by Stacey | Jun 27, 2013 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
When I give a command to my children I expect an immediate response. Sometimes the command is given to protect them, like the time I shouted, “STOP!” and Nick hit the brakes before dashing in front a car. Immediate obedience.
Read Mark 1:16-45 and take note of how many times the word immediately is used.
Seven times.
Seven times urgency is conveyed. Instant action.
If God does not hesitate to act and Jesus does not hesitate to act, why do I? I should never hesitate to turn from whatever I am following and follow God’s instant command.
I cannot trust a heritage of faith to accomplish anything on my behalf. I must follow God. I must respond.
Me.
No one can do it for me.
Lord, may I respond immediately to the call you place on my life. May I live generously, honestly, and with contentment. May I never rest on yesterday’s accomplishments, but live for you every day.
by Stacey | Jun 20, 2013 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
Lord, I cry from the darkest and deepest place of my heart and I know you hear. My legs collapse under me when I consider the weight of my sin. I am not worthy to stand in your presence.
Yet, your forgiveness lifts me. You support me so I can stand.
I wait for tomorrow in anticipation. I watch for you, listen for your voice, eager for your plentiful redemption. You have redeemed me from darkness and brought me into the light. Thank you Lord.
by Stacey | May 30, 2013 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
“Can we go outside and play?” It is a request I hear often from the children in my care.
“Please clean up the toys first.”
“Can we go outside and play?” Tiny voices raise their volume.
“Clean up first, please.”
Seriously. On any given day, at any given moment, this is my house:
Is it crazy to want the toys picked up before a new adventure begins?
“Why aren’t you answering?” Little feet stamp. Fists curl in frustrating dramatic six-year-old fashion.
Oh how fitting, that the children in my care would mimic my temper tantrums.
How many times have I begged God for an answer only to wait, wait, and wait some more? How many times have I accused him of failing to respond, when in reality, I have failed to listen to his response?
Does He instruct me, as I instruct the children in my home, to clean up an area of life first? How many times have I missed God’s answer (and possible blessing) because I was too busy stamping my feet and shaking my fist?
Lord, give me ears that hear.
by Stacey | May 23, 2013 | Special Announcements
Many of you might remember Katie and her Nets for Kids campaign. It all started with an inspiring magazine article. She did a wonderful job raising money and awareness to help fight malaria. She started her own website and collected pledges.
TVO kids awarded Kate with a Super Citizen Award to recognize her efforts. This link will take you to her video accepting the award (Kate is third from the left, click on her picture for the video to begin), or you can watch it premier on television on TVO kids at 3:55 pm on Tuesday May 28th.
The airing of this award comes on the heels of Kevin and I attending a Teen Challenge graduation service. We had the privilege to meet the young man we spent the last year praying for, writing, and supporting as he completed a one year rehabilitation program for addictions. It was an amazing night that recognized God as our healer and restorer.
Our family believes that being a super citizen involves getting involved. Minding each others business. Cheering, supporting, encouraging and sometimes correcting each other – but always with an attitude of love.
Our Graduate and Kate reminded us afresh of what really matters in life. Living and giving to glorify God.
Philippians 3:20
New International Version (NIV) “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ”
Let’s all be super citizens, citizens of heaven doing the work of God.
by Stacey | May 9, 2013 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
As I write today’s post I can’t help but wonder if later today, my optimistic spirit will be crushed. You see, I am a “glass is half full” kind of girl. I always have been. But later today I will pitch my book to the publishing house I prefer. This project of five years in the making has been a source of great joy, huge frustration, and character shaping opportunities.
My stomach dances as I wait for 1:00 pm. The time of day I am scheduled to speak with my editor. The time of day that I will learn if all my work, prayers, and hopes will come to fruition.
Of course, I hope the editor will want to see the whole book, or at least ask for a proposal or synopsis Anything but the feared – thanks, but no thanks. But if I hear those dreaded words will this optimistic girl make lemonade from the shriveled dream?
Right now, I honestly don’t know. I hope so. I pray so. But the butterflies remind me of how important this is to me. How much I have invested.
How about you? How do you respond when the answer is no? Not maybe, or perhaps – giving you a thread of hope to cling to. How do you respond to a flat-out NO? How do you handle the crushing disappointment?
I’m trying to prepare. I’m trying to prepare my heart for the great possibility this publishing house might not be interested in my work. I’m trying to prepare myself for the reality that we don’t all accomplish our dreams, that sometimes those dreams serve a greater purpose. I’m trying to dwell on all the things that God has already taught me through the delays thus far and accept that maybe, just maybe, He would be better glorified in my failure than success.
It’s not easy.
But the truth is, that’s why I’m here. I’d like to think my great purpose in life is more about me and my goals, but it’s not. More than being a writer, more than being a “success” (as I define the word), I am here to bring glory to God. That is my purpose. That is YOUR purpose too.
I hope I might accomplish this purpose through publishing novels that direct people toward Him and unashamedly proclaim His name. And there is nothing wrong with this dream or the desire. And there is nothing wrong with continuing to try if this pitch doesn’t work out. But first and foremost, I am here to glorify Him in both success and failure.
So now, as I hope for victory but prepare for disappointment, may my response glorify His name. If I can do that, then a dried-up, sour experience will make the most sweet tasting lemonade.
UPDATE: I wrote this post yesterday, and pitched yesterday afternoon. The publishing house has asked for a full proposal from me – which excites me beyond belief!
