Random Musings

It's been a while since I've taken the time to blog. There's a great deal running through my mind, so I may have a few posts in the works. But, before too much more time passes, I think I should take a moment and reflect on all of things for which I am thankful this year. The last couple of years have been dotted with conflict and pain for me and my family. It's been a difficult process, but the Lord has been faithful to give us beauty amidst the storm. That's what I'm thankful for, most of all, this year. I'm thankful for relationships that are renewed and stronger through lessons learned. I'm thankful for a better understanding of what it means to "speak the truth in love" and why it is so important. I understand better why "beating around the bush" is not really loving or kind, even though we think we're trying to spare someone's feelings. I'm thankful for modern medicine and doctors who can replace my Mom's knees. ...

It seems to me that the longer we walk on this earth, the more accustomed we become to its wonder. We can get to a place where we've "seen it all". Sometimes that is sad to me. When I'm stopped in my tracks by a beautiful sunset, I wonder how I've missed them every other day. Wonder is a beautiful thing and I try to keep that sense about me whenever I can. Tonight, I witnessed something truly beautiful. Daniel and Katie took the opportunity to have a "date night" tonight and I spent a bit of time watching my niece, Ansley. We are currently sailing on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. This is her first cruise and she's absolutely loving it! While we were hanging out in her cabin, (watching Lion King, singing and dancing) I heard the music for the Aqua Show start. We headed out onto the balcony and watched as amazing performers put on an unbelievable show. But, I could hardly take my eyes from Ansley's face. She was drinking it al...

From "Grace for the Moment" by Max Lucado "Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13 Unity doesn't begin in examining others but in examining self. Unity begins not in demanding that others change, but in admitting that we aren't so perfect ourselves... The answer to arguments? Acceptance. The first step to unity? Acceptance. Not agreement, acceptance. Not unanimity, acceptance. Not negotiation, arbitration, or elaboration. Those might come later but only after the first step, acceptance. from "In the Grip of Grace"

A dear friend's mother shared this short devotional with me the other day. She shared a lesson the Lord had taught her long ago in hopes that I would gain wisdom from it. It's been reverberating through my heart and mind ever since. I'd like to share it with you. This excerpt is from "My Utmost for His Highest (An updated edition in Today's Language)" by Oswald Chambers Suffering Afflictions and Going the Second Mile "I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also" (Matthew 5:39) This verse reveals the humiliation of being a Christian. In the natural realm, if a person does not hit back, it is because he is a coward. But in the spiritual realm, it is the very evidence of the Son of God in him if he does not hit back. When you are insulted, you must not only not resent it, but you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life. And you cannot imitate the nature...

Do you ever have one of those days, one of those moments, that you'd just like to take back? How many times have you wanted to return to the moment just before you made that choice, spread that gossip, ended that relationship, or crossed that line? I've read a couple of books this week that have started my thoughts in that direction. I've started to think about and visualize that moment just before our lives change; that moment we completely take for granted. When we look back, we see it as the place we'd return to if there were any way possible. That fork in the road where things somehow got off track. As I was logging into my computer this morning, I reached my maximum level of frustration with its performance and decided today is the day I spend time working to make it work properly. As I started the process of clean up and recovery, I came across the option to set a system restore point. Wouldn't that be nice? What would it be like if we could stop, in a ...

For the last couple of days, I have had the priviledge of leading worship from the Woods stage at Atlanta Fest just before Chad Wallace took the stage to share a message from his heart. It's been a beautiful experience and I'm looking forward to doing it one more time tomorrow. I have a few stories I want to share about this experience and how God is working, but I think I still need some time to process them myself. But, I do want to share with you a song written by Matt Jackson who shared just after us the last two days. The chorus of this song is echoing in my heart and I hope will be resonating for the rest of my life: "I want the Healer, not just the Healing. I want the Giver, not just the gifts. I want the Real Thing, not just Something. I want You. I want You." Too often, we look for the healing and forget that the Healer is so much more than we could ever hope or imagine. I hope you'll let those words simmer in your heart, as they are in mine, and ...

If you know me, you know that I love a good story of redemption. Books or movies that fail to redeem something broken in the story line often leave me feeling flat and unsatisfied. I love grace and I'm so thankful for it (because Heaven knows I need it!). And also, if you know me, or have been around me recently, you also know that God is weaving a beautiful story of redemption in my life. It's more than I could have hoped for and better than I dared to dream. I'm so happy and completely overwhelmed that God has chosen to show His favor and grace in the way that He is right now for me. As a church, we've been reading through the Bible. Our plan is to read through it together in a year. We've just made it through Leviticus and I was struck by how many times the word "redeem" is used. From the beginning, God has been working for our redemption. He's been showing His grace and favor and giving us a way out. It's an amazing and overwhelming t...

This week I had someone who wanted to "mend a fence" with me over a situation. However, the way they chose to go about it was to just ignore that there was a problem and pretend like everything was fine. In small offenses, sometimes, I am willing to overlook things and just move on without sifting through the past. But, when it's something big, it's a different story. I've had this picture in my mind regarding certain situations where the floorboards of a house have been broken, attacked by termites, or have become rotten and unstable. In those situations, the home owner would be foolish to merely try to fix what was left. It's important to remove the broken and decayed pieces before rebuilding the foundation. The same is true in a relationship when things happen that shake or damage the foundation. It's important to address the problem, remove the decay, and begin afresh. In some cases, it may be as simple as saying "I'm sorry", or m...

It never seems to fail that once I start something new or make a commitment to a goal, distractions multiply and seem to come out of the woodwork! Take today for instance... Somehow, my alarm clock was changed to a radio station instead of an actual alarm (I'm sure it was something I did when setting the time). However, I was gently awakened by music and was 2 HOURS LATE to work! So much for trying to read my chapters before I started my day. On my way in to work, I had to stop and run an errand, making me even later. Once I got to work, I realized that today is the day I have a lunchtime Bible study in Fayetteville. AUGH! Why did I even come to Peachtree City if I had to turn right back around? At least the Bible study was a bright spot in my day and I read, studied and prayed with some lovely ladies. But, since our Bible study wasn't on Genesis 4-7, I still have my reading to accomplish! Back at work, problem after problem found it's way to my desk. My inbox is ov...

Genesis 1 : The first chapter of Genesis gives us a synopsis of the creation account.  I love that it opens with “In the beginning…” because, that’s really where everything began.  The Father, Son and Holy Spirit were already there as infinite beings, but this account is where we mark the beginning of time, the birth of creation, and the first steps on this journey of humanity.  In the beginning was God and He created the heavens and earth and all that inhabit them. Day 1 – God creates light and separates it from the darkness Day 2 – God creates the sky Day 3 – God separates the water from dry land, seas from continents; He creates all vegetation Day 4 – God creates the Sun, Moon and Stars. Day 5 – God creates the creatures of the air and sea Day 6 – God creates the creatures of the land; He creates man I love that God created the world over the span of six days instead of in just a moment.  I believe He had the power to simply speak everything into existence in a  twinkling of His eye...

As a church, we are journeying through the 66 books of the Bible in one year. I've been asked to blog about the experience and my reflections. I'll be copying my blogs to this site as well. I hope you'll join with us!

Today is my Grandparents' 59th wedding anniversary. Can you imagine? Married to the same person for 59 years! I am in awe of such an accomplishment and so thankful I have a marriage like that to observe. It's always so interesting to me when I talk to my Grandparents about all of the things they have done and observed over the years. There is so much wisdom to be found at the feet of those who have already walked the road. My Grandpa has always been a hard worker and very good with his resources. He has always done what he needed to do to provide for his family and he is a skilled craftsmen at so many things. He's patient and kind and generous. He's a good, good man. My Grandma is a very creative person. I love seeing how she chooses to express herself through her artwork. And, she has a passion for passing that love of painting on to others. She loves to teach and watch her students grow. She has, along with my Grandfather, raised 5 children and watched as...

Below are the notes from my sermon this morning. Before I spoke, Mrs. Katie (as Corrie Ten Boom) read an excerpt from Tramp for the Lord . Closing the Circle The Power of Unconfessed Sin in the life of a Christian James 5:13-20 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander f...

This is an excerpt from Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 Chapter 30: Closing the Circle It would seem, after having been a Christian for almost eighty years, that I would no longer do ugly things that need forgiving. Yet I am constantly doing things to others that cause me to have to go back and ask their forgiveness. Sometimes these are things I actually do - other times they are simply attitudes I let creep in which break the circle of God's perfect love. I first learned the secret of closing the circle from my nephew, Peter van Woerden, who was spending the weekend with me in our little apartment in Baarn, Holland. "Do you remember that boy, Jan, that we prayed for?" Peter asked. I well remember Jan. We had prayed for him many times. He had a horrible demon of darkness in his life and although we had fasted and prayed and cast out the dem...

I've been listening to this song, over and over, for the last couple of days. It has connected deeply with my heart and I want to share it with you. Blessings by: Laura Story We pray for blessings, we pray for peace Comfort for family, protection while we sleep We pray for healing, for prosperity We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering And all the while, You hear each spoken need Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things 'Cause What if Your blessings come through raindrops What if Your healing through tears And What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear We cry in anger when we can not feel You near We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love As if every promise from Your Word is not enough And all the while, You hear each desperate plea And long that we'd faith to believe 'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrop...

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Plato That quote has been rattling around in my mind for several days. I think it is one of the wisest and gracious things I've ever heard. I've heard it from time to time over the years, but this week, it really has penetrated my heart. We don't know what goes on in the hearts, minds, and souls of the people around us. Sometimes, the ones who seem to have it the most together are the ones who are really grasping at a final thread. Sometimes, when someone snaps at us or is cross, it really has nothing to do with the person, moment, or situation at hand, but about the battle they may be fighting internally. In dealing with difficult people, I often step back and ask the Lord to allow me to see them as He sees them. This approach has radically changed the way I deal with conflict. If someone offends me, says something hurtful, or acts in a way that is unpleasant, I try to see the root of their pain....

I've had some thoughts stirring around in my head lately and have been struggling with how to express them. My first amendment right, as an American, tells me I have the freedom to speak my mind. And, this is my personal little corner of the blogosphere, so this is where I choose to do just that. No one is forced to read it. No one is under any obligation to agree with it. And, it is open for comments and rebuttals in the spirit of fairness and engaging conversation. But, just because I have the right to say something and I feel like I want to, does that mean that I should? I just finished a month of reading a chapter of Proverbs every day. Much of what I learned was about holding my tongue and not stirring up strife. So, as I thought about my blog post today, I thought it through to who might read it and how they might respond. This is usually my process in writing; it's always a good idea to consider your audience. I also consider the consequences. One of my biggest ...

As a vocalist, I've been involved in more than my fair share of weddings. I've also had the honor of attending a number of them as a guest. And, tomorrow, I will be helping photograph one for the first time. So, as wedding season approaches and I prepare by learning new music, practicing the piano, and brushing up on my photographic skills, I've had the opportunity to think a lot about brides. I love wedding ceremonies. I think they are beautiful. When I've had the honor of singing for a bride and groom whom I love deeply, I fight hard to remain professional and not burst into tears in the middle of a song. I love the beautiful dresses and the fragrant flowers. I love getting to be part of a day that means so much in the lives of two people. But, what I love most about weddings is that they represent the relationship between Christ and His Bride, the Church. It's an earthly picture of that moment that awaits us when we are finally face to face with our Belov...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 31 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=PRoverbs%2031&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 31 This proverb is the collected sayings of King Lemuel as taught to him by his mother. (v1) “Listen!” It’s repeated again and again in Proverbs. Listen. Be wise. He instruction. (v2) Women are trouble, especially wicked and contentious women; they bring kings to ruin. (v3) Alcohol should be avoided by the wise; it affects behavior and alters memory. (v4-7) “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and ...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 30 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+30&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 30 This proverbs is the collection of Agur the son of Jakeh. He cries out to the Lord that he is weary and feels beaten. He is in need of wisdom and understanding that only the Lord can give. (v1-4) “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” (v5-6) He wisely asked the Lord for wisdom and understanding. He asked for only what he needed knowing that if he had too much he would forget the Lord or if he had not e...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 29 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2029&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 29 “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy.” There is a penalty for ignoring the rebukes of the Lord and of the wise. Don’t push it too far or you may be destroyed. (v1) The people are joyful when the ruler is righteous, but a wicked ruler oppresses them. (v2) “A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders wealth.” (v3) A just ruler makes for a stable country, but one who is greedy and underhanded is its downfall. (v4...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 28 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2028&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 28 The wicked are always running, but the righteous stand strong. (v1) If you see a country that is out of control, you should look at its leaders to see why. (v2) If you keep pressing people, you get to a point where you kill any chance they have of producing. (v3) “Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.” (v4) The wicked can not understand what is right, but the righteous can. (v5) It’s much better to be poor and righteous than rich and wicked. (v6) “A discerning son h...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 27 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 27 None of us are promised tomorrow; so don’t count on what may come. (v1) Don’t brag; let others brag on you. (v2) Don’t fight with a fool; it’s not worth the heaviness to your soul and body. (v3) Jealousy is worse than anger. (v4) “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” (v5) “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” It’s better to have a friend who will gently correct you than an enemy who will kiss up to you but be dishonest.” (v6) “One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 26 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2026&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 26 The foolish person is nothing but trouble to you. Stay away from him. Don’t trust him. Do not put anything in his hands. Do not get on his level or listen to any “wisdom” from him. (v1-12) “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” (v11-12) The sluggard is as bad as the fool. He is too lazy to accomplish anything and sits back to watch others handle things. (v13-16) “Like one who grabs a stray dog by...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 25 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2025&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 25 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable." (v2-3) If what is spoiling the progress is removed, a great feat can be achieved. (v4-5) Be humble. Do not exalt yourself into a position that is not rightfully yours. It is better to be praised than to praise yourself and have to be put back in your place. (v6-7) Do not be quick to take things to court as it may cost you more...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 24 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2024&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 24 Do not be jealous of the wicked or wish that you were their friend; it only leads to trouble. (v1-2) “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”(v3-4) Wisdom and power go hand in hand; victory comes when there are many advisors. (v5-6) Fools should keep quiet since wisdom is out of their grasp. (v7) “Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer. The schemes of folly are sin, and people detest a mocker.” (v8...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 23 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2023&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 23 Be careful not to crave things that are out of your price range. (v1-3) Don’t work for riches or wear yourself out for them; they are fleeting. (v4-5) Don’t go where you aren’t wanted or where someone begrudges what they give you. (v6- 8) “Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.” (v9) Do not cross boundaries; they are there for a reason. (v10-11) “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” (v12) If you love your child and wish to save their life, you must discipl...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 22 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2022&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 22 A good name means more than anything. Guard your reputation. (v1) The Lord is the common ground between all of us; He is our maker. (v2) The wise can see what’s coming and prepare, but the foolish don’t pay attention and they pay the consequences. (v3) If you are humble, you will be rewarded. (v4) Walking in the way of the wicked is dangerous; stay far from it. (v5) Raise your children in the way they should go and they will stick to it. (v6) “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender...

It's recently been brought to my attention that I may have an inaccurate view of what "Spiritual Leadership" looks like in a relationship. In fact, I saw my own views reflected back to me and it was a bit unnerving. So, I did what I do whenever I have questions; I asked. First, I asked the Lord by reading about it in His Word. There are two main passages that talk about submission: Ephesians 5:21-33 and I Peter 3:1-7 And then, I asked several of my married friends how it works in practice. As a yet unmarried person, I have no personal experience with what spiritual leadership within a marriage actually looks like. I can only guess and relate to it in whatever ways I can. But, I believe the Lord calls us to help and depend on one another, especially to see the truth, so I polled my friends. The answer I found is that I indeed have a limited understanding of what the looks like based on Scripture and my wise friends. It seems that one verse that is often overl...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 21 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2021&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 21 The Lord controls the ways of kings and nations. (v1) “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (v2) “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” The Lord doesn’t want rote obedience, He wants us to do what is right and just and good. (v3) “Haughty eyes and a proud heart – the unplowed field of the wicked – produce sin.” The wicked do not till the earth of the heart. (v4) Diligence leads to success while impatience and hastiness lead to pover...

Please visit the link below if you would like to read through Proverbs 20 before continuing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2020&version=NIV Disclaimer: This is a personal journey of discovery for me. I am not claiming any special wisdom or exposition of my own, only sharing how 31 days of wisdom affect me and stir my spirit. I highly suggest, no matter who is speaking or sharing, that you check their words against the words of Scripture. Proverbs 20 “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” Alcohol complicates life and makes people make bad choices sometimes. Only the unwise allow alcohol to have that much control in their lives. (v1) It is unwise to anger a king, or anyone who holds the power of life and death over you. Be careful how you treat those in authority over you. (v2) “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Those who jump into an argument out of heated passion and don’...