Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 69

Lessons Learned in 3-D: Put out the Welcome Mat

This week I learned that God wants me to put out the welcome mat.  I must admit that this scares me a little because right now my house has been invaded by dust bunnies, and my fridge is bare.  Nevertheless, I can no longer ignore that hospitality is a command, not a suggestion.

1.  First, Angela at Good Morning Girls told a sweet story about a family who took her in.  She said, “there is power in extending invitations.”

 

2.  Then, I read this little gem of a Scripture passage in I Peter 4:

 

The end of all things is near.
Therefore be alert and of sober mind
so that you may pray.
Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks,
they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.
If anyone serves,
they should do so with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.
Amen.

 

3.  Midweek, Kristen at We are THAT Family reminded me that “if my To Do List isn’t governed by love, than I need to lay it down. If I’m too busy to love another person, then I’m too busy.”

 

4.  This morning, God nudged me again through Dawn over at (in) courage that “sharing your home is an act of reckless optimism” –

Our lives are made to be shared regardless of the state of our houses. Sometimes the messes are the pieces of our testimony others most need to hear.

 

5.  Finally, my ears perked up today as I listened to this Matt Redman song.  He challenged me that I am to welcome God with praise.

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Q4U:  What lessons did you learn this week?

 

I am joining like-minded sisters this weekend at Saturday Linky Love, The Weekend Brew, Whatever is Lovely, and The Friday Five.  

The post Lessons Learned in 3-D: Put out the Welcome Mat appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

A Soul Set Free

 Photo Credit:  Shirley B, via SXC

I am a soul set free.

I was drowning, and He heard my helpless cries from the depths of defeat and disappointment.

He applied mercy to my misery.

He rescued and received me.

 

I am a soul set free.

He patiently pursued me and stood me up, disregarding my self-condemning spirit.

He pardoned me and marked my debt as paid.

Now, my heart beats in reverence for the Holy One.

 

I am a soul set free.

In the darkness, I rest contentedly in His care with anticipation and delight.

I stand on guard with eyes gazing forward to the Light.

His Word is my hope, my healing, my heartbeat.

 

I am a soul set free.

He has broken away chains of bondage.

He has delivered me from destruction’s claws.

I will abide in the Almighty who is my Security, my Stay, my Salvation.

 

I am joining like-minded sisters at She Reads Truth today and sharing a reflection on Psalm 130.

 

The post A Soul Set Free appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Honk Your Horn (Thought-Provoking Thursday)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Photo Credit:  BabaDesign, via SXC

I take the turnpike to work.  On most mornings, I am on autopilot.  My car gets there, but I don’t remember much of the ride.  Today was a bit different.

I’d driven about half way to my destination.  The radio was turned up, and my spirit be-bopped along in a happy mood.

All of a sudden, some crazy guy in a beat up dodge decided he needed to get over — across three lanes — right in front of me.  Mr. Crazy Dodge Dude cut me off, and I was not happy with him.

So, I did what any other concerned citizen would have done.  I laid down on my horn — because someone needs to let Crazy Dodge Dude know that he is in the wrong.  I mean, he could have killed me.  Right?

The problem is that my horn decided to get stuck.  Yep.  That’s right.  My horn decided to keep right on honking.  There I was on the expressway in a panic.  I was imagining that I would be pulling into the driveway at work with that thing blaring.  I frantically pounced on that horn to see if I could get it to pop and turn off.

The loud wail persisted.

That’s when it hit me.  You know, that Holy Spirit moment when you hear the voice in your head that slaps you hard right in that stubborn spot that needs a little discipline.

This is what happens when you are loud and rude, Lyli.  You think you have it under control, but your wailing persists.  

God held a mirror up to my ugliness this morning.  He used my car horn.

On my lunch hour, I decided to look into the mirror of His Word to get a firm grasp on what else God had to say about horn honking.   I looked up the word “yell” (because the word honk is not in the Bible), and I discovered that sometimes God wants us to yell.  But, He doesn’t want me to yell at the Crazy Dodge Dude.  No, he wants me to raise my voice to right a wrong of a different kind.

Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves…You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way…It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”  So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time (James 4:1-7, MSG).

My Sisters, today I am resolving to say a “Quiet Yes” to God and to yell a “Loud No” to the one who seeks to rob me of my peace.

Tomorrow, I will be back on the turnpike.  I’m praying that I will only honk my horn at the right enemy.  I want to be-bop for Him the whole way home.

Something to think about…

I am sharing “Honk Your Horn” and joining like-minded sisters at  Spiritual Sundays, Recommendation Saturday, Faith-Filled Friday, Thriving Thursday, and Three-Word Wednesday.

Looking for more thought-provoking posts? Check out the ones written by my blogging friends in today’s link up.

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post.  Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word.  Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter. 

Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up!  Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.

An InLinkz Link-up

The post Honk Your Horn (Thought-Provoking Thursday) appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Glory Days

Photo Credit:  Andre Carvalho, via SXC

…For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Matthew 6:13

I am sharing “Glory Days” with like-minded sisters at

 

The post Glory Days appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Lessons Learned in 3-D: School of Hard Knocks

Lately, I feel like I am attending the University of Hard Knocks.  Adversity is a painful teacher, but it also helps clarify what is really important.  I don’t want to forget what I have learned in the classroom this month, so I am joining Emily and friends this week and creating a helpful list of the salient points I want to remember.

1. The first week in February, I spent 3 days at a friend’s house helping her prepare her husband’s funeral.  When I got home, my husband had done my laundry and made spaghetti for dinner.   I married really well.   I am very thankful for my man.  He rocks!   (I already knew this, but it’s helpful to be reminded.)

2.  My church family knows the secret to the awesome sauce.  They wrap themselves around the grieving with lots of love (and casserole dishes).  This is what the church should be, and I want to love like they do.

3.  Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is to take a nap.  (Can I get an Amen to that?)

4.  When you are going through a hard time, a new baby is excellent therapy for your weary soul.  (I love being an aunt!  My niece is perfectly yummy!)

 5.  Aaron Ivey of Austin Stone Worship is a gifted worship leader (Thank you, IF Gathering and Jennie Allen for the introduction.)  I have “Jesus is Better” on repeat play in my head, and that’s a good thing.

6.  Three words that were a game changer : Simple Enchilada Recipe

7.  If you go to see Jeremy Camp in concert three weeks after your precious friend dies of cancer, both you and your husband will cry the ugly cry.  Jeremy’s story of restoration encouraged us to keep pursuing Him with reckless abandon.

8.  A verse I am hanging on to right now:

“For the mountains may be removed

and the hills may shake,

But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,

And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,”

says the Lord who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10, NASB

9.  If you lean in and listen to Jesus during your valley season, He will birth something beautiful in your heart that will bless others.  I saw that first hand this month when I learned about Kristianne Stewart’s story.   Her passion is to show and sow God’s love by providing Compassion Bags to women battling Cancer.  

10:  Formula:  Olympic Ice Skating + Wikipedia Article on Xena + Psalms 82 = I am a Warrior Princess 

Q4U:  What lessons have you learned in the University of Hard Knocks?

The post Lessons Learned in 3-D: School of Hard Knocks appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

On Love Street

Photo Credit: Terri-Ann Hanlon via SXU

 

We finally did it.  We found the perfect spot on the wall for the clock.  We listed the oval time piece on our wedding registry, but it has been collecting dust in the back of the closet for almost five years.

Progress, I told my husband.  We are making progress.

Daily, we are making choices that will shape our home.  The clock now hangs at eye level to the right of our front door — a  simple reminder that each moment is a gift.  Time is slipping by as I exit each morning.

I want to choose wisely.  I want my home to be pleasing to Him.

If God were my decorator, what color palette would He choose? How would He arrange the bulky furniture to create an inviting space in my living room?

As I look into the mirror of His Word,  I am taking notes.  Our foundation must be faith.  Our walls are salvation.  The door should be praise.  Wisdom draws up the blueprints.

By wisdom a house is built,

and through understanding it is established;

through knowledge its rooms are filled

with rare and beautiful treasures.

Proverbs 24:3-4, MSG

A want to invite everyone into my home, designed by the Master Architect.  Stop by for a visit.  You’ll find us right on the corner of Love and Surrender.

Something to think about…

I am sharing “On Love Street” and joining like-minded sisters at  Spiritual Sundays, Recommendation Saturday, Faith-Filled Friday, Thriving Thursday, Three-Word Wednesday, Tell His Story, A Little R and R, Testimony Tuesday, Soli Deo Gloria, Rich-Faith Rising, Playdates with God, and Hear it on Sunday: Use it on Monday.

Looking for more thought-provoking posts? Check out the ones written by my blogging friends in today’s link up.

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post.  Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word.  Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter. 

Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up!  Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.

 

An InLinkz Link-up

The post On Love Street appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Sharpening Steel

Photo Credit:  David Mark via Pixabay                              


 

You use steel to sharpen steel,

and one friend sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17, MSG

I am sharing “Sharpening Steel” with like-minded sisters at

The post Sharpening Steel appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

4 Ways to Pray for the White House and Change the World

 

I see you there, mama.  You are changing diapers, vacuuming carpets, carpooling, and cutting coupons.   Every night, you tuck your precious little ones into bed, and you pray for them to love Jesus.  You act out Bible stories and encourage them to share.  You want to raise champions for God.  You are a World Changer.

Yes, I know that the President of the United States is the supposedly the most powerful man in the world.  But you, Woman of God, hold power as well.  You hold power to love, to teach, to mold, and to encourage.  You are shaping the future right there in your home.   You are World Changer…

I am sharing “4 Ways to Pray for the White House and Change the World” over at Missional Women today.  To read the rest of this post, head on over here.

The post 4 Ways to Pray for the White House and Change the World appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

A Warrior Princess (Thought-Provoking Thursday)

Photo Credit: melodi2 via SXC

 

I visited my friend tonight.  We shared a yummy meal and swapped stories.  Her life is pretty chaotic right now, but she is still standing.  I am so proud of her.

After dinner, she turned on the television in hopes of catching a bit of the ice skating coverage at the Olympics.   We both decided that we want to be ice skaters in heaven.   We would compete as a pair.

We chatted over the noise of the television and paid little attention to the skiers and bob sledders.  But then, the ice skating began, and we were riveted to the screen.  The lone female skater wore red, which looked lovely against her porcelain skin.   Her movements flowed through my heart.   Such grace and beauty and poetry!

When the performance was over, Barby remarked that the young skater looked just like a Warrior Princess.

“I love it,” I replied.  “That should be our theme for the year.  You and me will be Warrior Princesses.”

On the drive home, this battle weary princess remembered it was Wednesday.  I knew I had this post to write, so when I settled on the couch with my laptop, I googled “Warrior Princess.”  And as you can imagine, I ended up reading a Wikipedia article on a 90′s television show called “Xena, The Warrior Princess.”

The description of the warrior princess captured my attention:

…an infamous warrior on a quest to seek redemption for her past sins against the innocent by using her formidable fighting skills to now help those who are unable to defend themselves.

My King fights for our redemption.  As His Warrior Princess, I am equipped with formidable weapons to wage war and uphold the defenseless.   This is my quest:

Defend the weak and the fatherless;

    uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.

Rescue the weak and the needy;

    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalms 82:3 & 4, NIV

Something to think about…

I am joining like-minded sisters at  Spiritual Sundays, Recommendation Saturday, Faith-Filled Friday, Thriving Thursday, Three-Word Wednesday, Tell His Story, A Little R and R, Soli Deo Gloria, Rich-Faith Rising, Playdates with God, and Hear it on Sunday: Use it on Monday.

Looking for more thought-provoking posts? Check out the ones written by my blogging friends in today’s link up.

Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.

As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post.  Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word.  Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter. 

Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up!  Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.

An InLinkz Link-up

The post A Warrior Princess (Thought-Provoking Thursday) appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.

Keep Singing, Sister

When I was 16, I wanted to be Pat Benatar.  I would turn the boom box radio up to full throttle, grab my round hair brush as a microphone, and belt out the words to “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” like a pro.  There in the theater that was my bedroom, I pretended to be Rizzo in Grease (I’m not a blond, so I played the supporting role).  I spent hours on the phone chatting with my best friend about boys and movies and the mall.  Somehow, I managed to do all of this and still get my homework done.

Now, I am 46…

I am super excited to be sharing “Keep Singing, Sister” over at Jen’s blog Finding Heaven Today as part of her ongoing series on “Fun.”  To read the rest of this fun post, head on over here.

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