Saturday, July 23, 2011, around 10:15 pm, a very special friend stepped over into the presence of God. Her name is Jennifer. Her earthly tent collapsed last night and God rescued her soul. She belonged to Him and He immediately healed her, gave her a brand new, glorified body, as she simultaneously saw Jesus face to face! "...to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." ( 2 Cor. 5:6-7 NKJV)
Jennifer had suffered for many years with lots of health issues, but her brief, yet severe, battle with cancer came to an end last night. She was a very upbeat person and had a very strong faith. Jesus was her refuge and strength in her times of need. Her life verse was Matthew 6:33. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." NKJV Rick and I knew that Jennifer had had a tough week. We just saw her last Sunday and she was so sick, but still at church. If there was any way she and her husband, Tony, could get there, they were not going to miss.
As I shared in a previous blog called "Missing Dad", God sometimes gives us very clear glimpses of what He's up to in the midst of our day to day life. He did it again on Friday. Rick and I had traveled to Charleston (one of our favorite places) for the day. This is where we spent our honeymoon, many weekends, and where we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. The weather was scorching, but the day was beautiful. We walked and shopped in the historical district downtown most of the day. Several times Rick suggested that we should take our lunch down to the Waterfront Park and eat outside. It was 98 degrees plus the heat index which made it feel even hotter. On top of that, I have my own internal heat index that rises unannounced even if the air conditioning is blowing full force, so why would I want to go sit outside in the heat, be miserable, and eat? I just wanted to stay as cool as possible. So we ate at a little cafe and sat inside!
As late afternoon was approaching, Rick asked me one more time if I wanted to go down to the Waterfront Park. This time I gave in and said, "Ok." We headed that direction and as we got closer, the air was actually cooler and the wind was blowing. It was absolutely beautiful. We stood at the rail across the front of the boardwalk and took in the view of the water, the sailboats, and the people. As I looked down at the water, a small section was sparkling just like the water was sparkling at the lake. (I talk about that in "Missing Dad", a few blogs back.) It wasn't a large section, but just a small portion that caught my eye. I reminded Rick about the precious visual that God had given me about heaven at the lake a couple of weeks ago.
As we continued to take in the sights, Rick asked what that was on the other side of the bay. It looked like an island with a round building on it. I jokingly said, "It's the Isle of Patmos". We both laughed and talked about John and his revelation that God had given him. I kept eyeing the large swings that were on the boardwalk and the next thing I knew, the one in the very front became available. A front row seat! I discreetly told Rick that I was going to ease myself over and grab that one for us. He's a little slow and doesn't like to make a scene, so I made it over to the swing before anyone else did.
While we were swinging, Rick noticed that across the bay, out on the sandbar of the island (the one we had talked about earlier), was a white cross. He said, "I wonder who put that cross there or what it's for?" I told him that someone must have died and the cross was placed there in their memory, like people do on highways where someone has been killed. The difference though between those crosses and this one was that this one was pure white. No flowers; no name; just a white cross. It was a beautiful sight out across the ocean looking at this solid white cross and not knowing why it was there.
Today, during Sunday School, God reminded me of those little glimpses of glory. As I reviewed them over again in my head, I said to myself, "He did it again!" Now I understood the meaning of what He displayed for us on Friday:
1. The coolness of the breeze; a sense of calm and "Ahhh!"- No need to fear. Jennifer would soon be at peace.
2. The small section of water that sparkled- This was a glimpse of what Jennifer would soon see- the glory of God!
3. The island and the discussion on Revelation- The Scripture that Rick would read this morning was from Revelation as we, her Sunday School class, mourned and celebrated Jennifer's homegoing.
4. The cross on the sandbar on the other side of the bay- A reminder that Jennifer was at the water's edge, preparing to cross over and see Jesus!
Is God not incredible? He gave Rick and me a front row seat to catch a glimpse of His glory. He was preparing us for the day ahead, Saturday. If we had not taken the time to walk to the Waterfront Park, observe the view, and take a seat in the front, we would have missed the beautiful description of what Jesus was preparing to do- escort Jennifer over to the other side, and into the presence of the Father.
What is God trying to show you? Are you sitting in the best seat in the house- at the feet of Jesus? He wants to show you so much of His glory. He desires for you to pay attention to His story- the story that He is telling each and every day. Do you know Him well enough to recognize His voice? Do you look when He says, "Look!"? Do you listen when He says, "Listen!"? Do you obey when He says, "Obey!"? Please don't miss the glory moments! He is saving you a front row seat. Will you take it?
My Pleasure,
Melanie
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
God Knows!
I had the incredible opportunity Tuesday evening to share a portion of my life with a den full of ladies. Our Women's Ministry has a summer outreach project that we call "Taste and See". The name comes from Psalm 34:8 which says, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" NKJV Three times during the summer, ladies open up their homes in various neighborhoods, invite churched and unchurched women to hear how great God is through a portion of someone's life story, and provide an atmosphere that is full of excitement. It's a great night of food, fellowship, and presenting Jesus in a simple way to women who may not know Him, as well as challenge those who do to draw closer to the One who loves them most.
I was asked to share the portion of my story about how God pushed me to make contact with my birthmother. The story is all about how our heavenly Father knows best. I never had a hint of a desire to know anything about the person who brought me into this world, placed me in foster care, and chose adoption. It didn't matter to me. I loved the fact that "I was selected, not expected." (That was the phrase used in my Adoption announcements.) All that mattered was that God had placed me in a loving, wonderful home with godly parents whom I love with all my heart. I didn't need anything else. I was content and very happy with life just the way it was; but God knew something I didn't.
Without telling the whole story, here's a snippet. I thought life was just peachey. I had ups and downs just like everyone else. But what I wasn't aware of was the underlying story plot that was being written while I was living life on the surface and in my own small world. Adoption was always celebrated in our family and never something that was shoved under a rug. This particular day, we were celebrating my 40th adopted day in our ususal way (lunch at the "Shrimper"), and as we were leaving, out of the blue, my mom and dad told me if I ever wanted to look up my information, it was alright with them. That was not even expected and it definitely blew me away. Why would they feel it was necessary to give me their blessing now? I'm 40 years old. God knew why. He had been testing my faith and my level of obedience through my life's circumstances and I wasn't even aware of it. Choosing to send off for my DSS (Department of Social Services) papers at the age of 42, was stretching me enough, I thought, but God continued to pull me through an adventure of obedience that would have never even been on my "Bucket List". When I finally bit the bullet and sent for the papers, I was speaking a lot in concert settings. I used my adoption story regularly through these ministry opportunities and my background information would help to fill in a few blanks.
Almost a year to the day after sending off for my DSS papers, I received my background information in the mail. My dad had been very ill and had passed away during that year. My mother was declining from dementia and was now living in an assisted living facility. During that year of care-giving for my father and mother, I was not even thinking about the papers. God knew that it would take a year because He planned it that way. While I was care-giving, He was writing more of my story under the surface which would ultimately lead me to make contact with my birthmother. The day I received the long awaited, manilla folder of information from DSS was the day that God literally gave me a "light show" that proves what the author says in Psalm 139:12. "Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You." (NKJV) At that very moment, as I am anxiously reading through my DSS papers (the ones that have dark sharpie lines through the private information; the papers that are not supposed to reveal any private information), God lit those lines up with His light so I could read through every dark place that should have been hidden. Wow! I thought I was going to throw up. He was revealing information to me that was not supposed to be revealed this side of heaven, according to DSS. He was revealing His power with what was happening right before my eyes. And at the age of 43, I was being catapulted into a whole new world that I definitely had no desire to explore.
God knew what I didn't know and now He wanted me to know some private things. One was that my birthmother had suffered from depression for 43 years (my age). She had been distraught over the unknown and a decision that she had been forced to make. Two, she was bed-ridden and ill. God knew that she needed some peace of mind to move forward and He wanted to use me to help her. Two days after "seeing" my information, I was able to make contact easily (it was really too easy) with the oldest birth sister, who shared the above information with me. As I was talking to the oldest on the phone, another birth sister just "happened" to be lying on the bed with my birthmom that evening to give her some company. Later, this sister told the older one that while they were lying there, my birthmother said to her, "I hope Laura can forgive me someday." (That was my birth name- Laura.) As I was on the phone making the very first contact with this family, my birthmom, lying in her bed somewhere else, was thinking about me and desiring my forgiveness. Who knew? God did! She thought I was angry and bitter towards her. On the contrary! I was grateful that she had given me up. I know it had to have been hard, but she made the best decision. God knew what He was doing. She couldn't have kept me in the situation she was in. She even could have aborted me. But because of her choosing adoption, I was blessed to have a wonderful family- loving, godly parents. I have a sister who was also adopted. I now have a fabulous, godly husband, and two children who are the joy of my life. I also have Jesus, the greatest of all pleasures! How could I ask for more? How could I be bitter? God knew that she needed peace and the only way that healing could begin was with me. She needed to hear from my own lips that I was alright and that I harbor no hard feelings towards her. She needed to be free and God orchestrated the most incredible reunion with a family that I didn't even have a desire to know.
All of the details of how this came to be will just blow your mind. Maybe I'll share more of the story another time. But today, I wanted you to hear that "God knows". He knows you better than you know yourself. He knows that the underlying story is being written for His glory. He knows that you need Him. He knows that He loves you with an unconditional love that has no match. He knows what you are going through right now, this very moment, and yes, He cares! Trust Him to continue writing your story. He already knows you intimately and He writes the best stories ever. Spend time with the Author and Creator of all life. He wants you to pen His story of glory right along with Him.
Hang on! What God knows will blow you away!
My Pleasure,
Melanie
I was asked to share the portion of my story about how God pushed me to make contact with my birthmother. The story is all about how our heavenly Father knows best. I never had a hint of a desire to know anything about the person who brought me into this world, placed me in foster care, and chose adoption. It didn't matter to me. I loved the fact that "I was selected, not expected." (That was the phrase used in my Adoption announcements.) All that mattered was that God had placed me in a loving, wonderful home with godly parents whom I love with all my heart. I didn't need anything else. I was content and very happy with life just the way it was; but God knew something I didn't.
Without telling the whole story, here's a snippet. I thought life was just peachey. I had ups and downs just like everyone else. But what I wasn't aware of was the underlying story plot that was being written while I was living life on the surface and in my own small world. Adoption was always celebrated in our family and never something that was shoved under a rug. This particular day, we were celebrating my 40th adopted day in our ususal way (lunch at the "Shrimper"), and as we were leaving, out of the blue, my mom and dad told me if I ever wanted to look up my information, it was alright with them. That was not even expected and it definitely blew me away. Why would they feel it was necessary to give me their blessing now? I'm 40 years old. God knew why. He had been testing my faith and my level of obedience through my life's circumstances and I wasn't even aware of it. Choosing to send off for my DSS (Department of Social Services) papers at the age of 42, was stretching me enough, I thought, but God continued to pull me through an adventure of obedience that would have never even been on my "Bucket List". When I finally bit the bullet and sent for the papers, I was speaking a lot in concert settings. I used my adoption story regularly through these ministry opportunities and my background information would help to fill in a few blanks.
Almost a year to the day after sending off for my DSS papers, I received my background information in the mail. My dad had been very ill and had passed away during that year. My mother was declining from dementia and was now living in an assisted living facility. During that year of care-giving for my father and mother, I was not even thinking about the papers. God knew that it would take a year because He planned it that way. While I was care-giving, He was writing more of my story under the surface which would ultimately lead me to make contact with my birthmother. The day I received the long awaited, manilla folder of information from DSS was the day that God literally gave me a "light show" that proves what the author says in Psalm 139:12. "Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You." (NKJV) At that very moment, as I am anxiously reading through my DSS papers (the ones that have dark sharpie lines through the private information; the papers that are not supposed to reveal any private information), God lit those lines up with His light so I could read through every dark place that should have been hidden. Wow! I thought I was going to throw up. He was revealing information to me that was not supposed to be revealed this side of heaven, according to DSS. He was revealing His power with what was happening right before my eyes. And at the age of 43, I was being catapulted into a whole new world that I definitely had no desire to explore.
God knew what I didn't know and now He wanted me to know some private things. One was that my birthmother had suffered from depression for 43 years (my age). She had been distraught over the unknown and a decision that she had been forced to make. Two, she was bed-ridden and ill. God knew that she needed some peace of mind to move forward and He wanted to use me to help her. Two days after "seeing" my information, I was able to make contact easily (it was really too easy) with the oldest birth sister, who shared the above information with me. As I was talking to the oldest on the phone, another birth sister just "happened" to be lying on the bed with my birthmom that evening to give her some company. Later, this sister told the older one that while they were lying there, my birthmother said to her, "I hope Laura can forgive me someday." (That was my birth name- Laura.) As I was on the phone making the very first contact with this family, my birthmom, lying in her bed somewhere else, was thinking about me and desiring my forgiveness. Who knew? God did! She thought I was angry and bitter towards her. On the contrary! I was grateful that she had given me up. I know it had to have been hard, but she made the best decision. God knew what He was doing. She couldn't have kept me in the situation she was in. She even could have aborted me. But because of her choosing adoption, I was blessed to have a wonderful family- loving, godly parents. I have a sister who was also adopted. I now have a fabulous, godly husband, and two children who are the joy of my life. I also have Jesus, the greatest of all pleasures! How could I ask for more? How could I be bitter? God knew that she needed peace and the only way that healing could begin was with me. She needed to hear from my own lips that I was alright and that I harbor no hard feelings towards her. She needed to be free and God orchestrated the most incredible reunion with a family that I didn't even have a desire to know.
All of the details of how this came to be will just blow your mind. Maybe I'll share more of the story another time. But today, I wanted you to hear that "God knows". He knows you better than you know yourself. He knows that the underlying story is being written for His glory. He knows that you need Him. He knows that He loves you with an unconditional love that has no match. He knows what you are going through right now, this very moment, and yes, He cares! Trust Him to continue writing your story. He already knows you intimately and He writes the best stories ever. Spend time with the Author and Creator of all life. He wants you to pen His story of glory right along with Him.
Hang on! What God knows will blow you away!
My Pleasure,
Melanie
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
"The Excellent Glory"
How do you address God, the Father when you call His name? In 2nd Peter chapter 1, Peter is talking about witnessing the majesty of Jesus Christ on the mountain of transfiguration. Here's what he says. "For we.... were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain."
(2 Peter 1:16-18) NKJV
"The Excellent Glory". Have you ever thought about or seen that name? I haven't. Nor have I heard anyone else, that I remember, refer to God in that way. I've always thought about God's glory as something He receives, and wears, not His name.
Many times in an old movie, or in a fairy tale, or even throughout history, a king is referred to as "your majesty" or "your excellency", but God, the Father is called "The Excellent Glory" by Peter. That just gives me goosebumps! What a name! What a royal, majestic name! No one else deserves this honor and no one else will ever be called this name. "The Excellent Glory" belongs to God and God alone. I will never view worship, privately or corporately, in the same way again! As I bow before the King of Kings, it will be my pleasure to address Him as "Your Excellent Glory"! What about you?
"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on the earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phillipians 2:9-11 NKJV
My Pleasure,
Melanie
http://www.livingrealmag.com/
(2 Peter 1:16-18) NKJV
"The Excellent Glory". Have you ever thought about or seen that name? I haven't. Nor have I heard anyone else, that I remember, refer to God in that way. I've always thought about God's glory as something He receives, and wears, not His name.
Many times in an old movie, or in a fairy tale, or even throughout history, a king is referred to as "your majesty" or "your excellency", but God, the Father is called "The Excellent Glory" by Peter. That just gives me goosebumps! What a name! What a royal, majestic name! No one else deserves this honor and no one else will ever be called this name. "The Excellent Glory" belongs to God and God alone. I will never view worship, privately or corporately, in the same way again! As I bow before the King of Kings, it will be my pleasure to address Him as "Your Excellent Glory"! What about you?
"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on the earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phillipians 2:9-11 NKJV
My Pleasure,
Melanie
http://www.livingrealmag.com/
Monday, July 11, 2011
Missing Dad!
On Monday, July 10, 2005, very early in the morning, my dad's faith was made sight. My earthly hero saw, for the first time, his Savior face to face. No more tears. No more pain. No more suffering. What a moment. Relief! Release! Renewed! This past weekend didn't seem any different from any other weekend. My dad's death date wasn't even on my radar screen, but every where I turned, something reminded me of my daddy. I was thinking a lot about him, but what didn't click was why these precious memories were flowing so frequently to the surface...until today.
Friday night, Rick and I were riding back home from a sweet date night and Butterfly Kisses was playing on the radio. I love that song, but it always made me cry as I thought about my dad. I even gave him a book by Bob Carlyle titled "Butterfly Kisses" with a personal inscription from me a few years before he died. Every time the song would come on the radio, I would avoid it. But this night, I thought it had been long enough so I didn't say anything at first. Then, not too far into the song, the tears began to flow and I asked Rick to change the station. I told him, "I still can't listen to that song. It reminds me of my dad."
Saturday night, I was flipping through to see what was on the TV and David Phelps was being featured on the Gaither Special. I love David's voice so Rick and I tuned in. I was sitting in the middle of the floor cleaning out an older purse and filling up a new one when David began to sing, "No More Night". Our former youth pastor, Jeff, has a voice as close to David's as anyone I know and he sang "No More Night" at my dad's Celebration Service. Another memory. More tears.
Sunday, after lunch, Madison, Turner, one of Madison's friends, and I went to the lake to spend the day with my best friend's family. (Rick had two meetings at church, so he couldn't go.) The kids had been tubing and I was enjoying one of my simple pleasures, boat riding. When we decided to return to the lake house from riding and tubing, I was riding on the front of the boat just taking in the beauty of the lake, when I noticed that the sunlight was hitting the water just right to make the ripples look like millions of diamonds flashing their brilliance. The sparkles were so magnificent that I thought, "That must be what the Crystal Sea looks like in heaven, only it never dims. The glory of God keeps it eternally shimmering and that's what my dad is experiencing right now! God's glory!" (It still hadn't hit me that Sunday was the day my dad went to be with Jesus.) The sight of the lake led me to memories about my days growing up around the lake with my dad and family. Memories of driving the boat, skiing, cooking breakfast and fresh fish on a Coleman grill out under the trees, picnics, teaching people of all ages to ski, swimming, my dad singing to the top of his lungs as he floated in the cove on a big, black intertube, crickets playing their symphonies as we lay in our beds at night. The memories were crashing in like the waves on the shoreline. It was wonderful and bittersweet at the same time.
Then today, it hit me as to why those memories were so timely. It was 6 years yesterday that my dad went home! Those memories were a gift from God to celebrate the life of my dad. They were reminders of the good times we had together and the love of Jesus that just rolled off of him and onto all who came in contact with him. The tears still flow, but I'm so glad to know that my dad is where I will see him again one day...with my Savior!
Until then dad...I love you and I miss you!
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." (John 14:1-4 NKJV)
My Pleasure,
Melanie
http://www.livingrealmag.com/
Friday night, Rick and I were riding back home from a sweet date night and Butterfly Kisses was playing on the radio. I love that song, but it always made me cry as I thought about my dad. I even gave him a book by Bob Carlyle titled "Butterfly Kisses" with a personal inscription from me a few years before he died. Every time the song would come on the radio, I would avoid it. But this night, I thought it had been long enough so I didn't say anything at first. Then, not too far into the song, the tears began to flow and I asked Rick to change the station. I told him, "I still can't listen to that song. It reminds me of my dad."
Saturday night, I was flipping through to see what was on the TV and David Phelps was being featured on the Gaither Special. I love David's voice so Rick and I tuned in. I was sitting in the middle of the floor cleaning out an older purse and filling up a new one when David began to sing, "No More Night". Our former youth pastor, Jeff, has a voice as close to David's as anyone I know and he sang "No More Night" at my dad's Celebration Service. Another memory. More tears.
Sunday, after lunch, Madison, Turner, one of Madison's friends, and I went to the lake to spend the day with my best friend's family. (Rick had two meetings at church, so he couldn't go.) The kids had been tubing and I was enjoying one of my simple pleasures, boat riding. When we decided to return to the lake house from riding and tubing, I was riding on the front of the boat just taking in the beauty of the lake, when I noticed that the sunlight was hitting the water just right to make the ripples look like millions of diamonds flashing their brilliance. The sparkles were so magnificent that I thought, "That must be what the Crystal Sea looks like in heaven, only it never dims. The glory of God keeps it eternally shimmering and that's what my dad is experiencing right now! God's glory!" (It still hadn't hit me that Sunday was the day my dad went to be with Jesus.) The sight of the lake led me to memories about my days growing up around the lake with my dad and family. Memories of driving the boat, skiing, cooking breakfast and fresh fish on a Coleman grill out under the trees, picnics, teaching people of all ages to ski, swimming, my dad singing to the top of his lungs as he floated in the cove on a big, black intertube, crickets playing their symphonies as we lay in our beds at night. The memories were crashing in like the waves on the shoreline. It was wonderful and bittersweet at the same time.
Then today, it hit me as to why those memories were so timely. It was 6 years yesterday that my dad went home! Those memories were a gift from God to celebrate the life of my dad. They were reminders of the good times we had together and the love of Jesus that just rolled off of him and onto all who came in contact with him. The tears still flow, but I'm so glad to know that my dad is where I will see him again one day...with my Savior!
Until then dad...I love you and I miss you!
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." (John 14:1-4 NKJV)
My Pleasure,
Melanie
http://www.livingrealmag.com/
Friday, July 8, 2011
" Launching a New Season"
What happens when a season in your life comes to an end? God launches a new one! That's what happens! Preparation for the launching of a new season has begun for me this summer. I have worked on the music staff of my church for the past 15 plus years, and I've served as pianist for 25 years. My latest position was Interim Worship Leader which lasted for 2 and a half years while we searched for a Senior pastor and a Worship pastor. Since we now have hired both, my assignment is back to pianist. I love what I do and I praise God for the opportunity to use the talents that he's entrusted me with to serve in this capacity. I've lived and learned a lot.
My life, though, has dramatically changed! I'm able now to be at home much more than before, and I love it! No more staff meetings, worship planning, designing worship services, and special events. I'm not in charge of rehearsals, or planning rehearsals. No more proofing media or bulletins for Sunday morning worship. It's not that I didn't enjoy doing those things, because I did, but it was only for a season. I'm still teaching piano from home, but my days are much more flexible now. I can sleep in if I choose. I can drink my coffee much slower. I can read my Bible at my leisure. I can clean house, wash clothes and not feel rushed or overwhelmed. This slower pace is much more to my liking and I consider this new season a great gift from God.
My ultimate goal has always been to be at home and to be a full-time mom. God has been gracious in allowing me to have much flexibility in the teaching positions I've had, as well as, the many ministry jobs that I've served in. I wouldn't trade being available for our children for anything in the world. Being a mom is still one of the most incredible pleasures that I have and one that I truly cherish! Our son is 21 and will be a senior this fall at the University of South Carolina. (Home of the Back-to-Back National Baseball Champions!!) Our daughter is 16 and will be a junior in high school. They don't need me quite as much as they used to, but I'm HOME and here when they do!
This new season has meandered in at age 48! It brings with it a lot of time to think. There is much more "alone" time than I've ever had before. It comes with challenges and more prayer time. "Dear Lord, how do I schedule my days now? What do I do first? What should I accomplish for You today?" A lot of women would probably ask themselves, "Who needs me now? What am I going to do with myself since I don't have a job anymore." That's a trap that Satan would like to set, but not for me. I have actually looked forward to this time, this season, so I can minister in a much different way. I know God isn't finished with me yet! He's never finished until He takes us home!
God called me to write several years ago, but I didn't know the "how" or the "what, when or "whys" of it all. Then He allowed me the chance to go to a "She Speaks" Conference which is put on by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Through this conference the Holy Spirit spurred me on to begin a magazine. So, I started one about three years ago. It's called "Living Real". (http://www.livingrealmag.com/) The second issue just came out this past May of 2011. Because of the Interim Worship Leading position, I wasn't able to work on the magazine like I needed to, but God was teaching me some things. Now I have the time to work on articles, edit, sell ads, and do what God has been training me for all of these years. I'm so excited about this new adventure and I'm loving every minute of it! As you know, I also started blogging. Who would have "thunk" it?
I heard a speaker about 10 years ago say that we (moms) don't need to be in ministry, especially one that takes us away from our families, until we have completed the first job that God has called us to which is training and teaching our children in the way that God desires so that when they are old they will not depart from the teaching of the truth. The speaker said that it's also difficult to minister with little life experience. This doesn't mean that we can't minister in any capacity if we're young moms; it just means that we minister on different levels in different seasons of motherhood. I now have 48 years of experience in many areas of life and ministry that God can use as I move into the next season of ministry. And I say, "Bring it on!"
God never stops growing us, teaching us, or using us. God wants us to be available in whatever season of life we are in. If we are paying attention to the lessons in life that He's using to teach us now, and we learn from them, then we have so much to offer as we exit one season and merge into the next. Live and learn in the "now". Don't rush the seasons. They're all for a reason.
"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:"
(Ecc. 3:1 NKJV)
This summer, God's preparing me to launch a new, season premier this fall! Stay tuned! You won't want to miss one single episode of...
My Pleasure,
Melanie
http://www.livingrealmag.com/
My life, though, has dramatically changed! I'm able now to be at home much more than before, and I love it! No more staff meetings, worship planning, designing worship services, and special events. I'm not in charge of rehearsals, or planning rehearsals. No more proofing media or bulletins for Sunday morning worship. It's not that I didn't enjoy doing those things, because I did, but it was only for a season. I'm still teaching piano from home, but my days are much more flexible now. I can sleep in if I choose. I can drink my coffee much slower. I can read my Bible at my leisure. I can clean house, wash clothes and not feel rushed or overwhelmed. This slower pace is much more to my liking and I consider this new season a great gift from God.
My ultimate goal has always been to be at home and to be a full-time mom. God has been gracious in allowing me to have much flexibility in the teaching positions I've had, as well as, the many ministry jobs that I've served in. I wouldn't trade being available for our children for anything in the world. Being a mom is still one of the most incredible pleasures that I have and one that I truly cherish! Our son is 21 and will be a senior this fall at the University of South Carolina. (Home of the Back-to-Back National Baseball Champions!!) Our daughter is 16 and will be a junior in high school. They don't need me quite as much as they used to, but I'm HOME and here when they do!
This new season has meandered in at age 48! It brings with it a lot of time to think. There is much more "alone" time than I've ever had before. It comes with challenges and more prayer time. "Dear Lord, how do I schedule my days now? What do I do first? What should I accomplish for You today?" A lot of women would probably ask themselves, "Who needs me now? What am I going to do with myself since I don't have a job anymore." That's a trap that Satan would like to set, but not for me. I have actually looked forward to this time, this season, so I can minister in a much different way. I know God isn't finished with me yet! He's never finished until He takes us home!
God called me to write several years ago, but I didn't know the "how" or the "what, when or "whys" of it all. Then He allowed me the chance to go to a "She Speaks" Conference which is put on by Proverbs 31 Ministries. Through this conference the Holy Spirit spurred me on to begin a magazine. So, I started one about three years ago. It's called "Living Real". (http://www.livingrealmag.com/) The second issue just came out this past May of 2011. Because of the Interim Worship Leading position, I wasn't able to work on the magazine like I needed to, but God was teaching me some things. Now I have the time to work on articles, edit, sell ads, and do what God has been training me for all of these years. I'm so excited about this new adventure and I'm loving every minute of it! As you know, I also started blogging. Who would have "thunk" it?
I heard a speaker about 10 years ago say that we (moms) don't need to be in ministry, especially one that takes us away from our families, until we have completed the first job that God has called us to which is training and teaching our children in the way that God desires so that when they are old they will not depart from the teaching of the truth. The speaker said that it's also difficult to minister with little life experience. This doesn't mean that we can't minister in any capacity if we're young moms; it just means that we minister on different levels in different seasons of motherhood. I now have 48 years of experience in many areas of life and ministry that God can use as I move into the next season of ministry. And I say, "Bring it on!"
God never stops growing us, teaching us, or using us. God wants us to be available in whatever season of life we are in. If we are paying attention to the lessons in life that He's using to teach us now, and we learn from them, then we have so much to offer as we exit one season and merge into the next. Live and learn in the "now". Don't rush the seasons. They're all for a reason.
"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:"
(Ecc. 3:1 NKJV)
This summer, God's preparing me to launch a new, season premier this fall! Stay tuned! You won't want to miss one single episode of...
My Pleasure,
Melanie
http://www.livingrealmag.com/
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Psalm 121- A Promise, Up Close and Personal
Today, I just want to post Scripture. Wherever you are and in whatever circumstance you find yourself in today, there is hope and strength in the Lord. Psalm 121 says,
"I will lift up mine eyes to the hills-
From whence cometh my help?
My help cometh from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not let thy foot be moved;
He who keeps thee does not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper;
The Lord is thy shade at thy right hand.
The sun shall not strike thee by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil;
He shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in
From this time forth and for evermore."
Psalm 121 KJV
After reading through this beautiful, poetic passage of promise, let's make it personal. Now read it again and insert the words "my" for "thy" and "me" for "thee".
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
From whence does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow my foot to be moved;
He who keeps me will not slumber
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is my keeper;
The Lord is my shade at my right hand.
The sun shall not strike me by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve me from all evil;
He shall preserve my soul.
The Lord shall preserve my going out and my coming in
From this time forth and forevermore." Psalm 121
(Scripture Promise Personalized)
When you have a moment, go to http://www.youtube.com/ (Brookland Tabernacle Choir singing "My Help") and listen to this passage again as Brookland Tabernacle Choir sings it! What power! What a promise!
My pleasure,
Melanie
"I will lift up mine eyes to the hills-
From whence cometh my help?
My help cometh from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not let thy foot be moved;
He who keeps thee does not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is thy keeper;
The Lord is thy shade at thy right hand.
The sun shall not strike thee by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil;
He shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in
From this time forth and for evermore."
Psalm 121 KJV
After reading through this beautiful, poetic passage of promise, let's make it personal. Now read it again and insert the words "my" for "thy" and "me" for "thee".
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
From whence does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow my foot to be moved;
He who keeps me will not slumber
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is my keeper;
The Lord is my shade at my right hand.
The sun shall not strike me by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve me from all evil;
He shall preserve my soul.
The Lord shall preserve my going out and my coming in
From this time forth and forevermore." Psalm 121
(Scripture Promise Personalized)
When you have a moment, go to http://www.youtube.com/ (Brookland Tabernacle Choir singing "My Help") and listen to this passage again as Brookland Tabernacle Choir sings it! What power! What a promise!
My pleasure,
Melanie
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
"Ready? Set... GO!"
After the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, but before He ascended to the Father in heaven, Matthew tells us: "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen." (Matthew 28:16-20 NKJV)
Last Thursday night, my in-home Bible study group met. We meet at my house once a week during the school year, except when schools are out, and then this summer we are meeting once a month. This group of women is a very unique mixture of personalities and ages. We range in age from 20- somethings up to 60. We love each other, encourage one another, pray for each other, and enjoy being together to study God's Word.
I began teaching in-home Bible studies years ago to fulfill this great commandment that God gives to each of His children-His disciples. My husband also does in-home Bible studies with the guys. He leads on Tuesdays and I lead on Thursdays. There are also other occasions that we have people over who have questions, concerns, or just need to be encouraged. Many say our house should have revolving doors because our house is always open. If we have the inexpressible pleasure of knowing Him, then He expects us to teach and disciple others to know Him, too. If you notice in the verses above, Jesus didn't say, "If you would like to, go make disciples." He didn't say, "When it's convenient, go make disciples." He commissioned us! It's a command! He said, "Go" and do what I have shown you how to do. He didn't say "Go" and do the best you can with who you are or what you've got. He said, "Go" and "I will be with you." His presence will be with us until the end of the age. He promises to be with us "always".
Some of the girls in this particular Bible Study group have been with me for quite a while. Some of them have just joined in, and some are somewhere in between. We are all at different stages in our walks, but that's what discipling is all about. It's making the choice to bring someone along side of you and helping them to seek, learn, and grow. Then they are to do the same for another and another and so forth and so on! Discipling is adding strength to the unbroken chain of the Church. It links another "little Christ" to another "little Christ" and continues as long as we are on this earth.
Some nights I think that I should keep some time for my family this week and I wish I didn't have this commitment. But you know what, Jesus blesses my obedience every time I open my front door and say, "Welcome" to these women. I'm just as much encouraged, if not more than they are. I'm challenged in my spiritual growth. Some of these girls are bold and courageous. They are taking Jesus to places I've never thought of going. They love Him and desire to be like Him in every aspect of their lives. Sure, we struggle. We ask questions. We search for answers. We are learning, through the study of the book, 66 Love Letters, by Dr. Larry Crabb, what questions we need to be asking and not just asking God to cooperate and comply with our wants and desires. God's Love Letters present a much bigger picture. He doesn't dwell on our comfort, but on our being holy as He is holy. He is also interested in us, His disciples, revealing His glory, not our stories as we think they should be told to the world.
Discipling is about loving, teaching, growing, and encouraging others to stay the course. It's staying focused on the prize, and really living a life of faith; not just looking like we do. It's one of "my pleasures" that God has called me to and one that brings Him pleasure as well. When I see one of those that has been entrusted to my care, caring for another, or staying the course through a difficult time, I rejoice! It's a huge responsibility to take on the task of discipleship. It's also time consuming. But it is so worth the investment- an eternal investment in a life- a precious life that belongs to Jesus Christ, and one that has been "invited into His story to bring Him glory!" ( Dr. Larry Crabb in The 66 Love Letters)
Each of us has to determine, with the help of the Holy Spirit, how we are to disciple. Some of us will not disciple groups of people at a time. Some will disciple one on one. Some will disciple on different levels. Where one person leaves off, another will pick up from there. The point is we have to "Go". Obedience is not up for debate.
Who have you taken under your wing to disciple? Who are you investing your time in? Of course, our children should be our first priority, but who outside of your family can you pour yourself into, do life with, and show them more of Jesus and what His Word teaches? The thrill of leading someone to Christ is fabulous, but the task of taking them deeper is so rewarding. Discipleship is helping one develop spiritual roots; roots that are nourished with the Word and watered by the Holy Spirit so they will be strong with a foundation of faith that cannot be shaken. Take the challenge and pour yourself into someone else who needs to grow. You won't regret it! You'll grow stronger and you'll bring great pleasure to the Master of Discipleship! Ready? Set...GO!
.
My Pleasure,
Melanie
Last Thursday night, my in-home Bible study group met. We meet at my house once a week during the school year, except when schools are out, and then this summer we are meeting once a month. This group of women is a very unique mixture of personalities and ages. We range in age from 20- somethings up to 60. We love each other, encourage one another, pray for each other, and enjoy being together to study God's Word.
I began teaching in-home Bible studies years ago to fulfill this great commandment that God gives to each of His children-His disciples. My husband also does in-home Bible studies with the guys. He leads on Tuesdays and I lead on Thursdays. There are also other occasions that we have people over who have questions, concerns, or just need to be encouraged. Many say our house should have revolving doors because our house is always open. If we have the inexpressible pleasure of knowing Him, then He expects us to teach and disciple others to know Him, too. If you notice in the verses above, Jesus didn't say, "If you would like to, go make disciples." He didn't say, "When it's convenient, go make disciples." He commissioned us! It's a command! He said, "Go" and do what I have shown you how to do. He didn't say "Go" and do the best you can with who you are or what you've got. He said, "Go" and "I will be with you." His presence will be with us until the end of the age. He promises to be with us "always".
Some of the girls in this particular Bible Study group have been with me for quite a while. Some of them have just joined in, and some are somewhere in between. We are all at different stages in our walks, but that's what discipling is all about. It's making the choice to bring someone along side of you and helping them to seek, learn, and grow. Then they are to do the same for another and another and so forth and so on! Discipling is adding strength to the unbroken chain of the Church. It links another "little Christ" to another "little Christ" and continues as long as we are on this earth.
Some nights I think that I should keep some time for my family this week and I wish I didn't have this commitment. But you know what, Jesus blesses my obedience every time I open my front door and say, "Welcome" to these women. I'm just as much encouraged, if not more than they are. I'm challenged in my spiritual growth. Some of these girls are bold and courageous. They are taking Jesus to places I've never thought of going. They love Him and desire to be like Him in every aspect of their lives. Sure, we struggle. We ask questions. We search for answers. We are learning, through the study of the book, 66 Love Letters, by Dr. Larry Crabb, what questions we need to be asking and not just asking God to cooperate and comply with our wants and desires. God's Love Letters present a much bigger picture. He doesn't dwell on our comfort, but on our being holy as He is holy. He is also interested in us, His disciples, revealing His glory, not our stories as we think they should be told to the world.
Discipling is about loving, teaching, growing, and encouraging others to stay the course. It's staying focused on the prize, and really living a life of faith; not just looking like we do. It's one of "my pleasures" that God has called me to and one that brings Him pleasure as well. When I see one of those that has been entrusted to my care, caring for another, or staying the course through a difficult time, I rejoice! It's a huge responsibility to take on the task of discipleship. It's also time consuming. But it is so worth the investment- an eternal investment in a life- a precious life that belongs to Jesus Christ, and one that has been "invited into His story to bring Him glory!" ( Dr. Larry Crabb in The 66 Love Letters)
Each of us has to determine, with the help of the Holy Spirit, how we are to disciple. Some of us will not disciple groups of people at a time. Some will disciple one on one. Some will disciple on different levels. Where one person leaves off, another will pick up from there. The point is we have to "Go". Obedience is not up for debate.
Who have you taken under your wing to disciple? Who are you investing your time in? Of course, our children should be our first priority, but who outside of your family can you pour yourself into, do life with, and show them more of Jesus and what His Word teaches? The thrill of leading someone to Christ is fabulous, but the task of taking them deeper is so rewarding. Discipleship is helping one develop spiritual roots; roots that are nourished with the Word and watered by the Holy Spirit so they will be strong with a foundation of faith that cannot be shaken. Take the challenge and pour yourself into someone else who needs to grow. You won't regret it! You'll grow stronger and you'll bring great pleasure to the Master of Discipleship! Ready? Set...GO!
.
My Pleasure,
Melanie
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