Ms. Perfection

Welcome to Yes to God Tuesdays. We are currently studying Lisa Whittle's book Behind Those Eyes. And boy is it one fabulous and challenging read. I hope you join us each week for this study. You are sure to be blessed.

**Remember direct quotes are in blue**

This week we met Ms. Perfection. Lisa tells the all too familiar story of the Christian family getting ready for church on Sunday morning- trying to look and act perfect. If you've been there and done that (even just this past Sunday) raise your hand. Okay I am sure there are a whole lot of hands up out there. Both mine are raised. We've probably all been guilty a time or ten.

May I ask you a question Lisa asked us ?

What do you feel makes us want people to see us as perfect?

In my humble opinion I believe it is the perception that Christians are supposed to be perfect. Because Christians have accepted Christ and the Holy Spirit now lives in them, they are supposed to be perfect. This belief is held by Christians and non-Christians alike. We're supposed to never have problems. We are supposed to never make a mistake or sin.

Ladies, let me just point you to Lisa's comment: It doesn't take us very long to see and know that in our flesh, perfection is not even remotely possible. The perception is a lie. A flat out lie. We are not perfect. We are not going to be perfect this side of heaven. What a shocker!

Now let's think this out. When we are trying to appear perfect or be perfect, where is our focus? Right. It is on ourselves. Our focus is on us trying to do something in our own strength and through our own power. We've taken our eye off God. We are inward focused and not upward focused. That is not behavior that is going to point anyone to God.

Another thing that came to me. If we are out there trying to pull off perfection, we are causing others to focus on us. They are comparing themselves to us. Some might get smug. Some might get depressed because they feel they fall short. Others might get resentful, wondering why we "have it all". I know. I've been all those people. And I've come to this conclusion. I never, ever want to be anybody's standard of excellence. I never, ever want anyone else to be my standard of excellence. I always want God to hold that position. He's the only one who can anyway.

One thing I can say about the speakers of Proverbs 31 Ministries is that they are forever pointing women right back to Jesus. At the She Speaks conference they told on themselves, shattering any thought that they were perfect. Why would anyone do that? I can't say with 100% certainty but let me give you my thoughts (and Lisa can correct me if I am wrong). By pointing out their own flaws and missteps, they become women we can really relate too. I don't know about you, but I don't have anything in common with Polly Perfection. In fact, she makes me sick (I'm just saying) But a Lisa Whittle, Renee Swope or Lysa TerKeurst? Them I can relate to. Real women telling their real stories.

Another thing is that by showing that they are not perfect, they point people straight to the one who can use us cracked pots. They lead us straight to the wheel of the Potter who can reshape and remold us into the beautiful creation that's been there all along. It gives us hope for ourselves ladies. I'd rather have that than fake perfection.

It's taken me a long time to get to this point. And I still struggle with it. I still struggle with this thing Lisa calls "trying to be the perfect Barbie (or in my case Kristie) for our Ken (in my case the brown one) in the hopes that he will love us more...or at the very least, that people will think he does". I need to not pin that on another imperfect human being. I need to let God love me more!

I also still struggle with the perfect mom syndrome because I have "been programmed to believe that behind every perfect child is a perfect mom." So I struggle with not being able to say like the other "perfect" bragging moms that my child has straight A's and never talks back. I'm getting over that. It's a struggle, but God is right there with me so it's okay.

I'll close with this: "Trying to be perfect is so exhausting, and there is never an end to it." So let's stop trying. Instead let's focus our energy on getting to know the One who actually can move us toward perfection. Notice I said toward. Once you're perfect you don't require so much of God now do you? At least in our flesh I believe that is how we would feel. I'm better with Him. How about you?

Be blessed ladies - not perfect!

And be sure to stop by Lelia's for more insight!

Upcoming Blog Book Tour

It's been a long tiring weekend -- again. I just wanted to stop in here and let you know that I am taking part in a blog book tour on October 1.

The book is :

And God Was Pleased: Biblical Principles for Creating Christian Success by Ava Semerau.

I'll be looking for everyone on Tuesday for Bible Study. But also stop by on Wednesday for the book tour.

Now I'm off to take my congested self to bed! Blessings to you all.

The Truth Hurts

Welcome to Yes To God Tuesdays (on Thursday this week). We are starting a new study this week with Lisa Whittle's Book "Behind Those Eyes" I'm excited about it and I hope you are too!

**All direct quotes will be in blue**

I could say I'm just posting my insights today because I was trying to help you savor the excitement of starting this new bible study. I could say that...but then I would be not be telling the truth. I would not be demonstrating authenticity at all. Of all the things I desire besides a thriving, growing, intimate relationship with God, authenticity is running a close second. Why? Because being authentic allows what God has done in me and in my life to shine through. I'd like to believe that this draws others to Christ. I'd like to believe it helps others connect to me because I'm not coming off as fake...or as Lisa would call it...a female impersonator.

I want what people see in me and experience when they are around me to be real, not like the movie set Lisa visited, where the beautiful houses were "facades with a good paint job and professionally maintained landscaping." No thank you to that.

Honestly, I miss the mark sometimes. I am sure I have "impersonated" someone I am not many times. Such as when I answer the phone in a sweet, pleasant voice as if all is well when I've just two seconds ago screamed bloody murder at one of my disobedient children. Or when someone says "Do you mind doing this or that" and I say "No, I don't mind", knowing all along 1. I don't want to and 2. All I'm going to do is complain later about "having" to do it! Despite these incidents, my heart's desire is to be authentic. That takes courage. I hope you are finding the courage to say no thank you to pretending. Just be you honey!

But how do we get there - how do we get to authenticity? Mind if I share my humble opinion? It is through our "Soul Craving." Lisa said that "women are yearning for something real. We're hungry for truth and authenticity. We crave honesty." She later says that "We want unconditional love. We desire to find purpose. We seek attention, and we crave acceptance." I have four words in answer to these cravings. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. All these cravings can be satisfied in the only One who can satisfy them all - God.

God the Father provides us with unconditional love. He speaks to us these words, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV). Conditional love cannot be everlasting! 'Nuf said.

Christ gave us a purpose - "Love each other as I have loved you. " (John 15:12, NIV). We are purposed to "go and bear fruit- fruit that will last" (John 15:16, NIV). We are also to "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15, NIV). Finally we are to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30, NIV). If we truly lived all this out, we'd not have time nor inclination to attempt impersonation. And I'm talking to myself here too friends!

The Holy Spirit provides truth as we see in John 14:16-17 (NIV) where Christ said "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth."

Looking for acceptance? Remember that you are a Spirit-carrying member of "God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved." (Colossians 3:12, NIV)

Finally attention- how is that craving satisfied? God says "I will never leave you not forsake you." Now ladies, that's some attention!!

As we venture further into this book and we meet the ladies we impersonate (Ms. Perfection, Ms. Happiness, Ms. Confidence and Ms. Spirituality), trying to quench those soul cravings, let's keep our eyes and hearts on Him who can quench every thirst!

Stop by Lelia's and view her post from Tuesday. be sure to visit the blogs of the other participants as well for more blessings! Love y'all and see you next Tuesday!

A Little Love

It's been a crazy busy week. I've barely had anytime to visit all my bloggy friends. Plus this weekend, when I should have been working on my book, I've been battling a head cold which equals " I can't think straight". So much for working on the book. Maybe I'll have time this week.

So with all that great news (not) I did get a nice little present. My friend Amy over at In My Life gave me an award. Thank you Amy!! I so needed something nice. So here is my award:




Isn't it the cutest?! So now I get to pass along the love. Here are the rules:

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from
3. Nominate and link to at least 7 other blogs.
4. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you've nominated.

Those are simple. I need simple today :) So without further ado the winners are:

Lelia at Write From the Heart

Susan at Runner Mom

Angie at The Knightly News

Pamela at In His Graces

Jill at Titus24U

Paula at His Ways...are not our ways

Lee at PrayerGifts

I could list so may others! I think I may soon have to create my own award and give it to like 25 bloggers because there are just so many good ones! Anyway, be sure to visit the award winners and also Amy, who I thank once again.

Well y'all I am off to take some cold medication. Congestion and I don't get along. Be blessed everyone!

Thankful Thursday

It's Thankful Thursday again! Welcome and thank you for joining Iris, yours truly and many other bloggy friends at Sting My Heart for more thanks!

It's been a long week for me. Extremely busy. I do have a lot to be thankful for though

• Thank You Lord for the 43 years of life I'm celebrating today.
• I praise You Father for the Wordsmiths group who provided excellent critiques on the first chapter of my book.
• Thank You Lord for a marvelous youth event this past Sunday.
• I praise You Father for the joy and enthusiasm with which my 13 year old began her youth group bible study.
• Thank You Lord for your peace this week during all our family's busyness.
• I praise You Father for a loving husband.
• Thank You Lord for my 12 year old who agreed to help in 2nd grade Kids Church.
• I praise You Lord for being in complete control - just the way it should be!

Yes to God Tuesdays Chapter 20

This is a bittersweet ending. It has been a fabulous study. I hate to see it end but I know we've learned all that Lysa and God had for us to learn in this book. And our next study promises to step on some toes as well!

So for those who don't know, we've been reading Lysa TerKeurst's book "What Happens When Women Walk In Faith". Join Lelia and my other bloggy friends as we answer that question.

****All purple text are direct quotes from Lysa****


Chapter Twenty - Every Promise Fulfilled

Lysa and I share a love for the book of Joshua. Lysa states, "Joshua inspires me like no other character in the Bible because of his determination to be absolutely obedient to God." Later she writes, "God said it, Joshua believed it, and the promised land was conquered." Amen.

How I wish I was more like Joshua. I tend to be more like Moses, especially if it something I'm not really thrilled about doing. How much more abundant would my relationship with God be if I said Yes God on His first request? How much closer to the promised land would I be and how much sooner would I be there? Does anyone else fall into this category? I pray for us to be more like Joshua!

Lysa next talked about confidence and boldness. Joshua's confidence and boldness stemmed directly from his trust in God. "He was confident in God's promises." He was bold enough to do the crazy things God told him to do. Why He trusted God. What a challenge that issues to me as I move onward from this study. Do you trust him Mari? Then prove it! Be confident and act with boldness, not because you can, but because He can!

How do we learn to trust Him more?

• Know God's promises.
• Make them personal to us so that they become our promises
• Let God and His promises be in control

See, that's not so hard is it? Three simple steps to trust and obedience to God :) Well sort of easy. You know how flesh goes, it really wants to be in control. You might have a fight on your hands. But, keep following the steps and God will win, meaning you will win!

Lysa said "Walking with God takes you to amazing places, but even more importantly, it allows you to experience Him in amazing ways." Say yes to God. Walk in Faith. Let God take you amazing places. Experience Him in amazing ways. You'll never regret it.

Lysa closed the book with prayers for us. She instructed us to pray them for ourselves. They are all based on Bible verses. I've listed a few of the verses that were particularly significant to me. Let them bless you today.

2 Corinthians 5:7

Romans 15:13

Ephesians 3:16

James 4:10

Colossians 2:6

I am so glad I could share this study with such a fine group of ladies. I hope you have enjoyed it. I pray you have been blessed.

For those who want to join our next study, starting next Tuesday, stop by Lelia's for sign-up.

ONE

Today, my church, along with over 35 other area churches, hosted a back to school event for the area middle and high school students. The event was called ONE. What does that mean? To us it meant:

• ONE Community
• ONE Event
• ONE Prayer
• ONE Heart
• ONE God

Though Raleigh is not really a big city like Chicago or New York, we are still experiencing some of the big city ills, including gang activity. This event was a means for us to let our kids know that they can make a difference. We wanted to assure them that they can take back their schools from Satan. They are empowered by the One who has the power. Our God is awesome and He can and will do a mighty work through our young people. We just need them to step out in faith and LEAD!

Watching almost 2000 students from all over the Triangle come together and pray and worship was just beyond words. it brought tears to my eyes. Seeing them gather in groups by their respective schools and lift up their prayers to the One who can and will answer was the most incredible thing to witness and participate in. These young people called on God's power to heal and change their schools. What a privilege to see so much passion from those so young (compared to me).

What was even more phenomenal was that the event was held at a public high school. Yes, a Christian event at a public high school! How awesome is that!

I cannot wait to see God start changing our young people and our schools as a result of their prayers and commitments to action. It just gives me goosebumps. I could almost hear Him say, "Be still and know that I am God!" We know you are LORD and we anticipate Your power. Praise You!

To read media coverage of the event and watch a short video clip, visit our local news station. If you watch the video and see our "security people" wearing shirts that say M.A.F.I.A. that stands for Mothers and Fathers In Action. I need to get me one of those shorts!

I encourage you to pray for your schools and the students. There is power in prayer and we need to take hold and use it to save this generation!

Thankful Thursday

Oh the thanks we will give on Thankful Thursday! Welcome and thank you for joining Iris, yours truly and many other bloggy friends at Sting My Heart for more thanks!

Today I want to send up some thankful praises for my best friend, my husband.

First let me say that I am thankful that he first informed me that I was his best friend. I was in a period of great insecurity and that one statement just did wonders for me. I was shocked at his proclamation but oh how I cherished it. I do still. Thank You Lord for causing my husband to think me his best friend.

Thanks are also due him for hanging in there 7 years ago when our marriage was in complete shambles. Neither of us was blameless for the state the marriage was in. I am extremely thankful that God allowed us both to see the error of our ways and stick it out, through the "or worse" part. Thank you honey for not giving up on us. God willing, we'll celebrate 16 years of marriage this December.

I'm also thankful that he completed the entire three years of the Men's Fraternity bible study at church. He didn't just sit in the bible study. Oh no! He has applied the principles he learned to our marriage and his relationship with our two beauties. Thank you Lord!

While I mention bible study, let me also thank my honey for attending two years of marriage enrichment class with me at church. It was his idea! You could have sold me for a nickel. I didn't have to beg, plead or cajole. I think it might have had to do with stuff he learned in the first year of Men's Fraternity. We started year three last night. He told our group he was excited. How precious is that?!

I'm thankful he also did not just sit in marriage enrichment class. He has also applied what he learned there to our marriage. That was how I got to go to the She Speaks! conference this year. He learned this past year about how a husband should support his wife's dreams. My dream is to be a published author. I wanted to go to my first writer's conference. He happily agreed. (Note the word happily).

I thank my sweetie for his words of affirmation and encouragement this week. I feel loved above and beyond the usual.

Finally I am thankful my husband is traveling a new road with the Lord. I have seen the Lord call him into some places and roles that normally would be uncomfortable for him. But he's been obedient. And you know what? God has given him comfort in those things. They fit him like a glove. He seems truly happy.

This Thankful Thursday I have tears in my eyes because God has answered my prayers. Those many years ago when we decided to keep the marriage going, I prayed for God to make the grass greenest on this side. No matter how great anyone else's husband seemed, how green their "marriage grass" seemed, make mine greener in my eyes. Thank you Lord that as I look out over the landscape of our marriage and life together, I see the most wonderful, greenest grass ever!

Yes To God Tuesdays (Chapters 18 and 19)

Well ladies, it's next to the last week. I really am amazed how time has flown! We are on the last few chapters of Lysa TerKeurst's book "What Happens When Women Walk In Faith". Join Lelia and my other bloggy friends as we answer that question.

****All purple text are direct quotes from Lysa****


Chapter 18 A Promise Made Is A Promise Kept

I'd like to start this week again with a quote. "He isn't looking for people to dance in the limelight. He is looking for those souls who are willing to press close to His heart and hear the cries of the forgotten." And I'll add "Ministry that makes the biggest impact is that which is done in the secret places, the hard stuff that is void of glory, but full of guts."


When I first started doing children's ministry I really did not think of myself as making great impact. After all, I was "just" teaching the bible to elementary kids in Kindergarten or first grade. Other than the hugs and smiles of those precious children and an occasional parent, it really was a glory-less ministry. It was something God called me to do. It was something my heart felt was needed.


I did not do it for glory. I still don't do it for my own glory, but for God's glory. And let me tell you it takes guts to keep the attention of 2nd graders, who I now each, on a Sunday morning in a large room they'd rather be running around in! So I agree wholeheartedly with Lysa. There is nothing like seeing the girls I had in small group almost 6 years ago, become God-fearing, God-loving pre-teens. It makes me want to cry every time I see them in church because I know that God was intimately involved in the time we invested all those years ago. I'll take this kind of ministry any day!


Lysa tells the story in this chapter of another young boy God placed on her heart, Sergei. Lysa and her husband decided to adopt Sergei. At the time the book was published, the adoption was still not final. God used this little boy and Lysa's desire to adopt him, along with the her two sons from Liberia to resurrect something in Lysa. What you ask? "..a deeper and more secure trust of Him if you will let Him."


Even when the resurrection is not exactly like we imagined, we must still trust Him. Even if the resurrection of a desired circumstance doesn't happen, we must still trust Him. Perhaps the resurrection is going to look completely different than what we imagined. Whatever and however, our job and mission is to trust the One who is in control.


Chapter 19 God Brings Dreams To Life

Lysa speaks about the promised land here. She relates that she had an amazing revelation. It was not the speaking to 100,000 women or having lots of books at a book table or having people eager to meet her that was fabulous. Even though that's what she wanted, it turned out to not be the sundae with whipped cream and cherry on top. Oh no! Lysa said "The joy of the journey is not simply reaching the promised land. The real joy was experiencing God throughout all the phases of faith." WOW!


So the dream that was being pursued was not really the prize. God was the prize. Ladies, I can't imagine anything better. Just imagine...and I am sure you are experiencing some of this if you've been doing this study....yes, imagine with me.


Reading God's Word daily. Praying over what you have read. Petitioning God for understanding. Praising God for who He is and what He has done. Believing He will do great things in your life and the lives of others. Answering His call to go on a journey with Him. Being excited about the journey. Realizing, with anguish, that the journey travels through a parching, uncomfortable desert. Aching during those desert times. Crying out to God for His presence in that desert.

Feeling that cool breeze as the Living Water washes your soul with His grace and love and goodness. Following the Truth out of the darkness of famine, glancing upward at the peak of a glorious mountaintop. Traveling with your Divine Guide to the top of that mountaintop. Catching your breath as you finally see the view. How beautiful. Looking up at the Lover of your soul and realizing that if you were on that mountaintop without Him, the view wouldn't even really be one. Realizing that the glow of His closeness during that journey is what makes the view so completely glorious and wonderful.


That is the prize ladies. That is the prize.

Join us next week as we bring this wonderful study to a close with the final chapter. Stop by Lelia's blog for more comments and insights. Lelia also has more information on our next study, which I hope you will consider joining. It starts September 23. The book is "Behind Those Eyes" by Lisa Whittle.

Reflective Sunday

I, like many others, have been touched deep to the core of my being with all the struggles so many of us who blog are going through. It leads me to believe that many others who do not blog are also facing some tough things and trying times.

I myself am facing a merger at the company I work for. Many will lose their jobs. I could be one of them. But I know my Jesus has things under control, no matter what happens. I worry most about those who don't Jesus. I am convicted to reach out to them in the next 3 weeks. By then the merger will most likely close and the dirty deed of layoffs will surely start. Lord, help me and my fellow Christian co-workers to reach as many as we can, so they might have a reason to hope!

I pray we are reaching out to others not in the blog community, asking how we can pray and help. Sometimes they need something tangible, a physical need met. We need to be willing to meet that need.

I am riveted this week to the following scripture. I pray you will be too.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:3-5)

Let us this week:

• Consider others
• Look after the interest of others
• Praise God that we are saved
• Help others know our precious Savior

Be blessed and be a blessing to others!

Thankful Thursday

Hi Everyone! It's Thankful Thursday again. Join Iris and many other bloggy friends at Sting My Heart for more thanks!

This week I wanted to share a thankful list I created for my current bible study. The exercise was to list praises for who God is to me personally.

I am thankful that God is....

My Hero, Redeemer and Friend

My Teacher, Guide and Leader

My Strength, Courage and Fortress

Thank You God that you are......

My Sanctuary, Hiding Place and Refuge

My Master, LORD and King

My Shepherd, Provider and Father

Thank You Jesus for being.....

Life to Me

My Living Water

My River of Life

Forever I will be thankful that You are.....

My Savior, Deliverer and Rescuer

My Restorer, Vindicator and Banner

My Joy, Peace and Lover of my soul

I'm thankful to have a God who is.....

My Perfecter

My Burden Bearer

My Shield

I know a God who is to me.....

Truth, Wealth and a Sacred Promise

May you know and be thankful for Him too!

Yes to God Tuesdays (Chapters 16 and 17)

Only two more weeks. Where has the time gone? We're in the home stretch with Lysa TerKeurst's book "What Happens When Women Walk In Faith". Join Lelia and my other bloggy friends as we answer that question.

****All purple text are direct quotes from Lysa****

Chapter 16 God's Portion, Position and Promise

I'll start with a quote: Understanding God's portion, position, and promise will be key as we progress from the death phase to the sweet promised land of resurrection.


Portion:
God provides exactly what we need. Just as Lusa illustrated how God provided Manna for the Israelites, He does the same for us. It's not manna but maybe it's patience or wisdom. Perhaps it's a financial windfall or just the right babysitter. He knows what we need and He will supply it.

Position:
Lysa stated that "It's easy to get so consumed with our promised land that we forget the promise Maker." "Ask yourself this question: What do I want more than anything else? If your answer is anything other than more of God in my life, then you are worshipping an idol of some sort. About a year ago my husband and I became consumed with the possibility of saving for and buying a house. I was thinking about it constantly. It dominated my thoughts and eventually my prayers. I soon recognized that it had become an idol. I had to immerse myself in the Word to restore God to His rightful place in my heart and mind. We still hold that dream but it is no longer an idol for me. If God makes a way for it, great. But I do not let it consume me anymore.

Promise:
Lysa states: "God is interested in my character, not my comfort". Well now. Lysa tells the story of how pure smooth silver is made. Here is the process: Heat, pound, turn, heat, pound, turn, heat, pound, turn. You get the picture. This is the same process God uses to purify and "holyfy" us (yeah I know I made that word up but it works for me!) Lysa says: "Don't rush through what God intends for you to learn today. Stay close to Him, be open to His teachings, be faithful in the rehearsals - opening night is on its way. "

In the personal questions Lysa asks us to write a prayer thanking God for His hesed or unfailing love. I'll share mine:

Thank You Father God for Your hesed. You have never forsaken me, even when I felt as if You had. I've been in the desert Lord and it is a hard place. But You were and are always there for me. May I never forget how much You love me and how faithfully and consistently. Thank You for loving, caring, preparing, protecting and guarding me. Amen

Chapter 17 God's Dream, God's Way

Chapter 17 starts the resurrection phase. We're not at the fully realized dream yet but we are close. As Lysa describes it, I was reminded of baking cookies. As the cookies bake you can begin to smell their wonderful aroma. Oh yes, you can almost taste them. But if you take one out now, you'll be eating half-baked cookie dough. YUCK! Our dreams are the same way. If we try to run ahead of God and make things happen, we wind up with a half-baked mess that doesn't quite resemble our dream. In fact it's disappointing.

Lysa says that "God's dream must be experienced God's way." What that means for us is that we might have to wait. Oh how that feels like we're wasting time. At least for me it does. Lysa though gives us something to do while God finishes His preparations, including preparing us.

1. Do not lose confidence in God's goodness
2. Be strong
3. Do not lose hope
4. Let God be your shield and your help
5. Be patient
6. Continue to cry out to God
7. Cling to His Word
8. Watch for His answers
9. Trust in His unfailing love
10. Rejoice in His redemption

Hmm that sure doesn't sound much like "waiting" as we generally think of it. So I encourage you as I encourage myself to wait on the Lord. Just as the timer tells us our cookies are done and ready to eat, God will let you know when the promise is fulfilled. And there will be nothing half-baked about it!

Be sure to get ready for our next study starting September 23. We'll be studying Lisa Whittle's book, "Behind Those Eyes". Go here to read more about it: Next Study.

I look forward to meeting you back here next week as we study more about the resurrection phase. Be blessed and don't forget to stop by Lelia's for more insight into this week's chapters.