I Like… June 18, 2009

I know I said that I would post the rest of my trip yesterday, but I feel that I need to post this more than the trip. So I promise to post the rest of my trip tomorrow (Friday).

 

Yesterday was hard. Yesterday was one of those days where nothing went right, and nothing looked right. I would have been happy to have not had any mirrors (internal or external) around me. For not only was I looking at the outside, I caught a glimpse of the inside, too.

Not many people realize this, but I struggle with insecurity. I struggle with my looks, my intelligence, my capability to do a job well, my ability to look at myself as God sees me. I’m not really sure when this started, it’s been around for a long time. But I can tell you that I know who keeps planting these thoughts in my mind, plain and simple, the enemy of my soul. If he can’t have me, why not try and make me hate myself? That way I will live in fear and do nothing for God.

Well, I had just about had it yesterday, I was literally disgusted with myself and my attitude. I’ll go ahead and be honest, I was miserable. I was talking with my mom about this, as she has told me over and over that I have to deal with this before it consumes me. She’s right, you know. She looked at me yesterday and said “Molly, make peace with yourself.” “You’re not perfect, never will be, just be yourself, and live life to the fullest.”

The words “make peace with yourself” stuck with me, so I decided to give it a try. At this point I was up for anything.

For as long as I can remember, I have never liked my physical build. I am built like my dad, and that means that I am a taller, bigger girl. I used to always wish that I could be the cute, petite girl that’s short and tiny. This has been a great source of anguish for me. So I decided to make peace with it yesterday:

“God, I like that you made me bigger. It helps to minister to other girls who are bigger, or overweight. I feel like I can relate to them better, because of my build. It’s worth it, if it means I can minister to them more effectively.

When I was eighteen, I started to get acne on my face. All throughout my high school years I never had it, not once. But that all changed by eighteen. I had to go on medication at age nineteen, and thankfully it helped, but I still struggle with the occasional blemish. I don’t and probably never will have clear skin.

“God, I like that I have acne. It also helps me minister to younger girls who struggle with it too. It gives me the opportunity to be an example that the clarity of your skin isn’t what’s important. If it means that I will be able to minister to them more effectively, then I gladly accept it!”

I’ve had some losses in my life, that have been very difficult for me to get over. I have allowed those losses to undermine my trust in God.

“God, I like and thank You that you allowed me to go through those losses. You had a greater plan in them. And you have made me stronger.”

I’ve also had some disappointments in life (who doesn’t), that I didn’t understand.

“God, I like that I’ve had disappointments. They have caused me to lean more fully on You, and to seek You more.”

And there have been times when it all seems to be falling apart. When God doesn’t seem to be near, or His answers to my prayers cause more heartache than peace.

“God, I like that you are not content to leave me where I am, and you sometimes create heartache for my good. You sometimes have to bring out all the impurity to the top, so the healing can begin. Thank you that You will not leave me like I am.”

“God, I like me.”

So, did it work? Am I suddenly free from all negative self-thoughts? Do I still struggle with insecurity? Yes. But I now have a plan of attack for when they pop into my head. And that is working.

So how about you? What do you like?

I’ll Fly Away, Oh Glory! May 27, 2009

The room was small, the air humid, the seats filled, and the voices loud.

“I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away (in the morning) when I die hallelujah by and by I’ll fly away.”

Close to one hundred people filling this small chapel singing at the top of their lungs with excitement. The unmistakable sound of men’s voices drowning out the rest.

These guys knew how to sing. They sang with their hearts.

It was true singing.

And it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.

No, I wasn’t listening to a men’s choir. I was listening to men who have just discovered hope, who have learned that God has such a big plan for their lives.

I was listening to the men of Hebron Colony. A place of hope for men who are battling addiction to alcohol and drugs. In the course of the ten week program, the men are fed the word of God and many come to faith in him.

My brothers and I had the privilege of singing and playing for the men on Sunday night.  During the course of the evening there was a time for anyone in the congregation to share what the Lord has done or been doing in their lives. I was, once again, in awe of God and how he works in a life that is completely surrendered to Him. But the thought that struck me the most is that I was seeing 2 Corinthians 5: 17-18 in action.

” Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself, and gave us the ministry of  reconciliation.”

After the service ended, my brothers were able to stick around and play with some men, sadly I didn’t since I don’t play an instrument, yet! (That’s about to change!) It was fun, and we hope to go back soon.

As I sat there listening to them play, I recounted the evening in my head, and I thought about how excited the men were about their new found liberty in Christ, and I started to wonder if I convey that same excitement to others around me. I’m not sure if I do. I hope I do, but if I honestly took a good, long hard look at myself, I’m not sure I do.

I have become complacent, I have forgotten what Christ’s sacrifice has done for me. I have trivialized that I was once dead but now I am alive and a new creation through Christ! Oh, Lord! Do not let me forget this so easily!

” And I was dead in the trespasses and sins in which I once walked, following the course of the world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience- among whom I lived in the passions of my flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and was by nature a child of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved me, even when I was dead in my trespasses, made me alive together with Christ-by grace I have been saved- and raised up with him, and seated in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” ~ Ephesians 2: 1-6

Never forget…

Daniel and Dorins April 7, 2009

I would like to introduce you to two new friends of mine.

This is Daniel:

 

 

And this is Dorins:

Daniel lives in Ethiopia and Dorins lives in Kenya. They are both in the Compassion International Program, and have been waiting for sponsors. Dorins has been waiting for six months or more to receive a sponsor to help provide her most basic needs. I am happy to report that their waiting ends today!

I had contemplated sponsoring a child through Compassion before, but just never did it. It wasn’t until I read this post by Big Mama that I really felt called to do it. I went on Compassion’s website and looked at all the children waiting for sponsors. There were over 700 children waiting. I asked the Lord to show me which children to sponsor, and I chose Daniel and Dorins. I wish I could sponsor them all, I wish I could help all of them, and give them some sort of hope.

But now Daniel and Dorins are being released from poverty’s deadly grip, and will learn about the God who created them and loves them. Hopefully someday I can sponsor more children, I would love that. But until then I will continue to pray for and sponsor Daniel and Dorins.

Sometimes I get so overwhelmed at just how much need there is in the world around us. There are times where I just want to bury my head in the sand, and pretend it’s not there, pretend that there are not over 700 children waiting for someone to help provide their most basic needs. But I can’t do that, I’m called to action, I’m called to pray and to give where the Lord leads. I’m just amazed at how God will use us if we listen and obey, it’s not about me at all. No, it’s all about Him using cracked, imperfect vessels to be His hands and feet in an imperfect, lost, and dying world that is so desperately crying out for help.

If you would like more information on Compassion International and their ministries click here

A Person’s a Person No Matter How Small. February 23, 2009

I just recently finished reading a book titled “The Atonement Child”. My mom had read this book before, and loved it. Finally, in an attempt to find something to read, I picked it up. I finished it in three days, this of course required staying up until all hours of the night, just so I could read one more chapter that, of course, turned into another chapter. I literally could not put it down.

 

The main storyline is about, Dynah, a young, engaged college student who becomes pregnant by rape. After dealing with all of the initial shock, everyone (including Dynah’s fiancee) encourages her to abort her “problem”, and go on with life. Dynah is torn. She’s not sure if she can end the life that is in her, but she does not want a child to raise, especially since she doesn’t know who the father is. It is a wonderful tale of redemption and life and love. I highly recommend it. The author is Francine Rivers, who is an amazing writer.

 

One aspect of the book that I really liked was how it portrayed the abortion clinic. Having never been to one, I can’t say if it is accurate, but I do know that Mrs. Rivers researches her projects very well. It did an excellent job of showing how so many pro-choice supporters put on a great face of “caring for the mother”, but really and truly the sugar coat the reality of the procedure and its side affects. Wanting to know if this was indeed true, I did some research of my own and looked up an abortion clinic in Charlotte, NC. I looked at their “menu of services” and clicked on a link telling me what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. True to the book, it was made to sound easy, light, and painless (only because they gave you pain killers). What upset me the most, was the description of the most popular procedure “Suction Cutterage” they described a few things, and then said that the “uterus was gently removed of its contents” First it upset me that they described a living, human as “contents”, something to be disposed of. And second, it upset me because in the course of fifteen minutes, a life brimming with potential and hope is terminated. Never once being taken into consideration, only described as “contents”.

 

But what upsets me the most is how these precious, young mothers who are probably scared to death, are being treated. For a while I used to only think about the babies, but this book really opened my eyes to the moms. What is so sad is that why the pro choice supporters state that they care about the girls by giving them choice, that is simply not true. Abortion leaves so many devastated and hopeless with possible physical complications in the coming years. Sadly that is not told to the young, scared mom. The only thing that is told to her is that all of her problems will be fixed in a short, fifteen minutes. My question is what about after those fifteen minutes. Then what?

 

I just recently came across this video of a 12 year old girl who wrote a speech in defense of life for her school’s speech contest. She went on to win, and will be giving this exact speech on a national level. She beautifully says everything that I’m thinking. Pray for Lia and her wonderful message of life:

 

 

I’m praying for our nation, and it’s decisions about abortion. I’m praying that our leaders eyes might be open, and that they would no longer be a government of death, but a government who loves life.

Calling All Single Ladies, Calling All Single Ladies! February 9, 2009

Attention: If you are married, this post might not interest you, although since you are married, chances are that you have a son or daughter who will one day find themselves in the pursuit of  Holy Matrimony. If any of this is true, please stay tuned.

 

Good afternoon! What? What’s that I hear? What? Molly is actually POSTING on a *gasp* MONDAY?? Ahem, I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that. Yes, friends your eyes are not deceiving you. I am posting on a Monday! It’s a new week! I’m turning over a new leaf!

 

Well, not quite, as this post will not feature anything I’ve written, but rather a link to something I think all single ladies should hear. Today on Focus on the Family’s broadcast, I had the privilege to hear pastor Alister Begg teach on what to look for in a godly spouse. It is part one of two, but his message is fantastic! I can’t wait for tomorrow. So without further delay, I present: http://listen.family.org/daily/A000001775.cfm

It’s only about thirty minutes, and I think you’ll enjoy it! Let me know what you think!

 

See you tomorrow,

Molly

Lessons… January 28, 2009

When seeing your face, all chubby and cute

I didn’t know then just all you would do.

I didn’t know how you’d teach us today

I just knew to sit and to pray.

Hoping, wanting, crying for you to live,

Praying that God would see fit to give

A little more time, just one more day,

But we know that wasn’t His way.

What happened, God? We don’t understand.

“Trust me, child and take hold of My hand.”

“This is not the end as you think, this is the beginning of many great things!”

“Through this little boy’s life, I’ll proclaim my great name,

And point people to the hope that you claim.”

“I’ll teach you to trust me, and  lean on my arm.

Being assured that I’ll never bring you harm.”

“For in my great plan, you never say good bye,

Just ’see you later, in a short while.’ “

When seeing your face all chubby and cute,

I didn’t know then just all you would do.

I didn’t know how God would teach us His love through you.

_________________________________________________________

This is written in remembrance of my nephew, Daniel. Daniel’s birthday was this past Monday, he would have been two.

I love you, Daniel!

Love,

Aunt Molly

You, Only U. January 6, 2009

As well as accepting the proposal of God this year, one of my other goals is to become more healthy. After Christmas, I took an inventory of my life and decided that while Christmas was good to me this year, the food was not. I guess you could call it one too many boiled cookies. Oh well, that’s why we have January, to undo all the bad habits we assumed in the previous years!

 

So that means I am frequenting the gym a lot more, and eating better food. Surprisingly, I am actually enjoying this lifestyle change, I am actually enjoying eating healthier and working out more. I’m praying that keeps up into next week…

 

Although, I do think it’s important to mention that motivation may wane. So I went in search of an inspirational video to help me when I need that extra little kick in the tail. And I came across a gem! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!!

Welcome, 2009! January 5, 2009

Happy New Year! I was very fortunate to spend my New Years with all of my cousins this year. We had a fun night of bowling, and a “Gilmore Girls” marathon that lasted until 2:00 in the morning! It was a blast, and I hope to do it again soon!

I was supposed to come home on Thursday (New Years Day), but ended up staying an extra day with my aunt, uncle and cousins. I had a blast hanging out and spending time with them! Thanks, Marshall, Kris, Hannah, and Mikala!

 

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the coming of the new year. Like most people I have made a list of things I would like to work on this year, most are the typical: workout more, become more disciplined in my life,  etc… but something struck me as I was watching “Gilmore Girls” with my cousins.

 

I love it when God  uses  something like a television show to remind me of something, He shows me time and time again that He is real, and very much involved in my life even when I don’t see it. I have to be honest and say that I didn’t think of this immediately, but as I was driving back home on I-77 on Friday, the Lord brought a certain scene to mind.

 

In this scene, Rory, the main character, is about to graduate from Yale University. She is twenty-two years old, and has a boyfriend of three years. On the eve of her graduation, her boyfriend, Logan, proposes to her. She is of course shocked and surprised, and not quite sure how to respond. She asks Logan if she can take some time to think about it and get back to him later with her answer.

 

Logan tells her to take all the time she needs, and says that he will wait for her answer. The next day, right after she has walked across the stage, recieved her diploma, and taken all the necessary pictures with her family, she sees Logan in the distance. As she walks up to him, I’m preparing myself for this really great acceptance of his proposal, and a sloppy, tear filled love saga that will leave Rory and Logan floating on “clouds of eternal bliss”.

 

After preparing myself for this, I watch in dismay as Rory looks at Logan, refuses his proposal, and hands the engagement ring back to him. Saying she wasn’t ready, and wanted to make her own way in the world. I was horrified, how dare she do that? Doesn’t she know what she’s turning down? Here is her chance at love, and she’s throwing it away? Needless to say, I was not happy with Rory Gilmore.

 

It was not until Friday afternoon that I realized that I’m very much like Rory Gilmore. As I was driving, I started thinking about how many times God will “propose” to me, and I will just casually turn my head, hand back His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, joy, peace, and walk away to find my own way.

 

I was horrified. I had never thought about this, I had never thought about how many times I do this. There is God standing there with His love, and a proposal to come and get to know Him better. And there I am, ignoring Him, trying to fill my time with other things, thinking that will bring me fulfillment.

 

How dare I do that? Do I not know what I’m turning down? Here is my chance at love, and I’m just casually throwing it away? Needless to say, I was not pleased with myself.

 

Only, in my case my God will never leave me. Unlike Logan, my God will never leave me standing there. He is always there, His proposal is always there. It’s just up to me to accept His offer.

 

So while my intentions of getting fit, and working on other areas of my life are good. My main focus for 2009 is to accept the proposal of my great God each and every time He offers.

 

Which thankfully, for me is everyday…

I’ve So Much To Be Thankful For… November 27, 2008

This past Sunday my Sunday School teacher, Roger Critcher, taught a lesson on true, Biblical thanksgiving. It was extremely thought provoking, and challenging. His own definition of “thanksgiving” was first, THANKS and second, GIVING. Meaning first you think of what or who you’re thankful for, and then give the thanks to that person and most importantly, God. I find it all too easy to just think “oh, I’m so thankful for my family.”  and then not actually tell  them that I’m thankful for them. And worse is when I neglect to give thanks to God for blessing me with my family, or any blessings in my life.

 

So after listening and being challenged by Mr. Roger, I have really been thinking about who and what I’m thankful for. And I would like to post here what I have thought of. It would actually take countless pages to name all that I’m thankful for, for God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve, but here in my simple words I will try to express my thanks to my awesome God.

I am thankful for:

God’s redemptive work by sending His son, Jesus, to pay the price for my sins, so that I may be made holy and righteous in His Presence.

My wonderfully, close family that encourages, challenges, loves, and tickles me!

Evie, Ruthie, Mary Fran, Daniel, Baby P, LeeAnne and Ward: My nieces and nephews

My wonderful friends, who are like family to me.

My home that I share with my parents, and the love, laughter, and joy that is shared here.

My completely crazy cousins who add such joy and laughter to my life!

My grandparents who have left and are leaving a legacy for me to follow.

My parents, who have sacrificed so much to obey the Lord in raising me and my brothers.

My brothers, who are eight years older than me, whom are my constant companions, protectors, and ad visors.

My sister-in-laws who have brought a whole new element of joy to our family.

My aunts and uncles, who support and encourage me.

Breath

Two arms, and two legs.

Sunrises

Sunsets

Snow

Autumn Leaves

Summer Flowers

The ability to think and communicate with others.

The Bible

God’s Love

God’s Grace

God’s Guidance

God’s Testing

God’s Faithfulness

God’s Righteousness

God’s Awesomeness

God’s amazing work in His children’s lives…

And the list could go on and on and on. The truth is, I don’t deserve any of these things, I don’t deserve to be blessed beyond measure, and I certainly don’t deserve the family I was born into. But God, in His mercy, has chosen to bless me with all this, and more! As it says in Ephesians: Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and through Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever, and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

I can’t fully describe what this passage means to me. Because if I were truly honest with myself, what I truly deserve is death, because of the evilness of my sin, but God chose to give me the free gift of life! And is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine! WOW! What an awesome God, I have! I pray that if you don’t know God, and have not experienced His awesome redemptive work you will come to know Him as your personal Lord and Savior.

 

Happy Thanksgiving! May God bless you!

 

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28

Fabulous Friday: Laminin November 21, 2008

Now what is Laminin? Glad you asked! I came across this video a few months back and wanted to share with all of you. I found this to be so cool, and awesome! Honestly, when I saw it I just sat in amazement at what an awesome God we have! Hope you enjoy this, have a great weekend!