Half my house is decorated. Half my laundry is done. Half my cleaning is done. I need groceries. OK, the laundry and the cleaning is an ongoing battle and just as I empty the basket and fold my last item somehow, magically another one appears. :}
On my kitchen cabinet I tapped the verse Daniel 11:32 "But the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits."
I know that I am able to work and do what I can at home only through His strength and grace. But the great exploits thing has me frustrated. Some days I can barely get through the basics. To me great exploits meant going on mission trips, being able to share my heart with my prison ladies or the pastors wives in the Philippines, bathing the kids that live in the dumps, hugging the orphans in Ukraine, doing dramas and sharing from pulpits. I miss those things. They are part of who I am.
Maybe those opportunities will come again or maybe He will bring new ones.
Perspective is a weird thing. Maybe, for right now, my great exploit is staying healthy, being able to love my family, work and meet most of my responsibilities. I feel like a failure in that I used to be able to handle much more. What defines me? What I do or who I am?
Laying down the desires of your heart and dreams you haven't seen yet is not easy. Laying them down at the feet of the One with scars to remind you of His sacrifice and love for you can make the difference between hope and despair.
I have no idea what He is thinking, and that drives me crazy! I do know however, that He is thinking and has a plan and whatever it is I can trust Him. Life is crazy and always changing. God is faithful and never changes...I'm sticking with Him.
So, I may not finish my house and get all my cookies and fudge made BUT I will be strong and enjoy my family and learn what He is teaching me. I think that is my next great exploit and I will do it with the strength and grace that comes from knowing my Living, Loving God!
May God bless you with strength for your great exploit.
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xo
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Under the Covers
These last few months have been very difficult for me. There has been grieving, anger, disappointment ~ probably some self-pity. I miss my old house, my family, friends and my bike. I miss walking by the water with Ziva, sitting and drinking in the peacefulness, until Z decided to tell off the waves or seagulls. Which was always good for a laugh. I feel like my body is slowly betraying me. I don't have my mom to talk to about stuff.
I also have been experiencing God's grace and His quiet voice. His gentle touch as we walk through each emotion. You know, no matter how busy you are God will find those moments that He deals with stuff. He's kind of relentless in that area.
I am grateful for my husband and children that they are always there and by my side. I am thankful for a Living, Loving God who never leaves me in despair or in my pain.
Two scriptures that have been running through my mind are:
Isaiah 52:1 & 2: You know that moment when the alarm goes off and you ignore it, because you are so cozy snuggled under the covers? Instead of pillows and blankets to surround us and keep us warm and safe, we use the circumstances of our lives. We can use the pain and disappointment to stop us from getting up and trying again. We, also, can keep reflecting on that perfect moment and know nothing has "beat that" and just keep reliving it. Either one has us ineffective and defeated.
Then God comes in and pulls back the covers and tells you to "Awake, Awake"! One by one He removes a pillow and says to "clothe yourself in strength", "put on your garments of splendor", "shake off your dust, rise up and sit enthroned", "free yourself from the chains on your neck".
These are all things we need to do!
Here is the same scripture with some definitions. "Awake, awake O Zion, arm yourself with force, security, majesty, praise and boldness. Wrap around yourself a wardrobe of beauty, bravery, honor and majesty; O Jerusalem, the sacred city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Tumble about and shake off your dust (like a lion rustling his mane with a roar); get up, dwell and remained enthroned, O Jerusalem. Break forth from the restraints on your neck. O captured daughter of Zion."
Alright! Alright! I'm up! I get it! So this is me roaring and shaking off the dust! I am wrapping myself in and accepting my beauty, majesty, bravery and honor. Breaking the chains!
This is getting long so I will do the other scripture next week. Stay tuned! ;)
May God be with you this week, as you come out from "under the covers".
All my love ~
Jodi xo
LOVE this song!! Check it out....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5x32LP4Qeo&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5x32LP4Qeo&feature=related
I also have been experiencing God's grace and His quiet voice. His gentle touch as we walk through each emotion. You know, no matter how busy you are God will find those moments that He deals with stuff. He's kind of relentless in that area.
I am grateful for my husband and children that they are always there and by my side. I am thankful for a Living, Loving God who never leaves me in despair or in my pain.
Two scriptures that have been running through my mind are:
Isaiah 52:1 & 2: You know that moment when the alarm goes off and you ignore it, because you are so cozy snuggled under the covers? Instead of pillows and blankets to surround us and keep us warm and safe, we use the circumstances of our lives. We can use the pain and disappointment to stop us from getting up and trying again. We, also, can keep reflecting on that perfect moment and know nothing has "beat that" and just keep reliving it. Either one has us ineffective and defeated.
Then God comes in and pulls back the covers and tells you to "Awake, Awake"! One by one He removes a pillow and says to "clothe yourself in strength", "put on your garments of splendor", "shake off your dust, rise up and sit enthroned", "free yourself from the chains on your neck".
These are all things we need to do!
Here is the same scripture with some definitions. "Awake, awake O Zion, arm yourself with force, security, majesty, praise and boldness. Wrap around yourself a wardrobe of beauty, bravery, honor and majesty; O Jerusalem, the sacred city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Tumble about and shake off your dust (like a lion rustling his mane with a roar); get up, dwell and remained enthroned, O Jerusalem. Break forth from the restraints on your neck. O captured daughter of Zion."
Alright! Alright! I'm up! I get it! So this is me roaring and shaking off the dust! I am wrapping myself in and accepting my beauty, majesty, bravery and honor. Breaking the chains!
This is getting long so I will do the other scripture next week. Stay tuned! ;)
May God be with you this week, as you come out from "under the covers".
All my love ~
Jodi xo
LOVE this song!! Check it out....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5x32LP4Qeo&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5x32LP4Qeo&feature=related
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Cows, Judges and God
Randy is the guy who smokes all the meat at Big Horn BBQ, where I work. He and his family have a ranch in Rosharon. They show cows. Last Saturday we went to see his youngest daughter, Mia and her four cows. She's been doing it for years and she's only 10. She has trophies and buckles. They judge each breed in groups. She brings in the cow and make it stand still while a judge looks over each one in the group. In one group her cow was the youngest and therefore the smallest, but still judged with one older and bigger. Each ring has it's own judge. It is very subjective to what that particular judge is looking for or likes. For instance, in one ring her cow was the biggest and the judge said she was the complete package, but chose another one as the champion. In the next ring, with another judge he chose hers because she was the complete package. Subjective! Dean would never be able to survive that! He would be so frustrated that there were no absolutes, no standards. The argument can be made that if you lost, it really was more about the judge than you. It could get you off the hook or make the loss more bearable.
I was thinking about how God is completely opposite. He, like the judge in the ring, is the only judge, but He has absolutes, standards. He told us what He expects and what He is looking for. There is no surprises or favoritism or wondering what kind of a mood He is in.
There is so much in this world that is subjective and sets itself up as the goal to be met. How does a style or particular look become the standard that everyone is judged by? Why is one group of people the "in" group that everyone seeks to be a part of? Why is a person allowed to set themselves up and bully everyone else?
I am glad that God doesn't change. That He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I can count on Him to follow His own rules and not change them half-way through. He alone is my judge. Not the magazines. Not the "in" group at church, school or work. Not my family, friends or anyone who thinks I am not good enough.
We get so caught up, don't we, with what others think or say? I know it has taken a lot for me to be comfortable in my own skin and not so worried about what others think. There are times that I still long for that assurance that I'm ok. I feel bad when I'm not included or thought of. BUT GOD!! I love when I can add those two words after any difficult time or circumstance. BUT GOD...you can fill in the blank with whatever fits.
BUT GOD ~ is my friend! BUT GOD ~ says I'm the apple of His eye! BUT GOD ~ said He is strong when I am weak! BUT GOD ~ said I can do anything and everything He sets before me when I am in Him! BUT GOD ~ said He is my healer!
BUT GOD ~ __________________________________________(you fill in the blank)
It can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life, society, friends and trying to fit in that we can miss the importance and security of knowing that God alone judges my heart, my actions and my life. Now, God does say that we are to judge others by their fruit...not judge their motive or heart. He also told us the standard for judging their fruit, we don't get to change that according to what we think and He said we need to judge ourselves and deal with that first.
Next time you look in the mirror, remember who you are according to God and His standard. If you need to deal with something in your life, deal with it. We will all stand before God as our judge, but we need to start today with living according to His standards and not others.
Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever".
Numbers 23:19
"God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill"?
May God richly bless you as you step into the security of knowing Him and walking with Him.
Have a fab day!
~ Jodi xoxo
I was thinking about how God is completely opposite. He, like the judge in the ring, is the only judge, but He has absolutes, standards. He told us what He expects and what He is looking for. There is no surprises or favoritism or wondering what kind of a mood He is in.
There is so much in this world that is subjective and sets itself up as the goal to be met. How does a style or particular look become the standard that everyone is judged by? Why is one group of people the "in" group that everyone seeks to be a part of? Why is a person allowed to set themselves up and bully everyone else?
I am glad that God doesn't change. That He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I can count on Him to follow His own rules and not change them half-way through. He alone is my judge. Not the magazines. Not the "in" group at church, school or work. Not my family, friends or anyone who thinks I am not good enough.
We get so caught up, don't we, with what others think or say? I know it has taken a lot for me to be comfortable in my own skin and not so worried about what others think. There are times that I still long for that assurance that I'm ok. I feel bad when I'm not included or thought of. BUT GOD!! I love when I can add those two words after any difficult time or circumstance. BUT GOD...you can fill in the blank with whatever fits.
BUT GOD ~ is my friend! BUT GOD ~ says I'm the apple of His eye! BUT GOD ~ said He is strong when I am weak! BUT GOD ~ said I can do anything and everything He sets before me when I am in Him! BUT GOD ~ said He is my healer!
BUT GOD ~ __________________________________________(you fill in the blank)
It can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life, society, friends and trying to fit in that we can miss the importance and security of knowing that God alone judges my heart, my actions and my life. Now, God does say that we are to judge others by their fruit...not judge their motive or heart. He also told us the standard for judging their fruit, we don't get to change that according to what we think and He said we need to judge ourselves and deal with that first.
Next time you look in the mirror, remember who you are according to God and His standard. If you need to deal with something in your life, deal with it. We will all stand before God as our judge, but we need to start today with living according to His standards and not others.
Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever".
Numbers 23:19
"God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill"?
May God richly bless you as you step into the security of knowing Him and walking with Him.
Have a fab day!
~ Jodi xoxo
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Seasons
I am sitting in the quiet of the morning, drinking a cup of tea. Oops, Rene' just got up...could still be quiet for a bit, she's not much of a morning person. ;) Anyway, I have been thinking about how life can change. In Ecclesiastes Solomon talks about seasons.
There have been quite a few seasons in my life already. Some I would have rather not walked through, some were awesome and I didn't want it to end. Did you ever try to go back to a great season and it not be the same? Soo disappointing! I think that can be a hard lesson...let it be great, but move on. Letting go of anything can be hard.
We can carry our seasons out longer than they are meant to be and instead of growing and learning through them, we become toxic. I have seen, as well as experienced in own life, that we can get our identity or sense of belonging in what we are going through. We can wear our suffering like a shroud or a badge and let it effect every relationship and circumstance. Even when God has given us a way out, we decide to stay where it's familiar and comfortable. We may hate it, but we are afraid to leave.
On the flip side, we can live in a victory or a defining moment from God and not challenge ourselves where we are now. It is easier to live in the glory of the past. We are called to be Christlike, I know I haven't achieved that and I haven't met anyone else who did (although, some kinda thought so). It is a life-long process that requires us to continually be teachable and obedient. Again, not always fun, but we can't build a house there and keep dusting off the trophies of old victories.
I have heard people say that each experience has made them who they are. While I think there is some truth to that, I know that before I really started letting God change me and use each season in my life, who I was wasn't that great. Even as Christians, we can be fooled into thinking that we know how to navigate the trials. We know what to do and say. But in being the "Professional Christian" we miss out on what God is trying to do.
I have struggled with insecurity and needing the approval of everyone. Well, that's never gonna happen! That combined with fear is crippling. I had some really good reasons for those, thanks to life, but God doesn't want us crippled and ineffective. That's Satan's plan.
With each new season, I have an opportunity to go back and allow those things to take over. The exciting thing is I also have the opportunity not to! God gets the glory in my life each time I choose to walk in who I am in Him and what He has called me to. I do not have to let who I was define who I am. Even if noone knows, but me, God and Satan.
So, while some seasons may suck and some are awesome, each are useful in our lives to accomplish the goal of making is Christlike. Let's walk through each one, learn what we need to and move on to the next one. Oh, and who else is thankful for times of rest?!?
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who calls you." Galatians 5:7&8
"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6
I pray that in whatever season you are in, you learn something new about yourself, about God and about who you are in Him. I pray that you leave that season with grace and a renewed sense of purpose.
Have a fab day!
All my love~
Jodi xo
There have been quite a few seasons in my life already. Some I would have rather not walked through, some were awesome and I didn't want it to end. Did you ever try to go back to a great season and it not be the same? Soo disappointing! I think that can be a hard lesson...let it be great, but move on. Letting go of anything can be hard.
We can carry our seasons out longer than they are meant to be and instead of growing and learning through them, we become toxic. I have seen, as well as experienced in own life, that we can get our identity or sense of belonging in what we are going through. We can wear our suffering like a shroud or a badge and let it effect every relationship and circumstance. Even when God has given us a way out, we decide to stay where it's familiar and comfortable. We may hate it, but we are afraid to leave.
On the flip side, we can live in a victory or a defining moment from God and not challenge ourselves where we are now. It is easier to live in the glory of the past. We are called to be Christlike, I know I haven't achieved that and I haven't met anyone else who did (although, some kinda thought so). It is a life-long process that requires us to continually be teachable and obedient. Again, not always fun, but we can't build a house there and keep dusting off the trophies of old victories.
I have heard people say that each experience has made them who they are. While I think there is some truth to that, I know that before I really started letting God change me and use each season in my life, who I was wasn't that great. Even as Christians, we can be fooled into thinking that we know how to navigate the trials. We know what to do and say. But in being the "Professional Christian" we miss out on what God is trying to do.
I have struggled with insecurity and needing the approval of everyone. Well, that's never gonna happen! That combined with fear is crippling. I had some really good reasons for those, thanks to life, but God doesn't want us crippled and ineffective. That's Satan's plan.
With each new season, I have an opportunity to go back and allow those things to take over. The exciting thing is I also have the opportunity not to! God gets the glory in my life each time I choose to walk in who I am in Him and what He has called me to. I do not have to let who I was define who I am. Even if noone knows, but me, God and Satan.
So, while some seasons may suck and some are awesome, each are useful in our lives to accomplish the goal of making is Christlike. Let's walk through each one, learn what we need to and move on to the next one. Oh, and who else is thankful for times of rest?!?
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who calls you." Galatians 5:7&8
"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6
I pray that in whatever season you are in, you learn something new about yourself, about God and about who you are in Him. I pray that you leave that season with grace and a renewed sense of purpose.
Have a fab day!
All my love~
Jodi xo
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Go for the Gold!
I love the Olympics, always have. I remember figure skating in my socks and flipping on the couch like the gymnasts. I love hearing the stories of the athletes and emotionally connecting to them and cheering them on. I love the pride they have for their countries.
I admire all they sacrifice for their dream and the goal they are aiming for. I am reminded that I have a goal to live eternally-minded. Just as they make choices how they spend their days and what gets their focus. We need to choose each day Who we are living for. They know they will fail, they will get hurt, they will want to give up and things will not always go their way. Do we have that same tenacity to stay on the path that God has for us, no matter what pops up?
I think we can become so earthly-minded we forget what and who we are created to be. We allow our failures to stop us from trying again. We allow the actions or attitudes of others to change us. We have allowed the world to influence our choices in behavior and what we focus on, instead of God's Word.
I heard a message once about the Gold Standard of God. How we are called to be holy, imitating the character and standards of God...not the world. The process to refine gold has been compared to the process we face in becoming Christ-like. Many of us don't want to go through the process. It is easier to be silver or bronze. It is easier to hold grudges, fight for positions, gossip in the name of prayer, be so focused on having fun and being accepted we look and act no different than the world.
The athletes that are competing are giving all they have for their goal. They dig in deep into something bigger than themselves to overcome adversity and set-backs.
As much as I want all that God has for me and I know He has called me to something...I also know that I have been sitting on the sidelines. I have grown tired, overwhelmed by circumstances and annoyed by other peoples choices. I have allowed myself to hide, even when something inside kept yelling "Get up!" "There's more!"
I don't want to settle for just making it into heaven, or a bronze or a silver...I want the gold! I want to stay so close to God, He can move me with His eyes. I want the world to see me walk through this life with purpose and for Someone much bigger than me that it effects every choice I make.
So, I will say to you what I heard God say to me in the shower this morning (hey, its quiet there): "Stay focused on Me, don't get distracted. All of this is temporary ~ I am eternal and what I have called you to has an eternal purpose."
So, let's go for the gold!! The process is hard and each of us will have to sacrifice and get rid of things from our lives, as well train ourselves in the righteousness of God.
Let's make our choices in the light of eternity not in the shadow of all that is looming around us.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by 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
Go for it! I'll be your cheering section! Woo-hoo!
Have a fab day!
Love and hugs
xo ~ Jodi
I admire all they sacrifice for their dream and the goal they are aiming for. I am reminded that I have a goal to live eternally-minded. Just as they make choices how they spend their days and what gets their focus. We need to choose each day Who we are living for. They know they will fail, they will get hurt, they will want to give up and things will not always go their way. Do we have that same tenacity to stay on the path that God has for us, no matter what pops up?
I think we can become so earthly-minded we forget what and who we are created to be. We allow our failures to stop us from trying again. We allow the actions or attitudes of others to change us. We have allowed the world to influence our choices in behavior and what we focus on, instead of God's Word.
I heard a message once about the Gold Standard of God. How we are called to be holy, imitating the character and standards of God...not the world. The process to refine gold has been compared to the process we face in becoming Christ-like. Many of us don't want to go through the process. It is easier to be silver or bronze. It is easier to hold grudges, fight for positions, gossip in the name of prayer, be so focused on having fun and being accepted we look and act no different than the world.
The athletes that are competing are giving all they have for their goal. They dig in deep into something bigger than themselves to overcome adversity and set-backs.
As much as I want all that God has for me and I know He has called me to something...I also know that I have been sitting on the sidelines. I have grown tired, overwhelmed by circumstances and annoyed by other peoples choices. I have allowed myself to hide, even when something inside kept yelling "Get up!" "There's more!"
I don't want to settle for just making it into heaven, or a bronze or a silver...I want the gold! I want to stay so close to God, He can move me with His eyes. I want the world to see me walk through this life with purpose and for Someone much bigger than me that it effects every choice I make.
So, I will say to you what I heard God say to me in the shower this morning (hey, its quiet there): "Stay focused on Me, don't get distracted. All of this is temporary ~ I am eternal and what I have called you to has an eternal purpose."
So, let's go for the gold!! The process is hard and each of us will have to sacrifice and get rid of things from our lives, as well train ourselves in the righteousness of God.
Let's make our choices in the light of eternity not in the shadow of all that is looming around us.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by 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
Go for it! I'll be your cheering section! Woo-hoo!
Have a fab day!
Love and hugs
xo ~ Jodi
Friday, July 20, 2012
God vs Red Sea
I have thought of many things that I would like to share with you. A lot has happened since I last wrote, which feels like forever! A year ago, May, I was diagnosed with MS and at that same time my blood tests came back showing that I could have Lupus. Well, I could barely deal with the MS thing and the daily shots and moving and having Ben live with us again and life, so I didn't. This year, at my check-up, my levels were even higher for lupus. I had to deal with it this time ~ woohoo! :-/
I have been trying to navigate and get some footing on what my new normal is. How I live with MS and Lupus. I "affectionately" refer to my symptoms as "the fog". It could come and go all day or stay for just part of the day or hang out for weeks. It has affected every area of life and I resent it.
I have also been thinking about Israel and the Red Sea. I need a Red Sea Moment. They were rescued out of slavery...God has freed me from so much that held me captive. They followed Him, the long way ~ I'm ready for a short-cut! He was a cloud in the day and fire at night. I have tried my best through the years to be obedient to Him and follow where he has led us.
So, they were camping by the sea, a lovely reprieve from the long walk, when the Egyptians show up. Boy, can I relate! I have been following God and now I have the sea on one side and an army bent on destruction on the other. The army can be anything in our lives that wants to make us ineffective as a Christians or have us so consumed with what's going on, we do not focus on God. The cloud was still there!
It is at this moment the Israelites wanted to go back ~ yada, yada, yada...THEN GOD said:
"...Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still. (Which means hold your peace) Then the Lord said to Moses, why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on." Ex. 14:13-15
Moses held his staff over the sea and it parted for them to walk through. I need one of those bad boys! There's several things I'd like to part out of my way and then bury the rest of it behind me! ;)
So to recap we are to 1. Not be afraid; 2. Stand firm; 3. Trust God; 4. Have peace and 5. Move on!
I am at the place where I have the sea in front of me and the army behind me. So many things warring against me and blocking me. Some days I am strong and some days I stagger under the weight of it all and all my questions.
I don't know where you are in your life. Maybe you're still In Egypt, maybe you're on the long way around part, maybe you're waiting for your Red Sea moment or maybe you've made it across (we'll tackle the whole desert thing another time).
God is with us! We can do this!
I pray that we will focus on God today and be obedient to what He said to us in Exodus.
Have a fab day!!
All my love ~
Jodi xo
I have been trying to navigate and get some footing on what my new normal is. How I live with MS and Lupus. I "affectionately" refer to my symptoms as "the fog". It could come and go all day or stay for just part of the day or hang out for weeks. It has affected every area of life and I resent it.
I have also been thinking about Israel and the Red Sea. I need a Red Sea Moment. They were rescued out of slavery...God has freed me from so much that held me captive. They followed Him, the long way ~ I'm ready for a short-cut! He was a cloud in the day and fire at night. I have tried my best through the years to be obedient to Him and follow where he has led us.
So, they were camping by the sea, a lovely reprieve from the long walk, when the Egyptians show up. Boy, can I relate! I have been following God and now I have the sea on one side and an army bent on destruction on the other. The army can be anything in our lives that wants to make us ineffective as a Christians or have us so consumed with what's going on, we do not focus on God. The cloud was still there!
It is at this moment the Israelites wanted to go back ~ yada, yada, yada...THEN GOD said:
"...Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still. (Which means hold your peace) Then the Lord said to Moses, why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on." Ex. 14:13-15
Moses held his staff over the sea and it parted for them to walk through. I need one of those bad boys! There's several things I'd like to part out of my way and then bury the rest of it behind me! ;)
So to recap we are to 1. Not be afraid; 2. Stand firm; 3. Trust God; 4. Have peace and 5. Move on!
I am at the place where I have the sea in front of me and the army behind me. So many things warring against me and blocking me. Some days I am strong and some days I stagger under the weight of it all and all my questions.
I don't know where you are in your life. Maybe you're still In Egypt, maybe you're on the long way around part, maybe you're waiting for your Red Sea moment or maybe you've made it across (we'll tackle the whole desert thing another time).
God is with us! We can do this!
I pray that we will focus on God today and be obedient to what He said to us in Exodus.
Have a fab day!!
All my love ~
Jodi xo
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Strengthen Yourself
I was having my Quiet Time the other morning and I was reading in 1 Samuel. In Chapter 29 David and his men were asked to leave the battle because they weren't trusted by some of the other leaders. In Chapter 30 they arrived home to find everything burned and gone, including their wives and children. After a major weeping session, David's men got angry and were talking about stoning him.
In the Message Bible it says: " David strengthened himself with trust in his God." He had been rejected by those who he submitted himself to and just wanted to do his part. All he had was taken away and his men, who had been with him through so much were turning on him. Ever have one of those weeks, months, years? If ever we are entitled to a pity-party its during those times.
BUT David strengthened himself. He dug down deep to where he knew God in such a way that he could trust Him for this time. We, too, need to actively participate in this walk with God. Our part is remembering then strengthening ourselves in who our God is, what He has done for us and knowng His promises. In Philippians 1, Paul says: ( the Message Bible)
"There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for Him.
And the suffering is as much as a gift as the trusting."
So, David seeks God and gets permission to go after them get back what was taken! (We can fight for what the enemy stole from us!) They come across this Egyptian guy in a field (vs 11-16) who was weak because he had not eaten for 3 days and nights after being abandoned by his master for being sick. Can you imagine what his thoughts were? Not knowing if he was going to live or die? What he did to deserve this? His anger over his circumstance, toward his master. Not seeing how this is going to turn out good! I have felt like that guy...totally alone in a field, not sure if I was going to make it alive.
David and his men feed him and when he is stronger he brings David to the raiders and is promised his life...bet he never thought that would happen when he was alone in the field!
We may not know why we are going through what we are. We may not know how it's going to turn out. We can decide to strengthen ourselves in trust in our God! We can know that suffering is just as much a part of our life as trusting. Without suffering what would we need to trust for?!?
Maybe you're the one who needs to strengthen yourself in trust in your God. Maybe you're the one who can come along someone and "feed" them and give them hope for their future. At some point in our lives we will be in both groups. :)
I pray that you will know God's grace for each season!
Love and Hugs!
~ Jodi xoxo
In the Message Bible it says: " David strengthened himself with trust in his God." He had been rejected by those who he submitted himself to and just wanted to do his part. All he had was taken away and his men, who had been with him through so much were turning on him. Ever have one of those weeks, months, years? If ever we are entitled to a pity-party its during those times.
BUT David strengthened himself. He dug down deep to where he knew God in such a way that he could trust Him for this time. We, too, need to actively participate in this walk with God. Our part is remembering then strengthening ourselves in who our God is, what He has done for us and knowng His promises. In Philippians 1, Paul says: ( the Message Bible)
"There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for Him.
And the suffering is as much as a gift as the trusting."
So, David seeks God and gets permission to go after them get back what was taken! (We can fight for what the enemy stole from us!) They come across this Egyptian guy in a field (vs 11-16) who was weak because he had not eaten for 3 days and nights after being abandoned by his master for being sick. Can you imagine what his thoughts were? Not knowing if he was going to live or die? What he did to deserve this? His anger over his circumstance, toward his master. Not seeing how this is going to turn out good! I have felt like that guy...totally alone in a field, not sure if I was going to make it alive.
David and his men feed him and when he is stronger he brings David to the raiders and is promised his life...bet he never thought that would happen when he was alone in the field!
We may not know why we are going through what we are. We may not know how it's going to turn out. We can decide to strengthen ourselves in trust in our God! We can know that suffering is just as much a part of our life as trusting. Without suffering what would we need to trust for?!?
Maybe you're the one who needs to strengthen yourself in trust in your God. Maybe you're the one who can come along someone and "feed" them and give them hope for their future. At some point in our lives we will be in both groups. :)
I pray that you will know God's grace for each season!
Love and Hugs!
~ Jodi xoxo
Monday, May 28, 2012
Expectations
I was sitting in church yesterday, listening to Pastor Tom talk about who Jesus is. I was thinking about the different expectations different people had for Jesus.
Jesus' family and neighbors expected Him to live a quiet life and continue to be a carpenter's son. The Pharisee's expected Him to follow the rules and not make waves. The Zealots expected a war from Rome to gain their freedom. The people wanted Him to continue to heal the sick, some asked Him to stay with them (see Luke 4:42-44). All of Israel expected a Messiah, not a broken man hanging on the Cross.
Jesus knew who He was to be and who He was not to be. He didn't allow anyone deter Him from what He came to do. He didn't allow needs to change His direction. I'm sure His heart ached for the needs and hopelessness He saw. He didn't allow leaders to put Him in a box of piety, being respectable and acceptable in their eyes. I love how He made the whip and then went into Temple to clean house. (John 2:14-16) It was not a moment of emotion, it was pre-meditated and intentional.
I could go with what others expected or how He stood against it, but you get the picture and can add to the list.
What about us? I know for me, when I am unsure who I am or what I am to be doing, it is easy to get too swayed by someone else. Their need for me to be controllable, so they know what to expect and can be comfortable. Our parents, husbands, friends, children, church, work and society all have expectations on how we should be.
We know first and foremost we are made in the image of God and are His children. We need to accept that the expectations with that are non-negotiable. We are to act, speak and walk out this crazy life in a way that brings our Father Glory.
God has called each of us to love Him, worship Him and follow Him. Life is crazy and throws curve balls at us all the time. We need to be able to know who we are so we can stand against well-meaning people who have it all figured out for us.
Jesus was connected to God in a way that He knew when something was pulling Him away. I need that same connection, so when I look to my Father with that "What the heck do I do now" look, I can see His face. I am reassured that He really is in control and has a plan, even though it might not feel like it.
I pray that you and I will know who we are in God so we can stand in confidence with the people in our lives and be intentional with the circumstances in our lives. If you are at the place where you feel lost and overwhelmed, go to your Living, Loving God ~ He is waiting. I also pray that you will find someone to walk through this time with you, allowing you to figure it out.
May God richly bless you on this Memorial Day as we enjoy the freedom that so many have sacrificed for us to have.
Hugs and Love ~
Jodi xoxo
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
God is Gracious!
My kids call him their "brother from another mother". His name is Emalin and he lives in the Dominican Republic. We sponsor him through World Vision. As sponsors, we get a magazine that shares what they are doing throughout the world. It is awesome and overwhelming at the same time. In this month's magazine there was an article about the Typhoon in the Philippines.
(I had the honor of visiting both countries and fell in love with the people)
I would like to share what Crislyn Felisilda wrote (she is a World Vision communications specialist):
"Typhoon Washi hit northern Mindanao, my home. It struck in the dead of night while many were sleeping. I can't believe what I 've seen. As a humanitarian worker, I know I should keep going, I've seen enough other disasters. But this time, I experienced the rawness of it all. I saw a father squatting and cradling his muddied baby, limp and lifeless. There were no tears in his eyes, no words from his lips, but on his mouth was a frozen scream. I heard the cries of children searching for their loved ones. The most heart-rending scenes were the dead bodies being pulled out, one after another, from the flood waters. Nevertheless, I see God working graciously in the midst of suffering. There's more work to be done."
"God working graciously in the midst of suffering." We have all seen suffering. I have seen a brother and sister left at an orphanage in Mexico walking hand-in-hand crying out for their parents; I have cried with orphans in Ukraine wanting a mom; I have knelt beside a brave young woman anguishing over placing her baby in another woman's arms.
We have all been through suffering that hits us or our families and brings us to our knees.
The suffering we go through, directly or indirectly impacts us, changing us forever. Just like how water changed the face of the Grand Canyon, these things we walk through change us. We might become softer in some areas or harder in others. We are no longer who we once were before the suffering.
BUT GOD! He moves graciously. He is there when all we can do is read about it or watch it on TV. He is there when we are alone with our fear. He is gracious and gentle and holds us until we are steady again.
"There is more work to be done." Until suffering is gone, there is more work to be done, by God, by us.
Suffering can be so overwhelming we can be paralyzed by it. God asks us to join Him in moving graciously through suffering.
May God's graciousness be with you in your time of suffering or may you be part of God's graciousness for another.
Have a fab day!
Jodi xo
Love and hugs xoxo
~ Jodi
(I had the honor of visiting both countries and fell in love with the people)
I would like to share what Crislyn Felisilda wrote (she is a World Vision communications specialist):
"Typhoon Washi hit northern Mindanao, my home. It struck in the dead of night while many were sleeping. I can't believe what I 've seen. As a humanitarian worker, I know I should keep going, I've seen enough other disasters. But this time, I experienced the rawness of it all. I saw a father squatting and cradling his muddied baby, limp and lifeless. There were no tears in his eyes, no words from his lips, but on his mouth was a frozen scream. I heard the cries of children searching for their loved ones. The most heart-rending scenes were the dead bodies being pulled out, one after another, from the flood waters. Nevertheless, I see God working graciously in the midst of suffering. There's more work to be done."
"God working graciously in the midst of suffering." We have all seen suffering. I have seen a brother and sister left at an orphanage in Mexico walking hand-in-hand crying out for their parents; I have cried with orphans in Ukraine wanting a mom; I have knelt beside a brave young woman anguishing over placing her baby in another woman's arms.
We have all been through suffering that hits us or our families and brings us to our knees.
The suffering we go through, directly or indirectly impacts us, changing us forever. Just like how water changed the face of the Grand Canyon, these things we walk through change us. We might become softer in some areas or harder in others. We are no longer who we once were before the suffering.
BUT GOD! He moves graciously. He is there when all we can do is read about it or watch it on TV. He is there when we are alone with our fear. He is gracious and gentle and holds us until we are steady again.
"There is more work to be done." Until suffering is gone, there is more work to be done, by God, by us.
Suffering can be so overwhelming we can be paralyzed by it. God asks us to join Him in moving graciously through suffering.
May God's graciousness be with you in your time of suffering or may you be part of God's graciousness for another.
Have a fab day!
Jodi xo
Love and hugs xoxo
~ Jodi
Monday, April 23, 2012
What's your song?
I am reading the book "The Story of Your Life" by Matthew West and Angela Thomas. There is a quote by Henry David Thoreau that has been rolling around in my head for a couple of weeks. He says:
"Most men lead quiet lives of desperation and go to the grave
with the song still in them."
When I read that I had to stop reading, it rattled me. Even as I have gone about my days and weeks and continued to read the book I have felt a tug back to the quote.
It is a "stop and take stock of your life" quote. I know that I have done some incredible things walking with Jesus and following Him. I also know that I have failed at times and not stepped out onto the water. All I saw was the waves and they kept me in the boat.
The feeling of sorrow for not believing or not being brave enough can be sobering as I know I let Him down and it has been a catalyst to not allow it to happen again. I don't know how many times I uttered "help my unbelief" like that guy in Luke 9:24.
"If you can? said Jesus, Everything is possible for him who believes. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, I do believe; help my unbelief."
verses 23 & 24
Maybe it's because I'm turning 47 this week or maybe it's because I feel misplaced and lost as to what I'm supposed to be doing, but I do NOT want to go to my grave with anything left in me.
My girls have this hanging in their bathroom and every time I see it makes me smile and that thing rises in me that says I want that to be me! I'm sure you've seen it:
"Life should NOT be a journey with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, Woo-Hoo what a ride!"
I would still like to look good though ;) but you get the point...we are to live the heck out of life and not worry so much about what others think by staying in our safe zone and just getting by.
One of my biggest dreams for my kids is for them to find their "Sweet Spot" and live every day to the fullest. It is hard to watch them struggle with disappointments and confusion in finding out what that is for them. Heck, I'm right there with them...
When Jesus said He came to give us abundant life, He meant here on earth. He wants us to enjoy and be fulfilled by life, not leaving behind anything He put in us to share.
Take a moment and think about what Mr. Thoreau said...is there an adventure God is calling you to that you are allowing the waves to keep you in the boat. Ask God to help your unbelief and jump in!! We need your song!!!
I pray that God will richly bless you as you step out!
Have a fab day!
All my love,
~ Jodi xoxo
"Most men lead quiet lives of desperation and go to the grave
with the song still in them."
When I read that I had to stop reading, it rattled me. Even as I have gone about my days and weeks and continued to read the book I have felt a tug back to the quote.
It is a "stop and take stock of your life" quote. I know that I have done some incredible things walking with Jesus and following Him. I also know that I have failed at times and not stepped out onto the water. All I saw was the waves and they kept me in the boat.
The feeling of sorrow for not believing or not being brave enough can be sobering as I know I let Him down and it has been a catalyst to not allow it to happen again. I don't know how many times I uttered "help my unbelief" like that guy in Luke 9:24.
"If you can? said Jesus, Everything is possible for him who believes. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, I do believe; help my unbelief."
verses 23 & 24
Maybe it's because I'm turning 47 this week or maybe it's because I feel misplaced and lost as to what I'm supposed to be doing, but I do NOT want to go to my grave with anything left in me.
My girls have this hanging in their bathroom and every time I see it makes me smile and that thing rises in me that says I want that to be me! I'm sure you've seen it:
"Life should NOT be a journey with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, Woo-Hoo what a ride!"
I would still like to look good though ;) but you get the point...we are to live the heck out of life and not worry so much about what others think by staying in our safe zone and just getting by.
One of my biggest dreams for my kids is for them to find their "Sweet Spot" and live every day to the fullest. It is hard to watch them struggle with disappointments and confusion in finding out what that is for them. Heck, I'm right there with them...
When Jesus said He came to give us abundant life, He meant here on earth. He wants us to enjoy and be fulfilled by life, not leaving behind anything He put in us to share.
Take a moment and think about what Mr. Thoreau said...is there an adventure God is calling you to that you are allowing the waves to keep you in the boat. Ask God to help your unbelief and jump in!! We need your song!!!
I pray that God will richly bless you as you step out!
Have a fab day!
All my love,
~ Jodi xoxo
Friday, April 6, 2012
Jesus!
I can't believe it's Easter already!!! I have had the hardest time feeling prepared for holiday's this year, they all kind of snuck up on me. The last couple of weeks I have been trying to not let that happen for Easter.
I have, once again, found the awe of all that Jesus did for me. I am saddened that I lose it in the first place. Life has a way of overtaking and crowding it out, doesn't it?!?
I am not only overwhelmed by His sacrifice He made for me physically; the beatings, whips, being nailed to the cross and the thorns pressed into His head. I am also am overcome with the emotional turmoil He went through; being separated from His Father, seeing His mother's pain and the confusion of His disciples, the anger from the crowds, the betrayal of Judas and the Jews. Jesus knew what he was going to have to endure and walk through here on earth, but I don't think that makes the pain any less.
I think of God, as His Father, seeing all that Jesus went through hold back His anger and not destroy everyone. I know how I can become "Ballistic-Crazy-Mom" if my kids are hurting or being treated unfair. I want to rush in and not only rescue my kids but show the bad, stupid people how we deal with it in Brooklyn! ;)
How much love the Father has for me, not to act on what He was seeing ~ all that His Son was going through!!! How did He keep His self-control? And the pain of having to turn His back on His Son because He couldn't be where there is sin. He had to leave Jesus in His most desperate moment, for me!!! WOW!
I am overcome with love and gratitude! There are so many people who blame Him and curse Him for their lives and trouble, I do not want to miss a chance to praise Him and bless Him and tell Him how awesome He is!
In my quiet time this week, I was reading Psalm 18 and verse 16 stuck out to me:
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of the deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy."
He came to rescue me, to rescue you. We are not left alone!!
Where would I be if Jesus did not come and die for me? I would be even more of a mess.
I pray that we would remember how much we are loved and that we have a Rescuer, a Savior...His name is Jesus!!
Happy Easter!
Have a fab day!!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
I have, once again, found the awe of all that Jesus did for me. I am saddened that I lose it in the first place. Life has a way of overtaking and crowding it out, doesn't it?!?
I am not only overwhelmed by His sacrifice He made for me physically; the beatings, whips, being nailed to the cross and the thorns pressed into His head. I am also am overcome with the emotional turmoil He went through; being separated from His Father, seeing His mother's pain and the confusion of His disciples, the anger from the crowds, the betrayal of Judas and the Jews. Jesus knew what he was going to have to endure and walk through here on earth, but I don't think that makes the pain any less.
I think of God, as His Father, seeing all that Jesus went through hold back His anger and not destroy everyone. I know how I can become "Ballistic-Crazy-Mom" if my kids are hurting or being treated unfair. I want to rush in and not only rescue my kids but show the bad, stupid people how we deal with it in Brooklyn! ;)
How much love the Father has for me, not to act on what He was seeing ~ all that His Son was going through!!! How did He keep His self-control? And the pain of having to turn His back on His Son because He couldn't be where there is sin. He had to leave Jesus in His most desperate moment, for me!!! WOW!
I am overcome with love and gratitude! There are so many people who blame Him and curse Him for their lives and trouble, I do not want to miss a chance to praise Him and bless Him and tell Him how awesome He is!
In my quiet time this week, I was reading Psalm 18 and verse 16 stuck out to me:
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of the deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy."
He came to rescue me, to rescue you. We are not left alone!!
Where would I be if Jesus did not come and die for me? I would be even more of a mess.
I pray that we would remember how much we are loved and that we have a Rescuer, a Savior...His name is Jesus!!
Happy Easter!
Have a fab day!!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
To worship or not to worship?
Happy Wednesday!! I hope you are all doing well! Lately, I have been thinking about worship. When we were in YWAM, Dean Harbry would say "There are only two times to worship, when you feel like and when you don't." (Thank you, Dean!)
Worship can help us get out of a funk, stop our "belly-button" perspective ~ where our focus is only about us and our stuff ~ and gives us an awesome opportunity to tell God about our love, thankfulness and to praise Him for who He is and all He does for us. Worship also brings focus and clarity.
I think that worship is a tool we can use to enter the presence of God and allow us to bless Him, honor Him and humble ourselves at His feet. It is a place where God can touch places in our heart and bring peace, hope, joy and a knowledge of how big our God is!
Worship has less to do with the music and more to do with the heart. I may not "like" a song, but if my heart is in a place of worship I can can connect with the Living, Loving God. Worship, for me, has been a game-changer in my attitude, actions, thoughts and perspective.
Here are a few verses:
"Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name." Psalm 141:7
"Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is He who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies."
2 Kings 17:39
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." Psalm 95:1-7
"I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise." Psalm 101:1
The way we live is also worship.
" Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in the view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ~ this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" James 3:9-11
Worship is not about just sitting around singing songs and being ineffective in our day-to-day lives. Worship, like God, is multi-faceted...singing songs of worship can change our hearts so we can live a life of worship!
Put on your favorite worship CD, crank it up and praise your Mighty God!!!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Worship can help us get out of a funk, stop our "belly-button" perspective ~ where our focus is only about us and our stuff ~ and gives us an awesome opportunity to tell God about our love, thankfulness and to praise Him for who He is and all He does for us. Worship also brings focus and clarity.
I think that worship is a tool we can use to enter the presence of God and allow us to bless Him, honor Him and humble ourselves at His feet. It is a place where God can touch places in our heart and bring peace, hope, joy and a knowledge of how big our God is!
Worship has less to do with the music and more to do with the heart. I may not "like" a song, but if my heart is in a place of worship I can can connect with the Living, Loving God. Worship, for me, has been a game-changer in my attitude, actions, thoughts and perspective.
Here are a few verses:
"Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name." Psalm 141:7
"Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is He who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies."
2 Kings 17:39
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." Psalm 95:1-7
"I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise." Psalm 101:1
The way we live is also worship.
" Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in the view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ~ this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?" James 3:9-11
Worship is not about just sitting around singing songs and being ineffective in our day-to-day lives. Worship, like God, is multi-faceted...singing songs of worship can change our hearts so we can live a life of worship!
Put on your favorite worship CD, crank it up and praise your Mighty God!!!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Thursday, March 22, 2012
You may have known that I have been sick with a head cold/cough thing and I was able to rest the last two days and I am starting to feel better. Woohoo! I had yesterday off from work for an appointment with my neurologist.
It has been about a year since I was in the middle of two scary medical mysteries and tons of tests. I was officially diagnosed with MS in May. Of course, I was shaken to my core and am still trying to find my balance. The good news is that it has answered a lot of questions I had through the years. It looks like I had it for about 13/14 years and didn't know.
Another good thing is I saw how God had been leading me in some decisions in terms of diet and exercise that I think, long term, have kept me healthier. I have had to learn some triggers and be proactive with choices and decisions.
I have gotten overwhelmed with what the future could look like and had to dig deep into what I know about my Living, Loving God, my family and my friends!
Each time I go to the MS doctor or limp or can't find the word I want to say I am faced with the reality of my life. There are times I still am caught off guard with it and surprised that I can get so emotional. Even yesterday at the doctors, I hate that!
There are things in our lives that we didn't "sign-up" for. Things we wish we didn't have to walk through. When I get angry or resentful of a situation I am reminded about how we are co-heirs with Christ in both His sufferings and ressurection. We were told that we would be tested. We were told the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us.
So, my question is what are we allowing ourselves to stay focused on? The suffering or the ressurection? It is common for us to focus on the bad. It's a very human thing to do, we all do it. How about Job's wife telling him to curse God and die. Elijah hiding under the tree and wanting to die.
It may have not been our choosing to be walking through what we are, but we do have the choice in how we handle it. We can walk in the grace and power that God gives us or we can wallow in despair of our own strength and hopelessness.
My desire is to walk with grace through the different seasons of my life and see that power not only transform me, but the people who may be watching.
Romans 6:4
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
May that power that is in you ~ strengthen you for whatever it is that you are walking through!!!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
It has been about a year since I was in the middle of two scary medical mysteries and tons of tests. I was officially diagnosed with MS in May. Of course, I was shaken to my core and am still trying to find my balance. The good news is that it has answered a lot of questions I had through the years. It looks like I had it for about 13/14 years and didn't know.
Another good thing is I saw how God had been leading me in some decisions in terms of diet and exercise that I think, long term, have kept me healthier. I have had to learn some triggers and be proactive with choices and decisions.
I have gotten overwhelmed with what the future could look like and had to dig deep into what I know about my Living, Loving God, my family and my friends!
Each time I go to the MS doctor or limp or can't find the word I want to say I am faced with the reality of my life. There are times I still am caught off guard with it and surprised that I can get so emotional. Even yesterday at the doctors, I hate that!
There are things in our lives that we didn't "sign-up" for. Things we wish we didn't have to walk through. When I get angry or resentful of a situation I am reminded about how we are co-heirs with Christ in both His sufferings and ressurection. We were told that we would be tested. We were told the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us.
So, my question is what are we allowing ourselves to stay focused on? The suffering or the ressurection? It is common for us to focus on the bad. It's a very human thing to do, we all do it. How about Job's wife telling him to curse God and die. Elijah hiding under the tree and wanting to die.
It may have not been our choosing to be walking through what we are, but we do have the choice in how we handle it. We can walk in the grace and power that God gives us or we can wallow in despair of our own strength and hopelessness.
My desire is to walk with grace through the different seasons of my life and see that power not only transform me, but the people who may be watching.
Romans 6:4
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
May that power that is in you ~ strengthen you for whatever it is that you are walking through!!!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Monday, March 19, 2012
stepping forward...
What's up, Buttercup?!? No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth...I hope you guys are well. The new job is kicking my butt and I'm trying to figure out this new schedule.
Yesterday, Sunday, the kids were watching "Happy Feet 2" and I was in and out getting ready for a wedding. At the end of the movie they were all stomping and dancing and this big seal guy started going backwards and his friend sorta yelled at him, not understanding what he was doing. He replied"
"Sometimes you have to go backward to move forward."
I have felt like that, although I don't think it was always a conscience choice on my part. I think I have felt it was more forced on me, at times, by other people's choices, situations or unhealthy behavior patterns that forced those times in my life.
Through the years I have thought of Abraham, where God calls him to collect all his stuff and family and take off to this great place of promise that God has for him. Or Moses leading the Israelites through the desert. There was a direct route they could have taken that would have brought them to their promised land in a much shorter time, instead God brought them on this trek that lasted years.
In both of these lives there were set-backs, personal and corporate losses, victories, failures and in the end seeing God's hand on all of it.
I think for me right now, I am stepping back only to get ready to move forward!!
I am clinging to: "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6
I need to know that all of this is for a purpose and God is really in control...NOT sickness, people's stupid choices, situations or even my bad decisions/choices. That God is sovereign and has my back and my front and my sides, and that He is not at all ruffled by what is freaking me out!
Looking back over the things we have already walked through, I can see God's hand when at the time I wasn't too sure He was there. I am holding onto that knowledge and comfort during this time.
So, no matter where you are in your life at this moment...packing for an adventure, lost in the desert, facing a failure, rejoicing in a victory or stepping back and getting ready to move forward. Know in your heart of hearts that God is with you, He is sovereign and in control. He will finish His work in you.
The hard part is not knowing what that "finished work" looks like until we are out of the process, look back and see God's Hand directing, protecting, molding and sometimes correcting us.
Each day, each step may be made in confidence of Who God is! The trick, I'm finding, is not focusing on the difficulty of the step or that you really don't want to take the step, but focusing on Who has the plan. I like the line in the new "Karate Kid" where Jackie Chan tells him: "You're focus needs more focus."
I pray that you know the confidence and comfort that God is with you today, whatever that looks like for you! Let's have our focus get more focus.
Have a fab day!!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Yesterday, Sunday, the kids were watching "Happy Feet 2" and I was in and out getting ready for a wedding. At the end of the movie they were all stomping and dancing and this big seal guy started going backwards and his friend sorta yelled at him, not understanding what he was doing. He replied"
"Sometimes you have to go backward to move forward."
I have felt like that, although I don't think it was always a conscience choice on my part. I think I have felt it was more forced on me, at times, by other people's choices, situations or unhealthy behavior patterns that forced those times in my life.
Through the years I have thought of Abraham, where God calls him to collect all his stuff and family and take off to this great place of promise that God has for him. Or Moses leading the Israelites through the desert. There was a direct route they could have taken that would have brought them to their promised land in a much shorter time, instead God brought them on this trek that lasted years.
In both of these lives there were set-backs, personal and corporate losses, victories, failures and in the end seeing God's hand on all of it.
I think for me right now, I am stepping back only to get ready to move forward!!
I am clinging to: "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6
I need to know that all of this is for a purpose and God is really in control...NOT sickness, people's stupid choices, situations or even my bad decisions/choices. That God is sovereign and has my back and my front and my sides, and that He is not at all ruffled by what is freaking me out!
Looking back over the things we have already walked through, I can see God's hand when at the time I wasn't too sure He was there. I am holding onto that knowledge and comfort during this time.
So, no matter where you are in your life at this moment...packing for an adventure, lost in the desert, facing a failure, rejoicing in a victory or stepping back and getting ready to move forward. Know in your heart of hearts that God is with you, He is sovereign and in control. He will finish His work in you.
The hard part is not knowing what that "finished work" looks like until we are out of the process, look back and see God's Hand directing, protecting, molding and sometimes correcting us.
Each day, each step may be made in confidence of Who God is! The trick, I'm finding, is not focusing on the difficulty of the step or that you really don't want to take the step, but focusing on Who has the plan. I like the line in the new "Karate Kid" where Jackie Chan tells him: "You're focus needs more focus."
I pray that you know the confidence and comfort that God is with you today, whatever that looks like for you! Let's have our focus get more focus.
Have a fab day!!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Pottery
"But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him." Jeremiah 18:4
When I was a freshman in High School I dropped out of typing for pottery. Through the years I wish I had stayed in, but I really enjoyed the pottery class and made some cute stuff. ;)
It was great to see what I was making take form and become what I was thinking or to be able to start over because it wasn't anything like what I was going for.
The word marred in the Hebrew means: spoiled, corrupt, injured, ruined or rotted. According to Dictionary.com it means: damage, spoil, render less perfect or useful, disfigure, deface or scar; something has been distorted or internally so severly as to change it's normal qualities, or else that some fault has interfered with its proper development.
I know that I can think of situations in my life that left a scar, left me feeling useless and not perfect. Then there are other things that I know changed me from the inside. It effected how I reacted, acted, trusted, received love or gave love...the list can go on.
God says that He can take this marred, mess of a life and make something new with it. We are not stuck staying the way we were. Sometimes I have fought against the changes in my life, I was familiar with the scars. I knew what to expect from the walls I put up.
If our goal is be whole and like Jesus then we need to allow God to take things away that we may be comfortable with. Change is not easy, but we can trust in our Potter to mold us and make into what He sees us to be.
I pray that whatever changes God brings into your life as He is "unmarring" you, that you stay moldable in His Hands.
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
When I was a freshman in High School I dropped out of typing for pottery. Through the years I wish I had stayed in, but I really enjoyed the pottery class and made some cute stuff. ;)
It was great to see what I was making take form and become what I was thinking or to be able to start over because it wasn't anything like what I was going for.
The word marred in the Hebrew means: spoiled, corrupt, injured, ruined or rotted. According to Dictionary.com it means: damage, spoil, render less perfect or useful, disfigure, deface or scar; something has been distorted or internally so severly as to change it's normal qualities, or else that some fault has interfered with its proper development.
I know that I can think of situations in my life that left a scar, left me feeling useless and not perfect. Then there are other things that I know changed me from the inside. It effected how I reacted, acted, trusted, received love or gave love...the list can go on.
God says that He can take this marred, mess of a life and make something new with it. We are not stuck staying the way we were. Sometimes I have fought against the changes in my life, I was familiar with the scars. I knew what to expect from the walls I put up.
If our goal is be whole and like Jesus then we need to allow God to take things away that we may be comfortable with. Change is not easy, but we can trust in our Potter to mold us and make into what He sees us to be.
I pray that whatever changes God brings into your life as He is "unmarring" you, that you stay moldable in His Hands.
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
Monday, March 12, 2012
Hand in Hand
"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
As I read this today, I found myself taking a deep breath and relaxing into this promise. I love how He says He is "THE" Lord, there isn't anyone else higher or more powerful. Yet, He also says "YOUR" God, which is personal and intimate.
When you are speaking to someone of importance you refrain from being familiar. You are more formal and reverent. You don't have inside jokes, secrets or looks that makes you instantly know what their thinking. You have those things with someone who is in your life on a regular basis. Someone who walks beside you...holding your hand. That implies a level of trust.
You don't get that trust simply by walking side-by-side down the street. Let's picture New York for a second: there are tons of people hurrying along and as they start walking next to eachother, just reach out and hold hands till they parted ways. Too weird!
Now, picture the relationships of people who hold hands: parents and children, couples or someone helping another person who is unable to reach the destination on their own. In all of these there is care and trust.
Then God, our King and Friend, tells us not to be afraid ~ that He will help. Maybe sometimes He leans in and whispers those words to you, other times He may have to shout over the roar of the storm. Both bring comfort and strength. Deep breath in...deep breath out. We stand a little straighter and walk with more confidence. We are not alone!
So, take the hand of Someone who loves you and will help you. He is trustworthy and will not let go.
Walk in confidence, not fear.
By the way, it is significant that God mentions the right hand because it symbolically represents power, authority, favor (being preferred) and trust.
Keep walking, favored one, with power and authority! We can do this!
Have a fab day!
All my love,
Jodi xoxox
As I read this today, I found myself taking a deep breath and relaxing into this promise. I love how He says He is "THE" Lord, there isn't anyone else higher or more powerful. Yet, He also says "YOUR" God, which is personal and intimate.
When you are speaking to someone of importance you refrain from being familiar. You are more formal and reverent. You don't have inside jokes, secrets or looks that makes you instantly know what their thinking. You have those things with someone who is in your life on a regular basis. Someone who walks beside you...holding your hand. That implies a level of trust.
You don't get that trust simply by walking side-by-side down the street. Let's picture New York for a second: there are tons of people hurrying along and as they start walking next to eachother, just reach out and hold hands till they parted ways. Too weird!
Now, picture the relationships of people who hold hands: parents and children, couples or someone helping another person who is unable to reach the destination on their own. In all of these there is care and trust.
Then God, our King and Friend, tells us not to be afraid ~ that He will help. Maybe sometimes He leans in and whispers those words to you, other times He may have to shout over the roar of the storm. Both bring comfort and strength. Deep breath in...deep breath out. We stand a little straighter and walk with more confidence. We are not alone!
So, take the hand of Someone who loves you and will help you. He is trustworthy and will not let go.
Walk in confidence, not fear.
By the way, it is significant that God mentions the right hand because it symbolically represents power, authority, favor (being preferred) and trust.
Keep walking, favored one, with power and authority! We can do this!
Have a fab day!
All my love,
Jodi xoxox
Thursday, March 8, 2012
A New Year
Just to catch you guys up on things around the Cross household, I started working this week and we are all adjusting to that change. (especially Ziva :{ ) I have settled into where I am right now and what needs to be done. My uncle had a double by-pass (we thought he needed a triple) and is doing fine! Woohoo!
So, please forgive me if I don't get the blog out every day. I also know that I am to be writing the blog and sharing my heart. When I finally stepped out and did it, I felt such freedom and excitement. I don't know everything that God has, but I know this is part of it and being obedient feels good!
My heart for each of us to be whole, confident and walking in the freedom and authority we have in Jesus.
I am reading 3 books right now and one of them is "Lioness Arising", by Lisa Bevere, and I have enjoyed reading her through the years. When I re-joined Facebook, I "liked" her and I get her posts. I wrote down a couple of quotes that I want to share with you.
"Allow the critique of others to refine you ~ not define you."
"If you are not careful ~ listening to what other people say about you may cause you to forget who you actually are."
"You can allow what others say about you to influence your life or allow God's Word to transform your life."
There is a theme here that I think we need to remind ourselves of periodically.
WE ARE NOT OUR PAST!
OUR PAST DOES NOT DEFINE US!
Jesus came to change our past with forgiveness and redemption and give us a future with grace and mercy.
The only one that can control the amount of power a person or situation has over us ~ is us. I have been thinking that if I could go back and re-do somethings knowing what I know now, I would: forgive quicker, love some people harder and let go of some people quicker. :-)
"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." Psalm 42:9
The things in our past have happened and we need to deal with them, but we are not to live there. God has something new for us! What has He put in your heart? What has He annouced to you? Maybe in a whisper or maybe in a shout. If you haven't heard anything new, have you done the last thing He said?
Be awesome today!
Love and Hugs ~
jodi xoxo
So, please forgive me if I don't get the blog out every day. I also know that I am to be writing the blog and sharing my heart. When I finally stepped out and did it, I felt such freedom and excitement. I don't know everything that God has, but I know this is part of it and being obedient feels good!
My heart for each of us to be whole, confident and walking in the freedom and authority we have in Jesus.
I am reading 3 books right now and one of them is "Lioness Arising", by Lisa Bevere, and I have enjoyed reading her through the years. When I re-joined Facebook, I "liked" her and I get her posts. I wrote down a couple of quotes that I want to share with you.
"Allow the critique of others to refine you ~ not define you."
"If you are not careful ~ listening to what other people say about you may cause you to forget who you actually are."
"You can allow what others say about you to influence your life or allow God's Word to transform your life."
There is a theme here that I think we need to remind ourselves of periodically.
WE ARE NOT OUR PAST!
OUR PAST DOES NOT DEFINE US!
Jesus came to change our past with forgiveness and redemption and give us a future with grace and mercy.
The only one that can control the amount of power a person or situation has over us ~ is us. I have been thinking that if I could go back and re-do somethings knowing what I know now, I would: forgive quicker, love some people harder and let go of some people quicker. :-)
"See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." Psalm 42:9
The things in our past have happened and we need to deal with them, but we are not to live there. God has something new for us! What has He put in your heart? What has He annouced to you? Maybe in a whisper or maybe in a shout. If you haven't heard anything new, have you done the last thing He said?
Be awesome today!
Love and Hugs ~
jodi xoxo
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Esther Part 2
"He sent back this answer: Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this." Esther 4:13-14
I haven't been able to get Esther out of my mind all day. I think it is so cool that as the Jewish people are celebrating Purim, the salvation of their nation and the hanging of Haman, Esther is still rescuing people today. As annoyed as I was Monday, I am thankful for God's faithfulness. I know that this morning (Tuesday), I was starting to feel sad, but I didn't allow myself to go there. I got over it and had a good day at work. Our self talk is so important, what we say to ourselves and allow our minds to dwell on. (Romans 12: 1&2; Philippians 4:8)
I have been thinking about the part that is in bold. I don't think that it is enough that we just be in our royal position, we actually have to step out and say something, do something, stand for something. People aren't by osmosis going to on fall on their knees in repentance or whatever they need, simply because we are standing next them. (wouldn't that be a sight!?)
God has placed the people, around us, in our lives for a reason and we are (vocationally, geographically, etc.) where we are for a reason. That means we need to stand up and bring "relief and deliverance" to those around us or God will send someone else to reach them.
My biggest desire is to be that tool that God can depend on, that when He reaches for me ~ I am ready.
That means that I need to keep my heart pure, my ears open and be looking for where God is moving.
A good server in any restaurant anticipates what the customers need and has it ready for them. Always looking ahead and being conscience of what is going on at the table, will determine your readiness and the care you can give.
If we are not obedient to what God is saying and stepping out, God will find someone else. I don't want to get to heaven and see all the opportunities that I missed because of fear, ignoring or not hearing God, or being too busy to be useful in the Hands of God.
We need to be willing to pay the cost to answer His call. Esther did. Jesus did. Every single person we read about in the Bible paid something. We are not special in that way, we are not exempt or get a free pass.
There is still a battle going on to destroy God's people, saved or not. Who will be the ones to stand up and bring relief and deliverance? I want to! Who am I to pick where and how that looks? A tool is a tool. There's a reason God put that scripture in the Bible that talks about not thinking too highly of yourself. We have a habit of doing that.
I pray that whatever we do, wherever we go, we will be the ones to stand up and be "Esther" to what is happening around us.
Be blessed and strengthened today!
Have a fab day!
All my love,
Jodi xoxo
I haven't been able to get Esther out of my mind all day. I think it is so cool that as the Jewish people are celebrating Purim, the salvation of their nation and the hanging of Haman, Esther is still rescuing people today. As annoyed as I was Monday, I am thankful for God's faithfulness. I know that this morning (Tuesday), I was starting to feel sad, but I didn't allow myself to go there. I got over it and had a good day at work. Our self talk is so important, what we say to ourselves and allow our minds to dwell on. (Romans 12: 1&2; Philippians 4:8)
I have been thinking about the part that is in bold. I don't think that it is enough that we just be in our royal position, we actually have to step out and say something, do something, stand for something. People aren't by osmosis going to on fall on their knees in repentance or whatever they need, simply because we are standing next them. (wouldn't that be a sight!?)
God has placed the people, around us, in our lives for a reason and we are (vocationally, geographically, etc.) where we are for a reason. That means we need to stand up and bring "relief and deliverance" to those around us or God will send someone else to reach them.
My biggest desire is to be that tool that God can depend on, that when He reaches for me ~ I am ready.
That means that I need to keep my heart pure, my ears open and be looking for where God is moving.
A good server in any restaurant anticipates what the customers need and has it ready for them. Always looking ahead and being conscience of what is going on at the table, will determine your readiness and the care you can give.
If we are not obedient to what God is saying and stepping out, God will find someone else. I don't want to get to heaven and see all the opportunities that I missed because of fear, ignoring or not hearing God, or being too busy to be useful in the Hands of God.
We need to be willing to pay the cost to answer His call. Esther did. Jesus did. Every single person we read about in the Bible paid something. We are not special in that way, we are not exempt or get a free pass.
There is still a battle going on to destroy God's people, saved or not. Who will be the ones to stand up and bring relief and deliverance? I want to! Who am I to pick where and how that looks? A tool is a tool. There's a reason God put that scripture in the Bible that talks about not thinking too highly of yourself. We have a habit of doing that.
I pray that whatever we do, wherever we go, we will be the ones to stand up and be "Esther" to what is happening around us.
Be blessed and strengthened today!
Have a fab day!
All my love,
Jodi xoxo
Monday, March 5, 2012
Trusting God When You're Mad
"He sent back this answer: Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the royal position for such a time as this?" Ester 4:13-14
I read that in my quiet time this morning and I will be honest with you, it annoyed the heck out of me. I know that God had placed Esther in the palace to save the Jews and she had to get on board with His plan and take that step of faith. In my life I have known moments of being part of God's answer and rescuing His people.
Surprisingly, not all of it was working in church, going on mission trips or meeting with my prison ladies, although there have been pretty amazing moments. Some of it was in the back of a Friendly's Restaurant doing side work, when my co-worker falls in my arms, broken and crying. All I did was care enough to ask questions, really listen and be there.
It is easy to feel like you are in a "Royal Position" during official ministry times. When I led a Mother's Group, or preached from the pulpit, or taught Children's Church, or the Prison or working at LifeHouse. People hear those things and say "ooohhhh." But you tell them you work at Friendly's or a bank or Big Horn's BBQ and they say "oh."
It is hard to feel royal about that. How can God use me in this job? All I do is answer phones or stare at a computer...
I have really been struggling with my new job. Hear my heart here, I am grateful to have one, we need the finances and I know I will be the best cashier they have. I know the right answers and the God stuff, but it's not what I want to do.
Have you felt like that? I wonder if Esther felt like that?! She didn't ask to be taken from her home, and given to a man she didn't know. There are times in our lives when we are placed in situations we didn't ask for or would not be our first choice. BUT...can we be like Esther and rise up and do it anyway?
That's why I was so annoyed this morning, I really want to scream NO!! There's dreams You put in my heart, when are they going to come true? I'm tired of filling needs. Feel free to insert your stuff here....
Then God reminds me about Joseph in jail, really?!? I hate that! Why can't God just let me be mad and feel sorry for myself? We all know the answer....I hope you weren't going to say it builds character! (those answers don't help, by the way). God is committed to me and transforming me into His image.
He is always more concerned for our hearts than what we do.
So, I am working on my attitude, praying that I will know His peace while waiting for my dreams.
I know He is faithful and has not forgotten me, even if it feels like it. You know Esther felt it, and Joseph, and Jonah and even Jesus.
I don't know if you are living out your dreams or filling a need or a little of both, but I pray that you will rise up to meet your royal position and be the answer to the people around you. They are God's people and they need rescuing!
May God richly bless you!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
I read that in my quiet time this morning and I will be honest with you, it annoyed the heck out of me. I know that God had placed Esther in the palace to save the Jews and she had to get on board with His plan and take that step of faith. In my life I have known moments of being part of God's answer and rescuing His people.
Surprisingly, not all of it was working in church, going on mission trips or meeting with my prison ladies, although there have been pretty amazing moments. Some of it was in the back of a Friendly's Restaurant doing side work, when my co-worker falls in my arms, broken and crying. All I did was care enough to ask questions, really listen and be there.
It is easy to feel like you are in a "Royal Position" during official ministry times. When I led a Mother's Group, or preached from the pulpit, or taught Children's Church, or the Prison or working at LifeHouse. People hear those things and say "ooohhhh." But you tell them you work at Friendly's or a bank or Big Horn's BBQ and they say "oh."
It is hard to feel royal about that. How can God use me in this job? All I do is answer phones or stare at a computer...
I have really been struggling with my new job. Hear my heart here, I am grateful to have one, we need the finances and I know I will be the best cashier they have. I know the right answers and the God stuff, but it's not what I want to do.
Have you felt like that? I wonder if Esther felt like that?! She didn't ask to be taken from her home, and given to a man she didn't know. There are times in our lives when we are placed in situations we didn't ask for or would not be our first choice. BUT...can we be like Esther and rise up and do it anyway?
That's why I was so annoyed this morning, I really want to scream NO!! There's dreams You put in my heart, when are they going to come true? I'm tired of filling needs. Feel free to insert your stuff here....
Then God reminds me about Joseph in jail, really?!? I hate that! Why can't God just let me be mad and feel sorry for myself? We all know the answer....I hope you weren't going to say it builds character! (those answers don't help, by the way). God is committed to me and transforming me into His image.
He is always more concerned for our hearts than what we do.
So, I am working on my attitude, praying that I will know His peace while waiting for my dreams.
I know He is faithful and has not forgotten me, even if it feels like it. You know Esther felt it, and Joseph, and Jonah and even Jesus.
I don't know if you are living out your dreams or filling a need or a little of both, but I pray that you will rise up to meet your royal position and be the answer to the people around you. They are God's people and they need rescuing!
May God richly bless you!
Have a fab day!
All my love ~
Jodi xoxo
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