The other day, my husband misheard something I said as, “I’ll love you a little.” He replied, “I hope you’ll love me a lifetime.”
It reminded me of the children’s book, Love You Forever by Robert Munsch:
“I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.”
Yet, the more I thought about my husband’s sweet words, the more I thought about my Savior. One dark, sweet day, over 2,000 years ago, Jesus spread His arms out wide and said:
You who have turned your back on me, I’m doing this for you.
You who have been wronged and do wrong in return, I’m doing this for you.
You who are broken, I’m doing this for you.
You who are sick and don’t know where to turn, I’m doing this for you.
You who feel unloved, I’m doing this for you.
You and you period. No matter your circumstances. I’m doing this for you. I stretch my arms wide on this cross and sacrifice for you because I’ll love you a lifetime.
One day, Jesus will once again stretch those arms wide and welcome us home. He will do so in love and give us a new life, an eternal one, where He will say, I’ll love you a lifetime.
And, how sweet it will be to be loved for a lifetime, eternally, by the One who gave us life.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Losing (and regaining) focus
Ever had one of those days where you feel as if you're in a funk? Well, I've had one of those days. In fact, for me, a day has turned into weeks and even months. And, I'm not just talking about funky, as in, "hey, you're kinda cool". Nope, funk.... as in "I don't feel like myself".
Here's the thing: nothing has drastically changed. So what if I haven't written in a while for this blog? Not a big deal, right? Well, here IS a big deal... ready for it? I'm about to drop the mic here and not in a good way.
In the same sense that I haven't written in a while, I haven't read in a while either. Except for church days, I haven't opened my bible either. If you're reading this and you're in the same boat, you may want to hear something like "It's okay. Life gets busy. God will understand."
While I am in no way in a place to tell you what God Almighty will and won't understand, I can only speak about myself. So, here it goes:
I prayed for God to reveal to me why I felt like I was in such a funk, even though nothing in my life had really happened (no big changes, etc.). Here's what I believe to be His answer that I feel compelled to share with you: "Julie, you've lost your focus."
I can count the number of times that I've felt I've heard God speaking to me. Most of the time, I just feel a gentle guidance, a loving push. Sometimes, like in this case, it seems to slap me across the face, as a loving father would discipline His children (okay, not literally, but you get the idea).
***
So, I lost my focus. Regardless if it was only for a few weeks, I took my eye off of the prize. I took my eye off of Jesus. I let life get in the way and run me, instead of allowing God to run my life. Did I lose my salvation? No. But, I wasn't focused on the One who truly matters.
It reminds me of the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2), who had lost its first love. The Ephesians lost their zeal for God, therefore falling prey to false teachings. Do I feel I was in danger of that? Maybe. Maybe not. But, I feel that God is choosing now for this particular experience to be shared with those who are willing.
As before, I can only speak for myself. But, if this resonates with you as it does with me, I encourage you to look up, to stand your ground, and not lose your focus. The Bible also says that it's the little foxes that destroy the vine. So, do not let everyday business (or insert your situation here) slowly draw you away from Jesus.
Father God,
I come to you in Jesus name, asking forgiveness for my sins. Forgive me for losing focus on You. God speak to the one who reads and listens to this now. Help us both to stay focused on You. God, guide us and protect us. Help us be the light, be salt to this Earth. Help us to focus on You, so we can point others to You.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
Here's the thing: nothing has drastically changed. So what if I haven't written in a while for this blog? Not a big deal, right? Well, here IS a big deal... ready for it? I'm about to drop the mic here and not in a good way.
In the same sense that I haven't written in a while, I haven't read in a while either. Except for church days, I haven't opened my bible either. If you're reading this and you're in the same boat, you may want to hear something like "It's okay. Life gets busy. God will understand."
While I am in no way in a place to tell you what God Almighty will and won't understand, I can only speak about myself. So, here it goes:
I prayed for God to reveal to me why I felt like I was in such a funk, even though nothing in my life had really happened (no big changes, etc.). Here's what I believe to be His answer that I feel compelled to share with you: "Julie, you've lost your focus."
I can count the number of times that I've felt I've heard God speaking to me. Most of the time, I just feel a gentle guidance, a loving push. Sometimes, like in this case, it seems to slap me across the face, as a loving father would discipline His children (okay, not literally, but you get the idea).
***
So, I lost my focus. Regardless if it was only for a few weeks, I took my eye off of the prize. I took my eye off of Jesus. I let life get in the way and run me, instead of allowing God to run my life. Did I lose my salvation? No. But, I wasn't focused on the One who truly matters.
It reminds me of the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2), who had lost its first love. The Ephesians lost their zeal for God, therefore falling prey to false teachings. Do I feel I was in danger of that? Maybe. Maybe not. But, I feel that God is choosing now for this particular experience to be shared with those who are willing.
As before, I can only speak for myself. But, if this resonates with you as it does with me, I encourage you to look up, to stand your ground, and not lose your focus. The Bible also says that it's the little foxes that destroy the vine. So, do not let everyday business (or insert your situation here) slowly draw you away from Jesus.
Father God,
I come to you in Jesus name, asking forgiveness for my sins. Forgive me for losing focus on You. God speak to the one who reads and listens to this now. Help us both to stay focused on You. God, guide us and protect us. Help us be the light, be salt to this Earth. Help us to focus on You, so we can point others to You.
In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Under His Wings
I'm sitting outside on my back porch. The sun is shining and I hear only the sound of crickets, birds chirping, and frogs croaking. A springtime breeze brings a small chill to the air.
You wouldn't know it by looking outside now, but moments ago, a severe thunderstorm line came through. There were strong winds. During the storm, I watched two birds by our bird feeder, courageous little things who braved the storm. After a bit, one decided to rest under a nearby tree. A million things crossed my mind at that moment, of things yet to do, of the laundry still in my hands, as a I simply stood at my window and watched two birds, both un-wavered by the storm. I stood for what seemed like forever, just watching the birds.
It reminded me of peace. Yes, in the middle of a literal storm, I was reminded me of peace. I could see the birds' feathers being shaken by the wind, yet they were undeterred, as if they, too, were at peace.
The book of Psalm is probably my all-time favorite book in the Bible. To me, it is a beautiful book of written prayers, often written by one who had failed God (yet knew how to pray!). That same image that I witnessed in the birds of the storm, God used in Psalm 91.
God promises us that we will dwell with the One most high, that we will abide under His shadow (v. 1), just as the bird did under the branches of the tree.
God will be our refuge and our fortress (v. 2) and will deliver us from the fowler and from illness (v.3). God will cover us with His feathers and we shall be under His wing (v.4).
What a beautiful metaphor of the unfailing peace and protection of God Almighty. (Side note worthy of sharing: my study bible says that when God refers to Himself as Almighty, as He does is Psalm 91, He is saying that He is our "nurturer and protector"!)
Psalm 91:9 tells us that we are to make God our "habitation", which implies our protected place!
Wow! The same God who created all the World didn't create our habitat. He is where we reside, where we are protected, and where we are loved. Just as we are. Through Christ Jesus.
So, as the old song says, "when the storms of life are raging", stand by Him. Run to Him. Allow Him to provide you with that protected place.
You wouldn't know it by looking outside now, but moments ago, a severe thunderstorm line came through. There were strong winds. During the storm, I watched two birds by our bird feeder, courageous little things who braved the storm. After a bit, one decided to rest under a nearby tree. A million things crossed my mind at that moment, of things yet to do, of the laundry still in my hands, as a I simply stood at my window and watched two birds, both un-wavered by the storm. I stood for what seemed like forever, just watching the birds.
It reminded me of peace. Yes, in the middle of a literal storm, I was reminded me of peace. I could see the birds' feathers being shaken by the wind, yet they were undeterred, as if they, too, were at peace.
The book of Psalm is probably my all-time favorite book in the Bible. To me, it is a beautiful book of written prayers, often written by one who had failed God (yet knew how to pray!). That same image that I witnessed in the birds of the storm, God used in Psalm 91.
God promises us that we will dwell with the One most high, that we will abide under His shadow (v. 1), just as the bird did under the branches of the tree.
God will be our refuge and our fortress (v. 2) and will deliver us from the fowler and from illness (v.3). God will cover us with His feathers and we shall be under His wing (v.4).
What a beautiful metaphor of the unfailing peace and protection of God Almighty. (Side note worthy of sharing: my study bible says that when God refers to Himself as Almighty, as He does is Psalm 91, He is saying that He is our "nurturer and protector"!)
Psalm 91:9 tells us that we are to make God our "habitation", which implies our protected place!
Wow! The same God who created all the World didn't create our habitat. He is where we reside, where we are protected, and where we are loved. Just as we are. Through Christ Jesus.
So, as the old song says, "when the storms of life are raging", stand by Him. Run to Him. Allow Him to provide you with that protected place.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Masterpiece
It's been a while since I've posted. The fact is...the more I read from others (devotions, books, blogs), the more I think, "Girl, you have nothing more to say."
Yet, God is moving me. My "word" for 2017 has been "move"...which has caused my husband and I to move churches and move forward in ministry, thus founding our ministry, Sixfold Ministries.
Lately, I've received lots of encouragement and compliments. But, yet, I think, "Who am I?". Who am I that God would chose to use me in the way that He does? Who am I that He would leave the wonders of Heaven, be made human, and die for my sin.
Y'all (yes I say y'all!), sin is an ugly thing. I'm reading a book where the author speaks of her salvation and deliverance from drugs, addictions, and suicidal thoughts. She speaks of how she saw sin for the first time as sin; yet, in that same moment, saw God for all the glory and holiness that He is.
Again I think....who am I? I don't have an amazing testimony like that. I was and always have been a goody-goody and naive person. I still am in a multitude of ways. Yet, who am I that He would still die for me and take on my sin.
Here's the thing. I was a sinner, a sinner saved by His amazing grace. When I question who I am, I am questioning God and all that He is and has done. I was created in His image and every time I question who I am or feel uncomfortable receiving a compliment because I feel unworthy, I can feel God's presence. He speaks to my heart and says, "I've got this, girl". Because He made this girl.
Christian artist Mandisa says it like this, "He's still working on me. I'm unfinished."
God is indeed an artist. He created the world and all that is in it. He created you and I. As a mature Christian, I've always assumed that creation was finished in Genesis. But, God is still molding me and making me into His Masterpiece. And, as a child of God, you too are an unfinished masterpiece!
Isn't that amazing? As I sit at the kitchen table and reflect on this thought, I am completely overwhelmed. God made us in His image....to show His artistry and for His glory. So, I'll put on the full armor of God and take what He gives me, step by step. I'll accept the correction and guidance of His paintbrush, stroke by stroke. I'm a masterpiece.
You, too, are a masterpiece, completely and utterly unique. You are designed for great things, to show off the glory of the Creator, the glory of the Masterpiece Artist.
Yet, God is moving me. My "word" for 2017 has been "move"...which has caused my husband and I to move churches and move forward in ministry, thus founding our ministry, Sixfold Ministries.
Lately, I've received lots of encouragement and compliments. But, yet, I think, "Who am I?". Who am I that God would chose to use me in the way that He does? Who am I that He would leave the wonders of Heaven, be made human, and die for my sin.
Y'all (yes I say y'all!), sin is an ugly thing. I'm reading a book where the author speaks of her salvation and deliverance from drugs, addictions, and suicidal thoughts. She speaks of how she saw sin for the first time as sin; yet, in that same moment, saw God for all the glory and holiness that He is.
Again I think....who am I? I don't have an amazing testimony like that. I was and always have been a goody-goody and naive person. I still am in a multitude of ways. Yet, who am I that He would still die for me and take on my sin.
Here's the thing. I was a sinner, a sinner saved by His amazing grace. When I question who I am, I am questioning God and all that He is and has done. I was created in His image and every time I question who I am or feel uncomfortable receiving a compliment because I feel unworthy, I can feel God's presence. He speaks to my heart and says, "I've got this, girl". Because He made this girl.
Christian artist Mandisa says it like this, "He's still working on me. I'm unfinished."
God is indeed an artist. He created the world and all that is in it. He created you and I. As a mature Christian, I've always assumed that creation was finished in Genesis. But, God is still molding me and making me into His Masterpiece. And, as a child of God, you too are an unfinished masterpiece!
Isn't that amazing? As I sit at the kitchen table and reflect on this thought, I am completely overwhelmed. God made us in His image....to show His artistry and for His glory. So, I'll put on the full armor of God and take what He gives me, step by step. I'll accept the correction and guidance of His paintbrush, stroke by stroke. I'm a masterpiece.
You, too, are a masterpiece, completely and utterly unique. You are designed for great things, to show off the glory of the Creator, the glory of the Masterpiece Artist.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
There's a girl
There's a girl who sits all alone. She doesn't talk to anyone. She feels empty because, in her mind, she thinks the only people that love her are family and that's only because they have to. That's what her mind tells her.
There's a girl, older now. She doesn't see herself as pretty. She's waiting to hear her worth, as defined by a boy. But, it doesn't happen. Shyness and values keep her from what she deems as happiness. Self-doubt creeps in.
There's a girl. She thinks she's better than most, a goody-goody, holier than thou attitude. But, she's not winning friends; she's not even winning souls for Christ. Drowning in a delusion of religion, not relationships.
There's a girl. That same fear of loneliness creeps. Loneliness is a creeper, a stealer of joy. All her friends are finding love. Why isn't she?
What if I told you that all of these girls were me, at one point in my life? It's true.
What's even worse than this brutal heart-wrenching drive down past emotions is that I found myself with a similar thought this week. A simple but joy-stealing thought: I am not good enough. I found myself comparing who I am to who other people are.
That's a dangerous game to play. One of my husband's favorite songs is "Remind me Who I am". Yes, there's a girl. But, that girl grew up. She became a woman. This woman knows that there is a God.
There is a God who loves us, unconditionally. Not because He has to, but because He chose us. He chose me. He chose you.
There is a God who calls us beautiful. And chosen. And His.
There is a God who values a relationship with Him over anything our religion presses into us.
So, when "that girl" looks back at you in the mirror with disgust, doubt, and criticism, hold you head high. Look at her and tell her, "Yes, I see you. But, I also know that there is a God. And, He loves me... just as I am. I am beautiful. I am chosen. I am enough. I am His."
There's a girl, older now. She doesn't see herself as pretty. She's waiting to hear her worth, as defined by a boy. But, it doesn't happen. Shyness and values keep her from what she deems as happiness. Self-doubt creeps in.
There's a girl. She thinks she's better than most, a goody-goody, holier than thou attitude. But, she's not winning friends; she's not even winning souls for Christ. Drowning in a delusion of religion, not relationships.
There's a girl. That same fear of loneliness creeps. Loneliness is a creeper, a stealer of joy. All her friends are finding love. Why isn't she?
What if I told you that all of these girls were me, at one point in my life? It's true.
What's even worse than this brutal heart-wrenching drive down past emotions is that I found myself with a similar thought this week. A simple but joy-stealing thought: I am not good enough. I found myself comparing who I am to who other people are.
That's a dangerous game to play. One of my husband's favorite songs is "Remind me Who I am". Yes, there's a girl. But, that girl grew up. She became a woman. This woman knows that there is a God.
There is a God who loves us, unconditionally. Not because He has to, but because He chose us. He chose me. He chose you.
There is a God who calls us beautiful. And chosen. And His.
There is a God who values a relationship with Him over anything our religion presses into us.
So, when "that girl" looks back at you in the mirror with disgust, doubt, and criticism, hold you head high. Look at her and tell her, "Yes, I see you. But, I also know that there is a God. And, He loves me... just as I am. I am beautiful. I am chosen. I am enough. I am His."
Friday, April 7, 2017
Stop the comparison game
Let's stop the comparison game.
I am a fitness instructor. I have a confession to make. I never played a team, or individual for that matter, sport. But, guess what? I'm competitive. I love to win. Family game night? I don't let my children or husband win. Though, most times you'll still find me in third or fourth place.
I believe that it's human nature to want to succeed in games, and in life in general. I know I get it honestly: "If the score doesn't matter, why do they keep score?" Yes, words of wisdom from my dad.
But, when it comes to life, I say that we put the scoreboard down and stop keep points. Many times in life we compare ourselves to someone we deem successful.
If only my house looked like theirs...
If only my body looked like hers (his)...
If only I had the personality and courage to do that...
That list could go on. Stop the comparison game. "Comparison is the thief of joy" -Teddy Roosevelt. Steven Furtick, Pastor of Elevation Church, says it like this, "The reason why we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else's highlight reel."
Allow that to set in. Have you ever felt jealous over that perfect life portrayed on social media? Maybe a celebrity or even a friend? Well, here's the thing: we are only seeing what he/she wants us to see! I, for one, am guilty of taking multiple photos before I find one I want to share online.
There's a popular quote that says, "A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms." Have you ever truly stopped to look at the beauty of a flower? Each is unique. A flower doesn't look at the flower next to it to decide if it's beautiful, it already knows.
And, you were created to be just as beautiful and unique as that flower. Psalm 139:14 says that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made". Period. Not fearfully and wonderfully made once you have that car they drive. Not fearfully and wonderfully made once you reach that desired weight or wear that certain size. Fearfully and wonderfully made. Period. Done. Finished. Fearfully and wonderfully made by a God who designed the universe. A God who makes no mistakes in His creation. Yes, you, dear friend, were created fearfully and wonderfully made to be just who you are.
So, the next time you look at someone's social media page, remember who God says you are.
The next time you look at that individual in the mirror, give her (him) some grace. Be kind to her. She's beautiful. Allow her to bloom where she's planted.
I am a fitness instructor. I have a confession to make. I never played a team, or individual for that matter, sport. But, guess what? I'm competitive. I love to win. Family game night? I don't let my children or husband win. Though, most times you'll still find me in third or fourth place.
I believe that it's human nature to want to succeed in games, and in life in general. I know I get it honestly: "If the score doesn't matter, why do they keep score?" Yes, words of wisdom from my dad.
But, when it comes to life, I say that we put the scoreboard down and stop keep points. Many times in life we compare ourselves to someone we deem successful.
If only my house looked like theirs...
If only my body looked like hers (his)...
If only I had the personality and courage to do that...
That list could go on. Stop the comparison game. "Comparison is the thief of joy" -Teddy Roosevelt. Steven Furtick, Pastor of Elevation Church, says it like this, "The reason why we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else's highlight reel."
Allow that to set in. Have you ever felt jealous over that perfect life portrayed on social media? Maybe a celebrity or even a friend? Well, here's the thing: we are only seeing what he/she wants us to see! I, for one, am guilty of taking multiple photos before I find one I want to share online.
There's a popular quote that says, "A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms." Have you ever truly stopped to look at the beauty of a flower? Each is unique. A flower doesn't look at the flower next to it to decide if it's beautiful, it already knows.
And, you were created to be just as beautiful and unique as that flower. Psalm 139:14 says that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made". Period. Not fearfully and wonderfully made once you have that car they drive. Not fearfully and wonderfully made once you reach that desired weight or wear that certain size. Fearfully and wonderfully made. Period. Done. Finished. Fearfully and wonderfully made by a God who designed the universe. A God who makes no mistakes in His creation. Yes, you, dear friend, were created fearfully and wonderfully made to be just who you are.
So, the next time you look at someone's social media page, remember who God says you are.
The next time you look at that individual in the mirror, give her (him) some grace. Be kind to her. She's beautiful. Allow her to bloom where she's planted.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Be still
There's a lady at my church that gives the same testimony almost every Bible study. Here's her testimony:
I am blessed.
I have a beautiful life.
I've met many beautiful people.
That's it. There's no elaborate testimony. I don't know her. I don't know her backstory, what God's specifically done in her life, or how she's an overcomer through Christ Jesus. Although, I am sure all those things are true.
For this special lady, who is in her eighties, testimony is simple: I am blessed.
It got me thinking. My last blog post reached 400+ views. It was the largest audience so far. I didn't write for a bit afterward because I thought that I couldn't beat that, that I had nothing wise to say that hadn't been already said in multiple blogs, articles, and books already.
Here's the thing. I don't have to. I don't have to compare myself to my past self. You don't have to compare yourself to your past self. This precious lady didn't testify of her past. She simply told of what she was experiencing with God in the present: I am blessed. I have a beautiful life. I've met many beautiful people.
That's it. That's enough. Revelation 22:18 says that we can't add anything to the Word of God anyway. What is done through Christ is more than enough.
I don't have to top myself. I don't have to live in yesterday's blessing.
Today, God is enough.
Today, I will be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).
Today, I am blessed.
Today, I have a beautiful life.
Today, I can say that I've met many beautiful people.
The same thing applies to your life too, regardless of your backstory. Don't compare your today to your yesterday. Don't compare your today to anyone else's today. I once thought that testimony had to come from heartache and disaster. That's not true. Whether you've had the best life or struggled to understand God's love because of what He allowed in your life, what was done on the cross is enough for you. Jesus is enough. God is enough. Today.
Today, you are blessed.
Today, you have a beautiful life...a life given through Christ Jesus.
Today, you have met many beautiful people. Yes, even those people who have hurt you, try your patience, and you think God, why?
Today, be still and know that He is God.
I am blessed.
I have a beautiful life.
I've met many beautiful people.
That's it. There's no elaborate testimony. I don't know her. I don't know her backstory, what God's specifically done in her life, or how she's an overcomer through Christ Jesus. Although, I am sure all those things are true.
For this special lady, who is in her eighties, testimony is simple: I am blessed.
It got me thinking. My last blog post reached 400+ views. It was the largest audience so far. I didn't write for a bit afterward because I thought that I couldn't beat that, that I had nothing wise to say that hadn't been already said in multiple blogs, articles, and books already.
Here's the thing. I don't have to. I don't have to compare myself to my past self. You don't have to compare yourself to your past self. This precious lady didn't testify of her past. She simply told of what she was experiencing with God in the present: I am blessed. I have a beautiful life. I've met many beautiful people.
That's it. That's enough. Revelation 22:18 says that we can't add anything to the Word of God anyway. What is done through Christ is more than enough.
I don't have to top myself. I don't have to live in yesterday's blessing.
Today, God is enough.
Today, I will be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).
Today, I am blessed.
Today, I have a beautiful life.
Today, I can say that I've met many beautiful people.
The same thing applies to your life too, regardless of your backstory. Don't compare your today to your yesterday. Don't compare your today to anyone else's today. I once thought that testimony had to come from heartache and disaster. That's not true. Whether you've had the best life or struggled to understand God's love because of what He allowed in your life, what was done on the cross is enough for you. Jesus is enough. God is enough. Today.
Today, you are blessed.
Today, you have a beautiful life...a life given through Christ Jesus.
Today, you have met many beautiful people. Yes, even those people who have hurt you, try your patience, and you think God, why?
Today, be still and know that He is God.
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