A "book" too good to pass up!

In writing, descriptions are the strings that carry the story from the torn and withering pages of a book to the spaces between your mental ability and imaginative star-reaching capabilities. Descriptions are what takes the items, people and places in the chapters and lifts them in to life like form for a reader.

With description, we can see, visualize, know or feel that which is being spoken of.

Take this example for example by Jeremy Burden:

"My most valuable possession is an old, slightly warped blond guitar--the first instrument I taught myself how to play. It's nothing fancy, just a Madeira folk guitar, all scuffed and scratched and finger-printed. At the top is a bramble of copper-wound strings, each one hooked through the eye of a silver tuning key. The strings are stretched down a long, slim neck, its frets tarnished, the wood worn by years of fingers pressing chords and picking notes. The body of the Madeira is shaped like an enormous yellow pear, one that was slightly damaged in shipping. The blond wood has been chipped and gouged to gray, particularly where the pick guard fell off years ago. No, it's not a beautiful instrument, but it still lets me make music, and for that I will always treasure it."

After reading that one paragraph you can probably see the guitar sitting in the corner of your own room. How many times I have read a book and seen the movie years later and visualized a completely different person in the leading role.

NOW, that all being said, imagine if Jeremy would have described his guitar by saying it was "old." It just wouldnt give you the same feeling, or picture. For one, most of us would not pay any attention after reading/hearing a line like that. "My old guitar."

Think of describing a person. What if you heard a "dark-headed girl was sitting quiet in the crowd." Imagine the hesitation in picking that book up and taking it home. I, personally would be much more likely to grab a book with the following description: "Her hair was a rich shade of mahagony. It flowed in waves to adorn her glowing, porcelain-like skin. Her eyes, framed by long lashes, were a bright, emerald-green and seemed to brighten the world. A straight nose, full lips - she seemed the picture of perfection. Had she smiled, the world would sigh with contentment. Had she laughed, the world would laugh with her. And had she wept, the whole world would want to comfort her."

To simply state one word you miss out on the essence of that person, the item or place. You need to encompass the whole.

NOW...follow me with this...

Would you agree with me to say that to describe God as loving, is much the same?

Just as the girl had dark hair and the guitar was in fact old, God is a very loving God. But to describe Him as only loving hinders people from being able to fully visualize, know or feel the God which we speak of.

When we talk to others about God, we should remember all the qualities He has shown in our walk with him. Loving. Patient. Kind. Gracious. Generous. Merciful. And the list goes on and on and ON! TO miss out on describing the incredible God we serve creates a God people can pass up. God may mean so much to me personally for reasons applicable to me individually (grace, mercy, love, encouragement and suficiency) BUT to someone else, they may open their hearts to God for reasons of kindness, joy, ect. By boxing God into the attributes we have tapped into, belittles the amazing God we serve for those around us!

Don't box God in, allow Him to be who He is...the GREAT I AM! And watch as the people around you "pick HIM up and have a read."

Evidence of God's provision.

Today I was looking through my blog to see the over all growth of a year. I came across an entry from June. Amazing how God prepares us to weather the storm.

In order to understand the meaning of that statement, I need to take a minute and fill you in on the past 4-5 months of my life. How God took my world as though it was a snow globe and shook it up until everything landed in a new fashion and I had to adapt. Many of you may read this and think, "yeah Yeah, we all go through change and have to adapt." Which is true. However, I beg you to take into consideration that my personality is dangerously dependent on a planned systematic schedule, to a fault. So when my life resembled the restructuring of the aftermath of a tornado, I became very dependent on the lessons and faith God had grown in me previous to these months (at some points, unknowingly).

A previous work-a-holic, a homebody with a contentment with working 11+hour days, taking care of someone else's family and then going home to cook, clean and take care of myself. My schedule read like the schedule on a business trip itinerary. And to venture from that schedule was a rare moment. From April to October, my life had been frustrating to say the least. It seemed as though I had no time to myself, and although many blessings came from those months, I felt desperately used by a few people and I was neglecting the relationships of those who genuinely cared for me. My conscience was exauhsted and my nerves were shot. By Septemeber, if you asked, you got a brutally honest response, due to the fact that I could not even think far enough to filter my answer. It was a damaging path created by those who continuously took of my time, money, energy and effort, without investing in the return, at all. I was exauhsted, yes, but more so I was facing great the greatest defeat. I was allowing my circumstances to affect my very self. The character I resounded was trampled by the negativity of ever wanting or desiring to help anyone else.

I had a date to which, I was taking back control. A tangible moment I was taking my life back. (My first mistake, the need for control)October 3rd. I was going to learn to say no, not take on more responsibility than I could handle and life was back to the norm...right. Isnt it ironic how when you think life is "yours again" God quickly reminds you that it is HIS. :)

October 3rd began with an email that to most was not a surprise with the economy the place it was or the recession nosediving still. However, to a work-a-holic...an email on Sunday, reading "dont come to work Monday" shakes you to the core. So, I quickly go to defend my character and my identity. I try with all the effort left in me to disarm false accusations and hurt feelings. (which over the years I have grown acustomed to) I faced the realization that although the truth was finally discovered and reconcilliations were made and the relationships were saved, the job was over. I all of a sudden had 11+ hours to fill. And for a grieving person free time is NEVER GOOD!

In the weeks to come I moved to Memphis to look for work. Which God was absolutely involved in. I found work within a week of being here. BUT the Sunday I brought my belongings to town, I mistakenly thought I could regain my "system." And God, I'm sure while laughing, reminded me once more, IM NOT IN CONTROL, He is. That very day my purse, identity and every penny to my name was stolen.

So on Sunday, I found myself in Memphis away from home, without my job of 5years, Away from those who KNEW me, without any money, and no proof of being myself. It was the emptiest I had felt in a long time. I showed up to work Monday hoping they would just believe I was Lisa Henderson, since my Driving License and SSN were in the hands of a complete stranger no where to be found (whom I pray God convicts still today).

In the 2 months following, my transmission on my jeep went out, my laptop crashed, my home would not rent or sell, and even my flat iron broke! (I know that last one seems silly, but trust me, BIG deal! No pun intended, ha)

My core was shaken more every day, but while God stripped me of everything that gave me comfort and security he reminded me daily through reading, devotionals and people in my life, that those things that "shook" were not foundational in my life. My Foundation was strong and sturdy! And my Foundation embraced me with love, security and resounding affirmation that HE would provide and sustain me.

Currently, I am working in a job I LOVE. Surrounded by people that support and love me, and make me laugh on a daily basis. I am in a church that is impressing the Love of my God and the knowledge of Him. I am blessed beyond my greatest expectation. However looking back, I was blessed emensly the entire time I couldn't see through the storm. Blessed with work, blessed with family, blessed with transportation, blessed with a roof over my head and blessed with laughter and love.

God shook me to show me I could trust HIS support, lean on Him and know my feet treaded solid ground. He took me from "idols" I would have never broken from. Work, home, money, self. He broke my effort to control in order to gain perspective of the direction He designed my life to go. And when life seemed as difficult as it could get and my mouth uttered the words " enough is enough" my heart echoed "I am enough." God reminded me "HE is in control and that His presence is security in the greatest form!


SO...all that to say, when you think your time with God is unimportant or listening to your heart is a waste of time, I dare you to write it down and then months from now, see what he was showing you, preparing you for, teaching you. It will be evident and real! As was this entry when reading it today!



Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Digging your heals in.

I am more thankful than I can say how life has seemingly settled! Maybe it was true events of the past 10 years or maybe it was immaturity, but my life always seemed as though it were FULL of curve balls! I always felt as though I were on my toes or crashing fast! Life these days ... it is much more systematic. A home (so no moving around) a job (for the past 4 1/2 years) and a great church, great friends, incredible relationship...life is GOOD.

So, in reflecting I was reminded of a quote.

"God will shake everything surrounding you, in order to prove to you that HE has your feet on SOLID GROUND!"

This quote causes me to wonder. With life being so comfortable, does that mean I have learned to KNOW the unshaken ground I stand on...or does it mean I should dig my heals in and prepare? I remember clinging to this quote so many nights in order to find what little joy I could in circumstances of my past! I am so thankful that I was able to know what I stood on, in order to stand through the "curve balls" I put myself in line for.

As a side note: You know, I cant tell you how many times I was told, nor how many people told me do as I say not as I do" and now...I pray that one day at least one child will head that same advice. Mistakes are only mistakes until you learn from them...but the consequences and the pain is a journey to overcome. So ... all to say (in a rabbit-trail) When life leaves you uneasy or unsure, remember the ground you stand on! If your grounded in faith, you can trust that the core of who you are is left unshaken, simply molded to become more in line with the man or woman GOD desires you to be.

Knowing that I am no where near the woman God intends...and having much to learn and more to grow, I guess in the seasons of simplicity and ease...we prepare to ground ourselves for the next lesson we are going to learn!



The evidence of God's provision for me this day is this:

"God [shook] everything surrounding [me], in order to prove that HE ha[d] [my] feet on SOLID GROUND!"

What is he teaching you today to prepare you for tomorrow??

Accepting Grace reveals a deep knowledge of God

If I were to ask you “What is eternal life?” What would you answer?




Personally, I think my response would touch on heaven and hell, and the never-ending existence in one or the other. What would yours be?

After reading John 17:3 I realized I was WAY off. (Well depending how you look at it.) Spending a never-ending existence in the presence of my heavenly Father is part of eternal life for me. BUT - this is God’s description on eternal life:

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Eternal life is more than just Existing with God. Its REALLY knowing God. The use of the word existence in my definition was what made my interpretation so wrong. Never-ending existence is eternal. But eternal life is never-ending existence understanding and living in the knowledge and belief of God. Meaning, if you do not choose to Know him, eternal life is not yours. But that is NOT where I want to go today. After all, who wants to focus on the negative? It would sadden me to know someone came to “know” Christ out of fear of the negative. You can really only come to Know Christ when you know the positive and long for relationship with Him. Otherwise salvation becomes an escape route instead of a connection.

…OK, off that Soap Box before my title changes…

As it seems Grace is a topic that has consistently popped into my head off an on over the years. And again on the subject of Knowing God. After all, without the grace of God, we wouldn’t have been gifted with the opportunity to know Him! Living is not just understanding the grace we have been given, it is about recognizing that grace in our lives! As we learn to understand grace, we begin to see its affect in our lives, which opens our hearts, mind and eyes to a more extensive understanding of who God is.

This really causes me to realize that what many of us do is just come to Christ and believe He saved us. We may appreciate it, but we choose not to react to that gift of grace. If we did react we would have stronger relationships with Him, and we would have fruit from that relationship. So, think about it… will you know God when you stand before His throne one day? Will you have invested in the relationship to where He will embrace you as family? I don’t think God ever intended to “meet” us in salvation in order to be strangers when we stand before Him in glory! He longs for SO much more than that! Would you want to “meet” your son or daughter in the delivery room and then be strangers the day you say goodbye? Would you want to miss all the incredible moments in between where you learn their sweet personalities and bond? God is like that too. He wants to be a part of the journey in order to know you and be known by you!

God seems so vast at times. It is my struggle many times to wrap my mind around what the Lord tries to teach me of Himself. However, I have to remember that is why God desires to give us wisdom. Ephesians 1:17 tells us that with wisdom we grow in the knowledge of God. We cant figure Him out on our own, but lucky for us He wants desperately to reveal Himself to us. And in knowing Him, we know what a gift it is. And the more we know, the greater our desire becomes to know Him.

So, does knowing OF God give you’re the desire to KNOW Him?? And if not, take some time to get to know OF him, and see if that births the desire within you.

Bearing "Edible" Fruit.

The red gloss of the crisp skin, and the juice that awaited that first bite. A winding trail to the plump treasure of Welches’ goodness. Have you ever seen a basket full of ripe rich apples or a pile of luscious grapes and as you grabbed one, your mouth waters in anticipation of that first bite? Which upon biting, or attempting to bite, your pride falters to recover quite as quickly as your front teeth. Plastic fruit can be so deceiving. Yet why is it that it can deceive? Why do we at first glance think it represents a ripe nutrition?

Why is it that we too offer the same deception to our fellow peers?

Why do we go to church, read the right books, say the acceptable things and go to the suitable places in order to give off appearances? When all we offer is a hard, plastic experience? Is it fear? Is it a lazy nature? Or maybe shallow expectations? Or perhaps we have a false pretense of God’s calling deterred by societies interpretation of our purpose.

If you are living a life bearing deception of “plastic” fruit…you must take a hard look at what your reason is in order to mend it.

In John 15:4-5 we are given a simple and clear picture of what “bearing fruit” looks like to our Heavenly Father. Simple because its one response to two ingredients which produce the life necessary for fruit, and clear because the analogy is the perfect picture of its process. It may be the first example of K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid). It doesn’t get any simpler than this. However, as any other instructional guide it may be simple to understand, yet hard to put into action.

John states: “Abide in Me, and I in you.” First step is simply to have a relationship. Then he provides a reason: “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” How simple can you get? Yet, he continues: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bear much fruit; for without me, you can do nothing.” So, in layman terms: Have a relationship with me, because without a relationship, the life designed for you cant happen.

And just as watching a vine give life to branches producing rich fruit, you cannot see the mystery of it, however you vividly see, and taste the effects of its process. Which brings us to the first ingredient to bearing fruit: FAITH.

Faith to believe in God and faith to “walk” daily with Him in a relationship. Faith that by doing so, HE can make something great of you! Faith that what HE says of you is true and possible. Faith that our weakness cannot hinder the great design He created for our lives.

The second ingredient brings you to a place where you realize your desire to step into a life with Christ. HUMILITY. The place you realize you cant. The moment you admit you are inadequate. Humility is the truth that reveals your realistic identity, which you never see until you understand who God is. You would never think the Smokey Mountains were small unless you moved them to the base of Mount Everest. Perspective. Once you have faith in the goodness of Christ, and believe in Him, you see yourself for who you are, rather than who you have convinced yourself you are. Humility says “I need help” Faith says “I can trust God for that help.” And together those ingredients produce this response: life lived by GRACE.

I have studied much on the subject of grace over the years, because frankly, I have used a great deal of grace and wanted to understand it more fully. I think the greatest tragedy in the Christian life is that when we hear the word grace, we tend to think it is God’s longsuffering kindness towards us, that it is merely a benevolent attitude. Although that is a small piece of what Grace offers us. Grace is so much more. It is active- a resource that transforms us from sinners to saved. In the words of a pastor I once heard speak: “grace is the active, powerful, moving and working resources of God working on us, in us and through us.” Grace is the kindness that lavishes us in mercy, but it is also what carries us to obedience and resounds God’s glory. It is what motivates our passions and reveals our soul to the world around us, not as plastic fruit, but as true soul quenching nutrition.

The amazing thing about the grace of God is that we do not deserve it, but He gives it freely. The most important thing to remember that I often forget is that the best part of the grace of God is that we cannot sustain it. When we walk humbly, admitting our need for God’s grace, and in faith, counting on Him, believing in Him, we will undoubtedly produce fruit without hindrance of our self.

Living by Grace is what produces testimonies; it births ministries, roots change and motivates passion. God tells us in Ephesians and again in 2 Corinthians that He designed our purpose and EVERY single good work we will accomplish before He ever created us. Which means He designed us to carry out those good works, specifically. By strategically creating weaknesses and strengths He made those moments possible. By living in Grace we choose to humbly accept ourselves as we are, faithfully walk with him and graciously bring Him glory by carrying out those great things He designed for us to do.

And when your will grows weary and your faith is weak, remember: the good works God planned for us to accomplish does not depend on our strength or resolve. It relies on HIM alone. Faith and Grace are empowered by our willingness not our ability.

Be cautious as you live in this fashion that at times you will falter and live half by grace and half by law. Believing you must work to do good. But remember the law cannot produce good works. It demands it, but grace is what provides it.

If you are like me, these thoughts are challenging and comforting in the same sense. However, although they charge me to want to do great things, there is a big difference wanting to do great things and doing great things. So as I begin to let these challenges take root in my life I pray that as God continues to grow my will, I pray He will also continue to work in me and bring those great things into reality thorough me, revealing His renown through my simple life. After all, I would love to have my expectations in this life to be blown out of the water by the design God had from the beginning! ☺

SO…

IF you are bearing deceptive fruit, why?

Is it fear? Are you timid of how God plans to use you? Are you anxious of where He will ask you to go? Because if so, remember, He designed you for the work He will do through you. You are more than capable when you rely on Him to produce fruit!

Is it a lazy nature? Are you just to weary to step into the uncertainty? Afraid you may have to labor to do God’s will? If so, know that God’s strength is all you need. Good works don’t depend on your own abilities!

If it is shallow expectations, all I can say is why not raise the bar and see what He sees your possibilities to be.

And if you have a false pretense of God’s calling because your view is skewed by societies interpretation of your purpose. Take your eyes and ears off what the world expects of you and allow yourself to focus only what God expects of you. Because the right places are not always the ones that need to see or can see the good works He intends to produce through you. And the acceptable words are not always what will stir the souls of others. Sometimes stepping out of the box will allow you to touch far more lives than when you live within the boundaries that the “right” people put around you.

Dare to live to the fullest by humbling yourself to a faith that lives by grace.

Humble Beginnings.

What about me reflects the image of Christ?

My God. A humble king, a fearless man. A tender ear, and outstretched arms. My God. A man who had everything and gave it all up in order to save ME. My God. A friend like no other. I think of all the things my God is to me, has been to me and will be in the future and it causes my heart to race. God far exceeds every expectation I have ever had for him. And until you reach an endless road of disappointment with an armload of unmet expectations, that will never resonate!

So that being said…or rather pondered, I ask. When I look at my life, where do I reflect this GOD I claim to be so moved by?

I wake up and focus on no one but myself each morning until 715 in which I get in my car, that I wanted and drive to work focusing again on myself. Keeping ME warm, listening to music I like, screening calls from people I don’t want to talk to. Taking the roads I want. Until reaching work, where I busy myself with faceless interaction until it is time to go home. When I leave I either spend time with Jimmy, Jimmy and Avery or I go home and go to bed. My diet is ridiculous, my time management is poor and my energy and involvement with others is embarrassing.

So, looking at that, I ask. IF God was to step into my shoes, what would He do differently? Tomorrow, I pray that will be on the forefront of my mind!

Lets see what happens when I take myself out of the spotlight and allow God to penetrate my perspective and reveal His plan for the direction of my day. ☺