Get UNcomfortable Already!

As of today, my left hand is bare & ringless :( , while the diamonds from my wedding band are reset into their fresh new beds....it's such an uncomfortable feeling; to go without wearing the only convenient symbol of declaration to the world that I am bound in love & life to one man, my husband Chris.

Though at the same time, Im fully aware that feeling empty & incomplete from being without such a small accessory is silly...assanine, & it makes me think about COMFORT in general.

How often do each of us settle for whats comfortable?

I remember growing up a shy kid, would almost never approach strangers, probably not a bad thing...but it carried into my adolescent years to some extent, then my 20's. Dont get me wrong; I had some really good friends. But as for hangups, well I had a few...even when I entered leadership at my church. One of the hangups was being noticed; playing keyboard up front, it took my pastor several attempts at convincing me to do it....& helping me overcome this great fear of being the centre of attention. But you know, with lotsa prayer & determination to overcome, I went from hiding in the crowd, to eventually a main worship leader, youth leader, workout instructor, (yeah...thats right...we did Taebo classes at the church after Sunday services, LOL) & it got to the point where I enjoyed it.

I enjoyed any opportunity to allow the holy Spirit to effectively use me. As I opened myself up to Him, He spoke through me, & I'd see how he was touching those that were listening. What an amazing experience, to be obedient to the Lord, ready, willing & able to listen & obey...& the fruits that came out of that obedience were overwhelming. We know the scripture, "He gives us exeedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask for.' How true! God had transformed me from a reluctant & fearful, to 'Overcomer of fear of man'...& using me to speak & sing into others' hearts...& with it dreams & visions, leading me into other forms of ministry as well....

those were years of huge growth, & all I did was take that first step, trust the Lord & simply listened & obeyed as he guided me.

I know of other Christians who struggle in this way & pray for them to overcome as well. Still I've seen others in churches who have their groups/'cliques' of friends, which we all do to some extent; but the sad part is that many are COMFORTABLE within that group only, not even bothering to make the effort of conversation with others in that church body. Years go by, & some people have not even been approached by these other 'comfortable cliquers'. ( God just spoke that to me now, lol, thats hilarious, 'comfortable cliquers'. )

It's sad that people speak of unity in the body, when in fact there is only unity within a third of that body, & that being the clique. Why dont we as brothers & sisters in Christ see this/sense this & DO something to make change? As people come in to hear Gods word & fellowship, they get ignored, snubbed & eventually never go back to that place...If you ask me, it is time that changes take place.

Unity is not Unity unless it involves a Whole group unified. I really sense God saying lately that his idea of unity is not like ours. That he's saddenned with his church today, by the walls put up within his body.

When I've come across these cliquers, I dont even bother trying anymore. It's a waste of time & I pray that their eyes are opened soon, as many people are discouraged by this...no one is above anyone else. not a worship team, not a leader...they have more responsibility of course, but no one including them, are exempt from loving others within the body...equally.

If I could do it, ANYone can...anyone in Christ, who is willing to be obedient....

It's All Good when you think about it...

Had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine yesterday. She told me that her pastor made it clear that if he were given a donation of 'dirty money', no matter HOW large the amount, the church would most certainly refuse it. 'Really?'
This got me thinking, & I mean beyond the conversation itself & into the next day. Maybe its my "B-S" radar that goes off automatically at times, ...but come on. Are you kidding me?

1.) dont buy it-highly doubt that a large sum of money would be rejected by any ministry, at least in the Western world
2.) if it is true, what a waste of an opportunity to further God's work, help the needy...buy new china for ladies weekly coffee hour...(the senior's would Love it! ) lol
3) what ARE the motives in rejecting a donation? Is it pride? Or an actual, truly deep reverant fear of God...
4) who does this dude think he is, telling my friends & hundreds of others what he knows sounds good, what he knows won't cause a riot among the onlookers in this traditional church; but mainly...would his actions belie his honorable declarations if indeed faced with a hefty donation?
5) To me, it seems to come down to truth, & motive. If a church refuses certain monies out of a pure respect & honor for God, then they get my kudos. But I still hold my position of not seeing what the big deal is...esp when I look at the story in Luke 7:36-50:

"...He went to the Pharisee's house & sat down at the dinner table. Just then, a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume, & stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, & anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him."

Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to tell you"
"Oh? Tell me."
"Two men were in debt to a banker.One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty.Neither of them could pay up, & so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?"
Simon answered, "I suppose the one who was forgiven the most"
"That's right" said Jesus. Then turning to the woman but speaking to Simon, he said "Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet but she rained tears on my feet & dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time she arrived, she hasn't quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn't it? She was forgiven many, many sins, & so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal."
Then he spoke to her: "I forgive your sins."
That set the dinner guests talking behind his back: "Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!"
He ignored them & said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Jesus had his feet washed with perfume that was purchased by performing sexually immoral acts. But by using that money to bless him, serve him & love him, He responded to her by forgiving her many sins. That says freedom to me...

We have a Defender!

Every now & then, we all have those moments of misery when life treats us unfairly. When false accusations & harsh words are thrown at us. When life as we know it is just too big a burden for our shoulders to carry any further, & we dream of better times. How perfect would it be, to travel far far away & give our tired brains & broken spirits a much needed rest, our hearts some time to heal.

So today while considering such ponderings with my dad, he said the words I had earlier heard the Lord speak into my heart; that He is our Defender. A Protector. A Provider & a God who says he prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies..annointing our heads with oil, as our cup overflows. He shines his face on us & his light all things, exposing the darkness; to be bold & confident in these things; to give our cares to him, for he cares for us. To cast our burden on Him & he will give us rest.

We aren't meant to barely scrape by in life. Or run away from problems; we can stay right where we are, amidst our conflicts/situations & be victorious! We are meant to hold firmly to a God who only wants the best for us...an abundant life. Prosperous. Joyous. Rested. Confident & assured that He is our Defender.

Psalm 56:9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!

Isaiah 51:21-23 "...your God has taken up his people's case: "Look I've taken back the drink that sent you reeling. No more drinking from that jug of my anger! I've passed it over to your abusers to drink, those who ordered you, 'Down on the ground so we can walk all over you!' And you had to do it. Flat on the ground, you were the dirt under their feet."