Why God Withholds Blessings Sometimes

Two weeks ago I bought one of my daughters a pair of sandals.  She loved them at first glance, but I could see they were just a bit too big for her.  She tried them on, took a few steps, and insisted they would fit fine.

I had my suspicions, and asked her again if she was sure these were going to fit.  After another round of insisting, I gave in and bought the shoes ... which I haven't seen on her since.

You see, we have a  history, my girl and I, of this happening.  Her insisting she'll wear something, only to get it home and find there's something just not right about it.  It's too tight here, it itches there, and so on. 

This morning she finally admitted they didn't fit right.  So her sister is the proud owner of a new pair of sandals today.

This pattern is frustrating to me.  I never know when she's going to decide she doesn't like today what she loved yesterday.  Honestly, it makes me NOT want to buy her anything expensive so that we don't waste the money.

My mom took the girls to a puppet show this morning, and so I had some time to think after they left.  And I realized that God must think the same thing about me sometimes.  There are times when I'm sure I want something ... I see others having the same thing, and it looks like fun. It almost fits me, and I could wear it, but in reality, there's something that's just not right about it. 

In my past, this has happened more with responsibilities than clothing.  I'm enthusiastic about a lot of things, and often only see the bright shiny surface of the opportunity.  Without taking time to really investigate the reality of that opportunity, I've gotten myself involved with things that really weren't a good fit.

Interestingly, just like I bought my daughter the shoes, even with my suspicions, God has allowed me to "put things on" that He knew all along wouldn't fit.  I had to learn it for myself that what He picks out for me is really the best fit of all.

The challenge is figuring that all out.  It's intentionally going to God and asking Him to confirm my choices and opportunities.  It's not jumping at something because it looks good.  It's wearing something awhile (if I can) before I "buy" it. 

I want to be able to buy my daughter lovely things that I know will fit her well.  But for now, she is still learning to trust my judgment, and not be impulsive. 

Does God want to give me blessings, but withholds them until I trust His judgement completely?  It's an interesting question for a Saturday morning. 

Grace & Peace to you today, my friend.

Glynnis

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Congratulations to Ashley for winning the sticky note portfolio I was giving away this past week.  Thanks to everyone who commented as well.  I've got lots more fun things to give away so keep reading.  Ashley - I sent you an email, but if you don't get it, contact me directly at editor@proverbs31.org.

My road is narrowing

Yesterday, God messed with my status quo.   Just when I thought,  "Surely, Lord, haven't I sacrificed enough?"  He asked me to do to something else.

It came in the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit after reading this verse,

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (Eph. 5:3-5)

I thought I was doing pretty well, when held up against the Christians in Ephesus.  I'm vigilant in all these areas.  In fact, I almost twisted my arm patting myself on the back.

Then God highlighted the part about course joking.  Even then I questioned why I was being nudged.  I don't make any coarse jokes, Lord.  You know that.  

But then a recent episode of The Office flashed in front of my mind.  And then another show sidled up along side it.  Oh ... right ... those shows did have coarse joking in them.  And I did laugh at them.

And then this thought snuck in:  Would Jesus laugh at that?

So today, my road just got narrower.  Apparently there is more to give up if I want to be a woman whose beliefs and life run in parallel lines.  I expect that a coarse joke is going to appear every once in awhile even with vigilance.  But today I'm making a choice to give up something I know has this type of humor.

Yesterday I wrestled with these instructions.  I whined a bit.  But now I trust God to replace what I'm giving up with something even better.  

In His Love,

Glynnis

When Doubt Speaks Your Language (and a winner)

My post on Tuesday, and the accompanying devotion on Crosswalk and Proverbs 31, stirred up some great conversation.  Most of it about faith. 

Basically people are asking the same questions that I've asked myself: How do I fully trust God to protect me (or my loved ones) when bad things happen every day? Why bother to pray when my friend may not be healed?

I want to share something I learned years ago about the world we live in.  There is an ebb and flow of the power of God here on earth.  This is because although Jesus brought the Kingdom of God to earth, it is not here in full. One day it will be.  But not yet.  Jesus experienced limitations Himself.  Mark 6:5 

My point is, one day we will experience the fullness of God's power.  For now, we enjoy a measure of it. 

This is where faith comes in.  We don't control God's power.  So we need to believe, really believe, that we can experience it for ourselves.  The Bible is clear that God works miracles in conjunction with our faith.  Not always.  But it's often a part.  

Fear and doubt keep us from fully embracing a life of faith.  The "what ifs?" steal our joy.  The "buts" take away our hope. 

I read this amazing passage in 2 Chronicles 32:18-19 that identified a reason we doubt.  Doubt is like an enemy who sneaks into our heart and whispers lies.  Doubt speaks the language of our hearts, and buries itself in deep.  Read what happened to the people of God.

In this chapter, King Hezekiah is defending Jerusalem from attack by the Assyrians. The king of Assyria is relentless in trying to weaken the defenses of God's people.  He trash talks God multiple many times, and tries to puts questions into the minds of the people about God's ability to protect them.  Then, he did something very interesting.  Read verses 18-19:

"Then they called out in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to terrify them and make them afraid in order to capture the city. They spoke about the God of Jerusalem as they did about the gods of the other peoples of the world—the work of human hands."

The king spoke the language of the people in order to terrify them.  You've got to read how Hezekiah encouraged everyone.  It's worth writing it out on a note card until you've got it memorized.  Read here.

Doubt speaks our language.  If you've ever had a child get sick, really sick, you will doubt God's ability to heal.  If you've lost a loved one in an accident, you will doubt God's ability to protect.  If you've been rejected or betrayed, you will doubt God's faithfulness.

I've lost a cousin to breast cancer, and Satan tries to get me to believe I'll get it too.  My niece was killed in a drunk driving accident, Satan wants me to believe my children will die too.  But those are just lies to get me to doubt God's power and weaken my faith.  God is powerful enough to heal and protect. He's proven it multiple times.  And I don't want to miss the flow of that power by my doubting. 

I'm done listening to Satan's lies.  I'm seeing them for what they are.  Doubt speaking my language. The next time the evil one tries to put those lies in my head, he's getting the "what for"!

Now on to a winner from my little giveaway contest on Tuesday.  Using http://www.random.org/, Kristi who posted at 5:17 a.m., is the winner of a book, Starbucks card and note pad.  Kristi, I couldn't find your contact information so please email me at editor@proverbs31.org. 

In His Love,

Glynnis

I trust You, but what if ...

Maybe it's because I grew up in the desert that the ocean has always frightened me.  Actually, I think I'm still a bit shaken by the movie "Jaws."  Nevertheless, when other people look at the ocean, they see tranquility and the peaceful lapping of waves.   I see a giant roaring death trap.

At the beach, the only way I think my children are safe in the water is if I'm prowling up and down the shore, constantly counting heads. 

Yes I pulled them out when there were dolphins sighted.  They could have been sharks ... in dolphin suits.

Once I had to leave a family vacation in California a day early to get to She Speaks.  I was certain my children were going to die in the Pacific Ocean if my husband closed his eyes for even a second.  I kissed them all goodbye tenderly and left with a sick feeling in my stomach.  It didn't help when I talked to my husband later that day and he said tongue-in-cheek, "Good news!  I only lost one!"

Ha.  Ha.  Apparently that was pay-back for unnecessary cautions. 

Since the day my oldest was born (19 years ago), God has been dealing with me and the issue of faith - or a lack of it where my children are concerned.  My worry actually uncovers the deeper issue of whether or not I really trust God.  It's easy to say I trust God, but do I really?

You see, I know bad things happen to children every day.  Why would mine be any exception to that?  Realistic.  Yes.  But that line of thinking doesn't exhibit faith.  It exhibits Eeyore-itis. 

Faith, on the other hand, now that is glorious.  And it's what defines us a followers of Jesus.  It's also what gets God's attention.  Here are some scriptures to show you what I mean:

Matthew 9: 28-30, "When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith let it be done to you'; and their sight was restored."

Matthew 15:28, "Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment."

Matthew 17:20, "He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Read the entire chapter of Hebrews 11 to see how God honored faith.

Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Finally, where do we get this kind of faith?  Can we summon it up with positive thoughts?  Can we force ourselves to have faith?  Actually, the Bible tells us where faith comes from:

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."  Romans 10:17.

Nothing draws the attention of God faster than a person of faith.  I think God loves the reckless abandon of reality in favor of full dependence upon His care.  Based on what I read in Scripture, it moves Him to action.

Here's the kicker - the person of true faith isn't looking for a way to manipulate God into doing what she wants.  She simply trusts God.  Period.

If you are joining me today after reading my devotion on Proverb 31 or Crosswalk, please accept my warmest welcome. I hope some of my thoughts today have brought you some encouragement, or at least a smile.

I also hope you'll hang around awhile and read some of my other posts.  If you are a writer, read the last post about a scholarship contest for She Speaks.  I also invite you to subscribe to my blog - I'd love to get to know you better.

What are your thoughts on faith?  How do we get it?  How do we strengthen it?  What if we lose it?

Post your thoughts, and a way to contact you, and I'll select someone at random to receive a gift basket, including a Starbucks card, the latest book by Naomi Zacharias, The Scent of Water, and cute notepad.  I'll announce the winner on Thursday.

In His Love,
Glynnis

If life is a story, what page are you on?

I recently read "Pillars of the Earth" and "World Without End" by Ken Follett.  Both were 1,000 pages and consumed me for months.  I read them based on a recommendation from someone I respected.  However, while there is much good in these books, there are parts that are uncomfortably real.  In fact, at times unnecessarily real and graphic.  I don't recommend them for those with gentle spirits.  They are upsetting.

Both books ended well, but there were times during the books when I was ready to put them down.  The protagonists were just too mean.  The plot too painful.  The abuse, greed, and vindictiveness too ugly to dwell on. 

If those books had ended badly, I would have been very disgruntled at spending months of my life on them.

And, if I hadn't read them completely, I would have been frustrated too.  If I had only read, say ... page 560 ... or page 702 ...  I might have thought the story was hopeless.  I might have thought the villains won.  Or the hero and heroine never reconnected.   If I only read one chapter, I might have thought justice was an impossible dream.  Or those in poverty will always stay that way. 

But now, after reading the book in its entirety, I can see the amazing story.  The plot progressed, there was tension, conflict and eventually resolution.   Good did eventually triumph.

It got me thinking that our lives are a bit like that. For those of us who have accepted Christ, we know we have a happy ending. One way or another, our story will end well. But not every chapter or page in our story is happy.

Today might be page 452 for me.  And on page 452 there is conflict.  There is tension.  If I only read this page, I would have a very different view of the story. 

Yet the Author of my story has a purpose for every page and chapter in my life.  He's got a story in mind and is building and developing the plot every day.  No story is conflict-free.  No story is complete without a challenge.  Victory is empty without a struggle.

Today, I'm considering my life as a grand story.  I know the ending.  Good triumphs. The victory will be sweeter because of the struggle.   Today is not the story.  It's just page 452.

In His Love,

Glynnis

There are no short-cuts to anyplace worth going

Today I've got a devotion running on Crosswalk and Proverbs 31 entitled, "There are no Shortcuts to Anyplace Worth Going."  Welcome, if this is your first time visiting my blog.  I hope you'll spend some time reading my past posts, and sign up to receive them in the future. 

If you are a regular bloggy friend, then I greet you with a bloggy {{{HUG}}}.

Shortcuts NEVER get me where I want to go.  Never.  If I see a long line of cars turning left, and I "cleverly" decide to cut through a neighborhood, I guarantee a street will be blocked, barricades will be up, and I'll be  retracing my steps ... even further behind than before.

Changing check-out lanes at the grocery store will put me behind the one person who needs a price check.

Shifting lanes at the emission testing line assures the machines will break down, or someone will go on break,  seconds before I get to the front.
Lines aren't the only place I try short-cuts.  In the past, I've tried to find short cuts for test preparation, losing weight, and even in my writing.  Instead of doing the hard work to push through to excellence, I've rested on "good enough."  Which is why so many times I've stopped short of fulfilling a dream.   Short-cuts put me further behind and frustrated every time.

The best path to following my dreams seems to be the arduous, rocky one every time.  It's on that path that my motives are tested and my mettle is challenged. The long road prepares me for the reality of the dream - which is always different from what I expect.

The long road is also where God teaches me things I wouldn't learn otherwise:

• God is the giver of dreams, so He chooses when to fulfill them.
• He is my sustainer in times of waiting.
• He cares more about my character than my career.
• He has something better planned than I can imagine.
• How to find contentment in what I have and where I am.
• Perseverance accomplishes more than flashes of genius.

Some people are "hares" in this journey of life.  Their sprinting and brilliant maneuvers will put them ahead of me every time.  They are uniquely designed for that approach for a purpose.

I am the turtle.  Not in my personality, mind you.  My mind wants to sprint.  Yet that doesn't work for me in reality. Sprinting always gets me to a place of shallow regret. Perhaps God knew I would miss way too much of life (and Him) by taking short-cuts on the fly. 

I may not get as much done in my life as others. I may take longer to get there too.  But I'm right where God wants me to be, doing just as much as He wants me to accomplish, and learning what I need to know on my long road.

Whether it's relationships, career, housekeeping or parenting, there really are no short-cuts to anyplace worth going. I know, I've tried.

Where have you tried a short-cut that didn't work?  What is God teaching you about the long road? 

Share your comments and I'll give away the book "Your Secret Name: Discovering Who God Created You to Be" by Kary Oberbrunner at random to one commenter.  Please leave a way for me to reach you on Monday.

In His Love,

Glynnis

P.S.  If you are looking for some help in managing your priorities, such as time, home and work, please visit my other blog, http://www.herorganizedlife.com/, where I post 2 or 3 organization and productivity tips each week. 

When hard threatens to overwhelm

If you are visiting today for the first time after reading my Proverbs 31 Devotion, welcome. If you are a regular bloggy friend, thanks so much for stopping by.  I'm deeply touched you would spend a few of your precious minutes today with me.  I'm praying God has a gift for you, packaged in His Word. 

I imagine many, if not all of you, are dealing with something  hard in your life.  Actually, most women face hard challenges.  I'm no exception. I've been overwhelmed by my circumstances in the past.  Once, I was so trapped in fear I couldn't eat or sleep.  Many times worry pesters me like a thirsty mosquito.  I've got five teenagers ... need I say more?

Yet in His mercy, God has brought me through some tough times. Today, perhaps I can share some hope and practical tips with you.  In fact, I want to look at a familiar Bible story for some of both:  the feeding of the 5,000.  As I was praying about what to write, God used Scripture to clarify something that He has taught me in my own life.  Let's look at the Mark 6: 30-44 version.

To set the scene, Jesus and the disciples were exhausted.  They had been ministering all day and wanted to rest.  In fact, they were trying to get away for some peace and quiet.  However, people were so desperate they ran after them, and actually got to the other side of a lake before Jesus did.

Have you ever felt exhausted by the demands on you?  Have you felt emotionally bankrupt, with relentless needs chasing after you?  Have you been at the end of your resources with nothing left to give?

That's probably how the disciples felt that day.  Empty.  Just when they wanted to curl up and rest, Jesus started to minister to the people.  Didn't He notice they were exhuasted? 

In fact, the disciples tried to stop Him.  They said, "This is a remote place ... and it's already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat."

So not only were the disciples exhausted, they were in a barren place with NO resources.

Have you every felt like that?  Have you ever been in a "desert" place, isolated and alone, with no resources and yet people expect you to do something for them?  In fact, Jesus expected the disciples to do something too.

"But he answered, 'You give them something to eat.'"

Can you picture the scene here?  Exhausted disciples ... remote place ... no resources.  Sounds a lot like me at times.  The good news for all of us today is that Jesus has a plan for our hard times.  One of them is found in this familiar story.  I think we can apply a 5-step principle from this passage to dealing with hard times.

1)  The disciples speak honestly to Jesus.  They are tired, and it's pretty complainy, but it's HONEST.
2)  Jesus asks them to present what they have. (5 loaves of bread and two fish)
3)  Jesus tells the disciples to have the people sit down in groups.  (v. 39)
4)  Jesus thanks God for the food.  (v. 41)
5)  The disciples are put to work serving the people they didn't think they could serve, as Jesus worked a miracle and expanded their resources.  (v. 41)

Most of this is pretty obvious.  Jesus values honesty and He can take little and expand it. I've read lots about those truths.  But the part that hit me this week was telling the people to sit down in groups.  Why did He do that?  Here's my take.

In the face of an overhelming, potentially desperate, situation, Jesus knew everybody needed order.   Not just the hungry multitudes, but those called to do the work.  What if by breaking the people into groups, the overwhelming situation seemed a little more managable? 

Perhap Jesus sensed that the disciples needed to have control over something. And by organizing what they could, the disciples focused on what was in their control.  While they did that, Jesus did His part ... performed a miracle.


As I face hard in my own life, there is wisdom in this for me.  Sometimes, all I think about is what I CAN'T control.  I focus on the problem and how unfair the situation is.  Even though I've prayed, confessed my needs and presented my resources to Jesus, all I think about is what I gave Him.  Or how little I have to face the problem. It's a pretty myopic view. 

I somehow forget that I'm loved by the One who can feed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish ... and have leftovers!!! 

Now I see the wisdom in focusing on what is still within my control, and trusting Jesus with what only He can do - that's the miracle part.  It's not a distraction technique ... it's an act of faith. 

What should you to do today while Jesus is taking care of the rest?

In His Love,

Glynnis

Do you hate sin?

Welcome!  If you are visiting after reading my devotion "Do You Hate Sin?" I hope you'll stay awhile and catch up on some of my old posts.  If you are one of my bloggy friends, then welcome back! 

Earlier this summer, a clinic opened on a side street behind my favorite grocery store.  Not just any clinic, but one of those that would counsel a woman to abort her baby.  Not long after it opened, I drove by again and saw a lone little figure dressed in black standing on the sidewalk in front of the clinic.

Her shoulders hunched slightly, making her seem even shorter than her 5' frame, and a black habit covered what I suspected was greying hair.  Dark stockings led to sturdy black shoes.  She stood facing this building holding a book in her hands.  A Bible.

One woman took a stand in 110 degree heat.   All alone.  She stood against something that broke the heart of God. Tears streamed down my face as I drove on, praying for God to protect this precious, bold sister.

The picture of that woman rises in my mind with regularity.  I may never know her name, but she changed my life.  She lived out her faith in a way few do. 

I wonder if our generation has lost sight of sin.  Well, really, it isn't just a problem with our generation.  One read though the Old Testament, and we see that it's been an on-going problem for people of God.

God keeps trying to tell us to separate ourselves from sin, and we keep insisting we can somehow dip our toes in the pool of temptation without getting wet.  If I really ... really ... saw sin as God sees it, I wouldn't get near it.  I'd see that pool of temptation and it would look like a pool of blood.  Would you put your toes in it then?

My idea behind my devotion today is not really about what our actions reflect.  You see, I can do all the "right" things as a Christian woman.  I can read my Bible, pray with my children and attend church regularly.  I can tithe, reach out to my neighbors and teach a Bible study.  But what really matters is what's going on inside my heart. 

Jesus prayed this prayer for His followers:

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." John 17:15-17 (NIV)

The word "sanctify" means to "set apart for sacred use." It's interesting that we are set apart by what's inside us (truth) not by what we do.  We aren't going to get away from sin, but we are to be set apart from it by the truth we stand for in our hearts.

There are two questions I'd like to pose today:

1)  Do you know which thoughts, words and actions are sin?
2)   What do you really think of sin? 

If you've been avoiding the issue of sin for awhile, perhaps this is the time to re-evaluate where you stand.  I believe God is looking to bless people who choose to stand for Him. 

I'd like to give away a book today, written by my friend Rachel Olsen.  It's called "It's No Secret:  Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know."  As we talk about God's truth, this is the perfect book for a woman to read.  I highly recommend it!

To enter the drawing, just post a comment on this topic of sin.  You can answer one of my questions, or post one of your own.  Or you can make an observation.   I'll leave this up over the weekend, and announce a winner on Monday.

Also, please visit my post from yesterday about leadership where I'm offering another book as a giveaway. 

Thanks for visiting today, and may the Lord bless you richly as you take a stand for His truth.

In His Love,

Glynnis

Leader's Who Walk to the Edge

Something has changed in me this year.  For the good. 

I think I had gotten a bit too comfortable with the status quo.  At my very core, I'm a girl who prefers things to stay the same.  At my home, if a picture gets hung on the wall, it stays there until we move.  My closet is filled with clothes I've worn for years decades.  (Providing I can still fit in it - ahem)

Over the years, I've discovered that there's actually something deeper than a desire to stay the same.  It's fear. 

That fear would take the lead if I let it.  But when I invited Jesus to be my Lord, fear had to step aside.  There's really only room for one leader in my life.   I had to decide who I would actually follow:  Jesus or fear.  Actually, it's a decision I make daily.

Every "good" Christian girl looks at those two options and rolls her eyes thinking: of course she should choose Jesus.  Is it even a choice?

I think that too.  But then I find myself playing it safe.  I find my prayers being cautious.  I find myself holding a bit too tightly to one of my children.   I discard a bold idea.  Basically, I choose to follow fear over Jesus. 

This year, I attended the Evangelical Press Association's annual conference and got myself shaken up.  I'm not sure that was their intent, but it certainly was God's.  God poured fresh ideas into my head, until I was bubbling over.  I came home and organized my thoughts, and started pursuing some crazy ideas for Proverbs 31.  I can only thank God for such godly women leading that organization (Lysa TerKeurst, Renee Swope and LeAnn Rice) who are allowing me to pursue these bold ideas.

Today, Lysa wrote a devotion called "Praying for the Impossible."  She then invited readers to her website where she has a video of her interviewing Pastor Steven Furtick from Charlotte.  This pastor is bold!  And Lysa is giving away a copy of his book "Sun Stand Still" - so hop on over there after finishing my blog - cause I've got a giveaway too.

I realized something after watching that video.  I'm drawn to leaders who walk to the edge.  I want to be around people who are sold out for Christ.  I want more of that in my own life ... and choosing to be around others who want the same, ignites something in me.  It's good, but it's the opposite of fear. And it's prompted some radical changes in my life this year. 

How about you?  What dream or vision has God put in your heart?   Are you pursuing it boldly or has fear taken the lead?

I don't have a copy of Pastor Steven's book, but I do have a copy of Jennifer Kennedy Dean's "Live a Praying Life" to give away.    Post a dream God has put on your heart, and on Friday morning, I'll select at random someone to receive this book.  Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you.

Thank you for being my friends.  I'm inspired to press on every time I hear from one of you.

In His Love,

Glynnis

Victory and healing is just around the corner

Yesterday I walked in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  It was my first time doing anything for breast cancer research, treatments and cures.  And it was an amazing experience. 

In spite of the sadness that lurks behind every pink shirt, and "In memory of" sign, there was infectious joy.  Perhaps it was a fresh embracement of life, a celebration of family and a resurgence of hope.   But really, there is comfort in know we are all in this together.

We share fallen less-than-perfect bodies, we share grief, we share fear.  And together those devastating emotional experiences have less power over us.

So yesterday, I walked in honor of my sister Helen Ann, who just finished her breast cancer treatment a few weeks ago, and my friends Candy and Jackie - two younger women who are survivors.  Plus, I walked in memory of my sweet cousin Monnie, who lost her fight with breast cancer a few years ago.



Some members of my small group.  Jackie, in pink, is a survivor!
Candy wasn't there, but her husband John (tall guy in back)
and daughter Brianna (middle) walked.

 I also walked in celebration of God's deliverance of my fear over breast cancer.  As a young women in my 20s I had two breast biopsies for benign lumps.  Since then, I've been vigilant, and fearful of any of the fibrocystic changes in my own breasts.  Plus, I dreaded October - knowing breast cancer awareness was going to be everywhere. 

Eight years ago, an unusual lump sent me into a tailspin, which was a culmination of years of fear.  For two weeks, until testing revealed it was nothing, I was a mess.  I couldn't eat; I couldn't sleep.  It was an unnatural oppression of fear.  And all my mature-Christian thinking couldn't get me out of it. 

I told my friends I was having tests, and I asked for prayers.  Plus, I prayed non-stop.  But I got no relief from the fear.

My, my niece Victoria and
my little sister Liz

Finally, through my husband's wisdom, God showed me that He gave me the answer in a dream just the previous month.  In the dream, I was standing in my kitchen with all my cabinets in a mess, doors broken off and contents strewn all over.  Even the wall had been knocked out.  I walked to where the wall once stood and looked out at black storm clouds coming my way.  I knew I had to get out of there, and I got on my hands and knees and crawled through a cage, until I entered someone else's house and was safe.

I had that dream weeks before the breast cancer scare, and couldn't understand its meaning.  But in an instant, God revealed it:   In order to escape the storm, I had to humble myself.

But Lord, I said.  I have humbled myself before You!  I've confessed all my fear.

He answered me:   Now confess it to others. Humble yourself before others.

God gave me James 5:16 as the healing for my fear:

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  James 5:16 NIV

Finish line!

Was the fear my sin?  No.  Fear wasn't my sin.  Not being honest about the depth of my fear was my sin.  I immediately called a few people and in between sobs, confessed how afraid I was.

The healing was truly miraculous.  And I have never been the same.  I have never been held captive by fear again over my heath.  

So I did my own little victory walk yesterday.  And it felt really good.  Praise God!

In His Love,
Glynis

Do you ever feel like a spiritual failure?

Some days I just get sick and tired of stumbling.  I get frustrated with myself for losing my temper, overlooking someone's feelings, or not being the sharpest tool in the shed.  Some days, I feel like quiting everything.

Do you ever feel that way?

Do you ever look at your life and think, "God could never use someone like me."  Do you ever feel like a spiritual failure?

How we answer this question can have significant impact on effective ministry. By ministry, I mean whatever God is calling you to do. Because if you do feel like a spiritual failure, my guess is at some point you stop trying.  Because, after all, what's the use?  You know you are just going to stumble again.

What if God doesn't see your "stumbles" the same way?  What if God looks at your life without your highest victories and lowest drops? Kind of like a teacher who allows you to drop your lowest grade.  What if God is looking more at the pattern of growth in your life?

He certainly did this for the heroes of our faith. Consider Abraham.  God promised to give a child to Abraham and Sarah.  Yet there were 25 childless years before God fullfilled the promise.   Was Abraham perfect during those years?   If you read Romans 2, you would think so:

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."

Hold on a minute.  Did that just say "without weakening in his faith" and "he did not waver through unbelief"?  When we read the life of Abraham, we see a different man.  We know that Abraham actually didn't wait patiently for God to fulfill that promise, and had physical relations with his wife's maid, and subsequently fathered Ishmael.

As I read it,  Abraham wasn't the "perfect" example of a God-follower.  Yet through the Holy Scriptures, we are told that Abraham didn't weaken or waver.

That's how God saw Abraham.  In spite of Abraham's stumbles, God saw him as a man of faith.  By the time Abraham took his son Isaac to the altar, he had become a man of great faith.  But it was a process.  And it was the process that God saw and blessed.

I believe it's the same way with us.  Yes, we fall.  No, we aren't the perfect examples of God-followers.  We do have great days, and bad days.  But the most important thing is our progress.  Are we more faithful today than yesterday?

That's the question.  It's not a question of being a spiritual giant or spiritual failure.  Is our faith moving up and to the right?  That's what matters.

So today if you feel like a spiritual failure, read Romans 2.  There's some hope in there for us today.

In His Love,
Glynnis

It's Going to Take More Water

Life in the desert is hot, hot and hotter.  Water is precious.  Shade is valuable.  In fact, it can be the cause of parking lot battles.   Some kid could make a great part-time income charging for shaded parking spots in the summer.  I would pay.

I was raised here, and have conservation in my DNA.  In fact, no water is wasted.  Ice is poured into dog water bowls and pasta water is cooled and given to the thirsty plants in my yard. 

Last summer was hot earlier than normal. As the temperature climbed, our plants wilted. My roses are particularly sensitive to heat.  The buds try and open, but are fried to a crisp within hours.  During the summer, most plants just maintain. 

Each morning that summer, I sat at my kitchen table, looked at my crispy rose bushes and dreamed of England.  Or Portland, Oregon.  Seattle, Washington.  Or anywhere roses thrive in the summer.  Not that I would trade my home for a flowing rose bush in June, but it was a nice daydream. 

Then one morning, sitting at that same kitchen table, looking at that same rose bush, I noticed some new growth.  Green new growth.  It was startling fresh in relation to the rest of the struggling bush. 

A quick comment to my husband revealed the reason.  He had increased the watering just that week.

As I thought about that rose bush, the Lord spoke an interesting truth to my heart.

"It's going to take more water to grow in the heat."

Aaahhh ... I thought about the heat of my life.  Sometimes the fire gets turned up under me.  Circumstances are more difficult.  Emotions more painful.  Relationships stressed.  I'm surprised by challenges I didn't see coming. 

During those times, I maintain.  It's all I can to do hang on.  There's not a lot of new growth.  Wilting.  Frying.  Dying.  But not new. 

I'm going to need more water during those hot times.  You see, my regular watering routines aren't enough when the heat gets turned up.  Sometimes, I just need more.  Living water.  Like what Jesus offered the woman at the well one hot, dusty day.

The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?" Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."  John 4:9-15 (NIV)

My truth for today:  When life is hot, I need more water.  Jesus' living water.

Time for a big, thirsty drink. 

In His Love,

Glynnis

How Do You Know When It's God's Will?

A friend recently asked me a very wise question. She is facing a decision about a change in employment and wanted to make sure she wasn't doing it for selfish reasons. She wanted to know how to tell if it's God's will for her.

What a good question.

Personally, I think a selfish person doesn't even worry about being selfish.

Not that I'm speaking from personal experience or anything ... but ... it's possible that I have in my past, made decisions without consulting God.

I know, you are thinking "say it isn't so!"

Yes, I've definitely maybe done my own thing many times once or twice. 

I'm still learning to wait on God, which is hard for a girl who loves to start things. 

So I shared with my friend a list of questions that I've used to help me identify my priorities, and ultimately God's will for my life.  I don't think God's will looks like a check list.  I think His will for me is to be more like Jesus first and foremost and then to use my gifts and talents to serve Him.  Of course there's more to it than that, but that's a general overview.  There's a lot of flexibility in that plan. 

So here's my list of questions for myself:

1. What can only I do? (Only I can develop my faith, take care of my health, be my husband’s wife and be my children's mother.)


2. What has God entrusted to me? (God has entrusted me with the care of a home, the care of children, my health, the management of my time and money to name a few.)

3. Am I a good steward of what I already have? (Do I manage money well? Do I care for my home? Do I love my husband and children the way I should? Do I work as effectively as I can?)

4. What passion has God put in my heart? (I have for worship, writing, and for women to draw closer to God and align their lives with His will.)

5. What has God asked you to do that you haven’t done yet? (For years I knew God was calling me to write, but I did nothing about it.)

I also think the Bible gives us some guidelines on how to know God's will.  Here's Roman 12:1-2:

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Based on that scripture, if we are offering ourselves (our thoughts, finances, time, emotions) to God as a sacrifice, and guarding our minds, then we can know God's will for our lives.

So long as we are following God (with Him ahead of us) and not trying to lead (with Him behind us) we will see Him, and can know His will for our lives through prayer and humble suplication.  We make it much more complicated than it needs to be. 

That's a lesson I'm still trying to slow myself down to learn.

In His Love,
Glynnis

Do you feel like you don't fit in?

Today my friend Joanne Kraft is featuring an interview with me about writing. If you visit her site at http://www.onesoblessed.com/ you will get a chance to read about my writing journey and some of my thoughts on writing.

I will warn you, I'm not a typical writer. In fact, I've always thought I was a freak of nature, or uniquely and humorously made by a loving God who designed me for a purpose. I'm choosing the second option.

You see, I don't fit any molds ... in any part of my life.

I LOVE to cook and watch Food Network (Paula and I are on a first name basis ... well, at least I am with her - she, on the other hand, doesn't know I exist.)

BUT, I have never created my own recipe.

I LOVE to write.

BUT, I have never journaled, kept a diary, and if you follow my blog, you will know I am inconsistent at best.

I LOVE to read home decorating magazines, such as Romantic Homes and Victoria. I'm an old-fashioned, romantic girl at heart. Should have been born in an English manor. With servants of course. Who I would have treated very well, like a part of the family.

BUT, I can't accessorize or decorate my home for the life of me.

So, what does a girl like me do?

Trust that God knew what He was doing, stop worrying about what I can't do, and focus with purpose on what I can do. I have realized that the more I'm me, the better I am at it.

I wonder if there are women out there who have decided they are disqualified from something because they don't fit into a mold. I kind of envision Satan as walking around with a big rubber stamp and stamping "disqualified" on the hearts of my sweet sisters around the world.

But today I want to tell you that God has already stamped you "qualified" with the blood of Jesus. Not because of your qualifications, but because of His.

So shake off what the world says, and the lies of the enemy, and embrace your calling, in all your unique and beautiful self. If you don't fit the "mold," that must be because God is creating a new one ... and it's called YOU.

With all my love and His,

Glynnis

Why God Tests Us

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I wish I could welcome you with a big hug, and invite you into my kitchen for a cup of coffee! I guess we'll have to settle for a little cyber-chat.

Today I've got a devotion running titled "A Ram is on the Way." Although I've read the story of Abraham and Isaac many times, it was only recently I got the visual image of the ram walking up the other side of the mountain at the same time as Abraham, after reading a segments of the "Knowing Jesus Bible." I hold that image in my mind now when I'm facing an "impossible" situation.

Another thing that hit me reading that passage in Genesis 22 was that it was all a test. We learn that in the first verse of the chapter: "Some time later God tested Abraham."

Personally, I like knowing when a test is coming. In school, I loved having the test schedule in advance. I'm one of those students who needed lots of studying.

If God's tests were pre-announced, I'm sure I'd do much better on them. In fact, I think God should be the like the Public Broadcasting System and announce, "This is only a test. For the next 6 months, it will only look like your finances are tanking. At the end of the time, I will surprise you with a job and then a raise shortly after that."

But that's not how God works. We'd all get A's and what would that prove? It would prove we could study for the test.

Abraham's testing, on the other hand, revealed true faith. Not faith that mouths the words, "I trust You God." But faith that really, really, really trusts God. I'm sure Abraham believed that if God took His son's life, God would raise Him from the dead.

Many times, and in many different situations, God has tested me with the question, "Do you trust Me ... or do you just say you trust Me?"

He has asked me ...

Do you trust Me with your health? Do you trust Me with your children? Do you trust Me with your reputation? Do you trust Me with your dreams? Do you trust Me with your career?

Or do you just say you trust Me?

It has taken numerous pop quizzes for me to really get this concept. Even though the testing was grueling, and the results sometimes revealed my faith wasn't where I wished it was, I'm thankful. I'm thankful God cares enough about me to test me. I'm thankful He longs for my full devotion. I'm thankful that through the testing, my faith is stronger than it's been in the past.

The truth is, we never know when God is testing us. The challenge for me is being honest about where I'm at spiritually. It's only when I acknowledge that truth I can deal with the deeper issues of doubt and misplaced trust.

Is God asking you today, "Do you trust Me, or do you just say you trust Me?"

We live in very difficult times. I know there are many fears that overwhelm my sisters in Christ. If you need to confess some unbelief, please feel free to post a comment. I will pray for you, and I invite the other readers of my blog to pray for you as well. Post it anonymously if need be.

God isn't mad about your shaky faith. I believe He wants to carry you today so you are standing on His unshakable foundation.

In His Love,
Glynnis