Faith – Page 3

Tuesday Encouragement From A Working Mom

March 29, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Work 2 Comments

This week has been way overwhelming for me. Like, WAY. Like, over the top kind of WAY. I legitimately left work yesterday with my heart racing and had to say some major prayers in the two minute ride from my office to daycare to get the kiddos.

Thankfully the Lord heard my prayer and did some major work in all of us so that we could have a calm night last night.

As I got in the bed, before 9 p.m., mind you, I pulled out my Bible. Where do I turn when the world is just too much? When the weight of “all that I have to do” is enough to make my heart race? When the days are hard and the work is overwhelming. When the kids are screaming banshees on the 15 minute ride home.

I read God’s word.

Matthew 11:29-30: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

My burdens at times seem incredibly heavy. And the yoke around my neck, insanely tight.

He calls me to loosen my yoke and to lay down my burdens…surrendering all to Him.

So as I crawled into the bed, totally exhausted, I pulled out my Bible and opened to Proverbs. I just needed to be in His word after the incredibly hectic day I had…but I recognized that I also need some help with parenting.

A few weeks ago our Pastor talked about the difficulty of parenting. And yes, we’ve had some really difficult nights over the last few months {I think R is over the whole nap-taking thing…}, which has kept us on our knees, and almost brought me to tears a few times. But when our Pastor talked about parenting…he referenced the Proverbs as a great tool for parents.

Side-bar: Last night R was actually very good for me. I think partly because his daddy {who was working late} called and told him he needed to be “a good gentleman for momma”. So that was his mission.

So last night I actually had 2 Bibles…maybe my brain would absorb it faster… Bible

Appropriately enough, and to prove Dr. Estep’s point, chapter 1, verse 1 of Proverbs says, “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight.”

Yep. That’s why I’m here…in Proverbs. To gain wisdom and instruction and to understand insight…from God.

I mean, if there ever was a manual for parenting, for being smarter, for being wiser – hello? It’s right here…it even says so.

I could camp out in chapter 1, verse 7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

I seek knowledge…wisdom…grace…and…love. All things that are of the Lord.

I may be in Proverbs for a while…

Totally unrelated, but I’ve wanted to share this best thing R has said to us today/lately: Singing Row, row, row your boat…he says, “…merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, like it’s butter dreams.” His personal take on the lyrics of “life is but a dream.”

Good night dear friends. Find rest for your souls in Jesus.

The Garden, The Curtain & The Cross : An Easter Book

March 25, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith Leave a Comment

The other night I shared with y’all the treats I picked up for the kids’ Easter baskets this year. At the end of the post I mentioned that there was one more book that I had purchased for R & EJ, and was going to share with y’all tonight.

This is it:

020 I love the caption at the bottom: The true story of why Jesus died and rose again.

Like any good book, you must start at the beginning…

In the garden, with Adam and Eve.
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You know that part…they had everything that was perfection.

Then, the snake came on the scene and temptation was not squashed.

There was the great “fall”. Now sin abounds and there was no remedy.

Fast forward a little, to when Jesus was born….he lived a perfect life for us.

Then, as Reynolds would say, the “bad guys” got him and put those nails in his hands and that crown of thorns on his head. And hung him on a cross, between two thieves, to die.

It’s such a great little book, reminding us of the curtain in the temple…and how on that fateful day, it tore! 022

HE gives us access to the Father. “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – 1 John 14:6

And again, like any great book, there’s a perfect ending…the invitation to be with Jesus & God forever…all because of what Jesus did for us. 023

How fitting that I didn’t get to post this last night as originally planned, but rather, tonight on Good Friday.

He is the Savior of the world. The perfect lamb of sacrifice. He is our Intercessor and greatest of friends. He is the one who makes all things new. Who washes me white as snow, taking away all of my sin.

Happy Good Friday friends. I pray your Easter is full of joy and exultations for the One who gave it all.

This Week : Holy Week

March 21, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Life Leave a Comment

Happy Monday, dear friends!

Today when I picked up the kids from daycare, the board in Reynolds’ room noted that they started talking about Easter today.

As we sat down for supper tonight Andrew and I asked him some questions.

He knew the answers. He knew that there were nails driven into Jesus’ palms. He knew that there were “bad guys”. He knew that Easter is about Jesus {sorry Easter bunny…}.

Andrew made a point to tell R that Jesus dying on the cross was for him, for you, for me. He did that for us.

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This is the start of Holy Week…well, technically it started yesterday with Palm Sunday.

This is one of the most important times for those of us who call ourselves “Christian”. It’s the week we remember all that Jesus went through, including the last supper, Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, the unjust accusation, and His death on the cross.

If you’re still not reading She Reads Truth, I entreat you to participate in this somber, yet glorious week. Pastor Russ Ramsey is providing a real-time summary of the weeks’ events. As believers in Christ, this is a week to be fully immersed in what He did for us.

The sin of the world and all its weight was upon Him as he hung on the cross.

Will you join me in walking through Jerusalem, into the Garden of Gethsemane and up to Calvary?

A Blog About Socks

March 8, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Life 3 Comments

I love sharing with y’all the real life conversations that are had in the Lucas home. For example…I was running thru this entire blog post in my head tonight as I folded the massive mound of clothes that covered our bed. And as I was coming up with what I thought was a great idea, and grabbed the camera, the peanut gallery walked in. The peanut gallery in this example is none other than the hubs, Andrew. He says to me “Um. Are you writing a blog about….socks?….because that’s weird.”

…………………………………………..

I am even more determined to write a blog about SOCKS now, Burn. :)

He has spurred me on toward good things.

So here’s where I was with all of that before the peanut gallery chimed in and made me think twice about my post.

First thing this morning I was reading my devotional from SheReadsTruth – the Lent study. And I was reminded about the Israelites and their grumblings against God. And yet, He provided for them….their every need. And I’ve thought on that all day. How I grumble about stupid stuff…all day long. And yet, He provides for my every need.

Last night at the end of my short post, I encouraged you all to encourage someone today. I had the honor of enjoying coffee with a friend this morning and happy hour with another this evening {that never happens, like ever, y’all.} and I thought about how incredibly blessed I am to have been encouraged by these sweet friends. How, though my friendship tank has been close to the empty line, today’s events took me to overflowing. He provided for that need.

And then tonight, as I walked into our bedroom and saw that massive mound of clothes that needed to be folded, I thought about that first post I wrote about finding joy in the laundry, not grumbling about it, but rather, finding joy in it. And as I sorted things out, this one pile of socks just kept growing and growing and growing. And while socks can seem like the thorn in my flesh → why are there ALWAYS socks MISSING?!, I pondered this little mound. {←notice the adjective went from massive to little…} 008

In the mound are: Andrew’s dress socks to wear to church and a job that he has been incredibly blessed in, especially this year. And athletic socks…for him to wear mostly on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons when we’re having family or play time.

Then there are Reynolds’ socks – our son who, though he is coming into his own “type A” self, has a huge encouraging heart and is crazy protective over his little sister.

Next are Eliza Jane’s socks, the daughter that shocked me with her speedy delivery, serious face and sneaky ways…she will be our trouble-maker or the class-clown…

Then there are my socks, the athletic ones, for which I am thankful to be able to get up so early in the mornings to walk on the treadmill and do those things that get my heart and soul ready for the day.

I pondered all the socks. Without the husband or the kids, there would only be my socks. Without the blessing of his great job, there wouldn’t be so many dress socks. Without the kids, there wouldn’t be the fun, colorful socks that somehow end up everywhere {in the car, under the sofa, in my purse…}. Without all of these amazing blessings, there wouldn’t be any socks. So why grumble about there being so many socks? They are a blessing.

That’s my post on socks…hope you enjoyed it. :)

Sharing

February 27, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith 1 Comment

As a blogger who shares about my faith, I know that there are times when you just feel the Spirit’s leading, you sit down and before you know it, you’ve written a post that is far beyond yourself.

My sweet friend Whitney over at Southern Hope contacted me earlier this week, with something heavy on her heart. And a leading from the Lord that she couldn’t contain. She’s written an incredible heart- and soul-felt post that will tug at your heart.

She and her husband left the Mormon church last year. And she’s sharing all of what she’s discovered in her post this morning. If you know the Savior of the World, you will fall more in love with Him. If you don’t know Him….in entreat you to introduce yourself… Whitney’s overwhelming joy and love will show you how easy it is to know Him. Here’s her post: A Belief in the Savior of the World… Please take a moment to read it and offer her your love and support.

Monday Mornin’…You Gave Me No Warnin’

February 8, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Life, Work 5 Comments

Today was one of those days where a warning might have been really helpful. Just at any point. Any kind of warning. Maybe, something, that in bright lights said >WARNING! DANGER Ahead!<

Well, maybe not danger, so to speak, but just warning that things weren’t going to go as “normal”.

I started off my morning reading a hymn in my SRT app. I rolled back over in bed to close my eyes for 10 more minutes {dang, you SuperBowl for keeping me up late last night!}.

Somehow we all got out of the house on time and to school and work on time.

But then it was like I entered the danger zone.

It’s just busy. Everything at work is busy right now. That word is sometimes overused, but for today, it was right on track with what went down.

My workload today was higher than normal. I got some news that threw me into a little turmoil for a bit {nothing bad about me or anyone else – just sent me for a loop}. The tire on my car was flat but Andrew was so busy at his hotel that he couldn’t meet me at the tire place to get it fixed so I’m on a donut. A meeting ran late so while I waited to go in for my part, I was so hungry my stomach was eating itself. I was tired…like really tired. I wanted a coke so badly, but this dang wellness scorecard challenge prevents me from drinking one {no, I’m not bitter about it..}.

Then, just as I was accomplishing one task and feeling like I was coming out of my funk…the skies went dark, the wind was hurling and it started to rain.

About that time I also got a text. My sweet friend who is working on my new logo texted…and basically said that my website crashed as she tried to upload it.

It was one of those things that I was just kind of like, ok. Now what? So I sent out a few texts and let the people who know what to do, do what they do. And I just kept going…knowing my site was going to be down for a few hours.

But I had to turn to Jesus.

Bethel worship is my new thing. Some of you have probably loved their music for years, but I’ve just recently discovered them. I closed my door and I turned it up. I needed to drown the thoughts crowding my mind. The thoughts and feelings of defeat and that I was being beat-down.

And this song came on and it spoke VOLUMES to my heart and soul.

God I Look To You:
God I look to You, I won’t be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You, You’re where my help comes from
Give me wisdom; You know just what to do
Chorus:
I will love You Lord my strength
I will love You Lord my shield
I will love You Lord my rock forever
All my days I will love You God
Bridge:
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns forever all my days
Hallelujah

I said a prayer to not be overwhelmed, because, if I am truthful with you, I was. Totally and completely. I texted two friends and asked for their prayers. Everything just seemed like too much. My wild imagination was probably running a little too wild at that point. And things were seeming a lot worse than they really were…

So while the clouds had rolled in, literally and figuratively, the wind swirled outside my window…I praised the Lord.

Then, as always…the clouds gave way and the sun came out. Literally and figuratively. This afternoon as I rose the blinds in a window of our work area, while it was still dark…the sun came back out. And the young guy who works near that window sent me a text with the sunglasses emoji to let me know that the glare had returned to his computer screen. ;)

Hallelujah our God reigns. Forever!

My new logo is close to being ready for going live…thanks again to everyone who “voted” last week when I gave you all the four options. I’m terribly excited about it and a few other things this friend is working on for Camellias and Copper.

Now to share with you a picture I captured last night…when I was blogging about my disappointment in the Super Bowl halftime show…and R was supposed to be in the bed…Andrew was sitting next to me on our bed, holding my hand. R came and sat between us, saw his daddy’s hand on mine, and stuck his right next to it.

I almost melted into a pile of melted mush. Holding hands

The hands that hold me…the ones I see and the ones I don’t see, are many.

Love to you all this really cold Monday night.

Posting From My Heart : All My Love, All My Life

January 18, 2016 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Life Leave a Comment

My girlfriend Sheri sent this video out to a few girls in our office last week and I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit since then.

This young couple about to get married has an incredible opportunity to be made over to see what they might look like at ages 50, 70 and 90.

Can you imagine?

Young, vibrant, excited individuals ready to be married.

Seeing themselves how they might look at these ages, after so many years of marriage. To ponder on the things they might have experienced together in all of those years. The trials, the joys…the ups the downs. The for betters and for worses. For richer and for poorer. In sickness and in health. To love and to cherish from this day forward…

The joys that overcame them in the thinking of what could have happened in all the years from when they said “I do” to when they were sitting there, side by side in their 90’s. What an incredible gift!

To think about how madly in love you are with your boyfriend/girlfriend at the time when you get engaged and then get married and how you’re so vested in each other….

To get there, that same place when you’re 90 takes undying love and commitment. A will to hold on to each other and not let go. To never look at the grass on the other side and for one second think it’s greener in that pasture than where you currently stand.

To know that the green grass, the REALLY green grass gets love and attention by its caretaker… If you don’t “water” and tend to your own marriage, it, like the brown field dies and withers away…

Valentine’s Day is just a month away, and while I love a good excuse to be silly and do fun things for my loves {Andrew and our kids}, it’s not the only day that I/you should make special for the one that you love.

The couples that are still together at 50, 70 and 90 don’t become ordinary. They don’t become strangers under the same roof. They pour into each other. They remember what it was like when they first fell in love. They spend time together talking, listening, laughing and loving. They forgive even when they don’t feel like it. They don’t give up when times get hard.

I’m reminded of course of 1 Corinthians 13:

“If I speak…but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” Who wants to be that or hear that, anyway? “Love is patient, kind, not boastful or proud. It is not self-seeking{!!!!}, it is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil…Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s so much bigger than that. Love is all of the things listed above: kind, patient, protecting, trusting, hoping, persevering… You are love to your spouse, your kids, your friends and strangers when you are these things.

Of course we will stumble, we will fall and we will fail along the way. I will lose my temper and act like a maniac at times when I don’t get my way. But if the majority of the day, weeks, months and years, that I can be these things like patient, trusting and persevering and kind, I win, we win, you win.

Your spouse and your kids will know that they are loved and cherished always.
All My Love, All My Life

And Lord willing, I’ll get to see what Andrew will look like when he’s 90. Those eyebrows…

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