Limping the Walk...

I've been thinking lately about the people I did Bible Quizzing with.  Less than 20% of my team is still in church.  By that I mean, less than 20% even claim to believe in God.  They can quote literally hundreds of verses from the Bible, yet they don't believe its writer exists.  How did that happen? 

 

Most of us have brains filled with memorized scripture.  We started working on memorizing scriptures in Sunday School, when reciting the memory verse meant a bright shiny gold star on our charts, some of us attended Christian schools where the chapters memorized meant earning extra privileges, still further, some of us participated in Bible Quizz Tournaments.  In each situation, most of us memorized verses because a prize was being dangled in front of us.  So we did it. And we remember them still.  Hundreds of verses over the years. Most times when a familiar passage is being read I know it by heart. So many of us can talk the talk with the best of them. Walking the walk is another thing entirely.

I'm thankful all those years ago, I had a Sunday School teacher who taught me "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee."  I'm thankful that my parents prayed every day that most of all their children would have a deep love for the things of God, because they knew if we loved Him, we would follow His ways.

I revel in His love for me, so deep, so amazing. That He, who knows me best, loves me most. It boggles my mind, humbles my heart and sometimes, breaks my strong will.  He said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) so I do my best to love Him the way HE wants to be loved. The words I choose, the clothes I choose, the way I spend my money (sometimes LOL), how I spend my time and talents...I choose to use them in the WAY His word instructs me.  But sometimes, my pride gets in the way, the ME monster arises and snarls and snaps at others, I let hormones, situations, fears and petty personal preferences sit on the throne of my heart.  But then, all those scriptures come to mind… the WORD comes, out of the recesses of my brain where it was stored and it speaks to my heart.

 

Remember, as you spend your Sunday morning drive to church working on your memory verse, or you study for Bible Quizzing...there really is a purpose beyond the shiny gold star or the trophy.  When you learn to love the Word you are memorizing, there is a benefit that will bless your entire life.  That Word will protect you in times of trouble, it will comfort you in times of sorrow, and it will keep you in times in doubt. 

 

Love,

Amberly

Struggle With Perfection...

I find it is often a struggle to live a life of authenticity. If you know me much at all, you know I am a perfectionist.  So much so, that my husband told me a few days ago "You must be miserable trying to be so perfect all the time!"  I don't struggle with being myself necessarily, I struggle with wanting to hide my imperfections.  In the virtual world of Facebook and blogging there is a huge temptation to Photoshop my life into perfection. To erase the lines around my eyes, thin my silhouette, polish my demeanor and perfect my image. I can post only the best photos of myself and my husband, where my house is spotless and we are sitting in quiet contentment reading our Bibles and enjoy a cup of hot tea.  This is not AT ALL the actual reality of how we REALLY live most of the time. Sure, sometimes its reality...for brief seconds in time!

Honestly, my house is usually a bustling flutter of activity...I get up somewhere betwen 6:15 and 6:30.  Make a cup of coffee (a MUST) and fill it with honey and cream.  Then I rush to fix my lunch, shower, do my hair.  Then, I stand in my closet feverishly searching for something to wear that doesn't need to be ironed, because ugh...I seriously don't have time for that.  I rush off to the bus station for that 1 hour trip to downtown Houston (usually arriving 10-15 minutes later than planned).  I get on the bus, pull out my phone and proceed to check my emails, read my daily Bible reading.  Then, I arrive at work, and sit at my computer all day looking at the clock every few minutes, wishing for 5:00 to arrive.  Finally, I hit the bus stop for that long 1 hour trip home.  By now, its 6:15 p.m. and I'm driving home, talking on the phone with D, trying to decide what to have for dinner.  This, of course, is on nights when we have no other obligations.  At least several nights a week D and I rush home, he quickly changes clothes, and we rush out the door for one thing or another.   I don't enjoy shopping trips during the week, or leasurely afternoons in the park with my Bible and a cup of coffee.  Most nights, I fall into bed exhausted and have nightmares about the laundry that didn't get done or the dishwasher that needs to be unloaded.  In the perfect photo, my kitchen is spotless except for a bowl of fresh fruit and flowers. In the actual one, the dishwasher is full of dishes, the counters need to be wiped off and there is at least one pot in the sink that needs to be handwashed.  Not exactly what I want to post on Facebook…for what would folks think of me then?

I don't typically realize the pressure I place on myself, until my sweet husband decides he needs to point it out.  Gee thanks...  No, really - thanks.  I'm not exactly ready to show everyone how "unperfect" I really am...but maybe, just maybe, I can at least understand that I don't have to feel so guilty when my house isn't spotless because I spent my extra time working at the church or spending time with family.  Maybe, I can stop singing the nasty nagging ‘not perfect’ icky song. You know the one that says “Look how pretty, smart, talented, poised THEY are…how clean they keep THEIR homes, how well THEY stay on top of all the laundry... girl you just DON’T fit in”. That is the song I usually hear being played in my mind, but that is not the song Jesus wants us to sing.  Oh no - He keeps singing ‘We are family!’ He wants us to know its okay to have imperfections and its okay to let those imperfections show.  Afterall, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and, just as I don't have to be perfect for my family...I don't have to perfect for His family either.  He shows love to us, no matter what.  And that only happens in the perfect world of perfect love. Perfect love casts out fear. That’s what He gives.  Not because we project back His perfection, but because He accepts us in our reality. He welcomes me, he calls me daughter.  Part of the family. I guess that is about as perfect as it gets.

Amberly :)

How Do You Know When It's God?

We write a lot on our blog about following God's plan for your life.  There have been many times I thought I was on a mission from God, I dived right in and then realized...ummm...It so wasn't from God LOL  There have been other times when God directed  me to do something and I was so terrified that I wasn't equipped for job that I questioned myself, asking "Is this really from God?"  When I read this article today, I thought it would be perfect to share with all of you.  Its titled "How Do You Know When It's God?" and written by Brenda Garrison: 

"When women talk with me about pursuing God’s plan for them, one of the most frequently asked questions is, "How do I know it’s God and not me?" Yes, we are thrilled to know that God has uniquely equipped and designed us for His work. Yet, we want to make sure we are hearing from God and not listening to our inner dreamer. The question also hints at a bit of fear. This calling will take all of our courage, so we don’t want to go where God isn’t directing. To help determine when God is directing you, consider the following:

Spend time with God.

You must know God before you can know what He is calling you to do. When you read the Bible, consider what you learn about His characteristics and how He relates to you. This helps you recognize God. Talking to God in alone time with Him and throughout the day opens the lines of communication between you and God. He speaks to and directs you in the way you can understand (John 10:27).

The calling may be outside your comfort zone and perceived capabilities.

In the Old Testament, Moses was described as a man who was content to be a shepherd, husband, and father. One day, God talked to Moses from the burning bush, and told Moses that He wanted him to rescue the Jews from slavery in Egypt. Moses replied with excuses based on fear and perceived inability. Likewise, God’s call may take you outside of your familiar environment. And, you may fear having what it takes.

Determine your motive.

A selfish motive can divert us off God’s path. Beware of desires to build your ministry, or be like someone else in ministry. Take some time with God to analyze what’s driving you. (Psalm 139:23, 24). Also, motives can be tainted by others who think they know God’s plan for us. Make sure God is talking to you, not your pride or a "helpful" friend.

God will make the way.

As you wait to discern God, rest assured that He will lovingly show you the next step or course of action. For example, just before Jesus ascended, He told the apostles to stay in Jerusalem and "wait for the gift my Father has promised." Then, He told them they would receive the Holy Spirit and be His witnesses to all the ends of the earth. Likewise, God will clarify how you are to proceed. Trust Him and wait on His direction.

What is the desire in your heart?

Psalm 34:7 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." When we delight ourselves in God, His plans for us will feel natural and exciting, because His purpose will fulfill our lives. In regard to living God’s calling, one woman once told me, "That’s why following God is so fun!"

Finally, relax and trust God to guide and correct you. He wants what is best for you. So, if you head down the wrong path, He will redirect you. He wants you to know His voice, follow His love, and live out your calling with confidence. "

XOXO,

Amberly

Dry Ground...

I recently purchased a Women's Devotional Bible (its the NIV version and published by Zondervan), and I am absolutely loving it!!!  Today I read a devotion by Amy Carmichael (she's one of my fav authors) and I decided to share it with you.  This devotion goes perfectly with everything we've been hearing about moving forward...I hope it helps you the way it did me!!

"Read: Joshua 3:1-17.

I believe that, in guiding us, God deals with us as He dealt with the Israelites as He led them out of Egypt.

The first crossing of the sea was made very easy.  The guidance could not have been simpler:  The east wind blew and divided the sea before the people had to cross.  Not so much as a foot was wet, except perhaps by a wind-driven spray.  Moreover, it was impossible, as it were, to disobey, since they were pursued by Pharaoh's chariots and horsemen (Exodus 14).

But how different it was on the second occasion.  The priests had to walk into the strong current of a flooded river and stand still there.  What an order to scott at, and what a sight it would pose to other men! But it was not until they obeyed - without a particle of visible proof that they were doing right - and carried the ark right into the river, that the water rolled back before them (Joshua 3).

So it may be for us, as we go on with God.  You and I may be called again and again to walk right into our own "rivers," whatever they may be - to wet our feet in them.  We may be called to do what nobody understands except those to whom the word of guidance is given - and with it, His promise too.

But understand this:  The word must come first, and also His promise.  You and I must be sure of what we are called to do, with an inward conviction that absolutely nothing can shake.  In my own case, again and again, I have had to wet my feet in the water...Only God and those who have to walk in that path know how hard this kind of faith-life can be.  But He does know.

If only the next step is clear, then the one thing to do is take it!  Don't pledge your Lord or yourself to any steps beyond what you know.  You don't see them yet.  Once when I was climbing at night, in a forest before there was made a path, I learned what was meant by the words of Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path."  I had only a lantern, and had to hold it very low or I would certainly have slipped on those rough rocks.

We don't walk spiritually by electric light, but by a hand-held lantern.  And a lantern shows only the next step - not several steps ahead."

Moving forward,
Amberly