Being Remade

As you come to Him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5 (emphasis added)

Axl’s outgrown his various children’s Bibles, so we recently moved on to the real deal. It’s slow going with a seven-year-old, reading only a chapter or two a night, but so far he’s embracing the language and there’s never a shortage of questions and commentary.

Last night we read that God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. We talked about the meaning of the name, “one who struggles with God,” and looked at the ways Jacob and eventually the nation of Israel lived up to the name.

At the bottom of the page there was an exercise. Part 1, pick a new name from the list provided, one that describes the person you want to become. Immediately, Axl proclaimed “prayerful.” We talked about prayerful and what being a prayerful person might look like. Part 2, have your parents call you by your new name for a couple of days as a reminder of the person you want to become.

Axl, who moments before embraced the idea of his new name, suddenly lay stressed in his bed lamenting, “I didn’t know there was a test.” Instead of focusing on what he was becoming, Axl only saw what he was not. Axl failed to understand that we are “living stones being built into spiritual houses.” Once I explained that becoming a young man of prayer was a process, a commitment, an act of endurance that God strengthens him for (Hebrews 10:14; Philippians 2:13) he relaxed and prayerfully ended his day.

Hebrews 10:14 clearly relates this complex truth. Through His sacrifice we are forever perfected, brought into right standing before God, yet we are being sanctified. We can rebel against the process, but when we submit, who we are today is not who we will be tomorrow.

What if God let you choose a new name, what would it be? Share this exercise with a little or maybe spend some time with it personally. It might be fun to have a new name for a few days.

Enjoy this video by Jason Gray, “I Am New.” If you are viewing this as an e-mail you may need to go the actual blog site to watch the video. You can do that by clicking HERE.

                                     Not who I was I am being remade. I am New.

Beautiful and Touch Up Free

As a wanna be photography enthusiast, I love that Photoshop can turn out of balance candids into portraits and landscape snapshots into frame worthy pieces. At the same time, I’ve seen the distorted reality it brings. Photoshopped pictures provide us with a measuring stick infinitely greater than our actuality is or will ever be.

Cate Blanchett’s recent cover of Intelligent Life reveals the beauty of a Photoshop free advertising message. Jamie Lee Curtis paved the way in 2002 for these bold campaigns that capitalize on courage, honesty, and acceptance. Jessica Simpson joined the crusade in 2010 by going touch up free on the cover of Marie Claire. We are seeing an increase in awareness and a cry for the truth in advertising, but there is still a long way to go. And not just with the ad execs. Here’s a disturbing bit of info, Jessica Simpson’s au natural cover was the worst selling of that year. What, as a society, are we telling these companies when given the choice between fake facades and true beauty we choose the lie?

We don’t have to boycott brands or write lengthy letters to take a stand on the issue. Instead, let’s take a stand in our own homes. Talk, talk, talk about the images that surround us. Talk, talk, talk about how they make us feel with our girls and with our boys, because believe me our boys are not immune and it starts early with them too. Talk, talk, talk about the power our words have over others and commit, as a family, to say only what is true, necessary, and kind (James 3:1-12). Talk, talk, and keep on talking about the truth of who we are in Christ, and live knowing those truths are enough.

Here’s a quote I love: Parents need to fill a child's bucket of self-esteem so high that the rest of the world can't poke enough holes to drain it dry-Alvin Price

Dove is in the middle of an inspiring campaign to not only combat the effects of distorted media, but also to inspire our kids to embrace their differences and the truth of who they were created to be. As a part of that mission they have produced the following videos. I highly encourage watching them with your children. I suggest watching both videos with your boys, but only the girl one with your little ladies. (If you receive this blog via e-mail, you may need to go HERE to view the videos.)

                                     (this one takes about 20 seconds to start...)

You can also find some creative, fun activities centered on positive self-image for your children at Dove’s website. Click here to go there. They are designed for girls, but can easily be modified for boys, especially the guide for moms.

God’s Word is our greatest resource in encouraging our children and our greatest weapon against the propaganda that seeks to dilute them. Here is a very short of list of verses that give us a glimpse of our true identity as believers and children of God.

(Scroll over the Scripture address to see the full text)

John 1:12, John 15:25  – As a believer, we are a children of God; and He calls us friend.

Ephesians 2:10 – We are God’s workmanship, uniquely created for His work and purposes.

Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, Zechariah 2:8, Psalms 139:14  – We are chosen, Holy, and dearly loved, the apple of His eye, who is fearfully and wonderfully made.

Romans 8:37– We are more than conquerors.

Let’s search God’s Word today to discover more truths about our true identity, and daily share them not only with our kids but also ourselves. I know I have an affinity for forgetting.

Tuesday Tunes: Christmas

In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, let’s talk Christmas Carols. My iPod is chocked full of Christmas tunes.

6 different versions of The First Noel, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, and Away in a Manger.

5 Frosty the Snowman’s and 4 versions of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Over 10 hours of Christmas music in all.

I have everything from Shirley Temple’s, “I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas” to Nat King Cole’s, “The Christmas Song.” My favorites right now are The Statler Brother’s version of “Old Toy Trains,” Sara Evans’ “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Hard Candy Christmas” by Dolly Parton.

“Old Toy Trains” reminds of my sister and her annual high school show choir Christmas Concert. We would go each year long after her high school days were over, and they were still putting on the same show. I literally cried when they retired the routines that they had used for far too many years.

“O Come All Ye Faithful” reminds me of the road trips I would take with my best friend Shannon. Sara Evans’ version was on the Country Christmas 1999 CD, and we fell in love with it. We would listen to it all year long, singing at the top of our lungs, convinced we were blending right in with the award-winning singer. We were such nerds. Andy Griffith’s gospel CD and the soundtrack to the Wizard of Oz were also staples in our cross-country sing a longs. A few years ago I lost my ’99 CD. I was devastated, but finally found it on ebay. Apparently it was a lot of people’s favorite, because it ended up going for around $40. Listen to her sing that song and you’ll know it was well worth it. For the record, you can get a used one right now on Amazon $0.93.

“Hard Candy Christmas” is just good stuff, and Dolly Parton singing anything makes me happy.

What’s your favorite Christmas song? Whose version is the best? Why? Click on comments and let me know. I am always up for adding one more version of a classic carol.

Mom's Monday Musings: Season of Generosity

The Christmas season has officially begun, and with it the season of giving. Giving truly is better than receiving when the motivation behind the gift is from an overflow of love. There is tremendous joy in witnessing the expression of excitement on the face of a grateful recipient, one who understands, appreciates, and accepts the love that is offered in a well thought out gift. As the “To Buy For” list grows, my heart swells, because I am reminded of the relationships that are represented there.

Regrettably, however, the shrinking wallet usually follows the swelling heart, because our culture tells us that our love must be represented by dollar signs and excess. As a result, I often find myself skimping on the meaningfulness of a gift, and splurging on the extravagance of it instead. The same line of faulty thinking affects the way I give gifts to my children, especially during the Christmas season.  

I struggle to find balance between fulfilling all of their Christmas wishes and restraining the spending and exuberant gift giving that I know only perpetuates a spirit of discontent, and self-centeredness. I realize that this battle is one of my own flesh – doing what makes me feel good versus doing what is best for my children.

Throughout the year, I watch them fall prey to the trappings of wanting more, more, more, and I feel the sting of responsibility knowing that I contribute to that attitude by giving in to their whims and wishes for my own benefit. How can I expect them to be content with the overflowing bounty that they have been afforded, when my actions teach them that they are somehow entitled to more?

As the mom, I realize that I set the tone for the Christmas holidays in my family. How I choose to center my heart and organize my priorities during this time influences the season for my entire family. This year I am making an intentional effort to focus my heart more on the joy of giving and less on the excitement of receiving, more on meaning and less on money. The reason we give is because we were first given to. A baby. A Saviour. A ransom on a cross. A free gift of salvation. That’s the gift I will focus my heart on. That’s the gift I will focus on giving away.

How will I shift my focus?

Melfin, our Elf on the Shelf, will primarily bring gifts that are to be given away…I’ll have a little talk with him.

I will look for ways my family and myself can share the love of Jesus with our neighbors, the figurative and literal ones; delivering cookies, adding $5 in gas to those who pump next to us, visiting the lonely in a nursing home.

We will give gifts that have significance and simplicity.

I will strive to avoid over indulging my children because it makes me feel good.

I will make time in the hustle and bustle to spend time with Giver Of Good Gifts and the very reason that we celebrate.

I look forward to sharing our family’s efforts with you throughout the month of December during Mom’s Monday Musings. I anticipate much temptation, knowing how susceptible I am to all things red, green, and glittery. I ask for your prayers and I encourage you to join me in the fight against over indulgence, to seek opportunities to express the truth of God’s gift, Jesus, in tangible ways to those around you, and to simplify your Christmas.

Mom's Monday Musings

Axl spent much of this weekend with his Nana, my mother with whom he is in love. The hours before Nana arrives pass like those spent watching grass grow. Painful. Forever. Christmas morning doesn't evoke an equal welcome. Time with Nana is a coveted treasure.

Friday we were joined by Aunt Faye, my mom's sister and story-teller extraordinaire. Her stories are big and lively, made all the more entertaining by the laugh she can't contain from the onset.

"Again, again. Start from the beginning and tell it again." Axl pleaded over and over.

I love that he was old enough to understand, to grasp the humor, to appreciate the art of a well told story.

The time together made me remember long summer days, far from home, where I would sit on a front porch shelling peas I had picked through complaints and cries for mercy. Surrounded by cousins, and aunts, and Grandma. We would sing loud and out of tune; I can still hear her voice. Not at all melodious or soft. It was old and raspy and wonderfully Southern. I know now, but couldn't understand then that it was soulful, drawn up from an inner well that never did run dry. A lover of Jesus, a saint if I ever met one, a woman with stories to tell. But I never asked to hear them, and I feel sad.

So many stories buried with the ones I love, missed opportunities, and history forgotten. How many stories are still waiting to be told? Who will they tell them to, if we don't long to hear and absorb them? Who will tell our stories, if we don't.

This week as we gather with family, let us take time to reflect on the history that surrounds the table. Imagine the world's events that are represented in the faces you see. The holidays can be trying. Consider what tension might be eased, by engaging crazy Uncle Joe in a conversation about where he was when Elvis passed away? You may find yourself pleading, "Again. Again."

Find interesting questions to engage relatives with here. 

Fan of Friday...I'm a fan of Thanksgiving

I’m a fan of Thanksgiving, of falling leaves, bare-naked trees, oranges and browns, turkey and dressing, family and friends, thanks and giving.

I’m a fan of Pilgrims and Indians, and the heritage they gave us, of the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, and Miles Standish, who was short in stature and quick in temper.

I’m a fan of breathing it all in, absorbing the air, the smells, and the anticipation of the holidays beginning.

I’m a fan of refusing to participate in Christmas until every Thanksgiving moment has been all gobbled up - pun very much intended.

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

What are you a fan of this Thanksgiving season?

Eliminating the List

I’ve been guilty of keeping a list. You’d never find it on paper. It’s not meant to be seen – that would be cruel. You see this is a list of women that I don’t didn't like. Wait. Hear me out. I had good reason not to like them. They didn’t like me first.

None of them ever said they didn’t like me; I just knew. I could tell when they didn’t light up when I came around, smile when we passed in public, approach me for meaningful conversation or even idle chitchat. If they didn’t stand by me at parties, compliment my shoes, or make me feel valued in any way, then they must not have liked me. And if they didn’t like me, well, I certainly wasn’t about to like them back. They were the mean girls.

Over time, the list grew, and maintaining it became cumbersome. I wanted to be free from the string of names that I considered enemies. I was keeping a list of wrongs, perceived ones at that, and there was no love in my heart. I knew it was a sin.

I started to wonder if these women were really my enemies at all. I mean, I’m likable, at least to a degree, so was it logical that so many women chose not to like me because they were just plain mean spirited? I doubted it.

Tired of carrying the weight of the list, I decided to approach my so-called enemies in a new way. I decided to love on them, to smile at them, stand by them, engage them in conversations, compliment their shoes, make them feel valued in any way possible. I began to treat them like I had wanted them to treat me so many times before.

Turns out everyone on the list smiled back, talked back, complimented back, enjoyed being valued, and freely reciprocated the feeling. Before long new relationships emerged, and every name was erased. Turns out I never had any enemies.

In the end, I was kind of the mean girl. My insecurity, my need to be validated by everyone around me caused me to see everyone’s actions in light of how they affected me. I never considered how the insecurities, situations, or lives of the women on my list prevented them from making me feel special, or that it was not their job to do so. It didn't occur to me that I might be on their list, or that they might be in need of someone reaching out to them.

Do you have a list?

Do you have insecurities that cause you to overlook opportunities to reach out to other women in genuine friendship and love? Consider the words of Jesus.

Matthew 5:43-48 reads, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

I encourage you to take the first step in forging a new friendship with a woman on your list. Send her an encouraging e-mail, offer a sincere compliment, smile in her direction, pray for her – right now.