What Can Happen In Carpool

It was last Spring.

I sat waiting on two little boys.  Lined up in carpool.

Minivan after minivan.  

Sometimes I have to squeeze it in.  

My Bible reading.

I am a firm believer in the power of a quiet, sacred moment in the mornings with Jesus.

But I am also an advocate for a "grab Him when you have a minute" moment, too.

He speaks in both.

I took maybe three minutes to read.

The book of Acts.  

Paul.

He was such a stud for Jesus.

Fearless. Flawed. And full of faith.

I never imagined God would give me a life verse, right there,

 in the carpool line at afternoon pick-up.

But I tell you.  I am an advocate.  Grab Him when you can and He will bless it.

My eyes read along the words.  Paul.  A Jesus stud.  Preparing himself to head out for Jerusalem, knowing good and well that "imprisonment and afflictions" awaited him.

Then my eyes stopped.  

Acts 20:24

 I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

There he goes.  Paul summing it up my life.  Right there.

In carpool.

My life is worth nothing if I am not running 

toward what Christ has call me to do...

It goes down kind of rough, I know.

And here is a beautiful thing, this isn't just my verse.

It is yours, too.

We are to testify to the gospel of God's grace.

The same mission, but different ministries.

Merriam defines ministry as 

the person or thing through which something is accomplished.  

The office or duties of a ministry.

We all have "office space" in this world.  

All called to accomplish this chief end...to testify to the gospel of God's grace.

His Gospel.

 Through you.  And me.  And us.  And her.  And him.  And them.  

Our lives are worth nothing if only we may finish the race set before us.  

So what does an East Tennessee mama in the carpool line do 

when God gives her a a clear thesis of the call on her life?

She takes a picture of her Bible.  On her cell phone.  And sends it to her Bestie.

I needed someone to know...God. Just. Spoke.

Grab Him when you can get Him.

He will use it.

What is your office space today?  Where is your appointed territory, if you will?

Is it raising your children?  Serving your family? 

 Is it going into the boardroom and investing in that co-worker?  

(You know the one who no one really likes.)

Maybe your office is soccer camp.  Or summer school.  Or the gym.

Maybe it is the swimming pool.  Or carpool.

{grin}

Grab a cup of Joe.  And go.

Get out the door and run.

Have a great day in the office.

Reflect and Respond:

What comes to mind when you read Acts 20:24?

 I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

How does God's "Gospel of grace" display itself in your life? 

Think of at least one way you can intentionally share Jesus today.

Power Verses:

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. Ephesians 3:7

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. 

2 Corinthians 3:5-6a

Hats off to Jennifer Dalton for this awesome picture.
For more info on her work jenny1129@gmail.com

The Post I Never Wanted To Write

It was a cool Sunday in May 2010. I drove past the only rental house on my street. In the driveway were three blonde-headed little girls splashing in a kiddie pool. Tucked away in the shade of the garage was their blonde-headed little momma painting kitchen chairs.

I stopped the van, "Welcome to the neighborhood! My name is Becky. I live three doors down. I just wanted to say hello. I have three little boys around the same age as your daughters. We would love to have you over to play sometime."

And a friendship began.

A couple of days later my boys brought cookies and flowers to greet the girls. (You may remember, I wrote a post during our Summertime Sanity series about Serving Others - this was the family!) Playing sometime became most days and most days became almost everyday. Teresa and I were instant kindred.

Statefarm is not kidding - there is nothing "like a good neighbor." We had never shared life with another family like this before. We celebrated every holiday. Every birthday. Every occasion last year. Teresa and I went to the same gym, our kids went to the same preschool, we worshipped at the same church, we read the same books, we car pooled and even grocery shopped some together. We shared life.

Thursday nights, while Brent was at CRU, Teresa would walk down once the boys went to bed. We'd eat KettleKorn and talk about Jesus. How many friends do that? Eat KettleKorn and talk about Jesus? Not many.

Our kids became the best of friends. Each age matched. A day never passed when I wasn't asked, "Are we going to see the neighbors? Can I walk down to the neighbor's? Can the neighbors come over later?"

Princess parties, Trick or Treating, cookie baking, Christmas dinner, our New Years "Just Dance" party - LOL, Women's Retreat, Easter Egg hunts, lazy days at the pool.

Teresa. I just miss you so.

I knew they were moving after one year. I knew it, I knew it. But their being here was not happenstance. Or an afterthought on God's part. Their residence three doors down was Divine.

Even our husbands became good friends - rare.

This special family left last month for Germany. The dreaded end of July. And now I am left to drive by the quiet of her house. And left to write the blog post that I never wanted to write.

Sweet Teresa. We miss you all. I miss your tender heart for Jesus. Your affection for all of His creation. I miss your prayerfulness for your family and mine. I miss your "it will all work out" attitude and your extreme enthusiasm for Zumba :). I miss our "anytime we felt like it" talks over coffee. I miss your encouragement. We miss you too, Geoff! And of those little girls. I miss them. So. Much. {tears}

I am so thankful for the sweet year we had. Thank you for not withholding your friendship from us, knowing you were only here for a short time. Thank you Jesus for the gift of this family. No words will do.

Now that I am a complete mess, I will celebrate the rest in pictures.

So Teresa, go eat some spaetzle for me (what is spaetzle anyway?) and tell Germany "Guten Tag" from the Crenshaws!

I love you, Sweet T.


Praise the Lord, O my soul. Psalm 103:1


Every good and perfect gift...

...is from above. James 1:17

The Lord is your keeper. Psalm 121:5


May the Lord bless you and keep you;


The Lord make his face to shine upon you,


And be gracious to you...


The Lord lift up his countenance upon you...


And give you peace. - Numbers 6:24-26

Ich Liebe Dich, friend.

Mason Jars for Jesus - Giving Away My Best

I look forward to July for this reason.



Limelight Hydrangeas.

The prized possession of my not-so-green-thumb. Aside from my children, and a few untasty tomato plants, they are the only thing that I've had part in growing.

My vases wait in anticipation every year longing for their long stems.



And if I cut them at just the right time, they will dry and remain beautiful all year long.

Yesterday morning, I opened my curtains and there they stood to greet me. I swear they stand tall, knowing they are center stage of my sun-beaten backyard.

The neighbor that lives behind me has mentioned how she admires them, too. I have been waiting for them to grow bigger before I cut them, giving her a bouquet that would dry and remain for her all year, as well. I grab my shears and take to my plant.

And as I start to cut, I start from the bottom. Choosing the smaller of the tree - not wanting to taint the view I enjoy from my kitchen window.

I hear the Lord, "Cut from the top. Cut the best ones for her."

Some say they don't know when the Lord is speaking, and I agree, His voice can sometimes be hard to discern. This morning not so. I knew it was Him - because this one was hard."

I start to dialogue in my Spirit.

But these are beautiful, too. Just smaller.

"Off the top. Give your very best, Becky."

The Lord knows me well. Cutting flowers was only a picture of my giving heart. I offer myself to the Lord, I offer my life, my kids, my money, my service, but oftentimes my sacrifice is from the bottom. I want to hold the top for myself. I withhold my best for fear there won't be any left for me.

Then I hear further instruction...

"Give them all away. Every flower. Everyday, cut a bouquet to give. Until they are gone. Sacrifice your best, everyday."

All of them?

I come in from my backyard and Brent looks at me. "What are you doing?"

"The Lord wants me to give my flowers away. All of them. Today, He wants Kelly to have these."

(Brent must think I'm crazy.)

So before eight o'clock yesterday morning, I drop these off on Kelly's porch.



This morning, I think of Abraham who waited his entire life for a child. He was 100-years-old when Isaac was born. Abraham loved him so. Isaac his prized possession.

Can you imagine how Abraham felt when he heard the Lord say, "Take your son, your only son--yes, Isaac, whom you love so much--and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you." (Genesis 22:3)

And Abraham did it. He got up the next morning and obeyed the Lord. Thankfully the story ends well, but imagine the obedience involved in the "getting up the next day and going" part. I could just cry at the thought.

But the Lord asks similar of us. With our children, much like my Limelights, although we have watered and fed and grown them, they are not ours. We will be asked to give them back. To send them out into the world as a blessing to others.

So on a very small "Abraham scale", I cut my prized limelights, practicing the art of sacrificing my first fruits - my very best for the Lord.

Cutting flowers in Jesus' Name. Who knew?

In every area of my life - my money, my love, my time, even my children, I give it all back to Him. For His Name. For His Glory.

Be blessed today. And if you see me coming towards you with a mason jar of flowers, you'll know why.

Praying and Parenting...Where's the Balance?

Do you have guilt concerning your prayer life?

Do you feel as if you never pray "enough" or give the Lord the time He deserves?

Oh, I feel that way.

I recently read a passage out of Nora King's, Thirty Days to a Better Prayer Life. She says, "When you look at Jesus' life, you will see that there were many times He withdrew from the hustle and bustle of life and the crowds of people to pray. We need to follow Jesus' example by stealing away in prayer on a consistent basis."

So good. Mmm.

But to be honest, reading this created such guilt in me. "Lord, I do need to do this more. Just you and me sneaking away to pray." I dream of quiet places of solitude. Jesus and I having long talks over coffee.

But it is so stinkin' hard to find the balance some days. I have three boys. Three of which wake up at the crack of dawn and don't go down until dark. And if I spend all of my quiet time praying in the morning what about Bible reading? Or study? Or worship?

I took this dilemma to my mentor.

I asked her, "Are my expectations too high for my prayer life? I wish I had an hour everyday to pull away and pray. A certain place in my home designated for solitude and prayer. I am having a hard time doing that. I feel defeated in it."

Debbie confirmed that my expectations probably are too high for where I am in life right now. She agreed that pulling away with the Lord for extended periods are necessary at times, but more the exception than the rule in this hectic season of life.

She encouraged me, "Do spiritual things while you are doing natural things. When you are cleaning the kitchen, listen to a sermon. While you are folding laundry, pray out loud. Feed your spiritual self all day long. Stay nourished in the things of God."

So freeing to hear. My prayer life will change with each season of life. I just need to do the best with what He's given me today.

When I get that long time with Him - bonus.

This is a prayer tool I have used since January. Simple...nothing fancy, but it has really helped me in organizing my thoughts for prayer...



I just filled this out yesterday and thought I'd share.

The first line of each day, I write down a person in my immediate family. Second, I write down someone or something specific I want to pray for or about. My closest friends, needs they have, etc. I am still working on this month's, but you get the picture. (Pun intended)

And throughout the day, let us be reminded to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

His will for you. To rejoice, pray and give thanks...without ceasing.

Whether on your knees before him in a quiet place, in a church pew, driving in the car or while folding laundry, Sesame Street blarring in the background...rejoice always, pray and give thanks.

With this, He is well pleased.

Nine Reasons to Attend She Speaks 2011 ...

What are you doing July 22nd - 24th?

No plans?

Well, I have a proposition for you.

Proverbs 31 Ministries is hosting the She Speaks Conference 2011 in Concord, NC.



What is this conference about? Here are nine things you should know...


Spend a weekend with other Christian women who share in your calling.

Has someone ever said, "You should write a book!" This conference is for you.

Explore God's call on your life in light of speaking, writing or leading women's ministry.

Spirit-led teaching and encouragement (Ahem. Lysa TurKeurst & Marybeth Whalen will be there! Among others!) Wow.

Personalized instruction on your very own speaking and writing material.

Experience love in the body of Christ as iron sharpens iron - Proverbs 27:17.

Agents, publishers and top editor's are waiting to meet you and hear about your book proposal.

Knowledgeable mentors share their stories on launching and leading a powerful women's ministry.

So? Is your heart stirring? Maybe this is something God has for you!


I am prayerfully considering this conference. I seriously teared up when I first read about it.

If you are interested in learning more visit the She Speaks Conference website.

If money is a factor, girl, don't fret. God will make a way if you are suppose to go. Ask Him!

Lysa is presently offering an opportunity to win a Cecil Murphy Scholarship on her blog this week. I am entering! God will have to make a financial way for me to attend.

I am asking... Father, I would love to go! You know my heart. Will you make a way for me? Thank you, Lord!

Wanna come, too?

Take My Life

I appeal to you therefore, brothers [and sisters], by the mercies of God, to present you bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (brackets mine)

Body: sōma - referring to Christians as whole persons, both body and soul belonging to God; the complete man (Vines)

This new year, the Lord is putting an emphatic call on me to offer myself as a living sacrifice, my entire person, to Him. He wants all of me. My entire life. Nothing withheld.

(What am I still withholding, God? Show me.)

And so fitting, as I am wired for worship, He gives me a song. Sweet Jesus, how he knows me.

Can you take a couple of minutes, refresh the page to start the song again, and worship?

Take My Life

Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only for my King.

Take my silver and my gold
not a mite would I withhold.

Take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my will it is Thy own
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my heart it is Thine own
it shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love.

***

And these verses weren't included in this version of the song, but this is my prayer, as well. Especially for this blog and any ministry I do. Fill me with messages from you, Lord.

Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from Thee.

Take my intellect and use
every power as You choose.

(I'm guessing all the angels in Heaven sound like Kari Jobe. Love her.)

I am praying for you today.

Happy New Year.

From Glory to Glory

God is up to something over here.

He never changes. But He is always moving.

And I want to be on the front lines. Moving right behind him.

It is the greatest honor of my life to follow Him.

And ever so often, I feel a pull.

Hard to explain.

A pull in a new direction.

He gives me a Holy Spirit heads up - letting me know that we are not to sit in one place too long.

He's up to something.

And what it is I'm not sure.

Read this passage carefully...

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:4

Do you know this about yourself? You. Precious you. Competent to minister. Not because of what you've done. Not because of all your knowledge of Scripture. But because the Holy Spirit dwells in you.

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end [speaking here of the Mosaic covenant - Read Exodus 34:34]. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 2 Corinthians 3:12-14 - italics mine

Moses went to the mountain and saw the Lord. He was given the Law. He saw the Glory of God. And had to cover His face with a veil. But Christ...Oh sweet Christ. He is the new covenant. The sacrifice and the meal. In Him the veil is lifted for all to see the Glory of God.

Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:15

Is a veil over your heart? Do you feel separate? Other?

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17

In Christ, we are free. No veil. No curtain. We move right into His presence. We, too, get to see His Glory.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Did you get that? We see him, with unveiled face. We behold his Glory. THEN we too are transformed into the same image.

We don't just see his glory. We partake.

The KJV says we are changed into the same image from glory to glory.

We don't behold his glory and stay the same. He moves us. He changes us. From one glory to another. From one degree of glory to the next.

For this comes from the Lord who is Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

So even though I can't say I know exactly what He is doing, I know that he is moving me from glory to glory.

You too, friend.

For His glory, he is transforming you. Moving you from one degree of glory to another.

I will be blogging less over the next few weeks.

I need some intentional face time with Jesus.

Me on my face, that is.

What is He up to?

In me?

In you?

Seek him intently. And be transformed.

From glory to glory.

Discerning God's Will

It's the million dollar question.....

What is God's will for my life?

Do you ever wonder?

Am I doing His will?

What is His will for my entire life?

What is His will in the day to day? In the little things?

How do I know if I am doing God's will? How can I be certain?

Is anybody feeling me on this?

My family is approaching a turn of events. For good. But a change still. And I want to know God's agenda. I want to be as certain as I can be that we are hearing from Him and doing what he wishes for our lives.

Today will be technical. But stick with me.

I've been asking and asking....God, I want to hear from you. How do I know for sure? Could we have a "part the clouds moment"? Just once?

Well, yesterday I was in the bathroom getting ready (I've told you what all goes on when I flatiron my hair), and in my spirit, I heard a snippet from His Word...."then you will know what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will."

"Oh Lord! Where is that?"

So I run downstairs to my Bible. Flip to the concordance. Looked up "perfect" - and there it was. Romans 12:2.

Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

You know what I love about the Word of God? God doesn't always tell us point blank what to do...but he may tell us what not to do.

So in trying to discern God's will:

1) Do not be conformed to this world.

Conform: To fashion one's mind and character to another's pattern. To shape one thing like another.

When trying to discern His plan I need to ask myself: "Am I trying to shape myself or fashion my life to look like someone else other than Christ? Am I trying to pursue what this world is offering? Comfort? Laziness? Ease? Wealth? Image? Status?"

How do I answer? If I am being completely honest, the world makes things look pretty nice and easy. Oh, The American Dream. But where God wants to take us (or take you) will not look another's pattern.

He doesn't want us looking like each other. He wants us to look like HIM.

And He looks different on all of our lives.

2) Be transformed (metamorphoō) in the Greek is where we get our current word Metamorphosis. Meaning to change into another form. To transfigure. This is the same word used when Christ's appearance was changed and was resplendent with divine brightness on the mount of transfiguration. (Strong's G33339)

Wow.

O.K. So in figuring out God's will I need to not CONFORM to this world and then TRANSFORM my mind.

But what does it really look like to TRANSFORM my mind? What does that look like in the day to day?

...The Word says I renew my mind.

3) Renew (anakainōsis) - A RENOVATION. A complete change for the better.

I love this.

Oh, Lord do a Holy renovation. Gut my mind. Replace my wants and desires and restore them with your wants and desires.

So in order to know God's will, I need to not conform or pattern myself after this world and I need to ask Him to TRANSFORM my mind. Renew it. Renovate my ideals and replace the space with His Word, praise, prayer, worship and wisdom.

After I do all of this.....

THEN I will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

It is THEN we will know. It takes effort. Time. Prayer. Sacrifice.

But He's worth it.

I hope this helps.

Bare with me this week as I am taking a little time away to prepare for an upcoming talk and to position my heart in regards to this blog. I am so excited about what God has in store.

Love to you all...