Wednesday, September 5, 2012
See Beyond Stories
Use the link at the left to visit my relatively new blog where I have posted original stories! All ages welcome!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Does God Really Answer My Prayers?
This week we resumed our regular Family House of Prayer routine, and one of our studies was this: "Does God Really Answer My Prayers?" That same day we lifted up an urgent prayer for a young man in the Army - Jesse. Jesse had experienced a severe rotator cuff injury during one of his basic training drills, and the Army had scheduled surgery for Monday. With this injury, there was some question whether Jesse would recover quickly enough to remain in the service, and he was very nervous about the possibility of a medical discharge. All of his future plans were hanging on a speedy and complete recovery.
So that day we prayed together for Jesse in the mix of all our other prayers for miracles, healing, wisdom, and provision. "Lord, please heal Jesse so that he can stay in Army."
The very next day we received the news. "Praise the Lord! Jesse's surgery has been canceled. They checked his shoulder again and there are only bruised muscles! In fact, he has already started some training."
When I shared this awesome report with my children, they were quite happy to hear it ... and yet, it didn't surprise them too much. After all, there have been so many answered prayers over the past three years. And, besides, we had just finished our lesson that God always hears our prayers. And He always answers. Sometimes theses answers are not ones we wanted - such as, "wait patiently" and "later" and "I have something bigger in mind." But we serve a trustworthy and loving God whose perspective is far beyond our own.
We look forward to a year of answered prayers in our humble little den, where we gather to worship and lift our prayers to our Faithful Father ... where we drop our small stones and glass gems and coins into our small bronze bucket, sometimes more aware than other times that each prayer ascends to the throne of the Most High God where His ear is always attentive to our cries, and His heart is always longing to pour forth Love.
So that day we prayed together for Jesse in the mix of all our other prayers for miracles, healing, wisdom, and provision. "Lord, please heal Jesse so that he can stay in Army."
The very next day we received the news. "Praise the Lord! Jesse's surgery has been canceled. They checked his shoulder again and there are only bruised muscles! In fact, he has already started some training."
When I shared this awesome report with my children, they were quite happy to hear it ... and yet, it didn't surprise them too much. After all, there have been so many answered prayers over the past three years. And, besides, we had just finished our lesson that God always hears our prayers. And He always answers. Sometimes theses answers are not ones we wanted - such as, "wait patiently" and "later" and "I have something bigger in mind." But we serve a trustworthy and loving God whose perspective is far beyond our own.
We look forward to a year of answered prayers in our humble little den, where we gather to worship and lift our prayers to our Faithful Father ... where we drop our small stones and glass gems and coins into our small bronze bucket, sometimes more aware than other times that each prayer ascends to the throne of the Most High God where His ear is always attentive to our cries, and His heart is always longing to pour forth Love.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
A Surrendered Day ... a surrendered year
A prayer for today: Before this day begins, before I make my plans, I gather this gift of today, hold it in these undeserving hands, and I lift it up to you, Lord. This precious gift of another 16 hours, in my greedy and clumsy fingers, can slip right by with no eternal gain. But in your hands, Lord, this surrendered day could be full of prayer that tips the bowls of healing, provision, and salvation, pouring from the throne room, down to earth, changing lives right here. This surrendered day could be hands of healing touch, smiles of love poured out, and words that bring hope and life. Let me surrender every moment of this day to You.
A prayer for the school year: Another homeschool year quickly approaches; books stacked here and there, folders, pens, paper, and calculators, are all ready for students who would rather play all day. But I lift my eyes to you, Lord, as the source of all wisdom and knowledge. I lift my children to you, Lord, and yield my plans to your plans. Let this be a surrendered school year - a year that truly reflects the directives you have spoken: a year of rest, revelation, and relationship. You alone have the Words of Life. Let us not miss the most important wisdom of all - the knowledge of You.
A prayer for the school year: Another homeschool year quickly approaches; books stacked here and there, folders, pens, paper, and calculators, are all ready for students who would rather play all day. But I lift my eyes to you, Lord, as the source of all wisdom and knowledge. I lift my children to you, Lord, and yield my plans to your plans. Let this be a surrendered school year - a year that truly reflects the directives you have spoken: a year of rest, revelation, and relationship. You alone have the Words of Life. Let us not miss the most important wisdom of all - the knowledge of You.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Every Day with Jesus
When I was growing up, I remember a song that went something like this: "Every day with Jesus, is sweeter than the day before. Every day with Jesus, I love him more and more..." But I didn't quite know what that "every day with Jesus" was supposed to look like. For well over a year now, my children and I have been on an adventure in pursuing this daily relationship with Christ in a focused, consistent manner. I share it here because perhaps others will find that the way we approach this may help them. Each morning (typically four days each week) we (I and my three daughters ages 9 through 11) have worship time and what we affectionately call "picture time." I will explain further below, but we have a fixed time for our time to enjoy being with God - not time to be thinking about the other parts of the day. The total time varies, but is usually 30-40 minutes, including sharing and journaling time..
Worship time is our time to listen to worship songs on CD and worship along. This might look like sitting quietly, dancing all around the room, standing with arms raised, or even cuddling or slow dancing. Every day is a little different. I allow the children to choose music that they enjoy worshipping along with such as Chris Tomlin, Misty Edwards, Cory Asbury, or even traditional children's worship songs. Three songs works well for us.
"Picture time" comes right after worship, because our hearts are already focused. We play an instrumental worship song - typically one that is designed for deep meditation, (eg, John Belt's Prophetic Ocean CD). As the song begins, I lead a prayer of dedicating the time to being with Jesus and inviting Holy Spirit to bring us into Jesus' presence. We pray that the eyes and ears of our hearts will be open to experience Jesus in just the way He wants us to experience Him. "Show us what you want us to see. Speak to us the words that you want us to hear." Then for the remainder of the song we are very quiet before the Lord (5-8 minutes, depending on the song.) I keep my eyes closed, and I truly experience more during this time together with my children than I would typically all alone. If someone does make a distraction, I very quietly correct. (In the beginning, when the children weren't as used to this, I would also have to remind, redirect, gently, to help them remember what we are doing. Now I let them have silence to experience without interruptions.)
After the song ends, I ask, "Who would like to share their picture?" On a typical morning, all three girls want to share. They tell where they went with Jesus and what they did. Or, if they had a less detailed experience, they share what word the Lord gave them and what that means to them. This could be very simple "I got the word "Love" and Jesus told me that it is important to love everybody." More often it is more detailed, though. Whether it is a picture, a word, or a full length adventure, I have each one write this (or draw it) in their journal - a journal that is specifically set aside for this purpose. On a rare occasion someone says "I didn't get anything." I gently encourage that they will likely get something next time.
So, where do they go with Jesus? What does it mean to them? I have been overwhelmed with the variety and depth of the experiences that we have during this time. Sometimes the details that they are able to recall are startling - and highly symbolic. Jesus has taken them to beautiful waterfalls, beaches, parties, castles, dances, mission fields, clouds, heaven (various places in heaven including the throne room), and much more. He has shown them treasures in treasure boxes, crowns of various detail, colorful gowns, books, and even nations. The experiences vary from childish (Jesus gave me a teddy bear) to intensely prophetic (Jesus took me around the world and showed me children in different places, and we prayed for them and they were healed; and Jesus told me that I would be a missionary to different countries). Envision a fully interactive time with the Lord, face to face, building sand castles, or hand in hand, walking through a meadow, or side by side, riding horses (or eagles), and you'll have just a glimpse of what a typical time with Jesus can be.
As they share, I try to get them to think "What do you think that means?" or "What does Jesus want you to know by showing you that?" Sometimes they know. Sometimes it opens scripture to us - and I read the relevant passage. Eg: "That sounds just like the picture in Revelation 5. Let's read that."
After our sharing time, they complete the writing and drawing in their journals. At that time we start our intercession time - praying for others. That lasts an additional 10-15 minutes. Our final piece of our morning routine is study time - we study a passage from scripture and also work on memory verses.
What are some keys to making our time together work? (1) consistency in time and place, (2) consistency in expectations, (3) worshiping together first before having our "picture time," and (4) positive, brief, encouraging feedback (absolutely no laughing, comparing, or criticizing - no matter how it sounds.) Keeping ourselves from the brain pollution all around us, as much as possible, also helps.
What is the fruit? They have no doubt that Jesus wants a PERSONAL relationship with them. Jesus is real to them. They know from first hand experience that Jesus smiles, walks, talks, plays, works miracles, prays for us, gives us good gifts, dances with us, and longs to be with us. Jesus is King and He is friend. They enjoy being with Him. They are learning more and more who He is and how he wants to relate to them. To me, this is priceless.
Tips for teens -- My teens seem to need their own separate time more than the organized family time. If they are involved in "picture time" here at home, they like to be involved in a leadership role - leading worship, playing the piano, or helping the children enter in.
Be blessed in His Presence!
You may also find the following site interesting: http://www.godadventures.com/
Worship time is our time to listen to worship songs on CD and worship along. This might look like sitting quietly, dancing all around the room, standing with arms raised, or even cuddling or slow dancing. Every day is a little different. I allow the children to choose music that they enjoy worshipping along with such as Chris Tomlin, Misty Edwards, Cory Asbury, or even traditional children's worship songs. Three songs works well for us.
"Picture time" comes right after worship, because our hearts are already focused. We play an instrumental worship song - typically one that is designed for deep meditation, (eg, John Belt's Prophetic Ocean CD). As the song begins, I lead a prayer of dedicating the time to being with Jesus and inviting Holy Spirit to bring us into Jesus' presence. We pray that the eyes and ears of our hearts will be open to experience Jesus in just the way He wants us to experience Him. "Show us what you want us to see. Speak to us the words that you want us to hear." Then for the remainder of the song we are very quiet before the Lord (5-8 minutes, depending on the song.) I keep my eyes closed, and I truly experience more during this time together with my children than I would typically all alone. If someone does make a distraction, I very quietly correct. (In the beginning, when the children weren't as used to this, I would also have to remind, redirect, gently, to help them remember what we are doing. Now I let them have silence to experience without interruptions.)
After the song ends, I ask, "Who would like to share their picture?" On a typical morning, all three girls want to share. They tell where they went with Jesus and what they did. Or, if they had a less detailed experience, they share what word the Lord gave them and what that means to them. This could be very simple "I got the word "Love" and Jesus told me that it is important to love everybody." More often it is more detailed, though. Whether it is a picture, a word, or a full length adventure, I have each one write this (or draw it) in their journal - a journal that is specifically set aside for this purpose. On a rare occasion someone says "I didn't get anything." I gently encourage that they will likely get something next time.
So, where do they go with Jesus? What does it mean to them? I have been overwhelmed with the variety and depth of the experiences that we have during this time. Sometimes the details that they are able to recall are startling - and highly symbolic. Jesus has taken them to beautiful waterfalls, beaches, parties, castles, dances, mission fields, clouds, heaven (various places in heaven including the throne room), and much more. He has shown them treasures in treasure boxes, crowns of various detail, colorful gowns, books, and even nations. The experiences vary from childish (Jesus gave me a teddy bear) to intensely prophetic (Jesus took me around the world and showed me children in different places, and we prayed for them and they were healed; and Jesus told me that I would be a missionary to different countries). Envision a fully interactive time with the Lord, face to face, building sand castles, or hand in hand, walking through a meadow, or side by side, riding horses (or eagles), and you'll have just a glimpse of what a typical time with Jesus can be.
As they share, I try to get them to think "What do you think that means?" or "What does Jesus want you to know by showing you that?" Sometimes they know. Sometimes it opens scripture to us - and I read the relevant passage. Eg: "That sounds just like the picture in Revelation 5. Let's read that."
After our sharing time, they complete the writing and drawing in their journals. At that time we start our intercession time - praying for others. That lasts an additional 10-15 minutes. Our final piece of our morning routine is study time - we study a passage from scripture and also work on memory verses.
What are some keys to making our time together work? (1) consistency in time and place, (2) consistency in expectations, (3) worshiping together first before having our "picture time," and (4) positive, brief, encouraging feedback (absolutely no laughing, comparing, or criticizing - no matter how it sounds.) Keeping ourselves from the brain pollution all around us, as much as possible, also helps.
What is the fruit? They have no doubt that Jesus wants a PERSONAL relationship with them. Jesus is real to them. They know from first hand experience that Jesus smiles, walks, talks, plays, works miracles, prays for us, gives us good gifts, dances with us, and longs to be with us. Jesus is King and He is friend. They enjoy being with Him. They are learning more and more who He is and how he wants to relate to them. To me, this is priceless.
Tips for teens -- My teens seem to need their own separate time more than the organized family time. If they are involved in "picture time" here at home, they like to be involved in a leadership role - leading worship, playing the piano, or helping the children enter in.
Be blessed in His Presence!
You may also find the following site interesting: http://www.godadventures.com/
Sunday, August 21, 2011
One Thing Ohio
After you read this post, read the next one, too ... Be blessed!
Friday and Saturday in Wilmington, Ohio, hundreds of teens, young adults, young families, parents, grandparents, and more gathered to worship and pray and hear a clarion call to the life of prayer, worship, and wholehearted devotion to God. I stood in awe watching the young people in abandoned worship, faces raised to heaven, arms reaching high, sometimes tears streaming, other times with shouts of joy. I danced in abandoned worship, too, with people of all ages who celebrated the goodness and beauty of our Beloved King, Jesus!
But what took my breath away more than all of that was watching the response to the altar calls. Saturday morning: "Who here feels the call to devote their lives to worship and prayer?" Hundreds raised their hands. "Who here is a musician or singer who feels a call to this?" More than a hundred went forward. Saturday night: "Some of you here feel a burning in your heart to be a forerunner." I thought to myself, "A lot will go forward." But the speaker did not call them out. Instead he pressed them and told them what it would look like to devote your life to a sacred charge -- a life of regular prayer, fasting, giving, serving ... far beyond what the average pastor would dare to suggest ... And I thought to myself, "Oh, about five will go forward." The speaker released the call to the altar for this, and to my great surprise what seemed like a hundred went forward!!
Who were these passionate youth surging to the front to answer the call to a life of prayer and sacrifice? Well, for starters, my teens and most of their friends who were there, too!! What does it mean? Lord, help me, I don't quite know yet. I've modeled a life of intimacy and prayer, somewhat consistently. But I know that I'm not ready to lead by example in this life of weekly fasting, giving 20%, serving in the community once a week, leading prayer meetings and Bible studies once a week ...and speaking boldly. However, I sure want to get behind them and support them in every way the Lord asks.
Who else wants to join me?
Friday and Saturday in Wilmington, Ohio, hundreds of teens, young adults, young families, parents, grandparents, and more gathered to worship and pray and hear a clarion call to the life of prayer, worship, and wholehearted devotion to God. I stood in awe watching the young people in abandoned worship, faces raised to heaven, arms reaching high, sometimes tears streaming, other times with shouts of joy. I danced in abandoned worship, too, with people of all ages who celebrated the goodness and beauty of our Beloved King, Jesus!
But what took my breath away more than all of that was watching the response to the altar calls. Saturday morning: "Who here feels the call to devote their lives to worship and prayer?" Hundreds raised their hands. "Who here is a musician or singer who feels a call to this?" More than a hundred went forward. Saturday night: "Some of you here feel a burning in your heart to be a forerunner." I thought to myself, "A lot will go forward." But the speaker did not call them out. Instead he pressed them and told them what it would look like to devote your life to a sacred charge -- a life of regular prayer, fasting, giving, serving ... far beyond what the average pastor would dare to suggest ... And I thought to myself, "Oh, about five will go forward." The speaker released the call to the altar for this, and to my great surprise what seemed like a hundred went forward!!
Who were these passionate youth surging to the front to answer the call to a life of prayer and sacrifice? Well, for starters, my teens and most of their friends who were there, too!! What does it mean? Lord, help me, I don't quite know yet. I've modeled a life of intimacy and prayer, somewhat consistently. But I know that I'm not ready to lead by example in this life of weekly fasting, giving 20%, serving in the community once a week, leading prayer meetings and Bible studies once a week ...and speaking boldly. However, I sure want to get behind them and support them in every way the Lord asks.
Who else wants to join me?
One Thing I Desire .... Celebrating Together
This morning as I worshiped the Lord with my little girls at church, I felt so incredibly blessed. After spending 4 hours worshiping, praying and listening Friday evening at OneThing and another 4 hours worshiping, praying, and listening Saturday evening at OneThing ... and after getting to bed way past bed time, these girls got up and said, "Mommy, can we please go to Life Church Norwood this morning?" As it turned out, this morning there was no children's church ... a one time change that was truly a blessing ... and so it happened that we sat, practically cuddled together in our row, worshiping and listening to a message on David and Psalm 27:4, "One Thing I desire ...."
Nearby sat a young couple with an infant and toddler, neither of which stayed very quiet. They weren't unhappy ... just a bit noisy. The babbling at times was so vocal and so clearly not English that I wondered whether there would be an interpretation of tongues following it! But no one seemed to mind ... much anyway.
As I listened to the message, with my three girls (now 8, 10 and 11) so close and so quiet, I recalled the years of hard work that preceded this quiet contentment. It seems so long ago, but the memories are still vibrant -- memories of leaving a prayer service repeatedly to sit in the hallway and explain, with patient, loving sternness, the need for obedience in the prayer room ... memories of teaching (with great perseverance) the meaning of the word quiet ... and so much more. How many hours, days, years of hard work went into the formation process? How much patient persistence mixed with prayer and tears? Whatever it took, the cost sure is worth it. The reward of these labors is so intensely sweet and fills my heart with deep contentment.
My heart swelled with gratitude to the Lord for leading me down the path of bringing my children into His presence, often, both at home and in services, conferences, prayer meetings, and more. As I continued to listen to the One Thing message this morning, my thoughts were also drawn to my two teens who attended One Thing with us. Their hearts are so alive with passion for Jesus and a deep, burning desire to worship and pray. As Joshua, the pastor, delivered the message. I thought that indeed he should be delivering it to the hundreds of youth who had just gathered over Friday and Saturday for One Thing, just north of here in Wilmington. It would have fit so well as a final word -- that the call to seek the Lord in accordance with Psalm 27 is not a call to neglect the rest of our responsibilities. It is not a call to ignore our children or to quit or jobs. (David did not leave his sheep to fend for themselves! He killed the lion with his bare hands!) Our call is to keep our gaze fixed on the Lord - the Lover of our Souls - and to do all things we are called to do in this season of our lives with a heart of excellence ... as unto the Lord and out of deep love for Him.
Thanks, Joshua! We need that reminder regularly.
In a separate post I will tell more about One Thing...........
Nearby sat a young couple with an infant and toddler, neither of which stayed very quiet. They weren't unhappy ... just a bit noisy. The babbling at times was so vocal and so clearly not English that I wondered whether there would be an interpretation of tongues following it! But no one seemed to mind ... much anyway.
As I listened to the message, with my three girls (now 8, 10 and 11) so close and so quiet, I recalled the years of hard work that preceded this quiet contentment. It seems so long ago, but the memories are still vibrant -- memories of leaving a prayer service repeatedly to sit in the hallway and explain, with patient, loving sternness, the need for obedience in the prayer room ... memories of teaching (with great perseverance) the meaning of the word quiet ... and so much more. How many hours, days, years of hard work went into the formation process? How much patient persistence mixed with prayer and tears? Whatever it took, the cost sure is worth it. The reward of these labors is so intensely sweet and fills my heart with deep contentment.
My heart swelled with gratitude to the Lord for leading me down the path of bringing my children into His presence, often, both at home and in services, conferences, prayer meetings, and more. As I continued to listen to the One Thing message this morning, my thoughts were also drawn to my two teens who attended One Thing with us. Their hearts are so alive with passion for Jesus and a deep, burning desire to worship and pray. As Joshua, the pastor, delivered the message. I thought that indeed he should be delivering it to the hundreds of youth who had just gathered over Friday and Saturday for One Thing, just north of here in Wilmington. It would have fit so well as a final word -- that the call to seek the Lord in accordance with Psalm 27 is not a call to neglect the rest of our responsibilities. It is not a call to ignore our children or to quit or jobs. (David did not leave his sheep to fend for themselves! He killed the lion with his bare hands!) Our call is to keep our gaze fixed on the Lord - the Lover of our Souls - and to do all things we are called to do in this season of our lives with a heart of excellence ... as unto the Lord and out of deep love for Him.
Thanks, Joshua! We need that reminder regularly.
In a separate post I will tell more about One Thing...........
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Season of Pressing In
Fasting. Not my favorite thing, of course. But this fast is starting to produce fruit. I had no idea how satiated I was with food and entertainment. I had no idea how bad my cravings had become .. for things like pizza and a movie ... until now.
But after taking a long, long walk with the Lord last night, I realized all over again how silly it is to settle for pizza and movies when I can encounter the Creator.
Here's what I wrote last night: This is raw ... written for my journal ... proceed at your own risk.
I did not realize how much I had allowed my affections to be alienated by the trappings of this life. A slow and slippery slope, upon which I descended unaware, the pleasures of this world drew me deeper into a place where hunger and thirst were merely concepts rather than longings. Along the downward path, I noticed landmarks of self indulgence, rationalizations, and excuses. Yet today, as I turn my eyes from worthless things and embrace the hunger once again, my Father is lifting me up and beyond that place that would have eventually landed me in a pit of despondency, had I allowed the descent to continue. How faithful He is to meet us in our current state and lift us into His saving arms!
But after taking a long, long walk with the Lord last night, I realized all over again how silly it is to settle for pizza and movies when I can encounter the Creator.
Here's what I wrote last night: This is raw ... written for my journal ... proceed at your own risk.
I did not realize how much I had allowed my affections to be alienated by the trappings of this life. A slow and slippery slope, upon which I descended unaware, the pleasures of this world drew me deeper into a place where hunger and thirst were merely concepts rather than longings. Along the downward path, I noticed landmarks of self indulgence, rationalizations, and excuses. Yet today, as I turn my eyes from worthless things and embrace the hunger once again, my Father is lifting me up and beyond that place that would have eventually landed me in a pit of despondency, had I allowed the descent to continue. How faithful He is to meet us in our current state and lift us into His saving arms!
Today He and I walked again along a path where the atmosphere seemed to thin, as if I could simply step right through into eternity. Returning to this place, I felt His fingers momentarily linked in mine, his wind upon my cheek, and the aroma of budding romance sweeping down through the tree branches. My stamina to keep heart, mind, and soul in focus is not quite what it was years ago, and I found my mind drifting, to a calendar, a call, a need to connect with the concrete. Resisting, I managed to sustain the state of abandoned love longer, basking in the peace beyond all reason, where the breeze might simply lift me into His heavenly embrace forever.
Oh, lovely One, whose presence so enraptures me, call me further on into this romance. Remind me every time I hunger for the lesser pleasures of this life how you have so much more for me. Let me delight myself in You, taking joy in simply being with You, as I have in other seasons. Woo me to embrace the hunger rather than running to other things to fill me. Remind me daily of the reason for forsaking those lesser loves, those seemingly innocent substitutes for the reality of finding my true satisfaction in You.
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