of Jesus' blood into every circumstance that life throws my way-it's too precious to waste. To fully understand this thought, you have to understand what his death (and resurrection) brings us! Look into his word! Sure, your first thought is salvation, but dig deeper than that. The word says that "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) Jesus' death was not just for us to have eternity in our hands. It was so that we could triumph over the devil in every area of life! He died for our sins. He died for our sicknesses. He died for our peace. He died for our health. And that's just from ONE scripture! He died to give us the power we need in every situation in life! And the word confirms this over and over again! He didn't have to, he CHOSE to. That brings up a whole notha' topic that I am certain will get me off track, so I'll stay here :)
Let's just look at one thing we are ALL experiencing this season: What do you do when sickness rolls through your family? Do you disrespect what he did for us (and wallow in your pathetic pity party) or do you exalt the cross above that sickness? Do you speak his word over your sickness? Do you get mad at the one who is attacking you? I can't tell you how many times I tell the devil, "What Jesus did will not be overlooked in our home!" I refuse to exalt life's problems above his crucifixion anymore. I've spent too much of my life acting as though his death didn't even happen! I know that we don't do it intentionally, but it's time that we exalt God's word over our own problems. "God, I don't care what my body is telling me...your word says that I am healed!" "I don't care what my situation says, your word says... _______." (you fill in the blank!) I am typing this passionately as my husband has just been diagnosed with the flu, my 9 month old has a runny nose...possible beginnings of the flu, and my soon-to-be-30 year old 'temple' is feeling some flu-like body aches. I'm not a naive believer that denies life's problems but I'll be darned if I'm going down without a true fight for my King and what HE did! The truth is, I expect health and healing to flow through my household because I believe what God's word tells me more than what my circumstance tells me. God wouldn't ask of us "in all things give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) if we didn't have a cross to exalt above every situation that life (and that petty devil) throws our way. His blood is too precious to waste. Use it.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
I Am SAHM
Last night I watched a film with the boys about animals. It's called "Life" and it's made by BBC the same folks that made the series "Planet Earth." It's an amazing piece of art with camera work that is just astounding. The perspective given is sometimes breathtaking and I am continuously in awe of God's handiwork. His ability to create such diverse creatures and land forms and then to stage a balance in all of it.
The portion we watched last night had a segment on animal mothers. It was intriguing to see the work and sacrifice that some creatures go through just to bring their offspring into the world. One portion really struck me and the impression that landed on me first was, I think, a perspective from the Holy Spirit, maybe for some of you.
There is an octopus that lays her eggs in a small crevice or cave and never again leaves that space. She lives just long enough to protect and nourish her eggs, even maintaining her purpose in her last act as she blows water over them to help them hatch. She doesn't eat during this time and for as long as 50 days she guards her offspring. The narrator claimed that she doesn't eat at all during this period and therefore *starves herself to protect her young. As the eggs hatch, she lays dieing nearby and they leave the nest as fully formed, though very tiny, octopuses.
As I said, I was struck by this image of a mother sacrificing this way to bring her children into the world and I immediately was impressed that many women view the "SAHM" or "Stay at Home Mom" this way. She no longer gets out of the cave, she lives in the sheltered confines of a child driven home, full of only what it takes to raise cute little versions of herself. She never again lives with any thought for her own needs, but rather, she is wholly given to others. Not only are the tiny creatures she protects unaware of her sacrifice, there are no guarantees that they will ever appreciate it. They leave her. What is the point? Where is the reward?
I'm not going to spend a lot of time here saying you will have better kids if you stay home to raise them. I do believe that MY kids are better for having been home with me, but this article isn't about MY kids or even yours. This is about you.
I stay home as a mom because I believe it is the best thing for ME as well as them.
There are days it would be nice to drop my kids off with someone and spend my day in a well ordered work space that someone else cleans and maintains. There are days when I would like nothing more than to find a bit of satisfaction in a paycheck for what I do. There are days I would like to have a five o'clock. An end to my work day that signifies change and the ability to relinquish the bulk of the day's responsibility and drive to my home because home is where I relax, not where I work. But that is not what God has called me to and it is not typically what I want.
I have the great opportunity to see the moments my children are living. I see their wonder as they learn new things, I see their frustrations and their weaknesses, I see them at their best and I see them at their worst. I don't have all the answers, but I do have the perspective of knowing them best when their emotions get the better of them. I get to calm their fears, rock away their tired energy and join in their banter around the lunch table. I get to bandage their knees and put ice on their bumps. I get to play games with them and hear their songs and stories as they play.
I also get to discipline them. I get to ensure that issues are solved and punishments are dealt. I see first hand their shortcomings and their weaknesses and I get to teach them and build them up through encouragement, discipline and sometimes punishment. I get to weigh each situation they encounter, pray over it and be led by God in doling out the proper reciprocation. Yes, this is good for them, but it's good for me too. I don't wonder if someone else is leading my child astray, I don't question anyone else's judgment, I don't have to fear them coming home with unmet needs or confusion. They are mine and I am theirs and we deal with things as they come together.
I believe being a stay at home mom gives me a stronger bond with my husband. He trusts me. That's something I hold very dear to my heart. I respect him and his opinion very highly and I am honored that he trusts me with the care of our children. More than that, I am blessed to share the concerns and cares of our household with him. Very few things interrupt that united desire to see our children grow and thrive in our home. His work concerns and stresses are a necessary part of being the provider in our home. My concerns and stresses are not foreign to him because they are a part of my role as his helper. I am the representative of our family that manages our home and it's occupants. What I do is not a lone responsibility, it is a shared and highly prioritized mission. Were I to work outside the home, I am confident that he would care about what I do, but it would never be the same deep interest that we share in my work as caretaker in our family.
Lastly, I am not dying here. I am growing each day in my interests and desires, not just for my children but for my own calling as a daughter to a loving Heavenly Father. I am able to attend Bible studies and pick up the Word of God throughout quiet moments, planned and unplanned, throughout my day. I am able to hear from Him regarding my children and my husband yes, but about myself as well. He is quick to tell me His great regard for me and my abilities, as well as His dreams and vision for my future. He does not see me losing my youth for my children, He sees me gaining wisdom for His Kingdom purposes. I am alive and I thrive on the time I have to soak in the experiences of being a mom to little ones. They teach me and I am better for being with them.
Do not take this as a judgment on yourselves if it is impossible to stay home with your kids. That is NOT at all my intention. I simply want you to see the benefits should God open the door for you to be ABLE to do it. Let Him lead you, let Him comfort you, and let His patience in all of it bring you contentment and joy in your personal every day life. I know that not everyone is called to be a SAHM. I just don't want you to let any preconceived ideas, clouded opinions or deceived talk show hosts rob you of the opportunity that could be the best thing that's ever happened to you.
Walk wisely ladies, you are incredible women of God, doing great things for His kingdom. I'm looking forward to our coming Distaff Side retreat and making plans to share some wonderful things God is planting in my heart.
*According to Wikipedia "They neglect to eat during the (roughly) one month period spent taking care of their unhatched eggs, but they do not die of starvation. Endocrine secretions from the two optic glands are the cause of genetically programmed death (and if these glands are surgically removed, the octopus may live many months beyond reproduction, until she finally starves).
The portion we watched last night had a segment on animal mothers. It was intriguing to see the work and sacrifice that some creatures go through just to bring their offspring into the world. One portion really struck me and the impression that landed on me first was, I think, a perspective from the Holy Spirit, maybe for some of you.
There is an octopus that lays her eggs in a small crevice or cave and never again leaves that space. She lives just long enough to protect and nourish her eggs, even maintaining her purpose in her last act as she blows water over them to help them hatch. She doesn't eat during this time and for as long as 50 days she guards her offspring. The narrator claimed that she doesn't eat at all during this period and therefore *starves herself to protect her young. As the eggs hatch, she lays dieing nearby and they leave the nest as fully formed, though very tiny, octopuses.
As I said, I was struck by this image of a mother sacrificing this way to bring her children into the world and I immediately was impressed that many women view the "SAHM" or "Stay at Home Mom" this way. She no longer gets out of the cave, she lives in the sheltered confines of a child driven home, full of only what it takes to raise cute little versions of herself. She never again lives with any thought for her own needs, but rather, she is wholly given to others. Not only are the tiny creatures she protects unaware of her sacrifice, there are no guarantees that they will ever appreciate it. They leave her. What is the point? Where is the reward?
I'm not going to spend a lot of time here saying you will have better kids if you stay home to raise them. I do believe that MY kids are better for having been home with me, but this article isn't about MY kids or even yours. This is about you.
I stay home as a mom because I believe it is the best thing for ME as well as them.
There are days it would be nice to drop my kids off with someone and spend my day in a well ordered work space that someone else cleans and maintains. There are days when I would like nothing more than to find a bit of satisfaction in a paycheck for what I do. There are days I would like to have a five o'clock. An end to my work day that signifies change and the ability to relinquish the bulk of the day's responsibility and drive to my home because home is where I relax, not where I work. But that is not what God has called me to and it is not typically what I want.
I have the great opportunity to see the moments my children are living. I see their wonder as they learn new things, I see their frustrations and their weaknesses, I see them at their best and I see them at their worst. I don't have all the answers, but I do have the perspective of knowing them best when their emotions get the better of them. I get to calm their fears, rock away their tired energy and join in their banter around the lunch table. I get to bandage their knees and put ice on their bumps. I get to play games with them and hear their songs and stories as they play.
I also get to discipline them. I get to ensure that issues are solved and punishments are dealt. I see first hand their shortcomings and their weaknesses and I get to teach them and build them up through encouragement, discipline and sometimes punishment. I get to weigh each situation they encounter, pray over it and be led by God in doling out the proper reciprocation. Yes, this is good for them, but it's good for me too. I don't wonder if someone else is leading my child astray, I don't question anyone else's judgment, I don't have to fear them coming home with unmet needs or confusion. They are mine and I am theirs and we deal with things as they come together.
I believe being a stay at home mom gives me a stronger bond with my husband. He trusts me. That's something I hold very dear to my heart. I respect him and his opinion very highly and I am honored that he trusts me with the care of our children. More than that, I am blessed to share the concerns and cares of our household with him. Very few things interrupt that united desire to see our children grow and thrive in our home. His work concerns and stresses are a necessary part of being the provider in our home. My concerns and stresses are not foreign to him because they are a part of my role as his helper. I am the representative of our family that manages our home and it's occupants. What I do is not a lone responsibility, it is a shared and highly prioritized mission. Were I to work outside the home, I am confident that he would care about what I do, but it would never be the same deep interest that we share in my work as caretaker in our family.
Lastly, I am not dying here. I am growing each day in my interests and desires, not just for my children but for my own calling as a daughter to a loving Heavenly Father. I am able to attend Bible studies and pick up the Word of God throughout quiet moments, planned and unplanned, throughout my day. I am able to hear from Him regarding my children and my husband yes, but about myself as well. He is quick to tell me His great regard for me and my abilities, as well as His dreams and vision for my future. He does not see me losing my youth for my children, He sees me gaining wisdom for His Kingdom purposes. I am alive and I thrive on the time I have to soak in the experiences of being a mom to little ones. They teach me and I am better for being with them.
Do not take this as a judgment on yourselves if it is impossible to stay home with your kids. That is NOT at all my intention. I simply want you to see the benefits should God open the door for you to be ABLE to do it. Let Him lead you, let Him comfort you, and let His patience in all of it bring you contentment and joy in your personal every day life. I know that not everyone is called to be a SAHM. I just don't want you to let any preconceived ideas, clouded opinions or deceived talk show hosts rob you of the opportunity that could be the best thing that's ever happened to you.
Walk wisely ladies, you are incredible women of God, doing great things for His kingdom. I'm looking forward to our coming Distaff Side retreat and making plans to share some wonderful things God is planting in my heart.
*According to Wikipedia "They neglect to eat during the (roughly) one month period spent taking care of their unhatched eggs, but they do not die of starvation. Endocrine secretions from the two optic glands are the cause of genetically programmed death (and if these glands are surgically removed, the octopus may live many months beyond reproduction, until she finally starves).
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
It's Almost 6:30
by Mary Kelso
December 2008
It's almost 6:30 and all through the house
Not a creature is stirring, not even my spouse.
The tree is unlit and the kitchen is still
In a quiet that soon all the cousins will fill
The gifts are all wrapped and the pantry is packed,
The turkey is thawing and cookies all stacked.
We've planned and we've planned yet who can predict
What oopses and ouches the day will inflict?
It's the day before Christmas and family galore
Will soon make their way to our wreath bedecked door.
There'll be yelling and screaming and fighting for sure,
There'll be chaos and dizzying action to cure.
The little ones terrorize every calm mind
While the older ones cringe and then turn as if blind.
The questions will come and the calls of "when's dinner?"
While the moms and the dads watch their patience grow thinner.
And we wonder each time what is this really worth?
Are we forcing a moment in search of some mirth?
But as turkey and dressing and taters are passed
And the last of the pie is eaten too fast,
When we rest for a moment and join in the fun,
Instead of just yelling 'bout how we're "NOT DONE!"
We find that the day and all of it's work,
Has more than the average list of great perks.
What the children remember will fill them with joy,
It's more than a tree, or a meal or a toy.
Their memories of love and of laughter and games
Will outweigh the torrent of tattles and blames.
And maybe, just maybe that's what this is for,
A day when the laughter and love should outscore.
Jesus didn't come here to teach us to cook,
Wrap presents, clean dishes or have a great look.
His gift was Himself and ours should be too,
But we have to forget all that we want to do.
Instead of a meal that bedazzles the eyes,
I'm cooking today for the kids and the guys.
Instead of a house that must be kept clean,
I'm loaning my walls to an unfolding scene.
It may not seem peaceful, and it will not be quiet,
It may seem like moments of absolute riot.
But quiet can happen without anyone,
We'll bask in it soon when the playtime is done.
Until then we know that our peace can remain
Despite any noise, any grief, any pain.
It's beyond understanding, but not beyond reach,
It's a choice that we make and hopefully teach.
We don't ignore problems, or let things run wild,
But we should approach life with the eyes of a child.
Expecting great things from the path that's before us,
Let's celebrate Christmas with laughter and chorus.
So bring in the children bring in the folks,
Bring in the stories and really bad jokes.
The turkey will roast, the table will fill,
The rooms will get messy the babies will spill,
But none of these things are a sin or a crime,
It will all be okay if we have a good time.
December 2008
It's almost 6:30 and all through the house
Not a creature is stirring, not even my spouse.
The tree is unlit and the kitchen is still
In a quiet that soon all the cousins will fill
The gifts are all wrapped and the pantry is packed,
The turkey is thawing and cookies all stacked.
We've planned and we've planned yet who can predict
What oopses and ouches the day will inflict?
It's the day before Christmas and family galore
Will soon make their way to our wreath bedecked door.
There'll be yelling and screaming and fighting for sure,
There'll be chaos and dizzying action to cure.
The little ones terrorize every calm mind
While the older ones cringe and then turn as if blind.
The questions will come and the calls of "when's dinner?"
While the moms and the dads watch their patience grow thinner.
And we wonder each time what is this really worth?
Are we forcing a moment in search of some mirth?
But as turkey and dressing and taters are passed
And the last of the pie is eaten too fast,
When we rest for a moment and join in the fun,
Instead of just yelling 'bout how we're "NOT DONE!"
We find that the day and all of it's work,
Has more than the average list of great perks.
What the children remember will fill them with joy,
It's more than a tree, or a meal or a toy.
Their memories of love and of laughter and games
Will outweigh the torrent of tattles and blames.
And maybe, just maybe that's what this is for,
A day when the laughter and love should outscore.
Jesus didn't come here to teach us to cook,
Wrap presents, clean dishes or have a great look.
His gift was Himself and ours should be too,
But we have to forget all that we want to do.
Instead of a meal that bedazzles the eyes,
I'm cooking today for the kids and the guys.
Instead of a house that must be kept clean,
I'm loaning my walls to an unfolding scene.
It may not seem peaceful, and it will not be quiet,
It may seem like moments of absolute riot.
But quiet can happen without anyone,
We'll bask in it soon when the playtime is done.
Until then we know that our peace can remain
Despite any noise, any grief, any pain.
It's beyond understanding, but not beyond reach,
It's a choice that we make and hopefully teach.
We don't ignore problems, or let things run wild,
But we should approach life with the eyes of a child.
Expecting great things from the path that's before us,
Let's celebrate Christmas with laughter and chorus.
So bring in the children bring in the folks,
Bring in the stories and really bad jokes.
The turkey will roast, the table will fill,
The rooms will get messy the babies will spill,
But none of these things are a sin or a crime,
It will all be okay if we have a good time.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Considering Consistency
Well hello! You don't know me (maybe) and I'm not sure I know you...but my sweet friend Mary asked me if I'd write a little something that may appeal to this precious group she spoke of so dearly. Because I love me some Mary and I recently gave up my hobby of blogging...I post!
Let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Jana Dover. I've been married to my best friend for 9 years (middle and high school sweethearts), and we have 2 precious boys that I absolutely adore. We've been at the most fabulous church in the world, Cornerstone, for 12 years now, falling more and more in love with my precious Savior, Jesus Christ. I don't have one of those scandalous testimonies of my salvation in Christ, but I can speak on stability, consistency, and obedience. Not because I'm always great at it, but because that is what each period of growth in my relationship to Him has required. I live a blessed life that I absolutely don't deserve, but certainly enjoy.
As I am writing this, I find myself being pulled in a certain direction, so I'm just gonna go with it. As a stay at home mom to a 3 year old and a 7 month old...I frequently find myself stuck in that dreaded, frustrating spot. You know the one. That spot where you feel like nothing you are doing is making your desired difference. And you may or may not be intentionally banging your head against the wall. (I see you nodding your head.) So you've been there too, huh? I guess if I really think back, this feeling would have started when I first got married and I wanted my husband to be a more Godly role model. I wanted ONE intense conversation (we call this a Come To Jesus meeting) to make the ultimate instantaneous difference in him. Or just one smart-allic remark that would cut him really deep to motivate him to want to change. (I should have mentioned that before, I'm kind of a passionate person.) Don't get me wrong, my husband is a wonderful, Godly man! He was before I married him, but I always wanted to correct every little spiritual imperfection within him in my ways, not God's ways. Something about "the log in your own eye" is coming to mind here. Anyways, my lesson of consistency here was that the only way I could influence my husband, the only way I was called to influence my husband, was by my life, my testimony, my prayers, and by being his respectful help-mate. That is a lesson I have learned, but still struggle with. I kind-of like to control things :)
Another lesson of consistency, a more recent one, would be with my children. Let me help you new moms. Consistency = EVERYTHING with children. Omgah! Whether it was/is teaching my kids the act of obedience through discipline, potty training, good habits, eating/sleeping schedules, (and etc. because I truly meant EVERYTHING) the successful formula seems to be consistency. It seems like such an easy answer, but it's always worked for my boys and I! My firstborn was quite stubborn, prideful, and rebellious for weeks on end (at times). When Mason would fall into one of these periods, I'd be consistent with my end of the deal and he would eventually straighten up and submit. When Mason was pooping on my frieze carpet (oh yeah, it happened), I remained consistent in his potty training schedules, rules, and disciplines. When Mason would wake up 15 minutes into his nap schedule for 3 days in a row, being consistent in his other routines would eventually straighten out his sleeping schedules. Consistency. It's like my key that opens every door. So when I find myself feeling at a loss, I remain consistent in what I know I should be doing to get my desired result.
Now for the meat of this post and why I'm feeling led to share. I can't think of a more opportune and rewarding area of my life that consistency has been more beneficial to me than in my spiritual walk. I can think of times that I have succeeded in this and I can think of times that I defeated myself in this. I say defeated myself because we have power over the enemy and God does't fail. Consistency requires a few things. It requires that you KNOW what you should be doing. Not always easy, but we are so blessed with God's word (his life guide), prayer (communication with God that works 2-ways), spiritual authorities and Godly counsel (the church family and authorities he's placed you within/under). I've used every one of these vessels to determine what I NEED to be doing at different times if I wasn't sure. And I've used these vessels to confirm what I should be doing. Consistency also requires discipline. Discipline always pays off, however, discipline is not easy. Spiritual discipline requires so much trust. Not in yourself, but in God. Doesn't it? When everything in life is screaming at you that it NEEDS to be tended to RIGHT NOW! When you feel like you can't get your keys in the front door without falling asleep. When you have so many stresses and responsibilities pulling at you from EVERY direction. God says, "Sit down. Spend some time with me." What?! That's where the trust has to come. Realizing that our personal strength will only go so far. Allowing him to re-fill us with His presence. Trusting that He knows what we need, even more than we do. Trusting that his words will breathe life and rejuvenation to our body, mind and soul. I have the tendency to make the obvious statement that 'God is smart!' I know this. But I am still amazed when He figures out something so complicated in my life. Something that I would have run around for days/weeks/years trying to figure out (and maybe did). It proves true that His ways are not my own and that He actually knows what he is doing! Trust. It makes no sense at times. But I've never regretted trusting him over myself. That doesn't mean that I always get that in the right order...yikes. There have been many times that I know what I should be doing, (and maybe did it) but I also had to pray that God would help me to continue doing it, and to have His heart and motives while doing it. Simple obedience is quite honorable. But to be consistent in your obedience, while having your heart in the right place and your attitude where it should be, is life changing. I can sometimes be a hot mess. Yet, I've found that as He looks at my tear stained face, mascara running down, nothing attractive about it...He tells me how beautiful he thinks I am. He loves me like that :) Always able and willing to look past my failures to see what He created me to be.
So here we are, I have no idea what your situation is and you have no idea who I am. All I know is that I feel led to share a simple message of consistency here. The storms of life are daily for some of us, and others of us get through life with just a few cloudy days. I'm not sure why that is. But I know that consistency is mandatory for both: those that feel like they can't stand the pressures, and those that are so distracted by the blessings in life. Both seem to struggle with the same thing: Keeping their eyes on Jesus. Keeping their minds in His Word. Seeing life through His desires and His heart. All of these things come with spending quality, consistent time with Him. Every day. Because His simple answers, that you would have never considered yourself, will guide you through life's toughest challenges. But you can't hear his counsel, if you aren't spending time with Him. And you'll be running on 'E' very quickly without his renewing presence.
There are several scriptures that came to mind as this was written and I'm going to share them below. They are very simple scriptures, but I want you to understand that I'm not writing all of this based on my simple (unworthy) opinion. Thank you Mary for this opportunity. I hope I didn't run off all of your readers!!
Matthew 7:3
Proverbs 10:25
1 Peter 3:1
Genesis 2:18
Proverbs 18:21
2 Timothy 3:16
Proverbs 11:14
Matthew 7:7
Matthew 11:28
Let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Jana Dover. I've been married to my best friend for 9 years (middle and high school sweethearts), and we have 2 precious boys that I absolutely adore. We've been at the most fabulous church in the world, Cornerstone, for 12 years now, falling more and more in love with my precious Savior, Jesus Christ. I don't have one of those scandalous testimonies of my salvation in Christ, but I can speak on stability, consistency, and obedience. Not because I'm always great at it, but because that is what each period of growth in my relationship to Him has required. I live a blessed life that I absolutely don't deserve, but certainly enjoy.
As I am writing this, I find myself being pulled in a certain direction, so I'm just gonna go with it. As a stay at home mom to a 3 year old and a 7 month old...I frequently find myself stuck in that dreaded, frustrating spot. You know the one. That spot where you feel like nothing you are doing is making your desired difference. And you may or may not be intentionally banging your head against the wall. (I see you nodding your head.) So you've been there too, huh? I guess if I really think back, this feeling would have started when I first got married and I wanted my husband to be a more Godly role model. I wanted ONE intense conversation (we call this a Come To Jesus meeting) to make the ultimate instantaneous difference in him. Or just one smart-allic remark that would cut him really deep to motivate him to want to change. (I should have mentioned that before, I'm kind of a passionate person.) Don't get me wrong, my husband is a wonderful, Godly man! He was before I married him, but I always wanted to correct every little spiritual imperfection within him in my ways, not God's ways. Something about "the log in your own eye" is coming to mind here. Anyways, my lesson of consistency here was that the only way I could influence my husband, the only way I was called to influence my husband, was by my life, my testimony, my prayers, and by being his respectful help-mate. That is a lesson I have learned, but still struggle with. I kind-of like to control things :)
Another lesson of consistency, a more recent one, would be with my children. Let me help you new moms. Consistency = EVERYTHING with children. Omgah! Whether it was/is teaching my kids the act of obedience through discipline, potty training, good habits, eating/sleeping schedules, (and etc. because I truly meant EVERYTHING) the successful formula seems to be consistency. It seems like such an easy answer, but it's always worked for my boys and I! My firstborn was quite stubborn, prideful, and rebellious for weeks on end (at times). When Mason would fall into one of these periods, I'd be consistent with my end of the deal and he would eventually straighten up and submit. When Mason was pooping on my frieze carpet (oh yeah, it happened), I remained consistent in his potty training schedules, rules, and disciplines. When Mason would wake up 15 minutes into his nap schedule for 3 days in a row, being consistent in his other routines would eventually straighten out his sleeping schedules. Consistency. It's like my key that opens every door. So when I find myself feeling at a loss, I remain consistent in what I know I should be doing to get my desired result.
Now for the meat of this post and why I'm feeling led to share. I can't think of a more opportune and rewarding area of my life that consistency has been more beneficial to me than in my spiritual walk. I can think of times that I have succeeded in this and I can think of times that I defeated myself in this. I say defeated myself because we have power over the enemy and God does't fail. Consistency requires a few things. It requires that you KNOW what you should be doing. Not always easy, but we are so blessed with God's word (his life guide), prayer (communication with God that works 2-ways), spiritual authorities and Godly counsel (the church family and authorities he's placed you within/under). I've used every one of these vessels to determine what I NEED to be doing at different times if I wasn't sure. And I've used these vessels to confirm what I should be doing. Consistency also requires discipline. Discipline always pays off, however, discipline is not easy. Spiritual discipline requires so much trust. Not in yourself, but in God. Doesn't it? When everything in life is screaming at you that it NEEDS to be tended to RIGHT NOW! When you feel like you can't get your keys in the front door without falling asleep. When you have so many stresses and responsibilities pulling at you from EVERY direction. God says, "Sit down. Spend some time with me." What?! That's where the trust has to come. Realizing that our personal strength will only go so far. Allowing him to re-fill us with His presence. Trusting that He knows what we need, even more than we do. Trusting that his words will breathe life and rejuvenation to our body, mind and soul. I have the tendency to make the obvious statement that 'God is smart!' I know this. But I am still amazed when He figures out something so complicated in my life. Something that I would have run around for days/weeks/years trying to figure out (and maybe did). It proves true that His ways are not my own and that He actually knows what he is doing! Trust. It makes no sense at times. But I've never regretted trusting him over myself. That doesn't mean that I always get that in the right order...yikes. There have been many times that I know what I should be doing, (and maybe did it) but I also had to pray that God would help me to continue doing it, and to have His heart and motives while doing it. Simple obedience is quite honorable. But to be consistent in your obedience, while having your heart in the right place and your attitude where it should be, is life changing. I can sometimes be a hot mess. Yet, I've found that as He looks at my tear stained face, mascara running down, nothing attractive about it...He tells me how beautiful he thinks I am. He loves me like that :) Always able and willing to look past my failures to see what He created me to be.
So here we are, I have no idea what your situation is and you have no idea who I am. All I know is that I feel led to share a simple message of consistency here. The storms of life are daily for some of us, and others of us get through life with just a few cloudy days. I'm not sure why that is. But I know that consistency is mandatory for both: those that feel like they can't stand the pressures, and those that are so distracted by the blessings in life. Both seem to struggle with the same thing: Keeping their eyes on Jesus. Keeping their minds in His Word. Seeing life through His desires and His heart. All of these things come with spending quality, consistent time with Him. Every day. Because His simple answers, that you would have never considered yourself, will guide you through life's toughest challenges. But you can't hear his counsel, if you aren't spending time with Him. And you'll be running on 'E' very quickly without his renewing presence.
There are several scriptures that came to mind as this was written and I'm going to share them below. They are very simple scriptures, but I want you to understand that I'm not writing all of this based on my simple (unworthy) opinion. Thank you Mary for this opportunity. I hope I didn't run off all of your readers!!
Matthew 7:3
Proverbs 10:25
1 Peter 3:1
Genesis 2:18
Proverbs 18:21
2 Timothy 3:16
Proverbs 11:14
Matthew 7:7
Matthew 11:28
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Living Even Keeled When Your Ship's Run Aground
Do you notice people who seem to always have it together? Do you see people who are going through negative circumstances beyond their control, yet they are smiling as if they just fell in love. Do you think they are in denial? Do you secretly think to yourself..."idiot."
Those things are a possibility. There are people who do not allow themselves to see the negatives in life, and live in a fantasy world where clouds drop candy and rainbows come and visit them in their backyard. However, there are people who are fully aware of the devastation that is approaching them or has already run them over and they still have a peaceful countenance. That is the kind of person I want to be. That even keeled individual who does not waver in their attitude or direction.
This morning I was observing how one day it can seem like everything is out of place, dumped out and messy and in one night you can wake up and it all falls into it's proper place again. That's an example in the short term of the way life is for a child of God.
A ship run aground or put in at a point too shallow will cause the boat to lean one way or another. Boats are not made flat, they have a rounded or pointed bottom to balance well in the water.
sometimes life has us lopsided and it feels that we cannot get straight. It may be any number of reasons that we find ourselves there, but it happens to everyone. At one point or another you find yourself aground and uneven.
How do we remain even keeled when there is no level place to stand?
Do not: adjust your life to "un-even" circumstances. That would be like straightening all the pictures in the boats cabin when it is sitting un-even. Or rearranging the furniture to accommodate the incline of the floor. If you do this, you'll end up having to adjust all over again once the tide comes in and evens out the boat.
Do: Live today, knowing that your circumstances are not directing your life. Instead, your circumstances are subject to His direction, His will for your life and His great love for you. The tide has never stayed out...it always comes in. The sun has never refused to rise...it always comes up. God's will for you is going to happen but you will have no appreciation for it if you have adjusted your life to defeat instead of victory.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
Proverbs 3:5-10 NKJV
Live knowing that these words are true and will be evident in your life:
"He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps."
Psalm 40:2 NKJV
Challenge:
Look around your home, office or even your car and consider things you have purchased or moved or in some way adjusted in order to accommodate defeat. Then, adjust it for victory. This is a step of faith that requires you to look at your future as a promise of good things. You will see the tide come in and the less you have to adjust back the easier it will be to see and understand God's great work in you and for you.
Then leave a comment to encourage others. Your sisters love to hear about your victories.
Those things are a possibility. There are people who do not allow themselves to see the negatives in life, and live in a fantasy world where clouds drop candy and rainbows come and visit them in their backyard. However, there are people who are fully aware of the devastation that is approaching them or has already run them over and they still have a peaceful countenance. That is the kind of person I want to be. That even keeled individual who does not waver in their attitude or direction.
This morning I was observing how one day it can seem like everything is out of place, dumped out and messy and in one night you can wake up and it all falls into it's proper place again. That's an example in the short term of the way life is for a child of God.
A ship run aground or put in at a point too shallow will cause the boat to lean one way or another. Boats are not made flat, they have a rounded or pointed bottom to balance well in the water.
sometimes life has us lopsided and it feels that we cannot get straight. It may be any number of reasons that we find ourselves there, but it happens to everyone. At one point or another you find yourself aground and uneven.
How do we remain even keeled when there is no level place to stand?
Do not: adjust your life to "un-even" circumstances. That would be like straightening all the pictures in the boats cabin when it is sitting un-even. Or rearranging the furniture to accommodate the incline of the floor. If you do this, you'll end up having to adjust all over again once the tide comes in and evens out the boat.
Do: Live today, knowing that your circumstances are not directing your life. Instead, your circumstances are subject to His direction, His will for your life and His great love for you. The tide has never stayed out...it always comes in. The sun has never refused to rise...it always comes up. God's will for you is going to happen but you will have no appreciation for it if you have adjusted your life to defeat instead of victory.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
Proverbs 3:5-10 NKJV
Live knowing that these words are true and will be evident in your life:
"He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps."
Psalm 40:2 NKJV
Challenge:
Look around your home, office or even your car and consider things you have purchased or moved or in some way adjusted in order to accommodate defeat. Then, adjust it for victory. This is a step of faith that requires you to look at your future as a promise of good things. You will see the tide come in and the less you have to adjust back the easier it will be to see and understand God's great work in you and for you.
Then leave a comment to encourage others. Your sisters love to hear about your victories.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Get In Your Seat and Buckle Up
Ivan can be a challenging boy. He will go his own way, walk his own path and sing his own song. Getting him to cooperate requires either a quick reminder to the backside or a very long and patient battle of reason. Sometimes both are needed.
Getting into the van and getting buckled is one of the battles he likes to engage in and I really think it is because when the whole family is buckled in he knows, subconsciously or not, that we are going to coax him instead of directly deal with his hinder parts because of the hassle of getting unbuckled, getting out of the van, walking around and pulling him out of the van and spanking him. It prolongs the entire process of leaving and then we have to all sit in the van and listen to him cry (loudly) for a while. Completely unpleasant.
Recently I just started backing out of the garage without him being buckled. He wasn't even in his seat and I knew it. I put the van in reverse and hit the gas so that when I stopped in the driveway to close the garage door it would jerk him to his seat. It worked. He was so mad and he hurt his foot a little in the process. (Don't freak, it was just a scratch and I didn't leave without him being fully secured.)
I talked to him about it and used my least merciful voice to explain that he knew what he was supposed to be doing and the consequences were his own choice.
As I was driving away I thought...hmmm. Isn't that how we are with God sometimes? We know where were supposed to be, what we're supposed to be doing or not doing and who we're supposed to be doing it with but we insist on control of our lives. We tend toward stubbornness because we aren't yet convinced of God's best intentions for our lives.
How often do we hear the words, "if God is so loving, why did this happen to me?" I think Ivan was asking that same question about his mom, as he picked himself up off the van floor the other day. The answer isn't a spiritual reckoning of our souls to God's just ways. Sometimes (NOT ALWAYS), bad things happen to good people because they aren't meeting the basic and simplest demands of kingdom living.
God has an agenda. He has a kingdom He is caring for and a world of lost souls He wants to show His love to. Sometimes He patiently coaxes us to work with Him, but sometimes His Kingdom work just needs to get done with or without us. When we as Christians are seeking first our kingdom instead of His, we're going to find ourselves stumbling a bit as the church takes off before we get our commitment securely fastened.
When the Christian road of life starts getting uncomfortable the first thing you need to do is not whine and moan about Satan's attack on your life...the first thing you should do is check your seat belt. It may not be so much that your God is driving recklessly, it may be that you aren't as committed as you need to be. Putting yourself in a position of submission may seem like you are tying yourself down, but it is the best way to get where you are going safely.
Have you ever sat in church and wished a friend or relative were listening to the word of encouragement or even conviction that you know could be the exact answer they've been needing in their life? Have you ever reversed that thought and as you were sitting at home on a Wednesday night because of a horrendous day at work, wondered if maybe the frustration you can't shake might have melted away with a good worship service? You really should ask yourself that. I can't tell you the number of times I've dreamed up some really good excuses to stay home, but went anyway only to find that my fatigue and irritation were no match for the Word given.
Constant exposure to the sun will slowly make a tone change in your skin and constant exposure to the Word will make a tone change in your joy. When we make excuses to stay home from church, watch TV instead of read the Word, talk to friends instead of kneel in prayer, when we put ANYTHING, even the good things in front of God...we are refusing to take the road we're on seriously. We are refusing to do our part, refusing to take seriously the great commission God has given everyone who names His Name.
When Kris and I face a challenge, be it financial, physical or otherwise, one of the first things we do is make a security check. Is there anywhere that we have allowed ourselves to unbuckle the safety harness God has offered us? Often times it's nothing to do with our actions, it could be a spiritual attack or it could be just a mingling of unfortunate circumstances, but sometimes it's a loose seat belt. When we realize that, we make every effort to repent and correct the issue at hand. As David so eloquently said in Psalm 139, "see if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting."
That "way everlasting" is the direction God is always headed. Nothing He does is temporal or careless. If you want to see the greatest adventures life has, than sit down and buckle up. He has more for you to see, hear, experience and share than you can ever imagine.
Getting into the van and getting buckled is one of the battles he likes to engage in and I really think it is because when the whole family is buckled in he knows, subconsciously or not, that we are going to coax him instead of directly deal with his hinder parts because of the hassle of getting unbuckled, getting out of the van, walking around and pulling him out of the van and spanking him. It prolongs the entire process of leaving and then we have to all sit in the van and listen to him cry (loudly) for a while. Completely unpleasant.
Recently I just started backing out of the garage without him being buckled. He wasn't even in his seat and I knew it. I put the van in reverse and hit the gas so that when I stopped in the driveway to close the garage door it would jerk him to his seat. It worked. He was so mad and he hurt his foot a little in the process. (Don't freak, it was just a scratch and I didn't leave without him being fully secured.)
I talked to him about it and used my least merciful voice to explain that he knew what he was supposed to be doing and the consequences were his own choice.
As I was driving away I thought...hmmm. Isn't that how we are with God sometimes? We know where were supposed to be, what we're supposed to be doing or not doing and who we're supposed to be doing it with but we insist on control of our lives. We tend toward stubbornness because we aren't yet convinced of God's best intentions for our lives.
How often do we hear the words, "if God is so loving, why did this happen to me?" I think Ivan was asking that same question about his mom, as he picked himself up off the van floor the other day. The answer isn't a spiritual reckoning of our souls to God's just ways. Sometimes (NOT ALWAYS), bad things happen to good people because they aren't meeting the basic and simplest demands of kingdom living.
God has an agenda. He has a kingdom He is caring for and a world of lost souls He wants to show His love to. Sometimes He patiently coaxes us to work with Him, but sometimes His Kingdom work just needs to get done with or without us. When we as Christians are seeking first our kingdom instead of His, we're going to find ourselves stumbling a bit as the church takes off before we get our commitment securely fastened.
When the Christian road of life starts getting uncomfortable the first thing you need to do is not whine and moan about Satan's attack on your life...the first thing you should do is check your seat belt. It may not be so much that your God is driving recklessly, it may be that you aren't as committed as you need to be. Putting yourself in a position of submission may seem like you are tying yourself down, but it is the best way to get where you are going safely.
Have you ever sat in church and wished a friend or relative were listening to the word of encouragement or even conviction that you know could be the exact answer they've been needing in their life? Have you ever reversed that thought and as you were sitting at home on a Wednesday night because of a horrendous day at work, wondered if maybe the frustration you can't shake might have melted away with a good worship service? You really should ask yourself that. I can't tell you the number of times I've dreamed up some really good excuses to stay home, but went anyway only to find that my fatigue and irritation were no match for the Word given.
Constant exposure to the sun will slowly make a tone change in your skin and constant exposure to the Word will make a tone change in your joy. When we make excuses to stay home from church, watch TV instead of read the Word, talk to friends instead of kneel in prayer, when we put ANYTHING, even the good things in front of God...we are refusing to take the road we're on seriously. We are refusing to do our part, refusing to take seriously the great commission God has given everyone who names His Name.
When Kris and I face a challenge, be it financial, physical or otherwise, one of the first things we do is make a security check. Is there anywhere that we have allowed ourselves to unbuckle the safety harness God has offered us? Often times it's nothing to do with our actions, it could be a spiritual attack or it could be just a mingling of unfortunate circumstances, but sometimes it's a loose seat belt. When we realize that, we make every effort to repent and correct the issue at hand. As David so eloquently said in Psalm 139, "see if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting."
That "way everlasting" is the direction God is always headed. Nothing He does is temporal or careless. If you want to see the greatest adventures life has, than sit down and buckle up. He has more for you to see, hear, experience and share than you can ever imagine.
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