Putt-Putt Provisions
Posted by Sarah on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 6:00am
The parking lot seemed empty when I pulled in. I didn’t think anyone had arrived yet, but I was a little late, so I watched and waited for the others to arrive. A few cars of moms and children pulled into the lot and entered the building. I gingerly followed behind them. Instantly, the game room screamed at me like I’d entered into the “zone” itself. I continued to follow the women and children, I said a prayer. “Lord, help me love these people here today. Lead me to the ones you want me to spend time with. They have deep wounds and trials in their lives that I have no idea of. Let me be your hands and feet, your smile. Lord, help me know what to say. Show me how to love them.” I recalled a verse that sits on my husband’s dresser, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will speak through you and teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:12). This promise was my only confidence. As I opened the door to the party room (that holds about twenty people), I found a space to stand as I stepped into a room of fifty – mothers, children and a few dads of all ages. I had signed up to volunteer with a local ministry from my church that reaches out to the battered women’s shelter. This event was an afternoon of fun for the families with pizza, games, and golf. The families with children were given book bags and supplies for the school year. It didn’t take long for me to jump in and start serving pizza and pouring Orange Fanta. The kids were eager to eat and get on with the games. Each child received a small cup of tokens and each family was assigned a volunteer to “hang out” with them. After cleaning up, it seemed like all the families had been assigned a buddy, but there was one mom and her three children left. I joined them and headed to the game room. Most of the time, I hung out with the middle son. He loved the motocross racing and won tons of tickets to cash in for the prizes. His little sister was about four years old, and cute as a button. She won a little tacky ball ring and kept asking me to put it on her thumb. After time in the game room, we all gathered together to pass out the book bags to the children. I stood in amazement, as child after child received a book bag stuffed full of paper, notebooks, markers, pens and pencils….the necessities. The bags were gifts of hope for these kids to start the school year off on the right foot. The Word of God was “given out” too. The director’s husband of the ministry read from Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” He encouraged the families to turn to the Lord for help and hope, especially as the kids started a new school year. The kids were thrilled with their new book bags and supplies, but it was time to play Putt-Putt. My little buddies and I grabbed our clubs and hit the course. On the second hole, my motocross friend made a hole in one! It didn’t occur to him what he had just done until I started celebrating his achievement. He jumped up screaming so the whole world would know. His little sister took her big orange putter and attempted to hit the club backwards; just teaching her how to set the club straight was such fun for me. Having grown up in a golfing family, and now my son and husband play, I knew a little bit to help her. Observing their actions and eyes, this simple game of golf was a treat that was not often experienced. After the game, a little hand held mine as I walked the kids to their cars. I encouraged them that they’d been given a great gift to make a good start at school. There was another mom with two older boys that I was able to speak with. I prayed for her as she just recently moved here and was getting settled in Winston. They were appreciative of the book bags and games. Maybe they were seeing what life was supposed to look like for the first time. Was it a generational stronghold that kept pulling them in a cycle of abuse? I prayed for the children on my way home, that they would be set free from the generational blight. I thanked God for being able to serve and see there are so many needs out there. This ministry, yet still small, was making a difference. There were smiles on the kid’s faces and pep in their step. They had a little more hope for their future with new book bags and hopefully, a little love tucked in their hearts. I left blessed, being able to serve “unto the least of these.” And not with any superiority, I sensed that I was “rich.” I knew that it was only by God’s grace that have I not suffered a similar hardship in life. Having just completed a year without a steady income, I have so much to be thankful for physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Later in the week, as I sent my kids off to their first day of school, I read a scripture to encourage them to reach out and be friendly to others. Matthew 5:46-48 says, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” The tax collectors and pagans had selfish reasons to be friendly. Jesus said he came not to be served, but to serve and give his life. Is this our daily attitude? Maybe it’s just a smile to a stranger or a kind “hello.” Life gets so busy sometimes, but I encourage you to take some time and serve someone less fortunate than yourself. We tend to stay in our Christian huddles, and there are needs in our own backyards. There is great fulfillment, satisfaction and joy, when we serve and give of our time, of our personal ease and comfort “unto the least of these.” Today’s Prayer Journal Task: Are you looking for ways to serve others or are you more concerned about being served? Write out a prayer asking God where you can serve “unto the least of these” and trust him to help you. Be ready for the experience to touch your heart with an overflow of gratitude.
Print this \| Permanent Link \| E-mail a friend \| Add a comment \| 0 comments

Tis the Season
Posted by Sarah on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 10:10am
Yesterday, I found myself singing the Eagle’s Christmas song, of all things… "Bells will be ringin’…” I found it funny, that I was unconsciously thinking “tis the season” for school to start. It snuck up on us just like the Christmas holidays. Where did our summer go? The school season is quickly approaching and as a former teacher, I love to go shopping for school supplies! The kids and I have visited the stores two or three times for updates on the never ending supply lists. Plus this week our family attended three Open Houses and met our kid's teachers. My kids seem to have mixed emotions just like I did as a kid. The anticipation of seeing friends again and getting involved in extra-curricular activities was always the positive aspect, which balanced the fact that it was time to get back to the books. Our family's mindset was adjusting to somewhat of a school routine earlier in the summer. My son has been attending mandatory football practices the entire month of August. The crabgrass scent in the air and the drumming of the band does bring with it eagerness of a new season. As we say “good-bye” to the lazy days of summer, whether you have a family to get into routine, or maybe you are still single and need to revamp with a more disciplined schedule, I encourage you to pray over your commitments and priorities this fall. I am praying through my fall schedule and commitments, as I attempt to balance work and family, considering a Bible study, and a more structured work day. For the kids, their priorities quickly get established – more face time in the books and less on the games and television. I always remember in my high school and college days, the busier I was, the better steward I was with my time. It seems like an oxymoron, but I find it’s true; when we are disciplined in one area, it affects all other areas. Start now, and re-evaluate your goals, routine, and habits. Ask yourself what matters most? Be intentional establishing family time, regular exercise, and good eating habits into your life. I, most importantly, want to encourage you to make it a priority to spend time with God first. I’ve been challenged by the verse in Matthew 6:33 “Seek first his Kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” It’s so simple to follow Jesus, and we make it so complex. We let all the other “stuff” and activities substitute for our most critical need - for “time in the chair” (authors use that term for the discipline needed as writers, but I like it for meeting with God too!) Repeatedly throughout scripture, God invites us, “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28). He doesn’t invite us only to lay all our requests at his feet, but to receive his blessing, for his pouring out of his love on us. He has something to say to each of us…most often through his Word: a word of comfort, encouragement, direction or to give hope. He invites us to come because he who created us knows what we need; we need “our daily bread.” He is the answer to all of life and its problems. First, I recommend when you wake up each morning to thank God for a new day as you put your feet on the ground. Grab your cup of coffee and seek God. As you commit to meet with God daily, keep that same anticipation of what the day or year ahead will bring – God has plans for you. As you seek God first each day in prayer and Bible reading, “…and all these things will be given to you as well.” These “things” are benefits of seeking God first: direction for your steps…”in paths of righteousness” (Proverbs 3:4-6 Psalm 23:2), peace in the midst of chaos, hope when all seems lost, and help in time of need. Whether its decisions you need to make concerning your amount of time at work, or what Bible study to attend, being involved with the PTA, coaching your child’s sport, volunteering to tutor, or work in a homeless shelter, pray first. Ask God where you should spend your time. Remember, just like being a student, there is a long range goal to finish well, but to reach the end, we need to be focused and work hard on the lessons of today. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the future. I did…”Would I have time to keep writing?” “Will I get other speaking engagements?” Through my recent Bible reading, I have been reminded, “Learn of Me” “Seek Me first” and the fruit will come in its good time. Listen and obey today what God has for you to do….apply yourself in the school of faith by storing up treasures in heaven this year, and keep an eternal perspective to get through the hard days that someday, as the Eagle’s song goes…”there’ll be no more sorrow, no grief and pain…” Today’s Prayer Journal Task: Take some time to write out the activities you would like to commit to this fall. Pray over them and realistically consider what will be a balanced schedule. Journal
Print this \| Permanent Link \| E-mail a friend \| Add a comment \| 0 comments

Battle with the Bushes
Posted by Sarah on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 10:27am
Have you ever had a day when you were so dead set on doing accomplishing a task that nothing would stop you? Well, I had one of those days yesterday! For weeks I would drive up my drive way and my eyes would gravitate to my overgrown bushes in the front yard; they looked so scraggly I could hardly stand it. My husband usually does the trimming, but his new job has been time consuming as he learns a new vocation. So, to be the dutiful wife, I was determined to get the job done myself. Of course, the day I set out to conquer 20 bushes it was one of the hottest “dog days” of summer, but I was not going to let the heat beat me. I filled my gator aide jug and grabbed three different hand held trimmers, my garden gloves, the wheelbarrow, and got to work about mid-morning. It didn’t take me long to figure out my determination was being challenged by the heat, but I keep clanking those trimmers together with my best effort. We have several varieties of bushes, but the ones that “got me” were the hollies up by the house. With each attempt to reach the branches growing at the top, the bushes fought back by scratching my arms. Eventually, I wised up and put on a cotton long sleeve shirt. It certainly helped; at least I had somewhere to wipe the sweat off my forehead. After a few hours, and a couple of horizontal breaks on the front stoop, I had finished, as far as I could reach anyway. I gathered the trimmings and placed them in the wheelbarrow. At the time it was a huge pile, and I thought for sure the whole family would notice my huge sacrifice and praise me! Not quite… The heat drained the life out of the cut limbs and they slowly sank into the wheelbarrow – depleted. It didn’t look like much work was done at all. I pondered the “remaining on the vine” lesson. Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch in me that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…Remain in me” (John 15:1-2) It’s obvious that life is zapped when we “cease to remain” and cut ourselves off from the sustenance we need in “our daily bread.” But my mind dwelled on the pruning that scripture talks about. Isaiah 18:5 says, “For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives, and cut down and take away the spreading branches.” “Before the harvest,” Isaiah says that God “cuts off the shoots with pruning knives.” As I was pruning, I tried to take care, not to chop off too deep or haphazardly so the bush would keep a nice shape. If I am human in my efforts, how much more will God “take care” to prune from our lives the things that hinder a harvest of righteousness? As we regularly spend time with God in prayer and Bible reading, we may never see the mighty work God does within us as he gradually removes the desires that keep us from growing with him. But sometimes becoming conformed to the image of Jesus, takes pruning and we “work out” our salvation while God “works in” his purifying power. It often takes effort and rest combined. The pruning in my life has been more of the later. Most of my experiences have been that I need to participate with God in the process of letting the “stuff” go that hinders my walk or purpose with him. This sanctifying process isn’t always easy. It takes work once an area in my life is identified that God is pruning. Then I dig in the scriptures to “renew my mind” to do what pleases God. (Romans 12:1) The “letting go” might look more like “giving it back” to God, over and over in prayer and guarding my mind that I don’t “go there” in my thought life. These scriptures I write in my journal to pray through. Then I transfer them on note cards and they sit in my window seal or ride in my car with me. The effort in memorizing and meditating on the scriptures, I truly believe is the place where we find “rest” – in that, God does the work in hauling away the cut branches, the unfruitful parts. This could be unproductive character or attitudes, or sins that hinder your relationship with God or others. Maybe you are about to embark on a “harvest time” in your life, and the pruning has been tough. And sometimes it hurts, but it “hurts so good” as the song goes. Because deep down you know that you would be much freer when the pruning is over. Like my fight with the bushes, be determined and God will grant you the strength to work through the issue. For me, the “branches” that need constant pruning are all based on my pride. “Oh, LORD, keep pruning!” Maybe with every little branch that bears fruit, a little shoot of pride grows off that branch. I am discovering my fear of man – man’s approval is really rooted in my pride – the self wanting to be built up, which can also be a result of insecurity. But I know…there’s some serious pruning to be done before there is a harvest. Those prickly parts of me…gotta go! Prayer Journal Task: Are you letting God have his way with you? Do you pay attention to the check in your spirit when you sense in your heart a need to confess and repent of some habit or attitude? To repent means to walk away from it, to cease from doing it. This is where the “work” comes in on our part. Get a hold of some scripture that will address your issue. Pray over it, think on it, meditate on it, and let God cut away, and work to bring about his transformation in you, fruit and freedom.
Print this \| Permanent Link \| E-mail a friend \| Add a comment \| 0 comments

A Natural Remedy
Posted by Sarah on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 8:25am
With the busy summer and three kids, I don’t get to sit down and catch up on the news much, but I am sure you have heard the good news recently that tiny oil-eating microbes are absorbing the oil in the Gulf. Over 5.5 million barrels of oil escaped and now authorities are having trouble accounting for it. An article recently titled, “No One Knows Where Oil Went” to another response in the Washington Post, “The Truth is in the Middle” lets us know that we are mystified. Yes, the truth is in the middle of the ocean. It amazes me that the ecosystem can recover like this. I know the disaster clean-up is not over yet, but I can’t help but thank the Lord and believe it is God’s answer to our cries for help. After months and hours of man’s search for a solution, a cap that has been in place for 15 days has worked, and who would have thought that something from nature itself could help solve such a huge problem. As Christians, we are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to thank him and give him praise. When we get to know God more and more, and believe He is the Creator of this world, we can get to a place that compels us to trusts him and give us the solution. Several times this week through sermons or devotions, a consistent topic keeps reoccurring, God has a plan. I have been reminded that God is working out his purposes behind every circumstance, whether I see his wisdom or not. And amazingly, God’s plan has been in place before the foundation of the world! (Ephesians 1:4) His plan included choosing you and me in love, which is the basis of all God’s dealings with us. When the days dragged on to weeks and months in the Gulf oil spill, there was not much we could do but pray. I know it was on my heart and in my prayers daily for the families suffering in their loss of quality of life and commerce, and the aftermath in nature that we have not even seen yet. And we often ask, “Why did this happen?” “Where was God in all this mess?” God was there… He’s a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 37:4) Trials serve a purpose; they strengthen our character, they strengthen our faith, and our prayer lives - if we let them. Trials are invitations to know God more fully. The oil spill was allowed by God’s sovereignty…and he has used it – to pull us together as a country, to care for others who are suffering such loss. Many of us, individually or corporately in our churches did what? We came together in prayer. Prayer touches the world and the hem of God’s garment. God hears, and he acts in mysterious ways beyond our finite understanding. That’s what makes him God; that’s why he is worthy of our praise. What in your life seems out of control… like the oil spill? Words, emotions, or actions flowed from loved ones or from yourself that you just can’t possibly imagine could ever be “cleaned up.” With God all things are possible. (Mark 10:27) Pray and keep on; invite God into your mess. That’s right where he wants to be. He loves to help and he has the remedy.
Print this \| Permanent Link \| E-mail a friend \| Add a comment \| 0 comments

More Death
Posted by Sarah on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 5:38am
My heart was a little deflated or perplexed the other day after I read a devotional by Oswald Chambers. I just couldn’t put my finger on my restless heart. In a matter of a few words, he cuts to the bone and it’s a good kind of abstraction, if you know what I mean. My mind and heart have always battled the “prosperity” gospel. Many well-known figures teach that if we proclaim prosperity through the promises, we will get it. I believe that “God is for me…” Psalm 56:9 but God’s prosperity and the world’s view of prosperity in some cases may likely be two different entities. I must confess life is a little easier when there’s monetary blessing! Chambers simply said, “We must never put our dreams of success as God’s purpose for us.” It’s so hard not to want the final end to be success from the world’s viewpoint – and for me, of course I’d love to be as a successful speaker, and a well-known author. After reading, Chambers flips my incorrect thinking to accept “the process” knowing that obedience is the success God is after in our lives. My pastor told me several years ago when I discussed the possibility of publishing, “If God is telling you to do it, do whatever it takes to publish, and the leave results up to him.” I am reminded that I have nothing to do with the “afterwards of obedience” – but that I must focus on today. In these moments, I simply ask myself, “Am I obedient to God’s will?” The process is a means to the end. God’s purpose of our dreams is that we depend utterly on him. What pleases him, is that I trust him. Do I trust him for the courage to follow wherever he leads? Why did the devotion bother me so much? It took me most of the day to work through my thoughts and response. I had to come to grips with the term “success.” How I view the world’s standards may very well not be God’s plans for me. Am I okay with that? Not at first, I wasn’t. I do not believe God has brought me this far to leave a mountain of books in my office. I am confident they are to be shared and used to inspire readers to pray and meet with God. But I realized the tension in my spirit was from resisting the thoughts from Chambers until I read from a friend’s book in Won't Somebody Help Me! After her airplane crash and suffering physically and emotionally from the loss of her husband, Janice Gravely wrote in her autobiography that something more was required of her. She desired to yield to God’s highest purposes for the suffering. She wanted to hold nothing back. “More death,” she wrote. Then she prayed, “You may have all of me. I desire only Your will and Your glory. Lead me step by step into Your highest. Bring forth your best through me.” The words “More death” pierced my heart. That was it – the answer to my tension. The death to Sarah’s desire for success, and totally being willing to embrace whatever God had planned. The process requires more death. This was the very prayer I needed to pray and reflect on. “I desire only Your will and Your glory. Lead me step by step into Your highest. Bring forth your best through me.” I do desire to do God’s will. The tension fled like shackles off an inmate when I accepted the process of more death to Sarah’s plan with the world’s definition of success. I needed to let go of the future focus and focus on only him. Like the disciples on the lake in the boat during the winds; I too, am not real sure where we’re headed. I say, “we” because like the disciples, I am not alone. There are others along for this ride, my family and close friends, and we see Jesus – walking on the water. I don’t want to miss that, do you? He calms their fears revealing his identity, “ ‘Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.’ Then he climbed in the boat with them” (Mark 6:45-51). This is eternal prosperity…”Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). Let him in your boat, whatever the circumstance. Look for him and do not fear. The destination is up to him…just obey, that often involves doing something we don’t want to do - death to self – alive to Christ. (Romans 6:11) Each day is part of the process, and it’s the process of obedience that gives him glory. In the meantime, look for him, trust him, and he will take you to your destination.
Print this \| Permanent Link \| E-mail a friend \| Add a comment \| View 1 comments