Book Review

How to Love Your Crazy Family is a charming book written by Angela Howard. The contents of the book are sectioned off into three different categories that relate to everyday life and include 52 quick reads. I found each section of the book to be extremely pleasant and easy to read.

The first section entitled “No Ordinary Parenting” centers on practical Biblical parenting and all the challenges and joys that come with it! Angela offers insightful tips on how to enjoy our children at each stage of life and how to remember to laugh at our selves as our kids mirror our behavior! She quips in one reading on self-doubt and motherhood that perhaps she should be saving for therapy rather than college. This portion is not merely a parenting guideline, it is more of an encouragement for parents to rest assured that regardless of our mistakes as parents, our kids will be alright. The last page of this section offers further parenting resources.

“No Ordinary Marriage” is the second section of her book that gives an honest look at the reality of all marriages. From the classic “I told you so” argument to the discovery that what we though we wanted was definitely not what we needed, Angela continually drives home the point that Christ must be the center of marriage. This section also ends with valuable resource links for further marriage enhancement.

The last section of the book, “No Ordinary Life,” addresses the rest of life, from social media to worry free living. Once again she challenges with not only humor but foundational scripture. My personal favorite in this section was “5 Ways to Celebrate the Ordinary” and the easy steps she provides to accomplish this; 1. Time, if we want rich relationships, we must cultivate them, 2. Surprise People, use your imagination, 3. Show Interest, interested people attract appreciation, 4. Rise Above, do a common thing uncommonly well, 5. Just Celebrate, don’t allow life to be an excuse.

There is a bonus chapter included in this book that is heartfelt and vulnerably written by both Angela and her husband, Michael. Together, they disclose an intimate look at their own marriage and the difficulties they have overcome together. I appreciated this extra chapter and found myself wanting to hear more of their unique love story.

I completely enjoyed this book by Angela Howard and her unique and humorous writing style. Do not be fooled by her whit, she will leave you with a smile on your face and a question on your heart!

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Full

We have a precious minister in our church, Jerry Sanders. He has had a life full of ministry opportunities and no doubt led hundreds of people to the Lord and taken countless trips to Africa to minister. Now he spends his days unable to speak due to a stroke. His movements are limited and as a result, he has had to teach himself to write with his left hand. Despite all of these difficulties, Pastor Sanders continues to minister.

Each week, I receive an email with a carefully written passage of scripture penned in Jerry’s left hand. I am one of many who receive these. There have been countless days when I have opened these emails and felt as if God Himself has just spoken directly to me.

An email from February 25th is attached to my bulletin board in my office. This one had a particularly profound effect on me.

"And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, 'Let us pass over unto the other side.' And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow; and they awake him, and say unto him, 'Master, carest thou not that we perish?' And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, 'Peace be still.' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Mark 4:35-39

Two things struck me about this passage. We have all felt the storms of life beating the sides of our resolve, but what about when the stinging pellets of hail and rain begin to infiltrate our safety. It does not say that the storm crept over the side of the ship or trickled in, it says the ship was now FULL. This creates a picture of a violent storm that was merciless to all those in its path. The contrast comes at the end of the passage, “. . . there was a great calm.” Out of desperation the disciples cried out to the Master and He answered. Simple, isn’t it? At times, I am not desperate enough for Jesus to rescue me. My boat only has a few inches of water in it and I am confident I can still row to shore and save myself. Sometimes, I just need a boat full of water to get me to release whatever instrument I are trying to use to get back to the shore. Could be an ore of self-pity or one of pride that I continually plunge into the water. Am I desperate? Oh yes, I am desperate to get to the shore, but not desperate enough to ask for help. The calm immediately comes when not only the wind and waves cease, but when I cease my own struggle.

The secondary point here that cannot be overlooked is in the way Pastor Sanders continues to prove himself faithful to his call. I am sure this is not the plan he had for his own life or what he and his precious wife, Lois, envisioned when they began their ministry. However, the Lord does not remove His calling from any of us and He always provides a way for us to fulfill it. Thank you, Jerry and Lois, for showing me how to truly serve the Lord whether my boat is full of water or not.

Ordinary to Extraordinary

I make tea in stressful situations. When my girls are working on difficult projects, I make them a tea tray. Like clockwork, about 3 p.m. I need a “cupa,” as my British friend says. Since the time my girls were little, I have always said there is never anything we can’t solve together over a cup of tea and I am never too busy to brew a pot. I have just taken Paige a tea tray and brewed myself a pot of tea. We must be solving the world’s problems today!

Tea is an ordinary drink consumed world-wide yet tea can be served with ceremony. When I would visit my grandmother, tea is what she served with lunch, everyday, no matter the menu, even hot dogs! Tea at her house was a staple and represented comfort and relaxation. I now have the cup she used. On my first visit to Victoria, British Columbia as a young girl, I was completely astonished how every business closed down for tea in the afternoon. The teahouse that my dad took us too on that trip is the birthplace of my love for the tea ceremony.

I do not understand how tea brings me such peace or how the tea ceremony can make me feel so special and fulfilled. After all, it’s just boiled water poured over a bunch of leaves! Doesn’t sound so special, does it. Yet, what comes from the natural resource of water and something nature provides can be extraordinary, if you take the time.

Isaiah 53:2 says, “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.” I love the analogy of nature here and how the shoot of the plant is soft and tender. Usually nothing comes from parched ground, but in this case something miraculous happened. “He had no beauty or majesty. . .” Unless you are consuming tea in a fine tea house or with the queen, I would say tea has no beauty or majesty in and of itself. “. . . no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”

How often I forget that God has provided us with something so ordinary, a Son. The commonality of His birth and His appearance is just a plain old cup of tea in one of my chipped cups. Who He is, is the breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful tea ceremony, full of rich flavors and bouquets that take an ordinary life and make it extraordinary. My needs and desires are steeped in His glory. His Holy Spirit washes over the shriveled tea leaves of my offering and from it comes a glorious cup of surrender with praise and worship wafting from the surface with an aroma that is pleasing to only Him. It is there, in the middle of that cup of tea, with or without the ceremony, that I am at peace.

Choosing Disappointment

None of us willingly choose to be disappointed. Usually, we become disappointed when our expectations are not met. It sneaks into our minds when we have been overlooked for a promotion. It creeps into our hearts after a visit with far away loved ones comes to a close. It sinks into our souls when we realize that our actions have caused others pain.
Disappointment, what do we do with you?

According to Reference.com the literal definition of this three-part word is as follows:

dis- – prefix, indicating reversal, negation, lack, or deprivation, removal or release

appoint – to select a person or a group of people for an official position or to do a particular job, to fix or agree upon a particular time or place for something to happen

-ment – suffix, denoting action or resulting state, a product, or means

The root word “appoint” can be a touchy subject amongst men and women. I believe that the Bible clearly gives examples of women called by God and appointed for certain tasks. Mordecai challenged Esther to rise to the occasion to save her people. The prophet Deborah was given the task of leading others into battle. King Josiah sent the priest Hilkiah, to ask God’s direction from the prophetess, Huldah. Let us not forget Mary, the mother of Jesus. Although her role in history was not an official one, she was clearly chosen based upon something special God saw within her. These women were selected for official positions at specific times. In these instances, God chose women to carry out His plan.

The Bible is also full of many examples where men have been appointed for specific tasks and jobs. Could it be that God really has called us, regardless of gender, to serve Him in different capacities at different times? Could it be possible for male and female to serve one another as well as alongside one another? What happens when we begin to have expectations? Could it be that when we begin to use the language of entitlement, perhaps based upon gender, we are setting ourselves up to be dis-appointed?

This is a sensitive topic where heated discussions can ensue. I firmly believe that each one of us, regardless of our gender, have a specific calling upon our lives to be used by the Lord in some capacity. There will be those whose tasks are more public than others. I realize that many have been overlooked based upon their gender, and this fact cannot be ignored. However, I do believe that God appoints us Himself and no man, or woman, can stand in our way. His good and perfect will is accomplished, although it may not be in the ways we expect, which can lead us to feel disappointed. Yet, to accept this state is to actually allow ourselves to become removed from the appointments God has for us, to accept dis-appointment.

Scripture has intentionally been excluded in regards to this topic because of the ease in which certain verses could be misinterpreted. There must be an understanding of these passages regarding women from a cultural and historical standpoint. Likewise, personalities, circumstances, and situations must be considered when considering present day leadership within the church body whether that is male or female.

Many times problems are easily identified while solutions are less apparent. Overall, we need to look to Jesus and the example He has set with regard to women, whether in leadership over others, or whether working alongside others. Again, examples could be given, but not without the risk of interjecting personal bias. Take some time to research Christ’s involvement with women and allow the Lord to guide you in this study.

As long as there is sin in the world, there will be prejudice. God sets kingdoms and He destroys kingdoms as a result of actions taken by mankind. Prayerfully and objectively consider the times you may have been rejected. I believe individual solutions can be determined by this exercise. What have you learned? Can you see God’s hand in the situation? The answers to these questions may not always be positive, however, God has a way of “righting” a “wrong” in His timing. His ways and thoughts are far above our own. I absolutely believe that His plan for our lives will prevail IF we surrender all forms of entitlement, humbly posture ourselves to receive His direction, and choose appointment rather than dis-appointment, THEN we are positioned properly and can receive His greatest blessings!

A Dirty Confession

This is NOT how I wanted my day to begin! I purposely woke up thirty minutes earlier this morning so I would not feel stress over all that needed to be accomplished. Good plan, right? I thought so. After putting the coffee on, I sat down to have my devotions, check the calendar, make my daily, weekly, and monthly “to-do” lists (yes, you read that correctly!), fill out my grocery list, and sort my coupons. Glancing up at the clock, I realized how efficiently I was using my time. This is going to be a great day, I thought to myself.

Then I receive a text from a precious friend saying her father had passed away during the night. My heart sank! Suddenly, my mood changed from hopeful and energetic to discouraged. I stopped everything to pray. Shortly after that, another friend sent a text saying her brother had fallen unexpectedly ill and not expected to live. Once again, I prayed.

After knowing that the Lord had heard my prayers, I went about some other household chores. Then, it happened! The toilet overflowed!!! Now, I realize you are probably thinking this is no big deal, but let me just tell you, it was a very big deal!!! This was the second overflow in a week! Momentarily, I was frozen just watching the “water” creep higher and higher. I kept thinking, it will go down, surely, it will go down! As the water reached the top of the bowl and began to cascade down the sides, I raced frantically searching for the plunger, because, of course, someone had moved it! Spying it in another bathroom and grabbing it, I made a mad dash for the geyser that was now erupting in my bathroom. The plunger bravely met the resistance, but was no match for the powerful flow. This battle was going to take some time.

I am not sure what happened to me as I was repeatedly jamming that stupid plunger in the toilet, but suddenly I could hear someone yelling. It took a few seconds for me to realize that the voice I was hearing was my own. I was all but cursing at that porcelain statue and definitely having an out of body experience. Success finally came and the water began to recede, however, my temper did not. My poor husband, Bill, came around the corner to ask what had happened just as I hurtled the bathroom scale to the side, flung the wet rugs in his direction, and released the plunger with one final jab! Sitting there on my knees watching the plunger spin in the toilet, I very unpleasantly answered his question! He had the presence of mind to offer no reply. With three women in the house, plus a female dog, the man knows a hormone surge when he sees one!

What enraged me even more was the fact that as I was down there mopping up all that “water,” I realized how dirty the floor already was! When was the last time I mopped? Confession – I could not remember! Where had all these cracks in the tile come from? I had not noticed those before. Oh, so that’s where that hair pin went!

Needless to say, Bill left for work, and I sat down on the edge of our bed trying to sort out my reaction to this common household occurrence. I know it sounds crazy, but the Lord really does speak to me in times like this! As my breathing returned to normal and my need for an oxygen tank began to decrease, I said this prayer, Lord, I know there is something here you want to show me, what in the world is it? His response was simple; You became upset over something that was normal and manageable even after proper choices were made this morning. Putting Me first and giving your day to Me was the right decision. However, sometimes you need to work through a “disaster” to get to the heart of the matter. You were consumed with the obvious, I am concerned about what is hidden. You did not notice the dirt on the floor until you were eye level with it, cleaning up the immediate mess. The dirt on the floor that you missed is where I am.

So, after apologizing to my husband, mopping the floor, tossing the wet towels in the washer, and throwing out my champion, the plunger (I need a new one anyway), here is where I landed. . .

1. Even though my day began properly with devotions and prayer, that cannot be enough! Earnestly seeking and praying through out the day will keep my focus on the Lord.
2. My reaction to this manageable event, reveals that I am lacking somewhere! Duh! Right?! Perhaps I need some time away.
3. I need to evaluate everything that is causing me stress and eliminate that which is not necessary. In other words, SAY NO, even if that is to myself. Ever tried telling yourself no?
4. Honestly ask the Lord to reveal hidden areas of “dirt” in my life and seek His guidance regarding those issues that He lovingly wants to clean. I want to be where He is, even if it is dirty.

Think I will go get my mop and get after some dirt!

Baa Baa Black Sheep

Remember the nursery rhyme? I admit, I never really understood this one. Seriously, what would a little boy do with a bag full of black sheep wool? Sounds like trouble to me!

Have you ever used this phrase: He or she is the black sheep of the family?

I just discovered that you can purchase a variety of merchandise with “black sheep” printed on them for all to see! (see www.cafepress.com)

According to www.phrases.org.uk the phrase black sheep of the family means “A disreputable or disgraced member of a family.” Traditionally, this is the understood meaning of this phrase with a negative connotation. According to this website the first known use of this phrase in a derogatory fashion was by an English Puritan, Thomas Shepard, in a text penned in 1640:

Cast out all the Prophane people among us, as drunkards, swearers, whores, lyers, which the Scripture brands for blacke sheepe, and condemnes them in a 100
places. –The Sincere Convert

Strong language! Tell us how you really feel Mr. Shepard! During this same time period in England the poor little black sheep was bearing the same superstitions as the black cat. However, in the 19th century, the Folk-Lore Record of 1878 stated: “We speak figuratively of the one black sheep that is the cause of sorrow in a family, but in its reality it is regarded by the Sussex shepherd as an omen of good luck to his flock.” (phrases.org.uk)

No one sets out to become the black sheep, it just sort of happens as a result of situations and circumstances. Sometimes these are within our control and poor choices are made, yet other times, out of our control. Standing firm in our faith can sometimes propel us towards the unwelcome title of black sheep.

The Bible uses the example of sheep in literal and figurative ways. The Sheep Gate was an actual gateway in Jerusalem. (Neh. 3:1, 32, NIV) Sheep were used as sacrifices in the temple. (2 Chron. 29:33) Jesus is referred to as a great Shepherd of the sheep. (Heb. 13:20) Sheep were used to illustrate points in some of the parables He shared as in Luke 15:3-7. In John 10:14 and 27, we see He knows the voice of His sheep and they recognize His voice. Notice in these references there is no mention as to the color of the sheep.

As mentioned above, the phrase “black sheep” generally indicates someone who has a tarnished reputation or is persecuted for their thoughts and ideas. I find myself asking the question, “so what?” In some instances being referred to as a “black sheep” could be positive such as when we defend our beliefs as Christians. This phrase could also describe someone who is a unique individual in his or her perspective on life. God creates as He chooses.

The Message translation highlights this phrase “black sheep” in Isaiah 53.

Vs 7-9 “He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn’t say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, he took it all in silence. . . He died without a thought for his own welfare. . .”
Vs 10 “Still, it’s what God had in mind all along. . . The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he’d see life come from it – life, life, and more life. ”
Vs 11-12 “. . . Therefore I’ll reward him extravagantly - the best of everything, the highest honors - Because he looked death in the face and didn’t flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many, he took up the cause of all the black sheep.”

Suddenly, that phrase no longer represents disgrace, but redeem-ability! He came in the lowest of forms, an infant who was helpless, in order to take up my cause and to remind me that I am valuable to Him and worth much.

I am a black sheep
I do have wool,
yes sir, yes sir three bags full!
All is for my Master
Much is to be gained
And all my sins forgiven by the One who knows my name!!!

I am a black sheep!

Over It

I admit, there are times in my life, when I am stressed and stretched to the max! It’s safe to assume that most people find themselves in this place at multiple times during the course of a year, maybe even a week or day. Unfortunately, not even the Christ-follower can avoid these seasons. Many times my own frustration rises at the hand of others. I realize I am not supposed to allow this to happen, but the reality is, it does happen! I let people and circumstances “get” to me!

In these seasons, I have a lot to say because my natural sinful response is anger. My girls just roll their eyes at me and tell me to go write a letter, which is another one of my threats in these instances. I am just sure that if the person responsible for this annoying situation would just realize through the written word their error, all will be well! One of my most dramatic phrases is, “I am sooooo over it!” (“so” must be fully drawn out for the most dramatic impact) This phrase is sometimes uttered out loud in a rush of emotion, or it just explodes inside my head, usually followed by hot flashes, tears, and maybe a trip to the bathroom!

My “go-to” phrase can also be directed towards a person. I am not proud to admit that there are times I allow others to penetrate my defenses and negatively influence my thought process. Sometimes it is as simple as focusing on a mere phrase spoken by another that echoes inside my brain. The danger is the way that adverse verbiage seeps into the cracks of my confidence and begins to erode my faith. As those rocks of bitterness and resentment begin to split, there is a landslide of wreckage that rumbles down the mountain of my faith. In its destructive path the pristine valleys of peace that I have worked so hard for, are nicked and scared by these boulders. The beautiful evergreens of steadfastness are bent and broken. Where there was once a meadow of boundless wild flowers that sprung forth from the ash after God’s purging wild fire, there are only divots and smashed petals. Once this avalanche of annihilation begins, it cannot be stopped.

“I am soooooo over it!” Really, what I am saying is, “I am soooo under it!” When I step aside and let that first rock begin to roll it is as if I have just jumped on top of it begging for a wild ride down the hill. As that rock spirals downward, with me hanging on for dear life, I become my own worst enemy as I lie motionless on top of it careening out of control down the steep slop of life. After a while, I am so dizzy and disoriented that I don’t even realize I have just plowed over the beautiful things in my life that God has ordained and designed!

How does this process end? Well, it was concluded when Jesus voluntarily went to the cross and laid down His all. The cross is where we realize He is over it all! There is not one thing in this life, nor one person that we come into contact with that is accidental. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8 NIV) The truth of this verse is what should be allowed in our lives. Our thoughts need to be His thoughts and we have to welcome His ways as our ways. When those frustrating circumstances arise and begin to peek over the ridge of our souls, we have to stand firm and remember, “. . .God placed all things under his (Jesus) feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.” (Ephesians 1:22) Did you catch that? All things are under His feet, not His people, even the ones who are creating havoc in our lives!

There is a song that has resonated deep in my soul for the last several weeks. The bridge says,

The mountains shake before You, the demons run in fear
At the mention of the name King of Majesty
There is no power in hell,
Or any who can stand,
Before the power and the presence of the great I AM!
(“Great I Am” by Phillips, Craig, and Dean)

The next time you feel the pull of frustration and anger and you want to repeat my little phrase, remember that the Almighty Himself is repeating it along with you, “I AM sooooo over it!”

Broken Cisterns

For some reason, when I am going through difficult times, I gravitate to the Old Testament. Yesterday, I found myself in Jeremiah, one of my favorites!

The book of Jeremiah was written after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. My Women's Devotional Bible says, "The people of Jerusalem used to love God with the love of a new bride for her husband; now even the priests, lawmakers, leaders and prophets have begun to worship Baal and other false gods. God has warned the people for 23 years, and now his patience is coming to an end. Judah is about to go into exile for 70 years."

Do you feel as if you are in exile? Has your love for God lost that new bride feeling? Do you find yourself worshiping "things" rather than God? Shamefully, I have to admit yes to each of these questions.

There is nothing more powerful than drama in our lives when it comes to revealing our inadequacies! Yet, drama is also powerful in revealing just how adequate God is in addressing those needs!

As I read chapter two yesterday, these are the observations I made:

1. God warned and pursued His people for 23 years before His patience ran out! He is a patient God, isn't He? He waits for us, not wanting even one to parish! I love that!

2. In verse 6 He reminds them where they have come from, Egypt. How quickly I can forget that! ". . . brought us up out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness, through a land of deserts and rifts, a land of drought and darkness, a land where no one travels and no one lives" Here lies the key; we are LED, not left! He is there and was there with them all along, even in a place where no one wanted to be! Hello, I have arrived in that place where I really don't want to live for very long, but I am promised I will be led through it, not left to die in it! What a promise!

3. Verse 7 is where I want to be, "I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce." That is what is on the other side. We all know we will experience pain, sadness, and sorrow, but sometimes we forget that there is an end to it, and not just heaven. There can be closure for those who return to that "new bride" love for the Lord. This leads me to my next observation.

4. Verse 13 states that the people had forsaken God, the One with springs of living water, and instead dug their own cisterns. How many times have I replaced God's plan with my own ideas? Too many to count! This verse goes on to say that not only had they replaced Him with their own cisterns, but the vessels were broken and could not hold water. That is exactly what happens when we try to replace His plans for our lives with our own; broken promises and broken dreams ,that cannot possibly hold anything else. You would never give a thirsty child a glass with cracks in it, yet that is exactly what we hold up to God. I want my vessel whole and ready to receive all that He has for me not missing one single drop.

5. Lastly, verse 19 states that forsaking God is evil and bitter, "Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the Lord your God and have no awe of me." Do I want to live my life with out awe for God? NO, I do not! All I have to do is simply look around me and I see examples of God's presence in the smallest things. That is where I am in awe of Him; in the gentle whisper of summer nights, in the silence of the dawn, in the flash of lightening that accompanies the rumble of thunder, in the tender touch of a child's hand.

Difficult times come in waves and in seasons. God wants to lead us through those and we have the promise we will not be left alone or behind. Eventually, we will arrive in a place of fruitfulness again, but it is because of those desperate times that the fruit is so much sweeter. I am choosing to believe that I am not in exile, nor have I been forgotten, and to seek out His grace and goodness in the midst of my own barrenness. I will not reside here for long. I see His hand in it all!

I'll Change When I Get There

I have a daughter who loves to go on trips in her pj pants. Even if we are taking a short trip to visit family a few hours away, she gets into the car sporting her pj pants. When I ask her about it, she replies, “I’ll change when I get there.”

Ever said that? Oh, I don’t need to address that issue today because I am not “there” yet. When I am closer to “there” I will change; I’ll change when I get there.

In the English language the word change can have many meanings each one depending upon its use in a sentence. If used as a verb with an object, it can mean to transform or convert, to transfer from one to another. For example when Jesus changed the water into wine, “ . . . and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.” (John 2:9, NIV)

If used as a verb without an object, change can mean to become different, altered, or modified. I Samuel 10:6 says, “The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (NIV)

Procrastination is not our friend. “Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer, in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.” (I Corinthians 7:17, NIV) Waiting until we are positioned properly in our own minds to make God inspired changes creates a dangerous pathway for the enemy of our soul to tread upon. In fact, it actually opens the gate for him to enter. King Jeroboam is a perfect example of disregarding heaven’s warning, “After this happened, Jeroboam kept on doing evil, recruiting priests for the forbidden shrines indiscriminately – anyone who wanted to could be a priest at one of the local shrines. This was the root sin of Jeroboam’s government. And it was this that ruined him.” (I Kings 13:33 The Message)

Our Heavenly Father does not desire changes within us merely for unnecessary alterations; He wants to transform us into something beautiful. As the caterpillar waits snuggly wrapped in its cocoon, so we should wait expectantly for the changes to come.
Metamorphosis is a spectacular event. The word "metamorphosis" derives from Greek μεταμόρφωσις, "transformation, transforming",[1] from μετα- (meta-), "change" + μορφή (morphe), "form".[2]

Is the process of change painful? It certainly can be; however, we have the ability to ease that pain by submitting ourselves mind, body, soul, and spirit into the Lord’s hands and trusting His guidance. “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19 NIV)

The ultimate purpose of change is to produce something amazing. If we go back to the banquet at Cana we see exactly why Jesus chose to make that change. “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory. . .” (John 2:11 NIV) This verse reveals the purpose of all God ordained change in our lives; so His glory can be revealed to the world. In the process, we are transformed into that beautiful butterfly that can now suddenly fly. My daughter’s phrase of “I’ll change when I get there,” becomes, “I am being changed for when I get there!”

1. ^ "Metamorphosis, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, ''A, at Perseus". Perseus.tufts.edu. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
2. ^ "Online Etymology Dictionary". Etymonline.com. Retrieved 2012-08-26.

The Jewelry Box

I hate to untangle necklaces! Ever have the really small chains that get so intermingled it is difficult to see the end from the beginning? Those are the worst! As I was sitting down to separate a few of Ashlee’s knotted chains I got to thinking about how this represented life. Each one of us encounters knots along the way. Trials and suffering are inevitable. Straight pin in hand, I knew I was in for a very frustrating and LONG session with those necklaces.

As I worked at each knot, the Lord began to speak to me about His will for my life. It is undeniable that at some point in time, necklaces shoved into a jewelry box will become knotted. They will not “un-knot” themselves; someone will have to intervene, action will need to be taken, and they will have to be stored a different way to avoid the same thing happening again.

I was reminded of the young man I had prayed with that previous Sunday. I did not know what he was facing, but I knew it was potentially devastating. In his eyes, I could see fear and remorse. I told him that no matter what had happened up to this point, God can, will, and does forgive those who ask for forgiveness. He will not remove us from situations, but He will always walk with us. Just like the necklace, his life was a tangled mess and I do not think he could see the end from the beginning. I wondered if anyone had ever expressed to him that he was loved and valuable in the eyes of the Lord? How many other lives were intermingled with his because of his decisions? How long would this process take for him and what happens when it is all over?

Just as we have the power to cause harm to others, we also have the power to heal thru sharing Christ. My words to him were not hollow or empty, but filled with genuine hope and promise. As he left, I could see that part of his burden had been lifted. Why? Because he knew that he was not alone!

What a privilege it is to be involved in the gnarled chaos of others lives! As women in ministry, this is a heavy burden, yet one of the most rewarding! Our intervention as representatives of Jesus is crucial for those who are in despair. Be encouraged that your words, spoken in love and kindness, will be used of the Lord regardless of how tired or burdened you become. No matter how God instructs you, He will give you the energy, drive, and time to complete it. You DO make a difference!

The storing process of those untangled necklaces and lives can be extremely overwhelming at first. Just where are we going to put them?! Once again, the answer comes from the Father. He knows just where to store that gem and how to showcase it.
Find rest in the fact that you do not have to have all the answers because Jesus does.

So, open up that jewelry box! Do not be afraid to untangle the most knotted necklace you can find. Once your task is complete, you will be able to realize that you had a small part in that beautiful piece of jewelry. Go ahead, grab that straight pin and dive in!