What Has Happened to All Your Joy?

Psalms 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Clara (5) and Carynne (3) get to go to school at Daddy's work because our church is also a preschool during the week. Needless to say, the two of them feel quite privileged. Frequently, just about the time I am getting them settled into their classes Scott will come strolling up to hug his girls. While both give a sweet greeting, Rynnie takes it to an entirely different level. She sprints up to Scott, jumps in his arms and hugs him tight in a way that makes him feel completely secure in her love.

Today's reading is Galatians 4. Paul uses the first two sons of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, as an illustration of the difference between trying to reach God from our own effort and allowing God to reach down to us through grace. Ishmael was born of a servant and is a picture of the bondage and futility of striving to please God by being "good". Isaac was born of a promise and demonstrates the wonder completed on the cross and the entirety of Jesus' substitution for our sin. (Verses 21-31).

In the middle of this chapter, a question leaps off the page. "What has happened to all your joy?" (Verse 15) Almost daily some object or possession gets lost in our home. At least we say that it is lost. In reality, it is just misplaced.

• Covered - Sometimes the missing item has slipped up under an article of clothing or bed. It is there but it just can't be seen. The joy of being free through faith in Jesus is not a secret that we should keep hidden. God wants our light to shine from the hilltops, a radiant reflection of His love and grace.
• Ignored - At other times the absent article isn't actually mislaid. It is laying right on a dresser, counter or table in plain sight. We may have even walked by it a dozen times but simply never really saw that it was there. The blessings of salvation, such as joy, can be just like that. They are ours for the taking. We may even be aware that they are available. We just never take the time to notice the difference it would make in our lives if we picked them up and used them.
• Borrowed - The last place the absent is often present is in the possession of another. Perhaps it was loaned or taken with a bit less permission but either way it is located in someone else's room. I have allowed my joy to be taken by others. I permit their judgements, attitudes and injuries towards me to rob my peace. My joy is not rightfully theirs and is it only by an act of my will that I let them steal away with it.

My joy can make off like a bandit more easily than I'd like to admit. Thankfully, Paul tells me how I can keep it. "Because you are (daughters), God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."" (Verse 6) I have to remember who my Daddy is. Carynne never fails to greet Scott and rush into his arms. When I am looking into my Daddy's face, I find joy there. When I am wrapped in my Daddy's arms, I am at rest, totally secure in His love.

Jesus, thank you for this sweet reminder that my joy is not lost and I don't have to allow my joy to be covered, ignored or borrowed. When I am focused on You, Your joy fills my heart. Like a garden hose connected to a fire hydrant, there is more of You than I can even absorb. Today I will stay attached to the source of all joy.

What To Wear

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Hannah (14) and Hayleigh (11) are my built in fashion consultants. I have absolutely no need to watch "What Not to Wear" because they bring the show to life in the hallowed halls of my closet and dresser. In fact, I've noted I receive the most compliments on my attire, hair or accessories when I allow one of them to style me. Their flair for the chic coupled with their obvious talent for pulling an outfit together all add up to one mama that looks considerably better because of their input.

This morning I am reading Galatians 3. Paul is confirming that we are saved completely by grace. In fact, he uses Abraham who lived thousands of years before Christ as an example. How is that possible. Simple. Abraham "believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Verse 6). In fact Abraham lived long before the law was ever given by Moses. It was not his ability to keep track of and abide by hundreds of rules but rather his faith alone that found favor with God.

We too are called by God to walk in faith and believe God to deliver on His promises. Just as God promised Abraham an heir and made good on His oath long after it was humanly possible, He makes the impossible possible in my life and yours. As I read, one phrase stuck out to me: "For all of your who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Verse 27) Jesus is my daily garment. What does this mean in my every day life:

• Not Optional - Jesus is not an accessory that I can mix and match as it suits my desires. He is matchless - He doesn't just coordinate with every ensemble. He is the outfit.
• Not Occasional - Far better than my favorite pair of shoes, Jesus is always in season and style. I can't choose to leave Him in the closet or donate Him to Goodwill. He is a permanent addition to my wardrobe.
• Not Ordinary - His price tag reads a number I could never afford. He is priceless - bought with His own blood. He is a non-refundable gift not found in any store. He makes even the likes of Gucci and Manolo Blanik appear mundane.

Thank you, Jesus for wrapping me in a priceless garment. I wear an extraordinary robe woven of scarlet but appearing pure white. You are definitely what to wear.

Spy Games

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.

The first day of school is a strange concoction of excitement, dread, anticipation and nerves. And that's just the range of emotions a mother feels. The first day of preschool this year fell on my birthday. I deemed this a worthy present and went through the halls singing "Freedom" Aretha Franklin style as less "seasoned" moms wiped tears and attempted to hide their apprehension.

When I picked up Clara (then 4) from her class, I opened with the obligatory, "How was your first day of school, Honey?", question. The words had scarcely dropped out of my mouth before she retorted, "It was terrible, Mom. They have rules...and they expect me to follow them." An independent thinker who is not easily swayed by the crowd, something tells me Clara will have no trouble grasping the theme of Galatians. Those of us who are more intimately familiar with the people pleasing mindset, though, may wrestle with its' broad stroke of unmerited grace.

This morning's reading is Galatians 2. Here Paul chronicles his grace journey and his willingness to battle with anyone who blockades grace's path. Paul was unafraid even of rebuking Peter if it ensured that the gospel would remain untainted by those who piled man's requirement onto God's grace (Verses 11-21).

Paul reported that certain people had infiltrated their ranks to "spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus". Most of us have some area in our life in which it becomes extremely important to us to be deemed "good". You might strive to be a good employee, good child or a good spouse. I can fall prey to any of these but am most susceptible to good mom syndrome.

• Good moms provide their children with healthy, well-balanced meals and might even make their own baby food.
• Good moms read the correct child training manuals, purchase the safest possible car seat and generally avoid any activity involving sharp objects.
• Good moms never raise their voice, always arrive on time if not early and never fail to remember things like share day at school.

At least these are the lies I allow to bounce around in my head every once in a while. For the record, I do try to feed my kids at least one daily serving of fruit and one serving of vegetables. I currently feel pretty proud that Carynne says her favorite food is broccoli. This makes Hannah and Hayleigh wonder if there isn't something wrong with her. Oh and I have never made my own baby food. I'm pretty excited when I remember to feed them. I have never read "Baby Wise" or "Toddler Wise", but I do read the Bible. My toddler children ride in booster seats not car seats...and they only weigh a bit over thirty pounds. I didn't know the right weight rule until I'd already given the other seats away. All four have given a haircut to herself, a sibling, a toy or a pet. I do occasionally raise my voice. I am sometimes late. And last Friday I arrived to Carynne's class and said, "I know I was supposed to bring something today but I have no idea what that was." Pretty much I'm expecting the "Mother of the Year" award to arrive on my doorstep just any day now.

The reason I beat myself up about mothering is that I allow others to spy on my freedom. Freedom in Christ means it's okay if your kids watch an extra hour of television so their mom can spend some quality time with God. It also means that an occasional unplanned haircut is less tragic than a home cut short of love. Most important, it means there isn't one thing I could do as a parent that could make Jesus love me any more than He already does. After all, He's still working on raising me. No doubt it makes Jesus sad, when I measure myself by the extra-Biblical yardstick held by a so-called "perfect" parent.

Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me of how sweet freedom feels draped about my shoulders. Grace is the ultimate security blanket. It is comforting and chocked full of Your love but at the same time absolutely weightless. Today I will remember that Your grace extends to every part of my life...even if I'm late in carpool line.

What Are You Waiting For?

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Not too long ago, I was having one of those lively conversations with Clara (5) that punctuate my days with laughter and smiles. This particular day Clara was informing me of her and Rynnie's (3) future career plans. After much discussion they had concluded they would be jointly employed by Chick-fil-a where they would be compensated in ice cream and trips to the indoor playground. After seventeen years of schooling, I pray her needs are that easily satisfied but something tells me she won't find Chick-fil-a worth the wait.

This morning I am reading Galatians 1. Paul is determined to convince the church at Galatia that the gospel he taught them was sound and correct. In the midst of his compelling argument, he mentions that after Jesus appeared to him (Acts 9:3-9), he spent three years in Arabia studying the gospel in obscurity.

Patience is something I continue to learn as I walk with and learn to wait on God. If I had a life-altering encounter with the risen Christ, I would immediately want to jump on Facebook and tell five hundred of my closest friends. Paul had to wait. We don't know exactly what happened in those three years. We do know that Jesus had spent his three years of public ministry with the other apostles. Perhaps, he wanted Paul to have the same amount of time to develop and grow.

I don't pleasure in waiting. I haven't had a face-to-face encounter with God, yet when I feel His gentle tug at my heart, I want to spring to action. Sometimes His plan for me is just that. Other times, His plan unfolds at a pace reminiscent of the tortoise rather than the hare. Regardless, this day is valuable. This day is a gift from God. He has lessons to teach me and character to change in me. Transformation happens one sweet day at a time.

Paul came out of the desert of Arabia a changed man. The question is will I? While I wait on God, will I squander my days or treasure them as precious gifts of time and transformation?

Jesus, Your timing is worth the wait. Help me redeem my days with steady consistent time with You. As I emerge from each season of waiting, may the woman who walks out look perceptibly more like You.

The Final Chapter

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

I can remember my college speech teacher remarking that, "You must have a strong opening and gripping conclusion. The stuff in the middle no one ever remembers anyway." While that may not be entirely true, it is certain that the ending is what one take with them when they leave.

I deplore going to a movie with a poor ending. Even if the movie was captivating and entertaining up to that point, it's a waste if the last ten minutes don't satisfy. When this happens, I find myself rewriting the ending in my mind and perhaps even fantasizing of sending it to some big-shot Hollywood executive. I simply can not get closure until I determine how the movie should have concluded.

This morning I am reading the final chapter of 2 Corinthians. Paul is determined to pay another visit to Corinth though he is clearly reticent about what kind of reception he will receive. He has made significantly strong statements in his two letters. After addressing issues ranging from marriage to immorality, Paul finishes his letter.

His last words to the church at Corinth are, "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." That is an excellent ending. In one sentence, Paul wraps the keys to living out your faith. The exciting part is that I can start doing that right now. I don't have to wait for the end of my life to begin.

• The Grace of Jesus - Grace. Grace enables me to look beyond the perceived flaws of my husband. Grace empowers me to forgive even those who think they've done nothing wrong. So many issues addressed by Paul would dissipate if grace were flowing freely from my life.
• The Love of God - Love. God's love is sacrificial. God's love is complete. God's love is eternal. God's love casts out fear. So many topics covered by Paul would become victories if love were covering those in my life.
• The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit - Fellowship. Fellowship is experienced when I think of others instead of myself. Fellowship is enjoyed when I more concerned with unity than getting my way. So many subjects brought up by Paul would cease to be concerns if fellowship were my aim in every relationship.

For certain Paul has penned the perfect ending. If I made just his one verse a complete reality in my life, I am confident I would be radically changed. In the story of my life, every day counts. How I finish will be determined one day at a time as I choose to walk in faith.

Jesus, You are the Author of my story. May the pages of my heart today read love, grace and fellowship.

Body Building

Romans 12:5 So in Christ, we who are many form one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function.

My husband is a body builder. Well he used to be anyway. I've seen pictures from his youth and let me tell you, he was hot! His body building routine was a combination of disciplined eating and scheduled workouts that resulted in a fine specimen of God's handiwork. To this day he enjoys the routine of planned meals and strenuous exercise. In fact, he's still incredibly handsome. In my book, he's Mr. Memphis not only because he takes care of his body but because he also tends to his soul.

This morning's passage is 2 Corinthians 12. In this chapter, Paul makes reveals God's intention to allow weakness into our life. It is our weakness that reveals His strength. It is our difficulties that turn out hearts toward His ease. It is our persecutions that seek His relief. Paul knew that as a teacher and fellow believer his words could either lure his friends towards Christ or repel them.

"We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening." (Verse 19) We are each on assignment as God's body builders. It is His desire that I build up, strengthen and encourage my fellow believers. To be a body builder is to:

• Lead others to exercise their souls


• Allow God work out my fears and anxieties and help others to do so as well


• Energize others with the hope and abundance God provides through a dynamic relationship with Him

I can allow the insults and hardships of my life to sequester me into a life played safe at home or I can let them jettison me to a vibrant life lived out in God's gym. It is God's hope that I take my weaknesses and use them to make others strong.

Jesus, You fill every part of me when I come to You. Today I will build others up in faith. Just as physical exercise requires discipline, so too does spiritual exercise. Today help me be disciplined to add on the muscle of Your Word and bulk up with prayer.

Mixed Messages

Psalm 98:2 The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

We were gathered around the table for family dinner for a significant celebration. It was Clara's fifth birthday. As often happens at family gatherings, we began to reminisce and the conversation turned to the subject of how I announced to Scott that we were expecting Clara.

I like to joke that when Scott I wed, he got three for the price of one as he gained not only a wife but also two beautiful daughters that June day in 2004. Naturally, Scott had never had a birth announced to him so I wanted to make his first memorable. His birthday happened along within days of my realizing I was pregnant. This was the perfect moment to announce the gift God had given us both.

After he had unwrapped all his packages, one tiny parcel remained to be opened. As the wrappings fluttered to the floor, a mixture of confusion and disappointment crossed his face. The gift was a set of baby car keys. Our verbal exchange went something like this:

Me: Honey, what did you get for your birthday (grinning ear to ear)?
Scott: I don't know. Some kind of car keys (bears confused expression).
Me: What kind of car keys are they?
Scott: I don't know.
Me: What does it say at the top?
Scott: Baby teether.
Me: Why would I give you baby car keys?
Scott: I don't know.
Me: Because we're having a baby!

Little by little, confusion melted to disbelief. He was going to be a father and this time, he'd start at birth.

Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 11. Once Paul departed Corinth, other teachers came in right behind him and began to teach subtly different messages about Jesus and the gospel than what Paul had taught. Perhaps Paul wasn't clear or maybe the differences were small since they passed unnoticed. Either way, the church at Corinth was slowly allowing the truth to be denigrated with untruth. They had received mixed messages.

When I wrapped up a set of baby car keys, it never occurred to me that Scott wouldn't get "it" immediately. I was operating from my point of reference which included extensive experience with baby gear. Someone who'd probably never graced the doors of Babies R Us found my gift a bit less obvious.

The announcement of Clara's birth, however, is not the only time in my life I've delivered an unclear message.

• When I ask my kids to put away their laundry while mine remains piled on the dryer...
• When I lecture my kids about being less selfish and then complain thirty minutes later that my husband won't let me pick the show...
• When I enjoy the benefits of my husband's unconditional love for me and then make him feel like my love is conditional...

Jesus, You are not unclear. You long to reveal yourself to Your people. If I am to be Your representative, I must make Your love and passion clear in my life. Today, I will free myself of mixed messages, so You can clearly communicate through my life and actions.