Well...here's what I'm thinking!

As most of you know, I'm on what my pastor wants to call "a sabbatical" of sorts. I don't know if I'd call it that, because I'd rather think that I'm on assignment. My role has changed in this season of life from Bible teacher/church ministry duties to full-time wife, mom and grandmother once again. My life seems to have come full circle. Many were sad and gave me that "poor, poor you" look when I announced that I'd be stepping aside for awhile. You know that look. The one that makes you feel bad even when you're not feeling bad? The one that folks give you when you really are feeling fine about what's happening in your life, but they just refuse to believe you when you say that it's all good? That look.

Life isn't perfect these days. There are clearly some things going on that are off-kilter. I am not at liberty to share all of the gory details because they are private family stuff, but suffice it to say that some days are more difficult than others. But I will say one thing, and you doubters, believe me when I tell you, It's All Good! Once again due to God-approved circumstances, I am seeing His almighty hand at work in the lives of myself and those I love. I am witnessing the visible fingerprints of my invisible God on a daily basis.

I struggled so badly with the decision to set aside writing and teaching Bible study. I cried, and I fought and I cried, and I fought some more. But a couple of weeks ago, I had the biggest epiphany. I was sitting on the living room floor, surrounded by building blocks, xylophones, dolls and Dora stuff. Miss Ashton sat beside me and all of a sudden, I thought, "And I fought THIS?" Did I really fight the opportunity to spend each day with my precious granddaughter? Did I really fight against the closeness that is developing between her and her GiGi? Did I really fight against the honor of speaking the name of Jesus to her, even though she's still too young to understand? Was I really that selfish? Lucky I was already on the floor, because I would've dropped to my knees in repentance if I wasn't there already. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I asked forgiveness for selfishness and self-absorption. I asked forgiveness for ever thinking that anything in all the world was more important than this. I wouldn't have wanted to miss these days for all the world!

Standing around our Thanksgiving table I was overcome when I reflected and tried to communicate to everyone how thankful I am to my Jesus. Ministry is great. Even noble and rewarding at times. But what makes us think that ministry is only "out there"? That it's only serving at church, feeding the homeless, teaching a class, or working with teens. Ministry is your assignment wherever God calls you. It may be to a prison, a soup kitchen or even a far away land. But it can even be right in your own home, to those the Lord has given you to call "family". And right now there is nothing more rewarding to me than being a bride to my husband, a mom to my children, and GiGi to my Miss Ashton. My tasks include cleaning house, doing laundry, changing dirty diapers and kissing boo-boos. Pouring "tea" into little cups has replaced pouring over concordances and Bible lexicons. Reading a story out of a children's bible has replaced in-depth exegesis from accomplished commentators. But I wouldn't have it any other way. It's ministry. It's important ministry. It's my ministry for such a time as this.

Just so all of my other family members don't get their nighties in a knot...I am in love with each and every one of them too! I've always been accused of having favorites, but they're all my faves right now. Chuck is still my groom. He puts up with so much more than any man in his right mind should have to. Michelle is carrying our second granddaughter in a womb that modern science said suffered from infertility. I can't wait to meet this little one and hold her in my arms. I love her so much already. God is doing a work in Kelly like none other. He who began a good work in her is carrying it through to completion. I am so proud of her and how she is hanging on to Him through the waters and the rivers and the fires. No attack of the enemy is defeating her and she is strong in the Lord and the power of His might. My boys continue to warm my heart and make me laugh like no one else ever can. I love my son-in-law Jeff so much because he loves my daughter so well. I am also so thankful for the new people God is bringing to join this crazy family. More about that another time when I'm free to share.

Thanksgiving weekend is coming to a close. I guess Christmas has arrived. I'm not so much about trees and lights and presents and decorations. But I can tell you that I am SO about Jesus. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my Rock, my Refuge and my Fortress. He has delivered, saved, sanctified, filled me with the Holy Ghost, and He continues to wash me daily with the living water of His Word. I think that this year a simple lit wreath will hang on the outside of the house. I'll put up a tree, put out a couple centerpieces and some things that I treasure, but generally keep it simple.

That's how it was a little over two thousand years ago when the night silence was broken by the cry of a newborn babe taking His first breath of earth's air. Don't you think that all of Heaven hushed as they stared over the banister, looking down at the stable, waiting for that first cry? They wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger. It was simple. It was pure. Emmanuel had arrived. God with us. He would live and breathe and grow until He became a Man. The Son of Man. The Son of God. His little feet would grow and fill man-sized sandals that would walk the dusty roads of Galilee proclaiming peace on Earth, good will between man and his God. This Man is the love of my life. He is my Knight in shining armor. Since I met Him, I've never been the same. He is the reason for each and every thing I am thankful for. He is the reason for my seasons of joy, He is the sense in my seasons of hardship, and He directs my seasons of assignment, wherever He may choose to place me. And this is where He has me right now. Right smack in the center of the reason for the season. Right smack in the middle of Him. Christ in me, the hope of glory, where I live and move and have my being.

Well...that's what I've been thinking. How about you? What are you thinking about this Holiday Season? I'd love it if you'd comment here and share some thoughts with me. I do love to hear from you.

"His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah." (Romans 1: 2-4 in the The Message).

Thursday Night Bible Study

Ladies,

Some of you were not at tonight's Women's Bible Study and I need to communicate some important information with you. It is with some sadness that I have made the decision to step down from teaching women's bible study and from leading women's ministries for a time. Circumstances in my personal life have changed in the last few months and after much prayer and seeking God, it has become clear that I have to take a break for awhile. I am helping my daughter, who is going through some significant life changes and challenges. A large part of this is watching my 19 month old granddaughter while Kelly works. Right now I consider a good day to be one in which I come up with a successful strategy to go to the bathroom and take a shower. I am not able to spend the adequate time and preparation to teach bible study and I do not want to give you less than my best on Thursday evenings.

Many other things have gone into this decision as God has revealed what He is asking me to do in this season of life. My ministry right now must be to my family and that is significant. I did not make this decision lightly, or without much prayer and seeking God.

All of that being said, a few of us who met tonight had a wonderful time of fellowship, just hanging out with one another chatting.

Thursday evenings will still be happening but without a strict organized agenda.

We'll just be calling them "Chat Nights" and I hope that you will continue to be there. I'm excited to see what God will do through the Holy Spirit in and through your lives connecting with one another. If there is anything special planned, it will be communicated in the bulletin. I don't have everyone's e-mail, so I'd appreciate it if you would communicate this to the ladies who come to the study with you.

God is moving in a mighty way in my life and the life of my family. Chuck is getting involved in leading men's ministry and after years of receiving his support, it's now my turn to support him. My second grandchild is on the way, who is a miracle in the womb. After a period of infertility, Michelle is due in April and we are praising God every day for this new baby girl that we cannot wait to meet for the first time. I have two sons who are still momma's boys as well. My life is full. Some parts are good and some have been excruciatingly painful. But God has been there every step of the way. I have seen Him face to face in every piece of the puzzle that He has put together. Almost daily, I see the visible fingerprints of the invisible God. I am believing, by faith, that I am right where He wants me for such a time as this.

I consider it to have been such an honor and a privilege to serve you as your leader and teacher. More than that, I have loved loving Jesus alongside each one of you. You are so dear to my heart...more than you know. Remember that Thursday nights are still happening and I really hope that you will come and be with other ladies for prayer, chatting and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Sunday Morning

It's early on Sunday morning and apparently my whole family decided to take advantage of the end of daylight savings time and sleep long. I'm up because, well, I'm always up early. It has been a joy this morning. Quiet and peaceful. No stress to get things done or be anywhere in particular.

Life's been a bully lately hasn't it? I know that so many of you, just like me, have been "going through". The key word is "through". We're going somewhere. We have a destination. There's another side that we're going to reach victoriously, if we endure. I don't want to just endure. I want to endure well, don't you? I want to cross the Jordan and stand on the ground of my promised land and hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". Thank God we're not going through it all alone.

I thank God not for every time He's heard me, but for hearing me EVERY time. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry". (Psalm 40:1) If you feel like you're sinking in the mud and the mire this morning, He hears you. He sees you. You don't have to sink one more inch, because His hand is reaching down to grab hold of yours and pull you out. He'll give you a solid, sure, and firm place to stand and He'll put a new song in your mouth. Don't you get tired of singing the same old, sad song?

I am as sure as I can be this morning that victory awaits. That's what I want to share with you. We're going through "light and momentary troubles". Here today, gone tomorrow, even if tomorrow seems afar off. Who knows? Your tomorrow could be today! Your turnaround could be today! One sweet day you will be one day, one hour, one minute, one second away from your breakthrough. Don't give up before your time comes!!

Satan wants to discourage you and dismay you so he can disarm you. You're on your way to a new level in Christ and when you're about to reach new levels, you'll encounter new devils! Spiritual battles are intensifying because Satan knows that his time is short. If you're on the front lines for the Kingdom of God, he wants to get you right where your disabling point is. He knows your Achilles heel and he's a great shot. Forewarned is forearmed. And we know Who wins the battle of the ages, right? We can win the battles in between now and then by persevering, being aware of the devil's schemes, and refusing to engage. Know that you are worth something, you're valuable, you're special, and you're important in the Kingdom of God. Your trials aren't because you're a bad person. The devil is a liar. You are a threat to the kingdom of darkness and he's got you in his sights.

I hear the pitter patter of feet above my head. Quiet time is over. I'm going to choose to look forward to a great day! In a couple of hours the rest of my children will be here for our weekly Sunday breakfast. I'm encouraged by the Word, uplifted by the Truth, and in love with the Lord's Christ. How could today not be a great day?