Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 63
December 6, 2016
My Christmas Gift to You (and your friends)
Happy Tuesday, everyone. I wanted to share the great news that my publisher is giving away (as in FREE) the Kindle version of my 5-minute devotional, Hungry for God ... Starving for Time.
This offer is FOR ONE DAY ONLY, Tuesday, December 6. At midnight, it's GONE. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHIKCRU/
The timing of this giveaway is extra special, because it allows me to give you, my faithful readers, and your friends (if you forward this email) an extra-special Christmas gift.
So if you don't have an electronic copy of my book yet, click on over and grab one, then forward this email or post on social media to share the news with friends and family who need a resource that helps them connect with God in just 5 minutes a day, wherever they are. It could be the nicest thing you do for someone today.
Thanks for sharing the love!
~Lori
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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
December 4, 2016
4 Fun, Quirky Christmas Traditions
I’m a very intentional person, but I must admit that some of my family's nicest holiday traditions have evolved with no help from me. It's sad, really, since I’d like to get credit for some of the most smile-producing moments. I don’t know if you can intentionally recreate someone else’s holiday traditions, but perhaps reading my family’s bright moments will spark a few ideas of your own.
1. The stocking tradition. When our girls were young, we drew a line in the sand concerning how early they were allowed to wake us to open presents. I don’t ever remember having to wake them up because they’d slept past the magic hour. At least not until they were teenagers, and even then, they were usually more interested in presents than sleep.
But they were creative little geniuses, and while they knew they couldn’t open their presents until we were all awake, there was no moratorium on their stockings. Every year, one or the other, whoever awakened first, would haul her stocking into her sister’s room, and they’d open them together. Giggles, comparisons, and swaps while their parents sleep on created a tradition that lived on even into adulthood.
2. The Pillsbury cinnamon roll tradition. Pillsbury cinnamon rolls were a magic food from my childhood. My family lived on a tight budget with no wiggle room for prepared foods, but when I spent the night at my friend Linda’s house, oh my. On Saturday morning her mom would crack open that magic can of deliciousness, pop the luscious treats into the oven, and amazing smells would fill the air. Slather the finished product with sugary white icing, and Linda and I were in cinnamon roll nirvana.If you’d asked me, I’d have unequivocally declared that heaven smelled like cinnamon rolls.
When the time came to choose a special food for our family’s holy day celebration, it was a no-brainer—Pillsbury cinnamon rolls—food of the gods. My children embraced them as eagerly as I did as a youngster, and for many years the tradition continued.
Now that my girls are adults and more concerned about unidentifiable ingredients and preservatives, the special food pendulum is swinging back toward homemade delicacies. Some years I make my own cinnamon rolls, equally delicious and less likely to kill us, at least from preservatives. Our favorite hash brown casserole usually puts us in a carbohydrate coma, and sparkling cider or grape juice tops off our Christmas breakfast.
3. The White Elephant gift tradition. This tradition began before we had children as a means to liven up our family's somewhat boring, all-adult Christmas Eve gathering. Let’s face it, without the excitement wide-eyed children bring, adults-only gatherings can be a bit dull.
One year we suggested a White Elephant gift exchange. “Everyone bring a wrapped gift, something you don’t want, but is still usable. We’ll draw numbers, take turns choosing gifts, then swap with and steal them from each other.”
My brother-in-law took the idea and ran with it. He’s the master of White Elephant gifts and loves shopping for crazy, silly, or unusual items. His signature newspaper or grocery bag wrapping paper only adds to the signature effect. One year I ended up with a can of mackerel and a box of crackers. My husband got a box of Good n’ Plentys, a coloring book, and a box of crayons, and my daughter bagged a month's worth of Ramen noodles.
[image error] One of our most memorable W.E. gift exchange took place the Christmas before my brother-in-law died. He was in the final stages of lung cancer, and the realization that this would be our last Christmas with him hung heavily over us all.
We gathered in the living room for the gift exchange, and my youngest daughter chose a pretty bag from under the tree. Inside was the book, The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig , a delightfully skewed and quirky version of the traditional Three Little Pigs tale.
Sensing the heaviness of the evening and trying to introduce some levity, she launched into a dramatic reading of the book, complete with different voices and hand gestures. Before long we were all laughing uncontrollably.
The White Elephant gift exchange had saved the day.
4. The chocolate-covered cherries tradition. When my husband was little, he saved his money and bought his mom a box of chocolate-covered cherries. He wrapped the box and proudly set it under the tree.
Christmas was still several days away, and one day he decided to open the box to check on the cherries. They were beautiful—creamy chocolate, gooey white filling, and a luscious cherry in the center.
Before he knew what had happened, he’d eaten one. He hastily wrapped up the box and put it back under the tree. The next day, he did the same thing, eating a cherry, then wrapping up the box again. When Christmas day finally arrived and his mother opened her gift, a single chocolate remained.
Every Christmas thereafter, he gave his mom a box of chocolate-covered cherries—with one missing.
Last year was our first Christmas without my mother-in-law, but the chocolate-covered cherry tradition continued. This Christmas Eve, we’ll open a box in her honor, and, yes, there will be one missing.
Family holiday traditions knit our hearts together, give us a sense of family unity, and express our heritage and diversity. Best of all, they bind the generations together. They're as personal and unique as we are, and really quite special.
Now I'd like to give you a turn. What family traditions do you enjoy? Share your stories in the comment box below. And if you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, and leave a comment there.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
1. The stocking tradition. When our girls were young, we drew a line in the sand concerning how early they were allowed to wake us to open presents. I don’t ever remember having to wake them up because they’d slept past the magic hour. At least not until they were teenagers, and even then, they were usually more interested in presents than sleep.But they were creative little geniuses, and while they knew they couldn’t open their presents until we were all awake, there was no moratorium on their stockings. Every year, one or the other, whoever awakened first, would haul her stocking into her sister’s room, and they’d open them together. Giggles, comparisons, and swaps while their parents sleep on created a tradition that lived on even into adulthood.
2. The Pillsbury cinnamon roll tradition. Pillsbury cinnamon rolls were a magic food from my childhood. My family lived on a tight budget with no wiggle room for prepared foods, but when I spent the night at my friend Linda’s house, oh my. On Saturday morning her mom would crack open that magic can of deliciousness, pop the luscious treats into the oven, and amazing smells would fill the air. Slather the finished product with sugary white icing, and Linda and I were in cinnamon roll nirvana.If you’d asked me, I’d have unequivocally declared that heaven smelled like cinnamon rolls.
When the time came to choose a special food for our family’s holy day celebration, it was a no-brainer—Pillsbury cinnamon rolls—food of the gods. My children embraced them as eagerly as I did as a youngster, and for many years the tradition continued.
Now that my girls are adults and more concerned about unidentifiable ingredients and preservatives, the special food pendulum is swinging back toward homemade delicacies. Some years I make my own cinnamon rolls, equally delicious and less likely to kill us, at least from preservatives. Our favorite hash brown casserole usually puts us in a carbohydrate coma, and sparkling cider or grape juice tops off our Christmas breakfast.
3. The White Elephant gift tradition. This tradition began before we had children as a means to liven up our family's somewhat boring, all-adult Christmas Eve gathering. Let’s face it, without the excitement wide-eyed children bring, adults-only gatherings can be a bit dull.
One year we suggested a White Elephant gift exchange. “Everyone bring a wrapped gift, something you don’t want, but is still usable. We’ll draw numbers, take turns choosing gifts, then swap with and steal them from each other.”
My brother-in-law took the idea and ran with it. He’s the master of White Elephant gifts and loves shopping for crazy, silly, or unusual items. His signature newspaper or grocery bag wrapping paper only adds to the signature effect. One year I ended up with a can of mackerel and a box of crackers. My husband got a box of Good n’ Plentys, a coloring book, and a box of crayons, and my daughter bagged a month's worth of Ramen noodles.
[image error] One of our most memorable W.E. gift exchange took place the Christmas before my brother-in-law died. He was in the final stages of lung cancer, and the realization that this would be our last Christmas with him hung heavily over us all.
We gathered in the living room for the gift exchange, and my youngest daughter chose a pretty bag from under the tree. Inside was the book, The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig , a delightfully skewed and quirky version of the traditional Three Little Pigs tale.
Sensing the heaviness of the evening and trying to introduce some levity, she launched into a dramatic reading of the book, complete with different voices and hand gestures. Before long we were all laughing uncontrollably.
The White Elephant gift exchange had saved the day.
4. The chocolate-covered cherries tradition. When my husband was little, he saved his money and bought his mom a box of chocolate-covered cherries. He wrapped the box and proudly set it under the tree.Christmas was still several days away, and one day he decided to open the box to check on the cherries. They were beautiful—creamy chocolate, gooey white filling, and a luscious cherry in the center.
Before he knew what had happened, he’d eaten one. He hastily wrapped up the box and put it back under the tree. The next day, he did the same thing, eating a cherry, then wrapping up the box again. When Christmas day finally arrived and his mother opened her gift, a single chocolate remained.
Every Christmas thereafter, he gave his mom a box of chocolate-covered cherries—with one missing.
Last year was our first Christmas without my mother-in-law, but the chocolate-covered cherry tradition continued. This Christmas Eve, we’ll open a box in her honor, and, yes, there will be one missing.
Family holiday traditions knit our hearts together, give us a sense of family unity, and express our heritage and diversity. Best of all, they bind the generations together. They're as personal and unique as we are, and really quite special.
Now I'd like to give you a turn. What family traditions do you enjoy? Share your stories in the comment box below. And if you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, and leave a comment there.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
November 30, 2016
Gossip - 5 Things You Need to Know
“Did you hear what happened with the Fredricksons? I suspected something was going on, but I never imagined it was this bad.”Gossip is everywhere—break rooms, coffee shops, the gym, and, sadly, even in the church. Sometimes it’s obvious, like the example above. Other times it’s much more subtle.
“Jean, I want to share a prayer request. Did you hear that John’s fallen off the wagon again? We’ve got to pray for him and Chelsea. I’m so afraid he’s going to lose his job. And then how will they keep the kids in Christian school? I heard that they’re paying $20,000 a year to keep them there. . . and I think they had to take out a second mortgage to buy that new minivan last month.”
Google defines gossip as “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.”
Scripture has a long list of names for it: slander, backbiting, betraying a confidence, whispering, and tale bearing. However you define gossip, the Bible clearly warns us of its destructive power.
Here are five things you need to know about gossip: 1. When we gossip, we break God’s greatest commandment, the call to love one another.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34-35).
2. Gossip hurts our witness to the unsaved world.
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:25).
Wounding other believers with our speech (gossipy “prayer requests,” whispered “I’m concerned about so-and-so,” and behind-the-back conversations in the spirit of “care and concern” doesn’t demonstrate an accurate picture of how sisters and brothers in Christ should act toward each other. The world sees this, takes note, and determines that “believers” are no different than unbelievers.
3. God holds us accountable for every idle word we say.
“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Mat. 12: 36-37).
If we’re true, born-again believers, we have the assurance that Christ took the punishment for our sins, even the ones we haven’t committed yet, on the cross. So when the Bible talks about being judged, it’s talking about a different type of judgment. This judgment may involve a loss of rewards (because gossip is certainly “wood, hay, and stubble” that will burn) or experiencing the natural results of being a gossip, like loss of trust and broken relationships.
4. Gossip will cause you to lose friends.
"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends” (Prov. 16:28).
The most obvious way we can lose friends is to gossip specifically against that person. When word gets back to them, and it will, your relationship can be permanently damaged.
Another reason gossip parts friends is because sharing gossip, even if it’s about someone else, destroys our friend’s confidence in our trustworthiness. If Cara hears you gossiping about Shelby, then she’s naturally going to wonder what you say about her when she’s not around. Because trust is the foundation of any deep and lasting relationship, without it, our friendships will be superficial and stunted.
5. Gossip will find its way back to you.
“What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs” (Luke 12:3).
The very nature of gossip requires passing along information. When that “information” makes its way to the person being talked about, rest assured, the tale-bearing breadcrumbs will lead straight to your door.
Now that we’ve examined these five scary truths about gossip, here are six questions we should ask ourselves before we speak:
1. Is it true?
2. Is it kind?
3. Does it really need to be said?
4. What is my motive in sharing this bit of information—to build someone up, or tear someone down? Look deeply into your heart and examine your true motives.
5. Would I say this if the person was standing here in front of me?
6. Do I have a right to speak on this matter? Am I part of the problem or part of the solution?
One of the best ways to break the gossip habit, according to Chip Ingram in his Bible study, Five Lies that Ruin Relationships, is to listen more and speak less. This is sound advice, straight from the Bible:
"When words are many,” Proverbs 10:19 says, “sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”
I want to be known as one who uses my words to help others, not hurt them. I suspect you have a similar desire. As we pursue this noble goal, may the words of Ephesians 4:29 guide us:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Now it's your turn. Why do you think almost everyone struggles with gossip? What steps have you taken to help break the destructive speech cycle? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you're reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, and leave a comment.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
November 28, 2016
One Way to Share the Gospel with Your Unsaved Friends this Christmas
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Dear Hungry for God friends,
I suspect there are quite a few busy women on your Christmas list. Friends, co-workers, fellow church members, and your children's teachers, coaches, and babysitters, to name a few.
If you'd like to give them a gift that will draw them closer to the Lord, encourage them to spend time in God's Word, and think biblically, Hungry for God ... Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is the gift you're looking for.
And what about those friends and loved ones who may not have a relationship with the Lord?
In the last devotion in the book, I share, in a winsome and non-threatening way, what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
If you give someone you care about a copy of HFG, you'll not only be passing along spiritual encouragement, you'll also be sharing the Gospel. Either way, you could change someone's life forever.
And that's what Christmas is all about.
I love the newly-designed, glossy cover!
For a limited time, Amazon.com has my book discounted from $10.99 to $7.95. That's a 33% discount!
Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time is also available at BarnesandNoble.com, and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.
If you live in the Columbia, South Carolina area, I'd love to autograph and personalize copies for your special friends. Email me at LoriAHatcher@gmail.com.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
I suspect there are quite a few busy women on your Christmas list. Friends, co-workers, fellow church members, and your children's teachers, coaches, and babysitters, to name a few.
If you'd like to give them a gift that will draw them closer to the Lord, encourage them to spend time in God's Word, and think biblically, Hungry for God ... Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is the gift you're looking for.
And what about those friends and loved ones who may not have a relationship with the Lord?
In the last devotion in the book, I share, in a winsome and non-threatening way, what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
If you give someone you care about a copy of HFG, you'll not only be passing along spiritual encouragement, you'll also be sharing the Gospel. Either way, you could change someone's life forever.
And that's what Christmas is all about.
I love the newly-designed, glossy cover!For a limited time, Amazon.com has my book discounted from $10.99 to $7.95. That's a 33% discount!
Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time is also available at BarnesandNoble.com, and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.
If you live in the Columbia, South Carolina area, I'd love to autograph and personalize copies for your special friends. Email me at LoriAHatcher@gmail.com.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
November 27, 2016
You Don't Have to Understand Everything to Believe
“Daniel’s a good man,” Catherine said, her dark eyes filling with tears. “He takes good care of his family, he works hard. But he doesn’t believe. Says it isn’t logical.”
This mother’s heart was breaking for her adult son, and as we talked, I watched it crack open. Years of prayers, bucket-loads of tears, and nightly fears that her precious son would one day die and spend eternity separated from God spilled out in one frantic, slobbery, heart-breaking conversation.
“He says it isn’t logical. . .”
Tim, college student at a Wednesday night Bible study, peppered my husband, our pastor, with questions—archaeology, science, biblical history. My husband is well educated and was able to present a sound defense of the Bible and its truths, but it was apparent that the young man’s questions were limitless.
“Faith doesn’t require us to set aside our intelligence,” he finally said to Tim. “There are volumes of good, sound reasons and evidence for what we believe. But you’re never going to get all your questions answered. Ultimately, you’re going to have to exercise faith.”
“Without faith,” the writer of Hebrews said, “it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Heb. 11:6).
The thought that we should be able to understand everything about God is ludicrous. And presumptuous. And prideful.
Daniel and Tim would never expect to fully understand everything about Einstein, or DaVinci, or Aristotle.
“It’s impossible,” they’d respond. “They’re geniuses. There’s no way we could even begin to get inside their heads.”
Yet they and others like him expect to be able to fully grasp the breadth and depth of God?
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” says the Lord (Isa. 55:9).
If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know I am a passionate student of God and his Word. I believe God calls us to dig deep and ponder long in our pursuit of him. Yet the hammock in which our lives must rest is trust—even when we don’t fully understand.
Lord, we pray with the psalmist, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul.
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me (Psa. 131:1-2).
Quiet trust. Believing faith.
What about you? Do you struggle with what you don’t understand about God, or is it easy for you to rest in faith? Do you think acknowledging the limits of our ability to understand God means we’re setting our intellect aside? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll down, and leave a comment at the bottom.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
This mother’s heart was breaking for her adult son, and as we talked, I watched it crack open. Years of prayers, bucket-loads of tears, and nightly fears that her precious son would one day die and spend eternity separated from God spilled out in one frantic, slobbery, heart-breaking conversation. “He says it isn’t logical. . .”
Tim, college student at a Wednesday night Bible study, peppered my husband, our pastor, with questions—archaeology, science, biblical history. My husband is well educated and was able to present a sound defense of the Bible and its truths, but it was apparent that the young man’s questions were limitless.
“Faith doesn’t require us to set aside our intelligence,” he finally said to Tim. “There are volumes of good, sound reasons and evidence for what we believe. But you’re never going to get all your questions answered. Ultimately, you’re going to have to exercise faith.”
“Without faith,” the writer of Hebrews said, “it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Heb. 11:6).
The thought that we should be able to understand everything about God is ludicrous. And presumptuous. And prideful.
Daniel and Tim would never expect to fully understand everything about Einstein, or DaVinci, or Aristotle.
“It’s impossible,” they’d respond. “They’re geniuses. There’s no way we could even begin to get inside their heads.”
Yet they and others like him expect to be able to fully grasp the breadth and depth of God?
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts,” says the Lord (Isa. 55:9).
If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know I am a passionate student of God and his Word. I believe God calls us to dig deep and ponder long in our pursuit of him. Yet the hammock in which our lives must rest is trust—even when we don’t fully understand.
Lord, we pray with the psalmist, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul.
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me (Psa. 131:1-2).
Quiet trust. Believing faith.
What about you? Do you struggle with what you don’t understand about God, or is it easy for you to rest in faith? Do you think acknowledging the limits of our ability to understand God means we’re setting our intellect aside? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll down, and leave a comment at the bottom.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
November 23, 2016
From My Home to Yours, a Psalm of Thanksgiving
Our family will be sharing this psalm of Thanksgiving as we gather around our table today. May the psalmist's grateful words echo in your hearts as well.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Psalm 138
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.
May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever-- do not abandon the works of your hands.
To get your celebration started, here's "Thank You," by Hillsong United. Worship and enjoy.
If you're reading by email and can't see the video, CLICK HERE to hear "Thank You,"
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
November 20, 2016
8 Things I Shouldn't Be Thankful For
As Thanksgiving hides behind Thursday morning’s door waiting to jump out and yell “Gotcha,” I’m preparing to count my blessings. As I make my list, I’m discovering something surprising—many of this year’s blessings have entered my life disguised as something bad. Or sad. Or hard.
When I bow my head in gratitude on Thursday, I’ll be thanking God for:
Unemployment
My husband’s job loss reminded us that our jobs are not our provider, God is. We tend to equate money with security, but unemployment reminded us we are most secure in the center of God’s hand. I’m thankful for the lessons he taught us about his love and care.
Need
The needs that accompanied his loss of income showed me God’s unlimited ability to provide for his children. “My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory,” he promises, and it is true. I’m thankful to have new stories of God’s faithfulness to add to our faith heritage and share with others.
Sickness
Family members’ illnesses reminded me how God holds our lives in his hands and every breath is a gift from him. I’m thankful for Jehovah Rapha, the God Who Heals.
Drought
Months of bone-dry days and scorching heat remind me not to take simple things, like rain, for granted. Drought teaches me how truly dependent we are on God’s mercy and provision. “He bestows rain on the earth; he sends water upon the countryside” (Job. 5:10). I’m thankful for rain that waters our land, sunshine that makes plants grow, and seasons that testify of God’s faithfulness.
Closed doors
The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I’ve learned, if God doesn’t open a door, I don’t want to force it. As Jennifer Kennedy Dean writes in her book, Live a Praying Life, “If God has the power to change your circumstances right now, and if God loves you and wants your highest good, and if the circumstances are still in place, then what is your conclusion, based on truth?” I’m thankful I can trust God to know what’s best for my good and his glory.
Grief
The ache of missing loved ones reminds me of the sweetness of heaven. It makes me homesick for the day we’ll all be together. I’m thankful “we sorrow not as those who have no hope,” (1 Thes. 4:13).
Delayed answers to prayer
Having to pray persistently, fervently, and faithfully because answers are slow in coming has grown my character and my faith. It has strengthened my spiritual muscles. I’m thankful for the promise, “They who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Ps. 126:5).
The convicting voice of the Holy Spirit
You know the voice. The One that keeps you awake at night, troubles your thoughts, and reminds you of what is right. The same one that won’t let you sin and get away with it, even if no one sees you. The one that nibbles you like a duck until you cry for mercy and do whatever it takes to make it right. I’m thankful for the still, small voice of conviction, because it proves I am God’s child.
As you prepare for Thanksgiving, I’d like to encourage you to look past the obvious. Look closely at the parts of your life that are bad, sad, and hard. Perhaps you’ll discover, when you peel back the layers, that these trials are some of the greatest blessings of all.
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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
When I bow my head in gratitude on Thursday, I’ll be thanking God for:
Unemployment My husband’s job loss reminded us that our jobs are not our provider, God is. We tend to equate money with security, but unemployment reminded us we are most secure in the center of God’s hand. I’m thankful for the lessons he taught us about his love and care.
Need
The needs that accompanied his loss of income showed me God’s unlimited ability to provide for his children. “My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches and glory,” he promises, and it is true. I’m thankful to have new stories of God’s faithfulness to add to our faith heritage and share with others.
Sickness
Family members’ illnesses reminded me how God holds our lives in his hands and every breath is a gift from him. I’m thankful for Jehovah Rapha, the God Who Heals.
Drought
Months of bone-dry days and scorching heat remind me not to take simple things, like rain, for granted. Drought teaches me how truly dependent we are on God’s mercy and provision. “He bestows rain on the earth; he sends water upon the countryside” (Job. 5:10). I’m thankful for rain that waters our land, sunshine that makes plants grow, and seasons that testify of God’s faithfulness.
Closed doors
The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I’ve learned, if God doesn’t open a door, I don’t want to force it. As Jennifer Kennedy Dean writes in her book, Live a Praying Life, “If God has the power to change your circumstances right now, and if God loves you and wants your highest good, and if the circumstances are still in place, then what is your conclusion, based on truth?” I’m thankful I can trust God to know what’s best for my good and his glory.
Grief
The ache of missing loved ones reminds me of the sweetness of heaven. It makes me homesick for the day we’ll all be together. I’m thankful “we sorrow not as those who have no hope,” (1 Thes. 4:13).
Delayed answers to prayer
Having to pray persistently, fervently, and faithfully because answers are slow in coming has grown my character and my faith. It has strengthened my spiritual muscles. I’m thankful for the promise, “They who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Ps. 126:5).
The convicting voice of the Holy Spirit
You know the voice. The One that keeps you awake at night, troubles your thoughts, and reminds you of what is right. The same one that won’t let you sin and get away with it, even if no one sees you. The one that nibbles you like a duck until you cry for mercy and do whatever it takes to make it right. I’m thankful for the still, small voice of conviction, because it proves I am God’s child.
As you prepare for Thanksgiving, I’d like to encourage you to look past the obvious. Look closely at the parts of your life that are bad, sad, and hard. Perhaps you’ll discover, when you peel back the layers, that these trials are some of the greatest blessings of all.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
November 17, 2016
How Bump Drafting Can Help You Grow Spiritually
God reveals truth in the strangest places. Take NASCAR, for example.
This week I learned about a racing technique called drafting. Drafting occurs when a car follows behind the lead car so closely that it drives in the wind current created by that car. This allows the second car to run at the same speed, but use less fuel.
In essence, the lead car sucks the second car along in its wind wake. Sometimes a driver will get close enough to bump the lead car, causing both to accelerate. They call this bump drafting.
As I thought about this sometimes-controversial racing practice, I realized that drafting is a great technique for Christians—off the roadways, of course.
As a young Christian, I was fortunate to attend church with many women who were older and more mature in the faith. Several took me under their wings and modeled how to rear their children, respect their husbands, and serve the Lord and his people. As I watched them, I learned from their examples. In essence, I was drafting them—following along in their wake and gaining speed from their spiritual energy.
Now, as a mature believer, I continue to benefit from running my spiritual race in close proximity to other Christians. When I run closely to my friend Maryann, her commitment to pray for and witness to her unsaved loved ones fuels my determination to be a faithful witness. When I run closely to my friend Mandy, her commitment to accomplish every task with excellence fuels my desire to be the best at everything I do. When I run closely to my friend Jean, her commitment to develop her gifts and talents and use them for God’s glory fuels my determination to continue to sharpen and polish my own.
My friends’ energy and examples suck me along and remind me of the benefits of doing life with other Christians. This is why God ordained the church and encourages us not to “give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
As we watch others live out their faith, we're inspired and challenged to take our own faith walks more seriously. As Psalm 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
So next time you’re channel surfing and catch a glimpse of a NASCAR race, think about those who are running the faith race ahead of you. Pull up close behind them, share their passion, and follow their example. But don’t forget to look in your rear view mirror at the younger Christians following in your wind current. They need you to set the pace and share the energy and direction God has given you.
When the checkered flag waves, may we all be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).
Now it’s your turn. Who have been your mentors and examples? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. And if you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, and leave a comment there.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
This week I learned about a racing technique called drafting. Drafting occurs when a car follows behind the lead car so closely that it drives in the wind current created by that car. This allows the second car to run at the same speed, but use less fuel.
In essence, the lead car sucks the second car along in its wind wake. Sometimes a driver will get close enough to bump the lead car, causing both to accelerate. They call this bump drafting.
As I thought about this sometimes-controversial racing practice, I realized that drafting is a great technique for Christians—off the roadways, of course.
As a young Christian, I was fortunate to attend church with many women who were older and more mature in the faith. Several took me under their wings and modeled how to rear their children, respect their husbands, and serve the Lord and his people. As I watched them, I learned from their examples. In essence, I was drafting them—following along in their wake and gaining speed from their spiritual energy.
Now, as a mature believer, I continue to benefit from running my spiritual race in close proximity to other Christians. When I run closely to my friend Maryann, her commitment to pray for and witness to her unsaved loved ones fuels my determination to be a faithful witness. When I run closely to my friend Mandy, her commitment to accomplish every task with excellence fuels my desire to be the best at everything I do. When I run closely to my friend Jean, her commitment to develop her gifts and talents and use them for God’s glory fuels my determination to continue to sharpen and polish my own. My friends’ energy and examples suck me along and remind me of the benefits of doing life with other Christians. This is why God ordained the church and encourages us not to “give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
As we watch others live out their faith, we're inspired and challenged to take our own faith walks more seriously. As Psalm 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
So next time you’re channel surfing and catch a glimpse of a NASCAR race, think about those who are running the faith race ahead of you. Pull up close behind them, share their passion, and follow their example. But don’t forget to look in your rear view mirror at the younger Christians following in your wind current. They need you to set the pace and share the energy and direction God has given you.
When the checkered flag waves, may we all be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).
Now it’s your turn. Who have been your mentors and examples? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. And if you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, and leave a comment there.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
November 13, 2016
10 Things I've Learned from Children
I used to be afraid of small children.
So much so that I feared I’d be a terrible mother. Now, two children and two grandchildren later, I find tiny human beings incredibly fascinating.
Here are ten things I’ve discovered about them:
1. They have no fear of dirt or bugs, but run from washcloths and tissues.
Helping Gigi make meatballs.2. They wrinkle their noses in disgust at the dinner you’ve prepared, but will eagerly eat acorns, paper, and stale Cheerios they find lodged in the sofa.
3. They’re amazingly observant and will point out, loudly enough for the world to hear, the spider veins on your ankles and the “prickles” on your legs.
4. They love repetition. They’ll eagerly listen to six choruses of “The Ants Go Marching,” and beg you to read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Going on a Bear Hunt every chance they get.
5. They love routine and predictability. They take great security in knowing that the second shelf in the pantry always holds boxes of raisins, cups of applesauce, and packages of peanut butter crackers. They’ll choose “the pink plate that looks like a flower” every time. And if you mess up by giving Sissy the pink sippy cup instead of the blue one, prepare to be corrected.
6. They’ll surprise you in the sweetest, most spontaneous ways.
“Giiiiiiigiiiiiiiii,” I heard three-year-old Lauren call a few minutes after we’d tucked her into bed. “Lemme show you somefing.” She held up five fingers, then carefully folded down the middle two—the International Sign Language symbol for “I love you.”
7. They have a quirky sense of humor. Our neighbors have just adopted a dog, so we walked over to meet him.
“His name is Oliver,” I told Lauren.
“Like olive,” she said. “His nose looks like an olive.”
8. They’re always up for fun. From a jump in a leaf pile, to a pillow fight, to silly bathroom jokes, no one will ever accuse children of being too serious. They love to laugh, and their giggles are the sweetest sound on the planet. Carefree and spontaneous, they hang in the air like chimes in the wind.
9. They’re fascinated by everything. Pulling baby oak trees and finding acorns beneath the soil. Filling a watering can from a spigot in the rain barrel. Watching a squirrel hop from branch to branch in the oak tree overhead. The world is their classroom, and they are eager, engaged learners.
10. They remind us that life is an adventure, and the best way to experience it is with those you love.
I’m not surprised that Jesus enjoyed children. Naturally inquisitive, trusting, and transparent, they embody the characteristics of a good disciple.
"Let the little children come to me,” he said, “and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Luke 18:16-17).
Now it’s your turn. What characteristics of children do you especially enjoy? In what way do you wish you were more like them? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, and leave a comment.
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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
So much so that I feared I’d be a terrible mother. Now, two children and two grandchildren later, I find tiny human beings incredibly fascinating.
Here are ten things I’ve discovered about them:
1. They have no fear of dirt or bugs, but run from washcloths and tissues.
Helping Gigi make meatballs.2. They wrinkle their noses in disgust at the dinner you’ve prepared, but will eagerly eat acorns, paper, and stale Cheerios they find lodged in the sofa. 3. They’re amazingly observant and will point out, loudly enough for the world to hear, the spider veins on your ankles and the “prickles” on your legs.
4. They love repetition. They’ll eagerly listen to six choruses of “The Ants Go Marching,” and beg you to read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Going on a Bear Hunt every chance they get.
5. They love routine and predictability. They take great security in knowing that the second shelf in the pantry always holds boxes of raisins, cups of applesauce, and packages of peanut butter crackers. They’ll choose “the pink plate that looks like a flower” every time. And if you mess up by giving Sissy the pink sippy cup instead of the blue one, prepare to be corrected.
6. They’ll surprise you in the sweetest, most spontaneous ways.
“Giiiiiiigiiiiiiiii,” I heard three-year-old Lauren call a few minutes after we’d tucked her into bed. “Lemme show you somefing.” She held up five fingers, then carefully folded down the middle two—the International Sign Language symbol for “I love you.”
7. They have a quirky sense of humor. Our neighbors have just adopted a dog, so we walked over to meet him.
“His name is Oliver,” I told Lauren.
“Like olive,” she said. “His nose looks like an olive.”
8. They’re always up for fun. From a jump in a leaf pile, to a pillow fight, to silly bathroom jokes, no one will ever accuse children of being too serious. They love to laugh, and their giggles are the sweetest sound on the planet. Carefree and spontaneous, they hang in the air like chimes in the wind. 9. They’re fascinated by everything. Pulling baby oak trees and finding acorns beneath the soil. Filling a watering can from a spigot in the rain barrel. Watching a squirrel hop from branch to branch in the oak tree overhead. The world is their classroom, and they are eager, engaged learners.
10. They remind us that life is an adventure, and the best way to experience it is with those you love. I’m not surprised that Jesus enjoyed children. Naturally inquisitive, trusting, and transparent, they embody the characteristics of a good disciple.
"Let the little children come to me,” he said, “and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Luke 18:16-17).
Now it’s your turn. What characteristics of children do you especially enjoy? In what way do you wish you were more like them? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, and leave a comment.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
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If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.
Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
November 9, 2016
The Gift of Flexibility
A friend gave me a very special gift recently—the gift of flexibility. In a world where we’re all doing our own things, furthering our own agendas, and looking out for our own best interests, it was a rare and precious treasure. Flexibility has several definitions. The first is my favorite: the ability to bend without breaking. Ever seen toddlers go to pieces? They’re not characterized by their ability to bend without breaking. We, however, should be. The second definition is equally profound: the ability to be easily modified. And the final: a willingness to change or compromise.
My friend’s willingness to yield her preference for someone else’s made me appreciate anew this valuable quality. It also sealed my undying love for her.
Flexibility voices itself in many different ways:
It says, “Whatever you’d like to do is fine with me.”
It says, “I don’t care; you pick.”
It says, “It doesn’t matter where we go, just as long as we’re together.”
It says, “I know it’s short notice, but I’d be glad to help.”
I’m not saying we should never express an opinion or a preference. I also realize we can’t be flexible all the time, nor should we yield our convictions or commitments. We can, however, like my dear friend, look for simple ways to honor others above ourselves.
Here are some ideas:
1. If you normally pick the restaurant, television show, or weekend activity, let someone else choose. Who knows? You just might discover a new favorite.
2. If a boss or coworker asks you to pitch in outside your area of expertise, say yes. Employers highly value employees who approach their job with a flexible mindset.
3. If your spouse or friend is running late, don’t fuss and fume. Extend grace. Ask, “How can I help you?”
4. If you’re stuck in a line and people around you are grumbling, say something pleasant to infuse positive energy into the situation. Keep the big picture in mind, realizing that a little delay probably won’t significantly alter the outcome of your day.
Flexibility is a quality Type A people like me especially struggle with. We’re decisive, opinionated, and motivated. We like efficiency and getting things done, and we usually have a clear idea of how to make it happen. Because of these traits, it can be really hard for us to be flexible. But like definition #1 above, if we don’t bend, someday we might break.
Now it’s your turn. How have you given the gift of flexibility? Maybe someone else’s flexibility has blessed your life? Tell us about it in the comment box and join the conversation. If you’re reading by email, click HERE to visit Hungry for God online, scroll down, and share your thoughts in the comment section.
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Copyright 2012 by Lori Hatcher
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