Let there be Light

So I finished Crazy Love....WOW, just WOW is all I can say. Again.....I cannot encourage you enough to pick up this book! It will really impact you and the way you make choices in your life.

So this new fangle thing called "reading" that all you "shmart" folks do.... is starting to catch on with me....HA! I actually am halfway through my second book, Fearless by Max Lucado. I think I have read more in these past three weeks than I have in the whole decade of my thirties.

And with this new adventure, I feel I am being enlightened. It's almost like when you finally suck it up and go to the eye doctor and get your eyes checked. You find out that although you are not considered legally blind, you do have a slight impairment... and in my case, an astigmatism.

stopping here to think about this:

astigmatism: n; A visual defect in which the unequal curvature... (sparing the mumbo jumbo)............prevents light rays from focusing clearly...... resulting in blurred vision.

hmmmmmm, kinda reminds me, in my case......of The Light.

Ever notice that "light" is used in so many positive ways?

There's a light at the end of the tunnel.

Bringing light to the situation.

This little light of mine......I'm gonna let it shine.

How about the best Book of all....in the third verse we see what God feels about light;

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good...... ~Genesis 1:3-4

OK, back to the eye exam:

So then, the doc gives you a sample pair of prescription glasses to try on and suddenly things come into focus.... so much more sharp and clear. It actually is a bit frightening to think that you've been walking around (er, driving would be my case) and things really were not being viewed/experienced the way they should be.

(*side note....it was determined that my vision is only 20/25, so I was not too much of a menace on New England roads.)

With your new "vision" you are able to "see" better and therefore you are able to make better choices. I think back to how I navigated through life with blurred vision making half hazard choices and decisions. And "hazard" is a perfect word when I look back.

Anyway.....I guess I am referencing this because that is how I feel lately as God is opening up my heart and mind in a new and improved way. Kinda like He is the Great Physician handing me some new glasses. Not only is He bringing things better into focus......He is showing me that working through this inner turmoil and pressing through the changes need to happen so that I can prepare for my future. It is all so that I will have the best vision to keep my eyes fixed on Him.

I am now seeing that Light in the distance. And it looks GREAT!

......I have SO much more I want to share with you all on what is going on with me, how God is putting people and situations into Josh and I's lives, over-the-top plans......and they all are going to give Him all the Glory!!!

But I am going to stop here and just encourage you to seek His Light today. Someone NEEDS to hear this, I am sure. No matter where you are in your marriage/family life, no matter what the doctor tells you, no matter what your bank account states, no matter what the world tells you...

....it doesn't even matter what the weather is.....SEEK and soak in the SONshine...... for there is freedom in It!

He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.
~Job 33:28

Enjoy your weekend~

*~Michelle~*

PS. If you have any books that you feel will bring more enLightment......please leave your suggestions with me. Just remember.....go easy with me!

Wait and Listen

I received an email from a blogging friend who wanted to send an encouraging word. She is going through a dry spell with her spirituality and came across this beautiful poem at just the perfect time that reassured her that God is always near and hears our cries, doubts and questions. I believe that God loves to pay it forward and used her as a vessel to get this message to me. I am in my own season where I find myself struggling in some areas with confusion and wanting to hear God with some decisions I am up against lately. I know that God brings "seasons in our lives" for a reason and He will see us through them. I trust that these are refining times......and although it can be painful, scary and frustrating......we will come out purer and wiser and ready for the next place God wants us. I plan on sharing a little more of my "season" soon, but for now I will leave you with this inspirational poem I was so blessed to receive.



How gentle the voice of my Father, so dear
As He calls to me quietly, to sit with Him here;

"Wait and Listen say not a word
How can I speak, if My voice can’t be heard?

Sometimes I have spoken, your mind far away;
Yet you heard not one word that I tried to say.
Then came the moment, something went wrong,
I heard you cry; “God where have you gone?”

Many times I’ve watched, walking silently along
For it’s in your weakness; that I’ll make you strong.
I long for you to seek Me with all of your heart;
The ways that I showed you - from them don’t depart.

My child when you called Me, upon bended knee
Believe all My Son told you and you will receive.
For in the quiet moments when we are alone;
Is when, my child - My truth I’ll make known.

So much I long to tell you, to make your way clear;
To guide and protect you - for I hold you so dear.
So come and rest in the warmth of My arms,
I promise to hold you and all of your fears calm.

I see your tears and hear the praise from your lips
It’s My hands that gently touch, your fingertips.
So when you cry; “Father, where have you gone?”
Remember my child - I was there all along.

Listen… Wait… Listen my child, say not a word;
For then, only then… can My voice be heard.

Author – Priscilla Van Sutphin

I hope you have a beautiful weekend....

xox
*~Michelle~*

PS. I would like to ask you to keep a dear friend in prayer.....she just lost her baby at 25+ weeks yesterday and I cannot imagine what she is going through. Please pray for Katina, Royce and their family.

Grammar 101

So I thought a little grammar lesson would be fitting for today......I know I know, it's summer break.....sorry, it's the homeschooler in me. I promise it will be quick and to the point.

Today the word is "change". Lets look at it as a verb and a noun. And to boost this "lesson" up to a "Higher" level, I am going to bring God into it. Now come on, did you think I wouldn't? In fact, this lesson is actually for me. I could use a change in my life in some areas.

If you get something out of it......bonus!

OK, here it is:

Verb:
God does not change

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
~Hebrews 13:8

The Bible, although written so long ago, is still relevant today. In Isaiah 40:8, God promises us, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of God stands forever.” Because He is the same yesterday, I know that what He has said will still remain true for you and me today. The truths and principles that were applied in the lives of Abraham, Moses, David and all the people in the Bible are the same truths we need to apply to our lives in this day.

That great truth will not change, because our Savior changes not.

Noun: God is a changer

He turns darkness into light.
He turns mourning into dancing.
He turns filthy rags into royal garments.
He turns ashes into beauty.
He turns bondage into freedom
He turns sadness into joy.
He turns worry into comfort.
He turns conflict into peace.
He turns death into life.

I pray that you will experience His changing power and His love today.

See?

Short and sweet today. :)


Peace~
*~Michelle~*

Extreme Makeover

So this morning I woke up early and sprinted over to my incubator. Oh, wait, I did go to the bathroom, wash my hands and brushed my teeth first. I feel the need to share that as my personal hygiene habits might be in question after Monday's post.

OK, focus Michelle....... incubator.

You see......today is "Day 21" which is "hatching day" in egg-to-chicken world. So I am hoping that these little guys/gals will be making their debut throughout the day. They say that if 80-85% of your eggs hatch, that is considered successful. (who are "they" anyway?) I guess you always have to allow for a few "duds" or eggs that don't fertilize properly. Lord knows I can relate to that. *little eye roll with a hint of sarcasm*

So as I am scrutinizing every egg through the window of the incubator.....I hear my crazy roosters outside and then I hear our new family of goats making a racket so they can be fed. I started to think about how my life has done such a turn in the past 20 years.

And when I say turn......it really should be put into the extreme sport of a 180 degree HeelClickin' Superman seat grab backflip category. Oh sorry....being a mom of motocross kids does something to your choice of words over the years.

So let's compare......20 years ago and now

Then: I was going to New York City to check out the latest fashions for a little rock and roll boutique that I owned.
Now: I am going to country fairs and farming shows checking out goat and chicken breeds and the latest John Deere tractors.

Then: Josh and I would only head out at 11PM to go to nightclubs......it wasn't cool to show up any earlier than midnight
Now: If anything is scheduled after 8pm, I usually pass as I like to be in "jammie mode" by then and winding down.

Then: coloring my hair every possible intense color to draw attention to myself
Now: coloring every intense gray hair so as to not draw attention to myself

Then: Josh is investing in and building Marshall Amp stacks, guitar rigs, effect pedal boards, etc
Now: Josh is building goat milking stands, mangers and chicken coops.

Then: playing drinking games til I pass out or slamming shots during poker games
Now: drinking hot chocolate while beating the booger outta my kids at Scrabble or our new favorite.......Apples to Apples.

Then: Heading banging, heavy metal fists flying in a crowd.....OzzFest and Lollapalooza Tours
Now: Dancing with arms raised high praising God with worship music.....still rocking but praisin' at The Soulfest

Then: cool '78 Camaro with jacked up rear, huge monster tires.....loud exhaust.
Now: not-so-cool '01 Dodge Caravan with lots of dents.....also a loud exhaust, but not in a cool way. In a "this needs fixing but I am not bothering" kinda way.

My life might not seem as "exciting" as it was before......but that all depends on what how you define exciting. As far as I am concerned.....living your life for Jesus can bring things to a whole new radical level. Extreme devotion is what it's all about. I feel like I am finally LIVING!

When I look back.....of course I have regrets of alot of stupid decisions I made during those times. But I am not beating myself up over it. I am where I am today because of my past. I love that I am living proof of God's grace. I think I appreciate it so much because I have something (living life without Him) to compare it to (living a full life with/for Him).

Occasionally we run into old friends from the "old days" who first cannot believe that A: Josh and I are still together (19+ years, baby!) and have four kids. B: the different direction we've taken on. Most notice the change in us and although they don't come out and ask....we think it's pretty obvious that we have God in our lives and are ready/willing/able to share His Good News if they are open to listen. We make sure God gets all the glory and credit for the blessings in our lives and are not afraid to preach it when the opportunity arises.

Sometimes it is well received......sometimes they listen politely, but it falls on deaf ears......sometimes it turns people off and our conversation is cut short. And that's OK. I am sure there were plenty of "Michelle and Josh's" that tried to plant a seed with me and my rocky hardened soil many years ago. Sometimes it causes people to think we are whacked out Jesus Freaks.....again. That's OK!


I think about these lyrics from dcTalk's song Jesus Freak

"What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus Freak?
What will people do when they find that it's true?
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus Freak.
There ain't no disguising the truth."

I am who I am/have become......We are who we are/have become.


Another thought.......

(and I will again apologize for once again, being all over the place with the way I express myself with my blog.....feel bad for me.....be happy you are not inside my brain!)

.....I used proclaim I was a Jesus chaser, but really.....I stand corrected. Looking back, it was God who kept chasing after me during those lost years. I am so thankful that He is faithful......and more stubborn than me. Because I was on a road to destruction, whether I knew it or not. I was just one late night party away from over doing it, taking stupid chances and risks....I felt immortal. I never thought about consequences for my actions. I never felt I needed to be held accountable. Why should I? I was living for myself.

Now, I live for Him. I live with a new perspective. Jesus owns my life now.....He paid for it. I am thankful and relieved to know that He has the right to direct it. I see how He has blessed me with my husband, my children,.....my life. I owe this all to Him and I feel privileged to devote my life to Him.

And He knows just how to be the most effective in building relationships with each of His children. Everyone is different. With me.....when I walked into that church that afternoon, I knew this was the path I was searching for. I started to gravitate towards situations, people and environments that brought me closer to knowing Him better. God also revealed Himself and His awesome ways more and more throughout the years. These testimonies built the solid foundation that I stand on today. It wasn't an overnight explosion that could have fizzled out quickly.......it was a slow but steady burn that has now become a constant flame.

Now don't get me wrong...... and I have needed to tend to this fire constantly to keep it burning. I have had my times where I have gotten luke warm and put Jesus on the back burner. When I reflect on those times........those were the times where I got cocky, thought I had it all together and could take over controlling my life.

Those also were the times that I fell flat on my face.

Thankfully, we serve a loving, forgiving Father who helped helps me up, dusted dusts me off and set sets me back on His path.

So yes.....I still am a sinner, but now I am a sinner saved by God's grace.

So I think I will close with this:

Romans 6:4

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

translated into Michelle lingo (it might not even be close in translation, but I like it):

Jesus loves the sinners. He also is into extreme stuff. He's into extreme makeovers. He took a wild partying 80's city livin' girl, complete with big hair and spandex......and turned her into to a Jesus loving' tie dye wearing, dready hair goat farmin' country gal.

(pssssssssst, um, that would be me)

Not "The End"......it's just The Beginning.

Peace and love~
*~Michelle~*