Good Tidings!

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).

Wishing you a joyful Christmas celebration! Take time to remember the reason for the season.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Book Signing Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who attended my book signing on Saturday, December 19th at Sign of the Fish bookstore. Praying those who read "My Heart's Desire" will find everlasting peace, joy and love. Enjoy!

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Mary a.k.a. Martha

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

My given name is Mary, but these days you wouldn’t know it. I more closely resemble her workaholic sister, Martha. I love December and all the magic of Christmas, but I find I am running myself ragged doing everything but sitting at my Savior’s feet; drinking from the living water of His Spirit. There’s shopping, decorating, party-planning and more, all being juggled alongside my work, family, and church commitments. Each year I tell myself it will be different; I won’t be in such a rush to complete the “to do list” I’ve compiled. But is that realistic, or even possible for a Martha personality? It is if I allow it to be.

Today I purposed to spend time reading my Bible, and reflecting on what God longed to say to my busy troubled heart. You see, I do find great joy in serving Him by “doing” things for others. There are times I am convinced the Father is calling me to get up from my chair and act upon the commands He has given, not just soak in all His love for myself. People need to be touched by the love of Christ in word and in deed. They go hand-in-hand. If they didn’t, Jesus would not have provided such an example of servant hood for us to model. My problem is often the same as Martha’s. My motivation for serving coupled with my attitude is not aligned with Jesus’ desires. This is what leaves me empty and dry.

As I communed with my precious Savior today, I found my soul quenched by His words of hope and life. Every time I read about spiritual darkness I am filled with gratitude for how God drew me to Himself, and illuminated my entire being with His love. Energy infused, I am reading to face the day. The Father assures me that wanting to do good things is not bad, but when I start to feel resentful of all that is before me it’s my signal to stop and do a heart-check. As I confess my sin of worry over many things that God has not ordained, I find forgiveness and peace. Praying that I will live more as Mary than Martha, and that I drink daily from heaven’s fountain of living water so Christ’s light can shine through me into a dark world. What a joy that will be! "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

What do you need, Lord?

“Then the King (Jesus) will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

So many needs, so many blessings, all intertwined this month. My senses are functioning on high alert. Is this a sign of my spiritual maturity? I doubt it. Although much wisdom has been imparted much more needs to be put into practice. Until the day I can serve God as consistently as breathing, without analyzing why I should or should not act on the opportunities He presents, I remain stunted in my spiritual growth. November finds me mindful of a soft voice growing louder as I fight to smother the fear His response will bring to my question, “What do you need, Lord?” As always, He provides ample opportunities to be a blessing or a curse.

For me, there has been a recent surge in the need to feed others physically and spiritually. Sometimes I am prompted to prepare and serve the food, other times to donate money toward this fight against hunger. No matter what the method I have felt the Spirit at work in the details, and I am in awe. Jesus has asked His followers to join the battle against a greater starvation overtaking the world; the war to feed malnourished souls. If I’ll step forward in obedience He promises to arm me well, and faithfully He does. While many occasions to engage in such work come to memory, three are most vivid.

The first occurred one November Saturday. I frequently cook food that area churches serve to the homeless on the streets of downtown Raleigh. Jon and I longed to join the volunteers, but travel and work schedules previously interfered. At last the calendar cooperated with our wishes. While carefully shopping for the casserole ingredients I was delegated to bake the Holy Spirit whispered, “Mary, don’t skimp. Buy the best. Shop as if you are serving this to Jesus.” Reality check! Do I view the disadvantaged as people who should be happy with second best; life’s scraps? Or do I see them as jewels in the crown I will one day place before my King? Who am I serving?

Needless to say, I asked God to fill my cart with only the choicest ingredients for that casserole, and baked it with Jesus in mind. As we stood side-by-side serving the homeless that crisp autumn day, I was overcome with emotion. There were hundreds in line waiting for their warm meal. I had the good fortune of being assigned to the dessert table, where I could offer people a choice. How brightly their faces beamed when their selection was placed on their plate. Many praised God along with us, and suddenly it occurred to me that I am serving Jesus today. These are my fellow siblings in Christ! We are bound by the same living Spirit of God. Nothing separates us. We are one body.

The second occasion to serve the Lord happened this week. Jon and I hosted four International and two American students from North Carolina State University for Thanksgiving dinner. We did not know if all of them where Christians, but it didn’t matter. I approached the meal preparations with the same gusto as if God were joining us for supper. In my mind He was! I was excited to show them the love of Christ regardless of their beliefs. Who knows what God can do through the kindness of a stranger? I want to be used this way, so I am learning to pray to be more in tune to His calling.

The third chance surfaced yesterday. I was meeting my girlfriend at a coffee shop prior to my book signing event. Her cheerful voice greeted me when I entered the store as she proceeded to tell me she’d just bought the gentleman in the corner breakfast. He was homeless, and looked like he had lived on the streets for many years. Struck by her generosity, I turned to ask the man if he would like something else since I was buying myself a cup of hot chocolate. He sheepishly looked at me; then politely gave me his order. Handing him his food I blessed him. In my heart I was longing to do more, just not so publicly.

When my girlfriend went to the restroom God gave me a chance to respond as He lovingly said, “Go give him $20 discretely so only my eyes and ears can witness. Do not seek applause from anyone.” Resisting the temptation to waffle, I got up and handed the man the cash without uttering a word to my girlfriend. I only mention it now as a reminder to myself that one of the most important questions I need to be asking daily is, “What do you need, Lord?” Obedience is paramount. Perhaps you will agree. “Then the King (Jesus) will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Greatest Sacrifice

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

It was Veteran’s Day this week; a time of reflection on past and present sacrifices our military (and their families) make for our freedom. For me, November 11th has been an emotional day for several years now. It was 14 years ago we buried my youngest brother who although not a soldier still died fighting his own life battle. His only son is a firefighter in the United States Air Force, bound for Iraq in February, 2010 and Para-rescue training camp upon his return to the states. Trusting his fate to God is not always easy; we selfishly want to keep him all to ourselves. But the Father understands our pain, for His was much worse two thousand years ago on Calvary’s hilltop. The cross was the site of the greatest sacrifice ever paid.

While physical wars between nations wage on, I find this can sometimes distract me from the spiritual battle at hand. When so many soldiers and civilians die and peace appears bleak, I can be tempted to forget to pray for a different kind of victory. The real war that needs to be won is the fight for lost souls, the reason Jesus lived and died for. His was not a political war, but a struggle to reconcile all humans with God by His death for our eternal life. His unblemished heart and mind took the place of my sinful and corrupt one, all so that Jesus can call me “friend” as I call Him “Savior”. What a trade off.

Whenever we pause to pray for our military and their families let us also remember to thank God the Father for God the Son’s precious gift to humanity. True freedom begins with a choice to accept the gift of eternal life that is free to us, but cost Jesus everything. Only He can help us pray for our enemy’s eyes and hearts to be opened to the gospel of hope, and that they passionately embrace it.

Peace on earth begins not with swords reeled by one soldier against another, but when God’s Holy Word pierces our hearts and transforms us. As we support our troops in battle, so should our patronage be for our fellow Christians serving in God’s soul-winning army worldwide. Our sacrifice of prayer is so small when compared to the ultimate sacrifice of love. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Delight of Singing

“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

My church choir singing days ended early. Forever altered by the affects of my short-lived cheerleading experience, and my long-term aerobics instructor career, my limited range never recovered. Although no great loss to the audience, it was to me. Many Sunday mornings the dream of singing before my peers resurfaced. Admiring most in others what talent I myself lacked, I longed to join the vocalists. Several years later, one unsuspecting Sunday, my wish was granted revealing God’s great sense of humor.

Shortly after joining a new church I was invited to a Sunday school class for singles. The leader would open us up in song accompanied by his newly acquired guitar skills. None of the songs were familiar to me. I had grown up in a different denomination than the church I was now attending. My friends were tolerant of my missed cues and lovingly helped me along. If I messed up I simply laughed; keeping my volume relatively low. Somehow I’d managed to fool the leader. Thinking I was capable, he asked me to sing with him alongside my friends.

“Did he really pick me to sing in front of the class?” Years of untapped talent were about to burst forth, at least in my imagination! Excited, I jumped up from my seat feeling like a real crooner. Careful not to get too carried away, I kept my pitch lower than the others. Inside I was smiling brightly as we sang off key to a guitar played out of rhythm. Resisting the urge to bust out laughing, I wondered if God was rejoicing. Did we make His heart glow even though our skills needed perfecting? I sensed He was thrilled with the attempt because our cheerful hearts over compensated for our off-beat lyrics.

Thankful for that one chance, I did not expect to sing again in Sunday school. But God allowed my dream to continue week after week, much to my surprise. Months later I noticed my voice getting stronger, and my range improving. Although I still wasn’t gifted with a fabulous singing voice, it was exciting to feel less self-conscious. Who would have thought that I would be able to carry a tune after so much damage to my vocal cords? This was fun!

Sometime later the Lord impressed upon me that it wasn’t the sound of my singing that He delighted in, but the feeling behind the words I bellowed. That melody was sweet to His ears, and He challenged me to listen to His voice too. How precious to discover that Jesus delights over my fumbled attempts to sing His praises as He sings over me, His daughter. “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

God’s Cheerleading Squad

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes other will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

Have you heard the news? God is looking for cheerleaders on His team. Are you interested? Could you use a little encouragement today? Do you know someone who needs to be uplifted? Would you like to be used by Jesus to build up the heart of a tortured soul who needs a touch of amazing grace? If so, consider this your royal invitation to join God in His court and tryout for a team He wants you on. Here are the qualifications you will need.

1. A repentant heart; one that is captivated by the immeasurable sacrifice of Jesus Christ who though perfect paid for your sins by His death, burial and resurrection

2. A life that continuously seeks to surrender to the Father’s will above its own, and longs to leave a legacy of blessing that will glorify the name of God forever

3. A teachable spirit—God will show you the moves and give you the cheers you are requested to perform that will draw spectators off the bench and into the arena of life

4. A thankful heart; one that rejoices in praising the name of Jesus and seeing others join in the chant

Can you imagine how much our world (and our own attitude) would change if we grasped the concept that we are gifted by the Holy Spirit for such a ministry? This is not a superficial cheering squad I am talking about. Christians know what’s at stake—the salvation of the lost. Although we are on the winning team the game is not over. It is still being played out in the drama of life. Recruitment continues; Jesus wants to increase the size of his cheerleaders, as well as His players.

What do cheerleaders do on Christ’s roster? They encourage others with His Holy Scriptures. They share what struggles and transformations are taking place in their own lives. Cheerleaders are open, honest, enthusiastic and raw with their emotions. They cry when it gets tough but they never give up hope in a positive outcome. Unlike earthly teams that experience defeat, they know on God’s team the greatest victory awaits them in heaven. They help others press on to glory regardless of how vicious the opposing team attacks. Their faith is in the right Person who will deliver all who follow Him.

There is a special reward God grants to His cheerleaders. It is a byproduct of their obedience to pour out themselves before others so His Holy Spirit can shine through their words and actions. Because cheerleaders delight in the smiling faces of the players on God’s team, and the spectators who one day leap from the sidelines to join in the game because of divine intervention, they are encouraged by those they have rooted for. This is the cycle of God’s blessing flowing from His Spirit to ours to another person’s and beyond, forming a beautiful circle connected by His love.

If you have been sitting in the stands observing the game and wondering which team to join, please make the only right choice. Confess your need for a Savior and forgiveness of your sins, accept by faith that Jesus paid for your sins by His death at Calvary, and believe that He is praying for you always as He sits on the right side of the Father in heaven. Don’t you want to be on His winning team where you can experience daily refreshment for your soul? Come join us. Somebody needs to hear the voice of your unique cheer the Spirit will teach you to recite! “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes other will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).


Your fellow sojourner (and cheerleader),

Mary

Rejects Welcome

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Sifting through hundreds of resumes each week would sometimes leave me callous. As a corporate recruiter I was not trained to be emotionally attached to the applicants. My eyes scanned the documents seeking to identify only those who perfectly match the job description. There was no interest in the misfits. Not so long ago the Lord pressed upon my heart that the world’s standard of perfection is often translated into a reflection of His standard. This is a false perception because Jesus loves what society rejects, and welcomes us close where He makes us perfect. He does not expect us to approach Him in this state, or to pursue it without His help. Attempting this in our own strength only leaves us exhausted.

How rested do you feel today? If you are like me the endless pursuit of perfectionism the world demands leaves you depleted each day. Until recently, I never used to contemplate the people behind the names on the resumes that did not measure up to the standards the hiring manager required. More and more I see large gaps in their employment history, and I find myself saddened that I cannot help them. Because I cannot plead their case to the manager does not mean there is nothing I can do for them. There is another option God has given me; I can pray they will be blessed.

As I select the reject button that sends the candidate an email my imagination overtakes me. I wonder how they will react when they receive the automated note informing them they are not a fit. Is disappointment heavy on their heart because they have been out of work so long? Are they facing financial ruin? Have they run out of hope? How is this job search affecting them emotionally? Are they exhausted physically and spiritually? Do they have a good support system, or is their faith waning? At this moment my silent prayer begins as I beseech the Giver of all good things to bless them with work.

In the middle of one of these quiet prayers the Holy Spirit interrupts my thoughts to remind me to pray these people draw near to Jesus. He knows the longings of their heart, and will supply all that is needed. I pray He will open doors that no one can close, and that His favor rests on them. In their moment of rejection my hope is they will turn to Christ who never turns down anyone who seeks Him. There is only one qualification to be welcomed into His kingdom, and that is to believe that He paid your entrance fee with His blood. By your own merit you cannot be good enough, smart enough, or well-connected enough to gain access to heaven.

You cannot make your life’s resume flashier or join a social networking group that will put you in good standing with Jesus. This is good news to all who are worn out trying to get God’s attention as I was for so many years! You are granted direct access to Him as you develop a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, fellowship and Bible study. This is where you will learn for yourself that He wants to lift your cares, and give you the soul rest you crave.

While my prayers for those resume owners who I may never meet may seem trivial, I believe they are powerful because God is prompting them out of me. Who knows, one day a fellow saint may whisper in my ear as we’re praising Jesus side-by-side, “You were the one who prayed for me to be encouraged when I was downtrodden. I turned to Jesus and He welcomed me in.” Such joy there will be when we behold the receiver of the prayers the Father asked us to recite. Let us ask God to sharpen our senses to those who need to hear these healing words. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

A Modern Day Forerunner

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert. Make straight the way for the Lord” (John 1:23).

In Bible Study Fellowship we are studying the gospel of John this year. Before the Apostle John introduces readers to the Messiah he writes of John the Baptist, the one who points the people to Jesus. As I read the first chapter of the book of John, I was challenged by the reality that John the Baptist never denied Christ was coming, but rather denied he himself was the Christ when questioned by the Jewish priests, Levites and Pharisees. How often have my words and deeds failed to mirror those of John the Baptist? Even once is too much; this thought makes me sad. But God is igniting a new fire in me as I study this passage of Scripture. While John the Baptist directed people to the first coming of Christ, I (along with all believers) am commanded to share the news of Christ’s second coming. We are all modern day forerunners.

As a Christian, have you ever thought of yourself as one who is used by God to make straight the path to heaven? Or are you complacent in your own salvation assurance choosing instead to leave the work of evangelism to someone else? It is a very easy trap to fall into as life provides a myriad of excuses for each of us to claim as reasonable evidence as to why we are not sharing what the gospel offers. We justify our silence and validate the voice that lies when it tells us our faith in Christ alone is too narrow-minded, what others believe is none of our business, or we don’t feel “gifted” in this area of ministry. We have convinced ourselves that God selects a few special souls to share the message that judgment day is drawing near, and He does not need us to reach the masses of unbelievers on earth. We have forgotten we are no different than John the Baptist. We are His forerunners.

How do I know this? Because the last recorded words of Jesus in the Bible were the great commission to His disciples. As He anointed the twelve before He ascended into heaven, He still anoints His followers with His Holy Spirit today. The mission has not changed. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Two things stand out to me as I read those words of my Lord and Savior—go and tell and I will be with you wherever you are. Jesus did not command me to soak in all the abundant life He has to offer and hoard it for myself. He has asked me to share His amazing love with others, so I may share in my Master’s joy when another sinner joins God’s family.

John the Baptist provided a wonderful example for me to emulate. He wasn’t concerned about how people reacted to his appearance, his actions or his words. John’s focus was always on leading others to repentance and salvation in the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. John was humble of heart and strong in spirit, for he left the results of his proclamations to God. He knew his place in God’s great plan for mankind’s redemption. John was not their Messiah. His only responsibility was to ready their hearts to receive Jesus. John was not appointed to lord over the people, but anointed to point the people to their Lord.

In over two thousand years the commission has not changed. Let us be those voices of light and life crying out in the spiritual wilderness of society so that others may believe. Jesus is coming back. Don’t you find it exciting to be one of His forerunners? I do! Pray with me to respond as John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert. Make straight the way for the Lord” (John 1:23).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Real Love Hurts

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Have you ever loved someone so much you were willing to trade your comfort for their suffering? In the midst of their painful trial did your heart break as you stood by helpless to relieve their burden? Did you ask God to transfer their sorrow to you because you are strong and ready to fight for the weak? If so, whose pain were you looking to alleviate? Was it your own discomfort you wished to eliminate after you’d exhausted all your coping mechanisms? Or was it compassion for the one who suffers whose life you value above your own? Only the later is real love, and real love hurts.

There are days when I question why there is so much hardship in the world. Does Jesus not care about the person I’m praying for whose situation grows increasingly worse? Of course He does! Likewise, He cares about shaping me to be more like Him. That’s what a follower is supposed to do—reflect the image of the leader they are focused on. It’s in life’s trials that Christ reveals more of His love to me, and shows me how limited my capacity to love is without His Holy Spirit molding my heart.

Over the past few years God has given me many opportunities to feel a tiny speck of His immeasurable compassion for the whole human race. Often this involves watching someone I love suffer unbearably. There were moments when I beg Jesus to lift their cares and place them on me; fearing they will collapse under the weight of it all. I watch them trapped in their grief and in my love for them I long to pull them out of the pit of weeping into the light of rejoicing. My desire is for their season of mourning to be turned into dancing, as I cry for their plight. In my soul’s lowest hour of agony God’s voice broke through the wailing, and He shared this truth with me.

“Mary, I love them far more than you do. Your feelings of compassion come from Me. Every time you long to exchange places with them, and make their suffering your own, you are connected to My Son. I am giving you a small glimpse of my extravagant love for all mankind. Jesus loved you so much He couldn’t bear to let you die because of your sins. He elected to take your place, and it was His love for you that held Him on the cross in Calvary. His love is the greatest love. It perseveres in the face of death. It’s real, and real love hurts.”
As I ponder these words the Father has spoken to me, I am both thankful and challenged. Gratitude comes from knowing He is allowing me to experience a limited portion of Christ’s powerful love. Not only do I want more of this love, but I want to share it with hurting souls everywhere. The challenge set before me is to not give up. Real love never quits. It’s a forever love not based on whimsical feelings, but on continually choosing to love so tenaciously that I have the best interest of others in mind over myself. Praying for Jesus to help me be the lover the world needs to see so they will glorify His name. I think I’m on the right path because it hurts. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

You Will Find Me in the Garden

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).

September is one of my favorite months--a time to welcome the harvest season as we savor the last kiss of summer. All my life, September represented change. It was the start of each new school year, the month I moved from familiar surroundings to begin anew elsewhere, and the month I got married. September generally finds me full of life and energy; welcoming the new beginnings I have been afforded. This year, however, some events feel more like endings. The season of plenty has been shaken up; I question what seeds I have been sowing in life’s garden.

The first jolt struck after our San Francisco trip. Prior to vacation there were three recruiters in my corporate job, whittled down from eight this spring. Last Monday I discovered I would be working solo. Grateful for a paycheck but upset over logging in fifty-hour weeks; I feel completely depleted. I want to write, want to do my Bible study, respond to social invitations all without labeling these another “project” I have a deadline to complete. The under tow of life’s current is strong right now. I have to fight to breath in God’s truth that sustains me. As if this news wasn’t challenging enough, another wave came that toppled my spirit.

A loved one is drowning financially and spiritually. My husband and I have been one of God’s lifelines for them over the last four years, supporting them in prayer, monies, words, and temporary shelter. There have been glimmers of hope along the way when employment filled the gap, but it never lasted. Neither has love for this individual. They are alone and getting harder to reach despite our best efforts. They tell us they have all but given up on life and anything good happening. Bankruptcy is in their future, and we are deeply saddened. I found myself grieving the last week or so, wondering why this torture continues to haunt our lives. I know God loves this person more than I do, yet I am conflicted over why someone I have battled for is sinking deeper. Through tearful eyes I read my Bible and wait for the Lord to answer, and then He does.

At present, God does not give me insight into why these events are happening. He only promises me peace that comes when I trust in Him, and that He is longing to gather others into His family. Surely the Lord can do this without my help. He is Almighty and needs no one. But He has asked me as His child to join Him in this task, and harvesting requires action. Taking my focus off my feelings and listening for God’s voice, I hear a stirring in my soul that has emboldened me to share His love with others like never before. With my co-workers I reveal I am praying for them, and that God will be their protection in this storm. People seem more open to hear these words of hope because they are disillusioned by the empty promises of man. In all of the brokenness of life Jesus is making a way for His light to sign into dark lives. Although I may not feel like it, He assures me I am one of His small lanterns.

As I pray for and minister to my loved one who needs a spiritual and financial miracle, I sense God asking me to have faith that He will answer my pleas. He is not guaranteeing bankruptcy for this person will be avoided, but that He can use these tragedies for good. My greatest desire is to walk beside those I love in heaven with Jesus forever. My joy is not complete in knowing I am saved when my heart’s burden is so heavy for those who are lost.

Looking out my window I see a rose bush filled with tiny pink blossoms. This variety is a fairy rose with petite petals and flowers. It blooms in every season here, and thrives in the worst of drought. Gazing upon its beauty I have often overlooked the fact that this delicate flower is surrounded by thorns, yet never stops growing and glorifying its Creator. This is where I want to be found, working alongside God cultivating His garden. With Christ’s help the thorns of life cannot choke out the beauty of His light in me. All is not in vain. Jesus at work in me will produce a great heavenly harvest where the eternal rewards are spectacular. That’s the best workforce I could be a part of! Care to join us? “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Narrow Golden Gate

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Fresh from our weekend trip to San Francisco, my husband and I are reliving the experience in our daily conversations with friends and strangers alike. We are excited to share our adventure when the opportunity arises; lingering in the memory of the beauty our senses absorbed. It was our first visit to that part of California, and we discovered places that area natives rarely see. One particular jewel was Muir Woods located twenty minutes north of San Francisco. It truly is God’s cathedral adorned with giant redwoods towering gracefully towards the heavens. This was our favorite spot followed by the famed Golden Gate Bridge. It was there that the Father taught me a lesson about faith.

At first glance, we could not see the cables that supported the bridge. Everything was covered in a thick fog that made walking across the bridge seem treacherous. The wind was blowing, the surface below us shook, and visibility was no more than a few feet ahead of us. It was like walking in the middle of a cloud, and I was disappointed. Snapping photos of my husband leaning over the bridge gave the illusion he was high on top of a mountain with no vision of the earth and water below him. We’d looked forward to this trip for weeks; now it appeared we wouldn’t see the magnificent cable structure of the bridge. The fog was just too thick.

Should we keep walking, or should we turn around like so many others before us had? Part of us wanted to relinquish, but our instincts told us not to. This would be our only chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge as we were driving to Monterey the following morning. If we remained patient maybe we’d see the skies clear, even if only for a minute. I clutched our camera close to me, hoping to see the sun burn away the clouds. I didn’t want to risk missing a chance to capture a glimpse of this engineering marvel.

Suddenly, the vision we’d hoped for appeared as the sunlight peaked through the clouds. I looked up and saw the orange bridge tower and cable structure through the haze. “There it is!” I shouted to Jon, who lifted his eyes too. The fog continued to tease us as it covered and revealed the bridge in short intervals. Like a dance we were part of but not controlling, our footsteps moved in rhythm to the wind, and we walked on in great anticipation of another view. Going half-way or turning around was no longer an option. We were in it for the duration of the adventure.

Minutes later the blue sky defeated the fog and the city of San Francisco could be seen from the bridge. Gazing on the ocean hundreds of feet below us, we took pictures of the scenery from every vantage point available. We’d crossed over to the sunny side of the bridge and were reaping the rewards of persistence! As we turned to retrace our steps back towards the car, we entered the fog once more. It was then I felt the Lord teaching me how to walk through the narrow gate of faith He’d constructed. The parallels between the fog on the Golden Gate Bridge and lack of clarity we experience in our daily faith walk became all too clear.

When circumstances blind my vision of the future will I retreat in fear or press on believing God will be my guide? When the winds of change shake the foundation under my feet, will I keep walking confidently trusting Jesus to support me just as I trusted the Golden Gate Bridge cables? Will I choose the narrow path that leads to eternal life believing what the Bible says regardless of how clouded life appears? Or will I back away and give up pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ because it seems too mysterious? Do I need proof God is faithful before I will follow Him without question into the mist? My prayer is for God to strengthen my faith and trust in Him alone, replacing what my easily fooled senses tell me.

All I cannot see is more real than everything my eyes behold daily. Heaven is merely beyond the fog of earth. I do not want to walk through the clear wide gate that offers knowledge without eternal hope. I pray to stay close to my King; letting Him help me walk through the clouds of uncertainty. I do not need to understand why something is temporarily blocked from my view. I only desire to know, with the eyes of my heart, that I’m walking through the narrow golden gate towards heaven’s front door, where Jesus welcomes me in. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Continually Blessed

“May the Lord continually bless you with heaven’s blessings as well as with human joys” (Psalm 128:5).

NOTE: This photo was taken on September 5, 2009 in Hanging Rock State Park, NC by Jon's oldest daughter.
On September 7th Jon and I will celebrate seven years of marriage. Each year the anniversary carries a deeper meaning as we reflect on God’s providence. It’s a time of anticipation of what lies ahead, as we see how far God’s grace has carried us through the seasons. Hardship and happiness all roll into one beautiful tapestry that our Creator is designing. God’s blessings continue to amaze us as we acknowledge this marriage takes three of us to succeed.

You see, I was a bride before I met Jon. That Man was my first love, and it’s critical that I run to Him daily for wholeness, guidance and mercy. He’s selfless. In fact, He longs to be shared! This Man prepared Jon and me to be good to each other, long before we met. It brings Him great joy to see our human relationships flourish. He is eager to help. What a miracle it is that loving two men can create such harmony in my life.

This can only happen because Jesus is no ordinary man. He is the incarnation of God the Father, fully man and fully divine. Every year I celebrate the anniversary of our union in November. It is no less precious to me than my September wedding day shared with Jon. What a beautiful example of heaven’s blessings and human joys working in unison! Both involve trust, love and a life-long commitment to discovery. We never stop learning about each other, and finding new ways to grow closer.

Being saved while I was single was a great gift. God had my undivided attention, and could shape my heart for the mission He had planned for me. He taught me how to pray for the qualities a godly husband should have, and gave me discernment in my dating relationships. Until I gave Jesus control over the choice of my future mate, my selections were always second rate. Any joy I felt was superficial and fleeting. He filled my empty soul, and satisfied my deepest longing for acceptance. This took the pressure off of any human man to eradicate the hunger in me that only God can fulfill.

While life will always contain a compilation of experiences, earthly pleasures are short-lived. However, the blessings derived from our unity in Christ are eternal. As much as Jon and I love each other, we cannot guarantee we will always be there for one another. Humans disappoint. Death claims all of us one day, leaving loved ones behind. God is the one Person who never abandons us. This truth brings me such comfort! It is just one of the many constant blessings the Lord bestows on believers. Heavenly bliss is truly everlasting.

Celebrating the sacredness of my marriage to Jon is always overshadowed by the realization that I belong to Jesus too. No matter what our situation—single, married, divorced, widowed, there is a greater love available to each of us. All we need to do is R.S.V.P. with a resounding “yes!” to the wedding feast our King invites us to attend. Don’t delay your reply; won’t you join Him at the table reserved for His family members? Come celebrate this eternal anniversary with your Savior. “May the Lord continually bless you with heaven’s blessings as well as with human joys” (Psalm 128:5).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Prayer Gift Letter for My Friend

I wrote this letter for my friend who is terminally ill. Her name has been removed from the letter to protect her confidence. A special "thank you" to Lee Merrill who introduced me to "Prayer Gifts" at the Proverbs 31 She Speaks 2008 conference. The blessing lives on, Lee!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

Father, the moment I heard of my friend’s illness you spoke these words to me in prayer. I know that you wanted me to share this truth with her, this verse is for her. Please help her to see that it is a special love letter from you; meant to bring her comfort each time she meditates on these words.

Dear friend, I pray you always remember that Jesus loves you. He is right beside you holding you up before the Father. He is your greatest intercessor—He continually prays for you before the throne of grace! You are not alone. If you listen with your heart you can feel God strengthening you for this journey you are on. It is not an easy road. He knows that. You can depend on Him to walk beside you, and to provide all that you need.

May you rest assured that you are surrounded by heavenly angels when you least expect them, and most need them. Sometimes they will be angels with skin on in the form of family and friends. Other days they will be invisible to your eyes, but not your senses. I pray the knowledge of their presence ministering to your soul brings you peace.

Thank you, Father, for watching over all the affairs of my friend's life. Help her to trust in your faithfulness and all-sufficient power. Give her a special revelation of your love for her, and help her to lean on you for guidance in all her decisions. Bestow on her a peace that surpasses all human comprehension.

I praise you for her life and place my friend in your loving hands, knowing you love her deeply.

Mary Singer Wick

A Case of Mistaken Identity

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (I John 4:1).

It happened just this week. I was mistaken for someone I wasn’t. What turned out to be something of a compliment for me was utterly embarrassing for a rambunctious teenage boy. Imagine the scene if you will. The sun is setting after a warm summer day while our community pool is brimming with excitement. A large group of teenage boys and girls are playfully teasing each other as their chaperones watch from their lounge chairs. Doing my best to remain inconspicuous, I carefully dodge their flailing arms and make my way to the opposite end of the pool. One-by-one they begin their reluctant exit out of the water as the chaperones inform them it’s time to go home. Feeling safe I let my guard down; stretching my body out to swim my daily laps. That’s when it happened. My stroke was interrupted by a sudden splash and a tidal wave engulfed my head. “Where did that come from?” I wondered.

Rubbing the water from my eyes, I turned my head to find I was face-to-face with a boy of fifteen. Both of us stunned he broke the silence by saying, “I thought you were Carrie!” It was obvious he’d mistaken me for one of the girls in the group; someone he was trying to flirt with. Fumbling over his words of apology, he was immediately summoned out of the pool. His chaperone could not say “I’m sorry” enough. Once I got over the initial shock I laughed in reply, “Well, I guess it’s nice to be mistaken for a teenager every now and then.” I didn’t have the nerve to reveal my true age, but it didn’t need to be said. While my hair and figure might have allowed me to pass for one of those fifteen-year-old girls, my face wouldn’t. That young man made a hasty decision to jump into the water based on an illusion. He didn’t take time to study all the facts, and now regretted his actions.

This innocent case of mistaken identity got me to thinking, “How many times do we all jump into something based on misinformation?” We become involved in relationships, activities, even churches based on feelings or appearances. Our rationale is to tell ourselves that this thing must be right for us because it looks and feels good. While this makes for some uncomfortable or miserable everyday life experiences, it can have deadly consequences when it applies to our spiritual lives. We can mistake the lie of a message laced with humanism for the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. After all, deceptive messages are clothed in spiritual garb, and are very tempting to our sinful nature.

For most people it’s much easier to listen to preaching about the love and blessings of God, than the wrath and separation from Him our sin has caused. We often seek a relationship with God for what He can give us (in the form of material gifts or answered prayers), instead of acknowledging our need for forgiveness and salvation. Many are following the wrong voice—one that tells them there is no hell, and therefore no need for repentance. We are all assumed to be children of God by the nature of our physical births, and sin is not viewed as an offense to our Creator.

If that were true, then why did Jesus have to die? If sin is not offensive to the Father, then why did it only take the sin of Adam and Eve to condemn the whole human race? Make no mistake, sin deeply offends God. God is not present where sin abounds, He can’t be. His holiness will not share the throne where sin reigns. This is why Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, and the Lord’s presence. When Jesus hung on the cross with all the sins that every person had ever committed, and would ever commit, the Father turned away from Jesus. A beautiful holy God cannot reside in the ugly presence of sin.

This is good news! Because my sin was washed from the Father’s memory by the Son’s blood, I am now mistaken for Jesus. Sometimes it’s hard to take that all in while I’m still struggling with my old sin nature, but praise God He does not give up on me! Like all believers I can rest assured that one day I will join Him in heaven, and be holy as He is holy. Until that day, won’t you join me in heeding the words of Almighty God? Do not be so quick to jump into the pool of deception following what appears to be your Savior. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a discerning heart and mind, so you may obey the true Shepherd’s voice. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (I John 4:1).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

My Heart's Desire Book Trailer

The video my publisher uploaded on You Tube promoting my book in June, 2009:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTFlL9ZghGk

I've also included a photo of where I first began writing the book, on our screened-in back porch. It's a place of tranquil beauty where I've done many Bible studies, and had precious quiet time with the Lord. Guests are often drawn to our back porch to gaze upon the gardens as they greet the day with coffee or tea. We're shared many simple evening meals and pleasant conversations there too.

Thanking God for this blessing, and the ability to share it with others.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Hiking at Taughannock Falls, NY

Jon and I made a trip to Upstate NY this month to visit family and friends. It was nice to get away from the heat of North Carolina for the cooler temps of the northeast!

Hope you enjoy this photo of us hiking in Taughannock Falls in the Finger Lakes regions. Truly a gift to be able to marvel together at God's creative genius!

Blessings,

Mary

The Tithing Test

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows (Malachi 3:10).”

Reading this Scripture in Malachi it appears God is putting His character on trial for us to judge His faithfulness, or is He? When He speaks of blessings that will overflow in our lives as we tithe, does that mean our bank account will steadily increase in proportion to our giving? Or is the one whose faithfulness being tested ours? Could the blessings we receive be something other than monetary in nature? These are questions I invite you to explore with me as I share some thoughts the Father has placed on my heart.

In January, 2000 I began tithing for the first time. Each week I expected the floodgates of cash to overtake me. My giving was all about me wondering how God was going to reward my obedience. My test commenced as I watched my commission-based paycheck decrease steadily for six months while my co-workers prospered. The harder I worked at my job the further I fell behind financially. It was as embarrassing as it was frustrating, especially because I’d declared to the team I was tithing. While I believed in God, I was not born again. I was still trying to “earn” His favor. Tithing became one more way of seeking approval from the Lord. The challenge was to trust what He was doing, and to keep resentment at bay while continuing to tithe. The tide would turn in its proper season.

Things did improve financially for me. I was blessed with a new job. For the first time in my life the monies flowed in faster than I could spend them. Before long I was debt free; able to save and increase my giving. Now my test revolved around practicing fiscal self control. As a former shopaholic this wasn’t easy at first. Over time, saving began to excite me more than shopping sprees did. Although I did not realize it then, God was blessing me with this sudden influx of greenbacks because I would need it for a future surgery, and a long stint of unemployment. He was preparing me for a crisis, and sending a windfall to help weather the storm.

Soon after surrendering my life to Jesus bigger tests came. I wrote about them in my book My Heart’s Desire: A Journey Toward Finding Extravagant Love because they were a critical turning point in my life. That was the beginning of learning to trust God with the money I had, and for the money I needed. He completely changed my mindset around spending and tithing, and transformed me into a cheerful giver. Slowly the molding of my will to His began as I learned to view God’s “out pouring” through new spiritual eyes. Blessings were no longer seen as “cash only” rewards. There were other things to take into account.

If I expected to never suffer another financial setback because I was tithing, my disappointment would have been great. Had I believed giving always equates to raises at work, I could have become disillusioned. That is why I’m convinced God tests our hearts to see if we’ll place our faith in Him whether the number is rising or falling on our bank statement. How do we present our tithe to God? Is it with worship for all He’s provided or worry over what we need? Are there other ways apart from our paycheck to be blessed financially in these hard economic times? In my experience, there are many.

Would you be surprised to know that I make less than I did 10 years ago, five years ago; last year? It’s true! Looking at my situation on paper I’m going backwards. My husband hasn’t gained much ground either. Yet I smile each week as I write checks to our church and a variety of charities we support. We give more now than we ever have; I wish we could do more! I’m learning that as we invite Jesus into our financial decisions, the simplest of things become gifts from Him.

One of the ways He blesses me is in the store. Before I enter the store, I ask God to help me spend wisely and to give me favor. It works! I find great bargains and unexpected sales. When I ask Jesus to control my yearnings I don’t spend money on unnecessary items. It’s exciting to see our monthly budget for expenses decreasing. I’m not sad about tightening our belt. The less we spend on luxuries the more we can save for emergencies, and the more we can give. We have enough for our needs even if we don’t for our wants. God is protecting us. Fulfilling too many of our wants always gets us into trouble!

If you are struggling, ask the Lord to show you how to trust Him with your finances. There is so much peace in knowing nothing is too hard for Him! Let us pray we will all past our tests, and remember to take inventory of God’s bounty in our lives. Our richest treasures lie in the quality of our relationship with our Savior, and those we share our earthly lives with. “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows (Malachi 3:10).”
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Holding My Father’s Hand

Previously posted on my website in June, 2009 http://extravagantlife.net/site/

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).

Life has been more chaotic than usual for me, and I feel my strength being depleted. It’s not just me who is struggling, but friends I’m praying for too. There are real needs to be attended to as people suffer from health crises, financial ruin, job loss and fractured relationships. Some days the pain is more than I can bear, and I feel so helpless. It seems God has pushed me to the limit, or has He? Perhaps a more accurate statement would be to say that He allowed me to rely on my own problem-solving abilities, and I simply ran out of answers.

Do you ever feel hard times equate to punishment from God, and that He isn’t listening to your cries for help? I used to feel that way a lot before I had a close personal relationship with Jesus. Even now, there are moments during trials when Satan will tempt me with those thoughts that if entertained only lead to despair. Praise God I don’t have to surrender my mind to the Devil’s lies! The Lord has provided the ammunition to combat these vicious attacks—His Holy Scriptures.

Recently, I found myself in tears as I grappled with burdens that pressed me face down to the ground where my view of life was dimmed. In that moment I had two choices. I could wallow in the “dirt” before me and blind myself further, or I could pray and allow God to open my eyes to His hope. By His grace I chose the later, and the Lord led me to this wonderful verse: “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).

Is there anything more precious than hearing the Father say to you that He is holding your right hand, and He will help you? How tender and powerful that picture is for me. Reading it instantly blessed my soul, and I thanked God for revealing that Scripture to me. One of the many things I love about God is that He meets me right where I am. He didn’t chastise me when my reaction to life’s problems was to panic. No! Instead, His Holy Spirit gently convicted my heart to confess this sin and not only receive God’s forgiveness, but His help too. What joy!

Perhaps you would care to join me in this exercise. Whenever I feel myself fearing the task before me that is beyond my control to complete, I meditate on the vision of God’s divine intervention. He’s waiting for me to bring my cares to Him and to trust that He will either take care of it without my effort, or infuse me with the strength to fulfill the mission. Come. Silence your mind, close your eyes, and let the peace of your heavenly Father fill you as He says: “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Learning Contentment in Trying Times

Previously posted on my web site in May 2009: http://extravagantlife.net/site/

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).

The past week I have felt anything but content. I have let the stress of my everyday circumstances steal my peace. While the natural response might be to say “I am only human”, as a born again follower of Jesus Christ this is not true. Yes, I have a fleshly body and belong to the human race, but my spirit is infused with God’s supernatural Holy Spirit. While this does not make me equal with God, it does give me access to His heavenly throne where my prayers for divine intervention are heard, and answered. How quickly I forgot this truth when recently tested.

It began with the announcement of company layoffs that occurred over a seven-day span at my corporate job. Even though I was spared, the news was nonetheless devastating to our entire team. Each day tears were shed as co-workers tragically learned of their fate, and those of us left to pick up their job responsibilities were crying with them. The layoffs were random, often wiping out the best employees, like a cancer that strikes without warning. Despite their best efforts over the years, these employees could not control the outcome. It was just their turn to suffer loss.

None of this “feels” fair or just. It’s not easy seeing people struggle. I’ve been there myself having experienced half-a-dozen layoffs over my working career. No matter how much people told me it wasn’t my fault, a part of me always felt somehow I’d failed. Watching my co-workers exit this time, I can honestly say this is not a result of poor job performance, nor is it anything they manifested. In fact, a part of me wonders why I am still employed. There is only one explanation, God’s grace and His plans.

Does this mean I have more favor in the Lord’s eyes than my downsized co-workers? Absolutely not! While I am fortunate to have a weekly paycheck, my increased workload is nothing to rejoice over. The stress seems unbearable as management’s unrealistic expectations are heaped on our shoulders. The job was already difficult with adequate staff. Yet I know there are others who would trade places with me in a heart beat, and I feel guilty. I have a goal to work full-time in writing in speaking. Many have no vision for their future. They have put all their time and energy into this job; now it’s over for them.

So why haven’t I left? Why not just quit because I’m unhappy and let someone else take my place who really wants to be there? After all, who needs to stay in a situation that’s not meeting my needs (except financially)? That seems like the logical approach, until I take these thoughts and feelings before Jesus in prayer. It is there my precious Lord and Savior impresses upon my mind that something bigger is going on. Ironically, it’s the same thing He wants to teach my former co-workers—the secret of contentment regardless of life’s trials.

Four years ago I was downsized from a company due to market conditions. During my five months of unemployment, I proclaimed to everyone that God was not going to put me back to work doing the same type of job I’d done for the last ten years. I was convinced He would not give me employment in a field that I no longer felt any passion for, so I focused my energies on other pursuits. I had several interviews that produced favorable feedback, but as soon as a new door was ajar the funding disappeared. In the end, I went back to work doing the same thing I’d done for the last decade.

One day, feeling utterly defeated and trapped in my corporate job, I cried to the Lord as I prayed for help. I told God I didn’t like what I was doing; I wasn’t happy. I felt I was going to crumble under the weight of my responsibilities. Each weekend I fussed internally knowing Monday was fast approaching, and I didn’t want to go to work! I was thankful for the income, but not the job itself. My disappointment over the way God answered my prayers was evident; I told Him I didn’t understand what He had done. As is often the case when the Father touches my grieving heart He simply said, “Trust me, Mary. This is for your good despite your feelings. It’s not time to leave yet”. Today He whispers these same words.

As I seek God’s face without concentrating on the “things” I dislike in my life, something exciting is happening. I have ceased asking Jesus to make the job easier for me. Rather I’ve asked God to reveal more of His character to me. I want to bask in the warmth of His love, and trust in His provision. I am learning to surrender my plans to His. All God allows is drawing me nearer to Him for satisfaction. It is one thing to read Scripture and tell others what God can do for them, and quite another to have this belief tested in my life. He longs to show me in this ever-changing world where true happiness is found, in knowing Him personally.

My job can disappear tomorrow, relationships can end, sickness can invade my healthy body, but God is unchangeable. I find hope in that truth. He is faithful to provide the courage I need to endure hardship, and gives me joy. How does God do this? He hears my prayers and extends His matchless grace to me; to all believers of His Son. I am so encouraged the Apostle Paul wrote that he “learned” the secret of being content. It’s a process. Praise God He never gives up on those who hang in there with Him! I pray you learn to be filled with the contentment of Christ too. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).
Your fellow sojourner,
Mary

Basking in the Son’s Light

“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, who I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5)!

What’s your idea of a perfect day? Does it involve several uninterrupted hours of quiet solitude where you allow yourself such luxuries as reading a book or taking a nap? Conversely, would you fill the day with lots of activity that leaves you exhausted but utterly satisfied when it’s over? Does spending time conversing with Jesus even enter your mind, or is that too much of a task to be completed instead of a privilege His followers are granted? Such thoughts recently convicted me during my less-than-perfect day whilst I set about seeking perfection on my own.

Perhaps you’re like me. Days that satisfy you the most change with the seasons. I often oscillate between the introvert and extrovert in me (although I am a strong extrovert in nature). I relish the big Christmas party we host each December just as much as rainy quiet nights watching a movie fireside. I must admit I am usually thinking about other people that I can spend my time with. My King is not always first on my guest list.

It is July now, so my favorite days are those spent hiking with my husband followed by a dip in our community pool. The evening is topped off with a light and healthy meal, and good conversation between us. We’ve bonded. Our bodies, minds and hearts were exercised. A spirit of thankfulness permeates the air with the words of our evening prayers and reflections. Still I am left to wonder, as I listen to my husband’s voice, how much time did I make to listen to Jesus’ voice?

Earlier this week, when Jon was working the night shift, I found myself very blue after a long stressful work day. As is often the case with my corporate job I fight back tears of frustration over all that is heaped upon my desk. Longing for comfort to help me erase the scars from the day’s battle, I took a long fast walk around the neighborhood. It was hot and humid. Arriving back at my doorstep sweaty and drained I was still without relief. “What can I do next to make me feel better?” I thought. “I know--I’ll go to the pool!” Surely that will lift my spirits. Changing quickly I grabbed a towel and made my way to the clubhouse gates where refreshment awaited me.

Feeling the warm water envelope my body like silk gently touching my skin I began to swim, unaware of the beauty around me. My head was face down in the water, concentrating on pushing my troubles away with each stroke, when suddenly everything changed. The day became perfect. Flipping over on to my back, I gazed upward on the magnificent sky as my hands glided across the water. The scene was indescribably beautiful as sunbeams hidden behind painted clouds of lavender, pink and orange illuminated the fringes with a silvery light. Although the sun was not visible it was very much present, and actively at work in the twilight sky. Instantly, sorrow left my heart as my eyes beheld the glory before me that summer evening. Soaking up the sun’s healing light my mind began to contemplate, “Is not the light of God’s Son, which never fades like the sun in the sky, what I should really be basking in?”

When I’m face down in trials it feels like Jesus is not present. But my thoughts deceive me. Christ is only temporarily shielded from my view. He exists just the same as the sun shining brightly behind the clouds. I need to lift my heart’s eyes to the heavens where God speaks to me, and invites me to listen for His voice above all earthly sounds. The pleasure the sun’s warmth gives me pales in comparison to the love of the Son of God. Because Jesus is perfect each day I spend in communion with Him can be harmonious no matter what imperfections the day brings, including the ones I offer before Him myself. With God’s help I’ve begun to change my definition of a perfect day. How about you? “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, who I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5)!
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

My Father and Me

Previously posted on my web site in June 2009:
http://extravagantlife.net/site/

“Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen him” (John 14:6-7).

Today is Father’s Day. After church, my husband and I went for a two-hour hike in the state park up the street from our house. As we wandered through the seven-mile woodland path that takes us through varied terrain, my thoughts began to focus on the fathers in my life. First, there is my earthly father who passed away six-and-one-half years ago. I no longer grieve his passing maybe because I see so much of him in those of us who are here. My siblings and I share some of Dad’s physical traits as well as his points of view. We’ve often heard people say, “You Singer kids look so much alike.”

The second father is not mine. Rather he is my husband and a father of three daughters from a previous marriage. There’s a tenderness to the way my husband relates to his daughters, and I admire his diligent pursuit of a relationship with them that is full of life. He has always communicated his love for them, and willingness to be a counselor in times of need. Just as I bear a family resemblance to my earthly father, so do my husband’s girls to him. I see it in their eyes or their laugh and in their dispositions. We often joke about the differences between the Singer and Wick families, and relish in the knowledge that we also share commonalities too.

But of all the fathers I know whether relatives or friends, the most important one is my heavenly Father. He is the one constant in my life. He is ever-present, never-changing, and always moving toward me in love. He desires closeness with His children. I don’t have to worry that one day He won’t be there for me. He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. God knows no limits; He has no life span as physical fathers do. God the Father has always existed in spiritual form and graciously gave us a glimpse of His character in the physical form of His Son, Jesus. What a gift it is to be able to say, “Jesus is the representation of His Dad and He invites everyone to join His family!”

It is sad to hear people say that they don’t believe God is a loving Father because of the traumatic experiences they’ve incurred with their natural fathers. Humans are very flawed, but this cannot be used as an excuse to turn away from God Almighty. He knows our pain and has provided a way to have a loving Father-child relationship with Him. This can only happen when we have a close personal relationship with His Son, Jesus. Likewise, when we are born again spiritually and indwelt with the Holy Spirit we reflect a new gene pool to the world. It’s no longer my fleshly parents that the world notices, but my spiritual Father and His Son.

Knowing that I am God’s adopted daughter both comforts and challenges me. While I am not a physical parent, I am still called to be a mentor to those the Lord puts in my life. This is true for all Christians. We are to make manifest the glory of God by allowing Him to display His love for others through us. Jesus Christ is our perfect example who does not expect perfection from us, only the willingness to be used. Once we surrender to His will, then He can speak to a weary soul through our words and deeds; drawing that hurting sinner into a relationship that forgives and heals.

So on this day when we honor our human fathers my greatest prayer is that people I encounter throughout my life would say, “She looks just like her Father and I want to be part of that family too!” If you still mistrust the character of God the Father, just remember to take your questions to His Son. “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen him” (John 14:6-7).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

In God's Garden

Previously posted on my web site in May 2009: http://extravagantlife.net/site/.

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3).
Looking outside my window, on this lovely spring day, I see a plump robust garden bursting forth in brilliance. The fragrant air with its honeysuckle scent awakens my senses, while the juicy rich forest is so prolific I can’t take my eyes off of it. Although May in Raleigh is always beautiful, 2009 is particularly fascinating to me. I did not expect our yard to look so “green and alive” after just surviving the worst drought in 100 years. It’s fascinating to see this miracle before me, and I wonder how God does this.

When our house was completed in the summer of 2004, my husband asked the builder not to lay the sod until October. He wanted time to prepare the soil for the trees, shrubs, and grass knowing that the right foundation would give the plants the best chance of survival. Each week he had truckloads of luscious organic topsoil delivered to our house, and rented the necessary equipment to evenly distribute the soil throughout the yard. “Why the big fuss?” I wondered. “I don’t see anyone else in our subdivision doing this. Is it really worth all the trouble and expense we are incurring to lay down good topsoil? Won’t the grass and trees be just fine planted over this red clay that North Carolina is famous for?” My husband responded to my questioning his wisdom by simply saying, “You have to trust me on this one”.

In earlier years he was a farmer. He’d owned several homes and tended many gardens. I was the novice among us having no knowledge of either. So all summer long while our neighbors enjoyed their beach and mountain excursions, I grumbled under my sweaty brow while swatting away mosquitoes. Our weekends were spent toiling in the yard planting perennials, and covering the topsoil with plastic to prevent the rains from washing it away. Jon seemed to derive a great deal of satisfaction over this hard work; he was focused on the long-term benefits. Mine was the short-sighted view.

I couldn’t see past my momentary suffering as others around me were allowed to relax and play. I was tired. My corporate job consumed much of my energy during the week, and preparing the yard for planting took what was left. My husband works a rotating shift that affords him much more time off than I have. Although I tried to mask my feelings of exhaustion, he saw through the facade. One night as we laid the sprinkler system in the earth just days before the sod arrived, Jon said to me, “I know this hasn’t been easy for you, but it will all be worth it if a drought comes.” How prophetic Jon’s words turned out to be as God used them to teach me not only about our earthly garden, but His spiritual one.

Within three years Raleigh was in a drought that took us down to a thirty-day water supply if God didn’t send rain. No sprinkler systems could be used. As I poured recycled water on our plants from pots I kept under faucets inside our home, my prayers were desperate for the Lord to help us. “Father, there is only so much we can do. We can keep the vegetation alive for a little while in our own strength, but very soon the water supply is going to dry up. Not only will the plants die, but so will the wildlife and eventually humans.” I began to realize how utterly dependant we are on God to provide for our needs, and that human effort is not an inexhaustible resource. Scanning the neighborhood I could see the evidence of dying trees and charred grass that was planted on clay soil. The roots had no depth. While our yard had some brown spots, the deep topsoil and mulch covering contained enough moisture and nutrients to keep the plants alive. Although some trees didn’t bloom during the drought, I learned they were conserving their resources while clinging for their lives to the foundation we’d laid.

Mercifully, the Lord answered our prayers for rain and eased the pain of the drought. Suddenly something amazing emerged before our eyes. The forest that appeared to be stunted in its growth stood up tall and strong as if its branches were reaching toward heaven in gratitude. Somehow the drought had made them more resilient. God spoke to my heart one day as I was admiring the flowers in my garden, telling me this miracle of nature is an example of what happens in the spiritual realm.

When God allows seasons of dryness to enter into my life He’s longing to reveal more of Himself to me, and to others who are watching. The question then becomes, “Do I trust Jesus or myself for my survival? What is my faith rooted in?” When my soul is planted on the life-giving soil of God’s Word and my spirit receives His life-sustaining water, I will bloom as a bright flower that invites others into God’s garden. So will you! “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Newest Family Member

Previously posted on my web site http://extravagantlife.net/site/ in February 2009. Copyright Mary Singer Wick 2009.

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:17).

On January 12, 2009 a new member of our earthly family made his grand entrance into our lives, and we’ve been celebrating ever since. That day afforded me an extra blessing when my sister-in-law virtually invited me into the delivery room with a text message from her Blackberry to my cell phone. We all knew my niece, and her husband, had gone to the hospital that morning, but I never expected to know the exact time she was pushing her firstborn into the world. Please indulge me as I share that special day.

It might help you to understand a few things about me before I recap this story. First, I’m not very technically savvy. In fact, I’m still figuring out how to use my cell phone having switched from a land-line last May! I didn’t know how to compose and send a text message, let alone reply to one. But on that sunny January day, I quickly learned that the desperation one feels to communicate can be a great motivator!

The second thing you might want to know about me is that I love my family very much. What happens to them (good or bad) also affects me; our lives are very much intertwined. Perhaps you’re like me, very involved with the lives of those you love whether family or friends; experiencing life on a deep emotional level. Have you ever viewed God this way? If not, I believe you’re missing out on a great blessing. Here’s how He touched my life that day.

As I strolled through our neighborhood that winter afternoon, my walk was interrupted by the buzz of an incoming text message on my phone. Lifting it out of my coat pocket, I selected the “view text” option, and read these words from my sister-in-law who was in the delivery room, “She’s at 10 centimeters and she’s pushing!” Frozen in my tracks (I can’t walk and text at the same time!) my hands were shaking, and I was crying, as I fumbled for the reply button; wondering what to type in response. I’ve never given birth, nor have I witnessed one (T.V. doesn’t count). Would humor serve my niece best, or do I say something profound? Help me, Father! I don’t even know how to type on this phone!

God is so good. He immediately cleared my jumbled mind, and helped me send my first-ever text message. Caught up in the gravity of the moment all I could say was, “Tell her I love her, and that I’m praying for her.” After I pushed the send button, anxiously waiting a reply once the baby was born, I slipped the phone back into my pocket; continuing to walk and cry. Thank goodness for sunglasses!

Traveling in the direction of home, I found myself imagining the scene in the delivery room, and began to pray. So many emotions were flowing out of my heart in those moments. I felt, in some small way, I was partaking in my niece’s journey into motherhood as if I was standing beside her. She was about to experience something I never had, and this time I would learn from her. As I praised God for this precious gift, and asked Him to surround my loved ones in that hospital room, I tenderly felt Him surrounding me with these profound words, “Mary, as excited as you are about the addition of this new life into your family, think about how fervently heaven celebrates the welcoming of each new member into my family who believes in my Son as their Savior?”

Wow! I love when God takes an every day event and reveals His word to me at the same time. Within seconds this Scripture came to mind, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:17).

How beautiful is the Father’s heart that rejoices over our physical births. But it doesn’t end there. His greatest joy is over our spiritual rebirth through faith in His perfect Son, Jesus Christ. I’m so glad God reminded me that He loves to welcome new members into His family too.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Whom Shall I Send?

This was previously posted on my web site http://extravagantlife.net/site/ in January 2009.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8)!

Have you reached the edge of the road you’ve been traveling on for awhile, and find you’re staring straight into the precipice; wondering what’s next? Me too! Perhaps you’re asking yourself the same question confronting me, “Do I back away from the cliff, turn around and revisit the road most familiar to me, or do I allow God to give me wings to fly miraculously off this secure turf into the wild headwinds?” This is where I’m perched in January, 2009. But how I arrived here was no accident. I was led by a voice so powerful it consumed all my inner critics shouting, “You’re not equipped for this. Don’t do it!”

In the last six months, my life has been accelerating at a pace faster than I can contain; pushing me to either render control of the steering wheel to God, or give up on my calling altogether. The tempter visits me when I’m tired and weak, whispering ever so softly that I shouldn’t press on because I lack the self-discipline, and knowledge, to complete the work before me. It’s scary here outside my comfort zone and area of expertise, but it’s exactly where the greatest adventure lives; the place where I trust God to intervene. For you see, it is His voice I’m following into a new career.

Where has He brought me? Into the public forum where I share my private life, at least parts of it. With the publishing of my book My Heart’s Desire: A Journey Toward Finding Extravagant Love came great excitement coupled with intense fear. I wanted to halt the publication, terrified of my self-inflicted invasion of privacy as my story was about to go global. I feared the reaction from readers absorbing personal experiences my writing revealed. It’s one thing to share intimate life details with loved ones and quite another to let the information soar over an internet blog, and through a paperback book, for strangers to digest.

With so much hesitancy, why am I willing to jump off this emotionally safe cliff I’ve so cleverly fabricated, in my own mind, into the great beyond with all its uncertainty? Because I made a promise to go forward when I heard Jesus calling me, and I know His power will sustain me; not my own. It’s an incredible feeling, standing at the crossroads, knowing the scenery is about to change because of the direction I’m headed. It requires faith to leap into the air trusting God will keep me aloft. But I love Him and want to go wherever He takes me because He’s given me the courage to do so.

How about you? Is God calling you out into uncharted territory for His service? It doesn’t have to be a big project such as writing a book or launching a speaking career. Jesus may need you to walk across the street and offer words of comfort to a hurting neighbor. What about mending a broken relationship with a friend or family member needing your forgiveness? Is Jesus asking you to serve in your church mentoring program, Sunday school class, or some obscure ministry that no one notices but God smiles upon? If He asked you to go on a mission trip, would you go? God loves us regardless of our response to His call to action. But what a shame it would be to miss the joy of witnessing Christ work through us if only we’d accepted His call instead of saying, “Sorry God, all circuits are busy.”

As I venture into this new world of writing and speaking, the Holy Spirit reminds me this is God’s glory road I’m traveling, and I need to take inventory. Whose name is on the street signs that point passersby in the right direction, mine or God’s? Am I making much of my own accomplishments, or His grace that makes all I do possible and successful? My prayer is to be a faithful conduit of God’s love, as I share the glorious things He’s doing in my life. Am I scared? Sometimes, but I’m more afraid of living with the regret of having said no to Him and yes to my insecurities. Can you relate?

If so, do not fear fellow believers in Christ. You are not without a guide, or a roadmap. As you pray to the Holy Trinity they will make the path of every winding turn clear, and provide directions through your daily Bible study. When you receive an answer, test every voice you hear against God’s Word so you may have soul peace and confirmation; proclaiming to others as you leave the curb embarking on God’s glory road trip, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8)!
Hope to see you at an intersection soon!

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Year of Jubilee

“Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields” (Leviticus 25:10-12).

The last twelve months I have been celebrating my jubilee year. The irony is this has not been a year of rest where I feasted off of the surplus from the forty-ninth year’s crops. My fiftieth year has been a time of sowing and fertilizing the soil for the harvest to come; one I won’t see until eternity. Many nights I battle exhaustion as I complete one more task before shutting down my computer. My mind, however, does not turn off so easily. Could I be mistaken? Am I not listening to God? Should I cease all work and take a year-long vacation? On the contrary, it seems the work I need to retreat from is that of my own conjuring, not what God has commissioned!

Although my jubilee year has been riddled with challenges and struggles, my walk with Jesus is growing more intertwined; I cannot function at a peak level without Him. It would be so nice to say the transition from my full-time corporate job into a full-time writing and speaking ministry has been seamless and swift. Instead, it is a slow arduous process. For now, God requires me to tend many fields as He simultaneously prunes me into a more glorious display of His majesty. My challenge has been to celebrate during this plowing and planting season while I patiently wait for the blooms to appear.

Recapping the blessings of the year, I find there are many reasons to throw a party. First, my book, “My Heart’s Desire: A Journey Toward Finding Extravagant Love” became an Amazon #1 bestseller in late April. I praise God every time a reader shares with me how this story has encouraged them! Other reasons to celebrate emphasis the gift of health I enjoy; one I did not always have. Honestly, I love being fifty. It’s full of surprises. People’s expectations lower when they learn I am half a century old. No one ever said to me at twenty-five, “Wow, you look really good for your age.” At twenty-five we are all supposed to look good! Any compliment at fifty seems to instantly propel me into a class of over achievers; a category I never expected to be in.

Fifty is a well-blended age. I am old enough to have survived life’s hardest trials, and young enough to put to good use the lessons acquired from them. There is a confidence I have now that in my youth I lacked. This is not of my own striving; it comes from something greater than my experiences. It is a benefit of having spent nearly nine years in a close relationship with my Savior, Jesus, and having Him walk beside me through the fires. There is peace in the knowledge that I am deeply loved and accepted by God, and I am never alone. This gives me courage to keep going when the road I am treading is filled with dark corners, large boulders blocking my path, and an uphill winding bent. There is little time to catch my breath, but a day of rest awaits me along with a picturesque view from the mountain top.

This was a year of gathering in close to my own clan, of looking back at my earthly roots while preparing for a future banquet with spiritual siblings. Although fifty was not a year of physical rest, I do not believe it was supposed to be. Instead, the Father intends for me to feed daily on the produce from His hands, not my own. He has placed me behind the plow of a computer to spread words of hope in my writing, but the Holy Spirit is the true power behind the work. As I seek His counsel, I am well nourished and equipped to share the Lord’s bounty with others. This is a time of spiritual rest and renewal. I am not reaping from what I grew myself, but from the fruit that springs forth out of the vine that gets its subsistence from the Divine Creator. You know what? God’s food is always the most succulent variety available! To go with another supplier of my daily seed would only invite blight upon my crop.

As I reflect on this milestone year, I realize that my life should be a continuous jubilee. There is no leave of absence from working in heavenly fields. My jubilation has nothing to do with turning fifty but everything to do with being God’s daughter. Whatever our age, as God’s redeemed children we can continuously rejoice in the holy work He has ordained for each of us. Let us learn to worship as co-laborers alongside Christ who gives life to all who plant their roots in the fertile soil of His love! “Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan. The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields” (Leviticus 25:10-12).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary