Check out my new blog!

Hello friends,
I realized that those of you reading over here may not be aware of my new blog, Nourished by Grace, where I have been writing for a few months. My apologies, but delay no more! I hope you will jump over there, take a look, and be blessed by this new direction that God is taking me. Think of it not as a totally new direction, but rather a slightly more focused approach to how the Gospel applies to self-care, relationships, and overall health. These are ideas that I've often written about here, but I hope that this new focused approach will make the Gospel as it relates to these areas a refreshing balm to your soul, as it is to mine.

Blessings to you!

Ruth

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?

Thoughts on the new year...from my desk :)

It's been a great start to the new year in some ways, and a humbling reminder of my brokenness in other ways! So thankful for friends coming to visit, and thankful for a marriage that can hold the ups and downs of life with grace and truth. I've had just a bit of time to see bloggers and friends posting their new year's thoughts, goals, and dreams online, which is both exciting and intimidating!

I was once that girl. You know, the one with the color-coded, sectioned off goal sheet for the new year, complete with step-by-step subgoals and pictures. Go ahead and roll your eyes, my family certainly did! Thankfully, I've learned to give myself (and others) quite a bit more grace since my pre-teen years, and making new year's goals is not as overwhelming and oppressive to myself and others. I went through the phase of not making goals for a while, but instead determining new habits to focus on (life goals), and I've also tried making quarterly goals. Both have been great! I think I might do a little combo of that this year, but I'm also adding the ONE WORD challenge to my list. 

True to form, I've waited for the 'one word' phase to become a little less trendy, but I couldn't help myself this year. As I've spent time in prayer and conversation with friends over the last few days, the word PEACE keeps rolling around in my mind and heart. Not just peace, but the deeper and all-encompassing Hebrew word, SHALOM, the world and everything within it being made right, whole, complete, and as it was meant to be. For weeks and months, this word, shalom, has been popping up in various places...a sermon preached at a church we attended only a few times...an email from my sister...the Spirit's prompting...a deep desire for shalom in our lives and the lives of others...an unrelated conversation with a friend, etc. Okay, so you get the point, and I do too! God is up to something and I just need to pay attention. Isn't that really what it comes down to so often? God is doing something in our lives, we just need to surrender and embrace it. 

I'm still working on my quarterly goals, but I might just resurrect some from last quarter...that I didn't quite master. That still counts, right? Here you go: 

~ Eat something green every day

~ Keep water with me at all times (and guzzle it!) Best beauty habit ever.

~ 20 min reading / 20 min writing / 20 minutes yoga & meditation daily

And some new ones, considering it is a new year (quarter):

~ Finish the Tribe Writers course (next course starts in June, if you're interested!)

~ Emphasize conversation and interest in others on social media

~ Learn to be a better encourager

~ Can I say it? Read through the Bible this year...Okay, so now you know and I have to do it! 

I'm excited about what She Reads Truth is doing to help us out with this, and optimistic that with community support, this last one might come to fruition. Whether you make this your goal or not, please do check out SRT. Great site! I will say that God is renewing my desire for the Word, and I'm only approaching this Bible-in-a-year goal by His grace and not in my own strength. Maybe chewing on the book of John is more your style?

Getting back to habits/life goals...take a look at Jonathan Edward's resolutions. Does it get any better than that? I'm pretty sure I can't master even one of them this year, but I plan to look them over regularly and ask God to help me move in that direction. Another idea is to write a vision statement, but I'll talk about that in another post, when I'm feeling a bit more motivated. It's not something to take lightly, and to be honest, it's been a while since I re-wrote my vision statement. Maybe it's time... maybe next quarter? :)

One more thing, a question for you, dear reader... could you take a moment and email me at ruthlessloveblog@gmail.com? I want to hear what topics would be a blessing to you this quarter/year! My overall focus is wellness + spirituality, but anything within that umbrella is an option. You can add this to my goal list : serve my readers well! I'd be happy to lift up any prayer requests as well. Just drop me a line! 

Hoping with you, for a new year and new quarter that is filled with the goodness of God, because no matter what happens, HE IS GOOD! 

What will last?

It's the end of my first week back at school, and while it hasn't been as easy as I'd hoped, it certainly wasn't a 'bad' week.  Hard is not equal to bad, I'm finding.  I've been aching to write a little here, but I'm becoming more selective about what I put up- not out of fear, I don't think, but simply because there's already a lot being said online.  I don't want to clutter anyone's life with things that are just taking up space.  Less is more, right?

All that being said, jumping into 'Five Minute Friday' is my favorite way to get the creative juices flowing.  The topic today is 'LAST'.  

Take your pen, paper, blog, or iPad and join me for five minutes of free writing, no mistakes, no re-dos, just your heart poured out on paper - share it if you want to over at www.lisajobaker.com!

Go:

'Been thinking a lot about what will last from my life.  Watching my grandma die this summer and thinking about the legacy she left behind.  What will I leave behind?  Am I making choices everyday that will last beyond me?  My fingers stop on the keyboard for a split second.  Is that a bad sign?  Do I not have any ideas?  As always, my best solution is to take my heart to the Lord honestly.  That's what the last few weeks of this summer have looked like.  As we walked through the book, Anything with our ladies' study, I realized that there was much more living-like-Christ that needed to well up inside me.  But I also realized that it needed to happen in a way that would LAST - not like a new habit that is simply a fad - but a process of confession, hard thinking, and careful steps to change.  Somehow, I've seen it happening.  Old habits are falling away and being replaced by things that will last.  And becoming the last, not the first, is one of the best ways to watch my heart become new and full of the life of Christ.  Some things last that I don't want to last: harsh words, wasted time that affects the steps I could have taken and didn't.  But I find deep, deep comfort as I look to Christ in all things more things than I used to.  Knowing that His kingdom is the only thing that will LAST, surrendering my will in exchange for His is my best plan to leave a legacy that matters.  

I want my last thoughts, actions, and memories on this Earth to be ones of joy and hope as I look forward to eternity with my Savior, and confidence (even if a bit shaky) that what is left of my life will not burn up, but shine like gold.  

I'm ready to become the last to be first, that backwards theology that Jesus spoke about so often.

Thankful that He become the 'last', the servant of all, so we could be with Him forever...

Ruth 

If I were 90, looking back....

Hertha Kuehn (Oma) October 1918-June 2013

UPDATE:  I had no idea that Oma would pass away just two days after I wrote this post.  We are celebrating her union with Christ!  This fact makes the following thoughts even more real to me....

Have you ever thought about how you'd feel looking back on your life?  I know, I shouldn't ask questions that make you squirm, or should I? :)  Several events of the day brought me to a place in my heart where I really needed to sit down with my journal, a cup of my favorite tea, and a desire for the Lord to speak to and encourage my heart.  I find myself so easily distracted by daily life, my own selfish desires, and the practical needs of keeping a home (as well as major decisions that my sweet hubby and I are making)....so there's a lot spinning through my mind right now.  To be honest, I certainly wasn't expecting my encouragement to be a list that could turn into something burdensome!  However, as the thoughts came to my mind and flowed out onto the paper, it was strangely comforting to help me keep things in perspective.  What would you hope your life had looked like if you were 90 looking back?  How could that ground you, give you perspective, and help you to be free from distractions?  I'd love to hear an item from your list in the comments!

If I were 90 looking back, I'd hope I had....

~followed the Lord, holding nothing back...like I'm reading about in this book!
~trusted God's timing for children
~was willing to let my man lead
~thought about others more than myself
~really loved well (1 Cor. 13)
~thought more about the presence of the Holy Spirit to 'make our home' than my own home-making skills.
~reached out to the poor, needy, hurting people, but not out of a need to 'feel good' about myself
~was willing to rest, enjoy life, and laugh more
~looked for every chance to affirm Paul and any children we'd been entrusted with, by resting in God's love for me
~was not afraid to use my gifts and creativity to follow God, even if it didn't fit my picture of what life was 'supposed to look like'
~treasured the Word and face of God in Christ above all things (Lord, help me!)
~surrendered to transformation by the Gospel, lived a life of humble obedience and repentance
~was honest with God and others and did not run from trials
~cared for my body, His temple, but not in an idolatrous way
~found my worth in Christ's love for me alone
~made others hungry and thirsty for God
~opened my home to many, as a haven of rest, joy, encouragement, and conviction to know and follow Christ
~laid up treasure in heaven more than in our checking account
~dreamt God-sized dreams

Oh Lord, help us to see life with your eyes, not a list of things to do, but the fact that it is all 'DONE' in Christ.

Bless you, friends,

Ruth

Togetherness and Redemption

Source

Togetherness.  It is a central tenet of the Christian faith, seen in Genesis, Revelation, and everything in between.  It is seen in the Trinity, at the birth of Christ, and at the Cross.  In the Old Testament wanderings through the wilderness, the start of the apostolic church in Acts, and the journeys of Paul through the New Testament.  Do you see it in your life?  Do I see it in mine?

Most of all, I see it as God has brought me through challenging times.  Without those dark valleys, I probably would have continued to rely on myself.  Growing up I was blessed with the togetherness of a lively farm family, and then blessed with togetherness in college, post-college during traumatic events, on mission trips, and now in marriage.  Each season has had its successes and failures, but it has largely taken place in close community.  I believe this is the crux of redemption in our lives....the working out of our faith and our struggles, as we live in togetherness.

And that's a focus I'd like to have here on this blog, a little more than I have.  I've posted my life verse, Isaiah 58:12 up on my header, to remind me that God has called me to togetherness, redemption, and helping others see redemption in their lives too.  I want to hear your stories, and I'll be getting that process geared up soon.  How has God redeemed 'the messes and mundane' of your life through togetherness?  There's really no other way to be redeemed.  For whether you have walked alone (with God) or walked hand in hand with dear friends, you were never alone.  What a beautiful reality we all have as followers of Christ.

Together with you,

Ruth

PS--head over to Gypsy Mama to see today's Five Minute Friday Link-up!

Following Christ When We Think We Can't....

Several weeks ago, I accepted a job to teach a 5th-6th grade class in the fall, and am waiting for the class to be filled so I can be offered a contract.  In the meantime, I've been all over the place in my thoughts and actions, doubting more than I'd like to admit.  Today at lunch my husband's questions both pierced and healed me:  'Why don't you think you can do this?'  'I don't want to fail, to disappoint anyone.....,'  I trailed off as I thought of how ridiculous that must sound....knowing I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I have heard the opinions of others.....and I have to go back to what God is calling me to, for this season.  I will keep you posted on what happens, but will leave you with some thoughts from my journal, and my thanks on this Multitude Monday.

"Thank you for speaking to me [Lord]....You are helping me to trust my husband……and therefore trust you.  I’ve met with the love of my husband, and unconditional acceptance and support that I have known no where else.  He gives it to me freely, and shows me Christ in this.  I waver, and he stays true…..moving forward every day towards Christ.  I doubt and fear and wonder...and he keeps loving me, u.ntil I believe that I am loved.  

Lord, help me to do this job you have called me to!  Help me to prepare, believing that You will give me all I need to do this job.  I have wavered....You’ve already gone before me and prepared the way.  Why would I not come?  Why do I trust my own understanding more than your perfect will....Oh that you would crucify my flesh and make me new in you again, my Lord.  That you would kill the part of me that resists your goodness and grace.  That I would rise with confidence in all you are doing.

I come to you empty-handed, expecting a feast as I sit before the enemies that plague me—doubt, fear, unbelief, stubbornness, sloth, the opinions of others, and so many more.  Feast with me, my Lord, let us fellowship together at the table of Love.  Amen."

Inspired today by this Chris Tomlin song....

My multitude of thanks:

~my dear husband, who can speak to me with confidence, grace, and truth, always in love guiding me towards Christ

~the job that is waiting for me in the fall

~the ability to do what you have called me to

~this season of rest that I am in right now

~new friends who accept me as I am, encourage me to be more

~the fun Segway tour this weekend--happy birthday to Paul and anniversary to us both!

~evenings reading and watching BBC Planet Earth, TED talks, and Ray VanderLaan with hubby

~my new HCSB iPad app--can't wait to dig into this more!

~the chance to sing in this River Oaks Easter Choir this past Sunday, See What a Morning, indeed!

~my Science student passing his semester test missing only 1/2 point out of 40....and the encouragement on this from Paul
~the eternal life brought to us through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ

And some photos of our weekend:

Our first stop on the Segway tour....yummy bakery!

Outside the resort where tour was offered

Ron Jon Resort Lobby

Paul takes a break while I snap photos at the beach

A small jet flew over the beach to wish us all Happy Easter!

Cultivating a Vision for Your Spouse

My husband has become quite a man since then!

It was quiet this morning except for the whirring of our ceiling fan, as I lay in bed next to my sleeping husband.  The summer is starting to creep in on us and the AC was not working (maintenance has come since then, thankfully!), so I was warm....but my heart was a-glow with the warmth of Christ towards my man.  I was thinking of how much I appreciate him--his long-suffering nature, kind spirit, and listening ear....among many other things.  He is a man of great character.  I was thinking, too, of my calling to him as a wife, and the ways I need to grow.  I searched my heart for the ways I am loving and showing him respect, but realized, with a sense of regret, that I have too often missed the joy of seeing him with Christ's eyes.

You see, just like the Apostle Paul realized, our Father has a passion that each of us be transformed into the image of Christ.  He knows the steps we need to take to get there, the winding path we will each take on our journey Home.  And I can choose to participate in the adventure with God, or I can work against it, both in my own life, and that of my spouse.  Perhaps it is easy for you, too, to look to the practical needs of marriage--who will pay the bills, clean the house, and cook the meals...among other things.  Attending to the soul-needs of my husband is another matter.  It is a mystery, this joining with God to minister to him in a way that no one else can or ever will.

But this morning I realized that cultivating a vision for my husband's Christ-likeness is what I want to re-commit to in my marriage.  We just hit 11 months this weekend, and though there have been rough spots, the good far outweighs the not-so-good (notice I did not say 'bad'....because hard does not mean bad!) As we approach Easter, I look towards our sacrificial Christ as my model for who my husband is becoming.    Here are some of the questions I am asking myself as I embark on this new journey (perhaps you want to join me in this too?):

~What do I see Christ forming in my spouse this year, and in 5, 10, 15, and 30 or more years?  How can I participate in that adventure?

~How am I encouraging my spouse to turn away from sin and accept the Grace that is offered to Him through the blood of Christ?

~How can I put aside my own expectations and demands for my spouse, to seek what Christ may want to accomplish in him/her?

~How can I help my spouse realize his/her 'beloved-ness' as an adopted child of the Most High God?

~What weaknesses or areas of temptation do I see in my spouse, which may require extra grace, strength, or wisdom on my part?

~What might be distracting me from this calling to participate and find joy in cultivating a vision for my spouse?

Those are just a few of my humble thoughts, to get us started.  I'd love to hear any additions you might have, that I could benefit from as well!

God bless you, in your own marriage journey,

Ruth

Who Are 'The Least of These'?

The words gripped me:  "Anything Will Help".  It was scratched in black on a piece of cardboard, held by a thin, dirty woman, who looked too young to be without a home.  My heart broke.  I had just spent too much money on a haircut and had just a few dollars leftover to give her, but I was happy to do so.  With her head hung low, she said 'God Bless You', and I prayed the same for her.

photo credit

Years ago, God started calling me to the 'least of these', to help rebuild and restore what had been eaten by the locusts.  (see Isaiah 58) And lately, He's been whispering His calling to me anew.  I can't help but care for those who have nothing, who have no one, who appreciate anything given, because they are all too aware of their poverty and shame.  Though I've never experienced the depth of their pain, some hard times in my own past remind me of my own need for grace.

Grace.  The Gospel.  'Been thinking of my own need to sacrifice more and whine less.  They seem to go together, do they not?  When I am not aware of my own depravity and lack contrition and poverty of spirit, it is easy to demand of others, even of God.  This Lenten season, and for weeks leading up to it, I have been praying that God would teach me to be more sacrificial every day.

Hubby and I are reading Swindoll's book on Job and in this the author comments on a what a broken and contrite heart looks like, including:  not making demands or expectations of God or others.  I've been encouraged in my prayer times to think on these things, and to really ask myself who and what God is calling me to....

Sometimes, it is nothing more than looking at my closest neighbor:  my husband.  While I wouldn't call him 'the least of these', next to my calling as a Christian, loving him is my first calling (and the two are intertwined!) More to come on this....

Have a blessed weekend!
Ruth

Life on the Back Porch

I had a moment yesterday that pierced me and quickened my spirit, speaking to me of what God is doing in my life right now...and perhaps wanting to do in yours?  Sitting at the kitchen table here at the farm, looking over piles of papers, bills, books, that are wanting attention, I glance over through the French doors onto the back porch/patio....the pool, the comfy chairs, the horse Lucy is grazing over yonder, and the wind-chimes are swaying melodiously.  Something beckons, and I leave the modern and chic, but uncomfortable chair where I sit.  I instinctively grab a book, a pen, and leave the rest behind, as they no longer can hold my attention.  As I sink into a patio chair, I realize that my plans for the day will have to change.  The busy morning working at the coffee shop will have to be replaced by a leisurely yet productive stint on the back porch.  I realize the pool is low, and as I go to fill it to the desired depth, I ask God to fill me too.  Suddenly, my plans do not matter, and I have opened up the door to what God was waiting for me to experience.  What followed was a delightful afternoon sipping a cold drink, reading, studying for my first class as a Chemistry teacher, and feeling myself let go of my striving.  My planning.  My needing to do things exactly the right way.  Living in closed doors, when the beauty of creation beckons.  Fearing the legendary pit bull next door, that supposedly will come on the property and hurt me....{you know your fears...fill in that blank}.

Perhaps you too have grand plans as to what you will accomplish today [in your own strength], what direction you'd like to see your life go [according to your time table], the striving that kills the life of your soul?  Read with me, as the Message Bible speaks to this plight, from Matthew 11:28-30:

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I'm learning to live life 'on the back porch'....and I hope that if you haven't tapped into the beauty of this Life found only in Christ, you will join me on my journey to let go of legalism, and rest in Grace.

Ruth

God-shaped Goals

Walking down memory lane at the Perry farm...

What shapes your day?  It is the demands?  The worries?  The have-to-get-dones?


This morning I had a moment to reflect on what shape I'd like my soul to take today, and how it was going to get there...

And at the top of my 'goal sheet', rather than things that I am striving after, came goals that I hope will shape my thoughts and actions to make it a God-shaped day.

1.  Ask for Grace (it is always there, but are we mindful of it?  Am I?)
2.  Be kind to myself, those I love [not in that order :) ] (How easy it is to forget the practice of kindness, as I fritter through my day, and speak harsh words to myself and my love)
3.  Practice Prayer (All things must be covered in prayer, or they will not fly...how often I work and speak in my own powerless strength!)
4.  Smile more, worry less (I was reminded by a seasoned wife of her remembrance that she was not smiling at her husband!  Oh my!  How often I let worries etch my mind and brow and dampen the mood of my soul and home...)
5.  Remember--Christ said it was finished!  (a reminder from sweet Ann, at www.annvoskamp.com...and therefore I do not need to strive, as the most important task, the saving of our souls, is already accomplished)

I hope you are able to find God-shaped goals to bring your soul into the life it is craving...rest, peace, and joy in Him!

Have a blessed day,

Ruth

Caring Too Much?

Is it possible?  I wrestle with the thought, that perhaps, at times, I care too much.  What does that even mean, though?  Aren't we all, as followers of Christ, called to care?  And isn't that exactly what I was inferring just yesterday in my musings here?  Perhaps, yes.  But there is another side.  And that is what we will discuss today....(please leave a comment with your thoughts on the topic as well!)

Drawing a Line in the Sand
It seems that the time has come for us to draw a line around our hearts, around our marriage, and create a safe space for ourselves to grow, again.  With a good man by your side, it is not hard to find that space.  But even if the Lord is filling all those spaces in your life and heart, I'd say He'll do a darn good job too....the best job, and then falling in line behind His perfect work comes spouses, friends, colleagues and the like, who look out for us when we are giving, shall I say it? ....too much of ourselves?

The Why
Having spent several years working as a special needs paraprofessional, it was easy to go through phases of caring so much for my students, that I forgot to care for myself.  As Christians, especially, it seems easy to allow this to become a false godliness, where we insist we need nothing, want nothing, and will do it all ourselves, thank you very much!  That is where idolatry starts to seep in, I believe.  The lie that we don't need God, and that His finished work on the cross was not enough to pay the price for all the sin and ills of this world [including whatever mission you may be on right now!]  It is only as I give myself space to draw from the extravagant riches of Christ, that I will have something worth giving to whomever comes into my path.  And when my well is dry, something is wrong.

The How
We all have different ways to fill up our tank, so to speak.  And just like any car, whether new, used, or the President's limo, it needs gas, or it won't go anywhere.  For some, it is a weekend away, for others, it is a quiet moment with tea and a good book.  For me, it is plenty of time with good friends and family, people whom I know will encourage me and build me up in Christ.  Without these times of rest and reflection, we lose perspective, and we lose our effectiveness in serving those we are called to serve.

The Exhortation
And so my challenge to myself, as well as to anyone who finds their sails to be flagging, is to find those times to refuel, on the everlasting Grace of God.  I once had a roommate who challenged me, in the midst of my overcommitted college years, that I 'couldn't be Jesus Christ'!  And she was right.  We are called to walk in the footsteps of Christ as we live, love, and serve sacrificially, but because of Christ, we do not have to suffer death for our sins, and live lives that require every ounce of our energy.  There is margin....a little margin because we are grateful for the Cross, and can live in the peace and rest of our Eternal Savior.

Which is just what I am going to do today!

Ruth

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Sitting Sunday morning in church, as I was singing my heart out, I reflected on several things...


~our wedding day, and how I sang this hymn with gusto then, for different reasons
~God's faithfulness to my dear friend in Ethiopia who is bringing home two babies soon!
~how God has opened up a door in Florida for us, a new adventure together...
~the beauty of hymns, and how they mold my thoughts towards things above


It has been a back-and-forth month of thinking, praying, talking with friends and mentors, and now finally making a decision!  We are heading to the Sunshine State in just a couple of months, to help care for my aging Oma, and find jobs/school/fellowship in the Deland/Orlando/Daytona Beach area.


We covet your prayers as we continue making decisions and preparing for this cross-country move!  Thank you to all who have prayed for and encouraged us during this time.  Your friendship is invaluable to us!


Reflecting on God's faithfulness, 
Ruth

Are you Real?

     Today I came across a quote that I love, one of my all-time favorites, actually!  It reminded me of a lesson that has come long and hard, but has come over the years, nonetheless.  Let Marjery Williams and her Velveteen Rabbit speak to you:
     "When a child loves you for a long, long, time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.  It doesn't happen all at once.  You become.  It takes a long time.  Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby.  But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly except to people who don't understand."
      My husband and I are standing at a precipice, and will very soon have to jump.  Hopefully, the parachute will work, and we will float to the intended destination, but there are no guarantees, of course.  Any number of things could 'go wrong' (but is that ever the case in God's economy?)....We have the option to continue in full-time vocational ministry near Pittsburgh, or the option of caring for my dear Oma, 92 and still praising God, if you can believe that!  My heart is leaning towards one over the other, but I am trying to be open to wherever God will lead my husband.  
      I suppose I just find this quote to be striking.  Several years ago, sparkling resume in hand, I took on the world.  Now, having become much more 'Real', as our dear Velveteen Rabbit explains the process, I realize that though I have much more to offer with some edges rounded off, I am not as eager to prove myself.  I am eager to know Christ.  Eager to honor my husband and help him grow.  Eager to create a safe and beautiful home for others to rest.  Eager to care for the temple God has given me, through which I can reflect Him to the world.  Eager to have relationships that encourage me to be Real.  Thankful that my Father has loved me so intently as to make me more Real!  
      None of these things fit on a resume very well, but I am glad that God turned my world upside down and inside out, giving me the chance to truly live.  And so I ask, are you Real?  Are you living for the things of this world or the things of the world to come?  Because if you are living for the things of eternity, your resume might not sparkle either, but your joy, peace, and hope will.  Live, my friends, we are called to truly live with heaven in view.  Let the 'Real You' shine forth, for Christ and His kingdom!  

At a Crossroads...

Hello kind friends.  We are in the midst of boxes here, unpacking, repacking, and trying to make the most of the season we are in.  I think Michael W. Smith's song, Friends would be a good soundtrack for where we are in life :) My apologies for being so scarce!  My mind is all over the place and we are truly seeking the Lord for His direction on our next steps, concerning family, work, school, and ministry.  I will keep posting some thoughts here and there, but please keep us in your prayers as we consider what God has next for us!  
       I am happy to say that a new nephew has come in the past week, Josiah Levi Perry, and we are grateful for his healthy delivery into this world.  Pray with us for his growth and development physically, spiritually, and emotionally.  Truly, we serve a great and gracious Savior.  I hope you are enjoying the journey as much as I am!


Blessings to you!

Monday Memorial Stones (belated...)

Hello all...I'm still getting in the groove here, but I wanted to post a 'memorial stone' for yesterday...Today my praise is simply for our God whose plans are firm, and never fail.  Psalm 33:11, But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.  I recall my journey through the wild uncharted territory of Colorado...spiritually, and in so many other ways.  I remember how the Lord took me by the hand and led me there, with a glad and also anxious heart, knowing that there were many trials and joys ahead.  And I remember how roughly four years and a week ago, God led me back across the country to be closer to family and friends, to grow and heal in new ways.  I delight in the ways of the Lord, and how He offers us free will within His great and mighty Sovereign plans.  It is a mystery I will not begin to unpack here, but I have been the recipient of walking in this grace and I find it to be such a great joy.  As I approach marriage in just 19 days, I delight in the fact that my Father has led me here, but has also given me the complete freedom to make these choices and has trusted my judgement at each fork in the road.  He is such a faithful and wise Father, and I trust that moving into the future, while having different sign posts, circumstances, and joys, I will have the same Father, who will hold my hand, allow me to co-pilot the journey, and together we will rejoice as the days unfold.  What a joy to be a child of the King~knowing that nothing I do can thwart the great purposes of the Lord.

Smiling at the Future...

I don't know if I ever would have been friends with the 'Proverbs 31' woman...she is too much of an over-achiever for me (and I will happily confess that I have been delivered from that syndrome)!  But I do love several of her life-habits, most of all, her ability to 'smile at the future'.  Over the summer, I sat down and wrote up a vision statement for myself, and it included some of this famous chapter.  But I can't get over this quote : 
     Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. (Proverbs 31:25, NASB)   What would it take for me, for us, to do this more often?  I can struggle with worry and anxiety, so this is especially intriguing to me.  I would love to be there!  My guess is that this woman's joy came from a deep confidence in the unchanging character of her Great God, not her changing circumstances.  That is my challenge--getting my eyes off of the confusing and uncertain nature of life swirling around me, and back on Jesus.  I'll keep you posted on that journey, but I'm striving towards that goal.  Equally, I'm committed to surrendering my goals and dreams, in order to embrace the gifts God has waiting for me with each new day.  I am moving towards a new season in life, and with this comes new challenges, new worries and anxieties.  Sometimes the 'cares of this world' overtake me, unfortunately.  I long for a home where I can express my talents and love God's children and soon-to-be children, but finding the 'sweet spot' of both serving God and creating a safe, sacred space for myself and others sounds like a challenge.  I do not want to live for making my home a 'holy museum' of extravagant sights, smells and perfect people, but rather a reflection of the God I serve.  Unfortunately, living for MY comfort is more natural than 'daily dying' to serve others in a Christ-like manner, and though more soul-satisfying to find joy in glorifying God, it is easier to glorify myself.  My confidence is not in myself, however, so I can 'smile at the future' because I know my God, my Eternal Friend and Daddy, is committed to helping me look more like Himself, than myself.  Philippians 1:6 (NIV)  ...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.    

Hallelujah!  That is good news, something worth getting up for every day, just to see what new adventure He has waiting with the break of dawn.  Glorious future, indeed...today, tomorrow, and for eternity!  Thank you, Lord.