“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you – you of little Faith!”                  Luke 12:28 (NRSV)

While growing up, I learned very early about borders as boundaries. Some borders are very clear: Color inside the lines; Others are invisible – Stay in our yard while you play.

Our yards have borders. Our cities, counties and states have borders – All of which we cross without much thought quite frequently. However, there are also more stringent borders like the country’s border. 

Over time, largely due to political unrest elsewhere and terroristic threats around the world, travel outside of the country and around the world has become more difficult. More identification is required, more safety measures are taken, more rules are in place. 

This can deter people from traveling too far from home. It keeps people from venturing outside of their comfort zone. People are content to view from afar … to participate in virtual travel. Physical borders designed to keep certain things out also have the reverse effect – they keep things in as well.

The original intent of most borders is to define a space – to identify it – to claim it. Borders are certainly necessary in many instances and very useful – unless you are talking about your faith!

Does your faith have borders?

Are you willing to trust God but only to a certain point? Do you stay away from areas outside of your faith comfort zone on purpose? Have you placed limits on your faith so that it makes you uncomfortable to move outside of that space?

I have.

Our faith is not intended to have borders. As Christians we have the ultimate “faith” passport. Yet, we are often afraid to use it.

We worry – What if I go too far? What if I can’t get back? 

We must remember that can’t happen. By definition, faith means leaving your comfort zone. Going beyond your personal borders.

Now is the time to live out our faith – a faith without borders, without boundaries.

Stepping beyond the borders of your faith doesn’t mean you will move to a foreign land and become a missionary – it might. But it also might mean you want to become a stay at home mom, change jobs, go back to school, visit a new church, or start a new program or Bible study at your church.

What or where is God calling you?

Follow your calling. Go there. God will go with you. 

Trust Him and step out in your faith. 

Don’t let invisible boundaries contain you. Go beyond your borders!

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” Job 11:7 (NIV)

“But when you are invited go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes he might say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’ so that you will be honored in the presence of all who sit with you at the table.”                                                                       Luke 14:10 (RSV)

There are times in our lives where we want, hope, or long to be the center of attention… the head of the table. For some people this seems to be a daily goal. Come on – you know the type- the person who must get the best seat at every meeting, meal, or event. The person who makes his presence known as soon as he enters the room. The person who is always vying for position. I have done it. Haven’t you?

The verse highlighted here is one taken from the parable of the banquet table in Luke 14:1-14. I highly recommend reading the entire parable as it delivers a variety of messages. The message in this particular passage reminds us of the rewards of being humble. 

Just as we can recall the boisterous person, the one seeking recognition, I believe everyone knows a truly humble person that is held in high regard. The person who defines humility – giving of one’s self, never asking or expecting anything in return. The person who makes daily sacrifices for others.

This week my husband was celebrated for his 32 years in law enforcement as he retires. Through his career of service and sacrifice, he never sought recognition for his efforts. He didn’t make decisions based on popularity. He acted according to what is the right thing to do – even when it was the hard choice. He just wanted to do what is right. Not what is right in the eyes of people of power but what is right morally and ethically and spiritually. 

It has taken me years to learn the benefit of humility. To realize life is about others – serving others, being an example to others, giving up self for the good of the whole. It is the example Jesus set for us. You know, actually being humble not just acting humble. An act of humility is easy but being truly humble is a lifestyle not an event. 

Life is so much more rewarding when we are invited to a higher seat at the table than when we place ourselves there. We must take time to experience the joy of celebrating and lifting up others. Our own recognitions and rewards are fleeting but when we choose to put others first we are able to delight and take part in the rejoicing of many. How much sweeter then is our own accomplishment and recognition when we least expect it?

The next verse in the parable here is: 

“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”    Luke 14:11

My husband enjoyed a successful career in law enforcement and I am so very proud to have been by his side through it all. When recognized for his accomplishments, he was humble and gracious as always. I know he will continue to work and live as a humble man of God and in doing so his ultimate exaltation will be for eternity at the Lord’s table.

Today, you are encouraged to humble yourself for the Lord. We are all called to sacrifice daily in terms of our time and energy. You are asked to give of yourself asking nothing in return. Allow God to work through you so that the accomplishments of your life are for Him and to His Glory. 

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’”                                                                                                                  Genesis 3:8-10

Naked and afraid … that is how all of us enter this world and how Adam and Eve exited the Garden of Eden entering a whole new world – a cruel world very different from the garden paradise God created for their pleasure. By partaking of the one fruit they were told specifically to stay away from, the original man and woman became shockingly aware of their naked selves and were filled with fear of being discovered by their God, our God. 

In Genesis, we learn of the consequences for their actions. Adam and Eve were exiled from their safe haven to live a life knowing pain and anguish, a life that would not spare them of physical and emotional despair. 

Naked and afraid … I am fortunate to say that since birth I have not literally experienced this. However, there have been times in my life that I have felt the same vulnerability. Stripped bare by the comments of another, or by my own actions, scared of being discovered. I have entered a room and felt exposed as if everyone there could see my once hidden self. 

Have you experienced that sinking or sickening feeling? Afraid of being discovered?

That feeling created from social media posts, fake news, or good old-fashioned gossip spreading half-truths or even downright misinformation that can be personally damaging. The subject (or victim) becomes the topic of whispers, knowing looks, and repeated negative comments. Or how about that feeling created when something that is true and deeply personal is shared after a promised confidence? Again whispers, looks, and comments abound. Whether real or perceived, true or untrue when the buzz is about you it cuts to the core and creates that feeling of hopelessness or helplessness. 

Uncovered. Exposed. Stripped. Bare. 

Shocked. Fearful. Troubled. Anxious.

What is one to do in this situation? Hide like Adam and Eve? That is the natural inclination. Avoid the situation. Lay low until it blows over and the chatter turns to the next juicy story. Yes, that’s what we’d like to do. 

There is a better solution. Think of that other naked and afraid situation … a newborn. We are all born into this world crying and anxious until placed in the comforting arms of a mother. There we are cradled until settled and secure.

We have that option as adults too. Our Father God is always there with arms wide open. He is waiting to cover you with His love and cradle you, making you settled and safe. He will hold you as you face that difficult situation. 

Adam and Eve left the garden, but they didn’t leave God behind. There were consequences then, and we suffer consequences too. As we read in Genesis, God is with us too … to love us through our choices and in all circumstances.

You’ll notice in the scripture God looked for Adam and Eve. He didn’t abandon them. He knows our weaknesses, our secrets, our flaws. There is no need to hide. Trust in Him to be by your side through it all. 

Dear Lord,

When in despair, it is comforting to know you are there looking for me even when I am hiding from the world. Thank you for cradling me in your arms, covering and calming me when I am most vulnerable. 

Amen.

“When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’”                                        Matthew 14:26-31

Many years ago, I struggled with a decision about a job. Should I apply for that job posting? Is it the right thing to do for my family? Of course my husband and I talked about it and he was supportive in whatever I decided to do; but, I still struggled with whether or not to apply for it. It was a big deal. It would mean many changes for our family. 

As I continued to struggle with the idea, my husband questioned my hesitations. I shared with him that I had prayed about it but God just wasn’t answering my question. It was then that my husband made a profound statement that has stuck with me ever since. 

He said, “Well, He isn’t going to put it on a billboard, you know!”

But that is what I want. I need clear directions. The slap you in the face, anyone could see that kind of answers in my life. And most often that is not the form of the answers we get from God. 

So often I fail to recognize the answers to my prayers, my questions, my ponderings when they are right there. So often, like Peter, I fail to recognize Jesus when He is right in front of me. I fail to recognize Him just when I need Him most.

When do you recognize Jesus? Is it in the flowers blooming, leaves falling, or birds chirping? Is it in the clearly answered prayer, the sickness cured, a job gained, or a loved one returned home? That is when I see Him and he is oh, so clear then.

Somehow, I fail to see Him during the rain, in the aftermath of a deadly storm, or when immobilized by snow. I often don’t recognize Him when sickness claims a life, a job is lost, a prayer goes unanswered, or a loved one pushes me away.

In my heart, I know He is there. I just don’t see Him. 

Yes, most of us fail to recognize Jesus when He is right in front of us with outstretched arms trying to pull us closer. 

Just like the disciples, we think we see Him – but could it be? We question and test Him.

How many times have you started a prayer like this: Lord, if you are really there then…Lord, just show me… Lord, if you let this happen then I will … 

We pray those prayers not realizing or not wanting to realize He is right there, walking on water, trying to reveal Himself to us. We still want more. More proof. More reassurance before we believe our eyes. 

My prayer today is that I learn to recognize Jesus in all aspects of my life. That I learn to trust more each day in His plan for my life. 

Just think of how much we can add to our daily lives by recognizing Jesus first – in the calm and the storm. What a blessing to know He is always there. In the middle of it all.

I challenge you to recognize Jesus today – not just in nature or in those acts of kindness you see but in making that decision you have been putting off, in that difficult person you encounter, or during a difficult situation.

He is there – can’t you see Him?

“ When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!’”             Matthew 14:32-33 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”                                                                          Hebrews 12:1

Another overcast morning – the local meteorologist officially proclaims today as “cloudy with a chance of thunder storms in the afternoon.” I slip into my raincoat and grab my umbrella before heading off to work.

At lunchtime, I peer out the window and see the sun beginning to break through the clouds. The forecast was wrong … again. I suppose the meteorologists would rather prepare us for the worst. It is a weather forecast, a prediction. I laugh thinking to myself that you never hear a weather person proclaim the day as “cloudy with a chance of sunshine. So, don’t forget to grab your sunglasses and take along some sunscreen just in case!” No, I don’t think we will ever hear that. Yet, we are always alerted to even the smallest chance of inclement weather. 

Reflecting on the scripture today, I realize that as Christians our life is meant to be cloudy with a chance. A chance for success, a chance for victory, a chance to overcome, a chance to persevere.

When we surround ourselves with other Christians, a cloud of witnesses, we are in the shadow of hope, and encouragement rains down on us. By choosing to walk along side other Christians on this journey through life and by choosing to persevere, to push through no matter what, we are preparing for the worst by choosing to seek the best. 

So as you head out to work or play each day, whether the sun is shining brightly or nowhere to be seen, remember each day as a Christian is truly cloudy with a chance!

You are surrounded by examples of love, prosperity, endurance, and hope. You are encouraged and supported to walk in the way of righteousness.

Keep this in mind so that the next time you hear the meteorologist say the day ahead is cloudy with a chance of showers, grab your sunglasses anyway! You just never know what the day might bring. Anything is possible with God. Smile knowing you always have a chance for something better. And when the storms do come, large drops falling heavy on your shoulders – literally or figuratively – dance in the rain. You can and will persevere!

“We are what [God] has made us, created in Jesus Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”                                                        Ephesians 2:10 (NRSV)

What do you want to be when you grow up?

As children, we all hear this question frequently. You spend the first quarter of your life trying to figure that out. Then, before you know it you wake up one morning and you realize ‘This is it’ – You are adulting.

For better and sometimes for worse, this is us. Some of us are right where we thought we would be professionally. Some are slightly off the mark (maybe not a surgeon but in the medical field), and some are on a totally different path (started out as a lawyer and became an artist). 

Personally, you may have dreamed of the white picket fence and a yard full of children and now you are single in a townhouse with that dream of children unfulfilled. Or did you imagine traveling the world but became grounded in the suburbs with travel consisting of carpool and playdates? 

What did you want to be? How closely does your current reality match your childhood vision?

In 1933, a famous man once said, “I am what I am and that’s all that I am.” (Popeye)

How profound. 

Most likely your life map has not unfolded exactly as planned. Those unexpected dips, curves, potholes, and detours have brought you to this place, this moment.

You are what you are and I am what I am.

More importantly, we are what God made us to be.

Check the scripture again. He created us “in Christ Jesus for good works…” Good Works.

The work is not defined. No matter what you wanted to be or what you are, know you were created for this “…which God prepared to be your way of life.”

Instead of concentrating on becoming a certain thing, concentrate on the work, the good work you can do. You were made for this – no matter what this is.

What are you doing today? Running your own business, working a shift, driving the kids to school, cleaning your home? Remember the good work to be done.

I am who I am and that’s all that I am and you are who you are which is pretty amazing. 

Amazingly created in Jesus Christ for this life. With this in mind, let’s embrace what God made us and be our best every day.

Be the best you – not what you thought you would be or aspire to be – the best, real you.

What good works will you do today? 

Dear Lord,

Please bless each of us in the work you have for us each day. Let us remember that it is all good work that comes from you. May we be who we are, right here and right now, so that others may see you in us and in all that we do.

Amen.

(My beautiful, graceful mother passed away earlier this week. She was diagnosed with dementia over a decade ago and her struggle is over. She was a wonderful example of selflessness and strength. This post is a tribute to her and all that she means to our family.)

“Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes
have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and
to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9

After a startling diagnosis years ago, my mother lived with a form of dementia.
For Christmas the year she was diagnosed, I gave her a special journal I found at a local
bookstore. It is structured so the writer can chronicle her own life to pass down in the family. It
gives the writer prompts and space to reflect and document facts, events, and feelings from the
past. I used it as an opportunity to sit with my mom and ask her about her life. I asked the questions
and wrote her responses. All she had to do was share.

Through that process, I learned a lot not only about my mom but about our extended family as
well. I also learned that there are times and feelings we would all like to forget. Not all
memories are happy ones. Some are painful. Yet, each of us is the sum of our experiences.
Looking back over some of mom’s responses I can clearly see how each person, event, and
setting from the past has contributed to the creation of the beautiful, strong woman I admire.

This 4-foot 10 inch, petite lady has never delivered a speech to the masses (not that I know of).
She has never held a position of leadership of a fortune 500 company and she has never
received national or global recognition for her contributions to society. Yet, her life speaks
volumes. The way she lived with grace and dignity, a life centered in Christ, is an example for many. It made her unintentionally influential beyond measure.

As my children are taking flight, spreading their wings, and starting to find their own way in this
world, I find myself wishing I had offered more guidance to them in many areas but especially
regarding their spiritual journey. However, when I watched my mom and considered her daily
example and teachings, I realized the things we teach our children as well as those around us
doesn’t always involve a lecture. It is the way we live, how we react to the events in our lives
that offer the real lessons and will have the greatest impact on others – our children and our
children’s children. As time passes and people, events, and places, fade from our memory, our heart never forgets.

We will have life lessons to teach and pass on to others.

Make plans to pass along the things you have learned to others. You already influence those
around you whether you realize it or not.

The scripture reminds us to be intentional with our influence, to “watch closely” so we “don’t
forget” to let the next generation know what we have seen and heard.

Make a commitment to live intentionally starting today.

“We will tell the next generation about the Lord’s power and His great deeds and the wonderful
things He has done.” Psalms 78:4

You can intentionally tell others, not just through your words but also through your actions.
Live intentionally now and you will continue to impress upon others later in life – It will not
fade, even when we do.

“These commandments I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your
children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the
doorframes of your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NIV)

What have your eyes seen? What is your story? Talk about it. Write it down. Pass it on and be
sure to thank God for those in your life that have taught you the important things about life and
spirituality.

Today, I am especially thankful for my mom – her life, her story, and her heart.

“and this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.”                                          1 John 5:14 (ESV)

Do you know what most experts list as the #1 skill needed for successful communication in the workplace and in life?              

Listening.

In every communication model there is a sender and a receiver. Two people or a whole group cannot talk all at once to communicate clearly – Someone must be the sender and another must be the receiver. Back when each home had a landline phone, you picked up the ‘receiver’ to hear who was calling. Makes sense, right?

But, do you ever feel like you are talking or sharing and no one is listening?

With someone standing in front of you or sitting alongside, do you feel like you aren’t being heard?

This happens to all of us – Especially with all of the distractions and interruptions that we allow in our lives 24/7 (like cell phones, instant messaging, email, Face Book). 

I know I am a much better sender than receiver. I am always trying to think one step ahead and sometimes I can’t turn off the background noise in my brain – the ‘to-do’ list, reminders, replaying the days’ events … it goes on and on.

Just ask my tolerant husband. Occasionally, when he is sharing something he will stop, look at me, and ask, “What did I just say?” I generally respond saying, “I hear you.” In actuality, I heard his words but I didn’t hear what he was saying. I didn’t receive the message.

I know this is an area of improvement for me. I admire those people who are such good listeners that they make you feel like you are the only person on the planet when you speak to them. I want to be that person.

We are reminded in today’s scripture that God is the ultimate listener. He hears our every request. He always receives our message. 

He hears us in the still of the morning. He hears us in the peak of the storm. He hears us in the chaos of our day. 

When we are faced with the difficult times, the heartbreaks, the grief, He hears our cries. When we celebrate the new job, the child who finally gets it together, the ray of sunshine peeking through the clouds, He hears us.  

When no one else is listening, He hears you.

When no one else will listen, He hears you.

What do you have to say today? Do you need to be heard? He is listening.

Dear Lord,

As I intentionally focus on becoming a better listener, help me to be mindful of the model of the best listener ever – You. As I strive to be heard, remind me that you always hear me.

Amen

“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”      Titus 1:16 (NIV)

When we first started our family and began to raise children, my husband and I found ourselves saying “No, No” quite a bit. We caught ourselves doing this so much with one of our children that we started calling the child Little Baby No No.

No, No – Don’t touch.  

No, No – Don’t put that in your mouth. 

No, No – Don’t use markers on the wall.

No, No – Don’t interrupt.  

Over time, we took the disobedience and the ultimate questioning personally as if the children were making us say No or treating us like the bad guy.

No – you can’t snack an hour before dinner. Why?

No – you can’t wear that. Why?

No – you can’t stay out after 10. Why?

No – you can’t go home with that person after school. Why?

Shamefully, the answer to why was often, “Because I said so. That’s why.”

As the children grew older and wiser, so did we. As parents, we understood that the No was nothing more than a negative response without a foundation. Our growing children wanted to know more about the why and we needed to provide it.

Part of human growth and development is learning discernment. How can we expect children to learn to make good choices for themselves if we don’t give them the knowledge and logic behind those choices?

Our relationship with God is the same. We have the Ten Commandments with the Thou Shalt Nots and an entire collection of books in the Old Testament portion of the Bible, which contain more rules and don’ts. As times have changed over these last 2000 plus years, some of those old No No’s are tested and we begin to question – just like our children. 

We are children of God so questioning is natural. It is part of our Christian growth. God prepared for these times, for our why’s – much better than I prepared for the bigger questions my adult children have thrown my way. He is not a “Because I said so kind of God.” 

He wants us to know why; therefore, God has given us Know Knows – so to speak. He outlined the hard No’s – His nonnegotiables – but He also left us with volumes of the Knows, knowledge and understanding for the ages. 

As humans, we all experience growing pains. Some when we are younger and more when we are older. For this, God equips us explaining the why so we can learn and practice discernment.

Here is my list of God’s Know Knows:

Know Worry. Know God.      Matthew 6:32-34

^“Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.”

Know Love. Know God.          1 John 4:7-8

^“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 

Know Grace and Peace. Know God. 2 Peter 1:2-3

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Know Contentment and Strength. Know God.         Philippians 4:11-13

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Know Faith. Know God.         Ephesians 2:8

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—”

Know Salvation. Know God.              Romans 10:9

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Know Eternal Life. Know God.           John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Many times in our life we hear No, No. Sometimes it comes from God. Remember this doesn’t have to be negative. Focus on God’s Know Knows which give you a strong foundation of knowledge and wisdom to continue to grow and walk in His way. 

Dear Lord,

Thank you for providing me with direction for the days ahead. I am appreciative of your patience as I learn – sometimes the hard way – and continue to grow in knowledge of You learning the plans You have for my life. I long to be Your little baby Know-Know in the days ahead. 

Amen.