Getting to Know You - Week Five

I must say, I have really enjoyed getting to know you over the past few weeks! I'm so thankful you commented and that we had the opportunity to find out more about each other. We'll have to do it again soon!

As we go into the holiday season, I have something else in store for you. For the month of Thanksgiving, we will be doing just that. Giving Thanks! Each day, I'll post something I'm thankful for. Please feel free to continue the thoughtfulness and share what you are thankful for, too. For the month of December, leading up to Christmas Day, I will post a Christmas-related Scripture along with a video of one of my favorite Christmas songs. Please enjoy the time to meditate and reflect on God's love for His children. How many Kings do you know who would send their only Son to die for our sins? I only know ONE.

For our final Getting to Know You, let's do a "Ten Things" post. I've always known I was unique, one-of-a-kind. As I came to know Jesus and read the Word of God, it became quite clear that this was okay by Him. He'd created me to be just that...me. Not my neighbor. Not my favorite super star. Not my mother. Not my worst enemy. Me. Just me. Alycia. God's daughter. What makes me, me? Here are ten things:

1. I don't care what others think of me. Well, to some extent, but if you decide you really don't like me, that's okay. My confidence isn't in myself. It's in the God who says I am the apple of His eye. I know you're missing out on a great friendship, and that's okay with me.
2. I'm a daughter of the King before anything else. Before I'm a wife. Before I'm a mom. Before I'm a writer/editor/crafty one. Before I'm a minister. Before I'm a household manager. I'm a daughter of God. And that will always be how I identify myself. I don't find my worth and value as a human being in my relationship with my husband, my kids, or anyone else. Just Jesus. I recognize that people are only mistake-making humans. I forgive them and turn to Jesus for Truth.
3. God is into making dreams come true. Did you know that? I do. I've had the opportunity to work on a movie set as a stand-in, pulling in SAG rate pay. Alongside Christian Slater, Robin Tunney, and Cherry Jones (who I stood in for). I've also gotten to meet Kirk Cameron, my teen dream. Of all the Hollywood celebrities I've met, Kirk is the most humble, kind one. Probably because He loves Jesus as much as I do...
4. I went to two different colleges and never got my degree. I majored in Journalism/Mass Communications at the first and Music Business at the second. I'm really good at writing, editing, and figuring out royalty rates. If I'd landed my dream jobs between the two careers, I would have graduated to become a glossy editor or a promotional guru for Christian bands. God has a way of using everything I've ever learned, though, and I overflow with joy when I sit down to work every morning. I LOVE WHAT I DO.
5. In my thirty-eight years of life, I've moved thirty-six times. I know how to pack tight and get rid of things I don't use. Don't get in my way when it's time to go on vacation or move again. I will make everything fit in its proper place. I've made our entire house fit into a 12x6 U-Haul trailer more than once!
6. I have a serious sweet tooth. Which doesn't help my thighs. Or my jean size. But my husband doesn't mind, so neither do I (although I do exercise fairly regularly). I love chocolate. Milk Chocolate. Hot fudge. Chocolate with peanut butter. Chocolate with caramel. Chocolate chip cookies. No bake cookies. Cookies and cream ice cream. Chocolate with coffee. Chocolate in my coffee. Peppermint mocha. Yep, I love chocolate!
7. I can watch all the crime shows on television, but I can't stand to see open wounds and hate the smell of formaldehyde. Which is why I'd probably never cut it being on a forensics team. Which I think would be exciting yet depressing at the same time. So, I guess I'll keep watching NCIS, Criminal Minds, and Bones and leave the real guts and glory to the FBI. 
8.  I quit reading fiction shortly after I left college. Until the Twilight series. When my friends kept talking about how incredible the story-line was, I couldn't resist. I've never read anything as quickly as them. I picked them up and read all four books in nine days while my children hungered and my husband wished I'd clean his house. (Just kidding. I still cooked and cleaned. But nothing else.) Since then, I've fallen in love with fiction again. Which is probably a good thing, since I want to write it.
9. I hate math. Letters belong in the alphabet and books, not addition and subtraction problems. I hate pulp in orange juice. If I wanted the pulp, I'd eat the orange. Tea makes me sick to my stomach; hot tea, that is. But if you offer it to me, I won't say no, out of a desire not to be rude. I can't stand the smell of road kill after it's been in the sun for too long. I'd rather smell the rotting pulp from the paper plant up the road than smell a decaying animal.
10. I really am a geek at heart. I love to learn. All the time. I cannot learn enough. Life is full of lessons, and I love discovering new things. I guess that's part of why I love books and reading so much.

So, what makes you, you? I can't wait to read your answers! Thanks for sharing your thoughts today!     

Autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains

It's autumn in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Colors are starting to peak. Leaves are turning, falling.

The air is crisp and cool, and it's the perfect time to hike those majestic mountains.

Smoky Mountain Morning

I Love Autumn

Autumn River View

Thirsting in the Dry Places

Photo Courtesy of Leigh-Ann Lemire

This week, Hannah and I learned about how little water cacti need to survive in their environmental conditions. Did you know that if you over-water a cactus, you'll kill it?

These past two weeks, I've felt as if God has me in a dry, desert place. I read the Bible, and seldom does anything jump off the page at me, full of life and restoring my soul. Like a cactus that hasn't been watered in awhile, I thirst for that one drop so I can spring back to life. Yet, God continues to provide just enough to keep me going. Like the cactus, the rains that come bring just enough living water to keep me alive in the things of Christ. Despite the heat, despite the drought, despite the continuous seeking and seemingly finding no answer, I survive. God remains with me; He remains faithful. And one day soon, I know I will have abundance again. One day soon, I will blossom, produce more fruit and encourage yet another to continue on in their journey through the desert places.

In the meantime, I trust that God knows exactly how much water I need and that He won't over-water me and kill my spirit. Because He is a God of love, grace, and mercy. He never leaves me nor forsakes me. Even when I cannot hear His voice, He is waiting with me, ready to provide the answers in His time. Just when I need them. Just when I need the rain. Just before I shrivel up and sink into myself. He will send the rain of His living water.

"Our soul waits for the Lord;
 He is our help and our shield.
 For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
 Because we have trusted in His holy name.
 Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
 Just as we hope in You."
 - Psalm 33:20-22

Maturity vs. Stunted Growth

I just love this verse:

"The ear that hears the rebukes of life
Will abide among the wise.
He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,
But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility." - Prov. 15:31-33

Do you hear the rebukes of life and respond by heeding them? Or do you despise God-given wisdom and instruction? It may mean the difference between maturity and stunted growth...

Photo Courtesy of Eduardo Schäfer

A Word for Today

Photo Copyright 2010 Alycia W. Morales

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:13-14

I don't know who's going through a rough time right now, who wishes God would answer faster than He is, who needs to make a decision today and doesn't know what to do, or who is struggling with their faith. 

But, God says to wait on Him. Have hope. Believe you'll see the goodness of God in your life. Don't make a rash decision or go with your emotions. Be courageous enough to wait it out. God will provide in His perfect timing. Be encouraged. Wait on the Lord!

I had to share this today. It came up in my daily reading, and God wants to let y'all know that He is working things out for the good in your life.

5 Seeds for Growth in the Lord

 

A dear friend recently asked how some people mature in their faith while others seem to "get stuck."

Funny that Mary DeMuth should pose the same question within the beginning pages of her upcoming (October 16th) release, Everything.

Mary offers wisdom throughout the pages of her book that will help answer this question. In the meantime, I present Five Seeds for Growth in the Lord:

1. Observe spiritual mothers and fathers of the faith. My spiritual mother is a powerhouse in the Lord. She could be like Joyce Meyers or Fuchsia Pickett. She could minister before stadiums of people, but instead she chooses to raise up generations of Women of the Word in the town God called pastor and her to. She says she prefers to encourage women and push them off her shoulders to soar, rather than take the stage. I've made it a point in my spiritual life to watch, listen and learn from her. She emanates wisdom and smells like Jesus. I know she's a deep well to draw from, and I drink from there frequently.

2. Don't compare yourself to others. You are unique, created by God. We like to look at others and wonder why we're so different from them. Why we don't learn as quickly as they do. Why we don't have a particular quality they do. Remember these truths: God created you the way He wanted you to be. God gives each one of us a measure of faith. God gives each one of us gifts. We each have unique ways of learning. We cannot compare ourselves to one another, because we are each individual. We each have a plan and a purpose in life. No one else can do what we are called to do. Others may be able to do something similar, but God wants to use each of us for His unique purpose.

3. Be obedient in the things of God. There's really no mystery to it all. God knew we'd need His help if we were to accomplish what He has called us to do. So He left us a guide and an instructor. The Bible. His Holy Spirit. When we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, we get to know Jesus and His heart for humanity. We get to know who He is and what He requires us to do. When we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, He whispers truth to our inward parts. He divides the old from the new. He divides the flesh from the spirit. He brings healing and causes change within our hearts. We become more like Jesus as we allow the Holy Spirit to move in our lives. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God(Romans 10:17). Our faith increases as we hear the Word of God spoken in our lives and are obedient to the truths contained within. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith (1 John 5:3-4).

4. Don't fear change. Step out in faith. Move from your comfort zone. Let's face it. Sin is comfortable. We don't like change. We are afraid of what we don't know. Here's where we have to trust our Leader. We have to understand that God has our best interests at heart, that He's our #1 fan. We have to trust Him to take care of us as we put feet to our faith and take steps toward a new life of allowing Him to be our everything. As we forgo the ways of our past and head toward the ways of His future for us, we must recognize His love for us and allow Him to replace our worries, fears, doubts, and anxieties with His peace, comfort, hope, faith, and love. Trust the change, knowing it will produce growth in our spiritual lives.

5. Accept that growth is a natural process that can't be forced and must be embraced. My spiritual father always says that the kingdom of God is organic. It comes complete with birth, life, death, and various seasons. To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under Heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). When we are young in the Lord, we need milk, gentleness, comfort, soft embraces. We don't need hard slaps with spiritual rods. Until we grow a little older in our faith. Then, we need iron to sharpen our spiritual maturity. One day, we find ourselves able to chew on some meat. It's tough at first, maybe difficult to process. As we chew more and chew more, it becomes easier to swallow when someone brings a word of correction. Eventually, we're able to feed ourselves and find the Holy Spirit prompting changes in our behaviors. We start making better choices. We grow. We develop. We become the feeders, rather than the ones being fed. However, like a baby who needs formula, if we try to ingest food too advanced for us, we throw it back up all over the place. Because growth is an organic process. It comes line upon line and precept upon precept. Don't strive to be someplace you aren't. Let God process you, rather than forcing the process. Don't die before you've had a chance to live.

Where are you in the growth process? Are you a seedling, ready to sprout? Are you a sapling, hoping the wind doesn't knock you over? Are you a solid oak who can pour into the younger trees who stand in your shadow? Have you recognized God working out the process within you? I pray you embrace the growth process and thrive in the stage you're in as God prepares you for the next season of life. 

Book Review - Call of a Coward by Marcia Moston

Some people ooze a sweet, sweet spirit. You can sense the presence of God when you're in their midst. They appear to be surrounded by a peace that passes any human understanding. I met Marcia Moston at a writers' conference in May of 2010. She is one of these people.

When she won the Women of Faith writing contest and asked if I'd be willing to review her book, I gladly accepted the opportunity. Expecting to find myself immersed in the busy ordeals of a missionary and her work, I was rather surprised to read about a woman and her fears. As I read on, I kept wondering what was going on in the home for the widows and orphans, all the while reading about the happenings in Marcia's heart, home and travels. This intrigued me.

God doesn't always work in ways we expect Him to. He has His own ways, which are higher than ours. We plan and put our feet in front of each other, working out our walk with Him, but He is the One who directs our steps. Which Marcia knows very well. It's through putting her trust in God and allowing Him to lead her life and the lives of her husband and daughter that she has become the woman of peace that she is today. 

And that is what we read in Call of a Coward. It's a story of a woman who laid aside her hopes, dreams and fears to follow God even though where He led seemed to require credentials she lacked and courage she didn't think she had. And in doing so, she discovered just how personal and gracious He is. 

"The problem with promising God you'll follow Him wherever He leads is that you just might have to go. I suspect it would be easier if you were certain of His calling--like stepping out the door and seeing the lilac bush on fire and hearing a voice command you. But when it's your husband delivering the message--well, that leaves little room for wonder. At least that's how I felt when my husband rocked my comfortable, middle-class afternoon with his belief God was calling us to pack up and move to a Mayan village in Guatemala."

Excerpted from Call of a Coward: The God of Moses and the Middle Class House-wife. Thomas Nelson (c)2012. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc. www.thomasnelson.com 

I hope you'll read Call of a Coward and discover His hand in your ordinary or extra-ordinary life. Because either way, He's in the midst of it, ready to share His grace with each and every one of us.

You may purchase your copy here:

CBD

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Who Is Your Everything?

I talk to Him when I need someone to listen. I complain to Him when I don't want to upset someone else. I cry on His shoulder when no one else cares. I lean on Him when I am weak. I laugh with Him when something's funny. I rest in His arms when I am weary. I hide under the shelter of His wings when I am afraid. I stand behind Him when I need to battle. I share with Him when I have good news. I dine with Him when I need to be filled.

Jesus is my Everything.

I praise Him in the morning. I call out to Him from the night places. I run to Him when I am in trouble. I linger at His side when I want someone to hang out with. I follow Him as He leads.

Jesus is my Everything.

I trust Him with my life. I have faith He has my best interests at heart. I believe He has a place prepared for me. I know He loves me. I call Him friend.

Jesus is my Everything.

I see His immense creativity in the world around me. I taste Him in the garden of life He's given me. I smell Him in the flowers. I hear His voice whisper in my heart. I feel Him immerse me in His presence as I worship. I know He exists, because I've experienced His abundance of life.

Jesus is my Everything.

He is love. He is truth. He is holy. He is pure. He is righteous. He is all-knowing. He is worthy. He is just. He is strong. He is mighty. He is powerful. He is gentle. He is compassionate. He is my all-in-all.

Jesus is my Everything.

When you need someone to talk to, to hold you, to bring comfort and peace, who do you rely on? Is it your spouse? Your parent? Your child? Your friend? Who is your everything?

I run to Jesus, because none of the people mentioned above are perfect. None of them can fill the void in my heart like Jesus can. None of them bring me satisfaction like Jesus does. Jesus is my Everything, because His love is perfect. He never disappoints. I can put my faith and trust in Him and know my life will be complete.

Jesus - You are my Everything.

Blogging Through the Book - Everything is a book about finding the freedom to give everything to God. Written by Mary DeMuth, it is scheduled for release on October 16th. You can pre-order it through Amazon now. I am blessed to be a part of Mary's launch team. As I read through the book, you'll find scattered blog posts about what I'm discovering along my journey to handing everything in my own life over to God. I hope you'll join me in my journey and find some encouragement along the way.

Thoughtful Words - Generational Words

Praise the Lord, God has moved in the hearts of my children. Over the past month and a half, all three of my sons and my daughter have given their hearts to God and said the sinners prayer of salvation. What a testimony to God's goodness!

For years I've been feeding them scriptures, taking them to church, praying with them, praying over them, telling them God's truth as we dealt with situations, sharing my heart for Jesus with them. I've watched them struggle with their own images and with each other. I've disciplined them. I've cried with them. I've laughed with them. I've taught them right from wrong. And the cycle went on and on and on. And I found myself wondering if they'd ever really get it. If they'd ever really receive Jesus as their Savior and begin to live their lives for Him.

While I was away, visiting and ministering to a friend, I received a phone call from home. "Ezra received the baptism of the Holy Spirit while he was at camp. He's talking in tongues."

My mother's heart skipped five beats, melted and rejoiced all at the same time.

"He laid his hands on Caleb, and now Caleb's speaking in tongues."

Triple beat skip, melt, rejoice.

"Hannah just said the prayer of salvation and asked Jesus to come into her heart so she can be saved. She wants to go to heaven when she dies. She also wants to get baptized. And Gideon said the prayer, too."

What?!!? My whole family is saved? Thank You, Jesus!

Why? Because God is merciful and good and knows the desires of our hearts. When we, as parents (whether biologically or spiritually), pour our love for the Lord into our children, we are speaking generational words. We are pouring God's truths and moral goodness into the next generation.

"A posterity shall serve Him. 
 It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation,
 They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born,
 That He has done this." - Psalm 22:30-31

I know from experience that my children may stumble, fall, get back up or fail to get back up as the years go by. However, I also know that they've been touched in a place they weren't touched before, which makes the difference.

I also take comfort in knowing this truth:

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."- Isaiah 55:11

God has chosen my children. He knew them before I ever dreamed of them. What He has spoken into their hearts shall not return void. He will accomplish what He pleases in their lives. He will cause His word to prosper in their hearts. They will do what He has called them to do.

Just as you and I will. Just as the next generation will. So long as we wave the banner of Jesus Christ over the lives of our children, grandchildren and future generations, God will move in their lives in ways we can't even imagine.

What are you speaking to the next generation? Do you have generational vision for the kingdom of God? You don't have to have biological children to have generational vision. Pray for our future and the future of our children. Find someone to mentor spiritually. And trust God to do His will in His perfect timing.

Generational Photo of Hugo and Victor Morales with Zachary, Ezra, Caleb, Hannah, and Gideon. Taken in 2005. 

Book Review - The Fine Art of Insincerity by Angela Hunt

I admit I found myself a little skeptical as I dove into this novel by Angela Hunt. I've always admired her writing, her strong female characters and her settings. However, I wasn't sure I liked these women. Not until the final quarter of the novel.

We start off with Ginger, the eldest of three sisters. Happily married to Michael, she's successful at what she does. And she's a bit of a control freak.

Then we meet Rosemary, who is melancholy and pitiful. Suffering the loss of two children prior to their births, she remains in mourning longer than the average person. She's a bit suicidal.

Finally, we meet Pennyroyal, the third of the sister trio. Penny is unhappily married to her nth husband, and we run into her story as she eyes her potential getaway man. She's quite the adulteress.

Despite the girls' flaws, their beloved Grandmother has passed away and left them a cottage of memories to clear out. The realtor needs to close the sale, so the ladies head off to the place they've avoided returning to and discover a few things about their heritage and themselves.

What intrigues me most about The Fine Art of Insincerity is that the entire novel is written in first person point of view and present tense. Not an easy thing for a novelist to pull off, especially not as well as Angela Hunt accomplishes it. 

I couldn't put it down, despite my brewing discontent with the characters and their attitudes toward life and the choices they made. At the end, all is not well, but all is worth living for. Which makes this a book worth reading.

To purchase your copy, please visit:
CBD
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

Thoughtful Words - Compromising Words

"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne;  nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." - Matthew 5:33-37

About a year ago, I realized I'd said I'd do a bunch of stuff that I never followed through on. Whether I promised God, my family or my neighbor, I recognized my lack of adequate planning, desire or ability to complete the tasks I'd set out to do. This bothered me. It brought feelings of inadequacy and depression upon my heart. I needed to make some changes.

God's word tells us not to make an oath, to say we're going to absolutely, for sure do something. We should never swear on our mother's grave (or by heaven, earth or Jerusalem) that we will see it through, that we will be there for someone, that we will get 'er done. Because things happen in life that are beyond our control. These things tend to get in the way of whatever our heart and mind was set on accomplishing. Then our word becomes nothing to those we've promised the world.

I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this compromise. Peter did the same. 

In Matthew 26, we find Jesus partaking of the Last Supper with His disciples. He's already mentioned that Judas would betray Him. Then, He tells the disciples, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered (v. 31).'"

Peter immediately responds without thinking, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble(v. 33)."

To which Jesus replies, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times (v.34)."

Again, Peter doesn't weigh his words. He says, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You! (v. 35)"

A few years ago, God asked me to consider my faith. It's a word that has stayed in my heart for a long time. I believe it will remain with me until the day I die. It's a simple question, and a timely one, considering the age we're living in. He simply asked, "Will you stand for me?" Of course, my heart immediately jumped to say Yes! However, my wisdom said, "Lord, will I be able to stand for You? Will my faith endure? Will I find my strength in You when I face times of tribulation?" Because I want to say Yes. But I acknowledge I am only human. And if Peter, the rock upon whom Jesus built His church, denied Jesus three times at the time of His crucifixion, who am I to say I'll be able to stand? Uncompromising in my faith? Unwavering before the cross of my day?

"It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy,And afterward to reconsider his vows." - Proverbs 20:25

When we promise to do something and then neglect to get it done, our words are compromised. Our intentions are compromised. Our integrity is compromised. Rather than being seen as someone dependable, people begin to say, "You can't count on her."

I don't want to be seen as undependable. I don't want to vow to do something and then neglect to do so. I'm a Christian, standing on my faith in God. If I promise to do something for someone and neglect to follow through, I not only compromise my own image, I compromise the image of God, in whose image I am created. I must remember Who I represent. I must learn to let my Yes be Yes and my No, No.

Which means I must change. I must set my boundaries in life, manage my time and learn to use the word No when I am already inundated with things to do. I must prioritize and stick with my priorities.

How about you? Are you making compromises? Or are you able to say Yes and mean it?

Photo Courtesy of Gary Scott

Thoughtful Words - Controversial Words

We interrupt this blog sequence to bring you...CONTROVERSIAL WORDS.

If you've been following the news, then you've probably heard that Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy stirred up a whole mess of attention when he declared his belief in the biblical definition of the family unit, including marriage between one man and one woman.

It's amazing to me how the press and non-Christians attack Christians when we publicly state our belief in God and His plan for humanity. Apparently, they can attack our beliefs at any point in time, but we are not allowed to denounce homosexuality or other life choices without a riot in return.

For example, in one report, a new Chick-fil-A store prepared for opening day. Supporters of the food chain camped out overnight, anxious to be there when the doors opened. Before they could think of entering the store, they were asked to leave, because a LGBT support group planned to boycott the company. Show me, please, where this represents equal rights.

Non-Christians can, apparently, cut to the front of the protest line while we Christians wait in the wings for our turn to support a company whose founding father's morals reflect our own. They can say what they wish about us, claiming we're anti-equality, but their actions speak so much louder than their words. Apparently they feel they should have their rights before we get ours. Otherwise, they would move aside and let us eat where we choose.

Other reports show opposition to the new building sites for Chick-fil-A restaurants. "We won't let them build in our cities," claim some governors. "Their belief system doesn't reflect the belief system of our cities." My logical brain says, How do you know that there aren't Christian people in your city who would like to eat at Chick-fil-A and have every right to do so? You'll ban a restaurant chain because their CEO believes in a Holy God who created the covenant of marriage? But you'll allow a LGBT business owner to run their store? Show me the equality in that.

Here's the difference between Christian controversial words and non-Christian controversial words: We still love the people who hate us.

I have a friend who is very dear to my heart. Guess what? He's gay. I did not know this growing up. When, as an adult, I found out, I asked him questions about his choice of sexual orientation. I wanted to know more about how he thinks and how he feels. I offered him the biblical truth I have come to know and believe. I didn't tell him this to say, "You're wrong. I'm right." I shared it with him to let him know where I stand on the choice and to encourage him to think about it. He didn't take it that way. He unfriended me on Facebook and hasn't made contact since I offered him my perspective.

No let's agree to disagree. No friendly response that he didn't share my belief, so how are the kids. Disconnect. Silence.

Do I hate him because he's a homosexual? No. He's always been a close friend, and I still consider him so, despite his disconnect from our relationship. I will always love him as such. Do I agree with his lifestyle choice? No. Do I have to? No. In Christianese, this is loving the sinner but hating the sin.

I'd like to know how someone can call Christians bigots and intolerant for standing for their beliefs when the same so firmly stands for their own.

Bigot - n -  a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance      

Controversial words have been part of human history for centuries. Jesus suffered crucifixion at the hands of those who found His words and beliefs controversial to their own. Of course, we who believe know that ultimately, this wasn't the final plan for His death. God had His own plan, that we might have life through Jesus' death.

So as controversial words continue to air, we should prepare ourselves with an answer to those who question our faith.

"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." - Colossians 4:5-6

"Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences." -      2 Corinthians 5:9-11

Photo Copyright 2009 Victor H. Morales

Book Review - Faith and Other Flat Tires by Andrea Palpant Dilley

As someone who walked away from my faith during my teens and fell back into it as a young adult, I wondered what it's like to actually doubt God or be skeptical concerning His existence and role in our lives. Because I never really doubted. I strayed.

Which is why I agreed to review this book. After reading Andrea Palpant Dilley's memoir, Faith and Other Flat Tires, I have a much better idea of what doubting God looks like.

I confess, for the first two-thirds, maybe three-quarters, of her story, I couldn't relate. At all. I've never been a missionary kid. Although I went to church as a child, I wouldn't say I grew up in the church. I didn't have that kind of God connection or relationship within the body of Christ. Andrea is literary smart and shares faith comparisons throughout her text. It became a bit heady for me to read through at times. On occasion, I wanted to put the book down and walk away.

But I pressed on. I wanted to know what brought her back home. I wanted to know what grounded her faith in God. I wanted to know her without all her questions and doubts. Did she ever find the truth she sought? Would her pilgrimage end?

Well, not exactly. In her own words, "I wouldn't describe the experience as a conversion or an epiphany or anything else of that kind. [God had visited her in the night watches.] My doubt didn't vanish suddenly and the search didn't resolve. But I did experience that moment of peace." (p. 293)

I suppose some of us will always have questions concerning our faith. I suppose we are all on a pilgrimage, each his own, pressing on toward the goal of the high calling of our faith. Searching for final truths until the day we come face-to-face with our beloved Savior. Whom we shall know in the fullness of His glory when we leave this earth suit behind.

I love Andrea's honesty. Transparency. Her longing to know the answers. I love that she isn't satisfied and must continue asking questions. I love that she is always searching for more of the Truth. I love that she didn't give up on God, because God didn't give up on her. I love that she shares how He pursued her, called her out.

Overall, this isn't my favorite memoir. However, I would recommend it to anyone doubting their faith. A doubter would see it from a different perspective than a solid believer. And I am thankful for her perspective as a doubter.

Please note that I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Zondervan. I am not bound to giving a good review of this material. However, I think it may bless someone who relates with her quest in seeking the Lord. It is a well-written memoir.

To purchase your copy, please visit the following retailers:
CBD
Barnes and Noble
Amazon

Thoughtful Words - Idol Words

Do the words of others haunt you at night? Do they repeat themselves in your head over and over? Do you feel like crying as negative words are whispered in your imagination?

Have you made those words into an idol?

*gasp* Yes, that is a tough thought.

How about the flip side? Do you crave to hear that you are awesome? That you are loved? That you are the best thing since sliced bread (excuse the cliche)?

Although we should be told we're loved and be appreciated and respected and honored, if we depend on that to make us feel good about ourselves, we could be idolizing those types of words, as well.

Rather than looking to human beings to define our worth, we should be turning to God and His word for the definition of who we are. People make mistakes. God doesn't. People can't always tame their tongue. God knows exactly what to say and when to say it to bring correction or affirmation. People are imperfect. God is perfect. His thoughts are unfathomably higher than ours.

So why all the stinkin' thinkin'? Because we want to feel valued and loved by those around us. Even those who don't seem to like us.

When those negative voices try to take over our minds and chide us all day, we need to take them captive to the things of Christ. 

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (emphasis mine)

Our weapons are spiritual in nature. We have the power of God dwelling within us. We are capable of pulling down the strongholds that try to seize our thoughts. We are capable of using the Lord's words to cast down arguments and every high thing, those things that exalt themselves above God's word. We need to bring our thoughts before the throne and into submission to the One who created us in His image.

Because God loves us. He knows who we are at the depths of our spirit and soul. He didn't create us to succumb to the image others see of us. He created us in His image.  

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. - Romans 8:28-30

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

If this is true, then why do we continue to carve out our image in the negative words others say to us or the lack of words from those we desire to hear them from?

You shall not make idols for yourselves; neither a carved image nor a sacred pillar shall you rear up for yourselves; nor shall you set up an engraved stone in your land, to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God. - Leviticus 26:1

 We need to remove those images from our minds and hearts and seek God's word for His image of us. Today.

Photo Courtesy of Dreamtwist

Thoughtful Words - Words of Unbelief

Sometimes things happen that we, as simple human beings, cannot fathom or understand. These are mysterious to most, understandable by few. Usually they're painful. Sometimes they're joyful. They happen to many or to few. They leave us speechless or ready to unleash our verbal fury for all to hear or read.

Such it is when someone walks into a movie theater or a school or any other place and opens fire with automatic weapons, shotguns, or pistols. Not knowing what to do with this evil, we seek someone to blame. Rather than place blame where it belongs, we blame God, the guns, the parents, the schools, and society in general. 

Taking it one step farther, when someone says something about how good God is, we then blame them, usually the victim of such a crime, for believing there's still an ounce of goodness in this evil world.

We speak our words of angst and feel better for having someone to take them out on. Rather than hold our tongues and let the matter settle out.

Several people, including myself, have been blessed and encouraged to read the thoughts of Marie, who took her daughters to see The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado. She threw herself over her younger daughter as James Holmes opened fire in the theater. Her faith in God and her courage to maintain her faith in the midst of crisis is incredible. Her faith has come under the fire of some "refuse-to-believers" who can't fathom a perfect God who allows such things to happen in life. Here's a brief example of these types of words:

I don’t like hearing people say that god has a plan for everyone... So god's plan for all those who died were to be killed in a shooting?

I’m sorry, but I’ve weathered enough adversity in my life to abandon the thought of God ever helping me out or offering me liberation.

My heart breaks for these people. Their words are filled with pain and disappointment. Hope lost. 

And they don't understand God. Maybe they wanted to once, but their posts say they've decided He can't be all that good to allow these things to happen in life.

Have you ever faced disappointment? Has your hope waned in the face of trials, tribulations and evil times? Have your words been words of unbelief?

Peter spoke words of unbelief. Three times he denied the Christ he'd followed for many years. Another man had a child who lived under the oppression of a mute spirit. He brought his child to Jesus, who challenged him. The man responded, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"

I'd say it's natural to doubt our faith when it comes time to face the realities of the evil in our lives. But let us not waver in unbelief. Let us remember the God we serve, who is merciful, just, and loves us even in our sin.

Was it God's plan for the twelve to die at the hands of a gunman? No.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  - Jeremiah 29:11

So why does God allow these evil things to happen in life? Why does He allow people to die at the hands of others? Or to take their own lives? He doesn't.

Show me a place in the Bible where someone brought their sick child/relative/friend/self to Jesus and asked for healing and He turned them away. You can't, because He didn't. He came to preach the Gospel, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, give the blind sight, set at liberty those who are oppressed, and declare the year of the Lord. He came to give us life in abundance. Anyone who asks in faith receives this gift.

And those who died with a solid faith in Jesus Christ are not dead. They live in full abundance and perfection in heaven with their Savior. They have not died in vain. They've left behind a legacy of faith.

The problem is, many have chosen to deny that faith. They've chosen not to believe God is who He says He is. They've chosen death rather than life. They've chosen the evil things of this world over the goodness of God. They've selected to opt out.

God isn't a puppet master, pulling our strings. He gave us a will. He gave us the ability to make choices. And we do. Each one of us is in control of our lives. The question is, do we allow ourselves to choose evil or good? 

Many choose evil. That's why people walk into schools, movie theaters, post offices, churches, and people's homes and violate their right to an abundant life by opening fire with guns and bombs and more. This is not God's choice or His plan. This is a human's choice to take out their trauma on someone else. 

Personally, I feel that some people choose to doubt God's goodness, because if they recognized it, they'd have to face things in themselves and their own lives they'd rather avoid. Because it causes too much pain to do so. Because it would require a change. Because it's easier to ignore it. Because goodness frightens them. Because they've never known goodness before. Not in its True form.

Rather than blame God, the gun, the parents, or the victims of tragedy, think about the person who pulled the trigger or raped the child or simply fell short of the mark. Wonder why they did what they did. What heartache or tragedy touched their life to such a severe measure they'd take it out on the world? Say a prayer for them. Say a prayer for their family. Say a prayer for the victims. 

And acknowledge that God isn't the root of evil. Nor does He allow it. That's why Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Evil, the Israelites had to wander an extra 40 years in the desert, and Satan is doomed to Hell.

 

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. - James 5:16

Choose to bring light with your words in this dark time. 

Photos Courtesy of Roberto V. and Alexander Kalina 

Toughtful Words - Parental Words

"I wish you'd never been born."

"Peter wasn't part of our plan."

"Shut up!"

"Go away!"

Have your parents ever said these words to you? To a sibling? Are they ingrained in your heart? Do they resound in your head?

Do you say them to your own kids?

These are words that wound a child for life. Tender hearts can't filter ambiguous meaning. They don't understand that Mommy is tired and doesn't want to hear the same list of what they want for their birthday ten times a day. They don't understand that "wasn't part of our plan" translates to "blessed surprise." No parent should ever tell a child they wish they'd never been born.

As a parent, I must select my words with wisdom. I constantly have to remind myself that my tongue holds the power of blessing and cursing. 

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things out not to be so. - James 3:10

I've found that with my oldest son, I can't tell him he did something stupid, because he automatically translates that to mean I am stupid.

My middle son, Caleb, is like my German Shorthaired Pointer. He needs to be occupied and active, or something inside of him snaps, and he turns into a mischief maker. Many times I've caught myself saying something along the lines of, "Quit being a pain." Or, when talking with another adult, "Caleb's my difficult one." Notice the curse? Every time I speak those negative words over my son, I am pulling down a curse over him. He will become a pain, difficult, trouble.

On the other hand, when I think about my words before they fall out of my mouth, I can bless my children. "You're smart." "You're talented." "You are such a princess." "You are so handsome in that suit." "You can do anything you set your mind and heart to do."

Or, to say it biblically:

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. - Numbers 6:24-26

After all, we are raising children of God. Who are His before they were ours.

If you've ever had curses spoken over your life by your own parents, please know that God loves you. He created you in His image. He gave you life. He wants you. He loves you.

Here are a few things He says about you:

He formed your inward parts. He covered you in your mother's womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. His works (you) are marvelous. - Psalm 139:13-14

You are the apple of His eye. - Psalm 17:8

He knows the thoughts He thinks toward you. Thoughts of peace, not of evil. To give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

The Scriptures are filled with plenty more. Go on a treasure hunt. If you're a mother, do it with your kids. Find out what God says about His children. Mine the gold. Seek the precious. And find words of blessing to speak over yourself and your children.