10 Things Your Man Wants You to Know

I came across this list on the blog of Perry Noble.  It was originally written by Pastor Clayton King.  Ladies, this list gives us great insight as to how to pray for our men, encourage and lift them up, and affirm our love, resect, and thankfulness for them.  Because we communicate differently and look through different lenses so often, we can miss the intent of their heart- which is almost always to meet our needs and see us happy.  They listen and watch more than we think, and take their cues from us as to how they are doing as our husband.  What are our facial expressions, tones of voice, words, and actions telling them most often?  Are we mostly telling them they are doing poorly and we are not satisfied?  Are we implying that nothing is good enough- no matter what they do?  Are we communicating that we think they are an idiot?  We may be doing this without even meaning to….a snide remark here, a rolling of the eyes there, nagging “suggestions” dispersed everywhere…..ouch! Nobody’s perfect and we’ve all been guilty at times.

So, Let’s not forget that we aren’t the only ones with feelings in our marriage.  Whether you are married to an introvert, an extrovert, quiet man, or verbally expressive man- he needs to know that his efforts are noticed, they are appreciated, and they matter.  He needs to know that he is your man, and he rocks your world!  He needs to know that you believe in him!  and there’s more:

Women, you may think that your man is confident, strong, and sure of himself.  But you’d be surprised what he would tell you if he felt like he could be completely honest.  So I want to tell you on his behalf.  Here are 10 things that your man may have thought at some point, or may be feeling right now.

1.  I am really insecure about lots of things, but especially about how I am doing as your husband.

2.  I worry that you are not happy with me and that one day you will leave me.

3.  I’m scared that our kids may not turn out the way we hoped they would.

4.  I never feel like I have enough time for you, our family, and work.  I feel like everyone wants something from me.

5.  The reason I work so hard is to provide you and our family a life of security, joy, and safety, and to make you happy.

6.  I often feel like you are not attracted to me.

7.  I feel inadequate to be everything you ever wanted from a husband.

8.  I’m afraid to tell you that I feel depressed, anxious, and sad, and that I compare myself to other husbands and fathers.

9.  Your approval and affection is the one real thing in this life that gives me confidence in myself.

10.  If you believe in me, I am unstoppable.

Let’s try looking through their lenses today and see how we’re doing at inspiring and building up our guys to help them be all God has called them to be!  Does it help you to know his intentions behind his actions?  What can you do today to respond  to one of these very important areas?  Think about it…..pray about it……act on it!

A Story of Fractured Faith Made New

You can read this story on my brother’s website  by clicking here.

Love, Learn, Live

I am super stoked about the next 6 weeks!  Why?  I’m so glad you asked!

For the next 6 weeks, Lifepointe Church will be doing a message series titled “Inverted”.  The series will go along with a six week Bible study called “40 Days in the Word” written by Rick Warren.  I’m going to tell you a little bit about that, but first I want to share with you my own personal experience with the Bible.

We all know that as Christ followers, reading the Bible is high on the list of things we “should” do.  When I was a teenager in our youth group, we used to joke that the answer to every question was either “pray, go to church, or read your Bible”.  Praying came pretty naturally to me in the way I am wired.  It is a part of my daily life- not just at night when I go to sleep or when I sit down to a meal, but little whispers to God throughout the day.  It’s how I keep Him a part of my daily life.  Going to church was a practice I developed from birth.  It was just always a part of my life.  I love it, so that was not a difficult habit for me to form.  Reading the Bible, however, did not come quite as naturally.  I went through phases where I read it, I believed what I read, and I accepted that it was the standard for my life, but honestly, I didn’t love reading it.  It was a chore.  I felt like I needed a version called “The Bible for Dummies”:)  When I was a child, I was on the Bible quiz team.  That was a team of kids that studied the Bible and then went to competitions where you competed with other quiz teams.  As a child, everyone had card board numbers, and a proctor would ask a question.  We had to pull the correct number out of the box to answer the question.  As a teenager, you had to be first to jump off your seat to get the opportunity to answer.  And here is my confession:  I was a terrible quizzer.  I used to cheat at Bible quizzing.  I would look for cues from my friends so that I wouldn’t feel like a complete loser.  I was always a step behind b/c I would watch for what everyone was pulling out of the box, or I would jump from my chair a moment after everyone else so everyone would think I had studied and had a clue what was going on.  I’m so glad I got that off my chest:)

As a teenager and young adult,  I would pick up my Bible and read it because I should, but I still didn’t fully love it.  It was more of part of my checklist than something that I looked forward to.  Sometimes I would get something from it, and sometimes my mind wandered into outer space for entire chapters at a time.  But then, I found a version of the Bible that I understood.  It was called the “New Living Translation”.  I read it, and the more I read, the more I wanted to read. I found that there was always something new for me to hear from God.   The Bible moved from being something that informed me, to something that transformed me.  It’s amazing how it works.  It truly is a living, breathing conversation that God wants to have with us.  It began to fortify my prayer life, and my prayer life fortified it as well.  God had so much to say to me about Jesus, life, marriage, raising kids, work, finances, relationships, and many other things and I didn’t want to miss out!  That’s when it became a regular part of my life that I can’t live without.  If I were stranded on an island, I would rather have my Bible than matches or a lighter.  It prepares me, it feeds me, it sustains me.  It literally changed my life.  There are many versions out there, and you can find one that reads well to you!

Maybe you are just now beginning to investigate Christ and find out what He’s all about.  Maybe you’ve been a Christian for a year or two and really want to become more deeply rooted in Him.  Or maybe you’ve been a Christian for many years, but have still not learned to know and fully love God’s Word.  Maybe the Bible still intimidates you or feels like a part of your “to do” list and that makes you feel guilty.

Wherever you are, 40 Days in the Word is a place for you.  Jesus said

“If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine”.  John 8:31

This sermon series and study will expose you to new ways of looking at the Bible.  I am so excited to be rolling up my sleeves and digging in for the next 6 weeks to discover how to take my relationship with God to the next level and I hope you will join one of our groups and dig in too!  Here are the 3 main purposes of the study according to Rick:

~ Love the Word of God like you’ve never loved it before

~Learn the Word of God like you’ve never learned it before

~Live the Word of God like you’ve never lived it before

Love, Learn, Live.  What better way to do it, than to do it together.  I promise, you will not regret it.  This could be the most important step you take in your life, for within the Bible, you find Life.  It will infuse truth, blessing, direction, and renewal into your soul.  It is God speaking directly to you.  He so loves you and wants to abide in you.

I will be leading a group with Amy Hibbs at the church at 10 am on Fridays, beginning tomorrow.  You can check out all group options by clicking here.

Join us this Sunday at 10 or 11:15 or if you don’t live in Louisville, find a church near you that values and teaches The Bible and plug in!  If you need help finding a place, let us know.  I so love the local church and there are some great ones out there.  You can follow our podcasts here.

Learn more about the  40 Days in the Word Campaign here.

Let’s do this thing!

Our Secret Life

“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person” ~Proverbs 27:19

The Bible is so alive!   It will never run out of things to say to me.  There is always a new conversation there for me.  Today, that was Proverbs 27:19.  It’s a beautiful verse, but not a well-known verse.  A conversation I had with a friend this week, sparked in me the desire to seek out what all the Bible has to say about the heart.  My first thoughts went to this wonderful, well-known verse:

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important; Love your neighbor as yourself.  The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commands!”  Matthew 22:37-40

Many of us Amen these verses, believe these verses, and maybe even quote these verses.  But have we looked closely at what it really means to apply these verses?  To live them?  Let’s look at the Word to see what more the Bible tells us about the heart and what it really means to live this out.

We all know that our physical heart is at the epicenter of our body- our most vital organ.  Without it, there is no blood flow, there is no life.  But what is our figurative heart?  It is the seat of our emotions, thoughts, intentions, personality, disposition, courage, love, and affection.  It is the central, most vital part of us in more ways than just the physical body.  Our heart is our secret life. and it is what God will one day judge.  Not our good deeds, nor our outward acts, but our heart, and what we did with HIm there.  (Romans 2:15-16) Matthew 22:40 really struck me today.  It says that all other commands are based on these 2 commands.  To me that says, if we are following these 2 commands, we will be led toward following all of the other  commands God has given to us. I looked up what God had to say about what we are to do with all of our heart, and this is what I found: (I know there is more, but this is a work in progress).

-love (Deuteronomy 6:5)

-worship (I Samuel 12:20) -

give  (1 Chronicles 29:9)

-serve (Deuteronomy 10:12)

-obey His commands and decrees (Joshua 22:5)

-praise (Psalm 103:1, 108:1)

-seek (I Chronicles 22:19)

-meditate (Psalm 19:14)

-thank (Psalm 111:1)

-search for Him (Psalm 119:2)

-believe (Romans 10, 9-10)

-do His will (Ephesians 6:6)

-decide (2 Corinthians 9:7)

-demonstrate right from wrong (Romans 2:15-16)

Wow!  Other verses tell us that God examines our hearts and that He rejoices when He finds integrity there.  (1 Chronicles 29:17) Deuteronomy 6:5 calls us to a whole hearted committment to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength.  He tells us to remind ourselves and to:

-repeat it to our children

-talk about it at home

-on the road

-going to bed

-getting up

-tie it to our hands and wear it on our foreheads

- and for further reminder, to write it on the doorposts of our house & gates!

God  really wanted us to GET this!  And the cool thing is, HE GETS US!  That’s why He knows we need reminders- and tells us what to do to remind ourselves!

“The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.  From His throne He observes all who live on the earth.  He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do.”  Psalm 33:13-15

 I also found in the Bible all of the ugly things that can happen to our heart and trip us up.  Things we already know and most have experienced, that are not overlooked by God.  Our hearts can be broken (Psalm 42:4),  hardened (Matthew 13:15) , sick (Proverbs 13:12), lost (Job 4:5)  or sad (Psalm 42:5).  But I know from experience that God can repair and make new even the most shattered of hearts, if we’ll let HIm.  No wonder He tells us to guard it ;

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life”.  Proverbs 4:23

We aren’t on our own to take care of our hearts and keep them right.  God reveals the ugliness so it can be removed.  We just need to keep our hearts open to Him and seek Him, even when we don’t feel like- ESPECIALLY when we don’t feel like it.  David made a lot of mistakes,  BIG mistakes, but He pursued God and desired Him in His heart- and was ultimately called a “man after my own heart”.  God can give us a heart that is peaceful, understanding, glad, and that burns with His Word (Jeremiah 20:9).  He creates in us a new heart.  So why not give it to Him- it’s what He really wants- our repentant hearts- Psalm 51:17.

“Turn to me now while there is still time.  Give me your hearts. ”  Joel 2:12

I read some parenting advice yesterday that said instead of saying to our kids “I’m proud of you”, we should say “you should be proud of yourself!”  The thought behind it was that it would teach them to make good decisions when no one is around to praise them, teaching them to make decisions out of integrity.   What a beautiful thought for us as well- to make decisions in our hearts that we can be proud of, because it is right, not because someone will know. In our hearts we believe and  and we decide.  This inspires me to look more carefully at my heart, my secret life and let God always do His work there.  Thankfully, He can do what we cannot:

“Create in me a clean heart and renew a loyal spirit in me.” Psalm 51:10

This is a lot to take in, but as you can see, God has much to say on the subject of the heart.  Perhaps this should be a book and not a blog:)  I close with this prayer for you and for me:

“I pray that our hearts will be flooded with light so that we can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called–His Holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.  I also pray that we will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him.  This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

 Ephesians 1:18-20

AMEN

May our hearts reflect HIS, and that be the real person we are.  And thanks to my friend, Toni, who inspired this research and post!

Be Her Freedom

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness day.  Do you know someone is bought or sold into slavery every 60 seconds?  Do you know he/she is forced to service 40-110  men per day?  Do you know it happens in every single country?  Do you know these girls and boys suffer from malnutrition, sleep deprivation, beatings, and  rape daily?  Do you know it isn’t far from home?  It  happens here in Louisville, KY?    Click and read this 2011 article from Wave 3.   Louisville is known as a hub for trafficking because of the crossover of our interstates.

Do you know how you can be the change?

It can’t be fought alone, but together, we can stand up!

Watch this video that brings into light what the enemy wants to keep in the darkness.

Be Her Freedom

Here are 21 Ways to Help.

What can you do today to be part of the solution?

The JustONE Conference is Back!

The JustONE Virtual Conference for Pastor’s Wives and Women in Ministry is back and I am SUPER stoked!

You will be encouraged, connected, challenged, and inspired! All while sitting comfortably on your couch with a latte in hand!

The JustONE Conference is a free virtual conference for all Pastors’ Wives and Women in Ministry. This 4 week conference will include over 20 speakers sharing from their personal lives and leadership. Each session will be shown 4 times during the week. So find a time that is right for your schedule, and join in!

This year the conference is based on a beautiful passage of scripture, 1 Timothy 4:12b-16  (The Message) “Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed–keep that dusted off and in use. Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.” 

The conference begins Monday, January 23 and Tuesday, January 24 and is offered both morning and evening… 11am EST/ 8am PST and 9pm EST/ 6pm PST both days.  Join us for four consecutive weeks of teaching, encouragement and connection.

 You don’t want to miss this ladies!  It will be the highlight of your week!  I SO enjoyed the 2010 JustONE Conference and can’t wait for round 2!  The line-up of speakers is fabulous; Lori Wilhite, Brandi Wilson, Kay Warren, Lisa Young, Jessica Cornelius, and Holly Furtick just to name a few!

Click here to view the full line-up, see all the details, and register!

Don’t Miss Out!

The Great Twinkie Rebellion of 2009

A good blogger would have their New Year’s post up on January 1st.  OOPS!   Look at me waiting until January 4th—and here’s why.

I have a lot of different things floating around in my head- some very exciting things, some mundane things, and some unclear, unfinished thoughts.  I’ve thought about what I would focus on and therefore post for several days now, but wasn’t clear on what God would have me to say.  One of my desires for this blog is to post things that are meaningful and encouraging, so I didn’t want to just half way write something.  I have been reading the story of Balaam in Numbers 22-24.  Numbers is often thought of as the most boring book in the Bible, because it contains a lot of recordings of names and lineages and who “begat” who’s.  But, it contains a story I find very interesting- and includes a talking donkey!  It’s very Shrekkish:)   I have been gleaning much from it, but one thing that stood out to me was Balaam making the statement “God put a message in my mouth”.  So my prayer has been for God to put a message in my mouth, before I open it!  So, here we go……

I am a firm believer in setting goals, growing, improving, and moving forward in life.  I don’t ever want to stay stuck or complacent. I have no problem with New Year’s Resolutions.  ”Resolution” comes from the word “resolve”.  Some meanings I found were as follows:

-to deal with successfully

-to find an answer to

-to make clear or understandable

-to reach a firm decision about

-to declare or decide

The problem comes when what resolve to do or be, relies on us and our own human efforts.  BUT, when our resolve relies on God who made every cell in our body and knows things about us we haven’t even figured out yet, amazing transformations happen.  The kind that stick.  The kind that affect others.  The kind that propel further changes rather than fizzling out.

I have some God-sized goals for this year, including the completion of a book I am working on and some very exciting women’s ministry opportunities, goals I cannot meet without the help of God.  But these are not the focus of my resolutions.  They are what I pray will be the result of what God is doing in me. How do we rely on God?  We can start by seeking HIm on what it really is we’re resolving ourselves to do/be.  We can give Him the opportunity to speak through prayer, fasting, worship, church, and personal relationship with Him.  We can invite Him into our daily living.  This month, I am focusing on Him through fasting.

Every year  since 2008, I do some sort of fast in the month of January as a way to dedicate my year to Him.  It helps me get focused, get quiet, and listen.  There are MANY ways to fast, and MANY things that come from it.  My favorite so far is that it reveals.  It reveals things God wants to do, it reveals things in me that need to change, and it reveals Who He is at deeper levels.  This year I am doing the  Daniel fast.  The last time I did that- I got pregnant with my beautiful 3 year old Josie- against many odds!  I believe God knew I had a desire in my heart for her. I’m not suggesting fasting is a magic lamp to get what you want- not at all.  But it does reveal and address what is in your heart.   I am also not implying that I am somehow spiritually awesome because of fasting.  I just want to share what God has done for me to encourage you.   Let me tell you a story about how “not awesome” I am.   5 months after my brother died of melanoma, I attempted to do the Daniel Fast.  My desire was to connect with God and see what He had to say to me.  A few days into it (I think around 5 or 6)  I became so angry.  I had no idea the fast was going to trigger thoughts of how we had fasted for my brother’s healing and how it “hadn’t worked”.  I had no idea I had been holding this anger in my heart.  I knew I had been confused, but not angry.  So, in my anger, I was going to “show God”.  I was going to break my fast.  I wasn’t going to break it with something healthy either.  Not an apple, not a banana, not a peanutbutter sandwich.  I was going to REALLY show Him and eat something bad for me.  So I went to the pantry, made a quick scan, and grabbed a twinkie.  I took it upstairs ran my bath water and ate it while I cried my eyes out.    I didn’t eat the twinkie because of a sugar craving or lapse in will power.  I ate the twinkie because I was mad, and I wanted to show God that I was mad.  Yep, I sure showed Him!  Haha!  I can laugh about that, b/c it is quite funny that I thought eating a twinkie was really going to show God just how angry I was.  But guess what?  He used it!   I didn’t finish my fast that year (the Daniel fast is 21 days of fruit, veggies, and water only).  But, I still feel it was a very successful fast.  Why?  Because God used it to reveal something that was in my heart that He wanted to speak to, deal with, free me from, and heal.  And, He did. He got me to a point of reckless honesty so that we could become even closer.  He didn’t chastise me for breaking my fast, He comforted me, loved on me, and reminded me that He loved my brother even more than I did.  He is so faithful.  I love that He can handle all of our questions, feelings, craziness, and ugliness…….and be crazy about us anyways!

He SO wants to reveal Himself to you and accomplish things through you.  There are many ways to fast, you can fast for a day, drink liquids only, fast sugar, fast caffeine, fast shopping, you can even fast facebook- yikes:)  My challenge for you, is just to give God the opportunity to speak to you- let’s let HIM tell US what we need to resolve to do/be.  Let’s let HIM be our goal setter.  What will it look like for God’s people (YOU and ME)  to listen closely, and follow quickly.

Read the story of Balaam and his donkey in Numbers 22 in a version that reads well to you.  (I like the New Living Translation because it spells things out quite simply and uses language I relate to)  Think about why he wasn’t paying attention to the fact that his faithful donkey stopped on the path.  What could have happened because he wasn’t paying attention and was doing his own thing.  Yet later, in chapter 24, it is said that he became  a man whose eyes see clearly, one who hears the words of God, who sees vision from the Almighty, who has knowledge from the Most High and bows down with eyes wide open.

Let’s dedicate this year to our Lord.  Let’s let HIM lead us.  If He’s already leading you toward something or there is something obvious that needs to change- don’t do it alone.  Invite Jesus to be the leader of your resolve.  We can’t do it on our own.  We need Him.

As God reveals things to you, you may need some help with “how to’s”.  I highly recommend this book:  ”I Dare You to Change” by Bil Cornelius.  It is biblically based and filled with wonderful tools and action plans to help you realize the dreams God has for your life.  Anyone with unmet goals will be equipped and encouraged!

Blessings on 2012.  May we all hear the voice of God, and follow HIm quickly.  May we all be men and women whose eyes see clearly and who hear the words of God.  And may we all find the beauty in an angrily eaten twinkie:)

I Want You to Know……..

I want you to know how much Jamey and I appreciate every single Christmas card, goody, note of encouragement, gift, & kind word that has been given to us over the holidays.  I want you to know, that it is used in our home, not just to encourage Jamey and I, but to speak life and blessing into our kids.  We share every single card with our kids so that they can see and enjoy what a privilege and blessing we count it to serve in the ministry.  So many times, ministry gets a bad wrap for the kids.  Scarily enough, most of the time (though not always), the kids take their cue from their mother on their attitudes toward ministry. Yikes!  No pressure there, right?!  If momma complains, thinks it’s a drag, and becomes resentful and bitter (even quietly)…..kiddos pick up on that and begin to adopt their own attitudes accordingly.  I am certainly not perfect and I mess up often, but thankfully, I don’t have to  rely on myself for this, but on God to help me.  We are doing our best to show our kids that yes, it is very hard work, but the rewards are SO WORTH IT. There is nothing else that would satisfy what God has placed in our hearts.  We try to share not just the concerns, but the JOYS!   The rewards are eternal- for all of us, not just those who do it full time.  So, this is a personal thank you from Jamey and me.  Thank you for your kind words that we can pass along to bless and encourage our kids. We are praying over every single note and card as a family, for your family.  We are deeply moved by what beautiful people we get to serve alongside.  I want you to know, that your thoughtfulness does so much more, and goes so much further, than you ever planned for.

We pray that when our children are grown, they will look back at life in the ministry, and will keep saying what Chloe did yesterday…..

“people are thankful that Daddy teaches them about God.  I love being Daddy’s daughter- it’s great!”

May they grow strong roots in the Lord, and always count ministry a blessing and privilege in their lives!  Thank you for being a part of that!

Merry Christmas with much Love, from The Johnsons, Party of 5!

Christmas Cards for Human Trafficking Survivors!

Slavery is still very much alive in the 21st century.  It may not look like it did in days gone, but every day, millions live a life of bondage, enslaved in sexual slavery.   We are called to shine light on evil, not turn our heads.

Human trafficking is the 2nd largest organized crime and it affects every single nation.  Life for they typical sex trafficking victim looks something like this:

“After a trafficking journey that typically involves deception, rape, beatings, and constant threats, victims are often forced to live in confining and unsanitary conditions. Once formally put to work, human trafficking victims can be forced to service from 40 to 110 customers in one day¹. Malnutrition, sleep deprivation, as well as emotional and physical abuse become part of the day-to-day routine.

In addition to the abuse, forced abortions and the contraction of STI’s, Hepatitis B and C, and AIDS are ever looming probabilities. Life for a victim of sex trafficking is hell on earth. This injustice is the reason The A21 Campaign exists.”

 The A21 Campaign was started in 2007 in order to stand up and do something.  To not only be a voice for these precious souls, but to take action.  A21 works closely with the police, hospitals, & government officials to take a stand, rescue victims, and get predators convicted.  They have opened shelters in Greece, and most recently, Ukraine,  that provide a safe and comforting environment to those rescued and see that they get the medical and pshychological care they need, life coaching, assistance with university education, vocational training, access to legal assistance, and a chance at a new life!  I LOVE what the A21 Campaign is doing, and I want to be a part.  There are MANY ways to help, which you can find at their website under “21 ways to help”.  Here is something we can all do TODAY.  We can spread joy to those already rescued by simply sending them a Christmas card.  We can let them know they are loved and valued, even from afar.  We can send them the love of Jesus in the form of a simple gesture.  And, our kids can be a part as well!  What a great opportunity to teach our children about loving, caring, and valuing every life.  We’re doing it as a family, and how great would it be to FLOOD these girls and boys with LOVE this Christmas season.

To learn more and obtain and address to send Christmas Cards Click here:

A21 Campaign

Let me know if you decide to stand up!  I would love to hear from you!

Heavy Boots

Recently I called my sister and asked her how she was doing.  She said “I have heavy boots today”.  It was a quote from a book she read and I thought it was such a great analogy.  Don’t we all sometimes wear heavy boots?  We experience a feeling of sadness that  comes over us, making normal, daily tasks seem strenuous, difficult, and overwhelming.  Don’t we all sometimes carry a burden that weighs us down?  Even, (or especially in) the holiday season?

I love the holidays.  I love being with my family, seeing my kids excited, celebrating the things God has done for us, the food, the fun, and the togetherness.  I love the music, the lights, the turkeys, and the trees.  I am also very much aware of all of the heavy boots that can surround the holidays.  My heart aches and misses my brother, Jamie.  My heart aches for my friends and family whose holidays will never be the same because of an empty place at the table.  I know what it feels like to be at the mall Christmas shopping, and have a sense of how trivial everything around you seems.  I know what it feels like to have someone telling you how much they love Christmas and about everything they’ve bought, and to be thinking “please shut up!”  ”Don’t you know how painful this season is?”  I have been there!

We can’t just command feelings to go away.  Nor do we want to just wallow in them forever.  So what do we do with our heavy boots? Do we pretend we aren’t wearing them?  Do we guilt trip ourselves about how we need to be thankful and count our blessings?  Do we pretend it doesn’t hurt because we have the promise of eternity?  Do we use our boots to kick everyone else around us?

When I don’t know what to do with something, I go to God in prayer, and I look to the Bible.  Seeing what God has to say about something gives me peace, clarity, and direction.  His Word works!  It’s full of truth and promises that are LIVING.  They can take root in our hearts and that’s where God takes over what we are unable to do on our own.  He transforms us when we give Him the opportunity to do so.

I have talked with a lot of hurting people in the past week or so.  I see the struggle there is to face the trials of life, and keep a thankful heart.  The 2 seem to be at war with each other.  But they can co-exist.  I read today’s entry in the book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young, and it was right on time (as this book often is).  I am not usually a devotional book kind of gal- that’s just not how I prefer to read and study The Word.  But  I love this little book.  Sarah’s entries are from the perspective of Jesus talking directly to you.  Here is what it says for today:

“A thankful attitude opens windows of heaven.  Spiritual blessings fall freely onto you through those openings into eternity.  Moreover, as you look up with a grateful heart, you get glimpses of Glory through those windows.  You cannot yet live in heaven, but you can experience foretastes of your ultimate home.  Such samples of heavenly fare revive your hope.  Thankfulness opens you up to these experiences, which then provide further reasons to be grateful.  Thus, your path becomes an upward spiral: ever increasing in gladness.”

Thankfulness is not some sort of magic formula; it is the language of Love, which enables you to communicate intimately with Me.  A thankful mind-set does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems.  Instead, it rejoices in Me, your Savior, in the midst of trials and tribulations.  I am your refuge and strength, an ever-present and well-proved help in trouble.”

Habakkuk 3:17-18, Psalm 46:1

I LOVE that we serve a God that we can take anything to.  We have direct access to an intimate relationship with the King of Kings.  When we are struggling with having an attitude of thankfulness, we don’t have to muster it up- we can take EVEN THAT to our Lord.  We can pray for a thankful heart!  IT WORKS!  He will lovingly bring to mind all of the good things we have- and there are SO MANY.  When we don’t feel like praying, we can ask Him to help us pray.  He wants to hear even those basic things we struggle with and guilt trip ourselves over.

It is no surprise to God that we forget to rely on Him.  It is no surprise to Him that we need Him at such a base level. I read this verse last night that reminded me yet again, that I can take every area of my life to my God.

“The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.  From His throne He observes all who live on the earth.  He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do.”  Psalm 33:13-15

So, about those heavy boots?  Take them to God.  Whatever has caused them to be so heavy, tell Him about it.  Tell Him they are too heavy for you and that you need Him.  He isn’t there to chastise and berate you, He’s been waiting for you to realize your need for Him.  Give Him your heavy boots.  He loves you, He made you, He understands.