Daring. Deep. Devoted.

10 Ways to Draw Attention to Yourself

January 20th, 2012

Wanna stand out from the crowd? Here are 10 ways to do so:

* Stand on Wall Street during rush hour and shout, “Hey, everyone, thanks for doing what you do!”

* Commit a front-page crime.

* Try to smuggle a banned substance through airport security.

* Scream, “It’s not my fault! You’ve got the wrong guy!” when airport security drags you into a little room for questioning.

* Threaten the US President on FB and Twitter.

* Dye your hair pink and wear polyester paisley prints to work.

* Write a NYT bestseller.

* Become Mother Teresa #2.

* Clone yourself to look like Pippa Middleton.

* Predict doomsday and then spread the warning worldwide like the guy did last year.

If you’re sick and tired of blending into the crowd, then try one or all of the above. I guarantee doing so will cause others to notice you. You might even become a household name.

However, you might prefer to play it safer than sorry. If so, here’s another suggestion: Let the Holy Spirit completely fill and control you. It worked for Joseph; it’ll probably work for you, too.

Genesis tells the story of Joseph’s life. He’d been shipped off to Egypt, sold as a slave by his own flesh and blood. After 13 years of character development, he got his big break when Pharaoh asked him to interpret a couple of disturbing dreams.

Joseph did something that Egypt’s wise men could not do—he told the boss what his dreams meant. Here’s what happened next: “So Pharaoh asked his officials, ‘Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?’ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are’” (Genesis 41:37-39).

Joseph turned heads. He stood out from the crowd not because he, being full of himself, forced others to take notice. On the contrary, he was empty of self and full of the Holy Spirit. His yielded heart made it possible for God to do extraordinary things through him.

You and I might never do something as earth-shattering as Joseph did, but we can still turn heads in our own homes and communities. We can respond with patience and kindness when our kids and spouse irritate us. We can give generously to those in need even though our monthly budget already feels stretched. We can get involved in community affairs and share wise words to help resolve negative issues.

God wants His people to be different than the society in which we live. That difference starts with our being filled and controlled by His Holy Spirit and results in others taking notice. Hopefully it leads to their saying, “There’s something different about you. I want what you have.”

Here’s a prayer for today: “Dear God, empty me of anything that grieves You, and then fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit so that others will see a difference in my life. Set me apart for Jesus’ sake. Amen.”

Your thoughts?

Photo courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: airport security, Holy Spirit, Mother Teresa, US president, Wall Street
Posted in Devotionals | 4 Comments »

When Our Day’s Plans Change

January 16th, 2012

Snow blankets the world beyond my office window this morning. Traffic on the main road nearby is nearly nil—it seems people are choosing to stay home today rather than risk driving in icy conditions.

Snow falls on the world beyond my office window.

I made that choice early this morning, too. I was supposed to attend a Think Referral Network meeting in a neighboring city. When the alarm went off at 5:30,my husband looked out the window, saw the weather and said, “There’s no way I’m letting you drive alone on these roads.”

We set out at 6:20 AM, allowing 60 minutes for the 30-minute drive. The Trans-Canada highway was a mess, visibility was poor, and cars crept along at about 40 km/hr (25 mph). The radio traffic reporter told of school closures and cars in the ditch. “Stay home if you don’t absolutely need to go out today,” she warned.

Better safe than sorry, we reasoned. We took the first exit and retraced our route to the welcoming warmth and safety of our townhouse.

My day’s plans aren’t what I’d expected, but that’s okay. Instead of attending the meeting, I’m home today—working in my office, doing laundry, and cooking a pot of ham, potato, and green bean soup. The warmth makes me grateful for God’s protection. The savory aroma reminds me of His constant provision. The freshly-fallen whiteness reminds me of His promise to wash my sinful self whiter than snow. Not “as white as snow,” but whiter.

Rather than stress about the changed plans, I’ll embrace them as an opportunity to enjoy the unexpected and to rest in God’s sovereignty.

“Thank you, God, for every good and perfect gift. I feel enveloped by Your lavish love today.”

Last week, a reader sent me the words she speaks every morning. They, too, remind me of God’s love for His children. They blessed me richly, so I asked her permission to share them with you. She kindly agreed. (Thank you, Darlene).

“The light of God surrounds me.

The love of God enfolds me.

The power of God protects me.

The Spirit of God watches over me.

Wherever I am, God is.”

Whatever your day holds, my friend, I pray you’ll be consciously aware that God is holding you. By the way, what does your day hold? How has God evidenced His love for you?

Tags: God's love, God's protection, God's sovereignty, stress, whiter than snow
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The Truth About Missionaries

January 13th, 2012

My husband and I have been involved in career missions for nearly 20 years. We spent three years in Nepal, 11 years at Camp Homewood off Vancouver Island, and we’ve worked with International Messengers with a focus on Eastern Europe for the past 4½ years.

The past two decades have been a white-knuckle ride in many ways, but a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’ve met some incredible people and learned more than a few rich life lessons from them along the way. One of those lessons—the truth about missionaries:

They’re strong-willed. God hard-wired them so. Without a strong will, they’d either kiss the field goodbye when the going gets rough or they’d never consider missions in the first place.

They’re brave. I know several individuals/couples working in closed countries. Their visas could be revoked and they’d be uprooted at any time, yet they’re willing to live in uncertainty and potential danger. And speaking of danger, how about driving conditions in other countries where rules of the road don’t mean much? I remember bus rides in the Himalayan mountain where we rumbled across landslides, screeched around hairpin curves, and chugged to altitudes on roads that guaranteed certain death if the driver made a mistake or the brakes failed.

They’re intelligent. It takes smarts to learn other languages and to connect with people from other cultures and backgrounds.

They’re flexible. They adapt to life without familiar conveniences. They adjust to different perspectives about the concept of time. They function in cultures where promises don’t stick.

They’re humble. They know they can’t fulfill their calling in their own strength. They’re okay with admitting their dependency on God for wisdom, safety, health, and finances.

They’re overworked. Ever wonder why you don’t hear from your missionaries more often? It’s because they’re struggling to balance family life with ministry demands with the time it takes to perform simple, routine tasks to survive. They’d love to holiday for a break, but finances are usually too tight. And so they plug on albeit weary in head and heart.

They’re imperfect. Missionaries make mistakes. They sometimes say things they regret. They sometimes struggle in their marriages. They sometimes struggle to maintain spiritual freshness. And they often struggle in their relationships with coworkers. (That’s where the strong-willed characteristic isn’t a plus).

They’re rare. “When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’” (Matt. 9:36-38)

Pray for missionaries, please. And pray for more of them. The harvest is great; the workers are few. Will you send? Will you go?

(Hey, have I got an opportunity for you! International Messengers Canada and USA are seeking summer volunteers for two-week commitments in Eastern Europe. Check out www.im-canada.ca)

Tags: Camp Homewood, International Messengers Canada, marriages, missionaries, spiritual freshness
Posted in Devotionals | 6 Comments »

Five Truths About Joy

January 9th, 2012

The more I read about joy, the more I’m convinced that God’s kids, more than anyone else on earth, ought to be living demonstrations of this characteristic. Anyone can be joyful when life’s honky-dory, but it’s not so easy when the basement floods, the kids break out in chicken pox, the car breaks down, and income runs out before the month ends.

Joy? What's that?

Our family shares a joke about a van we owned years ago. It was a lemon. Extra sour. The head gasket blew between Christmas and January 1st two years in a row. It burned through three engines during its tenure as a member of our family. And once, on a trip through the Rockies in December, we discovered that the heater didn’t work. Picture this: Gene driving with our four-year-old son sitting beside him, wrapped in a blanket. Our two wee daughters sitting in the middle seat bundled with sleeping bags. And me—shivering in the back seat while scraping ice off the windows.

I’m sorry to say I allowed that van to dictate my attitude ‘way too many times. Like I said, joy comes easy when life’s easy. But it’s not so quick to show up when life presents challenges.

I read Psalm 5:11,12 recently: “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord: you surround them with your shield of love” (Psalm 5:11,12).

Several important truths about joy come to mind as I ponder these words:

Knowing that God is our refuge is reason for joy whether our circumstances feel good or not.
We’re to sing joyful praises forever. Doing so is non-optional for God’s kids. He knows that joyful praises breed life in us and in those who hear us speak. Let’s do what He says—He knows best.
We’re to sing joyful praises forever. That means always, not only until the good times end.
God spreads His protection over those who love Him. That knowledge should result in our being filled with joy rather than fear, insecurity, or worry.
The knowledge that God surrounds us with His shield of love is pretty good cause for joy, too, don’t you think?

Joy ought to be a hallmark of those who follow God. How are you doing in that department? Do you have a favorite Scripture that speaks about joy? If so, what is it?

Photo courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: attitude, fear, insecurity, joy, joyful, worry
Posted in Devotionals | 3 Comments »

What Brings God Joy?

January 6th, 2012

On Monday I wrote that my special word for 2012 is joy. Wouldn’t ya know it—that word pops up nearly every time I open my Bible now.

JOY…….JOY…….JOY

I love it when God crystallizes the lessons He wants me to learn. And I enjoy processing those lessons by blogging about them. Writing about the nuggets He gives causes me to slow down and ponder, not merely skim and rush off likely forgetting everything I just read.

Because my word is joy, be prepared for lots of ponderings on that theme. This week, for instance, I realized my focus on joy revolves mostly around me: What brings me joy? What does God say brings joy? Am I prepared to learn joy in the hard places of life? But then I read a New Testament story that caused me to think about joy in a different light.

The story concerns Jesus’ baptism. The Scripture says, “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy’” (Matthew 3:16,17).

I linger on the words who brings me great joy. They captivate me as I think about their meaning. Imagine—Alpha and Omega, King of the universe, Creator of everything seen and unseen, the great I AM—experiencing joy, too. What was the source? Jesus, His only Son.

As a mother of three, I can relate to His feelings. Precious little brings me as much joy as my kids and grandkids—especially when we’re together sharing meals, playing games, enjoying good conversation—and knowing that they’re doing well in every way. Perhaps you can relate.

Now imagine the God of heaven experiencing similar joy. Why? Because we’re His children. Imagine Him smiling on us, taking pleasure in us, expressing delight in us. The thought warms my heart. So does Zephaniah 3:16,17—“Don’t be afraid! For the Lord God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

What brings God joy? We do. Let’s resolve to keep it that way. Let’s live in such a way that we bring a smile to His face and a song to His heart.

Tags: Jesus, joy, joyful songs
Posted in Devotionals | 2 Comments »

Joy – My Special Word for 2012

January 2nd, 2012

It’s Monday afternoon and quiet rules my house. Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. After the busyness of Christmas and New Year’s, it feels good to sit in silence, reflect on the year past, and ponder what’s to come.

Each year at this time, I ask the Lord to give me a special theme or word for the next 12 months. This year He’s given me joy.

I don’t consider myself a very sophisticated person. That’s to say, I find joy in life’s simple pleasures: a baby’s giggles, snuggling with my grandkids, receiving hugs from my grown kids, cuddling with my husband of nearly 30 years, seeing the sunrise or sunset paint its pinks and oranges across the sky, enjoying a coffee chat with good friends, striking an item off my to-do list, knowing that something I’ve written or said has encouraged someone.

I also find joy in reading God’s Word, especially when a verse leaps off the page and connects with my life at that moment in time.

As I ponder joy and how it relates to me in 2012, I think of Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever “(NASB). The NLT says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Life offers oodles of small pleasures, but nothing brings joy like experiencing God’s presence moment by moment. As 2012 dawns, I’m asking Him to make me more aware of His presence. Whether I’m washing dishes, running errands, exercising at the gym, playing with my grandkids, speaking at a women’s event, or traveling overseas for yet another ministry trip, I want to be aware of His presence in and around me. I want to be sensitive to His whispers, in tune with His desires, and in touch with His heartbeat. Constant, sweet communion with the divine – therein lies joy.

I enter 2012 with a sense of anticipation, excited about what’s to come and eager to experience the joy that Scripture promises.

And while we’re talking about joy, here’s a song on the same theme: “Exceeding Joy.” Take a few minutes to listen and let the words direct your heart into an attitude of worship.

Question: What word or theme has God given you for 2012?

Photo Courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: experiencing God's presence, joy, small pleasures
Posted in Devotionals | 3 Comments »

2011 — God’s Presence From Beginning to End

December 30th, 2011

As 2011 comes to a close, I’m drawn to the Lord’s declaration: “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 21:6).

2011 ends...2012 begins

The year began nearly 365 days ago, and God was there from the start. He walked with me every moment of every day. He smiled with delight as I rejoiced in personal highlights such as…

celebrating 29 years of marriage in February
a week-long family vacation in August
seeing my youngest grandson take his first steps
five weeks of effective summer ministry in Eastern Europe
learning that 10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women will be re-released in February as Peaceful Moments to Begin Your Day: Devotions for Busy Women
the release of Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman-to-Woman Conversation DVD and Bible study
making the commitment to host the Made for This: Create an Uncommon Life in a Sometimes Crazy World weekend getaway for business women, and then watching the details come together
attending the Mt. Hermon Christian writers conference in April
emceeing the Write! Canada awards gala in Toronto
meeting Dr. J.I. Packer in his home in December

He was also there when I faced disappointments and challenges such as…

the death of my childhood best friend in June
watching many loved ones suffer with cancer
experiencing an increase in arthritic pain and foot problems which make walking difficult
watching my grown kids experience hard times and not being able to “fix” the problem
receiving rejections on my writing projects
learning that 10-Minute Time Outs for Moms will soon be out of print (thankfully I’ll receive full rights back so I can make it available in print and in ebook format)

God—the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End—held my hand from the beginning of 2011 to its end. As 2012 dawns, He promises to do it again. I have no idea what the future holds, but of one thing I’m sure: God’s presence will be there from the start until the finish, and every moment in between. That thought brings me peace and a sense of anticipation as I wonder what’s coming ’round the corner.

What were some highlights from your 2011? What were some challenges you faced? How does the knowledge that God’s presence is with you make you feel as you face the unknown future?

Photo courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: 10-Minute Time Outs for Moms, 2012, Alpha and Omega, Dr. J.I. Packer, Moving from Fear to Freedom: A woman-to-woman conversation, Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference, unknown future, Write! Canada
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Little Drummer Boy — performed by a very gifted teen

December 23rd, 2011

This video made the national news in Canada a couple of weeks ago. When the music finished, a interviewer asked the young man why he put this clip together. He said, “I wasn’t looking for all this attention. I just wanted to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas — Jesus Christ.” Amen to that!