Stopping in the Fast Lane

Today I have the privilege of bringing you a guest post by my precious sister, Shanda Oakley.  If you're thirsty for some orange juice, I'm posting on her blog today.  You can like her here, follow her here and you definitely want to read more of her stuff here.  I know this post will be a refreshing stop in your day.  Please give my sweet friend some comment love!

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This morning, as I was driving to my weekly bible study, I was praying aloud in the car. It is the only place I am completely alone and no one but God can hear me. There are no disruptions. I cannot even answer my phone as driving and talking is illegal in California. I know that as I have already been pulled over twice. So this is the one of the most peaceful times I have to pray. 

I came to a time in my prayer where I asked God to impress on my heart anything He desired. I drove silently, waiting for Him to speak. 

It dawned on me that I was driving in the fast lane and that this was a pattern for me. It had nothing to do with the speeding ticket, lying on the kitchen counter, due to be paid. I actually live in the fast lane of service and over commitments. I long for slow walks in the mountains, leisurely lunch with friends and time to read the many books I have started but remain unfinished. Yet, I have so many commitments that I cannot afford to move over into the slow lane.  
 

As I was listening for God to speak, the fast lane came to a sudden halt and I was sitting, unmoving on the interstate. Could He have said it any plainer? I did not need to move to the slow lane, I needed to get off the road all together and just stop.  
 

If God took a day to rest, and expected the Israelites to honor ‘the Sabbath’, then that rule should also apply to me. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” It is in the stillness that God speaks to us and fills us with the energy to carry on our service to Him. He also gives us wisdom to plan our schedules in a way that is honoring to Him.  
 

I believe we need to come quietly before Him every day. But there are times when we need a whole day, or even more, to step back from activity and dwell in His presence. Mark 6:31 reads, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, Jesus said to the apostles, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'” (NIV)  

When we rest our bodies from activity and rest our souls in His presence, He restores us, recharges our batteries, and then sends us out with renewed energy and passion. 

Not only is it crucial for us to practice rest and relaxation, it is also important that we teach that as a priority for our children. We often keep them moving from one activity to another to keep them busy when we should also be teaching them the importance of being still. Let’s model rest for our children just as Jesus modeled it to his disciples.

HTJ4P5G98UTC

Positive, Encouraging...Carynnie

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death.

As my girlfriend explained her repulsed reaction to a talk given by a nationally known speaker, my stomach wrenched.  She had been totally turned off by the speaker's enthusiasm, counting it forced and fake.  I tend toward a positive presentation myself and immediately wondered if my speaking caused a similar reaction in the hearer.

Today's passage is Psalm 33.  David lauds the power of praise and impact of words.  The Word spoke creation into existence.  The Word of God is right and true.  It is powerful.

Human words also wield great power.  My friend's innocent remark sent my mind into a tailspin of introspection and self-doubt.  It wasn't even aimed at me.

Our local Christian radio station here is K-Love; their tag line - Positive and Encouraging.  We sometimes joke that our Carynnie should have been named K-Love.  She is both positive and encouraging.  She builds others up.  She looks for the best.  Her words breath life into our family.

For every word of life Carynne speaks, I could speak a word of death over my household.  When I vomit critical or harsh words, I deflate and defeat.  My words have power.

Jesus, I ask You today for Your power.  I want my tongue to be a vessel of life.  Let my words be few and Your words plenty.  Positive.  Encouraging.  Me powered by You.

I Can See Clearly Now

Hebrews 2:8-9 Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus...

Clara (5) has great hair. It grows easily and quickly in honey tresses for which many women would pay big bucks.  Unfortunately, she's taken the scissors to said locks not once but three times in her five years.  Most recently she did a bang-up job of haphazardly cutting the front and a lock from the back.  I suspect the back whack was an attempt to see if her hair would turn brown like Rapunzel in Disney's Tangled. 

I still have no idea why she butchered the front but her older sister, Hannah's, excuse from years ago echoes in my ears, "Mommy, I had to cut my hair because I couldn't see the TV."  Perhaps she couldn't see Tangled.

Today's reading is Psalm 32.  David understands the joy of allowing God to cover our sin.  He also gets the pain of attempting to cover sin by ignoring or justifying it. 

Like Clara's hair, my view of God is sometimes obstructed.  When -

Worry clouds my vision.  I focus on my problem instead of the Problem-Solver.

Doubt blocks my window.  I see my inadequacy instead of the Sufficiency.

Pride closes my blinds.  I see my paltry participation instead of the Provider.

Jesus, thank you for opening the curtains of my life to see You.  Cut away my worry, doubt and pride.  With an unobstructed view, I can see clearly now.

Life is a Highway

Psalm 31:14-15 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands.

What are we eating for dinner? When are we going swimming? Clara (5) peppers me with questions from the moment she opens her eyes.  She want the who, what, where and when of every day. 

Sometimes I patiently answer her questions.  Other days I don't.  I want her to discover the joy of not knowing what's around every curve. 

I love to wander down a road I've never been on.  It's an adventure as you pass homes and businesses you never knew existed.  The kids will ask me where I'm going and I proudly answer, "I have no idea."

Today's passage is Psalm 31.  As David praises God, I thank Him for guiding me down His paths.  This psalm is home to the words Jesus murmured from the cross, "into your hands I commit my spirit".  In Jesus' greatest pain, He trusted God.

In my adventure of faith, I want to trust God.  There is great delight in not knowing what's around every bend.  He takes me down new roads.

Like Clara, I want to toss questions.  Where are you taking me God?  Why are we going there?  What will we do when we get there.  He doesn't answer every question.  He is a loving parent that understands the greater joy in not knowing.

Jesus, into your hands I commit my spirit.  I trust You to lead my heart and plan my steps.  My life is a highway and I'm gonna ride it with You...all day long.

What if it's NOT About Me?

A Note to my Regular Readers:  Taking a slight departure today to report on my weekend at She Speaks.  Back to the Psalms tomorrow...
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James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

I breathed God.  I felt His brush against my skin.  God was so evident in conversation and inspiration during my weekend at Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks Conference.  I attended She Speaks but it was God who spoke into the hidden pathways to my heart.

I heard Him through Lisa Wingate's heart to write words to bless and not receive.

I heard Him in Rob Eagar's admonishment to produce a value-added newsletter that ministered to the recipient.

I heard Him through Lysa TerKeurst's wise advice to give your talents away to others expecting no favor in return.

He spoke an unexpected message.  What if my weekend at She Speaks wasn't about me?  What if it were about how I could pour myself out for others?

What unexpected words is God speaking into your heart today?

Jesus, Your gifts surpass expectation.  Your kindness exceeds wonder.  Your love is incomparable.  You speak.  I listen...even if it's NOT about me.

JOY - Jesus Over You

Lift up your eyes and look about you...you will look and be radiant, 
your heart will throb and swell with joy.
Isaiah 60:4-5

I climbed all night - one torturous step after the other.  Many times I wanted to turn back but had been assured the view was worth the climb.  I reached the top of Mount Fuji to the greeting of dawn's first rays. 

I was one with the sky and clouds far from the thoughts and worries I'd toted up the mountainside.  I walked as close the edge of the volcano's edge as I dared.  It was almost 300 years since the last eruption but I still expected my hair to be blown back by its' force.  There on the mountain I stood firm.

Today I am studying Psalm 30.  This chapter is home to the famous words "joy comes in the morning".  Many nights a volcano threatens my heart.  It may be worry over one of the children, a hurt in a relationship or a financial concern.

When I stand at the edge of life's volcano, I can look down and believe it will erupt or look up and know God makes my mountain stand firm.  A night on the edge held by God brings joy in the morning.

Jesus, You make my feet firm.  You calm my heart.  I look up from my momentary issue and see You.  There I find JOY - Jesus Over You.

Hangin' on my Heart

Proverbs 3:3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

In my house there are precious things that hang on the wall:

• the painting my husband commissioned one Christmas of Venice to remind me of our honeymoon
• the hand blown glass lamp from Murano
• the montage of each of my children at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months

Visitors to our home see these items and immediately recognize their value.

The frame hanging just to the left of my bedroom dresser looks ordinary by comparison.  It is a simple black design and home to my most valuable wall hanging.  Its' value can not be measured in money because its' worth lies in the words written there.

This ordinary black frame houses the letter my husband wrote me describing our first kiss.  His tender words claim his devotion to me and his belief in God's work in bringing us together.  When I read it my heart is transported back to that first kiss - a touch so overwhelming yet satisfying it felt like heaven and home combined.

Today I am reading Psalm 29.  David describe the glory and might of the Lord.  His value can not be measured in material wealth.  Any earthly comparison pales when contrasted with His glory.

Yet when David finishes his Psalm, he summarizes all God is by the way He gives strength and peace to His people.  To think that the Creator of the universe cares so deeply for me is both overwhelming and satisfying.

The simplest of things remind me of God's faithfulness - children who giggle, a husband who caresses, eyes that peak during dinner prayers, teenagers who stand up for what is right and lips that transport me to a first kiss.

Jesus, thank you for these reminders of Your tender care for me.  Every time I read Your love letter, I remember just how much You care.  Today I will frame these symbols of Your love in my mind and hang them on the wall of my heart.