Click the button below to read my new children’s devotional piece originally published at DevoKids.com. It’s entitled “Do You Mind Being Last?” And it’s not just for kids!
Blessings,
Questions from Jesus
Jesus has always asked questions. Really good ones, such as:
And then, there is this story in Matthew 9:
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, shouting, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
When He entered the house, the blind men approached Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they answered Him.
Then He touched their eyes, saying, “Let it be done for you according to your faith!”
Today, he is asking me…
Do you believe that:
I can heal your heart?
I will fulfill my promises?
I can bring beauty from these ashes?
I will redeem your mistakes?
Do you believe that I can do this without your help? Even in spite of you?
Do you believe that I will never let you go?
Good questions. Of course, I want my answer to be a wholehearted, “Yes, Lord.” But some days, I live like I don’t believe him.
I’m living like I’m still blind.
I’m lying on my mat saying I want to be well.
And he’s calling me out on it.
“Do you believe that I can do this? Then, start living like you believe it. Walk in that faith. Pick up your mat and walk.”
Is Jesus calling you out on anything today?
Copyright Allison @ Anointed With Grace, 2011
Photo credit: stock.xchng
Filed under Faith, God, Singleness, Waiting, Who is God?
Dreaming Big
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Remember when you were younger and anything seemed possible? I remember being a small child with big dreams. Growing up, I loved our backyard. I would spend hours behind our house—on the swing set, climbing trees, and roller-skating on our patio. I had enormous dreams for my life. In that backyard, I wasn’t afraid of much. Anything was possible.
Somehow as I grew older, fear crept in, and my big dreams faded into smaller ones. My big prayers turned into smaller prayers. Instead of world peace, I started praying for just enough peace to get through the day. Instead of asking for an amazing husband with a heart for God, I just prayed for someone to ask me out on a date.
Fears get bigger. Dreams get smaller. And somehow, I rationalize that it’s okay to settle for less. The longer I wait for dreams to come true, the smaller those dreams become.
When did I stop dreaming big?
Steven Furtick wrote a book entitled Sun Stand Still. I haven’t read all of it, but it’s based on these verses in Joshua:
On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said,
“Let the sun stand still over Gibeon,
and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.”So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Joshua 10:12-13 (NLT)
Joshua wasn’t afraid to ask God for the impossible. He dreamed big. And God came through.
We serve a big God. I want to dream bigger. I choose to cast fear aside. I will pray my “sun stand still” prayer and keep believing anything is possible with God.
What about you? Do you still have big dreams?
Copyright Allison @ Anointed With Grace, 2011
Photo credit: Sarah Thomson, stock.xchng
Filed under Faith, Singleness, Waiting
Has God Forgotten About Me?
Waiting on God is difficult. At any given moment, most of us are waiting on something. Some of us are waiting for that right person to marry. Some are waiting to have a child. Many wait for a reconciled relationship with a family member, healing from disease, or relief from financial burdens. I have friends waiting on God to lead them in the right career direction.
During the wait, it’s tempting to think God has forgotten about us. Do you worry God won’t come through for you? At times, I struggle with apprehensions. I fear God won’t meet the desires of my heart. I fear God will forget about me.
At times like these, I often think about Abraham and Sarah. They desperately wanted to have children. Actually, God promised this couple their offspring would be numerous (see Genesis 15:5). Yet they waited and waited—for years. And still, they had no children.
Abraham and Sarah waited a long time for God to fulfill his promises. And then:
Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Genesis 21: 1–2 (NIV)
From the beginning of time, God’s plan included the birth of their son. The end of their story was never in doubt. Neither is the end of your story—it’s part of God’s sovereign plan. Sarah and Abraham had doubts along the way. They believed they were too old to be used by God. Sarah believed God had forgotten about her.
Even in the midst of our doubt, God does not forget his children. The Bible tells us that Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, was born “at the very time God had promised him.” God’s timing is perfect. We just have to be willing to wait for it. I’m not saying it will always work out the way we want. His plans may not match our plans. Our desired result may not always be the same as God’s perfect plan.
Yet God loves us more than we can imagine. In that infinite love, he created a plan for each of us. Today, let’s trust that God will show up.
Believe that with God, anything is possible. Because…
He is trustworthy.
He will fight for you.
He will not forget you.
Copyright Allison @ Anointed With Grace, 2011
Photo courtesy of: stock.xchng
Filed under Faith, God, Singleness, Waiting
The Best Advice My Grandfather Never Spoke
Nandy during his Army days
Today, my grandfather turns 90 years old! When I was little, I couldn’t pronounce “Granddaddy.” Instead, it came out Nandy, and it stuck. My Nandy calls me his blue-eyed girl. Everyone else in my immediate family has brown eyes, so I get my blue eyes from him. It’s our special bond.
Nandy is a little unsteady on his feet these days, but he’ll tell you a story about something that happened 65 years ago (or yesterday) in perfect detail. He doesn’t say much. When he does speak, I’ve learned to listen because it’s important. I’ve also learned not to interrupt him. A pause doesn’t mean he’s finished. If you interrupt him, you might miss the best part of the story.
He is not the kind of man to brag or pat himself on the back. Actually, I’ve never heard him talk about himself at all. Unless we’re begging him to tell stories from his younger days. About 8 years ago, our hometown church named Nandy as an honorary deacon. At the ceremony, I heard things I already knew—about his decades of service as a Sunday School teacher and deacon at the church. But I was surprised to learn something I never knew. For years, Nandy led a weekly Bible Study at the county jail for the inmates there. In his typical humble manner, he extended his faith beyond the walls of the church.
During that ceremony honoring my grandfather, I decided something. I want to marry a man whose actions are greater than his words. Nandy rarely talks about his faith in Jesus, but he lives it out every single day. He seldom says much about love, but I’ve never doubted his love for me or our family. Many people talk about love and faith. But it’s rare to find someone quietly and simply acting them out every single day.
Nandy also lives out his love for my grandmother every day. He now does all of the cooking and household chores. He takes care of her basic needs. Recently, she had a short stay in the nursing home. He visited her every day and couldn’t wait to bring her back home. Even though it meant more work for him.
I’m still looking for the man I will marry. Although Nandy and I have never spoken about the topic, his living example serves as the best advice on relationships:
Actions speak louder than words. Love is a verb. Faith is alive.
I’ll keep looking, Nandy. I’ve met a lot of big talkers, but I’ll wait to find the one who simply lives out love and faith every day. Just like you.
Nandy, I love you. Happy 90th Birthday!
Love,
Your Blue-Eyed Girl
My Mount Hermon Experience – Part 2
Earlier this week, I posted the first two things I enjoyed about the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference I attended in April. Today, I am sharing the third part of my experience.
- God Moments
God meets me at Mount Hermon—in many ways that have little to do with writing. I met so many new friends this year at the conference and saw many familiar faces from two years ago. God specifically placed people in my path to encourage me. There is no other explanation. For example, every time I turned around, Carrie or Judy gave me a hug and built me up with their encouraging words. Why? I had never met either of them before the conference—yet they became my biggest cheerleaders. God knew I needed that lift because I can be so hard on myself. This type of conference brings out my insecurities and my need to prove my value. But God protected me from myself. And reminded me that my worth is found in him, not my publishing credits.
**Thanks to Carrie and Judy and so many others for loving on me and letting God use you.
Also, today is an anniversary of sorts for me. Ten years ago today on May 13, 2001, I was involved in a terrible car accident. Although it’s not an event I particularly like to remember, I still think about it every May. It happened on a Sunday evening here in Nashville as I returned from spending Mother’s Day with my family. I was the only one injured in the accident. Most people who saw the wreckage of the car couldn’t believe I walked away relatively unharmed. I spent a night in the ER and had a lot of stitches in my arm and head, but nothing that wouldn’t heal with time. Since that day, I have never doubted that God has a purpose for my life. I know that he’s keeping me here for a reason.
At Mount Hermon this year, our keynote speaker was Bill Myers. During his nightly messages, Bill talked about saying yes to God. Bill said, “You only have one life—why waste it doing it your way?” And I completely agree. He went on to say that you don’t have to be smart or creative or even a “good Christian.” You just have to be willing to say yes to God.
I could have walked away from that accident ten years ago and thought, “Whew, what a lucky break that I’m okay.” But I know luck had nothing to do with it. God is in control. He holds all our moments and knows the number of our days here on earth. Since that accident, I have made a conscious effort to say yes to God. Every day, I have a choice. I can choose my plan or his. Ten years later, I’m still thankful for every moment God gives me. And I’m still learning how to say yes to him every day.
What does this look like for you? How are you saying yes to God today?
Filed under Friendship, God, Travel, Writing
My Mount Hermon Experience – Part 1
Last month, I attended the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in northern California. Mount Hermon is a special place for me. Both times I’ve attended this writer’s conference, I strongly felt God’s presence. It’s hard for me to describe what Mount Hermon means to me. There are so many good things wrapped into 5 days. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish what I learn about writing from what I learn about life.
During my business career, I attended so many corporate conferences and conventions. I spoke at many of them. Looking back, these events drained me. I poured energy into them and got nothing in return. Sure, I was satisfied because I fulfilled my commitment, but that was it. I think that’s why the experience at Mount Hermon is so special to me. Yes, it is exhausting. I have to put on my extrovert hat for 12-14 hours per day for 5 days. It’s a roller coaster of emotions with ups and downs. But it energizes me. The experience gives me back as much as I give to it. I think that’s how you know when you’ve found your passion.
The conference this year was meaningful to me in many ways, but I’ve managed to summarize my experience into three main areas. Since this post keeps getting longer and longer, I’m only going to share the first two with you today (you’re welcome!):
- The Business of Writing
Although the dress code is casual and the atmosphere is spiritual, business takes place at Mount Hermon. I enjoy learning about the business side of writing. I had the opportunity to meet editors from publishing houses, agents, and other freelance writers. As a newbie my first year at Mount Hermon, this aspect of the conference overwhelmed me. I was better prepared this year, and I used the opportunity to learn as much as possible and meet as many people as possible. I enjoyed getting feedback on my current book project. I came away from these discussions with a better idea of where I need to take the project and my ministry.
- Learning about Writing
I learn in leaps and bounds at Mount Hermon. The classes and workshops are amazing and full of advice and tips for better writing. Learning about the craft of writing is a continual process. I always come away from this conference as a better and more knowledgeable writer. I can see the growth in my writing skills and knowledge of the industry that’s directly related to attending classes at Mount Hermon.
What’s the third thing I love about Mount Hermon? It deserves a post all its own. Check back on Friday for Part 2 of My Mount Hermon Experience.
Also, did you notice the bloggy makeover? Let me know what you think about the new blog design. (If you’re using a Reader, click over to see the new layout.) Do you like it better? I think it’s cleaner and easier to read, but I would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment and let me know…
A Different Reason to Celebrate: My Thoughts on Bin Laden’s Death
Watching all of the celebrations tonight about the death of the man named Osama Bin Laden, I had a strange thought. What if you died, arrived in heaven, and then saw Osama Bin Laden there?
Osama Bin Laden was a sinner. I am a sinner. In terms of what we both deserve, the punishment is the same.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NIV)
I have trusted Jesus Christ as my Savior. Thus, in an act of unimaginable grace, his death on the cross gets applied to my debt. I am forgiven for my sins and receive eternal life.
Jesus also died on that cross for the sins of Osama Bin Laden. As far as we know (which is not very far), Osama Bin Laden never accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. However, if he did so before his death—truly repented, confessed, and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ—he would also receive eternal life (see John 3:16).
How many of us could accept living next door to Osama Bin Laden in our eternal home? I’m not saying it’s likely, but it’s possible. The love and forgiveness of Jesus is that wide. There will be murderers in heaven. There will be rapists in heaven. All of those who have accepted the gift of redemption and enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ will be in heaven—regardless of their actions. The actions that we consider “big” sins, God just considers sin. Jesus died for all sin, not only what we deem big sin.
I realize this post probably won’t be popular. It’s more fun to celebrate and feel avenged for the horrible tragedy that took place on September 11, 2001. I’m not trying to make a political statement. Nor do I want to minimize the terror that we all felt in 2001. I’m also not saying that Osama Bin Laden received Jesus Christ as his Savior; it’s extremely unlikely given what we know about his belief system.
But if Osama Bin Laden spends eternity in hell, it won’t be because his sins were worse than mine—it will be because he didn’t accept the free gift of salvation offered by Jesus Christ.
Scandalous? Yes, the depth of the grace and love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ is that scandalous. No one is beyond the reach of his redemption.
And that is something to celebrate.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
**If you want to learn more about faith in Jesus Christ and eternal life, please click here.
Giveaway Results
Hello from the West Coast where I just attended the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference! I’m still processing the wonderful experience of the past few days, but I wanted to post the DaySpring giveaway winner. As mentioned in last week’s post, the winner will receive this pair of earrings from the By Grace Alone jewelry set.
Using Random Picker, the winner chosen is…
Comment #6 by Tamarri:
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! If not for GOD’s grace, where would I be??? To be honest, I don’t really put too much into holidays. Don’t get me wrong, they are a ton of fun and it’s nice to get together with loved ones and celebrate the special occasions we hold so dear to our heart. But I am reminded of what JESUS did for me everyday. When I think about where I could have been this very day, the thought of GOD’s grace penetrates my heart deeply! So for me and my family, everyday is CHRISTmas and everyday is EASTER. We are so thankful. This Easter we will do what we do daily; thank GOD for HIS grace, mercy and everlasting love! We will seek HIM as always and hope to experience HIM more than the day before…”
Congratulations, Tamarri! And I agree with you—if not for God’s grace, where would we be? It’s all about him. I have contacted you by email to get your mailing address.
Thanks to everyone for participating. I hope to have more giveaways soon. And I’ll be sharing more about the writers conference in future posts!
By Grace Alone — Review and Giveaway
By the grace of God, I am what I am. 1 Corinthians 15:10
This beautiful verse is printed on the back of the necklace in the By Grace Alone Jewelry Set sent to me by DaySpring and (in)courage.
Isn’t the whole set beautiful? It includes the necklace, a cuff bracelet, and drop earrings. You can buy the set at DaySpring here, and it’s currently on sale. Or if you prefer, it’s also sold by individual piece. While you’re there, check out their other great products (hint: think Easter gifts!)
I love the theme of the jewelry: “By Grace Alone.” As you know, I write about grace a lot on this blog. It’s so meaningful for me to have this jewelry—especially during this Easter season—to remind me of God’s grace. It’s by grace alone that we live each day and we can be in a daily relationship with Jesus. Sometimes I need to be reminded that it’s not about me. I am held by God solely because of his grace.
I wore the necklace this weekend and received so many compliments. And I have great news for you . . . my ears aren’t pierced. I know, it’s crazy. But there was an episode when I was 10 years old that involved doctors and infection. Anyway, why is this great news for you? Because I’m hosting my first giveaway here on Anointed With Grace! I’m giving away the earrings from this jewelry set to one person who comments on this post.
To enter the giveaway for a chance to win the beautiful earrings above, please leave a comment on this post and include a favorite Easter memory (or your plans for Easter this year). The contest will remain open until next Tuesday, April 19, at noon CDT. I will use random number generator to pick the winner. Don’t forget to leave a valid email address so I can contact you.
I can’t wait to read all of your comments!
Edited to Add: If you decide to shop at DaySpring, use this link and enter the coupon code to receive free shipping on purchases over $25: Receive free shipping on $25+ order. Coupon code: shipping25 through 06/09/2011
Disclosure: I was provided this jewelry free of charge to review by DaySpring. I am also an affiliate of DaySpring. I was not compensated in any other way for the review, and all opinions expressed in this post are fully my own.
Filed under Extending Grace, Holidays, Recommendations
