The God of Second Chances

This past weekend, God gave me another chance to do the right thing.  It's a chance I won't mess up. 

You see, this past weekend my youngest son and husband went to Rocky Point, Mexico on a short mission trip.  They went with a team of doctors and nurses to set up a weekend medical clinic.  Since they don't have any medical experience, they played with the children of patients.

They had a great time and got back in time for a Mother's Day celebration with our family.  On Sunday evening, while cleaning the kitchen, Robbie and I were talking about the trip.  My husband had already told me Robbie had a great time, and everyone was impressed with how hard he worked, and how personable he is.  (The proud momma in me loved that!)

Robbie had his back to me, washing a counter, and said quietly, "I think I may have found my calling."

My response Sunday night was VERY different than it would have been seven years ago.  Seven years ago, shamefully, I wouldn't have been very supportive.  ALL I would have thought about is how far away that might take the boy I love desperately.  I would have thrown in a few "motherly" cautions and warnings.  I might have expressed my concern not so much in words, but in held back affirmations.  You see, I've done that. 

Seven years ago, when his oldest brother wanted to go to Honduras at age 12, that's how I responded. He'd already gone to Mexico on a mission trip and it changed him.  He wanted to pursue mission work. I never said no, but he eventually dropped the subject. 

I'm ashamed.  I've repented with many tears for allowing my fears to hold back my son from obeying God's calling. I've lived with the "what ifs" for years.  What if I had done all I could to allow Josh to explore this potential calling?  What would it have done in Josh's heart?

Sunday night, Robbie got a very different response.  This time, I had to restrain my enthusiasm so he didn't feel embarrassed by my emotional response.  A second chance had just been placed in my lap, and I wasn't about to mess it up. 

"That's awesome!" I said, stopping cleaning and turning to face him.  "Have you thought about another trip you'd like to take? The church sponsors lots of trips."  (whoa back, Glynnis ... I could feel myself getting excited)

"I'd like to go back to Mexico."

"What about Uganda or Honduras?"  I suggested. (Hint, hint ... I REALLY wasn't going to mess it up.)

"I think I'd like to try Mexico again before taking a bigger trip".  (Well ... he's still got a bit of me in him)

"Robbie,"  I said, making sure he saw the confidence and pride in my eyes.  "We will do what it takes to allow you to go on any mission trip you want."

"Thanks Mom"

And in my heart I heard Someone say, "Thanks Glynnis"

I smiled. No, thank You Lord for a second chance.


My friend, if you are the mother of younger children, please remember my story.  From one mom to another. We can help each other raise children who will be bold for God, by saying "yes" when God plants something in their hearts, and then turning to each other and expressing our fears.  If you struggle with this, I know your pain.  But I also know that regret and disobedience is worse. 

If you ever need some encouragement to say "yes" to the dreams God places in your child's heart - I'm here.  Drop me a note and I'll pray for you. 

In His Love,
Glynnis

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

The power of James 5:16

I have always avoided the appearance of weakness.  I never wanted to be the woman who screamed when seeing a bug.  (Although I will confess to screaming at a big cockroach that almost touched me once).  Squealing is not in my vocabulary.  Dramatic over-reaction - no way.  Falling apart emotionally was for others.

Instead, I've prided myself (note that word, please) on being the strong one.  On being the cool head in the crowd, the get-it-done girl, the one you could count on.

Then a breast lump scare took me down into a tailspin of fear.  For two weeks fear had me in a vice grip.  I couldn't eat.  Couldn't sleep.  Actually physically shook at times with the fear. It was not normal fear - in fact, I know now that it was a spiritual attack.  And I didn't tell anyone - I was too embarrassed.

Through a dream God revealed the way out of that fear - and it was found in the words of James 5:16:

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

At first I resisted that verse, thinking "my fear isn't sin."  Then I understood that the "sin" was my pride.  My pride kept me from telling anyone the depth of my fear. My pride maintained the appearance that I had it all together. I was a small group leader ... what would they think of me if they knew how afraid she was?  Would it ruin my leadership?

Through confessing the depth of my fear, God healed me of it.  And very possibly healed me physically as well - I'll never know since the tests results were all normal.

And my leadership ... it only strengthened. I've been able to minister to many more women through that experience than ever. It was another of Satan's lies to get me to keep quiet about my struggle and to keep me from experiencing God's miraculous power.

Paul said this:  "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." (Acts 20:24)

And this, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." (2 Cor. 12:9)


While I still don't scream at bugs, I'm learning that God's power is increasingly manifested in my life when I admit my weaknesses - not just to myself and Him - but to others.  It doesn't make sense to this in-control girl, but I've seen God work miracles in me when I boldly live according to His Word - and trust Him with my reputation and ministry.  It happened this week in fact.

So thank you for your prayers .  Thank you for your outpouring of encouragement these past two days.  I've actually experienced some miraculous relief from some symptoms of stress I was having.  I'm experiencing God's peace.  As I've desperately prayed to NOT respond out of my own emotion and disobey - God has calmed me emotionally so I can think with His wisdom and clarity.

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  For being sisters in Christ who stepped up next to me in a very weak moment, for speaking words of truth, for not judging me, for praying the prayers of a righteous woman.

And thank you for praying for my daughter.  I'm confident God has a mighty plan and purpose for her life.  I know she will have a great testimony one day.  One day, she will understand the impact of a mighty band of praying women.

Love,
Glynnis

For what will you sacrifice your reputation?

In reading about the life of Jesus, there's one thing I know for sure:  Jesus didn't really care about His reputation with the religious establishment. 

He loved the people of God's church.  But He didn't define His ministry by what they thought.

• If He did, He never would have allowed a sinful woman to wipe His feet with her tears.
• He never would have dined with tax collectors.
• He never would have protected an adulterous woman.
• He never would have allowed His disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath.

I imagine Jesus saying, "I don't have time to be bothered by your man-made rules.  I'm about my Father's business of searching for the lost and bringing them home."

I've spent most of my life peeling away the traditions of man to follow the calling of God.  It hasn't always been easy.  And I'm so far from where I want to be.   Even still when I hear God's voice in my ear to do something "risky,"  I hear another voice saying, "What will they think?"  

Will it tarnish my reputation?
Will it diminish my impact?
Will it cause someone to stumble?

While I care deeply about those three things, I care more about obeying God's call - whatever it looks like.

I wrote in my devotion running on P31 and Crosswalk about a time I had to choose where to sit.  That was a simple example of a bigger principle I grapple with - laying down my pride to be obedient.  This takes many forms in my life, not just who I hang out with at a reception. 

Last year I did something very risky for an author - I decided to not pursue a speaking ministry at this time.  It was an agonizing decision because non-fiction authors really should be out speaking to promote their books.  I felt like I was letting my publisher down, and I worried what it would do to my career and my reputation as an "expert."

But God clearly told me to lay it down in favor of my family.  If you've read my blog for any length of time, you'll know my husband and I have five teenagers at home.  Two of our children have significant cognitive and emotional needs. And I'm kind of the calming glue around the house.  When I leave, there always seems to be a meltdown.  For now, I need to be home more, especially on the weekends. 

The good news  is God is is already making ways for me to market and promote my writing without having to travel.  I'll share more in the coming months about that.

I've wrapped up my reputation and layed it in the hands of Someone I trust many times.  And He always cares for it tenderly, protecting it on my behalf.  He's my defender when the whispers of judgement slither past. I imagine Him standing firm between me and judging eyes.  And I also hearing Him challenge me to go further ... to be braver ... to risk more for loving the lost ... to care more about Him than my reputation. 

Now it's your turn.  Have you ever risked your reputation to obey God?  What did you do?  

I've got two copies of Lysa TerKeurst's book "Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed" to give away to two people who post a comment.  I'll announce the winner on Monday. Please make sure to leave a way to contact you - or check back if you want to post anonymously.  I'll choose at random and include the posting time.

Also on Monday, I'll be announcing a contest to win a scholarship to She Speaks.  You won't want to miss this contest if you are a writer.

Thanks for joining me today.

In His Love,
Glynnis

I only have to do what I'm supposed to do

Every once in awhile we get a "You should" email at P31.  You probably know the kind of letters I'm talking about.  They aren't mean-spirited (usually) or unkind (mostly).  But they are from well-meaning readers who think we should be doing something other than what we are doing. 

We love these people.  We truly do.  But we don't change ourselves, our principles or practices, because they want us to.

It's kind of like the advocate for adoption who thinks everyone should adopt.  Or the missionary to Africa who thinks every one should be helping Africa. 

I was called to adopt from Africa ... so maybe those examples aren't that good.

Anyway ...

The truth is, I only have to do what I'm supposed to do.  Not what you think I should do.

I might be able to do it well.  That's not the point.  I might enjoy doing it. That's still not the point.  Am I called to do it by God?  Now we are getting somewhere. 

Here's my take on it:   If everyone did what God called her to do, everything would get done.  Period. 

So do what God is calling you to do, and don't worry about what anyone else is or isn't doing.

Now for a winner to my contest on Wednesday.  Chosen at random, the winner of two Bible studies on the Character of God and a Starbucks gift card is Natalie who posted her comment at January 13, 2011 9:46 AM.   Natalie, I'll email you privately for your address.  If you don't hear from me, please contact me personally at editor@proverbs31.org.

Question:  What has God asked you to do that you haven't done yet?  Are you brave enough to share?  Post anonymously if necessary. 

Grace & Peace,

Glynnis

A heart that says "yes" before being asked

Monday I wrote about Joseph's part in the Christmas story, and how he was willing to sacrifice his reputation for Christ.  Today, I want to share my insights regarding Mary, the mother of Jesus. 

Mary was a wonderful woman. Among all the wonderful characteristics of Mary, the one that stands out to me the most when I think about giving a gift to God, is that Mary had a heart that was ready to say “yes” to anything God asked. And God knew that.

God sent an angel to give Mary the good news that she was highly favored. We read the account in Luke 1:30-38:

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

Mary doesn’t argue or complain. She does have a technical question, but what woman wouldn’t?

Mary’s answer reflects a heart that was already submitted and in agreement to whatever God would ask of her. God knew the trials His beloved Son would face, and God had to choose a woman who wasn’t going to flake out on Him! God had to choose a woman strong enough to endure what Mary was going to endure as a mother. I believe He chose the best mother on the planet at that time. Wouldn’t you?

I imagine God had a list of requirements for the mother of Jesus. She had to be a woman of great character,

• a woman committed to personal righteousness,

• a woman humble enough to put God’s wishes first,

• a woman who would faithfully raise her son and teach Him about God,

• a woman who wouldn’t fall apart at the first sign of trouble,

• a woman who would stand by Jesus when He was falsely accused of heresy,

• a woman who wouldn’t shrink away when her son was beaten and forced to carry a cross through the streets with people spitting at Him,

• and, the woman who would raise God’s Son must be willing to let Him die so that the world would be saved.

God knew that Mary had the character and fortitude to say “yes” to all He would ask.

When I think about God choosing Mary among all the women in the world, I wonder if He does the same today.  When He has a great assignment does He look among all His daughters to see which one has the resoluteness to carry it out?  Which one will say "yes" then do what she says?

Mary's story prompts me to be more like that:  trustworthy, determined, unflappably devoted. 

I hope it does the same for you.

In His Love,
Glynnis

Pursuing Excellence in Ministry

When my son Josh was in junior high, he took guitar lessons.  He had played bass guitar for three years, but wanted to expand his skills.

Josh has a laid-back personality, which made him a joy to raise.  But that relaxed attitude wasn't sitting well with his guitar teacher.   This teacher was a professional musician with high standards.  Rightly so.  He was one of the best, and expected a good effort from his students.

But his style clashed with Josh's personality, and the teacher was often frustrated because Josh hadn't practiced enough to master whatever skill had been taught the week before.  Very soon we realized it wasn't the best fit for Josh at that time.  Although Josh wanted to play guitar, the truth was he wasn't putting forth much effort. 

At one of our last appointments, the teacher spoke with me privately.  He knew we were Christians, and he was too.  He shared his personal frustration about the Christian youth he had taught:

"Sadly, the people who have most reason to pursue playing with excellence, don't."

I've never forgotten that statement.  He was right.  I didn't agree with his generalized negative observation - I'd seen plenty of musicians offering their best.  My son did have potential and became a wonderful guitar player and worship leader for the youth of our church. 

But I agreed with him about Christians having the best reason for pursuing excellence.

As Christians, the Bible tells us that whatever we do, whether it be making dinner, cleaning the bathroom, going to school, or serving in ministry .... whatever we do .... we are to do it as if for the Lord.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24) 

I thought about that teacher because I'm teaching some conference calls on writing to She Speaks graduates.  These women are pursuing excellence in their writing.  They are investing money and time in the calling God has put on their lives.  They are taking hold of the vision God placed on their heart and are going for it.  With passion and abandon.  I'm so proud of them.

In two weeks, our speaking conference calls begin, and many of those same women have signed up for those.  In case you didn't attend She Speaks, or are looking for a way to invest in your own speaking ministry, I also want to share an ongoing service that P31 is offering for speakers.  It's called the Next Step Speaker Services.  Amy Carroll and Karen Ehman are offering a speaking critique service for an affordable price. They can help you with:

• Message Development

• Message Evaluation
• Creating Compelling Marketing
• Ministry Organization

They just started it a few months ago, and we are all trying to help spread the word.  This is a way you can pursue excellence in your call to speak. 
Even if you don't want to invest any money right now, visit the Next Step Speaker Services website for informative articles on speaking and a free weekly speaking tip.


What passion has God put on your heart?    And how are you pursuing excellence in it? 

Feel free to use this blog as a place to declare your intent to offer your best to the One who deserves it.

In His Love,

Glynnis

Hearing God Speak ... To Me

I'd like to extend a warm welcome to those of you who are visiting, especially if you have just read my devotion on Proverbs 31 about hearing God Speak.  I also have a post on At the Well today, and want to welcome any visitors from that site as well. 

In my P31 devotion today, I wrote about a time in my life when I started hearing God speak to me.  I'm so used to it now, that it's hard to remember the time before.  But for many, many years, I never expected God to speak to me with a specific message.  And I never asked Him to either. 

It didn't have anything to do with my level of faith, or passion for Christ.  During those years I was on fire for God, and served Him in many areas.  And now, that I heard God's voice on a regular basis, I don't think I'm a "better" Christian than before.  I don't think I'm more spiritual.  I've just think I've learned something new.

To hear God's voice I need to position myself in a place of quiet.

This is repeated through the Bible.  Moses heard God speak in the wilderness and on top of a mountain.   Mary heard God speak through an angel when she was alone.  Jesus went off by Himself to pray and hear from His Father.  They were positioned geographically in a place of quiet.  And quiet of many kinds seems to be an important ingredient in hearing from God.

Sometimes God speaks to people when they are in a place of emotional quiet.  Loneliness can put us in that place.  Peace can put us in that place.  Ceasing to strive can put us in that place. 

Sometimes God speaks to people when they are in a place of spiritual quiet.  This is a place I choose to go when I need to hear from God.  This is when I stop presenting Him with a to-do list in my prayers.  This is when I ask Him to speak and just wait.   And wait.   And wait some more. 

In a place of spiritual quiet I'm leaning in to hear God's whisper.  I'm attuned to see the supernatural in the natural.   I'm expectant of heart.  I long.  I listen.  And then, sometimes, clearly, sometimes faintly, I hear.

How do I know it's God?  Well, it's always different.  I always know it's NOT God when it doesn't line up with Scripture or it sends me in a selfish direction.  While God has directed me to focus on myself at times, it's never at the expense of others.  Usually, I know it's God when it confirms Scripture, brings good to someone else, encourages me in obedience to something I've already heard, and/or it pushes me out of my comfort zone.

This past weekend at She Speaks, Karen Ehman challenged us to fast from somethings so we can feast on others.  In my case, 12 years ago, God decided I needed to fast from just about everything so I could hear from Him.  It worked!   Now, I choose to fast.  (In part so God doesn't need to take any more drastic measures with me ... smile).   

I choose to fast from too much activity, from busyness, from demanding my own way, and often from noise.  Even though I work at home, most days I work in silence ... until 2:20 p.m. when the first of my five joys comes home from school.  This weekend, I "heard" God tell me to fast from the morning news.  I'm guessing He needs to talk to me then. 

I've learned a lot about hearing from God from my friend Lysa TerKeurst.  Lysa has some incredible, miraculous stories about how God used her when she simply positioned herself in a position to hear, and then obeyed.  If you read my devotion, you know she's connected to my first experience in hearing God speak to me.  I'm not surprised He would connect me with Lysa since she's been an inspiration to me since I've met her.

In fact, when Lysa read my devotion in its draft stage, she offered to give away one of her books on my blog.  So today, we'll be giving away a copy of "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God."   You can enter to win by posting a comment on my blog today.  I'll pick someone to win at 5 p.m. (PST) on Wednesday 8/4, so make sure you leave a way for me to contact you.  I'll post the winner on my blog on Thursday. Thank you Lysa!

Thanks so much for joining me today.

In His Love,

Glynnis