Today I found myself rereading through parts of my journal, and I came across an entry that spoke to me for where I'm at today. God seems to be repeating the message of "rest" once more, but I'm realizing that it means something different than what I initially thought. I began wondering what Godly Rest was in the late summer and tried my best to apply it, but God is continually helping us to learn and grow, and I find myself in that pattern once again. So here's another flashback from my journal, maybe God is speaking the same message to you:
"Be still and know that I am God."
This is what I heard on my drive to work today. I had been trying to pray as I usually do but I kept getting nowhere. Finally I just asked God what was going on, wondering what He wanted me to do. I felt like I needed to empty my mind of thought and open my ears to God. The moments ticked by and the suspense grew but nothing happened. Finally I angrily yelled, "God, what do you want me to do?" And that's when I heard it. "Be still and know that I am God." I let it roll over and over in my head and suddenly God felt so big and so close, I could feel Him everywhere. But I still couldn't make sense of why He was telling me that.
After I parked my car at work and finally prayed in earnest, I looked on my iDisciple App and my thumb clicked on an article titled "A Balanced Diet", a short article about how to feed the mental, emotional, and spiritual life. In the prayer section it asked the question, "What do You want me to do to keep my heart attuned to Jesus? Do I need to spend more time in scripture, seeking you in prayer, or being still in Your presence?" I gasped as the pieces began to fall into place and I understood what God was trying to tell me! This is how He wants me to keep my heart attuned to Him, by being still and resting in His presence. Be still, rest in Him and know that He is God. I don't need to strive or stress, I need only be still and remember who's in charge. What a relief this is! How great you are, O God!
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
Friday, January 2, 2015
Royalty
Over the Christmas holiday God blessed me with the incredible opportunity to go to Disney World, a place I hadn't been since I was 6-7 years old. To better explain, I'm kind of a Disney Nerd who grew up loving the musical films and gleaning life lessons from the characters in these films, particularly the women. The princesses and leading women have come under scrutiny in recent years for the lessons they have supposedly taught young girls. Much of my personal strengths of character such as kindness, patience, love, believing in others, sacrifice, hope, encouragement, joy in the face of trials, friendship, strength, boldness, and standing up for my beliefs, I received from these characters. The only bad lesson I learned was that animals will come help you clean up your house when you sing (a joke, but seriously, come on animals).
Earlier this year God showed me that since He is the King of Kings and I am an adopted daughter into His royal Kingdom that it makes me His Princess. Yes, I am a Princess of the Kingdom of God! And if you are a woman following Jesus then you are one as well (and men, that would make you Princes, this royalty stuff isn't just for the women). It took a while to wrap my mind around this truth, but now that I have nothing and no one can take it from me! When I went to Disney World I met many of the princesses that I had looked up to as a child (yes, I know they're actresses), but it was such a crazy experience meeting them knowing that I am a princess! On my last night of the trip, my friend and I had dinner at Cinderella's Castle and we even wore tiaras, a symbol representing our standing in God's Kingdom. I can't even describe the feeling, it just felt right.
To better explain this point of being God's royalty, I'd like to share with you an entry from my personal journal from this summer when I first came upon this realization:
Something that has just been blowing me away is that I am a princess of God! For a girl who grew up on and LOVED Disney movies and their heroine princesses, this idea hits me so hard that it strikes joy into my heart! It makes me think of all my favorite princesses and what I share in common with them.
I share Snow White's dream of her prince and Aurora's lovely voice. Like Cinderella I don't always look like a princess on the outside, but I persevere to be one within.
I share Ariel's curiosity and Belle's desire for adventure. Like Jasmine I stand up for myself and won't allow men to have the final say on my future.
Like Pocahontas I know there is both good and bad in us all but I express grace and seek a peaceful world. I have a competitive side and desire to find out who I truly am like Mulan, and I share an independent streak with Meg.
Like Gisele I believe in true love, and I wonder when my life will begin like Rapunzel. I share Anna's adorkable personality and strong love for those close to me, and I have a beauty to unveil like Elsa.
I share many similarities with all my favorite heroines. Most importantly, I am my own as God has created me for a purpose and has designed me and crafted me in a specific way for a specific role! I am Princess Jennifer, a beautiful brunette (turned blonde) with eyes that can shift from a deep ocean blue to a piercing hazel, and I have curves and edges unique to me. I am beautifully and wonderfully made by my Father, the King of Kings, and I have a desire to see the beauty in the world and be one with it. I can get lost in gorgeous swelling melodies and join in the song. I have a desire to create and enjoy my Father's magnificent creations such as the land and seas. I have a maturity of one who has lived 25 years and knows her Heavenly Prince and true love intimately, but I also have a playful side and child-like innocence, still learning right from wrong. I have a stubbornness to try things for myself and an interest in learning new things. I am Princess Jennifer, independent, silly, and filled with love, hope, and romantic dreams. I have an adventure all my own to share as God's Princess! Just wait until you see my story!
This experience isn't just unique to me. God longs for you to know Him and yourself this way too, in a way that is specifically fit to you. He longs to give you lovely gifts and romance your heart while also comforting and protecting you like a father! Just ask Him, He's right at the door and has been waiting patiently for you to let Him in. He can't wait to show you the incredible story he has for you!
Love,
Princess Jennifer
Earlier this year God showed me that since He is the King of Kings and I am an adopted daughter into His royal Kingdom that it makes me His Princess. Yes, I am a Princess of the Kingdom of God! And if you are a woman following Jesus then you are one as well (and men, that would make you Princes, this royalty stuff isn't just for the women). It took a while to wrap my mind around this truth, but now that I have nothing and no one can take it from me! When I went to Disney World I met many of the princesses that I had looked up to as a child (yes, I know they're actresses), but it was such a crazy experience meeting them knowing that I am a princess! On my last night of the trip, my friend and I had dinner at Cinderella's Castle and we even wore tiaras, a symbol representing our standing in God's Kingdom. I can't even describe the feeling, it just felt right.
To better explain this point of being God's royalty, I'd like to share with you an entry from my personal journal from this summer when I first came upon this realization:
Something that has just been blowing me away is that I am a princess of God! For a girl who grew up on and LOVED Disney movies and their heroine princesses, this idea hits me so hard that it strikes joy into my heart! It makes me think of all my favorite princesses and what I share in common with them.
I share Snow White's dream of her prince and Aurora's lovely voice. Like Cinderella I don't always look like a princess on the outside, but I persevere to be one within.
I share Ariel's curiosity and Belle's desire for adventure. Like Jasmine I stand up for myself and won't allow men to have the final say on my future.
Like Pocahontas I know there is both good and bad in us all but I express grace and seek a peaceful world. I have a competitive side and desire to find out who I truly am like Mulan, and I share an independent streak with Meg.
Like Gisele I believe in true love, and I wonder when my life will begin like Rapunzel. I share Anna's adorkable personality and strong love for those close to me, and I have a beauty to unveil like Elsa.
I share many similarities with all my favorite heroines. Most importantly, I am my own as God has created me for a purpose and has designed me and crafted me in a specific way for a specific role! I am Princess Jennifer, a beautiful brunette (turned blonde) with eyes that can shift from a deep ocean blue to a piercing hazel, and I have curves and edges unique to me. I am beautifully and wonderfully made by my Father, the King of Kings, and I have a desire to see the beauty in the world and be one with it. I can get lost in gorgeous swelling melodies and join in the song. I have a desire to create and enjoy my Father's magnificent creations such as the land and seas. I have a maturity of one who has lived 25 years and knows her Heavenly Prince and true love intimately, but I also have a playful side and child-like innocence, still learning right from wrong. I have a stubbornness to try things for myself and an interest in learning new things. I am Princess Jennifer, independent, silly, and filled with love, hope, and romantic dreams. I have an adventure all my own to share as God's Princess! Just wait until you see my story!
This experience isn't just unique to me. God longs for you to know Him and yourself this way too, in a way that is specifically fit to you. He longs to give you lovely gifts and romance your heart while also comforting and protecting you like a father! Just ask Him, He's right at the door and has been waiting patiently for you to let Him in. He can't wait to show you the incredible story he has for you!
Love,
Princess Jennifer
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Look Above the Clouds
I recently returned from a dream vacation to Disney World (more on that to come), and while I was on the plane to Orlando I was inspired to write in my journal and later realized that I want to share it with you. So here it is:
The sky was grey and hazy as it was in Detroit, and I watched the rain fall constant on the pavement and plane outside the Chicago terminal. Anyone looking could see that it was a less than pleasant day. Finally the time came for us to line up and board our flight to Orlando. And as the airplane taxied toward the runway I continued to allow the unpleasant weather to dull my excitement.
Suddenly the plane sped up and before I knew it we were off the ground watching the city get smaller until I could see nothing at all due to the cloud cover. Just as I was beginning to determine that my view was less than stellar, our aircraft broke through the clouds and my eyes beheld a lovely sight. I could see the clear blue sky that accentuated what looked like perfectly clean, smooth, white hills of snow. Only it wasn't snow at all but the tops of those same grey, miserable clouds that I had witnessed on land. As I was taking in my new breathtaking view, I could feel God sharing with me an important lesson. He showed me that when we are of the world it is like viewing life from the ground. There will be times of sunny and clear skies, moments of dreary clouds and hazy rain, and moments of trying and terrifying storms. From the world we cannot realize that the sun is still shining and we don't have the peace of realizing that there is still a beautiful clear, blue sky above the clouds. However, when we are in the world and not of it, when we declare Jesus Christ as our love, Lord, and Savior we have the chance to poke our heads through the clouds and see how God is always constant in His glory and His ways, just like the sun and sky even when our human eyes can't see it. We are given a peace and assurance that Jesus remains Lord and God remains majestic in His Kingdom even through our worldly storms. And we are warmed by His gift of salvation and His never-ending unconditional love for us. While the world only has a ground-level perspective, walking in and with God offers a much higher perspective if we choose to accept it and separate ourselves from the world. We have the opportunity to poke our head through the clouds and be graced by His peace and assurance that the storm will end and we'll be alright. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ warm and calm you! Draw near to Him and rest in His assurance that you're going to be fine, just keep your hand in His!
The sky was grey and hazy as it was in Detroit, and I watched the rain fall constant on the pavement and plane outside the Chicago terminal. Anyone looking could see that it was a less than pleasant day. Finally the time came for us to line up and board our flight to Orlando. And as the airplane taxied toward the runway I continued to allow the unpleasant weather to dull my excitement.
Suddenly the plane sped up and before I knew it we were off the ground watching the city get smaller until I could see nothing at all due to the cloud cover. Just as I was beginning to determine that my view was less than stellar, our aircraft broke through the clouds and my eyes beheld a lovely sight. I could see the clear blue sky that accentuated what looked like perfectly clean, smooth, white hills of snow. Only it wasn't snow at all but the tops of those same grey, miserable clouds that I had witnessed on land. As I was taking in my new breathtaking view, I could feel God sharing with me an important lesson. He showed me that when we are of the world it is like viewing life from the ground. There will be times of sunny and clear skies, moments of dreary clouds and hazy rain, and moments of trying and terrifying storms. From the world we cannot realize that the sun is still shining and we don't have the peace of realizing that there is still a beautiful clear, blue sky above the clouds. However, when we are in the world and not of it, when we declare Jesus Christ as our love, Lord, and Savior we have the chance to poke our heads through the clouds and see how God is always constant in His glory and His ways, just like the sun and sky even when our human eyes can't see it. We are given a peace and assurance that Jesus remains Lord and God remains majestic in His Kingdom even through our worldly storms. And we are warmed by His gift of salvation and His never-ending unconditional love for us. While the world only has a ground-level perspective, walking in and with God offers a much higher perspective if we choose to accept it and separate ourselves from the world. We have the opportunity to poke our head through the clouds and be graced by His peace and assurance that the storm will end and we'll be alright. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ warm and calm you! Draw near to Him and rest in His assurance that you're going to be fine, just keep your hand in His!
You Know How It Ends
Today I gathered with some close friends and watched my beloved Michigan State Spartans play in the Cotton Bowl against the Baylor Bears (Go Green!). Now, as much as I love my school and their football team, they have a never-ending tendency of stressing me out because I never know if they're going to win or lose a game, most times, until the clock hits 0:00, and today's game was no exception. Down by 20 points, I thought we were done for and was prepared to say, "Oh well, better luck next year". I thought I knew how this game would end. Fortunately for me I was wrong, and my Spartans completed the impossible comeback through a crazy 4th quarter so the scoreboard read Spartans:42- Bears: 41 at 0:00! It was unbelievable, but as I was driving home I thought about how I might have reacted if I had known that my boys were going to win while watching the game. I've had the experience of recording and re-watching MSU games and it's a much more relaxing experience. While I know what the final score will be, however, I rarely remember what happened in the middle of the game unless it was highlight worthy. Many times, if it was a win, there are some great catches and runs, perhaps a blocked kick or a trick play here and there, but there are also many low points; an interception, a fumble, being unable to convert on 3rd down, a missed field goal attempt. And throughout much of the game are just lulls filled with a lack of excitement. Thinking about the way I contemplate and experience football games got me thinking about the way we think about our lives.
Many times we approach life as if we were watching the game live. We live and die by each play, and the uncertainty of what could happen next can stress us out. We get excited about each big play and have a desire for more, but when the worst happens we can get so depressed that we decide we don't want to watch anymore (that tends to be my reaction). And if a game gets really boring we have a tendency to tune out and wish for something exciting to happen. We're on the edge of our seats until the time clock reaches 0:00 and then we look back to see what happened and see if we can remember all the big moments or, if it's a loss, we try to forget and distract ourselves from the disappointment. But what if we had a different approach? If we know Jesus and accept him into our lives as Lord and Savior, then it's like watching a game where you know the outcome is going to be a win. Jesus already won by dying on the cross with all of our sins and defeating the grave by rising again. He won the ultimate battle! And better yet, even when we don't know what comes next he does! Just look at Jeremiah 29:11 or read through the Psalms, he knows we're going to win too because he already won!
What if we approached each day knowing this, fully internalizing his victory. What would happen in our daily life? Would we walk with confidence in knowing that even though the time clock hasn't reached 0:00 that we're going to win? Would we let the lulls and setbacks disappoint us? It's strange to think about, but I have a feeling it would help us to relax to our daily stresses and forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Instead of thinking that change and development in us is hopeless, would we be able to let go and trust that God has got this so we could get up and try again? During the Cotton Bowl I watched Connor Cook, the MSU quarterback, throw an interception during a crucial point in the game when the Spartans were beginning to mount a comeback. While many of us would want the ground to eat us whole so we could disappear and try to forget that ever happened or just give up altogether, that's not what Cook did. On the next set of downs he got back out on the field and tried again, this time leading to the eventual comeback. This is what walking with Jesus does for us! Yes, we will make mistakes, some of which will be embarrassing or incredibly damaging, but we know that with Jesus everything will be alright and it gives us the confidence to get back up and try again. And unlike a sports game, we don't have to mount the comeback on our own, instead we know that He is with us and that we will overcome because he loves us!
So instead of approaching your life as a live game, try looking at it as if it's a game already won, and you're just watching what happens to lead to victory. Because Jesus loves us and died for us, we are victorious and can walk in that confidence even though the time clock has not yet hit 0:00. Trust him, because he knows the plans he has for you and he will not stop working with you here on earth until his work in you is complete! And then we will celebrate triumphantly in heaven together!
Many times we approach life as if we were watching the game live. We live and die by each play, and the uncertainty of what could happen next can stress us out. We get excited about each big play and have a desire for more, but when the worst happens we can get so depressed that we decide we don't want to watch anymore (that tends to be my reaction). And if a game gets really boring we have a tendency to tune out and wish for something exciting to happen. We're on the edge of our seats until the time clock reaches 0:00 and then we look back to see what happened and see if we can remember all the big moments or, if it's a loss, we try to forget and distract ourselves from the disappointment. But what if we had a different approach? If we know Jesus and accept him into our lives as Lord and Savior, then it's like watching a game where you know the outcome is going to be a win. Jesus already won by dying on the cross with all of our sins and defeating the grave by rising again. He won the ultimate battle! And better yet, even when we don't know what comes next he does! Just look at Jeremiah 29:11 or read through the Psalms, he knows we're going to win too because he already won!
What if we approached each day knowing this, fully internalizing his victory. What would happen in our daily life? Would we walk with confidence in knowing that even though the time clock hasn't reached 0:00 that we're going to win? Would we let the lulls and setbacks disappoint us? It's strange to think about, but I have a feeling it would help us to relax to our daily stresses and forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Instead of thinking that change and development in us is hopeless, would we be able to let go and trust that God has got this so we could get up and try again? During the Cotton Bowl I watched Connor Cook, the MSU quarterback, throw an interception during a crucial point in the game when the Spartans were beginning to mount a comeback. While many of us would want the ground to eat us whole so we could disappear and try to forget that ever happened or just give up altogether, that's not what Cook did. On the next set of downs he got back out on the field and tried again, this time leading to the eventual comeback. This is what walking with Jesus does for us! Yes, we will make mistakes, some of which will be embarrassing or incredibly damaging, but we know that with Jesus everything will be alright and it gives us the confidence to get back up and try again. And unlike a sports game, we don't have to mount the comeback on our own, instead we know that He is with us and that we will overcome because he loves us!
So instead of approaching your life as a live game, try looking at it as if it's a game already won, and you're just watching what happens to lead to victory. Because Jesus loves us and died for us, we are victorious and can walk in that confidence even though the time clock has not yet hit 0:00. Trust him, because he knows the plans he has for you and he will not stop working with you here on earth until his work in you is complete! And then we will celebrate triumphantly in heaven together!
Monday, December 1, 2014
Your Masterpiece
You gather your colors, the whole spectrum of the universe, and prepare your brushes: love, grace, truth. In your mind a wisp of an idea begins to form, churning and tightening as you determine each very specific detail. The image takes form in your magnificent mind and you begin to put paint to canvas. You start small, from the vital beating muscle within. A brush of passionate love here, a swish of vibrant joy there that becomes blended into the dark anxiety, doubt, and fear. As you move the brush around the darkness becomes almost unrecognizable. You swoop the brush as a magnificent beauty appears upon the canvas, and a pleasant thankfulness is the final touch to the beating heart.
Next you begin on the intricate muscle above, where messages will flow from and enter through. You put your brush to work once more and begin to blend intelligence, logic, and swirl of humor, a navigation of the passion which was bestowed upon the heart. Some of the darkness from the beating muscle below makes its way up, but is mixed and blended more and more gradually as before until, it too, is barely noticed.
You continue your work of art, adding lovely hazel-blue lenses through which to appreciate your work and natural beauty, and a portal through which to hear the gorgeous swells of blended harmonies and melodies. Another stroke and soft pink lips are added through which love will be expressed and music will be created. The canvas, almost filled now, is magnificent and beyond compare. You frown as you try to determine what's missing. The image becomes even clearer and brush meeting paint caresses canvas once more. Wavy brunette hair with reflections of your light covers the brain. A few dots on the face and distinguishable dimples are born to brighten the smile. Curves and edges created with graceful swoops work down and create legs and hips to move, dance, skip, and jump. Arms and hands are created to embrace, pray, worship, and create. Once a lovely white silk gown is donned and a shimmering crown rests gently upon the head, the painter leans back and smiles, beyond pleased with his work. He gives it a kiss and the figure breaks free of the canvas, living, breathing, twirling, dancing freely. She stops and looks at her creator and her eyes shimmer with love. "There you are, my princess, my masterpiece." You proclaim, "You are so beautiful for me."
Next you begin on the intricate muscle above, where messages will flow from and enter through. You put your brush to work once more and begin to blend intelligence, logic, and swirl of humor, a navigation of the passion which was bestowed upon the heart. Some of the darkness from the beating muscle below makes its way up, but is mixed and blended more and more gradually as before until, it too, is barely noticed.
You continue your work of art, adding lovely hazel-blue lenses through which to appreciate your work and natural beauty, and a portal through which to hear the gorgeous swells of blended harmonies and melodies. Another stroke and soft pink lips are added through which love will be expressed and music will be created. The canvas, almost filled now, is magnificent and beyond compare. You frown as you try to determine what's missing. The image becomes even clearer and brush meeting paint caresses canvas once more. Wavy brunette hair with reflections of your light covers the brain. A few dots on the face and distinguishable dimples are born to brighten the smile. Curves and edges created with graceful swoops work down and create legs and hips to move, dance, skip, and jump. Arms and hands are created to embrace, pray, worship, and create. Once a lovely white silk gown is donned and a shimmering crown rests gently upon the head, the painter leans back and smiles, beyond pleased with his work. He gives it a kiss and the figure breaks free of the canvas, living, breathing, twirling, dancing freely. She stops and looks at her creator and her eyes shimmer with love. "There you are, my princess, my masterpiece." You proclaim, "You are so beautiful for me."
Friday, November 14, 2014
Standing in the Hallway
Step by step, one foot in front of the other. I follow his lead with my hand resting gently in his. I hear a click and there's a brief squeak as he ushers me through the golden front door. And then we stop and as I gaze upon my new surroundings I hear a faint click as I recognize the sound of a lock falling into place. I find myself in a beautiful hallway with cream colored trimmings and soft purple walls, the color of royalty. Yes, I am in the hallway of a home belonging to royalty. There are beautiful paintings and verses filled with promise and hope. There is even a marble staircase on the right side that leads up to another hallway. There are magnificent flowing tapestries upon the front windows.
As I'm exploring I feel the familiar presence of my guide. No, not my guide. My Prince. His title is marked by the crown of thorns around his head. His hands seek mine in his once more, and he looks at me with a smile that radiates pure love.
"My dear princess," he says, "I must leave you here for now, but before I go I must explain. This is the house of your life. You have been faithful and given all you are and all you have to me, and so the time has come for me to bring you here. However, only this hallway is ready for you. I must go ahead and prepare each room of the house, and I will bring it to you when it is complete and ready for your presence. You are safe here. Do not be afraid when robbers bang on the door and try to get in. Trust that I have taken every precaution for your safety. While you may not see me for a little while, I am always with you and will always fight for you, you need only be still. All I ask for is your trust. I can hardly wait to see your face light up as I show you what I have prepared for you! So now, my beautiful bride, it is time for me to go. I will see you soon." And with a kiss on my forehead he's gone.
Who am I that my Prince Jesus has prepared a house of royalty for me? I never dreamed I would be led here! I begin to explore and walk around the hallway. It is only now that I realize the doors around me. All of the doors have a golden label, and some of them have words etched into the precious metal. I walk past a door that reads "Calling", and another that reads "Moving Out", and yet another that reads "Marriage". I try to open the third door but it will not open. That room is not ready for me yet. Other doors have only a few letters etched in so I can not make out their titles. I realize that behind each door my Prince is preparing the room for me, and I am filled with excitement and try to imagine what incredible things I will find behind the door. I know he will not open a single door until that room is ready for me. Oh how I long to walk through each door, but I know that I don't want to walk through a single door with any baggage, with any emotion that will hinder me from taking in the fullness of the room. I only want to walk through the doors with a joyous, grateful, praising heart.
When I get up I walk to the very last door in the hallway, directly opposite the first door Jesus and I came through. This golden label reads "Everlasting Life", and I realize that the view behind this door will be the greatest of them all, the one that will take the most time to prepare. Oh who am I that the heavenly prince would love me, save me, and prepare a lovely home for me! I have done nothing to earn this gift. I turn and find two magnificent paintings on the wall. The first features my Prince bloody and weak nailed to a cross. A reminder of the price that was paid, how great my Prince's love for me is. The second painting features an empty tomb with white cloth draped over stone upon which his body once lay. It is the reminder of his triumph, the victory. And it is through both of these paintings that I realize why I am here. Nothing I have done, other than taking the hand of my Prince, has brought me here. It was all him.
I begin to sing and hear my song echo off the walls with such grace. My joy leads me to dance, and I spin around like a young girl in a new dress and laugh as I fall down dizzy. And with a deep breath I whisper the words, "Thank you Jesus!"
I walk up the marble staircase and see a magnificent mirror with words written on the frame. The words read "Encourager" "Supporter" "Captivating" "Loved" "Compassionate" "Daring" "Nurturer" "Joy" "Pure" "Blameless" and "Princess". Below the large mirror is a small table upon which sits a beautiful glittering crown, a princess crown. No, my crown. I gently place the crown upon my head and gaze in the mirror as I see myself in a brand new and altogether lovely way!
Oh how loved I am!
As I'm exploring I feel the familiar presence of my guide. No, not my guide. My Prince. His title is marked by the crown of thorns around his head. His hands seek mine in his once more, and he looks at me with a smile that radiates pure love.
"My dear princess," he says, "I must leave you here for now, but before I go I must explain. This is the house of your life. You have been faithful and given all you are and all you have to me, and so the time has come for me to bring you here. However, only this hallway is ready for you. I must go ahead and prepare each room of the house, and I will bring it to you when it is complete and ready for your presence. You are safe here. Do not be afraid when robbers bang on the door and try to get in. Trust that I have taken every precaution for your safety. While you may not see me for a little while, I am always with you and will always fight for you, you need only be still. All I ask for is your trust. I can hardly wait to see your face light up as I show you what I have prepared for you! So now, my beautiful bride, it is time for me to go. I will see you soon." And with a kiss on my forehead he's gone.
Who am I that my Prince Jesus has prepared a house of royalty for me? I never dreamed I would be led here! I begin to explore and walk around the hallway. It is only now that I realize the doors around me. All of the doors have a golden label, and some of them have words etched into the precious metal. I walk past a door that reads "Calling", and another that reads "Moving Out", and yet another that reads "Marriage". I try to open the third door but it will not open. That room is not ready for me yet. Other doors have only a few letters etched in so I can not make out their titles. I realize that behind each door my Prince is preparing the room for me, and I am filled with excitement and try to imagine what incredible things I will find behind the door. I know he will not open a single door until that room is ready for me. Oh how I long to walk through each door, but I know that I don't want to walk through a single door with any baggage, with any emotion that will hinder me from taking in the fullness of the room. I only want to walk through the doors with a joyous, grateful, praising heart.
When I get up I walk to the very last door in the hallway, directly opposite the first door Jesus and I came through. This golden label reads "Everlasting Life", and I realize that the view behind this door will be the greatest of them all, the one that will take the most time to prepare. Oh who am I that the heavenly prince would love me, save me, and prepare a lovely home for me! I have done nothing to earn this gift. I turn and find two magnificent paintings on the wall. The first features my Prince bloody and weak nailed to a cross. A reminder of the price that was paid, how great my Prince's love for me is. The second painting features an empty tomb with white cloth draped over stone upon which his body once lay. It is the reminder of his triumph, the victory. And it is through both of these paintings that I realize why I am here. Nothing I have done, other than taking the hand of my Prince, has brought me here. It was all him.
I begin to sing and hear my song echo off the walls with such grace. My joy leads me to dance, and I spin around like a young girl in a new dress and laugh as I fall down dizzy. And with a deep breath I whisper the words, "Thank you Jesus!"
I walk up the marble staircase and see a magnificent mirror with words written on the frame. The words read "Encourager" "Supporter" "Captivating" "Loved" "Compassionate" "Daring" "Nurturer" "Joy" "Pure" "Blameless" and "Princess". Below the large mirror is a small table upon which sits a beautiful glittering crown, a princess crown. No, my crown. I gently place the crown upon my head and gaze in the mirror as I see myself in a brand new and altogether lovely way!
Oh how loved I am!
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Let It Go
When thinking about this post, no other three words seemed like a better fit. And if you're anything like me, when you read this a certain Disney song popped into your head. And if you're exactly like me, you probably started singing it! These three words, however, were the main message of this morning's service at my church. It spoke about letting go of our fear of the consequences of truth, however I actually only remember a skit that was performed near the end.
In this skit it featured a man in a business suit looking very aggravated and walking at a hurried pace. He walked right past another man who was sitting eating his McDonald's on a park bench. The man on the bench asked if the businessman was leaving work early, to which the response was that he was and added that he'd been having a tough year. After taking a phone call that added to the businessman's aggravation, he came to sit down by the man sitting on the bench. After some conversation the businessman revealed his struggles with a man at work and a meeting that he had that didn't go so well. The man on the bench said that one of the businessman's coworkers was having a tough time with some things and maybe he could be shown understanding and patience. He also added that the businessman could have taken a different approach in the meeting. The businessman looked confused. The man on the bench was not in his meeting, how did he know these things? After revealing some more details to him, the businessman was thoroughly bewildered. Then, as a test, the businessman asked a question to which the answer was very personal, "In 7th grade I had a crush on this girl and I wrote her a note asking if she liked me and for her to check 'Yes' 'No' or 'Maybe'. What did I write this note on?" The man on the bench answered that he had written it on a wrapper. The businessman smiled in relief and announced that something else had been used, not the wrapper, for his note. The man on the bench countered saying that that was his second draft of the same note, the first draft had been written on the wrapper. He then added, "And I remember how hurt you were when she checked 'No' and how you yelled at me." At this point the businessman realized that he was speaking with God and was amazed. He came to sit on the bench where God asked him about all the different things in his life. His money, his car, and then his job. The businessman realized that God was asking him to give these things into God's hands. At the mention of his job the businessman became reluctant saying that he somehow needed to provide for his family, but finally handed it over in the form of his briefcase. Then God asked about the man's family. The man showed Him a picture as he beamed proudly, which quickly turned into a deep frown when he realized that God was asking for this too. The man took a lot longer with this, it was his family, his flesh and blood, something he poured a lot of love into. Finally, the man tearfully handed God his family in the form of the picture. Then the man became angry, saying that God now had everything and he was scared. Then God said, "Not everything". The man realized that God wanted him to hand over his life. This took the longest of all, the man had given up everything else he had to God, and now God wanted him as well. The look on the man's face showed that he thought God was asking too much. He asked what God could possibly want with him, what He could possibly do with his life. God responded, "You'll be amazed." Finally the man gave his life up to God and came to sit beside him on the bench once more. Then he started laughing realizing that he already felt better. And then something amazing happened. God handed him everything back. His briefcase, his car, his money, his family. The man was confused. God said, "Remember, they all belong to me. And I'm trusting them to you." As God got up to leave the man asked what he should do with everything given to him. God responded, "Check in with me and I'll tell you."
So what does this beautiful skit have to do with anything? When we come into a relationship with God we need to realize that God doesn't just want to save us and cleanse us of our sins. He wants all of us, and He can only have that if we surrender control over the things we love and give that to Him.
God has asked me to do this several times in my life. When I surrendered my life to Christ He asked me to give my family and my future to Him. I struggled, but I surrendered them. When I was struggling with teaching God asked me to give my career life over to Him. At that point I didn't know what else to do so I gladly gave it into the arms of God. And then God asked me to hand over a man I loved, a man I was engaged to, and asked me to trust Him. I struggled a lot with this one but eventually I surrendered. And God has blessed me abundantly for each surrender even though I was terrified. I thought I had given everything over to God, and then He shocked me once more. After this morning's service I saw my dear friend and mentor and went down to visit her. We talked about the service and I told her about my experience at the retreat I went on with the high schoolers. I confessed to her that part of my struggle had come because I felt like God was asking me to give up my dreams of being a wife and mother, dreams that I'd had as a young girl and then given up in my teenage years because I lost hope as the world told me I wasn't beautiful and I wondered how anyone could love me for the rest of my life, no one was even that interested. After I came to Christ pst-college, my hope for marriage was sparked once more. And after my broken engagement it was this hope which I clung to, that someday God would bring the right man into my life to be my husband. I had been praying for this man and writing him letters and working to live my life in a way that would bring both him and God joy. When I felt like God was asking me to give all this up I freaked out. After the retreat I concluded that that was not it, it couldn't be. After I told my friend this she asked me, "Could you give up your dream of marriage?" I stood there stunned. I said, "I can't see how God wouldn't have a husband for me." My friend responded, "That's not what I asked. Could you give up your dream of marriage to God?" I squirmed, "I feel like this is a desire of my heart, I feel like He's been preparing me for it." Once again my friend asked, "Will you give you your desire for marriage to God? Is God enough for you?" I felt like I was the man in the skit talking to God when asked to give up his family. My life had been easy to give up, and now God was asking for my deepest desire, my strongest dream, the hope that had been keeping me alive. And I wrestled, I clung, and then finally released. "Yes, I give it up to Him," I finally said. My friend smiled and asked to pray with me, and I felt lighter! Don't get me wrong, I'm still terrified, but I also realize that as in the skit, God could hand my dream back to me, He may still give me what I desired, but only if it fits into His plan. And now I fully trust that His plans are better than my own. God has rewarded me for my obedience, for releasing everything up to Him, and I know He will continue to. And as was said in the skit, when asked what God could do with me, God is saying, "You'll be amazed!"
So this morning God once more asked me to "Let It Go", and I look in joyful expectation for what He will do!
If God is asking you to let go of something, take the time to pray and consider, but I hope you'll give it up to Him. He loves you and He cares so much about you. Our control holds us back from living the life we were meant to and the stress overpowers us. He can take the load, and He's the most careful and trustworthy being there is. I pray that you listen to this song and feel God's love rush upon you. Surrender to Him and you won't be disappointed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkDqQtfs0w
In this skit it featured a man in a business suit looking very aggravated and walking at a hurried pace. He walked right past another man who was sitting eating his McDonald's on a park bench. The man on the bench asked if the businessman was leaving work early, to which the response was that he was and added that he'd been having a tough year. After taking a phone call that added to the businessman's aggravation, he came to sit down by the man sitting on the bench. After some conversation the businessman revealed his struggles with a man at work and a meeting that he had that didn't go so well. The man on the bench said that one of the businessman's coworkers was having a tough time with some things and maybe he could be shown understanding and patience. He also added that the businessman could have taken a different approach in the meeting. The businessman looked confused. The man on the bench was not in his meeting, how did he know these things? After revealing some more details to him, the businessman was thoroughly bewildered. Then, as a test, the businessman asked a question to which the answer was very personal, "In 7th grade I had a crush on this girl and I wrote her a note asking if she liked me and for her to check 'Yes' 'No' or 'Maybe'. What did I write this note on?" The man on the bench answered that he had written it on a wrapper. The businessman smiled in relief and announced that something else had been used, not the wrapper, for his note. The man on the bench countered saying that that was his second draft of the same note, the first draft had been written on the wrapper. He then added, "And I remember how hurt you were when she checked 'No' and how you yelled at me." At this point the businessman realized that he was speaking with God and was amazed. He came to sit on the bench where God asked him about all the different things in his life. His money, his car, and then his job. The businessman realized that God was asking him to give these things into God's hands. At the mention of his job the businessman became reluctant saying that he somehow needed to provide for his family, but finally handed it over in the form of his briefcase. Then God asked about the man's family. The man showed Him a picture as he beamed proudly, which quickly turned into a deep frown when he realized that God was asking for this too. The man took a lot longer with this, it was his family, his flesh and blood, something he poured a lot of love into. Finally, the man tearfully handed God his family in the form of the picture. Then the man became angry, saying that God now had everything and he was scared. Then God said, "Not everything". The man realized that God wanted him to hand over his life. This took the longest of all, the man had given up everything else he had to God, and now God wanted him as well. The look on the man's face showed that he thought God was asking too much. He asked what God could possibly want with him, what He could possibly do with his life. God responded, "You'll be amazed." Finally the man gave his life up to God and came to sit beside him on the bench once more. Then he started laughing realizing that he already felt better. And then something amazing happened. God handed him everything back. His briefcase, his car, his money, his family. The man was confused. God said, "Remember, they all belong to me. And I'm trusting them to you." As God got up to leave the man asked what he should do with everything given to him. God responded, "Check in with me and I'll tell you."
So what does this beautiful skit have to do with anything? When we come into a relationship with God we need to realize that God doesn't just want to save us and cleanse us of our sins. He wants all of us, and He can only have that if we surrender control over the things we love and give that to Him.
God has asked me to do this several times in my life. When I surrendered my life to Christ He asked me to give my family and my future to Him. I struggled, but I surrendered them. When I was struggling with teaching God asked me to give my career life over to Him. At that point I didn't know what else to do so I gladly gave it into the arms of God. And then God asked me to hand over a man I loved, a man I was engaged to, and asked me to trust Him. I struggled a lot with this one but eventually I surrendered. And God has blessed me abundantly for each surrender even though I was terrified. I thought I had given everything over to God, and then He shocked me once more. After this morning's service I saw my dear friend and mentor and went down to visit her. We talked about the service and I told her about my experience at the retreat I went on with the high schoolers. I confessed to her that part of my struggle had come because I felt like God was asking me to give up my dreams of being a wife and mother, dreams that I'd had as a young girl and then given up in my teenage years because I lost hope as the world told me I wasn't beautiful and I wondered how anyone could love me for the rest of my life, no one was even that interested. After I came to Christ pst-college, my hope for marriage was sparked once more. And after my broken engagement it was this hope which I clung to, that someday God would bring the right man into my life to be my husband. I had been praying for this man and writing him letters and working to live my life in a way that would bring both him and God joy. When I felt like God was asking me to give all this up I freaked out. After the retreat I concluded that that was not it, it couldn't be. After I told my friend this she asked me, "Could you give up your dream of marriage?" I stood there stunned. I said, "I can't see how God wouldn't have a husband for me." My friend responded, "That's not what I asked. Could you give up your dream of marriage to God?" I squirmed, "I feel like this is a desire of my heart, I feel like He's been preparing me for it." Once again my friend asked, "Will you give you your desire for marriage to God? Is God enough for you?" I felt like I was the man in the skit talking to God when asked to give up his family. My life had been easy to give up, and now God was asking for my deepest desire, my strongest dream, the hope that had been keeping me alive. And I wrestled, I clung, and then finally released. "Yes, I give it up to Him," I finally said. My friend smiled and asked to pray with me, and I felt lighter! Don't get me wrong, I'm still terrified, but I also realize that as in the skit, God could hand my dream back to me, He may still give me what I desired, but only if it fits into His plan. And now I fully trust that His plans are better than my own. God has rewarded me for my obedience, for releasing everything up to Him, and I know He will continue to. And as was said in the skit, when asked what God could do with me, God is saying, "You'll be amazed!"
So this morning God once more asked me to "Let It Go", and I look in joyful expectation for what He will do!
If God is asking you to let go of something, take the time to pray and consider, but I hope you'll give it up to Him. He loves you and He cares so much about you. Our control holds us back from living the life we were meant to and the stress overpowers us. He can take the load, and He's the most careful and trustworthy being there is. I pray that you listen to this song and feel God's love rush upon you. Surrender to Him and you won't be disappointed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkDqQtfs0w
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