Resolved

I’m not really a New Year’s resolution kind of person, but I do like to look back at the year gone by, take a look at what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown and take some lessons into the New Year. I want to be a better person each year; in other words I want to grow in Christ-likeness. I don’t want to just try harder on my own to maybe get better through lessons learned, because that’s a rather futile task. But, through the power of Christ living in me, I can change more and more into the image of His Son. This is my prayer:

“that He would grant you, according to ^the riches of His glory, to be ^strengthened with power through His Spirit in ^the inner man; so that ^Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being ^rooted and ^grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with ^all the ^saints what is ^the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know ^the love of Christ which ^surpasses knowledge, that you may be ^filled up to all the ^fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19

Hopefully, I’ve grown through experiences and trials and can take those lessons and let them shape me. So, here are a few of the wonderful things and not so wonderful things that have shaped me this year and what I hope to take into 2011.

1. I went skydiving this year. This was something I had always wanted to do, but I kept saying that I would wait until all of my kids had graduated from high school. For some reason this year, maybe because Nathan had broken his neck two years ago, I don’t know, I just decided enough was enough. As my friend Darby so succinctly put it, “Life is short and the ground is closer than you think.” Seriously, why do we wait to experience the delightful, fun things we keep putting off? So, I jumped. And it was amazing and exciting and thrilling and I landed in one piece. This applies not only to the fun, exciting things, but also to the things we have to do in life. Whether it’s a trip you’ve always wanted to take with your best friend or husband or simply that enormous stack of laundry in the basement, just do the next thing. Make it happen. Doing all of these things and seizing the moment should be about relationships and making them better. From my skydiving experience, I made some new friends and shared the fun with my family. Resolved: Don’t put off til tomorrow what I can do today.

2. I finished my novel this year. Do you know anyone who says, “Someday, I’m going to write a book?” Well, that was me for a long time. Someday, was this year. I wrote a book. It was so cool to realize that I had an entire story inside of me and that I had the discipline to sit down at the computer and get it all down on, well, “paper”, so to speak. I understood and could accomplish character development, plot lines and climax and resolve in my story. Just finishing it was 90% of the battle. Now I’m finding that publishing a book is a whole ‘nother ball game. It’s all about marketing and selling yourself. And it also takes a great amount of discipline. This also sort of goes along with #1. Resolved: Sit down, write a proposal and submit it to as many agents and publishers as I can and then be at peace with the results whatever they may be.

3. I also started running this year. I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, so starting any kind of new exercise program is always a difficult and monumental task for me. However, I love to challenge myself. So, I set myself the goal of running a 5K in October and trained all summer. Every time I got out there it hurt and my legs felt like they weighed 100 lbs, but each time I ran, I went a little bit farther. In October I finally accomplished my goal and I was so proud of myself! I discovered also that I love running. Resolved: Keep running.

4. This fall was a difficult one for me. Some very hurtful and unfair words were directed at me. These words caused me to take a good, hard look at myself. Was I really the person they said I was? Or was my conscience clean before God like I believed it was?

I just saw the third installment of the Narnia series, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.” In the movie they do an amazing job of depicting each character’s temptations. Each person faces a different temptation, a different voice. The voice looks the same, a green mist, but takes a different face and a different sound. For Lucy, she is envious, insecure and wants to be as beautiful as her sister, Susan. Edmund still struggles with power and greed. Caspian is haunted by the ghosts of his father and voices that tell him “You’re unworthy, you’re a failure, you’ll never be good enough.”

Words that cut to the core of who I am are like that for me. Satan loves to use those things to whisper in my ear that old, familiar refrain, “See, Molly. You are a failure. You are worthless. You will never measure up, never be good enough, never make a difference. No matter what you do or how hard you try, it’s no use. Give up.”

At the end of the day, though, I realized something. I realized a few “somethings” actually.

Number one, my conscience is clear. My motivations have been to always glorify God. My decisions may not always please or make sense to others, but my desire is to please God, not man. I’m not always perfect in the things I say or do, but I know that at the end of the day, I have sought forgiveness from God and been granted so much more than I deserve.

^”Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and ^truth. We shall know by this that we are ^of the truth, and shall ^assure our heart ^before Him, in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. ^Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have ^confidence ^before God;” I John 3:18-21

This is how I have reassured my heart; my actions and motives are to glorify God and in this I have confidence before God. He alone is my righteous Judge; no man or woman has that right.

Number two follows closely on the heels of this. I love this saying by Emerson Eggerichs, “Your response is your responsibility.” Here’s the amazing discovery I made this year. I can’t “make” anyone mad. I can’t “make” anyone sad. I can’t “make” anyone do or feel anything.  And conversely, how I respond to negativity or any situation in my life is ALL ME.

Just before Christmas Daniel told me I was making him jealous because I wouldn’t let him open his presents early. I promptly responded, “No Daniel, I can’t make you feel anything. I made a decision, and how you feel is all you.” Hmmm. He had to think about that one.

How incredibly freeing is that?! I don’t have to respond in fear. I don’t have to respond in anger. I don’t have to respond in anxiety. No one, no circumstance can “make” me feel or do anything.

My response is my responsibility.

Your response is your responsibility.

Resolved: The difficult times will always be around. Not everyone will always agree with me. I will make mistakes. However, in the New Year, I will seek to continue to live my life in a way that glorifies God, I will seek to continue to please only God, and I will be responsible for only my responses to life’s circumstances and not worry about other’s responses.

If I could do all that, with God’s help, who knows where I could be on New Year’s Eve 2011.

Day Forty-eight – Blue Suede Shoes

You know a shoe-lover is going to get at least one pair of shoes for Christmas. And a pair of Christmas shoes have GOT to be epic.

I’ve passed my love of shoes on to my daughter, Laura. She, unlike me, seems to be a little more sensible, in that she’s gotten hooked on flats. Easier on the back, feet and pocketbook, it seems. I however, ended up drooling over a completely unnecessary, but oh-so-amazing pair of peep-toe booties. And my wonderful daughter came through. With her hard earned money she gave me a delightful gift of love; sky-high, blue, suede, stiletto booties.

What can I say? There simply are no words to describe a shoe this spectacular! Wow. Thanks Laura. You rock.

Dr. Molly’s Advice Column

Although my blog is sometimes serious and sometimes completely silly, never let it be said that it’s not useful!

I’ve been a mom for nearly 15 years now, but no matter how “experienced” I’ve become, one of my least favorite sounds is that horrible, barking cough when of my children is struggling to breathe with croup in the middle of the night.  For some reason, my kids deal with croup more than average kids. I’ve probably dealt with it 50-60 times in the course of my mommyhood. So, for those “newbies”, here’s some advice I’ve gleaned from doctors and personal experience over the years. All of it unofficial of course, so take it or leave it. But, it’s worked for me!

Last night, my 8 year old, Daniel, woke me up sounding like a seal. Croup is obvious. Your child will be struggling to breathe and sound exactly like a sea lion. “Arf, Arf, Arf!” It’s an awful sound. If you’ve heard it, you’ll know what I mean. If you don’t hear it, it’s not croup. Their chests may even cave in a little as they struggle for air. It’s scary for them and for you. After all, it happens in the middle of the night, when we’re not thinking clearly. But, don’t panic. You rarely need to take them in for it.

First, try to help them not to cry; that makes it worse. This is always a hard one with Daniel. He panics and freaks. This is when it’s important for Mom to stay calm. Take them into a the bathroom, shut the door and turn the shower on as hot as it goes. Sit with them in the steam and encourage them to take deep breaths. After 10 minutes or so, take them outside into the cold air; the colder the better. Ask them to take DEEEP breaths of the cold air. The first time my doctor told me this I thought he was nuts! But, the cold air helps open the airways and often when parents take their kids to the ER, this is when the croup clears up, as they take their kids out into the night air. Then back into the steam, then the cold, back and forth until they are breathing easier.

Sleeping with a humidifier helps until the croup is completely gone. Of course, if after an hour or so, they still are completely struggling or, if they are turning blue, take them to the ER. I spent a few days in an oxygen tent with croup when I was little. But, generally, croup, while it’s scary and exhausting, can be taken care of at home.

And hang in there Mom, as they grow and their airways get bigger, they’ll quit getting it. Of course, if you space your kids out like I did, you may deal with it for 15 years, but this too shall pass. Hug your babies and remind yourself that someday you’ll miss even this.

Love,

Dr. Molly

Christmas in Perspective

Christmas in America tends to get a little out of hand. Our trees often look like they are puking gifts. Our children get ridiculously focused on what Santa is bringing them and pout when they don’t get the latest and greatest toys. People get cranky when the lines at the mall are too long. We spend way too much money on stuff no one really needs anyway. Old grudges and family feuds are aired over the ham and turkey and pumpkin pie. We stress about getting those cards mailed “in time”, whatever that is. Ahhh, Christmas.

This morning my perspective on Christmas changed drastically. My neighbor called me, weeping, to tell me that two of his young grandchildren had been killed in a car accident just this morning and the third, along with their son, was critically injured.

What do you say in response to something so horrific? As I got off the phone with tears in my own eyes, I gathered my children around me, prayed for the family and said, “Wow, that just puts everything in perspective doesn’t it?”

I guess all I have to say is this: Life is short and uncertain. Our days are not under our control, but in God’s hands. Make the most of every moment this Christmas. Hug your babies. Tell your parents you love them. Forgive the people you are mad at. Let go of the grudges.  Say the things you’ve been putting off. Give the gift of yourself.

Adopted

This is the face of someone I love very much:

This is my niece, Angelina. My sister and I were pregnant at the same time 8 years ago; her with Angelina, and I with Daniel. Angelina and Daniel were born just 5 weeks apart.

Angelina was born in Kansas City, MO surrounded by her mom, and her grandma and grandpa who all have doted on her for years. My sister is an amazing woman. For seven years she worked so hard raising Angelina on her own and working full-time to provide them with a good life. She’s done an incredible job raising this little girl on her own. My mom and dad have been around most of the time to help out with daycare and a lot of loving, but Gina has done much of the heavy lifting alone. I seriously can not imagine how tough that has been, as the longest I’ve ever been alone with my kids is 2 weeks and that about does me in! My sister deserves a gold medal or something!

Last year, my sister met an incredible man. His name is Jon, and he has two pretty special boys as well. He and Gina fell in love and Jon saw Angelina, not as a burden, but as a blessing. Wow! How lucky he thought he was to get two girls! What a guy, huh? They got married in January and everyone cried happy tears, especially Angelina who exclaimed, “I’ve always wanted a daddy!”

Now a wonderful, miraculous thing has happened in our family. Jon is adopting Angelina. After the wedding, Angelina was a little confused. Jon and Gina had left on their honeymoon and Nathan sent her to ME with her question. Thanks honey!

“Aunt Molly, I’m an Overboe, too now right!?”

I explained that at school she’d still have to be called Angelina Williams, but in her heart and where it really counted she was Angelina Overboe and that was the most important place.

But, of course, she really, really wants to be a REAL Overboe. Everyone else in the house is.

And now, on December 28th, Angelina will become, officially, in the eyes of the law, an Overboe.

Angelina will have a daddy. Forever.

I think this is particularly poignant at Christmas.

Christmas isn’t just presents and Santa Claus and trees and lights and lots to eat. Christmas is the story of God come to earth in the form of a human, a baby. The reason?

There is a point to this story. God did this for a reason. The reason is that you and I were so sinful that we couldn’t get to God on our own. Yeah, I know, you might think, ‘I’m not that bad, compared to THAT person.’ But, that’s not the point. I think we can all admit we’ve done wrong at some point in our lives. I know I can admit I screw up everyday and the Bible says that a Holy God can not abide ANY sin in His presence at all! So God became one of us to make a way to get to Him. The perfect God became a man and lived a perfect life. Then He died as a sacrifice for our sins and rose again from the dead. That’s a reason to celebrate this Christmas!

All of this happened so an adoption could take place. Yours and mine.

“But when ^the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, ^born of a woman, born ^under ^the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under ^the Law, that we might receive the adoption as ^sons.  And because you are sons, ^God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “^Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and ^if a son, then an heir ^through God.” Gal. 3:4-7

God gave us a gift; the gift of adoption as His sons. We now can have a relationship with Him and the right to call Him Daddy.

I don’t know what your relationship was with your dad growing up. Maybe you had a great dad. Maybe you had a terrible dad or maybe he was distant or abusive. But, this Christmas, we all have the opportunity to be adopted, to have a Daddy who loves us unconditionally and will never change. All that you need to do is ask. God has offered you a gift this Christmas. How silly it would be if someone gave you a gift and it sat unwrapped under the Christmas tree.

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Ask. It’s that simple. Admit to God you’re a sinner. Believe Jesus is God’s son and confess that you want Him to be your Father and the one who runs your life now.

An earthly adoption is a joyful occasion, but a heavenly adoption brings joy that lasts in this life and into the next and transcends all circumstances. I’ve been adopted. Angelina would tell you she’s already been adopted by her heavenly Daddy, and she’s awfully excited to be adopted by her earthly Daddy, too.

Shards of Glass

Words have power. Words can heal and words can wound. Words have the power of a sword to slash and cut and destroy. And words can never be taken back.

In the Bible, James compares the power of our words to a fire.

^“ Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.^ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5,6

Lately I’ve been discovering some important truths. I can’t control others words about me. But I can control what I do with the hurt those words cause.

Number one, I don’t have to respond in kind. I don’t have to lash out in the same manner.  I can choose to remain quiet and allow God to be my Defender and my Judge. I can choose gentleness and kindness in return for unkindness.

Number two, I can choose to let go of the hurt. Yesterday I read a wonderful example of what hurt is like in our lives. The author described hurt as a glass vase that has shattered into a million pieces. It’s OUR vase, our shards of glass. If we want to hang on tightly to it forever, that’s our right, we can do that. However, the longer we hold on to those shards of glass, the longer we prolong the pain and the more bloody and wounded we become.  Why make it worse? Sure, the first cut hurt. You were wronged, but why make it worse?  Choose to open your hands and let those shards of glass go.  Unforgiveness and bitterness hurts ourselves the most.

“Bitterness is like lacing your own coffee with strychnine and expecting the other person to drop dead.”

Let it go.

“Entrust your soul to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” I Peter 4:19

 

Love = Time

Christmas can be a crazy time. No matter how in our home we strive to calm things down and simplify the season, it’s still busy and stressful. There’s simply no way to make Christmas NOT busy in the house of a pastor. I wish it were not that way, but the church is full of activities around Christmas. However, I’ve come to realize there are things I can do to make Christmas more meaningful for my family. The greatest gift I can give to others is the gift of myself.  This past week-end, I did just that.

It started to seem a little crazy to me on about Friday morning to take the entire week-end to leave and go to the Cities with Laura. I mean, the 12th is my Open House and I was going to lose this entire week-end before of preparation; was I nuts!? I had to take care of our foster baby, Noah, as soon as I got back and make my gigantic pre-Open House Sam’s Club run. This could be cutting it close for both my sanity and my health. However, in the end I decided it was worth it, and I was proved right.

Laura and I drove to Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon. First stop was my sister in law, Maja’s house and her husband, Tom. I realized that although I’ve seen them at family events, I hadn’t been to their house in over two years! This is really bad, because we only live 2 1/2 hours apart! The three girls hopped on the light rail and took a 10 minute train ride to the Macy’s store at Nicollet Mall. There we took in Macy’s annual Christmas display. This year it was, “A Day in the Life of an Elf.”  This is one of those things you really have to see to believe, but here’s just a small sample of the creative genius of the folks at Macy’s:

Of course we also had to browse through the shoe department at Macy’s. I found the most amazing pair of camouflage stilettos. I told Nathan about them later and he said, “Why didn’t you get them?” I was like, “Nathan, they were $150!” He said, “So? They sound really cool!” Well, for Pete’s sake, if I’d have known he would react like that I would have! And they say women are hard to figure out!

We shopped at the Gap where Laura got a very cute pair of flats for only $9. I’m afraid the latent Williams shoe-fetish gene has been passed on. Apologies to Laura’s future husband! And I was excited to find a Bruegger’s Bagels for a bagel sandwich supper. Yeah, I know everyone in Duluth is all excited that Big Apple Bagels is back in Superior, but they don’t have anything on Bruegger’s.

Laura and I were able to sit and rest and choke on our bagels as we laughed hysterically over nothing at dinner, while Maja and Tom got ready to go out. (ok, maybe we were a little tired by that point) But, I love that my daughter gets my warped and stupid sense of humor and HAS my warped and stupid sense of humor. Maja and Tom were going to a fundraiser that night, and Maja was excited to wear a dress she had custom made for her when she was in Thailand. She was bummed though because she didn’t have any sparkly earrings to wear. No problem there! As Nathan always says, “I bling everything,” and I just happened to be wearing dangly, sparkly earrings, so we swapped. After all, no one was going to be seeing me that night sitting in a concert hall.

The point of this whole trip to the Cities was to see Laura’s good friend, Emily, in Bethel College’s Festival of Christmas. Emily and Laura became close a few years ago on the Mexico Missions Trip at our church and really were buds last year when Laura joined the alpine ski team at the high school Emily attends. Emily has been a regular fixture over the past couple of years at Sunday lunch and around our house, so it was pretty sad, but also exciting to see her go off to college this fall. But, it’s so quiet around here! Kind of like losing a daughter in a way! Laura was excited for the week-end, because Emily invited Laura to stay in the dorm with her.

Emily plays violin in the Orchestra and we were blown away by the concert. Over 300 hundred musicians on stage. All the music and Scripture was carefully chosen and artistically presented to glorify Christ. I had goosebumps several times during the concert.

Afterwards I took Laura and Emily back to the dorms, met Emily’s RA and saw her dorm room. I could tell they were going to have fun. Apparently they went out for ice cream, talked and giggled, watched a movie and stayed up til 2 a.m. I’m pretty sure Laura, who already wanted to go to Bethel anyway, is even more excited about it now. Mom is desperately trying to slow these years down and Laura, I know, can’t wait to go to college. Argh. Where did my baby go?

In the morning I was able to spend a leisurely couple of hours visiting with Tom and Maja. I haven’t done that in ages and it was so wonderful! I then picked the girls up around noon and took them to Ikea for lunch and shopping. Three girls at Ikea is a lot of fun!!! We took our time and Emily dreamed of the home she is someday going to decorate with all Ikea furniture apparently. I took pictures of couches to show to Nathan as we are in desperate need of new couches. And of course, stocked up on some Ikea “stuff” we needed.

So, what was the point of all this fun? Well, it was fun for sure and fun is good. But more than that it was about relationships. And relationships take time. Without time they fall apart. Time spent with a very special sister/aunt Laura and I love.

Time with a friend who has moved away and yet is willing to take time out of her busy college life for a “lowly” high school freshman because she loves her. And time we were willing to take out of our Christmas to come down and see her perform and spend with her because we also love her very much too!

And most importantly, I got time with my daughter. At first, like I said, I was a little stressed at the thought of leaving for a whole week-end in the middle of Christmas. And yeah, this week is getting packed; I could have used the week-end for “work.” But, it was better spent on relationships. I had hours in the car alone with Laura to talk. We had silly conversations, ridiculous laughter, and some very serious conversations too. Those moments are priceless and irreplaceable. I can’t buy them by working harder, more hours, or making lots of money. I can only give time by . . . well, stopping and taking time.

It’s maybe a cliché, but clichés are true: No one ever got to their death bed and wished they had worked harder or made more money, but many times they wished they had spent more time with the ones they loved. Don’t waste Christmas. Don’t waste the fleeting moments of your life with your loved ones. Give the greatest gift this Christmas. Give the gift that equals love. Give time. I’m sure glad I did this week-end. Because you know what? It’s gone. And I can’t get it back.

Day Forty-seven – Little Red Christmas Shoe

Head’s up shoe lovers!!! Molly’s shoe blog continues!!! It’s time to roll out the winter collection! Starting with this perfect, little gem of a shoe that my husband, no less, brought me home last week for my Christmas tree:

Setting up the Christmas tree has always been a beloved ritual, usually the week-end after Thanksgiving. Some people shop on Black Friday, but not me. I love to cozy up in my house with Christmas music, leftovers, and hot chocolate and pull out the Christmas decorations. Nathan knew he was in for it this morning when I uttered the “T” word.

“Get the tree,” I exclaimed!

This year we decided that Nathan and I would set up the tree and the kids would do all the lights and decorations. We agreed that if it was less than perfect that was ok. If our friends come to our house at Christmas for the perfect decorations, the cleanliness and the food, they’re not true friends. Hopefully, they’re coming to see US! So, please, come visit, anytime, but as the old saying goes, “If you’re coming to see my house, make an appointment! But, if you’re coming to see me, come on in!”

My tree is an eclectic collection of ornaments. Growing up, my mom got my sister and I a new ornament every year, and I have carried on that tradition with my children. Most years our ornaments have something to do with our personalities or the previous year’s activities. My least favorite ornament is a brass guitar with the words “Amazing Grace” on it. That was a reminder of the year I was learning to play guitar. The very first solo I ever played in church was “Amazing Grace”. I was not very good, and my guitar was out of tune. I guess that ornament reminds me to stay humble when I hang it on the tree every year, but I’m glad I’ve improved since then! Last year I bought the kids skiing and snowboarder ornaments.

So, it meant a lot to me that Nathan #1 bought me an ornament and #2 bought me a little shoe. He teases me enough about my extensive shoe collection, and he’s the one who has to live with it. If you haven’t noticed we’re on day 47 and we doubled up a few days. I checked back. So far, I’ve written about 50 pairs of shoes. Yes, that’s right. Half a hundred pairs of shoes, and we still have most of my winter shoes to go. So, yeah, Nathan puts up with a lot. For instance, my side of the closet is all shoes.

All. Shoes.

My clothes are in the guest room.

Hello. My name is Molly and I’m a shoeaholic. I don’t expect to reform anytime soon. Sorry.

It was with great pride I put my sparkly red shoe on the tree.

Front and center.

What Thanksgiving Really Means

On October 3, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln issued the following proclamation, setting up the Thanksgiving we currently celebrate. The words are profound.

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Considering the fact that we are again at war, and that many of us forget to honor God in our celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I find President Lincoln’s proclamation especially relevant for our modern times. What goes around, comes around and there is nothing new under the sun. He asks us to remember to do “humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience.”

II Chronicles 7:14, “and My people ^who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

In the proclamation Lincoln asks us also to “commend to His tender care all who have become widows and orphans.” God asks no less of His children.

“This is pure and undefiled religion ^in the sight of our God and Father, to ^visit ^orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained ^by ^the world.” James 1:27

And of course, he asks us to remember to direct our thankfulness to God to whom every gracious gift is due. It really does us little good to be thankful for the blessings in our lives, if we are unaware and uncaring that it is our merciful heavenly Father who lovingly pours out these blessings on those of us who are completely undeserving of such blessings.

“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is ^from above, coming down from ^the Father of lights, ^with whom there is no variation, or ^shifting shadow.” James 1:17

So, this Thanksgiving be thankful. Be thankful for your homes, your families, your friends, that groaning table of food, clean water to drink, a safe country to live in and those who defend your freedoms, your wealth that allows you to spend lavishly on Black Friday, and give credit where credit is due. To the God of all mercy and grace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Letter to My Children

Dear Laura, Nate and Daniel,

I know you’ve seen a lot of your friends parents breaking up lately. You three are not immune to the ugliness in this world. You live in a pastor’s home, and as much as we try to shield you from other’s problems, you still see quite a bit of it.  You, unfortunately know, at your young and tender ages, that Mommies and Daddies don’t always keep their promises. That Mommies and Daddies fight and scream and say and do horrible things to one another.

But, I want you to know beyond a shadow of a doubt there is a better way and that way will always be followed here in your home.

In our home Mom and Dad will not always agree, but we will always speak lovingly and respectfully to each other.

In our home Mom and Dad will take care of each other no matter what happens.

In our home Mom and Dad will support each other in the difficult times and cheer each other on when great things happen.

In our home Mom and Dad will put each other first, even before you. That means we will go on a date night every week and take vacations without you. That means Dad will kiss Mom every night first when he gets home before he greets you.

In our home Mom and Dad will show affection. Yeah, it might gross you out for awhile, but secretly we know you love it, because while you’re saying, “Ewwww,” we see you peeking and smiling.

In our home Mom and Dad will always be faithful to each other. There will never be another person that comes between Mom and Dad.

In our home Mom and Dad will never, never, never, never, NEVER use the word DIVORCE. Ever.

We will always love, always protect, always hope, always persevere, always keep our promises.

It’s not always easy, but we will do this with God’s strength and help. You can depend on that.

Love,

Mom

Personality in a Gingerbread House

We’re an intense home here at the Sahlberg’s.

Nathan’s a firstborn.

I’m a firstborn.

Laura’s a firstborn.

Yeah. That makes things interesting sometimes. When Nathan and I first interviewed with Village Missions 15 years ago, we had to take personality tests, and I so distinctly remember them looking at our papers, then at us and saying, “Do you guys realize you are completely incompatible on paper?!” Yeah, we realize that, but it works. We’re Spirit-controlled. But, we probably drive people nuts sometimes.

Yesterday, Laura went to an event with her homeschool group. They were building gingerbread houses. Now, for most people, gingerbread house building would be a fun, bonding, silly time. For a first-born, it’s a competition. It’s serious stuff folks, quit goofing around, OK!?

I came back to pick her up 5 hours later, and there were 13 houses sitting on the dining room table. 12 of the houses had globby icing and candy just haphazardly thrown on the houses.

Then there was one other house. This house had a perfectly little straight gumdrop sidewalk. It had completely perfect chocolate roof tiles. There was a candy cane front door a contractor would have been proud of.

Somehow, I just knew.

“Wow,” I said. “That’s quite a house!”

The moms all giggled.

“Oh, that’s Laura’s house.”

“Really!?” I exclaimed. “It is?”

“Yes,” answered my hostess. “I think she even used a level on the roof,” she teased.

Those of you who are first-borns will find nothing wrong with this story. You’ll think, “Well, duh. That’s how you should build a gingerbread house.” The rest of you may thing my kid should lighten up a little.

I seriously just had to laugh. Here’s Laura’s and my gingerbread house from two years ago:

She comes by it honestly, OK? My pantry is organized with everything in little baskets, neatly labeled according to type of food. Snacks, baking goods, canned goods, etc. My closet is arranged by type of clothes and then by color. What!? Doesn’t everyone do this? My mom alphabetizes her spices. Neither Nathan nor I can stand a cluttered house and within a day or so will send everyone on a mission to PICK UP and PUT AWAY!! I love Ikea and the Container Store.

We can’t help it. God made us this way, and there’s so many of us in this house. I’m just warning you. Be careful before you enter through our red front door. We might try to organize your life!

Baby Fix

I’m sure I’m not the only woman nearly past her child-bearing years who will admit to needing a baby fix now and then.

My kids are all getting so grown up, that sometimes I just miss that little, tiny, cuddly baby on my shoulder. Does anyone else out there miss that at all? When Daniel was old enough to go to school, I told Nathan he’d have to get me a baby or a puppy. He didn’t want a puppy, so we started to do foster care.

At first I went into foster care a little bit wanting to help and a lot wanting my baby fix. Those priorities soon changed. Foster care is hard, and that is a major understatement. It wrings you out emotionally and makes you want to quit. Yet once you’ve seen the hurt and pain and the sheer number of children in need, you simply can’t walk away.

I couldn’t anyway.

For instance, right now I have baby N. He’s 2 months old. I’d pay the county to take care of him! I’m definitely getting my baby fix. As I fed him in the middle of the night last night, I was so grieved over the fact that situations like this even exist. Baby N’s biological mother has NEVER fed her baby in the middle of the night. As much as we mothers become exhausted from those feedings, can you imagine never feeding your infant?

Other names and situations roll through my mind, that have left me forever changed.

Issa. N’soah. Jazzie. Ayden. Caleb. Rachael. Destiny.

A 5-week premature infant, deaf from fetal alcohol syndrome and coming down off meth who we had to rush to the hospital because she stopped breathing.

Another meth baby who died of SIDS 5 days after he left our home.

The little girl who became our daughter, only to be returned to her birth mom at the last minute.

Sometimes I think I may be crazy to keep doing this. It’s impossible not to fall in love a little bit with every single child you have. And it’s impossible not to have your heart broken every time they leave.

Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision once famously said,

“Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart.”

We talk in our house about doing hard things. Just because something is hard to do, doesn’t mean it’s wrong. In fact, it’s probably the right thing to do. I have to trust that every time I have a little one here, whether it’s 3 days or 9 months, I am sharing a little bit of Jesus’ love with them and hoping to change their life in some small way.

I guess it’s less a baby fix for me and more of a baby fix for them. I can’t fix them permanently, only Jesus can. But, I can be a link in the chain that leads them to Him. Oh, how I pray for that.

Just Sayin’

I’ve noticed a new trend lately regarding words coming out of people’s mouths. Apparently it’s ok to trash someone or say whatever you feel like, even if it’s rude, inappropriate or hurtful as long as you follow it with the words, “Just sayin’.”

How do those two little words absolve the speaker of responsibility for their words? I’m wondering. I’ve heard it until I’m sick of it. On the radio, on the TV, in my church, aimed at me personally. Is this the Northern equivalent of the Southern “Bless her heart?”  Somehow these two meaningless words, “Just sayin’” have come to mean, “Hey, don’t hold me personally responsible for the junk spewing out of my mouth. I’m just saying what’s on my mind. It’s my right to speak my mind!”

There is a better way.  A way that, yes, requires some, GASP!, self-control, but also a way that preserves friendships and the dignity and preciousness of others.

“Let no ^unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for ^edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

When I was a teenager I got really mad at my sister one time and I yelled, “Shut up!” at her. Unfortunately, my mom heard me. She made me sit down and write this verse 100 times!!! Let’s just say it’s stuck in my head since that day.  Hateful words followed by, “just sayin’”, do not give grace to the hearer.

James had quite a bit to say about the tongue. In chapter 3, verses 8-10, he writes to Christians thus,

“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of ^deadly poison. With it we bless ^our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, ^who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”

Those of us who claim Christ-likeness ought to speak words that are gracious and life-giving. We ought to build others up. We should seek to praise and encourage one another, not tear down. We need to stop gossip in its tracks.

In the words of Thumper from the movie "Bambi”, “If you don’t have nothin’ nice to say, don’t say nothin’ at all.”

Just sayin’

Salt and Light

We just passed a holiday that seems to get Christians in a tizzy. For some reason Halloween causes some Christians to get a little upset. Suddenly we hear buzz words like, “Satan’s Day” and “evil holiday.” These well-meaning people hide in their homes with their porch lights off or have alternate celebrations in their churches with their kids dressed up as Bible characters. To me, this all seems just a little bizarre. The last time I checked my Bible it still says, “Greater is He that is in YOU than He that is in THE WORLD!”

I’m especially puzzled by this behavior by my fellow pastors and missionaries. But regardless of our occupations, as Christians we have a mandate from Christ.

“You are the salt of the earth; but ^if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a ^hill cannot be hidden. ^Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may ^see your good works, and ^glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

Now obviously everyone has to follow his own conscience, so feel free to disagree, but ever since I was a little girl my parents have done a great job of having an open home, reaching out to their neighbors and engaging their culture without compromising their faith. I’ve trick or treated since I was a child. My parents have always known and reached out to the families and kids in any neighborhood we lived in. I also was fully aware that dressing up as anything that smacked of the occult was off limits; i.e. witches, devils, etc. As Nathan and I have begun to raise our family, we have done the same. We have taken our kids out trick or treating and handed out candy to scores of little dressed up kids. What a fabulous opportunity to visit with the families around us!

This year, our church sponsored a Trick-or-Treat Out-a-Reach in Gary/New Duluth, a community 3 miles from Fond du Lac, in a trailer park by the local elementary school. We set up a big tent in a central location, decorated it with lights, filled 250 bags with gobs of candy, juice boxes and a little card explaining why we were doing this. We had free hot chocolate for the chilly parents and we also visited with the parents while the kids got the candy to see if they were interested in a turkey dinner that our church would provide free of charge and deliver in time for Thanksgiving. Cost of all of this to the trick or treaters? Free. Expectations? None, no strings attached. Reason? Well, that question was clearly etched on many a face that night.

It was awesome to see parents eyes get bigger and bigger as their kids were handed an enormous bag of candy, and a bunch of glow sticks. Then another person would offer the parents hot chocolate. They were all cold, as the temperature hovered around freezing. Oh my, yes they wanted a hot drink and it was free!? And then when we offered the free meal? Only one person all night turned me down on that one.

So why did we do that? Well, basically what our little card said was this: We love Jesus, plain and simple. We seek to glorify him in all we say and do. Serving our community is one way to do that.

My kids came along, as did Pastor Bryan’s kids and also a few other families’ children. How wonderful for kids to learn at an early age to serve and give instead of get! On the way home Daniel, age 8 said, “Oh it was so hard to be around all that candy and give it all away and not have any!” But, he did! Without complaining, with a cheerful attitude. I was so proud of him! He learned to be unselfish and to do something difficult; to have the heart of a servant, of the Servant, who “came to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.”

We’re called to be salt and light. Food’s pretty bland without salt and people stumble around in darkness without a light. So, just think about it. How can you be salt and light to the world around you? Don’t hide your light; let it shine.

Cool Inventions

Admittedly, our grandparents saw some of the most amazing inventions ever created. Just think: the airplane, television, the computer, all the many technological advantages that you and I take for granted everyday. But, there have been some pretty cool inventions in my short lifetime as well. This discussion got started the other day between Laura and I over blond bobby pins. So, without further ado, Molly’s List of Cool Inventions in the last 37 years.

1. Blond Bobby Pins: if you are a brunette, you will not get this one, but if you are a blond, you will find this one oh-so-helpful. Blond bobby pins have just recently been invented, like in the last 5  years or so, but are very helpful for those of us with blonde hair! And right up there are blond (and red!), hair ties and head bands!

2. Spandex in Jeans: Seriously, a woman’s best friend.

3. Starbucks: ‘nuff said.

4. Mini-vans: You may have been like me and vowed never to drive one, yet find yourself loving the fact that on a 20-hour road trip you can space 3 children far apart from one another so they can’t touch each other. Oh the bliss!

5. DVD players in vans: Again, 20-hour road trips will never be the same. I’m sure our parents are thinking that we are not getting what we deserve, as they had to put up with us, and we should get the same treatment from our kids. “I’m bored! She touched me! Are we there yet!?” And yet, we just stick a movie in and put headphones on our, separated by captain’s chairs, children.

6. Pixar: Can you remember a time without Pixar!? Can you imagine life without “Nemo”, “Cars”, “Toy Story”, “Wall-E”, etc!? Oh, the horror!

7. iPods: In my life I’ve gone from scratchy records to carrying around 2,000 songs on a device the size of a flash drive. Truly amazing.

8. Google: I can’t even remember how I did research before Google. How did my mom answer all my annoying questions when I was little before Google!? Nearly every dinner time around here consists of at least one random, unknown question. “Hey mom, what do you think was the largest earthquake ever?” “Who do you think won the World Series in 1947?” “Do slugs have ears?” And my response is always, “Let me Google it!” And on that note, when did “Google” become a verb anyway? I’ll have to Google that tonight.

9. Spell-check: My kids don’t even know how to use a dictionary anymore! Just spell-check it!

10. Microwaves: I know this one is pretty old, but I didn’t have a microwave when I was little. I remember when we got our first microwave; an enormous Tappan from my Grandma who worked for Tappan. How did we reheat leftovers? I don’t remember.

11. Cell-phones: Granted, their ubiquitousness annoys me at times, but they are also very useful. Some of my 20-something friends are often surprised when I tell them, “No, Nathan and I didn’t talk on cell phones when we were dating, they didn't exist then!” I love watching “old” movies from the early 90’s with their enormous car phones!

12. Target: How did I live without Target!? I love Target.

That’s my list for now. I’m sure I can think of more, and I’m sure you’ve got a few too! It’s silly, but I’m pretty glad for some of these cool things that make my life easier and more fun! Now I have to go spell-check my blog.

W.H.Y – Wonderful Home-schooled Youngsters

If you are not a home-schooler or interested in home-schooling, this post may be boring to you, so just skip it! But, if you have ever wondered, “Why in the world would someone choose to educate their children at home?” Read on!

Last night Nathan and I went to a parents’ planning meeting for Laura’s Home-School Teen Group.  We took some time at the beginning to introduce ourselves and tell why we home-schooled our children. There were all different kinds of people sitting in the room. Some were from different churches and some from no church at all.  Each person had a slightly different reason they gave for why they chose to educate their kids at home, and yet every single reason just resonated with my heart. “Yes,” I thought. “That’s another reason I teach my kids at home.”

Here’s just a few of the reasons I, and others like me, crazy we may seem to you, choose to keep our kids home for school.

- We miss our kids when they go to school.  We found that when our kids were in public school, or private school, they were exhausted and gone away from us too many hours a day.  With leaving at 7:30 in the morning and not getting home until 3 or 4 in the afternoon and then homework in the evening, there just wasn’t enough time left to be a family.  I know this was especially true for me.  I adore my kids. I think they are hilarious. I am not one of those moms who says, “Oh I can’t wait for fall so they can go back to school.” I would miss them too much.  I love having them here. I love laughing at the funny things they say and seeing their eyes light up when they learn something new. I think it’s hilarious when I teach them something and they are completely amazed that, “Wow Mom, you KNOW that!?” Yup, not so dumb as you thought, huh?

- A lot of us decided we could do a better job than someone else. There are wonderful teachers and schools out there, don’t get me wrong.  But, I’ve discovered that my kids are individuals, and they each require a slightly different method of teaching and sometimes a different curriculum. One size most certainly does not fit all when it comes to school.  Boys especially, and Daniel in particular, do not do well sitting still for 8 hours a day.  As long as they are not doing handwriting, I don’t care where or how the work gets done. Today Nate wrote a poem on the front porch.

Daniel often reads while somersaulting around the living room or bouncing on a big exercise ball.

- We home-school because our kids get to discover so many more exciting things this way. They are not bound to a classroom or to a set curriculum.  They can color outside the lines and if something is interesting to them, they can find out more about it.  All three kids got pretty interested in Laura’s paramecium and amoeba under the microscope last week. And they all came out of a local pond! (the micro-organisms, not my kids!)  Laura has also recently read “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and is now doing a paper on Harriet Beecher Stowe. Huh, how funny that she suddenly put two and two together. “Hey mom, is that why Stowe Elementary School (our nearest public school) got it’s name?” (it is!) But, I made her email the principal and ask and look the information up. Such an interesting fact to add to her paper!


- We have a wonderful flexibility that families in school don’t have. A few weeks ago we went up to Hawk Ridge in the middle of the week. It was a gorgeous day and we were able to count many migrating raptors. I counted it as a field trip, as our resident bird expert and friend, Julie, was on hand with binoculars and all of her fun bird feet and wings to give the kids tons and tons of raptor information. We’ve also travelled to Split Rock Lighthouse and ambled up the Superior Hiking Trail when we’ve decided the weather is simply too nice to stay inside and do boring schoolwork in books. Practically anything can be turned into a school lesson with a little creativity!

- I simply love to be the one who’s there when one of my kids says “Oh! I get it!” Why give that joy to a stranger? To me, that’s like letting a stranger take the joy of seeing your child’s first step or hearing their first word. When Daniel is learning to read, and today when he said those four, wonderful words in Math, I was privileged to be there, because I was the one who taught the skills to him! I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for a million dollars, a bigger house, a nicer car or a tropical vacation.

Who I Am

Who is Molly? Ask a dozen people and you’ll get a dozen answers. My mom will tell you different things about me than my sister will. Nathan can tell you stories that are different than the stories my best friend would tell you. All of these stories are me, but none of them are the complete picture of who I am.

There are two other voices that compete for my attention and tell me who I am.  One is the voice of Truth, the other is the Father of Lies. I can choose whom I listen to. Satan, the great Accuser can use his voice in many ways. Through the media, through my emotions, through other people. I’m sure you’ve heard his lies too. Lies like, “You’re a failure, you’re worthless, you’re not worthy of love, you’re nobody, you’ll never amount to anything.”

So, for myself and all those who refuse to listen to those disgusting lies from the pit of hell: who I am and who you are in Christ Jesus:

I am accepted...

• John 1:12 I am God's child.
  Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

• John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

• Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
  Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

• 1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
  But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
  Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

• 1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body.
  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

• Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

• Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
  For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

• Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
  For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

• Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

I am secure...

• Romans 8:1 I am free from condemnation.
  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

• Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

• Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
  What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughter"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
  Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

• Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
  Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

• Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
  being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

• Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
  But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

• 2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

• 1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
  We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.

I am significant...

• John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
  "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

• John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

• 1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple.
  Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

• 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

• Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

• Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

• Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
  In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

• Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I am a child of God; God is spiritually my Father.
Romans 8:14,15
because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Galatians 3:26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus
John 1:12
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

I am a new creation in Christ; old things have passed away and all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

I am in Christ.
Galatians 3:26,28
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

I am an heir with the Father and a joint heir with Christ.
Galatians 4:6.7
Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, " So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Romans 8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
1 Corinthians 1:2
to the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ their Lord and ours:
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

I am a citizen of heaven.
Ephesians 2:19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household
Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ

I am united to the Lord and am one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:17
But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
I am a slave of righteousness.
Romans 6:18
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God

I am the righteousness of God in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

I am enslaved to God.
Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

I am chosen and ordained by Christ to bear fruit.
John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

I am a prisoner of Christ.
Ephesians 3:1
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles
Ephesians 4:1
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

I am righteous and holy.
Ephesians 4:24
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

I am hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:3
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

I am the salt of the earth.
Matthew 5:13
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness,how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything,except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

I am the light of the world.
Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."

I am part of the true vine.
John 15:1-2
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

I am filled with the divine nature of Christ and escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:4
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

I am an expression of the life of Christ.
Colossians 3:4
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
1 Thessalonians 1:4
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you

I am a child of light.
1 Thessalonians 5:5
You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

I am a partaker of a heavenly calling.
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

I am more than a conqueror though Christ.
Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

I am a partaker with Christ and share in His life.
Hebrews 3:14
We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first

I am one of God's living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house.
1 Peter 2:5
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

I am a chosen generation, a royal priest hood, a holy nation.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priest hood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

I am the devil's enemy.
1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I am born again by the Spirit of God.
John 3:3-6
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

I am an alien and a stranger to this world.
1 Peter 2:11
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

I am a child of God who always triumphs in Christ and releases His fragrance in every place.
2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

I am seated in heavenly places in Christ.
Ephesians 2:6
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus

I am saved by grace.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

I am a recipient of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places
in Christ.
Ephesians 1-6 (The Whole book!)

I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
Revelations 5:9
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."

I am part of the Bride of Christ and am making myself ready of Him.
Revelations 19:7
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

I am a true worshiper who worships the Father in spirit and in truth.
John 4:24
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

The Story of a Cherished Shoe

By Laura
Once upon  time I, brown shoe size nine, was sitting on the sales rack just waiting for the right person to come along and bring me home. I had had a tough life before this, heartbreaking, I was picked up and thrown around. Bought and returned a million times. Until they stuck me on the sale rack to rot away. Until one chilly spring day I saw her coming to get me. She was striding down the aisle straight toward me! “Here mom these are the ones! And they fit perfectly!” she said. It was the sweetest voice I had ever heard and I knew I was going home.

Well she started wearing me everywhere. I went to church, the store, walks, ski practice, people’s houses, grandma’s house anywhere she went I went, all her friends were my friends. You could just say we were best buds! For two whole years. She took such good care of me too! Washed me when I got muddy. Super glued me when I broke. Dried me when I was wet! It was super! 

Then one frightful day she came back with two new pairs of flats and I guess they were in better shape than I and probably more cute too. Guess what she did? She picked me up and threw me away. So now I guess my life is over and I am glad for what I got out of it. So good luck new pair of flats and goodbye dear friend.

Running Toward Solitude

Alone. Still. Quiet. Peace.

Some of us have trouble with these words. Our American culture has trouble with these words. We live at such a frenetic, break-neck pace that sometimes we don’t even realize that we are exhausted, burnt-out and broken until something major collapses in our life.

Our health gives way. Someone dies. Our marriage implodes. A child rebels.

A lot of us are incredibly busy doing a lot of really good things. But a lot of really good things simply adds up to just a ton of stuff. Stuff that makes us tired and cranky and unable to connect in meaningful ways with those who mean the most to us, and more importantly to the One who made us and wants to have a relationship with us.

My friend and mentor, Bonnie Thomas, always said to me, “Ministry is the wake you leave behind as you are running after Christ.”

What a beautiful picture! Ministry is not stuff that I do. Ministry is not more obligations or programs. Ministry is what happens naturally when I am passionately pursuing a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Lately, this has become hard for me.  I’m burnt out. Exhausted. Fried. Sick of the drama. Tired of having to forgive. Hurt. Depressed. I’ve focused more on people than on Christ. And so ministry has become stuff to do. It’s become work. A drag. When we take our eyes off of Christ and put them on our problems and on others, we are most generally going to be massively disappointed. Why? Because people and things are broken and unsatisfying. Only Jesus is perfect and can fill my deepest longings.

I hear Him calling.

 “And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and ^they did not even have time to eat.) ^And they went away in ^the boat to a lonely place by themselves.” Mark 6:31, 32

Are you ever so busy and frazzled you don’t have time to eat or think? So many people coming and going and calling and talking and blah, blah, blah. It’s enough to make you want to scream.

Or get away.

Simply running doesn’t help. But, running TO Someone does.

So, I’ve been taking the time to do that lately. Spend some time in a quiet place. Away from the noise, the distractions, the people, the problems and just listen again. Time to confess my own distractedness and sin, and renew my most important relationship.

I want to run fast. But, I don’t want to run aimlessly around like a chicken with my head cut off. I want to run after Christ and leave a wake a mile wide.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also ^lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us ^run with ^endurance the race that is set before us, ^fixing our eyes on Jesus, the ^author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him ^endured the cross, ^despising the shame, and has ^sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For ^consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary ^and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

Day Forty-six – One Shoe to Rule Them All

There are shoes, and then there are Shoes, with a capital S. That’s what these shoes are. As my friend, Lindsey, so aptly put it, “Those aren’t shoes, those are a work of art.”

 

This shoe is no shrinking violet. This shoe says, “Sit up! Take notice! Pay attention to ME!!!” And that’s exactly what I did that fateful day last winter. I walked into the store, and spotted this shoe from afar. Everything else went fuzzy around me as I honed in on The Shoe. I knew I had to have it. And I bought it. No questions asked. No bargaining. No arguing. You don’t argue with a shoe like this, you simply take it home and cherish it.

I called Lindsey that night and said, “I just bought the most gorgeous pair of shoes EVER at Charlotte Russe today.”

“Oh my goodness,” she exclaimed. “Are they the grey suede peep toe wedges with the ruffles down the front!?”

“Yes!” I said. “How did you know!?”

“Because,” answered my sole sister. “I saw those last week and drooled over them for at least a half an hour. The only reason I didn’t get them was because I’m being deployed in a month!”

Poor Lindsey. I contemplated going back and buying her a pair.

I should have.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, that heel? It’s 5 inches tall. And no, I haven’t fallen off it.

Yet.

Day Forty-five – Fleece lined Clogs

One of the challenges of living in Minnesota through nine months of winter is staying warm and looking stylish and cute at the same time. There are times it is just impossible, but I’ve found ways around this dilemma.
Keeping my feet warm is my biggest issue. My feet are ALWAYS cold! SmartWool socks help. And this pair of cute shoes succeeds where others fail. Behold, the fleece lined clog!



An adorable, suede wedge that looks good with all my jeans and winter pants, but is also shearling lined. They feel oh-so-toasty on my feet from September to May. And wouldn’t you know it, they just happen to be one of my favorite brands, Rocket Dog! Rocket Dog comes through again! These felt awfully good yesterday on what I’d have to deem was our first “official” Duluth-y day. Cold, wet, windy. Oh yeah, this is what the tourists miss when they only come in the summer. We’re a hardy breed up here! It takes a special person to survive on Lake Superior, and a good, warm pair of shoes. . .or 30.