Falling in Love Again

February 18, 2012 in Difference Maker | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NIV

I’ve learned a lot about love since I was a kid. At one point love was Mom kissing my owies. Then it evolved into Mom giving me a hug when I didn’t get asked to the dance or when I got all hung-up in girlfriend drama. In college love meant that I could call home when I couldn’t pay my car insurance and Dad would come through for me.  Next was TRUE love, (the ONE) the man I just HAD to marry because I couldn’t imagine my life without him. Kids come along and love takes on an entirely new definition, each time I would look upon those innocent little faces, I would melt at every coo, cough, smile, pout, and blink.

Fast forward to the present.  I have every confidence that my parents are still there for me no matter what, my friends lean on me as their confidant, shoulder to cry on, sounding board, and prayer warrior. It’s no longer drama, it’s LIFE! I married ‘the one’ and discovered that he gets crabby, shaves over the sink, uses my kitchen drawers as a toolbox, and doesn’t share my taste in decor, cooking, vacations, interests or hobbies.  Oh, and those innocent little gifts from God get attitudes, talk back, complain, whine, are messy, and get very independent… FAST!

I sit back and reflect on my worldly perspective of love and think to myself… “Does love change, have I changed, is love conditional?” My conclusion is that God is the one and only source of love. I’ve been on the receiving end and the giving end of love. Both are great places to be, but the one place I need to be is in God’s Word; it is there that I feel no greater love. Not only is He talking directly to me with every word on the page of my bible, but my heart is fully connected to Him in return. When we walk with each other in that manner, love overflows out of me and onto others. When that happens, I’m a more patient mom, a wife that can overlook the faults in her husband, a more nurturing and caring friend, and a more generous daughter.

Sad to say that it is easy to drift away from God. He never leaves us, but we get easily distracted. Life gets busy and all kinds of excuses start piling up. Before long, God (from our vantage point) becomes smaller and selfishness rears its ugly head, making love not look quite so lovely through us anymore. 

I’ve been diligent about my bible study the past several weeks and I’m proud to say I’ve fallen in love again. I’ve read out of several different versions to see verses say the same thing, just differently. I even pulled out my commentary for Dr. Vernon McGee’s interpretation and he sure knows how to tell it to me straight! And last… I’ve been memorizing scripture to get his Word imprinted on my heart and does THAT ever deepen our relationship with God! It’s like He’s talking to me all day long as scripture comes to my mind in various conversations, in the way I view my circumstances, and how I respond to the happenings of the day.

Not only is God’s love permeating through you when you are in Him everyday, but you are equipped… just like Ephesians 6:17 says, “ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NIV)” Falling in love with God is a beautiful thing. It makes life beautiful and makes you more beautiful to be around.

The Greatest Valentine of All

February 14, 2012 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | 2 comments

 

John 3:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

I have Whitney Houston’s song, “The Greatest Love of All” ringing in my ears this morning. Perhaps its the media attention drawn to her unexpected death or maybe that AND the heightened awareness that it’s Valentine’s Day, but I truly have the greatest love of all.  My heart goes out to Whitney’s family and the fans who loved her.

I have known John 3:16 from infancy and even my 5th and 6th grade girls at AWANA can roll it off of their tongue on que. Today – read it over, write it on a note card and carry it with you, think about it… meditate on it. 

For GOD (the creator of all things) so loved (a love that is incomprehensible to our finite minds) the world (this sinful globe of unworthy sinners) that he gave (not took… gave) his one and only Son (as a mom I can’t grasp the thought of sacrificing one of my own), that whoever (which means believers or what I call Christians with a capital ‘C’), believes in him (faith and acceptance of him alone) shall not perish (there is no death and there is hope beyond this world) but have eternal life (we will spend eternity with him if we believe.)

There is no other way to heaven and there is no greater love than his. As believers, we walk with Joy on this Valentine’s Day that OUR savior lives.

Take A Break

February 11, 2012 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | 1 comment

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

I call myself a morning person and it’s true, I don’t even need an alarm clock most mornings. For this reason I don’t  have any reason to invest in anything fancy, my alarm clock works just fine for being “ancient.” I would guess that its at least 20 years old and if I ever need to re-set the time, I have to push so hard on the buttons that my fingers actually hurt.  The last time that I attempted to set the alarm I wanted it set for 4:15 a.m.. As I patiently watched the numbers creeping through their series, all of a sudden in one missed second it stopped on the 16. (Oh, Bummer!) I wasn’t going to put any more energy into changing it, so I figured, “What’s an extra minute of sleep if I need it right?” So ever since then, I have had my alarm set for 4:16 a.m. 

Like I said, I rarely sleep long enough to need an alarm because my eyes usually pop open anywhere between 2:45 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.  Of course I fight to go back to sleep, but even if I do it’s never restful.  As a matter of fact, I usually have really strange dreams; as though my body is resting, but my mind is already up and running.  Well, this morning I woke up, looked at the clock, and the time was 4:16 EXACTLY, which I found surprising.  As I laid still looking at those 3 magic digits, it seemed as though my home had come alive.  From the silence and peace that I initially felt when my eyes first opened seemed to be overtaken by the blower of the furnace, the dog breathing, my husbands’ restlessness, gentle crunching in my ear from the lycra material of my pillowcase, and even my heartbeat that began pounding like a bongo drum.

In these quiet (loud) noises, I felt God say, “Good morning Sarah, pay attention! I’m taking care of you.” Then I realized that He has provided a roof over my head, warmth and comfort, a family, and safety - At that moment it was as though I could feel him smiling at me with a heart-kind of smile. It reminded me of the smile I felt in me when my kids were infants. It wasn’t a literal smile on my face as much as it was a smile of my heart, where I would just look at them in an enduring way and my heart would fill with a sense of joy, love, and admiration.

In this quiet moment I suddenly recognized the abundance God’s blessings and I could sense His love. The stress of the day to come, the anxiety of conquering my never ending to-do list, and any discontentment that I may possess seemed insignificant now. I was so moved that it inspired me to post this in an effort to bring a perspective to our strive for ’Live Out Loud’ lives. So I cracked my bible and I reflected on Mark 6:31 (NIV) “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  Once again I realized, even Jesus recognized that the world pulls on us and we need to retreat to a quiet place and rest. Or in my case, stop and listen, and appreciate what I have and what He has done for me.

My challenge to you is to retreat. Figure out what that might be for you. Perhaps it’s just a pause in a part of your day that allows you to take in the moment to see God there. Ideally, its sitting at His feet, studying His Word, hearing His voice, and allowing it to take root in your heart.  And when you do, you are renewed and better prepared to face whatever the day brings and more capable of living out loud for Christ.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” In this quietness, He is loud – and your life will be loud in His Name!

May God Bless you today!

There’s A Limit to Me!

January 29, 2012 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do you ever feel like Elasta Girl? The woman that is being pulled in a million directions? Isn’t it ironic that Disney made the Mom in ”The Incredibles” a character whose super power is to be stretched beyond her limits.  I’m guessing they chose that superpower because it’s a common characteristic of being a woman.

I love to be busy and I’ll be the first to admit that I do it to myself. I say with all sincerity that I love life, I really do! As a result, I try to pack as much as I can into everyday because I love people, experiences, learning, connecting, and socializing. Yet, the older I get, the more I am convinced that this is not God’s design for us. I find myself feeling guilty that I need to be home more, cook more meals, read my bible more, talk to and see my parents and extended family more, and the list goes on and on. Basically, I’m too busy with other things to do all the things I really NEED to be doing MORE of.

In the story of Mary and Martha in Luke chapter 10: 38-42 says, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I don’t know about you, but Jesus really knows how to hit the heart of the matter and my heart as well. Let me give you my interpretation. “Sarah, Sarah…’You are trying to be a great wife, mom, employee, friend, law abiding citizen, student, blogger, athlete, marketer, church-goer, daugther, daughter-in-law, sister, mentor, bill payer, wage earner, aunt, facebooker, reader, shopper, grocery getter, [INSERT MORE LABELS HERE], etc… So knock it off and get your priorities straight.”

Well, there it is. Your chance to glance into my life and realize that to Live Out Lord for Christ isn’t about juggling thousands of expectations and commitments, it’s about doing everything that we do for the glory of God…Big or small, alittle or a lot. It’s really about keeping the proper perspective on it and putting your heart in it. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”As women, God gave us the ability multi-task and manage many things, however, if it’s all of that busy-ness that is the reason we have no time to be in fellowship with God, then we are wasting our time on fruitless, petty, temporary things. Even King Solomn, who had it all says in Ecclesiastes 1:2b (NIV)  “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

I am at a cross-roads in my life and I am VERY excited about it. My ‘Live Out Loud’ choices are quickly becoming more about significance and less about doing more, having more, and being more. I want my life to be impactful, not regretable. This, my friends is Living Out Loud! It’s not what we do or the label we wear, it’s not about filling our day with more to-do’s than hours to do them. It’s about the quality of our time, the purpose behind our choices, and the heart for Christ that we have in doing them. For all my Martha friends out there, celebrate with me, that if we sit at the feet of Jesus and not get worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one [Jesus Christ], “… it will not be taken from us!” 

So remember that alone we are limited, but with Him, we are limitless! God bless you as you pursue the One and only thing.

Mary’s Song!

January 4, 2012 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Luke 1:46-55  (NIV)

Mary’s Song

 46 And Mary said:

   “My soul glorifies the Lord
 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
   of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
   holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
   from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
   he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
   but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
   but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
   remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
   just as he promised our ancestors.”

May Mary’s song encourage you today and may you feel her heart to Live Out Loud through praising God for all He has provided.

Survive and Thrive 2012 – No Matter What!

January 1, 2012 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Happy New Year, Happy Anniversary!

A fresh start, a new day… there’s just something about the saying “The old is gone, the new has come.” Millions of people celebrated the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012.

If you’re like me, you’ve already taken an inventory of last year and weighed the good against the bad. If you’ve been following my blog you may know that 2011 held A LOT of challenges. I almost lost my husband to a divorce, I gained a 20 year old step daughter, I turned 40, helped our oldest daughter adjust to junior high and prepared her ( best as I could) for making a commitment to purity. My role in my marketing career expanded and has grown ever more challenging, my brother deployed to Afghanistan, I started taking classes toward earning my master’s degree, and one of my best friends has grown distant from me.

Despite all of that, I will proudly proclaim that GOD IS GREAT! To date I can say that my marriage pulled through and we celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary yesterday. My step daughter doesn’t want to have relationship with me, but she’s finally in my husband’s life and I praise God that they’ve finally reconnected. Turning 40 has actually been empowering and I’m excited to experience this new chapter of my life. (See my October 2nd post, my favorite post of the year). My daughter has soared in junior high and I’m a mom who has an obnxious yellow honor roll student bumper sticker displayed on back of my car. School has been rewarding and with all the hats I wear and balls that I juggle, I have managed to earn the dean’s list. On the job front… I’m thankful that I have a job (A true mission field) and my brother is alive! My friend? Well, let’s just say I am daily finding peace in this and turned that relationship over to God’s hands.

So… all that said. I would conclude that 2011 was, for me, a ‘James’ kind of year. James 1:2-3 (NIV) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” My faith has been tested, I have persevered, and so far the outcomes (even though not perfect) have evidence of God’s hand upon all of it. Though the circumstances and the trials have not been all joy-filled, I can and am reflecting back on the past year with a full heart of gratitude and surprisingly, a sense of joy!

I’m not sure what 2012 will bring, but I do know this… I want to continue to grow in my knowledge and faith in my Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18), I want to keep my faith in knowing that He works all things for good to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), and want to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).  These aren’t my new year’s resolutions either, they are a reminder that no matter what happens, I need to show up for God everyday and pursue a deeper relationship with Him. I expect that knowing Him better is the only way I will be able to model God’s love in and through my life; the only way that I can whole-heartedly live out loud for Him.

Do You Really Mean ALL?

December 30, 2011 in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Could a surprise be in store for you?

The approach of this new year marks the 2nd anniversary of a journey that has been, for lack of a better word, daunting. Each year, until that year, I would pick a “verse for the year” and attempt to live and apply that particular verse all year long, in every possible way. I, innocently, thought the greatest commandment of all would be a great verse to keep top of mind, so I chose Mark 12:30 (NIV) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”  Notice I said, this year marks my 2 year anniversary of this verse… It’s been a journey!

If you’re like me, you know this verse, you’ve heard this verse, you’ve memorized this verse, but have you ever taken a step back to put this verse into context on what it is asking of you?  I immediately got myself hung up on the word, ”ALL.” All… does not leave any room for exception. I often refer to myself as an “all or nothing” person. It’s part of my type-A personality that puts 100% effort into everything I do. But for some reason, when I read ”all” in the context of this verse, I really felt, and still feel to some degree, an overwhelming a sense of defeat.

So the next logical question is “How?” “How do I love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength?” Again, another major conviction that I have no idea how to answer. Sadly, I could only revert to love as it has been modeled to me on this earth. The love of my parents, husband, children, and friends. If I were to keep an account of rights and wrongs, these examples of love all have some levels of pain, compromise, sacrifice, conditions, or expectations associated with them. In other words, they aren’t perfect love.

On my 2 year journey of seeking out the answer I have come to the following conclusions:

1 - In my own power, I can’t love God enough. As 1 John 4:10 says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

2 -  I remember the song lyrics from my Sunday school classes and feel that it really comes down to this… “Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.” So, read His word, trust in it, and do it!

3 – It takes FAITH! Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” And what exactly is faith? Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” and Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

4 – So earnestly seek Him! Proverbs 2:4-5, “and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the  fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.”

5 - God has it covered. Romans 9:16 “It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”

I don’t want to over simplify the meaning of this verse, but give you a progress report to help you better understand what it means to live out Mark 12:30.  I’m certainly not done and probably haven’t even scratched the surface,  but I can say that what I’ve learned in the past 2 years has given me comfort. Comfort in knowing that I desire to live up to this command and to have the assurance that “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6

I do hope you’ll choose a verse to “Live Out Loud” in 2012. It could be the greatest spiritual journey you will ever venture. Please comment with the verse you select for 2012 and I will pray for you and may God bless you abundantly in your 2012 adventure.

The BEST Christmas Story of the Year!

December 23, 2011 in Favorites | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

 My friend and Arbonne consultant, Kris, is one of the many special, Godly women in my life. On a regular basis, Kris sends notes to communicate gratitude to her customers and this recent story really touched me and is not only an outstanding ‘Live Out Loud’ message, but brings a perspective to Christmas. So please read on and be encouraged, as I am, in the words that follow.

Just 2 weeks ago, my precious grandma/best girlfriend passed away. During the days before she passed, at her bedside we’d often listen to Christmas carols. Our favorite was “The Little Drummer Boy.” Our favorite line says, “I played my best for Him.”  The little drummer boy was bringing his all for the newborn King.  Was it gold or anything of worldly value?  No.  And yet, it was his best. 

I told my grandma that SHE was a wonderful example of a life who gave her BEST to Jesus & that I hoped I could do the same! So with each passing day, I now think about what I “bring” to Jesus.  Do I truly bring my best to Him?  God gives each of us something unique & precious in our hearts & lives that He is greatly pleased to have us give back to Him – time spent with Him, kind thoughts, encouraging words, & meaningful deeds – just to name a few.

My challenge to myself & to you is to daily bring Him the BEST of all that He’s entrusted to us.  Let’s “play our BEST for Him” this Christmas season & always!

Merry Christmas with Love ~ Kris

First of all, may I say to Kris, that I am sorry for the earthly loss of your grandma and best friend; yet I know you are also celebrating her life and praising God that she was “a wonderful example of a life who gave her best for Jesus.” Tears roll down my cheeks as my heart connects to your story and my own personal desire to “bring my best to Jesus too.” As I read, I pictured Jesus saying to your grandma, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Isn’t that what we all desire? Not only to hear Jesus express His satisfaction with us and the life we led, but that we may have an impact on others that becomes our legacy, for Him, that we leave behind?

I love the image that the ”The Little Drummer Boy” song conveys through Kris’ story and how it speaks right to our hearts at Christmas time. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas Season, I want to challenge everyone reading this to “Daily bring Him the BEST of all that He’s entrusted to us.  Let’s ‘play our BEST for Him’ this Christmas season & always!”

Please comment below about someone who touched your life, as Kris’ grandma did her. I’d love to be inspired by others, who like her, made such an impact and who left a legacy in YOUR life. Give their legacy a chance to live on and be an encouragement to us all this Christmas and upon the approach of our new year.

Point Up

December 12, 2011 in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

I do love a good football game. I appreciate the precision of a quarterbacks throw, the record distance of a field goal kick, and those final plays in the last few seconds of the game when history is made and the fate of each team is etched in the stats book to document history. I can’t tell you the names of the players and I don’t even know what each player’s role actually is, but I sure know a touchdown when I see one. I’m watching the Green Bay Packers hold an impressive 46-7 lead over their opponents, Oakland Raiders, and I am reminded of a Live Out Loud application that has inspired me to connect with you today. (Yes, even football can have a Godly lesson for us all.)

My favorite thing about watching football is when a player kneels in the end zone, bows his head, and points up. I could be wrong on this, but I assume he is taking a knee, bowing to acknowledge his creator, and pointing up to give God the glory. My heart immediately celebrates the touchdown on an entirely new level. Regardless of the team who scored, I am no longer celebrating the score or the act itself, but the humility of the player and the source of their success. So with introspection I ask myself, ”Do I reference God in my accomplishments?” When is the last time someone gave you an “atta girl/boy”, a pat on the back, credit for a job well done, or a compliment? If you’re like me, my response may be a humble, ‘Thank you’, but do I bow my head and point up? Do I give God credit? Do I take the spotlight off of me and give it onto him? Unfortunately, and regretfully, “No!” Not often enough anyway.

I write this as a remember to me and an encouragement to you to recognize those times when we need to realize where credit is due. I breathe because he holds every breath in His might hand. That is enough of a reason to change my perception and know that I am nothing without Him.

1 Peter 4:11 (NIV) “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

As I see Green Bay Packers wear their big “G” to symbolize their team affliation, be reminded brothers and sister’s in Christ that we are wearing our Big “G” as a Christian with a capital “C” because our affliation is noteable as we are representatives or ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) of God’s team on earth and in this life. Point up in all things and give credit, in all things, to God.

Material World or Giving Heart?

December 1, 2011 in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

 Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday… What’s Next?

“Dear Heavenly Father, Please bless the hearts of those reading this blog post. Please fill our hearts with a sensitivity to the reason we celebrate Christmas. Protect us from the lure on our hearts in having greedy, materialistic intentions distract us from giving, serving, encouraging, and celebrating the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. ~Amen”

I’m certain I’m not alone when I say that my snail mailbox and email inbox are overflowing with deals, incentives, specials, promotions, and HOT DEALS! Well, just for the record… I love to shop! As a matter of fact, I used to have a personalized license plate that spelled ‘SHOPIN’ and my life’s ambition was to become a personal shopper. After I graduated from college and put a modest business plan together, the idea quickly lost steam.

The lines at the store, even the grocery store, are long. The parking lots? …Forget it! Just plan to park in the back of the lot and bundle up (fellow Wisconsinites) because you need to prepare for a lengthy walk. Then, there are the return lines. It has already started! A good idea on black Friday becomes the ‘reality check’ of today. I can’t muster up a better word than ‘crazy!’

Sometimes I picture an ant hill with all the little ants runnning around frantically. Is this the view God has of our Christmas season? The season that we have set apart to honor the birth of His Son Jesus Christ? I hope you will take a verse with you throughout this Holiday Season to be reminded that even though our patience may be tested waiting in lines, our budgets may be stretched to include  Samaritan’s Purse and Salvation Army (above and beyond our family members),we can stand out with a heart centered on love,  

1 John 4:10 (NIV) “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

He IS the Reason for the season. Live like Jesus each day and keep an eternal focus in your thoughts, words, actions, and deeds.

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