Modesty Part 2 - My Brother and Modesty - Thank you!

A couple of months ago I wrote on modesty, I wasn't going to have a part 2... but the more I thought on many of the articles and blogs I read - I needed to take some time to pray, to look at Scripture and to think about my own husband... and I needed to speak up because I'm pretty upset.   

You see, there is a truckload of articles written by men who use the same phrases over and over again regarding how immodesty is such a big problem for them, then you have the other side of the coin regarding women who either go from one extreme of throwing all their clothes away in order not to be immodest to the other extreme getting their feathers all ruffled saying this isn't their problem.

Yes, I know that immodesty is an issue, a serious issue, but I want to talk about men and to stand up for those who are not being spoken of.  Yes, I am a woman and in reality I don't have any idea how this affects men, I can only go by what my husband has shared with me or what I have read.  What hurts me is that in all these conversations there are men being described as or who are putting themselves in the same category as being creatures / animals - who only go by instinct, whose lives are being run only by what they see, with no self-control whatsoever - to either justify their actions or who possibly may not want to admit what they may be really struggling with - they seem to want to throw all men into the same barrel... how men just can't control themselves when they see a woman dressed a certain way - REALLY!!! 
Hitting the brakes!!!!

I'm sorry but I for one find it personally offensive to hear this and to read this both as a woman and as a wife!

You see when you describe and speak about men like this - you include my husband, my Pastor, leaders whom I respect, brothers in Christ that hold high standards within this issue, young men who are being real and are making a huge difference and are taking a stance on this topic, men who love their Lord and Savior, that will be open and honest and take these struggles to the feet of Jesus and seek Him and His word, who will take responsibility for it and not shift the blame or want to wash their hands of it.  These are men who I admire, they are not creatures, these are men that turn to God, who have the ability to control their actions because they are men who strive to be controlled by the Holy Spirit - not the flesh.

My husband - I love the man!! As much as I love him, I also know he is not perfect... he is a man of flesh and bones... when it comes to modesty, I have no problem asking him for his thoughts on what I am wearing - because I know he is not only looking at me as his wife, but also as his sister in Christ, my 14 year old daughter has also gotten into the habit of asking for his opinion - we have had countless and very open conversations on the topic, we've spoken about it to our kids, taught it openly and lovingly in Youth ministry, and the same within the Young Adults ministry. I know my husband is not blind - I know that he looks at other women, it would be very foolish of me to think otherwise... but I also know that above all his love for our Lord and Savior is without words, that he loves  and respects me and his children greatly.  Because of this love, he chooses to spend time in the Word, praying and deepening his relationship with Jesus... and I can strongly say the same thing for other young men (who I am truly proud of ) and men whom I know.  

I have to once again repeat this when it comes to modesty and women - there is no way I can go to a girl or a woman of any age and tell her what she can and can't wear - one - because the bible really does not have a checklist of how long our skirts should be, or if women should wear turtlenecks or show cleavage. It does tell us in 1 Timothy 2:9 "...that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire", but it does not break it down for us. - two - yes, she may do it to appease me - but it's not about the external... it has to do with the heart and her relationship with Jesus... only Jesus can transform her from the inside out and truly get her to see what modesty really and truly is... and three - I need to have a relationship with this person in order to be able to sit down and get to know her and her heart, so I can share my heart with her.

When it comes to men... I gotta be real here - for those men who want to throw the blame on women...  I have to say - yes I can see your point, the world is constantly flashing stuff, there are women who take dressing to a whole new level, so for a Godly man its hard and there are times I can see you struggling where to look.  It's not much easier for us either, it's uncomfortable for women too, we truly don't enjoy seeing other women dressed inappropriately... but for a moment let us turn the tables - have you ever stopped to think that you may be causing women to have lustful thoughts? SURPRISE!!! Yes, this issue does affect many women also! For example - there are women who are turned on by a certain type of man, who is rugged in appearance, how about those who wear tight tee shirts and flaunts their muscles, or those who dress in suits, maybe it's the casual look, maybe they left one too many buttons unbuttoned... hmmm how about those who wear cologne, how they speak to women or it can even be an innocent lingering touch on the arm, her back, maybe sitting close to her and having legs touch, an embrace while saying hello. Who would have thought!?!  But it does happen.  There are countless women who struggle with this!!!  But just in the same way, there are men who can have lustful thoughts looking at women who are are modestly dressed because his attraction is her elbows... her ears... her toes or feet...  there are men with different attractions - its not just the obvious body parts...  it could be from lipstick to high heels, anything... because men are visual...  so what do I tell these women??  You have to wear sock and earmuffs?  

Just as the woman has to be transformed from the inside out by the Holy Spirit... men were created to have self-control. Men may lack it, but they have it... and if you lack self-control - the solution is to practice self-control by seeking God and His word and being transformed through His word through the Holy Spirit. 

Men please do not degrade yourselves by saying you have no self-control or by allowing yourselves to be put in the same category... again I repeat that I cannot truly understand how your minds and body are affected but don't be childish either complaining and focusing on how women are dressed. I do know that we serve a mighty God who loves us and who speaks to us through His word and I do know that we have plenty of men who may struggle with this issue but instead of shifting the blame are taking responsibility and focusing on God and seeking strength, wisdom and self-control from God, men who are not attacking or pointing fingers, but who are holding on to the transforming Word of God which has the power to help you overcome!

So thank you men - young and old - for being a Godly example for our sons and yes for our daughters also... for being an example for the boys and men of all ages... what it means to have a Godly walk, how you handle yourselves and what to do when you struggle - not having to announce it to the whole world using someone else's words - but to those who you are accountable to - for prayer and counsel... For respecting women and seeing them not like objects but as people, as your sisters in Christ. I truly am thankful for you and I appreciate you greatly... anyone can talk the talk... but you lead by example - it does not go unnoticed.  

Here are several bible verses on self-control and I hope they are a blessing to you...

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27

Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,  Titus 2:12 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:1-2

Signing Off

Debbie

Modesty - Let's Get Real Please...

This morning when I was checking my Facebook newsfeed I came across "another" modesty article.  And yes I am making emphasis on the word - another... I was hoping I would read something different, so I opened the article and started reading and yep it was the same stuff all over again... why women shouldn't wear this or that, and the effects on men.  And I noticed how quickly this post was shared?  For what reason??  I don't know.

Hello- how many times do we need to read about this - yes we know its an issue - but now what?? 

I really need to be honest and say it upset me. This is something that real women and real men struggle with. Its not just a wave of a magic wand and all is well... there are so many things that come in to play with this topic: maturity level (both age and spiritually), culture (yes it really matters where you come from and how you were raised), and how this topic has been presented to you (were you judged, looked down on, etc).

We can lump all women and men into this big pot and say - here this is what you have to do and this is why - and when you do it - you'll be a better Christian... are you kidding me? 

I want to hear and see more women and men who are real and talk about it in a real way... who share their struggles and how they overcame it - about those who came alongside them and loved them through this process and prayed with them and offered suggestions. Yes, you can say well its a personal issue - well eventually there has to be some sort of praise and for someone to share the steps that they took - or are we to believe it can't be overcome?  Seriously?

Why am I so passionate about this topic - because I've been there...
When I first came to know the Lord... it was just this sheer joy and excitement - I looked forward to Sundays, to go to church to worship and hear the message and fellowship! When I would get ready for church, I would want to put on my finest. This was the way I was bought up.  My mom would start getting us ready for Sunday service on Saturdays... washing our hair and doing these little roll ups to our hair so it would be just perfect.  She would have us shine our shoes with baby oil, we would take our super duper baths, it was a Saturday ritual.  Our outfits would be ironed just right. Our grandmother would make us these big round skirts out of fabric she would find on sale... it was a big deal going to church, and it wasn't about appearances, it was because we were going to church and we were giving the Lord our best - Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall - didn't matter the weather.  
My mom also took great care in teaching us how to dress... it wasn't to any extreme - but we dressed our age... we didn't go with the flow, and that followed us as we grew up.  Yes we had our moments, our stages - but nothing crazy like we see today...

But my first experience with this topic of modesty was several months after I had accepted the Lord.  I put on this beautiful linen skirt with three gold buttons by the waist and a slit on the side and I paired it with a lovely blouse and of course my super duper heels... always rocking my heels!
  After service was over and we were walking down the aisle to exit the church - this lady approaches me - her name, Rosa Davila, she was one of the older ladies of the church - a Sunday School teacher, very knowledgeable, a prayer warrior.  As a new believer she kinda sorta intimidated me. We never really spoke much, the usual hello and small talk... but this one Sunday she approached me - my heart dropped... but what shocked me was how she spoke to me... she was so sweet and nice, she complimented me on how I dressed and how beautiful I always looked.  Then she said how she loved my skirt and how wonderful it looked on me - "but you know that slit is a little high" she said - oh my goodness I'm a believer for several months and look at what I'm doing - I waited for lightening to strike!!!  It was totally the opposite - she checked out the slit and she said - "you know something if you want you can bring the skirt to me next week and I'll fix it for you, look all I have to do is just a couple of stitches here and that way when you sit down it won't be a problem" and she proceeded to compliment me again, which led to another conversation. 

She opened my eyes to something which I was not aware of - helped me find a solution - and all in love and that is what I have never forgotten - it was done in love... and from that day on I paid closer attention to what I wore.  Yes there are moments when I forget to pin something or fix something up - but I try and catch those situations before I leave the house.

But what I want to bring to light is - have you noticed that modesty isn't a topic that is shared, spoken about, nor a topic of conversation.  I think this is a topic that is assumed young girls, young ladies, women know about - if you really have that connection with Jesus, that modesty knowledge comes with it - hmmm and if not - you must not be praying, reading your bible or you must be missing something!!! 

Girls, women are told to cover up because of what it will do to men... and??? 
Women are looked down upon, frowned at - but what is the story??    
Men are supposed to act blind and pretend they don't see anything - really??

I am married - to a wonderful husband and we have been very open with our conversations. I just finished sharing with him regarding the topic and I read  what I was writing about and what I felt about it.  I have no problem asking my husband to check out my outfit and see if its okay, its usually a Sunday ritual - he's my husband and I want to make sure I am respecting him when we go out, plus I want to look nice for him. When we worked in youth ministry - we discussed it openly and frequently - so the girls and guys could have a true understanding of the topic. Now that we are working with the young adults - we try and do the same thing - using different tactics.

We have two daughters, 13 and 8 - I do my best to make sure that they are dressed appropriately for whatever the situation, there are times its a struggle with my older daughter, but I am honest with her. I also have them accustomed to going to their dad and have him give his opinion.  What may seem fine to me, may not be to him.

I have a son who is 10 and who has been having conversations with his dad about girls...

Its all about communication... please don't tell me the effects of what an outfit will do - that's biology 101 which they are now teaching in elementary school - are we really that silly? Please do not assume you know why she is dressed a certain way, please don't judge or be critical or have an arrogant perception, being all high and mighty, lets be real - we all have something we struggle with and some of those things are hard to deal with, really hard - how would you like someone to approach you on it?  I have no idea or can even come close to understanding why men struggle so hard with this issue - or why porn is so prevalent among guys and men... and why is that - because I do not have the mind of a man - but I ask my husband questions, I can learn, I can pray... I can be more sensitive.

How can we expect a young girl or woman, a young boy or man to understand this unless its spoken about?  The answer can not be - because you can't.  We need to speak about it in a way where we don't have girls feeling bad, ashamed or hiding their bodies and we need to speak about it in such a way where boys don't feel bad or ashamed of what they are feeling or seeing...but how to deal with it, what to do. Its about sitting down and sharing our hearts, sharing our experiences, sharing what the bible says, and again I stress - in love. 

Who am I do judge or criticize that woman who comes to church dressed a certain way... let her hear the message - let me say hello - let me start a conversation - let me pray and see where the Lord will lead and how I can share my heart... how sad would it be for her to catch a glimpse of me looking at her up and down and then leave the church not feeling loved. When you get down to it, modesty is not about a list of do's and don'ts - its a matter of the heart.

When it comes to certain topics - lets leave all this technology aside, lets leave all these opinions, suggestions and stuff from people aside, and turn to Jesus. Let Him guide us. Let's go back to the good old days when you could have a conversation with your wife, husband, children, friend, etc.  Where you share, laugh, cry, joke, pray and learn something - and leave knowing that you are loved, accepted, that you have someone who will help you and be there for you.

Isn't that what Jesus taught?

I want to share this before I end - Titus 2:1-10 

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled,pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

What is this telling us to do - to teach - to teach about life. Its not telling us to condemn, judge, be critical - but to teach. How do you teach - by sharing, by being real, by developing relationships.  How did our Savior share with others?  How did he teach his disciples, always in love... Please let us take note of that... when we share about modesty - or any other topic... and let us remember where we once were... and let us not forget love...

Signing off ...
Me...

Thankful for Another Year

Yep, today is my birthday

23 times 2 

(sounds better)

I love making a big deal of my birthday.  It gives me an excuses to be a little nuttier and sillier, yes it is possible to do!!  


Its awesome to see the kids, as they get older, get excited, plan the surprises, write out the messages on the cards, do the decorating...

As the evening begins to slowly come to an end... and as I finish reading all the beautiful messages that have been sent via text, email, instagram or facebook - of those I've known for many many years or just a few months... I am just reminded that God is so very very good... I've tried to reply to everyone to let them know how thankful I am - but its so hard to convey that gratitude for a simple gesture - its those little things that bring a smile to the heart of the person receiving it... 

Its been a tough year - with many different challenges... times of growth, learning to depend more and more on the Lord... realizing that nothing, absolutely nothing in guaranteed... but most of all I have continued to know that my God is in control, there is nothing that I have gone through that has escaped Him. He is aware of every situation, every heartache, each tear, all my questions and he patiently and lovingly listens to me.  But most of all this year God has truly helped me realize that

my husband loves me - he really does love me... even when I drive him crazy, and ask 101 questions, and do my fair share of nagging, and continue to add more things to the honey do list - when I'm ugly and unloveable... my husband loves me, he sacrifices for me, always looking for ways to bring a smile to my face. Always helping me focus on the Lord and His Word. He encourages me and pushes me and he believes in me.  He comforts me when the struggles are too much to bear. Oh but most of all he lets me snuggle with him to the point that he's practically falling off the bed (I love that part - poor thing).

my daughter Elizabeth who is growing up to be so very beautiful... yes she is 13 going on 23 but what's new... don't they all go through that stage?  But she is good, she is sweet, she loves her mom... and her dad... yes she's a daddy's girl... she's smart, is making friends, loves to sing for Jesus.  I love her but its getting hard seeing her grow up... as she does her hair and fools around with makeup...  Where did the time go? Its hard to see yourself in your child...she is so much like me - which sometimes isn't a good thing, because the yucky stuff looks even yuckier when I see myself...praying she listens to my heart and is always reminded of how much I love her, I truly do.

my son Caleb. Oh how that boy loves me - he is all boy but has such a tender and sensitive heart.  He loves sneaking up and giving me a hug or a kiss... yes he has his moments when he thinks he's five and has his crazy melt downs - praying this stage will son pass because its one I can't understand... but how time flies - now he's 10 and I can remember the day he was born and the sweetness of Caleb, mommy's little boy... One of the many things he loves to do is create with his legos - which makes me want to hang him when I step on one of those little pieces AHHHHHH!!!! But then I see him sleeping and how long he's getting - oh my sweet little boy.

my precious Priscilla. My firecracker, how she loves to get her brother and sister going and letting out a piercing scream that makes my bone marrow shake (thanking God they are not as frequent anymore) - she brings out the Spanish in me... she is fearless but with just a gentle spirit.  How she loves her countless barbies which have now overtaken our basement. She wants to change the world.  Loves making cards and getting as many people to sign them.  She's my prayer warrior... working on starting a bible study class... loves finding that little nook on my back to squeeze into - not caring that she's breaking my back - its like she wants to be as close as possible.... and how can I forget her favorite question - mami are you happy?  This is so very important to her.

Life isn't easy - there are times when its hard and painful - when you wonder if anything you do is worthwhile... but then as type this, I see my husband helping Elizabeth with a school project while she sings and performs Let It Go, my son playing his video games and my precious Priscilla knocked out trying to find that nook in my back - I thank God.  He knew what I needed - He knows what I need and He continues to provide in abundance... I am surrounded by a man and children who love me... I am surrounded by wonderful parents and in laws... and by an incredible church family and friends who encourage me, push me, love me, accept me just the way I am (or so they have me believe) and yes even drive me batty lol but at least I get a supply of the jumbo bottle of Advil - I wouldn't change it... how can I complain, (well I can complain) what would I be saying to God - I'm not happy with what you've given me?? Learning learning learning to be grateful even in those moments... find the blessings... find the gifts... seek Him

Tonight as I inhale and exhale I praise God for Him - for who He is... Thank you my Jesus... I have a Lord and Savior who loves me - loves me so much that he stretched out His arms - He suffered and died for me... that the blood that He shed on that cross cleansed me, white as snow... that I don't have to jumped through hoops or do any rituals or bring any sacrifices for Him to listen to me - He is there waiting for me to share my heart... 

Oh what can be a greater gift... 

that I can serve my Savior all the days of my life.  

Thank you Jesus for this birthday!

Thank you Jesus for another year of life... 

Looking forward with excitement to see what you have in store for me!!  

praying...

I said I'm sorry!!!

A couple of days ago I had a light bulb moment... I don't know if I am the only one this has happened to... ughhh how I hope I'm not...

I am a mom of really good kids... yes - they are ordinary kids - just like me - (and I chuckled as I wrote that) I try to be a good mom and love of them, teach them everyday lessons and help them with their school work and such - the mom stuff - with a fair share of complaining, shouting and repeating myself (alot)... One thing that I tend to hear myself repeating more as they get older is "stop that - apologize" "say I'm sorry"... and yes there are many times when they repeat it and there its done - only to start up again. 

Well during this light bulb moment I came to a realization that as a child - the same thing happened to me.  I was taught to apologize for doing something wrong or saying something wrong - but never really taught why... just repeat the words and it'll be okay... and yeah as good kids they'll repeat the words - mom is happy... its all okay!

Its not okay...

I understand that kids will be kids and that they will push each others buttons but do they - truly understand what "I am sorry" really means... do we understand what those words really mean.

Three words that so easily roll off our tongue - but have we taken the time to think about the persons feelings, how our words or actions may have hurt them, offended them, affected them.  Hmmm or how about those times when we assumed that the other person knew we were sorry - but only never to utter the words loud enough for them to ever hear... 

I think about my Heavenly Father and the same thing... its so easy for us to do something wrong and ask God for forgiveness - and yep even utter those childlike words - "I promise never to do it again"... does that sound familiar huh??  

I look at my kids in the heat of the moment... knowing that they'll start up again just as... my Heavenly Father looks down at me and wonders the same thing many many times... 

Asking for forgiveness - have we truly stopped to consider the weight of those words?

Again I have to let out a chuckle - its so easy to want to defend or to justify our actions... to spin the tables as my husband like to say.

The fear of being humble...

Of admitting wrongdoing...

Oh the power of words...

Teaching communication - teaching about responsibility - accountability, empathy... its not about uttering those words - I'm sorry - so our children will make us happy - but its teaching them about being real... opening their minds and hearts to other people's emotions and feelings... its teaching them that after they apologize they also have to pray about it... to ask God to help them with their speech, how they react, etc... 

Just as we do... or do we?
Oh but there are those times when its hard... oh so very hard... 

A couple of months ago in our Young Adult Bible Study - we read and discussed a book titled Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. The book was an eye opener.  Its about those sins that we really don't think are sins... when we think of sin we think of those big ones - murdering, adultery, stealing, you know the ones that can be seen... but right off the bat we discussed anger, gossip, being selfish, critical, no self control... ouch!!  Its easy to see those things in my kids - and yes even in myself... but then what?  What must we do?  

As children of God, the bible teaches us that when we sin it grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) -
We have to ask for forgiveness, we have to repent (a sincere resolve to turn away from sin and toward God). And if we are the person who was hurt, we must be willing to forgive the other person, not to feel resentment or hold a grudge. We are not able to completely forget what happened, but we must let go of the anger and resentment. And then we must turn to God and confess...

Some bible verses are:
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:23

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Its not as easy as just saying I'm sorry or telling my kids or others just to utter those simple words... if we are to grow - there is more to it... 

Its not just about repeating three simple words... its about an attitude of our heart... its about letting God correct us and mold us... its not an easy process - many times we fight it and its painful - but think of the blessings that will come with it. How we will flourish...

Its about taking the time to be real and talk - and not just "repeat after me"...  its what Jesus did... what are we passing on?

Overwhelmed

Wow - how many times I have wanted to sit here again and share my heart with you... I had so many things to say and write about - but for some reason the Lord just wasn't giving me the green light.  I would share with my friend Eleanor, who visits me at work from time to time, how much I wanted to start writing again... she encouraged me by saying to wait on God, that He would let me know when...

Yep well its 12:29am and I got the green light... Yay!!!!

For some time my blog was titled Deletiate... Delight in Spanish - it is the main word in my life verse: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
Oh how wonderful and beautiful it is to find our delight in the Lord... its overwhelming, beautiful!!

Well, last month I went to a conference in Boston with my awesome hubby -

it was such an extraordinary blessing... The theme was Relentless Grace and one of the sessions was about ordinary grace... that session spoke so much to my heart.  Sometimes we feel we have to do something extraordinary, mind blowing... when in reality there is nothing wrong with ordinary - and mind you I consider myself to be a "nutty ordinary". So as I waited for the green light - I pondered on changing the name of my blog, asked for suggestions,  did some doodling and as I started typing - Ordinary Life - Together, is what came about - yes - you and me and can't forget -
Jesus... doing extraordinary things in our ordinary (nutty) lives...

One of the words that come to mind when I think about an ordinary life is overwhelmed...

Dictionary.com defines overwhelmed in the following ways:
1. to overcome completely in mind or feeling
2. to overpower or overcome, especially with superior forces; destroy;crush
3. to cover or bury beneath a mass of something, as floodwaters, debris,or an avalanche; submerge
4. to load, heap, treat, or address with an overpowering or excessive amount of anything
5. to overthrow.

When we hear the word - its easy to think about being overwhelmed in a negative way - think about it: being a woman, our responsibilities as a mom, a wife, working, school, expectations, illness, unanswered prayers, finances... lets be real... there are times when these things can be overwhelming... when we just want a break - just a little one... to be able to breathe, catch our breath - inhale and exhale before going back in again...

But lately I've had this song Overwhelmed by Big Daddy Weave on replay... (praise God for digital or my record would have been scratched by now)...

There is a line that says:
I delight myself in you - in the glory of your presence - I'm overwhelmed by you
And God I run into your arms unashamed because of mercy....
I'm overwhelmed by you

WOW! What a great line!

My dear friend reading this... yes this life can be overwhelming with all its challenges, all its ups and downs and sideways... but in those moments when its too much - let us find that delight in Him... let us run like a child - unashamed - into the arms of our loving Father - and breathe...

I love what it says in Psalm 61:2 - "From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." How remarkably beautiful is that... that when we feel the pressure of whatever it is that we are enduring that we can know that "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2

Let us take the definition of overwhelmed and apply it to our relationship with the Lord... let us find delight in Him by reading His word and going to Him in prayer,

In a couple of days we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving... in the midst of the preparations - let us take a moment and find something that He has done that we are thankful for, that He is doing in our lives now that we are thankful for, and something that we are thanking Him in advance for what He is going to do - by faith...

I want to leave you with these verses... this is how much we mean to Him, this is how much He love us

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 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.1 John 4:9-11

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-21

Listen to this song... read the words... Oh our Lord is truly just so overwhelming...

Praying for our Daughters...

I think about this topic often when I see my beautiful girls growing up so quickly before my eyes - who will my daughters marry. Why type of man will God send into their lives to be their husband.  I think of these things not because I want to marry them off asap, but because this is such a huge step and I want to make sure that our Lord and Savior is priority in the relationship.  I pray that God brings a man into their lives at His perfect timing - that will be men who seek after God's own heart... and who will love my daughters like the bible instructs.

But this prayer has now spread out to some beautiful women - whom I consider part of our family - and those are the "Daughters of the King" that attend our CrossLife Young Adult Ministry. A few days ago as I spoke to one of them - she shared how Ray - my husband is so protective of our group... and he is.  I guess its because you develop a beautiful relationship with them and your desire, your prayer is for them to grow in the Word and in their relationship with the Lord and I guess with time - you do become protective (not in a possessive way) but in a way where you love them, look out for them and want the best for them and their lives in all areas. I have seen how many of them have blossomed. They came into our group like little buds and now you can see how they are growing and maturing - its just so beautiful!!! And to see how the desire of their heart has changed and how they desire to serve Him.  I sit and look at them and listen to them and see so many beautiful and wonderful qualities, I pray that the man that the Lord sends to their lives is able to appreciate those qualities and gifts and be able to love them and encourage them... 

So I share this blog entry I have bookmarked - as what I am praying for my daughters but also for the beautiful ladies of our CrossLife group.  I want to encourage them to read over this list and to begin praying for their future husband - if it is God's will - for their lives... its never too early to begin to pray for every area of their life... 

The Kind of Guy We Pray for Our Daughters to Marry

I ran across this list on my computer while trying to write a post this evening. It’s a list we compiled several years ago after a discussion with our girls. We have been praying that each of them will marry a man who is:

• A dedicated believer of the same doctrine, equipped to lead and teach her and his family
• Motivated by a sincere desire to glorify God through his life and the life of his family
• Faithful in his church attendance and service in the church
• Involved in work and service that would benefit from a wife’s help and support
• Well-established in his vocational direction
• Financially free
• Teachable – seeks counsel, does not isolate himself in decisions, responds humbly to correction and suggestions
• A one-woman man – has saved himself for his wife
• Sexually discreet – not flirtatious
• Self-disciplined
• Respected by those who know him and work with him
• Responsible – keeps his word and his commitments
• Humbly under authority – in home, in church, under civil law
• A student of God’s Word, seriously looking to it for guidance in all areas of life.
• Committed to homeschooling his children and in leading/participating in the schooling
• Committed to providing for his family and allowing his wife to care for the family at home
• Honest – does not try to appear to be something he is not, does not misrepresent facts
• Does not speak evil of others
• Words are supported by his actions
• A hard worker
• A servant’s heart, supported by action
• Strong leadership qualities demonstrated in his life
• A man who will lead our daughter and their children in holiness and service
• Money saved or vocational training that has fairly certain future

We recognize that our daughters will marry humans, which means they will marry sinners. Their husbands won’t be perfect. They will most likely not meet every “qualification” on this list. That’s OK. Our daughters are sinners, too.

Ultimately, we want our daughters and their husbands to be able to say, “I see your flaws and imperfections, but underneath, I see what God wants to make you. I want to be a part of that.”

(Closing paragraph from Speaking the Truth in Love by Pastor Dennis Tuuri)

Article from DoorPosts Blog

Now just as a side note - I have taken this from DoorPost Blog - and didn't change it.  Some things you may be in agreement with and others you may not... but I hope you take away the message that is being shared and not bits and pieces

Releasing

I love devotionals... I have them all over the place and just switch it up from time to time. There is one that I have just stuck with lately and I feel that it just speaks to me... its called Jesus Calling. I got one version for my 13 year old daughter Elizabeth and another version for my two younger children.  A couple of weeks ago I got the desktop Jesus Calling devotional for work, the one you flip each day... so I can keep it on top of my desk and just be able to turn to it throughout the day and focus on what Jesus is telling me through the devotional.

Last night I wrote how I was struggling with something and really just having a hard time letting go. Its personal and it has to do with someone that I love and care about... and yes throughout the years I have found myself throwing a wrench into God's blueprint and messing things up. I'm really good at that when I try and handle things myself thinking that I know better than God... I laugh because after I realize what I've done... I can visualize Him just sitting on His HUGE throne with His head in His hands, while he turns to look at me while with that look - lovingly shaking His head as He smiles - how many times do I have to keep on letting you know I got this!!

So today when I get into work and I pick up all the papers from my inbox and straighten up the mail, I settle down at my desk, turn on my computer and while that is starting up, I turn to my devotional and excitedly I flip it to March 24... wondering how He is going to speak to me today... what do you think He is telling me...

"THIS IS A TIME IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU MUST LEARN TO LET GO: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete. Take time to bask in the Light of My Love. As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My care.

You can feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes, through awareness of My continual Presence. The One who never leaves you is the same One who never changes: I am the same yesterday, today, and forever. As you release more and more things into My care, remember that I never let go of your hand. Herein lies your security, which no one and no circumstances can take from you."
{Psalm 89:15; Hebrews 13:8; Isaiah 41:13}

Mind you that first sentence was all in caps!! Do you think He was trying to be crystal clear... I doubt he was shouting at me - or maybe He was... and it surprising that the first thing He lists is - loved ones... ay ay ay!! I HAVE to find my rest in His presence... which just brings me back to the verse I shared last night:

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

As I personalize this verse... it just reminds me that I can do this - I can let go of this and hand it over to my Father. He is with me, He will fight this battle... and yes He will delight in me and He will rejoice in my obedience to Him.

Do you have something also that you need to give up... let go... give over to Him... I know the feeling - and I leave you with this verse from Isaiah 41:13: "For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

He will help us through this process - but we must be obedient and loosen the grip we have on what we are so desperately holding on to... so tonight I say: Lord - I release my prized possession over to your care... but I pray that you give my heart the comfort it needs while you give me the peace and strength to completely trust in you - while I have full assurance that you are in control.