Simplify Part II

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

God has been whispering the same word to me for months. Simplify. Last fall, it began with purging possessions; donating all those things that I was holding on to just in case I need them later, and blessing others who need them now.

But that wasn’t enough.

God continued to whisper, “simplify.” As I’ve been seeking Him over the past two weeks during the fast, the whisper turned to a shout. SIMPLIFY. And this time it wasn’t possessions. It was my schedule.

Like Craig talked about this weekend, I too bought into the idea that more is better. My days and weeks and months were filled. Filled with play dates. Filled with opportunities to minister to other women. Filled with time responding to emails. Filled with ministry. Even though each of these things is good, God was telling me to cut back.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

I was doing a lot of things. But I wasn’t doing them well. Every area of my life was getting shortchanged. Because I was spread too thin. I was not able to do them with all my heart. I was not able to do them with the fervor that those in my life deserve, that the Lord deserves.

So, once again, I simplify my life.

Instead of filling my days with play dates, I will be filling them with hours of intentionally pouring into my children. Instead of ministering to several other women, I will be ministering to just a few. Instead of spending time responding to emails, I will be spending time with my husband. In this season, my family is my ministry, and I desire to work for them with all my heart.

What is God telling you to cut back? How can you simplify your life?

Heavenly Father, thank you that you speak to us. Thank you that you see areas of our life that need to change, and love us enough to reveal them to is. Lord I pray that we have teachable spirits, and that as you show us areas of improvement, we walk in obedience, regardless of how difficult it is. I love you Lord.

A New Day

“I know I still make mistakes, but you have new mercy for me everyday. Your love never fails.”

-Your Love Never Fails, Jesus Culture

The new year often brings new beginnings. Lists of resolutions and promises of doing things differently. I love the energy and hope of having a fresh start, the beauty of a clean slate. But we don’t have to wait for a new year. As children of God, we are not bound by worldly time. Although New Years is a time when we are more aware of new beginnings, every day has the same potential.

"The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:22, 23

What an amazing God we serve. A God who gives us the opportunity for a new start every day. A God of grace, who loves us where we are. A God of hope, who sees the beauty and potential in us. A God who is faithful, when life is unsure. A God who is unchanging, when the world waivers. A God who is merciful, when we are overwhelmed.

Today is a new day. Today is a day for a new beginning. Today is an opportunity to see God’s faithful love. What is going on in your life that you need to lay down before God and receive his mercy?

Heavenly Father, you are good. You are faithful. You are gracious. You are merciful. Thank you that you know the depths of me and love me anyway. Thank you that you will walk along side me as I lay down anything in my life that doesn’t glorify you; because I know Lord, that I can not do it by myself. Thank you that every day Is a new day with You. I love you sweet Jesus.

Verse for the Year

As the year comes to a close, and a new one is about to begin, many people have New Year's resolutions on their mind. While I have several goals for the upcoming year as well, my “verse for the year” is what is pressing on my heart.

I got the idea from a sweet friend. She begins seeking God as the year comes to a close, asking Him what truth from his word He would have for her for the upcoming year. I loved the idea! So I too began asking Him what verse He has for my life in 2012.

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NLT

"In Hebrew, the word ‘generosity’ literally means to saturate with water, a symbol of life -- to overflow in a way that brings life to people." Amazing. Through giving, we can bring life to others. Not just through financial generosity, but by being generous with our time, with our prayers, with our wisdom.

As the new year approaches, I encourage you too to seek God. Enter 2012 expectant and ready for what God is going to do in you and through you. What is His verse for your upcoming year?

Unspoken Prayer

There she stood on the porch with a platter of cookies. I couldn’t believe it. I suddenly felt overwhelmed by just how good our God is.

He is our provider. He knows our needs. He is faithful.

It was the last day of the month. We live by a strict budget, which means that sometimes at the end of the month I’m putting together very creative meals. But on this day, in addition to creative meal

planning, I was also supposed to provide dessert for a potluck. Unfortunately the cake I baked that morning was a complete flop, and I was left with an empty pantry and no dessert.

But there she stood. The answer to my unspoken prayer. The proof that God does provide. A beautiful example of how He uses us as vessels of His goodness in others’ lives.

While two dozen cookies may not seem like a lot to you. To me they were a loving hug from my Maker. They were a soft whisper that He truly does know and care about my needs, big and small. They were an opportunity to praise Him.

“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” Matthew 6:32.

He knew that I had a need. A need that I was stressed about, yet thought was too insignificant to pray about. But it wasn’t insignificant to Him. He cared about my need because He loves me. Because He knows my innermost being. Because He is good.

What needs do you have that you think are too insignificant? What are you stressed about?

Know this sweet sister, nothing is too big or too small for our God. Go to Him. Trust in Him. He knows your needs. He cares about your needs. He loves you.

Heavenly Father, I am in awe of you. In awe of your ability to know and care for each of us. In awe of your unwaivering, faithful character. In awe of your endless love and provision. I praise you Lord.