Sabbath is for you too {no matter how your week went}

Your week was probably very full. Mine too. Sunday arrives, and we think to ourselves - another week starts tomorrow, and I really need to get on top of XYZ if I'm going to feel 'ready' for Monday! This past weekend, I had worked hard to get most everything done on Saturday, so I could rest on Sunday. The afternoon was open to spend time with my man, read, journal, and then a Bible study / yoga class in the evening. I had a perfect plan to get the rest I needed. But then life happened. My tires needed to be rotated, we had waited too long already, and didn't want the tires to be damaged by waiting longer. So... I reluctantly agreed to give up my perfectly planned afternoon to go with my hubby and take care of my car. Grrr... I thought, this day is not going how I was hoping! My stress and anxiety level started to rise, and I instantly thought of the few things I still had to get done before Monday, which otherwise would not have been a problem had this need arose. Getting the tires done took much longer than we expected, and before I knew it, the afternoon was ticking away. When we finally got ready to go, I was a mess of tears and anxiety. "I didn't get everything done OR rest like I wanted to this weekend!" I lamented to my husband. I immediately planned on pushing aside the short amount of time I had to do restful things, so that I could be 'productive' and 'feel good about a new week starting'...

But as a good and loving Father would have it, and with the encouragement of my husband, I listened to the nudging within to let the dishes sit, forget about vacuuming, and not worry about the receipts that hadn't been entered. As I moved forward with the plans for rest I so needed (starting with a Starbucks date together (insert grin - isn't he sweet?)), Jesus reminded me that Sabbath is a gift for us all, regardless of what we have accomplished in the time leading up to it, what happens in our schedule, or who enters into our day unexpectedly.

Peace comes from connecting with God and allowing our souls to breathe, not by perfectly aligning our schedules and circumstances, or completing to-do lists.

I'm letting go of the idea that I have to perform well in order to 'earn' a day of rest. Perhaps you need to hear that too, and live in that freedom? Taking a day, or even a few hours of rest, is a gift from our Father - will you accept it this weekend? Let's let go of the expectations we have for ourselves and for others. Sabbath is a 'hard stop' to everything that tugs at us, everything that competes for our peace and joy. Sabbath is a time to do things that refresh us, whether that be creative, relational, entertaining, or simply quieting our minds and social connections online to make space for God. There's no formula! I have learned that it is okay, yes important to set aside time once a week (at least) to do something I enjoy and look forward to, even if it feels like a 'waste' of time. The love and grace of God, when understood and fully embraced, will always look and feel incredibly lavish and wasteful, in a sense. We will never deserve the gifts of God, so let's all commit together to receive from the Lord for a few moments today, a few hours this weekend, or even extended time away with those we love - without feeling guilty!

As it turns out, not only did our tires need rotation and general maintenance, but there was a nail in one tire! Letting go of my plans saved me from getting stuck on the side of the road, and that surely would have been a stressful Monday!! In just the same way, when we let go of our plans, and embrace the 'regular maintenance' and refreshment of a weekly Sabbath, we are able to quiet our hearts and see the deeper issues in our hearts, health, and relationships. Wouldn't you prefer to avoid a bigger issue that could have been helped with a little preventative care? Rest is what prepares and fuels us for a new week, not being productive. 

Sabbath is for you too, friend. It's for me, it's for all of us, regardless of whether we think we deserve it or not. 

Embraced by his lavish love, 

Ruth

Links for additional refreshment and joy from around the web: 

Blogger Lisa-Jo Baker & husband Peter bought their first home - at 40 - and what she learned as she waited - we are ALL waiting on something; this might be the word you need to hear. I know I did!

The Day I Realized I Had a Job (Hope*ologie Podcast from May 2, 2015 - encouragement to prioritize and adjust your life to make room for creative endeavors...)

The Big Boo podcast (Southern mom bloggers Big Mama and Boo Mama - I hope you laugh your head off! I know I certainly do every time I listen!! :-)

Living Well Spending Less - I've been waiting for this book to go on sale and it did this week, yay!! (sorry if you missed it, but go buy it anyway!) You won't be disappointed. 

No time for self-care? The Fringe Hours could change that! {book review}

I was recently blessed to be part of an online study for Jessica Turner's book, The Fringe Hours, and
trust me... it couldn't have come at a better time! The months of March - April proved to be a very full time (sharing a car, both of us working more hours, visitors, new health challenges). Many of those things were good (or had hidden blessings - like more time together on our shared commute), but a full schedule can certainly make it hard to find time for yourself. If you are anything like me, it is so easy to put everyone and everything else ahead of my own health and happiness. It can be challenging to know what godly service looks like - aren't we called to put others before ourselves? YES, of course... but does that mean that we completely ignore our own needs? Of course not. I value self-care and holistic health, but when it comes down to everyday life, I'm no different than any of you... how in the world do we find time to do it? Many of you have kids, work in some capacity, volunteer, and more I'm sure! Do you ever get to the end of the day, put your head on the pillow, and realize that you did absolutely nothing for yourself all day? This book will help you learn how to utilize your 'fringe hours' to change that...

Jessica's book is divided into four parts :

1. Explore (discussion of balance, self-imposed pressures, and how to eliminate guilt and comparison)
2. Discover (delves into ways to shift our perspective about self-care, what activities actually help each of us rest and recover personally, an exploration of past joys, starting a dream board, and actually finding the time to do all this!)
3. Maximize (how to prioritize activities, time management and efficiency, admitting the need for, as well as finding, help...and how to overcome common obstacles)
4. Live Well (valuing and cultivating community, what is rest and how to find it, and finally, choosing joy and living well)

An appendix also contains some 'extras' like The Fringe Hours Manifesto, survey results (the author surveyed more than 2000 women from all 50 states and more than 30 countries!) and a companion website with more goodies (www.fringehours.com). I enjoyed using the time log found at the companion website to discover where all my time was really going (what, you mean another week went by and I didn't get to xyz...??)

Some of my takeaways were the reminder to care well for ourselves and how to eliminate guilt and comparison, as well as choosing joy, cultivating community, and finding rest. The chapter on identifying my own personal self-care needs was especially insightful as well. Everyone is different when it comes to what energizes and drains us, so this was a wonderfully helpful section. I also appreciated the companion book club, videos, and social media connections for added support. All of that can be found here on the {in}courage website.

Although some of the author's suggestions were familiar, many I had not considered, and the practical suggestions combined with philosophical discussion was a very nice balance (haha)...

I'd encourage you to put this book on your 'wishlist' even if you can't get to it now... you won't be disappointed! I received the book as a free giveaway from {in}courage and am very grateful. I did not receive any compensation for this review - all ideas and opinions are my own.

For your wellness and God's glory,

Ruth

(Please consider using this linked image below to buy the book, at no additional charge, while supporting this blog...thank you!)

Why Lent is not about trying harder

The scene we witnessed as a student team was both beautiful and haunting, watching a devoted follower crawl through the streets of a large Central American city on hands and knees, a bleeding, thorn-crowned, impersonation of Christ. This happens all over the world this time of year, and we might find this both shocking and moving. Recently, we also saw 21 martyrs answer the call of Christ to face death rather than turn from him. These dramatic events cause us to tremble, and look at our own lives. What sacrifice am I being called to? Is daily faithfulness just as important and sacrificial? Perhaps God is not calling you to something that appears to be as difficult as these examples, but the daily surrender to grace can be difficult as well.

The idea of 'giving something up' for Lent is relatively new to me, coming from a church background that was not especially liturgical. But the idea fits my personality quite well, being the over achiever that I was for years.

This year, I arrive at the Lenten season tired. Can you relate? The year has just started, but do you look at your goals for the year and sigh, knowing you'll never quite meet them? This is the perfect storm for many of us to approach the Easter season with a works-righteousness mindset, myself included. Coming to Christ needy, rather than with something to offer, is just plain uncomfortable.  Does this mean that God might still be calling you to sacrifice greatly this year? Yes, of course, but our response should be obedience more than sacrifice. I often find myself signing up for more than God is ever asking of me. Like my goal to read through the Bible this year - not a bad thing, at all, but why? Motivation in all our actions is key. I'm not going to say my motivation in that goal was bad, but why then have I resisted the Spirit's prompting to let go of that goal, and rather just focus on one passage? One. Not exactly what this goodie goodie wants to hear. I'm finding comfort in that one passage, in this book, and in the resources listed below.

What is God calling you to this Lenten season? Is he calling you to give up worry (like me), to find rest for your soul? Is he calling you to give up consumerism, for the joy of simplicity and contentment? Is he calling you to really just give in to his love, rather than giving up in general, like you might be tempted to do? Can we see the joy of what he is offering, rather than the contrived self-sufficiency that only serves to make us weary?

May we all find relief in his sacrifice this Easter season, rather than striving for righteousness in a way that leads to death rather than life, guilt rather than glory, unnecessary pain rather than purpose, misery rather than marveling at his grace. Because it really is all about him, isn't it? Let go of your need to feel good about yourself with self-imposed deeds of righteousness, and instead, find your worth in having been chosen as the focus of his sacrificial love, before all time and eternity.  By HIS stripes we are healed, not our own.  That's where I'm camping out right now, and the view is amazing.


Additional resources to fill your soul, cover you with love, and release you from guilt...

Resources from Ann Voskamp for Lent (and why failing at Lent could be better)

Ann's weekly Multivitamins post - don't miss this!! Sure to delight and inspire.

She Reads Truth Lent series

The Fringe Hours - Finding Time for You (what if God is calling you to give up busyness, to better care for yourself?) and online book club to go along

Emily Freeman's blog - a space for your soul to breathe

Emily's podcast and Art of Simple podcast (both are fun and refreshing)

Beautiful Enya video - Perhaps the grace of our Savior will keep you singing?

(Photos from some lovely friends at our church in Florida - really missing the sunny people and weather up here in the frigid north...)

Adjust your expectations, Miss Piggy!

I have to admit, I haven't laughed as hard as I did watching Muppets Most Wanted on Christmas Day... in quite some time. Not sure what that says about me, but there you go, think what you will! :) Regardless of whether you see the movie or not, you really MUST watch this music video. HI-larious, as my family would say! Paul and I got a good laugh out of it for days, really :) The movie and this video in particular got me thinking though, what have my expectations been lately - for myself, my marriage, my life, my faith, etc? Are they healthy, godly expectations, or are they self-centered worldly expectations? Okay, I'll be honest, a little of both. You too?

When we were newly married almost four years ago, Paul and I read Paul David Tripp's book, What Did You Expect? {Redeeming the Realities of Marriage} together, and it was revolutionary for us. I suspect Miss Piggy has not read this book (and Kermit is wise not to pop the question until she does! :) Expectations are tricky little boogers. Unfortunately for most of us, we don't realize we even have expectations for a certain relationship or situation until we find ourselves disappointed with the realities we are facing.

This time of year, I think it is safe to say that we are all faced with expectations for the new year before us. Whether those are positive, healthy expectations, guilt-ridden expectations, or simply selfish expectations, that's for you and God to evaluate...sharing with a friend is good too. Expectations are not inherently wrong, and in fact, can sometimes be helpful. Healthy expectations can help us make wise choices, enjoy the blessings around us, and dream about what God could do with our gifts and talents, among other things. Selfish expectations can do the opposite, often robbing us of joy, leading us down fruitless paths, and distracting us from God's best for our lives. As we move forward into our year, might we consider what our deeper motivations and expectations are? Why are we doing/planning/hoping for the things we are hoping for? Are our goals and expectations informed by truth, selfless love, and joy in Christ?

I've also seen that my dreams and expectations can be too small, as well! God-centered hopes and expectations are fixed on the person of Christ, HIS goals in the world, who we are in the image of God, and His power that can make all things possible. Only God knows if our hopes/dreams/expectations for ourselves this year are what HE would want. Have we asked Him to lead us in this area? Are we more focused on changing someone else, than being focused on surrendering to the amazing things God wants to do in and through us this year?

For added encouragement on this topic check out Emily Freeman's book, A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live or Holley Gerth's You're Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You, as well as the Paul David Tripp book I mentioned above.

Please consider leaving a comment with your favorite book or resource on the topic! I'd love to learn from your experience. I'm also curious about the new movie Into the Woods, as I've heard it displays the down side of getting what we want. Have you seen it? What do you think?

Praise the Hope Giver {Day 9}

Living hope-full is not natural.  I can tell you're not surprised to read that!  I'm sure you've had numerous things this year, month, even today, that have threatened to steal your joy.  I've felt it too.  But sitting on the other side of a rough situation and talking that over with a friend has reminded me that God is always at work, even when we don't see it.  He is behind the scenes - fighting for your joy!  And often, those hard circumstances that you are trudging through will bring you to the beautiful mountain-top views that you crave.  Not always, but persevere long enough, and you'll see the sun rise over the darkness.  

Life is so similar to running a race, and I always appreciated when my family, friends, or coaches stood on the sidelines and reminded me, "You can do it!" or "Go for the finish" or "Get this girl at the end"!  Often, that exhortation at just the right time pushed me to dig deep and pass another runner or two.  So can I do that for you now?  Will you keep pushing through, trusting that there is hope in Christ even when all seems dark?

Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds me that my hope to persevere is found by keeping my eyes on Christ: 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Alive - Natalie Grant song and video

We praise you Jesus, for you are the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)!  You are able to overcome any situation that burdens us.  We praise you for the hope we have in You, regardless of what storms we are facing.  Thank you for the cross!  Amen.

Praise His unchanging character {Day 5}

Dear friends,

There are few things that are more comforting to me than the fact that God does not change.  Hebrews 13:8 tells us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Psalm 46:1 and 7 remind us that He is our 'refuge and strength', our stronghold.  Contrary to many things in this world, including our own fluctuating circumstances, desires, emotions, and choices, God can be trusted to never waver.  Praise Him today for the blessing and the stability this provides us with....

Matt Redman- 10,000 Reasons/ Bless the Lord Oh my Soul Video

You are loved, cared for, and cherished by an unchanging God!

Take a look at this post to see the whole Power of Praise series....

As May draws to a close...

Hello friends,

David Nevue is playing in the background (through the stereo, of course!) and I'm enjoying this salad from dinner last night.  I have some ideas for what I'd like to be discussing here at Ruthless Love this summer (hello summer: I've been longing for you!) Well, stay tuned, but one series will involve this book.  Yea!  We're doing the study at our church this summer and I am super-thrilled, trying to contain myself, excited!

But back to the title of this article; I've thought a lot about motherhood this month, and frankly, struggled with the topic immensely.  I've confessed here how I long for that season to come.  I know it will come in some form, some day, but it still hurts to have an empty home.  Especially on Mother's Day.  I must say, however, that several sweet friends prayed and encouraged me that motherly weekend, checked to make sure my heart was holding up.  Thanks especially, Laurie and Gwen!  Dear souls.  Dear friends.

On the flip side, however, I am learning so much during this season I am in.  I never learn and grow as fast as I'd like, but it is encouraging when our gracious Father allows me to see at least a little progress in myself.  Here's a link to my recent article on Letter to my Sisters.  I hope it encourages you in whatever season you find yourself in.

Seize your day for Christ!

Ruth

Today is a day to choose...JOY.

Hello friends,

For various reasons, I've had a few days of late in which I've really needed to practice what I'm preaching (check out my recent letter at Letters to My Sisters...).  I've found some resources that have helped me in the battle to choose joy, when there is no desire to do so:

Daily Audio Bible app
Piper's Solid Joys Devo and app
31 Days of Praise

Contemplative Prayer by Bjorkland


I hope some of these resources will be helpful to you as you fight through your own discouragements and disappointments.  The enemy is real, but He who is in you is greater!

**The books above are affiliate links...

Many blessings my friend,

Ruth

Expectation...both good and bad?

{It's Friday and we're linking up with Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday!}

Expectation makes me shiver....shiver with delight, as I meditate on the glory God will reveal both in this life and the next, but also shiver with dismay, as I think back on all the legalistic, oppressive expectations I have set for myself, for others.  Expectation is both good and bad.

The good...

Being expectant with hope is the essence of Christianity.  As Paul says, if we do not have the hope of eternity, we are of all people the most pitied!  Why would we suffer and struggle though this imperfect life, if not because of our Savior and in expectation of the great and glorious plans He has for us in the eternal kingdom!  {remind me, please, that this world is not all there is??}  Hope is something that we all cling to in our life here on earth, as well.  Whether good or bad, and I've heard arguments for both, hope to see this or that happen in our mundane, every day lives sustains us.  Yes, of course we hope to truly HOPE in the right things, but the little joys are certainly wonderful too!  I think of the expectant bride, the pregnant woman, the college grad, the home-bound soldier, and the dying saint, all full of hope in what is to come.

The bad....

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I watched the man from afar, grumbling as he walked throughout the store, saying something about not finding what he wanted. 'It just figures' he said, as the clerk told him that the item he wanted was back-ordered.... Then there was the party we had all hoped would be a wonderful event, the park pavilion reserved and the cookie plates all perfectly arranged...and then the rain came!  Or even my hopes and dreams that my husband would do this or that for me, that life would be more fulfilling, that someone would be calling me 'Mom' by now. Expectations cause disappointment, you know this, right?  I know it too well.  And yet, I still expect perfection at times from myself and others.  I expect life to deliver to me what only eternity, and my Savior, can provide.  Do you do the same?

Okay, five minutes is up.  But now is your chance to adjust your expectations....what are YOU hoping in?

Blessings,
Ruth

Hope deferred, Joy found {and a review}

This weekend, one of my earthly hopes was deferred, again.  Maybe something you've been hoping in was not granted either.  If so, you understand the pain.  These things we hope for, they seem like good, godly things, right?  Is it wrong to hope for a loved one to accept the Lord, our character to be transformed, a child to be born, an elderly relative or neighbor to recover?  And the list goes on.  No, of course it is not wrong to wish for things, but it becomes wrong, misplaced hope, when our eyes are fixed on this more than on heaven, and the eternal life that is offered to us now through Christ.

Greetings from sunny Florida!

I love reading with my husband in the evenings, and this weekend, this book brought clarity to my discouraging situation.  I cannot do it justice, but if you are struggling to hope in Christ, I would strongly recommend this book.  Paul Tripp does not disappoint, and I was both challenged and convicted by his wise prose.  More than anything, I came away from this book with hope not only for eternity, but hope that is given in this life, through Christ.  You see, focusing our eyes on eternity makes all things come into perspective, and that is what had happened to me--I had lost perspective.  

Now I will say, my husband's silliness all weekend, intended to cheer me up, certainly helped as well.  (He is normally quite serious and I am the silly one.) I am so thankful for him, and the way he can help me see things with clarity.  Watching Emma together was also wonderful, as I know it was a big stretch from his preferred action-let's-see-how-many-things-we-can-blow-up movies!  

I trust God is shining joy into your days as well.

Enjoying our marriage journey

Blessings

Ruth

When You're Waiting for Redemption

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You've waited.  And waited.  To see your story turned around.  To see God bring good out of your suffering.  To know God's love in the depths of your heart.  What can you cling to?  Is there really hope that God will in fact work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28)?  YES, there is.  I have struggled with this very thing myself.  But I have slowly, with time and patience, seen God work my messes into good, beautiful things in my life.  And you will too.

Yesterday I came across this passage in a new study I am doing, and wanted to share it with you.  I hope you are encouraged.

1 Peter 5: 10:  "Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.  To Him be the dominion forever.  Amen."

Wow.  Talk about a powerful passage!  I am struck by this word:  personally.  Christ Jesus will PERSONALLY restore, establish, strengthen, and support you....  It sunk deep into my soul as I read this yesterday, and was again reminded of the immanent nature of our dear Lord.  He does not stand afar off, send His angels to do His dirty work, and wipe His hands of our messes.  No, He rolls up His sleeves, and jumps into the pit we are in, pulling us out by His own mighty hand.  I have discussed this here as well, but you can refer to Psalm 18 for more on this (another favorite passage of mine!)  :)

Meditate, if you will, on each word that God promises to fulfill:  He will personally RESTORE, ESTABLISH, STRENGTHEN, and SUPPORT you.  Is that not amazing!?!  Those are things that our hearts all long for when we are whipped around by the swirling winds of trials, when our minds, hearts and souls lack peace and comfort.  But here He promises to make everything beautiful in its time.

I also noticed this part of the verse:  'after you have suffered a little.'  Ha, you scoff!  'You don't understand what I've been through.'  And I probably don't.  But I too, have suffered great trials, and know the Word tells me that they are nothing, compared to the glory we will experience in our eternal home, heaven.  All the pain will one day pass away my friend, and you will be basking in the glory of your Savior.

So hold on tight to our God.  He is holding you even if your grasp slips, holding you tightly, and nothing can separate you from His love.

Your sister,

Ruth

Rejoice, Childless One {and a tribute}

The following passage has always been encouraging to me, especially on days like today.  

Isaiah 54: 1-3  “Rejoice, childless one, who did not give birth; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labor!  For the children of the forsaken one will be more than the children of the married woman,”  says the Lord. “Enlarge the site of your tent, and let your tent curtains be stretched out;  do not hold back; lengthen your ropes,

and drive your pegs deep.  For you will spread out to the right and to the left,  and your descendants will dispossess nations and inhabit the desolate cities.  

I long to be a mother, but the time has not come yet.  It is an ache that most, if not all, women feel.  The longing to nurture and bring life to this world.  And yet, this passage (though also talking to Israel) is a reminder that when childless in the human sense, we have a greater opportunity to be spiritual mothers.  God has given us who are not yet mothers the call and the privilege to mother young women and children in our churches, communities, and around the world in a way that those who care for their own children often do not have the time and energy for.  I take this very seriously, and have struggled over the last few months to not have young women whom I can mentor.  So of course I was very excited when I learned of the need at our church for a Junior High women's leader....I will be checking this out this coming week, and can't wait to see what God has in store!  Middle school has always been a favorite age for me, seeing the need for extra love and attention in girls during this vulnerable and formative time.  I can remember my years as a camp counselor, and how I also gravitated towards the middle school-aged cabins.  

Last night, Paul and I had the chance to attend a African American temple here in our town, and though we felt out of place at times, I was struck by their passionate worship.  I was even more moved when the pastor asked us to stand up, and receive a word of encouragement from the Lord.  What Pastor Jones shared brought me to tears, and reflecting on it later with Paul, I realized that I have heard a similar message at other pivotal times in my life:  the message that God has great plans to use my life, to reach others for His glory, and help them move past their own personal pain.  You see, we all struggle to believe that God has a valuable calling for us, and this was a reminder to me that my calling as a wife is important, but there are also gifts and talents that God has called me to use in my church and community.  I am eager to use them!

I hope today you are encouraged to passionately pursue God's call on your life, whether you are a mother or not.  We are all called to mother as women, in some way, shape, or form.  I cannot say it as well as this quote:

Source

I'd also like to give a tribute to my own mother, who faithfully instilled in me a love for the Lord and His Word as a young age.  It's because of her faithful love and prayers that I am the woman I am today.  It is a blessing to have a mother like my own, and I realize that it means I have a great responsibility to carry on her legacy, whether with my own children some day, or spiritually now, through our church family's needs.  

God bless you on this Mother's Day, dear woman of God.  I pray you know the mothering love of our God (Isaiah 66:13), and you are encouraged in your own mothering journey.

Ruth

Community: the Good and Bad, all Shared

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I've been in some good community groups, and some bad....some in between.  I've had friends that have walked with me through hard times, others who have walked away when times are not so enjoyable.  It hurts.  But I have found, by and large, that community is worth the risk.  The nitty gritty of knowing and loving someone well, and getting hurt by them, hurting them back, even though not intended.  The need for forgiveness, over and over, and over again.  It brings me joy and life in a way nothing else does, apart from my Jesus, and my wedded love.  The middle months of this past year have been lean on community.  We've struggled to get settled in a church home, really feel at home, and now it seems that the end of that season is around the corner.  We're settled in a good body of believers now, and so thankful, overflowing with thanks.  These people are real, and kind, and full of Truth.  The worship encourages and challenges us, and most of all, there is love.  Older men and women to look to for counsel, younger men and women, children, to encourage in their journey.  Plenty of life to live together, mistakes to make, triumphs to be had.  And so today, as I look forward to the regional community groups that start for our church next week, my heart is full with thanks, with joy.  I have been hurt by community, but I am ready to risk again, for the joy and hope of what Christ made possible for us on the Cross.

I hope you will take the plunge into real community too.

Blessings
Ruth

Take a peek over here at Gypsy Mama's Five Minute Friday.  Come back next Friday for another link-up!

No More Whys: When God's Comfort is Better than Answers

The revelation came gently to my soul, like a butterfly landing on a pile of mismatched items (concerns, questions, and the like)....it was a welcome visitor yesterday, as I read this book, and found truths that penetrated this second time around.  The end-of-chapter questions really stir up my soul and cause me to run to Christ in a new way.  Then this morning, listening to this sermon, and the message came again:  put aside the why's and find comfort in our Sovereign Lord.  Again, it penetrated my soul.  What a surprise to hear the same message again, just a day later, and have it seal on my soul what God is saying to me of late.

Source

Do you struggle in hard times, and beyond, to wonder why?  I have struggled with this, though the crisis is years behind me.  The after-math still plagues me and causes me to doubt the love of God.  Perhaps you have been through this.  What I didn't realize is that these doubts are keeping me from the plans God has to use the pain for my good and His glory.  I have resisted the comfort of God, in some ways, because I have not fully trusted His goodness in allowing all that happened back in Colorado.  My health and life had fallen apart, and I was left wondering why?  But yesterday it became clear to me that that was no longer an option.  No longer will I cling to my silent demands that God explain Himself.  I will simply place those questions on the altar, and place my full confidence in God and His goodness.  And wouldn't you know it, but I feel freer, lighter in my soul, and have a closeness to Christ that I did not know even just a day ago.  I invite you to take this journey as well.

Each of us has acute pain, and residual pain.  That is life in a fallen world, and we cannot escape it.  Even Christ asked 'why?' on the cross....But we must choose, like Job, to put aside our initial questions and frustration, and by an act of will, accept the sovereignty of God as our comfort.  I believe this is the beginning of a second level of healing for me, for anyone who takes this road.  Even Job says that he was able to not only hear of the Lord, but see him with his eyes....That is something I am so excited to experience.  I have not been walking far from God, but the hope of a deeper relationship with Him is so exciting!

Source

So I set the whys up on a high shelf, a place where I can take them down and remember all God took me through, and how He was faithful to provide and protect.  I will take them down and share them with friends and my children, some day.  But I will not question God's goodness and sovereignty any longer.  In return, I know that God will offer deeper comfort and relationship than I have known, comfort that I can share with others.  I pray that you will know this rich comfort as well, and that you will not doubt God's goodness as I have.  Our hope is in a God that loves us enough to allow both the good and the bad into our lives.  And that is something that will quiet my soul, when the 'whys' come back to trouble me.  Surely we have a great and trustworthy God.  I pray you know His love, even today.

Abundant blessings be yours,

Ruth

The Joy Dare

Just a quick note on something that may bring you joy, and that is what I am trying to cultivate too...

Check out this post...the habit we all need...

And this list to help capture the gifts...

Please will you consider the JOY DARE that is spreading all across the nation?  Ann Voskamp over at A Holy Experience is hoping/planning to give a new list of suggestions/helps in your journey (and mine) towards joy and gratitude every month this year.  I am SO excited!  Do you remember my comment that I want to focus more on joy around here, this my humble online abode?  Well, when Ann posted the above post and got the Joy Dare going, I got excited.  You see, I have been recording thanks in my gratitude journal, here and there.... (only a few hundred) but I know my joy could be increased, my heart expanded, and my God glorified.  This done not merely to be faithful to the discipline (though discipline is good), but that in the process, my heart could change.  And that is my hope.  Will you come on this journey too, the Joy Journey?  I hope you do.  Road trips are always better with more dear souls...to rejoice, make memories, and share victories.  And that is what I hope we can do here.  One person at a time.  Join me?

And if you are following the above list, my thanks for January 7:

~grace from my husband, who listens to me, encourages me, and is so patient
~grace from dear Elaine, who spent the day with me, and helped me see more clearly
~grace from a SB2W kitchen crew gal on FaceBook, who sent a happy hello and genuine encouragement....

The Who I Am in Christ Series: Child of God

I can think of no better place to start this series than square in the lap of Daddy God, as His beloved, adopted child.  And that is where we find ourselves, in John 1:12...

Two children I love:  nieces Hazel and Claire 

John 1:12 (NASB)

¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name...


Nothing comforts me more than the knowledge that I am a child of God.  Though that has not always been the case for me, my Father God did some pretty intense work in my heart and circumstances over the years to convince me deep in my soul that nothing matters more than my adoption in Christ.  What about you?  What comforts you when life falls apart, when the daily grind weakens your soul, when you have questions but no answers?  May I implore you....explore your adoption as a beloved child of God.  You see, I had a pretty firm footing in my own sufficiency and accomplishments, and it wasn't until those things were ripped away from me, that I began to see clearly.  
What does the word 'child' conjure up in your mind?  For me, I think of innocence, vulnerability, and trust...life is pretty simple as a child, isn't it?  Your meals are taken care of, your chief task for the day is play, and getting along with any siblings or friends usually presents the greatest challenges in most healthy and stable homes.  This leaves space for the hard work of learning to grow up, the discipline and training aspect good parents engage in.  Thinking of childhood largely depends on someone else caring for you, and I hope someone did care well for you.  Children don't need resumes, job or homemaking skills, or financial savvy to make it.  As a child, your identity is based largely on the family you come from.  And that is usually a good thing.  It helps you form your ideas, opinions, and values in a safe setting, while the rest of life is taken care of.  
And that's part of what I think of when I think of my adoption in Christ....I can rest in my Father, and in the family of God, as I continue to learn, grow, and express my need for that structure.  What riches and eternal inheritance we have in our Father's love for us!  There is such a wealth there, and I'm not speaking of worldly wealth....I'm speaking of things money can't buy.  The spiritual fatherhood and brotherhood, the relationship we have in Jesus, our Father, and the Holy Spirit.  
Let me leave you with one of my favorite passages, that speaks to me of the passionate and intense love my Father has for me....though there are many, Psalm 18 has always spoken to me of the direct link I have to my Abba, especially during trials (please read in entirety for the full blessing of what lies within, and try to picture your Father acting on YOUR behalf...):


¹ I love you, O LORD, my strength.
 ² The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
   my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
   He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³ I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
   and I am saved from my enemies.
 ⁴ The cords of death entangled me;
   the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
⁵ The cords of the grave coiled around me;
   the snares of death confronted me. 
⁶ In my distress I called to the LORD;
   I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
   my cry came before him, into his ears.
 ⁷ The earth trembled and quaked,
   and the foundations of the mountains shook;
   they trembled because he was angry. 
⁸ Smoke rose from his nostrils;
   consuming fire came from his mouth,
   burning coals blazed out of it.
⁹ He parted the heavens and came down;
   dark clouds were under his feet.
¹⁰ He mounted the cherubim and flew;
   he soared on the wings of the wind. 
¹¹ He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—
   the dark rain clouds of the sky.
¹² Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced,
   with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
¹³ The LORD thundered from heaven;
   the voice of the Most High resounded.
¹⁴ He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies,
   great bolts of lightning and routed them.
¹⁵ The valleys of the sea were exposed
   and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, O LORD,
   at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
 ¹⁶ He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
   he drew me out of deep waters.
¹⁷ He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
   from my foes, who were too strong for me.
¹⁸ They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
   but the LORD was my support. 
¹⁹ He brought me out into a spacious place;
   he rescued me because he delighted in me.


I had the privilege of being a part of a fellowship group before I was married that showed me this passionate love, and I hope that you have the chance to experience this kind of community.  A dear friend from that group is now living out adoption....with her two darling Ethiopian boys (and one of her own) and you can catch up with her here.  Through friends like this, I have learned that nothing can separate us from the love of God, Romans 8:
³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


My hubby and I also just finished listening to Adopted for Life, and this has greatly contributed to my understanding of the Biblical doctrine of Adoption.


As one final encouragement:  if you are a child of God, please know and find comfort in the fact that God is wildly, fiercely, devoted to you.  May that knowledge cause us to live for Him with the same passion!
Here is the link to the entire list of verses we will be going through....
Blessings on you,
Ruth