Writing is my dance on paper. Joy comes when we can share with words or with our movements that expression of our hearts that God alone understands. May the words of my heart and the meditations of my heart be pleasing unto You, My God and let them encourage and bless someone today.
I'm often made to wonder what is going on with those who call themselves Worship Leaders? I mean, we are all called to worship in one form or another. But, what makes one Worship Leader different from another? Is it the group he or she belongs to? Or how much vocal training or musical training that determines the best leader? Is it the amount of money paid to many worship leaders in the more trendy churches today? What would you say qualifies one leader over another?
In many circles today we see the loyalty game. If one person remains loyal to a pastor, then they are forever kept as the person in charge of every decision for that worship team. Yes, they've been there with their family for fifty generations. True, they probably tithe beyond the tenth percent. And most assuredly, everyone hides the earplugs they wear to avoid the poor sound coming forth from those vocals or the lack of practice of those musicians playing together. But hey, they're always here and well, blood is thicker than water, right? After all, as long as a few songs are song just before the preacher starts to share, who notices how few people come early to church but walk in for the preaching? Hmmm. Coincidence?
I wonder if David was chosen for his loyalty to Samuel or his father, Jesse? I can't find it anywhere that God looked deep into his heart for his dedication to the prophet, loyalty to the leadership or pastor, or for any special ability he possessed.The only reason, I can find, is that David had a heart and a lifestyle filled with leading worship in his own personal life.He oozed of worship in his private life, while he worked, while he played, and most definitely while he was on his guard ready for any battle.
Too many pastors are worried about pleasing people instead of pleasing God. They go ahead and choose their own leaders and allow them to go forth in ministry instead of allowing God to hand pick and show whom He has chosen to lead the congregation in every area from singing, to playing, to dancing, and to ministering. Many chosen are frozen in the pews, praying and waiting for the opportunity to share what they've found in their times of devotion, alone with the Father. The waiting game forever continues because they are in churches that say they depend and serve the Lord, but truly depend on their numbers, offerings and popularity cliques.
Oh, that I would see a time where worshipers close their eyes and lose themselves in abandonment to give their all to the Lord. I pray to one day experience extravagant worship where the only one sought after is the Lord, where the only one stealing the spotlight is God. I pray one day I can see the importance placed once more on honoring and hungering after God's presence. Lord, let my eyes see once again leaders that forget themselves and surrender to you, that pray before they practice a song, that pray for your guidance in selecting songs of praise, that seek Your anointing before playing any instrument.
I pray to one day see pastors that desire the move of the Lord so greatly in the congregation that they will go back to times of prayer and soaking in God's presence, asking the Lord as Samuel did, "Lord, whom have you chosen? Is it this one or this one?" Lord, let our hearts be genuine and desire your presence not only in the congregation, but everywhere. Raise up leaders that will allow ministry to be about whom you have called and not who they have to be loyal to.
After finishing a phone conversation with someone, the following scripture filled my mind and I saw it in a completely new way. I hope you let me share what was on my mind as I walked to the train station. I was blown away with how the Lord works.
John 21 NIV
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
I know that lambs are considered the babies, less than a year (12 months) and sheep are the older, a year or older ones. Allow me to consider for a moment that, instead of referring to this passage as usually, in regards to the pastor and the church, or leaders being mentors, can I present it to you as a husband before the Lord? Can I show you what took place in my mind for a few minutes. If you can see the lambs as the children in a relationship, and the sheep as the older person in that family of great significance, like a wife or a husband. Stay with me. I promise you, I won't be long and I believe this will make you think about what it means to say, "I love you."
We take the idea of saying, "I love you." for granted, I think. Here Jesus is asking, "Do you love me?" and I can turn it around into a woman, a wife, perhaps a wife that has gone through a lot in her marriage, forgiving his mess ups and trying to start over. I can see her in a room with her husband asking, "Do you love me?" He'll answer quickly, "You know I do." Her response..."Feed (provide for, nourish, be an example to) our children.
Again, through the struggle to hold on to this relationship, she comes to him again, "Do you love me?" And once more, he is quick to respond, "Yes, you know I love you." This time, she says, "What about me? Take care of me. Be there for me. Love me. Protect me. Shield me from the storm. Hide me in your shadow. Help me."
The last time, the wife is asking again. Now the husband is hurt. "She's questioning my love. She's doubting my love." But, he listens. "Do you love me?" she asks him one last time.
"With hurt in his voice, remembering times and times again he has failed her and their children, the many times he's gone astray and done wrong, he answers, "Yes, I love you. You know I do. I'm still here."
The Scriptures say that the Lord told Peter the last time, "Feed my sheep."
I would dare and say that this can be the Lord calling the leader of the home to be accountable for what has been given to him. "Feed (Nourish, Take care of, Give to) your wife."
If you really love her, just like God would go out of his way for one lost sheep, go out of your way for your wife. Didn't you go crazy trying to win her and then find the courage to propose? Didn't you promise to be there for her? If you truly love her, then there should be no pretenses, no excuses, no slacking off from being the Godly leader you've been called to be.
"Feed my sheep."
Take care of the wife and children God has given you. Fight for them. Pray for them. Pray with them. Let them see ME in YOU. Praise me without fear or shame in front of them. Teach them about ME. Protect them. Allow them to know what it means to be safe, secure and sheltered in the presence of a man that loves God above all else.
"Do you love me, Peter?"
"Yes, Lord, You know I do."
The Lord is asking, "Do you love me?" and then he gives a directive. "Go take care and feed my lambs and my sheep."
Dear men, what are you doing with your family?
Your son needs you. He's stuck and needs your advice. Your daughter is hurt and needs her daddy again. You son needs to see what a father is like and learn from you. Your children need you to take your place.
This was the question in my mind as I walked to the train station and I had to share. Rise up, men of the Lord, and be true men of God and godliness. Do not be half hearted or fake. The Lord knows you, and your family knows the real you. Begin anew and take heart to the Lord's challenge to be there for your family. I hope you're challenged by my interpretation of this scripture.
When I was around 3 months pregnant with Jacob, , I began to experience early labor pains at work. I had been through this before with my other two pregnancies and during lunchtime let my principal know what was happening. I called my doctor from my job and he told me to go straight to the ER believing I was in early labor. I was admitted and told that I had a very large fibroid and that this pregnancy had to be terminated. The fibroid was big and it was not allowing the fetus (my baby) to grow and develop and that all he could tell me was to abort. "You're still young." he said." I'll give you and your husband some time and come back to know what you want to do."
I answered, "The God that decided to place him in my womb will decide what happens with this baby." I was constantly with contractions and in and out of the hospital. Each time, the doctor would say, "He is not growing. He's not going to develop normally. You will regret this." Once more I declared, "My God is in control." I shared with my family prayer group Mom, Dad, Tito, Christina, Alex, Wendy, Dinorah, Frankie and my kids during a family get together to pray. Each time, my brother Tito had everyone lay hands on me and begin to pray, declare life and believe for a miracle.
This child had been promised to me and I would not even think of doing what the doctor said I should do. He said the baby was just a fetus and didn't know what was happening. Every doctor that saw me had the same opinion every time. At least ten or more doctors saw me and it was always agreeing with my doctor. I fell on my knees and cried out to God. I was on bed rest, unable to care for my other two wonderful children and holding on to the only words that gave me strength, God's Words. Two weeks after the prayers of our church family, I returned to the hospital. Sonograms once again were taken and doctors began to walk in and out of the room and asking me questions. I got angry and said, "What's going on? Why do you keep asking me the same questions? Is something wrong with my baby?" They all made me wait and I began to sing. Yes. If you know me, you know I love to sing. My song of choice was Forever You Will Be, The Lamb Upon the Throne. I thought of my baby and what this child will do and be. You will live and not die! My doctor walked in, with his smile, and said, "Duran, Duran." A smile? Good news then. Thank you Lord. You are in charge here.
"Duran, Duran, I don't know what you did or how it happen but maybe, just maybe, it's like you say all the time, God was going to do something and I think He did."
My heart was pounding, inside I was rejoicing and tears of gratitude rolled down my cheeks. "The fibroid was very big. Look, here, see. This is you each time you came, it was getting bigger. Look. The baby never grew. The baby was not growing. Do you see this here?"
I just followed his finger as he pointed to the photos. "This is today. Everything is the same so we know it is you. But, look. The very big fibroid is completely gone and your baby is bigger. Look at your baby now." Right there, I thanked God. "Doctor, God has done it." "Yes, Duran Duran, He has. I can't take credit for this. It is a work of the divine."
I cannot tell you I was off bed rest, I was not. Jacob still came super early. But, he was born a healthy, big, beautiful and precious bundle of smiles and hugs all ready for me and all of us that love him. Later on, yes, he developed Type 1 Diabetes, but this has not been a stopper for our fighter. He has continued to surpass our expectations in every way, meeting great challenges along and the way, and never, ever giving in. On September 21, 2002, the child God had promised me one day was brought into this world.
I know that many mothers have gone through many of the same problems in their pregnancies. I also know that many always take the doctor's word for everything. I can tell you I regret a lot of the advice I followed with my previous pregnancies in regards to preterm labor medication and procedures. But, we learn from everything, including mistakes. Do not lose hope. Each child is a blessing. God is in control. He has allowed that FETUS to begin to have a heartbeat as soon as it was created. Yes, it doesn't look like much, but so many of us don't look like much now either and God is still at work in our lives. Yes, the FETUS seems without feeling or worth to many, but Oh, God's Word says, that while that child is carefully being formed in the mom's womb, God already sees their future.
God blessed us with one more miracle. His name is Jacob. I will always praise you Lord! You are amazing! Happy Birthday Jacob Gabriel, our champion!
When the Lord decided to send you, I wondered who you would be, My heart desired a son Imagine, a boy, formed inside of me. Your few months were not easy, Sickness tried to steal your destiny, Tiny bundle, never complaining In my arms, trusting me. I remember when doctors were without answers, You'd die, they said, we cannot help him heal, Desperate, I fell on my knees on that cold hospital floor, Praying,"Lord, Only You can touch my child."
Visitors were not allowed Unless masks and gowns covered them whole My heavenly gift was slowly fading On my knees, I surrendered my gift to the Lord. "It's a miracle!" said doctors after new tests were done. "After long weeks or waiting, everything has changed." This started the beginning of my son's amazing life, The Lord had done a great thing! Aaron, your life has great purpose Don't ever doubt the reason you're here, For the way you think and talk about the Lord, shows God is with you, never fear! The talents, your gifts, your struggles, your questions, These things all make the awesome you, The Aaron Josiah, the miracle son, Without you, what would I do? You're a wonderful brother, and a great son!
So, September 4, 1993 Straight from the Lord, you were given to me, Forever I'll be here for you and love you, Forever I'm in expectation of the great things God has for you. Go forward and have faith, follow after your dreams, One day doors will open and you will be in awe of what the Lord has done.
We celebrate your life! You were born, For such a time, As this....
Time is going by quickly. Students return to school in a few days and before you know it, we'll be taking out our sweaters and warm jackets, getting ready for hayrides and apple picking that will lead us right into giving thanks, sharing a turkey dinner and then get ready for Santa. Time is going by too quickly.
So, today I'm on a mission to get my house ready for all these upcoming celebrations. It all starts out with my sons celebrating their birthdays in September. To me, that's a sign to start redecorating, changing everything in the apartment and that Summer is somewhat officially over.
Saturday Plan: Let's take care of me and then the house. If you know me, you know I'm brewing some coffee. I have my cornbread ready. Wish I could send you some.
FIrst, taking laundry out to be washed and dried. I have a long week ahead and don't want this burden on my mind. Maybe you're like me and you don't have the energy or desire to get things like housework or laundry done every day. So when the enthusiasm is there, take advantage and do all you can for the days when you're lazy, tired, or not feeling well. Back home so soon? Great!
Now, put on some fast paced, energetic happy music for dancing to get the day going. Click on video and leave it on as you read. It's one of my favorites.
I think the kitchen is crying out, "Me first!" So, let's get this party started.
Heavy duty mopping next.
Get that bathroom spotless.
Clean dish pantry and change summer dishes to fall dishes.
Change all the curtains, bathroom included
Put away summer pillows on sofa and take out everything autumn
Open up trunk and pull out all the fall decor
Purchase autumn color candles with harvest/fall scents
Change all the linens/quilts and put out the pretty ones with autumn colors.
I'm in the mood for yellows and oranges to take small spaces of this apartment and make it warm like the glow of pumpkin spice next to pine cones pouring out the aroma of cinnamon. The throws I put away will have been rinsed and now I can place them on the sofa for cool days up ahead.
I guarantee, I don't wake up wanting to do this every Saturday. Some days I want to be a slug on a rug and stay in bed, pretend nothing has to be done. But, ladies and gents, if we don't come together as a family to make our home beautiful, our family will not want to be in a messy, confusing home. So, even if it's one thing on your list, get it done, and get it done with joy and the best way you can!
A soft breeze sneaks in through the kitchen window, making the old lace curtains sway back and forth as if fanning themselves for comfort from the muggy warmth filling the kitchen. The sun rose a few hours ago but the sky seems unable to recognize it. Clouds still hover by somehow announcing rain. The drip, drip, dripping of wet clothes hanging from the upstairs clothesline falls heavily on the metal window awning that covers my kitchen window. I am not alone. Everyone is still in bed. The rooms are dimly lit as some daylight struggles to push through uneven window blinds. It's going to rain. I feel it. The light passing through is so weak, one would think it's getting ready to be nighttime, not the start of a new day.
Reaching the last bedroom, I see him. He is sleeping. I don't know if he smells the coffee I hold in my hands. It's very warm. I love it really hot and he likes it just right, warm but not so hot it burns your lips. He is in dreamland and I wonder if I should wake him.
My eyes remain upon him. He has worked so hard all week. When overtime was offered, he was quick to say, "Yes." He thought of our children, the home, the bills. He thought of me. Of us.
At one point, I didn't believe in us any more.Disappointments and misunderstandings can turn into hurts and unforgiveness. So many times I just wanted to let go and start anew. Then, the Lord would remind me, as He is doing now, "I am doing a new thing. Can you perceive it?"
The Lord that forgives me expects me to have a heart that is willing and able to forgive. The Lord that lifts me up when I am down desires me to be willing to lift someone that is discouraged, up to a place of feeling wanted, strong and able to go on. I look at my husband and wonder, "Lord, how did you do it? How did you bring us back together when we were falling apart? How did you restore the love when all I felt was hurt?
When did our love become stronger and it felt like we couldn't live unless we were together?" You see, that is what started to happen when I surrendered it all to the Lord and today, the truth is, I don't know if we can ever be separated. The Lord has brought healing, restoration and so much in us that I know God can do for you, too.
The things we did that once kept us close like prayer and trusting the Lord together became ancient in our busy days filled with work and family. They pulled us apart. We have to go back to placing the Lord first. When God is in the center of our family it is impossible to fail. At least that is what I believe. It is what I see and am living. Placing down the cups of coffee on the opened ironing board, love fills my heart and compassion for my husband overtakes me. We expect a prince and a king when we get married but no man really knows how to play the part. Our expectations can easily be destroyed if we are not able to be content with just being loved in the only way our husband knows how to love.
I sit next to him and place my hand on his shoulder. "Coffee time....Do you want some coffee?" A huge smile opens upon his face. Beautiful eyes, the eyes I have always loved looking into open up and he turns towards me. "Good morning,honey" making an ugly face, he says, "Of course I want coffee!"
As I begin to get up to go get the cups, big arms grab me down and he tackles me down into a bear hug. This is his romantic way of saying thank you and I wouldn't want it any other way. "Do you want me to get something else for the coffee?" he asks. "I made some goodies and left them on a plate on the kitchen counter if you want to get them." He gets up quickly, throwing my collection of pillows on top of me and goes off to get the plate. Outside my window, the strong pitter patter of raindrops have begun and I open the window blinds to observe the falling rain. Let it rain, Lord. Fill the earth with your love. Rain here in our home. Let showers of love and mercy rain in our hearts. Reign in us, Lord.
My husband is not perfect. Neither am I. We've had many ups and downs, times of great disappointment and times of amazing rejoicing and celebration. Through it all, he is still the King (So he says) and I am his Queen ( my peasant) he calls me to bother me. He makes me laugh and that's what I love most.I don't know how your relationship or marriage is. I don't know where you feel it is right now. If it's breaking apart, going through uncertainty, or everything is great only you know this. Love one another and accept one another the way each one is. Don't try to change the other person. Receive their love for you. And if they're still making you smile, having pillow fights, stealing kisses around the kids, or just enjoying coffee and snacks in bed while it pours outside, then chances are you can work things out.
We have. And we will continue to work through our difficult times, not because we know it all, but because we have placed our relationship in God's hands. That's a safe place and a sure place to keep us strong. Sometimes we expect love to look a certain way when real love is staring us right in the face in an unexpected way. If something has happened in your marriage, may our story inspire you to believe, turn to the Lord and have faith that God can heal broken hearts and pour showers of love, that can make new seeds of love flourish strongly and forever.
If in any way our story can help you in your marriage, then it has been worth sharing, if only for one couple. Don't give up on your marriage until you've prayed and waited on the Lord. The best is yet to come! #marriage #christianmarriage #forgiveness #restoration #marriagerestoration #christiancounseling #healing #couples #marriageintervention
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