The Perfect Fit

January 4, 2022January 6, 2022Leave a comment

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I love online shopping! I know what I want and with a few clicks (depending on the site, maybe one) it can be at my door in just a few days. No lines, crowds, hassles or assistance needed. I have what I want delivered right to my doorstep.

While I love and prefer online shopping, I must confess I am not the greatest at it. Often when my package arrives, I find myself disappointed because the color is not as vibrant as it appeared on my screen, the fabric is not the expected quality, or the sizing is off (because I failed to read the fine print directing me to look at the conversion chart), or it fits but doesn’t quite look the same as it did on the model. Then there have been those occasions where after making my selection, I receive a notification that the item I ordered is on back order and I have to wait longer than I anticipated. These hastily made decisions and lapse in judgement often leave me questioning my purchase.

The problem is, I am so certain about what I think I want that I don’t take the time to consider the purchase. Do I really need it? Is it really the right fit? Am I willing to wait until the item is back in stock? Instead of reading the details about the item – the fabric, the measurements, the shipping origin, I proceed with what I want – far too often disappointed that what I thought would look good on me, is not the right fit for me.

The same can be said about our requests of God. We think we know what we want – whether it’s a relationship, career, or ministry opportunity, only to find out it wasn’t the right fit for us after all.

Sometimes what we want is not what we need. Or maybe, it’s just not the right time. God knows exactly what we need, how to get it to us and when we need it. We need to trust Him to guide us in our decision making – to align our desires with His. It may take more than 2 days to get to us, but when it arrives He guarantees it will be the perfect fit!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6

Keep Opening Those Gifts…

December 28, 2021May 8, 2023Leave a comment

“On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:11

I love to see the excitement on people’s faces when they open their Christmas gifts, especially young children who tend not be as concerned about expressing their joy. The unexpected gifts are always the best. They are the ones given just at the right time to fulfill a long-awaited desire or address a specific need. The gifts are an expression of our love for the recipient or value we place on the relationship.

When the wise men came to see the newborn baby Jesus, they came bearing gifts of various types, for various uses – their best offering. They didn’t just leave their gifts at the altar of the manger, but they opened them so that their value could be displayed. They didn’t offer the gift for a response but as an expression of love for the One who came to give them life.

God has placed many gifts in all of us – valuable gifts, gifts to honor Him and be an extension of His love and goodness to others. These gifts are not for own benefit but to bring joy, hope, encouragement, and inspiration to the lives of others so that they might see the awesomeness of God as His children unwrap their gifts.

Christmas may be over but there are still gifts to be opened. If you are holding on to that gift for a special occasion, the perfect time, or not quite sure about the value of the gift, open it up! There is someone out there waiting for you.

Imagine the joy it brings Your Father when He sees you opening the gifts that He has placed in you.

Keep opening those gifts!

Struggling to Finish…

December 13, 2021December 13, 20211 Comment

Transparent moment…I have difficulty finishing things. I have gotten much better over the years but I struggle when I get to the end of a thing. It often takes a lot of encouragement, caffeine, and a little bit of prodding to accomplish the task at hand. I start off excited, strong, hopeful and as the end nears impatience, fatigue, and frustration sets in – all deterrents from finishing strong. Can you relate?

As I was reading the story of Gideon, it dawned on me that I am not alone.

After overcoming insecurity and becoming the valiant warrior that would defeat many – just as God said he would – he settled for complacency. Settled for doing things the way his people were accustomed to. Returning to what was familiar, perhaps even easier. What happens to us, happens to many. After a strong start, after seeing how God can work through us and on our behalf, we try to finish in our own strength.

Gideon and I are not alone. We share company with Noah (who decided to turn up after being spared from the flood), Moses (who hit the rock because his people were getting on his nerves) and Jehoshaphat (who thought it would be a good idea to help God out by making a deal to protect his people) to name a few. God’s chosen people who temporarily lost sight of the power they had access to and instruction they received to finish their race strong.

As we close out 2021, let us be reminded of the words of Brother Paul and finish our race strong. Whatever it is you need to finish before the end of the year, get back to it, pour yourself into it and finish your race strong. Keep the faith!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” -2 Timothy 4:7

While You Wait…

June 27, 2021June 28, 20211 Comment

I am in the middle of quite a few things in this season of my life…home improvement projects, new projects at work, ministry initiatives, personal goals, and mid-life if I am counting the years…

The middle is often a place of waiting. You have certain expectations – a desired outcome, a preferred timeline, and excitement of seeing whatever you’re waiting for come to pass. Then there’s the anxiety about what’s next, deviations from your plans and timeline, and frustration that comes from feeling stuck when things don’t seem to be going the way you would like them to.

This weekend I received a practical lesson on what to do while you wait. I was in between commitments with a few hours to spare. Part of me wanted to take advantage of the down time – just count down the minutes until the next thing and think about the responsibilities piling up instead of doing what is in front of me while I wait.

As I took inventory of my to do list and assessed my current situation, I stared at a pile (well piles) of clothes I was in the process of transitioning to storage for the next season mixed with some freshly laundered clothes that accumulated throughout the week as I tended to more pressing matters. I started working on each pile until each piece of clothing made it to it’s appropriate location. Working on the thing right in front of me…working while I was waiting.

Then I fixed my attention on a pile of unopened boxes containing some items requiring assembly. Items that were part of a home improvement project that was still in progress. I ignored the boxes because I was waiting for the room to be finished and in my frustration I put them off to the side. I opened the few boxes and started assembling. I started working on the next thing in front of me…working while I was waiting.

Before I knew it, it was almost time to get ready for my appointment. I had lost track of time. I was focused on accomplishing the tasks in front on me. Though the things I was working may not have been directly tied to the actual thing(s) I was waiting for, I felt lighter, less overwhelmed more organized, accomplished and encouraged about the very things I was waiting for. Not only that, I went into my next commitment feeling undistracted, prepared and ready to focus on that particular task.

I am learning how to manage the waiting room (sometimes not as well as I would like) and not neglect the sometimes seemingly small or insignificant things we tend to put off in our arrogance and impatience believing we will take care of them at a later time or better yet when the thing we are waiting for becomes a reality.

Waiting doesn’t mean do nothing or just sit around counting the hours that pass until you arrive at your final destination. There are things waiting for you in the wait. People waiting for you in the wait. Places you need to be in the wait. Things to learn in the wait. Commit yourself to the work in the wait. Do the next thing. Wait well.

Don’t just sit there….there is something for you to do in the wait!

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV

Pick Up Your Crown

June 14, 2021June 14, 2021Leave a comment

‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ‘

1 Peter 2:9

Before the pandemic, I hosted a small group of women for an informal Bible study and time of refreshment. As we shared our experiences, responsibilities and various hats we wear, one of the women shared a statement that made me chuckle but was unfortunately a truth many of us can relate to – “I wear so many hats I just want to ask someone , ‘Can you please take a hat?‘”

As women, we wear and try to balance so many hats…mother, wife, daughter, business woman, employee, ministry leader, mentor, friend, sister, coach, volunteer, and the list goes on. These various hats can cause us at times to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, discouraged, and irritated leading to procrastination, stagnation, neglect, and even anger. If we are not careful, our growing collection of hats can knock off our crown causing us to temporarily lose sight of Who we belong, who we are in Him, and what HE wants us to do.

Polishing and adjusting our crown should be a daily practice. Our crown should identify us as part of the King’s court – on assignment to represent His kingdom and serve others with the grace & love that is part of our DNA completing our daily ensemble.

‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ‘ Colossians 3:12-14

While there may be hats we can put on a shelf for a season or hand over to another eager owner, we can not afford to take off our crown. You may need to adjust it from time to time…just don’t let it come off.

Remember who you are…YOU ARE ROYALTY.

Pick up your crown!

What do you see?

October 25, 2020Leave a comment

I recently watched a movie where the main character had an overwhelming desire to be attractive. She felt unloved, unwanted, overlooked, and overweight – when in fact she wasn’t any of those things…at least to those that mattered. Through a series of made for movie events – including a bump on the head, she ended up believing that she was pretty.

While she believed with all her heart that her physical appearance changed, it didn’t. It was what she thought about herself that changed. As a result, she was more confident, outgoing, courageous and carefree – living her life to the fullest (sadly though at times her personality wasn’t so pretty…that’s a word for another day).

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, it is important that we see ourselves correctly. We need to believe what Our Father says about us and how He sees us so that we can live in the fullness of all that He desires for us.

Don’t allow the world, social media, culture or other people to determine what you see when you look in the mirror. Allow them to see the beauty that is inside of you…the hope of glory, Christ in you (Colossians 1:27).

You are:

Beautiful. (Psalm 45:11, Song of Solomon 4:7)
Made in His image. (Genesis 1:27)
Fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
Precious. (Isaiah 43:4)
Loved. (John 3:16, I John 4:9-10)
Chosen. (Ephesians 1:4, I Peter 2:9)
God’s handiwork. (Ephesians 2:10)
A special possession. (I Peter 2:9)
A crown of splendor. (Isaiah 62:3)
Royalty. (I Peter 2:9)

True transformation begins the moment you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, allowing Him to reign in your heart as King. He can help you adjust your vision so that you can see yourself as the king/queen He has created you to be.

Now let me ask again…when you look in the mirror, what do you see? Let Him transform you.

CRY OUT!

October 4, 2020October 5, 2020Leave a comment

“…but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”” – Luke 18:39

Sometimes it may seem pointless to call on God. We may feel that our situation is impossible or we have been crying out for so long and our situation has not changed. It can seem as if our desperate pleas for help go unheard. We don’t understand. Those around us don’t understand. They watch us worship, serve, cry out and wonder where God is when we need Him most. Some may even encourage us to stop our seemingly unheard prayers – or we may give up on our own because we can’t see how God is going to change our situation.

“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:35-43‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Bartimaeus wanted to see. He probably hoped all of his life to have his sight. He heard about the miracles Jesus did, believed Jesus could change his situation and had faith to cry out when He knew He was near. The men who tried to silence him probably didn’t see any hope for Bartimaeus’ situation. They didn’t want him to distract the Master from His Father’s business. But Bartimaeus’ faith would not allow him to remain silent. While he couldn’t see any of the miracles Jesus performed, he could hear the testimony of others, he was aware of the power of crying out His Name. He believed Jesus could give him the one thing he desired. His faith restored his sight.

Don’t let ANYONE – the enemy, your family, friends or even YOU, silence your prayers. Despite what you can or cannot see, don’t give up! Keep crying out to the One who is capable of changing you and your situation.

Father, Thank You for hearing us when we call on Your Powerful Name. We know that all things are possible through You. Even when we can’t see what You are doing, help us to remember that You are working all things out for our good. Thank You for restoring our spiritual sight and increasing our faith to trust You in every area of our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Love is Hard

September 27, 2020January 14, 2022Leave a comment

Loving others is easy when things are going good, the person looks like us, has similar interests, or they comply with our wishes (demands) or can be counted on to return a favor.

Love is not as easy when we have to love those that get on our last nerve – the ones that don’t see eye to eye (nor will they ever), the ones that seem the neediest, the ones that push the last button, the ones you ignore when their name pops up on your phone – those that don’t treat us the way we believe we deserve to be treated. Love is hard. I wish Brother Paul would have spent a little bit more time warning us in his famous love chapter just how difficult loving others can be at times.

When I am challenged in my own love walk, I think about all the times that I was and can be difficult to love. The times that I am cranky, unforgiving, frustrated, rebellious, the times that I hurt more than I love – a poor representative of my Father. In those times, there was always someone who still loved me despite what attitude I was taking on that particular moment. Sure, there may have been a family member, friend or brother/sister in Christ that loved me in those least desirable moments. But even their best love is limited. It is God’s love for me that never changes. His love still amazes me. Despite my unlovable moments, He is always right there loving, covering and reminding me to give the same love that He freely gives to me. His love looks past all of my mess and sees His child, who He will always love.

“This is love. Not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” I John 4:10-12

As believers and followers of Jesus, when we choose to lay aside our opinions, preferences, and judgments, we are allowing the world to see God’s love through us.

Father, help us to grasp the depth of Your love that surpasses knowledge so that we would be filled to the measure of the fullness of You that we might be able to love our brothers and sisters with the love that You have showed us. Amen.

Remember what Jesus said: ““If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:32-36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Waiting…

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020Leave a comment

Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile on Pexels.com

I don’t like waiting. Period.

I want what I want when I want it. I like to have the details, the expected wait times, and timelines in front of me. Slow wi-fi and computer start ups cause me to tap on my mouse pad a little faster. Waiting on people frustrates me, long lines annoy me (or any line if I am being honest) which is why I am thankful for advance ordering and pick up options. However, even with that there is the possibility that waiting is required. Waiting tends to make me tired, frustrated and cranky. As you can see, I am not too fond of waiting.

I have to sadly admit, I am the same way with God. I am way too eager to see His plan unveiled, anxious to get out of the trial, ready to share what He is sharing with me without giving it time to settle in my own heart. I want to know all the details, the timeline, and reason for the wait. Though I know God is faithful, I tend to be impatient during the wait – missing out on the benefits of the wait. Often missing what is happening in the moment because I am too focused on what is on the other side of the wait. Neglecting those I am supposed to be serving while I wait. Not taking care of the things that I need to while I wait. Missing the lesson in the wait.

Why do we have to wait?!?!?!

“My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be complete, lacking nothing.” – James 1:2-4

Waiting is part of life. The wait is important. Learning how to wait is part of maturity. Waiting well is called patience. Patience is learned. Patience requires practice, which means we can expect many opportunities to let patience work in us. It is in those moments of waiting that our faith increases as our patience is being developed…so that as James reminds us…we will be complete, lacking nothing allowing God to work His perfect plan for our lives. There’s a lot happening during the wait. Trust Him.

Just because we don’t like something, does not mean it’s not good for us…

Wait well.

Father God, Give us the grace to wait well and trust what You are doing while we wait. Amen

Honor Her

May 10, 2020Leave a comment

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring praises at the city gate.” -Proverbs 31:31

Whether she is your mother by birth or stood in the gap so that you could experience the love of a mother…

Whether you are blessed to still have your mother here or holding on to bitter sweet memories of her as she watches over you…

Whether she is your mother or someone else’s….

Honor her.

Each of us has been gifted with a woman to love, nurture, care, teach, encourage and celebrate us. Maybe her presence in your life was seasonal but her impact lasted a lifetime. These women have sacrificed of themselves so that we could be the best version of ourselves. They honored us. They cried for and with us. They prayed for us. They challenged us. They set a standard for us to follow. They always see the best in us, while lovingly helping us correct the worst in us.

It is because of them, we are the women, the mothers, the grandmothers, the daughters, the sisters, the aunts, and the friends we are today.

Celebrate her.

Love her.