Prayer rises from our humble den - our family house of prayer - a fragrant incense, and we barely take a moment to consider how quickly it moves to our Father's throne. In an instant He hears. Our God who hears; our God who sees. He is near.
Lately, our hearts burn with prayer requests so near. Oh, yes, we pray for our nation, for Israel, for China, for Mozambique, and our darling sponsored child in India... but my prayers take on more urgency as I press through the complexities that fill each day.
Prayer ... the only viable alternative when faced with the ever shifting landscape of mood swings, heartache, drama, laughter, tears, squeals, and squabbles that accompany life with six girls ages 10 - 18.
Day One, as beautiful, smart, funny teen comes home in tears, rejected and "friendless" ... with best friend hundreds of miles away. I sigh, compassionate fingers tracing the beauty of golden waves that frame her face.
Day Two, as classic beauty's eyes darken at the thought of a future that is both too close and too far away ... not to mention impossible to fathom. I hold her hand as we walk, talk, walk, talk, and find at least a light of breakthrough.
And I hug and hold tight beautiful birthday girl who joins the ranks of double digit girls.
Day Three, as recently added beauty struggles to gain footing in a new school when the educational system has failed her for a decade. And I assure her again, "You can do it."
Day Four, as dark-haired beauty's eyes brim with tears, as she realizes that her life is perched at the brink of another world - one called adolescence, and she has no idea what that is supposed to look like and how she is supposed to fit in. And I hold her close against the storm.
Day Five, as mommy/teacher winces at the seemingly insurmountable hills that stand between each young beauty and her future dreams. How will the two ever overcome the odds that others have stacked in front of them? How will one make a decision among a myriad of possibilites? How will another stand strong in her commitments in a world that constantly tells her to do the opposite? How will mommy/teacher reach them all and teach them all and not fall flat on her face in the face of everything?
And yet, falling flat on my face is not so bad when Father God is here to lift me into his arms. Was it only last week that I cried and cried at his feet, crying for the loss and pain that my own arms cannot heal? Yes, His arms are the ones who can heal them .. and heal me. The God who hears; the God who is near. So near.
So near to me now. I fall.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The Suddenlies of God
I have always enjoyed listening to passionate people tell stories of how God suddenly invades their lives with something new and exciting - a new job, a new revelation about how to serve him, a sudden trip to Israel, or a sudden idea to earn money for the Kingdom. Although I don't recall when I first heard the phrase, "the Suddenlies of God," I do recall my response: a sudden rash of Holy Spirit goosebumps. Later I would imagine waking up in the middle of the night and suddenly understanding how my various roles and duties and talents all intersect in this beautiful and simple synergistic vision of 'where I am going from here'. This would be "my suddenly" that came finally, after years of simply trusting that somehow it would all make perfect sense.
My recent experience with suddenly is quite different than I or anyone else would have imagined. My husband and I find that suddenly we have become parents of one more daughter. Our nest of five has grown to six .. without labor, and without paperwork (so far). And she's already 15 years old! My head is still spinning over this suddenly which only the Lord himself could orchestrate amidst the craziness of a life already bursting at the seams. And I wonder, had it not been for the Lord's very clear signs, could I have embraced this suddenly?
How could I not, though? After years of praying "God, yes! Let it be unto me according to your will," could I have said, "Uh, no; that wasn't exactly what I had in mind."
This is clearly not my imagined "suddenly," for rather than being a piece that brings all the others together to make perfect sense, it is a piece that fits only in the sense that suddenly our hearts have expanded once again to fully embrace another beautiful gift, and even to begin to imagine that she will always be a part of us - an "us" that only God himself could fashion.
Thank you, Lord, for your suddenlies ... and the way you smile down from heaven, perhaps with a bit of amusement, as we try once again to figure out what our minds cannot yet conceive - the riches of your glorious inheritance, forming anew, in us.
My recent experience with suddenly is quite different than I or anyone else would have imagined. My husband and I find that suddenly we have become parents of one more daughter. Our nest of five has grown to six .. without labor, and without paperwork (so far). And she's already 15 years old! My head is still spinning over this suddenly which only the Lord himself could orchestrate amidst the craziness of a life already bursting at the seams. And I wonder, had it not been for the Lord's very clear signs, could I have embraced this suddenly?
How could I not, though? After years of praying "God, yes! Let it be unto me according to your will," could I have said, "Uh, no; that wasn't exactly what I had in mind."
This is clearly not my imagined "suddenly," for rather than being a piece that brings all the others together to make perfect sense, it is a piece that fits only in the sense that suddenly our hearts have expanded once again to fully embrace another beautiful gift, and even to begin to imagine that she will always be a part of us - an "us" that only God himself could fashion.
Thank you, Lord, for your suddenlies ... and the way you smile down from heaven, perhaps with a bit of amusement, as we try once again to figure out what our minds cannot yet conceive - the riches of your glorious inheritance, forming anew, in us.
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?
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