Living a Life of Expectancy

Today our pastor taught from Luke 1. His premise: The Christmas Story is full of unmet expectations. I never really thought of it that way, but he is so on target. Lots of expectations from Mary to Joseph, to the Shepherds and even the people of Israel...and none of what they had thought, dreamed of, pictured, etc....worked out exactly as imagined.

"There is a difference between our expectations of what we want/ask God to do,

and having a life of expectancy."

This is especially true of Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. Can you imagine waiting all of your lives to have a child, likely giving up on that dream because of circumstances (like advanced age, etc.), and then being told by an angel that you would have a child? What's more, this boy would be named John and would be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. He would bring back the people of Israel to their God; turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to wisdom and righteousness...WOW! I love it that Zechariah was so overwhelmed and questioning, that Gabriel had to really impress upon him what was coming to pass: he made 'ole Zech speechless!

I honestly have no clue what Zechariah and Elizabeth were expecting God to do, but I do know God Himself exceeded those expectations in miraculous and amazing ways. 'Kind of makes me want to expect big things of God and not put any kind of demands or ideas around what His actions might be...what HE has designed is going to be far better...far greater...far more fulfilling than ANYTHING I could dream up.

John's job was "to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17)...again, not likely in the way that his parents or family/friends would have designed, but definitely what God wanted.

So...as I prepare for Christmas once again, I want to be made ready, prepared for the Lord. AND: I'm letting go of what that might "look like" for me, to not expect anything in particulary , but to expect God to be who HE always is, and to act in whatever way HE sees fit.

Father, my prayer is that YOU will meet me, and my friends and family, in whatever way you know will be best for us...NOT how I think you should, could, or would...Help me, and those I hold dear, to live a life of expectancy. Expectancy that you are who you say you are; that you will hear our prayers, and you will always act on behalf of those you love in amazing ways...just like you did with Zech and Liz...

:-)

How Could I Ask for More?

How Could I Ask For More?
There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon

Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon

Catching fireflies at night

Building castles in the sand

Kissing Mama's face goodnight

Holding Daddy's hand

Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass

A little hide and go seek

Being so in love, that you can hardly eat

Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around

Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow fall to the ground

Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness

Some dreams that are realities today

Such an irony the things that mean the most to me

Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned From this journey I am on

Simple truths will keep you going

Simple love will keep you strong

Cause there are questions without answers

Flames that never die

Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise

So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord

How could I ask for more

Amazing Grace

I've always loved the song AMAZING GRACE, and have read about it's composer John Newton. Recently I purchased the DVD of the movie AMAZING GRACE. I don't know if you have seen the movie , but if you haven't-- I highly recommend it. I actually heard the theme song from that movie for the first time after a message given at the GREAT BANQUET which I recently attended (one of those top 10 life-changing events!)...

For sure I have always loved this song, but this new interpretation by Chris Tomlin, just speaks something to me, like I've never heard this song speak to me before. I probably listen to this song at least one time a day, usually more, since I first heard it...and I have not tired of it yet. I believe what has touched me so much at this way of singing the song is the addition of "MY CHAINS ARE GONE"...what an awesome truth. When I truly know the grace of God: in my heart, in my soul, and down to my toes, then my chains are really gone and I am free. Those chains can be my own stubbornness, self-doubt, really horrendous habits that I can't seem to beat into submission, and so on. Like a flood, His mercies truly do reign, and therefore I have hope.

"It's a powerful idea. grace. It really is," Bono told launch.com in October. "We hear so much of karma and so little of grace. Every religion teaches about karma and what you put out you will receive. And even Christianity, which is supposed to be about grace, has turned redemption into good manners, or the right accent, or good works, or whatever.
I just can't get over grace." (Prologue, Amazing Grace: The Story of America's Most Beloved Song, by Steve Turner)


AMAZING GRACE (MY CHAINS ARE GONE)
(Arrangement and additional chorus by Chris Tomlin & Louie Giglio)

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see

Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace Appear?
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, My Savior
Has ransomed me
And like a flood
His mercy reigns
Unending Love, Amazing Grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, My Savior
Has ransomed me
And like a flood
His mercy reigns
Unending Love, Amazing Grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
YOU are forever mine

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I've definitely "found out what it means to me" :-)

There's a person in my life who shows little respect to me, and therefore makes me CRAZY! I'm not the kind of gal who needs to be liked by everyone (thank you JESUS!), but to not have respect is quite challenging. To be discounted; treated as "lesser than"; ignored, etc. Man, that's a hard one for me.

So, tonite after my latest encounter and experience with this, I started "noodling" on it...to be honest, I'm so thankful God is helping me take a step back, and be a bit more objective. Usually, I just want to make my point: IN A BIG WAY...which would not be good!

Here's my thing: I really need to
1. Remember this person is a child of God's dearly loved and highly valued
2. It's really not about me...it's more about them, and what they are experiencing/facing/etc.
3. I know where my worth comes from, and I don't have to have it rely on how another shows that, etc.
4. I doubt I'm the first person that has been treated by this particular individual...guess what, unless God does a miracle and there is major growth (and I KNOW HE can do that...); it will happen again.
5. The results of this type of behavior for this person are worst for them than for me...see: I'm writing a whole blog on it!

SO, here's what R-E-S-P-E-C-T means to me:
1. Understanding and affirming other's roles and responsibilities (even if I don't agree with them being in a certain position, etc.)
2. Practising manners and behavior towards another, even when I don't particularly like them on a person level.
3. Being gracious and merciful when someones not at their best...because none of us are ALWAYS at their best
4. Holding others up in prayer: ESPECIALLY when they don't show respect to me
5. Treating others well, even when not treated well myself...

OK, you'd think we'd all get this right in kindergarten, but alas...we have not!
:-)

The Blessing of "Messing Up" Publicly

I really didn't do too well with a particular situation at work this week...actually, I'll be REALLY honest: I FAILED (AND IT WAS BIG!!!!)

While bummed that once again I stepped into the "miry clay", I am excited that I have no doubt (NONE!) that God still loves me, forgives me and restores me (what would any of us do without knowing this?...can't imagine!)

The other cool thing, is that it causes me to be humble. I had to ask for forgiveness and acknowledge my own sin. While never fun, it sure does keep one from getting to excited about one's self! :-) God is close to the humble, but removes Himself and actually opposes those who are proud. So, I have a real interest and commitment in ridding all that ugly pride stuff, but I surely do continue to have major set backs! UGH...

I heard the new rendition of AMAZING GRACE by Chris Tomlin, and I have fallen in love with this song. Besides hearing a new twist on an AWESOME old classic, there is a part of the song now I love:

"My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God, My Savior

Has ransomed me

And like a flood

His Mercy reigns

Unending love, amazing grace"

Isn't this just the best? I don't know about you, but this gives me hope. I'm free and God's grace can help me work through the continual messes I make: Unending love, amazying grace, it just leaves me speechless.