Let me introduce you....

Have you ever experienced the social awkwardness of talking to someone for a while and realizing that you have no idea what their name is or even if you've ever been formally introduced? Too much time has passed to suddenly say, "I'm Rachel! What's your name?".

It hasn't always been consistent or polished, but I've been writing here for almost six years. I've shared thoughts and struggles, favorite recipes, and music suggestions. I've introduced you to some of my favorite authors and books and shared many scripture passages. I talk about the gospel a lot!
It hit me this week, though, that I've never formally introduced you to the most important person in my life. In fact, I wouldn't even be writing this if it wasn't for Him.

His name? Jesus Christ

He is God who put on human flesh in order to live among us. He lived His 33 years here on earth without a single misstep or misbehavior. He displayed His heavenly love and power to those around Him by healing the sick, raising the dead, and mending broken hearts.
He was falsely accused of wrongdoing and faced the punishment reserved for the worst of criminals. His final breath on the cross was taken bearing the heavy weight of sin committed by every man, woman, and child throughout all of time.
His story doesn't end with His death, though. After three days in an Israeli tomb, He rose again conquering death and sin. His work of redemption was finished!
He encompasses the "good news" I talk about so much here!

 In the book of John Jesus says, "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."

The relationship I have with Jesus is not an exclusive friendship. In fact, His work on the cross was completed for you too. The beautiful thing about His love is the fact that you don't need to introduce yourself to Him. He knows everything about you already! He is both your Creator AND Redeemer and He proved the depth of His love for you through His sacrifice on your behalf. He made a way for you to have a relationship with a holy God (which could never be done by your own efforts). 
I John 1:9 says that if you confess your sin, your brokenness, and your need for a Rescuer, He is faithful and just to forgive you. 

I would consider myself a terrible friend to you, my sweet reader, if I didn't take time to introduce you to the One who is The Friend. He offers you the gift He purchased for you. Will you personally accept it? 



P.S. Maybe this post confused you or you have never been introduced to Jesus before. I'd love to answer any question you have! Email me at rachel(at)asteadyrainblog(dot)com or leave a comment below!

How to be successful in life......

I recently finished a study on the book of Judges. I learned so much and saw more of Christ than I ever have while studying an Old Testament book. It doesn't take many chapters to realize that the Israelites have a pattern problem. They follow their own reasoning and sinful desires only to find themselves enslaved by an enemy nation. They cry out to God and He raises up a rescuer who delivers them. They are so relieved to have their freedom back that it isn't long until they turn back to their false gods and selfish ways.

It's easy to shake my head at the Israelites of the Old Testament. I mean, goodness, can't they see that this pattern of behavior is destructive and damaging to their faith?



I think if we're brutally honest with ourselves, though, we would find that we have very similar patterns in our faith as well. For example here's mine when it comes to blogging......

Step 1: I just love this blogging thing! I can share about what God's teaching me and it's so fun to write, etc.........

Step 2: Wait! There's a podcast on how to grow my audience? If 10 followers are good, then 1,000 must be even better, right? If I do this one simple thing, I'll see my subscribers increase dramatically? So, posting on certain days only is the real way to gain online traffic? You get the idea, my blog and it's growth becomes an idol.

Step 3: The pressure of performance and living up to my idol's expectations begins to enslave me. I feel depressed and unable to measure up. I cry out to God! I'm doing all the right things with my blogging and writing but everyone else beside me seems to be succeeding!

Step 4: Sigh, I think I'll just give up blogging. There are so many other people that can do it more successfully than me! I'm sure God wants me to be focusing on something better.

Step 5: A random person (who I didn't even know read my blog) encourages me that God is using my feeble efforts to encourage them and remind them of the gospel.

Step 1: I just love this blogging thing! I can share about what God's teaching me and it's so fun to write, etc......

Continue cycle......

Seriously, this pattern has occurred at least 5-6 times in the last few years! It hit me yesterday that I have the same cycle issue that the nation of Israel struggled with.You see, my definition of success has been wrong. Just like the Israelites, I've looked to the world's definition for my worth and identity.
It might not be blogging for you, but it may be a myriad of other things like your home business, marriage, ministry, friendships, or even motherhood.

We believe the lie that success is having followers, attention, money, even good feelings all of which almost immediately become dangerous idols in our camp. They enslave and abuse leaving us feeling hopeless at the end of the day.

We cry out to God who lovingly and mercifully rescues us from ourselves yet again and we run right back to the idols our souls crave.

What we forget (or possibly refuse to remember) is that God's definition of success is measured by something that was already finished 2000 years ago. Death and sin was already defeated. His Son triumphed over the grave. His Spirit is alive and well working in this still sin-tainted world.

True success is defined, not by what we do, but by what has already been done by Christ.
Numbers and notoriety are never the true definition of a successful endeavor.

Consider Colossians 2:13-15:

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,  by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

That, my friends is a true success story! 

Want a gospel reminder in your home? Download a free printable!
This post is linked to the Mom 2 Mom Monday Link-up!

When Easter Sunday feels like every other day.....

I'll spare you the details but our Easter Sunday morning was not the peaceful, serene, and reflective morning you might expect from your pastor's family. The day started with tempers, disobedience, throw up, and the list could go on… I'm really hoping I'm not alone in this but I'm guessing that there were disappointments and failures not only in the morning but all throughout your Easter Sunday. 

We all desire perfection and beauty. We somehow hope that because the date on the calendar says it's a special day that the people and events of the day will follow suit. But Scripture tells us otherwise. Our lives, our world, our souls are hopelessly broken. Even our Easter Sunday mornings are tainted with the ugliness of sin. 

I enjoyed our Easter Sunday morning service so much this year. It wasn't because there was some major change in the service itself. There definitely wasn't gorgeous weather (it snowed super hard all morning). It wasn't even because the kids were amazingly well behaved (they weren't). It was because I had been confronted head-on with the desperation of my own soul that morning. 

I gravely need the resurrection. I need the hope that is offered me through Christ not because I have any potential in myself to succeed, but because Christ turned the cross from a symbol of guilt to one of unwavering love. 

Easter IS like every other day of our existence because we live in the confidence that death has been defeated on our behalf. Our biggest failures and shortcomings point to the One who crushed the serpent's head at the cross!

He is risen, indeed!!

When the to-do list never gets done......

It's been 34 days.

It's strange that Adam said that he thought the word to describe 2014 was change and the word for 2015 would probably be challenge. I didn't realize that would mean starting the year with 3 trips to the ER,  3 specialist visits, and a couple of regular doctors appointments thrown in for fun!

If you follow me on IG, you would have seen that I randomly hurt my knee while working out this past Monday. I've been so grateful for the sweet friends who have brought meals for our family. Icing and elevating my leg hasn't allowed for much grocery shopping (so sad, huh?). We still don't know what's going on with Adam's health. He wrote an awesome post about his lessons throughout this difficulty.

All this medical chaos has left so many to-do's undone. I see friends publishing books and others moving forward with specific business goals for 2015. Some friends are smashing their weight loss and fitness milestones and wonderfully teaching their children from home.

There have to be some of you reading this that are like me, though. 

There have been things on your to-do list for months that are just not getting done. I walk (or hobble) by my piano almost daily and think of how I really ought to be teaching my kids to play more regularly than once every 6 months.
I've been meaning to organize several areas in my house since we moved in over 3 years ago. Everywhere I look there are loose ends: weight loss goals unattained, relationships still broken, books unread......Even this blog post took about 2 weeks to write!

The items that are forever on our to-do list are a reminder - a reminder that our world is broken. The most important to-do list (live a perfect life) was left incomplete in the Garden. For years our world struggled under the burden of incompleteness. All the "good living" in the world came up short next to God's standard.

But there was One. One who came with a very specific to-do list entitled Redemption. He followed every law, withstood every temptation, and performed every work He was called to do. At the end of His life, He was able to confidently say, "It is Finished!" He completed a perfect life, horrific death, and glorious resurrection for us!

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;  and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Friends, you may not get the laundry done today. The doctors may still have questions about that health issue. I can guarantee (from personal experience) that you will NOT live today perfectly! 

But lift your eyes! 

Jesus has won the greatest battle for you already! Through His sacrifice, God sees a complete and perfect child and one day we will share in the perfect completeness when He comes again! 

You are complete in Him! Walk in that joy today!

I'd love to hear how the Gospel is changing you on a daily basis!
 Use the hashtag #completeinHim on social media to share! 

I'm Fine - discovering the beauty of the gospel in my weakness....

I'm Fine.

If you were a fly on the wall of my home, I'm sure you would hear me repeat these two words often.

They're used in the typical "I'm really NOT fine - I'm still pretty upset" way after a disagreement.

They can also be translated: "I'm actually completely overwhelmed and I don't know how I'm going to get it all done before I run out of hours in the day!!!"

In fact, I can rarely think of a time when the words, "I'm fine" actually mean "I'm fine".

It's most dangerous when I use this phrase inaudibly. I say to myself (and ultimately to God), "I'm fine!"
I can totally handle this mothering thing.
I may not be the best wife, but I'm doing pretty good compared to the other marriages I see.
This spiritual walk thing? I've got this!

What I don't realize is that by deceiving myself about my "fine-ness," I'm actually limiting a display of God's power in my life.

Here's a perfect example from this week....
On Monday, a sweet friend of mine wrote me a message on Facebook to see if I would like her to bring a meal over for dinner sometime later in the week. Honestly, I was pretty surprised. Our church normally schedules meals for after babies arrive, and it seems "appropriate" to help a mom after she's just gone through the exhaustion of labor and delivery.
I never expected someone to offer a meal when I was still relatively "mobile"!
Can I be completely honest? My first thought was, "I'm fine." Sure we've eaten leftovers, frozen pizza, and PB&J for three out of our last four meals because I was so tired by 4pm, but I'm okay. She didn't need to go to the trouble of bringing us a meal. I wasn't completely desperate yet. I could handle it!
I made wiser choice, though, and told her "yes". And let me tell you, friends, it was amazing!
I didn't have to think about what my three hungry guys were going to eat.
I didn't have to spend an hour on my (swollen) feet in front of a hot stove.

We were able to sit down and enjoy some quality family time. Her hard work was a blessing to my family that night (and for a couple meals to follow!). I had to admit my weakness to receive her amazing gift! 
What convicts me, is that I behave the same way so many times towards God. Sure, I'll admit defeat when it comes to my eternal destiny. I KNOW I can't ever come close to the perfection God requires for eternal life. I need Christ's sacrifice for my justification.

The problem comes when I start believing Satan's lies that I'm fine for the rest of this Christian walk. Sure, I may not be perfect, but I'm not completely desperate. I'm a fairly "good" person and I'm not a complete embarrassment morally to God's testimony. I'm fine.

In believing that lie, I'm robbing God of the opportunity to be glorified in my weakness! I'm claiming a shallow glory for myself. In my pride, I'm focusing on my limited strength instead of His complete lack of weakness.

The glorious truth of the gospel allows me to transparently admit my weaknesses and sin in order to point to His completed work for not only my justification, but sanctification and eventual glorification one day!



"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 12:9

Because of His grace, I can boldly say, "I'm NOT fine!" and that, my friends, is the beauty of the gospel!

When simpler is better.....

Last week, Adam was able to go on a field trip with our oldest and his class to ReptileLand, a reptile and amphibian zoo. 

Unfortunately, because of the school rules, our little monkey wasn't able to go along which meant that he and I would have to stay behind at home. 

With the new little one on the way, I felt a little pressure to make this day at home with just me and him super special. After all, he hasn't gotten nearly the same amount of one-on-one time as his older brother. I started brainstorming activities we could do together! 

Library? 

Nope, I forgot that our little library is closed on Fridays. 

Walk to our McDonald's in town? 

That might be fun, but we had just eaten out the day before and it didn't sound super appealing to my tired pregnancy feet to walk all the way there. 

Go shopping at a local thrift shop? That would be more fun for me than him! 

I couldn't think of anything super creative, so I suggested that after I was done with the dishes and vacuuming, we could play outside together. He was pretty excited about that idea! 

It was absolutely gorgeous outside. The incredibly long and hard winter was finally giving way to Spring. At first my little guy just wanted to run around looking at flowers, driving his Fisher-Price car, and pretending that he was making runs to Dunkin Donuts and the puppy store. 

Then he asked to swing on his little playset. As I started pushing him, he settled into his seat and relaxed, enjoying the ride. He keep swinging for over 30 minutes and we barely talked (except for when he accidentally let go and fell out into the dirt!). We just enjoyed the creaking of the chains and the warm, sunny breeze. 

When it was lunchtime, I suggested we take our PB&J's out on the front porch to watch the cars go by. We spent a long time spotting motorcycles and cool trucks while we ate. 

Somewhere in the middle of the simple, non-pinnable fun we were having together, it hit me. Sometimes, simpler is better. What mattered during our day together wasn't the incredible activities I had planned. It wasn't the amazing places we went together. It wasn't even the thought-provoking conversation we shared. 

We had a special day because we simply enjoyed each other. 

That same principle applies to my relationship with Christ. Our relationship doesn't grow by more activity, more perfection, or more effort. 

He wants me to savor the grace He pours out on everyday failures and frustrating situations. 

He wants to hear my worship from the kitchen as I'm overwhelmed by His sacrifice for me. 

He wants to hear the silent cries of my heart when I can't quite put my prayers into words. 

I don't want to get so caught up in doing more for Him that I lose the wonder of what He's already done for me! 

Idol.......

It was a rainy Friday morning. My good friend was over for a long-overdue play date. As usual, our conversations hopped back and forth between the mundane things of life and the deeper issues we're working through. I shared with her something that the Holy Spirit has really been convicting me about lately. It's something that has developed into a functional idol. It's not money, fame, or security. In fact, I'm pretty sure many other believers (and people in general) struggle with their worship of this same idol......

Photo Credit

Meet the "Idol of Busyness" 

I'm not sure exactly when it started, but somewhere along the line, I got the idea that the busier I was, the better I was doing spiritually. My to-do list has gained more and more significance. Its constant, nagging voice constantly drowns out the opportunities to cherish and build relationships. I wear my responsibilities as a badge of honor. It's almost like I should sew an adult size AWANA or Girl Scouts vest to display the many things I'm involved in on a weekly basis.

Unfortunately, it gets worse. In my pride, I've even looked down on those whose schedules aren't as packed as mine. Of course they have time to schedule coffee dates or work on a craft with their toddler. They don't have nearly as many responsibilities (badges) as I do!!

In a moment of desperation last week, I fell to my knees next to my bed and cried out to God. My mind had been a whirlwind of jobs and checklists all morning and I had lost my temper more times than I cared to admit. God, what am I doing wrong??

I've edited my responsibilities several times since last summer. 
I've been reigning in my overcommitment problem by being slow to say "yes". 
I've even been learning to cherish the quietness in life in order to more fully embrace the power of the gospel. 

Then it hit me, it's not a "doing" problem, but an "identity" problem. I've convinced myself that I am a more worthy wife, mom, leader, friend, etc..... when my to-do list is longer. If my schedule is hard to juggle then I must be doing a good job at ministry.
When I am prepared and organized, my ego swells. When an entire day disintegrates before my eyes, I am a complete failure.

When my identity becomes tightly knit with the accomplishments on my to-do list, I greatly diminish the accomplishment of Christ on my behalf!

To be transparent, I'm not exactly sure how to completely destroy the idol of busyness in my life at this point. I've repented of this sin and know I'll need His grace to fight this identity battle daily (or even hourly). Whether or not, I succeed with my to-do list, I know that I'm accepted and beloved in God's sight through Jesus' sacrifice for me, and I want to choose the "good part" (Luke 10:42) as Mary did. My heart truly desires to value my relationship with Him and with his people far greater than a silly to-do list.

I would love to pray for you as you work on tearing down the idols in your own life with the power of the gospel. Feel free to send me a message on Facebook or with the "Contact Me" tab above! Accountability and prayer are invaluable as we seek to live out the everyday gospel!

Timing.....

I love it when I'm reading a familiar passage a new idea jumps out at me. It's such a reminder that God's Word is "living"!

The other night, I was reading Genesis 1. Most kids in Sunday School learn the days of Creation, but there was a phrase that I had never really noticed before. Verse 14 says,

"And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.' "

We know about the sea and sky, the land animals and fish, the stars and the sun, but we overlook the fact that God created time!

I don't know about you, but I don't always live that way. I act as if I have a much better handle on the timing of my life's events. It's as if I think I know more about the seasons of life than the Creator himself.

His thoughts and ways are perfect! His timing is perfect - every. single. time, friends!
Obviously this is a lesson that I'm constantly learning. I recorded this video a couple years ago. I thought I'd share it again (mainly to remind myself!).

Watch on YouTube

Mentions, retweets, and links, Oh my! (when social media leaves you lonely)......

I'm a naturally social person. Going to group events usually energizes me. I enjoy talking with people and learning from them.

I'm not without social awkwardness at times, though. Just like everyone else, I act busy on my phone or get that cup of coffee I don't really need until I can find a friendly face to talk to.

Which leads me to how I've been feeling on Twitter lately. When I created an account over 5 years ago (wow!) it was only to see what this whole tweeting thing was all about. I followed a couple famous people. I was ecstatic when I got my first Direct Message from one of my favorite singing groups.
Then I started connecting with some of my blogging friends around the country. Through Twitter parties, DM's, and "Good Morning, friends" tweets, I met some of my closest online friends. This was a perfect social media tool for the outgoing person in me.

Then something changed. It was almost as if someone turned up the Twitter volume. My home stream started moving faster and faster. It was filled with more and more links and fewer personal interactions.
Suddenly I felt as if I was standing in the corner of a crowded party, yelling at the top of my lungs for someone to pay attention to me!

Here's a link to my blog post!!!!!!!!!
What are you having for dinner????!!!!!!!
Hope you are having a great weekend!!!!!!!

The louder and more often I "tweeted," the more lonely I felt as a thousand other tweets passed me by.

Then I heard a still, small voice.
I love you! Learn of Me! I am meek and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28).

All the retweets in the world will never truly satisfy my heart's desire for acceptance. I already have it through Christ!

...to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved....

Instead of tweeting more and more loudly, I'm choosing to 

....Be still and Know that He is God....

When social media is constantly changing and evolving - post 3 times a day, post in the morning, auto-schedule your posts, always post live, I'm focusing on

...Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever...

I still enjoy occasionally checking in on Twitter, but you won't find me glued to my home stream waiting for my next "mention". Instead I'm focusing my heart and my need for acceptance on the One who can fill that constant human need.

What about you? Have you been able to connect with any close friends through Twitter? Have you ever experienced loneliness in social media?? 

This post is linked to The Better Mom and Gracelaced.

Lessons from the softball field: Part 2.....

On Monday, I shared a repost of some lessons I learned through the summertime game of softball. Here is part two of this little series.........

Yesterday, I wrote about my last minute induction to our church softball team. Thankfully, I can catch a little bit better than I can hit, but I was still thankful to be positioned in the outfield. I passed on the opportunity to play short stop!! There's just too much action in the infield for a softball novice like me!!

I noticed a problem, however. It's easy to daydream in the outfield. When hit after hit gets caught by the pitcher or rolls right to the 3rd baseman, I start losing my focus.

And then it happens - one of the big hitters comes to the plate and the ball comes hurling toward ME! If I can catch it, then I have to make a split second decision. Where do I throw the ball?? 1st or 2nd? Am I close enough to tag the runner?? Or maybe I should just get it back to the pitcher??? Decisions, decisions!

My hubby gave me some advice: Even when nothing is going on in the outfield, it's important to be thinking through your plan of action, IN CASE something comes your way.

Wow!! A spiritual application immediately came to my mind! It's so easy to become relaxed in our walk with the Lord. We become comfortable in our routine, and forget to strengthen ourselves for the battles that are bound to come.
Ephesians 5:15, 16, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

I need to take advantage of even the quiet times in my life to build up my faith and prepare my heart for the decision making that is headed my away!

 

Lessons from the softball field: Part 1.....

During my little summer blogging break, I'd thought I'd share a repost of this little 2-part series with you about some things I learned from our church softball team a couple years back! 

A couple of weeks ago, I headed to the field with my husband to watch him play with our church softball team. I was under the impression that I was to simply be a cheerleader and spectator!! I was wrong! It turns out that our team didn't have enough members, and they needed ME to play! Yikes! I am not a softball player. Sure, I can catch and throw a little bit, but I cannot hit! I get very nervous when it's my turn up to bat. It's a very high pressure situation! Everyone is depending on me to hit that ball and get on base! And it's so embarrassing when I strike out (every time!!). Thankfully, the fans and team members are very forgiving and supportive even when I fail them!

We often find ourselves in stressful situations in life as well. There are times when we are all alone in a decision or trial, and all eyes are on us! We can feel like a failure when we strike out (again). However, there's good news! We are not all alone! We have an all-powerful Father who gives us the strength, wisdom, and grace we need to be successful. Yes, there may be times in which we are required to step out, alone, in faith, but He promises to "never leave or forsake us."

There are also spectators in our spiritual lives. There are those who will be inspired by us to walk in faith. They will learn from our mistakes, and grow in their own relationship with the Lord. And there are spectators who will cheer us on. They will relate with the struggles we face, and encourage us to "hit a home run". They will pray and support us in this "game" of life.

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

Stepping up to life's plate, isn't nearly so intimidating when we remember we have the arms of an Almighty God to help us swing, and the cheers of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to help us round the bases! Don't miss the next lesson from the outfield on Thursday! Subscribe here!
 

Motivated exercise.....

I'm currently 1/3 of the way through a 90-day fitness challenge called Bikini Mommy Body Challenge! I certainly don't plan to wear a bikini this summer (or ever), but my muscles can definitely use some toning after two pregnancies!

While it's been great to see my body change during the last four weeks, I've struggled a little with my motivation. You see, I HATE exercising. I can think of so many things I rather be doing instead of my 45 minute cardio. A few minutes more of my beauty sleep would feel so much better than 20 mountain climbers. If it wasn't for the accountability from the others in the group and the fact that I really DO want to be healthy and fit at my 30th birthday, I would have given up long ago.

When I keep my goal in mind, I'm properly motivated to endure the pain of working out!

Take that to a spiritual level. My old nature HATES to love, forgive, serve, etc. I'd rather do so many other self-focused things. Simply trying hard to be a good Christian will never work. I'll fail or give up in no time.

I John 4:19 says, "We love because He first loved us." If you've spent any time in Christian circles, it can be easy to gloss over this verse. It's not until we grasp the vastness of His initial love that we can start to be motivated in the right way. I may look like a relatively good person to those around me, but my heart is desperately wicked. I have no hope to reach God's perfect standards before OR after salvation.

Christ's sacrifice is the essential daily motivation for every aspect of my life. When I'm overwhelmed by His undeserved grace, I look at "good works" as a desire rather than a duty.
Applying the gospel to everyday is a spiritual exercise motivated by Christ's unbelievable love for me!

Yep! I'm a perfectionist.....

Ok, I'll admit it! I'm a perfectionist. I'm not always the type that remeasures something 15 times before concluding it's "perfect," and I'm not a complete neat freak.

I am, however, the type of perfectionist who will procrastinate starting something because I'm afraid it won't be good enough. I worry it won't impress anyone. I tell myself that it's not unique enough. Ten other people do it better than me anyway! I figure I might as well not start if it isn't going to be perfect.
I have a long history of trying to impress others and meet their standards. I'm a natural people-pleaser.

Doing your best is an awesome character trait. Expecting perfection can be dangerous.

As I've been doing a little soul searching lately, I've realized that I THRIVE on affirmation and praise from others. When someone is impressed with me or my work, I feel I've arrived!
That's why a scripture jumped out at me this morning.
Psalm 53:2

"God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God."

He's not looking for impressive people. He's not looking for the best people. He's not even looking for PERFECT people.

He IS looking for those who seek Him!

Wow!! Am I living with that kind of mindset? Am I seeking to know, to understand God? I want to stand out to Him, not because I'm doing incredible things to catch His attention, but because I'm seeking to know Him more!

Let me know that I'm not alone in this struggle?? Do you face the temptation to compare, be perfect, or people-please in your life? Feel free to share in the comments below!

There is a Season (Part 3).....

As I was getting ready the other morning, I heard little feet clamoring up the stairs! My little guy burst into the bathroom, and my immediate thought was that something was wrong! Instead, he simply had an urgent question:

"Mommy! Will we jump in the piles when all the leaves come down?"

He was referring to a conversation from the day before about the fun things that are soon coming with the fall season. I also get almost daily questions about "snow time". He can't wait to make snowmen and enjoy the excitement that winter brings. 

These conversations have gotten me thinking about the positive AND negative aspects that accompany all four seasons. For instance, 

*Spring brings gorgeous weather, warm rain showers, and blooming flowers, but it also brings muddy ground and terrible allergies for many!

*While Summer can be full of uncomfortable humid weather, damaging tornadoes, and drought, it can also be full of fun at the pool, late-night cookouts, and fireworks!

*The colors of Autumn are absolutely gorgeous, but create quite a bit of raking when they cover the ground!

*Dangerous roads and freezing temperatures are definitely a part of the winter season, however snowball fights, Christmas celebrations, and hot chocolate have their place as well! 

Our enjoyment or contentment in a season depends on our perspective of that season. I realize that we all have favorite seasons. God created us with individual preferences. However, it's easy to dwell on the negatives of a certain season, and simply overlook any of the positives. 

That principle applies perfectly to the seasons of life as well.  We tend to focus on the hard aspects of our circumstances or wish that our current season would hurry up and pass instead of looking for the joys and blessings around us. 

For example, I've been struggling lately with the fact that I find very little time to write. It seems like so many other online friends are constantly working on e-books and projects while it's been hard for me to produce a simple thought-provoking post. 

However, those fellow bloggers may not currently be in the same season as me. They may not be eagerly awaiting a sweet newborn (in a few short weeks!!). They may not be actively involved in a MOPS ministry. They may not be busy with the daily craziness and FUN of a three year old boy! :) 

I've had to make a conscious decision to thoroughly enjoy the positive aspects of my current season rather than to dwell on the fact that I can't write or be online as much as I would like. 

This almost seems like a silly example as I write it, but I believe that we can find examples of God's provision, protection, and love in some of the most difficult of seasons. 

Philippians 4:11: 

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

I'd love to hear from you.....

What good are you finding in your current season of life? How do you strive to develop contentment in every circumstance? 

Photo Credits:
Summer Sky
Spring
Fall Lake Trees
Winter

This post is linked to Michelle's Thought Provoking Thursday!

There is a Season (Part 2).....

My husband and I often tease about the fact that we still haven't gotten completely used to the cold and snow that settles into our area from November to March. Sure, we now have a good supply of "winter clothes," and are quickly becoming expert shovelers, but our Florida blood hasn't acclimated yet.
We've also been surprised at how long some of the winter weather lasts. We've had snow as early as October and experienced a pretty significant snowfall last April. We are already trying to mentally prepare ourselves for the cold weather that will be here in a couple short months.

March 23, 2011

We are thankful when the snow piles finally melt and dandelions take their place. We know that no matter how long the season seems to last, there will be an ending and a beginning to a new season. 

The Bible speaks much about beginnings and endings as well. 

Psalm 30:5

 For His anger is but for a moment,  His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. 

Ecclesiastes 3:11

 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.


Ecclesiastes 7:8

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

*Are you enduring a difficult season right now? Are you amazed at how LONG your winter is lasting? Do you hope and pray for a renewing spring in your life?

Be encouraged and reminded that each season (both in nature and in our daily walk) has a beginning and an end. Joy WILL come in the morning!

*Are you currently in a beautiful season of life? While, I don't intend to "rain on your parade," be aware that every season will come to a close. Do not be surprised when you are suddenly dealing with spiritual storms, droughts, and freezing temperatures. Enjoy every day of this enjoyable season while preparing yourself for the changing of the seasons that WILL come.

Whatever season you are currently in, remember Psalm 52:1,

"The goodness of God endures continually."

Want to keep up with the lessons I'm learning from the seasons?? Subscribe here  to receive posts in your reader or e-mail inbox! 



Photo Credits:
Summer Sky
Spring
Fall Lake Trees
Winter