Category - Contentment

In the past, it’s been easy for me to want to hide.

To say little white lie not to be punished.
To run to my room to avoid wrath.
To cover my head to stop feeling shame.
To not feel so as to not have to deal.  
To cast blame on another so it’s not on me.
To compare so as to hide my faults.
To fight back to protect my vulnerable areas.
To judge to highlight faults.
To avoid prayer when I am deep in sin.
To push the love of God out the door when I feel bad.
To feel he God doesn’t like me when I fail.

I’ve played this game of hide-and-go-seek my entire life. Deep and dark hiding places were intimate spots of coverage. They kept the stampede of critiques, condemning words and criticisms far.

Yet, as alluring as this game appeared – there was one thing I always found true – it’s a flat-out a losing game. The seeker finds the hider. And when they do, the hider comes out exposed, vulnerable and embarrassed.

Isn’t this really just a game of shame
hidden under the disappearing cloak of safety?

We think we are hiding our worst parts, but we never really are.
What we cover for a moment, but are left vulnerable for a lifetime.
We want to go unseen, until we realize we are unseen even from ourselves.
We distance ourselves from the light of God, only to realize we have become acquainted with darkness.
We hide – obstructing us from the love of others.

We are alone.

The crazy part about this game is – as much as we think we hide, we are – and always have been – seen. 

The Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” Gen. 3:9-11

God may call out to us, “Where are you?” but please rest assured – he knows where we are.  

How do we answer him? Do we admit our ineffective strategies? Our location? Our true heart? God’s power is best seen in the light and our transformation best occurs with God in sight.

What is he calling you to reveal?

He will take care of you. You see, God understands our need to hide – and, interestingly, he is not against this strategy, he’s just against doing it the wrong way.

He wants us to have cover, protection, a safe home, a guarded spirit.

Here is how the Word instructs us to hide:

You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Ps. 32:7

Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings. Ps. 72:8

For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.  Ps. 27:5

Under God, we hide.

Then, we don’t sit cowered in fear, but empowered with his bravery.
We step into the world with courage, rather than retreating discouraged.
We live true to who he made us to be, rather than trying to flee.

God is love. He sees us for who we are and he accepts us. If he didn’t want us, we would have already let us go. But, he didn’t. He sent his one and only son to pave a way to bravery for us.

There is bravery found in hiding. This bravery is found by retreating into the deep, sacred and loving hiding places of God. Only then, do we become brave.

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Today, I join #LiveFreeThursday, #DancewithJesus and Five Minute Friday.

I had an important choice to make.

It was a fork-in-the-road type of choice. Both roads looked equally as enticing for completely different reasons.

One road had my heart written all over it. It was simple. The path seemed light. The way seemed easy.

The other seemed sure. Like it would get me to where I needed to go. Like a way had already been forged. It appeared the head-smart way to go.

But, what do you do when you just don’t know?

What do you do when you stand in front of the fork
feeling like you have been jabbed with the fork of uncertainty?

That is where I stood.

As I looked down the paths, I knew I wanted to go down the one the Lord had set before me. Because, I have learned far too often that if your not on his road of purpose, you are only on the road headed to aggravation, dead-ends and insecurity.

I certainly don’t want that.

So, as I stare at these two roads (both of which were biblically sound by the way), I decided to ask myself 3 important questions.

Question 1: Which decision will allow the love of Christ to most richly dwell within me?

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Mt. 22:36

Question 2: Which decision will allow the love and glory of Christ to most richly shine into others’ lives?

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mt. 22:39-40

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Mt. 28:19

Question 3: Which decision will deepen faith and trust in Jesus Christ?

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. (Col. 2:6-7)

Sometimes it is easy to choose the path of least resistance.
Sometimes it is easy to choose the path of safety.
Sometimes it is easy to choose the path of happiness.
But, often these are not the way of faith, love and discipleship.

God calls us out onto risky paths. He calls us out onto rocky paths. He calls us out onto faith-shaping, trust-building and steep-climbing paths. They don’t always look like our first choice – but they are our best ones – not because of how they appear, but because of how He appears as we walk down them.

He never calls us down sinful or abusive roads. He doesn’t encourage us to make decisions out of shame, guilt or regret. These are not God’s motives. When we move towards Jesus, we always move towards great love. If this isn’t happening, we are wise to question the originator of our plans.

So, where am I today, with my decision?

Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. (Ps. 27:14)

I have brought my decisions before the throne, not fearing the unknown and trusting God by not walking on my own. And, it has been amazing! He has made the decision as clear as day for me.

Will this always happen? Likely not.

But, God’s abundant providence will always show up as we seek after his righteousness in decisions. Even if we don’t have clarity through questions, he will provide the ultimate answers because we are diligently seeking his kingdom in the process. 

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Mt. 6:33)

This is Godly assurance.

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Have you ever heard that small little voice in your head?

The one that says, “You can’t really do that.”
The one that says, “Why try, you won’t be like her.”
“No one really cares.”
“You don’t matter.”

This is the voice sent to knock us down.

To throw us off track and to keep us back.

It has tried that with me – to say that requirements and protocols are greater than God’s great call on my life.
To say that others’ will succeed and I won’t.
To say, no one will really want you.
To say, you need to do things your own way – make things happen.

These thoughts, so often, propel me into self-protection mode.  A mode where I have to strive to be loved. Compare to find encouragement. Delay to protect myself from failure. Or simply waste into the effects of self-doubt.

Jesus speaks of giving up our lives for others.

So, how can I be giving up my life
when I am trying to grab hold of it for myself?

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  John 15:13

“Self thoughts” – are not “God thoughts.” They are simply red flags that show I am off God’s track for me.

Because “Self” weakens courage with words of debilitating doubt and flat-out failure. Self makes us live like leeches: drawing affirmations from others and consuming criticisms that destroy all the same. It makes us reliant on blood, but not the blood of Jesus Christ.

No wonder we don’t really get anywhere. No wonder OUR purpose stagnates. No wonder we feel unsure.

When we break free from God – only to see our self – we break our spirit, our passion and our great mission handed down from God above.

The hard truth, and it is hard to believe sometimes, is that: God’s purpose is not centered around me.

With God, it’s never been centered around one person – except for the one who hung on a cross.
The second we see it is all about Him, is the second we step into God’s great mission.

Then, we don’t lose God’s great vision.
We stop running like a gerbil in a hamster.
We no longer lay claim to discouragement.

God moves in and inadequacy moves out.

God, the supreme dream maker moves in.
The visionary leader moves in.
The requirements shatterer moves in.

To move us into life-lasting and eternal purpose.
His purpose.
A grand master plan created uniquely just for us to live out.
One that transcends us, time, people and the devil.

He send us down roads that he knows will bless us, even though it’s not always about us. Our roads may not look like we planned, they may not send us where we intended to go, but all the same they will drop us down on our knees in complete awe and wonder. They will stagger us.

We can’t begin to fathom. We can’t draw this up ourselves.
And we certainly can’t attain this with voices that are not from God.

As we listen to the right voice, we will see his greatness unfold through us, for us and for others.

As we set our eyes on him,
his unique and well-thought-out mission comes into view.

One that is not defined by our desires.
Or necessarily our dreams.
Or others.

But solely by the power of his loving authoritative hand.
Found through hearts that trust him.

Found by ones who have a deep understanding that God is for them – and not against.

Can you hear the power behind this?

God is at work in us and through us, as he works his grace and love.

In this, we can wave our white white flag wildly in surrender. Over here God! Do you see us? We are the ones who want to go where you want to go. We will follow you, not that small voice of defeat.

We can live wildly, passionately and with fervor. We only need him. He is the only way. He is the ultimate way. He will unfold both our heart’s desires and his “kingdom come” here on earth. He is working all things out. Let’s listen.

***Side note: I couldn’t get this post right today. I tweaked it until the last minute. The voice of self-doubt creeped in the whole time I was writing it. All I could hear was “this really is the worst post you have put up.” I wanted to take it down, but I am fighting that voice and posting it right now.  I am fighting back because Jesus reigns – not self-doubt!

Find encouragement in this amazing song of purpose!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ8pu_OHz2Y

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So often, I wish that, upon delivery, the baby came with an instruction manual. Can you imagine? How easy would that make it?

No sleep training discussions.
Every tantrum figured out.
Every emotional issue handled.
Every bad boyfriend shoved out the door.

But of course, it doesn’t.

Second best, though, are the ample books on the market. I have found two that I want to share with you today. I hope you love them as much as I do!

As a side note, leave a comment! One random commenter will win a free copy of the book “Rescue,” by Candy Gibbs.

1. Rescue by Candy Gibbs-

When I look in my daughter’s eyes I see an innocent heart. A heart that will likely be swayed by the world, others and life in general. Yet, I want her heart only to be swayed by god.

How do I go about this?

How do I help lead her heart to the love of Christ,
rather than let the world take it away?

The book, “Rescue” by Candy Gibbs addresses these concerns with powerful insight and encouraging words. Candy, a mom of 3 and the Executive Director of CareNet Pregnancy Centers in Amarillo, has  counseled many a mother unsure of how to lead a child’s heart.

While children are still toddlers, Candy writes about how to reach teens in a drowning culture. But, yes! I need to know about this.  There is never a time too early to start learning how to protect, guide and love your child.

I valued the perspective of the “lifeguards,” a group of young adults, who are closely acquainted with the childhood perspective.

These lifeguards taught me that:

– Arguments are sometimes children’s best lessons.
Kids walk away learning what you speak when you are mad.

– Boundaries with explanations are the best bet!
Yet, seeking to control is a losing deal.

– Christian parents often “direct children away from things they shouldn’t be part of,”
rather than directing them towards Christ.

– Many kids respect our parenting decisions,
even though in the moment it is hard for them.

Candy offers biblical insight and is not afraid to address hard cultural topics.

One random commenter will receive “Rescue,” a book loaded with biblical counsel, tips and guidance. Leave a comment!

2. In This House We Giggle by Courtney De Feo

I want to giggle. I do, but so often I don’t. Instead, I run a tally of to-do’s off in my head. I see all that needs to be cleaned. I run into the house in a fluster.

That is why, I was in desperate need of giggles. Courtney DeFeo’s book, “In this House We Giggle” came at just the right time!

– It offers fun!
I want to bring this into my home.

– It offers 60 ways to “bring out giggles”!
My busy mind, loves the help on coming up with things to do.

– It helps the faith of little ones come alive.
I plan to apply this question DeFeo offers, “How’s your heart?” 

– It guides me to the right heart condition.
I feel encouraged to let out some tensions and to let a few laughs rise up.

I happen to love the practicality of this book.  Often, I read a book where I underline a hundred and one things, but I don’t know how to put anything into action. This book is the opposite! You underline a ton, but when you’re done, you can’t wait to start the fun!

The more I read the more my heart feels lighter. I am becoming aware of the deep importance of meaningful fun.

This hilarity was the result of my happy reading!

Thanks Courtney!

More on In This House We Giggle.

On Another Note:

I am delighted to have put together a curated collection of items to support Work of Worth.

Work of Worth exists to sustainably employ entrepreneurs in dignity from poverty and the sex trade. Each purchase of their quality items helps to support men and women who desire a choice for freedom and dignity for their families.

Don’t miss the opportunity to change lives and employ women at high risk of being trafficked. Check out my page and learn more! 

Get all Purposeful Faith blog posts by email – click here.

I always wanted to be someone.
I wanted to do things.
I wanted to pursue life.

I thought, tomorrow, I will live as God wants me to live. I knew if I wanted to be someone tomorrow, I had to do something today. Yet that was the hard part.

No matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to follow through.

I studied to become a realtor and never got myself to the test.
I planned ways to bring chef dinner parties to people’s home, but I never got it off the ground.
I had goals of starting my own marketing agency, but I never made it happen.

Tomorrow. It’s the day we always hang our dreams on. It’s the day filled with hope, possibility and longing. Yet it’s often the greatest hindrance to where we want to go.

Tomorrow held me back and I kind of hated it for that reason. I lived in a perpetual dream cycle of tomorrows. I became the aimless girl who roamed from idea to idea – hoping one would stick.

I felt misguided.
Angry at myself.
Frustrated by my lack of follow through.

Until one day, God spoke a different story into my life – a different calling.

As I listened, put pen to paper and spoke his words of life, I could sense a powerful seed growing. Something was starting to take bloom! 

I could feel the uprising of something big.
I could sense new life in my lifeless walk.
I could sense a new arrangement of purpose taking shape.

When these sensations came over me, I remembered that aimless girl. I remembered how she felt. And, sadness washed over me. I longed to rewind back to yesterday to tell her a couple things: hold fast to following God and trusting him, don’t get down today and believe in tomorrow!

Why? Because:

Sometimes we actually aren’t in hesitation mode,
we are in God’s preparation mode. 

What we wait for today,
develops our character for tomorrow.

 He has to plant the seeds of his love within us,
before we are ready to plant them around us.

 It’s always about his seeds arising,
verses ours attained through striving.

God faithfully watered my soul that thirsted to serve him, to love him and to bring Him glory. I am so thankful he took the time to water. It has been his greatest gift to me. I have grown and I have prepared, so I may go.

In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit. Is. 27:6

Now I see what he arranged within me, isn’t to satisfy me, but it’s to satisfy others. He has developed dreams that extend far beyond my hopes and wishes, although they do completely satisfy them.

The truth is, God is always in the process of planting and blooming. There are parts of us that are ready to bloom, parts ready for water and parts ready for seeding. But, one thing we can trust is that he is always at work – and it’s not just for our good, it’s for our great!

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Ps. 138:8

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Linking with Suzie Eller’s fabulous #LiveFreeThursday, Susan B. Mead’s #DancewithJesus and with Five Minute Friday.

I love my family. I love them so much.

But, put us all in one room and you will see the definition of hectic.
With 6 children and a bunch of grandkids, there are bound to be problems.
Normally one person goes in the spotlight of scrutiny and if you happen to be that one – you need to run.

Each person, including me, comes with our own background, opinions and issues. 
We come with trials, with life concerns and, sometimes, with hurt feelings.
We come living out childhood roles we thought we left so long ago.

It’s amazing, time changes, but somehow childhood perceptions stay the same.

Some parts of family can be so hard.

In many families, it can be agony to find relief from:
– Pains of yesterday that still feel alive
– Judgments that fly
– Words that have hurt
– People who have abandoned
– Abuse that has occurred
– Walls that seem to separate
– Anger of yesterday
– Strong opinions
– Eager assumptions
– Life-haltering labels
– Deep rejection

These kinds of hurts go under the radar at holiday tables,
but they live written all over the hearts of those who sit around it.

God sees everything though.

He sees the foot stomping below the table,
the hands beautifully crossed above,
the child screaming next to it
and the sagging heart before it.

He always sees. No pain of the past is ever lost on God. No hurt of the future is either. 

“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled…” (2 Thess. 1:6-7)

What I walk away holding on to is that God does the payback. Not us. He also offers the relief, we don’t find it some other way.

He provides a path out from a table of hurts and a soft rescue for our heart.

His relief means we don’t have to go to war. We don’t have to fight with all our might. We don’t have to slam our fists on the table.  We simply find refuge in the One who is the ultimate refuge. The ultimate rescuer.

“This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.” (2 Thes. 1:8)

Jesus will come in glory, in majesty and in power and ultimately relieve us from everything. That day will come. He will return in magnificence.

Until then, we always have an outlet in Jesus.

We can reside at his feast – anytime. We can sit at a table of secure love, empowering joy and no judgment. We can take refuge in him. We can bring our hurts to the table and let him forgive us there. 

Then, arms will not cross, feet will not tap, words will not spew, but love of God will just go through and through.

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Blogger friends, join us every Tuesday on this site for the #RaRalinkup.

Today, I am happy to be joining Kate Montaung’s Five Minute Friday, Susan B. Mead and Suzie Eller’s #LiveFreeThursday linkups.