For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to movies and shows that represent a simpler time in history.  Simpler, in the way of working at home, raising families, growing their own food.  Homes with laughter and conversation because T.V. wasn’t invented yet.  I love Little House on the Prairie and still watch the episodes on a regular basis.  Anne of Green Gables is a staple in our home and the western movie Open Range is one that Chris and I watch every few months.  It’s as if a part of me has always longed to live in that time. 

I know that things were more complicated than movies show, but it was really the heart of the home and relationship that I crave.  Working the land is good for the soul.  Taking time while cooking from scratch seems to create a deeper connection with family.  Every time I make my own bread or cinnamon rolls, I feel a centered feeling.  A connection.  A steadiness.  When I go outside and pick herbs and tomatoes that I’ve grown, I feel that same thing, coupled with a strong sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

When I was a young mom, most of my friends were always looking for shortcuts.  Shortcuts in the kitchen, time savers we call them.  Shortcuts to parenting, because parenting is hard and very character revealing.  Shortcuts into success, because having the appearance of success seems to be paramount in some circles. 

These relationships left me feeling empty, lacking, and drawn away from the still, small voice inside.  That small voice was gently guiding me…and following Him looked a lot more like a process than others were comfortable with.  So, I made concessions here and there, just to be apart of things.  I regret each one. 

What I now see is that in our hurry to rush through life, we are missing out on things that are timeless.  

Timeless things consist of sowing diligently into our children’s hearts.  Spending more time cultivating a home and less time conforming to others desires of those who won’t be in our lives long term.  Spending more time sowing into my heart.  Surrendering to God’s process for me too.  Not being so busy that I push my emotions and feelings to the side because I don’t have time to process.  This is a grave mistake.

God pressed pause on our life.  It was the most loving thing He could have done, even though it didn’t feel like it at the time.  Abrupt change and new beginnings are awkward at the time, but we create more time when we just settle in for the ride.  As a culture we spend so much time seeking the easy way that we make our journeys take longer and we create trouble for ourselves. 

I don’t want that life anymore.  I want to pursue the timeless.  You wouldn’t believe how challenging it is to rewrite the speed of your life.  To reset your internal clock takes a lot of time and effort, and consistent choices.  But it’s so worth it. 

Take time today and reflect on your days and relationships.  What are you sowing into that is timeless?

Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Ephesians 5:15-16

There have been a few times this week when I have had a certain thought.  I didn’t agree with this thought.  I knew it wasn’t from me.  But still, the thought kept coming…

“I don’t know if I can finish writing devotionals this year.”

It’s funny because I refuse to give up.  I know I will finish.  But having this thought a lot makes me wonder, why is it continuing to assault my mind?

Last night, God gave me the answer…He said, “Lisa, I am not having you write these devotionals for other people.  Yes, they bless others, but it’s more about keeping you close to Me.  I know what life will look like for you and I have you writing these to make sure you continue to be tethered to My voice during difficult times, during times of victory, during times of defeat.  I gifted you with this task to keep you close.”

Wow.  What a renewed perspective.  What a blessing!!  What a wonderful God I serve. 

I love God so much.  Only Someone so loving would nudge me to do the very thing that would force me to continually lean in and have relationship with Him.  What a beautiful moment of realization.  He desires to be close to me and will go to great lengths to continually draw me. 

This should shake off all feelings of rejection and disappointment. 

Is there something that God has asked you to partner in doing with Him?  If so, what’s holding you back?  There will be so much good that will come from it. 

If you are thinking, “God has never asked me to partner in anything with Him.”  Then I encourage you to simply ask.  Ask Him if there is something He wants to do with you that will draw you nearer to Him.  Be brave.  Be bold.  Ask and then do.

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.  Proverbs 4:18

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.  1 Corinthians 3:9

This morning I was crying out to God.  Telling Him I felt lost and wondering where all this confusion and frustration was coming from.  I asked Him where He was because I know He’s here, but I can’t seem to find Him…Then I saw Him…

God was sitting in a beautiful den.  The whole picture was inviting.  It was the kind of den you would see in castles or really nice homes.  It had shelves of books all around and a warm, cozy fireplace.  He was sitting in a really large, red armchair.  He sat and waited for me to climb into His lap.  I asked Jesus to take me to Him…then something unique happened.  I saw myself first as a little girl, then as a woman.  Jesus asked me how I wanted to be held today.  I replied without thinking, “I want to be held as a little girl would, but in my grown form.” 

I can’t tell you how often I, as a woman in her forties, long to simply be held.  Held like a child.  Held like God’s treasure.  Held in a way that melts off the cares of this world and leaves me feeling full.  I haven’t felt full in a while.  But instead of dwelling on the emptiness, I’m asking God to fill me.  To heal what needs healing and bring me back to a position of fullness. 

Fullness only comes from God.  He is my One and only Source.  He is my delight.  He is my faithful Friend.  In Him I am complete.  Apart from Him, there is nothing.

So, today I’ll crawl up into His lap and be held.  From the position of being held I head out to face this day.  From being cared for, I will care for others.

When is the last time you allowed yourself to simply be held?  Have you ever been invited to sit in the Father’s lap?

It’s time.

Time to be held.  Time to see Him.  Time to know Him better. 

God is in a constant state of invitation.  He longs for us.  Longs to be Daddy.  Longs to be known to us, even as we make ourselves known to Him.  He sees our daily struggles, and even though He knows eternity, He still validates us.  It’s remarkable.  Quite unfathomable, that the God of all creation will sit with us in our day to day lives.  He sits with us in our wins and losses.  In our struggles and confusion.  He holds us and waits for us to let it all out, then He gives us a glimpse of eternity…not so much that it would overwhelm us…just enough that we will feel consumed. 

I long for eternity.  Every day I long for it.  But for now, any glimpse He’ll give me will be enough.

My son, if your heart is wise, then My heart will be glad; My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.  Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.  There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.  Proverbs 23:15-18

The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.  Proverbs 15:33

I have felt stuck for the last couple of weeks.  Stuck in the mud.  A few weeks ago, I had some major encounters with the Lord and during that time got to speak at a church and man…it was amazing!  Then right after, an onslaught began.  Why?!

Well, I’ve given up the right to ask, “Why?” so now I’m just focusing on getting out of this stuck feeling.  It does feel as though with each forward motion I make, a shove backward comes shortly after…this encourages me because it shows that the enemy is terrified of my forward movement.  It shows me that when I’m moving forward, I’m doing so in the right direction…otherwise, I wouldn’t be facing such resistance.  Does this make sense?

I have heard it said that if you haven’t faced enemy resistance in a while, maybe it’s because you’re going the same direction he is going.  I lean toward believing that to be true.

After such powerful and life altering breakthrough a few weeks ago, I naively thought, “Wow!  Here we go!! I’m ready to move forward.”  Forgetting that it’s a one step at a time life…that is, unless God promotes me in a moment…which He can totally do.  But even then, I’ll be required to take it slow and steady moving forward in that breakthrough. 

Breakthrough, like exercises, are best done in a steady and deliberate way.  I mean, sure, I can do a hundred quick crunches every day…or I can slow down a bit and do a hundred focused and intentional crunches each day.  It’s the same amount, but the slower way will provide the greater reward. 

My life has come to a screeching halt.  I need to move forward with caution and great deliberateness, lest I fall right back into all the old patterns that God is breaking off of me.  This takes time.  That’s why not everyone will do it. 

I choose to be one of the rare ones, who will lay aside every earthly agenda in my pursuit of Him.  More of God is my main goal…it’s my “why”.  I just want Jesus.  I long for the Father.  I am so in love with my best friend, Holy Spirit.  My motivation for everything is to grow closer to them.

So, I suppose what matters today is, what will I do when I feel stuck?

I am choosing to use it as an invitation.  An invitation to press in further to God’s heart and ask Him how I can draw nearer to Him in this moment.

Have you been feeling stuck?

If so, I encourage you to use this time wisely.  Use it as an opportunity to create healthier lifestyle patterns.  Get up early and read the word.  Exercise and eat well.  These things alone, can shift your whole outlook.

A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.  Proverbs 24:5-6

Today I wanted to share some of the chunks of scripture that God has given to our family as blessings.  I want to release those same blessings over you. 

All but one of these are posted on the walls of our home in paintings.  They are constant reminders of His faithfulness. 

I believe in this season we need to remember and cling to these truths more than ever before. 

Join me now, as we read these beautiful promises… and I hope you will openly declare them over your home as well.  I encourage you to read them out loud within your home.

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.  My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.  Though hail flattens the forest, and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.  Isaiah 32:17-20

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.  But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.  Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.  Psalm 131

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him.  You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.  Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.  Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.  May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.  May you live to see your children’s children- peace be on Israel.  Psalm 128

Praise the Lord.  Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in His commands.  Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.  Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.  Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.  Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.  Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.  They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.  Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.  They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor.  The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.  Psalm 112

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.  And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.  “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.  In My faithfulness I will reward My people and make an everlasting covenant with them.  Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples.  All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”  Isaiah 61:7-9

There seems to be an ever-deepening breaking occurring in me.  I realize it can’t only be happening to me because I see one person after another speaking about a deeper work God is doing.  Every time I think we’ve reached the deepest place within me God takes me deeper.  It’s hard work.  It’s painful.  It’s humbling.  It’s so worth it.

I feel like I’m living these verses from Psalms…

Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and breakers have swept over me.  By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me- a prayer to the God of my life.  Psalm 42:7-8

I’ve decided…no matter how deep God takes me, and no matter how stretching and painful it is…I’m going to surrender.  I don’t care what others perceive about my journey; I only want more of Him.  In my younger years, it was a fear of man’s opinion and perception that held me back from so many good things.  I’m done with that.  This world has nothing for me.  I journey with God and for Him.

I often feel like I’m falling apart so I can fall into place. 

Growing up in church and school settings I was corralled just like everyone else to look and act the same.  But God doesn’t desire to be followed by unfeeling clones.  He wants our hearts.  That means He wants our vulnerability and our differences and our individuality too. 

I know that now, as I look at my children.  I don’t require them to all be the same.  No, I parent each individual child and try to help cultivate their individuality.  I adore the little differences in each of them.  I love that they are unafraid to be exactly who they are.  What a gift!! 

Likewise, God loves us all.  If He didn’t appreciate differences, then why are we all created so differently?

It’s so simple, yet we have made it seem so complex.  Our creative Creator loves our differences.    

Will you join me in the journey to the deeper places?  Will you invite God to draw you out of the “normal” and into Him?  He keeps showing me that all I’ve ever known is Egypt…and He is calling me to the Promised Land.  He showed me that that’s all my parents and grandparents knew too.  We were all raised in it.  But it’s not our lot anymore.  We are being called out.  Called into the Promise.  What a wonderful privilege!

Will you join me in the journey?

The journey to what is next for all of us.  It’s going to be stretching.  It will be new…but it will be so much better than anything we’ve ever known before. 

The One Who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.  1 Thessalonians 5:24

In this time of our family separating from the world to forge our God given path, I have noticed that the sparks of creativity have become much more abundant. 

I am raising several creative personalities.  Each of my children is simply brimming over with creative juices, and it’s exciting, but it’s also a task for me…a task to provide safe spaces for them to dabble in whatever creative venue they are drawn to at the time.  A place where they are free to fail and try again without worrying about being made fun of or criticized…I longed for such a place when I was younger.  Now, it’s my honor to allow that for my children, and by doing so, I also have a safe creative space because they have learned to honor my giftings and creative trials as well.  It’s a beautiful reciprocation.

Their creativity comes in many forms.  Sometimes, it’s writing stories.  Other times they are writing songs and asking me to provide piano accompaniment.  And on other occasions it’s art…all three of my youngest love to draw.  And some of them sing.  You know that warms my heart.  Hearing my babies’ voices mixing with the sound of Heaven is a sacred treat.  I feel God in those moments. 

I now realize that much of what was missing from my life as I grew up was creative affirmation.  I see that a lot of the emptiness I always felt was because the main outlet I needed wasn’t often available. 

You see, I must create.  It’s not just a need or want, it’s part of how I was created.  There’s a deep passion in my heart and soul that must be tapped into on a regular basis, otherwise, I become withdrawn and sad.  My children are similar. 

It has been both healing and such an adventure to intentionally create creative spaces in our home.  In the last two homes we have bought, there is a room dedicated to music and art.  What a magnificent blessing! 

God knows.  He knows what we need because He’s the One Who created us with this need.   Our Creator created creative people.  It’s such a wonderful reflection of Him in our lives. 

I challenge you to find a place this week to allow your creative juices to flow.  Give yourself the gift of creative outlet…and see what happens…I guarantee God will meet you in that space.  One sure way to set up an ambush for the Presence of God is to press into creativity!

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Genesis 1:1

From the start God was creating…it only makes sense that He’d desire our creativity as well…because we are made to be like Him.  Created in His image.

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers- all of them skilled workers and designers.  Exodus 35:35

So, God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.  Genesis 1:27

My heart has been laser focused on corralling believers toward Jesus.  Preaching Jesus.  Believing Jesus.  Trusting Jesus.  Having a real relationship with Jesus. 

It’s truly all about Jesus.

People have been deceived by corrupt teaching, from the beginning.  Let’s read this scripture…

But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.  You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the One we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.  2 Corinthians 11:3-4

Every day, it seems I come across someone saying they are a pastor or believer, then they give all this rhetoric about how they believe Jesus would be in this day and age, and they are completely misusing scripture to serve their purpose.  They even call others heretics and accuse the Truth followers of being liars.  It’s startling.  Just today, I came across a clip showing a mainstream media “news” reporter saying he grew up in the Baptist church and he never saw anything in the Bible about abortion.  Wow.  How about “Thou shall not murder”?  That pretty much sums it up enough for me.  He went even further and pompously said that those of us who are against abortion and claim it’s a Biblical principle, need to read the Bible, and he said we never read our Bibles in the first place.  Hmmm.  That’s funny, because I read mine every day…and how would he know what I do every day anyway?  But I digress.

The point is, this is no time to be passive.  We must boldly proclaim truth and stand firm in our beliefs just as scripture says…Stand firm and having done all you can, stand. 

We must stand against the teachings that pervert scripture for self-serving ideals.  We must stand firm and protect our children from the overreaching arm of the enemy that is trying to grab them at every turn.  We must be just as aggressive, or more, than the enemy is currently. 

The warfare seems to be increasing daily, even outright satanists are being hired by the president.  It’s really shocking.  While watching their blatant moves, I keep wondering, when will the church unite and take a real stand?

I honestly don’t know what it will take for the church to stand, but I do know that I’m not waiting around for anybody.  I’ll take my stand now.  I’ve been taking a stand.  We radically changed our entire lives over a year ago…the fruit from those decisions has been large and so sweet.

Taking a stand is no longer an option…it’s our only way through this mess. 

It all begins in our own homes.  It all begins with you and me.  If we can’t stand for truth at home, with those who love us, then we’ll never make it outside those walls.  We owe it to our kids to steep them in the Truth.  It’s the time.  This is the hour.

Stand.

Keep standing.

Stand firm.

As many of us observe the economy, face job challenges, are coming off of seasons of lack, and other types of financial challenges…we must remember the way to the increase is through giving.

It can be really hard to stay consistent with giving when you know it will make finances tight or even a little short, but in my experience, this is exactly when you should give.  God blesses a giver.  I truly believe that one reason our family has been able to weather this financial storm is because we gave throughout it.  Even when we had no paycheck, we kept up with our extra giving.  It’s a non-negotiable in our lives.  I may not understand many of the things happening in life right now, but I do understand the principle of sowing and reaping…and giving and it will be given to you. 

No matter what, we can all give something, even if it’s not money.  We can give time.  We can give prayer.  We can give worship.  We can disciple.  There is no end of options for giving. 

Whatever you have…give. 

Remember this- a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop.  But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.  You must each decide in your heart how much to give.  And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.  “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”  And God will generously provide all you need.  Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.  As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor.  Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”  For God is the One Who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat.  In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.  Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.  And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.  So, two good things will result from this ministry of giving- the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.  2 Corinthians 9:12

In every season I learn more and more about pouring out all of myself.  Whether in plenty or in want, I have things to offer the world…so I offer them.  I don’t need anyone’s endorsement.  I only need God to lead me.  God shows me where to go and what to do.  He prompts me to give.  Whether I’m feeding people, leading worship, writing devotionals, teaching, praying, listening, empathizing, sharing finances or sharing wisdom…I continue to give.  And I do this knowing the promise that one day…one fine day…I will reap a harvest! 

We are all headed toward a harvest.  What we are sowing will decide what we harvest, just like scripture said. 

You better believe that I will sow the very best that I have at any given moment.  I am bound and determined to have a radically wonderful harvest of joy!!!

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord.  “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.  Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.  If you will only obey Me, you will have plenty to eat.  Isaiah 1:18-19

Our culture talks a lot about honoring.  Some churches preach honor.  Honor is an important thing…but I sometimes wonder how much we really know about it.  What does real honor look like?  Because in some circumstances, honor is defined as whatever gives a person in authority the freedom to do as they please without accountability.  That may be a strong statement, but it’s been my experience.  One of my children talks to me about wanting to honor me and Chris…but if they are challenged in any way or stretched at all, then that’s out the window and their will is most important.  Still another strong, but true statement, based on my experience.  I’m convinced that sometimes we like the word “honor” more than we like the action of honoring.

It’s easy to say, “I want to honor you.”  But words are pointless when actions don’t coincide with them.  Honor, like love, is a verb. 

So, what is honor?  What does it really look like to show honor to God?

“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me.  If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you in salvation of God.”  Psalm 50:23

This scripture shows us one of the most important factors in honoring.  Being thankful. 

Gratitude, I believe, is the core principle of an honoring heart.  It’s from a position of gratitude that we find our hearts in a place of humility that allows real honor to burst forth. 

This is a season to be on our faces before God…on our knees with arms outstretched, thanking Him for all He’s doing.  This is a humbling season.  Gratitude is the way through…and this extends into an honoring attitude. 

Next step, stay on God’s path. 

Stay the course when it’s hard.  Stay the course when you have a measure of breakthrough.  Stay the course when you can’t see a way through.  Stay the course.

We are nearing very significant breakthrough on many different levels, and the worst thing any of us could do now, is give up. 

Don’t give up!!  We will make it through this season. 

The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.  Psalm 12:6

As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”  When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much.  The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.  2 Corinthians 10:17-18