Extravagant Life

My Daughter by another Mother

2012-01-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

“He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will--” (Ephesians 1:5).

Holding her arm he guided her through the crowd looking for his next victim. He delights in the reaction his clever words ignite as he introduces the beauty by his side, “This is my daughter by another mother.” Puzzled by this greeting the guests murmur to themselves; wondering what does this mean. Has he just shared a family secret—perhaps a scandal?! Who is this daughter he proudly owns before the unsuspecting guests?

Such was the scene at my reception as my father introduced my adopted sister to our wedding guests. Dad often enjoyed shocking people; causing them to laugh in bewilderment. There was truth coupled with brilliance in his words for she was born by another mother (and father). Although not legally ours she considered herself to be. She nicknamed herself “the seventh Singer” the last to join us six Singer kids.

She was the girl across the street who lived with her legal guardians—her aunt and uncle. She never called them mom and dad, but always referred to my parents as such. My brothers and sisters were claimed as hers. In a willing act of conscious choice an adoption of the heart took place; she became the fourth Singer daughter and my third sister. Our family had a new member to nurture and love.

Out of His great mercy and love, grafting children into His family has always been God’s plan. We are named as His bloodline only through belief in the blood sacrifice of His Son, not by our own merit. In an act of obedience and trust we surrender our will to God’s. Once born of physical parents we are now reborn by the Holy Spirit into a spiritually united family. He loves us and instructs us; setting our feet on the path of righteousness. We become citizens of His kingdom even while our bodies reside on Earth’s soil.

As Christ’s bride I picture Him smiling at the heavenly wedding feast we’ll share one day. What jubilation there will be when the Father introduces us sons and daughters by other mothers! His pride and joy will not be contained, just as my earthly father’s could not be when he spoke of my adopted sister. Until then, let us lovingly invite others to share in our magnificent inheritance by sharing the love of Jesus with them. “He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will--” (Ephesians 1:5).

Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,

Mary

Finishing Well

2012-01-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your Master's happiness" (Matthew 25:23).

How did you do with your 2011 resolutions and goals? Did your enthusiasm carry you to a glorious celebration in December, or did you crash and burn by February after the exuberance died down? Mine was a mix of starts, stumbles and do overs. This was a hard year, the roughest I've had in awhile. Some resolutions were not kept except for one, the one that enabled me to finish stronger in December than I started in January.

A year ago I asked God to help me make His voice; His Word the first priority of my day. Instead of rushing out of bed and turning on the television to digest the local news, I met with Jesus quietly in an over-sized chair as I read my devotional and Bible. As I knelt and prayed before walking downstairs to begin my myriad of tasks, I asked the Holy Spirit to disciple and still my soul. Crowding out the demands of the world for precious time with my Savior gave me strength and courage for the day.

It's easy to say that God is good when life is smooth, but hard to remember God is faithful when testing comes. So I started to record my prayer requests and the Scriptures God revealed to me along the way. Some days He gave me a verse or two early in the morning. Other days it came from a friend, my husband, or our pastor's Sunday morning message. I wrote the verses in a journal and reviewed them on New Years Eve. What a blessing to see how much the Lord delivered me from and carried me through!

Like you, many of my prayer requests are still on going needs. Some have not been answered yet. But I am sticking with my 2011 resolution and taking it into 2012--making God's voice and His Word the first thing I hear each day. It's exciting to see Him change me and to watch my marriage grow. With each passing day I am increasingly thankful for God's mercy and grace that enables me to finish well.

As God's girl I know I am here for a bigger purpose than to see all of my goals and resolutions fulfilled. God wants to use me if only I will get out of the way and let Him work. How I want this to be my reality--a little light for Jesus in a dark and troubled world. Do you feel the same about your life? Let us pray for each other to take hold of all the power God provides. Remember, starting well is only great if you finish well! Here's to a fabulous 2012 in our service to our Almighty God and Father. Happy New Year! "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your Master's happiness" (Matthew 25:23).

Your fellow sojourner and herald,

Mary

Hark the Herald People Sing

2011-12-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:20-21).

The following is an excerpt from a women's event (Holidays Fit For the King) I spoke at in November.

As God’s girl, do you ever think of yourself as His herald to the world? The angels were first to declare His birth, then the shepherds spread the news after they heard the story. As Christ’s disciples now it’s our turn.

Being God’s herald may intimidate you, but did you know Jesus prays for us, our ministries and He is with us? Shortly before His crucifixion John 17:20-21 quotes Jesus, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, as you are in me and I am in you.”

Christ’s last words before He ascended to heaven in Matthew 28:19-20 were “go and tell—make disciples of all the nations—I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus isn’t the Savior of “some” people. He’s for “all” people. The Nativity scene was very diverse. No one who drew near to Jesus was turned away. The poor shepherds and the rich wise men alike were welcome. The message is still the same.

If you died today would go to heaven? What makes you think you are good enough? If you were standing side-by-side with Jesus before our Holy Heavenly Father which one of you would be acceptable? Romans 3:22-24 says: “This Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

We can joyfully celebrate Christmas because of Easter. The good news is not that Santa Claus is coming to town but that the Messiah was born in Bethlehem; He died for our sins, rose from the dead, is reigning in heaven and is coming back for His church!

As believers in Christ we are united in Spirit with Him. He has made His home in our hearts. We are His ambassadors, here to reflect His message. I pray we exude so much joy and kindness that people will ask us the reason for our hope in these trying economic times. May we smile and say we are thinking of Jesus; we’re too blessed by His love to be stressed by this life. Hark the herald people sing glory to the new born King! Go and tell sisters. Go and tell. Merry Christmas!

Your fellow sojourner and herald for Jesus,

Mary

Too Blessed to Be Stressed: Keeping Your Joy

2011-11-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17).

Praising God for all the bounty He has bestowed on us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Please visit my web site listed below to hear a 15-minute presentation on "Too Blessed to Be Stressed: Keeping Your Joy".

www.extravagantlife.net/site/

Have a great Thanksgiving celebration!

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary Singer Wick

Venetian Blinds on My Heart

2011-10-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales, rather, train yourselves to be godly" (I Timothy 4:7).

As we floated serenely on Venice's grand canal one warm summer evening, a gondolier told us the history of Venetian blinds. Blinds were added to the gondolas centuries ago to conceal the activities of the occupants inside. Venetians were known for their torrid love affairs that produced many illegitimate children. A crisis arose when the children of these unwed unions filled the local orphanages beyond capacity. Their vain attempts to hide their indiscretions was exposed; they could no longer deny the truth.

In an attempt to control the adulterous behavior, Venetian blinds were banded from all gondolas. The ordnance still stands today. But Venetians, like so many of us, became more clever in their disguises. They created lovely masks to cover their faces, assuming anonymity would allow them to cover their sins. As long as no one knew their identity, they felt free to parade their affairs in public without fear of consequence.

It wasn't that long ago I would have fit in well with the Venetians of today. My heart had its own set of blinds on it--shielding my heart to godly truth so I could remain in my sinful ways. I wore my own facial facade of a smile that hid the pain of the shame I bore for my own unholy unions. Wanting so much to be loved, I often settled for men who didn't really love me. Our relationships were as fleeting and meaningless as those Italian love affairs. I followed the myths and wives tales of the day, always leading me astray.

But Jesus saw through my sin and hurt, and lifted the blinds from the eyes of my heart. As I saw my sins forgiven beneath the cross of His sacrifice, I no longer hid from God. My heart was open to be loved and healed, so I could learn to love others as God intended. My relationship with my husband is pure, even though we are imperfect creatures. Praise Jesus we are His!

There is a new set of blinds on my life these days. It's one that shields me from evil, not closes out the light from heaven. It's the Word of God that keeps me safe, and helps me steer clear of superstitious myths and ungodly beliefs. As forgiven sinners, we no longer have to wear masks. Jesus has removed the shame of our sin and covered us with His radiance. We are still learning to tap into His light that makes us glow as we train ourselves to be godly. What's under your mask? What have you placed your faith in that is unholy? Will you let God remove and replace it? "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales, rather, train yourselves to be godly" (I Timothy 4:7).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Deep Love

2011-09-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

"Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" I Peter 4:8.

Remembering how deeply Christ loves me and extending that love to my husband as we celebrate our 9th anniversary this September.

Thanking God for blessing us beyond measure!

Praying you know the love of Jesus in your heart that enables you to love deeply. "Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" I Peter 4:8.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Alone Together

2011-08-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

Ever notice when your body is tired your spiritual zeal soon wanes? We make our plans to faithfully serve God when opportunities arise, but human limitations stifle our loftiest ambitions. The daily demands of life press in on all sides squeezing energy from us. Everywhere is a need so great beyond our capacity to satisfy. Fear grips us; we want to refuse when we sense we should help. Secretly we question “Lord, how can you ask more of me when I’ve exhausted my body, my finances, my time, etc…?” In the midst of depravity Jesus calls us to a place of serenity, alone together with Him, just as He did with His disciples long ago.

Life on the mission field with Jesus was always busy, but this season was exceptionally challenging for His disciples. Twelve were recently chosen as His Apostles. Christ granted them authority to heal the sick, drive out demons, and preach the gospel of repentance. Enthusiasm was high as they stepped out in faith eager to obey their Lord. Then mourning struck. John the Baptist was beheaded. Scattered, they regrouped to bury the body and to comfort each other. They had witnessed many miracles for those whose faith in Jesus was strong, but never a death until now. Following Christ was serious and costly.

Drained and hungry they huddled around Jesus, relaying stories of what they had done on their mission trips. Perhaps they were seeking encouragement for their weary souls; craving their Master’s delightful response. Bodily needs soon took precedence. Now all they wanted was a good meal and a nap! But as they looked around a crowd of five thousand was gathering, and they were hungry too. Sensing the disciple’s need for refreshment before they could serve, Jesus pulled them away alone with Him.

Have you expanded so much of yourself you need a break? God understands! Slip away for some quiet rest alone together with Jesus. Devour the savory morsels of Scripture whether in big or small bits. Let Him nourish your spirit as He did His disciples. Who knows how many hungry souls you will feed when Christ invigorates and equips you? “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Walking in Enemy Territory

2011-07-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

When I said, "My foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul" (Psalm 94:18-19).

It was his first deployment. Young, confident and naive, he treads gingerly on foreign soil. As a sniper, this was the mission he’d been trained for; he wasn’t supposed to be scared. Yet the weight of his rifle was no match for the heaviness in his heart. This was no drill; he was walking in enemy territory.

Adrenaline propelled him forward deeper into the treacherous landscape. His mind was racing as he silently thought, “How did I end up here?” Before his voluntary enlistment many had warned him to forgo this path. Strong and proud, he set forth in motion the choices that led him here. It was too late to turn back now. Immersed in war he had to face it.

Danger surrounded him as he pressed his boot into the muddy terrain unaware of the IED buried beneath the surface. It was no secret he was walking in a landmine, but he always believed he would be safe. In an instant his reality was shattered. With a loud explosion and a mighty force, he was thrust into the air landing hard in a field several feet from his last step. His vision temporarily blurred by the dirt and sweat in his eyes he mustered the courage to gaze at his feet, hoping the pain he felt was a good sign.

Miraculously, he had survived intact! The IED only partially detonated because of the soggy ground it was buried in. His physical injuries would bring him back to America for healing; they were not life threatening. He would walk again. However, this brush with death had scarred him in other ways. He battles post traumatic stress syndrome. Those wounds are not as quick to heal, but they may be the ones that lead him to rely on Jesus for restoration.

Have you wandered into spiritual enemy territory feeling so sure footed you can handle the opposition? Turn back now! Discernment comes when we spend time in God’s Word and in prayer. It is the surest way to avoid experiencing the post traumatic stress of sin. Look to Jesus for protection. He is the most powerful weapon against evil there is. When I said, "My foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul" (Psalm 94:18-19).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Pretty Gene

2011-05-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

Does a glance through a fashion magazine or trying on clothes at the mall bring you down? You’re in good company. The message conveyed is always the same, “If you aren’t this skinny, sexy or swanky you’re not lovable.” Advertisers masterfully perpetrate a standard so few will achieve while convincing us to spend mega bucks trying.

We’re brain washed into believing if we become sculpted airbrushed models we’ll be happy because being you is miserable. Discouraged we numb our sadness with a pint of our favorite ice cream while watching mindless television. “If only I’d been born with the pretty gene”, we tell ourselves. Guess what? You were!

The God of all creation and the lover of your soul formed you for a unique purpose. Your DNA is like no other; and no one body shape or size is superior in God’s eyes. His plan for the person whose body is racked with disease is just as perfect as the fastest Olympic runner. We waste precious time and energy trying to be the carbon copy of someone we idolize instead of the best version of ourselves. The Father doesn’t want us to wallow in self-preoccupation and self-deprecation. There is a better way.

Look to Jesus for your self-worth, not the mixed messages of a fickle fallen world. Fashion statements come and go, but God’s Word stands firm forever. Write down Scriptures that tell of His love for you, and that He sees you as beautiful in His sight. Meditate on His promises and know in your heart that what God says about you is true, not what mankind says.

Whether you are a “stick chick” who gracefully wears the latest skinny jeans, or a delicious “curvalicious” gal who has never owned anything labeled skinny in her life, ask Jesus to help you believe that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. Pray for a balanced perspective on taking care of your body, and a vision about the life God created you for. He will heal your insecurities if you lean on Him daily. As God’s born again babe all your beauty secrets are in the Bible. It contains your spiritual makeup but you have to apply it. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Borrowed Happiness

2011-05-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and out stretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).

The following post is an excerpt from my Amazon bestseller, My Heart’s Desire: A Journey Toward Finding Extravagant Love.

Thirty-nine, single, with a fast-ticking biological clock; I wasn’t prepared for a threat to my fertility. For years I had borrowed the happiness of my friends who were moms, rejoicing in their pregnancy and child rearing tales while imagining my own. Fit and a born cheerleader, I was the one people looked to for diet and exercise advice coupled with encouragement. But my confidence evaporated when my doctor said, “You have several tumors and should consider a hysterectomy”. Life as I’d known it was about to change.

As tears flooded my eyes thoughts careened around my dazed mind. Barren, cursed, infertile, were these dreaded words my new title? This isn’t supposed to happen to me. I’d make a great wife and mom! Where is God? Is He mad at me? Frightened and alone I didn’t care that the odds were against me. Deciding to fight the conventional wisdom that I should sanction this drastic surgical measure, I chose a natural and holistic approach. Miracles happen all the time; maybe I’ll be healed if I direct enough positive energy to the right channels of my body. It’s my body; I’m in control!

Over the next four years I embarked on a self-directed path of physical restoration. I had no idea this road of sorrow and pain was God’s route for my soul’s salvation. Constantly I questioned my fate. How could I ever be happy if I’m single and childless? Don’t I deserve to have my heart’s desire? Haven’t I done more good than evil in my life? Why would God torture me if He loves me? My performance oriented people pleaser brain believed God would reward me if I “behaved well”; I had no peace. Convinced the greatest tragedy I could suffer was a solo existence, I made marriage and motherhood an idol to be worshiped and praised above all else.

Life was a treadmill of activities and rituals designed to earn God’s favor in return for answered prayers. With no husband in sight, my resolve waned as my stomach bulged under the weight of the fast-growing tumors. Exhausted from emotionally holding up myself I waved my flag of surrender and stepped down from my throne. Collapsing into the arms of Jesus my healing would come, but not in a way that fit my paradigms. It wasn’t what I expected, but it was exactly what I needed. “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and out stretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Bright Monday

2011-04-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my Word and believes in Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

What a bright Monday it is as we continue celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The grave could not hold Him as He passed over from physical death into eternal life. Our great hope as Christians is this truth—we will join our Passover Lamb in heaven one day. His death sealed our life and citizenship in His kingdom. What joy to know we who believe in Jesus are forgiven of our sins!

The world outside my window is filled with signs of new birth. Azaleas, geraniums and mandevilla adorn our yard. Soon the peonies, roses and hydrangeas will bloom. Baby birds excitedly chirp in the holly tree by our porch. Spring, with all its grandeur, is only a glimpse into the beauty the new Earth will reflect when Jesus returns to reign. Death used to grip me with fear, but no more. Jesus took away all my anxiety, and I cannot wait to cross over to see where He lives with His Father. Then I will be truly alive!

Let the peace of the Messiah fill your heart each day as you pray to Him. He will fill you with His love; for no one understands your pain better than Jesus. With such a bright future ahead of us, we can’t remain sad for long. “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my Word and believes in Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

Check out this video depicting Christ's resurrection:

http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnplayer/cbnPlayer.swf?s=/vod/MW131v2_WS

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Ordinary Beautiful People

2011-04-04T10:35:00.001-07:00

“He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2).

Ask anyone who the most desirable people are and the top choices will include celebrities in various professions. Being beautiful or “hot” is America’s national obsession. We spend vast resources pickling, pruning and pampering our bodies seeking the applause of admirers. Youth must be preserved at all cost. What a heavy price our souls have paid that far outweighs the damage to our purse.

Instead of believing what God says about beauty, we have embraced Satan’s lie that if we are not rich, thin and gorgeous we’re rejects. Competition is fierce; standards keep rising along with our fear of not measuring up. Drifting away from God’s love, it’s no wonder we feel like castaways stranded on an island of despair.

There’s nothing wrong with being attractive. God is not anti-beauty. While He does not advocate gluttony and abuse of our bodies, our physical appearance does not determine our value to God. Scripture tells us Jesus was average looking. It wasn’t His dazzling wardrobe and handsome face that turned heads when He walked the streets of Jerusalem. It was the brilliance of His soul; the warm inner light of God’s love that penetrated the hearts of broken people.

Unlike the world, Jesus concentrates on internal makeovers. He takes lowly sinners and transforms them into His glorious servants. Mother Teresa exemplified this. In June, 1995 I was overwhelmed by Christ’s love bursting from her as I watched her speak in Newton, MA. She was God’s princess; lovelier than any beauty queen. Her broken English prayer was more eloquent than the finest orator’s speech.

Some of the most attractive people have calloused faces but glowing hearts. God’s finger has erased the guilt lines of their sins. They are not plain or unnoticed in God’s eyes. Are you in search of eternal beauty that improves with age? Christ’s heart-lift outperforms any physician’s face-lift. Our extraordinary God specializes in making ordinary people beautiful. Give your life to Jesus who understands your struggle. You don’t need to strive to win his affection. He desires to lavish you with His love. “He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

A Really Big House

2011-03-13T15:25:00.001-07:00

“In my Father’s house are many room; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

“Pack your bags; be ready to go when I return for you and help your mother take care of the family farm. I’m going to find a new home in a new world for all of us.” Parting words my great-great-grandfather uttered as he set sail from Italy for America. Leaving behind a scared family with no guarantee of his safe passage, he must have thought it was worth the risk. Longing to escape the poverty they would inherit if he stayed on familiar turf, he followed the message of hope a trusted friend had shared about America; changing the course of his family’s history.

After establishing himself as a farmer in America, he bought a large house on several acres of land. Beginning in 1902, he traveled back to Italy each time escorting another family member safely to America. After arriving with the last of his children in 1913 they never set foot in their homeland again. They eagerly embraced their new dwelling and thanked their loving father who, by God’s grace, had fulfilled his promise. At last they were all together in a place prepared especially for them!

As Jesus prepared His disciples for His earthly departure to His heavenly home, He encouraged them with words of assurance. He promised He would make ready their room in His Father’s house, He would come back to get them, and with Him they would live. These blessed words of truth continue to give hope to all Christ’s followers. The master carpenter loves us so much that He’s custom designing our new dwelling with Him.

Is your faith in Christ’s purchase of your safe passage home? God has many rooms in His really big house. Is your name on one of them? Change your family history. Ask Jesus to live in your heart today so you can live with Him forever. Then invite others to join God’s family of believers who trust in the sacrifice of His Son. He loves new additions. “In my Father’s house are many room; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Who is in Control?

2011-02-23T16:21:00.001-08:00

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

“God is My Co-pilot” the catchy bumper sticker read with a crucifix beside those words. Sounding so clever and right, why did it make me feel uneasy? If God is my co-pilot that means I’m still in charge, or does it? Longing to silence the discussion in my head, I looked up the meaning of co-pilot in the dictionary. Here’s what is said, “A qualified pilot who assists or relieves the pilot but is not in command.” Uh oh, sounds like that bumper sticker needs a rewrite!

Have you ever made a decision without consulting God first that left you stranded and begging for help? So often I run ahead of Jesus with all my dreams of grandeur asking Him to bless my plans when the ride gets too bumpy. I have reduced God to some roadside assistance genie that exists to smooth out trouble spots instead of seeking His will in prayer. Without realizing it, I had switched places and made myself God’s co-pilot. What a frightening thought!

Our imaginations can take us on a wild ride, but not always to places God wants us to go. To reach the destination He created us for, we need to read God’s roadmap and follow His directions. Reading the Bible and praying for God’s instruction will keep you from running off course. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Do not fear giving Jesus control to drive the all-terrain vehicle of your life. Ask Him to show you which way to go before you set out on your daily trip. Abide and listen for His voice; then follow the path in obedience He designed for you. He will empower you to accomplish His plans for your life. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

More Than We Can Handle

2011-02-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

“I will lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Crushed in spirit by an unexpected crisis, I broke down in tears. How much more can I handle, God? My already full plate shattered when the news that a family member was in serious trouble was heaped upon it. It was the kind of trouble I was powerless to fix. Looking for encouragement from friends their cavalier response, “You’re strong, have faith, God won’t give you more than you can handle” made me want to scream in rebuttal. Can you relate?

Does God give us more than we can handle? I believe He does. Is it because God is unsympathetic and delights in seeing us suffer? No, it’s because He wants us to surrender the problem to Him for help. Have you ever posed the question of God’s goodness and mercy to your friends only to receive a reply that made you feel more discouraged and alienated? We interpret this as unfair when Jesus allows comments from well-meaning friends to baffle and frustrate us. But if we probe the Scriptures we begin to see that the Lord longs to be our greatest source of comfort.

Honestly, if we could solve all our problems ourselves, or by following the advice of others, why would we need God’s help? As life clutters our minds we forget we were created to know God, to love God, and to worship Him. Often it takes a “beyond our control” situation to bring us to our knees in prayer. Jesus is not being cruel when He allows trouble to befall us. He’s using it to draw us near to Him because He is the one person who will never abandon us.

God who is perfect created us for human relationships, but we are all imperfect beings. None of us can adequately meet anyone’s needs no matter how much we love them. It’s not that we shouldn’t seek human advice, but what happens if that person cannot help, or they die? Are we left without counsel or comfort? No, because God is all powerful and everlasting. That is why we seek Christ first. Sometimes He speaks to us through others, but always He talks to us through His Word.

Learning to trust in the Lord takes time and practice. If you spend time talking with God about life’s heartaches you will find the peace you are seeking, even if the problem hasn’t been resolved. Psalm 121:8 says, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” He can and will handle whatever you give Him.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

New Year’s Day Everyday

2011-01-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

“You will still be eating last year’s harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new” (Leviticus 26:10).

People gravitate toward something new. Simply fill in the blank after the word “new” and our ears perk up. Has your life really changed that much since the stroke of midnight on December 31 ushered in another January 1? Is your harvest a basket of eternal fruits that continue to keep you spiritually healthy, or is the silo barren? As I sit down to compose my goals for 2011 it occurs to me that growing in Christ means He’s always renewing me. With Jesus every day I spend with Him is New Years Day!

New beginnings are possible because of God’s forgiveness of our sins. When we believe in His Son’s death on the cross for a debt we could not pay ourselves we are made new creatures. No longer are we God’s enemies, but are adopted sons and daughters through our faith in Christ Jesus. Whenever we spend time reading the Scriptures and praying to the Lord we are renewing our relationship and our souls. What a comfort it is to know we can confess our sins with a sincere and contrite heart and that God forgives us! We’re always granted another chance, a new beginning because of His mercy.

God has promised many blessings for those who love His Son and obey His commands. Some people will twist the Scriptures to implicate this means all people who are financially blessed, or who lives seems to contain little strife, are walking “right” with the Lord. Their harvest may dwarf ours if we are comparing the size of their houses, their cars and/or their bank accounts to ours. But remember, material wealth or lack thereof is not an indicator of favor with God!

You may possess earthly wealth and be morally bankrupt because you have valued everything else in life but a relationship with Jesus. You may have a new wardrobe on the outside that is the envy of many, but inside you are clothed in filthy rags. God is not impressed with our vast accumulation of wisdom and riches of the world as we squander away our lives worshiping created things above our Creator. Our best efforts at resolving to make a new and better life for ourselves, and our world, fall short when God is not the center of the power behind our plans.

In this New Year let us seek to put the Lord of the harvest of our lives first. If we turn to Jesus He will give us a new heart, a new life, and He will water the seeds that produce a bountiful crop for His glory. What a God we love and serve! He makes all things new every day, not just on January 1. What harvest will you be enjoying (or regretting) twelve months from now? Will it be sweet or bitter? The choice is yours. “You will still be eating last year’s harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new” (Leviticus 26:10).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Restored Decade

2010-12-19T13:46:00.000-08:00

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten” (Joel 2:25).

Christmas and New Years are typically a time of reflecting on all the events of the previous year. It’s amazing to see how fast twelve months can pass and all the experiences that have shaped our lives. With all the talk these days of “the lost decade” we are enduring--lost wages, vanished 401Ks, and lack of economic growth, my mind can get clouded with the challenges of daily life. My annual recollections of the past recently took me further back in time—ten years to be exact. I did lose something. It was my old life that died the day I began my new life in Christ.

It was Thanksgiving week of 2000 when God’s pursuing love finally gripped my seeking heart and made its permanent residence in me. Jesus restored my damaged relationship with the Father. Consequently, my life has never been the same. I am continuing to learn how to live for a cause greater than myself; to live the life Jesus planned for me that is better than any vision I can conjure up. This does not mean my journey does not include disappointments, heartache and tough times. It does mean I do not walk alone. Praise God for His Holy Spirit who is forever my Guide and Helper!

If I choose to measure my life solely in terms of how much money I earn, I would be counted among those in the newly coined phrase “the lost decade”. Like so many people my corporate career is under attack, and so is my pay check. My wages have slipped to a level I made twelve years earlier, and my 401K hasn’t made much progress. But the Lord provided me with a husband eight years ago and together we are weathering life’s storms with our Creator. I often wonder where the world is headed not just from an economic standpoint, but from a spiritual one. Evidence of love is so hard to find in mankind.

This December I am settling in with Jesus and asking Him to help me listen more than I speak. I want to hear His voice above all others, and there are so many distractions right now. My hopes for the New Year certainly contain peace, prosperity and joy, but sometimes things have to fall apart before they can be repaired. This is how it was in my life and, perhaps, that is what is happening in our world today. We are sick, we need restoration, but we’re seeking it in our government and our employers instead of in Christ.

Christmas is the beginning of God’s restoration plan for all of us sinners. It began with the birth of His Son in a manger over 2000 years ago and was fulfilled when Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead. Invite Jesus to live in your heart and surrender your life to Him. True healing and contentment begins there. Only when we receive His love can we extend it to others. What a lovely outreach that would be to other hurting citizens.

Wouldn’t it be nice if no one was part of the lost generation anymore but all were forgiven of our sins and restored? Praying you will accept the free gift of salvation that cost Jesus His life because of His great love for you. Merry Christmas and a Restored New Year! “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten” (Joel 2:25).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Wake-up Call

2010-11-23T15:33:00.001-08:00

“It’s better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8).

Last Wednesday was one of those “wake-up call” moments when I learned I would be taking reduction in pay along with my work hours. Management advised us it was time for everyone to sacrifice and “take one for the team” in order to avoid downsizing of staff. Ironically, it was nearly two years ago that we began working unpaid overtime in order to keep our jobs after others were let go. Although I work for man God has once more confirmed I cannot place my trust in humans.

This cut back is not the result of a slowdown in business but a reaction to Wall Street’s projection on company stock earnings. The news stung as many of us felt betrayed by an employed we’d labored long and hard for. I am grateful no one lost their job and that I still have one. It wasn’t the loss of money I was upset about; it was the injustice of being treated so unfairly after working tirelessly for years. What a sad reflection of the values of corporate America.

In this time of economic uncertainty there have been many blessings to thank God for. One is that we have saved some money for a crisis such as this. I am more concerned about my co-workers who have not been as fortunate. There were times in my life I also lived paycheck to paycheck. It could happen again, but for now we are cutting back further on expenses and able to manage. We have a home, food to eat, and the ability to give to others in greater need. God is gracious to provide so much. He is great even when life is not!

The greatest blessing is the allotment of extra time to spend with my husband. We cherish each other’s company and are making the most of this situation. The last few mornings we have hiked in the state park up the road before work. Now that my day starts later we have this luxury when Jon’s schedule allows. As I breathe in the crisp morning air and watch the sunlight streaming through the misty speckled forest, I am struck by the beauty all around me. Slowly I relax and feel the Lord speaking to me on the trail and changing my perspective.

As I navigate the paths cluttered with fallen leaves sometimes I cannot see which way I should walk. More than once Jon has had to call me back if I am leading us astray. It’s easy to do when I’m relying on my own internal compass to get us through the wilderness instead of the signs provided for me. The trail markers are blue triangles. Sometimes they are close together and easily identifiable. Other times they are far apart. It takes a bit of faith to keep walking in the right direction until I see my next triangle.

Such is life. It’s easy to trek along without a care when our path is clear in the summer moments contrary to when it’s covered up by life’s debris in autumn. As I search for the blue triangle to keep me safe in the woods, Jesus is calling me to look to the Trinity for ultimate protection. He will never leave me stranded or change the rules about my future as my employer has done. The Father has a great adventure planned for His followers in heaven, and He helps us to endure life on earth now. What a wonderful God we love and serve!

Perhaps you are facing your own “wake-up call”. With each new challenge I pray you will join me in bringing your fears to Jesus where He can soothe and heal you. One day none of this will hurt anymore. The Lord will avenge all iniquities in this world. I am not bitter towards my employer even though I was angry last week. In the final analysis I know who I really work for, and He is not an oppressive employer. I pray you, too, have put your faith in Jesus instead of yourself or any other human to save you. “It’s better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

An Undefiled Spirit

2010-10-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

“Do not turn to mediums, or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:31).

There couldn’t be a more perfect time of year to see what God says about those who dabble in ghosts and spirits than Halloween. This goes beyond how we decorate our homes. The question is what’s the make-up of our hearts? What and who are we worshiping? If you had asked me about horoscopes, tarot cards, and seeking the advice of mediums 12 years ago, you would have counted me among the defiled. I had no idea what I was inviting into my life, and it frightens me to think of what evil God rescued me from.

Our culture is fascinated with death, communing with spirits, and the supernatural. Consider the popularity of some of today’s television shows that are based on this premise. We’re seeking answers about our future, or longing to reconnect with the deceased, thinking it’s a harmless curiosity and okay to indulge in such activities. Our restless souls demand instant gratification without realizing the dangers we are exposing ourselves to. The voices that speak to us from these channels are not from God. They seek to ensnare not free us.

My spirit was not able to discern this until the Holy Spirit began His work in me. Since my new life in Christ began nearly 10 years ago I am quick to guard my heart (and my home) against Satan’s intruders. Subtle as they are for Lucifer disguises himself as an angel of light, there are movies, books, T.V. programs and praying to “spirit guides” that I avoid like the plague of darkness that they are. They defile us because they point us away from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit--our only true source of counsel and wisdom.

The more we pray to God and bury our eyes in His Scriptures the less tempted we are to go elsewhere. The Lord who gave us the faith to believe in Him will also strengthen our faith in what the future holds. Eventually, patience, trust and obedience replace restlessness, doubt and rebellion. This has been my experience. I no longer listen to those haunting voices of death spiritists and mediums speak with. They’ve been drowned out by the life-giving voice of my Savoir who is always with me in Spirit, and praying for me in heaven. His aim is my good, not my destruction.

As I decorate our home with pumpkins and fill bowls of candy to pass out tonight, it’s not Halloween I’m celebrating. It’s the harvest of the season that comes from my Lord, the one who gathered my wayward defiled spirit and filled it with His Holy and undefiled Spirit. That’s a holiday I can celebrate all year long! “Do not turn to mediums, or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:31).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

La Famiglia (The Family)

2010-10-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

“…Though she may forget you, I will not forget. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isaiah 49:15-16).

They stood on the same shoreline 100 years apart. Hardly noticeable these two women were both small in stature; but big on dreams. One bound for the oldest resort on earth a short boat ride away; the other sailing to the New World on a month-long voyage. The woman in 2010 departs from Naples, accompanied by her husband, for Capri from the dock where, in 1910, a mere teenager traveled solo to meet her future mate. One is seeking to connect with her past while the other is leaving hers behind. She was a fragile, sweet, thirteen-year-old Italian immigrant in 1910 whose story time almost forgot. As of late, my questioning is bringing her back to life for she was my great-grandmother.

Returning from Italy seven weeks ago has caused a surge in my family history research. While Jon and I were traveling visions of my mother’s family danced in my imagination. Everyone knew my great-grandmother came from Italy; her broken English accent was a sure giveaway. She never spoke of what her life was like there, and I can’t ask her now. She passed away in 1987. So my ancestral excavation takes place through other living family members who share bits and pieces of her saga. Learning how my family lived and what they sacrificed has changed me. Our Italian vacation has transformed me profoundly; it’s become a spiritual journey.

It’s the little things that have affected me the most. Like discovering my great, great-grandfather traveled in a horse-drawn cart from the south of Rome to the tip of the Austrian border selling his homegrown fruits, vegetables, and assorted meats and cheeses. Many were the same routes I traversed in an air conditioned bus with plenty of amenities. It baffles me that he rode through Italy’s mountainous terrain in all kinds of weather to support his family. Eventually, he saved up enough money to travel to Argentina, Brazil and America in search of a better life for them all. These were facts my mother never knew!

Perusing the notes I’m compiling on my Italian relatives, I am overcome with emotion at times. How different my life would have been had they stayed in Italy or if they settled in Brazil or Argentina as other family members did. But God’s grace and mercy carried them safely to America where a world of unlimited possibilities awaited. Their willingness to risk everything in a new land opened the door to so many blessings for the rest of us. As I contemplate their sacrifice and hardship I feel so spoiled; so undeserving of all that I have. It’s changed my heart forever. I am complaining less about how stressful my life is and speaking forth more grateful praises.

Discovering the intricacies of those who paved the way before me has drawn me closer to them. This, too, is how my relationship with Jesus has been growing. As I unearth the treasures buried in His Holy Word, I realize the price He paid for my freedom and the privilege of eternal life I’ve been given. He washed away my filthy sins and opened the door into heaven for me. I am welcomed into His family, one whose members are as precious to me as my own flesh and blood relatives. How tragic and hopeless my life would be if I had chosen to stay in my sinful state; refusing to leave it all behind.

The beauty of belonging to God’s household is that He never forgets us. Human relationships are wonderful, but time erodes their memory. Yet God is always faithful; forever longing to spend time with us and never too busy for those who love Him. Just as the choices my ancestors made directly impacted my life for good, my prayer is that my decision to follow Jesus will bring blessing to others in my circle. Hoping to meet you at the family reunion God’s planning for His children! “…Though she may forget you, I will not forget. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isaiah 49:15-16).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Defeating the Joy-Robber, Worry

2010-09-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

Have you ever noticed how far and how fast worry can take you down the path of despair? There’s nothing like imaging tragic calamities to rob whatever joy you may otherwise be experiencing. The devil always strikes at the time when distracting me from God’s truth stands to weaken my faith if left unchecked. It happened this morning in church when I was feeling a bit lonely, and vulnerable.

Jon works a rotating shift which often prevents him from attending service with me. Many Sundays I am unaffected by worshiping without my husband beside me, but this was not one of them. No sooner had the singing begun when my mind spiraled with thoughts of doom. “What will I do if something happens to Jon? How will I manage life as a widow? Is this a vision of more lonely church services to come?”

Taking inventory, I knew what prompted these fears of dread. Some were founded in the reality of close friends who have recently lost their spouse through death or divorce. Such catastrophes often lead to quiet introspection and empathy whenever I try to place my own feet in the shoes being worn by another. That is not a bad thing as it can make me more compassionate toward their suffering. After all, it could be my grief today instead of theirs. But I was also aware Satan was attacking me. Worry is his tactic, not God’s.

Presently Jon and I are healthy and so is our marriage. It’s only God’s grace that keeps us from facing a heartbreaking trial, and we don’t know when one will come. I am not a worrier by nature. This does not mean I never think about death of a loved one, serious illness or job loss. I have lived through all of these. But to devote energy to something that is not happening now is not only a waste of time, it’s sinful. Worry does not improve life. It only serves to stifle creativity, and hope, and to drown out God’s voice when we most need to hear Him.

Worry shows a lack of trust in the Lord’s provision and fosters doubt in His authority over my life. When I’m fretting over problems (real or imagined) my mind is focused on my own limited capacity to “handle” the situation. No wonder I’m frightened! If I am “fixed” on God’s immeasurable power I will see earthly hardships are meant for my Christ-like character development. I am a conqueror in the power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing is beyond God’s reach to heal and restore.

Many times Jon and I talk about what life would be like solo. If God takes me first Jon says he would spend the insurance money on therapy because he’d be so heartbroken. Should the reverse scenario occur, I’d spend the money on contract services whenever something broke. Jon is very handy—he can fix anything! I am mechanically challenged to say the least.

Truth be told, I would grieve terribly if Jon goes before me. I am crazy about my husband, and we’ve only had eight years together. When you marry later in life you realize how precious your time is. Would I be scared, lonely, and anxious if I were a widow? Yes, I would. But praise God I do not have to remain stuck in those thoughts and emotions! I can choose to meditate on God’s Word and let Him comfort my troubled soul, and bring helpers into my life. He can do that for you, too.

Peace through an intimate relationship with Christ squelches worry. Death will come to all, but it holds no victory. Jesus conquered it, so we have nothing to fear! I don’t know when He will call us home to be with Him. Until that day I am going to enjoy the blessing of my beloved husband, and my trusted Savior who brought us together. What will you choose? Worry or joy? Satan’s lies or Christ’s truth? “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Streets of Marble; Streets of Gold

2010-09-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

“The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelations 21:21).

Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? The Bible tells us the streets will be paved with pure gold. The closest I’ve come to gold was walking streets of marble in Verona, Italy. Jon and spent 10 glorious days touring many regions of that wonderful country, and found ourselves in the opulent city of Verona while en route to Venice. All its richness made me realize earth is beautiful, but nothing compared to what God has planned for those who love His Son!

The most spiritual experiences Jon and I had in Italy were often found outside of the churches we toured. In the sacred ruins God spoke to us of people who lived long ago, and whose lives were altered by sudden tragedy. How do you explain how much more we were deeply moved by the Roman Colosseum versus the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica? Naturally, we admired the Vatican museum and Sistine Chapel for the magnificent structures they were. But with so many people shuffling through beside us it did not lend itself to quiet contemplation. In the Colosseum we reflected on all those who lost their lives there, many for their Christian faith.

Pompeii had the same sobering effect on us. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24 in 79 AD buried the city under 60 feet of volcanic ash by August 25. We were visiting it on August 25, 2010 and while we marveled at the engineering genius of the former residence of Pompeii, their preserved plaster bodies were a reminder that life can change very quickly. The people had ample warning to leave the area, but elected to stay because they did not understand the danger at hand. They believed the dark rain was a sign that the many gods they worshiped were with angry with them, so few fled Pompeii. Instead, they slowly and painfully perished and disappeared from view for over a thousand years.

Are people no different today than they were in Pompeii? Doesn’t God send many warnings that we are in danger of being cut off from Him forever apart from a relationship with Jesus? I shudder to think how long I ignored His message, but praise God He did not give up pursuing me until I responded to His invitation to fellowship with Him! Peace, joy and comfort are yours when you give your heart to Christ. You’ll never have to fear His abandonment in this world, or in eternity, when you’re sealed with the blood of His sacrifice for your sins. Heaven is secured when you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and give Him your life.

Our Roman holiday was very special. The adventures we shared, and the new friends we met, will always cheer our souls when we reflect on those magical summer days. The places we visited are etched in our memory to draw upon at will: Capri’s rugged island landscape, Rome’s glorious fountains and ancient ruins, Venice’s romantic gondola ride, Assisi’s spectacular hillside decorated with olive streets illuminated under a full moon, Florence’s stunning artwork and statue of David, Lake Como’s deep blue water and view of the Alps, and Verona’s impressive marble streets that showcased the city’s wealth.

These were only a few of our experiences. With all the treasures we saw, I still couldn’t help but exclaim as I walked on Verona’s marble streets, “This is nice but it’s only a warm up for heaven’s streets of gold!” Our Father has great riches to lavish on His flock. Is He your Shepherd? I pray you are one of His sheep. Hope to walk beside you one day in the kingdom of God! It’ll be much better than Verona. “The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelations 21:21).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Because She Said Yes: Legacy of a Mentor

2010-08-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

“One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

Like tiny fireflies lighting a dark forest path so, too, are the women who have been Christ’s lanterns in my life. In the eyes of others their seemingly small and insignificant expressions of faith were not unnoticed by Jesus. God spoke to me through these Christian women He placed in my circle as mentors and spiritual big sisters. Long before our lives were intertwined, they said yes to Jesus when He called them to be His daughter. They committed to sharing the Gospel with others. One day their legacy of blessing touched me; inviting me to pass the torch too.

For forty-two years I lived in the shadows drawn at times to God’s saving light, yet choosing to run away from grace. Mine was a faith of works—always seeking to perfect myself so God would love me. One-by-one these women of faith shared their struggles and the love and forgiveness Jesus offered. If I surrendered my heart and life to Him His Holy Spirit would live inside me. He would help change my ways—making me holy as He is holy. My flesh will always struggle against God’s standard of holiness, but forgiveness and mercy cover my confession and repentance.

They were living examples of what Christ could do in an obedient heart. Unlike me, their faces were not covered with shame when they stood in the light of His word. They willingly shared the peace inside their hearts that was available to me. Covering me in prayer and Scriptures, they interceded on my behalf. Their words and deeds were a twinkling light penetrating the darkness of my soul. One’s influence led me to my Savior; others help keep me near Him today.

Because they said yes to follow Christ and yes to being a servant, I have eternal life. What a mystery how God uses imperfect people to drawn us to His perfect Son. He doesn’t need us, yet He grants us this incredible honor of kingdom work. The legacy of blessing continues to grow, all for God’s glory. Because I said yes a book was written bearing the imprint of God’s life-changing love when all hope is gone; reaching people I do not know.

The magnitude of this used to terrify me. I never felt qualified to write such a story. But that’s the beauty of saying yes to God. He’s the author who speaks through our lives when we rely on His power to accomplish the task. My mentors didn’t save me. I cannot save anyone. Only the Holy Spirit can convince a sinful and contrite heart that Jesus is the Messiah. As believers of this truth, we are called to demonstrate to this generation the beauty of a life forever changed by Christ’s magnificent love.

God knows we need living examples of this love. The incarnate Christ Jesus was the exact representation of the Father. Although we are flawed, God’s light can eliminate a dark world through the cracked windows of our lives. What is your legacy? What are you saying yes to? Is it your own dreams, wants, needs and desires? Are you living for the excitement this life can bring but falling off an emotional cliff when the momentary euphoria has passed? It’s a lonely and unfulfilling life you’ve chosen, and one I used to live.

Change your course and follow Jesus! Say yes to His invitation today by confessing to Him that you know you are a sinner, there is nothing you can do to be “good enough” to enter heaven, and that you believe Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead. He has gone to heaven to prepare a place for you if only you will accept Him into your heart as your Redeemer. Then stand back in praise and adoration as He creates your legacy of blessing; His legacy of blessing. “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Praying Life Forward

2010-07-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

It was an odd concept to pray for someone I hadn’t met, but not so strange to Jesus. Although my future husband was unknown to me, he was not to God. The Lord spoke to me through the words of my friend and spiritual big sister who encouraged me to seek God’s heart in this matter. Who better to be my yenta (matchmaker) than He? And so the prayer journey began in my quest for a mate, but it did not end when we married. The practice of praying life forward continues today.

This isn’t about believing enough or reciting the right words that convince my Holy Father to give me what I want. That was how my prayer life used to be. I was bound by rituals and incantations that I desperately clung to for years in an effort to control my desired outcome. There was no peace, no joy, and no sweet communion with God. I was captive to the lie that if I prayed hard enough, long enough, often enough and with enough gusto that my faith would make God respond. My spirit was not fellowshipping with Jesus, it was at war and I did not even know it. His kindness and mercy changed everything, especially my prayer life.

Before I was born again spiritually by God’s gracious gift that I accepted in faith, my conversations with Him were manipulative. I tried to be “good enough” to earn favor; it was exhausting. Honestly, I didn’t trust God. I feared His wrath but never knew His love. Jesus forgave me, cleansed me of my sins, and sent His Spirit to live inside of me so I could learn of His love and holiness. He also taught me how to pray for God’s perfect will in my life. Trust was ever-increasing. Prayers were answered as God had planned. I wanted what Christ wanted.

When writing “My Heart’s Desire: A Journey Toward Finding Extravagant Love”, I devoted a chapter on praying for Jon before we met. Fumbling initially, God eventually shaped my thoughts and words. Reverently I prayed, “Jesus, you know who my future husband is. I pray that he is a man of faith and integrity, and that you would bless our relationship. I ask that you form me into the godly wife you envision, and that our union and home honors you. Please help us to be compatible spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially, and to be good helpmates to each other.”

Surrender and trust were interwoven together. Prayer denials or delays were His loving hand of protection, not punishment. This belief continues today whenever I pray for the things of tomorrow. I ask the Holy Spirit to go before me illuminating the right path. If God is not with me I do not want to go there! These prayers encompass every aspect of life: job changes, major purchases, vacation plans, and spouses for single loved ones to name a few. God is in the future we’ve yet to experience. Doesn’t it make perfect sense to ask Him to prepare us for it and to grant us discernment along the way?

Our marriage has been a wonderful treasure because God brought us together. He longs to shape the events of your life too. May your heart overflow with gratitude rejoicing in God’s promise when His children are praying life forward, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

One at a Time

2010-07-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).

Meandering around our front yard, I am still collecting remnants of fireworks from last week’s cul-de-sac celebration. The fourth of July was extra special this year not because of the festivities we shared with our neighbors, but because I realized how incredibly blessed we are in America beyond anything we deserve. God’s touch is everywhere.

In our household there are many things to be thankful for: my nephew’s safe return from his service in Iraq, our family’s good health, and the gift of employment to name a few. But it was more than these things. As I scanned the faces of the children dancing with sparklers as their fathers sent fireworks towards heaven while mothers snapped photos, I was touched by the diversity on our street. This is what so many have fought for, the freedom to be who we are even if it is very different from the folks beside us.

Most of us gathered that warm July night were not from Raleigh. We came from different states and countries with varying creeds and contrasting races. Yet we seek many common things like a better life for ourselves and our families. With all the social and economic challenges we are facing in America today we can still be grateful the Lord has allowed freedom to reign, even though so many have ignored God completely. Jesus has been merciful in our sinfulness as our nation fights this ever raging war to drown the voice of Christianity forever.

Sitting in the back of our pickup truck beside my husband that night, I felt a sense of urgency to pray for our country to turn our hearts and lives to Jesus. As a nation begins to fear and honor the Lord and submit to His authority, the people will be healed in their spirit. After all, what is a nation but a collection of individuals? God has revealed His love to America time and time again through His only Son Jesus Christ. While some have accepted this gift of salvation and restored fellowship with God, so many more are blinded.

My prayer for salvation is broad sweeping for our country, but God has convicted to me to stay on my knees and intercede for individuals. One-by-one a revolution can take place as spirits are cleansed and renewed by Jesus. We won’t desire to take up arms aimed at our enemies when that day comes. Instead, we’ll lift our hands to heaven with shouts of joy and praises for our long suffering King who prompted others to pray we’d become His child! Then we can declare with gladness, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Extended Single Years

2010-06-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him (Isaiah 30:18)."

Is being single becoming a disease you are trying to cure yourself of? Have voices of doubt from family and friends mingled with your own inner thoughts caused you to despair? Do whispers from Satan tell you if you were such a great catch you would already be caught? It wasn’t so long ago I would have answered yes to all of these questions until God began to change my heart, and my perspective. Slowly I began to realize being single was not a curse, but a time of blessed fellowship and preparation for my future.

There is nothing abnormal about desiring marriage. God created men and women to be joined together. While some people are perfectly comfortable remaining single their entire lives, the majority of us do want to get married. That being said, why does it have to be so complicated? I believe it’s because the goal is not simply to get married, but to be joined to the right spouse. Unfortunately, most couples have removed Christ from the relationship, or begrudgingly invite Him in as an unwelcome guest to be tolerated from time-to-time like a distant relative. We think we know best as we wonder why the divorce rate is so staggering.

Have you ever thought that God is protecting you from great harm by keeping you single? Do you trust that He would not withhold anything that is good from you? If marriage came so easily how tempting it would be to take your mate for granted. Maybe you feel you are ready, but the Lord may be working in the life of you future spouse. Wouldn’t you rather wait on God’s perfect timing to bring you together than to rush ahead and spoil the surprise? The longer you wait for something you really hope for, the greater the rejoicing when you behold it at last. Intense suffering in the single years can lead to greater commitment in marriage if you allow God to change your focus.

How do I know this? I was 43-years-old when I met my husband; married him at 44. There were two proposals before Jon’s. However, marrying any of those other guys would have had devastating consequences. Both those men cheated on their girlfriends and wives, including me. God was merciful; He saved me from greater pain than I had already experienced. Better still, He filled my heart with a love for Him and began to show me how we could partner through life together. If I let Him, Jesus would bring me the best husband for me, and prepare me to be a godly wife too.

My outlook on being single changed from gloomy to grateful as I dove into God’s Word daily. Bathed in His Scriptures, I surrendered the reins of control and asked the Holy Spirit to help me cooperate with His vision for my life. I gave God access to change my desire to be married, but if He planned to fulfill it I wanted the choice to be His. I prayed for God to work in my life and the life of my future husband, and for our union to honor Him. I was confident He had something really special planned for me. And He did!

If you are wondering why you are unmarried, ask God to reveal the answer before you make your own assumptions. If there are changes you need to make, the Lord will help you. The adversity and loneliness I faced in my single years strengthened me for marriage. Because I learned to turn to Jesus for wisdom, love and fellowship before and after I met Jon, my husband does not carry the responsibility only my Creator can fulfill. We cherish the gift of our marriage and the Giver who was our matchmaker. I pray you will use your single years to build up your relationship with Christ, and trust in His perfect plan for you. "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him (Isaiah 30:18)."

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

The Blessed Curse

2010-06-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

“Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful” Romans 12:12.

Do you find yourself wrestling with God over why He has allowed things that test your patience? Life isn’t easy for most of us, yet we make it harder by tossing our anger at the One who is working to bring a blessing out of a curse. Oh, if I only I would cooperate with Him more instead of putting up a fight! So many of my greatest struggles turned out to be the greatest character-building moments when my spirit was teachable. At the time, they did not seem like a fork-in-the-road choice. But looking in the rear view mirror God sometimes affords me a glimpse of the importance of choosing wisely.

One of the first struggles I had to overcome was with food. It’s a common problem with many Americans. In the land of plenty we’re prone to overindulgence at every turn. I was never obese, but in my late teens I donned extra pounds that did not compliment my small frame. There were a host of reasons this was happened: less exercise, finding my solace in sweets when insecurities arose, and lack of nutritional understanding. After all, doesn’t a teenager have more important things to ponder than proteins, carbohydrates and fats? Sharing one of my self-pity moments with my college roommate, her retort rattled my self-absorbed mood, “You have so much potential. I don’t know why you don’t use what you’ve been given.”

Who, me? What potential do I have? And what am I so afraid of? My answer, success! For me, it had become easier to hold back. No one expects much of you if you’re living below your potential. Yet I knew my excuses where lame. I’d grown tired of my miserable jealous feelings when skinny friends feasted on treats without consequence. Two choices were available—stagnate and surrender to my food addiction, or take control and win. Strong in self-determination, I started a strict diet and exercise regimen. I absorbed every article I could find on these topics. God was not part of the equation back then. Emphasis on my strength was all I needed, or so I thought.

For awhile, I was winning the battle. In fact, the transformation was so dramatic that friends who hadn’t seen me in months didn’t recognize me. My hair was longer, my body was 25 pounds thinner, and contacts replaced my wire rim glasses. Success tasted sweet, but didn’t last long. My weight yo-yoed whenever I felt challenged, lonely, or insecure. Although the outside had changed the inside needed work. It took a health crisis in my thirties for God to reach me. He led me to a place that my strength could not hold me. Only placing my trust in Christ’s hands could.

It all seemed so cruel, so unfair when my health was jeopardized. I felt completely out of control after expanding so much effort to create a world-approved image of myself. Again, a fork-in-the-road appeared. Do I wallow in anger and abuse my body further, or do I turn to Jesus for the healing and peace I lack? Yes, it was wise to educate myself on healthy choices in food and exercise; but my diet had to include a daily dose of heavenly love. Without it I was starved, unsatisfied, and reaching for the wrong things to fill the void.

This wellness battle will always rage to some degree in my flesh, but praise God there has been victory! My weight swings are much less, and my palate desires the nutrients my body needs. No longer do I see self-restraint as punishment from God, but as loving boundaries that keep my mind, body and spirit in harmony. Perhaps that which you are fighting so strongly against will one day be your greatest ally if you invite Jesus into the war. “Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful” Romans 12:12.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Somebody Else’s Three Pretty Girls

2010-05-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

“They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing” (Psalm 92:14).

Nearly ten years ago I stumbled upon Psalm 92:14 and claimed it for myself. Still single and longing to be married with kids, I believed bearing fruit meant I was guaranteed the fulfillment of this promise as it pertained to physical childbearing. Because God brought this verse to my conscious awareness, surely He was telling me motherhood was in my future. Young in my relationship with Christ, I lacked discernment in how to properly interpret the Scriptures. I assumed the first thought that popped into my brain must be the message God was speaking to me. But I would soon learn I cannot play the role God assigned to the Holy Spirit. Only His Spirit can be the accurate translator of God’s word, and I do myself harm when I fail to ask for His wisdom.

Day after day I would stare at verses, hoping my fixation on them would grant me my wish. I plastered my work cubicle with various Scriptures, including Psalm 92:14. While it was good to surround myself with Scripture, it was more of an exercise in positive thinking techniques than praying with an open heart seeking God’s impartation of His will for my life. I had convinced myself there was only one way Jesus could bring glory to Himself and children into my life, by the traditional path of physical conception and birth. I was wrong. The Lord is never constrained by human limitations and while many of life’s experiences are physical, He is always working in the spiritual realm.

In September, 2002 I became a wife and mother on the same day. I married a man with three college-age daughters. Honestly, “stepmother” was not the title I was hoping for, and I struggled with the reality of it throughout my courtship with Jon. Was I going against God’s plan by failing to trust He could give me my own baby, or were these three girls His gift to me? They would never belong to me physically or legally. Like Jon, their birth mother was lovingly involved in their lives. Desiring to tread lightly as to never disrupt this sacred parent-child bond, I considered myself void of any responsibility for the girls’ moral upbringing. God would hold Jon and his ex-wife accountable for that, but not me, or so I thought.

As a newlywed, God extended me grace in my wrong attitudes until my faith matured enough to see my sin. I am not granted a “free pass” from being a light for Christ to anyone the Father brings into my sphere of influence. Yes, He has created me with a mind and will that can choose to ignore the privilege I have been given, but one day I will answer to Him for the choices I made. Slowly the Holy Spirit enabled me to understand that my stepdaughters will be affected by my words and actions, and I have an opportunity to be a godly mentor.

Making a difference for Christ in another’s life is my passion. It’s born out of my love for all that Jesus continues to do in me, and in gratitude for people He used to draw me closer to Him. I would like to tell you that I have a strong mentoring relationship with Jon’s girls, but it’s a delicate dance. Sometimes it appears we are making great progress, other days the chasm between our opposing views widens. I am learning to love as Christ loved me, unconditionally loving the sinner while not condoning the sin. It’s God’s love that brings us to repentance. My prayer is to be the Holy Spirit’s channel of love and forgiveness to others; a beacon that points them to Jesus.

May’s celebration of Mother’s Day brings motherhood into the forefront. Prompted by the recent visit of Jon’s daughters coupled with shopping excursions for friends’ baby showers, a small undercurrent of sadness rises to the surface of my heart. Pregnancy and child rearing is not something I wish I were experiencing today, but wish I had years earlier. It still seems out of character for me to have missed it. Praise God He reminds me that He is at work bringing forth spiritual fruit (children of God) through me even though I do not see it now! And He did answer my prayer for physical children. He gave me somebody else’s three pretty girls to love. Who has Jesus put in your life? “They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing” (Psalm 92:14).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

My Isaac Moment Nine Years Later

2010-04-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

“Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” (Genesis 22:2).

April 19, 2001 was my first Isaac moment, but it hasn’t been my last. It was on that day my four-year battle to trust God completely for something I had wished for all my life culminated in a moment of joyful surrender. This was not of my own doing. The power of the Holy Spirit brought me to that altar, kept me there in stillness, and carried me through to healing on the other side. Although my sacrifice was differed from Abraham’s, there were some parallels.

Abraham was asked to offer up his child whom he’d loved and nurtured for many years. Isaac was a living being. My offering was only a dream, the desire for a child. Abraham’s altar was high on a mountain top in the thick brush with wildlife in his midst. Mine was a cold sterile operating room surrounded by a well-trained medical team. God had promised that Abraham’s genealogy would be more numerous than all the stars he could see, or the grains of sand he could count. Better still, the Messiah would come from his bloodline; from Isaac’s descendants. There was no profound promise from God to me. Still, He wanted to bring new life through my surrender just as He did with Abraham’s. Mine sprung forth in a different way; one that I never expected. The mystery is still unfolding.

Every Christian will face at least one Isaac moment. These are times of testing and cleansing when Jesus asks us to lay before Him all those people, plans, and possessions we have clung to so dearly. Why? Is God cruel? No! He simply has to remind us that while we live in the temporal there is eternal work to be accomplished, and He gives us the privilege of joining Him in this amazing birthing process. Does this mean you or I can save another person’s soul? No! Only the Holy Spirit can do that. But what’s going on in our lives speaks volumes to those who are watching. If we praise God with tears in those hard times of surrender, the door is open for hearts to be transformed by the work the Father is doing.

To have the faith and trust in God’s provision that Abraham did as he raised his knife to slay Isaac may seem impossible. But perhaps that is because we are putting restraints on what we believe Jesus can do if only we obey His voice. Learning to walk by faith and not by sight does not come natural, but we serve a loving God who wants to help us in a supernatural way. On the other side of those Isaac moments we see the spiritual fruit of the sacrificial seeds we planted. We do not produce the harvest. We are not the creator. But what a blessing it is to be one of Christ’s seed for His glory. There is no greater joy than to welcome new believers into the family of faith, and to walk in mutual love and encouragement towards heaven.

Looking back nine years I have gained some perspective on the cost of my offering even though I do not have full understanding of the reasons behind it. God is gracious to allow this limited view. It’s all I need to know today. Who would have thought that my story would be published and Jesus would use it to draw readers closer to Him? My career goals never including authoring a book and speaking to others about God’s extravagant love that He’s longing to share with them.

How about you? What is your Isaac? Have you left it on the altar, or are you running back to snatch it off before God’s work is finished? This has often been my struggle too. Let us pray together for Jesus to increase our faith. There is so much more He wants to do through us if only we would set aside our own agendas believing His is much better. “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” (Genesis 22:2).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Great Words; Great Hope

2010-04-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said."

These are great words filled with hope for those who believe in the sacrifice on the cross, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Praise God we have a reason to celebrate! Jesus is not dead--He reigns in heaven, seated at His Father's right hand, and one day will return to rapture His followers. Knowing that we will one day be united with Him forever brings great joy to my heart.

I pray the miracle of the Easter message encourages you to rejoice in the knowledge that the victory has been won. Believers in Christ can celebrate resurrection day every day; not just once a year on Easter Sunday. Some of the greatest words man has ever heard ring true for all generations: "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said."

You fellow sojourner,

Mary

Glory Bound

2010-03-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).

Last Friday a close friend lost her nine-month battle with cancer. While we knew the end was inevitable, none of us expected it that particular day. She’d had a good week; I was looking forward to seeing her on Saturday. Two weeks earlier I’d booked a flight to New York where a planned gathering with our mutual girlfriends was scheduled for that afternoon. But it was not to be. The night before my flight the news we’d been dreading came calling. She’d had a seizure and never woke up. Her soul was glory bound.

This was my first experience helping a seriously ill friend prepare for heaven. In the weeks leading up to her departure I held nothing back with regard to spiritual matters. Praise God His Spirit prepared me and prompted me to share what He placed on my heart! While there have been moments of weeping these last few days, I’m filled with great peace because she is with her Lord and Savior.

In the home of one of our girlfriends we assembled to share photos, stories, laughter and tears over the loss of our friend. What a blessing to have these special relationships that were formed in our childhood years. Of the twelve of us she was the first to die, and yet I know she is more alive now than she has ever been. She’s seen God! How I wish I could get her commentary on that meeting, but one day that sweet conversation will take place.

Before leaving my friends to return to my family, one of the girls asked me to lead the group in prayer. Standing side-by-side hand-in-hand we offered praise to the Father for His glorious abundant blessings. We thanked Him for mercifully taking our friend peacefully and with dignity. Those who witnessed her death saw no suffering. She is now healed and whole in heaven, and we grieve with hope of the reunion we’ll have with her there. This separation is only temporary.

As we slowly resume our daily routines now that her funeral has passed, I smile as I see Jesus at work. We watched a loved one die, but in reality we have learned how to really live. Grace abounds, forgiveness is more easily granted, broken relationships are healing, and people are examining their faith walk. It’s all good and it’s all because of God.

For those who have believed in salvation by Christ alone, we are gifted by His Holy Spirit to display His love and glory. In Him our earthly life takes on new meaning and we find joy even in sorrow. What a privilege to be used by Jesus to offer true and lasting hope to a hurting world as we invite others to join the glory bound. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Tell Jesus Thank You

2010-02-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

It was an “out of the boat” moment; one I had been praying for. But when it arrived I almost let it pass out of fear. Stepping forward in faith is often much easier to talk about than live out, especially when others are watching you. My first reaction, when talking to a dying friend long distance as a mutual friend placed her cell phone on speaker, was to play it safe; not rock the boat of anyone’s spiritual convictions. After all, who am I to cast judgment on her faith? It’s not polite to seek assurance of her salvation, is what my mind was saying. But isn’t that what real love does? Shouldn’t I share the truth of Christ’s penalty for our sins so those who believe this will be guaranteed a place in heaven with Him? Now or never had arrived and I had a choice to make.

The call with my friend was pre-arranged the day before. My friend is losing her ability to speak and write. She’s dying of brain cancer. Knowing friends would be visiting her on Wednesday, the time was set for me to call one of the women’s cell phone. After a restless night with little sleep, I felt a strong urging to pray with her on the phone. Hours before the call I said, “Lord, you calmed the raging seas when you walked on water. Surely you can calm the storm that rages in my girlfriend’s head, even for a little while”. Simple as that prayer was, it carried a big request. My friend had not been able to make complete sentences for a week. In my hour of need I was asking for a miracle—the ability for her to understand me and me to understand her.

When I dialed the number I had no idea what I would find on the other end. Each day brings many changes in my friend’s condition. The cancer is spreading rapidly. My girlfriend, whose cell number I was calling, had offered to be the mediator as she held up her phone on speaker. A third girlfriend introduced herself, so now there were four of us connected. Nervously I said hello to my dying friend. To my delight a beautiful exchange of words took place between us. I was able to tell her I loved her and she replied in kind. What joy! But God told me I wasn’t done yet.

In an instant, I asked if it would be alright if I prayed with her. She muffled “yes” along with my girlfriend’s utterance of “go for it, Mare” setting the stage. Fumbling at first, I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me out of my comfort zone. Suddenly I was speaking as He directed. Recently my friend had slyly interjected into a sentence that she would put in a good word for me. This statement came on the heels of her latest MRI results—the tumor was growing and time was running out. I did not initially understand what she meant. Then it hit me. She was offering to put in a good word for me when she went to heaven.

There was no time to waste. Jesus had given me this chance to share Scriptures with her, and to tell her something precious. “When you get to heaven tell Jesus I said thank you”. As the cell phone owner began to speak she couldn’t contain her excitement. She hadn’t seen our sick friend so lucid and able to complete a sentence until this exchange. Praise God for this moment! He’d taken my trembling spirit and walked beside me that day. I felt as if I were really in that hospital room hundreds of miles away.

In this season of grief I am learning from death how to really live. I want to have more moments like Peter did—scared but willing to step out of the boat into the raging water where only complete dependency on Christ can uphold me. As I make this journey, I am comforted by the reality that God wants to bring glory to His name through all who are willing to trust and obey. What a treasure to be able to share with my friends that for all who love Jesus the best is yet to come. I’m still telling God “thank you” for this story, and for the gift of eternal life. Are you? “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Overindulgence Encouraged

2010-02-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

Six weeks post New Years Eve, how are your resolutions going? Did your list include trimming back on unnecessary expenses in order to live more fiscally balanced? What about your diet? Are you eating less but still not healthy? Were you like me; feeling undernourished and over stimulated after the holidays? Has the thought of consuming anything sweet lost its appeal? Have you abandoned those well-crafted goals and reverted to overspending and overeating just in time for today’s Super Bowl parties? Maybe it’s time to go to a place where overindulgence is encouraged. Care to join me?

As I wrote the goals and dreams in January I hoped to accomplish in 2010, I did something different this year. I prayed for God to give me a list that reveals what He wants to do through me and in me. In years past I’d make the list without consulting Him; then pray for His help to fulfill my desires. I had it backwards. God does not exist to serve me, but I to serve Him. His plans are perfectly designed to transform me into the image of His Son. In the end, following God’s resolutions will find me happier than checking off a self-constructed list of items I hope to experience one day.

Asking Jesus to help me formulate my list, I held nothing back as He encouraged overindulgence of Him. God wants me to spend as much time as possible feasting on the tenderness of His words written to satisfy every hunger soul. God never says to us, “You’ve had enough of Me, Mary. Go away and stop grabbing one more morsel of truth from my Scriptures. You’ve prayed so much you are overflowing to maximum capacity.” On the contrary! God is always offering us more of Himself without limitation.

Of all the sweetness that life’s pleasures hold, there is none as satisfying as the love of my Lord. God is always willing I partake in the bounty of His presence. The Bible is full of God’s delightful recipes that are blessings for our lives beyond anything we can create ourselves. My desire for the rest of my days is to fill my palate with all that the Father wants to give me. The Scriptures are a paradox of delicacies that quench my deepest longings while leaving me hungry and thirsty for more. What a treat!

Won’t you come to the table the Lord has prepared for you to sample His goodness and mercy? It’s the place where sinners are welcome and forgiveness is granted when hearts are repentant and surrendered to Christ. His soul-food menu is an all-you-can-eat buffet, and your bill has been paid with His shed blood. Jesus extends the invitation to everyone to accept His sacrificial payment, but you can’t join this feast until you respond with heartfelt thanks.

One taste of His heavenly sustenance will find you increasing your helping size. You will joyfully discover He delights when we overindulge on all His offerings. We cannot be overweight in the goodness of God, only underweight if we push ourselves away from the table believing we’ve had enough. No need to worry about portion control—keep asking for more! God is a generous giver and wants His children to be well fed. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

God is Still Good

2010-01-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:10-11).

To say it’s been a rough week is an understatement. With the earthquake in Haiti sending shock waves of sorrow around the planet, one can’t help but wonder why ordinary life is often suddenly interrupted by extraordinary pain. Many are asking, “Where is God? Doesn’t He care? How can a loving God allow this? Is God good?” Ever wonder if it’s wrong to ask these questions? I have. Admittedly so, I have been counted among the doubters of God’s character more that I’d like to confess. As much as I disdain pondering such thoughts, I don’t believe the Father is angry that I voice them as long as I’m seeking His enlightenment. It’s the hardened attitude of my heart and mind that can get me into trouble; not the longing to make some sense out of catastrophe.

Over and over I find myself challenged when tragedy strikes my own household, and the lives of loved ones. After all, it’s much easier to offer a pat answer or quick prayer combined with your favorite Scripture for someone suffering thousands of miles away than the person directly touching your life. We can all claim that God is good until it’s our home that’s been ravaged by a natural disaster, or our life has been turned upside down with bad news. How strong is our faith in Jesus to sustain us then? When the world crumbles beneath our physical and spiritual foundations, how do we react? Do we stumble or stand? Praise God for forgiveness when I’ve failed this test!

Sometimes I have felt the Holy Spirit working through me to offer a word of encouragement to others at their lowest hour. I rejoice in those moments because they bless my soul too, and I’m very aware that the words that pour forth are not fashioned by me. Whenever I have prayed for the right words to say, God has delivered them on one condition. My soul had to be stilled to hear His voice above all the clamoring in my brain. Any attempt on my part to seek a shortcut always leads to lifeless words offering no relief to the wounded.

God has afforded me many opportunities to trust that He is good, but it has not been so easy for me. How do I offer hope to the friend who is going through an unwanted divorce, or the couple who just lost the son we’d all prayed for in a miscarriage? What do I say to the relative who’s falling deeper into an emotional and financial pit because every job he’s offered is cancelled before he starts because of funding? What hope do I have for the friends who are battling cancer and may not survive? How do I convey with sincerity that Jesus loves and cares about them? Do circumstances determine God’s goodness, or do I need to look elsewhere? In times like these my own thoughts and feelings cannot be trusted. Only God’s word can be.

Looking within myself will never give me the answers I need to life’s most difficult questions. I’m too flawed, even as God’s daughter. The only way for me to develop the mind of Christ that is available to all of His sheep, is to look at the words of the Good Shepherd in the Scriptures. What have I learned? That God is the only thing that is good, and that the sorrow I feel is part of living in a sin-filled fallen world. This was never God’s plan for the human race. Everything was beautiful and perfectly balanced in the Garden of Eden until sin forever destroyed that earthly paradise. But all was not lost forever for those who chose to believe the penalty for every sin was paid in full at the death of Jesus on Calvary’s cross. He’s alive in heaven, and one day we will join Him in paradise for there will be no sin in the presence of a holy God.

Until then, suffering will be part of our human experience on planet earth. But is does not have to be senseless. There is comfort in knowing that while we don’t have complete understanding surrounding devastating events, or have to like them; God can bring healing out of destruction if we allow Him to. Haiti is a reminder to us all of how fragile we are, and we must all be ready to meet our Maker. How prepared are you?

It’s so tempting to run from God instead of running to Him when you’re crushed in spirit. This is exactly what Satan wants—to destroy your relationship with Jesus who offers true hope regardless of your circumstances. Don’t let him win! Run as fast as you can to the feet of your Savior and ask Him to live in your heart. He will help you. Be still and know (learn) that He is good when life is not. There is great comfort in that truth. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:10-11).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Tunnel Vision

2010-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Looking around my neighborhood this January evening there are many families, like ours, whose homes still brightly adorn their Christmas lights. We are one of the first households to put ours up, as well as the last to remove them. Their vibrancy is such a comfort to me at a time of year when the days are short, the nights are long, and the skies are cold. Yet in the midst of all the festivities of the 2009 holiday season I found myself wandering in mental and emotional darkness. Was your vision was obscured too?

In essence, I let the cares of the world weigh heavy on my small shoulders and exhaust me to the point of tears. Perhaps you were like me; one who took her eyes off of the Creator of light while trying to conjure it up yourself. Praise God for forgiveness of confessed sin, and a revelation of what my New Years resolution should be. Maybe it is your resolution too.

It’s hard for me to resist entertaining any time of year. Much as I’ve tried to shelve it, my God-given gift of hospitality cannot stay dormant for long. The promptings of my heart always lead me to volunteer to host an array of celebrations. Many times the Lord uses these occasions as ministry opportunities. My dilemma this Christmas wasn’t the parties we hosted, but my frustration over lost peace and joy. I’d shut down my spiritual lantern.

The demands of work were robbing me, and I was angry. I wanted a slower pace to be able to delight in the mystery of the nativity more. Instead, my mind was cluttered with an endless list of tasks to complete. The harder I worked the further away from soul-rest and physical rejuvenation I ended up. My reaction to life’s hectic pace sent me out of balance.

Crying out to Jesus I confessed my anger and waywardness. To an outside observer I was functioning normally, but God and I knew the real truth. My energy was drained because I’d rushed through the most important part of the day, my quiet time with God, in my haste to tackle my to-do list. Falsely believing my normally perky personality was enough to carry me through the onslaught of Satan’s daily attacks, I neglected to let my Savior fight the battles for me. His light implanted in my spirit was dimmed.

Thankfully, God left me in the blackness long enough for me to discover that all my best attempts cannot create a light that sustains life. Only the Giver of all life Himself can. Today Jesus illuminated my bleak thoughts with John 8:12: When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life, and Genesis 1:3-4: And God said, “Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.”

Several truths brightened my mind after pondering those Scriptures. First, the source of the light’s existence is God, not I. Second, God said the light is good and the light of the world is Jesus. Third, God separated the light from the darkness. This indicates a life of distinction that shines, not one that blends in with the dark side. When light mixes with blackness it becomes gray, just like my mood was. If I want more peace, joy and fulfillment my luminary has to be the Holy Spirit. I project whatever is inside me, good or evil. The only good light is the heavenly One, the holy One Jesus Christ.

As God’s daughter I am asking Him to ignite my soul afire with His passions for my life so the only resolutions I make and keep are the ones He’s purposed for my life. May we all desire His glory overshadow the demands and pleasures of earth so that the glow beaming out of us is ever-pointing others to Jesus. In a world that is often gloomy, I pray many in 2010 will be drawn out of their tunnel as they believe these words: When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Good Tidings!

2009-12-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

"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!

2009-12-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

"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?

2009-11-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

“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

2009-11-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

“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

2009-11-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

“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

2009-10-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-10-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-10-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-09-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-09-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-09-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-09-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-08-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-08-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-31T05:16:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-07-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

“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