Get Soaked

I just love Summer Church Camp with Kids! This summer I will attend my 20-something year of camp...so many...I've lost count! =) I love discipling kids and "getting away from it all" to connect with kids and see them connect with God.

Several summers ago (like 8-10 years ago), I was at a camp and during our Worship break-outs there was an "Art" station. The leader asked that everyone get still and quiet (just what kids do best-ha, but they did) and focus on listening to God by reading the Bible or just listening. After listening and hearing from God, we were to use the art things to create something that represented what God was telling you. I don't remember what scripture I read that day, but God placed an image in my head. It was a large waterfall coming out of large rocks. I was standing at the bottom getting soaked. Then all around the edges were kids. No faces, just kids. So I got a piece of paper and drew a very rough sketch of it with some markers. Folded it, stuck it in my Bible and went onto the next station.

What God was telling me at the time was:

• He is the living water, fresh from the Rock.
• Let Him soak me.
• Then to get the kids wet.

At the time I was a lay leader in a large church with a huge Children's Ministry. I felt God was confirming that Children's Ministry was the right place and I was to keep serving the kids! I had no idea (at that time) that He would eventually give me a Full-Time assignment on staff at a church! I just thought it was a cool moment spent with God. When I got home I place that picture somewhere and just went on with life.

I just LOVE how God works...

About 2 years ago, after moving to a new church in SC, my parents came for a visit and we went to the upstate & NC to do some Waterfall viewing. There are MANY waterfalls in this area. I have always enjoyed photographing waterfalls. I thought it sounded like a wonderful "get-away" and relaxing. Mom researched all the locations and picked the "best" ones...Dad drove and I was just tagging along with my camera! One of the falls was down a long trail (uphill trail). I actually struggled getting there, but eventually made it. I couldn't believe it....it looked JUST like the picture I had of that waterfall at camp. I took LOTS of pictures. It was such a God moment. Now at this moment God was confirming the long move to SC and the desire to reach kids in creative ways at my new church!

But God wasn't finished...

Last month we had so many kids to baptize that instead of all of them being in one service we split them between the 2 services. We have a portable baptistry that we set up and we just wear shorts & t-shirts over our swimsuits as we baptize. It was such an exciting an busy day! In fact, we did an "come now" call to any adults who wanted to get baptized and total baptisms on that day... 38...Go God! Anyway, it was such a busy and crazy day that I dried off, but actually never had the chance to get out of my wet clothes before the 2nd Service started. Kids were running up to hug me and I was telling them...you might get wet...they didn't care. Then that waterfall thought popped back in my head...now get others wet with the living water. =)

So here's "Get Soaked" means to me now:

• Be drenched in the Living Water.
• Get others wet.
• Go back to the Rock for constant resoaking.

It's not just a "one time" thing! It continues. So are you soaked? If not, go to Jesus and let Him fill you up, then pour out on others...just be sure to resoak!

Joyce

HopeKids Devotions by Pastor Roby Cottrell that touched my life lately

Let Your Light Shine!
One of my favorite quotes of all time..."Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure! It is our Light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world."There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us. It's in everyone. And as we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fears, our presence automatically liberates others."- Marianne Williamson
As I have stepped out/branched out in my life this week by going to CHOP; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in PA I have struggled with this idea and felt pulled both ways; wanting to be humble/reserved/more quiet while I soak it all in and really listen more than talk, and only ask questions when appropriate BUT there are times that I can't help myself; I am so filled with joy, excitement, knowledge, ideas, and questions . . . . . . sometimes I want to stay calm/quiet not to upset/weird out my 2 fellow interns, but then I am reminded that Christ lives in me and for people to see Him shine in my life; I have to be visible, audible, seen, and known for what I do for and through Him; ultimately glorifying God in all I do, say, and think.



The Healing Power of Faith
I don't like religion. I don't like the church. I love Jesus. I don't know what your religious beliefs are. I can tell you without any hesitation that you are spiritual. We all are. It is our very nature.More and more, scientists are coming to realize the physical benefits of faith in God. The evidence continues to increase. Let me share some of that with you from Dr. Harold G. Koenig's book "The Healing Power of Faith."The overwhelming scientific evidence is that those who have a deep faith or belief system - meaning that they believe in and have a relationship with God, have a life filled with prayer, worship and service to others - benefit enormously from their faith.Here is some of the evidence: Statistically, they live seven years longer; they heal more quickly from disease; the length of hospital stays is shorter; less medication is needed; stress is reduced; and much more.If you don't have a strong belief in God, all the evidence in the world will not make you a believer. But it may intrigue you enough to find out more. The way you do that is easy: just ask.I am not talking about attending church more or "cleaning up your act." I would simply encourage you to ask God to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to show you the truth about who He is. The result may be longer life and better health. You have nothing to risk and possibly much to gain.
This reminds me of my t-shirt that says "Jesus is not Religion." A lot of people; even Christians do not know what this means. I always tell them that Christianity is not a set of rules, prayers, and things you need to say or do, but it is all about a relationship w/Jesus.



I am enjoying Philly very much and riding 45 minute trains to and from work every day is an experience in and of itself. God is showing me so much about my past, present, future, and revealing His will, His way, His reasoning, and His love to me so much this summer!

-In Christ, Miss Sarah Eileen Maurer

MOMMYHOOD

As most of you know I am a mom of a little boy, Baylor, who is full of energy and 18 months old. I am also 15 weeks pregnant tomorrow. I am so blessed and I know that, but I have to admit that my life has not been full of roses these last few weeks. Just as I write this I have to laugh because Baylor just ran up to me and said "I wove you mum" and then turned around and threw his ball in the dog dish which I have told him not to do about 50 million times today!!!!! AHHHHH!!!
Have you ever wondered why motherhood, which is such a blessing, is so darn hard??? Don't get me wrong, I love that I get to play a huge part in raising my child(ren) because most mom's these days don't get that luxury. But some days I want to run away and not come back. The funny thing is that if I have to be away from him for more than a few hours, I miss him so much that all I think about is what I am missing.
I just read an article that featured 5 women that recently got laid off from their jobs. One mom was saying how hard it was for her to be away from work because the work of raising her children was much harder and she was ready to go back to work! Some days, I know what she means!
I have been sick from baby number two and the stress of trying to care for Baylor while having to stop reading him a book to go throw up is getting to me. I am tired and feel like I can't do any more. But just then the Lord reminds me that he created me to be his mom and to love and nurture him and somehow I just do it. No matter how many things you had to deal with that day, when your child gets hurt and only wants mom, that makes it all ok!
So in honor of Mother's Day I just want to say WAY TO GO to all the moms out there. Your work does not go unnoticed even though most days it feels that way. I know I am just starting to understand the sacrifices my mom made for me and I am 24! Thanks mom! HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY (late)!

More Than a Game

Our family is all about soccer. My girls play year round....outdoor, indoor, 3v3...futsol....I'm their team manager and my husband is an assistant coach. We also play in a coed soccer league on Friday nights. It is never ending game for us, but we love it. We feel very fortunate that our girls get to play for a Christian soccer club. The club really values church and family and encourages community service. Their motto is MORE THAN A GAME meaning it's not just about who wins the most games or takes home the biggest trophy, but it's about character and sportsmanship and letting the light of Jesus shine through us. Our girls/parents take this very seriously. We do a devotion every night at training and we pray before and after every game. (They girls do this thing where they huddle up and everyone has to touch someone while we pray.)

MORE THAN A GAME became real to our girls during state cup this year. After winning on Saturday, the girls advanced to the next round and were playing a tough game against Freedom Fuego out of Tucson. It was an important game for both teams. The winner would move on to the semi finals but the losing team would be knocked out of state cup. We were down 1-0 at the half. A few minutes into the second half of the game one of the Fuego players took a hard kicked ball right in the face. She was knocked out immediately. She fell to the ground and didn't get up. For a moment, no one noticed that she wasn't moving and play continued. Finally, the ref realized what was happening and blew the whistle. As the Fuego coaches and trainers ran out onto the field it became apparent that this was very serious. Immediately, our girls circled up on the field and began praying for the injured player. Our parents and coaches on the sidelines huddled up and also began to pray. As the paramedics arrived, the player was conscious, but barely moving. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital. It was a scary situation for all. The refs continued the game, but our girls hearts weren't in it. They couldn't get their minds off the injured player that was carried off the field on a stretcher. Somehow, winning didn't seem very important anymore. The girls were even willing to forfeit the game. It ended with a 2-0 loss, knocking us out of state cup, but the girls weren't concerned with the score. They only wanted to find out how the injured player was. A few of our parents went over to pray with the other team's parents and many more expressed their concern. The Fuego parents were blown away by the love that our team showed them. They said that they have never seen anything like that in competitive soccer before. We kept in touch with their team over the next few days and got regular updates on their injured player. We are happy to report that she is doing well. She had a minor concussion and black eye, but is recovering nicely. That isn't the end of the our story though. The Fuego team played the next weekend at Reach 11 and our players and parents were there on the sidelines to cheer them on. (they won!) The girls got a get well card for the injured player who unfortunately, had to sit out that game. The Fuego parents and players were so excited to see us there and couldn't believe that we would show up to support them. They hugged us, thanked us and took lots of pictures. They said that we were the classiest team they have ever met. We know that this is only the beginning of a long lasting friendship between the two teams!

What a great lesson for our girls! We are different. We are CCV STARS!

(Here is some of the team with Shania, the player that got injured.

The Big Kiss-off!

When you are a kid, it’s easy to make friends. Picture yourself on the playground – you spot a new girl – she comes over to you and says “I like your shoes!” You reply, “I like your barrettes! Want to go play on the swings?” You join hands and skip away without a care in the world, just you and your instant BFF.

As an adult it’s just not that simple, or so I’ve found. Lives change, priorities change, people change. It’s hard to make time to invest in yourself yet alone others. It's more about quality and not so much quanity.

Back in the Spring of 1994, I was just back from a college semester abroad in London and feeling very cosmopolitan and hip and yet a little out of the loop. My best friend and roommate had moved in to an off campus 1 bedroom apartment – great for parties. At one of the first parties, the un-thinkable happens – I violated rule #1 – a hook up with my best friends crush. I got caught kissing the boy, get kicked out, the friendship was over.

My best memories from college revolve around this friend who surely would have been a bridesmaid in my wedding. The boys name was Bubba. I lost my best friend for kissing a boy named Bubba. How dumb could I be? Knowing I was in the wrong I tried to make it right but to no avail. We never spoke after that night.

Now fast forward to the present…thanks to Facebook my former best friend contacted me and we restored our friendship. This Wednesday we get to see each other for the first time in 15 years!! We are meeting for a girls only night at the Opryland hotel and will probably stay up all night catching up – I cannot wait! She cannot wait!! We both cannot believe we haven’t spoken in so long because of a silly boy named Bubba!!

You might have your own version of this story to tell. Friendship is hard – you have to commit time and energy to make it work.

Proverbs 27:6
‘Faithful are the wounds of a friend, profuse are the kisses of an enemy.’

What does this mean? I left wounds in my friend by betraying her trust. Sometimes wounds from a faithful friend come from telling the truth instead of sugar coating. A true friend is someone who isn’t afraid to deal with the hard and ugly things as well as the good. Isn’t this what Christ does for us? He doesn’t always tell us what we want to hear but rather what we need to hear. I would rather have this kind of friendship with my Savior, who is capable of healing my wounds, then kisses from the enemy because I know no matter how desirable those kisses seem at the time, just like the kisses with Bubba. In the end it will lead us to sin, be eternally destroyed and banished infinitely in hell.

My husband and I are in Nashville this week for my sister-in-law's high school graduation. I think back to my graduation and can remember someone sang Michael W Smith's song 'Friends are Friends Forever' at the ceremony. The chorus goes like this:

And friends are friends forever,
if the Lord's a Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Fathers hand we know
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends

At the time, I just saw the song as an anthem for my teen angst. High school was over and we were all headed in different directions, but according to the song, we'd always remain friends. Now I see that the song is actually encouraging me to nurture and appreciate meaningful relationships, to develop a few close friends and build those relationships for a lifetime.

You know the saying if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck then it must be a duck? Think about friends you have had throughout your lifetime where your behavior patterns have changed based on who you surround yourself with. It is true we are the company we keep. The most important characteristic a friend should have is the love of Christ in them - so it's time to give Satan the big kiss-off and remember...friends are friends forever, if the Lords THE LORD of them!


(My fortune cookie today read 'The time is right to make new friends'. You think God is trying to tell me something?)

You are mine!

Okay... it's the last week of school... I am over committed... been grading papers all day... my eldest daughter is in on her first trip without us... and the youngest daughter has never-ending homework...  So, forgive my brief post. 

My take away thoughts from Ms. Understood: 

#1 - I am resting in the truth that I am one of God's favorites. This truth warms my heart and puts a bright smile on my face and confidence to tackle all that is thrown my way. 

#2 - Mary's story gives me hope that I am not too young, too old or too unprepared to be used by my God. God has never told anyone that were too this or too that to be part of his plan!

#3 - Tamar and Bathsheba remind me that I can be used in God's plan - no matter what the world says or thinks of me or even when I cannot see his plan.

#4 - Ruth provides faith... that no matter what direction or difficulties life serves up... God is faithful. 

#5 - Its time to live with a heart full and confident knowing I am loved, treasured and adored by the God of the universe. 

#6 - Rest in this personal message:  Isaiah 43:1 - Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine!

One more Monday... 

7 more days of this school year... 

Rest is coming but, peace is consistent.

ElizaBeth

America vs. Socialism vs. Christ

I could summarize my post with this:
You are called, He'll equip you, don't try to convince yourself that you're not qualified.
If Mary was qualified in God's eyes to be the mother of the Savior, you are qualified to make a difference in the life of another human being!

OK, you can stop there. Go forth, do well in His eyes: Love others.
____

But since I can't resist writing more...
I must start out by saying I love America, I love being American, I love my country.

However, I’m a Christian first. I’m a daughter of the King and then an American.

I once lived in a foreign country for about a year as a foreign exchange student. The country was a socialist country.

Socialism in political thought refers to economic theories of social organization advocating collective ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and a society characterized by equality for all individuals, with an egalitarian mehod of compensation. (Wikipedia)

I remember thinking that this economic approach would never work in the US. However, as a young Christian girl/woman, it made a lot of sense to me. I didn’t see a lot of poverty there. People’s basic needs were met. I also didn’t see a lot of “rich” people. Now, compared to the poverty experienced by much of the world’s population, these people were loaded – but not compared to that American dream/wealth. It was on organized way to redistribute wealth to all.

I don’t want to get into a big debate of Americanism and politics. However, I selected this example to point out that our way isn’t THE way. THE way is God’s way. It's called: Love others.

“Can you imagine:
-If Christians actually believed that God was trying to rescue us from the pit of our own self-addiction?
-What Americans would do if they understood over half of the world was living in poverty?

Do you think they would change the way they live, the products they purchase, and the politicians they elect? If we believed the right things, the true things, there wouldn’t be very many problems on earth.” (p. 176, slightly modified)

Now I must admit that I didn’t check these stats but I’m sure the editors of the book did:
If you make $35,000 annually you are in the top 4% in the world; $50K puts you in the top 1% (me). (p. 177)

The humans on this planet have the resources and the networks to SOLVE some of the world’s problems (hunger/starvation, disease, etc.). Christians have the knowledge and love of THE SOLVER (Savior) of the world’s problems (life vs. death). Those humans are YOU and ME.

It only makes sens that God would have the problems and the solutions right on the planet (yet we don't follow his directives so things don't get solved).

You can be involved in SOLVING a problem(s) in soooo many ways – creativity is a gift God has given us. For example:
- Redistribute your wealth (give money or property)
- Use your resources (time or skills/talents)

What does this look like:
- International missions (Helping a friend or stranger in a far away community)
- Local missions (Helping a friend or stranger in your community or one nearby)

Give to the poor (even if they make poor choices with your resources); feed to hungry; care for orphans, widows, lost, lonely, sick, etc.

You are not:
- Too young or too old
- You are not “unskilled or uncalled”. God equips those He calls for service. You are called in that He has called every Christian of us to help others – to be the hands of feet of Christ.
That means you. That means me.

We all come with our own baggage (thinking we don't have enough time, being greedy, acting helpless or insecure, thinking we don't have anything of value to give, etc...). That includes me (mine is usually the "time issue"). But you know what, the God of the universe can help us overcome those issues. Seriously, if you don't think you have anything to give: Go make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and find someone on the street who looks hungry. Give it to them. "Feed them." This is only the start...


I once had a family member who said (and I quote): “The biggest problem in this state is all of the poor Mexican girls who get pregnant.” Really? Really? Are you serious? I wanted to scream. This was coming from a “wealthy” white woman who was once a teen mother.

I think we could focus on the problems in this world stemming from a lack of love toward others. And the Bible specifically points out that “rich” people have significant challenges in this world.

Since you have to have a computer or access to one to read this, you are probably considered “rich” in the world’s standards (make more than $2/day), what is your role in loving others? Solving the ills of this world? Sharing the love of Jesus with those you know and those you will meet?

The challenge -to focus on:
- Loving God
- Accepting God’s love for you
- Loving others
- Living out His purpose for your life (He has one; he’ll equip you; you’ll be blessed)

And don’t let anyone tell you that you are too powerless, tainted by your background, inferior, broken or young. He called you. He’ll equip you. You’ll bless others. You’ll honor God. You’ll be blessed.

Live with Purpose!
If you are a Christian, perhaps Mary’s reaction will speak to you:
"I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” – Mary

Reflect

There is no greater joy than to have the priveledge of blessing others. Sometimes we even plan to go and do or "be a blessing", but when it's all finished and we stop and... we receive a blessing. God's economy just works differently than the world's (aren't we glad!) Jesus taught us this throughout His short stay on earth.

The last shall be first...

The least shall be the greatest...

The meek shall inherit the earth...

Love your enemies...

Be peacemakers...

Do others see us this way? Do our actions match our beliefs? What do you reflect?

In travelling I have noticed that Americans haven't left a good impression on the rest of the world. To the rest of the world we are seen as rich, demanding, impatient, rude and basically spoiled brat snobs. Sometimes that is a huge obstacle to overcome, but sometimes it makes Christ's light shine brighter. I have seen the huge impact that a caring Christian makes in the lives of others when a perceived "rich American" shows Christ's love. I actually had a kid ask me once: "Why would you, a rich American, come to my country and even talk to me?" My first thoughts were to laugh...school teacher=rich...right! Then it God spoke to me...you are being Christ to them. You are reflecting Me!

So in finishing this book here is my "take away". You are made by God. You are valuable to Him. You have a special unique plan that He has made for just for you. Celebrate who He has made you to be. Use who you are to make a difference for Him. Let nothing slow you down or keep you from serving Him. Let Him fill you up so you can pour out blessings on others. Now go and...

Reflect Christ!

What will you do to change your world?

These last few chapters had so much in them that I relate to that it was very hard for me to choose which part to write about. Being a 24 year-old single girl and having many friends in their 30’s; I have had several experiences where I have been made to feel ‘too young’ to think that, say that, or do that . . . . . . . . and I used to just let it go, but after I noticed I was holding onto that bitterness and anger and after reading this book I have began to built up the courage to stand up and tell women in their 30’s that say things like that to me to please explain themselves and tell me what they mean by it that because I do not agree or understand what they mean. I totally related to Jen when she said on page 167; “I began feeling that tension in my twenties, and from age twenty-five on, I told people I was ‘about thirty.’ Turning thirty was such a relief; I figured people might finally take me seriously.” I know too many women who are in their 30's and are not happy about it. I'm different I guess because I can't wait till I'm 30 ('thirty and flirty and thriving'; from a movie called 13 going on 30). It’s kind of sad how so many women in our society/culture/country put an age limit on almost everything in life; college, marriage, motherhood, success, retirement, etc. but I believe that God does not put an age limit or timeline on anything. He uses all people at all ages; I think when Jesus was walking on earth He put children first; the youngest of them all. You know what amazes me? Back in those times children were less/below/less important than slaves. People treated their slaves better than children; children were just seen as property/work/money. We have come a long way in this world; I just wish the whole world (especially the United States) would open their eyes to the starving and dying children of the world; outside America and help those truly in need.
I love what Jen says on page 178; “We can do this, girls. We can pull off what Mary envisioned, what her Son began. I imagine a world where ten million children no longer die each year from preventable diseases. We can solve the crisis of starvation – eighteen thousand children will die today from plain old hunger. We could ensure basic water sanitation for the 40% of the world who drink wastewater. If God intends His Word to be read, we’d better address the one billion people who cannot sign their name, one-sixth of the global population. If you are a woman born into wealth (meaning you make more than two dollars a day like half the world) and part of the next generation, I believe you were chosen before the foundation of the earth to be an answer to problems unsolved until now. This generation was selected for this time – a time so promising and passionate, it has never been rivaled. There is a holy calling awaiting this generation, girls. We are the ones.” I have a missionary medical doctor friend and his family living in Kenya right now performing life-giving (or life-saving) surgeries that we take for granted here in the United States. It amazes me how many people (children) in countries like Africa die from simple diseases like strep throat that ends up turning into heart failure when we can just go to a doctor, take a pill, and be fine here in America.
I may have not voted for President Barack Obama (although I sure did think about but my conservative conscience kept me from doing so) or totally agree with his politics and some of his views, but he spoke at my college commencement Wednesday May 13th at Arizona State University and I am with him on some levels. He spoke a lot about how our country/culture/society has become so materialistic and put the worst things first (materials, cars, houses, jobs, money) when we should be going out into our communities and serving/loving/doing for the poor, needy, and underprivileged. I have a heart for children in the foster care because of all the trauma, anxiety, worry, pain, and abandonment those kids have to go through at such a young age and what struck me the most that Obama said was that no matter what you do in life; what kind of car you drive, how big your house is, how much money you make, what degree you get, what title you have etc. . . . . . you may still not feel very important in the world, but to a forgotten and underprivileged child you may mean the world to them just because you cared and reached out. He pointed out our “Me First” approach and what is really considered success in our world that desperately needs to change. He also reminded us of the people in our history who didn’t have much of a title, degree, or were very wealthy, but they reached out, followed their passion and did something for someone else and made the world a better place. He reminded us to follow our passion no matter if they gain you fashion, fame, or money.
Jen shared some remarkable things on pages 180-181; “’Feed My sheep.’ ‘I feed their souls.’ ‘Yes, but twenty-four thousand of My sheep will die today because no one fed their hungry bellies. Eighteen thousands of My littlest lambs will die in their mothers’ arms today, starved in a world of plenty. My true disciples engage the suffering of the world.’ Jesus said that His gospel was good news for the poor, sick, orphaned, and oppressed because His people would be His hands and feet. What is better news to the starving: a Christian tract, or sustainable agriculture for the village? Which sounds better: a church that prays once a month for the AIDS pandemic, or one that funds clinics and medicine?”Let there be no doubt: Our generation has been entrusted wit more resources, wealth, opportunities, and knowledge than any before us. God must think highly of our potential. Let’s not squander our legacy on self-absorption of chasing the American Dream, a dream the rest of the world cannot afford. But may we hear from our Savior one day: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

IF WE ARE THE BODY by Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAWeHo8E70E

THE AMERICAN DREAM by Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cVUeKP7w_k

The Rebel with a Cause

Spiritual maturity can be viewed two ways when it comes to age - either you’re too young to have it or you’re too old not to have it. Personally I have found neither option to be true.

Looking back on my own life, my spiritual maturity has changed based on how much I’m feeding myself with God’s word. I was really involved in my youth group as a teenager and as a result of that, I possessed more spiritual maturity during my teen years than I did in my twenties. Now I feel like my maturity grows stronger as I continue to seek and obey God. It requires change and it is an ongoing process but the reward far outweighs the struggle.

Obviously with what God placed on the very young shoulders of Mary, there is no age requirement to obtain spiritual maturity. God does not place a sign out that says, “If you were born after May 13, 1999 then you are officially spiritually mature”. It is based solely on you and your relationship with God. Draw near to him and you mature. Pull away and you don’t. It’s as simple as that!

As Christians we place a lot of stereotypes on others and by doing this we judge their spiritual maturity. Jen says in Chapter 10 – ‘God constantly blows the doors off our stereotypes ….No one is more unconventional than God. Funny how His name is used to create boundaries when, in fact, He is the Ultimate Rebel. Frankly, I’m shocked when He uses anyone slightly normal, whatever that is.”

I love that God is a rebel – and that he uses abnormal people because I have that going for me! And I’m pretty sure it really ticks off Satan to hear God described as a Rebel and to see him cozying up to the bad guys, because if anyone can flip a bad seed good, it’s God! Satan is probably saying “Back off my people – I got them locked up!” See that is the thing with God…nobody is excluded from His grace which means anyone can come in to spiritual maturity no matter what their past is. God is a rebel with a cause - and that cause is YOU!

I really enjoyed reading about Jen’s friends in Chapter 12 – wow what amazing women. I’m kind of feeling like a slacker! Makes me realize I could do so much more than what I do for God. I do however have something awesome coming up so I’ve decided to be totally selfish here and ask for your help. For the past 2 summers I have had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip with my church to Moldova, the smallest and poorest Eastern European country. On June 20 I will be headed back there with another group of adults to help lead a sports camp for teenagers. We have a very small group going this year – just 4 of us – and we really need your prayer! So if you can start praying now for God to be with us in planning, preparation, in the willingness of the kids to attend, for the Moldovan leadership as they put the camp together, for our safety in travel and for us to be spiritually mature and share God’s love with these kids – it would be greatly appreciated!!

I’ll leave you with a picture of me and my girls Karina, Nadia and Maria, and my husband Devlyn and Karina's brother Dan, some of the awesome teenagers in Moldova that I have formed a very special bonds with. Thanks for your prayers!!

Teen Scene

Mary's Momma

I wonder how Mary's mom reacted to the news that her 13 year old daughter was going to have a baby?  And not just any baby, but THE baby, Jesus Christ, God's only son.  I have a 13 year old daughter and I can tell you how I would react.  I would think that God was nuts, off his rocker, COOCOO!  I mean Anna doesn't even like boys yet.  She wears soccer shorts and t-shirts everyday, refuses to brush her hair and half of the time forgets to put on deodorant.  She hates doing homework and spends all her time playing soccer!  She never makes her bed, leaves her junk all over the house and hasn't fed her fish in 8 days.  I still have to pick up her dirty underwear off the bathroom floor so how could she possibly become anyone's mother?  

A lot of people thought that Mary was too young and just not right for such an important job, but God chose Mary just like he chose Tamar who was too powerless, Rahab too tainted, Ruth too inferior and Bathsheba too broken.   

Teen Scene

1 Timothy 4:12

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, and life and love, in faith and in purity."

Throughout the Bible we see how often God used teenagers to do his work....Joseph, David, Timothy and my personal favorites...Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.   (Just to name a few.)  These youngsters, although wet behind the ears, were good and faithful servants.  

Check out this story of another 13 year old girl that God chose.  Her name is Bethany Hamilton.  Bethany lost her arm to a tiger shark while surfing in October 2003.  The attack didn't stop this determined girl.  Instead it increased her faith in God and led her on a journey to discover her purpose in life.  Bethany's story is inspirational.  Watch the clip below.

And so, with the story of Mary, we come to the end of our book.  I want to thank Jen Hatmaker for all the great stories and wonderful insight.  I am now ready to embrace every wonderful facet that God instilled in me and to accept myself for the beautiful and intelligent creation that He made me to be.

Jesus I'm your mother!

Our last woman in the lineage of Christ – Mary! We are going out with a bang on this one – she’s Jesus’ freaking mother - you can’t get any closer than that!! Everyone knows who Mary is. But does everyone know how young she was when this huge responsibility was placed in her lap? The answer is 13. Thinking back to myself at 13 and how I would feel if I was told I would be giving birth to the Savior let’s just say…I’d be totally freaked out! I just started shaving my legs and didn’t even know about shaving my armpits and you’re telling me I’m going to have a baby? And he will be called Jesus? And oh yeah – he’s pretty much the Son of God. Awkward!

I’d be pretty glad if I was Mary that the song ‘Mary Did You Know’ did not come out until way after the fact because it would have freaked me out even more. The lyrics go…
Mary did you know…your baby boy will some day walk on water / will save our sons and daughters / has come to make you new / the child you have delivered will soon deliver you / will give sight to a blind man / will calm a storm with his hand / has walked where angels trod / when you’ve kissed your little boy you’ve kissed the face of God / is Lord of all creation / will one day rule the nations / is heaven’s perfect lamb / the sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.

People talk about Kate Gosselin being a super mom – well she had nothing on Mary!! TLC would be all over this one – I can see the show now – they'd call it ‘Oh Jesus I’m Your Mom’ – starring Mary and Joseph and Jesus Christ as Himself!

As we’ve all heard many times, age is just a number. As of today, I am 429 months and 3 days old. Sounds like a strange way to say I’m 35. I think it is funny when you ask a mother how old her child is, she will tell you in months. Now I can understand doing this when they are under 1, because months are all they have. But when they turn 1, just say 1 people! Also when you’re young, you give ½ years…I’m 11 and a half. That half is important. To this day, I still acknowledge my half birthday. I was under the impression everyone did but apparently I’m one of the few.
I think you pretty much stop telling and people stop asking your age around 30. Personally I don’t care, it is what it is, but some people have real hang ups when it comes to age. Thank goodness God doesn’t!

Our last truth – women are favored by God. Hooray for us girls!! Now I personally know what it means to be favored. We have a joke in my family that I’m the favorite child and I have to admit – for me, it’s kind of fun. Or it's fun to at least pretend that I am because I know my parents truly do not favor me over my sister.

Now having the favor of God does come with a bit of responsibility. It’s not automatic. You can’t have favor with someone who you don’t even know. If you have a relationship with God and you remain faithful - you will remain in His favor. Jen gives the example of Peter and feeding the sheep. This is one of my favorite stories of the Bible. I have a close relationship with my dad and since I was young I have asked him, “Dad – do you love me?”
He will say yes and I will respond “Feed my sheep”.
Sometimes he answers yes I’ll feed your sheep because he knows the drill. I try to catch him not thinking about it and get him to just say yes so I can say the feed my sheep part.
It’s funny because it is the same way with God. If I am close to Him and He asks if I love him, I’ll say yes and I will feed your sheep. But if I stray away and get off track when he comes to me with this question I simply say yes. Then he has to remind me to feed his sheep.

Feed His sheep ladies - remain in His favor!!

I’m so sad this book has come to an end! I loved the book and would recommend if you haven’t already read it, you need to!! One last story for you...
When I was little I wore my underwear backwards for so long that when my mother tried to get me to stop, it just didn’t feel right wearing them correctly.
This is kind of how I feel in life lately. I think I know myself and my capabilities but everything I know about myself is just like my underwear – backwards!
After reading about these 5 great women – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth Bathsheba and Mary – I see some of the same great stuff in myself. I too thought I was too powerless (Tamar), too tainted (Rahab), too inferior (Ruth), too broken (Bathsheba) and too young (Mary). Now I know I am smart, brave, beautiful, influential and Godly – how cool is that?! I got my panties on the right way and it feels good!!

Only human...

Despite our human tendencies... God prevails. 

God works his plan, in his time... despite our human expectations and needs. 

God is faithful despite our humanly emotions and personal agendas. 

King David learned this and Bathsheba taught us of God's favor.

I am always amazed at how God works to in spite my human disasters and inconsistent obedience and faith. 

For me, misery has visited, mourning has hovered, anger has been a frequent flyer yet, God works and his love triumphs despite my human need to cultivate and drum up more business for the darkness than for God's unconditional faithfulness and kindness. 

As I read about Bathsheba and King David my thoughts were constantly drawn to an older song by artist, Leslie Phillips. This song always brings great comfort to me and has accompanied my walk in times of darkness and sadness. This song is like the a lighthouse beacon, shining into my misery... taking my eyes from the destruction and my human need to stir up and keep cultivating the darkness... and leads me back to my God whose love and plan always overcomes. 

Leslie Phillips Your Kindness Lyrics:

Waiting for angry words

to sear my soul

Knowing I don't

deserve another chance

Suddenly the kindest

words I've ever heard

Come flooding through my heart

It's your kindness that leads us

To repentance Oh Lord

Knowing that You love us

No matter what we do

Makes us want to love You too

No excuse no one to blame

No where to hide

The eyes of God have

found my failures

Found my pain

He understands my weaknesses

And knows my shame

But His heart never leaves me

It's your kindness that leads us

To repentance Oh Lord

Knowing that You love us

No matter what we do

Makes us want to love You too

If You are for us

Who can be against us

You gave us everything

Even Your only Son

It's your kindness that leads us

To repentance Oh Lord

Knowing that You love us

No matter what we do

Makes us want to love You too

1985 Word Music (ASCAP)

Like David, I pray God's faithfulness and kindness will always bring me back to God's redemption and safe haven of his forgiveness. 

Clinging to the promise that each day is brighter in God's light... 

Letting go of my human need to stand in the darkness...

Rejoicing that purpose will be made complete despite my temporary human shell. 

Very human, but, kindly- 

ElizaBeth

Darkness

We have all experienced suffering. It’s part of life. Even though I sometimes wish things were different, Christians aren’t immune to suffering. Actually, God uses these times to teach us amazing things.

In the past two years, I have personally experienced three major sufferings. The third one is/was so sad/devastating that the first two seem small in comparison. The ones that now seem small include the "almost" loss of a child and a divorce so you can imagine the scope of the third. I’m not yet ready to write about the third. Maybe I will be - someday. Not now.

How do I know that God teaches us things? Because God has a plan. Can I see the full plan today? Nope but I am starting to get some ideas. Honestly, these are all just guesses at this point.


I think God uses challenging times to prepare us for something that we’d never have recognized on our own. Some would view this as a "sick" approach but I don’t think so. Yes, I wish that my family could have avoided all of the pain associated with these three situations BUT I know that we have a good God and He can/will make good out of these circumstances.
The challenge now: It’s on His timeline and not mine.

You:
If you are traveling through one of those dark times, may you see King David's life/offspring as an example. Even when things in his life did not go as desired/planned, God brought good out of the situations. For example, Jesus was a descendent of David & Bathsheba – a relationship that was not started in a healthy manner!

I often wish God would just “fix” the challenging situations in my life but then I remember, He’s teaching me something.

I need to be:
-Patient
-Faithful
-Observant
-Learning
-Action-oriented
-Faithful (I could say that one over and over!)

May you find joy in the cup of sorrow. May you have a fresh perspective filled with authenticity and courageousness.

May you continue to live your life with passion and purpose. It's always about purpose - even in the darkest of days.

(Yes, I know this books is about the women in Jesus' lineage and that most people this week have/will write about a woman's influence. I just felt lead to write about this topic - a very real one in my life right now.)

Summary:
Christians are not promised an easy ride – actually, quite the opposite.
Seek Him (even when you don’t want to!)


Peace be to you.

Influence

Influence:
1. the act or power of producing an effect without apparent force or direct authority
2. the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways

My question: Are you influencing? OR Is it more like power and control?

I am SO NOT the helpless female type. My mind does not drift towards...if I only had a "man" to help me with... Being "needy" isn't my style. Neither am I powerless to take care of myself. I tend to be pretty "self-sufficient". I am super "single" woman! (hear me roar) Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound...you get the picture.

But wait...it's NOT about the roar...it's all about the purr?
Chapter 9...Why Holler When You can Purr

Having power and contol does NOT create influence! When I look back on the times of influence...it had nothing to do with being "Large & In Charge". Influence lasts...being in control just happens "because I said so". I have been so busy trying to stay on top, keep it together, be in control, or administrate that I have lost sight of the goal...make a difference & influence.

Maybe you've been there, too! I am reminded of the words by a comedian...
"You know what a screamer is....it's someone you don't pay ANY attention to!"

So...how's your influence?
Looking back at our definition...it doesn't say ROAR...it says PURR!

Psalm 25:4-5
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me, and my hope is in you all day long.

Unless I sit at the feet of Jesus and soak in His servant heart and ways...I will not have the influence He designed me to have. Come soak in Jesus with me!


JJ

Influential Women Caring for the Poor, Needy, and Dying of Our World

“Injustice prevails; the oppressed have few advocates. God’s purposes are jeopardized everywhere. His dreams for healthy families, faithful marriages, and godly children are in trouble; eighteen thousand children die of hunger daily in a world of plenty; millions of people perish for lack of inexpensive medicines; violence is the parent o the streets; poverty-induced genocide claims innocents; the church has gone dormant.” (Hatmaker pg. 150)

The world hunger problem: Facts, figures and statistics;
*In the Asian, African and Latin American countries, well over 500 million people are living in what the World Bank has called "absolute poverty"
*Every year 15 million children die of hunger
*For the price of one missile, a school full of hungry children could eat lunch every day for 5 years
*Throughout the 1990's more than 100 million children will die from illness and starvation. Those 100 million deaths could be prevented for the price of ten Stealth bombers, or what the world spends on its military in two days!
*The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world is well-fed, one-third is under-fed one-third is starving- Since you've entered this site at least 200 people have died of starvation. Over 4 million will die this year.
*One in twelve people worldwide is malnourished, including 160 million children under the age of 5. United Nations Food and Agriculture
*The Indian subcontinent has nearly half the world's hungry people. Africa and the rest of Asia together have approximately 40%, and the remaining hungry people are found in Latin America and other parts of the world. Hunger in Global Economy
*Nearly one in four people, 1.3 billion - a majority of humanity - live on less than $1 per day, while the world's 358 billionaires have assets exceeding the combined annual incomes of countries with 45 percent of the world's people. UNICEF
*3 billion people in the world today struggle to survive on US$2/day.
*In 1994 the Urban Institute in Washington DC estimated that one out of 6 elderly people in the U.S. has an inadequate diet.
*In the U.S. hunger and race are related. In 1991 46% of African-American children were chronically hungry, and 40% of Latino children were chronically hungry compared to 16% of white children.
*The infant mortality rate is closely linked to inadequate nutrition among pregnant women. The U.S. ranks 23rd among industrial nations in infant mortality. African-American infants die at nearly twice the rate of white infants.
*One out of every eight children under the age of twelve in the U.S. goes to bed hungry every night.*Half of all children under five years of age in South Asia and one third of those in sub-Saharan Africa are malnourished.
*In 1997 alone, the lives of at least 300,000 young children were saved by vitamin A supplementation programmes in developing countries.*Malnutrition is implicated in more than half of all child deaths worldwide - a proportion unmatched by any infectious disease since the Black Death
*About 183 million children weigh less than they should for their age
*To satisfy the world's sanitation and food requirements would cost only US$13 billion- what the people of the United States and the European Union spend on perfume each year.
*The assets of the world's three richest men are more than the combined GNP of all the least developed countries on the planet.
*Every 3.6 seconds someone dies of hunger
*It is estimated that some 800 million people in the world suffer from hunger and malnutrition, about 100 times as many as those who actually die from it each year.
(cited/referenced)= http://library.thinkquest.org/C002291/high/present/stats.htm

What happened to taking care of the widowed, orphaned, starving, poor, homeless, sick ? ? ? ? If Jesus were walking on earth today . . . . . I believe He would be caring for/helping/loving on these people; not the nicely dressed church folk in the pews enjoying church in A/C, carpeted rooms, electronics, etc. . . . . . . WWJD with Africa - orphans - starving people/children - dying patients - the helpless; walk by/ignore/pretend they don't exhist? I strongly think nd believe not. Lord; help us to know/have wisdom/discernment on how we can help! Show/help me. I know that if you were walking here with us today you would be pointing us to them - you are pointing me to them - please show me what to do and how and when. It can be overwhelming at times to see the poverty/helplessness around me in my own city/state/country and then to realized there is so much more in the world around me . . . . help me to do something instead of thinking/saying I can't make a difference; I'm just 1 person. With your help Lord; anything is possible.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" -Margaret Mead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrLJ3-mm0fY

Will the Real Bathsheba Please Stand Up

You can call this a twofer...two blogs in one week. Can't beat that with a stick! I realize that this is highly unusual, but I just can't seem to get the story of Bathsheba off my mind. I think that all these years I've had the 'ole girl all wrong. You see every time I heard the story of Bathsheba, she was portrayed as a seductress who used her feminine wiles to attract the attention of a very popular king (ultimately causing his downfall). Bathing naked on the rooftop? Please...like she didn't know she had a peeping Tom. She knew exactly what she was doing...or so I had been led to believe. After reading about Bathsheba in Jen's book, I became intrigued by this woman and her story. I started doing some background research and through the course of this reading, I began to see Bathsheba in a new light. Not as the conniving seductress I always believed her to be, but as a woman of real strength and character. Ok...so now I'm really confused. Who was the woman anyway? Will the real Bathsheba please stand up?!

We are first introduced to Bathsheba during an unfortunate encounter with Kind David. King David was the golden boy who had way too much time on his hands and ended up getting himself caught up in heck of a mess. This is where the blame began to fall on Bathsheba. Surely it was easier for everyone to point fingers at this woman they knew very little about then to admit that their BMOC (Big Man on Campus) was human and messed up. I mean woman are the root of all evil aren't they? The funny thing is that when it was all said and done, David didn't blame Bathsheba for any of it. I found this commentary written by Daniel F. Case
(http://www.case-studies.com/biblestudies/david3.htm)
"David didn't try to shift the blame for his sin. This Psalm doesn't contain one single word of self-justification. David didn't try to blame Bathsheba for his downfall, or talk about the enormous stresses and responsibilities in the life of a great leader. He faced his sin head-on, and called it what it was: his sin. "
In Psalms David says...
4 Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.


So I guess my (rhetorical) question is this....If David didn't blame Bathsheba for his sin....why have we?

This is pretty much where my knowledge of Bathsheba stopped...at this one, not so flattering encounter with David. Besides being the mother of King Solomon I don't remember ever hearing another Bible story about her. What a shame, because the more I read about Bathsheba the more interesting I find her. She was far from perfect, and made plenty of mistakes, but yet God used this woman to do his work.

Watch and Be Utterly Amazed

Bathsheba

In chapter 8 we are introduced to the 4th woman in Jesus' lineage, Bathsheba. For some reason I am fascinated by the story of this woman. Maybe, because (like Amy said) it reads like the plot of a soap opera or maybe it's because her story strikes a chord in me. What a fighter this woman was.  Forced into a sexual affair, pregnant, dishonored, husband killed, son dies.....She took one blow after another and kept getting back up.  I admire that kind of grit. When the rug was pulled out from under her and her whole world came crashing down, Bathsheba didn't throw up her hands and admit defeat.  She stayed strong and God blessed her.  

 

Bad things happen to good people:

What happened to Bathsheba seems like a great injustice, but the truth is that bad things do happen to good people.  Jen says, "How could we carry on Jesus' mission if His people only knew happiness and prosperity?  How could we minister?  How could we possibly understand?  How could we wrap our arms around somebody and say, I've been there, God brought me through?"  

 

My Story:

I've been lucky.  Compared to many, I've led a pretty charmed life.  I've encountered very few bumps along the way.  Guess I thought I was immune from pain and suffering, afterall I am a daughter of the king. But several years ago I went through something that rocked me to my very core.  I never saw it coming, but when it did, it hit me like a ton of bricks and sent me reeling.  At first I was angry with God.   How could he let this happen to me?   I didn't do anything wrong.  I was being punished for someone else's sin.  The pain was so deep and the hurt so real that I wasn't sure I'd survive it. After the intial shock wore off, I knew that I had a choice to make.  I could wallow in a pool of self pity and complain about the injustice of it all or I could pick myself and do something about it.  I chose to fight back. My weapon of choice...my bible. I dug into the scripture like never before. It was my lifeline. The only thing that gave me peace. Eventually, I began to feel God's presence and his healing hand on my life.  Although personally, I was going through hell, spiritually I was beginning to soar.  As I look back now I believe that my priorities were so out of whack that God was using that time to get my attention and to turn my focus back on him. I still have many battle scars that have yet to heal, but I have emerged victorious!  

 

"God's victory over suffering, through suffering, in spite of suffering will be revealed.  Pain is no match for his peace, sin has no authority over His rule.  In our bleakest moments, God's glory shines the brightest.  It's when he can say, "I've been your Savior, but now you will know me as Healer, Restorer, Sustainer" (Jen Hatmaker)

 

I wonder how Bathsheba felt in her time of darkness.  I can imagine that she felt like many of us when faced with similar situations.  Hopeless, abandoned, wondering if the darkness will ever end.  God says in Habakkuk 1:5, "Look at the Nations and watch-and be utterly amazed.  For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told."  God restored Bathsheba.  He delivered her out of her suffering and did something utterly amazing!  I bet in the midst of her pain, Bathsheba never imagined that she would one day become the mother of a great King (Solomon) and be known as one of the most influential women of her time.  

 

Maybe your pain is too real now or your hurt to fresh to imagine anything amazing coming from it.  But God tells us to watch...."for those who revere my name, the son of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.  (Malachi 4:2)

Under the Influence

The story of Bathsheba starts with true heartache - an un-avoidable adulterous affair, an intentional death of her husband, a marriage of convenience, a death of a child. Sounds like next weeks episodes of One Life to Live to me! The Bible is filled with stories of heartache which proves that nobody is exempt from it – even followers of Christ. Like Jen says,
‘If your heart beats, you will suffer. It is part of the human condition. No amounts of “shoulds” will change that. We own corrupted bodies in a corrupted world; we’re plagued with sin, death, and decay; we are born to imperfect parents and have imperfect relationships; everyone gets sick and all of us will die.’
After being Debbie Downer there is good news - God does not allow suffering for no reason(Go God!). It’s hard sometimes to justify why God allows bad things to happen to good people. But think about this – David was a good person. His name is mentioned more than any other man in the Bible, second only to Jesus. He was just plain good people! But he allowed his greatness to go to his head and because of his actions (bedding Bathsheba, trying to “fix” it and when that didn’t work, having the problem killed), God’s punishment was the loss of a son.

Now let’s move on to our next truth from Ms. Understood – Women have the gift of influence.

A woman’s influence has brought us trendy haircuts (think the ‘Rachel’), the right to be treated as equals (Rosa Parks), the permission to wear sleeveless shirts (Michele Obama), the need to purchase expensive shoes (Carrie Bradshaw) and the importance of saying please and thank you (my mother). All women have been influenced both positively and negatively and have also influenced others, with or without being aware.

It’s amazing how our behavior patterns can change under the influence of someone else. I think back in my life on times when I have been influenced by another woman around me. When I visit Nashville I come home with a southern accent and a potty mouth due to the influence of my good friend that makes me feel funny and free. When I watch my hubby play ball I sit and gossip and giggle under the influence of the other softball wives. In college I smoked cigars and ran amuck under the influence of my crazy girlfriends as we found ourselves on our own for the first time.

I should heed Jen’s advice when she tells us,
‘Be certain your influence supports God’s holy standards before you use it or allow anyone else to borrow it.’
I like to think of myself as a not very influenced individual. I march to the beat of my own drummer. Or maybe not so much? If I really think about it, I’m pretty sure I easily let others influence me. The scarier part of this is not being the receiver of influence but being the giver of it. I hope and pray my influence has not been a bad witness to the women in my life and even as I type this I know there are times when it has.

Bathsheba fell in to this trap as well. She started out being influential in a positive way and was able to restore her son Solomon to the throne. But then she was deceived by a kind word from a very sneaky man and tried to use her influence with her own son to do something that would eventually lead to his demise. Thank goodness God was on the side of the righteous and this did not happen. But how many times have you pulled a Bathsheba? Good intentions do not equal positive influence.

Jen says something I have never really thought about but I like it!
‘A woman affects a man’s soul, changing his mind, his direction, his life. Through your gentle advice and godly suggestions, God can rend a man’s heart.’
I was curious so I thought I’d go to the 2 men in my life and ask them what influence I had on them.

My dad's take on my influence as a daughter:
When they are little you can't resist their big brown eyes at bedtime influencing you to tell just one more story.
When they are teens you continue to be influenced to teach them how to drive because you don't want them to get hurt.
When they meet the love of their life they influence you to go along with it even when they are breaking your heart by getting married because you know you can't support them forever.
When they are adult daughters and you are aging their take on life being not all so serious keeps you from becoming a grouchy old person.
When they are mid-life adults and you are trying to figure out the retirement thing and downsizing your life they contribute wisdom in decision making as they advise you not to buy that next too expensive car or another piece of property.
When you have daughters it changes your perspective on the issues of life and you become more gentle wanting to give something back.
When you have a wife and multiple daughters as the only man in the house you are influenced to shop, pick up stuff and clean your act as a man because you sure don't want to dissappoint the women in your life.

My husbands take on my influence as a wife:
She influences me to close the cabinet doors and put down the toilet seat.
She influences me to throw it away if I don't need it.
She influences me to not use the display towels or soaps.
Her influence as a wife encourages me to be a better husband.
Her laid back attitude influences me to work on not taking things so serious (like softball), to turn the other cheek and to remember my own witness.

I feel so loved and happy that my influence has had positive results in the men in my life! I pray I can pay better attention to the power of my own influence and ensure that I am using it only for good and not evil.
This week, think about how you hold up under the influence!!

The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord. - Psalm 45:11

As a freshman in high school,  my then youth pastor shared, "You know,  if you listen to the lies of the world, you'll believe them." This wise council continued, "If you believe you are not thin enough, tall enough, pretty enough, or just not all that... you are telling God his creation is not failing, not even close to perfect." 

He had us then visualize standing in the most beautiful scene we can imagine, filled with God's most incredible creations of nature and then screaming, yelling and ranting and raving - in complete temper tantrum manner - "This is not good enough! Make it better, Make it more like the photographs!"

 (I always picture the spoiled little girl in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as these images come to mind.)

I recall this message from God every time I visit a dressing room, the scale or the mirror in the morning. Despite my outward appearance, I must believe the God of all creation doesn't make junk! I refuse to be the pot who calls the potter's handiwork imperfect. It's not easy when the world is providing more and more reasons to crave perfection for our outer shell.

So, I won't argue with God's handiwork, but discovering the inner beauty is a daily (sometimes hourly) release of my own intentions to follow Ruth's and ultimately Jesus's example of character.

Author Jen Hatmaker wrote, "Our beauty is patterned after God's; our visual beauty is a reflection of character." So, true beauty means emulating God's character of love.  

Ruth's outer beauty is not evident from all accounts of the Bible however, her inner beauty was discovered in her character. How many times have you heard, "It matters what is on the inside, not the outside?" As much I have heard this, I always thought this was a nice bit of propaganda by my family. Well folks, that is actually.... yes, God's design ... time to believe it and embrace the truth. 

Ruth did not complain, nag or drag her feet about leaving her native Moab, she went eagerly with her mother-in-law Noami to serve because she loved Noami.  Ruth's willingness to live by faith, coupled with courage and devotion allowed her inner beauty to radiate. 

A quick summary:  

A woman's beauty is God's crowning and most perfect creation. This beauty is not for self-serving purposes, but, to serve others as Ruth so embraced as she cared for Naomi enough to leave her own family and country to follow Naomi to a foreign land. She sacrificed and God rewarded.

Don't discount, compare or live in disbelief of the beauty God has blessed you with. He has equally empowered you to cultivate beauty that will radiate and demonstrate your most cherished gift: inner beauty that can change lives.

Back on track: 

Finally, I loved seeing the relationship between Ruth and Boaz as God's perfect plan for selecting a mate. Boaz demonstrates all that a young man should be for a young lady. He was taken with her outer beauty yet, learned all he could about her inner beauty. I love that the Hatmaker clearly explains, "Being tender, available and honest - draws a real man. Ruth conducted herself neither as a seductress or the victim, and Boaz nearly had a coronary trying to get to her. God designed us this way. As much as beauty is mystical, it is also practical; every woman has it, and no man can resist it. God is brilliant. The essence of a woman activates the design of a man. The best in a man is brought out by the best in a woman." 

They completed each other! 

No thanks to Jerry Maguire, just our loving God!

As a mother of two young teens, I believe this love story of Ruth and Boaz is paramount for my daughters understanding the young men that God will bring into their lives someday. 

Ruth and Boaz are examples how God works to bring two people together who are perfect in his plan. Ruth wasn't searching for  a husband, she was serving. Boaz was not searching for a wife, but was faithfully walking in God's favor and living a life of redemption. 

I pray the young men someday my daughters will meet,  will be like Boaz: enamored, a protector, a leader, a faithful follower of God. In the same way, I pray my daughters will see they are precious treasures of God's creation who must daily surrender to his leading and serve others in the same love and kindness that redeemed them in Jesus's sacrifice.

Below is a song I heard in the early part of this week, a perfect song of Ruth: You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do.  So, there could never be a more beautiful you.

More Beautiful You

by Jonny Diaz

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way 
But her hair isn’t straight her body isn’t fake 
And she’s always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see 
That beauty is within your heart 
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you 
Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do 
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you’ve already done
Anything to get ahead 
And you say you’ve got a man but he’s got another plan 
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come 
You starve yourself to play the part 
But I can promise you there’s a man whose love is true
And he’ll treat you like the jewel you are

So turn around you’re not too far 
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth 
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl