Since He's All-Sufficient, I Don't Have to Be

As an independent gal for almost ten years now, I like to call myself self-sufficient, self-supporting, self-reliant, self-sustaining. But, even as I type those words, they sound very “self”-minded! Lord knows – I want to be others minded – NOT self-minded. For example, when offered help out of my son’s big duly Ford F-350, I have been known to say “not yet” – as I slowly maneuver that 3 feet down out of the back seat by myself.

But, I did take hold of my grandson's hand when we were traversing the canyons and caverns of Reimer's Park. I'm no dummy! I really do know when I need to humble-up and admit when I need help. But, I loved it when I saw a tree branch that we could turn into a great walking stick to help me scale those boulders. Back to my independent self again! Oh, I get it! I, undoubtedly, will relent from my self-reliance the more mature I get. I'm already doing that when I get up in the morning and move slower than I once did. That's why I quickly get to my morning walk to get these body-parts moving and grooving.

I’m revisiting the times when my sweet mama had to depend on us more as she “matured”. She was super independent and only after she fell at age 94, did she submit. Then there’s my dear 97-year-old mother-in-law, who had been independent for years after dad passed away, but is now extremely dependent on her kids and her walker and even sometimes, her wheelchair. It came with great difficulty to relinquish her independence, but now she gladly allows us to help her out.

Funny how, in this independent mindset that we hold on to for so long, we become almost too good at being self-sufficient. I’m guilty as charged. Fortunately, there have been very few things that I couldn’t do myself, especially in this age of being able to google just about anything. DIY is my go-to in most instances and thank God for the internet that has been my bestie in so many occasions. In fact, last night I used Google to figure out how to fix the loose stitching on my sewing machine. And, whoa-la, it worked. Stitch – fixed!

Self-sufficiency might be an admirable quality to strive for, but now I'm thinking I need to guard myself against becoming too good at it. I’ll admit it – asking for help humbles me. Perhaps I need humbling – because this self-sufficiency almost crosses the line of being selfish in accepting the kindness of others and may even keep them from being blessed.

And, perhaps, our self-sufficiency keeps us from an intimate, close relationship with our Lord Who is the ALL-Sufficient One, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9.8).

The All-Sufficiency of God means He is a God of infinite riches of wisdom, goodness, and power. And His “all-sufficiency” is available to His kids as a treasure chest of blessings. That means we can let go of our self-sufficiency and receive the all-encompassing sufficiency of our God.

Our Heavenly Father longs to have that close relationship with us. He wants us to ask Him for help. He wants to save us from a lot of the mistakes we'll make without His wisdom. It’s easy to rely on our own strength, our own ability, and our own wisdom — so much so that we no longer reach out to our Father and let Him in to help us. It’s so easy to start to leave Him out of our daily life, decisions and activities, and only run to Him when there’s a big crisis. Even in the thick of our daily challenges and struggles, God is right there to lay His gentle hand on our shoulder to say “Let Me help you with that.” He’s hoping we will let Him help. He never stops loving us or wanting that relationship with us, even when we feel like we should have it all together by now. I don’t like calling out for help to anyone, but I’m seeing that there are times when I must. In the same way, God is a mere call away when we call upon Him.

Psalm 91:15 “Call on me and I will answer you. I will be with you in trouble. I will deliver you and honor you.

Living our Faith Out-Loud – De-Compartmentalized

When I blogged about compartmentalizing" our lives yesterday, I didn't mean it for our faith. Our faith is an exception. You know -- that "keeping it to ourselves" compartment. We've all heard the saying: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” The idea is that when people go to Las Vegas, they get a license to do things they would never normally do. So what if you cheat on your wife? This is Vegas! So what if you are irresponsible with your money? This is Vegas! So what if you…?

Here’s what I mean. When it comes to our faith, many Christians compartmentalize it like that “Vegas” saying: “What happens at church, stays at church,” or “What happens away from church, stays away from church.” Many live their faith out only on Sundays at church and, outside the church, their lives are faith-less and lacking the fruit of the Spirit. They blend in so much with unbelievers that it's hard to tell a difference in them. Their light is dimmed by the way they speak and act when faced with a challenge or a follow employee who gets on their nerves. They remain silent when someone brings up the subject of pro life, chastity, faithfulness in marriage and going to church.

We are called to be Christians (devoted followers of Christ) not just some of the time, but all of the time. As Jesus’ followers, we’re called to continually grow in our relationship with God, and to help others do the same. We see our daily interactions as opportunities to live our faith out in word and deed. Keeping God front and center in all that we are and do, and being open and authentic about our faith with those around us . Living our faith out loud is an important part of the process of helping others become disciples who make disciples.

St.Paul gave us a glimpse into how to live out our faith in front of others -- de-compartmentalized: "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

We can be recognized by the fruit we produce in our lives. What kind of fruit are we producing? More than that, what kind of fruit are others noticing we are producing when they see us on a daily basis? Are we producing the fruit of the Spirit that are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Our faith and commitment to Christ is a 24/7 proposition -- not just when everyone is looking at us, but also when no one is looking. Time to de-compartmentalize our faith – and live audaciously as fully, all-in-followers of Christ!

The Art and Blessings of Compartmentalizing

I learned the art of compartmentalizing from my husband. I remember when were lying in bed at night, I would bring up something unpleasant or negative and my wise AND romantic husband would say: "Not in this room. Not now. Save it for tomorrow and we'll talk about it then."

My son is a very busy husband, father and business owner. Long ago, I learned how he strategically departmentalized his life. While having his "father" hat on, he is all-in at his boys' games or events. His phone is not his priority. At work, unless its an emergency, he won't be distracted from his business. And, I watch him take his wife out on their date night and he only has eyes for her. He puts aside all other distractions.

I've become skilled in the art of compartmentalizing my life too. When I'm at church, my focus is on worship, praise and serving. When I'm playing a community game with friends, they have my undivided attention. When I'm care-giving my grands, they have my full attention -- well, them and their animals. Last week, I was the speaker at an event. During the day, my thoughts, my actions and attention was on being in-sync with what I would share. No other distractions were allowed.

I've found that compartmentalizing helps me isolate that particular area of my life from all the other issues and/or challenges I might have on my "to do" list or what I happen to be dealing with at the time. My blogging is an essential that I give full attention to. I protect that time with diligence.

Even as a busy, overloaded multi-tasking mom or dad, we can still determine to focus on the one thing at hand, like the drive to school – conversing and making every moment count together in that car ride. At mealtime – giving each other full undivided attention. That’s compartmentalizing.

The point is, there will be an end to a responsibility or project and we can close the chapter on it and proclaim "success". There are always seasons in all of this. Times when family needs more attention, work, ministry, and play need more attention. And, yes, even when we need to get away and be alone for a period of time. But getting things done, over with, is best done with attention to compartments. Right now, I’m in my Facebook and blogging compartment – one of my main compartments in each day. I’ve learned to close one compartment and open another. I’ve learned to say “no” to things that don’t deserve a compartment. I’m getting good at that.

Compartmentalizing is also helpful with stress and worries. That’s one that tries to open up to me in the middle of the night. I don’t welcome that compartment and I do my best to keep it closed and locked up. But when it does open up, I’ve learned the best way to shut it down is to open up my “Think on these good things" compartment from Philippians 4:8 "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

It’s amazing the volume and quality of work, play and family and friends' quality time we’re able to have by staying focused on one compartment at a time. We think the notion of multi-tasking is a good thing, but honestly, only “little attention” to the tasks produces little results. Compartmentalizing and giving each relationship and each task our best opens the way for the next success story in the next compartment.

Love Shows Up in Whole Foods

Loving and Singing Through the Years
It seems I'm still caught up in this “Love Month”. I was at Whole Foods and over the sound system I heard Kenny Rogers singing "our" song, “Through the Years”. I was somewhat jolted and teared up a little! Of all places to be reminded of my sweetheart was Whole Foods. We had special songs that were “ours” in our earlier years, but when true love didn’t quit through all of life’s ups and downs, this song spoke volumes about two determined people willing to stick it out and realize how sweet the love grows when we don't give up. This song describes us perfectly! I can imagine, for those of you who have been together through thick and thin for many years, can relate to it, too.

I can't remember when you weren't there,
When I didn't care for anyone but you.
I swear we've been through everything there is,
Can't imagine anything we've missed.
Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do.

Through the years. You've never let me down.
You turned my life around.
The sweetest days I've found, I've found with you.
Through the years. I've never been afraid.
I've loved the life we've made.
And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you.
Through the years.

I can't remember what I used to do, who I trusted,
Whom I listened to before.
I swear you've taught me everything I know,
Can't imagine needing someone so.
But through the years it seems to me,
I need you more and more.

Through the years, through all the good and bad,
I knew how much we had.
I've always been so glad, to be with you.
Through the years. It's better every day.
You've kissed my tears away. As long as it's okay,
I'll stay with you. Through the years.

Through the years, when everything went wrong,
Together we were strong.
I know that I belonged, right here with you.
Through the years, I never had a doubt,
We'd always work things out
I've learned what love's about, by loving you, through the years.

To love and be loved is life's sweetest treasure. But even more than the earthly love we enjoy, the most beloved relationship we could ever hope to have is our relationship with God. What a beautiful romance I have had with Him…..through the years.

This romance, beyond my Sweetheart’s “great escape to heaven” is the life of beauty, intimacy, and adventure I have with God. In Jeremiah 31:3, He says “I have loved you with an everlasting love”. Talk about a romantic lover. He’s given us the whole world for romance -- the rivers and the meadows, the mountains and the beaches. Flowers, music, a kiss, a sunrise, a sunset, a touch.

There's no "earthly" love like His love. Shhh! I hear Him singing a love song to me.....Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD your God among you is powerful -- He will save and He will take joyful delight in you. In His love He will renew you with His love; He will celebrate with singing because of you".

The Invitation Read: Bring Spouses

Last week, in a group text message, I was invited to a Christmas Party and the invitation read: “Bring Spouses”. Immediately a “little” pang hit my heart and I replied: “I wish!” Soon the “singles” started texting me love and stated, “We’ll have a ‘single for now’ section!” LOL! I was really being facetious because, with God's grace, I’ve adapted well to my "single” status.

Yes, “Single” is the box I check in “Marital Status” now if it doesn’t have a box “Widow(er)” to check. These photos are of the last Christmas we had with my Sweetheart, my children’s dad, and my grandchildren’s Papa, Christmas 2009. Then, I checked the “Married” box. Honestly, I’d trade every Christmas present for the rest of my life for 5 more minutes with my Ron on this side of heaven. I’d snuggle in to tell him everything he meant to me in those 5 minutes. My encouragement to you, whether you bear the “single” OR “married” status, is to value what's really important and convey the words of what your loved ones mean to you, cherish them with all your heart because it's not what comes under the tree that counts." Comfort and joy are ours when we embrace it.

I often speak or write about the seasons in our lives. We ebb and flow our way through the years, never feeling like we are always weak, always strong, always tired, always victorious. Sometimes we stand tall and we fight. Sometimes we go dormant and we rest. Sometimes we reflect and grow. We don’t have to be “on” every single day of our lives. But, dear friends, we should never believe when we’re down, we are destined to stay there. Life will ebb and flow and our seasons will change. The season of being a couple and bringing my spouse with me to an event has changed, but you know what? I changed too! I was willing to change and in this season, I’m embracing the change. I sit with my single friends, laugh and celebrate life with them. But I also sit with my married friends (some of whom are my closest friends), hang out with them, and even travel with my married friends. I’m not defined by my marital status and neither should you be. Perhaps being defined by our relationship status with our Lord, is the status that matters the most because, in Him, we are complete.

Yes, Christmas is so much more than all the tree and food trimmings, the gift giving and the holiday parties and programs. The original Christmas story was also about seasons. A savior was born into the world – with hope for all mankind -- only to grow up and face rejection, betrayal, and death. All that we go through, He’s been through. Our hurt and our joy, He knows it. After enduring death on the cross and three days in the grave, our hope rose again.

Those of you who are hurting deeply this holiday season, I am so sorry, and I pray in the midst of your pain, you’ll find many moments of hope and joy. Make the moments count with loved ones. Turn your sadness into gratitude for those in your life, still on this side of heaven. Give them the gift of you putting on a "garment of praise" instead of having a spirit of heaviness. Let's be full of joy and resolute determination to be "present" with them. What a wonderful gift to give those around us when we can offer "sacrifices" of joy in the midst of this season. We might find them in the beauty of a Christmas tree that lights a darkened room or in the kitchen with our kids or grandkids icing cookies. Maybe we’ll experience a moment of satisfaction enjoying a meal and conversation with loved ones. We may even feel a glimmer of hope at the sound of Christmas carols, the warmth of a fire, or the sight of our children unwrapping gifts. It’s tender moments like these that will sustain us.

And next year, when we’re in a new season, we’ll look back and say, "That pain almost did me in, but because of God's grace there were moments where I saw Him. Those glimpses of joy reminded me of what life could be. It’s because of those moments that I not only survived but thrived. Don't let pain rob you of God’s small graces and tender hugs and embraces. Keep your heart settled on the good news of comfort and joy!

Daddy’s Girl

Yesterday was my girl’s birthday and, quite unlike me, I wasn’t with her because I was on “Nana Duty” in Austin. I called her and we talked about how much she was always a Daddy’s Girl. No, he wasn’t the hands-on, diaper changing, feeding or the one who got up with her in the middle of the night – that’s when she was Mama’s girl. But when it came to matters of seizing the opportunity to turn her little “charcoal” into a “diamond”, he showed up. She was his "project". He saw her God-given abilities and was relentless in cultivating her talents the rest of his life. He never stopped encouraging her and giving her wise advice. And, because she embraced his words, more and more doors opened to her.

Staci was in 20-degrees Colorado last week and I asked when we talked by phone, “I hear your Dad’s voice…..’Are you wearing a coat?’” He was known for being the “mother hen” to be sure she was taking care of her voice. Then with her travels, “Did you take your soundtracks?” (Randomly, she would be asked to sing at an event, and he wanted her to always be prepared.) I still hear him advising her: “Stop talking so much – you need to rest your voice!” "Pronounce your words clearly!" “Smile!" "Get closer to the mic!" She gives her Daddy so much credit for who she is today. I’ve proudly loved their relationship. He was her knight in shining armor and I was so thrilled to witness their unbreakable bond that grew beyond imagination.

She knows that it has never bothered me that she gives her Dad so much credit for who she is today. He was, himself, incredibly talented, and he poured those talents into her, both genetically and with hours upon hours of personal training. His investment into her has paid off in monumental ways.

As I drove to Austin, I was thinking about my relationship with my Father – not my earthly Dad, because he was very sick and passed away when I was 15, but my Heavenly Father. I’m Daddy’s Girl, too! There were times when I was struggling with “stuff” and I envisioned myself crawling up in God’s lap and seeing Him wrapping His arms around me and assuring me “Everything’s gonna’ be alright!” And, it was. I’m a Daddy’s Girl. I assure you I know how much He loves me. I have come to know His protection and security. He instructs me daily through His Holy Spirit Who lives big in me. I know it is Him when I’m reminded to do this or that better. When I feel less than proud of myself, He’ll remind me how proud He is of me.

Let me assure you “YOU are God’s girl or boy, too!” Our Father loves us. How do we know that we are fully loved by God? Because His Word tells us so. One of my favorite verses that talks about the depth of God’s love is found in Psalm 103:11: "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him.” He believes in us and is eager to help when we ask Him. He is for us as our protector, mentor, helper, and friend.

The more I sense God’s love, the more I know I’m Daddy’s girl.
My girl didn’t have to earn her Daddy’s love. And neither do we have to earn God’s love. God’s love is stronger and deeper than any human father’s love. In God, we have a Dad Who knows us and understands us better than anyone. He sees our heart and desire to be good; He sees our struggles and how we are drawn to things that aren’t good for us. He is always there to listen and help when we pray to Him with a sincere and humble heart. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:15.

Treating God Like a Slot Machine or a Loving Giver

I get amused at how absurd some of the material for my daily posts comes to me. Case in point: There are three casinos that I pass along the way from Frisco to Tulsa. When I passed them as I drove home on Saturday, I thought about how people go to a casino to “invest” in a game or slot machine in hopes to receive a big payout from their "investment". A casino really does represent hope and great expectation for the folks who go there. I know, from those we counseled over the years, that many people play the games with money they really don’t have to spend, but still hope that they will hit “the big one” that will pay off some debts or help them make ends meet.

In the 80s, we attended a business convention in Las Vegas. One of our goals, while there, was to see Wayne Newton in concert and we did. We had a great time as Wayne was at his finest! When the concert was over we walked into the open air casino, Slots of Fun, that was across the street from our hotel. We were newbies to Las Vegas and to slot machines. I thought about the potential of a BIG WIN! Our kids played arcade games to win tickets to earn a prize, so maybe I could win some nickles. My husband was roaming around when I sat down and put a few nickels in the machine and within minutes I hit the “big one” and nickels were clinking out of that machine like crazy! I was "loaded" with a bucket full of nickels. I was so elated when I found my husband and shouted “I won!” He burst out laughing when he saw me because my face and hands were so dirty from handling those nickles that I had played and won. I saw how addictive "investing" into those machines could become -- not to mention I had to get "cleaned up" from my fun.

Passing those casinos as I drove home, vividly brought that memory back to me, but more importantly came the idea for today's post.

How often do we treat God like a slot machine? Instead of acknowledging Him and coming to Him daily for WHO He is, we come to Him for what we can get out of Him. We often come to Him for the “big payout” -- to take care of the big need or want we have. He is a casual acquaintance until we have a crisis or other need of some kind, then we show up with our nickels (i.e., our needs and wants) and put them into our “God” machine and we expect Him to come through for us. And, when we don’t get the answer we expect….we walk away and blame it on the "machine".

The fact is, our Father God is a wonderful bestower of blessings to us – from the breath we breathe, to the food we eat. When we acknowledge Him as our Lord when we pray, we are expressing our dependence on Him for all things! It’s one of the blessings we can have in a relationship with God -- to be invited to talk to Him in prayer and ask Him for things, and to know that He cares about us and listens to us. It’s even greater to know that He answers our prayers according to HIS good purposes, because sometimes the things we ask for aren’t even what’s best for us.

Prayer is far more than just asking God for things. It’s being in a loving relationship, where we talk to each other -- about everything. We talk then we listen and He talks back to us. We're not just trying to get something out of Him.
We are enjoying just being together in relationship.

Still, we are told to ask God about anything big or small – Philippians 4:4-6 says “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." When we pray like that, we are asking for God’s priorities in our lives instead of our priorities. We can be assured that God knows what we need before we even ask it, and He is committed to our best interests even when it might not seem like it at the time. Ultimately He most wants for us to know Him, to love and trust Him, and spend time with Him as Father God – after all – no slot machine could bestow on us the riches, treasures and blessings of our God – in Whom all things are possible.

Spread the Good News!

Everyday, we make choices -- to listen to negativity -- especially in the news and then pass that bad news along. We also have the option to do what Jesus said, "Go into all the world and spread the GOOD NEWS!"

I remember my early years as a Christian how difficult it was for me to share God's "Good News" to those around me. Sure, I did my best to be a reflection of Christ's likeness in my words and deeds, but I wasn't what I thought a disciple was supposed to be like -- the one who queried "Are you a Christian? Do you want to go to heaven when you die? Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?" Those words not only intimidated me, but they frightened me when I thought about what the response might be and how I would respond back to them. I remember my church sending us out door to door to hand out Gospel tracks and how difficult it was to engage in conversation with the people at their front doors.

I thought, "How in the world can I be a true follower of Christ if I don't share -- especially since He gave those words "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15

As I matured in my walk with Christ, I came to realize that when I wake up each day, I AM His disciple, His messenger, His ambassador and devoted follower as I ensure my words are kind, generous, loving, sincere and caring and my actions are those that do reflect God's love and mercy.

"Going into ALL the world" isn't just about across the oceans, or even knocking on someone's front door, but it's about the smile we offer to the cashier who passes along her smile to the weary wife who’s grabbing a quick lunch, that helps give her the strength to hold the hand of her husband when she gets home that's battling cancer.

We don’t know how the kind word we speak to a friend will give her the courage she needs when she goes to her workplace and has a chance to answer the question, “What’s so different about you?”

So if we aren't being nudged to go to Africa to serve in an orphanage, it doesn’t mean our reach is any less. It’s not any less spiritual. It’s not any less filled with potential and purpose.
We serve a God who is not boxed in by time, circumstances, or geography. He is everywhere, all the time, with everyone. His work in and through us is spontaneous, thrilling, sometimes crazy, and oftentimes the most joy-filled experience EVER. And in any given moment, if we want to know the best place to start sharing His love, all we need to do is look down at the ordinary, sacred ground right under our feet.

Everyday we have the opportunity to touch someone's heart who will in turn touch their family's hearts, who will touch their communities and who will touch the world. All God is really asking of us is our willing heart to be His hands extended to a hurting world that needs our words of encouragement and our hands of tender loving care. THAT is God's GOOD NEWS!

Child Like Faith -- I Wanna' Live Like That

Daddy says, “Jump! Trust me!” A leap of faith means the child has to put aside all inhibitions and fears. But, no problem. She has child-like faith. That faith that shows all-out, undaunted trust that her Daddy is going to catch her. And she jumps to her beloved Daddy. No fear – only trust! And sure enough, she lands, safely in her father’s arms.

Remember that kind of trust? We had that trust because of the secure relationship we had with our parents. We completely trusted in their words and promises. Did we ever think our father would miss us, and we would fall? Not hardly. We believed, and we had faith because we trusted in who He was to us.

I know there are those who didn't experience the love of a Godly father like this, but I know how we all can know this love. That’s the kind of faith we can, and should, have in our Heavenly Father. Having childlike faith isn’t perfect faith. There's room for doubt, but the doubt doesn’t win – hope, trust and belief prevails! What pleases Him the most is our heart of sincerity that says, “God, I know You have my best interests at heart. Please bolster my faith in You." He answers that kind of prayer. Bottom line, no matter how impossible our situations may seem, if we have that unwavering faith of a child, we believe He can accomplish anything.

And, there is something so precious about the thought of getting to be a child again, and knowing we have a Father who will take care of us. He can bear the burdens of life while we can just enjoy ourselves, like we did when we were children, without having to worry about the nitty gritty details. God will take care of all that. We don’t need to perform, we don’t need to be constantly striving for this or that; the burden is on God’s shoulders -- not ours. I wanna' live like THAT!