God likes to communicate to each one of us in very different ways. God often communicates to me when I am in the shower. I think it is because it is the one place where I can get complete quiet the majority of the time. I can’t answer the phone, text or email, or make out the song playing on the speakers in the background and I can feign deafness on account of the water and the glass partition should a child try and speak to me.

It is just God and I.

Recently, during one of my lengthy showers (my excuse is my alone time), I felt God preparing me for a storm. This wasn’t going to be a quick thunderstorm. No, it was going to be a hurricane type storm. I could see the storm system in the steam as clear as it would look on the CNN radar. It was a monster category 5. “Great,” I mumbled. “Isn’t my whole life a storm lately? What else could there be?”

So, God warned me of the coming storm. Not sure I was thankful for the warning, or perhaps it was the trial I was not thankful for, but nevertheless, I had been warned. Every day I checked in to see where the storm was headed. Was it still headed for me? What was its verocity? Was there anything I could do to prepare? Days lingered and I could still see the storm in the steam. There was nothing life changing happening, just a sense that all was not well.

Radio silence.

Anxiety crept in. Fear crept in. Anger crept in. It was like walking on egg shells that day. I kept thinking that any minute, the hammer would drop.

Nothing.

Whew, I survived day one. Then the next day. And then the next.

By the fourth or fifth day, I was convinced that perhaps I should try and take cooler showers.

And then one day it hit me. All of my anxiety, fear and frustration about this storm were gone – but nothing had happened either way – things hadn’t gotten any better or any worse. However, what I noticed was my responses to the things that were going on were changing. I was clearly convinced that no matter what, God was in this storm with me and He had me here for a reason. He had even warned me of the coming storm – how awesome is He?

You see, I had been telling God for quite some time that I was sure all of my problems and trials had nothing to do with me. I mean, hadn’t I already worked everything out with God? For sure, everything going on had something to do with someone else in my life.

The neon sign was flashing, “Reality check – reality check!”

Our trials are training grounds. So many lessons can be learned during these times of adversity. How we respond really says a lot about us - our pride, our control, our emotions and our neediness. They also highlight how important God really is, or isn't, in our lives.

I am in the middle of doing a Bible study by James MacDonald, When Life is Hard. In one of the lessons, it asked the question, “How did this test strengthen your faith and prepare you for further testing?” My response was, “It is bringing me closer to the Lord. It has strengthened my foundation (the cracks I have mismanaged).” This trial turned it back on me.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus instructs us to be like the wise man who builds his house upon a solid rock (foundation) and to not be like the foolish man who builds his house on the sand. What happens when our foundation is solid, but we neglect our house? What happens when we allow the cracks to occur, when we fail to water and nurture it, when we fail to have it inspected? What happens when weather happens that is out of our control or when tree roots (whether ours or a neighbor’s) grow into the foundation? Even if our foundation is solid, it will not exist without blemish indefinitely.

A foundation is much like us. We can be firmly planted, but things will affect us. And much different than a foundation, we are living, created beings who must grow. And the only way to grow is to learn and experience.

I am still in the eye of the storm and some days are much worse than others. Yet, I can see Jesus on the other side. I do not know when the storm will pass and when the sun will shine, but I do know that it will end. I don’t know what the damage will be once the storm is over, but I do know that Jesus will be waiting there for me and He will help me pick up the pieces. I truly am joyful in the midst of the storm.

Isn’t this what God wants for all of us? He wants to be our Comforter and our Helper. If we could do everything on our own, there would have been no need for the Cross. If God didn’t love us, He wouldn’t take the time train us or teach us – just like if you didn’t love your child(ren) you wouldn’t take the time to train them or teach them. God loves us through all of it.

Are you in the middle of a storm? Are you heading into a storm? Have you just come through a storm? How is your foundation? Are there any repairs that need to be made? Prepare yourself.

“But He knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” (Job 23:10)

Prior to retiring (aka becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom) ten years ago, I had a job in a law firm. I was a paid worker – I clocked in and I clocked out. I wasn’t really vested in the firm other than the fact that it gave me a paycheck twice a month. I knew what our basic goals were as a firm (serve our clients, bill our clients and make money), but never really had a clue about how we reached those goals, what they stood for and what the greater picture was. I have a business degree so I get the general understanding of what a business needs to do in order to run, but I’ve just never been in a position where my input was sought out in the strategic planning.

Or so I thought.

Our house adheres to a patriarchal leadership style. I am completely okay with that. My husband is technically the CEO. My husband leads us by his example of working hard, making ethical choices, being available when we need him to listen and is accountable to all the employees and the shareholders. On the other hand, my role as a mother is equally as important. I also need to work hard, make ethical choices, be available and I am definitely accountable to not only the shareholders, but also to the CEO. There are many days when it feels like complete mayhem and often times it feels as though our shareholders are plotting a hostile takeover. It is grueling in the trenches, yet very rewarding.

One day as I was talking out loud to myself about the chaos of the day, my oh-so-wise 3 year old pointed out, “Momma, if we don’t know the rules, how do we know what to do?” Straight to the heart. Doesn’t it seem that conviction is often handed to us out of the mouth of babes?

I acknowledged his point and my mind started spinning. Haven’t I said what was expected of them and what is and isn’t acceptable like a million times? I felt like I had, but perhaps I wasn’t clear enough. Writing things down wasn’t always an option because only one of them could read at the time. I thought I had been doing it right by verbalizing the rules. What I quickly realized that even if they couldn’t read, they needed something to go to, something tangible to keep them on track.

The rules of the house are but just one piece of the puzzle. The biggest piece is why those rules even matter. During this life lesson, I started to examine myself. Isn’t this what God likes to do in these types of moments? He likes to mold us during our weakness and seeking. In order for me to lead my children, I first needed to be able to lead myself. What was needed of me in order to do this?

What did I envision for my marriage, my family, and myself? Were we working toward the same common goal? How was I able to evaluate this?

Running a household isn’t much different from the business world. Without a clear focus, things can go astray. Ken Blanchard in Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge states, “If leaders want people to give their all and put their hearts into their work, leaders must make sure people know where they are going.” As parents, we are leaders. As Christians, we are leaders. It is therefore imperative that we lay the foundation for our families as to where they are going and the importance of that goal.

This led my family and I to put together a family mission/vision statement, along with a set of household rules. These weren’t meant to oppress my children or limit their God given creativity, but rather to help them see the path ahead more clearly. At the center of our vision/mission is God – “We are a family of Jesus followers who are committed to doing all that we do to the glory and excellence of God and to serve others as lights unto the world.”

This statement is written down and displayed so that we can see it and be reminded about it at all times. This statement allows us to measure our results all the time and encourage our strengths and weaknesses. Once we are able to understand that these aren’t just a human set of rules and goals, but rather a divine goal, it helps to build not only performance driven results, but it also encourages personal growth.

The world is a busy place and we can often lose sight of our ultimate goal. But if we take the time to lay the groundwork for our children, for our families and for ourselves, it will be rewarded. For “where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)

What is your vision/mission?

Quick correction from my post this week. The Chapter in Amos that I referenced should actually be Chapter 3, title remains the same. Sorry, my notes referenced v. 2 and I got off track.

Perhaps I shouldn't write while I am sick with fever....?!?!?!

Blessings!

Disclaimer: This topic is very controversial. However, my prayer is that my writing is portrayed not as a sign of judgment, condemnation or hate, but rather written out of pure love and obedience.

Recently after a heated discussion about abortion, I retreated to the solitude of my prayer closet. I cried out to God about why in the world was I a part of that conversation and how was I to handle the outcome of that conversation. I was frustrated, sad and felt completely alone. It was at that moment that a scripture was dropped on my heart – Ezekiel 2:7. Admittedly, I cannot quote the book of Ezekiel. I grabbed my Bible and flipped it open and read it, “You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious.” (NLT) It was as if God himself was there wiping my tears from my face, holding my hand and gently assuring me that what I was doing was what He has called me to do. I couldn’t stop reading at just that passage so I continued on. In Chapter 3, God tells Ezekiel that he isn’t sending him into a land that doesn’t know his language so they, and he, can’t use that as an excuse for understanding. He also assures Ezekiel that He made Ezekiel with the same hard-heart and forehead as the rest of them so don’t be afraid. Then, this next verse stopped me in my tracks, “If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die for their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.” (Ezekiel 3:18-19)

Now, I don’t know about you, but that is heavy anyway you look at it. And, I learned early on in my Christian walk that fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. I have a very real respect and fear of God. When He speaks, I better listen, not just for my own sake, but for the sake of others as well. So here goes.

I haven’t always been pro-life. In fact, a higher percentage of my life has been pro-choice and/or indifferent. However, I want to share a glimpse of my journey with you about my conversion from pro-choice to pro-life.

I have never personally faced the choice of aborting a baby nor do I (at least not to my knowledge) personally know anyone that has made that choice. But what I have faced is the sorrow of miscarriage. The complete disappointment and sadness that comes from losing a baby, not of my own will, that is growing inside of my body. That baby, no matter the gestational period, was very real to me and I have a sincere, hopeful anticipation of a reunion in heaven someday. I have also had the blessing of birthing three beautiful and healthy babies. I have gotten to see them take their first breath, cry for the first time, sleep on my chest, nurse for the first time, snuggle, grow, laugh, crawl, walk, cry some more, speak and love. Losing them now would be tough because I have had the opportunity to know them, but losing a fetus never affords a person of that opportunity.

God is gracious in that He gives each one of us free will – the ability to choose right or wrong. However, each choice results in a consequence whether we like to think it does or not. But ultimately, God always wants us to choose life. He gave us His son so that we may each have the opportunity to have life. God always chooses life not death. We, on the other hand, quite often choose death over life because of our stubbornness and rebelliousness.

In 2011 alone, many sources report that there were 20-40 million abortions conducted worldwide. Can you imagine? The number is hard to exact because it is hard to track legal versus illegal abortions and obviously some countries report data more than others. If God is the Creator of all things, then what does that make the person who chooses to de-create God’s creation that was made in His image? Once the fetus is aborted, God cannot recreate that exact image – there has been only one immaculate conception, Jesus – unless He chooses to do so for a point.

Many will argue that abortion, and the right to choose, is just a symptom of a much larger problem. And I say, “Yes, it is.” It goes back to the choice thing. If we continually go about our business making our own choices without affirming God’s hand in this world, then yes, our symptoms will only get worse. A couple days ago, the book of Amos was laid on my heart – Chapter 2 to be exact - “Three Messages of Judgment Against Israel.” These were serious prophetic warnings from God to the Israelites who were too wrapped up in their own world to listen. Sounds a lot like the world today.

What does this all mean? Well, for one dear Christians, we cannot stand around spouting hate and condemnation. Instead, we need to be available to pick up the pieces. We need to be available to cover the uncovered and love the unloved. Think there are too many “unwanted” children in foster care or orphanages? Then become one who wants them. Don’t think that it is someone else’s job, worry or calling. We are all called to care for orphans – “caring for orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). We don’t know why God creates a life, but we do know that He has a purpose for all life. Find a way to serve women who are facing this difficult decision. Better yet, serve where the pregnancy rates are highest to share the Gospel with them so they too may experience the value of life and God’s purpose for each one of them. Help them understand what good and bad choices look like - read the Bible with them.

I am pro-life because I value the life I get to live everyday here on Earth and the eternal life that I have been graciously offered through the sacrifice of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am pro-life because I am absolutely overwhelmed with grief when I read obituaries and hear of people losing loved ones and the question of where that person will spend eternity is on my heart. It really isn’t always the case that their loved one is watching over them in heaven. They never knew or accepted God here on this Earth so why would He prepare a place for them in heaven?

There is only one way to receive life – and the Way is Christ (John 14:6). As your heart begins to soften, your eyes will see new light.

Oh yes I did. I didn't get reprimanded right away or even notice any life-changing events, but I really should have been smacked in the head right away.

Because of God's grace, my immature, naive and arrogant (these are all words I am using to describe myself) behavior was tolerated at that moment (at least that is what I thought anyway) and wasn't completely brought to light for almost five years.

Almost a year ago, I was in the middle of recruiting friends to join my small group project for one of my seminary classes. I sent out a whole bunch of requests, but one response stood out the most. It said, "I would love to join you, but I don't have time because of work. Hopefully when I retire, I'll have more time for this kind of thing." This was one of many "no" responses that day so I was feeling a little glum and this email completely rubbed me the wrong way.

"What kind of "thing" is she talking about," I mumbled to myself. "Is she saying she doesn't have time for God? How ridiculous is that?"

And right then, there it was. That still, small voice in my head. It said, "Hmmmm...I think I've heard something like that before. Do you have any idea who I could be talking about?" "Yes," I said, "All the other people who have told me "no" today."

"Uh, no, not exactly," that still, small voice said. And then, as clear as day, an image popped into my head. It was me with a toddler on my hip spouting on about how God would have to be patient with me since my children flat out refused to go into the church nursery. "God will just have to be patient and wait for us," I said. Snap! Snap!

Maybe it should have been SLAP! SLAP!

Who in the world did I think I was and what in the world was I thinking? Me, little 'ol me, telling God, the creator of all the universe, controller of everything, to be patient. Did I think I was the boss of him? Clearly, I did.

God really is a patient and loving God, but I can almost see his hand raising to his head saying, "I am fed up to here with her nonsense." And most often, he should be.

God waits for us to come to Him. He tells us to knock, seek and find - the perfect picture of patience. I do not know whether I will have tomorrow or the next day, or even the next five minutes for that matter. God is patient and loving, but there is no indication anywhere that he will wait for us indefinitely.

Have you asked Him to wait lately?

"Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)

Recently in the news Alaska Airlines announced that it would be discontinuing its distribution of prayer cards to in-flight meals. Brad Tilden, president of Alaska Airlines said, “This difficult decision was not made lightly,” and Bill Ayer, chairman of Alaska Air Group, the airline’s parent company, said in a statement, “We believe it's the right thing to do in order to respect the diverse religious beliefs and cultural attitudes of all our customers and employees.” This coming from a company who borrowed the concept of the prayer cards in the late 1970's as a "way to differentiate it from other air carriers." (http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-alaska-prayer-cards-20120127,0,597952.story) Where's the differentiation now? Has the airline caved in to a society that is truly closing its ears, eyes and hearts?

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin has chimed in on this topic. She wrote a letter to Tilden and Ayer and said, "Please remain strong and courageous in the face of a cultural trend that wants to wage war on any positive thing that a few may construe as offensive." She complimented the airline on its exemplary customer service and the blessing of this small gesture to its passengers. Perhaps this small gesture is part of a bigger picture within the company that promotes servant leadership and servant workers.

How many other companies are not specifically Christian companies but are led by Christians who are committed to taking the Gospel to all nations? While anti-discrimination laws prohibit companies from discriminating against a person based on their religion, what impact does the servant model make on the company, its employees and ultimately its customers?

Many of us may or may not be in a position of owning a high profile company, but there are small things each one of us can do to conduct a “workplace ministry.” For instance, my email signature line always has a scripture in it. This is a way in which I can reach the people I deal with on a daily basis. I have even had people take offense to it. A few years ago, I was volunteering for a large non-profit. Although I was using my personal email address, a Board member came to me about the scripture reference in my email. She asked that I remove it. I told her that I would not since it was coming from my personal email address. Why? One day I got an email from someone who received an email from me. My scripture reference at the time was Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” She was at an anxious point in her life because of the economy and her job. She wrote me that this scripture helped put things in perspective for her that day. What a blessing.

While it is not possible for everyone to put a scripture reference in their email because of company policy (I do not advocate doing this without getting permission from your superiors – always wise to respect authority over you), there are many ways in which we can model our Christian walk in the workplace. Be helpful, be on time, work hard, be kind and encouraging to fellow workers and superiors, treat customers with respect and of course, make ethical decisions. Be a servant to all.

I applaud people who are so bold in their faith that they are not afraid of losing a customer or a friend - people who choose Jesus over business.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Wednesdays and Saturdays are great days for me. These are days when I for sure get to hear lots of children, other than my own children, praying. There is nothing better than to hear a child pray. Even better, I love it when they are jumping on their tiptoes saying, “Pick me, pick me!” as if they were being chosen for the coveted line leader position. A child’s prayers are just that, so childlike. They are completely uncensored, so raw.

Whether you are a parent or not, encourage children to pray. Sure, they can pray the scripted, “Now I lay me down to sleep,” or as Jesus directed, “Our father who art in Heaven,” but also challenge them to be even more intentional in their praying. Let them hear your prayers. Children learn from modeled behavior. Even as babies, they model behavior – smile at them, and they will smile back at you.

As they grow, no longer does the “do as I say, not as I do” model work. In the movie The Way directed/acted in by the Sheens, there’s a scene where a father is really ticked off at his son for stealing. The father, while talking to some people, says, “Our children are the best and worst of us.” Ouch! Isn’t that so true? I know it is for me. I see my worst when my children lack patience (wonder where they learned that from), act selfish (hmmmm….again, I am wondering) and fearful (ok, I am getting the picture). Is best and worst innate or learned? Maybe a little bit of both. We can’t always improve the innate, but we can improve the environment around them.

We can’t expect our children to be comfortable praying if they don’t see us praying out loud as well. We are told to “Train up a child in the way he should go.” (Proverbs 22:6a) Why? We need to lay the foundation for righteous living early on so that “when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6b) There is so much coming at children today. They need to learn early on where they can turn to for help. They need to know how to “call upon” God just like they ask for help from their earthly parents, caretakers, teachers and friends.

During one of my grandfather’s recent visits, he went to church with us. Let’s just say that our worship service is a lot different than his. At the end of the service, I asked him what he thought.

Me: So, Grandpa, what did you think?

Grandpa: It was good. I just didn’t know any of the prayers the preacher was saying.

Me: (giggle, giggle) Well, Grandpa, that’s because he was praying from the heart.

Grandpa: Hmmm…..

We are never too old, or too young, to learn from or model to. Never.

Praying is the way in which we communicate to God. Praying is a time when we lay it all out for God. He wants us to bring him the good, the bad and the ugly. He already knows what we are going to ask for even before we ask it. He sees our heart all the time. There is no hiding from Him. It’s not just about what we want or what we need, instead, it should be an ongoing dialogue with Him. Seek Him. Talk to Him. Praise Him. Thank Him.

“Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT))

Today marks a new day. Totally unchartered waters. Am I qualified for this? Am I ready for this? We will soon find out. Yes, I am a little afraid, but fear is good...especially when I know that I am not on the ledge by myself. I chuckle as I write this. The song by dcTalk Jesus Freak is playing in my head. Love that song. Anyway, my heart is skipping for joy as I sense a stirring in this nation and in the world. Christians are positioning to take back what is theirs....Jesus....completely. Man has done a great job of putting Jesus everywhere but where he belongs and like the daddy said in Dirty Dancing, "Nobody puts Baby (Jesus) in the corner!"

Jesus is the source. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. In 1 Peter 2:21 we are told that, "We must follow in His steps." Be like Jesus. Serve like Jesus. Love like Jesus. Believe in Jesus.

The Spirit has me here. I do not know why. All I know is that I have committed myself to being obedient to the prompting of the Spirit...doing things a lot differently than I ever have before. I am all in and I know without a doubt that it is going to be a very interesting ride. Buckle up!