The Power of a Story January 28, 2009

Stories are powerful. They allow us to dream, to imagine possibilities. They provide comfort as we realize that we’re not alone in our thoughts and experiences. Our temptation is to believe that no one will understand what we are going through, but stories demonstrate that life is full of classic themes. Truth is others share and understand our reality, whether good or bad. We laugh, cry, smile, or sigh because our hearts resonate with the familiar triumphs and joys, trials and trauma.  Some stories simply entertain, while other stories have the capacity to inspire.

After God dramatically delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, they had a story to tell. So when Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came to see him in the desert, Moses, like a child tugging at his mother’s sleeve, couldn’t wait to tell the story of what God had done.

Moses and Jethro greeted each other and then Moses invited Jethro into his tent for a refreshing glass of bottled Horeb Rock Water. As they reclined, “Moses told his father-in-law EVERYTHING (he definitely surpassed his male quota of words that day!) the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the Lord had saved them” (Exodus 18:8). Jethro was delighted to hear the story (Exodus 18:9), even though it was not his first time. Exodus 18:1 makes it clear that he had already heard all the details of the story. But there are some stories that are so good that they never grow old. It’s like your favorite movie or book that gets better over time. It produces an emotion in you. Moses’ story inspired Jethro. It reminded him of God’s goodness, of God’s greatness, of God’s love for His people…and his natural response was to worship the Almighty.

God is constantly at work in our lives. Sometimes His actions are obvious and dramatic. For example, when He allows us to escape from that bondage that has kept us enslaved for years. Other times, however, His actions are quiet and consistent. Our daily lives are filled with stories of God’s faithfulness. Why not take the time to invite someone into your home, to sit over a cup of coffee, and share a God story? You never know, like Jethro, they may be delighted to hear what God has been up to and they may worship God all the way home!

Stories are powerful.

God uses them to change lives.

Reality TV January 18, 2009

I still can’t believe it! I was always the one who said you would have to be crazy to be a part of any reality TV program. So what was I doing with lights and cameras in my house last week?! The answer: God will use all circumstances to teach us what He wants us to learn. And when planning how to teach me this lesson, I think God was chuckling! I do believe He has a terrific sense of humor!

Through an amazing “serendipity,” our daughter was invited to work with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. They asked if she would be interested in being featured in a 30 minute reality TV program. After her proud Dad’s feet were planted back on the ground, we all agreed that this was a spectacular opportunity. I called the producer and shared that Allee was honored and would love to work with them on this project.  I hung up the phone and it suddenly hit me…I had just agreed to be one of those crazy people that allows the nation into the reality of their lives! That was an intense moment!

Reality means: a strong possibility that Debbie will put her foot in her mouth. As an extrovert, who processes out loud, there is a high degree of probability that I will say something that I’ll be embarrassed by later! And with reality TV, there are no “do-overs”; no “oops, I didn’t mean to say that.” But even worse than that…they wanted to start right away which meant no crash diets; no sudden weight loss…just reality!!!

My initial thought was, “there is no way this is going to come even close to resembling reality. I will have my makeup on by 8:00 am…no sweats….a completely stocked pantry with all necessary staples to prepare the pre-planned meal.” No pressure. All smiles. Basically a non-realistic view of reality! I liked that plan. It felt safe.

Then it came time to film and I realized that I’m not one to fake it…plus I’m a horrible actress. I am who I am. With that said, I never want to become complacent. I never want to settle. I always want to cooperate with God’s transforming work within me. I definitely know that I’m not perfect and I don’t try to pretend to be, so why did I feel the need to hide who I currently am? Why was shame playing with my emotions?

The truth is I am not ashamed of my reality. On the contrary, I am pleased with my life. I love Jesus Christ with all my heart. My relationship with Him is healthy and growing. I love my husband. We are best friends. We have a strong and happy marriage. I love my children. They are healthy and bright. I am proud of their character. I am thrilled they love Jesus and are living for Him. I love my extended family. I am trying to live my priorities. My reality is not perfect. For example, Buddy humped the camera man! But my reality is a good reality. It’s a work in progress.

Yes, there’s a chance I may look like a fool. And it’s true that inviting cameras into your private home feels vulnerable. But if I am truly living for an Audience of One, why should I fear the judgment of the viewing audience?

I live before God’s reality camera every moment of my life. He knows me completely. He knows when I sit and when I rise. He perceives my thoughts from afar. He discerns my going out and my lying down. He is familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, he knows it completely (Psalm 139). He sees everything about me and yet He still loves me. As long as I hear His applause, I can handle the jeers of this world.

Lights, camera, action….bring it on! I’m ready to show the world what it looks like to be an imperfect person perfectly loved by a perfect God.

My 2009 Goal January 1, 2009

Another year…another fresh start…

The door of 2008 has closed behind us and we stand on the front porch looking out over a wide open space. Each of us has been given a gift of 365 days to create and execute this new journey. How will you respond to your new opportunity?

Some people struggle to get off the porch. Instead of stepping out into new territory, they press their noses to the window and look back focusing on the past. Are you fixated on hurtful and painful memories? Do you stare longingly at the “good old days?” Do you sit down in protest refusing to change or grow? Does the fear of the unknown paralyze you? God knows the plans He has for you. He is ready to give you a hope and a future. He’s doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it? Trust Him. He can make way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. He wants to complete the good work He began in you. But He is waiting for you to take the next step. If you don’t, you will find yourself sitting on the same porch in the same position 365 days from now.

Others jump off the porch and start running wildly. Instead of slowing down and asking where they are headed, they simply run. Many of their friends are doing it, so they join in. Do you find yourself out of breath? Are you exhausted by the pace of life? Are you pursuing things that will last? Maybe you are fast and have outrun those around you. Now you find yourself running alone. Are you lonely? Are you driven to accumulate possessions and accomplishments? Are you longing to impress? God says that boasting of what you have and do comes from the world’s philosophy, but doesn’t line up with His. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. The world and its desires pass away, so why run so hard after them. If you do, eventually you realize that you have been running in circles and are right back to where you began; making no true progress.

My desire this year is to step off the porch and walk with a determined cadence to the voice of my Savior. I don’t know exactly where that will lead me. And that’s okay. I will delight in being in the presence of my Father. Whether I turn to the right or the left, I will listen for His voice telling me, “This is the way; walk in it.” When I face obstacles, roadblocks, storms along the way…when I am afraid, I will trust in Him, in God whose word I praise. In God I trust; I will not be afraid. The rain will fall on both the just and the unjust. Every day will not be sunny. But when the skies are a brilliant blue and the sun is hugging me with its warmth, I will smile and rejoice. I will slow down and express the fullness of my gratitude to my amazingly creative God. I will take time to sit by the still waters and I will canon-ball, like a child, into lakes of refreshing. I want to walk hand-in-hand, step-by-step with the Spirit allowing Him to transform me. I long to express His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control with those I see along my path. This is my goal for 2009…Want to join me?

What Are You Holding? December 24, 2008

Yesterday I put on my Christmas shopping armor and ventured onto the Battlefield of Target. The objective – was to conquer the last few items on my shopping list.

After a couple hours, I emerged victorious. My shopping was complete! I closed the door; and as I sat waiting for the car to warm up in the parking lot, I realized the tangible objects in the bags behind me did not contain the most precious take-away. What made my heart dance with joy did not cost me a penny, yet I walked away with a beautiful picture of pure love.

The store was the setting of a classic Christmas shopping scene. People moved with urgency knowing their window of opportunity was closing. Looks of stress were evident on many faces. At the end of aisles shoppers engaged in Bumper Carts. A child asked in desperation, “How much longer?” The mom never answered. Another preschooler screamed, “I want that!”; then he would spot a different toy and demand, “I want that!” His intensity continued to escalate. As I pushed my cart in the opposite direction, I found myself irritated that the monster of materialism had such a strong grip on this young child already.

Before I wandered down that line of thinking too far, my mind was captivated by the image before me. I slowed down hoping to prolong the moment. I became oblivious to everything around me. Noise faded. Movement ceased. Potential gifts disappeared from the shelves. All my senses were singularly focused.

I was gazing at a grandmother holding her grandchild. They were on completely different ends of the age spectrum. One had grey hair and multiple wrinkles; the other had virtually no hair and the smoothest, softest skin. But they both had the same bright twinkle in their eyes. The baby amazed at the life around her. The grandmother amazed at the life she was holding. You could tell that the grandma desperately wanted to squeeze the baby to release the exploding sense of love trapped inside her. She refrained, however, and held her like priceless china. I watched her close her eyes as she placed her cheek against her grandbaby’s. She lingered. Then as if she was brought back to reality for a moment, she took a couple steps perhaps remembering she was supposed to be shopping. That didn’t last. Reality was trumped by love. She stopped, pulled her head back, and stared at her granddaughter like an artist studying and observing every detail before the brush touches the canvas. What she saw overwhelmed her and resulted in a very natural expression. This grandmother exuberantly kissed the baby’s cheek and a cheerful melody of I love yous followed.

Abruptly I snapped out of my mesmerized state and realized that this woman may be concerned about a complete stranger staring at her, especially when the stranger’s mouth was hanging wide open! So I forced myself to move on.

Sitting in the car, I wondered why I was so taken by this simple scene of a grandmother loving her grandchild. PRIORITIES. This woman focused on what was truly important. She wasn’t distracted by the pulls and pressures of today’s society that are so pervasive. She stood strong in the midst of the busyness and noise. She wisely concentrated on the joy that was already in her grasp.

My prayer this Christmas is that we would understand the joy we already hold. True gifts can’t be purchased….snow angels, laughter, the warmth of home, hugs, friends, family, my mom’s caramel apple pie. There are so many priceless gifts that don’t cost us a penny. But the most amazing gift of all is a relationship with our Heavenly Father generously given to us through Jesus Christ!

For the wages (cost) of sin is death, but

THE GIFT OF GOD

is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Decluttering December 10, 2008

In my family room sits a very special box. Today it holds my table linens and serves as a make-shift end table. As a child, however, it was my toy chest. Some may find it difficult to appreciate the value of such a simple box. It’s not made of expensive hardwood. The wood stain has worn off in several places. Scratches are abundant. But I love my toy chest because it was made by my Grandpa and I’m reminded of my childhood when I look at it.

The toy chest was like a best friend coming to the rescue. It always provided a quick solution to a messy room. Simply open it up and throw all the toys inside! It usually worked, but sometimes I couldn’t close the lid. So I would bounce up and down on the cover, in hopes that my toys would shift around and fit inside the box.

As an adult, I have exchanged my toys for thoughts and my mind has become my toy chest. The past two months have been filled with learning opportunities and life experiences that evoked numerous thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Each of which deserved careful evaluation. Unfortunately, the rapid succession of the events didn’t allow time for sufficient processing which encouraged me to resort back to my childhood tactics. I simply stuffed it all into my head.

Tucking things away is a good temporary solution. But eventually it becomes necessary to set aside some time to organize. If you don’t, the clutter becomes so great that you forget what you have. And even the greatest treasure loses its value if it’s forgotten. My mind is so full that I am in danger of losing valuable concepts. It’s time for me to organize the “toy chest” of my mind.

Organizing is a fairly easy process with toys. I’m not sure it’s as easy with thoughts, though. Is it possible to empty your mind and throw all your ideas onto the floor? Are a couple hours truly sufficient to complete the task? Like a child before a pile of toys, I’m not even sure where to begin. I need help.

Many organizational coaches break large jobs into bite size pieces as to not overwhelm. Maybe God will coach me by taking my hand and saying, “Here’s the thought we are going to deal with today.” And overtime, together, we will categorize each thought. Thoughts that produce anxiety, anger, or unnecessary negative emotions will be put in the throw away pile. Thoughts that do not line up with God’s way of thinking and do not please Him are garbage. I will need to discard them. Some thoughts will need to be put in the give away pile. I have played with them long enough. I know them thoroughly and now it’s time for me to share them with others. And then there are those thoughts that I will put in the keep pile. They will be beneficial for the days ahead. So I will need to carefully organize them for easy retrieval in the future.

Sometimes I’m tempted to avoid the hard work. My justification would be that everything looks good from the outside. But my heart always wins out and the truth is I want to please my Heavenly Dad. When He looks on the inside, when He opens the lid, I want Him to find a mind that is clean.

Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I desire to walk continually in your truth (Psalm 26:2).

I Promise I’ll Be Back! November 24, 2008

I’m having one of those seasons where I am having to choose the best out of all the good. Responsibilities and realities of life have decided to fill the balloon of time to its maximum capacity. Thank you for continuing to check in. Love to all.

Push “Pause” Please! October 23, 2008

In my spiritual journey, there have been moments I wanted to freeze frame and live within the pause. The picture was beautiful. And for that brief moment all felt right. God’s presence settled like the warmth of a down comforter on a brisk autumn morning. I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want to blink. I barely inhaled hoping my slowed breath would stall the passing of the moment. It was a precious time…a rare time…a highlight in the midst of routine.

When we have the privilege of experiencing the glory, power and overflowing love of Christ in such a tangible way, it is so tempting to rip the remote control out of God’s hand and push the “pause” button. We know as the story of our lives continues, it won’t always feel this wonderful and our hearts long to revel in this gift. Like Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration, we try to reason with God and say, It is good for us to be here. Let’s build some shelters and stay. Let’s live here. It’s safe. It’s secure. It’s exciting. It pleases me. (Mark 9)

But we know better. Something in us hesitantly cries out, identifying the selfishness in that kind of thinking. We know we can’t live on the mountaintops. God has called us to the valley of reality because that is where His lost children are.

God understands what He is calling us to do is difficult. Jesus, Himself, came down from the ultimate mountaintop of heaven to live with us. He’s familiar with the challenges we face in the valley of reality: the difficult relationships, demanding jobs, daunting responsibilities, mind-numbingly dull routine, complex problems, and heartaches. Yet He asks us to sacrifice, as He did. He calls us to come off the mountain and to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). He wants to use us to lead them to the mountain that they don’t even know exists.

It’s time to give the remote back so God can push the “play” button of your life. Thoroughly enjoy the highlights in your spiritual journey. Christ orchestrated them for you. He’s the one who took you by the hand and led you up the mountain. He met you there. He overwhelmed you with His presence. He filled you up. But when the time on the mountain has ended, take a deep breath, say a prayer of thanks, and walk back down into your mission field knowing Christ is always with you, holding your hand.

Ideas to Cultivate Contentment October 20, 2008

This weekend I had the privilege of speaking about contentment at Camp Pinnacle’s Women’s Retreat. We had a blessed time and today I continue to be in awe of what God did. I promised the women I would post some of my ideas for how to cultivate contentment through exercises that prompts gratitude. We learned that as our gratitude increases, our contentment increases.

So here’s my challenge…choose one idea and commit to trying it for six weeks. Remember contentment is learned. It requires diligent practice. But the more you work at it, the more natural it becomes.

Gratitude Partner Walk – Take turns sharing something you are grateful for every block. If it takes 30 seconds that’s okay. If it takes the whole block time that’s okay. At each new block change who is sharing. If you don’t have blocks, simply chose an amount of time.

Sweet Thoughts – Enjoy the sweet flavor of your favorite hard candy as you thank God or all the sweet blessings in your life. Continue until the candy is gone. No chewing!

Shopping Fast – Abstain from all shopping (except necessities) for one week.

Rubber Band Snap – Wear a rubber band for 3 days and every time you have a discontented thought, snap the rubber band as a reminder to avoid that kind of thinking.

Gratitude Scrapbook – Create a scrapbook filled with the things you love.

Gratitude Garden – Every time you work the garden, think about and pray for people in your life that are grateful for. When the harvest comes in, give a gift (a bouquet of flowers, vegetable soup or zucchini bread) to those people with a note of why you are grateful for them.

Watch It’s A Wonderful Life

Memorize Scripture – Choose a verse from our Truths for Contentment and memorize it.

Daily Gratitude Journal – Once a day record 5 things you were grateful for. If you are a morning person, do it in the morning by reviewing the previous day. If you are a night person, do it before you go to bed.

Negativity Log – For one week, when you have a negative thought, record the time and place. At the end of the week, review your log and look for patterns. Is there a time of day you are more susceptible to negative thinking? Is there a place? Place scripture cards in those places or meditate on scripture at that time.

Pre-mirror Talk – Before you look in the mirror, remind yourself that you are beautiful in God’s eyes and that He loves you. You are designed by Him for a specific purpose. Rejoice.

Gratitude Jar – Every time you praise God for a wonderful blessing, put a marble into the jar. See how long it takes to fill.

Thanksgiving Kernels – Place 2-3 corn kernels on everyone’s place setting. Before you have Thanksgiving Dinner, go around the table and for every kernel each person shares one thing they are grateful for this year.

Christmas Give Back – Take 10 percent of the money you would have spent on a person’s gift and give it to them in cash with a challenge to spend it on another person less fortunate.

Investments that Count October 11, 2008

Every time I open my computer lately, I am confronted with pictures of people in anguish. Usually it is a picture of a stockbroker clutching his forehead as he reads the falling numbers. The gym is filled with speculative conversations. I’ve had several friends ask my opinion about investing in gold or silver. The state of the economy has everyone reaching for a Tylenol.

I hate that people like my parents, who have worked hard their whole lives, are facing an unknown future. I don’t like watching our hard-earned money disappear. A total economic collapse would be devastating, but it does not compare to the collapse of a soul. That is a true tragedy. A temporary loss in our financial portfolio, even a complete loss, is not even on the same playing field as the loss of a soul for eternity. But has that truth penetrated my heart so that it affects my daily existence? I wonder when I last clutched my forehead as I anguished in prayer for someone who doesn’t know Christ.  I wonder if I’ve spent as much time talking about the hope of eternity as I have the doom on Wall Street. I wonder if I have evaluated how I am investing in the Kingdom as much as I have evaluated my financial investments.

Much energy is being dedicated to our economic troubles, as it should be. Yet even if we solved all our money issues tomorrow and we began to thrive again financially…even if we gained the whole world, what good would it be if we forfeited souls? (Matthew 16:26). Imagine if we lived and breathed the reality that people without Christ are going to hell. How passionate would be become?

Charles Spurgeon said, “If sinners will be damned at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms around their knees imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions.  And let no one go there unwarned or unprayed for.”

Opportunity awaits.

On the Run October 2, 2008

Wandering is a natural part of our human nature. We struggle with keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

This week I took Buddy, our Australian Shepherd for a walk. Most of the time, he was very obedient and stayed right by my side. Every once in a while, however, I sensed his desire to break free and run. I smiled as I thought about the similarities between my rambunctious canine and myself.

I adore my Master and I know He loves me. My days are spent in His presence. I try to anticipate where He is going so I can be a part of His movement. He provides for my every need. He is my Shelter, my Bread of Life, and my Living Water. He is my Frontline Plus as He protects me from pesky enemies. I know that the safest and best place is at my Master’s feet, yet I still get itchy and I long to run. I want to explore the possibilities around me. I wonder if I am missing something out there in the world.

At any point, I can choose to bolt and try to make it on my own. I can drink from dirty puddles and scrounge food from dumpsters. I can sleep on the damp ground. I can dodge the dangers on the road of life. But eventually exhaustion would bring me to my senses and I would realize I exchanged a brilliant diamond for a cubic zirconia.

Running wild is never as glamorous as we dreamt it would be. The temporary excitement quickly fades with the harsh realities of this cold world. And we come to appreciate the beauty of our Master’s leash. He uses it to protect us because He wants the best for us. He enjoys having us by His side. He loves our company. A dog is man’s best friend and we are God’s best friend. But He will not force you to comply.

There was a young man who wanted to explore the world outside of his father’s four walls. So “he set off for a distant country.” While he was there, he lived it up and “squandered his wealth in wild living.” Life became hard. He lived with pigs. He was so hungry he would have willingly eaten their slop, “but no one gave him anything.” Finally “he came to his senses” and went back to his father’s home. When he arrived, he repented. He admitted he was foolish. His father embraced him, gladly forgave him, and threw a party to welcome him home. (Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32).

Where are you today? Are you tugging on the leash? Are you out running? What are you searching for? Maybe it’s time to come home.