Tomorrow morning I am headed south to the beautiful state of Louisiana. I get to join the women of Judson Baptist Church, and other churches of the area, at a women's conference, where I'll be speaking on the "Heart of a Woman: Embracing Our Unique Design and Purpose."
I can't wait to get there and share what God has done in my life by transforming me from the inside out. Although I grew up loving Jesus from an early age, it wasn't until a move across country stripped me of all my achievements, friendships, employment and service, that the true state of my heart was revealled.
And I'm sad to say it wasn't pretty.
While I learned wonderful Bible stories at the feet of godly men and women, and I sang all the hymns of Believers throughout generations, and I can recite the Apostle's Creed and make a mean casserole - there was something missing from my church experience ...
I never learned that God cares infinitely more about the condition of my heart than the quantity (or even quality) of my service.
This weekend I'll be sharing about this journey ... that I'm still on.
If you are in the area, please contact the church. My guess is these gracious Southern ladies will make room for you.
They have promised me an oyster po boy when I'm done. And I can't wait for that either.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Today I have a devotion running on Proverbs 31 and Crosswalk.com regarding the importance of little decisions.
God has been speaking this truth into my life for many years. It's a principle I learned from reading Matthew 25 and Parable of the Talents. God was just as pleased with the servant who invested 2 talents as He was with the servant who invested 5 talents. Both servants showed themselves faithful with what they were given. And the one with the 2 talents didn't discount that which was entrusted to him because it was less. He valued it just the same.
I believe God is watching me constantly to see what I do with the "little" things He has entrusted to me. Am I faithful with what doesn't look like much to the others ... even me at times? Can He trust me with just a little bit more?
You see, being steadfast in little things is the truest indicator of whether you'll be steadfast in greater things. Making wise decisions in the little areas of life, prepares me for making wise decisions in the greater things of life.
I thought I'd share some of the little decisions I'm called to make every day that have great importance to me, and over time have proven to have even greater value when added together. These are not in order of priority, except for #1 and 2.
1. Reading my Bible daily. (Most of the time at night, just before bed.)
2. Not criticizing my husband.
3. Using coupons when possible. (A penny saved is more than a penny earned.)
4. Going to bed with my kitchen clean. (Helps me start the day with a right attitude)
5. Writing thank you notes. (I could still do better in this area)
6. Not saying "I would never do that .... say that ... wear that, etc. ..." (Helps keep pride and judgement from my lips)
7. Stopping what I'm doing and facing my children when they talk to me.
8. Using lots of fresh vegetables and fruits in my cooking.
9. Making shopping and errand lists.
10. Keeping my gas tank above 1/4 full.
I'd love to hear what little decisions you make that add up to make a big impact. I recently received a new book by author named Sarah Cunningham called Picking Dandelions. It's to be released next week by Zondervan. I've love to give it away to someone at random. Just make sure you leave a way for me to contact you.
In His Love,
Glynnis
**********************
It's Thursday night, and I'm happy to announce that Kerri was selected completely at random by my son Robbie, to win Picking Dandelions. Congratulations. I've sent you an email but if you don't get it, please contact me directly.
Tuesday - February 2 - I think Kerri's email address was typed in wrong, so I'm selecting another winner at random. Kerri - if you read this, send me an email and I'll send you another book. For now, I've selected Beth at jeffandbeth82@hotmail.com to win. Congratulations.
God has been speaking this truth into my life for many years. It's a principle I learned from reading Matthew 25 and Parable of the Talents. God was just as pleased with the servant who invested 2 talents as He was with the servant who invested 5 talents. Both servants showed themselves faithful with what they were given. And the one with the 2 talents didn't discount that which was entrusted to him because it was less. He valued it just the same.
I believe God is watching me constantly to see what I do with the "little" things He has entrusted to me. Am I faithful with what doesn't look like much to the others ... even me at times? Can He trust me with just a little bit more?
You see, being steadfast in little things is the truest indicator of whether you'll be steadfast in greater things. Making wise decisions in the little areas of life, prepares me for making wise decisions in the greater things of life.
I thought I'd share some of the little decisions I'm called to make every day that have great importance to me, and over time have proven to have even greater value when added together. These are not in order of priority, except for #1 and 2.
1. Reading my Bible daily. (Most of the time at night, just before bed.)
2. Not criticizing my husband.
3. Using coupons when possible. (A penny saved is more than a penny earned.)
4. Going to bed with my kitchen clean. (Helps me start the day with a right attitude)
5. Writing thank you notes. (I could still do better in this area)
6. Not saying "I would never do that .... say that ... wear that, etc. ..." (Helps keep pride and judgement from my lips)
7. Stopping what I'm doing and facing my children when they talk to me.
8. Using lots of fresh vegetables and fruits in my cooking.
9. Making shopping and errand lists.
10. Keeping my gas tank above 1/4 full.
I'd love to hear what little decisions you make that add up to make a big impact. I recently received a new book by author named Sarah Cunningham called Picking Dandelions. It's to be released next week by Zondervan. I've love to give it away to someone at random. Just make sure you leave a way for me to contact you.
In His Love,
Glynnis
**********************
It's Thursday night, and I'm happy to announce that Kerri was selected completely at random by my son Robbie, to win Picking Dandelions. Congratulations. I've sent you an email but if you don't get it, please contact me directly.
Tuesday - February 2 - I think Kerri's email address was typed in wrong, so I'm selecting another winner at random. Kerri - if you read this, send me an email and I'll send you another book. For now, I've selected Beth at jeffandbeth82@hotmail.com to win. Congratulations.
Monday, January 18, 2010
This past weekend my husand and I watched a documentary on the Galapagos Islands. One of my favorite parts was watching the marine iguanas.
These huge reptiles sleep on top of each other on the lava during the night, as their bodies shut down in the cool temperatures. As the sun rises and warms them up, they come to life, diving off the rocks and into the sea where they can hold their breath for up to an hour while they eat algea off the bottom.
The cold makes these powerful creatures lethargic.
I find myself a bit like those iguanas. In the winter cold, I find it very difficult to get going some days. I just want to burrow into my electric blanket and wake up when it's warm outside.
I've been feeling that way for about a week, and I'm ready to shake it off. I'm ready to overcome the inertia that has got me feeling stuck. Inertia is an interesting phenomenon. Basically is states that ojects in motion will stay in motion, and objects at rest will stay at rest.
For me to overcome this sluggishness, I need a burst of energy to get going. So today I'm making a dump list. I'm writing down everything I need to do - in all areas of my life. I'm not worrying about putting them in any order - not by projects, due date or type of work. I'm just getting them out of my head, off of sticky notes and pulled from pages of my notebook. And putting them in one master dump list.
Oh boy, does it feel good. Of course, when I discover something I should have done two weeks ago, I experience that "uh-oh" moment. But I'm not letting it stop me. Once I get my dump list done, I'll be able to put into manageable lists. For today, it's just what I need to get moving again.
If you're feeling like a cold, sleepy iguana, I invite you to make a dump list too. And make a cup of hot coffee and sit by a space heater while you do it - that helps too.
In His Love,
Glynnis
These huge reptiles sleep on top of each other on the lava during the night, as their bodies shut down in the cool temperatures. As the sun rises and warms them up, they come to life, diving off the rocks and into the sea where they can hold their breath for up to an hour while they eat algea off the bottom.
The cold makes these powerful creatures lethargic.
I find myself a bit like those iguanas. In the winter cold, I find it very difficult to get going some days. I just want to burrow into my electric blanket and wake up when it's warm outside.
I've been feeling that way for about a week, and I'm ready to shake it off. I'm ready to overcome the inertia that has got me feeling stuck. Inertia is an interesting phenomenon. Basically is states that ojects in motion will stay in motion, and objects at rest will stay at rest.
For me to overcome this sluggishness, I need a burst of energy to get going. So today I'm making a dump list. I'm writing down everything I need to do - in all areas of my life. I'm not worrying about putting them in any order - not by projects, due date or type of work. I'm just getting them out of my head, off of sticky notes and pulled from pages of my notebook. And putting them in one master dump list.
Oh boy, does it feel good. Of course, when I discover something I should have done two weeks ago, I experience that "uh-oh" moment. But I'm not letting it stop me. Once I get my dump list done, I'll be able to put into manageable lists. For today, it's just what I need to get moving again.
If you're feeling like a cold, sleepy iguana, I invite you to make a dump list too. And make a cup of hot coffee and sit by a space heater while you do it - that helps too.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Friday, January 8, 2010
Without a doubt, nothing has stretched me more spiritually than motherhood. In addition to filling my heart with overflowing joy, being a mom has stretched me to the limits of my endurance, and revealed gaping holes in my character.
Here's just one of many examples. You see, before kids, I probably would have bragged about being patient. I'm a go-with-the-flow type of person, who doesn't mind a delay in a line or at a restaurant. I'm forgiving to drivers who go for miles with their left turn signal on, and full of compassion for those who seem befuddled by life. But give me a child who decides that she would rather wear shorts and a t-shirt, rather than the long pants I "suggested," and I'm as patient as a dog who hears the word "Walk?"
My relationship with my children is emotionally charged. There's the protective instinct I have for each of them that colors my decisions, as well as the hopes, dreams, fears and frustrations of dealing with children who think and act differently than I ever have. So when something happens to one of them, it happens to me too. Just in a different way.
Today I have a devotion running on Proverbs 31 and Crosswalk about being a patient parent. Specifically, I shared the challenge of sowing good character seeds into children, and being patient until the harvest shows up. And I also wrote about what can happen when we sow negative character traits into our children. We always reap more than we sow.
While I hope that others are ministered to by the biblical truths shared in the devotions I write, the truth is they always contain something for me too - even months after I've written them.
I believe God is reminding me that, like it or not, I am a gardener in the hearts of my children - and those around me. Every day I'm sowing something into their hearts. So, the question for me today is this:
What am I sowing into my children's (friend's/husband's/family's) hearts today through my character?
Is it patience, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy?
Or is it anger, bitterness, impatience and hurry?
I know that only through God's power in my life can I begin to be the person and mother He is calling me to be. May you experience that same power in your own life.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Here's just one of many examples. You see, before kids, I probably would have bragged about being patient. I'm a go-with-the-flow type of person, who doesn't mind a delay in a line or at a restaurant. I'm forgiving to drivers who go for miles with their left turn signal on, and full of compassion for those who seem befuddled by life. But give me a child who decides that she would rather wear shorts and a t-shirt, rather than the long pants I "suggested," and I'm as patient as a dog who hears the word "Walk?"
My relationship with my children is emotionally charged. There's the protective instinct I have for each of them that colors my decisions, as well as the hopes, dreams, fears and frustrations of dealing with children who think and act differently than I ever have. So when something happens to one of them, it happens to me too. Just in a different way.
Today I have a devotion running on Proverbs 31 and Crosswalk about being a patient parent. Specifically, I shared the challenge of sowing good character seeds into children, and being patient until the harvest shows up. And I also wrote about what can happen when we sow negative character traits into our children. We always reap more than we sow.
While I hope that others are ministered to by the biblical truths shared in the devotions I write, the truth is they always contain something for me too - even months after I've written them.
I believe God is reminding me that, like it or not, I am a gardener in the hearts of my children - and those around me. Every day I'm sowing something into their hearts. So, the question for me today is this:
What am I sowing into my children's (friend's/husband's/family's) hearts today through my character?
Is it patience, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy?
Or is it anger, bitterness, impatience and hurry?
I know that only through God's power in my life can I begin to be the person and mother He is calling me to be. May you experience that same power in your own life.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Almost everyone I know wants to make a difference ... in their own lives, in the lives of those around them and beyond.
But how?
How can we make a difference when we are overwhelmed with life's problems, tripped up by challenges and some days, just happy to make it through?
I started thinking about some of the things I have personally done that have a made a difference in my life, and what others have done for me. Here in random order are some ways to make a difference right where you are today:
1. Invest in your own God-given talents, abilities and strengths. God’s calling on your own life is just as valid an investment as any mission venture you might give to. This might mean taking classes, purchasing a better computer, taking a trip or spending time developing a skill.
2. Finish what you start. This applies to everything, from putting away clean laundry to a big project.
3. Write thank you notes.
4. Ask someone else for their opinion. Wise counsel benefits you, and shows you value the other person.
5. Surprise someone with their favorite drink. (Starbucks Gingerbread Latte for me)
6. Remember birthdays and anniversaries – Remembering the difficult ones may mean even more to people.
7. Buy pizza for some teenagers just because.
8. Share God’s Word with people who are hurting.
9. Ask about people’s children.
10. Don’t offer your opinion right away in a conversation.
11. Be generous with encouragement and praise.
12. Keep your promises.
13. Admit when you are wrong.
14. Bring someone flowers from your garden in a tin can (recycle).
15. Pray about little things, and then tell someone when God answers.
That’s my list for today. I’d love to hear how someone has made a difference to you.
In His Love,
Glynnis
But how?
How can we make a difference when we are overwhelmed with life's problems, tripped up by challenges and some days, just happy to make it through?
I started thinking about some of the things I have personally done that have a made a difference in my life, and what others have done for me. Here in random order are some ways to make a difference right where you are today:
1. Invest in your own God-given talents, abilities and strengths. God’s calling on your own life is just as valid an investment as any mission venture you might give to. This might mean taking classes, purchasing a better computer, taking a trip or spending time developing a skill.
2. Finish what you start. This applies to everything, from putting away clean laundry to a big project.
3. Write thank you notes.
4. Ask someone else for their opinion. Wise counsel benefits you, and shows you value the other person.
5. Surprise someone with their favorite drink. (Starbucks Gingerbread Latte for me)
6. Remember birthdays and anniversaries – Remembering the difficult ones may mean even more to people.
7. Buy pizza for some teenagers just because.
8. Share God’s Word with people who are hurting.
9. Ask about people’s children.
10. Don’t offer your opinion right away in a conversation.
11. Be generous with encouragement and praise.
12. Keep your promises.
13. Admit when you are wrong.
14. Bring someone flowers from your garden in a tin can (recycle).
15. Pray about little things, and then tell someone when God answers.
That’s my list for today. I’d love to hear how someone has made a difference to you.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Monday, January 4, 2010
I'm finishing the book of Joshua in my daily Bible reading and came across a familiar passage that gets put on wall plaques and front door signs. In fact, it is posted outside my front door:
Joshua 24:15, "but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
As with many memorable verses, this one is placed in a chapter filled with truth - both encouraging and challenging ... some easy to read and others difficult to hear.
This chapter includes some of Joshua's last words to the Israelite people. After taking the reins of leadership from Moses, Joshua led God's chosen people into the Promised Land. He's reminding them of God's goodness and protection. He's telling them God provided a place of refuge they did not work for. But there is a requirement:
"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
If I could put Joshua's challenge into my own words it would be this:
Stop riding the fence. Choose one side or the other. But CHOOSE!
We serve a God who does not want lukewarm devotion. Yes, He loves us and accepts us just where we are in our faith. But He's longing for us to be moving towards Him with bold strokes - not treading water. In other words, with all faithfulness as Joshua said.
The words of Joshua have a challenge for me this year. To examine every area of my life and determine if I am truly and wholy submitted to God in that area. Am I still serving someone besides God in any area? Either myself or someone else? Or am I serving Him in "all faithfulness"?
There have been some areas I know I have not fully submitted to God, and the fruit in those areas is lacking. Here are some of those areas (I know there are more that God will reveal) that need examining in my life:
Instead of moving ahead into God's promises, the Israelites were holding on to beliefs of the past. Joshua gave them a challenge that applies to me as well: Choose to submit all areas of my life to God.
If God is calling you to examine an area of your life and make a choice, I invite you to share that here. Do it anonymously if you like. But this could be your day to choose.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Joshua 24:15, "but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
As with many memorable verses, this one is placed in a chapter filled with truth - both encouraging and challenging ... some easy to read and others difficult to hear.
This chapter includes some of Joshua's last words to the Israelite people. After taking the reins of leadership from Moses, Joshua led God's chosen people into the Promised Land. He's reminding them of God's goodness and protection. He's telling them God provided a place of refuge they did not work for. But there is a requirement:
"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
If I could put Joshua's challenge into my own words it would be this:
Stop riding the fence. Choose one side or the other. But CHOOSE!
We serve a God who does not want lukewarm devotion. Yes, He loves us and accepts us just where we are in our faith. But He's longing for us to be moving towards Him with bold strokes - not treading water. In other words, with all faithfulness as Joshua said.
The words of Joshua have a challenge for me this year. To examine every area of my life and determine if I am truly and wholy submitted to God in that area. Am I still serving someone besides God in any area? Either myself or someone else? Or am I serving Him in "all faithfulness"?
There have been some areas I know I have not fully submitted to God, and the fruit in those areas is lacking. Here are some of those areas (I know there are more that God will reveal) that need examining in my life:
- My time
- My attitude about certain things
- My parenting of an adult child
- My commitments
- My ministry focus
- My writing
Instead of moving ahead into God's promises, the Israelites were holding on to beliefs of the past. Joshua gave them a challenge that applies to me as well: Choose to submit all areas of my life to God.
If God is calling you to examine an area of your life and make a choice, I invite you to share that here. Do it anonymously if you like. But this could be your day to choose.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Visit my other blog
