Another mommy's day...coming up

Little did I know...while playing with my mom's new cell phone camera, we would snap our last photo together. This is it. Sunday, May 13 will be my second Mother's Day without my mama. My heart goes out to others in the same boat.

If you'd like to read last year's post, here it is.

Hug your mama while you can!

Fellowship: What’s the BIG deal? The rest of the story…

Here's the rest of faith fellowship points to ponder:

#3.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says we are to “comfort, encourage and give relief” to one another. Recently, I read a story about a woman who was feeling particularly overwhelmed with the pressures of life. A single mom with bills due and a car in need of repair, she wondered what to do. On a particularly stressful day, she had a remarkable encounter with her one-year-old son. At lunchtime, she sat her baby in his high chair and pulled up a chair facing him. Suddenly, her emotions gave way and she bowed in tears. Looking up at her baby and wondering how in the world she was going to make it, he showed her a powerful act of comfort. He took the passy out of his mouth and offered it to her. What a powerful example of faith fellowship. With faith fellowship - comes sharing and comforting.

#4.
Faith fellowship also equals friendship. Three years ago, while I was on the road promoting my second CD, the opportunity to become worship leader was presented to me. The church, Strong Tower Fellowship, is a missions church - a contemporary, multi-cultural restart of an old traditional church. The church lies on a main thoroughfare with antebellum homes to the front, dilapidated homes at the back. The community to the back is on the National Register of Historic Places, yet it is a community that has fallen victim to crime, drugs, and gangs - an inner-city mission field. The mission of Strong Tower is to minister to people… ALL PEOPLE… those to the front and those to the back. The mission is to see lives renewed and transformed through the Gospel. One of the most poignant stories came out of a Saturday morning community visit. Our Senior Pastor, while walking the community, came across a lady from the neighborhood. I’m sure she was a little stunned to answer a knock at the door and find a white dude standing on her porch.

The Pastor introduced himself and invited her to church on Sunday. After a few minutes of chatting, she said she would be there. As the pastor was ready to leave, he asked her “what can I help you with? What do you need?” It seemed clear that her physical needs were not being completely met. With all that aside, this is what she answered, “You know what I need pastor? I need a friend.”


Third John 1 says that it is good when you act faithfully and accomplish for the brethren, especially when they are strangers (or when they are new found friends) - do what is pleasing to God and what honors Him. Becoming friends to the friendless honors God. Often times, friendship comes before the opportunity to share the gospel. With faith fellowship - comes friendship.

#5.
Faith fellowship is also about LOVE. Did you know that LOVE is mentioned in the Bible over 300 times? One of the most recognized verses is “love your neighbor as yourself.” Have you ever had a neighbor who was not so easy to love?…one that’s downright aggravating? But we as God followers are commanded to love. Love is a choice and a commitment.

This applied not only to the literal neighbor - but those all around you. It’s about caring for, it’s about putting others in a position to be successful, it’s about helping the elderly woman put groceries in her car, it’s about helping your aggravating neighbor unload a truck of pine straw, it’s about giving a ride to a church member or co-worker whose car is out of service, even though they live way across town.

It’s more than just being kind. It’s about love - God’s love. How can we profess love for God who we cannot see and not love those we can see.

First John 3:18 says “you show love by what you do not what you say.“ It includes loving people when they are not so loveable - including people that you truly love. You know what I’m talking about.

Sometimes even those we truly love can be a teeny bit hard to love…like when they’re sick - you know, the irritable, get-on-your-last-nerve, make-you-wanna- say-a-bad-word, drooling, coughing, runny-nose, with a fever, kind of sick? And at times, we can understand why some animals eat their young. But 1 Corinthians 13 says that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things…

Love is…well…love…regardless…agape love…GOD love. Love inside and outside the home. Love when it’s fun, love when it’s not so fun. As the song says - let your love flow. Because - with faith fellowship comes love.

#6.
Think about this. Our blessings, knowledge, wisdom and testimony are not given so we can keep it to ourselves. Ask yourself these questions:

Upon whom am I making an impact? Who’s listening to me? Am I worthy of a listen?

2 Timothy 4:2-5 says Preach the Word; be prepared in and out of season - correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.

The responsibility of good counsel comes into play here. When someone asks for your input…do you take the inquiry seriously and take the time to listen and get understanding as a good counselor? Or do you start spouting off “what I would do is…”

With faith fellowship…comes listening and teaching and encouraging with patience through sharing the Word.

#7.
Lastly, Colossians 3:16 says “let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your heart. Of course, as a musician, this is one of my favorite verses.

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than music to warm the soul and open the heart creating an atmosphere of worship - a time or praise …a time to give glory and honor …a time to magnify. Perhaps that’s why most church services start with music. It sets the platform.

With faith fellowship - comes heartfelt magnification of God.


So, back to the original question: Fellowship - what’s the BIG deal? Here’s the BIG deal:

#1. Faith fellowship helps us with our vertical and horizontal relationships.
Faith fellowship reminds us to expand our tents to include believers outside our everyday circles by way of God’s inclusion policy.

#2. Faith fellowship is about sharing our story with those who respect our desire for confidential exchange.

#3. Faith fellowship allows us to share and comfort.

#4. Faith fellowship shows us about friendship.

#5. Faith fellowship expands our love horizon.

#6. Faith fellowship is an avenue for teaching and encouraging.

and #7. Faith fellowship gives us the opportunity to magnify God.

Fellowship: What's the BIG deal? Part 2: Jive Talking

Picture this: On the outside, it’s all smiles…Hey girl, how you doing?

I’M DOING GREAT! The kids are fantastic - straight A students, all American sport figure heads at school, and my husband…girl, he runs his own company, has made a mint trading stocks in this volatile market, and has just been name top diplomat for a “love your neighbor, love the world' fellowship movement. The response: Ohhh, how nice.

Could we please stop the jive talking? (Remember the song by the Bee Gees? “It’s just your jive talkin, You’re telling me lies, Jive talkin, You wear a disguise, Jive talkin, So misunderstood, yeah, Jive talkin…) Why do we feel the need to one-up on everything?


Here’s the reality. We're afraid to talk about out insecurities, hurts and problems. We're not going to talk about those five pounds we need to lose, or how the band leader chose someone else to play the solo, or how we long to make a difference in the world but can't find the drive or the time, or the school challenges and social dilemmas our children face, or how lonely we are. We're not open to sharing the most vulnerable part of our hearts for fear we will be exposed.

Faith fellowship should change that mindset. We should be honest, sincere, open, empathetic, sympathetic, and caring toward our sisters. We should uplift, encourage and renew one another. We should share our story, heart, hurts, dreams, and issues. We should know the meaning of a real friend …and be one!

All these things come with the realization that if we are going to have the fullness of fellowship with one another, we must have confidential exchange. With faith fellowship…comes trust.

Fellowship: What's the BIG Deal? Seven ways to renew yourself through communion with others.

The Bible instructs us to “forsake not the fellowship of the brethren”. Many times we associate “fellowship” with potluck suppers, ice cream socials, small group gatherings, Sunday mornings. We get together, we eat, we laugh, we gossip a little (you know you do), we sing songs, we listen to the Pastor’s message and we call it fellowship.

Webster’s definition of fellowship is simply: friendly relationship, companionship, a community of interest, communion with others. I believe when faith is added to fellowship, it goes much deeper. Faith fellowship can be defined as the vertical relationship between you and God and the horizontal relationship with others here on the planet. It is a relationship with God and fellow believers….and potential believers.

Personal fellowship with God is the foundation of people fellowship. The personal time we spend with God in prayer, in worship, and in communion with Him shapes everything we do in the people fellowship realm. The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us, based on the Word of God, reveal our destination and what we should do when we get there.

While you are on the journey, here’s the first of seven ponders…

1. ‘Birds of a feather’ - you’ve heard it - 'flock together'. We flock together in our churches, our neighborhoods, and social events. STOP THE PRESSES! I have some shocking news: everyone that shares my faith DOES NOT look like me. You read it right - they do not all look like me. And you know what else? They don’t all look like you either. So, I will tell you like God told Abraham - expand!

Expand yourself to include people who don’t look like you. God’s flock is an amazing tapestry of beauty. It is where you will find the most interesting, diverse group of people. God’s flock is not bound by the world’s standard - we are not bound by clothing styles, languages, careers, social standing, socio-economic status, and neighborhoods. We, my friend, are bound by God’s inclusion policy. If you’re not sure about it - check out the book of Acts. Faith fellowship is about expansion.

Check back for the next ponder…

Message in a purse

Do we miss messages? Do you hear the resounding “YEEEESSSSS”? As I often say, there’s a message in everything…some sort of message.

I write notes to myself on “stickies” - quotes I want to remember, scriptures to study, grocery lists, song ideas, to-do lists…. and put them on my desk. At some point, I had written a note with two Bible verses and the words “unlimited resources” and put it on my desk along with the other sticky notes.

Yesterday morning while loading my bag with papers needed for the day, I noticed a sticky had stuck to the side of my bag. I took it off and put it back in the pile on my desk. I grabbed my purse and the same note was stuck to it. I quickly snatched it off and was reaching to put it back in the pile but instead paused for a nanosecond then stuck it in my purse.

As you know, this blog is about seeing God in things seemingly unrelated to God. Can I explain how the note kept getting stuck on my bags? Scientifically, there is probably some sort of explanation …perhaps static electricity or something along those lines. But I’m really not that into just scientific explanations. I’d rather look beyond and see a spiritual message.

Over the course of the day, I reached into my purse at least 20 times. Every time I opened it, there was the note. My day was full of appointments loaded with important decisions. Investment decisions, resource allocation decisions, production decisions, and the like. Driving home, my mind raced through a review of the day.

Dropping keys in my purse, I once again saw the note. I took it out and pondered it - ‘unlimited resources‘….‘unlimited resources‘…‘unlimited resources‘…

What’s the message? I know that God is a God of unlimited resources. His blessings, grace and mercy are continual - unlimited. He will supply our every need. So, why did I spend so much time today concerned about resources?

What does Luke 12:32 say? “…Your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” Ephesians 3:14-19 can be summarized… He will grant you according to the riches of His glory…He will give you inner strength and power through His Spirit. In other words, He will supply resources…unlimited. Resources of health, strength, wisdom, finances - He will supply ALL our needs. Again, why did I spend so much time today concerned about resources?

The sticky message in my purse served as a reminder that we are to meditate on the things of God without ceasing. It is a reminder that in order to fulfill our purpose on earth - we must embrace the kingdom mindset of unlimited resources…

Valentines and Roses...

On Valentine’s Day, the display of love is often embellished with a rose or two or twelve. A bouquet will adorn many desks, accompany many dinners and be the prelude to many kisses on this love day. As I think about valentines and roses, I am reminded of a poem that serves as a reminder that love…and flowers…like so many other things…can’t be rushed.

The Rose
It’s only a tiny rose bud,
a flower of God’s design
I cannot unfold its petals
with these clumsy hands of mine
The secret of unfolding flowers
is not known to such as I
The flower God opens so sweet
in my hands would fade and die
If I cannot unfold a rose bud
this flower of God’s design
Then how can I think I have wisdom
to unfold this life of mine
So, I’ll trust in Him
for His leading each moment of every day
And I’ll look to him for his guidance
each step of the pilgrim way
For the pathway that lies before me
my heavenly father knows
I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments
just as He unfolds the rose. (author unknown)

When you think of your life, have you let God reveal His plan for you…or have you tried to force the way? Our life unfolds as the rose blooms. Take a few moments on this love day to think about it.

Did you Habakkuk?

We’re a month into our New Year’s Resolutions. So…how’s it going?

Often times, we spout out all sorts of things …err…resolutions for the new year. Topping the list is the usual…spend more time with family and friends; get out of debt; exercise; balance life and work; worry less; stop smoking; get involved in a cause; become more ‘spiritual’; yada yada yada.

Without a plan of action, we’ll likely have this same conversation next year. Habakkuk records a message from God relating to a plan of action. “Write it down and make it plain” (2:2).

As the journey through 2012 continues, try these steps for goal accomplishment.

1. Identify the goal.

2. Commit to the goal.

3. Write down the plan.

4. Make it simple and plain.

5. Execute the plan.

For example, volunteering for a cause requires coordination to make it happen: 1) identify: volunteer at a women’s shelter; 2) commit: contact shelter, arrange time for training or other requirements and set schedule; 3) write it down: allocate time and make calendar entry; 4) simple and plain: arrange for care of other obligations (picking up children, dinner, etc.); and 5) execute: show up and celebrate the moments that you are sowing into someone else’s life.

Of course, all resolutions, visions, and dreams are not that simple to execute. However, the 5 steps are necessary in moving toward your goal - large or small. As we move, let’s keep in mind Habakkuk 2:3 - there may be a waiting time but if you wait in faith …

When's the last time you did it?

I’m talking about LOLing - Laughing Out Loud!!

If you really look at life, laughter can be found in ordinary things. Have you ever watched episodes of America’s Funniest Home Videos? Funny stuff happens all the time. With the invent of YouTube, Vimeo, and other video sites, it’s easier than ever to post your funny happenings - and to laugh at the adventures of others.

Take a minute to think of something funny that has happened to you - or at least something you have witnessed. It’s easier than you think. I can name a ton of things. For example, last week I watched, from my office window, a lady trying to parallel park. You might wonder why that was funny. Well, it was funny - not because she was trying to parallel park - but the fact there were four people outside the vehicle trying to help her. They were all yelling, “turn your wheels this way, turn your wheels that way…” and the process took at least ten minutes before her car was in the parking space. She ran up on the curb a few times and pulled out to start over several times…forward, backwards, forward, backwards… Got to hand it to her - she persevered. She accomplished her goal - she needed a parking space, she had a parking space, and by golly she was going to use it. By this time, her four helpers were laughing hysterically.

Studies have shown that children laugh on average 100 times per day; while adults laugh (on a good day) maybe 5 times. Clearly, I am not average.

Let’s throw the God-spin on laughter. Does the Word of God instruct us to be serious all the time? Have you every met someone who professes to be spiritual and holy and Godly but the countenance on their face is anything but joyful and happy? If we claim to be spirit-filled Godly people, then we should be filled with smiles and laughter and our hearts should be bursting with happiness.

I want to encourage you to find joy in every day happenings - even when trials show up. Don’t let the difficult patches steal your joy. Meditate on these words:

“For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15, NLT).

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health” (Proverbs 15:30, NLT).

“A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing” (Proverbs 17:22, Amplified Bible).

“For everything there is a season, a time for activity under the heaven…a time to cry and a time to laugh…” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1,4).

So, today (and tomorrow and the next day too) take time for little giggles or full-on belly-jiggling laughs!

What's a daddy good for?

My daddy is 30 years and one day older than me. It just didn’t work out for me to be born on his birthday - although I’m pretty sure my mom did everything possible to make it happen. In those days, it just happened when in happened - no such thing as “planning a birth”. My dad was SUPERMAN - he had all the answers about everything, he was the strongest man in the world, he could fix anything broken (including hearts), he was the smartest man in the world, and he could beat up your dad.

As I reflect on this Father’s Day and how blessed I am to have a God-loving father, childhood memories come flooding back. My mind is filled with memories of hanging out with my dad and how much it meant to me to tag along. Whether he was teaching me how to ride a motor scooter, properly wash a car, paint a room, play piano and guitar, count the church offering, sing harmony, or about God, the time spent with him will forever be in my heart.

Daddies can also be a ton of fun. Mine would let me do things when mama wasn’t home that led to interesting conversation when she returned - such as allowing me to play in her makeup (somehow my red lips didn’t turn out like hers - I looked more like Bozo the Clown’s sister) or letting me pick out the new color and paint the kitchen walls (sunshine yellow, in case you were wondering); and independently make dinner, including her special homemade biscuits (which turned out hard as a rock). Mama usually didn’t get mad - I could get away with lots of things by using the phrase “daddy said I could”… Oh, how I loved hanging out with my dad.

So, back to the question: “what’s a daddy good for?”

Love. Daddies are admireres.

Joy. Daddies are teachers.

Patience. Daddies teach that sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do - like have your picture taken because mama wants a picture taken...

Faithfulness.

He teaches you about God and how attending church is an important part of spiritual growth…

It is no coincidence that these things happen to be the fruit of the spirit. Love, joy, patience, and faithfulness - along with peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5: 25). In order to reap fruit, seeds must be planted. And daddies play the ultimate role in planting.

Daddies - I ask you these questions:

What seeds are you sowing in the lives of your children?
What successes will they attribute to the seeds planted by you?
Do you purposely lead with a Godly foundation?
Do you love like the heavenly Father loves?
Do your children see joy and happiness in your life?
Are you patient like the Father is patient?
Can they count on your faithfulness just as God is faithful to us?
Are you a witness for peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control?

Remember...children need a daddy like the Father.

Eat your greens...

How many times did your mama say “eat your greens”? If you’re 29 like me (don’t laugh…LOL) maybe 1,000,000 times. “Try it - you might like it.” I didn’t like greens when I was a kid - didn’t like the way the way they smelled, looked, or anything else about them. Had I ever tasted them? No - because I didn’t like the way they smelled, looked or anything else about them. True to what mamas say - “there are starving children in the world who would like to have this warm food”. True to what children think (think…dare not say) “I wish they would come here and get this food that I don’t like - the way it smells, looks or anything else about it.” Eventually mama gives up and another win for the kid! Hooray!

Fast forward a FEW years (LOL) and a change in perception was miraculously made! Greens are low in fat, high in nutrients, and good for you! Check any health website and all it talks about how low the glycemic index is in … you guessed it… greens. Sort of like being a Christian - what you don’t think you’ll like about it is probably made up of preconceived notions;such as, Christians have no fun, they’re boring, they talk about the Bible all the time, they’re hypocrites, they don’t make mistakes, they think they’re better than everybody else, they‘re judgmental, they don‘t smell good and don‘t look good…and on and on and on and on…

Do you have a preconceived notion about what Christians are all about?

If you’re not a God-observer, why not try it? Acknowledging that there is indeed a divine higher power that is omnipotent and omnipresent and author of hope and faith that will make your life…well…more hopeful…about the present and the future.

“…God has come for your good, to give you life and give it to you more abundantly“ (John 10:10). Try it…you might like it.