New thoughts on a familiar word...

 This past Christmas a friend gave me a gift and as I opened it she said, "I know you're not much for pink, but I saw this shirt and thought you needed it." She was right...there's not much pink in my closet, but my thoughts of not wearing the shirt were connected to something other than the color. 

You see in BIG letters across the top of the shirt it said - BEAUTIFUL. Not exactly the word I use to describe myself or one I want others to read when they see me. Now I didn't mention this to my friend, but soon God had more to say to me.

Later my daughter, who loves gifts and all things pink, asked to see my new shirt. I pulled it out of the bag and she asked, "What's it say?" It was then God gave me new thoughts on a familiar word...

My focus had been on the first, large word I saw but as I read the verse to my daughter, God shifted my focus. The shirt reads: "Beautiful are those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation. Isaiah 52:7"

I'd been focusing on my and the world's definition of beautiful, which states: having qualities that delight the senses. Thoughts (some I know are wrong and God is working on) had convinced me that word doesn't describe me, but God thru His Word has reminded me of His definition of beauty. 

In 1 Samuel 16:7 we read, "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Make-up and the perfect outfit doesn't make me more or less beautiful in God's eyes, but the motives of my heart and the love that flows from it are what He sees. (Now there are times He shows me there's ugliness there too, but that's another post for another day!!)

Friend, the words on this shirt reminded me of another truth...beauty isn't necessarily based on our appearance it can be a result of the things we do. God sees the things we do as beautiful - sharing the Good News, proclaiming peace, bringing good tidings and proclaiming salvation...this delights God's heart!

What beautiful thing have you done today?? (On a side note...I have worn my new shirt and am blessed by the reminder of this beautiful conversation every time I put it on!)

How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,

who bring good tidings,

who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,

“Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7

The Question We All Ask

As I walked down our gravel road, my mind began to reflect on all that God was doing in my life and honestly I was amazed. He was doing things I never expected and at times ones I didn’t feel I deserved. I thought about the privileges and responsibilities He had given to me as a wife and Mom, along with my role on a women’s ministry team. On top of this I was in the process of publishing a book that shared the role of mentoring in my life. Personally I did not feel worthy and on that lonely, quiet country road I can remember saying to God, “Who Am I? Why are you blessing me? Why are you using me?”

Instead of an answer to my question, God shifted my thinking with the same three words as He whispered to my heart, “Jill, Who Am I?” From that point on, He’s been showing me the only way to truly understand who I am begins first with knowing Who He is and knowing Him in a personal way.
  
For years, I didn’t understand I could know Jesus in a personal way and perhaps you can relate. I grew up going to church and believed there was a God, but that was as far as it went. During that time in my life, the God I knew was a distant figure who was keeping score of all I did right and especially all I did wrong. As a child I sang, “Jesus Loves Me,” but the feeling I most often associated with God was fear.
 
In my high school and college days, I sensed God was there, but still believed I needed to earn His love and most days felt I wasn’t worthy of His approval. Though I lived with that hole in my life, I walked through most days with a smile on my face all the while hiding the hurt in my heart.
 
I don’t specifically remember asking the question, “Who Am I?” but I know it was part of my inner struggle. As a teen and young adult, I battled with depression and loneliness, two trials that God eventually used to draw me to Himself. Through a series of events and some fellow members of God’s family, God revealed Himself to me in a powerful and personal way.

It was then, in my early twenties when I took the first step to really answering the question that we all ask. The only reason I was able to start this process was because I finally realized where the answer was found. My appearance, ability, behavior, accomplishments, friends, family, success, effort, nothing but God Himself could define who I was.

And friend the same is true for you! How have you answered the question, “Who Am I?” Let me encourage you to look to God for an answer to your question! I'd love to hear the answer He's given you!!



   

Busy Hands

On Christmas Eve, the pastor shared a statement that has come back time and time again. He said something like, "If your hands are busy patting yourself on the back they can't be raised in worship to our Lord." These words made sense and I accepted his challenge - at one point in the message he encouraged us to stop thinking this would be a good message for so and so, but instead accept the message for ourselves.

In the weeks that have followed I have spent time thinking and praying about this very thing...how do I pat myself on the back? When am I tempted to do it? Naturally God has taken me to the area of pride and I'd love to share a few verses with you -

I will break down your stubborn pride. (Lev. 26:19)

A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. (Prov. 29:23)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Through this process of God doing exactly what He says He will (see Lev. verse above), I looked up the definition of pride and found this - a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

Pride isn't something that's just portrayed by our actions or through boastful words, it can be a thought in our mind. One others may not see, but one God knows is there.  

As I've thought about this topic, I've simplified the definition of pride - focus on self, and during this time of searching my heart, God's added to the phrase our pastor shared. 

I'd been reflecting on the year that had passed and found myself focusing on the things I didn't get done and the goals I never met. I was disappointed and convicted, but after a bit of time I was also feeling condemned. As I allowed my heart to go from embracing the much needed conviction to drowning in the condemnation I heard many familiar phrases - "You'll never change. You're not good enough. What do you have to offer?"

A day or two passed and I found myself revisiting my notes from the Christmas Eve service and silently heard myself saying, "Well, I'm not patting myself on the back." (As I type I realize that's a prideful thought right there!) Then I heard a quiet whisper from God, "But Jill, you're so busy beating yourself up, you can't lift your hands in worship either." 

Honestly at the moment I felt like I'd been beat up by the hand of God, but friend, sometimes I need that and really I couldn't argue with the statement He had made. The way my hands are busy (patting myself on the back or beating myself up) is irrelevant, but the fact that they are is critical. 

Friend, you and I were created for a purpose...to worship and glorify the ONE who created us. Pride all too often gets in the way as we focus on ourselves and take credit that isn't ours. But thru this process I've been reminded of a quote from Susie Larson, "Insecurity is a form of selfishness" and I believe it's also a form of pride. When I, or maybe even you, worry about what others will think and doubt what God can do we are focusing on our selves, we are being prideful.

Will you join me in using our hands for what they were created to do? Let's keep our eyes on Him and lift are hands to Him...I truly believe He will provide the encouragement (pats on the back) and discipline (beatings from the front) we need!

 

To call or not to call...

The other day I was reading a book, the one I wrote, and I was struck by these words, "I didn't want to be a burden." I stopped and thought to myself, "Why do I always feel that way? Do I see others as a burden to me?"

Honestly I don't know the answer to my first question, but I don't think I see others as a burden. I treasure the people in my life, enjoy spending time with them and am grateful when I hear from them.

The thought I read on that page is one that's often run through my mind...perhaps you've felt the same. You long to talk with someone, but you're afraid to pick up the phone because of your fear of bothering the one who will answer your call. Or maybe you need some help but you neglect asking because everyone is busy and you don't want to be a burden.

In the days following my thoughts about these words I was feeling a bit disconnected and kind of isolated. I'd sent a few emails and left a couple of voice messages, but hadn't really talked to anyone. Then for 3 straight days in conversations with friends I heard, "When is a good time to call you? I don't want to bother you." "Thanks for calling...I never know when to catch you." "I know you're busy and I don't want to be a burden, but if you have a minute..."

By the time my third friend said this I got the point God was trying to make. My friends are NOT a burden or a bother to me. I appreciate them asking about my schedule and not wanting to interrupt our day, but I love hearing from them and value our conversations. As I looked at things from the other point of view, I thought about the moments I've been the one sharing the famous line. Chances are I don't bother my friends and neither do you.

I thought about this and came up with a question: What motivates me - the fear of being a burden or the joy of blessing another? I hate to admit all to often I'm motivated by fear and often miss the joy. How about you? The thing is in our fear of burdening another we're often only burdening ourselves...as we neglect connecting with others we force ourselves to walk alone and carry our burdens by ourselves. I know how I feel when I hear from a friend or am asked to help...grateful, encouraged and blessed! What if someone feels the same when I'm the one asking or calling?

Friend, as I thought about all of this God took it a step further and took the title of this post and made it personal - "Jill, what about the moments when you decide to call or not to call Me?" I wish I could say that was never a dilemma, but I'd be lying. There have been moments when I felt the same...God's busy, I don't want to bother Him with this.

As He reveals the truth to me about my friends He's reminding the same is true for Him. He wants to hear from me, and you. He is never too busy and no problem is too BIG or small. He commands us to ask, seek and knock. Will you join me in doing just that today?

Ask and it will be given to you; 

seek and you will find; 

knock and the door 

will be opened to you. 

Matthew 7:7

Words I Wanted to Ignore

Earlier this week I found myself reading in Jeremiah, chapter 6 specifically, and when I got to verse 16 I stopped. These are the words I read:

This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find REST for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
(Jeremiah 6:16)

The words about rest are what initially caught my attention. Days prior Wendy Blight had shared about this topic and it was something I found myself digging into. Rest was something I wanted and more so it is something I need. How about you? Christmas has passed, the breaks are over and we're back to routines...ones that often involve busy, overloaded schedules that leave me, maybe even you, longing for rest. 

The other day when I came across this verse I decided I wanted to share it with a friend. I was typing it up and found myself surprised at how this verse ended...honestly I was tempted to leave the last line off. The words, "But you said, 'We will not walk in it' just didn't seem to be very encouraging. 

As I paused and contemplated my decision to edit scripture (that's another post!), God used the words to do exactly what I thought they couldn't do. He encouraged me...and convicted me.

You see I'd been feeling a bit down, discouraged and distant, nothing major but I was not experiencing the rest this verse refers to. So in my attempt to share God's Word with another, He used it to speak to my heart. 

I read a verse I'd typed for another, but God pulled it apart for me and whispered to my heart. "Jill, numerous times throughout the day you stand at a crossroads - Do you get upset over another mess or do you pause and ask for patience? Do you seek approval from others or find your worth in Me? Do you rush thru Bible reading and cross it off your list or do you cherish moments spent with Me? Jill, you know what to do, but do you choose to do it? You understand I AM the Way, but do you follow Me? Daughter the choice is yours...remember the last line of this verse, I don't want your response to be the same."

Friend, the next time you stand at a crossroads I pray you will remember this verse as well, specifically the line I wanted to ignore! 

Christmas Greetings

                                                  “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
                                                           Let earth receive her king;
                                                  Let every heart prepare Him room…”
 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Yet again another year is about to end…it seems the time has quickly passed, but looking back I’m reminded much has taken place.

Jesse (1), our baby, has learned to walk and is starting to talk; our Jed man (3) has mastered potty training; Jaylyn (5), our little girl, has started kindergarten; Joy (7), our big girl, now plays basketball and J.D. (9), our oldest, left the country! (He enjoyed a fishing trip to Canada with Job.) There’s also been daily laughs and smiles along with some tears and a few fights, but all in all 2012 was a wonderful year for all of us! We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas as the year comes to a close.

As the big day approaches we continue to prepare - it started with the tree and decorations, next comes the baking and Sunday School program and I always seem to save the shopping for last. But the other day in the midst of all this preparation, that is both enjoyable and overwhelming, I was reminded of the most important prep work I must do - prepare Him room!

Years ago at the 1st Christmas, shepherds and wiseman took quite a journey to see Jesus, the One we celebrate. But this year we don’t have to leave the comfort of our home…instead Jesus comes to us.

He says to us, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Rev. 3:20)

This Christmas if you hear Him, the “birthday boy”, knocking we pray you’ll answer the door. What better way to celebrate than spend time with the One who is the Reason for the Season!

We hope this Christmas finds you blessed and enjoying time with the ones you love! We pray all your prep work is a success and trust as you make room in your heart for Jesus, He will fill it with JOY!

                                                                                                 Merry Christmas and God Bless!
                                                                                                           Love The Beran’s


                              May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,
                                  so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit. 
                                                                        Romans 15:13                                                 

Are you ready?

"Are you ready?" seems to be the question of the week...everywhere I go people are talking about the up-coming holiday. The one some have been preparing for for months. The Christmas ads start in October, the decorating begins in November and much takes place in December.

We decorate trees, buy gifts, wrap presents, mail cards, bake cookies and the list goes on. There is much to do to prepare for this celebration that commemorates the birth of Christ. It's good stuff. It's fun stuff.

But with Christmas 5 days away and a blizzard taking place outside my window, it's feeling more like stressful stuff. I still have gifts to buy and cards to mail, but since travel is not advised in Iowa...that won't happen today. And really that's OK; all month long I've been asking God to help me focus on the real meaning of Christmas and keep me from being overwhelmed with the busyness of the season. He's answering that prayer.

This morning He also opened my eyes - Christmas isn't the only thing I need to be ready for. The prep work I do for the celebration of Jesus birthday is important and serves a purpose, but there's a more important day to be ready for - Christ will come again.

I was challenged this morning to think about how much time and energy I devote to getting ready for that big day. Honestly, I don't work as hard or do as much to prepare for that as I do for Christmas. And the thing is if I don't get everything done by December 25th, chances are pretty high I'll get another try next year.

But friend, preparing for Christ's return is something we can only do once. There are no second chances.

So today as you bake cookies or address cards, can I encourage you to think about what you are doing to prepare for Christ's second coming. Perhaps you have sin to confess, a relationship to restore, a friend to forgive or maybe you need to accept Christ as Savior and declare Him your Lord.

Think about this: Be dressed, ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. Luke 12:35-36

The question of the month really is a question for life! So ask yourself today, "Am I ready?" I pray your answer is YES!!