PRAY: the birds and the bees

I'm relatively Type A. Not like A ++ when it comes to everything, but a pretty high degree of A-ness on the whole.

And part of the territory is that I've had this plan for how my life would go since the age of ten (or four?). And although there are things I could not have begun to imagine would have been so amazingly wonderful and beautiful, there have been times where I thought things would have gone differently, and maybe even better had they gone according to my little planski. In those moments, I've caught myself wondering if maybe somewhere along the line God forgot about how things were supposed to go for me.

Last night, a friend of mine was discussing that she had been feeling that way lately, and our other friend brought up Matthew 6:26:

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

And isn't it the truth? If God remembers to feed the birdies and duckies every day, would he really forget the fact that she was hoping this season of pain would pass? Certainly not.

Moving forward, in my times of trial, I will undoubtedly lean upon this verse to be reminded that as long as God is still feeding the baby birds, he's going to take care of my needs too.

PS: If you're a bird. I'm a bird. :)

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PRAY: Waiting

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.


Waiting is hard. As I wait for the newest member of our family to arrive, I can't help but need some serious patience. I know that once our baby is born, these last few days of waiting will be inconsequential. In the meantime, though, every day feels like a week. 


Perhaps you've been experiencing a waiting time recently. Whether you're anticipating hearing about a new job, hoping to meet someone, or trying to figure out a new purpose in your life, the hours before you get an answer seem to be the longest. We can certainly pray for patience and there is value in that. Right now, however, I know I need action. Not checking Facebook, roaming Pinterest, going shopping--busy-ness. Purposeful action.


For me, my action has been simple. I've made a pair of pants for the baby whether it's a boy or a girl. I've made yogurt and bread. I've organized closets. While these things have kept me busy, they've also released my anxious energy. If you're waiting, maybe you could use some purposeful action. Keep living and making the most of each day. This may just be the time you need to become the person who is truly ready for an answer.

PRAY: Study.

I am enjoying a Beth Moore study of the book of Daniel with a couple of good friends.  We are just barely into the study and I have been challenged quite a bit already.

I have often been overwhelmed by studying the Old Testament.  Thankfully, this study is not only fascinating, but it is easy to grasp and digest.

One of the main points that I have taken to heart so far is about living a life of integrity.

She states, "We will live lives of integrity on purpose, or we will not do it at all."

That really struck a chord for me.  We have to be so intentional in this world to live a life of integrity.  It is so easy to get swept into mainstream living and allow our hearts to become calloused and hardened to the "decaying morals and standards of our culture."

Sometimes it seems so much easier to blend in and accept the norm and go with the flow.  But, we are called to hold ourselves to a different standard.

I so desperately want to live a life of integrity.  Do you?

What are some areas of your life you can intentionally work to hold yourself to a higher level of integrity?  I know I have many in my life.

This study has given me so much to think about.  Reflecting on my relationships, the words I speak, the media I allow to come flooding into our home and the way I parent our children.  I am praying that I would lead a life of integrity that would allow Christ's love to be evident.

PRAY: the new rules for love

I recently watched the New Rules for Love, Sex and Dating through Buckhead Church and I highly recommend it. It offers an amazing perspective on relationships and I think, no matter where you are currently (even happily married or happily single!), you can benefit from watching. It's a little long, but I assure you that it goes quickly.

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PRAY: Vulnerability

Every once in a while you run into someone who is just bursting to share the most intimate details of her train-wreck of a life with you, a total stranger. You know, the woman sitting next to you on the plane, the clerk at the checkout in the grocery store, your hairdresser. And, while these awkward confessions often contain sitcom-worthy comedy, they are few and far between. Most of us hold our failures and struggles close to our chests.

There are times, however, when it truly does us some good to reveal our vulnerabilities and just be honest about where we are emotionally. Of course, we all have a small handful of people that we confide in--siblings, close friends, spouses or boyfriends. But, I think opening up with someone we don't know quite as well can bring about positive change. It may be an acquaintance with whom you've wanted to make a deeper connection or someone you've worked with at church who seems to be on a different page than you. There may even be a co-worker or family member--a fractured or frustrating relationship that always leaves you hoping it could be healed. Revealing your own weakness not only makes you more accessible, but extends trust to a person who may have felt a distance that he or she did not know how to reach across. It gives someone a chance to help you, comfort you or understand you more. In the end, both people can find a sense of renewal and fellowship through this simple confidence.

God calls us to have child-like faith. As children we have very little fear of people seeing us we truly are. We have faith that people in our lives are trustworthy and have our best interests at heart. While the discernment of adulthood protects us from hurt and betrayal, it can also keep us from experiencing true fellowship. Let a little child-like trust for others into your life--you may be amazed by the freedom it brings.

PRAY: doing good and grace

"And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you." 2 Corinthians 9:14

At bible study last night, we discussed how one of the trickiest things about Christianity is that being a great person doesn't always result in great things happening to you. You can go along and do wonderful things for people all day long, but sometimes, you still have to deal with hardships, and it makes you wonder why God hasn't rewarded you.

I was thinking, though, that while it is hard to have to deal with trying situations when you can't understand why you deserve them, it's equally as amazing in the reverse. Sometimes, we all fall away and do things we shouldn't. We can't always be perfect (most days, yes. but not always.) And in those times, we are given grace. And that is amazing to me. Even when I don't deserve to be blessed, I so often am.

Even though it's hard to remember this when things are difficult, I am really happy to have this new perspective. As a lifelong perfectionist, it's good to be reminded that neither aiming for perfection, nor failing to reach it, will keep me from receiving God's grace.

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So while it may be hard to fathom why were are given certain challenges, I think it's important to remember that we are equally as unfairly, wonderfully blessed.

PRAY: Making Peace

It is easier to keep the peace than to make peace. In the past month, that is the one phrase that has stuck with me out of all of the sermons that I've heard. Honestly, I don't remember much else from that particular sermon, but I have continued to return to that simple idea. I've thought about the relationships and situations in my life that make my heart and soul tighten up with bitterness or anxiety. I've thought about how I could stop just trying to survive through those unpleasant interactions and actually make peace with them. At first, I thought it would have to mean changing the relationships or people that make me feel unsettled. But, I don't think that God intends for us to change every single person with whom we cannot find peace. I think God intends to change our hearts. Making peace can mean talking it out or addressing difficult issues, but it can also mean changing our expectations and asking the Lord to fill us with His overpowering love.

PRAY: Summertime

I love how much quieter our schedule becomes in the summertime.

I love warm mornings spent in grubby clothes going for a run, and doing yard work and heading to the pool.  I love not feeling rushed to get ready for the day.  I love the carefree long days.

But one thing I do miss during the summer is my weekly Bible study.  I have a wonderful study that meets during the school year that provides me with amazing fellowship and helps to keep me grounded.  And I miss it dearly over the summer.

This summer, a dear friend and I are planning to read a book and study it together.  While it won't be a formal Bible study, it will be great to challenge one another and help hold each other accountable.

There are so many options for studying the Word.  There are books that have study guides to help you along the process.  Or consider just reading a book with a friend and discussing it weekly.  There is also a wonderful online community of women coming together for Bible study here.  Check it out!

How do you challenge yourself spiritually over the summer?

PRAY: Hakuna Matata

Courtney sent me this devotional, and I’ve been reading it lately when I have a hard time letting my mind rest.  

"Rest in me, my child. Give your mind a break from planning and trying to anticipate what will happen. 

Pray continually, asking my Spirit to take charge of the details of this day. 

Remember that you are on a journey with Me. 

When you try to peer into the future and plan for every possibility, you ignore your constant Companion who sustains you moment by moment. 

As you gaze anxiously into the distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours. 

Remembrance of Me is a daily discipline.  Never lose sight of my presence with you.  This will keep you resting in Me all day, every day."

Regardless of what trials we are all facing, it’s always important to remember that we’re not in control – so there really is no point in trying to micromanage the future. Instead, we ought to bask in the glory that is the present day.  

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PRAY: What to read now.

Several times a year I get consumed by reading a book for days. I'm tempted to shirk off my responsibilities and read until my eyes hurt. I'll read while my son is eating breakfast, while I'm cooking, and really at any other spare moment. The Eve Tree captured me over the long weekend. I love that this book was written by a blogger, whose words I've found encouraging and exciting. It was self-published and clearly a labor of love. The love of the family in the novel will stir something within you as the beautiful story unfolds.












We all want to be known. Molly, the book's protagonist, is no different. Her journey in The Eve Tree reminds me of how desperate we can feel for connection. How lost we can feel when it seems that no one is making the effort to understand us. But, finally, how fervently God can call us back to the life-giving relationships we have.

While no one knows us completely, there is always a friend, spouse, sibling or parent who, at least, sees pieces of who we really are. I believe that God reveals our true identity to the people who need to know it. People who will do their best to love us even when we're being difficult or are feeling lost. People who want to see us succeed. People who will help us find our strength.

I finished this novel feeling thankful for the people with whom I can be vulnerable and encouraged to lean on them when life feels too big. The Lord knows me and I'll be in that blissfully perfect relationship with him someday, but, for now, I want to keep investing in relationships with the family and friends I adore, even if it feels imperfect some of the time.

But now thus says the Lord, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."
Isaiah 43: 1


O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue,  behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
Psalm 139: 1-4

PRAY: Praise.

Sometimes I forget how much I love praise and worship music.

Some of it can seem a bit cheesy or occasionally the music all seems too similar.

But there are so many great bands and artists who play incredibly powerful music.

During our time in the NICU, my husband and I have found ourselves needing to rely on the Lord more than ever before.  And I have been amazed by how much music has comforted me and lifted me up.  And at times it has allowed me to cry the tears I have been holding back so hard.

This is one of my favorite songs.  Our brother, Duke, sang it soon after my first child was born and it has held a special place in my heart ever since.  And during the last few months, it has given me much comfort every time I have listened to it.

I hope you enjoy it and I hope it draws you closer to the Lord.

PRAY: bible study

Last night I officially started a new bible study.

I'm really excited for the new adventure and I will be sure to report back with details. I was in a wonderful small group throughout middle school and high school, and now that I've settled in Atlanta, I'm eager to find the same type of fellowship here.

We're starting by reading Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. Has anyone else read it? I've been told it's very uplifting and enjoyable to read. I will be sure to let you know what I think!


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Word.

Reading the Bible can be tough. I often find myself filling my time with other activities...even when I've scheduled time to read...even when I feel a nudge that I should read right now...even when things are quiet and still. When I do finally sit down with my Bible, I am regularly amazed at the ways in which God honors that time. It's just like when you go to church and find yourself saying--that sermon was so perfect for where I am right now. God frequently leads us to specific verses or reveals truths through verses that we've read before.

I'm working my way through a one-year chronological Bible. While I've loved understanding the bigger picture and seeing how the events of the bible unfolded in time, I have definitely struggled through parts of the Old Testament. There is just so much longing, loss, and disappointment. I find myself calling out for Jesus to hurry up and get there! But, last week, as I read through some of Jeremiah, I felt so encouraged. The Lord was speaking through Jeremiah, telling the people that He would keep His everlasting covenant, that He would never abandon His people. I even found myself rejoicing in God's judgment because that IS Jesus. While these verses might not seem encouraging in isolation, the timing and context hit me just right.

That is exactly what you can find for someone else when you're open to it. I know that Courtney has been given many verses recently from friends who have been praying for Crosby and her entire family. She has been immensely encouraged by God's words given through her friends. So, if you're praying for a friend in need, listen to God's urging. Maybe He wants you to open your Bible, providing a verse of encouragement that would be the perfect gift.

Give Yourself a Little Grace

We sat in the dark hospital room; the heart monitor beeping; Griffin sleeping on my chest. The terrifying moments of uncertainty had passed. Griffin was safe, calm, and breathing comfortably. Tears filled my eyes as I thought about the previous two hours. I started to blame myself for feeding him something that could hurt him, for not knowing he had a nut allergy, for not doing my job of being a mom perfectly.

Many of us fight this battle. We feel like we need to be perfect. We need to be free of mistakes in order to be good enough. There are many days when I am overwhelmed by all of the ways in which I could be judged as imperfect--my appearance, my organization, my mothering, my friendship, my housekeeping. The list could go on and on.

Maybe for you it started in elementary school. You want to please your teacher and your parents with good behavior and good grades. Any grade below an A feels terrible and any behavior that leads to reprimand feels catastrophic. In high school, the worry and expectation becomes driven by friendships, boys and appearance, often on top of concern for excellent grades. As adults, this perfectionism can manifest itself in some of the worst places--relationships with people we care about most and the workplace.

If the Lord is our God, however, we do not need to be driven and controlled by our impulse to be good. He tells us that all men fall short of His glory. We all need to be forgiven and molded. We all need grace. If the God of the universe is willing to give us grace, I think we need to give ourselves some, as well. We are, after all, works in progress.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God


1 Corinthians 1:4-7 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge--because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.


Isaiah 64:8 Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

The Best Gift

When it comes to giving, there is something that is so much fun about actually handing someone a physical gift.

However, over the past few months, I could have received no better gift than that of others praying for us.

I have been absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by how many people have lifted our family and especially our baby up in prayer.

I have felt such peace in even some of our darkest moments because I have known others are praying for us.

The prayers of our family and friends (and even of strangers) are truly what has sustained us through these months.

So, if you are looking to generously give to someone, consider praying faithfully for them. You can do so anonymously or you can tell them specifically what you are praying for.

And by doing so, I guarantee they will feel so very loved.

giving prayer

It’s so easy to lie in bed at night and go through my wish list of prayers. But it's also very important to give time in prayer to others.

Whether you want to pray for your family and friends or pray for disaster relief in Japan, taking extra time to pray for others creates a clear way to watch God work in someone else’s life. It’s much easier to see prayer being answered for someone else, because we often become so wrapped up in our own problems that we forget to see the positive.

In addition, it is an active way to help strengthen their relationship with God, which is an excellent way to give this Easter April.


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When Church Isn't Where You Are

You can access just about anything through the internet. Since you're reading our blog, I'm sure you already know that. I feel like the sheer magnitude of options can be overwhelming. When it comes to spiritual and inspirational resources, this is especially true. There are a few websites and podcasts that I have found with my bible study that are solid and enlightening. I enjoy listening to a snippet of a sermon while washing dishes or driving to and from the grocery store. I often find myself wanting to drive around the block to listen to an excellent sermon on my iPod when I pull into my neighborhood. The best part is that I don't need to worry about something coming on the radio that I don't want my son to hear.

Of course, church is about community and fellowship, but if you can't get to church, why not listen online? I'm thinking about the first month of having a newborn at home. Living abroad. Days when you or someone in your family is sick. Moving and not being able to find a church you like. It happens.

Many of these resources are available for free, but in order to listen to an entire series, some must be published.

Check these out:
Mars Hill
Rock Harbor
The Sanctuary Downtown (This one is the church I attend and love!)

Do you have any incredible spiritual resources to share?

Also, feel free to leave a prayer request in the comments section of this post to have us all pray for you. If it is personal and you would like prayer, please email us at freshly.rooted.blog (at) gmail (dot) com.

run and not grow weary

Something I've often read about is incorporating bible verses into specific prayers by finding scripture that is directly related. Because I've been praying for Crosby a lot, and had more time to think about him, I wanted to find a verse specific to him.

While there are hundreds that relate to children growing strong in the Lord, Isaiah 40:30-31 seemed more relevant to me:  "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Crosby has so many people hoping in the Lord for him, and over the next few months, he will need the strength from those prayers to ensure he remains strong.  Having this verse as a reminder is a way to pray specifically for his needs, while still feeling strong in hope.

The New Addition

As you may have figured out from some of Courtney's posts, there was a little one on the way in their family. It has not been an uneventful pregnancy. She has been a picture of strength and courage. Last week, her sweet babe decided that it was time to make his debut. Last Monday morning (at 27 weeks) Crosby Dunkin was born. This has been a frightening and prayerful time for their family and truly our whole family. He weighed in at 2 lbs. 6 oz. But, he is quite a fighter. He is getting stronger every day and exceeding their expectations. Whitney and I will be taking over the blogging for a while, so Courtney can recover and spend time with all three of her kids. Little Crosby has been covered in prayer by so many people who care. I would like to ask that if you think of them in a quiet moment, you'd say a prayer for Crosby and Courtney and the rest of their family.

Also, we would love to pray for you. Saying a few prayers for each other's concerns definitely takes left than fifteen minutes, but could have an eternal impact. Just leave your prayer requests in our comments section or email us at freshly.rooted.blog (at) gmail (dot) com.

LGLG

One of my greatest spiritual challenges is that I worry too much. And although letting go of my worries is a major undertaking - much greater than a small 15 minute task -  it also has a simple solution. Whenever I am worrying too much I know I need to pray more.

Right now, I am trying to remember to pray whenever I feel consumed by worry.  Although it will take time before it becomes a habit, it has helped me to stress less and lean on God more.

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