Surrender
Vulnerability is scary-writing your thoughts, emotions, beliefs on a public forum for all to see. Yikes!
Yet recently, the Lord has reaffirmed to me that he is all about relationships-first and foremost, he desires relationship with us. Second, he cares about our relationships with others. John 13:34 says, " A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Because he is wise and knows our human nature intimately, he accepts us where we are at when we say yes to his call, surrendering our lives to him. However, he does not leave us there.A few verses that pop out to me are:
1 Peter 1:15-16: But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Romans 6: 18-19: You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.
Hebrews 12:14: Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
I love how the Lord brings us into new seasons, places burdens upon our hearts. Holiness seems to be what he is impressing upon me presently. I heard a man speak on holiness last night. One thing has remained with me-"We are set apart unto God; not only separated from sin, but also set apart so we can give him everything. God requires 100% from us because he gave 100%, his own son, for us!"
When we think of holiness, often a list of do's and don'ts come to mind. In some aspects of life, people expect and accept it. When on a sports team, one must meet requirements as well as follow the rules, the underlying thought being the athlete's and team's well-being.
When it comes to spiritual matters. however, people do not like being told what to do and what not to do. Personally, I think our flesh cringes at the idea of obedience, submission and surrender. Only when we know the character of God and the heart of his son Jesus can we surrender, knowing everything is related to his love for us. The bible is God's love story to us. He created us; he knows us; he loves us. The commands and warnings he gives us are because of his love for us. The things he warns us about are not good for us.
After his relationship with us, God cares about our relationship with others. In fact, he created the institution of the family. Thankfully, through his word and his Spirit he provides us with the tools to love each other, which includes the children he has given us.
No matter the stage of parenting, I need Jesus. I cannot lean on my own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6). Knowing his Holy Spirit resides in me gives me assurance and hope. No matter my former ways, I can choose to put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-17). I can trust that The Lord will work through me, empowering me to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control toward my children. Again, surrender is the key.
I need to trust his will for my day, giving him my schedule, lists and time.
I challenge you to surrender those areas you may be holding on to closely. I guarantee he will multiply your time, allowing you to accomplish all he has for you each day. This is easier said than done (until we remember he loves, loves, loves us). Like anything else, it takes practice. I encourage you to seek the Lord regarding your present circumstances.
He really will show you how to do the difficult with joy so you can reflect him to your children.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Pursued or Pursuing?
While talking with a friend this past week, one of our topics of conversation centered around the idea of roles people adopt when friends with someone- pursued or pursuer?
She believes most people are pursued, meaning they are most comfortable being on the receiving end of gestures and other words or actions that keep the relationship going. They are the ones reached out to, called, texted, etc.
Obviously some people are pursuers, the ones to initiate and maintain friendships. They are the first to call, make plans, keep in touch with others.
Friendships are precious gifts from God.
-Prov. 18:24: A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
-Prov. 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Personality traits (introvert or extrovert), personal experience, current life experiences, as well as spiritual maturity, all affect how people interact with others.
Having moved just a year ago, friendships are a high priority for me. Recently, interactions with two new women in my life have reinforced the idea of intentionality and its role in friendships.
After talking with my friend, I texted one of the women and told her how I appreciated her checking in with me each week to see if I was going to the beach. She laughed and said before she knew Jesus she was bad at staying connected with others; in fact, she still struggles but was encouraged by my perspective of her.
I have realized that pursuing friendships is something of value to me and to
God. In John 13:34 Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know
that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Regardless of my bent or any of the items listed above, Jesus commands me to love others. When I am walking in the Spirit rather than the flesh, this occurs more often, resulting in love, whether I am on the giving or receiving end of it.
When I get off course, I am reminded of how God pursued me. 1 John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us." Not only did God send his son to die
for me and make me righteous, he also continues to pursue me, daily, through his word and his Holy Spirit.
What does this mean to me as a mom? I am to pursue relationships with my children. If you are a mom to young children, this may sound strange to you-they are always with me; how could I ever have to pursue them? In fact, I would relish the opportunity to be away long enough to be pursued :)
If you are a parent of teens or older, maybe this makes a lot of sense to you. One thing I would like to do this summer is learn my kids' love language. The Five Love Languages ( also one is available geared to teens) by Gary Chapman is an excellent book on this topic.
One of my goals this summer is to learn my kids' love languages. I desire to communicate to them that they matter, that I love them.
I encourage you to be a pursuer-of God first and foremost, and to others. It is a worthy investment.
Pattie
While talking with a friend this past week, one of our topics of conversation centered around the idea of roles people adopt when friends with someone- pursued or pursuer?
She believes most people are pursued, meaning they are most comfortable being on the receiving end of gestures and other words or actions that keep the relationship going. They are the ones reached out to, called, texted, etc.
Obviously some people are pursuers, the ones to initiate and maintain friendships. They are the first to call, make plans, keep in touch with others.
Friendships are precious gifts from God.
-Prov. 18:24: A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
-Prov. 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Personality traits (introvert or extrovert), personal experience, current life experiences, as well as spiritual maturity, all affect how people interact with others.
Having moved just a year ago, friendships are a high priority for me. Recently, interactions with two new women in my life have reinforced the idea of intentionality and its role in friendships.
After talking with my friend, I texted one of the women and told her how I appreciated her checking in with me each week to see if I was going to the beach. She laughed and said before she knew Jesus she was bad at staying connected with others; in fact, she still struggles but was encouraged by my perspective of her.
I have realized that pursuing friendships is something of value to me and to
God. In John 13:34 Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know
that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Regardless of my bent or any of the items listed above, Jesus commands me to love others. When I am walking in the Spirit rather than the flesh, this occurs more often, resulting in love, whether I am on the giving or receiving end of it.
When I get off course, I am reminded of how God pursued me. 1 John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us." Not only did God send his son to die
for me and make me righteous, he also continues to pursue me, daily, through his word and his Holy Spirit.
What does this mean to me as a mom? I am to pursue relationships with my children. If you are a mom to young children, this may sound strange to you-they are always with me; how could I ever have to pursue them? In fact, I would relish the opportunity to be away long enough to be pursued :)
If you are a parent of teens or older, maybe this makes a lot of sense to you. One thing I would like to do this summer is learn my kids' love language. The Five Love Languages ( also one is available geared to teens) by Gary Chapman is an excellent book on this topic.
One of my goals this summer is to learn my kids' love languages. I desire to communicate to them that they matter, that I love them.
I encourage you to be a pursuer-of God first and foremost, and to others. It is a worthy investment.
Pattie
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Rest
Needed? Don't get enough of it? Aaahhh, sounds delightful? Many ideas pop into our mind when we think of rest. Sometimes rest is voluntary; other times it is imposed upon us. Either way, rest is important-for people big and small. In Genesis 2:2 we learn that on the seventh day God rested from all his work.
This time of year finds many of us on vacation. At one time (probably when I was a kid), I equated vacation with rest. Seeing new places, eating more than my share of junk food, staying up later than usual-carefree and restful (even if I was exhausted and fell into bed at the day's end).
Presently, I believe vacations can be restful. However, they can prove to be stressful and exhausting, with only a rare occurrence of rest thrown in.
Many factors contribute to the degree of rest one experiences on vacation. Recently, most of my immediate family spent time on the Colorado River for a three-day weekend. Our group consisted of extended family, a generous couple who hosted all of us, as well as a half dozen young adults. We had opportunities to float down the river, ride Sea Doos and Rhinos as well as stay cool with ping pong, puzzles and food, of course.
The larger the group, the longer it takes to move. The initial call to action occurs and then time is spent assembling people, items, drinks, and other needed accessories. This was not stressful for me, but it did stretch three of my children, who were rearing to go early in the morning.
My form of rest resulted in illness. I spent the last day and-a-half in my room, feeling quite awful. Not the rest I envisioned.
This weekend we find ourselves in Reno for a friend's wedding. The difference here is we have friends we want to visit and the challenge is getting everyone where they want to go. When the kids were younger, vacations to places we previously lived consisted of all of us seeing people at one time. This has changed as they have grown and maintained relationships with different people. Yet, it is restful-our group is smaller; we aren't gathering gear for an event (except towels for Sand Harbor).
The most important form of rest is in our spirit. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-29, "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls". Such comfort comes from knowing I am not alone; that whatever challenges I face, my God is with me, with open arms, waiting for me to cast all my anxiety on him because he cares for me (1 Peter 5:7).
I encourage you to leave your burdens at his feet. Our God loves us extravagantly, and knows us intimately. His desire is that we allow him to be first in our lives, surrendering our very lives, which includes our schedules, finances, relationships, and time, to him. In that we will find rest. May the words of Psalm 139 bring you encouragement-
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-6
Pattie
Needed? Don't get enough of it? Aaahhh, sounds delightful? Many ideas pop into our mind when we think of rest. Sometimes rest is voluntary; other times it is imposed upon us. Either way, rest is important-for people big and small. In Genesis 2:2 we learn that on the seventh day God rested from all his work.
This time of year finds many of us on vacation. At one time (probably when I was a kid), I equated vacation with rest. Seeing new places, eating more than my share of junk food, staying up later than usual-carefree and restful (even if I was exhausted and fell into bed at the day's end).
Presently, I believe vacations can be restful. However, they can prove to be stressful and exhausting, with only a rare occurrence of rest thrown in.
Many factors contribute to the degree of rest one experiences on vacation. Recently, most of my immediate family spent time on the Colorado River for a three-day weekend. Our group consisted of extended family, a generous couple who hosted all of us, as well as a half dozen young adults. We had opportunities to float down the river, ride Sea Doos and Rhinos as well as stay cool with ping pong, puzzles and food, of course.
The larger the group, the longer it takes to move. The initial call to action occurs and then time is spent assembling people, items, drinks, and other needed accessories. This was not stressful for me, but it did stretch three of my children, who were rearing to go early in the morning.
My form of rest resulted in illness. I spent the last day and-a-half in my room, feeling quite awful. Not the rest I envisioned.
This weekend we find ourselves in Reno for a friend's wedding. The difference here is we have friends we want to visit and the challenge is getting everyone where they want to go. When the kids were younger, vacations to places we previously lived consisted of all of us seeing people at one time. This has changed as they have grown and maintained relationships with different people. Yet, it is restful-our group is smaller; we aren't gathering gear for an event (except towels for Sand Harbor).
The most important form of rest is in our spirit. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-29, "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls". Such comfort comes from knowing I am not alone; that whatever challenges I face, my God is with me, with open arms, waiting for me to cast all my anxiety on him because he cares for me (1 Peter 5:7).
I encourage you to leave your burdens at his feet. Our God loves us extravagantly, and knows us intimately. His desire is that we allow him to be first in our lives, surrendering our very lives, which includes our schedules, finances, relationships, and time, to him. In that we will find rest. May the words of Psalm 139 bring you encouragement-
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-6
Pattie
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