The Fruits of the Spirit

How He Loves Us

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:17:00 +0000

This week I am thankful for all the reminders God gives us each and everyday that He loves us and cares for us. The people He places in our lives, the world He has given us, the "little things" that let us know He is very real and loves us so much.

Here's are just a few of things that come to mind:

* the 2nd and 3rd and 4th hug from my daughter before we part each morning

* the contagious laughter of my son

* the unexpected phone call from my husband in the middle of the day... calling just to say "I'm thinking of you"

* a sunny day

* the bird chirping outdoors when I wake in the morning

* the warm hug from a friend when you need it the most

* spring flowers blooming in the middle of fall (yes, we've gotten so much rain here the last few weeks that, along with warmer temps, a couple of bushes in my yard have started to bloom!)

* a quiet evening at home

I could go on and on... If we will only take the time to slow down and pay attention God shows us His love and His goodness each and everyday. It doesn't have to be something "big" or "deeply meaningful". It's there in the little and sometimes unexpected events of each and everyday.

How has God shown you recently that He loves you?

To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week, visit Iris at "Grace Alone...".

WHY?

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

My mom sent this to me a week or so ago. There is such a great message here for each of us. So often we don't understand why. But, God does know why and we can be assured there is a reason and it is for the best. We may never know "WHY?", but God does and He has it all in His mighty and powerful and loving hands.

Have a great weekend!
_______________________________________________________________________

We all wonder many many many times over WHY?

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.
"Yuck" says her daughter..
"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!"

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

He Lifts Me Up!

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:29:00 +0000

This year in Vacation Bible School our kids learned this song by Audio Adrenaline. Can I just tell you that it is a wonderful thing to see a sanctuary of children singing "I get down and He lifts me up!" at the top of their voices?! An added blessing? My kids have continued to sing it at home since then!

This week I am so thankful that when I get down that HE lifts me up! And, I'm thankful that my kids are learning this wonderful truth at such a young age!

To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week, visit Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:30:00 +0000

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
Psalm 139:13-18

We live in a world that so often tells us that who we are is because of what we do, what we say or how we look. But, look at these words from the book of Psalm... what I read here is the exact opposite.

God formed us. He created our inmost being. God purposefully created us JUST THE WAY WE ARE. He loves us JUST THE WAY WE ARE. In fact, we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". It doesn't matter what we look like or what we do. Regardless of any of those things, we are wonderful in God's eyes.

God knew before He created us exactly what we would do and how we would look. He knew every single one of our days. And, yet, He still loves us.... JUST THE WAY WE ARE.

How about the next time we find ourselves finding fault with how we look or other similar things, that instead we remember that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made"? How about we remember that we are the person God created us to be? How about we remember that God loves us and it is only His desires to which we should attempt to aspire?

Looking Beyond the Surface

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

A few years ago my department at work went thru many changes. One of those changes was bringing on a number of consultants to work with us on a large project. They are all a great group of people to work with, but in the beginning there was one man in particular that really bothered me. In my dealings with him (which were few) he seemed to be condescending (both to me and our clients) and he could be rude and inconsiderate. I wondered more than once why he had even been hired... an hour on a conference call with him would make me want to pull my hair out!

However, just because I didn't care for him didn't mean that I didn't have to work with him. At times this proved difficult, but I hung in there.. finally reaching the point where I was determined to make it work even though I was convinced that he was the one with the problem (never once thinking that my perception might be "off").

Over time, I have found that what my intial opinion is actually not true at all. He is very knowledgeable about his job and how to get it done, he has a great sense of humor, and our clients really like him and respect him. Totally different than what I thought initially, huh?

You see, I failed to recognize several factors early on when I first began to work with him. The project we were working on was high stress with long hours and unreasonable deadlines. And, the time that I actually spent working with him amounted to maybe one conference call a week and a few emails here and there... hardly enough to really be able to determine what a person is really like, right? Plus, how many of us react in a negative manner during times of high stress and long work hours? Any one of these things could have make the best of persons react in a negative manner at times.

I was discussing this with my husband earlier this week and telling him how wrong I had been in my initial feelings. How I felt that I should have been alot more open to the situation from the beginning... maybe "giving him a break" due to the nature of the project at the time. Maybe being more open to the fact that management did make a good call when hiring him even if I couldn't figure out why.

As we talked I remembered something that our pastor had shared with us in church on Sunday. He has been preaching a series of sermons on the Apostle Paul. In looking at the life of Paul, he shared the following that was in a 'Dear Abby' column on December 19, 1981. It is a great reminder of how we so often only look at the surface, the labels, and not the person. It is a great reminder of how we should look at people more like God might.

DEAR ABBY: One of the toughest tasks a church faces is choosing a good minister. A member of an official board undergoing this painful process finally lost patience. He'd watched the Pastoral Relations Committee reject applicant after applicant for some fault, alleged or otherwise. It was time for a bit of soul-searching on the part of the committee. So he stood up and read a letter purporting to be from another applicant.

"Gentlemen: Understanding your pulpit is vacant, I should like to apply for the position. I have many qualifications... I've been a preacher with much success and also some success as a writer. Some say I'm a good organizer. I've been a leader most places I've been.

"I'm over 50 year of age. I have never preached in one place for more than three years. In some places I have left town after my work has caused riots and disturbances. I must admit I have been in jail three or four times, but not because of any real wrongdoing. My health is not too good, though I still get a great deal done. The churches I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities. I've not got along well with religious leaders in towns where I have preached. In fact, some have threatened me and even attacked me physically. I am not too good at keeping records. I have been known to forget whom I have baptized.

"However, if you can use me, I shall do my best for you."

The board member looked over the committee. "Well, what do you think? Shall we call him?"

The good church folks were aghast. Call an unhealthy, trouble-making, absent-minded ex-jailbird? Was the board member crazy? Who signed that application? Who had such colossal nerve?

The board member eyed them all keenly before he answered. "It's signed, 'The Apostle Paul.'"

(AUTHOR UNKNOWN Submitted by the Rev C. W. Kirkpatrick, Ludlow, Mass.)

Thankful for the Seasons

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:36:00 +0000

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There are many seasons that we go through as part of our life on earth. Happy times, sad times, times of growing, times of need, a time as children, a time as parents, teachers, friends, and on and on.

There truly is a time for everything.. a time for all these seasons. And, if we choose to live our lives fully, following the Lord and seeking His will, we will find each and every season (yes, even the difficult ones) to be well worth the journey. For, even in times of difficulty, if we are looking to God we will grow and mature and move forward to times that are all the more joyful because we made it thru that difficult period.

Tonight, I am thankful for the many seasons of life that God has given to me and for the ones that lie ahead. With God leading the way, while they may not be all be easy, they will be well worth the journey.

To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week, visit Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".

Wherever We Go

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
Psalm 139:7-12

Have you ever felt alone? Afraid? Hopeless? If so, reassurance can be found in this passage to the promise from God that we are never alone. God is never far, but always right alongside us each and every day.

That doesn't mean we will always feel close to God. However, when we feel like God isn't there, it's not because God has left our side. He doesn't turn away... it is us that turn away. It is us that makes it feel as if God is far away. It is our decision to no longer seek God, put something else in a place of greater importance, or just determine that God cannot or will not help us.

Regardless of any of that, God stays with us. He never leaves and he never gives up. No matter where we go or how far we may run... He is always with us. Even when we purposely run away from Him, He is still there. He patiently waits for us to turn to Him and allow Him to comfort us, to bring us peace, to shine His light in our life and make it whole.

He is ALWAYS with us WHEREVER WE GO.

God's Amazing Grace

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Ever since I was a young child I have loved the hymn "Amazing Grace". If possible, I grew to love it and appreciate it more after this arrangement by Chris Tomlin was released several years ago. The message in this song is so powerful... there is so much to be found in the amazing grace we are given by God! His grace saves us, releases us from chains of this earth that ties us down, and truly sets us free.

The Gift of a New Day

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:42:00 +0000

Last week was “one of those” kind of weeks at our house. On Sunday Josh started running a fever. Monday night I came home feeling sick. On Tuesday, Josh seemed better so went back to school, but that evening after dinner began running a fever again. Later that night, Jeff came in from a meeting sick, Wednesday Josh and Jeff were both sick with me trailing close behind (well enough to help them, but still not up to par), Thursday was more of the same with Friday being a bit better as Josh was able to go back to school and I went on to work. Jeff finally made it back to the “land of the living” sometime Friday afternoon.

Abby was the only one in the family that remained healthy (lucky girl! And, YES, she was quite the trooper in dealing with all of us being sick!). As I’m sure many of you know, though, when the healthiest person in the house is just 5 yrs old, it can be a bit challenging! :)

I, unfortunately, do not fare well when I’ve had little sleep and it just gets worse when I am also sick. So, by the time Josh came down to our room about 2:00am Thursday morning needing some snuggle time ‘cause that ‘ole fever wasn’t letting him sleep much, my weary body was about done in. Of course, I didn’t let it stop me from jumping up (okay, maybe more like rolled out of bed SLOWLY) and snuggling up with him first on the sofa and then back in his own bed until he fell asleep.

However, once he had fallen back asleep and seemed more comfortable and then I discovered that I couldn’t get back to sleep, I started to feel myself giving in to the sick and weary feelings. I wasn’t sure I could get up the next morning and do it all over again…. get Abby moving and on to preschool (I figured she would have more fun if she kept with her normal routine instead of hanging out with all us sick people), take care of both Josh and Jeff, keep a few of the most important household type things going, and also try to rest myself.

Of course, being so tired and not feeling well, it felt so much worse than what it really was, but those were my feelings at that particular point in time.

Morning did come and I did get make it thru Thursday and on to Friday. And, by the end of the day on Friday, Jeff was feeling well enough to pitch in and help so I could get more rest. (On Saturday, he also took both kids on a scout camp trip so I could have the house to myself to rest and re-coup... pretty neat guy, isn't he? :) )

As I went about my day on Thursday it struck me how much better I felt than I had in the early morning hours. Yes, I was still tired and, yes, I was still not feeling well. However, gone were the feelings of “How can I keep on moving?” and “How can I take care of all of us on my own?”, etc.

It was alot like the days when both my kids were babies and I’d be up with them all night… nights feeling so very tired and knowing that I had to get up the next morning and keep going on regardless. The time after I had gotten them back into bed and they were sleeping was always the hardest. Many times I was unable to easily go back to sleep and I would lie in bed feeling so tired and knowing that life was just going to keep on moving… regardless of how tired I was, I had to find a way to get up the next morning, take care of those sweet little babies, plus the many others things that I do in the course of a day. No matter how awful it seemed in those early morning hours, it was always MUCH better once I got up and got moving the next morning with the sun shining and the world alive around me.

It reminds me of how God takes our lives and turns them from lives of darkness to a life that is filled with light. He takes our fears and our frustrations and turns them into incredible and joyful journeys. He takes our darknesses and turns them to light. Every new morning we experience is a true gift from God… the gift of another day with our loved ones, the gift of a new day with a new perspective, the gift of a new day to be lived for HIM.

God's faithfulness in on display every single day. Every new morning is a gift from God, and a sign of His eternal presence. Lamentations 3:22-23

How about you? Have you experienced similar situations where you found the dawn of a new day brought about a new attitude and/or perspective for you? Do you see how God works in your life to make the darkness become bright again?

He Knows Me

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:58:00 +0000

"O Lord, You have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O Lord.

You hem me in -- behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain."

As I read over these scriptures from Psalm I'm sitting in my very quiet house... no noise except for the sound of the rain outside my window. It's just me this afternoon... the kids are at school, Jeff is out working. I'm home for the day trying to give myself a little TLC as I think my sweet Josh shared a not so sweet virus with me over the weekend. :)

While I read these words from David I am particularly touched (along with a bit in awe) of the fact that God knows me so very well. Even as I sit in the quiet of my bedroom with no one else physically in this room with me, HE IS WITH ME. He is right here beside me, he knows the words I will type, the thoughts I will share. He knows my heart, my intent, my desires.

In some ways, it is a bit scarry. After all, I don't even know what I will do 15 minutes from now. And, the thought that I might know is a bit.. oh, I don't know... a bit like something from The Twilight Zone.

Oh, but let me very quickly say, God is not a part of The Twilight Zone... His ways are so far from anything like that. And, while many of this world may feel that the "concept" of God is a bit "Twilight Zone-ish"... we that call Him our Father know Him to be the exact opposite. We know a Heavenly Father that knows us so well that He knew -- before we were even created -- what we would look like, the things we would do, and who we would choose as friends. He knew the many good things that we would do and He knew the many bad things we would do. And, regardless of what He knew, He did not hesitate to give us life and He does not hesitate to love us exactly the way that we are. He does not hesitate to call us His own.

As I try to soak this in and understand the enormity of it all, I feel a bit like David must have felt as he wrote the words in verse 6 -- "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain".

Reign In Us

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Reign In Us
sung by Starfield

You thought of us before the world began to breathe
You knew our names before we came to be
You saw the very day we fall away from You
and how desperately we need to be redeemed

Lord Jesus
come lead us
we're desperate for Your touch

Oh great and mighty one
with one desire we come
that You would reign that You would reign in us
we're offering up our lives
a living sacrifice
that You would reign that You would reign in us

Spirit of the living God fall fresh again
come search our hearts and purify our lives
we need Your perfect love we need Your discipline
we're lost unless You guide us with Your light

Lord Jesus
come lead us
we're desperate for Your touch

Oh great and mighty one
with one desire we come
that You would reign that You would reign in us
we're offering up our lives
a living sacrifice
that You would reign that You would reign in us

we cry out for Your life to revive us cry out
for Your love to define us cry out
for Your mercy to keep us
blameless until You return

oh great and mighty one
with one desire we come
that You would reign that You would reign in us
we're offering up our lives
a living sacrifice
that You would reign that You would reign in us

My Desire

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Wishing you all a blessed day in the Lord. May we all have the desire to give Him our hearts above all else!

A Request

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:08:00 +0000

This evening I'd like to just take a few minutes of your time and ask if you would join my family in prayer. It's been a week of excitement and a start to new adventures and also a week of great sadness. If you feel led, would you please remember these in your prayers?

Tonight, probably as I am typing this post, my sister and her family board a plane that will take them to Prague where they will be serving as missionaries. They are so excited as they begin this new journey. And, while we will miss them while they are away, we are so very excited for them, as well, and very proud of them as they follow the Lord's calling into missions.

On a much sadder note, my uncle passed away late last night. This followed a long summer full of a number of medical issues, not the least of these being pancreatic cancer. If you would please keep my aunt in your prayers, along with the rest of the family. As well, many of us will be traveling next week for his memorial service.

Through it all, we will continue to praise the Lord. We know and are so thankful that He is here with us and will guide our days... regardless of whether they are filled with excitement and laughter or with sadness and grief. How truly blessed we are to serve a God that we are able to praise regardless of the storms we face!

We appreciate all your prayers... they mean more than you will ever know. Love you all!

Thankful to be Part of a Living and Loving Legacy

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:43:00 +0000

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how God leads us thru life. How if we listen and if we follow there are so many good things. Along that road we will encounter difficulties, painful situations, and times when we are just not comfortable with what is happening. We never know where it all will lead, but we do know that if we let Him, that God is in control and that He knows best.

Along these same lines I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the legacies we build and we leave as we move on thru different points in our life. This leads to thinking about the legacies that I have seen started and put in place for me and my children and their children and so on. I then begin thinking of my parents and my grandparents and all that they have given to me over the years. The love they have shown, the examples they have set, the people that they are. It is around this topic, that I find my “thankfuls” for this week.

I am thankful for my parents and my grandparents. I have never doubted their love for me or their support. No matter what I have done or where I have gone, they have been right there with me.

I am thankful to have been raised by parents that loved the Lord and taught us the importance of following Him in all that we do. Last week, I wrote this post about a lesson that I learned from a situation as a teenager. I wrote about how the words Dad shared with me at that time have stayed with me and helped me to grow and to recognize how God works in our lives. I’ve also shared this post about a time Mom helped me in a similar manner. One time among many when she reminded me how much God cares about me and how much He loves me. I could fill pages with similar stories of the times my parents took opportunities such as these to lead and guide my sisters and I to the Lord. Through their love for God and their love for us, they have given us a rich and powerful legacy by which to live our lives and to raise our own children.

In that post last week, I also briefly joked about Dad being my youth minister. I don't know many minister's kids that DON'T joke about it a little bit or have a funny story or two to share --including Dad who is a preacher's kid himself and has shared a few funny stories with us over the years :). Truth is, regardless of what our parents do, as teenagers we probably all have moments when we'd rather be anywhere else but with them. A fact I'm not crazy about admitting and one I'm not looking forward to as my kids get older, but a fact it is... all part of growing up... part of spreading our wings and trying to find our independence. Regardless of all of that, I can also say truthfully that, while there were moments when I wished his role might have been different, I was ALWAYS proud of him for what he did. He taught me alot about how to lead, how to serve, how to respond with grace in difficult situations, and how to fully rely on God. I am thankful for all of it and am quite proud to be a minister's child!

I am thankful for the many and varied roads the Lord has led me down thru the course of my life. I don’t think we should live in the past, dwell on it too much, or focus on regrets… what’s done is done and I really think God wants us to live for today. However, I do think it is important to remember the past and to remember the lessons we have learned along the way. It is important to recognize how God worked in our lives in particular situations and the ways in which we have grown. I, too, thinks it's important that we share these with others. It's part of our witness and our testimony to the world.

In closing, I am so very thankful for each and every lesson taught, every story shared, every wise word given, and every prayer said on my behalf as I have walked this journey of life. All of this makes up a rich and worthy legacy of which I am proud to be a part of and sharing with my children today!

To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week, visit Laurie at "Women Taking a Stand".

How Do You Relate?

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Do you find that you sometimes have a hard time relating scripture to your own life? After all, it was written many years ago when the culture was different, the laws were different and the lifestyles were different from those of today. When there is no direct correlation or common ground, it does sometimes present a challenge, doesn't it?

For example, in the book of Colossians you will find the following passage of scripture --

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching -- like those who are strictly people-pleasers -- but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions. Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. Colossians 3:22 - 4:1

We find in these verses a different culture altogether than the one we live in today -- that of slavery. The laws of our land today do not allow for slavery. None of us are slaves, so we can't relate to the lifestyle. It is altogether different than anything we know. So, how do we read this and apply to our lives today?

As I was recently studying in the book of Colossians (and this passage in particular), I found the below 3 steps presented in my study guide ("Cappuccino with Colossians", by Sandra Glahn).

#1 - seek to explain what the author meant when writing

#2 - determine what part of God's character is behind practices that apply to all believers for ALL TIME (i.e., "timeless truths").

#3 - apply the timeless truth to your own situation once you know what's transferable.

Now, taking these three steps, here's an abbreviated version of how Ms. Glahn broke apart this passage of scripture to find how it relates to us today.

It's safe to say that when writing these words, Paul's meaning was to tell slaves to obey. In any culture where Christians are owned, they should certainly obey rather than to murder or steal. However, just because slaves should obey, this doesn't necessarily lead to us applying this today to our lives as "Employees, obey your employers." The situation is still different. Employees do not live with their employers as slaves did. Also, slaves where usually not allowed to leave their jobs with their masters. Today, we are legally able to leave our place of employment. While we can draw some conclusions about how to act in a position of lesser social power, we must be sure we understand where the differences are.

We can't take a straight interpretation and just say, "Paul told slaves to obey their masters, so we need to obey our employers". We are able to draw a few conclusions, though. When in positions of greater societal power, we should exhibit humility, gentleness, and even self-sacrifice because God is humble, gentle and self-sacrificing. When in a position of lesser social power, we are expected to exhibit attitudes of cooperation and confidence that demonstrates God is just.

How do you study God's word? Do you have any specific ways in which you apply God's word to your daily life? I'd love to hear from you!

His Paths are the Best Paths

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:40:00 +0000

Throughout my late elementary and teenage years my father served as music and youth minister at several churches. As a teenager this caused me much angst as I always feared the day when Dad would be called to serve in another church in another city. (There was also the angst that went along with the fact that my Dad was my youth minister, but that is a whole other post... and something that we joke about in our family from time to time. :) How great to be an adult and realize that, in reality, I was really quite fortunate... where is that wisdom when we are teenagers?!) Anyway, to move along, I was way too focused on what I wanted and not so much on what might be good for my entire family or, more importantly, on where God might be leading.

I remember the spring of my jr year in high school my parents talking to us at dinner one evening about a call they had received. It was from a church in Idaho that was interested in speaking to Dad about being their music and youth minister. As you can imagine, this what not what I wanted to hear. How could I be asked to leave my friends, my school, and right before my senior year in high school??

I don’t remember exactly what I said to my parents that night, but I do know that I voiced many of these thoughts. As I voiced my feelings -- feelings of how it wasn't fair, how could God send my parents somewhere but not care about what I wanted, etc -- Dad reminded me that God just doesn't work that way. God would never lead him somewhere that would not be the right place for ALL of us. When God calls us, he doesn’t just call one of us. As a family, he has a plan for EACH ONE OF US. Yes, we must all be open to that plan… but it is there.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

God cared very much about what I felt. The problem wasn't with what God was asking. The problem was with me. And, I must admit, that it took several more years for this to sink in.

In that particular instance, we did not make the move to Idaho. However, the fall after my senior year my family did move to Kansas City where Dad began seminary. That was a difficult move for me… primarily because I made it that way. I will say, though, that it has been in looking back over that move that I see the truth in Dad’s words.

It is always a good thing once we are open to what God has for us. And, once I was open to that, God definitely showed me all the good things he had planned for me. As I look back I see very clearly how our move to Kansas City led me and each member of my family to where we are today. Could God have gotten us to where we are today without that move? Maybe... but I don't believe we would be the people we are today. We learn from every experience and if not for that move we would not have those experiences and those particular building blocks from which we grew.

God’s plans are ALWAYS good. We can always count on the fact that He will never lead anywhere that would harm us. He might lead down rocky roads. He may lead us thru difficult and painful times. We can always be assured, though, that the end result is for our good. We can always be assured that we will not have to walk those roads alone. And, as I began to learn that day back in high school, His plans for us as individuals never leaves our families and loved ones exempt. He brought us together for a purpose and that purpose is all part of His plan.

What is holding you back from fully following God and His plans for your life? It it fear? Concern for how it will affect your family? Uncertainty of where following God today will lead you to in the future? Whatever it is, I can tell you from personal experience that God will take care of it. He will take your fears and replace them with security. He will guide and hold close each member of your family. He will take your uncertainty and replace it with assurance.

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Earlier this week I decided, along with my mother and sister, to make a trip to Northwest Arkansas to spend some time with my aunt and uncle. Over the course of the summer my uncle has been hospitalized 3-4 times, has had at least 2 surgeries, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, has undergone one chemo treatment and almost lost his life more than once.

At this time, we don't know what lies ahead or the length of time we have left with him. Due to the fact that his body has not yet recovered from all that it has been thru in the last few months and diabetes that they have struggled to keep under control, the one chemo treatment he had just about did him in. The doctors have decided there will be no more chemo unless he can build up his strength quite a bit more than it is now. They are not sure he can reach that point and, in the meantime, the cancer is left to grow.

It was so good to see him today. At this time he is doing well... particularly considering that where he was just one week ago was very scary.

My grandmother also lives close by and we were able to bring her over for awhile, as well. We were able to take my aunt out to lunch and have a great visit with her. We have had a good day... one filled with laughter and smiles, along with tears.

Many would say it was a bittersweet day. And, I guess in many ways it was. However, at the same time, I see it as a very good day. Yes, my uncle's health is not good. Yes, we don't know how much longer we will have him here on earth with us. And, yes, my aunt is struggling so very much.

At the same time, we were able to be together as a family. We were able to laugh together and we were able to cry a bit together, too. We had a great visit with my uncle who is up and about, he is laughing and he is determined to beat this thing that has taken hold of his body. More than once today I could see and feel God's presence. He is and will continue to be with them throughout this journey... regardless of where it ends.

You prayers over the last few months are appreciated more than I can find the words to express. I'm so thankful for each of you and for your prayers and the concern you have expressed over the last few months. I love you all!

Be Still and Rest

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

"Be still, and know that I am God... " Psalm 46:10

"And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." Mark 6:31

I think I may have mentioned a time or two or three that I am easily overwhelmed by all the day-to-day "stuff" there is to do. There is ALWAYS something... laundry to fold, meals to prepare, school forms to fill out, errands to run, bills to pay, and on and on and on the list goes.

Most of the time I do okay. But, catch me on a day when I'm tired or the list is longer than usual and you will find me feeling overwhelmed. And, unfortunately, I don't handle overwhelmed very well. Sure, eventually it all gets done and usually it’s not as bad as I initially thought it would be, but in the meantime I have become exhausted and cranky and stressed. And, I've usually missed out on something fun. Definitely not a good place to be…. for me or for my family!

To add to the fact that I get overwhelmed so easily (or maybe because of since I don't like to let myself get to the point of being overwhelmed) I don't "be still" very well. I don't slow down and rest much... I always have something that I want to get done... something that I think NEEDS to get done. I don't do "it can wait until tomorrow" very well. My excuse is that if I just get it done now then I don't have to worry about it later. While that does work for awhile and is legitimate for some tasks, it isn't always what is most important for that moment. At some point, we all need to stop.

Because of this, I have found myself thinking quite a bit over the last 6-8 months about what leads me to being overwhelmed and what I can do differently to keep from reaching that point as much as I do. One thing I am realizing is that I need to more often consider things such as "I need to take time now to rest before I fall over in an exhausted heap." Or, "I need to slow down and determine what is truly the most important tasks.” And, then there is ALWAYS this one that I know should be at the top of the list every day… “I need to be still and rest and spend time listening to God." Now, I have always eventually gotten around to all those questions. Unfortunately, I usually wait much too long and by that time I am at that point of being exhausted and stressed and cranky.

Here are just a few of the questions that I've been asking myself:

Does all the "stuff" on my to do list really need to be done right now? Are there maybe even things on the 'ole list that I should let go or, at the very least, throw to the bottom of the list?

Why is it that when I write out my to do list that I don't consider time to rest?

Why is it that my to do list doesn't include some of the most important things that need to be done? Things like spending time with family, with friends, with GOD?

Why does "completing the list" take precedence over those important things noted in the previous question?

The more time I’ve spent thinking on this and praying on it, I am more convinced than ever that God doesn’t want me constantly “doing”…. no matter how important the items are on my to do list. At some point it is just “stuff” that can’t be placed above taking the time to rest and time to be still.

Over the summer I really tried to work on resting and taking the time to really listen to what God might be trying to tell me and show me. And, you know, I found that if I take the time to rest and to really prioritize those things on my to do list that I’m a lot less overwhelmed. Could it be that when we place God first and then prioritize everything else behind Him that it works much better? I would say “YES!” It is something I’ve always known, but not focused on as much as I should. I am learning… not totally there yet… but it is better.

I’m trying to find ways to remind myself that I’m not in this alone and that my priority should be to God and from there He will take care of the rest. How do I do this? I try to spend more time in prayer and more time in the Bible. I try to be more aware of the moment and what I am doing with each one. For example, does the laundry have to be folded right this minute or could it wait until tomorrow so I could spend a quiet even having fun with the family? Does the living room have to be picked up right now or could I just take a deep breath, accept it the way it is for the moment and sit down for a good movie and relax for a couple of hours?

Not everything fits these questions, but many do (at least for me). I do not have to do everything RIGHT NOW. Many things can wait and I've even been known to have a few things on the list that really could be left undone.

For me, this re-evaluating and letting go thing is not easy. It is hard and I don't know how I would do it without God. Ever so slowly I am learning to let go and to re-evaluate. And, in the process, I am learning more about me, learning more about God, and enjoying life much more!

Thankful for Hope

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:53:00 +0000

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:5-6

Have you ever wondered where you might be if not for the Lord? How you might deal with daily life without Him by your side? How you would deal with the struggles in life without the hope we have thru Him?

I've been pondering these thoughts this week. How do people get thru life without God? Without His strength? Without hope?

Honestly, I just don't know the answer to those questions. I turn to the Lord DAILY. Some days it's little things that don't really add up to alot in the whole course of life... other days it's bigger things. Some days it's with praises and some days it's asking Him to help me keep putting one foot in front of the other. I just can't imagine not being able to do that.

So, today, I am thankful that He IS my strength and my salvation. I am thankful that He IS where I find hope... and comfort.... and everything else that I might need.

To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week, visit Laurie and "Women Taking a Stand".

How Do We Love?

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond. Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12

For some reason, I have struggled with this post. So many thoughts have run thru my head --I 've attempted to put them down in words as I've read and re-read this passage of scripture. Words I've read before, words I know to be true.... yet, somehow, I struggled to write out what I was thinking or feeling.

This morning as I sat in our worship service, I think I realized why. Our pastor preached on mercy and he made a statement that I think hit the "nail on the head", so to speak. He stated that mercy goes against our human nature. We have a much greater tendency to pass judgement, to feel that someone deserves to be punished for their actions... instead of loving them thru their situation. As humans we think, "What sort of chaos will we create if we simply love instead of dish out 'what they deserve'?"

Honestly, I think that is part of why I have struggled with this. While I want to live a life that shows each of these behaviors that Paul lists in this passage -- mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness - it is difficult because so many times it goes against my human nature.

As a society, we tend to recognize people for other types of behaviors... hard-working, talented, resourceful, etc. And, while those are all very good, they are not the specific behaviors that we find the Lord expects of each one of us in the way we treat each other.

“It is most significant to note that every one of the graces listed has to do with personal relationships between man and man. There is no mention of virtues like efficiency or cleverness, not even of diligence or industry – not that these things are unimportant. But the great basic Christian virtues are those which govern human relationships.” (Barclay)

I came upon the above quote as I was studying on this passage this last week. How true! How many times do we talk about the importance of our relationship with God? We point out over and over that the greatest thing isn't how often we show up at church or church-related activities, but the greatest thing is the RELATIONSHIP we have with God. Don't you think it should be the same with the people in our lives? It is all about RELATIONSHIP. The very behaviors God expects of us in our relationships with others, are the very same behaviors He demonstrates to us over and over and over again.

Think about this (an excerpt from Enduring Word):

~ God holds back His anger a very long time when we sin against Him. He bears with us a long time, even when we sorely provoke Him.

~ God makes the first move towards us in forgiveness; the habit of men is to only be reconciled if the offending party craves forgiveness and makes the first move.

~God forgives often knowing that we will sin again, sometimes in the exact same way. It is the habit of men to forgive only if the offending party solemnly promises to never do the wrong again.

~God’s forgiveness is so complete and glorious that He grants adoption to those former offenders. In the habit of man, even when forgiveness is offered, he will not lift again the former offender to a place of high status and partnership.

~God keeps reaching out to man for reconciliation even when man refuses Him again and again. In the habit of men, one will not continue to offer reconciliation if it is rejected once.

How can we strive to show this same kind of love in our daily lives? How can we follow God in showing His love by loving others in the same manner?

Letting Go

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:25:00 +0000

So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them. But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it. Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all. Colossian 3:5-11

As I read and study on this passage of scripture, I'm reminded of the words to the song "The Change" written by Steven Curtis Chapman. It speaks of how, now that we are believers, we have all these "things" that we show to say what we believe (t-shirts that say what we believe, Bible magnets, bumper stickers, etc), but what about the change that must take place within us? What about our heart... has it changed? As the chorus of the song states,

"What about the change
What about the difference
What about the grace
What about forgiveness
What about a life thats showing
I'm undergoing the change"

In previous scriptures in Colossians, Paul speaks of being "hidden" in Christ and of being "rooted and built up" in Christ. If these things are true, there will be a real change in our lives. We will put aside those things that are earthly -- impurities, evil desires, greed.

As Christians, we are called to live a life that shows we are new creatures. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

We need to live our lives in such a way that it is evident to all that we are new creations in Christ. We must turn away from the earthly and focus on the heavenly.

What a difference it will make if we take the time each and every day to be more aware of where our focus truly lies. What a change we will really see take place when we take the time to actively pray and seek to live our lives focused on heaven, pushing aside the things and the priorities of this earth.

Over the last year of so I have been on a journey -- a journey of seeking the Lord's guidance in letting go of so much that overwhelms me in the "day to day" of life and to focus more on what is important in His eyes. As I have seen a change in my life and my family's lives over the last year, it is so "freeing" and so refreshing.

It is the same with letting go of all the things Paul highlights in this passage of scripture. The lies, the greed, the impurities -- they do not give us freedoms and they do not make life any easier. In truth, they make life more difficult than it has to be... and there is a price.

The world tells us that life as a Christian is full of restrictions and difficulties. I believe the restrictions and difficulties are found in the things of this earth. True freedom is found in the Lord. Sure, life is not always going to be easy and at times it will be difficult. But, with God, we don't have to be tied to those difficulties... we have a hope and a peace that only He can provide.

How Time Flies When You're Having Fun

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:30:00 +0000

WOW! I cannot believe how quickly summer is flying! It seems like just yesterday school was out, I was so excited to have a break from the normal routine, the kids were looking forward to summertime, with swimming, birthdays and all the other fun summertime activities they so enjoy.

Now, it’s mid-August, we’ve spent enough time in the water it’s a wonder we’re not all waterlogged(well, at the least the kids), we’re in the midst of birthday fun (Abby was 5 yrs. two weeks ago and Josh will be 8 yrs tomorrow.... OH. MY.GOODNESS….WHERE DID THE TIME GO??!! :) ). School starts in one week. One starts 2nd grade and the other will be in pre-K. I’m just amazed.

Two months ago it felt like summer would be here for SO LONG. And, now… it’s almost gone.

Do you, like me, find yourself having similar thoughts throughout the year? The holidays… they go so fast. The school year… gone before I know it. While I’m in the midst of them some days seem to creep by, but then all of sudden I look up and they are gone!

As I type, it occurs to me that life will always be like this. Maybe that’s one of many reasons why this scripture from the book of Matthew is so very important:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasures are, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Nothing is permanent on this earth. There will always be that “thief” that steals it away…. Even the thief called “time”. It passes quickly. It is over too soon.

Heaven, on the other hand, is eternal. No thief of any kind can EVER take that away from us.

What do you do to make the most of the time we've been given here on earth? How do you enjoy it all, but keep your eyes focused on the things of heaven? How do you store up your treasures in heaven?

Thankful for Prayer -- Anywhere and Anytime

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:50:00 +0000

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I am often amazed at the fact that I can call upon the Lord regardless of the time of day or regardless of where I am or what I am doing. I can pray anytime, anywhere, anyplace. And, not only that, but God wants to hear from me anytime, anywhere and anyplace that I might be. He wants to commune with me and be an active part of my life.

So many times I think we try to relate our relationship with God to the relationships we have with other people. It makes sense that we would do this... after all, it really is our only point of reference. However, our relationship with God can be SO much more. Because we can only really relate on a human level, it is just hard to fathom how God could be available at all times… how He WANTS to hear from us regardless of anything else… yes, He even wants to hear from “little ‘ole me”.

How many people do you know that are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? And, while we do have friends that are very reachable and approachable, they do have families of their own and needs of their own. But, it is so different with God.

I can’t tell you how many times I have prayed a silent prayer while in a difficult confrontation with someone, while trying to find a way to handle a rough day at home with the kids (you know, those days when everyone is whiney and tired and fussy… even ME!), while in a meeting at work, or when sitting with a friend and trying to find the right words to say when he or she is struggling with something difficult themselves. I find myself saying prayers of thanksgiving as I listen to the sweet voices of my children as they play or as they are telling me about something exciting that has happened to them during their day. Or, how about those times when there are just no words? While we may not be able to find the words to speak to a friend, God knows our hearts and our minds… He knows the words that we can’t find…. He knows how to comfort us and lead us in the right direction.

What a blessing we have in serving a God that is so approachable and desires so much to have a relationship with each and everyone of us!!

How about you? Do you go about your day seeking God, asking Him for guidance each step of the way? Do you say a prayer of thanksgiving when you receive a sweet note from a friend or when your spouse does something special for you? If not, give it a try. It can make all the difference in the world!

To join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week, visit Iris at "Grace Alone...".

Hidden In Our Hearts

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him. Colossians 3:1-4

Do you have trouble keeping your mind on the things of earth instead of the things of God? Many days I must admit that I do. It is so easy to let the things of this world take the forefront, isn't it? After all, we do live IN this world. We walk it everyday. We are inundated with some type of noise almost non-stop -- whether it be our news, our entertainment, our music, our email -- it is always going. Much of it is good.. but so much isn't.

No wonder it is a struggle to focus on God. I like how Paul follows up his statement of keeping our minds on things above with "... hidden with Christ in God." I think this is probably the key to keeping our mind on things above. If we stay close to God, if we seek him openly, if we edit out what isn't good around us (at least as much as we can control) then we are staying "hidden with Christ". If we are hidden, isn't it much easier to focus on God and keep our minds on Him?

As I was thinking thru this passage of scripture I tried to think of specific areas where myself or people I knew struggled with focusing on the truths of God rather than the truths of this world. Here are a few that came to mind....

* Am I only beautiful if I am tall and slender, or do I know that I am beautiful regardless because I am a child of God?

* Am I only complete if I am married and/or have children, or am I complete because God is my salvation?

* Am I only successful if I have an important job and makes lots of money, or am I successful because I am following God's will for my life?

If we are focusing on God, if we stay hidden in Christ, then we know the truths are....

* We are all beautiful regardless of how we look because we are children of God's and made in His image.

* We are complete because God is our salvation regardless of marital status or children.

* We are successful because we are following God's will for our lives.

In closing, I'd like to share a paragraph from my study guide "Cappuccino with Colossians" by Sandra Glahn.

In her book Prayer Is a Place, religion editor Phyllis Tickle says, "What a limited and chipped lens one person's mind is for reflecting the world to itself." What masters we are at deceiving ourselves. That's why we need regular intake of God's truth through the Word and interaction with fellow believers. How much of a priority are these for you? How well do your actions line up with your priorities?

The Safest Place to Be....

melanie.ledford@verizon.net (Melanie) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:15:00 +0000

I recently downloaded Francesca Battistelli’s CD, My Paper Heart, to my iPod. This is a great CD, ya’ll! Just packed full of song after song with the great message that it doesn’t matter what the world thinks…. to God we are beautiful, we are important and with Him we have everything that we need. Most of the songs are upbeat and just leave you feeling good!

With that in mind, I thought one of her songs might be just the perfect thing to leave you with on a Friday. Something to say, “Hey, God’s got ya covered!” and some upbeat music to leave you with that “feel good” feeling as you go into the weekend.

This song is the title cut from the CD. I don’t know of anyone that hasn’t seen a dream or two fall apart or that hasn’t been scared to trust at some point in their lives. But, you know what, God takes care of all that for us. He picks up those pieces for us and shows us that there is hope and healing in him… big or small… He’s got it in His hands and we are safe with Him. HE IS THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE!

I obviously didn't plan this too well as I just now went in search of the video to post and.... I can't find one. Not sure if it doesn't exist or maybe just hasn't been released. However, I did find on her website where it directs you to another site where you can play the song free of charge(you'll need to set up a free account with imeem.com first). This link will get you there and I'll include the lyrics below.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Well I’ve been treated like a valentine
That’s been ripped apart and left behind
I’m a fragile girl
In a crazy careless world
My dreams were torn and scattered on the floor
But You’ve been picking up the pieces, Lord
‘Cause Your love is real
The only hope to heal

(Chorus)
My paper heart is Yours now
I have landed in Your hands
Come so far to find out
My life will never be the same
Since you wrote Your name
On my paper heart

I had been so terrified to trust
So many times I’d been reduced to dust
But You keep showing me
You’re the safest place to be

(Chorus)

Never knew that I could feel the way I feel
Never knew that there could be a love so real
Never knew that I could feel the way I feel right now

(Chorus)