The Foundation of a Christ-Centered Marriage

We just completed our first radio show!  Praise the Lord.

I was so nervous.

We had some crazy sound issues after we played the show back.  There was an annoying beeping while I spoke then the volume on my voice would go low.  Sorry about that.  We didn't know about it while taping and thankfully my Beloved was able to fix it for our next show.

Overall the message is clear so at your convenience, feel free to take a peek, or should I say, a listen to our new ministry!

May the words we have shared draw you and your man closer to Christ.

You can click the button below to hear our show.  Give it some time to download.

For those of you that are not audio learners and/or you prefer to read instead, I thought I would briefly share some of my notes about what we spoke on.

God has placed within me such a huge heart for discipleship, so much so, that when it comes to writing or speaking; the two areas He has called me to are the two areas that terrify me.  But it is with His prompting, leading and strength that I am able to overcome those fears, because I want all women to know our Savior more deeply and intimately.  And I want all married women  to have an absolutely beautiful and glorious marriage in Christ.  Those are the two topics that I am most passionate about that I will discuss here on The Alabaster Jar Out Loud.

Let’s get a few things straight before we get started:

I speak to Christian women, wives and mothers.  I am here to encourage you.  Inspire you.  Sometimes challenge you and at times I hope to equip you.

I am not here to speak to men.  The Bible is very clear that women are not to teach men and that is not up for debate on this show.  But because one of the topics we’ll be discussing is the topic of marriage, my Beloved and I thought it was best for him to be on this show as well, giving a man’s perspective in hopes that it will help you in your marriage.

Also ladies, I encourage you to bring your man into the room while this show is on so he can be encouraged, challenged and equipped by another man.  Not by me, but another man.

If you haven’t noticed yet, I am a very direct and straight to the point individual.  That’s just how God made man.  Trust me,  I have asked Him to change this quality for many years now but, it’s a no-go.

My beloved is also very direct and blunt as well.  I tell you these things because the way we communicate may surprise or shock some of you so I thought I would warn you in advance.  Some may be offended by how we speak with one another.

But please know this:

I have a very deep friendship with my man.

My husband safely trusts in me.

He knows that I have his back

He knows that I will give him honor and respect

He knows that I will not compete with him

And he knows that I will not tear him down

I may challenge him to do better or be better in many aspects of his life, but I won’t challenge his authority

Therefore, he is not threatened by how I speak to him in a direct manner.  Our brains and our personalities understand this type of language, however, that does not mean all husbands and wives communicate the way we do, so I caution you to not start speaking to your man the way I speak to mine.

We will get into communicating with your spouse in another show.

 Tonight's topic:

The Foundation of a Christ-Centered Marriage

We are going to dig deep today because the concept that we are presenting is not one that is discussed very much.  We are going to dig deep down to the root of our marriages.

• Love and respect your spouse- But why?


• Here is the answer to the 'why' question...Because the Word of God says so!!

The Bible is the authority in which Eric and I live by but not all couples agree on that authority.   Some may say they do but when the rubber meets the road their actions say otherwise.

What are some people’s authorities in their marriage?  What governs them?  What dictates their actions?

• Fairness


• Feeling good


• Feeling heard


• Being happy


• Being respected


• Feeling loved


• Having comfort


• Having security


• Having the comfort for my family


• Looking good


• Your children’s education

When I get off track of what the Bible says, then I get into self-worship.

All of these things can become idols, and our biggest idol is ourselves.

My authority is not fairness, feeling good or being happy.  My authority is the Bible. ~Eric

Here are some principles to build a Christ-centered Foundation

• Have a common authority/common ground with your spouse and build on it.


• Strengthen your walk with the Lord.


• Learn who the Lord is.


• Pray to become the spouse that the Lord desires you to be.


• Learn to become that spouse.  Put into action what you found in the scriptures as a God-fearing wife.


• Emulate Jesus Christ in your marriage.

HERE IS THE CONCEPT THAT I WANT YOU TO GET THIS EVENING...

This is how the marriage is Christ-centered

• The marriage is not about you but it is about Jesus Christ.

We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. Ephesians 2:10

• We are here on earth to bring Christ glory.

And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself."  John 12:32

Practical How-to’s for a Christ-Centered Marriage

• Be in the Word of God on a daily basis


• Pray for God to change you


• Pray for His strength to lay aside your flesh


• Go to church as a family


• Be in prayer as a couple


• Attend a Bible study if it is condusive to your season of life.  This will help you to learn more about Christ.


• Be in fellowship with other strong women of God so you can glean from them, be encouraged by them, be strengthened and supported by them and challenged by them as well.

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.  Proverbs 27:17

I am God’s daughter first before I am Eric’s wife.

Remember that these are just notes from the show.  If you have the time to listen in, I encourage you to do so.  Also, do me a favor and spread the word for this new ministry.  I believe there are many Christians marriages out there that are hurting and I think what my Beloved and I shared can certainly encourage them and strengthen them.

Live a poured out life for the Master,

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Growing Home

The Better Mom

The Time-Warp Wife

Far Above Rubies

Deep Roots at Home

Raising Homemakers

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

A Holy Experience

One Simple Tip to Better Your Marriage in One Day

One simple thing.

Something that is set apart for just you and your husband.

Now, here's what you can do so you can be ready to implement this one simple tip:

• Pretty yourself up (like you did when you were dating) :)


• Take a nap if you need to so you'll have the energy later


• Go for a walk that day and forgo dessert if you feel self-conscious about your figure


• Turn down the lights and light a few candles so the stretch marks and cellulite are hidden


• Put on something that he likes

then......

Take your man to bed, please him and delight in him.

That's it.

One simple thing to better your marriage.

So, why is this one simple tip so effective?

Sex, a.k.a, the 'act of marriage' requires vulnerability and transparency.

It's awfully hard to be angry at your man during the act of marriage.

It's awfully hard to feel resentment and bitterness towards your man during the act of marriage.

It's awfully hard to feel disrespect and disappointment in your man during the act of marriage.

It's awfully hard to feel worried or concerned about your circumstances during the act of marriage.

Repeat this one simple tip often.

Soon you'll see your marriage getting stronger as the two of you grow closer together.

Live a poured out life for the Master,

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Wrestling with God

The other day I wrestled with God from morning til night.  I was hearing His voice loud and clear but my flesh and insecurities were speaking louder still.  I guess I was hoping that what I was feeling would change His mind about what He was asking me to do!

It didn't work.  His mind didn't change.

So I battled with Him.  Sometimes reasoning with Him, sometimes pleading with Him and at other times I asked Him if He could give me a different message to deliver to the saints.

Source: Pinterest

 One minute, I was like Jacob who wrestled with God and the next minute I was like Jonah who ran in the complete opposite direction of where God called him.  Yet, my heart was to be like Isaiah who said with a willing and open heart, "Here I am Lord, send me."

Thoughts and questions swirled through my mind:

"How do I reconcile a bold voice that is paired with a sensitive, fragile, and sometimes, insecure heart?"

"How can I diminish the one and strengthen the other?"  "Is that possible?"  "Or is one of the spirit and the other of the flesh?" 

"How do I not say what I am compelled to say?"  "Can I just stick my fingers in my ear and pretend I can't hear the voice of the Lord?"

"Perhaps I can just lead a nice, quiet and non-confrontational life?"

"Can you give me a different ministry, Lord, maybe one that won't hurt so much?"

How about the worship ministry?  Everyone loves to sing praise and worship songs.  Can that be my ministry, and by the way, can you teach me to sing?

His response, "That is not where I called you, Daughter. I gave you your personality, your giftings, your afflictions and convictions, all of which are to be used for Me, to please Me."

It was no coincidence that day that I happened to hear Pastor James MacDonald talk about his own experience as God called him to do something difficult; to confront and rebuke another believer.

James told the story of how he didn't want to and how he hoped the whole situation would just go away.  But God being God, kept prompting His son to rebuke a man he hardly knew.  What's so interesting about this story was that God made it so clear to James as to what to say, and the words were not nice, but rather offensive!

The Lord told him, "tell this man he is a shameless, self-promoter."

"Lord, can you go over that again, because I don’t want to tell him," James replied.

This is what I love about the story (and what the Lord taught me).

James asked the man what it meant to speak the truth in love, (the man used to be a pastor but left the pulpit to publish his books and thus, promoted himself as a result), seeing how he was a former pastor, he was familiar with the verse.

"Love means to put your needs above mine,"  James said.

James went on to tell the man his needs,  "I need you to like me, to respect me and to respect my ministry."

"If I speak the truth in love, I am risking those things.  I am risking rejection.  I am risking persecution.  I am risking my reputation and ministry." ~James MacDonald

When I heard those words it was like the Lord put a blanket over my wrestling soul knowing that I needed to be comforted, knowing that I needed to be wrapped up in His words, knowing that I needed His love and stamp of approval to go where He was sending me.Now based on what I just listened to, one would've thought that I easily submitted to what God was calling me to do.  Ya, well, I'm not a quick learner because I still wrestled with Him!

In my mind I felt that it was appropriate for a pastor to confront and rebuke, but not so much for a woman, namely, me.

If I wasn't convicted enough based on what I just heard, my day was going to get worse because I was  headed out the door for a field trip to the Open Doors, which served persecuted Christians worldwide.

Great men and women of faith laid their lives on the line for Christ in order to preach the Gospel and distribute bibles. Some were martyred for their faith and others were beaten and thrown in prisons.

One man, named Brother Mac was thrown in prison for 30 years because of just that.  At the end of his life he said,

"If I was given a second chance to repeat my decision to follow Christ, even knowing 30 years of prison lay ahead of me, I would make the same decision for Christ as I did before."

I was totally convicted!  What God was calling me to do was nothing compared to what He prompted in the hearts of these believers.

He was asking me to speak the truth in love; to lay down my life and take the time to pour into others knowing full well that they may not receive the message.  This would result in me being rejected.

Can I have a selfless concern for others?  Or am I too self-centered?  Too insecure?  Too worried about what others would say or think about me?  Would the sting of rejection and persecution cause me to not obey the voice of the Lord?

For many years I prayed for healing upon my sick body so I could be used by the Lord and during those years I prayed for the Lord to increase my borders in ministry.   Today, He is doing just that.  I have seen His hand time and time again in my life.  But here I am wrestling with Him and fretting about where He is sending me.

Will I respond like Caleb and Joshua when they spied out the land of Canaan or will I respond like the other 10 spies?

We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey.  Numbers 13:27  But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there.  Numbers 13:28

 "Let's go at once to take the land," he said. "We can certainly conquer it!"   Numbers 13:30

Do not rebel against the LORD, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don't be afraid of them!"   Numbers 14:9

The message that God has given me is not a popular one and at times, it is an offensive one.

To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.  Jeremiah 6:10

I won't be received by all and many will criticize me for saying it.  What they don't realize is that I am speaking the truth in love as I willingly lay aside my needs to be accepted and loved by others.  It's certainly not a ministry that many would sign up for that's for sure!  But my life is not my own, it was bought at a price and I want to pour it out for Christ and I want to obey Him.  When my life is over and I am standing face to face with my Creator, I can only hope to hear,

'Well done, my good and faithful servant.  Matthew 25:21

Perhaps God has placed in your heart a message that is hard to deliver or a ministry that He wants you involved in, and you too are wrestling with the Lord.  Do you see giants in the land as well?  Or do you see a land flowing with milk and honey?

It may be hard to enter into the land, but you have the protection of the Lord.

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For Two are Better than One, but Three is Even Better

My Beloved and I are moving forward on setting up our radio show, (yes, I am stepping out of the boat like Peter, but I think I have lost my mind), and I thought I would ask for your help and input once again, seeing how you're a bunch of smart gals. :)

We have made the decision to not have our first few shows LIVE, seeing how we don't know what we're doing and we might not get a single caller! (lol) We will post the shows so people can listen to them at their convenience and I'll keep you in the loop here on the blog as to when they are up.

So this is where your help is needed to build up the body of Christ...

I need your questions on marriage.

Here's some categories to get you thinking:

• Communication


• Your role


• His role


• Submission


• Spiritual Leadership


• Marital Oneness


• The Marriage Bed (blush)


• How you relate to each other


• The children


• His family


• Her family


• Fights


• Money and Marriage


• anything else that you can think of

Lord willing, we are hoping to record our first show by next week and we will take the questions that we have received here from our readers.

For all you prayer warriors out there, please keep this in prayer because the enemy does not want our marriages to glorify the Lord.  He would love to stop this ministry from moving forward.  If he can get his foot in the door to tear down our marriages, then he has access to our family and if he has access to our family and the breaking of that unit, then that will impede our abilities to further the Kingdom of God.

God established the first institution to be that of marriage.  Where do you think the enemy will be heading first to come steal, kill, and destroy?

You guessed it....you and your man!  If satan can get the two of you at odds then his goal is being accomplished because your focus has shifted from the Lord to yourselves.  So please bathe this in prayer.  There are so many marriages suffering today and if we are able to make an impact on just one, praise be to God!

Once we are ready to go LIVE with the show, our time slot will be at 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time)  I'll keep you informed on what day of the week it will be.

Also, because some of the questions can be very sensitive in nature, please leave me a comment as "Anonymous"  or "Suzy Q" if you prefer.  :)  Or you can email me at:  respectyourhusband {at} joleneengle {dot} org.

Remember, too, that your question might be one that another reader/listener would love to have answered and it can help better her marriage as well.  So please don't be shy, we are all working together as the body of Christ to bring Him glory.

Please forward this post on to your friends who may have marital questions and also to spread the word about the radio show.

I'm Not Strong Enough

I am not spiritual enough.

I am not compassionate enough.

I am not gracious enough.

I am not loving enough.

I do not have enough faith.

I have been hurt too much.

I am not strong enough to go where you are sending me Lord.



Just to write this post brings me to tears and yet the situation has passed.

 

Source:  Pinterest

Two trusted women who knew some of the details prayed for me before I moved into the mission field where the Lord was calling me for that day.

Would I be ignored?

Would I be glared at?

Would I be attacked?

Would I be received?

Would there be conflict?

Those were the questions circling my anxious heart as I prepared to go to my brother's wedding.

My Beloved gave my boys instructions before we left.  "Boys, when you get married, it is your responsibility to protect your wife physically, emotionally and spiritually. Today we are going to protect Mommy."

As we drove over, the radio was playing and the song, “Outcast” came on.

My youngest said, "Mommy’s song is playing."

Isn’t that the truth I thought, and so timely at that!

I listened to the lyrics again and as usual they resonated with my soul.

Outcast by Kerrie Roberts

Outcast Lyrics:

Since I can remember, guess I've been a problem
Never had a filter, never been the popular one
To sugar coat what I know is undeniable
I just can't hide it, I wear it like a "letter"
Everywhere I go, everyone is talking
I can feel them staring, they hope I'm just pretending
And giving up my power, caving into pressure
I'm not living for them, I live for something better

I'm not good enough, I'm not what they want
But let me tell you what, I know who I am
So just throw me out for not fitting in
I will stand my ground and be an outcast

So what if I'm an outcast
So what if I'm an outcast

So what if I don't look the part I'm supposed to play
What if I don't follow all the rules they make
They think I should be perfect
They love it when I mess up
No grace in case I blow it
"A good girl shouldn't need it:

I'm not good enough, I'm not what they want
But let me tell you what, I know who I am
So just throw me out for not fitting in
I will stand my ground and be an outcast

So what if I'm an outcast
So what if I'm an outcast
So slow when everybody's so fast
So what if I'm an outcast

I try to play nice, I don't want to fight
But I won't be gray when it's all black and white   (my emphasis)
'Cause what I believe is what makes me strong
If I don't belong I hold on to love

So what if I'm an outcast
So what if I'm an outcast
So slow when everybody's so fast
No matter what it costs, I'll be an outcast

I'm not good enough, I'm not what they want
But let me tell you what, I know who I am
So just throw me out for not fitting in
I will stand my ground and be an outcast

With my Beloved holding my right hand and my Savior holding my left, we walked into the room.

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.  Matthew 5:44

That's a hard verse to swallow especially after many years of attacks and heartache from those you have grown up with.

The evening was passing without any issues.  I was getting ready to leave, but then I saw a family member I was once close to, but also recently persecuted by.  My heart was sad for all that he has been through, yet more sad that he rejects my Savior and as a result, he lives in darkness.

Thoughts ran through my head:

I have been through a lot and it is hard.

I hurt and it is hard.

But I have MY SAVIOR and I am not lost.

It was in that moment that I forgot about the insults and venom that he once spewed on me and my heart became filled with compassion towards him.

With my Beloved right next to me we walked over to him to say, 'hello' and 'good-bye' all at the same time.  I gave him a hug and said it was good to see him.

Was it easy?

No.

Was it right?

Yes, because the Lord was prompting me to do it.

Could I do it in my own strength?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Two hearts fell in love and got married that day.

While two separate, hurting hearts were touched by the Father's hand.

Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.  1 Thessalonians 5:17-19

No, I am not strong enough and I'll never be, but He is and He'll always be.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him.  Psalm 28:7

3 Types of Husbands

So, I know this post is long overdue, but the Lord had me wait on sending it out to you.  His timing is always best! :)

Most of the information that is written here has come from my Beloved.  Seeing how he is a man, and a married one at that, I felt it was best to share his words with you in hopes that it will give you insight into your man.

Here is a simple overview of the 3 Types of Husbands.

Ruler

A ruler is on the throne.  He is mainly out for his own pleasure, acts selfishly and requires all to live up to his standard. He is mainly interested in obedience and respect for his wishes. In his mind, the good wife does not question or challenge him as it would show an attitude of disrespect.  Many times he acts like a boss with his wife as his assistant.

The Ruler lives by the perverted Golden Rule: “He that makes the gold…RULES."  I heard that from a past client and he is now divorced.

My pastor gave an example of some sheep he observed one day in Israel…

Aware that sheep know the shepherd's voice and that they follow the shepherd, what my pastor saw, perplexed him.  He witnessed that the sheep were being herded like cattle.  When he inquired about the shepherd and his method, he was instructed that it was not the Shepherd…IT WAS THE BUTCHER! (This is the Ruler Husband!) He may have a wife who is seemingly going in the same direction as him, but in reality she is not being led…she is being herded by domination or obligation.  Either way it turns out bad.

But did He not make them one, (husband and wife) having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.  Malachi 2:15 (NKJV) ('husband and wife', my emphasis)

Passive

A Passive husband is pretty self explanatory. He is a husband and a father who is passive, constantly bowing to the desires and leadership of others mainly for ease, or to keep peace with contentious people. He resists the responsibility to lead his wife and discipline the children.  The Passive husband lives by the mantra: “A Happy Wife Means a Happy Life".  For example, he would rather try to persuade or pay the children to do their chores rather than direct them to do so.  Or, he will make deals with his wife: “If you let me do this, then I will do that for you”.  He will try to reason with them to get things done.  He does not want to upset the apple cart.

Shepherd-Leader

Jesus was the ultimate shepherd. He had a shepherd’s heart that was most concerned with the relationship with those he led. He never demanded respect or compliance, but demonstrated his leadership by becoming a servant and being an example that his followers wanted to be like.  He has instructed husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.  Ephesians 5:25

Jesus stepped down from his throne to die for us.  This is the Creator who spoke the world into existence.  He scratched in the dirt with us to save us.  He is the King of Kings who came to lead us.   He was not just some great man or teacher.

What does it really mean to love the wife as Christ loved the church?  Husbands cannot do it by themselves, they need the Holy Spirit to guide them and penetrate their hearts.  (Just like we, as wives, need the Holy Spirit to guide us and penetrate our hearts so we can be our husband's helper/helpmate according to the scriptures.)

The Shepherd-Leader will set up boundaries to protect his wife and family from attacks from enemies, foreign and domestic; extended family and the World.  He will take the lead to discipline the children and dwell with his wife with understanding.

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.  1 Peter 3:7

The Shepherd-Leader leads from the front, not from the palace, like David.  (If you don't remember this Bible story, it was when David didn't leave the palace to go to war with his men.  Instead he stayed at home and it was during this time he had his affair with Bathsheba.  2 Samuel 11)

Of course if you are following Christ, I am sure your desire is to have your husband as the Shepherd-Leader laid out in the scriptures.  But just like us as wives, we all fall short and that includes our husbands as well.  Some husbands don't know how to lead like Christ, some may take a back seat to leading you and your children and some may swing in the complete opposite direction; one of domination and control.  And of course at times, our men can touch on all 3 types from time to time or they have experienced each type through the various stages of  marriage.

Now, before you go and print out this list for your husband to read....I caution you NOT to do so!  You need to pray first and ask for the Lord's leading.

Some husbands may be open to growing in the things of the Lord and you can share this with them because you have a God-fearing and God-honoring friendship with your man AND he safely trusts in you.

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.  Proverbs 27:17

But some husbands are not open to hearing this from their wives.  God has made men to have very fragile egos and no man wants to hear they're not measuring up to God's standards.

That's where God's grace comes in.  I implore you to extend that same grace you received from Christ in your role as a wife and extend it to your husband.  Allow the Lord to lead you regarding whether or not to share this post with him.  If the Holy Spirit prompts you to do so, then I would encourage you to print out the post the, 3 Types of Wives so your husband can read both posts together, doing so in love.  This will help the two of you to grow in your marriage together, that way he won't feel like you are just critiquing and/or criticizing him.

It's hard for anyone to admit their weaknesses, but with a willing heart, change and growth can take place in your marriage.

My Beloved and I can't fill the role of changing you and your husband because that position is reserved for the Holy Spirit.  But, what we can do is come alongside of you as we encourage and equip you in the Word of God, giving you practical tips and examples so you can have a marriage that glorifies the Lord.

More marital posts will come in the future, specifically how to take the 3 Types of Husbands and the 3 Types of Wives and apply them to your own marriage, so if you are not a subscriber to The Alabaster Jar you'll want to become one so you don't miss out.

Live a poured out life for the Master,

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Faith. A New Year's Resolution

Christmas has come to an end and the decorations have been put away.  But before we settle into this new year, I thought I would share with you about a wonderful show that I had seen during this past Christmas season.

It was a show stopper to say the least.

It was spectacular and awe-inspiring.

It calmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

It reaffirmed to me that God is who He says He is, and it was a reminder of His love towards me.

It was filled with miracles which strengthened my faith.

The star of the show was none other than, OUR SAVIOR as He was taking center stage during my Christmas story.

When scene one opened....

You would have seen me with a heavy heart, a longing heart and try as I might, a trusting heart.  I walked on to the stage with just my chair, my simple prayers and my faith.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17

And I sat there and waited.... knowing that He was coming and banking on His promises.

Each day I looked all around me wondering in what manner would He display His love during this glorious season of Christmas.  His season.  His redeeming love.  His reason for coming.

This is not really my chair, but I thought it was a pretty picture so I used it anyway. :)

Scene 2 opens and....

He shows up.  He takes center stage.  The spotlight is on Him.  I sit quietly waiting for Him to speak.  To do something.

And then...

His power is displayed with the moving and stirring in the hearts of the Body of Christ.  He uses them as His hands and feet.  Mere vessels chosen by The Great I Am, the Babe in the Manger, to bring Him honor and glory.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.   Psalm 27:13,14

We stand there with Him and bow are heads and are thankful for what He has done for us.

Day after day, He performs a similar act over and over again, yet using different disciples to minister on His behalf.

He brought His goodness in the land of the living, just like His Word says.

He never disappoints, does He?  He may have a different plan than us but never does He forsake us.  We're His kids, remember?

In Scene 3...

My hands and heart are left wide open, letting the Lord paint my dreams, my plans and my future because He is the Master Creator.  In my letting go of expectations and hopes from others and myself, I place those longings on to my Father's shoulders because He can handle them.

He is all-knowing, I am not.

He can see around the bend in the curve, I can not.

He knows what I need, what my husband needs, and what my children need in the coming year, I do not.

He knows what the future holds, I do not.

So with the new year approaching, so comes the thought of resolutions, hopes, and perhaps even some expectations.

We have all heard of the resolutions to be a better you.  Healthier.  Thinner.  Richer.  Fill in the blank.

Or....

A better woman for the Lord.

A better wife if you're married.

A better mom if you've got offspring.

A better daughter, sister, friend.

All good things to aspire to.

Let me challenge and encourage you to go a little deeper.

How about these....

A better glimpse at our Savior.

To know Him more.

To hear His voice.

To discern His Word.

To be filled with His wisdom.

To have a heart that is pliable and open to the leading and convicting of the Holy Spirit.  (This one might hurt a bit because change most likely will need take place in your life.)

As heirs to the throne, we all have an opportunity to see His goodness in the land of the living, but it takes faith.  It takes patience.  It takes a willing and diligent heart. 

Why not make it a resolution of yours?  To build your faith this coming year.  To look for Him each and every day.  To grab your chair as you sit and wait for Him too.  (Fyi:  My chair is in my mind; I try to keep my thoughts on Him as I wait for Him to make His presence known to me.)  If we slow down and quiet ourselves long enough, we'll see Him because He is always there with us.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and strengthen you in this journey.  He'll deliver, I promise. :)