Freedom Behind Bars

I had the privilege of being introduced to a very unique ministry yesterday. The Saints Prison Ministry takes the message of Jesus Christ to inmates across the US and Canada. Because sports are non-threatening and attractive, this is the method that they use. They have softball, volleyball, soccer and basketball teams that travel to prisons and play against prisoners. During the course of games, volunteers have an opportunity to share testimonies with those who are incarcerated.

Their belief is that we are all just one bad decision away from being locked up ourselves. They realize that, but for God's grace, we could all be in the same position. Many of us have committed the same crimes and not been caught. At the very least, we have thought of wrongdoing and simply not followed through.

I was humbled as I watched a video of the ministry in action. Many of the inmates look forward to the games are are thrilled to finally have someone that comes to see them. The Saints Prison Ministry gives them an opportunity to be free in spite of the bars surrounding them. If you would like to learn more about this awesome ministry or get involved, visit their website and see if this is a place where God could use you.

It Could Always Be Worse

"It could always be worse." This used to be one of Tre's favorite statements to me. I say "used to" because he doesn't say it much any more. I'm thankful because I always wanted to smack him hard when he'd say it. Not because I didn't believe it but because I wasn't interested in hearing it at the time. When you're feeling sorry for yourself, you want to be left alone.

As I sat down to write, I realized that it's been several days since I talked to my younger brother and his wife. I've been getting updates on my nephew here and there, but no chats. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately with the husband, kids, work and church. The house looks like a tornadic hurricane blew through it. I finally got my hair done, so I look a little less like a corpse. I've had short patience for dealing with nonsense. I'm just downright tired of foolishness in every area of my life. In the midst of my frustration, I haven't been praying as much as I should.

I've neglected to send thoughtful texts and pray constantly for the health of my precious nephew. It's not that I don't pray for him and his sister and parents, I just think I've been too focused on the mayhem in my life right now and have temporarily lost focus of the things that matter the most. After hearing about the past 7 days in my brother's life, I am reminded that my stress does not begin to compare to what they are dealing with. God has gently reminded me that he is ordering my steps each day and that He will bear my burdens. He is shifting my focus from my situation to that of my nephew. I am thankful for that. Praying for him is a more constructive way to spend my time.

It turns out that Tre was right. Don't tell him I said so please. It is easy to feel sorry for myself. It is easy to selfishly focus on my stresses and neglect those of others in the process. I don't want to be selfish any more. Thank you Lord for knocking some sense into me and telling me to get over myself.

Bear With Me

Bear with this uncharacteristically long post. I'm going somewhere. My life is in a state of flux right now. My heart and mind are filled with thoughts that are dying to be posted, yet unfortunately many remain in the digital camera of my mind's eye. I know each of you can relate to the mayhem that ensues in our lives each day.

There are jobs that stress us out (if we let them). There are responsibilities in trying to keep your house from being declared a national disaster area (at which I'm failing miserably). Then there are the children who have more needs than a patient in a convalescent home (and I love them so dearly)! And let me not neglect to mention my handsome husband, the youth pastor/soccer coach/life coach/daddy daycare/... (who keeps me the busiest of all)!

Right now, me head is so full of hats that many of my thoughts have been lost under all of them. I am desperately working towards more structure and less clutter (in my brain, that is). I am paring down our schedules to include only essential things, however, I'm thinking we have a few too many "essentials" right now. Tre and I are also communicating and praying during this time of transitions to make sure that we don't get disconnected and lost in the fray.

As the only daughter of a busy pastor (my dad works full-time and still serves his parishioners), I watched the business in his life. I watched him work all day, come straight to my track meet, then rush off to the hospital before going home. I'm not sure when he ate. I remember him contemplating vacations because someone in the flock was sick in the hospital, and he was concerned about being too far away. I watched him come home with his work goggles and burned shirt (from sparks flying), rush up to shower and change in time to pick up kids for children's church. I could literally go on for hours, but it isn't necessary to make my point.

While I love the members of his church as much as my family, I did not always want to share him with them. Plus church folks aren't the easiest group of people to love. I got sick of leaving practice early to get to church. I got tired of feeling like I lived there sometimes. So I started talking to God a long time ago.

Dear God, I see how my dad is stretched so thin. I see the strain that it puts on my mom. I see how tired he is. I realize that emergencies happen, but couldn't they wait until after our vacation? Why do we need to get home early from dinner on Saturday night so that he can prepare his sermon? And God, if you love me at all, please, please, please don't let me marry a pastor. I think I repeated that part a few times for good measure. Amen.

Some of you are probably laughing right now. But I'm not, and I wasn't then either. I was dead serious. So much so that I immediately burst into loud sobs when two individual people spoke a prophecy over my now husband (then boyfriend), that he would be a pastor. I did not want that life for myself or my children. Don't knock me unless you've been there. A pastor is expected to be so many things for so many people! His children and wife make innumerable sacrifices. The phone doesn't stop ringing, and you can't call-screen them like telemarketers.

While I'm aware that to many, ministry is noble, it is not easy. Many sacrifices are required, and unlike traditional work, there is usually no tangible (earthly) bonus received for an extraordinary job. When we first started serving youth, we were much younger and more carefree. We had no children and few responsibilities. Fast forward 10 years , and we are like clowns juggling at the circus sometimes. Pray for me as we learn to prioritize. As we work to serve the people in our church, let us not forget to serve one another and our children FIRST. Let us always use God as our filter for priorities. Let us avoid burn-out, because this work must be done, and we want to do it to the fullest ability that God allows. We are willing. We love our God and our youth! (and their parents, too)

Reborn

It feels so good to write again. Even as a I do so, a small person is resting in my lap. As her hand clasps my shirt, I feel incredibly blessed. I've missed writing. I'm so passionate about it, and I've felt a void in its absence. I have missed the camaraderie with my friends who enjoy my musings, and even those who don't enjoy them!

As most of you know, I safely delivered our third child on October 22nd! We are so thrilled and thankful beyond words. I have since been immersed in mothering. For the first time in years I feel like a real wife and mother. Most importantly, I feel like me again! I'm tired, but fulfilled. I am enjoying my life. I got to visit my husband at work in the middle of the day. Although my body aches, and I feel like I need a hip replacement, I am overjoyed! Sorry for all of the exclamation points, I'm just very happy.

As I transition into a new chapter of my life, I ask for your prayers. My husband is ministering to the youth at our church now (an answer to a long-time prayer), and I long to be by his side in service. I also wish to involve myself in women's ministry but feel pulled in too many directions. Right now I need not to worry, but my mind is not listening. I do trust God for His direction, but I have Him on my schedule. Fail! Please join me in prayer. There is a fire burning inside me, and I can't wait to see how God brings it to fruition. Trust Him with and for me. Stop by and say hello.

What's in a Song?

When choosing a church, what are your criteria? Which components make your short list? Many stick to denominational lines. Others may ignore the denomination as long as they agree with what the church believes.

I'm not as concerned with denomination. One aspect that does affect my thoughts is music. I'm addicted to music. It speaks to me like no other media. Music enters into my soul and alters my point of view. I have had some of my most worshipful experiences during or after a powerful praise song.

Here's my question: Does it matter what type of music is being played? Could you worship as well with a traditional hymn as you could with contemporary Christian? Does a praise and worship team get the job done for you, or do you have to have a gospel choir to get your praise juices flowing?

I'm one of those people who enjoy most music types. I can usually find
a few songs to love in any musical genre. With that being said, I do have
preferences for some over others. I'm big int instruments, so I prefer beautiful piano accompaniment over pipe organs. I prefer drums to a guitar. I love wind instruments and brass more than bells. When does preference begin to impede one's ability to worship in any environment?

If the heart of the music is the words, is it wrong if you feel hindered in worship because you find it impossible to like the song regardless of the potent lyrics? I struggle with this a lot and would love to hear your opinion.

Photo #1 by purbancik
Photo #2 by zen

Small Groups

We were learning about steps to improve our relationship with God at church yesterday. With pen in hand, I am armed to take meticulous notes. The first step was daily quiet time. No problem! My pen halted abruptly at step two, participate in a small group. What? Why? It isn't like we haven't heard this before. We were even a part of a couples small group before we had children. Over the years our conflicting schedules have made small group attendance extinct. Either there are no good times or no child care. But of course those are only the surface reasons for not going. Our reasons, although legit, are fostered by a basic distrust of church folks.

Growing up as a pk, I saw a lot in church. Much of it ugly. When you hear other Christians gossipping about their group members, you decide there is no point in setting yourself up for disappointment. I can get two-faced friends anywhere. So pastor said, "It's time to trust again." The statement spoke to me. I realized that perhaps it was, no is, my own expectations that set me up for failure. We're all human. Fallen and broken. We will sin. I need to stop judging and realize that Christians are saved by grace. So I'm searching for a group now and looking forward to new relationships.

Inseparable

While doing my current events check on the net, I tripped over this story about enduring love. This Kansas couple was married 67 years and died within hours of one another! My heart was feeling all oooey and gooey. I've always said that I would like for me and my hubby to die like the couple in the Notebook, lying together within seconds of the other, so neither of us has to endure life without the other. Something that struck me about the article was the couple's commitment to their church. That's so important. It's so good to see a marriage that ends as a result of natural causes and not death from a destructive divorce.

Triumphal Entry

It hasn't been long since we returned from service. While it wasn't a traditional Palm Sunday service, my thoughts are focused there today. Easter season has been my favorite time of year for as long as I can remember.

Palm Sunday reminds us of our humble King riding into Jerusalem on a lowly, borrowed animal. It is a celebration of the welcome he received from His followers as they laid out palm fronds and garments to line His path. It is a reminder of the events in this last week of His life on this Earth as He prepared to lay down His life for someone as unworthy as me.

As I reflect on this Holy point in history, I am praying that God will allow me to focus on these sacred events all year around. I am so thankful for Jesus. For more on the Triumphal Entry, click here, or read the 21st Chapter of Matthew. There are accounts in the other Gospels also. May God grant all of you a peaceful week filled with many reflections on our Savior.

Pic from cobalt

Convicted

The question is, "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" I read this in a Voice of the Martyrs devotional I'm going through right now. I couldn't get past it. It's so thought provoking. So convicting. I think my heart skipped a beat when I started to examine myself. Those deep parts where no one else can see. Those places I wish even God couldn't see.

Based upon the mood I was in when I was reading, I don't know if I would've been convicted of being a Christian. Some days, especially at work, the thoughts running through my head are so far from Christian. At times I allow my frustration to rule my attitude. So when I read this question, I started to think really hard. Have I allowed my light to get hidden? Quoting a few scriptures or offering to pray for someone just doesn't feel like enough.

The people in this book are real people all over the world who have been killed and imprisoned simply because they serve my God! Their unwillingness to conform left them vulnerable to torture and even death. Remember Rachel Scott from Columbine? She was a teenager who refused to deny Christ, and met her Maker shortly after her declaration.

I've concluded that I'm too pampered. I sometimes look at Bible reading and church attendance as an obligation, and forget that it is a wonderful privilege. God forgive my complacence. The next time I ask myself, "If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict," I want to make sure the evidence is overwhelming. I want no chance of getting off. I want a harsh sentence based upon my unwavering commitment to Jesus who died for me. I will also remember to pray for my brothers and sisters who are suffering around the world.

UNFPA

The UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an organization that is committed to providing healthcare and promoting dignity for women around the world.














Many of you may be aware that HIV/AIDS is ravaging much of Africa, namely Zimbabwe, and other parts of the world. While many Americans also suffer with one of these diseases, the prevalence in the USA does not begin to compare with the occurrences in 3rd world countries.

They are also involved in projects that help to reduce mortality rates for women and children in childbirth, reducing violence against women and ensuring equal rights and education for the fairer sex all over the world.

Until a few days ago, I never heard of this organization. I feel like I've been under a rock. I also learned that President Obama is committed to supporting this organization.

The Bible teaches us to help those who are without help. We are to take care of widows, the homeless and the hungry. (I Tim. 5) In our quest for riches, it is very easy to forget the needs of others. The truth is that the most impoverished American is more fortunate than the majority of people in neighboring countries.

For those of us who are always feeling sorry for ourselves, visiting this website may help us to realize that we have it really good. We take for granted healthy pregnancies, birth control and being able to live through the birth process. Many of us do not realize how blessed we are to obtain an education. I feel truly humbled. Each of us have the privilege of being involved on a local or international level. Luke 12:48 tells us that much is required of us because much has been given to us.

The Fake Church (Pt 2)

The church often takes the Job approach, telling people that their hardship is because of their own sin. That may well be, but other possibilities exist, and they should also be explored first.

As a forever church member, I've seen my share of travesties. Once a busload of young men from a juvenile correctional facility arrived at church on a Sunday morning. They looked liked regular kids from the streets. Instead of rejoicing at the opportunity to serve and minister to the teens, the pious church ladies set out to give them makeovers! "Pull up your pants, young man." "Why is your hair braided?" "Earrings are for women!" Tragic!


When our Lord walked the earth, His focus was on the individual. He first met their needs and then ministered the gospel. IN THAT ORDER. He dined with thieves, and conversed with whores. If our Savior, who was without sin, could do so, who are we to behave life the Pharisees?

While some churches follow His example in earnest, too many do not. Too many impart pain instead of love. We need to step out of our comfort zones, remove ourselves from the pedestal and follow Christ's perfect example. Only then can the world experience God's love.

The Fake Church (Pt 1)

You've seen it all before. Come as you are. Experience the love of God here. Unless...you're poor, Hispanic, gay, democrat or otherwise. You get the picture.

The church, with its good intentions, has managed to alienate almost everyone. How welcome do you feel when visiting a new church if you look differently than the majority of the members? Do you catch the sideways glances periodically?

And what happens when you actually become a member and get to know the people? One day in small group, you reveal that your wife had an affair and your son has come out of the closet? What's the reaction? Pacifist smiles and sympathetic pats on the back? Offers of prayer? How soon until the coffee and lunch invitations cease? You have just been judged.

The "religious right" are known for being notoriously unaccepting of differences. Instead of running to the church for shelter, many flee for fear of judgement. The same is true for believers and unbelievers alike.