Radio Invite

I hope your week is going great! I just celebrated my 44th birthday. Some are thinking "she is old" - Others "she isn't old enough - and the wise ones are pondering "ah... she is just right"! I don't know what I am, except thankful for the family and time God has given me.


This  Saturday, February 19th @ 9 am (central US time) I am going to be on the LOVE TALK radio ministry. Cindi Vana and Evelyn Davison have invited me to come and share with Cindi as Evelyn will be out of town. I would love for you to pray for the event and listen. I have provided a link to the radio station. Just click on the link below. When you are at the site click "LISTEN LIVE" at the top of the web site.I hope you can come! Have a great week end!

//klgo.net/

The Afters - "Ocean Wide"

Happy Valentine's Day! This is a great song. My husband and I know the lead singer. He would come to our youth group when my husband was a youth pastor. The Afters have a lot of great songs. I like this one because it is about a relationship. You know, I think many times we are stronger for living through the harder times. Through Christ we can "swim" through difficulties and love always makes anytime better! I pray you have no tears today, only smiles ... even when you think of the harder times that have brought you through stronger together by God's mercy and love. 

The Afters have many wonderful songs. They did not make this video. Overall, I thought the young lady did a great job. Enjoy!

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Poor Job's Wife

"His wife said to him, 'Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!" He replied, "Are you talking like a foolish woman? Shall we accept the good from God and not trouble? In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." Job 2:9-10

What was it like like to have been married to the most tested man  in the old testament? We don't know much about Job's wife. We don't even know her name. We have a distinct account of who, when, and what Job lost. We have an equal and accurate account of whom, when and what Job gained after his testing. We know the names of Job's friends who came to sit with him. We are given great detail of what they said. But not Job's wife. We know little about her. We know she was there in plenty, was there during his suffering, and was there after the testing to see God's blessings. We know a lot about Job, but we don't know much about his wife.

For example, we know what Job did when he heard his children all died, but not her. We know about her lifestyle before the test (riches, servants, children, friends, money, a great home), but we don't know the day to day struggle and added stress she went through as it all feel apart. We know how Job felt, but not how she felt when she woke up one day with everything and then lived many days with nothing and no assurance that it would change. We know Job suffered from horrible sores that he would pick at with broken pieces of clay, but we don't know what it was like for her to watch her strong provider who loved the Lord be reduced to a broken , flesh eaten man. Poor Job's wife.

She  lived this horrific moment in time, and has become summed up as a joke that says, "The only thing God left him was a naggy wife." She is given two sentences and her lot in all of this has been cast by many as the additional curse. No one will truly know all of her, but I think there are some implications here that pastor's spouses would be wise to think about.

The first being that we don't know her name. Do you ever feel like that at church? Like, "Hey! My name isn't pastor Randy's wife. My name is Debbie. And I am not just the pastor's wife or the kids mom. I am a smart woman who has interests and opportunities." Personally, I don't really feel dismissed. I make a point not to be. Actually, I like being Randy's wife, but I think I enjoy that because I don't allow myself to be labeled as "just the wife." I have my own ministries, and life. Job's wife didn't really have a lot of options in her day.You and I have many options. Let's make them count.

Perhaps she felt, and this is my second point, trapped. Women had zero rights in those days. She had little option but to endure the hardship. We just had a training day at work last week. My boss brought in a nurse from the local Methodist Health Care Hospital. She talked about stress. Some symptoms were (PHYSICAL) fatigue, weight gain, rash, tension / (EMOTIONAL)  anxiety, the "blues", mood swings, worrying, little joy / (SPIRITUAL) emptiness, loss of meaning, doubt, martyrdom, cynicism / (MENTAL) forgetfulness, low productivity, lethargy, whirling mind, dull senses / (RELATIONAL) isolation, intolerance, loneliness, hiding, nagging, distrust, fewer contacts with friends, and lashing out. Hmmm,I wonder? Do you think the biggest test of all time could foster any or all of these emotions?! Maybe you have felt like this? Maybe even now you feel trapped due to a problem or situation? I wish we knew if Job's wife had Godly friends. What could they have said that would have made her feel better? Maybe nothing at all. Perhaps just being there as a support would have helped. Do you have a support group of friends? You need them. You feel less trapped when you have others praying for you. Your husband should be your friend. If you need to, talk to a counselor.You have the ability to utilize those friends as prayer partners. "If two of you agree on earth about anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My father in heaven." Matthew 18:19 In addition we know as Christians that, "we are more than conquerors through Christ." We don't have to live a trapped life. We have a savior.

Thirdly, our words matter. I have never said curse God and die to Randy. I have said, "Why do you waste your time? Your ministry in that area... those people ...(fill in the rest)" Ugh! What if there was a chronicle about Randy's life and the only lines you heard about me were, "And she said unto Randall, You are wasting your time." I would yell out, "I demand a redo!" I have stood in the rain in a bunny suit holding a church sign! I have passed out more fliers than the national forest has trees. I only started liking coffee because a coffee house is the best place to meet. I care for our children when he is at meetings. Most importantly, I love this ministry too. Don't be a hater... I have had moments of weakness! Maybe you have too. Don't live there. We can ask for forgiveness and overcome.

I think Job's wife had a moment of weakness. The Hebrew word for curse is Masoretic. It actually means to bless. She was in effect saying, "Hey darlin', you are steadfast on the Lord no matter what. So, given all that has gone on in your life... why don't you bless (or curse) God and DIE... cuz it is pretty crudy! That is why she got such a harsh answer from Job when he called her foolish and said we are here for the good and the bad God brings. May I point out she stayed even when the ugliness seemed to be "winning". We know of her in one other account (Job 19)  that she had to turn her head from him because his breath was so putrid due to his illness. Curse or bless, Job was right... God is with us in the good and bad. I hope she learned that. Pastor's wife you can overcome.

Don't miss this last point dear ones. There will be trouble, Christ assured us of that (John 16:33). But we live in the protection of the one who has overcome the world. Troubles and trials come, God is there and he is always faithful. Words matter because from the heart the mouth speaks. How is your heart? We don't know much about Job's wife, but we do know this; she was there to experience restoration. She had a husband who was strong when she couldn't be. She experienced more than she had before, and I think she loved all that God had given (pre-trial and post-trial), but I am sure she was changed by the trials...stronger some how. We don't hear from her again but we know they were blessed because of faithfulness to the Lord. Be faithful, if you curse or bless God and leave when it is hard, you will miss out on the blessings God will provide. Sometimes we have to leave a situation. Let's just make sure we aren't having a what's her name moment. God does some of his best work and blessings through us and in us when we are refined in the trials.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid... for the Lord goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Get out of the cold!

I turned my radio on to find an update about the cold weather. It only took seconds and my favorite AM station was letting me know that, with the wind,  it was going to feel like zero degrees tonight. The announcer went on to say this cold weather is affecting thirty one states and spans over two thousand miles! IT WILL BE ONE OF THE WORST STORMS IN HISTORY! I then called my mom and she told me that in Oklahoma everything had come to a stand still. Along with their weather in the teens and single digits, my frozen family is enduring massive snow drifts. The only bright spot for the Oklahoma familia in these cold times were those two precious words SNOW DAY! All sisters, and nephews are staying home and wearing their pajamas well into the mid morning ... good times! My clan is not so blessed. We have the cold, but south Texas doesn't get much snow. So, off to school we go.All of this cold weather started me thinking about the snow storm that sometimes sneaks into our souls.

Have you ever had a need or a question that you have begged God to answer and the Lord took what seemed forever to give the answer?  That is  what I consider a warmer climate. When we are waiting for God to answer, no matter the length of time, our thermostat is set on high and we long for his sweet reply. Psalm 42:2 says, " My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" John 6:35 says, "Then Jesus declared,..."whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." It is so wonderful when we thirst or long for the things of God. We know God satisfies, and he gives us a peace.

All of this is no surprise to Satan. He knows God will answer, and he knows God will provide. Matthew 6:40 tells us that "if God cares so wonderfully for the flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you?" Satan knows God can satisfy but he tries everything he can to cast doubt and fear into the Lord's plan, and if we're not careful our thirst for his answer can grow cold and bitter and a snowdrift over our faith can cover our soul.

Like all great storms it starts with a little cloud of doubt or hurt, or worry. When we don't take it and leave it with the Lord, the cloud picks up momentum. It rolls over the area we are most vulnerable. At first we try to isolate the cold front to just that one area of our life, but you see... it doesn't work like that. God wants all of us because he knows that the blizzard of worry or pain rolls over into the sunniest of places. It effects those we love because our temper is shortened and cold. It effects our choices from tv shows to how much we spend at the store because when we are in a blizzard we lose our way. Like the snow we allow the wind to toss us to and fro. Our worries or anger rule and the SON no longer shines and warms us and lights the way.

Have you ever been in a spiritual snow drift? I have. It is a horrible place to be. You long for the warmth that hope brings but find none. As a christian you know the way out of the cold. You know what to do, but you have to choose to do it. When someone is facing freezing conditions, the best warmth they can get is to huddle next to another. God not only wants to be close; he wants to cover you. When you allow God to cover you, your cold snap will end. Sometimes it leaves quickly. Many times it is a conscious effort to allow God to reign over all areas of your life. Like a blizzard, it may take time for the snow to melt. That means you have to allow good habits to replace the bad habits you created out in the cold (like complaining or worry or ... you tell me). The hurt and cold will try to linger. You melt the ice  by following God's instructions (the Bible) and allowing him to cover you (God's salvation through Christ"). If you allow God to take control of your journey I promise you that he will guide you into a much better climate. And that answer or question you needed to know before you drifted into the cold will be there... because the ultimate answer or provision is that God is enough.

Are  there any clouds on your horizon? Take them to the Lord.

Matthew 10:39 "If you cling to your life you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will find it."

And the answer is...

A few summers ago I was working outside on my front lawn. Several cars had passed by and I wasn't really paying attention. I was caught up in the tree that I was pruning. Another car passed by. Then, all of the sudden backed up and stopped. That got my attention.


The lady who had stopped lived exactly one block from my home. She, her husband, and their son had gone to our church for a brief time, but had quit coming. In fact, it had been over a year since they had come. We would smile at the grocery store or in the neighborhood but not much more. She had stopped that day to tell me what her preschooler said as they drove by. She said that they were driving by and their son Troy saw me working, he pointed at me and said, "Look! There's Jesus!" The truth is I was Troy's teacher in the preschool room at church for just a short while, but when he saw me, Christ is who came to mind.

All Christians have been given a high calling. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, ..."we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us."  People look at you and  check out your holy meter for the day. But guess what? They should! And it is not for you to prove, but to live!


Have you thought about how much God loves you today? He does! He is waiting to whisper hopes and truth through his Word moment by moment. He is waiting for you to be a living breathing example of his love.


My life is going through some changes. No worry I have placed on it or plan I have made has not made results come any quicker. People are watching. Many are praying (thank you). This week my husband got his last full time paycheck from this church. Four kids, life responsibilities and we are going to be bi-vocational. Randy, my husband, is starting a new job that has yet to match our income. Most people think we are crazy. It reminds me of when we came to San Marcos nine and a half years ago to start a church with three kids (one was a baby) people thought we were crazy... me too. It hasn't always been easy, but we have seen lives changed and God has made our lives better for being here.

So big surprise, the God who has never failed is on the move again working his will in our lives. I don't know if anyone who drives by my house will point at me this month and say there's Jesus, but I hope they drive by and say there are the folks who love Jesus, and he is at work in their lives.

What would someone say if they drove past your home?


Romans 1:17 "The righteous will live by faith."

Knock knock, God's There

If you have ever spent significant time with a preschooler you learn very quickly to never start the dreaded knock knock jokes. It goes from silly to eye rolling very fast. It begins with one goofy joke and rolls into a stream of silly jokes that become the equivalent of a bad Las Vegas comedy act. Today I read Revelation 3:20. It said, "Behold I stand at the door and knock, If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me." Why that verse made me think of knock knock jokes, I have no idea. I think perhaps because of the line that comes after knock knock; which is, of course, who's there?

Who's there? In regards to Rev 3:20, how about the King of Kings?! Imagine, Christ came to earth, lived among us, taught us, healed us, blessed us, showed us how to live, died for our sins, conquered death, and rose again. What is Christ doing after that impressive list? He is standing at the door knocking. It is not just any door. It is yours and mine, and ANYONE'S door. Christ came to save us and he is ALL IN!

This past week I was praying everyday and fasting some of those days. I plan on fasting and praying this week as well. I pray all the time, but there is just something about adding the element of fasting. I believe fasting is a physical reminder of taking our eyes off ourselves and placing them on Christ. Christ says, " if anyone opens the door he will come in and he will eat with them, and they with me." Eating together and being together with Christ is powerful. It is a feast we could never have or afford if not for Christ.  It is more than asking "who's there" because when we answer the door we are really discovering "what's there."

When I started last week praying and fasting I sounded more like the preschooler doing her Las Vegas act. Instead of knock knock jokes I was going on and on with my long list. I was just broken and I was listing my needs. You know, on the whole it is okay to ask. I need answers, and I want them from God.

God wants us to ask, but I believe God wants us not to only ask for what we think we need, but to ask Him what does He want for us. You see, I only know what I know... and that ain't much these days. God has these amazing answers that can only be summed up as WOW! I tell folks, "Listen, the reality is you are going to go through life, and at times, trials. The question remains are you going to go through them alone or with God? Because you are you going to go through them one way or the other."

It gives me comfort knowing that God wants in! He is knocking even when I don't think He is available. I need to listen close for His knock. God wants in. The price for opening the door is allowing God to come in and change your menu from mac and cheese to steak with all the trimmings for two. Join me at awake21.org. You might open your door and if you do, you will find God sized answers.

Check out this sweet preschooler I found on you tube. She has a great knock knock song for us all. May we have sweet child like faith to live out these words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1DHGL2r9vE

Getting Answers

Today Pastor Bil preached a great sermon. It was so good that instead of tithe I almost had to write, "payment for therapy session" on the envelope. He was talking about taking your life to the next level. Being married to a pastor myself, I know that the title Welcome to the Next Level is so much better than Hey Slob, Get Your Life Going! One of the verses in his sermon was Psalm 138:8 which says, The Lord will work out his plans for my life for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me. " (NLT)

I love that Psalm. Most scholars believe it was written on no particular occasion, but was instead a song of love, and provision about our mighty  God. In verses 1 - 5 the psalmist is praising God for answering his prayer. In verses 6 - 8 the Lord is dealing with both the humble and the proud. Bil's first point was simple. It was to decide what you want in 2011. He said later in the sermon that most people don't work toward a goal because they see the whole problem and don't take bite sized chunks to reach the goal. I would add that sometimes we see a big goal, we see a big God who is whole, and we see our inept selves and want to crawl in a hole.

What if you are so overwhelmed by the whole that you are confused as to what you want at all? Remember when you were little and a band aid fixed everything? The band aid was almost euphoric as it covered the pain, and it seemed to disappear. As we grow we realize band aids are a fix but they are not the solution. Do you know what you want in 2011? You do? Lucky! I can't say I am quite there. Some years it comes pretty easy. This year has started as more of a journey. The thing I want most in 2011 is for God to give me a clear vision for my life. 

I have a daily calender based from the book The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormy Omartian.Today she spoke about prayer itself. She said:
"Prayer is acknowledging and experiencing the presence of God and inviting His presence into our lives and circumstances. It's seeking the presence of God and releasing the power of God, which gives us the means to overcome any problem."
For me, today was not about moving toward, but moving forward. Seeking God and loving Him along with loving my family, my church, and others I get. How 2011 looks in the big spectrum is still a bit fuzzy. A little slack please. Our lives are changing. Our finances are changing (for the better or worse I can't yet say), and did you know no one asked me if I wanted them to change?! I am, as you say, along for the ride.

Today, I am making a conscientious decision to stop this ride and ask God for directions. I mean really ask as in REALLY ASK. I am choosing to be part of a movement called Awakening. You can find it at awake21.org. This is 21 days of prayer, fasting, and personal devotion. Honestly, I am perplexed this year. I have pieces of  God's direction but to say I see clearly... not so much ... yet. But God is so good. I know the result of truly asking God and that is He answers.

What is ahead that God would have me go to my knees this hard? (big breath) We will see.

(also from the sermon) "...fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of maturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."
Romans 12:2 MSG