The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere…those who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18

In repentance and rest is your salvation;
in quiet and trust is your strength.  Isaiah30:15

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you. Psalm 119: 9-11

And finally, whatever is right, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely; if anything be admirable, excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things.  Philippians 4:8

Blessings and Peace,
Sara

Blessings,
Sara

“Did you put on a new deck?” Ron asked when he drove p to the front of our house last Sunday.

“No, we just had it power washed,” I told him.  “John did it for us.”

Now I hate to admit this, but in the 15 to 20 years we’ve had the front and back decks on, we’ve never had them power washed or water proofed.  And yes they were gray with weathering and black even in some places and terribly slick when it rained with all the years’ accumulation of stuff on them.  In fact, when it rained, we had to always warn people to be careful as they walked across the deck.  And why did we never have this power washing done before?  I guess I had so many plants and furniture on that I thought it would be too big a job to clear the decks.  And why did we finally take the plunge?  Well, I think God must have sent John out to us. He was doing some work for us and he just casually said, Now if you want me to clean these decks I can do it.  No problem.”

I promptly said, “No, I don’t think so.”

Well, it turned out I had to get some of the planters and furniture off anyway for him, and so the light came on in my head finally and I thought if we’re ever going to do it, now is the time with half the stuff already off.  So 65 planters off the back deck and 20 off the front deck plus tables, chairs, benches, and fire pot, the decks were ready for their new grand appearance.  And yes, it was a lot of trouble.  Some of the planters were so big I had to take the plants and dirt out before I could move them off the deck.  But it was worth it all.  And to just think this could have been done a long time ago.  Why is it easier to put up with the ugly when it could be replaced by the beautiful?

So now I ask myself why do I keep holding onto bad habits or selfish and impatient attitudes when I could just let Jesus power wash them right out of my life!  I guess partly because I would have to make up my mind to do it.  My mom used to always say, “First I’ve gotta convince myself.”  And then, of course, I’d have to do my part before Jesus could do his part.  But what a great thing to be able to say, “Power washed by Jesus!”
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Love in Jesus,
God’s “Power Washed” Servant,
Liz

One of the ways that we as Christians can easily miss the point is in regard to God’s nature.  Perhaps the biggest stumbling block for Christians and non-Christians alike is our lack of ability to grasp the sense of unthinkable tragedy.  Often times, our first response is to question God (Why did this happen?) or even to lay blame (Why did YOU let this happen?)  Why would a God who professes to love allow thousands of people to be lost in a moment?  Why would a God who speaks of redemption turn his back when an innocent child is murdered?  It doesn’t make sense.  Yet, as Jesus shows us in the following scriptures, these questions miss the point.

Click on the link to read the following scripture: John 9:1-12

In this passage, the church folk see a man in need and, instead of helping, ask Jesus who sinned to bring about his suffering.  Jesus’ response?  No one.  This man’s suffering was not a fault of his own or anyone else.  “Why” was not the point.  The point was that through this man’s suffering God’s glory was revealed.

Go with me to one more passage: Luke 13:1-5  Again, the message is similar.  God does not rain down suffering for sin.  Rather, he offered his own son as a sin offering for each of us.  When tragedy strikes, it is not God punishing, but rather it becomes an opportunity for us to live out our faith and to show the love of God to a world in need.

One of the things my husband has heard said often of the reconstruction following Hurricane Katrina is that Christians have re-built the Gulf Coast.  Christian groups, churches and organizations are still re-building down in the Gulf over five years after the destruction from Katrina.  In the midst of great tragedy, God’s love has been shown.  And that is our call today, to show the love of God in the midst of the darkness of the world while remembering that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good. (Romans 8:28)

I know there are many faith-based relief organizations that will be working through the crisis in Japan.  One such organization is the United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR).  UMCOR has the distinction of being one of the first organizations on the ground when tragedy strikes and the last organization to leave.  No money donated to UMCOR goes to overhead costs, like utilities, office space and salary.  Rather, each dollar donated to UMCOR goes directly to helping those in need.  It’s one way to make a difference, but there are many others.  Our challenge and purpose, as people who have been redeemed, is to find ways to share that redemption story with others, to look for opportunities to fight the cynicism and pessimism of our society with acts of mercy and hope.  This is what Jesus was talking about when he called us to love–love God, love others.  The first flows freely into the second.  So let me ask you this–who will you love today?

Blessings and Peace,
Sara

As I was considering misdirection, it became apparent to me how much Satan works to keep us misdirected in our spiritual lives.  How many times do you find your mind wandering all over the place when you pray?  How often do you feel overwhelmed when problems arise in your daily life?  How often do you sit down to study the Word only to find another more “pressing” matter to attend to at that very moment?  (Totally speaking to myself here!)  How often do you take one huge step forward in your faith walk only to find the past pulling you three steps back?

As we enter into the season of Lent, I would challenge all of us to avoid the misdirections that can veer us off course.  If you’re thinking of giving something up, find something that truly pulls you away from God to let go of.  If you don’t want to give something up, take something on that will bring you closer to the one who directs us in the paths of righteousness.  This year, I’ve been inspired by my friend Liz and Amy Sullivan.  Check out Amy’s blog on Gracious Giving for some awesome ways you can take something on this Lenten season.  I’m going to take on Scripture memory and really work to follow the Deuteronomy 6:4-9 principles of keeping the Word every before me an on me.  I’m going to daily carry a Scripture with me.  Amy reminded me one of her last posts how powerful simply carrying a Scripture can be.

Paul wrote a lot about focus in the book of Philippians.  If you’re feeling misdirected, consider this:

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 13-14


Blessings and Peace,
Sara

Yet, there is a fullness that is fulfilling, energizing and affirming–a fullness that doesn’t end in guilt and self-loathing.  I’m talking, of course, of the fullness that comes with spending quality time with God; spiritual fullness.  Have you ever gotten up from spending time with God to say, “I’m so FULL!”  In contrast to feeling tired and drained, when I’m spiritually full I find that my energy abounds.  I want to get up, get moving and embrace the day!  I also feel good about myself.  Spending time with God reminds me of who I am, whose I am, and what I am here to do.  God fills me up so that I can got out and do his work in the world.  And the best part of being spiritually full is that you can come back for more!!  You can have a full five course meal with God and not regret it later!  In fact, God wants us to keep coming back for more.  Unlike our stomachs, our spirits need to be filled with God.  Our goal as Christians should be spiritual fullness.

In Christ, you have been brought to fullness.  Colossians 2:10

Which begs the question, are you full today?

Blessings and Peace,
Sara 

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve always kind of liked Awards shows. Okay, I’ll admit it, I LOVE the Academy Awards!! Before I had children, I used to see all of the nominated films each year. I held Oscar viewing parties, I had my ballot filled out and ready to go. One year, I even made Oscar themed games and gave away Academy Award winning movies for prizes!! Yes, there is a little domestic diva who lies buried inside of me and pops her head out from time to time! This year, I only saw Up. But I saw it every day for two months straight, so that has to count for something!!

As I’m watching the drama unfold on the red carpet (a.k.a. people with little sense and too much money tripping over one another to congratulate themselves on making more money and staying upright in stiletto heels) I can’t help myself. I start to picture myself on that stage, standing tall in my classy, strapless, Vera Wang with well-defined biceps and triceps, holing the Oscar for best original screenplay, and launching into my acceptance speech. This year, it goes something like this…

First of all, I’d like to thank God– not for the Oscar, because I don’t think God cares whether or not I win an Oscar, but for the opportunity to live this beautiful, albeit sometimes messy life. God’s limitless grace and mercy, his faithfulness, his unfailing love and presence has kept me going through all of the ups and downs. I thank God, too for the opportunity to bring this story to all of you. It is so important that we, as human beings, work to ensure a better future for all of our children. That’s why this award means so much to me–it brings the story to even more people. And that is my way of making a difference.

To my family, thank you! My wonderful husband, Chris, who saw more in me than I ever saw in myself. Who pushed me, encouraged me, convicted me and supported me. I would never have become the woman God intended me to be without you.

To my parents, Clell and Linda–where do I start? You taught me how to dream, how to believe, how to hope, how to have faith. You worked to build a foundation of love for my life, and I have been so blessed by that love. I hope I can honor you in all that I do.

To my sister Libby, my friend, my compatriot, my co-conspirator. Thank you for your passion and your fire. You inspire me to fight for a better world.

To my in-laws Ken and Mikki, how blessed I am to be part of your family!! Thank you for your amazing love and grace.

To Mrs. Rife, the Queen of Everything, I know you’re smiling down from heaven right now. Your Princess has come a long way, and I thank you for pushing me in the right direction. You never stopped believing.

To my students, thank you for all the lessons along the way. You might never know this, but you are so much a part of who I am. I have loved all of you. Listen to me tonight–you have the power to succeed! Don’t let your life hold you back–press on!

And finally, my two sweet, beautiful boys. I thank God for entrusting you to us every day. You are the lights of my life. This is for you!!

Well, there it is. My Academy Awards Acceptance Speech. Of course, I would have been ushered off the stage by “Oscar Girl” before finishing the introduction, but I’d have a hard copy if anyone wanted to listen to the rest. So, how about you? What’s your Award Winning Speech? I’d love to hear!

Blessings and Peace,
Sara

I’m doing a long-term sub job in 3rd grade which is great, but oh my… Have I mentioned that I’m a high school teacher?  I’m also in the process of doing my very first (and possibly last depending on how it goes!) women’s retreat.  It’s been so much fun getting the Biblical study together!!  I feel like I’m finally putting my Christian Ed degree to use! 🙂  Prior to this, I had been mentally referring to it as my M.R.S. degree.  Which is a fabulous degree, by the way! 🙂  And now I’m rambling on and on because I’m sleep deprived thanks to my youngest who thinks Mommy should rock him in the recliner half the night.  Oh what a joy motherhood is!!  It seriously is, right? 🙂

Blessings and Peace,
Sara

Sometimes I wish I could respond to the Word as well as I respond to a big slice of soft, decadent chocolate cake.  I can’t resist–EVER!  Yet, when I’m busy and have a schedule to keep, I will resist God’s pull into his Word from which comes my strength, hope, and focus for the day.  So, my challenge to myself today is less cake, more God.  He will fill me up without packing on the pounds!