Construction projects take a lot of planning. No one decides to build a house because they have seen a house and have some boards lying about. Meeting the physical needs of babies allows thier bodies to be built. Constructing a life is more than growing a body. This blog is for those who are passionate about building lives in Christ.
Serving others is a great way to build the body--and our faith. Serving is simply a scaffolding on which to watch the Lord at work.
The world is a chaotic place these days. I love the reminder that a small light is very easy to see in a dark room. We are 'little lights,' but God will use us to draw others to Himself as long as we walk faithfully toward Him. Here are a few pieces I've written over the last month on living our faith in the chaos of our culture.
The battle that began with murderous rampage a week ago continues to rage in South Carolina. The Enemy, infuriated with the outpouring of forgiveness and love, switched tactics. Diverting attention from good, he is seeking to create disunity with slander and half-truths. Satan desires the controversy around the Confederate Flag to accomplish what the killings did not. God forbid that the church fall prey to his devices..Click the title above to read the whole piece.
This world sure needs fixing. At least that is the message I see on Facebook and news reports. Everybody seems to know how to do it–or how someone else ought to do it. Usually ‘fixing the world’ means getting others to change. God’s plan is that we change–and let Him work through us.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a ‘fixer.’ Not a fixer of things—oh, my no! My spatial reasoning ability leaves no doubt: My fixes create disaster. ... Click the title above to read the whole piece.
A study of American history readily reveals an Independent Spirit. A nation born with a maverick spirit nurtures the same. I can trace mine back to childhood. I was eight or so before I gave voice to my desire. Overhearing my parents discussing their wills and my guardianship, I emphatically stated, “I don’t want a Guardian. Just put in your will that I can get a job and I’ll take care of myself.” Raised in a small business family, the unstated but evident work ethic made sense to me. I didn’t want to be dependent on anyone...Click the title above to read the whole piece.
And of course, there is my website. The development of Heartsong Pets continues and some of the writing relates to that. The message is always the same on that site: You are a Fingerprint of God. Let Him express Himself fully through your life!
“Obedience is really just getting your dog to trust your judgment more than its own.” Wally Wimmer, Last Straw Dog Training
Heartsong Pets continues toward developing therapy dogs to bless our community! Our heart desire is to help our pets honor the intent of St. Francis of Asissi when he said, “Preach the Gospel at all times–and if necessary, use words.” Below you will find an overview of the steps we are following to help our dogs. But I can’t help but see how it relates to walking out a life of faith.
Stopping by to say hi to my friends who are not on the other medias I play with! Click over to the Heartsong page for links to pieces I have been writing about learning from the animals. Blessings! HEARTSONG PETS Growing into the design God intends for us takes a lifetime. Along the way, God uses many tools to shape us. Animals are a primary tool He has used in the lives of our entire family. Believing in the power of pets to touch lives, we are working to develop an Animal Therapy Ministry that visits residential and educational facilities. We also will be breeding Holland Lop bunnies and English Bulldogs for pet homes.
Hi, my friends. Here are a few of the pieces I've enjoyed sharing in the past few weeks. Hope you enjoy one or more of them. The first two are for younger ones...but I love to learn simply, so big folks may enjoy them too :).
Our identity as children of God is integral to living a victorious life. Identity is a front-line attack from the enemy. It is what he used on Jesus (“if thou be the Son of God”), and it is a technique he uses on us. If we doubt our security—and authority—in Christ, the enemy can cripple us. Scripture has firmly settled the issue. Paul states it clearly in Romans 8:15:
God continually creates fine linen from filthy rags.Isaiah 64:6 reminds us that our very best good works serve to clothe us in filthy rags. Yet, inRevelation 19:8, we see the Church (that is all of us who believe in Jesus Christ) wearing fine white linen for our wedding day! That is an incredible makeover. The recipe for earthly-world linen requires that great bleaching agent, baking soda. The spiritual world cleansing is nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ.
Do you remember gym classes with team captains who chose members? If you were not athletic, it was a time of humiliation and rejection. Then, adulthood delivers more opportunities for rejection: looking for a job, losing a job, finding a mate, enduring a divorce, raising teen-agers. Rejection stains every life, producing ugly fruit: shame, more rejection, fear and a burning desire to control others—so you can avoid more rejection. MORE...
Have you read Leviticus lately? Most would have to say, “No.” Many would say, “I don’t need to; I don’t live under law. I live under grace.” I say, “You don’t know what you are missing! There is great joy to be found in those pages. The light shines from the Law.”
Leviticus 5:1-5 offers an eye-opening look at the desperate need for grace. When is the last time you heard that hearing or seeing another sin brings that sin onto you? Or when did you last consider that touching sin defiles? Later in the chapter, we read that “not knowing it is sin” does not cancel our responsibility for sin. The reality of life is this: we cannot spend one hour in public without hearing, seeing or touching something sin-soaked. MORE...
I feel like I neglect you, my friends, who signed up on this blog! I am busy writing and wanted to share some excerpts with you. I will try to do this on a regular basis with past articles--and the four I write each week. If the opening piques your interest, jump on over to the website.
A “Walk of faith” is a powerful metaphor to consider. A walk implies progress, movement and purpose. In the natural world, a walk offers multi-faceted blessings: the beauty of nature, the health of physical activity, the quieting of the typical frantic pace. Though I know those things are truth, the primary reason I walk is our 70-pound Boxer. One of his favorite things in the world is walking. Well, what he considers walking anyway. A walk for him is a joyous exploration of sights, sounds and possibilities. “What’s that smell? Who has been here? What’s that over there? Oh, look, people who want to pet me!” For the rest of the article:
Our GPS is an excellent guide; she and I just don’t get along. It’s not her fault. We’re often out of sync with one another–or more accurately, I am out of sync with her. She gives an order, and I obey—too soon and end up on a wrong road. Or the street she insists on doesn’t fit my recall, so I ignore her—and end up on a wrong road. She patiently and persistently redirects me. Best of all: my struggles with the GPS help me see my problems with a bigger and better guide: God Himself. The rest of this piece can be found here: God as Guide: the Ultimate GPS
And I just began writing for children as well. Here is the first of that series.
Most all believers readily acknowledge that Jesus did heal
and can heal. The doubt always enters in
with “if it be thy will.” His ways are
so far higher than ours; we cannot know the intricacies of His purposes. Or can we?
The passion of Father God was, is and always will be
personal relationship with each of us.
God loves to share mysteries with those who seek His face. He uses the natural to reveal the
spiritual. I do not believe that means
we can eliminate illness or struggling.
Christ Himself endured suffering to perfect his human body. Healing is always for the glory of God; sometimes greater glory may come from not healing. I believe there will be times we are not be able to sort through the purposes of God; in those times, we must like, Job, choose faith. But those times should not stop us from asking or seeking!
I also believe God uses our bodies to get our
attention. I do believe our bodies
become unhealthy from unholy choices…and that God loves when we seek Him to
eliminate each and everything that hinders us from enjoying His gifts to the
full. This year, through my church, I have had the privilege of
participating in a series of Healing Training workshops aimed at preparing us
to minister more effectively in our community.
The instructor ministers extensively to individuals with
various illnesses and life traumas. The
testimonies of changed lives are inspiring.
The ministry process begins with the parable of the
unmerciful servant and rests upon reconciliation—first with God, then with self
and finally with others. Many of those
who come to him have failed to find a medical solution. The ministry sessions help them hear God and
find strength to walk out truth that brings healing. It is beautiful to watch individuals come face-to-face
with the One who perfectly administers grace and justice in love!
This past week offered me a fascinating glimpse of the tangible truths in the process. For several months I
have battled significant low-back issues.
Although I had minimal pain, continual discomfort and extreme stiffness
characterized every day. Wrapping up a
session, I asked for insights on possible spiritual roots of the issue. Through his years of ministry and research,
Sean has identified patterns with many illnesses. With my stubborn refusal to visit a doctor’s
office and obtain a clear diagnosis, I only had the ‘guess’ of a PT
friend: degenerating discs. Given that, he quickly responded: ‘Typically that would relate to envy and
jealousy. Ask the Spirit to show you if
any is hidden from your view.” We packed
up and went separate ways.
As I drove to the office, I pondered his words. My relationship with God felt great; I had
nothing in my conscious mind that felt envious.
Knowing sin hides well, I asked the Holy Spirit for clarity and quickly
knew.
Envy/jealousy of those who hear
God in ways I do not…with clarity that I do not did periodically plague me!
Prior to this, I just dismissed such thoughts as immature and went
on with my life…never thinking it could be a door to blessing if I would just
walk through it! As quick as I confessed the envy, I also confessed the fault
as mine and sought forgiveness. God is
so gracious; He understood that receiving is hard for me…that I am comfortable
working for my rewards. He waited until
I was ready to receive the ‘much more’ He is always willing to give.
Hearing that quiet ‘walk this way’ in the midst of a storm is
pure faith and grace; no traces of doing enter into that receiving. That level of
hearing is a necessity in the Healing Ministry. I know how to study and prepare what to say. I even know how to pray and wait for an
answer over time. Trusting God will
reveal what I need to share in the midst of a ministry session (or perhaps more powerfully even in the
moment-to-moment of living) is a new level of faith for me. It was clear to me that God was saying, “Ask
and it will be given to you. There is no
need to envy.” SO…I confessed and asked
for His mercy and went on with my day.
The next morning, my devotion time was sweet like usual. I spent some time looking at what Scripture
had to say about bones. One of those 84
verses came from David’s great prayer of confession in Psalm 51. David begged God to cleanse his soul, rebuild
His spirit, and ‘help him hear with joy and gladness that the bones you (God)
have broken will be restored.’ I created
a Scripture Prescription for myself and went about the day.
Rejoicing in the spiritual clarity, I hesitated to believe
that physically I was moving better. But
it became undeniable. I was…I am. It has been four full days; I can lift my
left foot to tie my shoe; I (almost) stand straight when I get up J. It has been the neatest thing. I believe God wants our bodies to point us to
Him as much as He wants our souls (mind, will and emotion). I have enjoyed his healing of my soul for many years now; I’m
excited to be learning about the physical healing as well. I hope you enjoyed a different look at
healing. I’d love to hear what you
think! Blessings, Billie Jo
While I am still plodding away at combining my various blog sites, I wanted to share this linked post with you. My heart breaks to see the pain and suffering in this world. I want to bring healing, don't you? Here's a look at our path to healing:
The natural world offers amazing glimpses of the Creator. When God spoke the world into being, a part of His very self was represented in everything. Eyes exercised to see Him bring amazing blessings, even life itself! God is always present, omnipresent; we need to learn to see Him. When I received my first pair of eyeglasses, I was amazed at the vibrancy and detail of the world around me. Tools that correct weaknesses are valuable. But some vision problems simply require a bit of ‘eye exercise. Focus, dimensional depth and attentiveness issues diminish with a bit of intentional eye exercise. Our spiritual eyesight is improved in the same ways: corrective aids and disciplined exercise.
For the rest of the story, visit: http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/eye-exercises/
And today's piece: Is Christianity Any Good for the World?
Perception and reality often are poles apart. The impact of Christianity on the world is a prime example. The tendency to perceive Christianity as negative and limiting is rampant. Increasingly, the world reacts to Christianity as a negative, often trying to silence it. Yet there is transformational power in Christianity! In fact, volumes have been written on the realities of life transformed by Christian thought. As we celebrate how our faith has changed the world, we gain confidence in its power to continue to change the world!
That's on the same website: http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/is-christianity-any-good-for-the-world/
Peace in this time of unrest seems to be my heart cry as I write...and this piece continues the theme.
‘Peace on earthy, good will to men,’ chimes the world at Christmas time. The words of the old carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” was birthed in a time of civil unrest and personal heartache. The present day turmoil threatens to trap us in the verse that proclaims in despair: ‘…and in despair I bowed my head: There is no peace on earth, I said. For hate is strong and mocks the song…” That need not be: Longfellow found the Truth in Christmas and proudly proclaimed it. We must too!
"Whose problem is it?" That one line from a parenting education course remains a powerful tool in my life--even though our children are now grown. The necessity of discerning problem ownership permeates all of life. God demands accountability from each of us, for all of us.
We saw it first in the Garden of Eden. Can you imagine the horrific heartache of that day? God, who loved walking in His perfect creation with the ones He made to relate to Him, accepted the heart-breaking responsibility of delivering cursed consequences. Instead of enjoying the fellowship He longed for, He confronted rebellion and delivered consequences. Delay would have meant eternal destructive havoc. Yes, He knew that the Promise dwelt in the midst of the Curse, but He also knew the millennia of pain already unfurling.
In a way, this record represents, for me, a self-imposed eviction notice from a religious community that is unfit to live in. I am packing up my things. I will gather my questions, my opinions, my mistakes and confessions and start walking in search of….
Daniel Haseltine, lead vocalist Jars of Clay
Those are sad, hard words from an artist who was nurtured and popularized by the religious community he cannot find a place within. Yet in the midst of those words, there is a glorious right-ness about his movement. In his blog piece explanation about his ‘self-imposed’ eviction, Haseltine explains his weariness of pretending to be more than he is. Never does God desire for us to be pretenders.
For the rest of this piece: http://www.thebottomline.co/featured/jars-of-clay/
Hey, friends! We have so much to give thanks for...and so much to pray for...let's use the power and privilege we have as His children and change this world!
The world around us often echoes with sirens and cries. “Let’s pray about it,” sometimes feels like an escapist retort. “Let’s do something about it,” seems futile. The news coverage out of Ferguson, MO gave us a glimpse of the sad realities of crime and distrust. Fear, rage and rampant crime escalated so rapidly the Governor activated the National Guard. Private gun sales increased by 300%. Fear feeds on itself, and the situation seemed poised for more tragedy. There is another side of the story though! An awesome reportfrom the Heartland Apostolic Prayer News offers us a different look—and inspiration for all our cities.
For the rest of the story, visit: http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/can-prayer-change-a-whole-community/
One of the writings for the week that you can read in full on The Bottom Line if you like. Here's the intro:
In the 1970s there was a popular game show called “Let’s Make a Deal.” After multiple small trades, the show concluded with an opportunity for two participants to trade their winnings for a mystery deal behind Door 1, Door 2 or Door 3. It was a fun game with trust on the part of traders and integrity on the part of the organizers. Traders often gave up personal items such as shoes or purses only to receive them back at the end—often with hidden treasures inside. When traders won ‘zonk’ prizes such as a live lama or a person dressed in an animal costume, an option to take cash instead came with them. Everyone left a winner.
We have that same potential in life: assured winnings! Every day offers us ‘trades,’ and none are small...
Reality TV is such an odd title for shows made for television. Immensely popular, they are not known to provide much ‘reality.’ Would you believe there is a glimpse of divine design to be seen in shows such as Junk Gypsies, Pawn Stars, Rehab Addict and even Super Nanny? Their popularity sprouts from a place deep within us that calls us to uncover treasure. In a world which chases recognition as a sign of success, a deep longing for intrinsic value to be recognized exists. Reality TV shows that focus on restoration, whether transforming trash, rehabbing a shabby home or healing broken families, speak a truth we know in the depths of our souls: true treasures are worthy of time and effort. That deep longing within us finds its roots in the creation of mankind.
Travel back with me to the Genesis record of creation. Each day of creation finds God assessing His work with “…and it was good.” On that last day of creation, when He brought forth man, God said about the day’s work, “…it was very good.” All of creation expressed the nature of God:
Hello, my friends! This week I had the fun of writing about Riesa and Scooby for the Bottom Line... here's the link and a little piece to let you know if you are interested in the rest :). By the way, I am in the process of creating new site that I will be sharing with you all soon! Have a blessed day.
It was the second week of horse training. Quietly the trainer explained, “Today we will teach him that where you look, he must move.” I had never heard of such a thing and watched with interested amusement. Within five minutes, amusement turned to awe. By then the diminutive trainer had helped the horse understand what she wanted. As she leaned to the right and stared at the horses’ hindquarters, the 1200 pound beast began to pivot in a circle, moving only his hind end. “You see. As soon as he understood what I was asking, he did it,” she casually explained.
My mind immediately thought of two scriptures—and my frequent failure ....
The threat of ISIS, the growing dis-taste for Christians...it weighs on my heart that we need to 'toughen up' here in America. God is not angry with us, but we are placing ourselves in danger if we do not seek to live His ways moment-by-moment. He is calling us to come closer. Here's some thoughts on that...what are your thoughts?
In American, Christianity remains a safe choice for most everyone. It is not so in other areas of our world where refusing to reject Christianity costs your life. In our safety, we assume we would stand in the face of persecution. That is a deception the enemy would like us to hold onto. Just as an athlete cannot be lax in preparation for an Olympic event, we cannot assume our faith will stand in the face of a major test unless we prepare.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13
This week Franklin Graham (www.SamaritansPurse.org) and other national and international organizations issued special calls to prayer on Pastor Saeed’s behalf. In support of those requests and the multitude of needs in our world, an honest look at prayer weighs on my heart. Prayer is something we know we should do but like the father in scripture, sometimes we want to cry, “I believe, help me in my unbelief.” We know thousands prayed passionately for the ISIS captives recently murdered. We know millions have prayed, ‘thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,’ yet we see evidence of God’s will not being done every day. Countering those dreary, seeming truths, we know Jesus promised, ‘Ask anything in my name and it will be done.’ In fact, His name is “Yes and Amen.” Our key, then, is to ask in His name and know that greater things are happening that what we see.
Ugh, it's been a week of realizing my limitations, and I confess again: I don't like it. I want to be accomplished and make folks happy, but it's not the job assignment I have...so, this is what God said to me as I choked back the tears of not being able to fix the things I want to...His greatness quiets my heart and brings me back to rejoicing :).
We moms don’t like that statement. We tell our children not to say it. We remind them of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” But we know in our hearts how hard that is to walk out, because there’s a truth motherhood teaches well: we can’t do all we long to do. God began teaching me that my best is but filthy rags during that first pregnancy. I did everything ‘right’ when I was pregnant—and ended up in the hospital with complications two months before the delivery date. Now decades later, as my children are about to ‘fly from the nest,’ I have nearly a daily encounter with the same truth. As much as I long to, I cannot fix every hurt. I cannot smooth every trial. Now, as then, my best is below His best. The things I want seem good and right. The things He wills are good and right.
Jesus lovingly told us “…you can do nothing without me.” In fact, He even said He could nothing without the Father. Why do we struggle so hard to accept the truth of needing Him? We struggle because we have a will. We struggle because trusting His choices is contrary to our nature. He knows that and patiently instructs us every day! Our best lies in the heart of our God. We must seek the very heart of the Father in the face of disappointment and even heartache to arrive at the truth we tell our children. Indeed, we CAN do all things through Christ but not when our trust lies in ourselves. Praise Him, the Father allows life to mercifully strip us down to the shield of faith. Faith in the plans and power of God provide us with the glorious righteousness of God!
As I mulled these concepts, my mind shot back to childhood swimming lessons. Learning to float frustrated me. I recall the instructor standing beside me asking, “How are you doing?” As I floated, I said, “I can’t do it.” Though she told me I was doing it, it felt like doing nothing—and I did NOT like that feeling. Forty-five years later, I struggle to float in the arms of Jesus. I want to do. I want to feel like I am accomplishing something good. Slowly I am learning that He works when I rest in Him. He is always working, but I need to get out of His way. That is what I will do. Move aside, so the Creator can bring His purposes to the world around me…so His will will be done and His Kingdom will come! Hallelujah!
Statistics indicate that 80% of people have trouble with their back at some point in life. Our spine affects every aspect of life, but a healthy back is often taken for granted. Being in the second half of my first century (read that 50+ in age), my back talks to me more frequently and with greater insistence these days. Recently, unable to tie my shoes easily and tired of limping and my gimping my way about, I humbled myself to consult with a physical therapist.
For the rest of the article, visit: http://www.thebottomline.co/faith-religion/back-talk/
I thought you all might enjoy this site as well. And if you have a question, you'd like scriptural answers for, zap them my way, please.
It is another site I have the joy of writing for...therefore, I can't put the whole post on here, but I can drop the teaser :).
Why is it so hard to live the Christian life? I try to do the right thing, but I feel like everything is against me.
It is a timeless question…and one that has to be confronted directly. The promise of peace and deliverance is mistaken as a promise to keep us from trouble—in reality, it is a promise to deliver us in difficulties.
There are many aspects to an answer for this, but the first that God lays upon my heart is this: 1 Peter 3:15New International Version (NIV) 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Our troubles are our opportunity to share in the work of Christ: faith in the goodness of God. It is not faith to live peacefully in comfort.
