Priscilla Shirer's Blog, page 48

Enough

One of my favorite verses in all of the Bible is found in 2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that having all sufficiency in everything you may have an abundance for every good thing." Isn't that fantastic? Such wonderful words packed into one little verse.

All. Abound. Everything. Abundance.

This robust, rich verbiage remind us that we have enough to take on any and every task that God sends our way.

That is why I love what my friend and guest blogger, Rachel Anne Ridge , is sharing with us today. Every sentiment she writes is dripping with the beauty of this verse and, even more, the beauty of her life. She teaches me the joy that comes when a woman truly understands the boundless depth of her value and riches in Christ. She has shown me that a simple life can be more full and fabulous than I ever imagined if I'll just remember this one small yet profound principle: You have enough.

I'm so grateful to her for that.

She is a dear friend and much needed mentor wrapped in one gracious, gorgeous package.
I'm so glad to share her with you today.

Enjoy.

Priscilla

 

I don’t have enough time.

I don’t have enough money.

I don’t have enough talent.

I don’t have enough education.

I don’t have enough connections.

I don’t have enough.

I AM NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spoken those words. Or how many times I’ve stepped back from a new opportunity because I felt the things I lacked “disqualified” me.

Honestly, I’ve had a “Not Enough” mentality my whole life. I’ve heard it called a “Scarcity” mentality, and I believe that describes it well. It’s the mindset that says, because there isn’t enough (fill in the blank) you’ve got to hold on to what little you have because you might run out.

Scarcity, or Not Enough, looks like this:

I don’t have enough money for my bills, so I can’t give to church.

I don’t have enough time to teach Sunday School, so I won’t even be a classroom helper.

My husband may leave me someday, so I won’t give 100% of my heart to him today.

I’ve been rejected by friendships before, so I won’t invest in any more of them.

This job is all I qualify for, so I can’t consider looking for anything better.

I need to hang on to my valuable ideas because someone might steal them.

I won’t compliment this person because they’ll take over my position.

I must keep my money and resources safe, “just in case.”

Helping others succeed means less success to go around for myself.

Scarcity makes us become territorial. It makes churches fight over members. It makes us make catty remarks about others. It makes us hoard our resources. It keeps us from stepping out and experiencing the thrill of depending on God.

The Scarcity mindset makes our lack big - and makes God small.

When we operate out of lack and fear and holding on, we are essentially saying, “God is not big enough to take up for me. He is not big enough to fight my battles. He is not strong enough to hold my marriage, or provide a new job, or use me in ministry. My lack is greater than God’s ability to overcome it.”

But I’m convinced that God never asks us for more than what we can give. And when He does ask, He wants to reveal His mighty power in our circumstance. He asks us to jump in with His plan, boots and all, and watch Him be enough to make a miracle happen. He makes us enough through His ability.

I’m reminded of the widow woman in I Kings 17:9, who was asked by Elijah for a cake of bread and some water. At that very moment, she had only enough flour and oil for one last meal for her son and her to eat, and then they faced certain starvation in a time of famine. It was a hopeless situation - real, true scarcity.

No doubt she had been carefully rationing her supplies for months, knowing that eventually she would run out. And the day was finally here. This, THIS would be their last pitiful meal together. With a rumbling stomach she gathered sticks for the fire and set the scene for their good-bye.

And then Elijah showed up and asked for THEIR meal.

The widow faced a decision. She did not have enough food for all of them. She could have explained her situation and been perfectly justified in not sharing. But rather than keep what little she had, she was willing to give all of it.

She said YES.

That’s when a miracle happened: As she poured her oil, it just kept coming. As she scooped her flour, there was more to scoop. There was enough. Enough for Elijah’s meal. Enough for her and her son’s meal. Enough for the next day, and the next day, and the next day.

Enough to feed the three of them for two whole years.

I love that Elijah’s request was for ONE cake of bread. It was just what she had. She had just enough. He did not ask her for two years’ worth of food. He asked her for one meal. And she stepped out in faith to meet the need.

I wonder how many times I’ve missed out on a blessing because I didn’t think I had enough “food for a whole famine?” Scarcity made me clutch my paltry possession instead of opening my hand in His abundance. I focused on my little bit, rather than His bottomless provision. On my lack, rather than His endless supply.

Listen:

God never runs out.

He has enough of whatever it is you need.

He has everything for every circumstance.

His standard operating procedures are Abundance, Fruitfulness, Provision. Strength. Mercy. Grace. Love. Generosity. Miracles.

He. Is. Enough.

Questions: How has a scarcity mindset kept you from experiencing God’s abundance? Would you share how you have overcome this and stepping into His “Enough?” We’d love to hear!

Conflict? Don't Make It 'Complicated'

I've watched conflict play out minute by minute, like a sports game, on social media. Relationship statuses will change from 'single' to ' in a relationship' to 'it's complicated' and then cycle through the gamut of options available on different networks illustrated by blanket statuses, subtweets and #OOMF replies. On one hand it's the beauty of social media, the opportunity to share all the time...but on the other hand, it can get pretty ugly because suddenly the whole world is privy to the challenges we face is our relationships.

Alas, this single girl's not just talking about a dating relationship, but virtually any one that involves consistently relating to another person. True, many of our relationships (personal, professional, family relationship, etc.) are indeed complicated because they involve many different people, circumstances and layers, but I'm learning that if we truly value others to apply truth over emotion every time.

Here's how I'm learning to address and defy conflict:

Speak the truth…in love: But watch out! Being loving doesn't mean you sugarcoat the conversation. Step back and make sure you can see all angles of the situation, and if not, get clarification before you keep going.
Re-evaluate when and how you express yourself: The right message at the wrong time can become the wrong message if not delivered correctly. The person you're reaching out to might not be in a place to hear you clearly, but make sure you're delivering your communication wisely and in the right voice!
Don't be afraid to ask for coaching and feedback: This requires a willingness to be receptive to constructive criticism AND to be prepared to change the way you do things.

Addressing conflict may not make you feel better, but navigating relationships are not about feeling better. When dealing with conflict, success won't always give you the positive outcome you might expect but be confident and make the necessary changes necessary to move forward.

Are there any 'leaky faucets' in your relationships with others? Is it a lack of effective communication? An unwillingness to admit or address an offense? Luke 17 packs a big punch and speaks clearly on our duty to forgive! An exception to these steps is when you are in a relationship that is harmful or toxic to you. If this is so, reach out to someone close in your life who can be objective to your situation and offer you practical guidance.

Does conflict in relationships keep you up at night like it can for me? How do you deal with it?

~AshleyM.

Guest Blogger: Lysa TerKeurst | Push Past Mad

I don't remember the first time I met Lysa TerKeurst. That's what happens when you have a heart connection with someone - you don't know exactly when or where or how it happened, it just did.

And it just is.

Lysa is one of those women whose smile and heart for God draw you to her immediately. You want to be her best friend and you are floored when you find out that she'd actually allow you to. She's open and honest and authentic. Her family and ministry are dedicated to serving the Lord wholeheartedly.

And to top it all off. . she's funny. Just flat out hysterical.

Every time I hear her speak, I'm falling on the floor laughing as she shares another story from her life as a wife and mom that I can totally relate to.

. . .like the one she's written for you and me today.

Enjoy!

Priscilla

 

I was spittin’ mad at my man. We had scheduled to watch a movie together but then he got a phone call. A call he had to take.

And instead of being patient and remembering how he had been understanding all the times I’ve gotten phone calls I had to take, I just got mad.

I felt put off.

Ignored.

Less important.

Because this was supposed to be our time together. And I was really looking forward to our time. I wanted to know he was looking forward to our time. That’s one of the most important parts of a date for me - knowing that he is looking forward to it.

But the longer the call lasted, the more I convinced myself he was just doing this movie date with me out of obligation rather than out of a desire to really be with me.

So, when the call went from “it will just be a minute” to over 40 minutes, I shut down and went to bed. Mad. Really mad.

The next day, Art asked if we could try again.

I was still mad. I didn’t want to try again.

Because this wasn’t just about that one phone call and one missed movie. It was about a collection of situations where I’ve gathered up little pebbles of frustration. I carry them around and think it’s no big deal.

Pebbles seem so innocent until they collectively turn into boulders.

And boulders don’t just weigh you down, they wear you out. They don’t just frustrate, they fracture.

That’s why I had to push past mad and talk this through. The scariest place in a marriage isn’t when the talking is hard - it’s when the talking stops.

So, I want to encourage you today… keep talking. Keep connecting. Keep pushing past mad.

Home. A Sanctuary?

My sweet, creative, artsy, brilliant neighbor and friend Rachel (http://www.homesanctuary.com) is a lovely gift giver. From little ornaments and fresh picked flowers to handmade artwork and homemade sweet treats, she's knows how to make her friends smile.

Which is why I was grinning ear to ear when she painted this little sign and brought it over to my house several years ago:

I love it's simplicity and poignant declaration over my home. It's like the calm in the midst of the swirling mayhem of muddied football cleats, half eaten sandwiches and dirty laundry.

So, I keep it in my bathroom; one of the only sanctuary-ish places in my house. . . kind of. . .

There it is. Do you see it? Tucked behind all those legos that my son Jude plays with. . .in MY bathtub. . .that is in MY sanctuary/bathroom is the sign - imprisoned like a caged animal trying desperately to get out from behind its multi-colored cell.

Oh well. . so much for peace, order and beauty, right?

I giggled when I caught sight of this irony today but I didn't have time to do much of anything about it. I was headed into the kitchen to put together the beginning of our evening's dinner.

Needed a recipe from my recipe box. . .

I never found the one I was looking for.

I giggled again as I started taking out ingredients to whip together a dish with a recipe that was already in my brain instead of in my black-hole-recipe box. Needed some red wine vinegar out of the pantry and on the way across the kitchen I came face to face with the far wall beside the dining table:

A different rotation of words like these have been there for years now. Taught all three of my boys to read during the pre-kindergarten years and our "wordwall" has been a huge part of the process. It's my four year old's turn now (the same one that turned my tub into a toy box). We've all gotten so used to seeing our kitchen wall scattered with random papers that it doesn't phase us anymore. It's just our "wordwall", that's all. I'm sure a guest's eye might see it differently and laugh hysterically if they knew about my sanctuary sign - the caged animal on lock down in the bathroom.

My sanctuary sign seems more displaced then ever in my small, crowded house where kitchen walls are school boards and bathtubs are toy bins. But then I realized that this little place we call home - with all it's loving pandemonium is actually exactly what my sign declares it should be - just in a way that looks different from the Pottery Barn catalogue that came in the mail yesterday.

Peace - my children and husband are healthy - body, mind and spirit. The assurance and rest of Christ rules amid the craziness of daily living and all who enter these doors can sense His love. We feel safe and at ease here. We can be authentic with one another. There is peace here.

Beauty - We laugh and smile and cuddle and eat and play and forgive and tuck precious memories into bed each night. Beautiful.

Order - . . . well maybe I'm still working on this one . . .

This is my sanctuary. God's presence makes it so.

This is Home.

Enjoy yours today, ok? No matter what it looks like :)

Priscilla

Pray For The Philippines

One of the most powerful storms ever to hit a nation fell upon the #Philippines just a few days ago. The devastation is enormous, and more than 10,000 people are feared to have lost their lives in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

Many more have been displaced indefinitely from their homes and urgent help is needed.

I struggle to understand the devastation in the world we live in, but I do know this: Even when bad "stuff" happens, God is still good and He stands for us. And, God wants us to give thanks in all circumstances; it is an act of faith and it helps us put God in proper perspective.

Will you join us this week in praying for the Philippines? Let's recognize God and all He has done, then believe Him for restoration, healing and protection for our brothers and sisters across Asia.

Ways You Can Help:

The Red Cross: Both the American Red Cross and the Philippine Red Cross are collecting donations and sending rescue teams to help those affected by the storm. Both branches are actively deploying team to support disaster relief efforts,including search and rescue missions and distributing food and medical care.

 

World Vision: World Vision has a Disaster Response Fund that will provide food, shelter and other emergency relief to children and families impacted by Haiyan.

 

Compassion International:The Disaster Relief Stability Fund will go towards food, clothing, and other supplies needed to help children in the Philippines, and their families.CI commits that any money raised above their amount needed will be put into a general Disaster Relief Fund. 

 

World Food Program USA:WFP provided food assistance to all affected by the storm. WFP asks for donations at www.wfpusa.org or by texting the word AID to 27722 to instantly donate $10.

Guest Blogger: Bianca Juarez Olthoff | Lonely Hearts Club

What I love most about the gorgeous Bianca Olthoff is that she tells it like it is. Her words, whether spoken or penned on paper, are authentic; real. She doesn't mess around. She just gets to the point and digs deep into an issue while gently holding the hand of the one listening.

Honestly, I don't know how she does it - serve as a key part of The A21 Campaign, keynote on platforms across the country, faithfully contribute blogs and articles that edify and encourage, and serve as a catalyst for future leaders in the church. She does it all.
And by all. . . I do mean all.

Which is why I'm so honored that she'd take time to write a post that every girl who has ever been single and a bit unsatisfied can relate to.

Read. Enjoy. Respond.

Priscilla 

 

For six and a half years I was President of the Lonely Hearts Club. Yes, I was the self-professed Six Year Single. I joked about it, but inside I struggled with doing life alone. I did everything by myself; shopping, eating out, studying, driving to holiday functions, hanging with groups of friends.

I've been that girl. You know, thee single friend who's attending every friend's wedding sans a date, RSVPing for one, and praying to God no one asks her why she’s still single. The one who during the ceremony hears vows of for better or worse, until death do we part and prays for the cocktail hour to start just so I can swallow my jealousy in tooth-picked hors d'oeuvres and watery punch.

There were times where I didn't mind; other times weren't as successful. Many nights after serving in youth ministry I would chill with my two friends, Ben&Jerry, while watching You've Got Mail as I never received any mail. Pathetic? Yes. Honest? Oh, yeah!

Okay, okay, I may not be single anymore. But for 30 years I survived sans a wedding ring or a life partner. After my dysfunctional three-year dating relationship with a man I affectionately refer to as Satan ended, I realized I need to make some healthy changes moving forward. I could get bitter or I could get better.

Around the age of 25 when most Hispanic women are married with children, I was in graduate school. I was serving in full-time ministry in an unpaid position in youth ministry when most people were encouraging me to find a singles group. And I was consciously aware that I could end up a BitterBetty because most single women I spoke to complained incessantly about the lack of spiritual leaders [aka: single men to ask them out] in the church.

I had to decision to make.

1. I could sit on my spiritual laurels and wish, hope, and pray for Prince Charming to read me Songs of Solomon and refer to me as bone of my bone.

2. I could put my head down, do some work, and keep my eyes open for a Godly man who is doing the same.

Some of the best memories and moments in life were not on the arm of a man, but reaching for the hand of the One hand who knew me far greater than anyone else. Of course looking back on my singleness is easier than being in it, but I will say perspective changed my attitude.

Contrary to popular belief, there are worse things than not being married. Like being married to the wrong person. Or having a sixth toe. Both are tragic.

For those who are married or in dating relationships, here are some things you can do to be supportive in all seasons:

• If someone tells you they just broke up or are single, don't wince, sigh, and say, I'll pray for you. They don't have a terminal disease, for crying out loud?! Instead, open your house or your calendar to make time to spend with them.

• ThreeDogNight said it best, One is the loneliness number that you'll ever hear. If you have a single friend, be available. I know, I know, it's hard to make time. But do it.

• If you're single, mingle. Don't be a hermit or spend another night watching FRIENDS with Ben and Jerry. Get out! Meet people! Have fun! Use exclamation marks!

• If you're single, maybe it's for a reason. Are your expectations too high? Are you mean? Are you bitter? Do you smell? Ask a married friend to be honest with you and trust them to tell you where you need to change. [Yes, ask a married person. If you ask your single friend if your expectations are too high and she says no, maybe that's why you're both single.]

That's my two cents for what it's worth. If you're single, what's you reason? If you're married, what advice can you give to those in a party of one?

Something New

I need a new phone. Problem is . . . I don't want one.

I'm not much of a "new and advanced technology" kind of person. Just hearing about the next-big-thing gives me a headache and makes me want to take a long nap. I've only just learned how to use my current phone . . . and computer . . . and the last software update about the same time that Apple decides to invent something that totally antiquates the very thing that I was finally able to wrap my brain around.
Drives me nuts I tell you.

It was only a couple weeks ago that my husband dragged me kicking and screaming into updating the software package onto my 4S phone. I stared down at the new face on the screen, with it's new sleek updated features, and winced in pain. Now, I'd have to learn something new, adapt to change and pay closer attention to detail in order to use this new alien device effectively.
I'm trying. . .but I've still accidentally hung up on more people than I care to mention.

Several phones ago, I dropped my phone and ended up with a crack across the front that splintered into at least a dozen seams. Looked like a wild tree had grown roots on my iPhone. It took me a little while to find a place to fix it for a reasonable price , and during those few searching hours I became totally comfortable with my cracks - adapted to reading text messages between the lines and learned just how to push my buttons with the exact pressure needed to make them respond. It worked for me, so I ended up carrying that scarred phone around for months. I was happy.

Comfortable with my cracks.

Finally, my husband just couldn't stand it anymore so he confiscated the wounded thing without my knowledge and returned with a smile on his face along with a newly minted phone.

He waited for me to fall into his arms in thanksgiving and knight him the prince of my dreams.

Took me a while to do it.

I had just gotten used to my cracks and strangely. . . I missed them.

Bad relationship. Bad habit. You name it. Sometimes sticking with familiar is just easier than taking the time and energy required to exchange it for something that would be much better for us.

You hanging onto something "cracked" right now? Why has it been difficult for you to let it go?

 

Priscilla

Finishing Well.

I think I've shared a bit about enjoying fitness and working out, but I would never call myself a runner.

Ever.

Yes....I've gotten used to the monotony of stationary machines when I'm in the gym, where my primary motivation is watching the clock slowly fade away to '0', but running? And, out in the open?

No, thank you.

I've run a couple of races, and every now and again I'll get on a 'kick', and log a mile or two here and there to change things up a bit, but IF I've run, I've always preferred to dodge daily traffic on sidewalks. In the suburbs.

Then I discovered Runyon Canyon.

How LA manages to fit the park in the middle of everything else? I don't know, but last fall I found myself in California for Thanksgiving, and out of sheer desperation for some exercise before Turkey day I drove 45-minutes to hit the trails.

Clearly, I went at the wrong time of day, because just a few minutes in and I was stuck dodging yogis and marathoners and dogs and strollers , and everyone else who all had the same idea as me.

But then I got into my groove.
I didn't know what was at the top and I wasn't sure what I'd encounter on my way up there, but I moved to the outside of the trail and fell in behind the season runners who'd already paved the path to the top. At different points I got too far to the edge, my music playlist ran out, I had to ditch my too large water bottle and I stopped a time or two to re-tie stubborn shoelaces, but it didn't matter.

I got to the top and peered out over the Hollywood strip and It was exhilarating.
See, it wasn't about the time or distance. The point was to get to the destination, and I'd gotten past the difficulties, stayed consistent and finished what I'd started.

 

Yes, Monday has rolled around, once again.
Aren't you glad for that?

I once heard that most people breathe and live just deep enough
to stay conscious. Don't check out of this week's challenges; rest in
the presence of our Savior. Then, relax the shoulders, keep your head
above your heart and run the race.

We'll start AND finish... together.

 

~AshleyM.

Guest Blogger: Tracey Eyster | Baking Pumpkin Love

I got to meet Tracey Eyster a few years ago and I was immediately delighted. This woman lives to encourage others - moms especially - and the thing is, she doesn't even have to try hard to do it. The love she has for her family and her life as a mother comes shining through every word she says, blog she posts and books she writes. Her goal is to shine a huge, bright spotlight on the joys of motherhood and then pull others into its shimmering brilliance. Somehow she's able to accomplish this in a way that's practical, realistic and utterly relatable.
. . .

like when she tells us to slow down long enough to create fall memories for our family that will make these cooler months absolutely delicious!

MMMMM. . .my mouth is already watering. Pumpkin. Spice. And Everything Nice.

~Priscilla

 

He busted into our home headed towards his room to gather some “guy gear” and suddenly he stopped in his tracks, “What’s that smell? Are those pumpkin muffins?”

Interestingly, yet not surprisingly, he allowed his activities to wait, while he sat at the kitchen counter and chowed down on my “world famous” (or at least neighborhood famous) chocolate chip pumpkin muffins.

Along with the chowing down was him reminding me that was one of his favorite things about fall – that I always make my amazing pumpkin chocolate chip muffins! He also confessed that sharing them was always hard because they were so very good. I quickly let him know I had made a triple batch to help him remain unselfish!

I too have memories of tastes and smells of my years growing up with a mom and grandmothers who took the time to make homemade yummies for my siblings and me.

I know we are all busy, but allow me to encourage you to take the time to bake homemade treats for your family, they will appreciate it and they will stop, chat with you and shower you with words of gratitude...and mouths stuffed full of goodness!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

1 2/3 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 Table pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin

½ cup melted butter

2 ½ cups chocolate chips (miniature)

Stir flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda & powder in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix eggs, add pumpkin and butter then whisk till well blended. Stir in choc chips and pour over dry ingredients. Gently mix until dry ingredients moist. Put batter in muffin tins & bake @350 for 12-14 minutes, or until puffed. (Do not overcook.) Hint: All baked goods keep cooking even after removed from oven and muffins left to sit in the pan for a quick couple of minutes are more easily removed.

Hair & Homeschool

I wear my hair in a ponytail most of the time. Actually it’s not a real ponytail – like those cute ones that look like smooth waterfalls cascading from the back of those cute girls’ heads. You know the ones.

Most of the time, mine is in a make-shift ball of chaos that peeks above the horizon of my scalp like a misshapen moon. Runaway hairs fly all over the place and are never really part of the hairstyle. They are just orphaned, left to fend for themselves for the day.

It’s a mess.

And yet, somehow, it’s still my favorite style.

Before bed, I pull the elastic ring from my head and all my hair falls like a mop around my face. And, it feels like freedom. I’m serious. I can actually feel freedom. There is something so relaxing about taking a ponytail down at the end of a long day. My temples relax and any headache I might have from the day’s happenings (which might have actually been from my too-tight bun) dissipates.
It feels good.

Freeing.

The other day, while doing schoolwork with my boys in a Maryland hotel room, this same relaxed feeling came over me. It’s the first year I’ve felt like this in regards to my kids’ schooling – cause it’s the first year we’ve homeschooled full time. Sure, we did it on and off, taking their classwork with us whenever we traveled together (which was often) but it was becoming increasingly difficult to merge our unconventional life with conventional schooling. It felt like the walls were closing in on us. Tethered to strict guidelines, timeframes and workloads that often butted heads with our family schedule and our children’s individual learning styles, we felt confined.
So, for those reasons, (and because I felt badly for being that mom – the one who drives the teachers insane) at the end of last year, we changed our style.

Took the ponytail down.

And last week, in a hotel in Baltimore, I felt free – like I was walking around with all my hair uninhibited and cascading around my face in a gigantic curly, mop (except it wasn’t cause I needed to be able to see the boys’ papers). Each of the boys was able to go at a pace that was good for them, then we could stop when we wanted and go do something else. We could plan the day around other things not just school things. Life things. Connecting their science lesson on amphibians with our outing to the national aquarium on the harbor was a blast.

Our driving time to visit relatives was their reading time. And best of all, they could be in Maryland with me – to do ministry, spend time with extended family and see the world outside the classroom.

Homeschooling isn’t for everyone. Let’s be clear, I’m not even totally sure yet that it’s for us (check back with me in May). I’m not writing this post because I think it’s the way everyone should go or that it’s somehow more right than another educational choice. But I do know that for now, for us, it’s a blessing.

Do I know what I’m doing? Not really.

Do I whisper a regular prayer begging for patience? All the time.

Have I solicited help from others because this job is a bit too big for me? You bet.

Do I secretly wonder if my children might grow up to be one of those awkward adults who can’t find a real job and end up living at home for the rest of their lives? Ummmm. . .maybe.

But my hair is down. Temples are loose. Quite a few homework headaches are quelled.

We feel free. And, at least for now, it feels good.

Priscilla