Less of me, more of Jesus!

There needs to be less of me, and more of Jesus.

So, at least until May, you may not be reading as much from me on here...I'll keep up with the Weekly Bible Reading Plans and maybe one additional post per week if I can. Not because I'm abandoning the blog, but because my time to write has decreased significantly recently - for a great reason!

With Will's encouragement, I enrolled in a course called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. Have you ever heard of it? You should see if there is one being offered in your area - and, wow. It is absolutely worth looking into. Will took the course a few years ago when it was offered an hour away, and I've been praying and hoping for a chance to take it. This time, it is right here in our town, just a mile from our home!

It is a 15-week course that meets once a week for 3 hours per class. There are speakers who come from all over the country & world to share about missions - from biblical, historical, and strategic viewpoints.

In addition to the amazing speakers and warm fellowship, there is homework. Oh good golly gee, is there homework.

Do you see the size of the textbook?! There is amazing content, and lots of it!

I have not done homework in ten years. YEARS. So putting on my homework cap, thrilling though it was!, took a bit of adjusting.

My evenings, which have gone like this for a while:

1) put girls to bed
2) catch up on FB, Pinterest, etc
3) work on a blog post or two
4) have a snack and hang out with will
5) stay up a little longer to write/clean kitchen/prep
6) bed

became this over the course of the last week:

1) put girls to bed
2) homework
3) bed

Hitting the books and the homework for the next 4 1/2 months!
SO pumped about learning more about my Lord
and His global mission to reach the nations for His glory!

So, if I'm quiet on here, it's because the world needs less of my writing and more of how absolutely glorious Jesus is. I am ecstatic to have this opportunity to dig into the Word and learn more about His mission to bring glory to Himself by keeping His promise to Abraham to bless all nations & conquer evil. Whoa.

One thought from this evening's speaker that just. wrecked. me:

If you feel that your walk is stagnant - dull - boring - lagging - lacking purpose...consider this: maybe it's that you started trying to write your own little side story (and maybe invited God to join your tale) and forgot Whose story you're really a part of. {Lisha's paraphrase}

oh. ouch. It hit so close to home.

Jesus, let me decrease as You increase. Let me be a blessing, that others may see and want to worship only You!

Gaining a new perspective,
for His glory!
~Lisha

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Top Ten Posts of 2013!

Here are the top ten most-read posts of 2013. If you have liked, shared, commented on, or pinned any of these best-loved posts, I am grateful! Thank you!

#10 - Haven or Hollywood? (Pin it!)

#09 - How to Deal with the Fools in Your Life! (Pin it!)

#08 - Our Afternoon Routine (Pin it!)

#07 - Take cover! (Pin it!)

#06 - Confession of a messy mom. (Pin it!)

#05 - Unfulfilled Dreams? (Pin it!)

#04 - You just don't understand! (Pin it!)

#03 - Teaching children to sit through church (Pin it!)

#02 - No wonder she's not listening (Pin it!)

and the most-read, best-loved post of 2013...

#01 - Our Morning Routine (Pin it!)

Thank you all! I am waiting with great expectation for the lessons the Lord has for me to learn & share in 2014!

Writing as He moves me,

for His glory!

~Lisha

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Remembering Sarah

What were you doing on October 27, 2001?

I remember. I was at a benefit spaghetti dinner. It was my sophomore year of college.

The guest of honor ruined my life.

Well, that's not entirely true. She ruined the life I was building for myself.

A life lived for me. by me. in my own power.

__________________

Sarah was eight years old. exhausted and weary in body. but full of confidence and an expectant spirit.

and her boldness and joy in our short conversation

has made all the difference in my life.

A life that is now lived for Jesus. by Jesus. in His power alone.

It's a story only the Lord could write.

Sarah's body failed her 12 years ago. tonight. at the precious age of 8. I remember. Every time I hold one of my sweet daughters, I remember. Every time we celebrate Hannah's birthday (October 27), I remember. I tell my girls, often, the story of the little girl that God worked through to rescue me. And I pray over them and for myself, that He will work through our lives however He chooses to bring many others to know His great love. Even though I understand what that cost might be, as their mom.

I rejoice for her, because she got the longing of her heart. She shared this passage with me as she talked about not being able to wait to meet Jesus face to face:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

{John 14:1-3}

How is it that God can take something so evil - so wretched - as a terminal illness and create beauty and life from it? I don't know! But I do know that He can, and He does. 

What's your story? How did the Lord reach out to you?

Remembering,

for His glory!

~Lisha

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Hope is kindled

My favorite scene in Lord of the Rings is this one:

It's the one line: "Hope is kindled." I'm undone every time I hear it.

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God!

He was in the beginning with God.

All things were made through Him,

and without Him

nothing was made that was made.

{John 1:1-3}

After sharing my current struggle through spiritual apathy last week,

...I'm still struggling more often than not. BUT I know that people are praying, and the Lord is hearing and responding.

Not for your glory,

nor mine,

but HIS.

Pastor read John 1:1-3 today from the pulpit as a tiny part of a grand message. And it was these verses brought me to tears. It gave me a moment's glimpse of the vast power of Jesus.

It was a tiny pinprick in my heart. It was feeling. Ah!

I know it means there's still a hard journey and a battle ahead. 

but it's hope.

Thank You, Lord.

Grateful for a spark of His greatness,

for His glory!

~Lisha

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Faith like a child

Do you believe that children can minister to adults? That God can move a hard heart through the faith of a little one?

I do.

My relationship with Jesus exists because a dear child with a giant-sized faith introduced me to her God (you can read about Sarah & me here. or here. or here.).

And at 7, 6, & 3, my children have all strengthened my heart on days when I didn't feel I could bear much more. I think some people dismiss children as useless and not able to contribute much - but from my experience (and some of the most poignant stories in the Bible!), I've learned that when I'm willing to open my heart and my ears to them they are one of the most precious resources I have for learning, growing, and being built up in my faith.

Below are some of the ways my children have ministered to me, my husband, each other (what a joy!), and to others in their lives. The best way to describe how it feels when one of my girls reaches out to comfort me is, it's like a soul hug. God works through them to calm my soul and anchor my heart on His love and His truths!

Romans 8:28, as drawn by Elizabeth.
This still hangs in the kitchen to remind me daily
that nothing is wasted in God's economy!

Back in May, Will had gone to NY to stay with his mom for a little while. It was a rough couple weeks for me, and Elizabeth was particularly sweet to remind me of the things we had learned about during Bible time and what she'd learned from Miss Diane at Junior Church!

The girls wanted to sing this song for Daddy

while he was away for a period of time earlier this year.

Again, the girls wanted to encourage Daddy with a song they'd been learning - Psalm 1 (courtesy of the Harrow Family's Sing the Word series!)

The big girls & I work on memory verses each week.
Sometimes, Elizabeth writes out the week's verse for Hannah (3)
and teaches it to her.

Do to others as you would have them do to you! -Elizabeth spent a long time writing this out and going over it with Hannah! And now Hannah remembers the verse when her sisters are giving her a hard time. :)

We hosted a 5-Day Club this summer.
At the end of the week, E made this for one of her teachers!

They love to make cards for people, and write out the words to their favorite Bible songs. I know it blesses others when my daughters remember them and reach out to encourage them!

"Mommy, I wrote you a secret message
in my copywork today. Can you find it?"
On this particular morning, I needed both of these messages!

This is a page from E & A penmanship book (Horizons Penmanship from AOP! We love it!)

Elizabeth made this and hung it next to Daddy's computer
"for the days when he forgets this."

It's true. Sometimes, we forget the truths of God's Word. And I am so grateful that the Lord sees fit to minister to me through the hearts and lives of my daughters. 

How have the children in your life ministered to you in difficult times?

Praising God for children,

for His glory!

~Lisha

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October 10, 2000

13 years and 9 days ago,

I was introduced to a young man.

A young man with a big beard and the most amazing grin I'd ever seen.

He remarked that he really liked my shoes, because they were bowling shoes. Real ones.

We hung out for a few hours with a small group of mutual friends,

played a ridiculously terrible game of pool,

and he assured me that he lost "in order to impress the ladies", which had to have been me,

since I was the only single lady in the group.

Single, because I'd just told my roommate that I'd sworn off dating at least for a whole year.

Fall semester 2000 - freshman year

13 years ago,

that young man called me up and asked me

if he had a girlfriend.

That was his way of asking me out, I think. I answered yes,

and his reply was "Thanks!"...and then he hung up on me.

He was no ordinary young man,

and my life has not had a moment of ordinary from that moment on.

Except for 15 minutes (when we broke up) in the spring of 2002,

(and then decided we'd try to make it work),

we've been together ever since.

That's almost half of our lifetimes.

Through the years. :)

I know my life would look vastly different had the Lord chosen another path for me.

And with all the work the Lord has done in my heart,

and the way He has been patience and gracious with each of us,

I would not dream of it being any different...
not one moment.

Happy 13th (dating) anniversary, Will. I'm really glad you made that phone call.


My love is not perfect,
but I'm thankful that God is perfecting it by letting me love you.
You are the second most precious gift the Lord has ever given me
(after my salvation through Jesus!!),
and I will praise Him forever for that. Even on the hardest days.

Love,
Lisha

PS Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?

Two Big and Really Important Things

Two Big and Really Important Things that I needed to confront head-on today:

#1) I will let people down. No matter what you think of me, or how much you love me (or don't). I have before, and I will again. Too many times to count.

My temper will be short at a time when you need encouragement.
I will break a promise.
My words will shatter your day.
A decision I make, no matter how much prayer and thought I put into it, will leave you baffled or bewildered.
I will forget about plans I made with you.
My bad day will spill over into your world and dampen it.

Why? '...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' [Romans 3:23]. I am included in that 'all'.

A corollary to Big and Really Important Thing #1: People will let me down sometimes. For some or all of the above reasons.

#2) God will not let you down. No matter what you think of Him, or how much you love Him (or don't). He has never, nor will He. His record is impeccable.

He is patient and ready with a loving word. {Psalm 145:8, Zephaniah 3:17}
He never breaks His promises. Not one. {Deuteronomy 7:9, Daniel 9:4}
His Words are meant to help you grow in truth & grace. Sometimes they sting a bit, but it's always for your good. {John 17:17, 2 Peter 3:18, Proverbs 27:6}
His decision will also sometimes leave you baffled and bewildered, but because He is totally trustworthy, you can stand fast on the fact that it's the best decision. {Isaiah 55:8-9}
He never forgets His plans for you. And His plans are perfect. {Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 139:13-16}
He doesn't ask you to bear the brunt of all of the sorrow He carries. {Matthew 11:28-30}

watergurl.wordpress.com

There has been an overwhelming sense of relief in remembering those two truths today. The people-pleaser in me cringes at the thought that I have disappointed others so; and sometimes I wallow in bitterness when others let me down; the reality I need to cling to is that I do disappoint, and so do those I love. But God never fails nor forsakes! And that is why it is SO crucial that I place my trust in God alone, and invite others to do the same by the way I live.

When you let me down - know that my job is not to judge or condemn, it's to forgive liberally and point you to Jesus. Don't let fear keep you away from me.
When I let you down - please, please pray that God would move my heart to confess any sin and seek forgiveness. And please, with grace & mercy, let me know. You are not letting me down when you encourage me to be more like Jesus.
And when all the letting down is done, we can rejoice together that God has not let either of us down. Nor will He. Ever.

Rejoicing that God never fails,
even when I do,
for His glory!
~Lisha

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The Bounty of Redeeming Love

Friends,

My pastor recently wrapped up a beautiful exposition of the story of Ruth - it broadened my understanding of and my love for Jesus Christ as the Redeemer!

You can listen to each one here!
Part 01: A Look at the Book {An overview of Ruth}
Part 02: Ruth's Relations: Choices & Consequences
Part 03: Integrity of Heart - Skillfulness of Hands
Part 04: Ruth's Resolve: Choices & Consequences
Part 05: Ruth's Reverence: Descending to Greatness!
Part 06: Ruth's Reverence: Gleaning & Grace!
Part 07: Discerning God's Will!
Part 08: Ruth's Redemption: Rights & Responsibilities
Part 09: Our Kinsman-Redeemer
Part 10: Ruth's Reward: Redemption Accomplished
Part 11: Ruth's Reward: Satisfaction Attained

If you follow the Lord, take in the glorious truth in these messages that Jesus Christ has paid the infinitely high price for the redemption of your soul. perfectly, completely, eternally. And live like you believe it!

If you have never given a thought to, or you've never cared to know Jesus as the Redeemer of your soul - please make the time to listen to these messages and give them some serious consideration!

www.gospelobsessed.com

What is the Lord teaching you about Himself right now? Please share below!


Redeemed by Jesus,
for His glory!
~Lisha

I'm sharing this post over at A Proverbs 31 Wife, The Modest Mom, The Better Mom, Splashin' Glory, The Time-Warp Wife, Growing Home, Teaching What is Good, Yes They Are All Ours, Far Above Rubies, Cornerstone Confessions, Deep Roots at Home, Walking Redeemed, Raising Homemakers, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Hope in Every Season, I Choose Joy,  Serving Joyfully, Simply Helping Him, & Essential Things Devotions!

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A sweet reminder

"You're a terrible homemaker. Look at this house!"
"Who gave you children? You're not fit to raise the girls. "
"You don't know how to be a friend!"
"You are unloved, and you are not good at loving others."
"You'll never be able to overcome (selfishness, stubbornness, laziness, food, ....etc)"
"You haven't changed at all in the last few years - you won't change."
"There's nothing that you are good at."
"The only reason you follow Jesus is so you can be lazy and stay home...you're not really a Christian."

These are the kinds of words that I have heard in the past few months - some said to me, some echoing in my mind as thoughts from the enemy of my soul. Some over and over again, others with a contempt so fierce that hearing it once was enough to etch it deep into my heart.

Since my Lord is not ever in the business of discouragement (gentle & firm correction and strong convictions, yes! discouragement & belittlement, no!) - I can step objectively outside these accusations and tell you from where they come. But it doesn't mean that the words don't cut like a double-edged sword. That's why it's so crucial to spend lots of time reading and rereading the Word of God (which is sharper than a double-edged sword! [Heb 4:12]), to pour truth in on top of the lies.

I got to spend a good amount of time in prayer this morning (which doesn't happen as much as I'd like), pouring out my aching heart before the Lord...and then just listening. "Remind me today, Lord, that I'm precious to You!" and the reply came softly, in the stillness:

'I have a pretty amazing imagination, my child;
and I created you. YOU.
The shape of your face, the color of your eyes,
the fullness & craziness of your hair,
everything. Just so.
Your build, your talents, your grandest dreams -
I put them all together in a way that delights Me.
You
are made in My image,
and You are my daughter...
You are treasured by me.
I knew your name before your parents did.
Don't you remember what it means?
"of noble birth"
You are a daughter of the King!!
I chose you to be Mine
long before you chose Me!
Even when you feel unloved by man,
it doesn't change the truth that
I love you
and I will care for you
just like I always have.
Cast your cares upon Me -
follow Me, my dear,
and let Me do the rest.'

So, friend, if you need the same encouragement this morning -
You, too, are loved by the One who created you. just so.
And I am praying hard for your heart this morning, that you'll cover the lies
in the Truth of God's Word.


Created & dearly loved,
for His glory!
~Lisha

(See Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1:5, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 John 4:19, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 45:10-11, and Ephesians 2:10 to read His truth for yourself!)


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anguish...and hope! [Lamentations 3]

image from www.shellibourque.com

One of the first places I turn to is Lamentations 3:22-24 when my soul is troubled: "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I hope in Him!' But I don't take the time to read what's around those verses. 

It's easy to search out verses that bring me peace, but I need to take in the whole counsel of God - not just the bits and pieces of passages that I find comforting. So I read most of the book of Lamentations (5 chapters - it's in between the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel). Jeremiah wrote this lament over Jerusalem, and it's not uplifting at all, save the few verses in chapter 3. He describes the utter shaming of his people, his homeland; how the judgement of God had come upon them. He writes of starvation, death, destruction. Jeremiah is in anguish over the state of things - and that God has allowed these things. The first 20 verses of chapter 3 describe how the Lord has greatly afflicted Jeremiah. My eyes filled with tears for the hopelessness pouring off the pages. for the confusion. for the agony that he felt watching his people suffer for their sins. and then for the dread of what I know I deserve for my unfaithfulness to the Lord. Four and a half of the five chapters are painful to read!!

And then, this respite in a barren place:

This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope!!
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I hope in Him!”
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
to the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord.
It is good for a man to bear
the yoke in his youth.
Let him sit alone and keep silent,
because God has laid it on him;
let him put his mouth in the dust—
there may yet be hope.
Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him,
and be full of reproach.
For the Lord will not cast off forever.
Though He causes grief,
yet He will show compassion
according to the multitude of His mercies!
For He does not afflict willingly,
nor grieve the children of men.

He does. not. afflict. willingly. For all that befell the Israelites, and all that has come to me in the way of uncomfortable circumstances - God does not afflict willingly! He does not grieve my heart willingly. He IS merciful and compassionate, and it's easy enough to cling to just those few verses - but until His mercy is cast upon the somber and devastating backdrop of the wretchedness of my deeds and my sin and my unfaithfulness - it doesn't mean as much to me.

I need to be reminded often that I. am. depraved. Left to my own desires and wishes, I want what I think is best for me. When the Lord allows affliction, it's sometimes because He wants me to come to terms with my sin and cast myself again upon His mercies.

A little farther down, I see:
Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass,
when the Lord has not commanded it?!
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High
that woe and well-being proceed?
Why should a living man complain,
a man for the punishment of his sins?
Let us search out and examine our ways,
and turn back to the Lord;
let us lift our hearts and hands
to God in heaven.
[Lamentations 3:21-33,37-41]

Why should I complain when I see the consequences of my sin? It's true that Jesus Christ bore the punishment for my sins once and for all on the cross; but it is also true that when I sow sin in my life, I will eventually reap the consequences. God's grace may cover the due punishment for my sin, but it does not allow escape for the outcome.

Let me continually search and examine my ways, to see whether or not I am being selfish or seeking what the Lord says in any and all matters; Father, let me always turn back to You the instant I realize I'm beginning to turn away! Thank You that You are merciful, and Your compassions never fail; thank You that You are faithful to Your word regardless of how faithless and sinful I am!! Without the depths of my sin, I'd not appreciate the heights of Your forgiveness & love. Be it ever so, Lord!

Great is His faithfulness,
for His glory!
~Lisha



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