School Shoes

Near the end of August most school age children are given the opportunity to shop for new school shoes. As a child I was no different. Because my family lived in a rural setting, there was a 45 minute drive to the nearest department store. Shopping for new school shoes was an event.

The event began with much anticipation. New shoes! I was going to have new shoes! As my family drove to the store I wondered, "What will my new shoes look like?"Ties or slip-ons? Brown or black? Heel or no heel? I would know the answer very soon. Eventually we arrived and went directly to the store's shoe department. Various styles were selected, tried, and a final decision made. Since the shoes must last all year, the decision was an important one.

When we arrived home, I carried the shoes up to my room and placed the box into my closet. Reverently, on the night before school began, I took the shoes out of their box and laid them beside my new clothes. Those shoes would never look as nice as that first day of school.

Years have passed since my annual shoe shopping trips Most of my children have outgrown such trips as well. My wardrobe is now full of a wide variety of shoes: black, brown, red, and even orange provide me with a plethora of choices. Heels, flats, boots and athletic wear extend my options. I am blessed to have so many choices! Nevertheless, as school begins each year I am reminded of the enthusiasm generated by the thought of new shoes and a new year of school. Such excitement! Oh, to be a student again!

Dear sisters, a moment...As followers of Jesus we are students for life. Our lives are to be active in pursuing the goal of continued growth into the image of our Saviour. Our every thought is to be captive to Christ! Are you there yet? I'm not! Psalm 119:27 states:

"Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders...."

We cannot understand without intentionally becoming and remaining a student of God's word. If we are in a place of service within the church this truth should especially renew our student heart. As we live Christ before others in the church let us make certain to wear our school shoes. When we put them on we remember that there is still so much more to learn.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) 

Changing Gears Shoes

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."(Proverbs 27:1)

Too many weeks have come and gone since I last shared some thoughts. Life can be so busy...and unpredictable. Still, I am prompted by a series of events that have served to remind me that I am not in control. One would consider this an obvious statement, but it seems to require regular repetition.

With the approach of summer I made my typical list of goals to accomplish. The list was simply lovely, but something happened on the way to summer that I did not plan. My first reaction was frustration and discouragement. I liked my list! Finally, I asked out loud, "Okay Lord, what must I learn?"Speaking the words out loud served to strengthen me. (I had not only thought the prayer, but heard myself speaking it!) Slowly, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Hebrews 12:7 : "Endure hardships as discipline." Verse 11 of Hebrews 12 continues:

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." 

I still have my list. Some items will be accopmplished, some will not. A gear change was required. The One in control made the change because He is a loving Father. He is working to produce a harvest of righteousness in me.

Sisters, has our Heavenly Father changed gears on you? Bend and submit. He wants us to share in his holiness. Eventually we will be able to joyfully shout, "Let the harvest begin!"

 

Springtime Shoes

"Therefore , if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Have you been outside recently? It's spring! One can actually walk outside without a heavy jacket....a sweater will do. The dull brown and gray of winter is slowly being transformed with life. The grass is a rich shade of green. Tree buds give way to tender yellow-green blossoms. Flowering trees burst with assorted shades of pinks, purples, and white. Delicious scents fill the air. Birds sing their cheerful songs. Somehow the sun feels warmer that it did during the winter. It is easy to be filled with a sense of expectation, of hope.

 All the sights and smells of spring communicate a common theme: NEW. Such is the theme of our lives as believers. Only new wineskins can be filled with the fullness of Christ. Christ's teachings are declared new by those who heard them. He establishes a new covenant with us and offers us a new command. We are given new life and made a new creation. When we experience a new birth in Christ, believers are to put on a new self  to live in a new way.Followers of Jesus look forward to a new Jerusalem where they will receive a new name and a new song. A completely new heaven and a new earth will be created by God. In fact, in the end, everything will be new!

Believers welcome the new, the wonderful "fresh start" given to us through the blood of Christ. As PW's we sometimes must face a "springtime" that we do not welcome. It is an unexpected time of new beginnings. There is a new church family, new committees, new activities, and the potential for new friends. At times all the newness can be overwhelming and downright painful because it reminds us that the beloved old is gone. The idea of starting anew is intimidating and emotionally draining to some of us.

Dear Sisters, allow me to remind you again of the beauty of springtime - the beauty of fresh beginnings. Enter your springtime with expectation and hope. God brought it to you! Enjoy the freedom of NEW.

"He who was seated on the throne said, ' I am making everything new!' " (Revelation 21:5)

 

What a Beautiful Savior! Shoes

The head, 

weary and beaten, a circle of thorns pressed into its bloody brow. 

The face,

 full of  agony from severe and unrelenting pain.

 Gasps for breath.

 Arms,

 stretched out wide and held in place with spikes driven through the hands.

 A body,

 beaten and bruised, scarred and bloody.

Feet,

stationary and held together with another spike.

And blood.

Everywhere.

Isaiah 53: 2 - 4 states:

"...He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."

No physical beauty, true. Yet there is no greater beauty to a sinner in need of forgiveness. This bloody beaten man, the Son of God, displays the beauty of redemption: precious blood willingly given to cover our sins.

Isaiah 53: 5 - 6 continues:

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Sisters, there is the beauty! His wounds bring healing. At this wonderful time of year, take time to remember the wondrous atonement offered to us through Jesus. Wash and be healed.

Marvel at the Beauty.

 

 

"Not again!" Shoes

It happens, doesn't it? After a period of extended trials, there comes a wonderful time of peace. When the peace comes it is so easy to think, "Okay, I've been through a lot. Surely this time of peace and comfort will last for awhile." But then it doesn't. From out of nowhere, totally unexpected, a new challenge or trial comes.

This recently happened to me. As soon as the challenge emerged on the horizon, the Holy Spirit quickly reminded me:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4: 6-7)

 I went outside and gazed up at the star-filled sky....

" Do you trust ME?"

"Yes God, I do. I can remember the countless ways you have cared for me thus far. I know you will provide. I know you are at work. You are the God who placed each star in the sky. I trust you." 

I stood there, struck by the assurance that so quickly filled my heart. Would such quick assurance have filled me just two years ago? No. What happened? TRIALS.....lots of them. Remember the James 1:2-4 passage?

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything."

Sisters, we are a product of our trials. If we profess that God's word is Truth, then we cannot abandon that Truth and live in confusion, anger or doubt. We must persevere, embracing the Truth. When we persevere we grow, and as we grow we develop a history. It is a history of God's care and provision. It is a history we can remember when faced with yet another trial, a history we can share with others. It is a history of triumph.

In closing, please be encouraged by the words of Charles Haddon Spurgeon:

" ' I myself will help you,' declares the Lord. O my soul, is this not enough? Dost thou need more strength than the omnipotence of the United Trinity? Dost thou want more wisdom than exists in the Father, more love than displays itself in the Son, or more power than is manifest in the influences of the Spirit? Bring hither thine empty pitcher! Surely this well will fill it. Haste, gather up thy wants, and bring them here - thine emptiness, thy woes, thy needs. Behold, this river of Good is full for thy supply; what canst thou desire beside? Go forth, my soul, in this thy might. The eternal God is thine helper!"

 

A Cup of Warm Milk Shoes

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2 Cor. 1: 3 - 4)

Now that you are all grown up, have you ever enjoyed a cup of warm milk in the evening before bed? Warm milk, sometimes flavored with molasses, was always the cure for insomnia during my childhood years. As an adult I forgot about warm milk until one of my children had trouble falling asleep. Then I remembered.

Warm milk. Smooth. Soothing, warming the insides, comforting, enabling rest. Warm milk reminds us in a very small way about the activity of the God of all comfort. He warms our hearts with the truth of His word. He soothes and cares for us during our times of trouble. Because we are comforted we can rest.

As we drink a cup of warm milk, it is always nice to share its comforting warmth with another. So it is with the comfort given from our heavenly Father. His comfort empowers and equips us to provide comfort to others during their times of trouble. In fact, one of the reasons he comforts us is so we are able to comfort others. It is an expectation.

Have you received comfort from your heavenly Father during a time of trial? Share that comfort with others! Are you experiencing a time of trouble? Remember that the Father of Compassion - your Father - offers you His comfort. It is a comfort so much greater that a simple cup of warm milk.

Legacy Shoes

" legacy: n. 1. Law. money or other property left to a person by will; bequest. 2. something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor." 

Recent weeks have found my husband and myself reviewing and revising our will. It is a sobering sight to see printed words about one's death and disbursement of personal property. The sight causes a general reflection about life and in particular my own life. Questions arise, most notably: "What kind of legacy do I hope to leave?" This is not about money or property. This is about the "something handed down."

For a follower of Christ, a legacy is so much more than the transfer of stuff. It is the transfer of those things which are of eternal benefit - those that point others to Christ. This spiritual legacy can be found in an assortment of places in your life. As a PW, you often have the privilege of beginning new areas of ministry in the church where you serve. Even if you are unceremoniously swept away from a given church, the legacy of lives touched and ministries begun remains. Such knowledge can serve to encourage you as you deal with any pain from unloving treatment by a church that your husband has faithfully served.

If you are a mother, leaving a legacy may feel even more pressing. The question? What are you doing today that can spiritually impact your children and future generations? Psalm 145:4 offers one suggestion:

"One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts, they will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty..."

Your children need you to tell them about Jesus. They also need you to pray for them...from the time they are in your womb (and even before!) until your dying day. In my personal devotional life I have taken this to heart. When my oldest daughter went into high school, I began a separate prayer journal just for her. The plan was to start one for each of my children when they entered high school and give it to them when they graduated.(They are pictured above.) Plans have changed. I discovered that prayers were still needed as they moved to college and then after college too...who knew? There is now a different plan that goes like this: "Don't stop writing prayers until you are physically incapable or you die."

And so I continue. At least once a month I sit down and write prayers for my children, dated, and in their individual journals. Of course there are daily prayers spoken on their behalf. These are the prayers that my children will never see or hear. The journal prayers will remain, written in my handwriting for my children and their children's children to see. It is a tangible spiritual legacy that is being prepared on their behalf.

What about you? Are you preparing a legacy within your church and home that is honoring to our Lord? Have you taken time to consider what that might be? If you haven't why not take some time this week to prayerfully consider your spiritual legacy. Be intentional. It is of eternal importance.

"We're pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road; And those who've gone before us line the way. Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary; Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace. 

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses; Let us run the race not only for the prize; But as those who've gone before us, Let us leave to those behind us, The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives.

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful; May the fire of our devotion light their way. May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe, And the lives we live inspire them to obey.

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.

 After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone; And our children sift through all we've left behind; May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover, become the light that leads them to the road we each must find."

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful." 

(from Find Us Faithful  by Steve Green) 

 

 

Natural Observation Shoes

"This is what God the Lord says - he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk in it: 'I , the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.' " (Isaiah 42: 5-7) 

Have you ever taken one of those career/interest tests? I have taken only one that I can remember. It happened when I was in the eighth grade. The various questions on the test were designed to reveal the careers especially suited for me. For some reason I can remember the results quite clearly. First of all, my interest or compatibility for clerical work was .75% . On the other end of the scale, my interest in all things creative/artistic was 98%. The test also revealed a high interest in the outdoors. Suggested career paths included interior designer/ architect or a park ranger.

Although that test was years ago, it still accurately reflects my interests. I actually became an interior designer and still love to be outside. The season or time of year does not matter. To be outside for me is to be closer to the Creator. A love for Creation and its beauty was instilled in me by my dear father. Whenever we went camping my father used share the wonder of the natural world. He taught me how to identify different trees, how to find crayfish, and how to skip a rock. We spent time looking at the big picture of Creation but then also the small picture. A magnifying glass revealed the beauty of the underside of a leaf or wild mushroom. In many ways my father became a child as he enthusiastically shared his love of nature with me. His enthusiasm was contagious.

Today I try to observe the natural world daily. When I walk, I breath deeply of the fresh air. I observe the lacy elegance of a leafless tree against a blue sky in winter while I marvel at the rich green of leaves below a cloudless sky in the summer. A low harvest moon delights the eyes as well as the first fresh greens of spring. Every season has its beauty. Every sight serves to refresh the soul. No matter what time of year, the created world shouts out the truth of a Creator.

Do you need your soul refreshed? Take some time and go for a walk in your Father's creation. His very nature and eternal power are clearly shown if you open your eyes and look. Be encouraged that the God who made all that you see knows you. He knows your name. He knows your heartaches. He is calling you to Himself to be refreshed and renewed. Breath in deeply. The air is good.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood by what is made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)

Thinking-about-Jesus Shoes

"The believer can say, 'I have a Brother in heaven; I may be poor, but I have a Brother who is rich, and is a King, and will He suffer me to want while He is on His throne? Oh no! He loves me; He is my brother.' Believer, wear this blessed thought, like a necklace of diamonds, around the neck of thy memory; put it, as a golden ring, on the finger of recollection, and use it as the King's own seal, stamping the petitions of thy faith with the confidence of success. He is a brother born for adversity, treat him as such." (Charles Spurgeon in Morning & Evening)

In recent weeks I noticed a very clear trend in my devotional and personal readings. Over and over the readings pointed me clearly to Jesus - not in subtle ways but with bell-tone clarity. First, there were the eloquent words of Charles Spurgeon. The quote above is one of many  jewels that I have gathered from reading Spurgeon's daily devotional book entitled Morning and Evening   . Spurgeon consistently encourages and challenges the believer to understand the magnitude of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf. As we understand, we can begin to grasp how deep is the love of Christ for us.

A second book that I have been reading for the third time (yes, it's that good) is entitled Stepping Heavenward  by Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss, herself a PK and a PW. The book is a fictional journal of a young woman's journey to maturity in Christ. Mrs. Prentiss teaches profound spiritual truths in an easy to read style. In the passage below, the fictional journal writer Katy initially is struck with the truth of God's love for her. She writes of what she was told by an older preacher:

" ' You may be sure of it,' he said solemnly. 'I, His minister, bring the gospel to you today. Go home and say over and over to yourself, 'I am a wayward, foolish child. But He loves me! I have disobeyed and grieved Him ten thousand times. But He loves me! I have lost faith in some of my friends and am very desolate. But He loves me! I do not love Him; I am even angry with Him! But He loves me!' " (Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss)

Katy's understanding of Christ's love and how she should live in response to that love grows and develops as she grows and matures as a woman.

Dear Sisters, have you taken time recently to think about Jesus? Have you given time to meditate on the great love poured out to you? You may be hurting, perhaps even by a situation within your church. Never forget: Jesus loves YOU! Grasp onto that truth and never let go.

"...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17b - 19) 

Storytime Shoes

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Once upon a time there was a beautiful young princess who was part of a large community of faith. Her father was a leader in that community. As the princess grew, she also grew to love this community, just as her father did. Eventually she became of age and went to a school in a faraway land. While at the school, the beautiful princess further developed her God-given musical abilities. She received thorough training in the use of her voice, how to play the piano, how to direct a choral group, as well as how to study the Bible. As a part of a select choral group from the school, the princess traveled throughout her country and in faraway lands. In her last year of schooling, she worked at a very large community of faith, assisting those in leadership with her musical gifts.

During her years at school, the princess dreamed of returning to her home community to share all that she had learned. Finally, the day arrived for her to graduate. She was ready to begin a new chapter in her life. What excitement

The beautiful princess had a love for children and for teaching them a love of music. She decided to begin a children's choir so that the little princes and princesses could learn about music while also learning how to bring musical praise to the Creator. Imagine her surprise when there appeared to be one roadblock after another to starting a choir. The suggested meeting time was not right. The music was too difficult. Limitations were placed on when and how many times the children could sing in a given year. Eventually, after much hard work, the princess began the children's choir. The children were enraptured! They loved the princess and worked very hard to sing up to her expectations.

The day of the first performance came and a sound check was required before the worship service began. The one in charge of the sound asked that the children be there at a specific time, which they were. Unfortunately, the children were made to wait while others went before them. The one in charge of the sound also spoke to the princess with unkindness and disdain, including the familiar "rolling of the eyes". Nevertheless, the princess persevered and the children performed. The community loved the  singing....especially the children's parents! Thus began almost three years of a children's choir.
During these years, the children grew to love music and learned much about how to sing. Even though the community agreed to purchase music, there was always an undertone of disapproval by some of the leadership. This disapproval brought a heavy weariness to the princess.

One day, the princess received a letter from a handsome prince. The two began to write letters to each other. Before long, they were married and moved to a faraway land. In their new land, the handsome prince and beautiful princess found a new community of faith. The community eagerly embraced the two and encouraged the princess to use her musical gifts to encourage the community. The weight of weariness was removed. She was free to use all that God had given her to use. (1 Peter 4:10)

Dear sisters, this is a fairy tale that is too often replayed in churches everywhere. A young person leaves for school and returns with enthusiasm and a desire to share but instead is met with road blocks. How wrong! Where is the encouragement? Where is the building up of our sisters and brothers? As a PW, I encourage you to be on the lookout for young people who desire to share their gifts. Find a place for them to serve, and encourage them in their service. It does not have to be a large task at first, but give them an opportunity. Do not despise their youth.

3 John 4 Shoes

"Nothing can separate, even if I run away. Your love never fails. I know I still make mistakes. You have new mercy for me everyday, Cause your love never fails.

You stay the same through the ages. Your love never changes. There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning. And when the oceans rage, I don't have to be afraid. Because I know that You love me. Your love never fails.

The wind is strong and the water's deep,

But I'm not alone here in these open seas. Cause Your love never fails. The chasm is far too wide. I'd never thought I'd reach the other side. But your love never fails.

You make all things work together for my good. You make all things work together for my good."

("Your Love Never Fails" lyrics by Newsboys/ from the album God's Not Dead )

 

 Picture a late model, sporty little car, heading to Sunday morning church. Inside are a mom and her son, mouths wide open, apparently singing........what? The song is the one posted above: "Your Love Never Fails". The ones inside the car? My twelve year old son and me! He introduced this song to me and we both agreed that we liked it... a lot. The words resonated with both of us. We had experienced the truth expressed in the song. So, more than once, my son plugs in the ipod, selects the song, and away we go. The last time we were loudly singing, I thought, "I love this!"

Dear sisters, what a wonderful thing to be able to wear 3 John 4 shoes. With a heart of gratitude I will shout, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4) Once we are blessed with children, one of our top priorities needs to be bringing them into the kingdom of God. Is it by our will? NO! Salvation is ever and only by the will of Almighty God so there can be no boasting. Nevertheless, as moms, we are to be His instruments, impressing God's truths to our children at home, along the way, when they lie down, when they awake.(Deuteronomy 6:6)   

However, somewhere along the path of a PW, a dangerous trap awaits. There are so many things to be done within your church family...such worthwhile good deeds! STOP. Before you say yes to any ministry opportunity within the church, be certain that it does not bring harm to your ministry at home. Do not allow the opinions of some to determine what you do. Be concerned only with God's plan for your family. You have your children at home for a season. Live in that season. Your committed parenting can be one of the best ministries you can provide to your church family. Be involved, of course. But do not allow your involvement to be a way to escape your duties at home.

Sisters, remember Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Persevere and enjoy the harvest!