Remember

I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a Christmas season without being involved in the Christmas Musical. We start planning in June and practicing in late August up until the date in December.

Thoughts and details for the musical dance in my head like sugar plum fairies refusing to be still. Light and entrance cues, publicity shots and recordings, news releases and pre-show videos and specials keep me busy right up to the first performance.

The focus on the musical the last three weeks of preparation is intense. The musical is about Christmas – Jesus coming and bringing life and joy.

Yet I feel like my focus is so much on the details making that announcement possible that I don’t enjoy the reason for the season.

However, I’ve intentionally planned for this happening. I purposefully read the Christmas story from the Matthew and Luke asking God to give me a new perspective on the old story. Sometimes it’s just a phrase but it’s enough to make the truth come alive for me again.

It’s so easy to take the familiar for granted. Knowing that, God has asked us to remember. Remember – call to mind, take into account, pay attention, refocus are all different ways of remembering. These are a few of those things that have been brought to my mind.

Remember the humble abode of the Christ child and be thankful that the same King born in a manger desires to be born in each one of us.

Recall to mind, the sky filled with angels who welcomed his birth with songs of great joy. All of heaven rejoiced at his birth and those same angels rejoice when Christ is born in us. The angels are there with the crowd of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) cheering us on in our journey of faith.

Take into account, the Shepherds who left their flocks by night to go worship the child wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger. This reminds us to stop and take a break from our work, our hobbies, our shopping and decorating, our cookie cutting and fudge stirring to worship the Christ child. The Shepherd left their place, their responsibilities in someone else’s hands for awhile and went to investigate what the angels had told them. Let’ s remember to investigate the Christ Child.

Refocus on the fact that Christ was born of a virgin. Immaculate Conception is a one time miracle. Christ being born in you is miraculous. If you never see another miracle, you are one with Christ in you.

Pay attention to the Star. The Wise Men saw the star and followed its light to Bethlehem. God stills guides the way to Christ through the light of Christ in others. Remember, God always lights our way back to Him.

Remember, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Remember, just as the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God let us begin the new year with the same joy and expectation of His second coming.

These past two nights as I've sat watching and listening to the musical, intimately familiar with the script and songs, I listen as if I’ve never heard them before. I recount the longs hours of planning and practicing, the challenges and impediments, the zillions of details and sacrifices of so many people. I know it’s worth it all so others can remember.

Thanksgiving Memory

My most vivid Thanksgiving memory is waking up hungry in a four room house with a fireplace as the central heating, no indoor plumbing and no insulation. As I quickly raced to the warmth of the kitchen coal stove I looked forward to a hot breakfast of scrambled eggs and French toast with warm syrup. But there was none. I complained with great disappointment.

As my mother placed half a cold grapefruit on the table in front of me, she quickly reminded me to be thankful for what I had. She assured me that my grapefruit was more than some children would enjoy on any given day. After all, dinner at Grandma Wynn’s would be filled with Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and other delicious foods. My favorite was the pumpkin butter with hot biscuits. I’ve never forgotten that lesson in being thankful.

But daily gratitude can be a real challenge for most of us especially if we’ve never been without before. I had never had a garage before this house and I had no idea the many benefits of having one. Having suffered the pain of muscles spasms and herniated discs I am especially thankful for a massaging hot shower to relax muscles. With the divorce rate so high, I’m grateful that my Mom and Dad made it through the rough terrain of marriage. I could keep going on and on but I’d love to hear what you are grateful for on a regular basis.

I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” Thanks in all circumstances can be a real challenge, I know. It puts a whole different spin on our circumstances. So, when I was cold and hungry that Thanksgiving day long ago I was to give thanks to God anyway. Thanks that I was alive – could see, smell, hear and feel. Thanks for family and a home. Thanks for another day to live and breathe. Thankful.

Prayer for the Election

Jeff Leake, pastor of AllisonParkChurch is encouraging people to pray for the Election and shared this prayer on his blog. May God guide us as a nation as we pray and vote.

God, first of all we declare that you are the one in whom we trust. Our lives, our families, our resources and our futures depend on You. You are our Father, who lives in the heavens. We praise your name. We recognize that you rule over all. We willingly submit ourselves to your leadership. We pray that your Kingdom would come, and your will would be done. May heaven's purposes and power be released in our nation. We want the way things are in the heavens to come down and be manifest on the earth, specifically upon our own country. Forgive us O God for our many offenses. For our pride and arrogance, forgive us. For using harsh, critical and sometimes slanderous words, forgive us. For our bitterness toward others, political leaders, or political parties, forgive us. For our self-righteousness, forgive us. Forgive us Lord for being a nation that so values the freedom of sexual expression that we are willing to destroy the lives of our own children in the womb. Forgive us O Lord for the way we treat the idea of marriage and family. We have allowed divorce without consequence, encouraged sex without responsibility, and attempted to define marriage as something beyond the beautiful expression of life-time covenant between a man and a woman. Forgive us O Lord for years of prejudice in this nation and for the injustice that extended from that prejudice. Forgive us Lord for our lack of concern for the poor, the homeless, the suffering, and the innocent. Lord we need your mercy, but even more than that, we need your transforming grace. Our hearts have become hard and our motives have become selfish. We need a move of God upon the hearts of people all across this land. Now, we ask you God to guide the decisions made in this upcoming election. We believe that you can work in our lives, regardless of what happens, but as we cast our vote, we truly do seek your will to be done. Move upon the hearts of people to make a choice that will be in the best interest of this nation. And now, we pledge ourselves to bless and pray for our leaders whoever they will be following this election. We choose to become part of the solution. We will NOT extend the atmosphere of anger and suspicion that so fills our airways. We will love those we perceive to be our enemies. We will bless those who curse. We will pray for those who we feel are mistreating us or others. And most of all, we choose to DO GOOD to those who hate us and to those in need. We will not let this election season be the last time we think about the issues important to our nation. We will continue to engage our culture and pray for change in this nation. We will work to invest in life, the family, for racial reconciliation, and for the meeting of the needs of the poor and the vulnerable. Finally, we declare that our hope is in You and in the coming of Your Kingdom in the hearts of people. We thank you for freedom in this nation. We believe we need to pray for and support our leaders. We long for skilled governance from our national and local leaders. But we believe that the most important solutions are not political, nor are they governmental, they are spiritual. So just like in the days of the early church, when they lived under the harsh and oppressive rule of the Romans, may the Kingdom of God come and expand in the hearts of people. May the work of Jesus in the hearts of Your people ignite a revolution that will transform not only this nation, but will touch the world. We pray this will all humility and faith. In Jesus' name, Amen! _________________________ Women, we need to get out and vote no matter how long the lines, bad the weather or how poorly we may feel. It's a privilege that has been afforded us as women for only 90 years. Women prayed, debated, marched, were beaten and jailed so we can have this opportunity. Let's show our appreciation for their paving the way to uphold the Constitution that says "that all men (mankind) are created equal." Let's vote.

I love Fall

I just love the Fall, don’t you? I don’t know why I love this season so much. Today as I walked the cooler air hit my face and I felt like an old friend had returned to visit me. I felt invigorated and alert with anticipation.

There’s a smell to Autumn like no other time of year. I immediately think of apples, pumpkins, a panorama of colored leaves, candy corn and apple cider. Warm memories flood my mind and I feel surrounded by a welcoming friend.

I think another thing that I like is the returning to a more scheduled life – not that my life is not scheduled enough. But when the children were home and going to school our summer was flexible and fun; yet I welcomed the return of the Fall schedule. There’s something comforting and secure about the schedule in life that centers one. Even with my empty nest I feel that same comfort and security as Autumn unfolds.

Autumn also signals the end of vacationing friends and co-workers – a settling into the routine of life and a re-gathering together. I miss my co-workers while they are gone. I miss you when you’re not in your usual seat or ministry in church. While I can get bored with routine, there are enough breaks during the year that I welcome its return.

During the flexibility of vacations, children home and family visiting many of us get out of the habit of spending regular time with God. This is a good time to get back into the habit or routine of spending time on our relationship with God. Hopefully we didn’t take a vacation this past summer but we may need a tune up.

Too many of us get distracted or defeated and just give up on regular times of devotions. We’ve heard the teachings and seen the systematic routines of rules and regulations and known we couldn’t keep them.

Some of us are very disciplined and we wonder what’s wrong with everybody else – just get with it. Some of us have trouble with the rules and regulations – it’s too restricting and demanding. Some just muddle through feeling like a failure, thinking you will never measure up.

But it doesn’t have to be about that. Forget the rules and regulations and concentrate on the relationship. Just enjoy your relationship with God. By faith He lives in your heart so you can talk to him anywhere and any time.

I begin the moment my eyes pop open. While I’m in the shower I’m singing praise or giving thanks for Who He is and what he has done for all of us. While drying and styling my hair I’m praying for people and about situations. As I put on my make-up I pray for myself and hum along with worship music.

Yes, I take time to read the Word and journal but all day long I’m talking with my friend, Jesus. I rejoice in the bright sunshine, in hearing from an old friend, in an answered prayer. I pray for wisdom for my work and dealing with people. I have a continual conversation all day long. As I come home from work I marvel in the gorgeous, orange sunset. As I lay my head on the pillow at night, once again I talk with my friend.

Sometimes we complicate the relationship and think it can only be developed at a specific time, place and way. Yes, I spend some extended times in prayer and on my knees. But if something happens that I can’t do that on a day, I keep the conversation and worship happening all day long.

God is like our welcoming friend, Autumn, who wraps His arms around us and makes us feel accepted, warm and at home with the familiar smells of his presence. Let Autumn signal a time for returning to the safe, secure arms of a loving, welcoming friend as we take time to enjoy the relationship.

Doing Life Together With Jesus

“Doing life together with Jesus.” What in the world does that mean? You may be thinking, “I’m having a hard enough time doing life with Jesus, don’t complicate it with others.” But if we had lived 2000 years ago and followed Jesus around we would have found him doing life with others.

“Doing” because he was intentional in sharing his life with others. He didn’t wait for them to come to him, he went out of his way to the Samaritan woman. He left one city and went to another and another talking with crowds of people. He ate in the homes of publicans and sinners. He went to the home of Mary and Martha and taught women who before his time had never been included in a teaching setting. He intentionally went off by himself to minister to His father in prayer and prepare to share his life again with theirs.

“Life Together” speaks of sharing everyday life with others. Jesus went fishing and boating with the disciples. He walked to Emmaus with two other men and shared a meal with them. He fed the hungry, cared for the sick, He celebrated the Jewish holidays with his disciples and went to the Temple regularly to minister. How does that translate into our twenty first century? It means including others in our life – shopping, recreating, eating, traveling, conversations and activities. Intentionally going out of our way to take advantage of the opportunities to include others in what we enjoy doing.

“With Jesus” at the center or our lives it’s not difficult to include him in this equation. He influences everything about our lives and it comes out while working and playing. The things we’ve learned and experienced we share with others as we intentionally include them in our lives.

I’d love to hear what you are doing or how you are sharing your life with others. You and your husband may be having couples over for fellowship or games. You may go golfing together. You may invite friends over to play Wii. You may scrapbook with neighbors. You may visit the nursing home on regular basis. You may be making friends with others while your children play in sports. There’s a myriad of ways to share the life of Christ within us. What are you doing?

Rebuilding with Nehemiah -- Requesting Help

When Nehemiah heard about the disgrace of the broken gates and walls of Jerusalem he cared enough to confront God with the problem and ask for help. He then pushed through his fear and ask the King for help and supplies. Nehemiah formulated a plan for success and left for Jerusalem to once again ask for help.

Nehemiah 2:11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days 12 I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem

Notice that Nehemiah was responding to what God had put in his heart to do. God will put a desire in your heart for change, growth, transformation.

Nehemiah had a plan for restoration and now after surveying the damage he was ready to ask for help. Asking for help from others who are our peers can be one of the most difficult tasks to complete in the restoration process. It’s admitting, not just to ourselves but to others,that we have a problem and need help. It’s humbling to ask for help but it’s a necessary step in the restoration process. Ask God for the courage and then step out and ask.

I remember when I took courage and stepped out to ask for help only to be turned down. The person was too busy. I felt embarrassed and exposed. But what I learned was I had asked the wrong person – someone already too busy, too far removed from my life. I needed to pray and ask the Lord to show me who to ask for support -- someone who had been through what I was going through. I know this is not easy but it is necessary.

17 Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work.

Nehemiah asked for help and he received it. I have to believe that it’s because God had given this desire to Nehemiah and he was walking in the favor and will of the Lord. God had really prepared these people’s hearts for repairing the walls. God can prepare hearts to respond to yours. .

In the Third chapter of Nehemiah we find this phrase: “Next to him, the repairs were made by…” The chapter gives a mental picture of people lined up all along the wall repairing or restoring their particular part of the wall of Jerusalem. This tells me a couple of things: 1) We’re not in this process alone. We work side by side with others who need to perform restoring work in their own lives. It’s a common need and occurrence. 2) We need help in the restoring process. We cannot do it alone. We need prayer support, encouragement, and sometimes instruction or counseling.

Remember, we’re not in this alone. Most of us have areas of our lives that need restoring. Many of us have been through this process and need to stand ready to answer “yes.” Let’s ask for the support we need and get on with the rebuilding process – “let’s start building

Rebuilding with Nehemiah -- Plan to Succeed

“Because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.” Nehemiah 2:9

Nehemiah requested permission from the King to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the gates and walls. “It pleased the King to send me, so I set a time.”

Nehemiah set a time for rebuilding which meant he had to have a plan in mind for how long it would take to travel, gather materials, rally the workers and accomplish the task. Nehemiah had a plan of action. Do we have a plan of action for rebuilding an area of our lives? Or are we just floating along and being thrown around by every wave of opposition?

To fail to plan is to plan to fail. So to encourage success, we need a plan for rebuilding. What is it that needs rebuilt? What will it take to rebuild? Is there a time limit for keeping focused? What kind of help or support will we need?

Because Nehemiah had a plan he knew exactly what to ask the King to supply for him – safe passage, timber, and letters of permission. Nehemiah was serious and committed to his plan. The King saw this and was gracious to Nehemiah and granted all his requests.

Do we believe that it’s God’s will for us to rebuild? If so we need to pray for wisdom, survey the need and make a plan of action and ask the Lord to supply all we need. Many times we “have not because we ask not.” If we have a plan of action it will give us more boldness in asking.

God wants to bless us and He’s just waiting for us to ask. What are you waiting for?

You Set My Alarm

I went scrapbooking this past weekend – something I’ve never done before. I packed up all my supplies and more than enough clothes for the weekend and traveled to Newark to commence cutting and pasting pictures, tags, swirls, letters etc.

Somehow I just get lost in the creative process while all the cares, agendas and voices of responsibility drift from my consciousness. What a wonderful feeling. No ringing of the phone, no “what’s for dinner,” no “did you wash my shirt”, no “you have to get this done?” -- just focusing on creating memories.

At one point while deep in the creative process I heard the words “you set my alarm.” I had actually heard most of the conversation but these words struck a subconscious chord – my writing chord. I had just been given a creative phrase for writing. I immediately stopped and wrote it down while making a mental note of its significance.

Normally a phrase with “alarm” in it would not be a positive phrase. I live with an internal alarm that is set off by different circumstances; the Mommy alarm, the wife alarm, the dinner alarm, the deadline alarm, or the “wake up out of a perfect sleep” alarm which jars me to reality. I live for the day when I can sleep until my eyes just pop open – without the alarm.

However, in this case the phrase “you set my alarm” was a good phrase. My new friend was talking about how their lives had changed dramatically since her husband was on shift work. Their normal lives of doing everything together had been turned upside down and inside out. But here she was thanking her husband for setting her alarm. He didn’t give it a second thought. What was so special about resetting the alarm after he had risen from bed? She answered him emphatically, “you set my alarm.”

I knew exactly what she meant. On the few occasions when my husband has to get up earlier than me, I have to reset the alarm. He doesn’t even know how to set it. Sometimes just getting awake enough to reset the alarm is enough to wake me up completely. If I don’t reset it then I’m constantly thinking about missing my wake-up time and, consequently I don’t really sleep. Or, I fall asleep and dream of missing the expected responsibility. It’s terribly frustrating.

So, when she was thanking for husband for that small task of resetting the alarm, I understood its significance. I got it. It’s a small act that makes a huge difference. It’s an act of consideration. “You set my alarm” says I love you in a big way.

My husband may not reset the alarm but he does many small acts of consideration that say “I love you” in a big way. Let’s not take those small acts for granted. Thank your husband, children or friend for small acts of consideration. Or, just maybe, “set their alarm” for once.

I quickly re-immersed myself in the creative process of scrapbooking. However, I didn’t just bring home sixteen pages of memories; but new friendships upon which to build and a reminder to “set someone’s alarm.”

The Hats will Find You...

A girl can never have too many hats, can she? Maielle loves to try on Grammie's hats. What is this inborn desire to play dress-up? What is our fascination with hats? Maybe its a reflection of our journey to find our selves.

With the change of a hat you look and feel differently. People see you in a bigger picture. I know nurses don't wear their little caps anymore but to me that little cap provoked respect. Stories of Clara Barton immediately flood my mind with pictures of her untiring, faithful service. The cap represents an era.

I once wore a hat while in the marching band in high school. I didn't really like the way it messed with my hair. However, when I placed that hat on my head I felt taller. For some reason my shoulders went back and my head high. The hat represented something bigger than myself -- the honor of our school, the reputation of the Christiana Vikings. It magically transformed me from an awkward teen to a marching Viking.

As women, we wear many different hats representing a variety of roles. We're wife, mother, chef, maid, taxi driver, laundress, seamstress, teacher, coach, counselor, shopper, party organizer, event planner, decorator, nurse and physician's assistant, appointment secretary, comforter, encourager, cheer leader, and banker. Whew! That's a lot of hats to wear.

I don't know about you but I like the variety of womanhood. I like changing hats for different days and situations. I might look a little crazy if I wore them all at once, but at a moment's notice women seem to be able to change hats with lightening speed. Our family and friends barely notice our slight of hand but they sure seem to enjoy us taking on our different roles.

We're born to wear hats. Hats of responsibility -- hats of respect and reputation -- hats of character and integrity. While our hats may be invisible, their affect is still the same -- they whisk us into the bigger picture. It's not all about us. We are important and the hat calls forth something that's desperately needed.

I'm not sure we ever lose that fascination for hats. Laughing till we cried, my Mother and I tried on almost every hat at Macy's one day. The variety of styles and colors caught our attention and begged to transform us. Time seemed to stand still as we played dress up. I'll never forget those magical moments.

Maielle has just begun her fascination with hats but we all know her journey will be an adventure. Swallowing Maielle's beautiful head of hair, my hat is much too large but someday she will fill it out and take over the roles Grammie leaves behind.

"Enjoy playing dress up for now, Maielle. Don't grow up too soon, the hats will find you."

Rebuilding with Nehemiah - - Pushing through the Fear.

“I was very much afraid, but I said to the king…” Nehemiah had already approached the King of heaven with his passion for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and restoring God’s reputation in the eyes of the surrounding countries. However, he still found himself apprehensive in approaching a mere man. Fear of man stops us in our tracks in many circumstances but especially when it is a person of position and power. Have we totally forgotten our fear of God and what He thinks?

Being afraid is a normal human response, even when we’ve been before the King of Kings and received His approval. Fear can paralyze us but it doesn’t have to. Nehemiah pushed through his fear and spoke to the King anyway. He faced his fear. What might be causing you to be paralyzed by fear? What is keeping you from getting the help you need in rebuilding the ruins of your life?

It might be that you are afraid the person will refuse or ridicule you, or remind you of your past failures. There’s nothing like having your face rubbed in the muck and mire of past failure. The snapshots of our failures loom dark and current in the recesses of our memories, haunting and tormenting us, entangling us in doubt, regret and crippling fear. Who shall deliver us from their trap?

If we’ve asked forgiveness then “there is therefore now no condemnation in Christ Jesus.” March boldly into the throne room of grace to receive mercy over your past failures, grace to move on and power to conquer fear and try again.

We really are our own worst enemy at times. Our long, sharp memories keep us cowering in defeat. The Olympics are this week and I’ve heard it said more than once, “this is where a short memory serves one well.” Having a short memory for past failures or defeats helps us to gather our courage to give it our best one more time.

God removes our sins from us as far as the East is from the West – never to be remembered again. His memory is very short. May you receive the gift of a short memory so you can get up and face your fears and start requesting the help you need to begin the rebuilding process in your life.

Suffering Glorifies God

“Christ learned obedience from what he suffered" (Heb. 5:8) and was equipped to perform his heavenly ministry as our Advocate and High Priest.

In my devotions this morning as I read that verse it was like a lightbulb came on. In the suffering of looking back and processing the pain of my past, I have learned some discipline and have been better equipped for life and ministry.

We don’t like the pain – but Christ has been there, done that and has the T-Shirt to prove it – or should we say the scars. But through it all He learned obedience. Obedience isn’t easy. Not for me anyway. The Choleric in me wants to do it my way and in my time, etc.

The other thing that came to me was: The treasure (payoff) for suffering is obedience but it also glorifies God which is our ultimate purpose in life. The reward that keeps me pushing through or submitting to the suffering of self-denial, sacrifice, submission, surrender, etc. is that I’m glorifying God in and fulfilling my purpose in the process.

We search to know ourselves, discover our passions and intense interests so that we can know our purpose for being here on this earth. Well, we know the ultimate purpose is glorifying God with our life. Ministry is one of the ways of glorifying God but so is eating healthfully, loving on my family, respecting my husband, helping a friend, etc.

But suffering is another way of glorifying God. We glorify as we discipline ourselves to take time to read the Word and pray. We discipline ourselves when we come to church or weekly attend a small group. We discipline ourselves when we deny ourselves something so we can give our time in helping others. We discipline ourselves when we choose to forgive instead of holding onto grudges. We discipline ourselves when we process the pain of past wounds instead of stuffing them. We glorify God whenever we deny ourselves in some way so as to obey God. Praise the Lord for the opportunity and privilege to bring him glory through suffering the discipline of the daily devotions, weekly meetings and spiritual preparation and sharing.

As we make ourselves available to the working of the Holy Spirit, God breaks through any resistance, heals wounded areas, restores relationships and teaches us much in the process. We bring glory to God through our suffering.

Do not fear the suffering for by it you will learn obedience and thereby glorify God.

Life is an Invitation to a Divine Encounter

I’m reporting from the East Coast Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, Friday, July 18, 2008. I’ve only experienced one day of this conference and so many things have been confirmed that God has been showing me or dealing with in my own life. I particularly liked Julie Meyer, a Psalmist from International House of Prayer.

Sitting in Julie Meyer’s workshop, An Invitation to Encounter, was a great reminder that every day we have opportunities for an encounter with God. We miss it many times because we looking for the grandiose – something really big. But she reminded us that God is god of the small things too.

Moses was tending the sheep in the desert, a mundane, routine job – bored out of his head. He saw a bush burning which wasn’t totally unheard of in the desert because of the intense heat and dryness of the vegetation. But the Word says that “he turned and looked.” His attention was caught and he had an “invitation to an encounter.”

He could have brushed it off as a normal happening and just walked on, but he turned and looked. Because he turned and looked God called to him out of the bush. Wow!! I know we’d like that to happen today. Are we expecting it? Are we looking for divine encounters in our everyday life situations? Or, are we missing them because we’re looking for fire and wind and smoke and the miraculous?

God is inviting us every day in big and small ways to have an encounter with Him. That encounter may be like the Brazilian housekeeper who was responsible for winning Stephen Baldwin and his wife to the Lord. In her routine day of washing dishes, mopping floors she testified to the goodness of God to these people and now they are reaching Hollywood with a dynamic testimony of God’s grace.

Watch for opportunities for an encounter with God. It may be Him using you to minister to someone or receiving from someone else. It may be His voice through a song, a slogan, a deed done. But God is pursuing us, waiting for us to respond to His invitation.

Life is an invitation to encounter God today – heads up, be aware, alert, expecting an encounter at any moment. Like Candid Camera, "When you least expect it, smile '-- a divine encounter is waiting. Turn and look – respond to His invitation for an encounter today.

Rebuilding with Nehemiah -- Praying the Word

In Nehemiah’s prayer to God in chapter one, he said:

"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'

10 "They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man."
I was cupbearer to the king.

It may seem quite arrogant that Nehemiah reminded God that His reputation was on the line – these were His people He had redeemed by His own strength. What would the nations think if he didn’t redeem them as He promised?

But in praying this, Nehemiah was reminding himself and building his own faith up. Jehovah is the God of Promise and “he is not a man that he should lie.”

I’ve often prayed the Word back to God and in hearing it spoken out loud it brought faith and hope to my heart. Here is one from Romans 5:8-10

8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

This verse reminds me that if God loved me enough to die for me while I was an enemy, filthy in my sin; how much more, now that I am His friend, will He work on my behalf and empower me to overcome – to rebuild the ruins. His reputation is at stake in us. He has an investment in me and He doesn’t want to see it wasted.

WOW! God is interested in the ruins being rebuilt and He lends His hand, His power, His resources, His motivation, His faith and hope. Let’s not get discouraged but encouraged. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.”

What Words will you pray to God to remind yourself that He is more than able to cause you to be successful in this daunting task? Share your “reminding” Word prayers with the rest of us.

Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Prayer: “Thank You Lord that you will complete that which you begun in us and will not give up till the end. What You begin, You finish. Give us faith to cooperate with Your completing work in us.” Amen

Rebuilding with Nehemiah - What's Our Response?

Nehemiah 1: 4 -7 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said:
"O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

Once Nehemiah identified that the ruins in Jerusalem needed to be rebuilt He immediately went to the Lord. “He sat down and wept” says to me that he was overcome with emotion – sadness and grief. His grief lead him to mourn, fast and pray for days.

What does looking at the ruins in our lives motivate us to do? Give up? Eat?

Go shopping? Rationalize, compare or minimize? We do something with those emotions when we feel them. I can remember feeling sorry for myself at one point and wallowing in self-pity. It didn’t help my situation but it was my reaction.

Another thing that can happen is that we tell ourselves some lies or listen to the lies of the enemy being whispered to our spirit. “This is impossible, too hard, I could never rebuild this area of my life; I’ll just have to move on and make the best of it.” Or, we dive in to fix it with the self-help books, advice from friends and move gung ho forward only to find ourselves defeated after a few weeks.

But Nehemiah had the right idea. He experienced the pain of his loss by mourning instead of stuffing the pain with an activity, food or busyness. He allowed himself to cry deeply over the loss of the gates of security and the crumpled walls of protection of his beloved city -- the majestic city of the Lord.

The gates and walls being in appalling condition was a reflection of his God, his roots and people. It affected him deeply.

The conditions of our lives reflect our God. What is being reflected? Do our lives reflect the Mighty Host of Heaven – His power, majesty, mercy, grace, faithfulness and goodness? Yes, we are a work in progress but is progress happening. Are we ignoring some area of ruins because it’s too messy or it will require too much of us.

Maybe we need to follow Nehemiah’s example in verses four through seven and pray, confess our sins and ask forgiveness for the sins committed against us. Confession is always a good place to start. Confess that area of ruins. Confess our denial of our ruins. Confess our need to rebuild. Confess that God is great enough to guide us and help us in the rebuilding process.

Rebuilding - Caring Enough to Ask

God is in the redeeming, restoring, rebuilding business. He doesn’t throw us away. He restores what the enemy has stolen, the ruins from abuse of the past and what we have left open to the enemy through disobedience. God wants to rebuild. However, he uses us to do the work of restoring and rebuilding. He rebuilds relationships, marriages, families, ministries, -- anything. Do you have anything that needs restored or rebuilt?

I remember when I used to sew that I hated having to remove seams of stitches because I had done something wrong or it didn’t fit. I would almost rather start all over than rip open those seams. It was painstaking work. I had to be careful not to destroy the material by pulling too hard or getting the seam ripper caught in the material. Frustration would mount each time I had to use the seam ripper. I loved to sew but I hated ripping out seams.

Sometimes we just give up instead of restoring or rebuilding because the work is so difficult. We live in an instant culture that expects instant results. It’s easier to buy something new than try to restore or repair. Besides, we just don’t have the time or expertise. Isn’t my time is worth the money it costs to replace rather than restore? I have an old dresser that I love and has sentimental value that needs refinished. I don’t know how, time is of essence and I don’t have the strength in my right hand to do the work. I really would love to restore it. Maybe you have something in your life that needs restored.

I’m studying Nehemiah right now and he has much to teach us about restoring or rebuilding that which was ruined. For the next few newsletters and posts on the Calvary Circle of Friends Blog I will be sharing some things I’m learning about rebuilding. I hope you will join me for the journey.

The first thing that stood out to me was that Nehemiah inquired about the condition of Jerusalem and the exiles there. Nehemiah knew that Jerusalem had been ravaged by the enemy and left in ruins. He and others had been taken captive and were slaves in another land. But, Nehemiah cared enough to ask his visiting brothers. Sometimes we just don’t care. We’re afraid it will cost us something so we just turn our heads the other way. We live in denial of the ruins in our life and just keep walking in the midst of them.

I challenge you to inquire of the Lord. Ask him if there are any “ruins” in your life. It may be areas that the enemy has ravaged in the past that you may have tried to rebuild but it was too difficult so you gave up. It could be your self-worth or identity. It could be a gift or talent you are not using for some reason. It could be your body, marriage, family, future.

David asked the Lord to search his heart to see if there was any wicked way in him. Wicked ways are not ways led by the Spirit so we need to get rid of them and rebuild ways of the Spirit. At least ask – inquire of the Lord and listen. Caring enough to ask is the first step to rebuilding.

The King Has One More Move

This week we hosted the PennDel MinistrieSummit , our annual district council for the Pennsylvania-Delaware District. The speaker for our concluding ordination service was Rev. Zollie Smith, the Executive Director of US Missions for the Assemblies of God. In his message he shared the following story which has been told by Christian speakers as far back as 1955 when Billy Graham told a variation of it early in his ministry. I trust you will be as blessed as we were when we heard it!

Two men are standing in front of a painting called Checkmate in an art gallery. In the painting, a man is playing chess with the devil. The devil is grinning ear-to-ear because he has the man cornered. The title of the painting, Checkmate, indicates that the game is over. The devil has won. His opponent has no more moves.

The first man looking at the painting wants to move on to other paintings in the gallery. But the second man, an international chess champion, wants to look at the painting longer, so he waves his friend on and tells him he will catch up later. The chess champion stares and stares at the chess board, then suddenly he steps back, flabbergasted. “It’s wrong!” he exclaims. “There’s one more move.” He runs to his friend and together they look at the painting. “We have to contact the painter,” the chess champion says. “It’s not checkmate. The king has one more move.”

When you look at Scripture, you will see that all through history, the devil has had God’s people in what seemed like “checkmate.” But God had another move.

In Exodus 14, with the Egyptians relentlessly chasing them, the Israelites, finally released to journey to the Promised Land, came to the shores of the Red Sea. They could see the dust from approaching Egyptian chariots on the horizon and hear the war cries of their pursuers. They had nowhere to turn. Their families would be killed; their possessions would be taken. Checkmate, right?

The King had another move. God says to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground” (Exodus 14:15-16). We know the rest of the story. The Israelites get to the other side; the Egyptians drown when God closes the water alley.

In 1 Samuel 17, the Israelites and their leader, Saul, were terrified. The nine-foot-tall Philistine giant, Goliath, was taunting them and making fun of their God. The Israelites were in checkmate.

But the King had one more move. An insignificant youth too small to fit into Saul’s armor slay the giant Goliath and delivered the Israelites. David, who knew a thing or two about being in checkmate, shows his deep faith when he says, “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear with will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:37).

In Daniel 6:1-28, King Darius threw Daniel into a lions’ den because Daniel ignored the new law to pray to King Darius and instead prayed to God. In imagery reminiscent of the tomb of Jesus, a stone was rolled over the mouth of the lions’ den and Daniel was left to be torn apart. You can’t get much more “checkmate” than that situation!

But the King had another move. He sends an angel to close the lions’ mouths. When King Darius finds Daniel safe, he says: “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end” (Daniel 7:26).

Perhaps you feel like you are in checkmate in your life. You are in debt. You’ve lost your job. Your marriage is in trouble. Someone you love is dying. You have an addiction that is eating you with shame.

Whatever your situation, you have to remember that God always has another move in your life. He can get you out of whatever you’re in. He raised his own Son from death! Nothing is too hard or beautiful for God. Do what only you can do – pray, trust, believe and make any move He prompts. Then trust God to do what only He can do – the impossible.

Remember, the King always has another move!

Girls Night Out! May 17th

Ladies, Girls Night Out will be here before we know it! A night of fun, laughter and fellowship just for you. Karen Mayey-Cunningham is a typical woman who has learned to find joy and laughter in the journey of being a woman, mother and beautician.
Tickets are available on our website at http://www.calvarydover.org/ Click on the banner and go to the information about the event and then pay pall to pay for your ticket. Or, you may

purchase your tickets at the church office between 9-5 Monday through Friday or at the event table on Sunday mornings.

This is a great opportunity to invite your co-workers, neighbors, friends and family to a fun, neutral event at the church. There are postcards at the event table for you to use as invitations.

Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served from 6:30-7:00 pm in the foyer. The program will begin at 7:00 in the Sanctuary. We moved it from the MPR to the Sanctuary in hopes of having room for more people from the community.

Any and all profit from this event will be donated to the Domestic Violence Safe House. In order to be able to do this we need you to participate by coming and encouraging others to attend. We have the wonderful opportunity of bringing joy to women who are in need of financial help to start over.

Giving hope to others is easy and won't cost as much as going to the movies and buying soda and popcorn. You deserve to laugh and they need our help. Together we can all make this happen.
Tickets will be sold at the door also. I hope to see you there!!

Friday night and Saturday morning I had the privilege of sharing the Personality Puzzle Workshop with the women attending the Victory Church Women’s Retreat in Lancaster, PA. What a wonderful experience.


I loved the combindation of ages between teens to sixties. It’s certainly a sign of a healthy group to have such a wide span of ages present. Their hunger to learn, warm response and keen observations during processing blessed me.


Laughter, quietness, intensity and competition filled the room as the women completed the puzzle interaction. What an intersting experience seeing the different personalities in play. The women at one table were quiet, reserved and steadily working — Peaceful Phlegmatics and Perfect Melancholies for sure. At another table the ladies were just the opposite. On their feet standing and bending over their puzzle pieces they were intense on winning as they worked quickly together to get the puzzle done. Every once in awhile we could hear screams of joy as they progressed and they never quit talking in the process. Yes, you guessed it, they were the Purposeful, Powerful Cholerics and Playful , Popular Sanguines.


Most of the other tables were a combination of the four personalities with the Powerful Choleric barking instructions, Sanguines talking everone through the process and others dutifully following the instructions or just sitting and watching. It was interesting to hear one Powerfl Choleric actally request the ladies at her table to “find the edges first” rather than demand them. Her firend explained that she had learned that skill as a teacher of small children. There’s hope for us yet, Cholerics.


As usual, one lady didn’t want to participate in all the fun. Was she a serious Melancholy who didn’t like to waste her time on such firvolity? Or was she a purposeful Choleric who realized it wasn’t worthy of her commitment? Maybe she was a Peaceful Phlegmatic who just didn’t feel like expending that much energy after a hard week of work. One thing for sure, she wasn’t a Playful Sanguine; they are always ready for fun.


Along with the laughter were some tears as we shared the emotional needs of each of the personalities. One lady had taken time to invest in herself as her husband took over at home with their special needs child. I pray that her whole family benefits from what she learned. As I watch their faces I knew that God was speaking to their hearts and elping them apply the truth – “it okay to be me and I am valuable just because I’m His.”


Being energized by being with so many women, the Sanguine in Kathy and I decided to have some fun and go shopping at the Craft and Flower Warehouse in Blue Ball before coming home. Then since I’m a Choleric I risked using a different route to get from Blue Ball to Gap and onto Route 41. It was a winding, narrow road with a speed limit of 45 but it only took us twenty minutes to drive what would have been a sixty minute drive another way. We saved forty minutes just because I was willing to leave a different way.


Hopefully, the ladies left the retreat different than when they arrived. They risked their precious free time on Friday night and Saturday morning --time that could have been spent with family and chores. I hope the time and heart they risked will far outweigh the cost. May they go a different way.

Women of Calvary, you have an opportunity to invest in your Spiritual growth by participating in our own Women's Retreat on April 18th and 19th here at Calvary in the main sanctuary. We are expending prayer, time, energy and money to make this a refreshing and life changing opportunity for you.

One of the ladies selling tickets told me that someone said, "Oh, I've heard her speak before; I won't be coming." The last time I checked, you've heard Pastor Coon before and myself but you come to hear us.

I just talked with Muriel this morning and we're expecting God to perform some miracles in your lives. Do not let anything frivolous keep you from your Divine Appointment with God. This may be a time for His seed to be planted in you for growth, a time of watering for further growth, a time of breakthrough over strongholds, a time of healing of issues and pain of the past, a time of refreshing and God using you in ministry. But God's powerful presence and specific Word for us will be manifested.

Here are a couple of changes:

1) Friday night is free to whoever wants to come. We will receive a love offering in which you can help with the costs. You do not have to register or present your tickets at this time. We want you to come and enjoy. If you decide to come the next day then you will need to pay.
2) Saturday morning schedule change: 8:30-9:30 is continental breakfast and registration. If you have a ticket ahead of time you won't need to register; just come and present your ticket. The service will begin at 9:30 am with worship.
3) If you want to sponsor someone or more than one we will sell two tickets for $50. That is a saving of $10. So you could buy your ticket and someone else's for a saving of $10. Any tickets you buy over two will be $25 each.
4) If you buy your ticket on Saturday and there is no more room for lunch then your ticket is $20.00.

Ladies, don't let the price of a ticket keep you from attending. Many of you take family to the movies for much more. The investment in your spiritual journey is worth it. Who knows, maybe you will be one of those who leave "another way."

A Reason to Rejoice!

Those of us who have known the Good News of the Gospel can sometimes take the crucifixion and resurrection for granted. The busyness of getting ready for Easter family celebrations, egg coloring, candy making, basket filling, cleaning, cooking, shopping, or trying to find something new to wear can sometimes blur the real meaning. That is one of the reasons we minister the Easter musicals – to remember-- really remember.


I’ve been producing these musicals for twenty-three years now, yet I’m still moved by Jesus’ agony in the garden, his pleading with God –“could there be another way?” When I think of the sinless Lamb of God taking on my sin, your sin, every sin that has ever been committed or will be – it’s impossible to comprehend. But Jesus knew. The weight was unbearable. We have a difficult time giving up a meal to fast and pray; yet he submitted to the mocking, beating, scorning, and hanging to the point of death.

As I watch the crucifixion there are times I have to look away. Yet, something draws me back to that bloody body hanging on the cross. It was for me –- my cross, in my place. But the mystery is that it is me hanging on that cross because I’m “in Christ.” It’s me dying to my old life. It’s me dying to my past. It’s me, yet, I feel no pain, no agony, no sorrow except for Him. He carried my griefs, my sorrow, my pain. He took my stripes, my shame. It was my guilt that was nailed to that cross. (Isaiah 53). So, that is what it means. Overwhelming emotion builds – tears flow, gratefulness chokes my throat. “Amazing Grace how can it be, that you my Lord would die for me?”


But the story doesn't end there. The musical continues and, even though I know what’s coming, my heart beats faster as expectation builds. Sitting on the edge of my seat I wait as the lights come up to a tomb with Roman soldiers guarding the grave.

The music gently builds, “Not a word was heard at the tomb that day, just shuffling feet as they guarded the grave. One day, two days, three days had passed, could it be that Jesus had breathed his last. Could it be that his father had forsaken him, turned his back on his son, despising our sin. All hell seemed to whisper, forget him he’s dead. Then the Father looked down at His son and said… Arise, My love. Arise, My love. The grave no longer has a hold on you. No more death's sting, No more suffering. Arise...Arise...my love.”

The music changes dramatically building…and I shift in my seat. " The Earth trembled and the tomb began to shake, (suddenly an angel appears) and like lightening from Heaven the stone was rolled away." We see the angel push the huge, heavy stone away and there is Jesus lying in the fog filled tomb. " And the guards as dead men stand there in fright, as the power of love displayed its might. Then suddenly a melody filled the air riding wings of wind, it was everywhere. The words all creation had been longing to hear, the sweet sound of victory, so loud and clear. "

"Arise, My love." Jesus begins moving – sitting up and excitement builds while angels are dancing in celebration. "Arise, My love. The grave no longer has a hold on you. No more death's sting, No more suffering. Arise...Arise...my love.”

Finally, Jesus rises from the stone and stands, the music builds. "Sin, where are your shackles? Death, where is your sting? Hell; has been defeated. The grave could not hold the King." Jesus begins walking out of the tomb. I just want to stand and shout “hallelujah, Praise God!" Remembering I’m in the sound booth I remain seated.

"Arise, My love. Arise, My love." Jesus begins walks to the front of the stage. "The grave no longer has a hold on you. No more death's sting, No more suffering. Arise...Arise.. Arise!" Jesus stands triumphantly with arms upraised and spread toward the sky while the crowd responds exuberantly with claps of praise and vocal expressions of rejoicing. Hallelujah!

It excites me everytime. I remember it was not just Christ who arose but you and I arose too! Scripture reminds us that not only were we baptized into His death but also into His resurrection! What does that mean for us? New life, new nature, new creation, new beginning, new master, new family, new kingdom, new destiny, new all the way through. Praise God when Christ arose to new eternal life we arose with Him! What is true of Him is true of us. Our past no longer has a hold on us, our old nature no longer has to control us, the old is past and the new has come. Now that is a reason to rejoice! Hallelujah! Rejoice! We’re alive to a New Life!

Jonalyn Grace Fincher: Why Isn't America Ready for a Female President?

Jonalyn Grace Fincher: Why Isn't America Ready for a Female President?

I read an interesting post that loosely relates to what we have been talking about with Perception Deception Disorder. I thought you might want to read what Jonalyn Fincher, author of Ruby Slippers,had to say and leave your own comment.

I wonder, are we too absorbed in appearance to see beneath the surface to character and integrity? Are we just as guilty as the media of judging by appearance?

I am ready for a Female president but Hillary would not be my first choice. Not because of her looks but because of her character and my own inability to trust her. I must admit that eight years of Bill Clinton in office has certainly affected my opinion. I think its a shame that our first real possibility of a female candidate is one I cannot support with a good conscience. But to me her gender has nothing to do with my choice. I hope this will help more women to dream of the presidency for the future.

Give us our opinion after reading Jonalyn's post.

Clay Balls and PDD

In view of our recent discussion about friends someone sent me the following story.

Clay Balls
A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.

They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.

He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.

We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.

There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.

Perception Deception Disorder would keep us from discovering the treasure inside the ball of clay. We would have just dismissed the ball or thrown it into the ocean. We might not have felt comfortable with the clay ball. PDD keeps us from looking beyond the clay wrapper for the treasure. May we be consciously aware that there's more to a person than the outside appearance. Have you ever found an unexpected treasure in a friendship?

Posture of Deference versus PDD

I just read the post "Deferring to God" on the Gifted for Leadership Blog at www.giftedforleadership.com and it struck a chord for me. Hillary Prag wrote about ministering with a woman named Alice who had found her security and identity in Christ enabling her to trust or "defer to" God rather than play God and try to please or fix everyone. To get the most out of this post you might want to read the post first.


What could have been misinterpreted for insensitivity or nonchalance was simple trust in God.
She was able to walk away from situations that most of us would tackle to resolve so we could stay in someone's favor. Hillary admitted that she and most of her contemporaries were visiciously competing for places of power and working incessantly to build an outstanding resume. Yet, Alice did nothing to impress others.


Alice didn't seem to need to work incessantly to impress or make everyone like her. She could walk off the job trusting that God was at work in the lives of the people she cared about so deeply. Hillary pointed out that "in a society where our identity is measured by our contribution it is much easier to translate our standing with God to our ministry performance."


Perception Deception Disorder is alive in well in the body of Chirst. Our culture tells us that our identity comes from what we do, how well we perform, the car we drive, the home we live in, the position we hold and our successes. This means our identity and self-worth will change with the economy, job losses or successes, crises, etc. Interpreting our standing with God by our performance is normal for those of us who are living in Perception Deception Disorder. This disorder has infected the church. But God chose Abraham to be the "Father of Many Nations" not because of anything He had done but because of who HE could make Abraham. Abraham taught us that the "just shall live by faith." By faith we accept our new identity in Christ of being complete, secure and significant.


When we find our Identity in Christ and who He says we are it never changes; our identity and self-worth are forever settled and sure. We are somebody, we are important, we are significant just because we are His -- His child, His heir, His temple, His bride, His body, His church, His chosen, called out new creations.


Alice was able to trust God because she is secure in God. Our security comes from God – just because we are His; not because of anything we have done. We are secure in His unconditional love, abounding grace and unlimited mercy. If He loved us while we were enemies how much more does He loves us now that we are his children? (Romans 5)

Hillary wondered what it would feel like to believe herself complete before going out to minister. A few words come to mind -- free, empowered, confident yet humble, competent yet trusting and light in spirit.

Colossians 2:8-10 says: "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority."

We are made complete in Christ -- His presence and power residing in us in all the fullness of the Godhead. Our greatest accomplishments cannot compare with God in us.

Hillary wondered how "to find significance within herself rather than in acts of service." Refute the lie of our culture and PDD. Our significance comes from the same place -- not our intelligence, successes or contributions but from the image of Christ in us and the fullness of the Godhead dwelling within being expressed in all of its glory. Our significance comes from being royalty -- the child of the King of the Universe! It doesn't get much better. I'm a joint heir with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Once we rest in His security, identity and significance then our accomplishments and successes only serve to glorify Him. Alice was able to defer to God because she was not suffering from Perception Deception Disorder but fully identified in Christ, complete, secure and significant in who God had made her to be.

Wonder no more -- simply defer.

PDD -- A True Story

PDD is "Perception Deception Disorder" as we discovered in the previous post. Lisa Boothe sent us a perfect example of PDD in action. I thought I would share it with you here.

Eighteen years ago, while my first two children were small, I ran a family day care during the day from my home, and then worked the night shift at Catalog Resources, which used to be across from Kraft. Working the 6:00 pm to 2:00 am shift, I started on the Telemarketing floor, handling the incoming calls for catalog orders, and just really beginning my computer skills.


My Supervisor’s name was Diane (name changed). And for whatever reasons, it seemed obvious that she did not particularly care for me. Being new, I had lots of questions. I would raise my hand for help while on a “live” call with a customer, and Anna seemed reluctant to come and assist me. There were between 5-7 women (normally), working the phones during the later part of the shift. Diane seemed friendly to most of them but me. She kept her distance.


One night, scheduled for my break, I put my phone on “make busy”, and started walking down the hall towards the bathroom. It has always been a habit for me to hum or whistle, and I was whistling a tune on my stroll. Diane, coming from the break room, was headed my way back to
Telemarketing. I stopped whistling, and looked at her, smiling, and said “Hello, Anna”. Her face was firm and unyielding, with no return of a smile….she replied a forced “hello”, and kept her pace. After a few more steps I hear her utter, “Jezebel”.


“Jezebel”. Now, I did not know at that time who or what a “Jezebel” was. But I did know how Diane said it, and it made my heart sink. I continued to walk to the bathroom as my eyes filled up with tears. Why does this woman appear to detest me so?

That night I picked-up my Grandma’s Bible for the first time in a long time. I read enough about Jezebel to see that Diane was comparing me to a very wicked woman. It is true that a that time of my life, (in my upper 20’s), I did love wearing dark brown or burgundy lipstick---but was that a fatal flaw? I began praying for Diane, and to God for guidance as to how/why this woman could see me in such an evil light.


The time had come for my 60-day review with my supervisor, Diane. I knew she was going to fire me. This woman clearly wanted me gone.


As I waited in the break room for Diane I could feel myself shaking as I was anticipating doomsday. I prayed quietly to myself and sipped on a cup of coffee. In walks Diane with paper and a pen in hand.


To my surprise, my overall evaluation was very good---Diane had monitored a lot of my calls. As she spoke, she would hardly make eye contact with me. When it came time for me to sign my evaluation, I asked her, as nicely and politely as I could, “Diane, have I done something to hurt you?” Immediately taken back at the question, she replied “No – what do you ask that?!?”
This led, finally, to a drop in her huge defensive barriers.

As we talked and tried to get to know one another, her view of me was strongly shaped by her childhood teachings and perceptions. Basically, she was brought up believing, that any woman who “whistled” was a “loose” woman, or a prostitute. My wearing of dark lipstick, in Diane’s mind, further engrained this image. This was a true wake-up call for me. I could not believe what I was hearing. To Diane, this was how she had “sized me up”, it was her reality.


As God works his miracles, over time, Diane and I became very good friends. We did eventually share a huge laughing and crying ceremony over our very rocky start…thank you, God.

Ladies, we do need to be careful not to pre-judge one another. We need to take the time to
get to know one another, and allow each other to be our unique selves…the Chick Café is a wonderful opportunity to do just that.

Walking in God’s love and truth will help us to prevent Perception Deception Disorder. God Bless You!

Lisa B.

PDD - Perception Deception Disorder

Last Tuesday night at Chick Café Church we discussed the friendships of women. One of the gabbing girls brought up the idea of PDD – Perception Deception Disorder. I thought, hmm.. that is good.


Perception is everything. Perception is how we view things according to the internal lens of who we are and our collective experiences or knowledge. Perception is our reality. However, our perception may be skewed by our own bias, insecurities, fears or a host of other contributing factors. Once our perception is skewed or interweaved with the lies of the enemy then it is deception. We live our lives and make our choices according to these deceptive perceptions and it becomes a disorder that keeps us from living fully.


When this comes to the friendships of women it can be especially harmful. We may isolate or hide to protect ourselves from perceived discomfort, pain or betrayal in relationships. The very people who may challenge and help us to grow are rejected as we perceive them to be “dangerous” or “uncomfortable.”


The Gabbing Girl shared that when meeting women she compares herself with others and looks for someone with whom she can feel comfortable. In doing that she is actually judging women by their appearance and body language and sorting through the information to protect herself from someone who may hurt her or with whom she would not feel comfortable. What makes us feel comfortable will be different according to our own perception of ourselves and our preferences.


For instance, I get bored with small talk after awhile and long for deeper conversation. Others are scared to death of anything but small talk and would feel very uncomfortable about the prospect of being with someone who takes the conversation deeper. So I would probably be rejected or shunned by those who perceived me as different from themselves.



If we see ourselves as not measuring up in the beauty department we may reject the friendships of women we perceive as more beautiful than ourselves. We do this either to protect ourselves or make ourselves feel more comfortable or superior to someone else. We may judge someone as a snob when in reality they have a reserved personality and are as sweet as sugar. We may be missing out on a friendship that would bless the socks off of us. But we would never know because we keep rejecting these women.


Comparing is one of the biggest hindrances for women developing new friendships and community. What is the solution to PDD and the comparison game? Watch for the next blog.

What are your thoughts on PDD and the habit of comparing? Do you find yourself trapped in these habits? If not, how did you get out of the trap or keep from getting into the snare of comparing?