Many of you have encouraged me to post my messages to my Facebook prayer team on my blog as well. Here are a few excerpts from past messages:
From Pleasant Grove Baptist Holiday for Her Event, Night 1
Our Lord will never cease to amaze me, and what a humbling privilege it is to be part of the work He does!
Last night and tonight, I shared my testimony at Pleasant Grove Baptist's "Holiday for Her" event in Fountain Inn, SC. Their event has grown to the point that they offer it two nights in a row to accomodate the number of women who attend.
This was indeed a special planning team, and there were many times over the past year we were able to pray together for the Lord to move among the attendees. In unmistakable ways, our Lord definitely did just that!
From last night's event, TWELVE women trusted Christ as their Savior! Can you believe that??? WOW!!! I just love it when that happens!! The great thing is, the leadership team at Pleasant Grove has already followed up with each of these new sisters in Christ, and they are ensuring that they are plugging in to a family of faith and will be discipled.
Tonight, I was able to pray with and talk with many women before leaving, and as I left, there were still some in the prayer room with counselors. I can't wait to hear what the Lord did tonight!
Resounding in my heart is the fact that I had absolutely NOTHING to do with what happened last night or tonight, other than simply being WILLING to open my mouth and tell about the Lord's redemption in my life. What a beautiful, humbling thing to watch Him change lives! I pray we will ALL be willing to open our mouths to share our stories, whenever and wherever we may be.
Second update from Pleasant Grove, Night 2
Just wanted to let you all know that at final count, there were FIFTEEN women who chose to trust Christ this past weekend at Pleasant Grove, and over TWENTY who made recommitments in their faith!!!! Isn't our Lord just wonderful????
Without your prayers, God may not have chosen to work in the way that He did, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of the Lord's work through this ministry.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Worth the Wait
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give to you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this. Psalm 37:4-5
Last weekend, I had the privilege of hearing Beth Moore's teaching via simulcast on Psalm 37, focusing on verses 1-9, and especially on verse 4. The words we studied were familiar and well-known to me, yet God spoke them freshly into my heart. As I've reflected on her teachings, the Lord has repeatedly brought two beautiful examples of the living out of these verses to my mind. They are totally unrelated, yet both of them speak profoundly of God's faithfulness in bringing about His best for us.
On August 22, Andrew and Meagan became husband and wife. The wedding was gorgeous, the families were thrilled, and the service honored God. But as I watched Andrew waiting for his bride to walk down the aisle, I saw even more than just that moment. I saw the years of waiting and preparation all coming to fulfillment. You see, Andrew had been part of the college bible study group that Ken & I lead at our church. One summer night, about 8 or 9 years ago, we were wrapping up a study in our home on relationships. The normally quiet and reserved Andrew decided to speak up, and I'll never forget what he said. Very calmly and assuredly, he said, "I really don't understand why people get so worked up and bent out of shape about this. We don't need to be looking for relationships before we're looking for God. The way I see it, if I am following the Lord and on the path He has for me, then He will bring the right person along that path with me at the right time. I don't need to worry about it!" This handsome young man--who could've dated just about anyone he wanted--went on to basically say that he was done with dating for dating's sake, and that he was going to wait on God to bring someone to him. He said that he was confident that when God brought him the right person, he would know it. And he did!
As Meagan made her way down the aisle, I thought about her obedience to the Lord to pursue a nursing degree, even after she had already completed one 4-year degree. She followed God's leading, moved to Columbia, went to USC, and began serving the Lord at First Baptist. She, too, was simply serving the Lord and walking on the path He had laid out for her. It was there that she met Emily Ann, Andrew's sister, who in turn introduced her to Andrew. The rest, as they say, is history!
These two Christ-followers are perfect complements to one another, and beautiful people inside and out. Their marriage is truly designed and ordained by God, and they will be used by Him greatly. Andrew is now a pastor of a new church, and Meagan is fully equipped to work alongside him in this ministry as they establish their family.
What if they hadn't waited? What if they had settled for less than God's best? Instead, they each delighted in the Lord, and God himself gave them their hearts' desires. What a beautiful thing to watch unfold!
Another situation where I have had the joy of watching God's plans as they developed is with my dear friend, Ashley. Like many full-time moms, now that her children are both in school, she had begun to look for something to do with her days. She is an amazing mother, wife, friend, and homemaker, but she felt God telling her it was time for something new.
If you met Ashley, you would be impressed with her flair for decorating, style, coordinating colors, and detail. She always sends notes on the perfect card, adds just the right tag to a gift, and puts just the right touch on packages. For a long time now, she has felt God was leading her to do something with this "knack" of hers.
Several months ago, Ashley was presented wtih the opportunity to buy a business dealing with notecards, invitations, enclosure cards, and all sorts of stationery. It was right up her alley, and on the surface, seemed like the perfect thing, so she excitedly began to pursue it. As she and her husband prayed about it, though, neither of them had peace. Nothing drastic happened to tell them "NO", but in their hearts, they felt God was telling them to wait.
I clearly remember the day that Ashley told me she had passed on buying the business. She had such a desire to be in that very line of work, yet she had chosen to trust God and to let it go. I could see the mixed emotions in her eyes and hear the disappointment in her voice, but most of all, her trust in God and His timing was evident.
Over these last months, Ashley has continued to pray about what God would have her do, and she has waited and trusted. At times, she admitted to frustration and wishing she could know what God was going to do. Her honesty was refreshing, because it is how we all feel when we are waiting on those heart's desires.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, Ashley got a huge surprise! Through connections that only God Himself could have made, she literally stumbled upon a new opportunity in the same line of business, but with a far lower initial investment than the business she let pass, along with a much simpler structure and greater business support. Within the first few minutes of looking into the business, the Lord assured Ashley and her husband that this was His plan, and that He had brought it directly to her. As of next week, "Paper Treats" will be open for business!
Again, what if she hadn't waited? What if she had moved forward, knowing that God had not given her the full go-ahead? She would've spent money she didn't need to, she would've beaten herself up when this new opportunity came her way, and she wouldn't have received God's fullest blessings on her life.
Whatever it is that our hearts desire, I pray that we will commit our way to the Lord, trust in HIM, and let HIM do it!!! It will always be for our best when we do!
Last weekend, I had the privilege of hearing Beth Moore's teaching via simulcast on Psalm 37, focusing on verses 1-9, and especially on verse 4. The words we studied were familiar and well-known to me, yet God spoke them freshly into my heart. As I've reflected on her teachings, the Lord has repeatedly brought two beautiful examples of the living out of these verses to my mind. They are totally unrelated, yet both of them speak profoundly of God's faithfulness in bringing about His best for us.
On August 22, Andrew and Meagan became husband and wife. The wedding was gorgeous, the families were thrilled, and the service honored God. But as I watched Andrew waiting for his bride to walk down the aisle, I saw even more than just that moment. I saw the years of waiting and preparation all coming to fulfillment. You see, Andrew had been part of the college bible study group that Ken & I lead at our church. One summer night, about 8 or 9 years ago, we were wrapping up a study in our home on relationships. The normally quiet and reserved Andrew decided to speak up, and I'll never forget what he said. Very calmly and assuredly, he said, "I really don't understand why people get so worked up and bent out of shape about this. We don't need to be looking for relationships before we're looking for God. The way I see it, if I am following the Lord and on the path He has for me, then He will bring the right person along that path with me at the right time. I don't need to worry about it!" This handsome young man--who could've dated just about anyone he wanted--went on to basically say that he was done with dating for dating's sake, and that he was going to wait on God to bring someone to him. He said that he was confident that when God brought him the right person, he would know it. And he did!
As Meagan made her way down the aisle, I thought about her obedience to the Lord to pursue a nursing degree, even after she had already completed one 4-year degree. She followed God's leading, moved to Columbia, went to USC, and began serving the Lord at First Baptist. She, too, was simply serving the Lord and walking on the path He had laid out for her. It was there that she met Emily Ann, Andrew's sister, who in turn introduced her to Andrew. The rest, as they say, is history!
These two Christ-followers are perfect complements to one another, and beautiful people inside and out. Their marriage is truly designed and ordained by God, and they will be used by Him greatly. Andrew is now a pastor of a new church, and Meagan is fully equipped to work alongside him in this ministry as they establish their family.
What if they hadn't waited? What if they had settled for less than God's best? Instead, they each delighted in the Lord, and God himself gave them their hearts' desires. What a beautiful thing to watch unfold!
Another situation where I have had the joy of watching God's plans as they developed is with my dear friend, Ashley. Like many full-time moms, now that her children are both in school, she had begun to look for something to do with her days. She is an amazing mother, wife, friend, and homemaker, but she felt God telling her it was time for something new.
If you met Ashley, you would be impressed with her flair for decorating, style, coordinating colors, and detail. She always sends notes on the perfect card, adds just the right tag to a gift, and puts just the right touch on packages. For a long time now, she has felt God was leading her to do something with this "knack" of hers.
Several months ago, Ashley was presented wtih the opportunity to buy a business dealing with notecards, invitations, enclosure cards, and all sorts of stationery. It was right up her alley, and on the surface, seemed like the perfect thing, so she excitedly began to pursue it. As she and her husband prayed about it, though, neither of them had peace. Nothing drastic happened to tell them "NO", but in their hearts, they felt God was telling them to wait.
I clearly remember the day that Ashley told me she had passed on buying the business. She had such a desire to be in that very line of work, yet she had chosen to trust God and to let it go. I could see the mixed emotions in her eyes and hear the disappointment in her voice, but most of all, her trust in God and His timing was evident.
Over these last months, Ashley has continued to pray about what God would have her do, and she has waited and trusted. At times, she admitted to frustration and wishing she could know what God was going to do. Her honesty was refreshing, because it is how we all feel when we are waiting on those heart's desires.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, Ashley got a huge surprise! Through connections that only God Himself could have made, she literally stumbled upon a new opportunity in the same line of business, but with a far lower initial investment than the business she let pass, along with a much simpler structure and greater business support. Within the first few minutes of looking into the business, the Lord assured Ashley and her husband that this was His plan, and that He had brought it directly to her. As of next week, "Paper Treats" will be open for business!
Again, what if she hadn't waited? What if she had moved forward, knowing that God had not given her the full go-ahead? She would've spent money she didn't need to, she would've beaten herself up when this new opportunity came her way, and she wouldn't have received God's fullest blessings on her life.
Whatever it is that our hearts desire, I pray that we will commit our way to the Lord, trust in HIM, and let HIM do it!!! It will always be for our best when we do!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Eyes of Hope & Purpose
Our family of three just returned from a relaxing, fun, and memorable few days in Hilton Head and Beaufort, SC. While there was some time for surf, sand, and family fun, the real purpose for going was to spend time with and encourage the summer missionaries who are sharing these few months of their lives with Lowcountry residents and visitors.
In Hilton Head, we had the opportunity to spend some time with the SummerLink team of 30+ students. Most of them are from Clemson, so that was a bonus for us, since Ken & I are both Clemson alumnae! The best part, though, was to see and hear their obvious delight at being able to work in normal summer jobs, all the while with the clear and distinct purpose of sharing the love and hope of Jesus with those they meet on a day-to-day basis. It's really what ALL of us should be doing, but these students are learning this so much sooner than I ever did. In their eyes, it was evident that they had purpose, direction, peace, and most of all, HOPE.
I found myself wondering what people saw in my eyes when I was their age. Most likely, it was a sense of searching, of false pride, and of confusion. What an amazing thing to once again see the certainty of Christ in their just-beginning adult lives.
As we moved on to Beaufort, we had an absolutely delightful time being with 5 young women who are serving with Lowcountry Ministries. Three are with Kids' Connexion, and two are with a sports ministry. All of them are part of a larger team working with children in churches, Boys' & Girls' Clubs, and other ministries all over the Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Bluffton areas. We went with the intention of giving them a night off to rest, relax, and enjoy some good food. After a wonderful meal at a local restaurant, we took them down to the kickoff event for the Beaufort Water Festival. It was a gorgeous evening on the waterfront, with the Marine band playing some great music and the promise of fireworks as soon as it turned dark. As we wandered, every few minutes a child would run up to one of the young women and greet her with a huge smile and hug. It was unreal how many of the kids knew and loved them, after only 4 weeks of ministry so far!
We ended up near the waterfront playground, which was teeming with children. My first thought was that the girls would want to go the other way, since this was to be their night to spend time the way they wanted to. Instead, they took our son and went straight into the playground. Within minutes, they were leading games, playing with kids, and pushing them on the whirl-a-gig. So much JOY filled the faces of these young women, and their laughter was contagious. Rather than "take time off", they continued to do what came so naturally to them: to show the love of Christ through their actions. So many hugs were given to them that night, and so much of Jesus was shared with the children.
We went to the Lowcountry with the purpose of encouraging, and instead, we came back as the ones who were blessed. What a beautiful thing to see what it looks like for this next generation to LIVE OUT what they believe. They were not half-hearted or double-minded in anything they did, but instead, exuded that steady sense of love, joy, purpose, peace, and HOPE.
May those I come in contact with see the same thing in me.
In Hilton Head, we had the opportunity to spend some time with the SummerLink team of 30+ students. Most of them are from Clemson, so that was a bonus for us, since Ken & I are both Clemson alumnae! The best part, though, was to see and hear their obvious delight at being able to work in normal summer jobs, all the while with the clear and distinct purpose of sharing the love and hope of Jesus with those they meet on a day-to-day basis. It's really what ALL of us should be doing, but these students are learning this so much sooner than I ever did. In their eyes, it was evident that they had purpose, direction, peace, and most of all, HOPE.
I found myself wondering what people saw in my eyes when I was their age. Most likely, it was a sense of searching, of false pride, and of confusion. What an amazing thing to once again see the certainty of Christ in their just-beginning adult lives.
As we moved on to Beaufort, we had an absolutely delightful time being with 5 young women who are serving with Lowcountry Ministries. Three are with Kids' Connexion, and two are with a sports ministry. All of them are part of a larger team working with children in churches, Boys' & Girls' Clubs, and other ministries all over the Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Bluffton areas. We went with the intention of giving them a night off to rest, relax, and enjoy some good food. After a wonderful meal at a local restaurant, we took them down to the kickoff event for the Beaufort Water Festival. It was a gorgeous evening on the waterfront, with the Marine band playing some great music and the promise of fireworks as soon as it turned dark. As we wandered, every few minutes a child would run up to one of the young women and greet her with a huge smile and hug. It was unreal how many of the kids knew and loved them, after only 4 weeks of ministry so far!
We ended up near the waterfront playground, which was teeming with children. My first thought was that the girls would want to go the other way, since this was to be their night to spend time the way they wanted to. Instead, they took our son and went straight into the playground. Within minutes, they were leading games, playing with kids, and pushing them on the whirl-a-gig. So much JOY filled the faces of these young women, and their laughter was contagious. Rather than "take time off", they continued to do what came so naturally to them: to show the love of Christ through their actions. So many hugs were given to them that night, and so much of Jesus was shared with the children.
We went to the Lowcountry with the purpose of encouraging, and instead, we came back as the ones who were blessed. What a beautiful thing to see what it looks like for this next generation to LIVE OUT what they believe. They were not half-hearted or double-minded in anything they did, but instead, exuded that steady sense of love, joy, purpose, peace, and HOPE.
May those I come in contact with see the same thing in me.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Camp Time!
My guys got back this afternoon from a 3-day trip to Camp McCall. In the mountains near Rocky Bottom outside of Pickens, South Carolina Baptists have a real treasure in this camp for boys. For the past 3 summers, Ken & Matthew have looked forward to this father/son time. The cabins are rustic (to say the least), Lake Chilly Water really is, the heat can be sweltering, and the terrain is quite hilly. Yet, something special goes on up there.
Upon their return, Matthew bounded in the house & immediately told me that these were "the best 3 days of my life!" He made it clear, as he has all the summers he's gone to camp, that when he gets old enough he plans to work at Camp McCall as a counselor. He talked non-stop about all of their activities, adventures and fun, and then he told me how the camp pastor made chapel interesting and understandable for kids. As of this evening, he was scouring the remaining dates for camp this summer, and doing his very best to figure out how to talk his daddy into going back! (That might not be too hard, since Ken has as much fun as Matthew does.)
For me, our house was loudly quiet these past three days, but it was a great time of reflection and prayer. I remembered the times, growing up, that I had seen young guys from my home church go to Camp McCall and then come home somehow different. Although I was too young to truly process what was going on, I realize now that I was watching these boys begin to grow into the men God had called them to become.
So, remembering all those young men, I prayed for God to do the same thing in my son's heart. Matthew is a follower of Christ and has accepted his grace and salvation, but I prayed this week for him to hear & discern God's call on his life, and to deepen his own dependence on God. As he & Ken recounted their days at camp, it was clear to me that Matthew's love for God, His creation, and His people had deepened.
Somehow, in the middle of canoes, zip lines, swimming, campfires, & waterfalls, Godly manhood begins to be instilled in these boys at Camp McCall. In those mountains, it is as if God's voice echoes, "Rise up, O men of God!"
May the Lord continue to bless the ministry of Camp McCall, and may God continue to speak to the hearts of all the boys who set foot on that mountain.
Upon their return, Matthew bounded in the house & immediately told me that these were "the best 3 days of my life!" He made it clear, as he has all the summers he's gone to camp, that when he gets old enough he plans to work at Camp McCall as a counselor. He talked non-stop about all of their activities, adventures and fun, and then he told me how the camp pastor made chapel interesting and understandable for kids. As of this evening, he was scouring the remaining dates for camp this summer, and doing his very best to figure out how to talk his daddy into going back! (That might not be too hard, since Ken has as much fun as Matthew does.)
For me, our house was loudly quiet these past three days, but it was a great time of reflection and prayer. I remembered the times, growing up, that I had seen young guys from my home church go to Camp McCall and then come home somehow different. Although I was too young to truly process what was going on, I realize now that I was watching these boys begin to grow into the men God had called them to become.
So, remembering all those young men, I prayed for God to do the same thing in my son's heart. Matthew is a follower of Christ and has accepted his grace and salvation, but I prayed this week for him to hear & discern God's call on his life, and to deepen his own dependence on God. As he & Ken recounted their days at camp, it was clear to me that Matthew's love for God, His creation, and His people had deepened.
Somehow, in the middle of canoes, zip lines, swimming, campfires, & waterfalls, Godly manhood begins to be instilled in these boys at Camp McCall. In those mountains, it is as if God's voice echoes, "Rise up, O men of God!"
May the Lord continue to bless the ministry of Camp McCall, and may God continue to speak to the hearts of all the boys who set foot on that mountain.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Cleaning House---Part 2!
"God intends something gloriously grand here and is making the decisions that will bring it about." John 8:5b, The Message
Few things in life have been more dreaded for me than this past weekend's cleaning out of my childhood home. For weeks, I've had knots in my stomach as I would think about going through that special place for what would likely be the last time. I knew that my brother and sisters and I would work well together, because we always do. I knew, too, that we would find moments of fun and laughter in the middle of all the "yuck", because our parents taught us how to do that, too. And, because of so many words of encouragement, I knew we were all being prayed for and remembered by our wonderful friends.
What I did not know was that the last weekend there would turn out to be one of the sweetest and most precious times we've shared. You see, things didn't work out quite as we had planned...but sometimes, that is when God brings His best surprises!
We were all under the impression that a gentleman my dad knows was going to take everything left in the house and auction or dispose of it for us, and that we were simply going to have to go clean the house. Instead, on Friday morning, we found out that the man had too many estates to deal with at once, and that he didn't have room for my parents things. In a scramble, my sisters decided to have a moving sale on Saturday. Yikes! With only one day to prepare and no publicity except a few signs and some Facebook posts, we really didn't know what to expect. We were praying for at least a few folks to show up.
After working late into the night on Friday, we awoke early Saturday to a deluge of rain. We had made it clear on the posters that we would have the moving sale rain or shine, but would people even come out on a day like that?
By 8:00 a.m., the house was swarming with people! We couldn't believe it! The Pickens Flea Market had been flooded by the rain, so all the shoppers and some of the dealers came our way. On top of that, we had folks come by simply to see what was going on with our parents, or to see how all of us were doing. Since my dad had owned a hardware store on Main Street for decades, and since my mom had taught at the high school for over 20 years, there were well-known and much-loved.
In addition to selling almost everything in the house, we were blessed with story after story about how special our parents have been to the people they have known along the way. We heard stories of my dad's kindness to people at his store, of his fun-loving nature, of his knack for always having the right gardening tips, and of being able to pick out just the right fishing lure. We heard about his belief in people when they were down on their luck, and his encouragement to them to keep their faith and do the right thing. We heard stories of my mom's love for her students, of her willingness to go the extra mile for them, her great meals for those in need,and of her wonderful Bible teaching at the church. Many of the people who came through were delighted to learn where my parents are now, so that they would be able to go and visit.
Rather than being filled with tears, the day was filled with laughter, fond memories, and the living legacy of faith of Jean and Tony Farry. They may not live in that home anymore, but their love for God and His people lives on in all of their children and in the many lives they have touched through the years.
At the end of the day, we were able to give my parents not only a little extra cash from all the things that were sold, but we were able to give them the gift that really mattered: knowing that they are not forgotten and that their lives continue to be used by God to bless others.
Few things in life have been more dreaded for me than this past weekend's cleaning out of my childhood home. For weeks, I've had knots in my stomach as I would think about going through that special place for what would likely be the last time. I knew that my brother and sisters and I would work well together, because we always do. I knew, too, that we would find moments of fun and laughter in the middle of all the "yuck", because our parents taught us how to do that, too. And, because of so many words of encouragement, I knew we were all being prayed for and remembered by our wonderful friends.
What I did not know was that the last weekend there would turn out to be one of the sweetest and most precious times we've shared. You see, things didn't work out quite as we had planned...but sometimes, that is when God brings His best surprises!
We were all under the impression that a gentleman my dad knows was going to take everything left in the house and auction or dispose of it for us, and that we were simply going to have to go clean the house. Instead, on Friday morning, we found out that the man had too many estates to deal with at once, and that he didn't have room for my parents things. In a scramble, my sisters decided to have a moving sale on Saturday. Yikes! With only one day to prepare and no publicity except a few signs and some Facebook posts, we really didn't know what to expect. We were praying for at least a few folks to show up.
After working late into the night on Friday, we awoke early Saturday to a deluge of rain. We had made it clear on the posters that we would have the moving sale rain or shine, but would people even come out on a day like that?
By 8:00 a.m., the house was swarming with people! We couldn't believe it! The Pickens Flea Market had been flooded by the rain, so all the shoppers and some of the dealers came our way. On top of that, we had folks come by simply to see what was going on with our parents, or to see how all of us were doing. Since my dad had owned a hardware store on Main Street for decades, and since my mom had taught at the high school for over 20 years, there were well-known and much-loved.
In addition to selling almost everything in the house, we were blessed with story after story about how special our parents have been to the people they have known along the way. We heard stories of my dad's kindness to people at his store, of his fun-loving nature, of his knack for always having the right gardening tips, and of being able to pick out just the right fishing lure. We heard about his belief in people when they were down on their luck, and his encouragement to them to keep their faith and do the right thing. We heard stories of my mom's love for her students, of her willingness to go the extra mile for them, her great meals for those in need,and of her wonderful Bible teaching at the church. Many of the people who came through were delighted to learn where my parents are now, so that they would be able to go and visit.
Rather than being filled with tears, the day was filled with laughter, fond memories, and the living legacy of faith of Jean and Tony Farry. They may not live in that home anymore, but their love for God and His people lives on in all of their children and in the many lives they have touched through the years.
At the end of the day, we were able to give my parents not only a little extra cash from all the things that were sold, but we were able to give them the gift that really mattered: knowing that they are not forgotten and that their lives continue to be used by God to bless others.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Cleaning House
Childhood memories of Saturday mornings:
"Mama, can I go outside and play?"
"Have you cleaned your room?"
"No, but can't I play first?"
"No, honey, you know how it goes. Get your jobs done first, and then it's playtime the rest of the day!"
This coming weekend, my siblings and I will clean up at 849 Pendleton Street in Pickens for the last time. After over 56 years, my parents no longer live there. They have been fortunate enough to sell their house rather quickly, & they are scheduled to close in a couple of weeks.
As with any move, there is much to be done. We're fortunate that my parents were able to move into their new retirement apartment back in October, so we've been able to take our time in going through things, dividing up the furniture and belongings, and sifting through our memories. This coming weekend is it, though. The house will have to be empty, cleaned, and ready for it's new owners.
Without doubt, this is one of the hardest transitions I've had in my life. Being the baby of the five children, I lived there most recently, and it still seems like my parents ought to be living there. If it's this difficult for me, I can only begin to imagine how my parents feel. They are certainly keeping the right perspective, and it helps to know that it was their idea to do all of this in the first place! With my mom's declining health, their safety and well-being are priorities, and they are exactly where they need to be.
Still, just the thought of the final cleaning out leaves me feeling
empty. But at the end of all this, will there be a "playtime" waiting for my family? Oh, how I hope so! I am praying already that there will be joy in the middle of the tears as we go through the house, inch by inch, being sure it is ready. I am praying that memories will flood back, and they we will all be able to capture them. I am praying that God will be especially close to all of us this weekend. Most of all, I am praying that for my mom & dad, the rest of their days will be the best of their days. Even with my mom's condition and my dad's physical pains, I pray they find sweetness, playfulness, and JOY!
For those moving into our home, I pray that they will be blessed by the lasting legacy that was built inside of those walls. A lot of "cleaning house" went on with us children as our parents instructed us, corrected us, and helped us grow to love Christ. And as for all of us Farry children, may we be encouraged by our time together, and remember that the hours of laughter and playtime are what we will carry with us.
Cleaning house is never fun, but it is always necessary. May God be close to us and teach us as we walk through these next days together.
"If you are truly serious about coming back to God, clean house!" 1 Samuel 7:3a (the Message)
"Mama, can I go outside and play?"
"Have you cleaned your room?"
"No, but can't I play first?"
"No, honey, you know how it goes. Get your jobs done first, and then it's playtime the rest of the day!"
This coming weekend, my siblings and I will clean up at 849 Pendleton Street in Pickens for the last time. After over 56 years, my parents no longer live there. They have been fortunate enough to sell their house rather quickly, & they are scheduled to close in a couple of weeks.
As with any move, there is much to be done. We're fortunate that my parents were able to move into their new retirement apartment back in October, so we've been able to take our time in going through things, dividing up the furniture and belongings, and sifting through our memories. This coming weekend is it, though. The house will have to be empty, cleaned, and ready for it's new owners.
Without doubt, this is one of the hardest transitions I've had in my life. Being the baby of the five children, I lived there most recently, and it still seems like my parents ought to be living there. If it's this difficult for me, I can only begin to imagine how my parents feel. They are certainly keeping the right perspective, and it helps to know that it was their idea to do all of this in the first place! With my mom's declining health, their safety and well-being are priorities, and they are exactly where they need to be.
Still, just the thought of the final cleaning out leaves me feeling
empty. But at the end of all this, will there be a "playtime" waiting for my family? Oh, how I hope so! I am praying already that there will be joy in the middle of the tears as we go through the house, inch by inch, being sure it is ready. I am praying that memories will flood back, and they we will all be able to capture them. I am praying that God will be especially close to all of us this weekend. Most of all, I am praying that for my mom & dad, the rest of their days will be the best of their days. Even with my mom's condition and my dad's physical pains, I pray they find sweetness, playfulness, and JOY!
For those moving into our home, I pray that they will be blessed by the lasting legacy that was built inside of those walls. A lot of "cleaning house" went on with us children as our parents instructed us, corrected us, and helped us grow to love Christ. And as for all of us Farry children, may we be encouraged by our time together, and remember that the hours of laughter and playtime are what we will carry with us.
Cleaning house is never fun, but it is always necessary. May God be close to us and teach us as we walk through these next days together.
"If you are truly serious about coming back to God, clean house!" 1 Samuel 7:3a (the Message)
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Place of My Denial
G'day, Mate!
Lately, our home has been filled with the sights and sounds of Australia. No, we're not planning a big trip, although that is one of my dream destinations. We're getting geared up for Spring Valley Baptist's "Boomerang Express" Vacation Bible School! (It's being held from June 15-19. Come on and join us!! http://www.springvalleybaptist.com) I am serving as the Worship Rally leader this summer, so I've been playing the music, watching the DVDs, and brushing up on my Aussie lingo. Thankfully, my 9-year-old is quick to let me know if something I think of is "way cool" or "really lame, Mom".
The other day, as I watched the VBS DVD, I was drawn to the images they were showing.
The narrator was in Israel, and she was taking the viewers on a trip around the country to sites that were important in the ministry of Jesus, as well as in the life of Peter.
In one of the segments, they showed the steps to the home of the high priest, where Jesus was taken on the night before his crucifixion. The narrator explained that these steps were well over 2000 years old, and that they are believed to be the very steps that Christ ascended on that horrible night. As she walked up the steps, she came into the courtyard. She pointed out that this was the place where Peter was asked if he knew Jesus. Not once, but 3 times, the courtyard became the backdrop for his denial of his Savior.
As I watched, I thought about how awful Peter must have felt each time he passed that place. Even though he was later restored in his relationship with Jesus, how he must have anguished each time he had to pass those steps that led to the place he denied Christ! I thought to myself, "Wow, I'm glad I don't have a particular spot like that!"
It was then that I realized that yes, I do. I have more places of denial than I even want to admit, much less revisit. Memories began to flood my mind of all the times I had acted in ways that didn't show others that I belong to Jesus. Verbally, I may not have denied him, but words weren't necessary for others to see that I was only acknowledging myself and my own will.
Even though is was extremely painful, I began to pray and ask God to show me the times and the ways I had denied Him, and most importantly, to show me if any of those places were still active in my life. At the end of much confession and prayer, the Lord then began to bring to mind all the times He had found me in those places and pulled me back into His arms. Those habits, actions, and times of serving self--by God's grace---now serve as reminders of how empty my life was when I lived it in denial of Him. The only peace and fullness in life comes from acknowledging Him as the Ruler, King, and Redeemer of every circumstance!
May all my places of denial now become places of praise.
Lately, our home has been filled with the sights and sounds of Australia. No, we're not planning a big trip, although that is one of my dream destinations. We're getting geared up for Spring Valley Baptist's "Boomerang Express" Vacation Bible School! (It's being held from June 15-19. Come on and join us!! http://www.springvalleybaptist.com) I am serving as the Worship Rally leader this summer, so I've been playing the music, watching the DVDs, and brushing up on my Aussie lingo. Thankfully, my 9-year-old is quick to let me know if something I think of is "way cool" or "really lame, Mom".
The other day, as I watched the VBS DVD, I was drawn to the images they were showing.
The narrator was in Israel, and she was taking the viewers on a trip around the country to sites that were important in the ministry of Jesus, as well as in the life of Peter.
In one of the segments, they showed the steps to the home of the high priest, where Jesus was taken on the night before his crucifixion. The narrator explained that these steps were well over 2000 years old, and that they are believed to be the very steps that Christ ascended on that horrible night. As she walked up the steps, she came into the courtyard. She pointed out that this was the place where Peter was asked if he knew Jesus. Not once, but 3 times, the courtyard became the backdrop for his denial of his Savior.
As I watched, I thought about how awful Peter must have felt each time he passed that place. Even though he was later restored in his relationship with Jesus, how he must have anguished each time he had to pass those steps that led to the place he denied Christ! I thought to myself, "Wow, I'm glad I don't have a particular spot like that!"
It was then that I realized that yes, I do. I have more places of denial than I even want to admit, much less revisit. Memories began to flood my mind of all the times I had acted in ways that didn't show others that I belong to Jesus. Verbally, I may not have denied him, but words weren't necessary for others to see that I was only acknowledging myself and my own will.
Even though is was extremely painful, I began to pray and ask God to show me the times and the ways I had denied Him, and most importantly, to show me if any of those places were still active in my life. At the end of much confession and prayer, the Lord then began to bring to mind all the times He had found me in those places and pulled me back into His arms. Those habits, actions, and times of serving self--by God's grace---now serve as reminders of how empty my life was when I lived it in denial of Him. The only peace and fullness in life comes from acknowledging Him as the Ruler, King, and Redeemer of every circumstance!
May all my places of denial now become places of praise.
Monday, May 4, 2009
My Jerusalem
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
Lately, I've had "the itch". With all the Baptist Collegiate Ministry students preparing for summer missions, and with other dear friends writing to us from the mission field, the desire to GO has been rising up in me! My passport is getting dusty, and I'm just feeling the need to pull it out and to go to a place where people really need to hear about Jesus.
You know what? All I have to do to go to a place like that is walk out my front door. Go to the grocery store. Take my son to school. Teach fitness. People who really need to hear about Jesus are EVERYWHERE around me, and I just need to take the time to ask God to show me who needs a word from Him.
This morning, I took a walk around my neighborhood. The weather was idyllic, and I was having a great time praying and worshipping as I got some exercise. As I walked, the Lord began to say to me, "You're looking at your Jerusalem."
Since Ken & I moved to Blythewood about 18 months ago, we have tried diligently to know our neighbors. We have believed from the moment the foundation of our home was set that we were being brought here to live for Jesus in this neighborhood. But as I walked, I realized that although I know many of their names, I really don't know many of my neighbors. What are their needs, their hurts, their beliefs? Do they know what WE believe? Oh, I pray they do, but I can't say that for certain, because there are still many of them I have not had that deep conversation with yet.
It's no mistake that Jesus told his followers to start in Jerusalem. We simply must begin where we live. God didn't put any of us in the place we call our "home" to stay to ourselves. Instead, he put us where we are to get involved, to care, to be His light.
For the last half of my walk, I began to pray for each family in each home that I passed. Even though I don't know their needs, their hurts, their fears, my Father does, and He is the only one who can do anything about it. My neighborhood walks are going to have a different focus from now on: reaching my Jerusalem with the love of Christ. I can't wait to see who God puts in my path!
I guess my passport will stay dusty for a little while longer, but that is fine with me. My mission field is right outside my door.
Lately, I've had "the itch". With all the Baptist Collegiate Ministry students preparing for summer missions, and with other dear friends writing to us from the mission field, the desire to GO has been rising up in me! My passport is getting dusty, and I'm just feeling the need to pull it out and to go to a place where people really need to hear about Jesus.
You know what? All I have to do to go to a place like that is walk out my front door. Go to the grocery store. Take my son to school. Teach fitness. People who really need to hear about Jesus are EVERYWHERE around me, and I just need to take the time to ask God to show me who needs a word from Him.
This morning, I took a walk around my neighborhood. The weather was idyllic, and I was having a great time praying and worshipping as I got some exercise. As I walked, the Lord began to say to me, "You're looking at your Jerusalem."
Since Ken & I moved to Blythewood about 18 months ago, we have tried diligently to know our neighbors. We have believed from the moment the foundation of our home was set that we were being brought here to live for Jesus in this neighborhood. But as I walked, I realized that although I know many of their names, I really don't know many of my neighbors. What are their needs, their hurts, their beliefs? Do they know what WE believe? Oh, I pray they do, but I can't say that for certain, because there are still many of them I have not had that deep conversation with yet.
It's no mistake that Jesus told his followers to start in Jerusalem. We simply must begin where we live. God didn't put any of us in the place we call our "home" to stay to ourselves. Instead, he put us where we are to get involved, to care, to be His light.
For the last half of my walk, I began to pray for each family in each home that I passed. Even though I don't know their needs, their hurts, their fears, my Father does, and He is the only one who can do anything about it. My neighborhood walks are going to have a different focus from now on: reaching my Jerusalem with the love of Christ. I can't wait to see who God puts in my path!
I guess my passport will stay dusty for a little while longer, but that is fine with me. My mission field is right outside my door.
Friday, April 3, 2009
His Eyes
As I was leaving the WalMart (a.k.a "Wal-Mahal") parking lot yesterday, I was singing along to Brandon Heath's song, "Give Me Your Eyes". In my heart, I was saying, "Yes, Lord, I really do want to see the world the way you do. Help me see people from the perspective you have." Who might it be, I wondered, that I needed to see differently?
At just that moment, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a dirty, disheveled man standing in the median of the parking lot exit. His cardboard sign read, "Need a job. Will work for food." To be honest, my typical reaction would be to say a quick prayer for him, think what a shame it is that he'd probably use any money he was given to buy alcohol, wonder if he was scamming, and then drive away.
Not yesterday though. The Lord opened my eyes to this man in a completely different way. My stomach began to get knots in it, but not out of disgust or fear. Instead, I felt the most overwhelming compassion for him, and I realized that truly, he is my brother because he was created by my Father. In that split second when I first saw him, it was as if God whispered in my ear, "Maria, if you met this man while you were on a mission trip, you would give him the shirt from your back and all the money you had with you. THIS is your mission field today. What will you give to my child?"
Without hesitation, praying fervently that the light wouldn't change too quickly, I reached inside my purse and grabbed some money. I rolled down my window and called out, "Sir! Sir! Please come over here." The man's eyes got wide, and before he even knew that I was going to give him some money, he said, "Oh God bless you! God bless you for calling me 'Sir'!" I was dumbfounded. Even more than money, his greatest need was to be recognized as a person of worth.
I fumbled to hand him the money, but I found myself with a lump in my throat and no words to say. The man, who no longer looked so dirty to me, repeated, "God bless you! God bless you!" Finally, I choked out, "Oh, He has blessed me, and now I pray He will bless you."
The light changed, and our exchange ended. Those brief moments have been in my heart and thoughts ever since.
You know, it's really not up to us to determine what someone else might do with money or time or energy that we give them. Instead, it is up to us to give freely from the depths of our love for Christ.
May I never forget that man, and may I always see with the eyes of Christ.
"Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlookd or ignored, that was me--you did it to me." Matthew 25:40, The Message
At just that moment, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a dirty, disheveled man standing in the median of the parking lot exit. His cardboard sign read, "Need a job. Will work for food." To be honest, my typical reaction would be to say a quick prayer for him, think what a shame it is that he'd probably use any money he was given to buy alcohol, wonder if he was scamming, and then drive away.
Not yesterday though. The Lord opened my eyes to this man in a completely different way. My stomach began to get knots in it, but not out of disgust or fear. Instead, I felt the most overwhelming compassion for him, and I realized that truly, he is my brother because he was created by my Father. In that split second when I first saw him, it was as if God whispered in my ear, "Maria, if you met this man while you were on a mission trip, you would give him the shirt from your back and all the money you had with you. THIS is your mission field today. What will you give to my child?"
Without hesitation, praying fervently that the light wouldn't change too quickly, I reached inside my purse and grabbed some money. I rolled down my window and called out, "Sir! Sir! Please come over here." The man's eyes got wide, and before he even knew that I was going to give him some money, he said, "Oh God bless you! God bless you for calling me 'Sir'!" I was dumbfounded. Even more than money, his greatest need was to be recognized as a person of worth.
I fumbled to hand him the money, but I found myself with a lump in my throat and no words to say. The man, who no longer looked so dirty to me, repeated, "God bless you! God bless you!" Finally, I choked out, "Oh, He has blessed me, and now I pray He will bless you."
The light changed, and our exchange ended. Those brief moments have been in my heart and thoughts ever since.
You know, it's really not up to us to determine what someone else might do with money or time or energy that we give them. Instead, it is up to us to give freely from the depths of our love for Christ.
May I never forget that man, and may I always see with the eyes of Christ.
"Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlookd or ignored, that was me--you did it to me." Matthew 25:40, The Message
Monday, March 23, 2009
Silence
Today, I went to visit my mom and dad. It's a 2-hour drive each way, so I had great plans for how I would maximize the time. The new session of Body & Soul fitness is gearing up in two weeks, so I was ready to listen to the new music. I had several phone calls I needed to return, too, so I was certain the time would pass quickly.
Well, it's hard to use your audio system when the fuse is blown! Yep, that's right--no music at all. To top it off, apparently the lighter/charger is connected to that same fuse, & since my cell phone had only a couple of battery bars showing, there wasn't much talking to be done either!
So what did I do to pass the time?
I prayed.
And then I prayed some more!
And then I found myself praying and singing out loud!
My Father met with me right there in my car, and it was beautiful. I'm sure I looked like an idiot to those who passed me, but I don't even care! The fellowship with the Lord was so sweet, and it carried me through the day.
My visit with my parents ended all too quickly, as it always does. The time today with them was filled with laughter, joy, fun, and memories. I must admit, though, a part of me was excited to get back in the van for my two hours of "silence" on the way home.
I dare you to try it sometime. Either in your home or in your car, find an extended period of time, in addition to your daily time with God, to get away from all the noise of this life. Let God speak to you from the silence. It will be profound!
Well, it's hard to use your audio system when the fuse is blown! Yep, that's right--no music at all. To top it off, apparently the lighter/charger is connected to that same fuse, & since my cell phone had only a couple of battery bars showing, there wasn't much talking to be done either!
So what did I do to pass the time?
I prayed.
And then I prayed some more!
And then I found myself praying and singing out loud!
My Father met with me right there in my car, and it was beautiful. I'm sure I looked like an idiot to those who passed me, but I don't even care! The fellowship with the Lord was so sweet, and it carried me through the day.
My visit with my parents ended all too quickly, as it always does. The time today with them was filled with laughter, joy, fun, and memories. I must admit, though, a part of me was excited to get back in the van for my two hours of "silence" on the way home.
I dare you to try it sometime. Either in your home or in your car, find an extended period of time, in addition to your daily time with God, to get away from all the noise of this life. Let God speak to you from the silence. It will be profound!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
When God Stands
"In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple." Is. 6:1
Isaiah's glimpse into eternity emphasizes God's majesty, his awesomeness, and his complete authority and control. For those who lived in Isaiah's day, a king's death brought about turmoil, fears, and unrest for all the people. Who would be in command next? Would their new ruler be kind, or a tyrant? Would they become vulnerable to attack from another country? So many things were in an uproar. Remind you of today's world? With bailouts, war, unemployment, and economic worries all around us, it is easy to relate to what these ancients must have been feeling.
Yet, God was sitting. No matter how upsetting the circumstances may have seemed, God was in such control that he didn't have to pace, to wring his hands, to sweat it out, or to even worry for an instant. No, he simply reigned in His majesty, seated on His throne. What comfort to know that God isn't worried or terrified by any of the craziness of this world!
So what could possibly make God stand? Only one thing: His love for me and you.
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion." Is. 30:18
The next time you are facing difficulties and times of uncertainty, even when the world around you seems to fall apart, remember that your Father loves you so much that he will rise from His throne to meet you right where you are.
"How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hers, he will answer you." Is. 30:19b
Isaiah's glimpse into eternity emphasizes God's majesty, his awesomeness, and his complete authority and control. For those who lived in Isaiah's day, a king's death brought about turmoil, fears, and unrest for all the people. Who would be in command next? Would their new ruler be kind, or a tyrant? Would they become vulnerable to attack from another country? So many things were in an uproar. Remind you of today's world? With bailouts, war, unemployment, and economic worries all around us, it is easy to relate to what these ancients must have been feeling.
Yet, God was sitting. No matter how upsetting the circumstances may have seemed, God was in such control that he didn't have to pace, to wring his hands, to sweat it out, or to even worry for an instant. No, he simply reigned in His majesty, seated on His throne. What comfort to know that God isn't worried or terrified by any of the craziness of this world!
So what could possibly make God stand? Only one thing: His love for me and you.
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion." Is. 30:18
The next time you are facing difficulties and times of uncertainty, even when the world around you seems to fall apart, remember that your Father loves you so much that he will rise from His throne to meet you right where you are.
"How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hers, he will answer you." Is. 30:19b
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sewing Machine Leg!
I just went back to Body & Soul this morning for the first time in several months. FINALLY, my leg has healed enough from my muscle rupture that I am able to exercise again. After years of teaching fitness classes, I expected to be able to jump right back in, but man-oh-man! I had a rude awakening this morning!
As we went through the class, everything was going fine until we got to the floor work, and particularly to the LEG work. I've learned enough about my leg muscles to know that what we were doing wouldn't harm me, and that it would ultimately bring me strength. It just felt so DIFFERENT this time, since it had been months since I'd done anything like this. As we continued to work our legs, my right leg turned into Elvis Presley! I was shaking, jiggling, and wiggling in ways I didn't know were possible! Yep, I had the infamous "sewing machine leg", where my leg couldn't hold any pressure at all without bobbing up and down. I'm sure that my fellow strength-trainers got a great laugh!
Isn't it amazing how a relatively short period of inactivity can lead to such weakness? And isn't that true not only of our physical bodies, but of our spiritual state, too? Just a few days without focused bible study can leave me feeling weak & vulnerable. Going without concentrated prayer time leaves me wondering about my decisions and "bobbing up and down" with my thoughts. Time away from corporate worship can make my foundation seem weak and shaky.
It won't be long until my leg is back at 100%, and I'm looking forward to the journey back to full health. Isn't it wonderful that God has created us to be able to regain strength--both physical and spiritual--no matter how much we've lost? Most of all, I pray that I will always work my SPIRITUAL muscles to become a more fine-tuned, strong, and able follower of Christ!
As we went through the class, everything was going fine until we got to the floor work, and particularly to the LEG work. I've learned enough about my leg muscles to know that what we were doing wouldn't harm me, and that it would ultimately bring me strength. It just felt so DIFFERENT this time, since it had been months since I'd done anything like this. As we continued to work our legs, my right leg turned into Elvis Presley! I was shaking, jiggling, and wiggling in ways I didn't know were possible! Yep, I had the infamous "sewing machine leg", where my leg couldn't hold any pressure at all without bobbing up and down. I'm sure that my fellow strength-trainers got a great laugh!
Isn't it amazing how a relatively short period of inactivity can lead to such weakness? And isn't that true not only of our physical bodies, but of our spiritual state, too? Just a few days without focused bible study can leave me feeling weak & vulnerable. Going without concentrated prayer time leaves me wondering about my decisions and "bobbing up and down" with my thoughts. Time away from corporate worship can make my foundation seem weak and shaky.
It won't be long until my leg is back at 100%, and I'm looking forward to the journey back to full health. Isn't it wonderful that God has created us to be able to regain strength--both physical and spiritual--no matter how much we've lost? Most of all, I pray that I will always work my SPIRITUAL muscles to become a more fine-tuned, strong, and able follower of Christ!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Legacy
Last Sunday, I had the privilege of spending some "alone" time with my sweet Mama. She was having a pretty good day healthwise, so Ken & Matthew decided to take my dad to run some errands and go for a drive. It was a great and refreshing time for Daddy, and it ended up being a time of beautiful blessing for me, too!
Mama was doing great at first, and seemed to be fine with the fact that my dad was out for awhile. Then, as we went for a walk down the hallways of their retirement community, her mind began to betray her once more. She was worried, agitated, confused, and didn't know where she was. We quickly made our way back to their apartment, and then she began to pace. "Where is Tony? Why isn't he here? I need your daddy." I prayed, "Lord, please help me know how to show her your love right now. Please help me calm her, just like she used to calm me."
Now, my mother is very frail and petite at only about 90 lbs, and she has never been more than 110, but she has a huge sweet tooth! As I prayed about what might calm her down, I could hear her voice through the years as she would often say,"I sure would like just a bite of something sweet! And it would be great to have a sip of something fizzy to go with it." I thought that the Valentine's candy we had brought & the Coke on the counter just might do the trick, and when I offered it to her, she said with a relieved sigh, "Oh, that would be so nice."
As she sat with her piece of chocolate and her small class of Coke, the Lord reminded me of the other thing she always did to calm herself in any time of struggle. I picked up her Bible and asked if she would like me to read it. Her smile was like a ray of sunshine as she said, "Oh yes, please do!"
She has several Bibles, but the one I picked up was a Disciples' Study Bible. She had bought it in the early '80s on a trip to Ridgecrest, but I had no idea she had it. I have that exact same Bible, which I got in early '90s, when I became serious about studying God's word. We had "coincidentally" bought the same Bible! Then, I turned to the inside cover, and I saw where she had written over 20 years ago:
"Ephesians 3:14-21: My prayer for myself, Tony, and all our descendants."
A chill ran up my spine. "Mama", I said,"I know this passage so well. I've been drawn to it over the years, and I've taught on it several times. I even used it as my teaching passage last weekend at the women's retreat for our church!" I quickly turned to Ephesians in her Bible, and it was as though I were looking at my own. The things she had underlined in the introductory theological outline were exactly what I had underlined. The phrases of the passage she had highlighted were marked in mine, too. Notes in the margins were like the notes in mine. I was dumbfounded! I had had no earthly idea that my mom had been praying those words of scripture over me, my husband, my siblings, my child, and all my family, and she had been doing it for years. Yet God knew. And God had led my heart to be molded, changed, and touched by this scripture, and He had led my hands to underline the words that she had prayed for me. I can't help but wonder if I might've ever been reading those words as she was praying them...
What a gift that God would allow my mother to see His faithfulness in the amazement of her child that day! How beautiful that I could share with her, on this side of Heaven, that God had been faithful to hear her prayers and direct my life through them. Their legacy of faith is the greatest gift my parents could ever give.
"For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21
Mama was doing great at first, and seemed to be fine with the fact that my dad was out for awhile. Then, as we went for a walk down the hallways of their retirement community, her mind began to betray her once more. She was worried, agitated, confused, and didn't know where she was. We quickly made our way back to their apartment, and then she began to pace. "Where is Tony? Why isn't he here? I need your daddy." I prayed, "Lord, please help me know how to show her your love right now. Please help me calm her, just like she used to calm me."
Now, my mother is very frail and petite at only about 90 lbs, and she has never been more than 110, but she has a huge sweet tooth! As I prayed about what might calm her down, I could hear her voice through the years as she would often say,"I sure would like just a bite of something sweet! And it would be great to have a sip of something fizzy to go with it." I thought that the Valentine's candy we had brought & the Coke on the counter just might do the trick, and when I offered it to her, she said with a relieved sigh, "Oh, that would be so nice."
As she sat with her piece of chocolate and her small class of Coke, the Lord reminded me of the other thing she always did to calm herself in any time of struggle. I picked up her Bible and asked if she would like me to read it. Her smile was like a ray of sunshine as she said, "Oh yes, please do!"
She has several Bibles, but the one I picked up was a Disciples' Study Bible. She had bought it in the early '80s on a trip to Ridgecrest, but I had no idea she had it. I have that exact same Bible, which I got in early '90s, when I became serious about studying God's word. We had "coincidentally" bought the same Bible! Then, I turned to the inside cover, and I saw where she had written over 20 years ago:
"Ephesians 3:14-21: My prayer for myself, Tony, and all our descendants."
A chill ran up my spine. "Mama", I said,"I know this passage so well. I've been drawn to it over the years, and I've taught on it several times. I even used it as my teaching passage last weekend at the women's retreat for our church!" I quickly turned to Ephesians in her Bible, and it was as though I were looking at my own. The things she had underlined in the introductory theological outline were exactly what I had underlined. The phrases of the passage she had highlighted were marked in mine, too. Notes in the margins were like the notes in mine. I was dumbfounded! I had had no earthly idea that my mom had been praying those words of scripture over me, my husband, my siblings, my child, and all my family, and she had been doing it for years. Yet God knew. And God had led my heart to be molded, changed, and touched by this scripture, and He had led my hands to underline the words that she had prayed for me. I can't help but wonder if I might've ever been reading those words as she was praying them...
What a gift that God would allow my mother to see His faithfulness in the amazement of her child that day! How beautiful that I could share with her, on this side of Heaven, that God had been faithful to hear her prayers and direct my life through them. Their legacy of faith is the greatest gift my parents could ever give.
"For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ansel Clifford Owens
God has given me many gifts in this life, but one of the sweetest has been having Ansel Owens as a father-in-law these last 11+ years. Without a doubt, he was one of the kindest & most encouraging men I've ever known. He loved Jesus with every breath and every action of his life.
Last Friday, as I was two-thirds of the way through the largest women's conference I've ever spoken for, and as my husband Ken was setting up for a student conference of over 800 college kids, we got the call that Mr. O had slipped into a coma. After 7 months of battling lymphoma, his healing was close at hand. At about 6:30 that night, God allowed that precious man to enter into heaven, and into his eternal rest. What a party there must have been in heaven that night! But here, we were simply sad to have lost the earthly presence of someone who has been such an influencer in our lives. I am so grateful for the legacy of faith that Mr. O passed on to Ken, and on to Matthew as well. He was an amazing PaPa, and his youngest grandson already misses him.
Ken & I talked about it, and we decided that I should finish the last day of the conference, which was Saturday here in Columbia. There is nowhere Mr. O would rather I have been than sharing Christ and encouraging women to live a life of faith. As I spoke to about 3400 women that day, it was a tremendous joy to have the assurance of PaPa's eternity in heaven. It was a great privilege, too, to use a story from his life as part of my conclusion that day.
You see, as PaPa got sicker, people began to come from all over, telling us that they were followers of Christ because of Ansel Owens' touch on their lives. One story in particular stood out to me. Mr. O was the Finance Manager of an automobile dealership for over 30 years. A family was in financial crisis, and went to him to tell him that they simply couldn't make their payment that month. Mr. O's response was, "Well, I'm going to give you grace this time. And there is a reason I'm doing this. You see, I was given a grace that covers all I've ever done, and it comes from Jesus. Do you know about this grace?" He then proceeded to share the gospel, and now that man is a believer.
Sharing Christ with others is a wonderful way to impact their lives, but I have realized that it is also the only way to ensure a living, lasting legacy of faith. There could be no greater tribute at the end of life than having person after person saying, "I'm a believer because of Maria." I want my son & his family to hear that! I want to leave that as my legacy of faith, too!
I pray the Lord will let me live each day seeing the opportunities He places in my path, so I can continue to build on that legacy.
Thank you, Lord, for Ansel Owens.
Mr. O--This world is a very different place without you in it. You will forever be loved, respected, and missed.
Last Friday, as I was two-thirds of the way through the largest women's conference I've ever spoken for, and as my husband Ken was setting up for a student conference of over 800 college kids, we got the call that Mr. O had slipped into a coma. After 7 months of battling lymphoma, his healing was close at hand. At about 6:30 that night, God allowed that precious man to enter into heaven, and into his eternal rest. What a party there must have been in heaven that night! But here, we were simply sad to have lost the earthly presence of someone who has been such an influencer in our lives. I am so grateful for the legacy of faith that Mr. O passed on to Ken, and on to Matthew as well. He was an amazing PaPa, and his youngest grandson already misses him.
Ken & I talked about it, and we decided that I should finish the last day of the conference, which was Saturday here in Columbia. There is nowhere Mr. O would rather I have been than sharing Christ and encouraging women to live a life of faith. As I spoke to about 3400 women that day, it was a tremendous joy to have the assurance of PaPa's eternity in heaven. It was a great privilege, too, to use a story from his life as part of my conclusion that day.
You see, as PaPa got sicker, people began to come from all over, telling us that they were followers of Christ because of Ansel Owens' touch on their lives. One story in particular stood out to me. Mr. O was the Finance Manager of an automobile dealership for over 30 years. A family was in financial crisis, and went to him to tell him that they simply couldn't make their payment that month. Mr. O's response was, "Well, I'm going to give you grace this time. And there is a reason I'm doing this. You see, I was given a grace that covers all I've ever done, and it comes from Jesus. Do you know about this grace?" He then proceeded to share the gospel, and now that man is a believer.
Sharing Christ with others is a wonderful way to impact their lives, but I have realized that it is also the only way to ensure a living, lasting legacy of faith. There could be no greater tribute at the end of life than having person after person saying, "I'm a believer because of Maria." I want my son & his family to hear that! I want to leave that as my legacy of faith, too!
I pray the Lord will let me live each day seeing the opportunities He places in my path, so I can continue to build on that legacy.
Thank you, Lord, for Ansel Owens.
Mr. O--This world is a very different place without you in it. You will forever be loved, respected, and missed.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wow!
The ladies in my Wednesday morning Bible study have just officially blown me away! I'm leaving today to speak at the Women's Lifestyle Evangelism Conference, which is a 3-day, 3-site event. To say I"m a little nervous is a vast understatement! Although I've been speaking for about 15 years now, this is by far the largest event yet. My precious friends just prayed over me, gave me a stack of cards to take with me and read for encouragement on the road, and set up a prayer team to pray each day during the exact times I'll be sharing my story. What a GIFT! I am so grateful for them, and that God has used them to build me up, spur me on, and give me the courage to speak boldly for Him. God surely knew what He was doing when He gave us friends!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Interruptions
On Sunday, my pastor said something that I just can't get off my mind. He was preaching about prayer, and specifically about praying with thanksgiving. It was very well presented, and I was taking notes and nodding along in agreement with all he was saying. He gave an example of praying in the morning and asking God to control our day and to bring us opportunities. Amen, I thought! For the past several years, I have been including that as part of my daily time alone with God. I've been asking him for guidance throughout my day, and for ways to show His love, and I've been privileged to see God working. I was feeling pretty good about myself! I was doing what the preacher said! Dr. Winburn then started to talk about how often, after we pray a prayer like that, we find our day interrupted. Things happen that we weren't expecting, and it just throws us off. Oh man! Tell me about it!
Then, he said something that made the hair stand up on the back of my neck.
" God is in charge of your interruptions. Give thanks for those, too."
Whoa. I'm not exactly sure what he said after that, because those words continued to ring in my heart and mind. I mulled that over throughout the day, and I realized how true his words are. Those so-called interruptions are often OPPORTUNITIES that God is bringing into my path. They are part of the "ordering of my day" that I pray about so fervently. Many times, I do know that God has allowed me to see that, and to know that He has brought certain circumstances together in order to allow me to be part of His work that day. Other times, I miss it completely.
Today, my day was interrupted several times, and because I was looking for it, I saw clearly what God's purposes were for those encounters with those specific people. Praise God my eyes were opened today, because I was given a very unexpected opportunity to share the story of how Jesus changed my life. Thanks for that interruption, Lord!
So, here's the thing that's been on my mind. If it is true that God is in charge of our pesky little daily interruptions, then what about the BIG interruptions? You know, the kinds of interruptions that intrude on our dreams, plans, and goals: my father-in-law's brain tumor, my mom's dementia, the trials that so many of my precious friends are dealing with.
Whether God causes or permits these things to come into our lives, for me, it is a comfort to know that nothing will come my way that has not passed through my Father's hands first. He has entrusted each of us with different "interruptions" in life, and from each one, we are given an opportunity. We can either allow those challenges to make us bitter and angry, or we can allow God to use them to teach us, help us grow, and mold us into the image of Christ.
The choice is ours. I choose to thank Him for the interruptions, for being with me to hold me as I walk through them, and to ask Him to continue to make me more like Christ.
"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose ...In all this, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:28 & 37
Then, he said something that made the hair stand up on the back of my neck.
" God is in charge of your interruptions. Give thanks for those, too."
Whoa. I'm not exactly sure what he said after that, because those words continued to ring in my heart and mind. I mulled that over throughout the day, and I realized how true his words are. Those so-called interruptions are often OPPORTUNITIES that God is bringing into my path. They are part of the "ordering of my day" that I pray about so fervently. Many times, I do know that God has allowed me to see that, and to know that He has brought certain circumstances together in order to allow me to be part of His work that day. Other times, I miss it completely.
Today, my day was interrupted several times, and because I was looking for it, I saw clearly what God's purposes were for those encounters with those specific people. Praise God my eyes were opened today, because I was given a very unexpected opportunity to share the story of how Jesus changed my life. Thanks for that interruption, Lord!
So, here's the thing that's been on my mind. If it is true that God is in charge of our pesky little daily interruptions, then what about the BIG interruptions? You know, the kinds of interruptions that intrude on our dreams, plans, and goals: my father-in-law's brain tumor, my mom's dementia, the trials that so many of my precious friends are dealing with.
Whether God causes or permits these things to come into our lives, for me, it is a comfort to know that nothing will come my way that has not passed through my Father's hands first. He has entrusted each of us with different "interruptions" in life, and from each one, we are given an opportunity. We can either allow those challenges to make us bitter and angry, or we can allow God to use them to teach us, help us grow, and mold us into the image of Christ.
The choice is ours. I choose to thank Him for the interruptions, for being with me to hold me as I walk through them, and to ask Him to continue to make me more like Christ.
"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose ...In all this, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:28 & 37
Saturday, January 24, 2009
When it seems like chaos...
As I looked out my window this morning, I noticed that there were leaves flying around everywhere. At first, there seemed to be no rhyme, reason, or pattern to their movement---only chaos. As I watched, thinking about the unseen force that was moving them, I wondered about their wild, jerky movements. They didn’t fight or strain against the wind. They simply moved where the current took them. Then, as I continued watching, a group of leaves began to spin around crazily, and then fell into a perfectly round and unbroken circle. It looked as though someone had placed each one in exactly the right spot, end-to-end, using great care. How many times are the details of my life like that? How often lately has it seemed that everything is spinning around, and I feel like no one (least of all me!) is in control? Oh Lord, thank you for the beautiful reminder that what I often see as chaos and confusion is about to be made into something beautiful and awe-inspiring. Thank you that you weave all the people, details, and circumstances together, just as You would have them. Lord, please use your unseen hands to continue to guide every detail in my life. Help me to enjoy the exciting and thrilling parts of the ride, and to hold tight to You when it gets bumpy and crazy. Help me to trust that ultimately, you are placing it all together in exactly the right spot.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Loss (from September 2008)
Loss. The word conjures up images of pain, tears, searching, and emptiness. We don’t want it, but we all must face it. Sometimes, we fight so hard to hang on, and we strain with all our might to stem the tide of impending change. At other times, the acceptance comes quickly, but the sadness lingers. Whether the loss is immediate and unexpected, or a long and difficult process, the hurt it brings is real, cutting, and often leaves a deep and visible scar on our soul.
Losing something or someone close to us can leave us feeling helpless and debilitated. The sorrow can put us in a state of helplessness. Yet, we must move forward. So how do we press on? What do we bring with us as we walk the journey that can move us beyond the current pain? How do we honor and remember what was, while we learn to live and prosper with what is?
Years ago, as I watched my first husband struggle through a horrible fatal illness, I went kicking and screaming into my grief. Not only did I refuse to cry out to God, I tried my best to keep Him away. After all, wasn’t He the one who could have prevented all of this? But even in my defiance, God loved me enough to pursue me. “Fear not”, he said to me, “for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name. You are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) When I was in the pit of my pain, my precious Lord was there to pick me up. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the muck and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2) It was through the most excruciating time of loss that I began to look for peace, and I found it only in the Prince of Peace himself. As I reflect on that time, I realize how much molding and shaping the Lord did in my life, and how beautiful my relationship with Him became during those difficult years. Without that experience, my walk with my Savior would not be the rich and deep fellowship I am now able to enjoy with Him.
Now, I am facing a different but equally painful type of loss. My precious parents are moving from their home of 55+ years and are going to a retirement center. While the place they are moving to is beautiful and the amenities are wonderful, it is simply not “home”. As soon as my siblings and I learned about their move & had only begun to deal with those emotions, we got a second blow. My mother, who has given her life for her Lord and her family, has been diagnosed with dementia. It is still in the early stages, and there is hope to change the course somewhat with medication, but the fear of the unknown and the sadness we feel are real. As I’m facing the loss of my childhood home, and the change that age is bringing to all of us in my family, I am choosing not to fight this time. My choice now is to embrace all that it means to feel this loss. Had I not been blessed with the parents and family I have, there would be no sense of sadness. If my parents weren’t followers of Christ, our home would not have been the place of nurture, safety, laughter and encouragement that it is. If our lives weren’t so full of meaningful, beautiful memories, there would be no fear in my Mother eventually losing hers. No, instead of fighting, this time I am choosing to thank God for every moment of pain, because it is rooted in a deep and profound blessing in my life. Even more, I choose to ask God to help me and my whole family see His abundant provision and love in this new phase of life, and to look for His mercies that are new every morning.
Yes, loss still hurts, and some scarring will probably take place as I walk through this passage in life’s journey. This time, I won’t fight. Instead, I choose—moment by moment-- to give my pain and my fears to the one who bears the scars of my sin. It is only in those perfect, beautiful, nail-scarred hands that I know I will safely make it through.
Maria Owens
September, 2008
Losing something or someone close to us can leave us feeling helpless and debilitated. The sorrow can put us in a state of helplessness. Yet, we must move forward. So how do we press on? What do we bring with us as we walk the journey that can move us beyond the current pain? How do we honor and remember what was, while we learn to live and prosper with what is?
Years ago, as I watched my first husband struggle through a horrible fatal illness, I went kicking and screaming into my grief. Not only did I refuse to cry out to God, I tried my best to keep Him away. After all, wasn’t He the one who could have prevented all of this? But even in my defiance, God loved me enough to pursue me. “Fear not”, he said to me, “for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name. You are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) When I was in the pit of my pain, my precious Lord was there to pick me up. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the muck and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2) It was through the most excruciating time of loss that I began to look for peace, and I found it only in the Prince of Peace himself. As I reflect on that time, I realize how much molding and shaping the Lord did in my life, and how beautiful my relationship with Him became during those difficult years. Without that experience, my walk with my Savior would not be the rich and deep fellowship I am now able to enjoy with Him.
Now, I am facing a different but equally painful type of loss. My precious parents are moving from their home of 55+ years and are going to a retirement center. While the place they are moving to is beautiful and the amenities are wonderful, it is simply not “home”. As soon as my siblings and I learned about their move & had only begun to deal with those emotions, we got a second blow. My mother, who has given her life for her Lord and her family, has been diagnosed with dementia. It is still in the early stages, and there is hope to change the course somewhat with medication, but the fear of the unknown and the sadness we feel are real. As I’m facing the loss of my childhood home, and the change that age is bringing to all of us in my family, I am choosing not to fight this time. My choice now is to embrace all that it means to feel this loss. Had I not been blessed with the parents and family I have, there would be no sense of sadness. If my parents weren’t followers of Christ, our home would not have been the place of nurture, safety, laughter and encouragement that it is. If our lives weren’t so full of meaningful, beautiful memories, there would be no fear in my Mother eventually losing hers. No, instead of fighting, this time I am choosing to thank God for every moment of pain, because it is rooted in a deep and profound blessing in my life. Even more, I choose to ask God to help me and my whole family see His abundant provision and love in this new phase of life, and to look for His mercies that are new every morning.
Yes, loss still hurts, and some scarring will probably take place as I walk through this passage in life’s journey. This time, I won’t fight. Instead, I choose—moment by moment-- to give my pain and my fears to the one who bears the scars of my sin. It is only in those perfect, beautiful, nail-scarred hands that I know I will safely make it through.
Maria Owens
September, 2008
Here We Go!
For awhile now, I have toyed with the idea of blogging, so today begins a new adventure for me. My desire is to be transparent, to post lessons the Lord is teaching me, and to have some fun along the way!
To start, I'm going to post some writing I've done in the past several months. Then, my goal is to write at least once a week.
I look forward to seeing where all of this goes...
Choosing to serve Him,
Maria
To start, I'm going to post some writing I've done in the past several months. Then, my goal is to write at least once a week.
I look forward to seeing where all of this goes...
Choosing to serve Him,
Maria
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