Your Love Never Fails

08/29/2011

I can’t promise I’ll post everyday this week. We’re heading into a storm…

Your Love Never Fails
by Chris McClarney

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes
But, You have new mercy for me everyday
Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night
but joy comes with the morning

And when the oceans rage
I don’t have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water’s deep
But, I’m not alone here in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails

The chasm was far too wide
I never thought I’d reach the other side
But Your love never fails

Thank You Jesus, thank You Jesus, ooh

You make all things work together for my good

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“Am I struggling with infertility?”

06/23/2011

Alternate Title: Why We’re Foster Parenting

I’ve been asked this question a few times lately in regards to our foster parenting motives and we suspect many other people are wondering (or making assumptions) but not asking. So, here’s my answer: no.

I know this an be a sensitive matter to some people so I’ll tread lightly; this is just my personal position on the matter. There are two parts to that phrase “struggling with infertility.” I’ve haven’t, in recent years, been tested for or officially diagnosed with any reproductive problems. I suppose some people would consider not getting pregnant after a year of “not trying not to”—as we like to put it—to be infertility. I have no use for this label as I’m not interested in treatment for this problem… because I’m not treating it like a problem. Either I get pregnant or I don’t—Jason and I have chosen to leave that up to God. We are completely at peace with that. So am I struggling? I hope it’s obvious that I am not.

There were times last year when I struggled a bit. After medically preventing babies for a decade, letting my body “reset” to it’s natural rhythm was interesting. At times I thought I had it figured out and I could control what would happen. Other times I was frustrated and bewildered. With my husband’s gentle urging I chose to really, fully let go of control of this area of our lives and trust God with it.

That was about a year ago. At that point, I never would have guessed that Jason and I would now be on the cusp of becoming foster parents. It just wasn’t on our radar at all. We figured we’d have a couple babies, build an addition on to our house, then maybe adopt a little girl from China. Or something along those lines. I can see how it might look from the outside like we’re substituting foster parenting for infertility treatment. After all, becoming foster parents certainly was part of the bursting of my perfect life plan bubble. But desperation to have children, it is not. God had other plans for us. If I had gotten pregnant right away, I probably wouldn’t have been interested in considering adoption or foster care at the point when God opened our hearts to the need. Somehow that little seed grew into a passion.

Honestly, I’m so busy with everything else going on in my life right now that I really couldn’t care less whether or not I get pregnant. Sure, if it happened we would be excited and happy. But if it never happens, that really is A-ok with us. What I’ve been learning—and believe me, I’m not all the way there yet!—is that this really isn’t about me and what I want. This, this life (marriage, family, work, friendships…) is not all about me getting what I want. As a Christian, if I want God to use me for something big, it’s essential that I grasp this concept. Foster parenting for Jason and I is not about “getting” kids because we just want to be parents. It’s about kids that need some adults to step up and be parents and to love on them. A couple of artists from East Nashville that like gardening and thrift store shopping just might be the perfect fit for some kiddos going through a really rough patch in their young lives.

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On the Precipice

03/24/2011

Have you ever been on the brink of something huge and felt simultaneously excited and inadequate? A couple weeks ago Jason and I made an important decision about our future. I feel without a doubt that it’s the direction God is leading us — it’s something that’s been in our hearts for a long time but lately has been stirred up to the point that we can’t ignore it. Immediately after the decision was vocalized and we were in unity about it, I started getting overwhelmed with fears about my shortcomings and worrying whether or not this is something we’d be able to pull off. As Christ-followers, we recognize this as a spiritual attack. Obedience with passion and excitement to move forward is met with resistance in the form of fears and concerns. I tossed and turned that night, wrestling with my thoughts.

The next morning, I cracked open my short daily devotional book, Jesus Calling. It is a 2 minute read of encouraging words from the prayer journal of missionary Sarah Young. What it said on March 11 is exactly what I needed to hear that morning to squelch the burning feelings of inadequacy that had plagued me the night before:

“Walk by faith, not by sight. As you take steps of faith, depending on Me, I will show you how much I can do for you. If you live your life too safely, you will never know the thrill of seeing Me work through you. When I gave you My spirit, I empowered you to live beyond your natural ability and strength. Thats why it is wrong to measure your energy level against the challenges ahead of you. The issue is not your strength but Mine, which is limitless. By walking close to Me, you can accomplish My purposes in My strength.” (based on 2 Cor 5:7 and Gal 5:25)

I’m sharing this hoping it will encourage someone else as much as it did me (not just to make you wonder what’s going on with us.) I can’t reveal what it is yet; for now we’re still holding it close as we figure out the next steps. (Hint: I’m not pregnant. I know some of you were thinking that.) If God has put you on a precipice with a view of what’s ahead, be strong and courageous! Though I may not be capable of what will be required of me, I know that He is with me and He will make me able.

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Prayer Shower

02/10/2011

Last Monday Jason and I gathered around his brother Dan and his wife Ginger along with 7 of their closet friends to give them a baby shower. Not the gift kind of baby shower—we’ve already done that—this was a prayer shower. We all went around and prayed blessings over their baby girl, the upcoming birth, the new parents, their home and gave thanks for the gift she is and will be to our community of friends and family. It was relaxed and informal but a really special time for the parents-to-be. (I didn’t take any pictures that night but here’s another one from the maternity shoot two days before.)

Have you ever hosted a prayer shower or been to one?

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Posted by mahlbrandt

No Luck, part 2

08/19/2010

Because I don’t believe in luck or fortuity or superstition, I decided that it was important for me to cut it out of my vocabulary. I’m not trying to make doctorine out of this or say that you should do it. I feel that God convicted me about it so I am responding.

If you are interested in cutting superstitious language out of your speech, here are some replacements I’ve come up with. If you have other suggestions, I’d love to hear them in the comment section below.

lucky = blessed
luckily = thankfully
fortunately = thankfully
unfortunately = sadly
any luck? = any success?
good luck! = blessings! or God bless you!
cross your fingers = pray or hope
not in the cards = just don’t be pessimistic all together … or at least say God is in control, God knows what he’s doing
I have bad luck = I feel stuck in a rut
fingers crossed = hopeful

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No Luck, part 1

08/18/2010

Luck is a funny thing. Wikipedia defines Luck or fortuity is a belief in good or bad fortune in life caused by accident or chance, and attributed by some to reasons of faith or superstition, which happens beyond a person’s control. I firmly DO NOT believe in luck or fortuity or superstition. I believe in a Holy God who is in control of everything in the universe and everything that happens does so because He allows it or prevents it or causes it. God’s sovereignty is bigger than chance. (See Proverbs 16:33)

I’m kind of disgusted with how often I hear Christians say “good luck,” “fingers crossed” or “knock on wood.” Once I even saw a friend say, “I guess it’s not in the cards.” What?! I know it’s such a common part of our language that people are saying these things without realizing what they mean. But seriously people, think about what is coming out of your mouth.

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Restoration: Why He Did What He Did

04/02/2010

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A few notes from John Ragsdale‘s sermon on Restoration at Grace Church Nashville on 12-06-09. If you want to hear the whole message you can find it here.

“He [Jesus] did not go through what He went through so you and I could just go to heaven.”

The only thing the lamb had to do was have its blood drained out of it. All they had to do was cut the lamb’s throat. That’s all. They didn’t beat the lamb and kick the lamb. And spit on the lamb and put thorns in the lamb. They didn’t rip its wool out.

So why did Jesus go through all of that?!

So you and I could step back into our rightful relationship with the Father. He allowed the anger of the Father to be taken out on Him so that you and I wouldn’t just stand here and say “I’m going to heaven. Hallelujah.” or “I’m not going to hell, thank God.”

No – He did all that so you and I could be restored back to our rightful relationship with God. And then not only that we would be restored but that we would in turn begin to restore everything around us back to the way God made it in the first place.

…

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. … But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3a,5

Whole passage of Isaiah 53. Really good stuff.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Today is Good Friday. I’m celebrate what Jesus has done and continues to offer us as a free gift. We don’t do anything to deserve it but He offers us a clean slate and restoration. Thank you Lord!

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God is good! And why I don’t get away with anything.

02/25/2010

I did something to my shoulder two days ago. Not sure what but it was definitely nerve related and hurt intensely. It probably happened from swinging my backpack into the trunk before work …

Anyhow, I was really wanting to not make a big thing of it, not draw attention to it, not tell anyone, not let it distract me … but yet, in all my attempts to do that, it was distracting me bad. Real bad. All day.

I made it until 8:00 pm without saying a word. Then I reached across the table for my Sprite at the Listening Room and winced at the take-my-breath-away pain. I succombed to temptation and I opened my mouth.

Me to Jason: “I really jacked up my shoulder. It’s killing me! I don’t want to make a big deal of it, though.”

I don’t know if it’s our 10+ years together or his super observant nature or his prophetic gifting (probably a combination of all 3), but he can see right through me.

J: “Ya know, there is a difference between saying you’re not making a big deal about something, still worrying and obsessing about it in your mind, and actually not making a big deal of it.”

I couldn’t help but smile. I knew I was pegged. He knows me better than I know myself.

J: “I’m not saying you’re doing that. I’m just saying —”

M: “I love you.”

J: “Don’t you mean, I hate you?” It’s hard being the messenger. Can you tell I usually react defensively?

M: “No, I love you because you don’t let me get away with anything.”

Driving home, I was praying about it. I decided if I was going to stop thinking and obsessing about it, I needed to fully give it over to God. I trust Him to take care of all of my needs big and small, including stabbing shoulder pain, but sometimes I need to confess that I’ve been letting it burden me and release it to Him. I think I prayed something like this:

God, forgive me for letting this become such a distraction for me. I’m handing it over to You. I trust You with it.

Instantly, the pain went away. Hallelujah! I have faith but even I was pretty surprised!

Then I made a wide right turn and stabbing pain took my breath away again.

Ok, I need a reminder. Something I say every time it hurts to refocus and remember that I handed this over to God. … How about “God is good!” Because He is good. Even when I have pain. He is still good!

So that’s what I did and have been doing for the past day and a half. The pangs of pain have been getting progressively less frequent. But when they hit, I proclaim “God is good!”  And whether the pain stops or not, that is what I will keep doing. It’s amazing what a difference it makes for me to say-try-attempt to not do something and to actually resolve to hand it over to my God who is able to do immeasurably more than I ask or imagine.

You don’t have to believe me if you don’t want to. You may be carrying secret burdens and letting your thoughts be consumed by your situation, even while holding it together on the outside. I just wanted to let you know there is another option.

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“Worry makes you sound like an atheist and look like a coward.”

10/26/2009

worrylady

Worry is self-focused, self-centered; it’s about self-preservation. It’s an obvious lack of trust in God’s provision, his Word, his truth. As a follower of Christ, if you’ve accepted Christ into your life, worry is a sign that you are too full of self. Jesus requires us to die to self.

“He must become greater; I must become less.”  John 3:30
“To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Worry opposes hope. Jesus is hope. It makes sense for those without Christ’s power to worry. Living with the fruit of the Spirit is often irrational, illogical and unnatural. To be filled with the Spirit of God is to be exude HIS love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. It’s not something we can manufacture. We can’t just try harder. We need more of Him and less of us. To have peace and faith and joy in the midst of a storm or facing an unknown is only possible through the Spirit,

Christ in you is the hope of glory! Colossians 1:27
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

If we choose to worry and focus inward, we make the enemy’s job so easy. He doesn’t even have to do ANYTHING. We’re choosing our human nature, rejecting all of the hope, faith, and freedom that Christ died for. Jesus didn’t die just for us to be able to go to heaven when we die. He was beaten and crushed for us to have life ABUNDANT now, not just after we die. He died for us to have life and forgiveness and freedom from iniquities and emotional & physical healing NOW. Don’t cheapen what He did by only accepting part of His gift.

“The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
He was pierced for our transgressions [all Christians believe that], he was crushed for our iniquities [simply dying would have saved us from our sins], by his wounds we are healed [most Christians don’t believe this] Isaiah 53:5

Worry makes you look like a coward because you act as if you are powerless. If you know Christ, if you know his Word, you should know the power of the Living God and the authority we have through Jesus. Worry makes you look like an atheist. When you worry, you look just the rest of the world; like you believe there is no God, like there is no reason to have hope for things unseen. Christians, we should know better!

“Hope that is seen is no hope at all.” Romans 8:24
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

On August 9th I twittered the title of this post, a quote from Pastor Lindell from his sermon on “The Test of Trust” about Abraham. Someone I don’t know, @LilHappyHeathen, replied “How are atheists worried?” I never had a chance to respond because I always forget to check my twitter responses. I hope this clarifies. It’s not that atheists are worried, it’s that Christians who worry are denying God. It’s not circular.

key: direct quotes, paraphrase, [interjections]

If you want to find the Lindell Cooley’s podcast from 8/9/09 on trust and worry, try this link to subscribe through iTunes. If that doesn’t work, search for Lindell Cooley podcast in iTunes.

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