Living in the Shadow of the Cross and Loving Our Enemies

It's hard to tell this story without going into the specifics, but there's no need to dredge the past up again, so please bear with me. 

More than a decade ago, I went through a terrible time. Two people, in particular, plus a third who helped in the gouging of my heart, had the greatest role in that awfulness and, for a time, I considered them all my enemies. 

What does the Bible say about enemies? 

...Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you..." Luke 6:27-28 nasb

"repay evil with blessing..." 1 Peter 3:9 

"...love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44

Those passages are perfectly clear. When we, disciples of Jesus, have an "enemy," we are to pray, bless, and love them. This behavior is not optional. It's what disciples of Christ are supposed to do, so I did it. There was nothing amazing or saintly in my decision to obey. It was simple Christian living.

Not to love my enemies, or bless them, or pray for them would've been disobedience to the command of Jesus. It would've been sin, whether I felt justified in my anger or not. 

Disobedience to a hard command is sin. We don't like to hear those words, but they're true. 

In the first few hours of that devastating darkness, I sank to my face on my prayer room floor and spoke words of blessing toward all involved. I didn't feel it, and both God and I knew it, but I did it as an act of surrender and obedience.  I prayed that same prayer over and over again. It took a long time to "mean it" when I prayed, but that effort in persevering prayer changed everything.

The situation didn't resolve in the way I'd hoped, but God did a work in my relationship with one of the people, and, over the years, with another one of them.

Yesterday, I was in a business meeting with one of the three former-enemy people, who's doing some work for me. I had to call another person in the trio about the outcome of the meeting. 

"What's up with this? Is he helping you?" the second person asked.

"Yeah. He's a great guy."

"Are you kidding me? He was against you."

I laughed. "Yeah, well, look at all you did, but I forgave you. I'm big on forgiveness, you know. We forgave each other and we love each other now. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him, and nothing he wouldn't do for me." 

My former enemy was aghast. "Really?"

"Yep. This is what forgiving and loving your enemies look like. They become your friends. This is how I treat you, isn't it?"

"Well, yeah..."

There is no way to communicate how horrible the situation was. I was absolutely devastated by it. More than a decade later, though, I can look back and laugh. God did a powerful work in me, and in the other people involved, as well. 

I've never even met the third person in the trio, and I don't particularly want to, but I'd be fine if I did. That's how a healed wound works. It doesn't hurt anymore.

All that blessing and praying and loving was worth it, even though I didn't want to do it at the time. 

When we live in the shadow of the cross, we must allow it to determine how we live, how we respond to trouble, how we treat our enemies. Jesus set an example we are to follow. 

What about loving our enemies is optional? Nothing.

Why love our enemies when the world says don't? Because Jesus commanded love. 

When I was face down on the prayer room floor, my reality was pain, hurt, fear, anger. I couldn't imagine the future we all have today, but Jesus could. I didn't have to envision it, plan for it, or anticipate such a glorious outcome. All that was required to gain the love we share today was one tiny act of obedience at all time. 

If we're reeling from the betrayal or hurt of another person, we have two options. Respond as the world responds or respond as Jesus said. Only one of those choices brings blessing. Only one brings the healing that turns enemies into dear, much-loved friends somewhere in the future. 

Which will we choose? It's a decision that can change the future is ways we cannot begin to imagine, so let's choose obedience. Choose love, blessings, prayer, and let God use our efforts to do a work only He can do. 

Loving as Christ loves is always the right decision. 

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When I Couldn't Tell if I'd Achieved My Goal or Not

When I Couldn't Tell If I'd Achieved My Goal or Not

Friends arrive today from abroad for an extended stay. I decided to prepare a welcome meal for tomorrow. The goal was to cook food that seemed familiar, a little touch of home. The problem, of course, was that I didn't know how to cook the way they cook "back home." I don't have their knack with spices or the exact flavor combinations in my skill set.

Nevertheless, I assumed a Google search would be sufficient, and plunged ahead.

Yesterday, I prepped two eggplants to make baba gahnoush, a smooth, creamy eggplant dip. I'd eaten this dish numerous times, but I'd never prepared it before. No problem, I thought. I bought two eggplants and some tahini sauce and downloaded a recipe.

Just to be sure of my goal, I bought a small container of baba gahnoush from the grocery. It tasted like bad Ranch dressing. Mislabeled, I decided, discarded it, and went to work.

I sliced the eggplants, put them cut-side down in my cast iron skillet, and stuck them under the broiler until the skin bubbled up and started to turn black. As the recipe said, I removed them from the skillet and set them aside to cool. 

Perfect progress, it seemed, as I peeled the skin off. That's when things started to get interesting. The recipe clearly stated that the eggplant should be mashed with a fork, which seemed crazy because it was so stringy. 

I put it in the bowl of my stand mixer, instead. I'm not saying the stand mixer was the problem, just that it's the place my path and the recipe parted ways. First, my recipe called for one eggplant. I used two, so I doubled all the ingredients, but forgot the salt, mainly because I'm on a low-salt diet. I wasn't sure what to do with the eggplant seeds, so I left them. I mixed the glob of goo with the paddle until it was mostly smooth. 

It was a gray mess, which made me think of gray matter in the brain, and pretty much grossed me out. I tasted it with trepidation, the thought of eating brain still in my head. It tasted terrible. That's when I started improvising. 

I added some salt, extra cumin, more lemon juice. Nothing helped. I gathered a variety of recipes and pulled from all of them. One listed red pepper in the ingredients, so I gave the cayenne a hearty shake. 

I wasn't sure about the texture. I couldn't decide what taste I needed to achieve. Finally, I gave the concoction another whirl with the mixer, called it baba gahnoush, and put it in a container.

I don't know if I made baba gahnoush or not.

The problem wasn't my enthusiasm for the task, nor my dedication. The problem was an uncertain goal. I wanted baba gahnoush, but my culinary memory didn't extend far enough for me to know how it looked nor how it tasted. I needed an experienced guide.

As I've pondered that bowl of eggplant dip (which may or may not be baba gahnoush), I've realized the life of a disciple is a lot like my cooking efforts. Living like Jesus intended is impossible if we don't know what it's supposed to look like, to feel like, to be like.

That's what the authors of the New Testament hoped to show us through their words and lives. When Paul said, "do what I do," it wasn't pride talking.  He wanted his readers to understand one truth. "This is how the Christian life looks. Do it this way." 

I don't want his shipwrecks, prison bars, or chains, but I'd sure like to have the power Paul had. His writings are filled with absolute abandon and reckless surrender. He was all-in for Christ, no matter the cost.

Paul wasn't a pew-sitter. He was a world-changer, and THAT is our pattern. He told everyone who would listen about the One who changed his life. He pressed on, no matter what happened. He lived what he taught.

If we want the power of God that Paul had, we'll have to walk the path Paul walked, all-in, faith-filled, perseverance. That's how we know we've achieved the life of a disciple.

Today, let's ask ourselves if we're living a life that's intended to be that of a disciple or if we're living the disciple life the first century writers tried to show us. Which do we want? Which does Jesus want us to have? 

If we need to make changes whether in priority, in thoughts, or in actions, let's look to Scripture for direction and do what it says. It's that easy. It's that hard. It's worth it.

"however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us...For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eager wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;" Philippians 3:16-17, 20 nasb

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: The Blood-of-Jesus Family Reunion

The Blood-of-Jesus Family Reunion

I can't remember why one of my small groups fell apart. I'm pretty sure it was my fault. We met in my home, but travel, ministry, and busyness got in the way. I was tired all the time. It was too much. We should meet somewhere else, I thought. 

We didn't.

Last night, we finally gathered around my living room again, and it was as if we'd never been apart. We laughed, shared stories of answered prayers, confessed our needs, worshipped and prayed together. After a pot-luck meal, one young man played his guitar and shared the songs he'd been learning. Some sang along, others listened.  

We're family even though we're not blood-kin. The thought crossed my mind, but instantly, I realized we're about as blood-kin as it gets, for the blood of Jesus unites us. 

Last night, after everyone left, I climbed into bed and savored the laughter, the tears, the joy, the love. Had I really been too busy for this sweetness?

Our time together caused me to examine my priorities and I've found them sadly askew again. I'm left wondering... what was more important than the people I love? What was accomplished during our time apart? Why didn't I realize how much I need these precious people in my life? How much we need each other?

Am I the only one with tunnel vision that focuses on the task, the need before my eyes, but neglects the bigger picture of friends and extended family? Is this a problem for us all?

If so, let's stop the busyness and begin to embrace relationship, the way Jesus did. He didn't send his disciples home at the end of a busy day. He spent time with the people He loved, ate with them, laughed, wept, and prayed together. He invested in the lives of others in a way that had eternal significance, and we should, too. 

The body of Christ is bigger than we realize. More important. More powerful. This morning, I'm left wondering what would happen in our world if we, the people of Christ, began to live the unity for which Jesus prayed, to live it fully. 

Into whose life are we investing? With whom do we "do life?" For whom do we bear burdens and share joys outside our immediate family? If the truth is "no one," we need a new reality. 

Today, let's reach out, invite in, embrace the family Christ purchased with His blood. Serve, live, and love as one, just as Jesus intended. 

"From Him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:16

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In case you missed it, here's yesterday's link: When We're Finally Sick of Our Sin and Decide to Let it Go
You might also enjoy this post: When Your Prayers Need a Little Help From Your Friends

When We're Finally Sick of Our Own Sin and Decide to Let it Go

"The craziest things happen to you," someone said recently, and they were right. Strange things do happen. An eye problem none of my physicians had seen before. A chain that broke because it mysteriously developed rust in one single link. Cane poles that had been substituted for metal fence posts. A broken knife blade left by the front door. A water pipe that froze and blew off its cap, causing a Niagara-sized flood. 

If all the odd things "meant" anything, I didn't understand it, but I'd held on to the assumption that things would settle down soon. They always have. Yesterday, I left the office at noon with plans for a productive few hours. I expected to saw down some small trees in the pasture, study a writing text, start edits, clean house, wash clothes, take out the garbage, cook a real meal instead of eat leftovers.

Very little of that was done. One thing after another happened, some of it catastrophic, some my own fault, some so disappointing I sat on the floor and wept like a baby. 

In the dark night of my soul, I saw my own heart, and the bleak vision brought even more tears. I faced my sin, and I was horrified by the pride, critical spirit, and sense of perfectionism in me. God had removed it all, but I'd allowed a seedling of sin to blossom into a vile, choking weed. Again.

I want all the wickedness gone. You may wonder if attitudes that don't manifest in significant actions are "wickedness," but the answer is yes. Sin is always wickedness. There's nothing sweet or charming about it. 

I want to be perfect, even as my Father in Heaven is perfect, but I have a long way to go. Part of the job of disciples includes quick repentance and progressive growth toward a Christ-like heart. I know none of us will be perfect this side of heaven, but I'd like to be a good bit closer than I am. Wouldn't you? 

I repented. I wept before the Lord, confessed my sin, and asked for forgiveness.

He forgave me.

It was that simple, but it didn't seem like enough. I repented some more. I wept some more. I apologized over and over again. Maybe you've never had one of those "come to Jesus" moments, but they are soul-cleansing hard, and white-as-snow beautiful. 

This morning, I still felt bad about the darkness I'd found in my heart. "I don't feel forgiven, Lord. I feel far away. Snuggle me again, Shepherd of My Heart." 

Have you ever felt this before? 

I opened my Bible to John, and reviewed the verses I'm planting in my heart. Those beautiful words washed over me like the balm of Gilead.

"For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace." John 1:16 nasb

Read those lovely words again, and ponder them with me. 

Forgiveness isn't given because of our feelings. It comes from the mercy and grace of God. He mercifully doesn't give us what we deserve. Instead, through grace, He gives us the forgiveness and cleaning we don't deserve. "And grace upon grace." He continues to give, every single time we need forgiveness. 

There was another passage that spoke to me in my despair and filled me with hope. 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4 nasb)

The weapon God has given us is powerful enough to demolish even the strongholds and fortresses in our own hearts. Our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and it's more than enough. 

The word of God can demolish all the lies we've embraced, all the strongholds we've allowed the enemy to claim. I saw that truth again this morning. It's only effective, however, if we know what it says and allow it to do it's beautiful work in our hearts. 

If we're tired of the load of sin we've been carrying, let's do something about it. Today, let's confess our sin and embrace the forgiveness only our loving, merciful, grace-filled Savior can give. Allow our faith to dictate to our feelings. We are loved, bought with a price, and washed white as snow. 

Let's live clean, because we are. 

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Why My Borders Need to Expand

You might also like: Demolishing Strongholds and Choosing to be Free

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

The Walk Down Memory Lane That Filled Me With Joy

My life changed irrevocably on September 24, 2013, at 6:21 am, when I posted my first blog post. For more than four years, I've chronicled my adventures, faith, and the work of God in my life on a daily basis. I've shared my highest highs and lowest lows, my griefs and joys. 

The blog will soon move to my personal website. It's considerably more modern and more beautiful. This blog space, however, is very precious to me.  Last night, I spent several hours in the "old" blog's archive, and realized the photos represented every major event of the last four years. 

My fledgling attempts at fiction writing, my son's graduation from college, the time The Clay Papers e-book went to #1 on Amazon and stayed there for four days, my dogs, my trip to the Bahamas, my trips to Jordan when I fell in love with a nation and her people, holidays, Bible studies, volunteering, becoming a missionary, caring for Sam... Everything is documented in the photographs I've shared.

As I roamed through the digital archive, I re-read the stories, as well. You've lived life with me, and I'm eternally grateful. I hope you'll continue through this transition and beyond. You've made me a better writer, because you've been such faithful readers, and I hope I never stop thanking you all for such a precious gift. 

My trip down memory lane took me inevitably to my first blog post, when I trusted God and you with my writing. I'm still grateful for that leap of faith. Reading it again was a blessing to me, so I've included it below. I hope it's a blessing to you, as well. Thank you for making my life so very rich and full by reading and loving what I write.

Much love and thanks, 

Leanna 

Deadwood and Divine Pruning

The shrubs and landscaping in front of my house were overgrown and threatening to completely block the sidewalk. It seems crazy now, but even though it looked messy and was becoming an azalea jungle, I couldn't figure out how to fix it. 

I didn't realize it, but I needed an expert.

My friend, Linda Buchanan, mentioned her new yard man one day. Mr. Bailey was a wonder and a great help, she said, so I called him. That first day, I instructed him to clean up the front and trim the shrubs a little. 

I had no idea what he was about to do.

A few hours later, I walked outside to see an enormous pile of brush. Mr. Bailey had trimmed more than I expected. My heart sank as I thought, "My azaleas! He has cut down my azaleas!" I hurried around front to find, not destruction, but order. He had trimmed up the mess and brought it under control. 

Instead of a jungle, I had lovely landscaping again.

John the Baptizer's listeners were in a similar situation. They knew they had a mess in their lives and that something needed to be done. That's why they had come out to the banks of the Jordan to hear him. Their heritage wasn't enough to save them, nor their sacrifices. They were in a quandary. What then? What could they do?

He began by giving practical examples of sacrificial behavior. Shortly, however, Jesus would come for baptism, and John would recognize exactly what they all needed. The Lamb of God would take away their sin. They couldn't do anything to rectify their guilt but Jesus would do it for them and He would soon set them free.

Maybe you, too, are wondering what to do about problems in your life or in the lives of loved ones. You may not realize it, but, like me, you need an expert. 

The answer is incredibly simple. Look to Jesus. 

He can clean up the mess of your life as well as that of your loved ones. He can clean up the guilt and shame and set you free.

Today, let's pray for a heart willing to accept the kind of divine pruning only Christ can do. 

And the crowds were questioning him, saying, "Then what shall we do?" (Luke 3:10 NASB)

The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 NASB)

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When the Lion Roars: Five Promises Christians Can Claim

When the Lion Roars: Five Promises Christians Can Claim

Blog posts ideas don't always pop into my head fully formed. Sometimes, I open my computer and stare at the blank page, my brain equally blank because I have no idea what to write.

On those days, I use an unusual story prompt: my photo app. I open the photo file and scroll through until something catches my attention or an idea comes to mind. Today, I decided to try a variation on the story-prompt theme. I opened a free photo site and scrolled through until I saw the photo of the roaring lion. A verse from 1 Peter came to mind and a blog post was born. 

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 nasb 

The lion's roar is a terrifying sound, and can be heard up to five miles away. According to lionalert.org, "lions roar to tell other lions where they are, to show how big they are, and to warn lions from other prides to keep away from their home territory."   

The lion's roar is a loud message that says, in a way, "I'm here and so big you can't get away. Don't tangle with me. Don't invade my space." It's a message of pride that defies other animals to venture into his territory. 

How does that translate to the spiritual realm? 

1) The lion's roar proclaims his size. The evil one roars to proclaim his dominance over us. He would have us believe he's the biggest, baddest lion in the area, but that's a lie. 

"Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) 

If Scripture is true, and it is, Satan is not greater, or more powerful, than our God. 

2) The lion's roar proclaims his proximity. In a way, the roar says, "I'm right on top of you. I have you now." The enemy of our souls would have us believe he's so close we will not be able to resist or flee. Jesus, however, said He and His Father would live in us. 

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him." John 14:23 

No matter what the enemy says, He cannot evict our Father. 

3) The lion's roar proclaims his ownership. When the lion roars to proclaim his territory, he defies other lions to risk entering. As Christians, however, we do not belong to the world or the powers of this world. 

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."  1 Corinthians 6:19,20 nasb

Regardless of what the enemy claims, he does not have authority over us. 

4. The lion's roar proclaims his power. The roaring lion would have other lions believe he is big enough and powerful enough to defend that which is his. In that same way, the evil one would have us believe he is powerful enough to destroy us and that God cannot snatch us from his claws nor deliver us in time of danger and temptation.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 niv

5. The lion's roar proclaims his victory. A victory in advance of battle is nothing more than a prideful boast. We may experience battle with the evil one, but we have all we need for battle, and we fight a defeated foe.

"Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:13 

God has already given us the defensive weapons to protect ourselves from the onslaught of the evil one. He has also given us the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, which is the only offensive weapon we will ever need. We must know Scripture, however, to use it. We do have power, but we must be prepared before the lion roars. 

Lions roar, because that's how they're made. The evil one also roars with pride and defiance, because that's who he is. Fear and defeat are his objectives, but we can stand firm in the face of his tactics, if we remember the truth God has given. 

The power, authority, and ownership of our souls were bought by Jesus with His precious blood. The enemy's claim on us has been broken. We have been set free, from sin, death, and the roar of the lion. 

Today, let's evaluate the roar of the evil one in our lives. Do we tremble with fear when he threatens? Does fear cause us to run straight into his lair? Let's remember Whose we are and live as those who have been redeemed. 

We have been freed, so let's live free.

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In case you missed yesterday's post, here's the link: When Where You Arrive is Not Where You Meant to Go

The Importance of Mucking Out the Stalls

The photo today might be a little bit shocking, but bear with me. Yes, the contents of the wheelbarrow are exactly what you think. Manure. It's a part of my daily routine. 

When the temperatures are low or the weather is stormy, my horses go into the barn for their evening meal and to sleep overnight. The next morning, they have breakfast and go outside again, where fresh water, grass, and hay await them. 

My job is to prepare the stalls in which they reside. Every day, I fill the racks with fresh hay and the water buckets with fresh water. I also scoop out the waste from the night before. Part of that waste is hay that's been trodden underfoot. Part of it is the droppings they've left behind. 

There's something oddly appealing about the job of "mucking out" the stalls. I take great pleasure in a clean stall that, moments before, was filled with the stench of waste.The work results in clean stalls in which my horses will be more comfortable. It makes a safer environment for them because the bacteria-laden manure is not left as a breeding place for disease. 

When the wheelbarrow is full, I roll it to a hole that needs to be filled, and dump it. Nothing is wasted. In a year or two, the manure and hay will degrade into composted soil that will make a happy home for grass or flowers. 

I pray as I scoop out the waste. Earlier this week, I had a conversation with the Lord that went a little like this:

"Whew. Calli sure was busy last night, Lord. There's a mountain of pooh in here. I could smell it when I walked in the barn."

I scooped for a bit, then something occurred to me. "Lord, I hope my sin doesn't seem as unattractive to You as this stall is to me."

That Still, Small Voice didn't hesitate for a moment. It wasn't an out-loud voice, but in my heart, I knew. "It's much worse."

I leaned on my scoop and pondered that for a while. The stench of sin rises up to the Lord, just as our offerings of praise and love rise up. Our prayers are a sweet smelling incense to Him. Our sin is not. It's offensive and foul. 

Our job as disciples is to muck out the stalls of our hearts every day and remove the droppings of sin and our encounters with the world. When we do, we present a sweet-smelling home in our hearts for our Lord to reside. When we don't, we risk the disease of sin breeding in our hearts and minds. We also leave an odor that's unpleasant to the Lover of our souls. 

Today, let's take a closer look at our hearts. Is there anything there that needs to be "mucked out?" If so, let's do the work of repentance until it's done so that we can present our Lord a heart that's beautifully cleansed. Done daily, the job is repentance is quick work, so let us not delay. 

"Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you." Romans 8:8,9 BSB

"And the smoke of he incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand." Revelation 8:4 nasb
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Footprints in the Snow

Footprints in the Snow

An unsullied expanse of snow is a beautiful sight. To preserve the recent pristine white as long as possible, I tried to walk along the edges of the sidewalk. The stretch of snow in front of my house made it, intact, nearly to the end of the cold. 

The last morning, I walked out the front door, headed to the barn. I took my usual edge-of-the-sidewalk route but, after a few steps, noticed something unexpected. Large footsteps marched in a row, right through the center of the snow. They were a male's prints, and considerably larger than mine. 

What in the world? I thought. After another moment, I realized the source of the snow disturbance. The UPS man had boldly walked straight up the path to the door. Every step had left a clear impression in the snow.

As I stared at the evidence he'd left behind, as well as my own footprints in the snow, I realized an important truth. Where we walk, and how, are more important than we realize. Every step we make leaves an imprint, though not often visible to us.

Jesus' instructions to the disciples rang in my heart. "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." (Mark 1:17 nasb) If we choose to follow Him, we, too, must walk in His steps, both where and how He walked. How? It was because of God's great love for us that Jesus came, and it that same love for which He persevered all the way to the cross. If we are to walk as He walked, then, we must walk in love - for God and for others.

In eternity, we'll see the impact our steps have made. Unfortunately, not all of mine will have left a positive impact. I can't change my wrong steps, but I can make better choices for the future. 

Today, let's ask God to give us a glimpse of our own footprint. Do my steps draw me closer to Him? Does every step lead someone else closer to Christ, as well? If not, pray that God will direct our paths in such a way that He will be glorified and honored by our life's journey, all the way until He leads us home.

"Your ears will hear a word behind you, 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:21 nasb

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In case you missed yesterday's post, here's the link: The Growing Your Faith Retreat and How You Can Be a Part

The "Growing Your Faith" Retreat and How You Can Be a Part

For months, women have been meeting to plan and prepare for an upcoming retreat. We've prayed for God's perfect plan, and we hope we have it. Three churches have joined together to sponsor a women's renewal retreat at FCR at Crow's Neck in late February. (Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Ingomar Methodist Church, and Amaziah Baptist Church) The theme is Growing Your Faith, and I'm excited about speaking. 

After Sam moved to my house, we met via phone/FaceTime. A couple of weeks ago, we were finally able to meet in person. The sweetness and unity of spirit was amazing. These ladies are kind and loving, and the choices they've made for the meeting reflect their gentle hearts. I think those who attend will be so blessed.

Sherra Owen will share some of her knowledge of Mississippi plants, and Emily Manning will share an art performance. 

I'll be leading in the study/learning sessions. We'll have small group sessions and large group worship time.

How do I prepare for such a big conference? The same way I prepare for every day of my life. I pray for God's direction. Read Scripture on the topic. Memorize passages that are pertinent. I ponder. 

It takes a lot of time to prepare because my life needs to be the first one that's actively growing, actively repenting, actively changing. I can't teach what I don't live, so I have to have my act together in order to prepare.

I don't use a speaking script. Instead, the words must be planted deep in me in order to come out at just the right time. Sometimes, I'll use an index card with a few Scripture passages to remember written on it, but not always.

I tell you this because I need your prayers. We expect God to move in the lives of the women who attend. We expect we'll all leave changed. For that to happen, those in leadership need humble, servant hearts. I need an humble, servant heart most of all. 

Please pray I'll be ready and have exactly the right words and teaching tools. 

Ladies, you, too, can be a part of this precious weekend, but space is limited so sign up soon. Here are the details:

Grow Your Faith Retreat

FCR Camp at Crow's Neck

February 24-25, 2018

Cost: Full conference $70

Saturday only $35

Check or cash only

Mail check to Laura Pannell, 1549 CR 478, New Albany MS 38652

There's a Growing Your Faith facebook page where you can ask questions and learn more. Be sure to connect with us.

I hope you'll join us for this fun retreat. I can't wait to see what God does.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 esv 

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In case you missed yesterday's post, here's the link: The Importance of Head Protection

The Importance of Head Protection

I can still hear my Mama say, "You need to put your toboggan on, or you'll catch your death of cold." The connection between wearing a knit cap and preventing viral infections seemed iffy, at best. If I ever put that cap on, I don't remember it.

I've rarely worn hats, baseball-style caps, or knit caps. When temperatures recently dipped into the single digits, however, headwear became considerably more attractive. I dug in my glove-and-cap basket until I found a knit cap that must've been twenty years old. It was gray, had a hole in one side, and fit about like draping a piece of fabric over my head. It slipped off at least twice every time I wore it to the barn and required constant readjustments to keep it in place.

Yesterday, my gray cap fell off when I leaned over to scoop some manure from one of the stalls. That was the final straw. I threw the cap in the garbage. When I went to the feed store, I bought a new, bright red knit cap with a pompom on top. The style was most suitable for a child, but it fit my head and stayed in place. I wore it home.

I know the importance of covering your head to prevent heat loss, but I've never bothered with it before. This week, I've reconsidered my decision. Today, I'll wear my new cap to the barn and, likely, to the office, as well. I'm tired of being cold, so I've decided to protect my head. My Mama would be so proud.

There's another kind of head-protection that's even more important than wearing a cap in cold weather. We're constantly bombarded by worldly words, opinions, and images from social media, news outlets, books, television, movies, and music. When we allow these influences into our mind, they have a significant impact on our thoughts and our actions. 

The responsibility to guard our minds and hearts is ours alone. We're not accountable for what's available, but we are accountable for what we choose to do with it, and how we allow it to change us. Does it make us more like Christ or not? If not, why do we choose to fill our minds with it? 

Today, let's take a serious look at the influences we allow into our minds. Would Jesus choose them? If not, should we? Let's be sure to protect our heads and our minds.

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8 nasb
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Resolution Check: How I'm Doing on Getting Things Done

You might also enjoy: 
Making a Choice and Choosing a Path
Pigpen Parables: The Place of the Piggy Heart
Intentionality: Changing Wanna Be Into Got'er Done

Resolution Check: How I'm Doing On Getting Things Done

The temperature is 4 degrees outside. Instead of face the sub-zero wind chill, I decided to check my planner to see how I'm doing with New Year's resolutions. 

I'm not as far behind as I thought.

I resolved to memorize Scripture this year, a chapter a month. The first chapter of John has been quite a challenge, with 51 verses. By this point in the month, I should have 25 verses memorized. I'm not there yet, but I do have 16 verses memorized and am working on the 17th. 

How have I managed it? I spend a few minutes memorizing every morning, but I also ponder the verses and find applications in my life throughout the day. I try to live the Scripture I'm learning by soaking in its truth.

Two weeks into the month, Scripture memorization is already becoming a habit. 

My mentoring partner and I are holding each other accountable, as well. We agreed to quote the verses we'd learned in our Sunday morning time together. As you might imagine, I practice hard to be sure I'm ready. Accountability is key. 

"Take a blogging course" was on my list for January. I signed up for a four-part online course. I'm through the prequel course and 1/3 of the way through the main course. It's harder than I expected and taking more time than I wanted, but I'm learning critical skills. I'm stopping to practice what I've learned, which nails the knowledge down and assures I understand the material.

Get at least 10,500 steps every day was also one of my goals. Yesterday was the first time I fell short, with just under 9,000 steps. I should've finished out my goal on the elliptical, but I worked on a writing project until late. 

If you want lots of steps, put horses in the barn at night and walk back and forth. Add cleaning out the stalls and you'll have more steps than you can imagine. 

One simple lifestyle change has made all the difference.

I'm supposed to be following the DASH diet this year. Less salt and meat. Lots more vegetables and fruits. A weekly pot of vegetarian vegetable soup helps me meet my vegetable requirement, and a supply of fruit in the crisper has made the difference with the fruit requirement. (I'll do a different blog post later on specifics) 

Weather and limbs on fences have prevented a few outings and meetings I'd planned, but there's still time. Reading 100 books this year is also on my list. I've finished seven already. (I'll do a blog post on how-to's)

The most important part of sticking to my resolutions was in the making. I prayed about every area of my life. What changes were needed? How should they be done? It's not an accident that Scripture memory is the FIRST resolution on which I work every single day. 

I didn't stop after praying about my resolutions. I pray about my to-do list and about how to get it done, too. Specific, goal-directed prayer is a critical part of my daily life. 

I've already begun to tackle some of the most challenging areas in my life and I'm making progress. How? Because I've made a plan, stuck to it, and prayed it through. 

What are your resolutions for the year? What changes did you plan to make? It's not too late to meet your goals. Make a start now, take consistent steps, and you, too, can have an amazing year.

The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9 nasb
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When Snow Doesn't Fall: 6 Ways to Deal with the Disappointment of Unmet Expectations

You might also like: How to Change 2018 From Just Getting By to Simply Amazing

Photo by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash