The Gift of Freedom

And, they’re off!  American shoppers began lining up Thanksgiving Day to take advantage of discounts and special offers for Christmas.  Maybe you got lucky and scored a few great deals yourself.  While you may know exactly what to get some of the people on your list, I’m guessing that shopping for your spouse isn’t all that easy.  It’s sometimes those we know the best that are the hardest to shop for.

I have a theory, that the more intimate the relationship, the more difficult it is to come up with a meaningful gift.  Sure, they may love a new gaming console, giant TV or iPhone, but it isn’t what they really need.  When it comes to our spouses, we usually can’t wrap up their heart’s desires. 

Perhaps, what they most need is assurance that they are loved.  I haven’t found that on Amazon yet.  Maybe the real issue is that they need to feel respected and heard.  Walmart was out of stock.  Even Target was a bust when it came to finding validation and motivation. 

In all seriousness, one gift that millions of men and women are craving is simply, freedom.  To be set free from addiction to drugs or alcohol is a dream.  Maybe the struggle lies in overeating or self-doubt.  For a huge number of both men and women, they want freedom from pornography. 

Porn is destroying marriages and lives at an alarming rate.  You won’t find many people that would say “I want to stay lost in this dark, seedy world.”  That’s because porn is a mirage.  That allure and excitement that first pulled them in, led to a world without life; no rest, no shade, no water that ever satisfies.

There is a tool out there, to help those struggling with porn.  It’s software from X3watch that offers accountability and resources, while providing a block to inappropriate content on all internet connected devises.  This program is designed to help provide the freedom that so many are craving.

This may be a gift you can give your spouse.  Or, maybe it’s a gift you give yourself.  Sadly, porn has reached its dirty hands into the lives of men and women, in every age group and defied all socioeconomic bounds. 

If you are ready to deal with porn addiction head on, click here . Let X3watch help you in this quest for freedom.  As you celebrate the Christmas season, let X3watch help restore hope to your family. Begin the journey of healing and come to know what a gift it is to be set free.

A Willing Chauffer

Oh, how much can change in a week’s time!  Last weekend, I was deeply immersed in the experience of watching God at work through my dear friend Carlene Prince, who had come to share her testimony and music at the Son Broadcasting banquet.  Since I dropped her off at the airport, we’ve had Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and many of my neighbors have put up their Christmas lights.  Before the memories of last weekend’s events succumb to the busyness of the season, I wanted to be sure to capture some important thoughts.

Have you ever been host to a guest who relied on you, not just for food and lodging, but for transportation as well?  Then you will know that you must lay down your own schedule, and normal routine for the sake of that guest.  If this guest is a person of influence/importance, then your time table must defer to that of the guest.  This was the case last weekend.  By no means am I suggesting that it was a burden or unpleasant.  I simply mean to set the stage for a greater understanding of a beautiful God moment.

Sitting in the “audience” at Abundant Life Christian Center in Belen, I had a jealous thought pass through my head.  As I was watching Carlene share her music, I wished that I could be used in such a way.  I wished I was more than just her driver.  I must pause to say that my confession of jealousy is real, but God, in His goodness allowed me only a moment to stay in self-pity.  He quickly showed me my role in His Kingdom work, and how even drivers play a very important part.    

From church we went out to lunch with Pastor Barney and his wife Sandi.  This conversation was full of life and Spirit and encouraged my heart.  Through my brother and sisters in Christ, the Lord affirmed me, and reminded me that my desires, my prayers, and my talents were important to Him.  I have no doubt that this lunch meeting set the stage for future ministry work that only God could have woven together. 

The weekend I served being Carlene’s driver was necessary to remind me of important principles.  First, I should never be too proud to carry out any job that the Lord has assigned me to.  After all, it isn’t (and shouldn’t) be about me.  Secondly, the tapestry that God is weaving together with the treads of my life, may have looked scattered and disjointed, but I was reminded that I was standing on the wrong side of His work.  What, to my natural eyes looked like nonsensical patterns and colors, was the back side of the weaving.  Had I been in front, observing the masterpiece for what it is, I would have seen purpose, design and artistry!

This last week, a classic movie continued to come to mind.  The 1954 version of Sabrina, with Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn, is the story of a rich family with two sons, and the intrigue/love story that plays out with the chauffer’s daughter.  While it’s a cute romantic comedy, I couldn’t help but think of one of the closing scenes with Sabrina’s father, the chauffer.  With a grin on his face, he gives the stunning news that he has become quite wealthy.  Throughout the years, he’d listened closely to the business dealings that had transpired in the back seat of the car he was driving.  He learned when to buy and sell stocks, and came to learn about investment opportunities that a man of his position “shouldn’t” know.

God needs willing drivers.  I want to not just be obedient if He calls upon me to chauffer, but to carry out the task with a willing, cheerful heart, ready to see what I can learn on the drive.  If you have been put in a position to serve as a support to someone else’s ministry, don’t grow weary.  God is so good, and knows your heart, desires and giftings.  Allow this season to be one of great growth and education as you learn from those He’s called you to drive. 

1 Corinthians 12 (various verses):
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. . . . For the body does not consist of one member but of many.  If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

Watching God Work

Yesterday morning, I sat among 20 colleagues, friends and ministry leaders at a special breakfast.  This was on the heals of the Son Broadcasting banquet, which had been just the night before.  Directly across from me was Congressman Steve Pearce.  The fact that this man has become a friend, is a God story all its own.  To my right, sat a woman who has become so dear to my heart, Carlene Prince.  Both of these remarkable people had been guest speakers at the banquet.

The Congressman began to tell a story: "When I was in Jordan, talking with the King. . . "  I just had to laugh.  What a strange and beautiful way God has connected people from around the world.  I don't have time to share all the details of the story, but at the end, he grinned and told Carlene that she should perform for the Jordanian King when he visits Hobbs, NM.  Somehow, I don't doubt that this will happen one day.

At the banquet, it had been my role to introduce Carlene to the audience.  I was able to take a moment to share a mini version of how so many prayers had been answered through both Carlene and Congressman Pearce. 

My prayers for provision for a broadcasting conference had been met indirectly through the actions of these two.  I had prayed a big, bold prayer that God would provide the means for me to travel to Nashville for the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) conference.  He did it, and in wild and extravagant ways. 

I had been praying for a friend.  Someone with whom I could really connect.  Someone who could understand me and love and understand my weirdness.  He did it, and through NRB, brought me a sister in Christ, and a dear friend, Carlene.

I had prayed that the platform God had given me, through radio and speaking, would be used to bless and encourage others.  After the banquet, I got several comments that others had been affirmed through my remarks.  He did it.

This morning, I will be driving Carlene down to Belen, NM to speak and sing at a church.  After the banquet, a pastor had sought her out, and asked if she would be willing to come minister at his church before she had to leave town.  Feeling God at work, she agreed, and soon we will travel to see Him do something amazing once again.

Carlene has an incredible voice, and is in the process of recording her first CD.  She has a big, bold faith that God is going to provide.  I'm excited to watch with her, as He uses His people to provide for all her needs.  If you would like to be part of her answered prayer, you can contribute to her project here: http://www.gofundme.com/carleneprince

I pray that you are encouraged, knowing God is at work, and is in the business of answering prayers.  I have to cut this short, as we get ready to hit the road, with eager expectation of what God is going to do through this brand new day.

The Hoarder's House

About a month ago, I got a call to inform me that someone who I'd known since childhood, had been admitted into the hospital.  The diagnosis is cancer, and there have been many complications that have led to a prolonged hospital stay.

This individual has a cat, and my father, being compelled to make sure it was ok, went to the house to check up on it.  What was discovered when he first walked through the front door was something that has literally caused him nightmares. The sick man is a hoarder.

I've heard about hoarders, and may have even seen a few minutes of a TV special about them.  But, to walk through one of these houses, is something that affects you--deeply.  There is a spirit of despair and defeat in the air.  The dust is so thick, the contents of the home so dirty, that you feel contaminated just standing there.

God bless my parents!  They have been working a few hours each day to begin to clear out the years of newspapers and debris. They've made amazing progress.  I, along with my husband, sister, some extended family and friends, have also put in many hours of work.  We've finally gotten to the point where we can uncover surfaces (counters, tables, floor) and what we have found is disgusting. 

My point in writing this account is not to shame or accuse this man.  Something is horribly wrong in his mind if he is unable to see the damage to/danger of his own home.  To let years pass by, without asking for help, has likely kept him in a prison of shame and paranoia of discovery. 

For as long as I've known him, this man has put on an air of pride and arrogance. I of course, had never seen his house prior to this, but many times he'd been over visiting my parents, I'd see him and heard his loud objections to many of the tenants of our faith and values.  It turns out, this very vocal and difficult man, was hiding a big, dirty secret. 

I'm not sure what to expect the next time I see him.  Will there be embarrassment and humility in his eyes?  Will there be angry defiance?  No mater what transpires, I know that I will never be able to view him in the same way.  For me, what once was an irritated annoyance at his personality, has been transformed into a sympathetic wonderment.  What type of sadness or hurt has plagued his life?  What has it done to his spirit to hide this secret for so many years?

We've all heard the expression "Don't judge a book by its cover."  This of course, can be directly applied to people, and their sometimes rough and ragged exteriors.  I've been reminded once again, that some of the most difficult people we encounter, are those that need the most love and help. 

Finally, it makes me even more thankful for a close-knit group of people who love and care about me.  If something in me were to "snap", they would jump in and intervene before things got out of hand.  For this man, he had no one who he trusted enough, to really allow them into his life. 

Let us all take a second look at those people who rub us the wrong way.  It just may be someone who desperately needs our tenderness and compassion. 

Running Someone Else's Race?

Today is the Duke City Marathon.  It's the largest running event in the State of New Mexico.  Several thousand people come out to participate in a variety of running events from a 5k walk to the full Marathon. 

Last year, I was training for the 20K walk. I had intended to participate, but financially had to forgo registration when the time came around. I was disappointed, but exercise is rarely in vein.

Then, a few days before the event, my co-host, who had been planning on participating in the 20K, pulled a muscle and was unable to attend.  He offered me his bib and registration which I gladly accepted.  Because organizers of the event did not allow for registration transfer, my timing chip referred to a 59 year old man.

Runners are tough.  They train hard and are dedicated and passionate.  But don't you think that long distance walkers are softies.  This group of hard core pavement pounders blew me away.  To give you a little idea about how fast these guys (and gals) are trucking, the winner came in at 2:06, making her pace just over a 10 minute mile!

The day of the race came quickly, and I gave it my all.  There was an older gentleman in very short red shorts that I found myself chasing almost the entire way.  At the half-way mark, I was running short on steam, but willed myself to keep trucking, trying not to loose my pace. 

Finally, the last mile marker was in sight.  That alone gave me renewed energy. That guy in the red shorts was starting to slow and I saw my chance. I kicked it into high gear and pulled ahead.

When I crossed the finish line a few minutes later, I was exhausted, but so very happy to have finished the race.  But, the MC didn't announce my name, undoubtedly because he was quite confused when my bib number correlated with a man named Dan.

A few hour later, when the results were posted, I looked down the list to see how I had done.  Much to my surprise, I had come in almost 10 minutes faster than I had anticipated.  Even better than that, I had won the Men's Masters Division!  Take that, guy in the red shorts!

When I called and excitedly shared the news with Dan, we had a good laugh about it.  Being honorable, he called the officials and let them know that it hasn't been him, racing under that bib number.  They thanked him for his honesty, and the record was quickly changed.  Any trace that I had ever been part of that event was completely erased.

This year, back in early fall, we bought a Marathon registration for a friend's birthday gift.  Just a few days ago, she notified me that she wouldn't be able to participate.  Not wanting the registration to go to waste, I investigated what my options were.  Rules stated that you could switch events, but you could not transfer registration to anyone else.  So yesterday, I went to the packet pick up booth and moved the full Marathon down to a half.  Though I haven't been training, I'm pretty good at long distances and figured I can finish a walking half-marathon, knowing that my times won't be as good.

Taking a shot in the dark, I ask the officials if there was any chance of transferring the registration into my name.  To my surprise and delight, they agreed (I hope this doesn't get them in trouble). 
Now, the computer chip in bib number 405 will reflect me!

Though I had done well, pushed hard and "won" the first race, it wasn't my own.  I can never win someone else's race.  Today, though not well prepared, I will give it my all.  I don't expect to be on the winner's board, but I will have the added satisfaction knowing that it was under my name. 

If I do this event a third time, I want to do it right from start to finish.  I want to train, I want to properly register, and I want to come across the finish line having given my very best.  As for today, wish me luck (and pray for no sprains). 

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." 1 Corinthians 9:24

The Beauty Before the Fall

I love the fall season.  There is something about nature's vibrant colors that stirs my heart.  Every year, I feel compelled to get up into the mountains and witness this transformation that takes place.  There is a short window of time before the yellows, oranges and reds fade into brown and eventually dissipate all together.  I suppose it's the season's way of "going out in a blaze of glory". 

 

 

I long to be as spectacular--to be the kind of person who bursts forth with all the color and exuberance that this season brings.  At the end of it all, I may be striped bare by the wind, but I know that after the winter, newness of life will come again. 

 

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

One Day Shy of a Full Moon

Today I was reminded of a devotional I wrote many "moons" ago.  Interestingly, today is also the day before the full moon.  I hope this encourages your heart.

Early this morning on my way to work, I was captivated by the big yellow moon that seemed to hang slightly askew over the city.  I contemplated why, as beautiful as the moon was, it just didn’t look “quite right.”  My mind slowly filtered through some files, until I realized that tomorrow is the full moon.  I don’t typically track moon phases, but my wall calendar happens to list them, and I had noticed that the moon would be full on the date of my daughter’s field trip.  So that made today one day shy of a full moon.

I instantly felt that we had something in common, the moon and I.  I have often shared that one of my favorite song lyrics is from Salvador’s “Shine”: “Lord let me shine, shine like the moon.  A reflection of You! All that I do.”  I so badly want to be a reflection of the glory of the Son, but today I felt a little less than full. 

Worries and stresses from the night before still hung like a fog in my mind.  Peace was slowly beginning to re-enter the picture after praying and trusting the Lord for His perfect outcome.  But, just as the moon has its phases, so do I.  I would love it if I would constantly (consistently) reflect the fullness of His truth.  Sadly, I wax and wane quite often.

Now, just after breakfast, I feel full.  Granted, I just ate, but I’m ready to grasp hold of the promises of the Lord:  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness . . .  and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” Colossians 2:6-10

Though nature may have to wait a few more hours for the moon to find its fullness, I choose to begin now.  And God willing, in the coming days as I feel my fullness start to slip away, I will turn back to His word and remember another truth: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8