Ode To My Bed

There is nothing else like it, my bed. Not just “a bed.” My bed. A sweet haven after difficult hours on my feet. The place where I crash at the end of my long, LONG days.

Lately, I have been neglecting my bed’s true sweetness…collapsing asleep late into the evening and waking up in the early hours. I miss sweet summer days when I would lay beneath my big, cloud-like comforter as I watched the sun rise. The sunrays trickled their way through my window and danced on my light pink walls. The shadows of the trees stamped their imprints on my vaulted ceiling, and I melted deep into the warmth of my polka-dotted sheets. I could feel my hair sticking out in all directions, and I love that. Bed hair is good hair. There is something so sweet about it. And in it, He delights in me. Now THAT’S love. 

Anywho, I have never considered those blissful mornings “lazy.” They were refreshing, preparatory, and quite tranquil.

Now, I’m awake long before the sun has a chance to greet my pillow-smashed sleepy face. I have much on my mind as I quickly make my bed and pile the pillows onto its surface. I’m sad about that.

There is something so important about taking the time to merely rest. It’s such a Jesus-created idea. He beckons from Psalm 116:7, “Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” There should be no guilt in finding pleasure in stillness; delighting ourselves in the gift of absolute peace. Mornings of cozy calm after the sun’s arrival, making homemade breakfast, and not. scheduling. anything. There is a certain level of discipline in nothingness (funny how that works).

Find a day once a week (at least) where this is possible. For His Servants, He promises refreshment when we seek Him in stillness.

“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:9-11)

Did you hear that?! We should strive to rest so that we can better obey Him! Sleep and stillness help us better serve Him and His Kingdom! Oh, the joy!!

So in short, buy those pillows, that duvet, and THE comforter. Invest in a sweet haven for your soul and body. And in those mornings of the drifting coffee scents and rising sunbeams, know that you are covered by a grace and peace beyond what you feel.

“DELIGHT yourself in the Lord….” (Psalm 37:4)

(One of my fav views.)

Teen Wifeology

I'm frustrated. Late on this Thursday night, I sit here at the kitchen bar with a bag of pretzels and a whole jar of strawberry jam.

I'm sad with relationship chatter. I'm sad with hearing my girlfriends being sad with singleness. I'm sad with the world's low values and high expectations.

One might tell you it's most definitely "ordinary" to feel this way as a teen girl. But gosh golly, if there's one thing I hate in life, it's "ordinary."

So, I've gotta break a fact to you. If you're a single gal out there, you're practicing pre-wifeology (wifeology: the state and practices of a married woman).*

* -me

And you have been. 

Today, yesterday, and tomorrow, we're practicing the state of wifehood.

How I wish all girls knew this... YOU'RE PRACTICING BEING A WIFE! RIGHT NOW!

In my mind, I've been pondering what it means to live out Biblically-centered teen wifeology. 

So, here goes. The gut-honest not-so-pretties.

1. Discontentment is Inevitable.

WOAH, GIRL WOAH. 

No, it's true. On this earth, we will never reach a point of absolute, never-shaken contentment. The difference comes in the action resulting from the feelings. When times of discontentment and longing come along, as they do so frequently, we have to check it. Repenting in prayer, seeking His peace, and searching for replacement thoughts in His Word is where the Biblical wife-in-training (and present wife) finds her satisfaction.

2. You are a WOMAN, not just a DATE.

I once heard a quote..."I would die for you, but I will never live for you." It's so on target. Ladies, if we base our lives around a boy at any time, we've lost the focus of Jesus' intent for marriage (to give us a physical, tangible experience of His love for the church--NOT ONE PERSON). Our delight will never be satisfied in a man. Learn to find the balance and boundaries that are necessary to create this difference.

Speaking of...

3. Know your boundaries.

Whether in a relationship or not, know what you can and can't stand. Don't watch a certain movie or read a certain book if it prompts a desire that cannot presently be fulfilled. If you doubt it, don't do it. Find accountability. Be honest. Speak up. If something makes you uncomfortable, girl, you run to counsel. You will mess up. It happens. Learn from it and don't make light of it.

4. Respect Authority.

The way you presently submit to your parents, teachers, and coaches is instilling within you the characteristics of an obedient wife.

(Side Note: An "obedient wife" is not a "pushover wife"-- she is a woman who respects her husband's God-ordained ultimate say with love and trust.)

In a culture that puts such high value on rash feminism, this point can be extremely "controversial." God has placed great emphasis on the vastly different, yet harmonious, role of man and woman within marriage: male as leader; woman as helpmate. Colossians 3:18 provides a great start to biblical study on this idea.

5. Embrace the "I."

Once the ring goes on the finger and you are "Mrs.," things change. You won't be able to travel as freely, gather as regularly, and dash so readily. The years of singlehood are chances to discover who and what you are in God's grand plan. Man, it's grand. Don't miss it while dreaming of the "we." It'll come soon enough. Just ask your Mama.

6. "That guy?" (Yeah, well, he's someone's husband.)

Treat every young man you meet and know with respect and intelligence. This includes your dress, speech, body language, and motives. Watch your mouth. Cover up. Don't laugh at that joke. Protect him like you would your brother. Treat every guy like you want your future lifemate to be treated. It'll save lots of heartache, temptation, and recovery. Plus, it's Biblically-solid (1 Peter 2:17), which alone takes the cake for importance.

7. Don't Be Naive.

Not everyone is as genuine or innocent as you think they are. This isn't said to instill doubt or criticism, but to serve as a warning. Look twice. Wait before you speak. Don't count on something that appears too good to be true.

8. Invest in the Stickers.

Boys may come and go, but girlfriends are forever. Don't waste time on petty guy drama and miss out on the fun and spontaneity of galtime. It is so refreshing, rewarding, and long-lasting. Building those "bridesmaids relationships" are what this chapter is all about.

9. Let Your Character Speak.

Be the young woman whose standards are unquestionable. Be hard to get, but don't do it in play. Rise above today's circumstances and live in Truth. Distinguish yourself, but not for yourself (big difference). Live in righteousness.

10. Cover Him.

I saved my favorite for last. 

You cover your husband in prayer. You intercede for his salvation, purity, character, relationships, family, and safety with tenacity. Keep a notebook of prayers for and thoughts of him. Never doubt God's provision in his or your life. Don't rush things. When you live on your knees, God is faithful to bless your desires and mold them to His will. Paths will converge in perfect time. Keep walking. Keep praying. Love him from afar.

I love my husband. I love him deeply and with a passion unique to this phase. And in this chapter, I want to do everything I can to make our marriage the best portrait of Jesus we can live.

You and I will make mistakes. He will make mistakes too. But through prayer and biblical discipline, much heartache is saved and trust is built.

His hand is upon your husband, and His hand is upon you. Don't doubt for a minute that He doesn't care how you feel.

You are so loved, and you are so beautiful in His sight.

Don't settle, don't doubt.

When you can, read Proverbs 31, asking the Lord to cultivate the fruits of a biblical bride in you today.

Art & The Christian

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11

The author, most likely King Solomon (aka the wisest man to ever live), was very specific in his wording of this verse.

"He has made everything beautiful."

Everything.

Man and woman. Sky and ground and water. Bird and fish and mammal. Foliage and marriage and reproduction. Joy and laughter and chocolate. 

From God's heavenly perspective, everything is within His grand plan (..."according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will..." Ephesians 1:11). The things He has created are perfect. In their organic nature, there is no flaw.

However, not everything stays or feels beautiful. This is where we return back to Ecclesiastes.

"He made everything beautiful in its time."

How can everything be beautiful?

Divorce is not beautiful.

Prostitution is not beautiful.

Abortion is not beautiful.

Murder is not beautiful.

Rape is not beautiful.

Communism is not beautiful.

Bullying is not beautiful.

Cancer is not beautiful.

Terrorism is not beautiful.

Persecution is not beautiful.

These subjects are corrupted versions of the beautiful ideas Christ gave us in the Garden.

So when do these things become beautiful? 

_______________________

This past week, I sat in the Arts Center auditorium when a young boy approached me. After some small talk, we started discussing our Creator.

"Why does God allow evil and pain?"

This sweet boy sat looking at me with such expectation.

I pondered my answer which seemed to strike him between the eyes. His brows furrowed in concentration.

"God allows evil and pain because we need Him. We desperately need him. In Genesis 3, the original humans got to a place where they thought they didn't need him. So they chose disobedience. They chose sin. From there on, evil was thrust into the world to show our dependent nature upon something greater than ourselves. One Man, one Spirit, one God who rescues us from us. Because we will pick sin. Every time, we will pick sin."

________________________

These situations become beautiful when we realize we are depraved. We are dependent. God loves (as in, the present tense loveS) us so much that He allowed evil and pain to draw us to Him. They are consequences, yes. But consequences are given to contrast what is right and good and lovely.

I realize that all of this is quite provocative. Sin as beautiful? 

In their time....

Divorce is not beautiful; marriage is.

Prostitution is not beautiful; purity is.

Abortion is not beautiful; new life is.

Murder is not beautiful; forgiveness is.

Rape is not beautiful; peace is.

Communism is not beautiful; righteous leadership is.

Bullying is not beautiful; friendship is.

Cancer is not beautiful; health is.

Terrorism is not beautiful; intelligence is.

Persecution is not beautiful; comfort is.

For every bit of evil in this world, there is a "Garden of Edem" antonym...a concept to describe how God intended this world to be.

God's redemption covers all things.

Deuteronomy 30:3-6 reads, "God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he'll have compassion on you; he'll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered. No matter how far away you end up, God, your God, will get you out of there and bring you back to the land your ancestors once possessed. It will be yours again. He will give you a good life and make you more numerous than your ancestors. God, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children's hearts, freeing you to love God, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live." 

Please, please, please do not miss the actions underlined. God is active on behalf of the hurting, on behalf of His children. 

He makes everything beautiful in time.

__________________________

Art does not always look beautiful. Art is created to make one feel something-- experience something. Art is made to reflect something greater than what is in view. Art is a mere replication. It is a physical compilation of a concept either far away or near and dear to what you know.

If art makes you laugh harder or hold tighter or love stronger or cry louder, it is fulfilling its purpose.

Art is to reflect.

Therefore, authentic Christ-followers should never be afraid of art. 

They should be thrilled by it. 

Plunging ahead, grabbing their medium, and setting forth, the Christian should viciously seize his canvas and madly create.

His work need not be labeled "Christian." 

(Phew, yeah, that was a risky statement)

But it will always reflect One greater than you and me.

My music and my dancing and my acting are not mine. I am just a medium. 

The Author of humanity has given me my abilities so He can use me. He holds me in His hand and He paints. And once the canvas is filled, He moves on to a larger canvas. The larger the workspace, the more risky the project. I come in contact with more colors. I am required to paint more, work harder.

And as my project grows, He whispers, "To whom much is given, much is required."

My work is never complete. I am always increasing in canvas size. Sometimes I know how close I am to completing, but other times, I just work with my head down...determined to make it lovely.

Occasionally, I feel the Creator's grasp tighten. Other times, it rests lightly. 

But it's always there.

So, I am moving on to bigger canvases. Some people laugh and say it's not possible that I will thrive--or even survive.

But I am called. And I know it. And I feel the Creator's hand rest upon the art he has let me take part in creating.

I am so honored. Oh, to be a part of what He loves.

Others invite me to work with them on their art. I feel my Creator's nudge to keep working on what He has ordained. Not all art is of Him.

I'm sure your canvas looks differently than mine. But its beautiful. Even when it looks awful, its getting there.

He makes everything beautiful in time.

___________________________

The second half of Ecclesiastes 3:11 reads, "He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to end."

We cannot fathom what He has done from beginning to end. His art is continually building, never ceasing, always making beauty from ashes.

We are to unabashedly join him on this ride from beginning to end. 

And one day, all of your pieces will be completed. 

And then you shall see fully.

And He shall say, "It is good."