Cleaning your "Life" Plate

A few weeks ago, an opportunity landed in my lap. A super, God-filled opportunity. I was excited, thrilled, and yet, wondering how I would fit this wonderful ministry possibility into an already filled plate.

I prayed. 

I am beginning to notice in my adult years, that either my sanguine personality lends itself to being unfocused, or I have a slight case of ADD. Or both. I am an enthusiastic person and when I see God at work, I want to jump in... even if I am already fully immersed in His work in other areas. Yes, I can be easily distracted. Yes, I can lose focus. But I like to say I am passionately unfocused.

So, what do I do with this new opportunity? My heart screams, "Yes!" My head fumbles for the word, "No." And my weary body has learned to just wait for the heart and the head to make their decision.

But God has been doing a work IN me... not just around me in the last few months. These last five months of my parents' going through cancer treatments, homeschooling my daughter, and my ministry blooming have taught me to make careful considerations of how to spend my time. Not all ministry opportunities are meant for me. Did I just say that? 

I made a list.

I made a list of all of my "non-negotiable" roles in my life. Christ-follower. Wife. Mom. Daughter. Sister. Minister. And so on. I am fortunate and blessed to have several of these. These roles are God-given and cannot be left unattended.

I then made another list. What are the activities that I have going on in my life right now? These may stem from a non-negotiable role or not. But the activities themselves... they are NEGOTIABLE. 

Then the final list. What are some new ways I see God is at work that interest me? This is where my super, God-filled opportunity was written down. Along with some other possibilities for involvement. 

I gasped.

I had no idea I was involved in so many current activities. I had to list everything... chauffeur to my sweet children, any team, committee, board, anything! Just writing and reading the list left my overwhelmed.

I prayed again.

Lord, help me to see the things you really want for me RIGHT NOW. Help me to ask the hard question of "Why am I doing this?" And enable me to answer honestly, even if it is, "Because I want to look like a good parent, wife, minister, etc." 

Lord, free me from filling my plate out of any reason other than obedience to you.

I was able to discern the activities that I needed to discontinue. I was able to see the possibilities of allowing others to help instead of doing things on my own. I confronted my pride and kicked it to the curb.

I gained focus.

Through relieving myself of some unnecessary activities, I could now turn to my list of potentials. The one that fell in my lap. 

I just knew that God had enabled me to clear my plate some to make room for this great opportunity. 

Not so. 

A God-filled possibility that I did not seek after falls in my lap and yet it is not meant for me to take? That's right. God meant for me to consider it, so that I would do some necessary heart evaluation. And instead of a filled plate, 

I have peace.

I want to encourage you to take a hard look at your "life plate." Perhaps God is asking you to do some heart evaluation. Are you stressed? Overwhelmed? What are you doing out of any reason other than obedience to God? I would love to help you by praying for you or coaching you through this! 

P.S. If you have not joined my ministry page on Facebook, this is your special invitation! Encouragement guaranteed. 

Living for ONE,

Kelli

I Wanna Be Great

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Don't we all? Let's be honest. We all have the desire deep down inside to be great. Here's how God dealt with me on that one... 

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 2 Cor. 2:14

This verse refers to the Roman triumph procession where the victorious general leads his soldiers and the captives that had been captured during wartime. I have to honestly say that every time I have read this verse before, I have seen myself as one of the soldiers marching behind God showing off my war trophies, listening to the applause, smelling the sweet incense, and shouting “Victory!”  You know, kind of like, “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.”  


And no doubt, I am indeed a part of his triumphant troops. However, as I was studying this verse, I felt God saying to me, “Kelli, you may be one of my soldiers, yes. But you are also the captive. Just as Paul saw himself as a prisoner in Christ – the only way you can have true radical victory in your life is to make yourself a bondslave to Christ, a prisoner to Christ, His captive.”

  

This idea is also shared by Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest. He says, 

“The viewpoint to maintain is that we are here for one purpose only – to be captives in the train of Christ’s triumphs. We are not in God’s showroom, we are here to exhibit one thing – the absolute captivity of our lives to Jesus Christ."

  

Ouch. How many times do I want God to put me in His “showroom”? Or how often do I want to get out my soldier’s uniform and my badges of honor and say to the world, “Look at me!”? And God says, 

“No, Kelli, remember you are the captive.” 

Thankfully, Christ has taken me as His prisoner. I am His captive, His bondslave. Oh, yes, I am able to march victoriously. But not because I have won any battles, or fought any wars on my own. Only because I have a victorious General who always marches in triumphal procession do I claim any victory.  

I know when I am a “captive to Christ,” God does His greatest work in me. When I am completely surrendered to Him and to His work in my life, He shows and shows out incredibly. When I was 23 years old, God gave me the awesome opportunity of ministering to college students. But I was 23! I felt so inadequate, so inexperienced, so not the person for the job. I stayed in that position of campus minister for three years and God blessed me and that ministry in a phenomenal way. I was totally “captive” to Him, totally depending on Him for my every move, my every word, my every opportunity. He was glorified! And I spread the sweet fragrance of Him as I went along.  

Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.  2 Corinthians 3:5

You know why we cannot be adequate in ourselves. Because then pride would get in the way, and we could not glorify God. 

We would be glorifying ourselves – it’s in our sinful nature to want to be great and have others tell us we are great. 

God's glory is how God shows us who He is. To experience glory, we must realize that we are the captives graciously marching behind our Lord, our General and praise Him that He has given us the great responsibility of spreading the fragrance of the gospel. Because in our inadequacy and in our weakness as prisoners and captives, God shows us and the rest of the world how adequate and how strong He really is. 

What about you? Do you often think of yourself as a "soldier" or a "captive?" Share situations in which you have truly been “captive to Christ,” totally surrendered to Him, where He was able to do an awesome work through you. 

When God Turns Your World Upside Down

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In the most reverent of ways, I say, Oh My God... I feel awesome wonder, great humility and incredible excitement all at the same time.  What you have done these last few days is indeed a spiritual high, a pivotal moment that I will never forget. It has truly been one of those a-ha, write-in-your-journal, and blog-about-it kind of experiences. Only You can take a workshop meant to teach Spiritual Leadership Coaching and turn it into divine encounter with You. We make plans, but ultimately You do Your thing. And we are thankful.


You have completely turned my world and the world of about 35 others UPSIDE DOWN. My prayer is that others can tell we have been with You, Jesus. That others can see that we have experienced God. You have sure been with us. In us. Around us. On us. Through us. Now overflow from us!

 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  Acts 4:13

Let it be said of us. Amen. 


Note: I have a lot swirling around in my head... not to mention I am exhausted. But I plan to write a full post about my experiences at the Blackaby Ministries Spiritual Leadership Coaching conference. Until then... Acknowledge the work of God in you and around you and feel free to share!


Kelli

That's What I Want On My Tombstone!

Today I have the awesome privilege of guest posting for a popular home school site called...  Hip Homeschool Moms!  And if you are questioning my "hipness," I will send you a photo! So, if you are visiting from that site, WELCOME! I am so glad you are here. Though this is not a "home school" site, I am a mom and minister who home schools! My 12 year old daughter came to us and asked to be homeschooled. To read that story, click here.


And before you "regulars" click away and quit reading, my guest post is not just for people or moms who homeschool... I think it is applicable for all of us! 




Here's a sneak peek of my guest post today...

"There’s a great verse in Hebrews in the Bible that refers to the awesome faith of Abraham. The verse reads, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place...obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Honestly, that is a terrific description of my life, but particularly when it comes to homeschooling."

Click here to read the "rest" of this story...and I would love for you to comment on their site...or here...or both! It would just make my day to hear from you!


As for the tombstone...yeah...I would love to have:

Kelli Wommack

"Obeyed God and went... 

even though she didn't know where she was going."  

Now that is a goal worth living for! May we live a life of radical obedience and reckless faith. Live for ONE!

So, whatever...whatever He is calling you to do...obey. Though we do not have a GPS that tells us where we are going and how we will get there, we are following the ONE who is calling us. And HE knows it ALL...

Love to all of you,

Kelli

P.S. My new website is in the works and I can't wait to reveal it to you!!!!

Looking for Trouble?

thanks, Flickr

We talked about God being the Father of Compassion and the God of all Comfort - the perfect source of comfort when we are need - on Monday. Today we are going to talk about the fact that we will suffer, we will endure hard times, we will face trials. But in those trials and troubles, we are able to experience God.

For just as Christ’s [own] sufferings fall to our lot [as they overflow upon His disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ comfort (consolation and encouragement) is also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us. 2 Corinthians 1:5 AMP

The overflowing of suffering AND comfort. Paul is saying that sure we will have difficulties. In fact, hardships will abound!  But just as we have an abundance of suffering, we will be overwhelmed with comfort and consolation. Ironic it seems, but as Christians the two – suffering and comfort – really do go hand in hand. Our relationship with Christ guarantees suffering, but it also guarantees His comfort!

There are many times that I find myself praying for someone who is going through a “trouble” or hardship in life. This difficult situation may be tragic, or just a temporary trial. But, God has taught me lately that when I pray for these people and their situations I am to pray that God Himself will be revealed to them. I truly believe that His word teaches that His glory is revealed through our sufferings and trials. Many think that “His glory revealed” speaks of heaven or His return. No doubt it does. However, I believe that His glory is also revealed all around us here on earth if we look for it. What is God’s glory? What are we searching for? Christian author, teacher, and speaker Beth Moore says, “God’s glory is the way He makes Himself recognizable.” 


Think of the people in the Bible that God used in extraordinary ways to accomplish His purposes and make Himself recognizable. Abraham. Moses. Daniel. Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus. The disciples. Paul. Can you think of one of them that did not go through a trial or some form of trouble?


In every situation above, God’s glory was ultimately revealed.  He “was recognizable” in these difficult situations to show who He is to not only the one involved in the trial, but also the spectators looking on! Difficulties that we face ultimately reveal God to us and others. They often bring an intimacy with God we have never experienced before. 



So now, I ask you, are you looking for “TROUBLE?”  Probably not.  In fact, you are probably hoping that your relationship with Christ can grow without all the difficulties and heartache.  No, we would never ask for hardships in life.  But, when troubles come, and they will, we need to meet them with the longing and the anticipation of a closer walk with the Lord.  Because on the other side of that trouble is the knowledge and experience that God has revealed Himself and shown Himself to be the God of comfort and the Father of compassion.  


I want you to know that I am praying for you today, my friend. God loves you, He has a plan for your life, and He will never leave you or forsake you. He wants to reveal Himself to you. 


Living for ONE by getting off the throne,


Kelli




Linking with Winsome Wednesday, Internet Cafe Devotions, and Getting Down with Jesus

There is Only Room for One

I told the first part of this story on Tuesday. So, if you missed it, you might want to go here to read it.

thanks, Flickr

I left the classroom that day knowing that God was beginning something in me. I once again reminded Him that I really just needed some school credit and that perhaps we could put off transformation for another time. 

                                                                                                                            But He was persistent.

My thoughts quickly moved to getting some lunch. As I walked down the hallway, I saw a professor that I had not had for any of my classes. I smiled and gave the normal greeting. Out of the blue, she asked me if I had plans for lunch. I did not. We decided to go to the cafeteria together.

We sat down with our lunches and begin to chat. We shared comments about the summer, about seminary, about classes. Then she asked me to tell her about my life, my family, my ministry. I launched into this glowing description of my life.  My marriage was great. My ministry was booming and growing. My grades were great. I was moving forward in my calling. I told her that our extended families had just gone through some recent trials and that I had helped them through it. I was there to be strong. I was there to give comfort. I was there to provide advice and counsel. I was there to hold things together. 

My. My. My. I. I. I. I. Me. Me. Me. Me. 

She leaned gently across the table. I thought she was getting ready to applaud me and my efforts. But instead she said,

"Will you please get off the throne?"

                                                         I was mortified. I was humiliated. I was humbled. 

My heart lay there fully exposed on that cafeteria table.  And before you get defensive on my behalf and wonder who she thought she was saying that to me…those words weren't hers. Those words came from a God who loves me, who has a plan for me, who knows me, and who wants relationship with me. Those words began a journey of transformation that I am still on after fourteen years. 

It was then, right there in that cafeteria that I realized that as long as I sat on the throne of my life – in control, taking the credit for my accomplishments, and relishing in pride – I would never really see the power of God at work in my life.  There is room for only one on the throne – will it be you or Christ?

Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.  Psalm 51: 16 - 17

Friends, this is the introduction to a bible study/book that I am writing. The rich verses of Second Corinthians are woven throughout as Paul also addresses the issues of pride, self-sufficiency, and self-reliance. I invite you on this journey with me as we seek to get off the throne of our lives and let God be God. I would love to hear your comments. If you are reading by email, click here.

Living for ONE by getting off the throne of my life,

Kelli

When God Has a Different Objective

thanks, Flickr

The day began just like any other day. My husband left before the break of dawn to go to the hospital for his residency program. I got up not too much later and began to get ready for school. I was in seminary. It was the first day of summer semester. 


I had chosen to take a two-week course in Second Corinthians. How difficult could a thirteen chapter book be, right? Easy peasy. I walked in the classroom, sat down, and prepared to listen to my simple objectives for this two week course. Two weeks, thirteen chapters. Surely, we will just write a paper and be done. Unfortunately, the British-accented professor had a different plan.

And fortunately for my life course, God did, too.

So, the professor began his objective list for the course. I began taking notes. This is what he said:
At the end of this course on Second Corinthians, I would like for you to:

• Be less sure of yourself. 
• Understand that things go wrong in ministry, regardless.
• Develop a theology of weakness, not power.
• Realize we all have and will have pain and suffering in our lives.

Whoa. Wait a minute. 

I am here for information, not transformation. I do not have time for that! 

Seriously. I needed this two-week course to be simple and easy. Those objectives were not simple and they sure weren't easy. I contemplated dropping the course, but really needed the hours. So, I decided to stay. The rest of that day in the summer of 1998 only emphasized my need for transformation. 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12: 2

Many times in life when we think we know what the goal is for something we are doing, God has a very different objective in mind. 

I will tell you the rest of the story on Thursday of this week. Stay tuned. :)

For now, I would love to hear how God has or is transforming you. Have you ever walked into something thinking that it was for one reason, and God used it to knock your socks off? I would love to hear. And promise me you'll be back on Thursday. Reading by email? Comment here.


Living for ONE,


Kelli


p.s. For all of you that watched my recent video blog, thank you. Your encouragement has been overwhelming. You are such a blessing!


today I link with my SDG girlfriends over at Finding Heaven, and Laura over at the Wellspring. Visit their sites for some awesome blog posts.

In Your __________, HE IS.

Hi Friends...
I invite you to watch my #2 Video Blog today. Especially if you are going through some tough times. Especially if you need to be reminded of Who God is.


It's four minutes, but I think you will find it worth skipping some boring commercials during your fave show.

Can't view the video in your email? Click here.


The highlights:

• Sometimes living for Jesus means surviving with Him by your side.
• Sometimes walking with Jesus means walking in "the unforced rhythms of His grace."
• In your _______, GOD IS.
• In our desperation, He is our Deliverer.
• In our exhaustion, He is our Energy.
• In our trials, He is our Trustworthy Savior.
• In our loneliness, He is the Lover of our Souls.
• In our emptiness, He is is Emmanuel, God with us.
• And in our weakness, He is our Strength.

His grace is sufficient, for in our weakness, His strength is made perfect.  2 Corinthians 12:9

Rest in these promises today, my friend. God loves you. He has a plan for your life. He will never leave you or forsake you. Would love your comments! If you are reading by email, click here.

Linking today with SDG friends at Finding Heaven...


and with 

Catch and Release

Many of you know that I home school my daughter who is in 7th grade. This is our first year of home schooling and though it has had its many challenges ( I can't do 7th grade math; she doesn't want to get up in the morning; and we like to play!), overall it has been an incredible experience. If you would like to read the story of her desiring to be home schooled and our decision to do this, click here. 

Thanks, Leslie Cardwell and Family Theatre

Rebekah (aka Bekah, Bekahboo) has morphed this year from a cute girl who never wanted to wear anything but jeans and t-shirts to a beautiful young woman that likes dresses, perfume, and brace yourself...flowers in her hair. It has been an exciting transformation to see God work on her from the inside out. She still doesn't care for bling (unlike her mom), but hey...one step at a time.


If you read the story about her wanting to be home schooled, you know that one of the reasons was she wanted to learn to be more bold and to be different...to be more comfortable in the skin that God had given her. This gives me chills! I have seen this happen this year. Not because of my teaching skills, but because she has allowed God to come in and replace her doubts and insecurities (which are completely normal for 7th graders) with promises and words from her Lord Jesus Christ.


One of the benefits of home schooling for her has been more freedom to be involved in things that she loves. This girl loves some drama. She has participated in many plays and this Friday night, she will have her first performance as Susan in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe at a local theatre. I am so excited for her. She has asked me not to sit in on any of the dress rehearsals, because she wanted her performance to be a surprise. I can't wait to see her do her thing...


The local theatre posted photos of the cast in dress. I saw these pictures of her in her role as Susan. I thought she looked beautiful, poised, and even valiant...just like a good Susan in Narnia. 


And then I focused in on this photo. My first honest thought as a mom was, "Oh, my, we must make sure that Queen thing doesn't go to her head." 


And then I felt the strong nudging of the Holy Spirit...

"She may be crowned as Queen Susan the Gentle in this play, but I am crowning her my Daughter, Daughter of the King. I am anointing her for something very special. Continue to speak words of encouragement and affirmation over her. Show her love and affection. Teach her what healthy ministry and family look like. Give her an example of what a love relationship with me looks like. I have an incredible plan for her life."


And then the big words...


"And let her go...release her to me."


These words came after I had the reality check that I may only have her 5 more years under my roof. 


"Let her go."


Lord, she is Yours. She always has been. But I now release fully into your plan and I am getting out of the way. Help me to be faithful as a mother and as a friend. More than anything, help me to trust You more.


Having a hard time letting go of something? Release it to the ONE who can do more than we could ever ask or imagine. Oh, and get out of the way. Reading by email and want to comment? Click here.


Living for ONE,


Kelli

Instant Makeovers, Southern Living, and Jesus

In a day of Pinterest and ideas at your fingertips, I still subscribe to a few magazines. One of my favorites is Southern Living. (yes, I am a Southern girl. If you are dying to hear a Southern accent, you can click here for my first vlog.) And so, this morning I picked up my March Southern Living and took a gander at the front cover. "Instant Spring Makeovers" caught my eye. Gazing at the table of contents, I realize that the "Instant Spring Makeovers" covers 37 pages. Wow! That's a lot of instant makeovers.

As I begin perusing those 37 pages, I honestly didn't see anything that was made over in an instant. Instead, I found articles with pages of beautiful homes, patios and gardens detailing actions like 

• How to replace your front door and shutters
• How to lay a stone pathway
• How to upgrade your fencing and gates
• Replace retaining walls with beautiful stone wall
• Planting a useful and beautiful herb garden
• Changing all the hardware surrounding your entryway

Now, I know I am not Martha Stewart, but I don't believe any of these things are instant. If they were, I would just wiggle my nose and snap, crackle, pop...they would appear. But that's not how it works. 

Friends, you want an instant makeover? Jesus will not disappoint. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!                 2 Corinthians 5:17

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

Now, I know that the sanctification process of becoming more like Christ and living for Christ isn't instant...but our hearts are cleansed from sin the moment we confess our sins and our need for a Savior...now that is an instant makeover! (1 John 1:9)


And when you peruse God's Word you will find the Living Word of God with pages of beautiful stories of God detailing actions like

• How to replace your attitude and thoughts with thoughts of God (Philippians 4:8)
• How to lay stones for a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness  (Joshua 3 - 4)
• How to upgrade the fencing and gates of your mind (Philippians 4:7)
• Replacing broken walls by rebuilding and restoring what the enemy has torn down (Isaiah 58:12)
• Planting us by streams of Living Water to be useful and fruitful (Psalm 1:3)
• Changing the entryway of our mind and heart  (2 Corinthians 10:5)
• And so much more!

Lord, may you make us over today...instantly and gradually as we long to become more and more like You.

Need a makeover today? I know I could use a good mind makeover at times. Let God do His work in you today. And I would love to hear about it! Comment by clicking here.

I am Living for ONE!

Kelli

Linking with...

Balancing Life Series: Not Bound by Time

I look back at the last month and wonder how I did not go crazy. (All those who think I did, please do not correct me.) It is amazing to me how we managed to juggle everything. 

photo credit

In the midst of normal family duties, taking care of my mom during chemo and the aftereffects, continuing ministry, I had a writing deadline for a magazine. I was so excited about the opportunity, but freaked out that I was not going to finish not one, but FOUR articles for this magazine.


I sent in my first article on time. Done. I did my research for the other three that were not due for another couple of weeks. It's a good thing. Because right after that, life went full speed throttle. 


My deadline for the other three articles was quickly approaching. It was my mom's chemo week and I felt quite certain that while she was receiving chemotherapy, I could work on my articles on my laptop. Plan fail. She needed me. During her long day at the cancer center, I managed to open my laptop for 20 minutes max. 


My other attempts that week to finish the articles failed. I had to take my daughter to an out-of-town science fair. My laptop stayed in the car the entire time because I realized that I needed to be "present" for her. (Her team of three home schoolers ended up winning, by the way!) I spent the next day at the office trying to catch up on ministry and the laptop remained untouched. This was Thursday. My man's birthday. My deadline was Friday morning. 


Needless to say, I was a little frantic. I had my research and half-written, unedited articles, but nothing completed. And now, my mind was very preoccupied with other things. Important things. I sent the editor an email and asked to extend the deadline until the end of the day on Friday. I didn't hear from him. So at 10:30 pm, Thursday night I began to pray for God to supernaturally enlighten me. Seriously. I put my hands to the computer and prayed that my half-written work would be completed. The longer I attempted to type, the crazier my sentences got. I was exhausted...physically, emotionally, and spiritually. How could I possibly formulate thoughts that would make sense?


Still no answer from the editor about the extended few hours for the deadline. I finally gave up and went to bed. I knew that these articles were due in the morning. I dozed off, praying that God would help me. I know Him as the God Who Sees. I know Him as the God Who Provides. I know Him as the God Who Hears. 


3:30 am. I awaken. Wide awake. Yes! God woke me up so that I could go write. Yes! Except that in my heart, I did not feel like that was why God awakened me. To my surprise, and honestly my distress, I felt He was telling me to lay there awake and pray and rest. 


I questioned Him. "Do you know I am really awake, Lord, and that some of my best writing occurs at 3:30 am? Are you sure I can't get up and finish these articles that are due in FIVE hours?" But, as best as I can hear God at 3:30 am, I really felt like He said, "I will bless you for doing what I am calling you to do. Rest and pray." So, from 3:30 to 5:30 am, I prayed. I prayed for Mom. For Dad. For healing. For my family. For my extended family. For grace. For love. For mercy. For my friends who were suffering. For my church family. For missionaries. For my ministry. For my calling. For anything and anyone God brought to my mind during those hours. 


At 5:30 am, I fell asleep and I slept until 6:15 when I had to get up and start getting ready for the day. After a quick cup of coffee and a peanut butter slathered waffle, I sat down at the computer. I was ready to write.


I decided to check my email. And there it was. An email from the editor of the magazine. He told me not only to take until the end of the day on Friday, but to take the weekend to finish the articles. To say I was relieved was an understatement.  I was incredibly grateful for the extension. 


And then I read the time stamp on the editor's email.


3:30 am. 


In God's economy, time is never wasted. In fact, it is usually multiplied. He is not bound by time. He can actually make time abound.


He is faithful, friends.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 

His mercies never come to an end; 

  they are new every morning; 

great is Your faithfulness. 

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, 

“therefore I will hope in Him.” 

I would love to know how God has blessed you lately. Maybe with extra energy? Time? Please share below or here if reading by email. We celebrate the faithfulness of God! 

Living for ONE,

Kelli


If you are joining this series on Balancing Life today, you might want to go back and read the previous articles.


A Balancing Act: Juggling Life


First Things First


Priorities vs. Reality

A View from the Chemo Room

I felt like a fly on a wall. I was an observer. I watched as all of these adults of all ages sat quietly and patiently as the medicine dripped from its pouch into their veins. I sat next to my sweet mother who is going through chemotherapy for the second time in ten years.


As an observer, I experienced many different emotions and asked God many questions. I didn't watch television. I didn't read magazines. I didn't even blog or tweet or Facebook. I just watched. And listened. And prayed. 

As I did this, I noticed three major things:


1. All these people experiencing treatment are fighting for more life hours. In a room where life and death constantly battle, life is raising her sword and plunging forward. Life doesn't always win, but she fights hard. I pray for eternal life for all of these people because I know that is the only way life really wins. 


2. There is a kindred spirit in this room. They may all suffer from various types of cancer, but they are all suffering. They smile at each other, share stories of their struggles and their victories, and promise to pray for each other. They understand things that we observers don't. They speak a different language...a dialect of empathy. And though people struggle with various fatal health issues, this is the only issue I know of where people sit in a room and fight together.  There is a quiet sense of camaraderie. I long for their silent strength.


3. All of these precious people receiving chemotherapy have slowed, even halted their schedules. It is amazing how the busyness and business of life is forced to step aside. As I think about this, I wonder if this is one of the way God works good out of this trial. The rat race stops. The pulse slows. The unforced rhythm of grace overrides. I love that I get to spend hours on hours with my mom. We talk in between her drifting in and out of sleep. I caress her hand, her arm, her face. Yes, this is precious time. Time that might not have happened without this unrelenting disease called cancer.


Don't get me wrong. I sure wouldn't have asked for it. But I am trying to live for ONE...the One who created me, called me, and comforts me. I believe that living for One means following Christ with all that I am and desiring to see His purpose and His plan. What are you teaching me now, God? 


I am learning that life is precious. Live radically for a radical God.


I am learning that fellow warriors abound. No matter what we are going through...there is a sister or brother to share our burden. 


I am learning that God is a good God and He will bring good in every situation. His good right now in this circumstance? Slowing down. Resting. Enjoying His presence. Seeing Him at work.


You, friend, are such a blessing to me. I never thought in a million years that I would ever write anything that anyone would ever read. Though some of you I know in real life and some of you only virtually, you are a community of friends, of family, of faith. 


I would love to pray for you. Would you share your struggle with me today? Or maybe something God is teaching you through a situation you are experiencing? Comment below or if you are reading this via email, you can click here to comment.


Living for ONE,


Kelli

Yet I Will Rejoice!

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,  though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3: 17 - 18

I just shared with you last week about my life on a mine train. If you didn't get a chance to read it...click here. And if you did read it and you are wondering if it was a true story,yes it is! And if you are wondering why you have never heard it before...well, it is a memory I chose to forget!


Nevertheless, I know and am living proof that life is hard. There are days we just want to stay in the bed. Or go and bury ourselves somewhere and hope no one finds us for a few days. Sometimes we want to give in or give up. Some days we find ourselves crying out in desperation. 


In the verses of scripture above, Habakkuk reminds us that there will be days (maybe even years) that life appears hopeless. But we can CHOOSE to REJOICE! He uses that little word, "yet." In the Habakkuk context, it means despite the fact that life is hard and unfruitful and hopeless, I choose to praise my God.


I have the pleasure of sharing my heart about rejoicing in the face of opposition as I guest post at Keeping It Personal today. I encourage you to go there and read that short, but uplifting post as well. Here's the link: React or Rejoice?

We have a choice today as we look at our life circumstances. Will we choose to react, to give up, to get mad? Or will we choose to rejoice knowing and trusting that we have a God who loves us, who has a plan for our lives, and who is with us!


If you choose to REJOICE today, I would love for you to comment! We all need encouragement. We are a community of faith and we share each other's struggles. If you are reading by email and would like to comment, click here.


Living for ONE,


Kelli