"ME DO IT!"

I hear it about 200 times a day…her little voice screaming, “ME DO IT!” My little princess looking straight at me while pushing my hand away, refusing my help and declaring her mission to remove her shoes, dress her doll, brush her teeth, position her blanket, put Max and Ruby DVD into the player; you get the idea. Bless her heart, she is approaching 3 years of age, so her need for independence grows daily. I often watch her and giggle at her diligence. She is so convinced that she can do anything without my help…until she realizes that she CAN'T do it. She gets frustrated and is soon screaming a different tune: “Mommy, Daddy, HELP!”

Can anyone relate to my toddler? How many times a week, day, hour, do we do that? Diligently living life, doing things our way, shouting “ME DO IT,” when all the while, our kind and gracious Father is reaching out his hand of mercy and grace. Once we’ve pushed his hand away, and our way completely fails, we find ourselves on the floor shouting…“Daddy, HELP!”

Philippians 4:13 rings in my head, “I can do all things…” This is when I need to move past the “ME DO IT!” and remember there is a second part to this verse, “…through Christ who strengthens me.”

Those times when I wonder why my daughter doesn’t just let me help her, I know that I have to watch her fail in order for her to come to me. Then she can ask for my help; and she will always get it. Satisfied, she looks up at me with a smile so big, it melts me.
How much more will our Heavenly Father do that for us? He knows what is best for us!

Isaiah 55:9, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
I have a sweet reminder for you today: He wants you to come to Him! Bring all your junk, fear, pride, and leave it at his feet. He will meet you there. He promises to.
Next time you want to shout “ME DO IT!” Save yourself the frustration, and ask for his help right away. Give him your challenge, big or little. He can handle it…and with far more grace than we could ever muster up!

I will leave you with this sweet song,“Come to Me.” I am the Lord your God
I go before you now
I stand beside you, I am all around you
Though you feel I am far away
I am closer than your breath
I am with you more than you know
Come to me, I am all you need
Come to me, I am your everything

Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Today's "If Only's"

Have you ever watched someone do something amazing and think, "Wow, if only I could do that?" Or, "if only we made a little more money each month, then..." Or "if only I had some more time like she has..." Or for us ladies, ever looked at a woman about half your size (and twice as toned), and thought, "if only I could be a little thinner, then..." whatever your dream may be. Even though I don't want to admit it, I find myself doing this (to some extent) on a daily basis. Comparing myself to other musicians, wives, moms, Christians, teachers, friends, and questioning my abilities, value and purpose. Don't get me wrong, it is great to daydream and have hopes for your future! But when the "if only's" are sprung by negative thoughts and comparisons, we should examine our train of thought. With moms, I compare how many activities they are doing with their kids, where they take them on trips, what food they feed them. This naturally leads my mind to comparing my kids to their kids!...not good. 

This is a road I don't want to go down. Each day, I want to make a conscious effort of surrendering to my Father- all my thoughts, all my fears, all my insecurities. After all, He knows my every thought. Even our thoughts should glorify Him. Are the thoughts we are having consistent with the character of God? If not, those thoughts are not of God, and the enemy is trying to disrupt our minds and hearts, causing fear and doubt. I don't know about you, but I don't want my day to be controlled by fear! What I desire is to give my day to the One who is the very Source of Life- directing and guiding me, my actions, words, and thoughts, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, "For God did not give us a Spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind." What a conquering verse! Makes me want to hold up my arms and flex! The fact is, where we are right now, is where God has us. For some of us, we are comfortable and happy there, for others, we are in another place that is dark and painful. The "if only's" just get in the way of our trust for the One who gives us our identity. Even if they have a bigger house, have kids who seem to be more behaved than yours, weigh 30 lbs less than you, have a masters degree, etc., God has something beautiful for YOU, right here. Rest in the assurance of his presence and grace, and be blessed! When I wake up tomorrow, I want to remember that His mercies are made new each morning! I will ask God to show me the beauty He sees in me today.

Friends, be encouraged that God embraces every part of us- broken, confused, angry, disorganized, lazy, chubby and all! He rejoices when his children come seeking Him and his help. His power is made perfect in our weakness- did you hear that!? In our weakness, HE can shine brightest. How is that possible? When were are most depressed, tired, upset, etc. and come to him- giving it all to him, He takes it and makes something beautiful. He sees we trust him in that moment, season, time in our lives.

The next time your mind is tempted to think "If only...", and you question your value or purpose, remember and be encouraged that each day, God gives us a spirit of power, love, and of sound mind, to overcome those doubts and potential fears. Be blessed today!

Post-It Notes

I love Post-Its. I need Post-Its. Post-Its are my friends. Without them, I would forget the things I need to remember. They brighten my day with their bright and cheerful colors, and are so easy to stick on the nearest wall, counter, or fridge! They are a tool to help me remember the "important things" in my life: play date tomorrow at 9 am, pick up more broccoli, milk and toothpaste, wrap birthday gift, vacuum the van, finish reading the Bible. And of course, they come in handy for love notes to the hubby (or apology notes- what have you), uplifting my 4 year old, teaching colors to my daughter, labeling leftovers, or jotting down song lyrics. When the stack dwindles down to the last one that is stuck to that brown backing, I am sad, and then must resort to searching for random scratch paper from the kitchen junk drawer...and that is shady business. Then I have to find the scotch tape.

Life is just better with Post-Its. Reminders. They help keep my life in order; in check of those all important things. But what exactly are those "important things" in my life? And why do I need so many reminders for them, if they are indeed the top of the totem pole?
I find myself striving so hard each day to encourage, love, and serve the people in my life, that sometimes the real meaning and importance is lost in translation. Cleaning the house pleases my husband, but am I willing to sacrifice that sweet, quality playtime with my kids so that that last load of laundry can be done?...

God provides His goodness to us whether or not we are aware of it. He pours out his love every second of every day. He wants us to know, feel, see, hear, touch, experience Him wherever we are- however busy we are. Even though we have those days where we are too busy, too sick, too tired, too crabby, to proud, too overwhelmed to acknowledge Him, He still claims us. And not only does He claim us, but He lavishes us with His grace, His love, His forgiveness.

He desires for us to be aware of the "important" things in life. Folks, the important things in life should ALWAYS point back to Him. The things that we invest our time, thoughts, concern, energy, our money, should honor Him and bring others to Him through us.

His REMINDERS are everywhere. If you looked in the mirror, you would see one staring right back at you. You, my friend, are a living, breathing REMINDER of the unique design, creativity, love of the Ultimate Designer and Heavenly Father! Yes, some days (let's be real...many days) we don't feel like accepting the truth of what we are: Forgiven, Beloved, Blessed, Loved. His Post-Its are in the faces of your children, the sweet embrace of your spouse, the worship service you entered into His presence last weekend, the answered prayer after months of waiting, the scripture you just happened to read at exactly the right time. He knows your every fiber, desire, fear, dream. He sends us His Post-Its throughout our day. Make sure you are looking for HIS messages to you!

Lamentations 3:21-23 says this:
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 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."

Friends, don't forget the things you need to remember. Be blessed and encouraged as you are REMINDED of God's presence, goodness, and compassions for YOU! Look around, and let Him remind you of how LOVED YOU ARE and how FAITHFUL HE IS!

Peace,
Christy