Saturday, December 25, 2010

Just want to talk to him for a minute...

Hi All ~
I found my self, along with half the population of Florida, converging onto the Orlando scene this week for some Christmas fun at the Ice Exhibit. Actually it had nothing to do with fun and everything to do with spending the day with my mom, my sister in law and my niece Brooklyn. The day didn’t go as we had planned, but to me the real treat was hanging with the fam...

The exhibit’s marketing scheme was classic amusement park. As we walked out of the display (once we made it past the gift shop) we had the option of getting a picture with Santa. My goal was to get to the free hot chocolate line as quick as possible with hopes that some feeling would return to my fingers and toes. But heading out the door, I noticed no one following me. My mom and I had gotten separated from Tonya and Brooklyn. After a few minutes of searching my mom found them. Brooklyn had gotten permission from Santa’s elf to stand in the Santa line. She didn’t care a hoot about getting her picture with him. She just wanted to talk to him for a minute!

I stood off to the side watching my little niece, hands in pockets, her caramel colored hair spilling out of her multicolored stocking cap, waiting patiently at the bottom of the steps for Santa to invite her on stage with him. I wondered what she would say. She too had been asking about the hot chocolate, so I knew whatever she wanted to tell him ranked higher on her list than warming her tootsies.

Finally Santa turned Brooklyn’s way and waved her on up. I held my breath as she walked alone up the steps and across the stage. It felt so ceremonial, so special. As she approached, Santa leaned over to look her square in the eyes as she proceeded to tell him...she never would tell us what she told him...whatever her heart desired. His eyes never wandered from her face. She had his undivided attention.

I caught myself wishing that were me up there talking to someone who wanted to know my deepest desires. And someone who would have the wisdom to tell me what to do with them; someone who could look deep within my soul and know the ideas and questions I struggle to articulate.

The truth is I do have Someone like that! He happens to be the Creator of the universe, not someone earning a little Christmas money with a part- time Santa job. My Heavenly Father cares deeply about what concerns me. I don’t have to wait in line, or pay to spend time with Him. He’s never too busy (It’s usually the other way around) He listens intently and encourages me to pour out my soul to Him. Psalm 62:8 All of this….because Christ came down!

I love that mental picture I have now of Brook and Santa…Sometimes, if you’re like me, because we can’t see God, we forget that He is much more interested in you and me than “Santa” ever was in Brooklyn. I want to be like a little child and pour out my heart to Him; like Brooklyn did to that strange man dressed in a big red suit with a fuzzy beard. I pray that soon Brooklyn will understand there is no one who loves her more than Jesus. I pray she will embrace Him as her Savior and love Him all the days of her life!

Merry Christmas Everyone ~
Hope & Glory! To You ~Love

Rebecca

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Oh..Job...Yippee & Goodie Gum Drops

Oh… Job…Yippee & Goodie Gum Drops.

Job 23:10

Hello Ladies ~ A Happy Day to You

I’ve been reading Job. I often cringe a little initially when my Bible reading leads me there. I don’t really like to read about suffering cuz…well, ya know…I don’t like it! But this time around I have a varied perspective on the book. I know we associate its main theme with suffering, but actually the bulk of the book is the dialogue between Job and his “friends” (of course with “friends” like Job’s ~ who needs enemies!) Have you ever read it?! You wouldn’t believe all the slams and comebacks they say to each other! It’s like a sitcom. TV has nothing over the Bible! Sprinkled in those dialogues are times when Job is pouring out his heart and his frustrations to God.

Today I read one of my favorite chapters – chapter 23 - “He knows the way that I take and when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold… He performs the thing that is appointed FOR me…” Notice it doesn’t say He performs the thing TO you. When you do something TO someone it is intended to harm or hurt. When you do something FOR someone it’s intended to do her well and to bless her.

You know what? That’s the truth. Do I understand or see how all the different things in life are FOR me. HA! No. And more than likely you don’t either. But does that mean it’s not true just because my simple mind doesn’t see it? No. Thank God His truth is not based on my understanding or accepting it! My friend, what a joy to know He doesn’t fall asleep on watch care over us and performs things FOR us, for our benefit. And in the end, we come forth as gold… who doesn’t want that ?!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Verse...for life

Verse…For Life

John 1:12, Galatians 2:20, Psalm 46:10

Hello Everyone ~

So… when I was growing up in church we were encouraged to find a life verse. My first life verse was John 1:12 “But as many as received him to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” I have no recollection as to why I chose that verse! But I do remember saying it loudly and proudly; feeling my first sense of ownership and right to claim God’s word as my own.

Then in junior high my verse changed to Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” I think I loved that verse because of how the words fell in it. I felt a kindred spirit to the confusing way it sounded – a lot like Jr. High!

When I was 14, I was diagnosed with diabetes. A disease I absolutely didn’t want. I begged God to tell me it wasn’t true and then I begged Him to take it away. Instead He gave me this – my new life verse “And He said unto me, ‘ My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Corinthians 12:9. This verse would be my new medicine for the ache in my soul.

Today, however, as precious as many verses are to me, the verse that best describes my heart as a child of God is Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” That would be the verse I would sign at the bottom of my name. Oh… I don’t know! I love Ps 91:1 too!! My husband Ronnie’s life verse is II Timothy 1:12 “…I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”

So… do you have a life verse? What is it? Do those closest to you know what it is? If you don’t have one, I encourage you to find one. Then share it with someone!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca Lynn

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Puppy Love

Puppy Love

Zephaniah 3:17

I actually wrote this a while back, but I needed the reminder...thought maybe you could use one too!

Good Morning All ~

We got a new puppy last week. You know – a new one as opposed to an old one. It’s been almost a year since we lost Buddy the Wonder Dog, our crazy fun-loving black lab. So it was time, we thought. Our new pup is a chocolate lab named Herschel Walker – (If you understand Georgia football you’ll understand the name) Since I’m home the most; I take care of him the most. I’ve had to get up with him all hours of the night, play with him, and clean up his messes – gross! That first week I was ready to sell him for free! He was all consuming. I was wasting my valuable time on this pooch. Ronnie tried to appease me and compare it to him taking care of his son, Chandler. I stopped him right there. I said, “Uh… no. A child has eternal value, but a dog?” That was not the way to make me feel better.

As aggravated as I’ve been with the pup, I can’t help but be a little attached to him. He thinks I’m amazing. Every time he sees me he wags his tail and his whole body wiggles. He’s convinced my whole purpose in life is to take care of him. Right now I’m beginning to wonder if he’s right…not exactly what I thought I’d be when I grew up. But when I walk by his kennel, I catch myself stopping to watch him as he sleeps. As much as I hate to admit it, he is a darling little thing.

The other day he was outside and he thought he was alone. He was whimpering that - I can’t believe you left me- whimper. He had no idea I was watching him to make sure he was o.k. I saw everything he did. My heart wanted to go out and comfort him, but wisdom said I needed to finish what I was doing first. My strong sense to protect and comfort him took me by surprise. Bottom line - I love the little chocolate thing. I keep telling myself, but he’s just A DOG!!!

If I love Herschel this much, I couldn’t help but wonder how much more our Father in Heaven loves us. He knows our every move. He understands our every whimper. He cares for us in ways we’ll never even comprehend. Even now, He’s looking down on you with tenderness and delight. He is El Roi – the God who sees. If He cares for the sparrows, how much more He cares for you! Read Matthew 6 and Zephaniah 3:17 and believe it!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Monday, November 22, 2010

An Experiment For You

An Experiment For You

Psalm 12:4

Hi Everybody ~

I have an experiment for you to try. O.K. Here it goes… Open your mouth. Let your jaw fall down separating your lips so that they aren’t touching. Now without moving your lips...say something, like banana. Sounds pretty silly huh? Did you ever realize how important your lips are! There is so much you can do with them!

Imagine holding up a cuddly baby and not being able to kiss its chubby little cheeks, or form the correct sounds so you can communicate to others. Have you ever tried to take a bite of decadent chocolate truffle ice cream without using your lips to swoop in that last bit of chocolate from the spoon?

Honestly this week was the first time I ever told God thank you for my lips. You’ll have to read Psalm 12 to understand. I have read this Psalm many times before and I won’t go into all of it (aren’t you glad!) but verse 4 penetrated my heart when I read, “…our lips are our own, who is lord over us?” The people speaking in verses 4 are bold… and dead wrong.

Frankly I never thought of this before but reading these words it dawned on me… My lips are not my own! I’m simply a steward of these lips on my face. This verse is describing cocky people who have no desire to submit or love God. In fact they have no regard for Him.

I don’t want to be in that group. I’m sorry to say; many times I have used my lips as if they were my own. I don’t want to live like that. It struck me hard this week that I want to live remembering my lips are on loan to me from God and that the LORD is lord over me, in both what I say and - especially during the holiday season - what I eat…I think!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Not Very Glamorous

Not Very Glamorous

Hebrews 6:10

Hello ~

I love it when Ronnie needs me – “Hey, Honey, I need you to clear your schedule on Tuesday. We’re going to feed the homeless…Hey Babe, I need your thoughts on a speech I’ve got to give next week... I need you to go with me to a fundraiser dinner…etc…. Unfortunately those requests are not the most frequent ones.

Usually the tasks he asks me to do are quite mundane and feel more like an interruption than a privilege. “Are you going to be able to get me some more razors today? Will you please sew this button on my shirt? He loves it when I fix his morning coffee the night before; a chore I dread doing every night…not very glamorous and yet in his eyes, very important.

Ya know, I think I’ve often had the same attitude with God. Who doesn’t love thinking that God has asked them to accomplish some great and mighty feat? It’s easier to work at mock speed with your hair on fire when an important vision is at stake. But we all know that life can be so…routine. What about being faithful in the drudgery of the same ole thing; the seemingly unimportant assignments? Keeping your home in order, being friendly to the new person, being in your ministry week in and week out…anybody with me here?

God promised He…”is not unrighteous to forget your labor of love, which you have showed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 10:6

There is no hidden thing that will not be revealed. He sees the mundane responsibilities that you faithfully fulfill. Maybe it doesn’t feel very glamorous…yet in His eyes, it’s very significant. Keep up the good work!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

It's A Matter of Perspective


Hebrews 11:6 & Romans 8:28

Hi Everyone!

Try this sometime… Next time you’re outside at night, look up at the moon. Close one eye and hold your thumb up in front of the moon. Do you know what will happen? The moon will seem to disappear. Your little tiny thumb will totally cover the hugantious (I guess that’s not really a word – but I couldn’t think of a word that adequately describes super huge) moon. But we all know there is no way the thumb is bigger than the moon, right? So what happened? It’s all a matter of perspective.

Many times the same thing happens with God. I know that God is big; no…He’s hugantious times a trillion! I know He is El Shaddai, God Almighty. But I have a tendency to let my “thumbs” get in the way. I forget the greatness and the sovereignty of my God; the One who loves me unconditionally. My perception is skewed. All I see is my point of view and El Shaddai seems to disappear.

I guess that’s where faith comes in. Not a blind faith, but a faith based on what we know to be true of God. “Without faith it’s impossible to please Him. For he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 He also said that “… we KNOW that all things work together for the good to them that love God to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

What’s the “thumb” in your life that is blocking out His truth from your viewpoint? We can stay focused on our “thumb” because that is what we see or we can focus on that fact that God is smarter and bigger than us….hugantious in fact! It’s really just a matter of perspective…silly me!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Brighten the Corner

Brighten the Corner

Phil4:11

Hello All ~

I’ve always loved to pretend. As a little girl, my friend Nancy and I used to dress up in long flowing dresses, put on a ladies trio record (Yes, I said a record. I know. I’m old!) and imagine we were performing on a huge stage. One of our favorite songs we’d “sing” went like this:

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,

Do not wait to shed your light afar;

To the many duties ever near you now be true,

Brighten the corner where you are.

We would sing that catchy tune at the top of our lungs, complete with a hairbrush microphone and an ironing board for a piano!

I recently discovered the writer of that song to be a lady on the precipice of a promising career as a public speaker. Her name was Ina Mae Duley Ogdon from Toledo, Ohio. Just as the speaking requests were filling Ina’s mailbox, her father’s health took a turn for the worse. She took her invalid father into her home and cared for him, a responsibility she accepted cheerfully. But because of the new demands on her time, she had no energy left to pursue her speaking career. While people pondered her dilemma and wondered what she would do, Ina saw no predicament at all. From her perspective, turning down the speaking invitations was the simple solution, much to the dismay of her eager listeners.

People like Mrs. Ogdon inspire me. Somewhere she learned that greatness and joy does not come from a large audience or man’s applause. It comes from faithfully fulfilling the post in which God has chosen for you, no matter how obscure and thankless. I long to be a person who can say as Paul does in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am to be content.”

Her life was not her own. She had obviously embraced the position God had given her. I’m sure today in Heaven, she has no regrets for her obedience! Maybe today you and I could concentrate on looking around us to brighten whatever corner we have been assigned.

…so do not sit and idly wish for wider new dimensions

Where you can put in practice your many good intentions

But at the spot God placed you, begin at once to do

Little things to brighten up the lives surrounding you!

Helen Steiner Rice

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Monday, October 18, 2010

Go Figure

Go Figure…

Matthew 7:11

Good Day ~

This morning I did what I do most mornings. I headed out the door to say good morning to Herschel the wonder pup. But he wasn’t in his usual spots. Instantly my antenna went up. It’s not usually a good thing for him when I can’t find him. That means he’s probably not obeying and he’s about to experience a very unpleasant morning. Sure enough, just as I walk outside the garage door, I hear the little jingle of his collar prancing down the steps of the upstairs guest house; a place definitely off limits to the pooch. He loves to go up there when he’s filthy dirty and spy on the neighbors! Go figure. It infuriates me when sneaks up there. He makes a terrible mess. I still haven’t had the courage to tackle the mud bath disaster he created on his last escapade up there.

Instead of greeting my dog with a cheery song and a belly rub, my body tenses, my eyebrows furrow as I bellow out, “Herschel Walker! What are you doing up there. No, no, no! You know you’re not supposed to be up there.” Whether he actually understands why he is in trouble or not, he definitely gets the drift that I am not a happy camper. His initial happy little, “Oh, there you are!” look, turns into a “uh-oh… there you are” look, complete with droopy ears and a very still tail in the downward position.

I spank him, show him up the stairs and repeatedly say the phrase he is most familiar with at this stage in his young life, “No! No! No!”. Then I grab his collar and drag his big furry self into his kennel to reinforce my point.

All that to say, I hate doing that… I wanted the first words I spoke to him to be cheerful and playful, not stern and disciplinary. I felt bad for me and for him. He is a very affectionate dog and he would have enjoyed my playful banter with him. I usually find a way to give him a little special treat or at the least, he wags his tail a lot when I come to talk to him, but not this morning.

It sounds silly, but I couldn’t shake my disappointment in that scenario. He’s just a dog, but I hate that I had to punish him before I even got to say hello. I just wanted to be in sweet fellowship with him. Honestly, it was no sweat off my back that Herschel spent the morning in the kennel. I went about the rest of my routine without a hitch, but I felt sad because I wanted to give him some good things.

I began to think about God. I wonder how many times he feels disappointed that He can’t give me things He’s prepared for me because I won’t obey or listen or maybe worse, I’m not interested. I wonder how many things He must withhold from me to teach me. I love the verse in Matthew 7:11 that says, “If ye then being evil know how to give good things to your children, how much more shall the Father which is in Heaven give good gifts to them that ask Him?” Why do we think that God doesn’t want good for us? If I want good for my dog, how much more must He long for good for us! I sure don’t want my wrong choices to limit His goodness to me, do you?

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Monday, October 11, 2010

My New Best Friend

My New Best Friend

Psalm 25:4&5

Hey All~

The other day I was flying…I mean driving down I-10 and of course I was in the fast lane. All was going well until I caught up to a slow car puttering along in the fast lane…did you hear me, I said, “puttering along in the fast lane.” I would have just gotten over into the other lane to pass him, but apparently all the other cars had the same idea. There was a stream of cars whizzing past him… and consequently past me. I kept thinking, “Does this guy (I’m sure it was a guy) not see all of these vehicles passing him on the right? Why is he not getting over?” Then we reached the top of a hill…

At the bottom of the hill I could see a nice man in a brown outfit and motor cycle with this hairdryer pointing at everyone coming over the top of the peak. As soon as we began to descend the hill the slowpoke driver kindly put on his blinker and moved over to the other lane. Ahem…oh. It dawned on me what he had been doing. Did I say he was a jerk? I meant he was my new best friend….and I was thankful!

I thought about the things in my life. Why is God doing that? Why won’t He fix this or remove that? What is taking Him so long? All He needs to do is…(you fill in the blank, cuz if you’re like me I’m sure you know!) Then one day we understand. We are so thankful God was willing to slow us down or make us upset or disappointed or frustrated for a little while. We see that all along He was protecting us from some unpleasant situations! Much like my new best friend – the slowpoke driver…So be encouraged today about the seeming delays in your life, you never know what’s waiting for you on the other side of that hill!

Psalm 25: 4&5 “Show me thy ways, O LORD, teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day long.”

By the way…I wasn’t going that fast.

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Monday, September 27, 2010

Let 'er Blowwww!!!


Hey Gang ~

The other day I was on a stretch of my walk void of houses. It’s just a winding road at the back of my sub division. I love that stretch because it feels like I’m miles away from the hustle and bustle of life... and it’s pretty. On one side is lush grass lined with a dense patch of trees. The other side has that same lush grass with a 30-acre lake usually occupied by a flock of geese.

On the edge of the grass line near the road, I saw a cheery, little yellow flower. I felt it smiling at me as I passed. I knew no one had planted it there, so I began to think through how it got there. I suppose there could be other explanations, but immediately the wind came to my mind as the most logical answer. I was picturing the scene when a thought hit me about our lives.

Many times the winds of change blow through our lives, shaking things up. Sometimes people we don’t want to let go of are carried off to a different spot. Sometimes it’s us, or our circumstances that are rooted up from our norm. In the end, things are a bit rearranged. And if you’re like me, the natural tendency is to resist the change and resent the wind. But as I saw that bright delicate flower, I was thankful for the wind that dropped it there.

So when we start to feel that breeze hit our cheeks and our hair begins to wisp about – remember- it’s going to be OK. God knows right where we are and right where He wants you to be! “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Psalm 138:8. He’s not going to be forsaking us anytime in the near future! Never fear. His plan is perfect. He may just be using this wind to plant us in places that He wants us to bloom. So let’er blowwww!!!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Monday, September 20, 2010

The Power of One...plus 79,999

Hey Everybody ~

The power of one….plus 79,999 other barking Georgia Bulldog fans! (Yes, I said bark. It’s intimidating, I tell you…intimidating. ) That was me last weekend, cheering my best to root my team to victory. Here’s the crazy part...(No, barking is not the crazy part, silly!) Not one person I cheered for heard specifically what I said. In fact they probably couldn’t even hear me at all! But did that keep me from cheering? Is my name Rebecca? On 3rd down, our defense doing jumping jacks to encourage the crowd to make some noise, I cheered so loud I almost blacked out for lack of air! I couldn’t let those boys down.

Lest you think me wacko, I’m aware of the fact that my cheering doesn’t change the noise factor in Stanford Stadium. If I don’t show up one week, I know the Georgia Nation is not in a state of depression whispering to each other, “Oh no, Rebecca’s not here. It’s just not going to be the same. She makes such a wonderful contribution to our crowd.” Uh…yea, I know that. So, if it doesn’t really matter, why do I insist on bellowing encouragement till my throat is parched and hoarse?

The answer is really quite simple; the privilege of participating, the awesomeness of being a part of something bigger than myself; the magnitude of seeing the power of one… plus one, plus one etc…That’s why I do it.

I needed that visual this weekend. I’ve been struggling with feelings of insignificance in the body of Christ. I desire to be used mightily by God, to make a huge impact in society. But I’ve been running into Reality lately. Recently I heard it knocking at my heart’s door. Reluctantly I peered out the peephole hoping to see, “Clever Claire”, “Blow Your Sox Off” and “Talented Tootsie” begging me to unite with them. Instead, I found, “Average Joe, Plain Jane and Nothing Fancy” smiling politely. They had come to invite me to join them in their efforts to impact the world for Christ. Seems I didn’t exactly qualify for the first group. Honestly I felt pretty bummed. I started to grasp the reality that I will not take the world by storm with my ingenious ideas or spellbound the masses with my communication skill. So…what to do now? Enter the scene at Stanford Stadium.

No one could single me out or praise me for my cheering abilities that day, but I didn’t care. Then it hit me like stage lights illuminating a dark set. It was just a privilege to be there! And so it is in ministry. Suddenly the view shifted from worrying about how many people I was affecting, to just being thankful for every opportunity I am given to share and minister. Wow. What a relief. What a new outlook. What a privilege to participate in ministry, no matter what role I play! What an awesome gift to be a part of something bigger than myself. What a breathtaking experience to witness the magnitude of the power of one… plus one, plus one…

I’m quite challenged by the story in Matthew 25 about the man that hid the one talent given to him. (Notice the guy acknowledged the talent belonged to the master – so the talents I’ve been given belong to the Master, not me) I don’t want to make the same mistake he made. I want to take every chance I’m afforded, just to be a part! Whatever my hand finds to do, I will do it with all my might. Yes, I will do it with all my might…ahhh…Go God!

Hope & Glory! To You ~ Love

Rebecca

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Pleeeeazzzz!

Hi Dee Ho Girls ~
I had planned ahead. My clothes were ironed. My hair washed and my bed made. If I kept up this pace I’d make it to my appointment on time. Maybe not such a big deal to you, but being on time is an occasion to be celebrated in my life! Feeling pretty good about my progress I proceeded to the final step in the routine; getting dressed. I love pajamas too much to take them off any sooner than necessary, so I always save dressing till the end. Just as I was securing the last button on my shirt, the crazy thing slipped off and I heard it hit the dresser. Ah, nuts! I dropped to my knees realizing the button must be close by. I searched frantically, but couldn’t find it anywhere! I reluctantly abandoned my search to pick out another outfit. I made it to the appointment, but all day this nagging sensation to find that button plagued my subconscious. It was such a mystery to me. I knew it had to be there. It’s not like buttons can just get up and walk off, or hide away so they can get a kick out of watching you -all sprawled out on the floor looking for them.
It wasn’t until the next day that I was finally able to give ample time to the search and rescue operation. I had a plan to find the pesky thing and I would...even if it killed me. I grabbed another button, stood in the same spot and dropped it - causing it to hit the dresser – hoping it would lead me to where the other button was hiding. I know it kind of sounds like a smart plan, except I chose a fabric button, much bigger and less elusive than my delicate shell button. Once again I found myself face down, my rear end pointed high, searching...hopelessly. It was in this lovely position that I finally said, “God! I
know you know where that wretched button is. You know and I know it has to be here somewhere. Pleeeeeazzzz...help me find it.”

~I need to interrupt this story to let you know that God and I have been having some interesting conversations lately.~
See, I know God loves me. I know He will perfect that which concerns me, but it feels like He’s turned His head
and is more interested in other people’s lives than mine. I know that’s not true, but I said that’s what it
feels like... Just that morning I had asked Him to please give me a new song. I have lots of songs
about me & Him, but they’re old...things from the past. I craved a new one - like
described in Psalm 98:1. OK back to the story..
..

As soon as those words fled my lips, I glanced up sideways and smack dab in the middle of the rug sat my new nemesis as plain as a lightening bug on a dark night!
Now... I can’t prove this, but there is NO WAY that thing had been there the whole time! It was less than a foot from where I’d been standing. I had scoured that floor duplicate times. Bottom line is this. Whether God blocked my eyes from seeing it (
Can’t imagine how being it was in plain sight) or God literally shooed it out of obscurity - either way - God gave me a new song. Not the song I had been looking for – one with an “ahha” moment answering my questions - but a new song none the less. I still have the same frustrations, but today I know God has not turned His head. He’s not forgot about me! Good news – no matter what you
feel – He’s not turned His head to you either. “Sing unto the Lord a new song for He has done marvelous things!” Do you have one? Why not ask God for one and see what happens
Hope & Glory! To You ~ Love

Rebecca

Friday, September 3, 2010

What! How did he know?

Hey Everyone ~
I’m supposed to be an actress, right? I should be able to transform myself into another character regardless of whether or not I agree with or like what that character embodies. Well…apparently I’m not a very good one – at least not in real life.

For several weeks now I’ve felt – how shall I say it – out of sorts, off kilter, like I’m pulling a loaded wagon down a dirt road…and it’s missing a wheel. I’m wearing a dress and my red heels, trying not to sweat and act like all is fine…really – see me laughing and smiling, haha! hee hee…

I thought everyone was buying it, until a guy doing some work @ my house says, “Ms Rebecca, are you a little stressed today?” His statement sent a jolt through my skin.
What? How can he tell? Everyone else seemed to be buying it. How did he know?”

You know what? I don’t know how he knew. (I give him the perception award though! And he’s a guy on top of that!) But the point is – I was stressed and it was affecting my relationships.

Here is what I
discovered. Although life has been a little hectic the last month, it’s really nothing compared to other times in my life. But there has been one huge difference – no Sabbath rest in several weeks. Oh yes, many great moments; mission trips, conferences, good Bible reading, long talks with friends and my husband, but no chunk of quality quiet with my God. And that, my friend, was my problem…well, and I desperately needed a nap!

You feeling stressed by any chance?! Maybe like me, you need to carve out several minutes to pour out your heart to the God of the universe. The One who makes the sun to shine and gravity to keep our feet on the ground; the One who makes sure there is enough oxygen in the air for all of us to take as many deep breathes as we want. The One who knows exactly when you sit and when you lie down, Who counts your hairs and loves your smile. I know I needed it. My circumstances haven’t really changed all that much, but my stress level has! “Casting all your cares upon Him for He
cares for you”. Believe it baby, and rest!

Hope & Glory! To You ~ Love
Rebecca

Monday, August 30, 2010

Duh…Uh…You Think?

Psalm 84:11

Hello ~

I feel pretty sure that there have been things in your life that you have wanted and not gotten. Duh…uhh… you think? Probably a lot of those dreams have been requests you felt were really good ideas. But in the end you find yourself disappointed at their absence in your life. You have no way of even rationalizing what God is doing. Can I get a witness!

I can sure testify to that truth in my life. Maybe that’s why Ps 84:11 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It’s one of those scriptures I have in my quick draw arsenal of offense against the Enemy. Without it, I have no explanation for the empty holes in my life. Satan would be having a field day with me; convincing me that I must not be loved by God, that He doesn’t really care about me, or I must be a terrible person.

The last part of the verse says, …no good thing will He withhold from them who walk uprightly.” I just LOVE that. It reminds me that as long as I am seeking God ~ then if whatever it is that I want so badly is withheld from me – then it obviously wasn’t good for me. I tell myself all the time ~ either I believe that verse or I don’t.

I do want to believe it and trust that God has my best in mind. “God’s will – exactly what I would choose if I knew all the facts!” I’m so thankful that He does know them all! The last time I checked God was still God and He can handle the job all by Himself!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca Lynn with a great big grin!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Dead Batteries

Dead Batteries

Psalm 127:2

Hey Girlies ~

The smallest tasks ~ like turning on a DVD player or adjusting the sound on your TV or taking a picture, relatively easy, right? Not so much, at least not for me this weekend. I spent countless time and energy trying to accomplish such simple feats. I feel exhausted just thinking about it.

First the DVD wouldn’t work… get that going but then the sound wouldn’t work. So I kept smashing (yes smashing… not pressing, SMASHING) the button to see if maybe I just didn’t hit it in the right spot. Then suddenly out of no where the volume blast coming from the box in the corner turned my eyelids inside out and pinned my face to the back of the chair! Once I regained my composure I frantically began smashing the thing again to turn it down. It wasn’t working! Before everyone in the room ends up deaf, I jumped back up and ran over to turn it down manually. Back and forth we’d go. First it would work, then it wouldn’t. You get the picture…

Eventually my sister says, “I wonder if it’s the batteries”. Oh no, surely it couldn’t be that simple! But oh, yes. It was that simple … all weekend struggling to get things to work only to find out I was dealing with dying batteries. Just a few minutes ago during my latest escapade with yet another dead battery, I recognize how difficult life can be without a fully charged battery. But once I had a fresh battery those tasks became as simple as pushing a button.

Ah, yes. I am seeing some similarities in my own life. I think today I’m running on a low battery. That’s why wiping off the counter and getting the table cleaned off for dinner seems over whelming…not to mention the real issues I need to tackle. What a relief to understand my feelings!

I love the wisdom of Ps 127:2! “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep” So, ya know what I’m gonna do? I’m going to thank God for the reflection I saw of myself in the dead batteries! I’m going to quit struggling to get it all to “work” in my head tonight and I’m going to go to bed with hopes of a fresh battery in the morning. You too? Sweet dreams….

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Friday, August 6, 2010

You Are What You Eat
Hi Ya Girls!

Think back over the last 24 – 72 hours (if you can remember that far back!) What have you had to eat? If the statement - you are what you eat - is really true, then I am potato chips, TAB, chocolate, toast (with healthy bread mind you), a little processed turkey, chicken, French fries and a few onion rings. I’m not very proud of that list. I generally try to watch what I eat. And if I eat like that every now and then, I don’t really see much negative effect. If I ate like that every day? Well, we all know eventually I’d have to go shopping for bigger clothes.
While I definitely believe it’s important to eat healthy (and as mothers to make sure your kids don’t have McDonald’s every night) that’s not really what I mean when I say, “What have you had to eat lately”. What I really mean is what has your mind and your spirit had to eat?
Recently while I was sick, I found myself watching more TV than usual. I was sick… what else was I supposed to do, right? But before I even realized it, my thinking began morphing into more like those who don’t care about God. I started focusing more on material things and how I looked and what others thought. Oh, it was subtle at first. I’d see something that was wrong and instantly recognize it. I’d change the channel or constantly be refuting it in my mind. But gradually (and quite quickly I might add) I found myself watching a program even though I knew it wasn’t good for me. The changes happened so seamlessly I barely even noticed them.
So let me ask you again. Think back over the last 24 – 72 hours. What has your mind and spirit had to eat? Is it possible that your diet has been nothing but junk food? At what point will you say enough of the trash? Here’s the crazy part, I actually like to eat healthy food. Many times I don’t because it’s a lot easier to eat the junk! I think the same is true of the food for our minds and soul. It’s so easy to plop down and turn on the tube. But maybe you would try turning it off every now and then. Believe it or not you’ll survive ☺ Find a good book. Start a healthy hobby. It’s important… enough malnutrition. Let’s feed our minds with the pure, rich, life-giving food of the Word! Read Psalm 1 and be encouraged today ☺

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love
Rebecca

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Get it! Get it! Come on, Get it!!! – Philippians 3:14
Good Morning ~
The boys and I have discovered some twisted, but hilarious entertainment. I have a new red laser pointer pen. Do you know where I’m going with this? ☺ I shoot on the floor near Herschel ( our chocolate lab) and dance it around a little to pique his interest. First his little ears perk up and he gets that “what was that” look. And then boom! He’s hooked. He dives, he pounces, he stomps, he uses every ounce of energy he can to catch that dancing dot. Naturally, we egg him on, encouraging him, “Get it, Herschel! Get it!” It’s so funny – the boys make him run into the wall – (Of course I have never done that to the pup!) He holds nothing back and will chase that red dot till his tongue is dragging the floor!
The other morning I just had an urge for a good laugh so I grabbed the pointer. I was thoroughly enjoying myself until I thought, “How sad; the poor pooch will never catch this dot because it’s not even a real object. He is totally spent when he finally gives up, and for what? Nothing.” I felt kind of bad that he will never have the satisfaction of capturing the crazy thing. Never!
Then I saw myself in the scenario. Satan loves to throw those red laser dots around us. We get all worked up about stuff or chase things relentlessly that aren’t even real or at the very least will never satisfy. The Enemy just sits back and laughs at our silly ambition and foolishness. I want to make sure that I’m pressing “…toward the mark of the high calling of God…” (Phil 3:14) and not chasing the silly tricks of the one who desires to steal, kill and destroy! God has a wonderful plan for each of us. Let’s get into His word and spend time with Him so we will recognize those empty red dots!
Hope & Glory To You ~
Rebecca

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Dude Was Right...

Hello All ~

I trust my husband. Really, I do. I cant’ say I’ve always agreed with him, but I do trust him. It’s not a blind trust. It comes from watching him seek God in his day- to- day living. But it also comes from years of witnessing him making the right decisions. I remember times when I just knew he was missing what I was saying! His perception was not as clear as mine, I was sure. My way made perfect sense and undoubtedly was the best action we could take. He would always listen. But he wouldn’t act unless he felt peace to do so, no matter how passionate my plea.

Come to find out…the dude was right, most every time! So that is why I trust him. Once again a big decision is ahead. I want one thing. He…not so much…. But I don’t want to push my way. I remember, he’s usually right.

In reality, he’s not “always” right. He’s human. But here’s the bottom line. It’s not my job to make sure he’s right. It’s my job to share my heart, pray and obey/support whatever decision he makes. He has to answer to God for it, not me. I will answer to God for how well I submitted to him.

Here is what dawned on me this morning, mulling this over. I love Ronnie. I’ll be loyal to him and respect his leadership even if he does make a wrong decision. It’s not because he wants to make mistakes. He’s just human…but I’ve given my heart to him and so I’ll follow.

But there is One who never makes a wrong decision on my behalf. When God tell me no or that my way isn’t going to happen, it’s because He is always right! Always. Why can I trust my earthly husband and not my heavenly One? My best interest is forever His priority. I don’t even have to follow Him purely out of loyalty or duty. I can follow Him with complete confidence. So what’s my problem? Trust and obey. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5&6

Hope & Glory! To You – Love

Rebecca