"I find myself wondering again and again what it would be like actually to live every moment of one's life with an awareness of God..." D. Allen
Showing posts with label Freedom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Freedom. Show all posts

May 19, 2012

Living in the Now: Mom's Heart, Part 3

Celebrating motherhood, I'm excited to share some perspective from my own mom.  She is a super hero rock star in her own right, and gave me the best mother's day gift this year by compiling a few stories and advice. Read more about her background here. Part 3 is my favorite, uniting our sisterhood of women. Her real life experience blesses me, and I hope encourages you.  I'll let her tell you the story herself:

As I age, I realize how important it is to be in community with other women, walk alongside each other, bear each other’s burdens, share the joys in the ebb and flow of life. I have had the amazing opportunity to have friends that are willing to be transparent with  me, to allow who I am to be accepted, and to walk together still. We are refined and strengthened by our struggles, and our trials. Our laughter and joys are multiplied when we share them (women can have so much fun together!).

I encourage women to be real with each other, to get together and work together, to love each other’s children, to serve each other, talk about what we are learning, to encourage each other in the challenges, help to provide needs. There is a richness in working together. We need to encourage each other not to be tempted to pretend we are someone we aren’t.  

March 19, 2012

Book Review: The Bishop of Rwanda

Buy on B&N $0.99
Easier not to read, but if you can summon the courage, the truth will gobsmack you right where you stand.  In 1994, at least 1,117,000 innocent Rwandans were murdered by their neighbors.  This account journeys the severe struggles of suffering, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the true heart of God.  Anglican Bishop John Rucyahana introduces, "It is my intention to show you this miracle--the miracle of God in Rwanda." 

This account has transformed my heart, finding the God Who is there (Rwanda) is the God Who is now here.  His heart towards those He loves is the same: a passionate Father, desiring truth, Giver of life, and Author of redemption.  

Bishop John's account begins with historical background, an overview of the events surrounding 1994, and centers strongly on reconciliation efforts.  His work was bestowed with the 2009 William Wilberforce Award.
This balance of perspective grants sharp clarity in your walk with God. 

"Rwanda as a nation sought God because it was desperate," Bishop John concludes, "and God answered because He is a loving God.  That is what is behind our healing and the power of our reconciliation, and it is available to the entire world.  The God who is healing and blessing Rwanda wants to heal and bless the entire world if it will but call upon Him."

"I fell in love with this country," Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, reflects on his numerous journeys to Rwanda, "I prayed, 'Lord, help me find out what You are blessing and help me get in on it.'  I think God is blessing Rwanda."

Follow this journey, and your mind and heart and soul will never be the same.


December 2, 2011

Living in the Now: True Freedom


1Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.  
Galatians5:1, The Message

An undisclosed blog on godly homemaking recently ruffled my feathers. In addressing the tiresome challenges of daily home making, they recommended focusing on others before self (good ole' "JOY" theology....), keeping your mind inside the home (no outward distractions), and set new goals (try harder).

It made my heart sad, and totally irritated, as I saw these chains of shame and bondage put on other home makers. I have believed this deception, too. If I can just work harder, if I can just think happy thoughts, I think I can fly. Oh God, forgive us for believing those lies.

Freedom is not found in trying harder, thinking about others, and hoping this discontentment will pass with business. I carry not the power to set myself free. It is only in Christ that I am free, and it is only by His grace that I can worship Him with every breath...even in the tiresome, mundane, and mostly satisfying art of home making.

God, grant me the desire to move in your grace, not of my own power.