Choices, Choices, Choices!!

Life is full of choices. In fact, if you think about it, each day is a continual chain of choices.  Some choices are easy and become automatic, like brushing your teeth and putting on deodorant in the morning. (Yes, even those are choices!) Other choices may take more thought and deliberation as you decide what you will do. Whether big or small, your choices will determine the outcome of your day, week, year, and ultimately your life and eternity! 

 

With my three year old grandson, Ben, here this week, I've been reminded of this. You see, lately Ben has been learning the importance of making "good" choices. Since all choices have consequences, his mom is trying to teach him to make good choices. She reminds him that when he makes "good" choices, good things will happen -- he gets to do things, earns treats, and life in general is better for him and those around him. When he makes "bad" choices, then bad things will happen -- he will have time outs, loose his leap pad or some other privilege for the day, and life in general is hard and unhappy.  He even has a "Good Choices Chart," to encourage him to make good choices. He's beginning to get the idea, but then there are days when he doesn't seem to care about the stickers at all.  On one of those days, when his mom was telling him he needed to make better choices.  He replied, "I'll make good choices tomorrow.  Today I want to make bad choices." 

 

When I think about it, some days I feel the same way, but I just don't say it out loud. I know I should make good choices, but today, I just want to make bad choices.  I want to eat the wrong things.  I don't want to exercise. I want to get angry at that rude person. I don't want to admit I was wrong. I want to nurse a hurt and hold a grudge. I want to be selfish and get my way. I want to act like a three year old!!  I will make good choices tomorrow, but today I want to make bad choices!  What we need to remember though is ALL choices have consequences. Some are more serious than others, but each choice you make can have an effect on you and those around you.

 

The Bible says a lot about choosing and making choices. From the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were given a choice.  They could enjoy the daily fellowship with God and each other, or they could choose to disobey.  Their bad choice reaped consequences that we are still experiencing today. Their choice introduced sin into the world and brought about death.

God offered the Israelites a choice in Deuteronomy 30:19.

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants."

We continue to have the opportunity to choose life over death, blessing over the curse.  God offers us life, abundant life, even in the little things. When we choose to do things God's way, we put ourselves in a position to experience His help, blessing, and most importantly His presence.

 

I am so thankful that Jesus chose to do the Father's will and die on the cross for all my bad choices -- my sin. Unlike the first Adam's choice, which brought about death, His choice brings life.  His forgiveness is available and He offers it to you today. Will you make the best and most important choice of your life today -- to trust in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?  This Easter, will you "choose life in order that you may live?"  If you do, then God will enable you, through the Holy Spirit, to continue to make the "good choices" in life that will allow you to enjoy all that He has in store for you now and for eternity!

What will you choose today?

 

A Spring Wardrobe

 

March has arrived and Spring is just around the corner. With Spring comes a change of wardrobe. That dark colored, heavy clothing will soon be replaced with colorful, lightweight fabric. Boots will be replaced with sandals, and coats and winter scarves will be no more! (Not that we really needed those coats and scarves much in Texas this winter!)

Our spiritual lives can also have "seasons". Regretfully, for the past few years, I've found myself "slipping" into winter. Various events and situations over these years have brought a sense of sadness to my heart. I've struggled with the pain of rejection, with insecurity, even with feelings of hopelessness at times. I've experienced uncertainty about my eyesight and had three eye surgeries. I've watched my mom begin to loose her memory and hear the struggles my dad has coping with that. I've witnessed pain and hurt in my extended family. I've seen the poverty of India - twice.  And to top it off, I've experienced the "joys" of hot flashes and hormonal imbalances which go along with this stage of my life. To make matters worse, I'm a pastor's wife, who in the eyes of most, think I have (or should have) it all together.

Now, not every part of the last five years has been painful or sad. I've had happy times. Times when the "Son" would shine and life would be good, but overall, underneath, there was still a sense of sadness. I didn't actually realize what had been happening until this past week while listening online to Beth Moore on a livestream via her Living Proof Blog. When she quoted a portion of Isaiah 61:3, something resonated in my heart.

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes,

 the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD,

that he might be glorified."

A garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness! That's what hit me. The Lord showed me that what I had been doing, without even realizing it, was slowly adding one more layer of heavy clothing to my already weighed down spirit. Each disappointment, each situation that brought pain, each fear I had, created a heavier spirit. Oh, I'd put on a smile, but I'd also add one more layer of heavy clothing. (And when you have hot flashes, that is the LAST thing you need to do!) I'd adjust the load and go on with "life".

As I was listening to Beth, I realized what I really needed was a change of wardrobe!! I needed to take off that heavy winter garment and exchange it for a garment of praise. Just the word "praise" seems lighter, more colorful, doesn't it? The rest of the verse also offered me beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning. I had a decision to make. And right there in the privacy of my living room, with tears in my eyes, (Ok, there were many tears that escaped down my cheeks), I took off that spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise. Was it easy? No! Did I feel lighter? YES!  I was amazed that physically I felt a weight actually lift from my spirit.

Will life from now on be completely perfect? Will the sadness be gone forever? Will praising protect me from the pain of this broken world? Absolutely NOT! But I do have a choice! The problem is that sometimes "old clothes" are comfortable. Even though they are ugly, unstylish, and worn out, somehow I find comfort in them. When those "cold winds" blow through my life, my first inclination will be to put those heavy clothes on again. But I need to remember that the Son shines in and through a garment of praise, and His Spirit will bring the warmth to my soul that is needed. Each morning I must decide which garment I will wear that day. I know some days may even require frequent wardrobe "exchanges". One thing I do know though  - praising God will lighten the heaviness of my spirit.

My heart's desire is that I would become that tree of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, so that He would be glorified. Will you join me in getting ready for Spring? -- 'cause Summer will be here before we know it!

 

Humble Heart: A Book of Virtues by Amy Meyer Allen

Humble Heart: a book of virtues is a collection of nine stories that introduce the child to the virtues of Humility, Love, Thoughtfulness, Faithfulness, Mercy, Encouragement, Comfort, Courage, and Joy through the Humble Bumble characters developed by Amy Meyer Allen. Each animal character learns about one of the virtues in a situational story which is colorfully illustrated.

Each story begins with a simple definition of the virtue which will help the child understand the concept from the start. Each story ends with a question that allows the child to apply that virtue to his or her own life. There is also a Bible verse at the end of the story that reinforces these biblical virtues.

The illustrations were simple and vibrant in color. Each page spread contained a full page picture on one page with the words of the story on the opposite page. I believe this is helpful in retaining a younger child's attention as the book is read.  It is a square book with a slightly padded front cover which gives the book a nice "feel".

I do like that this book allows parent/child interaction. These life lessons may be expressed in various ways in the family, with friends, at church, or anywhere the child interacts with others. I also like the interjection of Scripture with each virtue so the parent can stress that these characteristics are based on God's Word. Overall I think it is a wonderful and attractive book for children ages preschool to seven.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my personal views.

Beyond Ordinary by Justin and Trisha Davis

Ordinary can be defined as "of no special quality or interest; commonplace; unexceptional; somewhat inferior or below average; mediocre." Justin and Trisha Davis, authors of Beyond Ordinary, believe that "ordinary" is the greatest danger to any marriage. Without attention and effort, a marriage is destined for ordinary or worse.  As a young married couple, Justin and Trisha never dreamed that their marriage would take the direction it did.  This book is the story of their life together -- the near end of their marriage -- and God's restoration of it. 

Written in a "tag-team" format, Justin and Trisha take turns in each chapter, sharing their side of the story, giving the reader both the male and female perspective.  As a minister's wife myself, I could relate to their story, and the challenges being in the ministry can create, however, these same struggles can be experienced by couples no matter what their "professions" are.

Each chapter takes you a little further on their journey as a married couple, revealing the pitfalls that allowed them to drift into ordinary and then into brokenness. They offer wisdom and personal insight separately and then together, before ending each chapter with "Questions" that can be answered alone and/or with your spouse.

Is their marriage perfect now?  Is it free from struggle?  They are the first to admit it is not. God has transformed them though, and as they daily seek to live extraordinary lives individually for Jesus, He is enabling them to have an extraordinary marriage with His help. They would want you to know that "extraordinary" takes work, but it is worth it!

I would definitely recommend this book to those who have experienced brokenness in their marriage, as well as those whose marriages haven't reached the breaking point. It is an honest and transparent view of a real marriage.

Because of their life experience, Justin and Trisha founded RefineUs Ministries to help build healthy marriages and families.

If you would like to see a short video trailer about the book click here. This book has been published by Tyndale Publishers.  For more information about this book or Tyndale, please visit their website at http://www.tyndale.com 

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review.

Isn't It Just Like God!

Yesterday I received our itinerary for India. I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to be doing, but I knew it may involve working some with the pastor's wives there.  I know some of what is "scheduled" may change, as those who have gone on mission trips know, but what I saw sent a wave of "panic" to my heart.  I am not a public speaker -- it is way out of my comfort zone -- and I was really hoping that maybe I could get away with a single sharing time, and then be an encourager the rest of the time -- a help in general. What I found out was that I will be speaking/teaching at two or three different pastor's wives events (probably a few sessions at each event), teaching at a "widows prayer meeting", and teaching children!!

 

I enjoy writing (where I can write, edit, rewrite, and then not see the possible "confusion" on the reader's face while "hearing" what I have to say!), but speak in front of a group?  I fumble around, and then sit down and realize I forgot to say the main point I intended to get across! 

The Lord and I had a discussion this morning.  It went something like this:  "Lord, I feel like Moses.  You called him to a task and to speak for you and he questioned his ability to speak.  I feel the same way!  I know you were angry with him and I don't want Your anger directed toward me, so give me the encouragement I need today. Give me the faith to trust you to do something I KNOW I cannot do." (Well, there was also some wrestling and tears thrown in too!) I went on with my morning time with the Lord.

I decided to be a part of Beth Moore's Living Proof 2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team this year. (Go to http://blog.lproof.org/2013/01/2013-siesta-scripture-memory-team-verse-1.html if you'd like more information on how you can participate too!)  One of the Scriptures on the cover of the memory verse spiral was Joshua 1:9.  I knew that verse had something to do with being "strong and courageous" so I decided to turn to it and read it.  For some reason, instead of turning to Joshua, I thought it said Jeremiah 1:9 (That's what a menopausal mind can do!) and turned there. This is what I read:

"Then the Lord reached out His hand, touched my mouth and told me:

Look, I have filled your mouth with My words."

 

 

Isn't that just like God?  He pointed me to another one of His servants who said, "...Oh no, Lord God! Look, I don't know how to speak....." (Jeremiah 1:6)  I know God uses those who feel inadequate because then HE certainly gets the glory. 

 

 

"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.   So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures.
For when I am weak, then I am strong."

 

 

So today I start seeking out what I need to share with these ladies and children.  I may indeed write it all out, so I can write, edit, and rewrite over the next 3 days!  Then I'll close my eyes as I speak to them so I won't see the confusion on their faces!!  Ok, maybe I won't close my eyes -- if I do, how will I be able to "read" what I have written!

 

Do pray for this weak, insecure pastor's wife over the next couple of weeks!  Looking forward to sharing what great things the Lord has done!

A Fresh Beginning

A New Year!  A Clean Slate!  A Fresh Beginning!  No matter what you call it, January 1st is here and with it comes a chance to start over.  So, once again, I am attempting to do a better job with this blog. I will still post the book reviews, but I want it to be more.  Thus, the name change.  

 

I call it "A Splash of Grace" because I have come to appreciate that I need God's grace EVERY day to survive!  Some days I need a cupful poured over me, but most days I need showers of it!  Oh yeah, and there are those days I need to DIVE into it!  I pray that what I write in this blog may be a "splash" of His grace from me to you.

 

The past year had it's joyful moments, but the Lord also allowed me to travel down some difficult paths personally. It was a hard year, a disappointing one in many ways. There were times when I felt the Lord was very near, and other times when I couldn't find Him at all.  
 

If I could turn back the pages of last year and write a few different chapters in my life's book I probably would, but at the same time, I have learned so much about myself. I have learned who IS God. (and it's not me!)  I have learned that I have an enemy that delights in tormenting me. And I have also learned anew, that God loves me and is FOR me. He has purpose in all things He allows.

 

I don't know all that you have gone through this past year, and I don't know what lies ahead for either of us, but one thing I do know -- God will be here with us and for us! The scripture I begin my new year with is this:

 

"[Because of] the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end

They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

 I say: The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him."

   

Lamentations 3:22-25

Will you join me on this journey? 

Let us daily walk "in the Light",

seeking the Lord and waiting for Him.

 He will be good to us!

Dreams and Visions by Tom Doyle

Living in America, I don't believe we can fully comprehend the difficulty people encounter when trying to share the gospel in countries where the gospel is not welcomed. Persecution of Christians around the world is a very real thing.  Sharing the good news about Jesus in these countries can cost you your life. It can be dangerous and at times, seemingly impossible, to get the gospel to people who are living in spiritual darkness. But what seems impossible to do by human standards, God can make possible.

Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World, is a captivating book by Tom Doyle with Greg Webster, which recounts what Muslims in the Middle East are experiencing through dreams and visions they have been having.  Jesus, Himself, has been appearing to them in dreams, sometimes in multiple dreams over days or weeks. Jesus reaches out to them in love and it's something they cannot ignore.  Doyle emphasizes that as he has gathered information from missionaries there, "no one says a dream recipient goes to sleep a Muslim and wakes up a Christian."  They still have to understand "that Jesus died for their sins and that this requires they repent and follow Christ for life."  How is this possible when people cannot freely share about their faith. It was fascinating to read how after a person would have a dream, God had already prepared someone to share the truth about Jesus with him or her. At great risk, these believers share the truth about Jesus to these "seekers".

Dreams and visions are found in both the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, so I do not hesitate to believe that God can still work in and through them today. If a person cannot go into these places easily, He is going Himself -- bringing Light into extremely dark places. The word "Muslim" can conger up fear in some people's minds, but Muslims are people God loves, and He is doing a mighty work in the Middle East, bringing them to faith in Jesus Christ through this unusual means.

I was humbled and in awe of the great commitment and risk these believers take in an effort to share their faith with people they come in contact with. They have been so impacted by Jesus, they are willing to die for Him, and as the people who are having dreams come to understand who Jesus is, they too are willing to face being disowned, beaten, jailed, or even killed for becoming a Christian.

I would highly recommend this book. May it open our eyes and give us courage to share about Jesus where we live.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the BookSneeze blogger program in exchange for my honest review.