If this blog is to be real . . . if it is going to help ANYONE . . . it has to come from my heart and today my heart (and the rest of me) wasn't holding up very well to the daggers of menopause!
For quite some time I have been determined that I was NOT going to be one of those women who allowed the craziness of menopause to affect my life. Noooope - not me.
(note: it's painful to admit but a beloved friend of mine - or at least HE use to be - once told me that the best way to make God laugh is to tell Him that you have a plan for your life!)
So, ok, maybe . . . well probably - ALL RIGHT - ALL RIGHT, DEFINITELY, menopause HAS it's claws in me but that gives me freedom to admit that I'm enjoying - if ever so slightly - the craziness!
Today's melt down on Menopause Lane started out innocently enough as a friend and I caught a matinée of the new musical out called "Mama Mia". (funny . . . the reviews never included a warning that said that menopausal women were to enter at their own risk!) Anyway, I don't want give to much of the movie away just in case you want a chance to see the trigger scenes for yourself so I'll just say that there was a scene where the heart of a mother is exposed as she helps her only daughter get dressed for her wedding (need I elaborate!) and then on to the end of the movie when romance abounds. And that's all it took to snap the menopausal woman who is blessed with 27 years of singleness AND who is a hopeless romantic! Upon exiting this fine film the tears of menopause began to fall and it wasn't until the Lord used humor that those tears finally dissipated.
Whether it's puberty or menopause - male or female - it's amazing what crazy thoughts go through your head when hormones are in control! Case in point - - - 'I know that He's God and He didn't ask my opinion - but man . . . from my vantage point I just have to say . . . the heart of a hopeless romantic in the body of a person blessed with singleness . . . NOT a good mix!'
(respectfully submitted, of course!)
But OH, THANK YOU LORD FOR . . .
. . . Psalm 23 !
. . . Psalm 30:11-12 !
. . . AND Psalm 30:5!!! Hallelujah !
Do you ever think about God has having humor? Being playful? No? Well need I remind you that we were made in His image! And no one will ever convince me that He doesn't at least chuckle a little when He sees how far we'll go before we admit that we're NOT in control!!!
Thank You Lord for giving us the healing power of humor!!
bo
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Who Am I ?
Not long after I asked Christ to come and dwell within me I went through an identity crisis. I felt an overwhelming need to figure out who I was. The following is the journey that the Lord lead me on to discover the truth . . .
Well, let's see . . .
I am the daughter of the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
but I'm also the daughter of my earthly parents . . .
and I'm the (baby) sister to my siblings . . .
and I was a wife . . .
and I'm a mother (of two of the most beloved kids on this earth!) . . .
I'm also an Aunt and a friend, and a co-worker, and a citizen . . .
But then I thought - wait----- my earthly parents are both gone now so 'technically' I'm not a daughter anymore so that branch of my family tree leaves me wondering . . .
and when my siblings are gone I won't be a sister any longer so that branch could teeter . . .
and if you notice - I said I WAS a wife - - - enough said . . .
and if something were to happen to my children (GOD FORBID) my Mother's Day cards would stop coming . . .
and if the truth be told - friends come and friends go, jobs never last forever and who knows, even I, the homebody of all homebodies, could move out of this City/State/Country . . .
All of a sudden I realized that the only guarantee I have is that
I AM THE DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD - THE KING . . .
That makes me a Princess. I'm Royalty. I'm sought after and loved beyond my ability to fathom.
And I don't have to do a thing to maintain my royal title - it's mine, FOREVER for it is written in Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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."
It doesn't matter what goes on in this world - everything is subject to change. It's temporary. But the Lord never changes! He is the same today that He was yesterday and His Word promises that He will remain unchanged FOREVER. Hebrews 13:8 paraphrased.
I claim the promise of His eternal love.
I claim the heritage that was mine from the moment He created me.
I claim the inheritance that Jesus willingly sacrificed His life to give me. The riches. The glory. The everlasting Arms.
At the risk of repeating myself, let me once again say . . . Thank You, Jesus. We have countless things to thank You for Lord but first and foremost on my list is the renewal of my kinship with my Father.
My Abba.
Praise be to your name Jesus. You are my Brother, my Husband, my Friend, my Confidant, my Counselor, my everlasting Family.
Amen and Amen
bo
Well, let's see . . .
I am the daughter of the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
but I'm also the daughter of my earthly parents . . .
and I'm the (baby) sister to my siblings . . .
and I was a wife . . .
and I'm a mother (of two of the most beloved kids on this earth!) . . .
I'm also an Aunt and a friend, and a co-worker, and a citizen . . .
But then I thought - wait----- my earthly parents are both gone now so 'technically' I'm not a daughter anymore so that branch of my family tree leaves me wondering . . .
and when my siblings are gone I won't be a sister any longer so that branch could teeter . . .
and if you notice - I said I WAS a wife - - - enough said . . .
and if something were to happen to my children (GOD FORBID) my Mother's Day cards would stop coming . . .
and if the truth be told - friends come and friends go, jobs never last forever and who knows, even I, the homebody of all homebodies, could move out of this City/State/Country . . .
All of a sudden I realized that the only guarantee I have is that
I AM THE DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD - THE KING . . .
That makes me a Princess. I'm Royalty. I'm sought after and loved beyond my ability to fathom.
And I don't have to do a thing to maintain my royal title - it's mine, FOREVER for it is written in Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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."
It doesn't matter what goes on in this world - everything is subject to change. It's temporary. But the Lord never changes! He is the same today that He was yesterday and His Word promises that He will remain unchanged FOREVER. Hebrews 13:8 paraphrased.
I claim the promise of His eternal love.
I claim the heritage that was mine from the moment He created me.
I claim the inheritance that Jesus willingly sacrificed His life to give me. The riches. The glory. The everlasting Arms.
At the risk of repeating myself, let me once again say . . . Thank You, Jesus. We have countless things to thank You for Lord but first and foremost on my list is the renewal of my kinship with my Father.
My Abba.
Praise be to your name Jesus. You are my Brother, my Husband, my Friend, my Confidant, my Counselor, my everlasting Family.
Amen and Amen
bo
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Feast On This
Nearly two years ago, while reading the book "Everybody's Normal Till You Get To Know Them" by John Ortberg, the Lord blessed me beyond measure with an experience that I would now like to share with you. My hope is that you too will experience the fullness of His nature . . .
I must begin by telling you that I was stopped dead in my tracks as I read this statement in the book . . .
Let me try to explain . . .
I breastfed both of my children. My initial efforts involved my son, my firstborn. Although I was challenged at the onset of this new experience, over time the Lord blessed me with an abundance of milk and my son with an abundant appetite. I grew to love the very idea that I was his source of nourishment.
When I read the statement that is quoted above, my mind rushed back to the night, 28 years earlier, to the first 3:00 a.m. feeding that my son slept through. I woke up but he didn't. He was content and satisfied so he had no reason to wake up. I, on the other hand, was literally bursting at the seams! My body was so anxious to provide nourishment that I woke up to a yearning within me to release this source of life sustaining food. My body ached for the chance to feed him.
And as the statement in the book suggests - that is the same degree to which God thinks of us and wants to nourish us. He aches to be our source of refreshment, our source of strength and growth and life itself!!! Think about it . . . God Himself is relieved and satisfied when we come to Him to feast . . . when we come to Him for nourishment.
I was in pain when my son didn't seek nourishment from me and God is equally pained when we don't seek Him. Eventually I was relieved when the very nature of motherhood was fulfilled within me - and God's nature is equally fulfilled as we feast on Him.
And to think that all these years later He used the remembrance of the wee hours of that night to bring me insight into His heart. A place of new understanding and intimacy. I praise Him for holding me together so many years earlier when I wanted to toss aside the whole breastfeeding thing. How incredible it is that He could see that a missed 3:00 a.m. feeding would have such an important impact on my spiritual growth and connection with Him.
And now, a Word of advice from the Apostle Peter . . . "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."
1 Peter 2:2
Amen and Amen
bo
I must begin by telling you that I was stopped dead in my tracks as I read this statement in the book . . .
- "God could no more forget about you than a nursing mother could forget about her baby."
Let me try to explain . . .
I breastfed both of my children. My initial efforts involved my son, my firstborn. Although I was challenged at the onset of this new experience, over time the Lord blessed me with an abundance of milk and my son with an abundant appetite. I grew to love the very idea that I was his source of nourishment.
When I read the statement that is quoted above, my mind rushed back to the night, 28 years earlier, to the first 3:00 a.m. feeding that my son slept through. I woke up but he didn't. He was content and satisfied so he had no reason to wake up. I, on the other hand, was literally bursting at the seams! My body was so anxious to provide nourishment that I woke up to a yearning within me to release this source of life sustaining food. My body ached for the chance to feed him.
And as the statement in the book suggests - that is the same degree to which God thinks of us and wants to nourish us. He aches to be our source of refreshment, our source of strength and growth and life itself!!! Think about it . . . God Himself is relieved and satisfied when we come to Him to feast . . . when we come to Him for nourishment.
I was in pain when my son didn't seek nourishment from me and God is equally pained when we don't seek Him. Eventually I was relieved when the very nature of motherhood was fulfilled within me - and God's nature is equally fulfilled as we feast on Him.
And to think that all these years later He used the remembrance of the wee hours of that night to bring me insight into His heart. A place of new understanding and intimacy. I praise Him for holding me together so many years earlier when I wanted to toss aside the whole breastfeeding thing. How incredible it is that He could see that a missed 3:00 a.m. feeding would have such an important impact on my spiritual growth and connection with Him.
And now, a Word of advice from the Apostle Peter . . . "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."
1 Peter 2:2
Amen and Amen
bo
Friday, August 8, 2008
Unspeakable Love
It is written in Romans5:8 "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Have you ever considered all of the blessings that came your way even before you were saved. Have you ever known of someone's sin and yet at the very same time you can see that God blesses them . . . Abundantly!
And even as 'Born Again' Christians - while we are still imperfect - countless blessings come our way! Jesus chose death to show us how much He loves us. And even now, Christ chooses to love us and shower us with incredible blessings even though our actions and attitude separates us from His Holiness.
Today, the 8th anniversary of the toughest day of my life as a mother, I confess that I know personally the fullness of this truth for WHILE I WAS COMPLETELY TURNED AWAY FROM HIM, the Lord brought my child and me through a storm that NEVER would have been possible without His grace. Before that day I completely ignored the Lord - I put everything in my life ahead of Him and STILL in our moment of utter need He was there to spare me from the ultimate hell on earth.
How in the world can I ever show the depth of the remorse that I feel for the way I treated Jesus? How in the world can I ever express the gratitude that I feel for all that He has done for us? - He saved my child - Despite who I am . . . THAT'S WHO MY SAVIOR IS.
Today I rejoice and celebrate the continued hand of God on the life of the 'child' who, as a victorious adult, has emerged from that incredible storm. I humbly apologize for the choices I've made in the past and I give thanks beyond measure for the goodness that Christ has brought into my life.
Christ and Christ alone is worthy of my praise, my honor and my worship.
Amen and Amen.
bo
Have you ever considered all of the blessings that came your way even before you were saved. Have you ever known of someone's sin and yet at the very same time you can see that God blesses them . . . Abundantly!
And even as 'Born Again' Christians - while we are still imperfect - countless blessings come our way! Jesus chose death to show us how much He loves us. And even now, Christ chooses to love us and shower us with incredible blessings even though our actions and attitude separates us from His Holiness.
Today, the 8th anniversary of the toughest day of my life as a mother, I confess that I know personally the fullness of this truth for WHILE I WAS COMPLETELY TURNED AWAY FROM HIM, the Lord brought my child and me through a storm that NEVER would have been possible without His grace. Before that day I completely ignored the Lord - I put everything in my life ahead of Him and STILL in our moment of utter need He was there to spare me from the ultimate hell on earth.
How in the world can I ever show the depth of the remorse that I feel for the way I treated Jesus? How in the world can I ever express the gratitude that I feel for all that He has done for us? - He saved my child - Despite who I am . . . THAT'S WHO MY SAVIOR IS.
Today I rejoice and celebrate the continued hand of God on the life of the 'child' who, as a victorious adult, has emerged from that incredible storm. I humbly apologize for the choices I've made in the past and I give thanks beyond measure for the goodness that Christ has brought into my life.
Christ and Christ alone is worthy of my praise, my honor and my worship.
Amen and Amen.
bo
Thursday, August 7, 2008
sniff - sniff - sniff
"Do you smell smoke?"
These are the exact words a cherished friend of mine once said to me as tears streamed down my face. At the time I was recounting for him a situation that I seemed compelled to beat myself up about. No doubt in my own way I was inviting him to the pity party that I was throwing for myself . . . but how blessed I was that he saw past my tears and chose to use this smoke tactic to help me realize that the condemnation that I was experiencing was straight from the pit of hell - for it is written in Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . . ."
No matter what we do Christ will NOT condemn us for it. He will not declare us guilty for something that He has already been punished for. He has already paid the price so now we can be judged as guilt free. Hallelujah! Thank You, Lord Jesus!
If you suspect that condemnation is engulfing you . . . you can be sure that the evil one is in your midst so run for the fire extinguisher - God's Word - it is your ONLY hope!
These days all my friend has to do to bring me back to reality is to point his nose in the air and 'sniff - sniff - sniff'! Recounting the day that he first lead me to this promise of Christ never fails to bring both of us smiles and a roar of laughter!
Someday as I stand before my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, I will first thank Him for the sacrifice He made that declared me guilt free and then I will thank Him for giving my dearest brother in Christ a good nose for smoke!
Thank You, Jesus!
Amen and Amen
bo
These are the exact words a cherished friend of mine once said to me as tears streamed down my face. At the time I was recounting for him a situation that I seemed compelled to beat myself up about. No doubt in my own way I was inviting him to the pity party that I was throwing for myself . . . but how blessed I was that he saw past my tears and chose to use this smoke tactic to help me realize that the condemnation that I was experiencing was straight from the pit of hell - for it is written in Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . . ."
No matter what we do Christ will NOT condemn us for it. He will not declare us guilty for something that He has already been punished for. He has already paid the price so now we can be judged as guilt free. Hallelujah! Thank You, Lord Jesus!
If you suspect that condemnation is engulfing you . . . you can be sure that the evil one is in your midst so run for the fire extinguisher - God's Word - it is your ONLY hope!
These days all my friend has to do to bring me back to reality is to point his nose in the air and 'sniff - sniff - sniff'! Recounting the day that he first lead me to this promise of Christ never fails to bring both of us smiles and a roar of laughter!
Someday as I stand before my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, I will first thank Him for the sacrifice He made that declared me guilt free and then I will thank Him for giving my dearest brother in Christ a good nose for smoke!
Thank You, Jesus!
Amen and Amen
bo
The Shadow
It is written in Psalm 91:1 . . . "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
What does it mean to be in the Shadow of the Almighty?
Let's see . . .
- - You must be close in order to stand within someone's shadow.
- - If you stand close you're protected.
- - Closeness signifies love
- - You glean strength, assurance, comfort, security and trust.
- - Your foe will be frightened away as your protector engulfs them.
- - You can rest knowing that you are being cared for.
- - You will be renewed and strengthened as you rest in the shadow.
- - You realize your meagerness.
- - You feel safe and secure.
- - He is close enough to immediately come to your defense.
- - He is close enough for you to hand Him every concern.
- - He eliminates any need to worry.
- - You are kept from becoming over exposed to the outside world.
- - The perspective you have of the outside world is much clearer.
- - His influence impacts you (more likely to avoid sin) .
- - You strive to remain in this place of peace.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for allowing us to take refuge in your mighty presence.
Amen and Amen.
bo
What does it mean to be in the Shadow of the Almighty?
Let's see . . .
- - You must be close in order to stand within someone's shadow.
- - If you stand close you're protected.
- - Closeness signifies love
- - You glean strength, assurance, comfort, security and trust.
- - Your foe will be frightened away as your protector engulfs them.
- - You can rest knowing that you are being cared for.
- - You will be renewed and strengthened as you rest in the shadow.
- - You realize your meagerness.
- - You feel safe and secure.
- - He is close enough to immediately come to your defense.
- - He is close enough for you to hand Him every concern.
- - He eliminates any need to worry.
- - You are kept from becoming over exposed to the outside world.
- - The perspective you have of the outside world is much clearer.
- - His influence impacts you (more likely to avoid sin) .
- - You strive to remain in this place of peace.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for allowing us to take refuge in your mighty presence.
Amen and Amen.
bo
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
A Parent's Serenity Prayer
It is written in 2 Timothy 1:12 . . .
"For I know the One in whom I trust,
and I am sure that He is able,
to guard that which I have entrusted to Him,
until the day of His return."
For all you Parent's out there . . . here's the biggest favor that you could ever do for yourself . . .
1. Entrust your children to Jesus
2. Memorize that verse
3. Courageously recite it at any given moment that a need arises!!!
4. Claim it as the truth
5. Boldly claim the victory that is in Jesus!!!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for providing us with Your Living Word. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for providing us with determination and courage to stand fearlessly on this incredible truth.
I worship You, Lord, and give You all the glory, honor and praise that only You are deserving of.
Amen and Amen
bo
"For I know the One in whom I trust,
and I am sure that He is able,
to guard that which I have entrusted to Him,
until the day of His return."
For all you Parent's out there . . . here's the biggest favor that you could ever do for yourself . . .
1. Entrust your children to Jesus
2. Memorize that verse
3. Courageously recite it at any given moment that a need arises!!!
4. Claim it as the truth
5. Boldly claim the victory that is in Jesus!!!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for providing us with Your Living Word. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for providing us with determination and courage to stand fearlessly on this incredible truth.
I worship You, Lord, and give You all the glory, honor and praise that only You are deserving of.
Amen and Amen
bo
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