My One Word for 2013

For the past few years, I've prayed as the New Year approached. I've asked God to give me One Word for the year; one that I would focus on and center my life around. Every year He's been faithful.

In 2012, that word was multiply. In 2012, I have seen an increase in my work as an editor. I have had more successes as a writer. My husband received his first raise in four years. My teenager is maturing in various areas of his life. God's abundance has manifested in our lives. He has multiplied.

My One Word for 2013 is EVERYTHING.

 As I make Jesus the center of Everything in my life, I will see the goodness of the Lord. I am expecting amazing things this new year. As Jesus becomes the center of my marriage, I anticipate a growth in our ministry (Together Ministries). As Jesus becomes the center of my parenting, I anticipate a spiritual growth in our children--a deepening in their relationships with Jesus. As Jesus becomes the center of my career, I anticipate an expansion, an increase, and an outreach to many. As Jesus becomes the center of my health, I anticipate an increase in energy, a decrease in my waistline, and a decrease in headaches and sickness.

As I allow Jesus to be my FOCUS, I look forward to ORDER in my life and the lives of my family members. As order falls into place, I anticipate and am pregnant with expectations that God is going to be PREPARING us for a new season in our lives. That season may be ten years from now, but I know it's out there, waiting on God's perfect timing.

What is your One Word for 2013? I can't wait to hear what God is saying to His children!

Confidence in Everything

In the aftermath of horrendous weather and damaged property and death, it may not seem God is for us or on our side. To some, it may feel the exact opposite. How could He allow this to happen? If God is for me, why am I suffering like this? I've lost my home, all my belongings, all just before the holiday season. How is God for me in the midst of this? I can hear the questions, the concerns, as I watch The Weather Channel reporting the devastation left after Sandy's jaunt through the eastern seaboard.

I love the Scriptures Mary DeMuth points out in the chapter of Everything entitled, "Set Aside Worry." These are taken from the NASB:

If a river rages, he is not alarmed; he is confident, though the Jordan rushes to his mouth. Job 40:23

Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident. Psalm 27:3

I know I don't live in the path of the storm that has raged its way across New Jersey and Connecticut and New York City and all the areas it has hit. That doesn't mean I don't know what it's like to weather a storm or can't relate to death and destruction. I've faced many storms in my own life, both self-inflicted and naturally occurring. And I've had to choose where my confidence would lie.

It will always be in Jesus, my Everything. God is in control. Even when it seems the circumstances of life are overwhelming and He's gone missing, I know God is always there. His Word says that He will never leave nor forsake us. It also reminds us that He is not in the storms. He is not in the fire, the wind, or the earthquake. It's His still small voice that answers in the midst of the chaos of life. That is where we shall find our confidence, our faith, our trust. In the still small voice of God. Reminding us that He does care.

Everything is a book that has changed many lives already. There are near one hundred of us on Mary's launch team. If you've kept up with my posts or have followed my Pinterest board, you've heard us repeatedly endorse this book. I have yet to hear one person say it didn't impact their life in one way or another. So, grab a highlighter, a pen, a cup of coffee or tea or whatever else you enjoy drinking, and pick up a copy of Mary's book today. Find out exactly what you give and what you gain when you make Jesus your Everything.

This post is part of a Blog Tour for Everything. Feel free to click here to read more posts from the launch team.

Want a shot at winning a KitchenAid mixer in Everything blue? You've got today and tomorrow to try! Click here for contest rules and instructions on how to enter.

Stand

Have you ever tried to do something apart from God and His will? I have. Either I get antsy and run ahead of God or I get fearful and take matters into my own hands.

Just as God promised Abram that he would be the father of nations, God promised me that my children would be all right. I wasn't to worry about them.

God came to Abram and spoke. "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly." Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father to many nations (Gen. 17:1-4)."

God speaks to us through His word. One morning, before school ended last spring, God revealed this verse to me during my time in His Word: "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth (John 17:15-17)."

I heard that my children should not be taken out of the world, but that God would continue to protect them from the evil one. I should have started praying that God would sanctify my children by His truth. I should have started covering them in His Word.

Instead, like Abram, I took matters into my own hands. I figured I could protect them by bringing them home for school. Like Abram, I found that my plan wasn't better than God's plan for my children.

I have faced failure this past quarter of the school year. I have faced a pouting, whiny face every morning. I have faced the fact that I am not equipped to teach my seventh grader. The math he's doing is the math I failed at doing when I was in school. And I still don't get it. I have battled within myself as I've considered if my protection is preventing them from dealing with issues they will face into adulthood. And I've remembered God's promise to me through a prophet so many years ago, when my oldest was only a toddler: "Don't worry about your children. They will be fine."

In my desire to bootstrap, to stubbornly do it my way, I've avoided that Holy Ground. And I've lived frustrated in every minute of it. When I release my will and my need to be in control, I walk that holy ground, and I live free in the abundance of life Jesus promises His children.

Humbly, I am turning my children's protection back over to God. I will let Him do His job and I will fulfill my responsibility to trust Him with everything He owns, especially my children. They will return to a school building, where teachers will teach them math, history, language arts, and science. And I will provide that safe, secure place for them to come home to where they will be loved unconditionally, taught the Word of the Lord, and directed down the path God will take them as they journey through this thing called Life.

To purchase a copy of Mary DeMuth's latest release, Everything, please visit one of the following retailers:
amazon
Parable
Barnes and Noble

Pin It to Win It! A KitchenAid Mixer in Everything Blue

I know this makes a double post for today, but I couldn't wait to share THIS INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY with you. Mary DeMuth is giving away a KitchenAid mixer to ONE LUCKY WINNER who enters her Pinterest contest. Here are the details (click through the image to go to the official entry site):

If you haven't heard, her newest book, Everything, released on October 16th. I highly recommend it. It would make a great Christmas gift for anyone in your life, too. You can buy a copy HERE.

If you enter the contest, please leave me a comment and let me know. 

I'd love to check out your Everything graphic!

So, what are you waiting for?

Book Review: Everything by Mary DeMuth

If you follow me on Twitter, then you've noticed I keep tweeting about #everythingbook. This is because I am super excited to share with you that my favorite non-fiction book, Everything, by Mary DeMuth, is finally available for you to get your hands on and your hearts wrapped around! Forgive me if I start writing in exclamatory sentences!!! I'm really that excited about sharing this book with you!!!

Okay, I'll calm down now. But only so that you'll keep reading...

Everything is all about what you give and what you gain to become like Jesus. In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus tells us there's a price we must all pay in order to be His disciple. We must count the cost before we jump into that relationship. We need to be ready to give our everything so that Jesus becomes our Everything.

This book is all about that. It is a challenge. It is a heart-invader. It is a smack on the spiritual behind. It is filled with love. It is filled with compassion. It is filled with hope.

I was blessed to become a member of Mary's launch team a few months ago. As I opened the PDF file containing the book, I expected life-changing words and fresh revelation of God's will for my life. I wasn't disappointed. As I read word after word, God poured wave after wave of His conviction over me.

I've read Psalm 19:13 multiple times over. "Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression." As I read Everything, my heart fell to the floor and broke into a million pieces. Those presumptuous sins add up after awhile and total great transgression - transgression that the saint isn't even aware of. It's been said that after we've walked with the Lord for a measure of time, leading others, ministering, and working for His kingdom that we tend to get into a groove. One day, rather suddenly, we find ourselves broken again, as we were the first time we came to the Lord. That would be me as I read this incredibly wise woman's words.

Words like,

{AND}

{and}

I believe more of my copy is highlighted than not. My copy of Everything has dog ears and notes in the margin. It has been my Bible's companion and will be for a very long time. I have attempted to read it slowly, enjoying the crumbs and gobbling every nugget left on the page. There's too much to take in the first time through. I will need to wrap it up and save it for later and return to partake of it again and again.

Mary shared her thoughts, her stories, her struggles, her successes, and God's word in such a way that caused me to laugh, cry, and fall humbly to my knees as I read. I feel like I have a twin sister. I feel like she sat across from me, sharing, laughing, crying, and reaching out to hold my hand through the book. I've honestly never read something that drew me in like that - other than the Bible. What a read! What a change I'm going through because of her obedience in writing it!

If you read it, you won't be disappointed. You'll be forever changed as you allow God to move in your heart and your life. If you don't read it, you'll be missing another opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to take a good look in the mirror of God's word and compassionately shared truths.

Do you love FREE STUFF? I know I do! If you purchase Everything this week {Launch Week} you can get over $200 of FREE GOODIES. Simply visit Mary's website to find out how.

To purchase your copy, please visit one of these retailers, or head out to your local bookstore. :)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Parable

Please be aware that I have received a free copy of this book for review. I was not required to give a positive review, but this book is positively AWESOME!!!

Inspiring Encouragement - Greener Grass

Mary DeMuth has written an incredible book entitled Everything. Within the pages of this challenging read, she has several quotes worthy of sharing. You can find some of them on this Pinterest board. Here's one I created:

So often, we think our neighbor has it so much better. They can afford the two ATVs and the snowmobile. Their paint isn't peeling off their home. Their kids are involved in every activity under the sun. And they've always got a smile on their faces.

What we don't see are the credit cards piled up and the debt load they live under. We don't see the stress they feel with every new commitment. We don't hear the argument they had last night over the bill that didn't get paid. We don't see their despair.

The grass is greener where we water it. If we ponder the world and all of its supposed blessings for too long, we lose sight of the spiritual aspects of our life. The world will drag us down when Jesus will lift us up. We need to nurture that spiritual part of our being with the water of the Word. Then life will be full of growth and those things that keep us going forward in the kingdom of God, and our grass will be plenty green enough. (And our neighbors will wonder why we can't stop smiling.)

Mary's book will release on October 16th. You can pre-order it now at the following retailers:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Abundantly Satsified with the Fountain of Life

Have you ever had one of those days/weeks/months/years where the little things in life drain you, leaving you feeling like a flat tire with nothing left to go on?

I can relate. It's been one of those weeks. In the process of it all, I've been fighting frustration, anxiety and the urge to either scream or cry. I haven't fully relied on God's strength to hold me up. I don't face the new day with abandon, trusting God to supply all of my needs and the needs of my children. I fall very short of the mark before me as I cling to the strands of my own efforts and plans.

BUT GOD. He is so gracious. He wakes me each morning and brings comfort and peace through His words. They wash over me like rivers of living water. 

"Children of men put their trust under My almighty wings." Protective wings. Sheltering wings. Wings that can take me anywhere God wants me to go or I want to go with God. 

"My children are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of My house." Abundance. Satisfaction. Fullness. Lacking nothing that I truly NEED. Because God provides for me and my household straight from the wealth of His household. 

"I give My children drink from the river of My pleasures." I drink from the things that delight the Lord. When my focus is heavenward, when I choose not to see the earthly things around me, God is delighted. I can drink from His pleasures. There is joy in knowing Him and in loving others and in walking in forgiveness. 

"The fountain of life is with Me." The earthly things don't give me life. My life flows from Him. He is life. In Him, I have life. Revive me, oh Lord. 

"You will see light when you look to Me." He is the light at the end of my tunnel. When I turn to look at the true Light, all of the darkness fades away to nothingness. I am comforted and revived. I can face the new day with life in my spirit. Because Jesus is my Everything. 

In chapter six of her book, Everything, Mary DeMuth puts it this way:

"The truth: God puts us through more than we can bear.
 He does.
 Why?
 Because after we journey through those places, we learn resilience.  And that resilience brings the ability to joyfully live in the moment despite our circumstances--a holy paradox."

Where are you in your circumstances? Are you resilient and living joyfully in the moment? Or are you like me, still gaining that resilience?

Until then, I will be meditating on Psalm 36:7-9. I will be letting God's truth concerning His children sink deep into my spirit until it flows as living waters within. 

Blogging Through the Book:
As a member of Mary DeMuth's launch team, I've been honored to read her incredible book, Everything, before its release. I have been and will continue to be "Blogging Through the Book" as I read it. Mary's words are inspiring and honest, and she brings so much light to God's word as she's transparent about her experiences as a Christian who has made Jesus her Everything. If you'd like to sample Everything before it's release, you can download a few chapters here for FREE. I highly encourage you to do so. You won't be disappointed, and you may find yourself transformed.

Less Than Everything Under Control

It is good to take account of what's happening in one's heart. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the things of life that we lose sight of what's going on inside of us. We focus on externals and forget internals. Yet God tells us it's from inside of us that life proceeds.

Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life. - Proverbs 4:23

One of the issues I've struggled with for years is control. I confess. I am a control freak. I have been since I was a child. For one, I'm the oldest of three siblings. Bossy girl. For another, my dad is a control freak. His way ruled growing up. Just as he had to pack the car for road trips (and you'd better not get in his way), I too have to pack for trips (because, after all, there's less likely to be a hassle or a mess along the way if I do it). Oh! And don't get in my way, either. Unless you want to be blinded by my glare. Lastly, if I'm in control, then I'm the only one who can screw it up. And I'm great at admitting my own faults, so I don't have to worry about whether or not someone else will take the blame for their mistake.

Yes, I am the most freakiest of control freaks ever.

Which is why I cringed when I got to these sentences in Mary DeMuth's book, Everything. "Could it be that we are guilty of flawless Christian performances? That we've taken up ownership and control of our relationship with Jesus?" (p. 77)

I'm sure you could hear me gasp clear out in California. She pegged it. I'd have to say it's been probably three years since I sat down with God and did a serious weighing of my heart. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. (Proverbs 21:2) Sure, I've prayed, fasted, read my Bible, sought the Lord and His will. I certainly haven't neglected our relationship. But I've also become that Christian performer, controlling the relationship. If I'm honest with myself. Truly honest.

Which makes me feel, well, less than. It's humbling to come to a realization that I've been reading less than what God would have me read. I've been praying less than I should be. I've been focusing on Him less than I've focused on outward things. I've done less than I could do for my husband and my kids. I've been less than compassionate. I've been less than zealous. I've been less than humble. Less than.

But Jesus is more so. So much more. Jesus is Everything. And it's time to make Him Everything in my life once again. It's time for me to relinquish control and allow God to take me on a journey down unfamiliar roads. My heart longs for a new adventure. One only God can lead me on. One I need to follow Him on, rather than lead another.

Have you ever been in a place like this? One where you suddenly discovered such a truth about yourself and an even bigger one about the Lord? How did it make you feel? What did you decide you needed most? 

Graphic courtesy of Microsoft.com

Jesus became my Everything when...

Two posts in one day. What are you going to do with me? ;)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;Fear the Lord and depart from evil." - Proverbs 3:5-7

As some of you know, I'm blessed to be a part of Mary DeMuth's launch team for her upcoming book, Everything. Part of the joy of being a team player is stepping out of comfort zones and doing things unexpected.

For two weeks I've prayed about my Jesus is my Everything video. For two weeks, I've pondered how to eloquently phrase my words. For two weeks I've thought about where to shoot this video, what background to use, and what to wear.

But it isn't really about me, is it? It's all about Jesus. Because He is my Everything. Here's how He came to be just that:

 

I tried to live my life as a unique individual, choosing my own direction, going down the road less chosen (can you quote Robert Frost). What I didn't realize is that every road I chose led to a Dead End. Lifelessness. Every ounce of my energy sucked away. Numb to pain and heartache, I never quit. I just kept going. And going. And going. Nowhere. On my way. My path. My destiny. Nowhere.

After awhile, I got tired of reaching Dead Ends. And I let Jesus become my all-in-all. My Everything. I decided I'd give His way a try. I'd let Him direct my steps. I'd let Him lead the way. He's been my Everything ever since, and the journey's been amazing.

Will you let Him be your Everything today?

 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

If you'd like a shot at starring in Mary's Everything book trailer, you can follow the guidelines in her contest blog post. Hurry! Time's running out...

Mary's book releases October 16th. You can pre-order it now. Not sure if you want it? She's kindly provided sample chapters to help you make a decision. My prayer is that you will make Jesus your Everything and follow-up with a great read filled with incredible insight from a woman who's made Jesus her Everything.

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. 

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.