All of Creation Sing with Me Now

First of all, can I admit something to you? There is no “you” yet and I haven’t been brave enough to actually list this url anywhere. Well, that’s not completely true. Someone searched the word “naked” and viewed the Naked at School post. AND, I did add a link to my business blog back to this one. But really, who reads that one? Like 45 people each time I post.

So, my stats sit at zero every day and I wonder if I should put this out there more. I mean, it is my personal journey. BUT at the same time, the whole reason I am making my personal journey public is for some accountability. I still  don’t know.

Yesterday’s moment was just perfect. I actually made an effort to thank God as the first thing I did in the morning. And I did it! I had people on my mind all day, so I spent a good part of the day talking to Him, praying to Him.

Then comes the time to rush out the door with all the kids in tow because I had a photo shoot and I needed to get them to their Daddy, who was at work. I also had to swing by the grocery store and the bank on my way. I thought we were leaving in plenty of time until I looked down at the clock. And then the anxiety started creeping in. One of my boys couldn’t find his game to take along and another one didn’t have his shoes on yet! The order to get shoes on and toys together had come down half an hour earlier.

We finally have all of our shoes on and hand-held games and are in the car.

At the end of our road, there is no light. Only a stop sign. And today — of all days — there was NO BREAK in the traffic. I literally sat there for like 8 minutes. And yes, when I type that out, I fully realize that’s not a long time. But when you are sitting there, fearing you are late, it’s a really long time.

A minute before I actually got to pull out, it was like time went into slow motion for a minute. The Mercy Me song, All of Creation was on the radio, only I hadn’t noticed until that moment. The chorus began “All of creation sing with me now, lift up your voice and lay your burden down. All of creation sing with me now, fill up the heavens, let His glory resound.”

As a worship leader, I have spoken so many times about creation’s way of worshiping. Mostly as an encouragement to get people to use their whole body, not just their voice, to worship. At that moment, in the chorus of that song and my own words ringing in my ears, He found me.

I was looking out the car window and I saw weeds. These kind of weeds:

Maybe it’s not a weed. Maybe it’s just tall grass. I dunno. But I saw hundreds of them there. And guess what they were doing. Swaying gently in the breeze with their appendages outstretched. There it was. In the middle of my anxiety and rush and, let’ be honest, mini freak out, there was creation worshiping.

I love the way this bit of scripture starts. “All you have made“. Not just man. All He has made. Father, thank you for a quiet glimpse at your creation praising You and speaking of Your glory and might!

¹⁰ All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.

¹¹ They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,

¹² so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made. ^[a]

¹⁴ The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.

¹⁵ The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.

¹⁶ You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

¹⁷ The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.

¹⁸ The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145:10-18

I have to set the alarm to what time?

This week is back to school week.

Ugh.

I am not (I repeat N.O.T.) a morning person.

As much as I wanna be… as early as I go to bed… as richly as I have been blessed with one early morning kid, I can’t do it. And I certainly can’t do it cheerfully. I’ve tried.

And I will continue to try. I’m not giving up — just keeping it real.

This morning was different, though. The alarm went off at 6:30 (yes, I know you are laughing at me now because for some people, that’s not early at all) and I rolled over and shut it off. I am not a subscriber to the “Snooze Method”, so I just plan shut it off.

Side note tangent: my husband is going to hate that sentence because it is a very southern sentence with the phrase “shut it off” in there — twice! He teases me about that. “How to you ‘shut’ anything off?” I love you, sweet man!

The first thought that went through my head was one I have already said here, “I am not a morning person. And I do not like this.” The next thing, though, that went through my head was a little voice that whispered, “But I am here.”

There is was! First thing in the morning, He finds me!

Oh, He’s so sneaky! Finding me there BEFORE anything else can get in the way.

How I love Him so.

I also have some guilt for this, though. I know that my first thought in the morning should be HIM. Not the alarm clock or the un-godly extreme hour. Him.

A prayer of thanks that I woke up (although, when you really think about it, the alternative is preferable).

A deep breath, breathing Him in. “Come Spirit and minster to me today. Intercede on my behalf and bring me comforts of love and direction.”

David knew this. Even in the midst of turmoil, his first thought in the morning was of God and his last though, the same. Here are a few verses from Psalm 119 from The Message translation.

Let it be known that I am not one to switch translations just because it suits the purpose. I just like the way this one starts because I feel like this is what I do so much — call out to Him at the top of my lungs.

^145-152 I call out at the top of my lungs,
“God! Answer! I’ll do whatever you say.”
I called to you, “Save me
so I can carry out all your instructions.”
I was up before sunrise,
crying for help, hoping for a word from you.
I stayed awake all night,
prayerfully pondering your promise.
In your love, listen to me;
in your justice, God, keep me alive.
As those out to get me come closer and closer,
they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;
But you’re the closest of all to me, God,
and all your judgments true.
I’ve known all along from the evidence of your words
that you meant them to last forever.

Psalm 119: 145-152

He Wins

I have received at least 6 invites. Finally. FINALLY, there was a day and time that I could make it work.

I am talking about a new networking group that is forming in this area. It’s called We Win and it’s all about women in business. We Win stands for Women Empowering Women in Networking.

LOVE.

I have visited a few other groups in the past, which shall remain nameless, and always felt like the odd man out. They give off such a good-ol-boys vibe (not to mention they cost a small fortune to join!)

But I digress. I made it to a meeting for a new group that they want to form in Newton. I was so excited. Had my awesomely cute jacket on and my portfolio in hand (just in case) and out the door I went.

I get excited about networking groups for two reasons and they both involve helping. First, I love getting potential leads or meeting people that need my help. But also, I am a chronic helper. Really. I don’t say that to toot my own horn. I say it because it’s who I am. I just want to be able to help people (alternate translation: I have issues putting the letters N and O together). I love it. So, the idea that I might know people that would be interested in someone else’s business and can help it grow in that way — yay!

I got there and there were only four ladies. I am not complaining. Just pointing that out.

I had the best time with those four ladies, though. One, and the founder of We Win, was Judy Smith. People, if you live in my area and you don’t know Judy Smith, you must be living under a rock! She is one phenomenal business woman.

As she was speaking, He found me.

He found me in the way that she desperately wants to help women grow their business. He found me in the twinkle in her eye when she spoke and the warm greeting she gave me.

Now, I know ahead of time that Judy is a Christian, but even if I didn’t, she radiates His love. And I thank her for it.

In a place that I thought of going to help my business and others’ businesses, He was there.

Of course He was. But He was there in a powerful way.

I always joke that I can’t live up to the Proverbs 31 woman. I don’t know many women that can. But we sure has heck try!

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

²² She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31: 10-31

Godiva Chocolate Brownies

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Yesterday was a bad day. Well, let me first say that comments like that refer to me little world. Not necessarily the big-picture world. I don’t think I am the center of the universe by any means. But when I feel like I had a bad day, I’m gonna tell you.

I have been quite stressed out lately and yesterday was just the pinacle. The boys were crazy, I got about 1 hour of real work done all day, I still have no new work coming in (which is a whole big stress all in itself), I am SO FREAKING TIRED of piles of laundry and dishes on top of all the other stuff I have to worry about, and I was a cranky bee-otch. For reals.

It is a miracle He found me at all yesterday. And what’s worse, it makes me very sad to admit that I didn’t take any of my jank to Him. I sat in my sad little office (that I am going to have to give back to my husband — there’s another stress), I tried desperately to work, and I stewed in my stress.

I was so caught up in “me” that I didn’t even feel Him gently tapping on my shoulder all day… patiently waiting.

His patience always amazes and humbles me.

When I had to take all three boys to Wal-Mart with me (um, yeah — definitely another stress — how do these moms with 12 kids do it?) I gave in to a craving that I have had for about 3 days and bought some brownie mix. As I stood there trying to decide which box of gooey goodness I wanted, I saw that Godiva has come out with a mix. Mmmmm. Sounds good to me!

Yeah, I know what you are thinking, “She has no work coming in and no money and she bought brownies?” Yep. I am weak. Sorry.

I fed all the boys, cut their hair so they look snazzy on the first day of school, bathed them all, and then gave them each a gooey, delicious brownie for dessert. It wasn’t until I had them all tucked away in bed that I sat down to eat MY brownie (in front of my computer because I had more work to do).

Right there.

That’s where He found me.

I finally allowed myself to relax enough that I felt His gentle, patient tap on my shoulder and I was reminded of the verse above.

Not because I expect Him to make me a rich and famous photographer or graphic designer. But because, regardless of my stresses, He’s got my life under control. Regardless of how out of control I feel or how much I have to do today or tomorrow or next week, He has my plan all laid out!

I know a lot of people cling to this verse for the simple word “prosper”. Sure, prosperity would be great, but for me, it is more the last few words. “plans to give you hope and a future”

I sing the bridge from a Brooke Frasier song in my head all the time: “Hope is coming for me…. hope is coming for me…. hope is coming for me…. hope… He’s coming”

He’s coming.

Naked at School

My sister is a CPA. She does not have kids, so she tends to take care of mine whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Today, He found me standing in line at Wal-Mart with a cart FULL TO THE BRIM of new clothes for my boys with all of $30 in the bank. My sister wanted to take the boys back-to-school shopping. Normally, this makes me feel like the small looser than can’t ever get ahead of the curve long enough to actually have a little money in the bank. Today, though, He found me there and I just felt gratitude.

Don’t get me wrong. I always feel gratidude when she helps out. But yesterday found none of the self depricating feelings. Just gratitude.

When we thanked her, her response was, “As long as you don’t have to go to school naked…” 

²⁸“And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,

²⁹yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.

³⁰“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

Matthew 6:28-30

My Scary Garden

I yelled. A lot. At my poor kids. All I wanted them to do was clean their room. They had been in there ALL DAY and still nothing. I even tried the clean-up-one-area-at-a-time technique and still there were mounds of stuff everywhere. No matter how much I talked (or yelled), they wouldn’t listen.

So, round about 3:00, I went outside to check out the weeding that needed to be done to my garden. I took my older son with me because his room was clean (thank you, son!) but also because the garden was his idea.

A few days earlier I had attempted the weeding feat and abandoned the mission until Sevin could be applied. What kind of harmless garden bug would cause a full-on retreat you ask? A black widow that I snatched up with a handful of weeds. I shiver just typing that out.

So, after the bug stuff does it’s thing for a day or two, we go to tackle the task. My son lasts all of 10 minutes and then it’s just me. Here is a cell phone shot of what lay ahead of me:

Um. Yeah, so it’s been quite a while since I have had a chance to attend to the garden.

As I am sweating in the sun and yanking away (this time with gloves on in case I find another 8-legged “friend”) in the quiet of the outdoors, I am, of course, thinking about my own life. I fear this is what my life looks like right now. I am full of weeds. I have not been attending my heart.

My garden is so much like my life, it’s not even funny. I dove into it, full force. I was so excited to till the ground, fertalize, plant and weed for the first month or so. Then other things started to creep in and take my time and attention. I would weed a bit and then leave it for a few weeks. I even ruined my tomatoes by not staking them in time.

Just like my garden, with the hurt that we endured almost a year ago, my heart was not ready to give itself away to other people. I hadn’t let Him heal me properly (or at all!). So, just like my garden, I tried to be a rock again — full force — and the result of that is troublesome weeds (and probably some spiders lurking around).

There is good news in all of this, though. As I pulled the weeds — which is such a large job, I am still not finished — I found a few suprises. Surprises that don’t bite and send you to the emergency room. Things I couldn’t see through the weeds, but were there nonetheless:

A sweet little squash that I had NO IDEA was there.

And a fairly large Moon and Stars watermelon.

Even with all of the weeds, the garden was producing fruit. I can only hope and pray that I have been producing fruit as well, even with all of my weeds.

I know this day was important (hey, it spawned this blog) because it was a double whammy day. After all was said and done I looked back on my day and thought not only about the garden, but about my children and their messy room. Here I had been yelling at them all day to clean saying things like, “I don’t know what it’s gonna take to get you boys to just spend a few a minutes and get this mess cleaned up!”

I have a feeling God has been saying that to me for a while now.

I leave you with scripture that I didn’t even know was scripture for the first 18 or so years of my life, even though I sang it every Sunday. This is my prayer:

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51:10-12