Guest Post by Tricia Goyer

How Humbling Yourself In Your Time of Need Changes Everything

Tricia Goyer

The other day I was cooking dinner when my six-year-old son rushed into the kitchen.

Beads of sweat slid down his red face. “I’m so hot. You never get me anything to drink.”

I stirred my spaghetti sauce with one hand as I turned to him. “Excuse me?”

His voice rose in a full, high-pitched whine. “You never give me anything to drink!” He waved his hands and dropped to the floor.

I took in a breath and then released in, telling myself to keep my voice steady, calm. “I’d be happy to get you a drink. I just need you to ask.”

He kicked his foot against the floor. “But I want a drink now!”

           

 “I know you do.” I peered down at him. “And as soon as you ask the right way I’m happy to get some ice cold water.”

And then my son stood, smiled up at me and asked so sweetly for a drink of water … NOT!

Instead, he whined and fussed more. Finally, I asked him to leave the kitchen.

You know what? He never did ask. In fact, he didn’t get anything to drink until fifteen minutes later when we were sitting down to dinner. He was so bent on complaining and whining—in feeding his discontent—he didn’t want to release his control in order to ask me for help. I would have gladly given him the drink he requested if only he asked in the right away.

Feeding Our Discontent

I wish I could say this is just a little kid issue, but I’ve been there myself. During my teen years, I lived in that storm of discontent. I complained when things didn’t go my way. I worried. I fretted. I fought.

 I even took matters into my own hands when I found myself facing an unplanned pregnancy at age 15. My own fears and worries led me to a choice I now regret—I had an abortion.

It wasn’t until years later, at age 17 when I was pregnant again, that things took a turn for the better. It’s then I humbled myself and turned to God. By this point I realized the whining, complaining, and acting out wasn’t getting me what I wanted or needed.

At six months along, I wrapped my arms around my growing stomach and prayed, “Lord, if you can do anything with my life, please do.”

God showed up big time. He not only gave me Himself (which is the best!), He has also led me on a journey where radical, and wonderful things, have happened. This has included marrying a wonderful Christian man, having two more kids, starting a crisis pregnancy center, mentoring teen moms, adopting seven more children, and writing over 70 books!

God didn’t just offer me a cup of cool water when I asked. He opened the floodgates of blessing. But it took me humbling myself and seeking Jesus to meet my needs.

 This reminds me of a Scripture I was reading just this morning, “I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: ‘Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.’ You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’ You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life,” Lamentations 5:55-58.

Mumbling, complaining and griping is easy, but they rob us of having our greatest needs met. Yet when we humble ourselves and turn to God, things will change for the better.

When we call to the Lord, He hears us. When we turn to Him, He comes. When we call to Him, He reminds us that He is present and we have no reason to fear. When we place our needs in His court, Jesus redeems our life.

 It took a lot to humble me as a teen—two unplanned pregnancies in fact. Yet I’m thankful that I learned back then that when I turn to God He will meet my needs. He will meet them in more wonderful ways than I ever expected.

You can read more about how God can show up radically in your life in the book Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time .

If you pre-order Walk It Out before October 1, you’ll also receive 30 Days of Prayer as You Walk It Out FREE! 

Details here: http://www.triciagoyer.com/walk-it-out/

You can also click  HERE  to read my goodreads review.

Tricia Goyer is the author of over 70 books, 

including her popular works of Amish fiction, contemporary fiction, and non-fiction titles. She and her husband, John, are the parents of ten and the grandparents of four.

A best-selling author, Tricia also founded Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana and leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The homeschool mom has co-authored with Max Lucado, Robin Jones Gunn, and many other Christian writers. Well-known for her inspirational public speaking and her personal blog, Tricia has over 100,000 social media followers. With a heart for teenage mothers, adoption, and missions work, Tricia spends much of her time ministering to others in her local community and around the world.

You can find Tricia here: 

Website 

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Remember the Cost

I had every intention of posting this on Memorial Day, and then the day got away from me and I didn't get back to getting the formatting finished in time to post it. I then thought I'd just wait and post it next year, but I think that it is never too late to emphasize the importance of Memorial Day...even if the actual day has passed and it's the middle of June. 

Take a moment today to reflect on the fact that in spite of the sin and the mess our country is in, we are blessed to live in America. A country where we have the freedom to study God's Word, the freedom to assemble in corporate Worship, and the freedom to pray!

Let's say a prayer of comfort and peace for all those who have been touched by the death of a loved one while in service to our country...a prayer of thanks that there are those who have given their very lives for freedom's sake.

I created the video below to remind us all to...remember the cost. Remembering all those who gave their lives for our freedom. #freedomisnotfree
God bless the USA! #MemorialDay #thankful #grateful #GodBlessAmerica🇺🇸

Greater love has no one that this, that he lay down his life for his friends. ~ John 15:13

Fresh New Canvas For The New Year

While I don't necessarily like the cold temperatures required to bring about a snowy day, I must say, I do so love the brilliant white beauty of freshly fallen snow. It is so perfectly designed to fall at the time of year when we are all thinking of New Year's resolutions, fresh beginnings, and a chance for a do-over.

The snow makes me think of all the ugly of the old year being washed away in the blanketing of snow...as if it were a slate wiped clean. A fresh canvas lying before us, clean and white, ready to take on all the colors of the New Year. Oh the possibilities that lie before us!!

This fresh white blanket covering the dirt and the grime of the dead leaves that had fallen to the ground reminds me of something else...my own dirt, wrong actions, selfish behavior...sin. But only as a reminder that Jesus has stepped into this world to wash away my sin, and yours...to cover over the depravity of our human nature and offer forgiveness, redemption, and restoration to our souls. I am so thankful for this reminder!

Not only do I have a fresh new year before me, but a freshly cleansed spirit and soul, as His blood washes over me...redeeming me...restoring me to the purpose He created me to fulfill.

I'm reminded of the old hymn:

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole
I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow;
Yes, whiter than snow
Now wash me and I shall be
Whiter than snow. 

In Psalm 51, David acknowledges his own need to be clean before God after being confronted by the prophet Nathan about his act of committing adultery with Bathsheba. He begins by pleading for God's mercy and grace.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 

In verse 7 David references the imagery of  freshly fallen snow, as he goes on to plead:
            Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be whiter than snow.  

Can you imagine? Whiter than freshly fallen snow?  David certainly had some heavy-duty sins to be covered. Not only had he committed adultery, but he essentially had a man killed in this lustful pursuit.  (For the full story see 2 Samuel chapters 11 & 12).  He had really blown it and knew there was nothing he himself could do to wipe out the sin he had committed. He knew the significance of the purging with hyssop.

In Leviticus, God had the priests use hyssop, as a paintbrush of sorts...a purification tool. Hyssop was used in the ceremonial cleansing of both people and houses. It was also the instrument used to apply lamb's blood to the doorposts so that the angel of death would 'pass over' them...marking God's people as pure and not deserving of the punishment that was about to be dealt out to the Egyptians (Exodus 12:22).

 I find it especially noteworthy that as Jesus hung on the cross the very moment He chose to utter the words, "it is finished" and breathe His last breath, was immediately after he was offered the drink of wine vinegar lifted up to his mouth on the stalk of the hyssop plant (John 19:28-30). I don't believe this to be a coincidence.

The ceremonial purification cleansing with the blood and the hyssop branch, the painting of the doorposts, the last moments of Jesus earthly life...all of this was merely the foreshadowing of the cleansing that is available to each and every one of us through Jesus Christ.

As the hyssop branch was extended as an instrument of purification...so Jesus' life, death, burial, and resurrection is the only way through which we can be forgiven of our sins and given a fresh canvas
on which to begin new life.  We need only follow David's example. Acknowledge our need for forgiveness, turn away from our sin, and reach out to take the 'branch' that is offered.

I will continue to take the branch. To accept the fresh white canvas on which to begin again in the pursuit of His purpose for my life in this New Year.

I'm linking up with other bloggers for  #TestimonyTuesday. Check it out here:

Testimony Tuesday

Joanna Weaver: An Interview with the Author of Lazarus Awakening

Joanna Weaver

I’m so excited to introduce you to my friend, author Joanna Weaver! Over the past few months, it has been such a blessing to get to know her more while serving on the launch team for her latest companion DVD Bible study, Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God. Filmed in Israel, it releases July 21, 2015.

I was already familiar with one of Joanna’s earlier studies that I completed years ago,

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. I absolutely loved that study! You can read my review here: Mary Heart. 

It is such a joy to find that Joanna is so genuine, and I have loved getting to hear the longings of her heart as they pertain to her relationship with her Lord and with her friends and family. 

Joanna is sweet, humble, and passionate about God's Word. She's the real deal! 

I hope you enjoy this interview and that it will inspire you to check out her other books…especially her latest book and DVD Bible Study: Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place In the Heart of God. 

Be sure to read to the bottom of this post to find out how you can win the Giant Bible Study In a Box!

Let's get to know Joanna a bit more. 

Here's a quick Bio...

Please welcome author, Joanna Weaver. 

She is the author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, which has sold over a million copies. Other books include Having a Mary Spirit, Lazarus Awakening, and a devotional, At the Feet of Jesus. Her books and companion DVD Bible studies have been used by hundreds of churches as well as home groups and individuals.

Joanna speaks at conferences and retreats around the country and internationally as well. Her passion is to see women experience the incredible love and grace of God so that they can become all He created them to be.

Joanna’s articles have appeared in publications such as Focus on the Family, Guideposts, and HomeLife. Awards include: Platinum Award for Having a Mary Heart in a World; Reader’s Choice Award finalist for Lazarus Awakening; and a Silver Medallion Award for With This Ring, a wedding gift book. She was also named Mount Hermon’s Christian Writers Conference “Most Promising Writer” and chosen for the Guideposts Writer’s Workshop. Joanna has been the guest on many national radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Midday Connection, HomeWord and Harvest TV.

Joanna’s greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother of three, as well as serving the Lord beside her husband John in full-time ministry. The Weavers reside in the beautiful “Big Sky” state of Montana.

The Interview...

Where did your love and passion for the Word come from?

I wish I could say I always had a passion for God’s Word, but to be honest, it wasn’t until I was 28 years old that I really learned how to read the Bible in a meaningful way. Though I’d grown up in the church knowing I was supposed to have a “quiet time,” I’d never learned how to do it.

A Navigator’s 2:7 discipleship class changed all that. As I learned how to study God’s Word, really thinking about what I read and responding to it, my passion for the Bible grew.

I once heard Greg Laurie say, “Spiritual hunger is different than natural hunger. When we’re hungry in the natural, we eat and we’re satisfied. But when we’re hungry in the spiritual, it isn’t until we begin to eat that we realize how hungry we are!”

That’s been true in my life – the more time I spend in God’s Word, the more I want!

In your studies, you encourage women to take time to pray and journal as they read the Bible. What about this process do you find so important?

Prayerful journaling helps us to slow down and absorb what we’re reading. For so much of my life, when it came to reading the Bible I was like the man of James 1:23-24 who “listens to the word” but immediately walks away forgetting what he’s heard.

But when I learned how to journal about what I’d read, God’s Word began to come alive. Rather than reading the Bible through in a year (like I assumed every good Christian was required to do!), I began reading less so I could meditate more. It’s a method I still use today.

I read scripture slowly, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth to my heart. When something stands out, I write out the verse(s) in my journal and a response to what I sense God is speaking and ways that I can apply the truth to my life.   

I’m excited about sharing this process in all of my new DVD Bible studies because I believe God wants to speak to us all. But we have to slow down and listen. Learning to journal our journey with God really helps us do just that.

Many women struggle to find time to do a study or engage with the Bible in the midst of marriage, a career, raising children, and more. What advice or words of encouragement would you offer to women attempting to balance time spent with God with the demands of a family and other responsibilities? 

“Start small, but begin” – that’s what the Puritans used to say. We’ve got to set aside our all-or-nothing tendencies and simply accept the invitation Mary enjoyed when she sat at Jesus’s feet listening to what He said. It’s helped me to remember that God isn’t looking for perfection, He longs for relationship. So I’m learning to invite Him into my day. 

Before I get out of bed in the morning, I pray: “Lord, come take the throne of my heart. Lead and guide me, interrupt me if you wish. I don’t want You to be a part of my life – I want You to BE my life!”   

But I also try to prioritize time in the Word. Even if it’s just five minutes, I look for a scripture to meditate on so that I can think about it through the day.

How has Christ challenged you personally as you’ve written and developed Bible studies?

God rarely allows me to write about things I feel an expertise in. Instead, He asks me to be a learner – and in a sense, a fellow struggler with those who read my book – as He teaches us the message He’s laid on my heart. 

Because writing is the hardest thing I do, the process makes me absolutely dependent on the Holy Spirit! While working on Lazarus Awakening, I went through an extended period of writer’s block. My head was absolutely quiet. I’d sit down and literally couldn’t put a single word on the screen. 

During that time, I discovered that Jesus’s words are true: “Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). That’s a difficult but wonderful lesson to learn – especially when our helplessness makes us turn to God.

How do you go about developing a new book or study?

Writing a book or study isn’t something I decide to do on my own. Instead, God slowly lays a message on my heart until it comes alive to me. Each book has been a little different (you can read the backstories at my website), but the inspiration usually comes in layers of repeated themes and confirmations. 

Finally, God gives me a sense of knowing that this is the book He wants me to write. After brainstorming content and sketching out chapters, I write a proposal which my agent takes to my publisher. 

After the book is accepted, I enter an intense season of study and research – which I love! Only after that do I begin to write. While I have a strong idea of what the book is about, in a very real sense, I write to find out. Which means there are a lot of twists and turns, detours and backtracking required before reaching the finished product. 

It isn’t a pretty process, but it’s mine. One I’ve learned to appreciate because of the utter dependency on God that it produces.

As a writer and Bible teacher, what themes or characters in the Bible are you interested in studying and writing about next?

For years, I’ve longed to write a book about trusting God – over a decade, in fact! In my opinion, there’s nothing more important than this pivotal question: “Will I trust God?” It’s not “can I?” or “should I?”…it all comes down to this: “will I?”

When something bad happens and I’m tempted to fear – God whispers, “Will you trust me?” When my hopes and dreams seem derailed – “Will you trust me?” And on those days when my strength is gone and my to-do list goes unfinished, I hear Him say, “Will you trust me with that as well?” 

So I’m hoping one day I’ll get to write that book. But first, God is asking me to trust Him by taking a sabbatical of sorts to focus on my family and our church for the next six months to a year.

“Trust in me, Joanna,” I hear God whisper. “Rest in Me.” So that’s what I plan to do.

 Joanna, where can we find your books and more about you?

Thanks for asking! You can find my books and DVD studies at my website www.joannaweaverbooks.com. You can also find them on B&N, Amazon(see links below to purchase), Parable, Christianbook.com, and possibly other independent books stores. The new companion DVD Bible study for Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God releases on July 21, 2015. Filmed in Israel, the video sessions feature Joanna teaching about the halfway life too many of settle for, even as Christians. “It’s time to step out of our tombs and shed the graveclothes that have bound us far too long,” Joanna says. “It’s time to ‘come forth’ into abundant life Jesus came to give!”

 Joanna, it has been such a pleasure to have you on the blog today!
       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You can also follow Joanna on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+.

Grab Joanna's books here:

Be sure to enter  the “Giant Bible-Study-in-a-Box Giveaway”!! (contest is over)

Just head over here and enter to win! 

It features everything needed to host a study for 24 people, including DVDs, books, and study guides – this grand prize drawing takes place July 21st at 8:00 pm MDT.

Oh…and please leave a comment below! What has helped you spend more quality time with God? I'm sure Joanna would love to hear from you. I would too!

Are you new here? Follow me on   Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.


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Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day

I'm sitting at my desk this evening and pondering. 

Looking out my home office window I watch the sun as it slips below the mountains in the distance casting amazingly brilliant red and yellow hues across the sky as if to shine out in all it's glory one last hurrah before it vanishes into the dark night sky. 

And I wonder as I consider all the lives lost on the battlefields.  Was their death one of valiant glory…one of honor? 

Who was left behind? What is their story? 

It's so easy just to think of Memorial Day as another opportunity for a three-day weekend, family cookouts, and a chance to get out on the golf course or the lake… a time to just kick back and relax. It has been that for me in years past…as I have given a quick thought and a prayer of thankfulness to God for those who were willing to lay their own lives down for my freedom.  

But for some reason this year it has me pondering. Perhaps it's my age. Being a grandmother, I can't help but think of the future of my grandchildren. Or maybe it's that I feel our country seems to be at a crossroads.  And so I reflect on the bravery of men and women who have been willing to lay down their lives serving our country, defending our borders, and sustaining our freedoms.

I also wonder. How many people really know what Memorial Day is all about?  As a young girl, I remember seeing the red poppies on Memorial Day. It's been a while since I've seen those. There is a story behind the poppies and the lady who made them popular as a symbol of Memorial Day. You can read about the red poppies and the history of Memorial Day here: Memorial Day History

Memorial Day began as a somber day of remembrance. It was actually called Decoration Day at one time because this was the day when Americans went to cemeteries to place flags or flowers on the graves of those who have died in war. A day to remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

This day continues as a day to honor those who have died in war in service to our country. For some, the day is a very personal one. Their own stories intermingle with those who are now gone. I live just the next town over from a very well known Naval Air Force Base. We have many young military families who attend Journey.  I have come to love and appreciate these young families. I am humbled by the level of honor and commitment they display to our country and sometimes I get just a glimpse of the sacrifice they pay.

My friend, Brittany, posted this letter today. It is from her friend's daughter…written to her daddy this Memorial Day.

So I remember that for each fallen hero there are loved ones left behind to pick up the pieces and carry on. I pray for their strength and courage as they face each new day. I ask that God will comfort them in their loss and grant to them the peace that passes understanding.  I say thank you…please know that my sympathy, respect, and prayers are with you all this day. 

As the day comes to a close, I wonder how many realize the sobering truth of this day's significance? How many have fallen? How many are left behind? Are we teaching our children to honor those who have fought and died for our freedoms?

I close with this picture and the words of one little boy named Asher…who upon visiting the Northern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery today with his sweet mama, declared, "Whoa! That's a lot of heroes!"

Remembering all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless. ✝

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

Have a memorable Memorial Day