All Posts – Page 13 – Tattoo It On Your Heart

Forgive

Relationship problems are the result of sin played out in that forum. Sin is the culprit- our own brokenness, the gap in our relationship with Christ- where we are, as opposed to where Christ would have us to be.

Sometimes I catch myself praying for God to change circumstance and behavior when what is needed is for God to change hearts-oftentimes my own. Our actions and reactions are merely a symptom of the problem. When God transforms a heart, the change will spill out to influence all circumstance and relationships. We need to treat the root, not the fruit, if we want true and lasting change.

When I focus on my unmet needs, nobody’s needs are met, because no one is serving. I’m just having a self serving pity party. If I want to see change, then I must change, and the only way that will happen is if I let Christ have His way in me. I must give Jesus the reins of my heart.

“Will the tears ever stop, Lord?”

You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? Psalms 56:8 (NKJV)

“Sometimes I think that must be a really big bottle, Lord.”

But to forgive the incessant provocations of life- to keep on forgiving the the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son- how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning what we say in our prayers each night,“forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” -C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Forgiving means letting go of offenses, not holding it against the person. It means wiping slate clean, canceling the debt, not retaliating.

What if I dared to speak the words I’ve never said?

What if I set them free from the captivity of silence?

Would the chains of pain be broken?

Or would the weight of regret be too great?

For once let loose I cannot call them back.

“Lord…?”

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. Isaiah 53:7 (NKJV)

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven- …A time to be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 7 (NASB)

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.Psalms 141:3 (NKJV)

Extending forgiveness requires humility, putting aside my pride, emotions. It means valuing relationships and being right with God over my rights.

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV)

Life is too short and eternity is too near to be easily offended by those I am called to love. Bitterness is like barbed wire around a heart. The walls I build to protect my heart are the same walls which keep Christ and His healing out.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV)

Rather than trying to fix others, I need to fix my relationship with Christ. When I let Jesus overhaul my inward man, the core of me, many of my relationship problems resolve themselves. He is the restorer.

Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? (Matthew 7:4 NKJV)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.Psalms 147:3 (NKJV)

As the old song goes, “It’s not my brother, not my sister, but it’s me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.”

I’m guilty, Lord.

Here I am

Forgive me

Heal my divided, renegade heart.

Deliver me from myself, my sin.

Change me, Jesus

I long for one accord with You

But I fail; I fall

Remember,

I am dust, Lord

Help me

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

You are The Way

Have your way in me, Lord

Burn up the dross

Make me pure

I want to love like You

Refine me until I reflect You

Jesus,

Song of my soul,

My heart’s desire and delight,

Form Yourself in me

I want to be one with You

Standing In The Need Of Prayer (Live)

I must extend forgiveness if I want to be forgiven, even if the other person is wrong and unrepentant. This requires a supernatural enabling.

How I forgive others = God’s grace extended to me in forgiveness

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

To be Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because Christ forgave the inexcusable in you. -C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Many times what God asks of us is impossible in our own strength. He knows we will fail in our own strength. He want us to acknowledge our brokenness, failures, our need, so He can change and empower us.

Matthew West – Forgiveness (Lyrics)

Jesus didn’t just die for those who would accept Him. He paid the penalty for all the sins of those He knew would reject Him too. The sins of all humanity were borne on the shoulders of the great I Am.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NKJV)

Jesus did His part. He paid the price and provides forgiveness- it’s available up front, but we must choose to accept or reject it.

We must let go of unforgiveness, of sin, if we want to receive the forgiveness He offers. We can’t hold on to both.

The reason people mistreat others is because of what’s broken in them. If I focus on their need for healing, the injustices I receive will be so much easier to bear. When I really pray for someone, not just for my vindication or relief, I find God gives me the heart, the grace, to forgive them. And besides, I need forgiveness too.

Regardless of the behavior of others, if I forgive them and yield to God’s refining of my heart and character through the circumstances in my life, I will be rewarded with a closer walk with Jesus and the peace that comes from a right heart.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. (Psalms 28:7 NKJV)

Love is forgiving. Love is serving. We are commanded to love. When I set my heart and mind to love and serve others as Christ calls me to, even if it is unrequited, Jesus will fulfill me. There is joy and contentment when my heart rests in Jesus’ hands and I walk in His ways.

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 (NASB)

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)

The Story Behind the Song, Forgiveness –Matthew West

Robin & Spencer’s Story

On January 26 2002 my life changed forever. My son Spencer Macleod was brought into the ER where I was working as a nurse, barely clinging to life from a stab wound to the heart. He was pronounced dead fifteen minutes later. It was then that I discovered his identity. He died coming to the rescue of…Continued at: http://spencersmom.com/the-story/

Letters to My Children

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To my children,

In answer to your question, what do I want from you:

~ I want you to see the needs of others and meet them when you should.

~Sometimes I want help, preferably without asking.

~I want time to have fun with you, not just facilitate it for you.

~I want you to respect and obey us.We really do have your best interest at heart.

~I want to trust you.

~I want you to tell the truth and to admit when you are wrong.

~I want you to cultivate a grateful heart. It will serve you well. It is one of the secrets to a contented life.

~ I want you to value your Christian testimony and the impact it has on others as one of your most precious possessions in life.

~I want you to learn to hear Jesus’ voice, to know His Word, to seek His direction for your decisions, and to obey Him.

~I want you to know and love Jesus more than anything and to do everything you can to draw close to Him.

I love you, no matter what.

Mom

To my children,

What is most important is a heart for God and a heart for people.

Pray for wisdom and common sense- own them-. They are priceless. Rachael_M_Colby_Tattoo_It_On_Your_Heart_Life_is_Good

Most of life is work. Accept it; deal with it. Learn to take pleasure and pride in a job well done. Do not allow yourself to become lazy or complacent in the natural world or in your spiritual life.

Excelsior- ever higher.

Ad astra per aspera- through difficulties to the stars, to excellence.

Make godly character your crown.

Be jealous for your soul.

Be sober, be vigilant for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1Peter 5:8 NKJV

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Pursue holiness. Let God’s pleasure on your life be your joy.

Keep a humble heart and a teachable spirit.

I love you forever and no matter what. So does Jesus.

Mom

***Links to Past Mother’s Day Posts:

The Measure of a Mom: https://tattooitonyourheart.com/2016/05/08/the-measure-of-a-mom/

Sometimes It’s a God Thing & The Perfect Mother’s day Gift: https://tattooitonyourheart.com/2016/05/08/sometimes-its-a-god-thing/

For the Prodigal’s Mom: https://tattooitonyourheart.com/2016/05/08/for-the-prodigals-mom/

#whyiteach

TEACHER: Texting you this… Need people to help remind me why I teach when I’m having bad days.

Teaching is one of the hardest jobs. You rarely ever get kudos. You mostly hear what you are doing wrong.

So, in those rare moments when the smoke clears, and you see what truly matters, and you see the little things you do, and the impact they can have, that is the gold you have to hold unto- or you will quit.

So Far Today:

I comforted and prayed with a teacher who just had a miscarriage.

I’m standing in the hallway welcoming students, hustling the stragglers to class. Glancing in my classroom, I realize one of my boys is crying. I motion him to come into the hall and he tells me his aunt died from a stroke last night. We talk, I give him a hug, and help him grieve. He gives me permission to share with the class. His friends quickly change seats and circle him; No talking or touching; they are middle school boys after all. They support him by just being there. They take out paper and write notes of encouragement- without any prompting. #proud #whyiteach

All before 9:30am.

11:20am Update

Another student running up and down the hallway screaming and crying. Counselor trying to help. He refuses… I step into the hallway, take his hands, have him take deep breaths with me to calm him down so he can talk to the counselor without screaming. #whyiteach

Teaching is never about the subject you are teaching. It’s about showing compassion, how to grieve, process anger, express joy. So much emptiness and anger in my students- they just don’t know how to handle life. Happy that I can be here to help them.

Remind me of this when I’m having a really bad day.

Anyone who becomes a teacher because they want kids to learn a subject is missing a huge piece of teaching. I went into teaching because I want to teach children how to successfully live their lives, process emotion, and become productive people. The subject I teach has so little to do with what I really do.

“When will I use this?” they say. (Algebra, science, etc..)

The answer is: “Who really cares? Will you remember that I taught you compassion when your classmate’s aunt died, that I held your hands when you just couldn’t take another step, that I told you I care about you?”

And yes, of course, I’ll give you another chance when you screwed up, yet again, in my class, because this is #whyiteach

Update 1:00 pm

Two boys try to fight in my classroom. Calmed them down and talked to them. One of the boys tells me he’s not really mad at the other kid. He just watched his dad get arrested and he’s really upset… Sigh. #whyIteach

At lunch, the boy whose aunt died comes up to me. “I’m doing better,” he says quietly, and dashes away.

Last Block:

The boy who was crying and screaming in the hallway comes to class. He’s smiling now, and we’re just figuring it all out. It’s a good day. #whyiteach

I know I could get a job in a better district. My family asks me why I stay, all the time.

“Who’s going to teach them if I don’t?” I reply.

“Someone will,” they say.

“But will they care about them? Will they pray over their desks? Will they cry over them? Will they love them?”

I can’t walk away from these kids. Many of them don’t have adults that truly care. They are used to being thrown away, adults not sticking with them. I can’t be one of those people. Teaching is a calling, not a job. I have to teach them how to be cared for and to care for one another, to create community in the classroom. Once I’ve done this, and only then, can I actually teach them any academic content with success. This usually takes a few months to establish.

I have to teach them, I don’t know if someone else will care for them like I do. #whyiteach

A Few Weeks Later:

TEACHER: Why do I teach again? My head hurts, my neck aches…

RACHAEL: Because it matters- maybe for eternity for some of your students. Even though you don’t see it now.

Because they need you even when they don’t want you.

Because you may be the only love, the only Jesus, some will see today and over the next few months

Because you have to. It’s your calling. #makeadifference #youmatter

Because it costs more to quit than to carry on. #whyyouteach

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NKJV

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2nd Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

*I received the above messages from a friend who is a teacher. She wishes to remain anonymous.

In honor of #TeacherAppreciationDay and #TeacherAppreciationWeek

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Please take the time to encourage teachers, not just this week, but throughout the year

Tattoo It On your Heart

Wishing You a Holly, Jolly, Holy Christmas

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I’ve been trying to figure out how to juggle writing and family and church without dropping the ball before Christmas got added to the list. My first impulse is to run and hide from this whole messy madness called Christmas in America. Right now, I’m busy procrastinating to avoid it all.

While everyone’s out there writing about mistletoe and away in a manger, my prior post was,”How Can A loving God Send People to Hell?” So, in case you missed it, here ya go! Hope you’ll drop by for a visit and say hi. Feel free to invite some other folks over too. Here’s the address: https://tattooitonyourheart.com/2016/12/08/in-answer-to-the-question-how-can-a-loving-god-send-people-to-hell/

I know, not exactly the holly, jolly fare everyone expects, but that’s okay.

“Lord? I obeyed you. Only you can give the increase. Amen.”

It’s expected, so I thought I should put another piece out there with a pinch of merry and a dash of jingle before the big day. But then again, I can’t think of any greater gift to give than truth wrapped in love, especially when that Truth and Love is God incarnate, born to die so we could live.

The Prophecy:

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

The Fulfillment:

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23 (NKJV)

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11 (NKJV)

Wrapped in white and tied with red ribbon, Jesus offers the gift of Himself, His mercy, grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. He won’t force Himself on us. Even if we put Him off or reject Him, Jesus leaves the gift of Himself on the table.

What a trade- our sin for the Savior’s salvation! He spent Himself to purchase our forgiveness. That’s costly- living and giving and dying for others, laying down His life from first to last breath.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; Luke 4:18 (NKJV)

Hallelujah and amen. Happy birthday, Jesus. But I have no gift to bring, pa-rup-a-pum-pum.

Do you know, the only things we can actually give Jesus are bad and broken things? We can give Him our anger, our hurt, our bitterness, our broken hearts, broken promises, broken lives and dreams- our sin.

Any good things, any abilities I have to offer are gifts from God. The only good in me, is Jesus working in and through me.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17 (NKJV)

Even repentance is a gift from God.

Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31 (NKJV)

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44 (NKJV)

“Thank you, Lord.”

All I am really offering when I do anything of value, is giving back to God what is already His which He graced me with.

So, I was thinking, what if we gave our self fully to Christ? Our self will, our selfishness. What if, as we remember the miracle of the babe laid in the manger, we laid ourselves at the foot of the cross? Are we willing to gift ourselves to others? What if we brought the gift of another soul to the cross, to Christ for Christmas?

The perfect gift is Christ Himself. The next best thing to give is of ourselves- our time, an understanding ear, an open and forgiving heart, and not just for a day. In all the hurry and scurry of the season it’s easy to get caught up stuffing ourselves and our loved ones with more stuff and still come up empty, because the only really fulfillment is found in Christ. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of finding presents, I must remember to pause and enjoy His presence. Hey; don’t forget to throw a little jingle in the kettle as you rush home with your treasures, and don’t forget Who the real Treasure is.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. II Corinthians 4:7 (NKJV)

Believing for a white Christmas for you and me.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NKJV)

A, holly, jolly, holy, Christmas to you and yours. God bless.

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Stand

racahel_m_colby_tattoo_it_on_your_heart_stand As a Christian I am called to stand for righteousness. It’s my responsibility to educate myself and pray about the issues that impact my family, the Church, my country and the world. My life must be governed by Biblical principle; not according to self interest or comfort, or cultural norms, or pressure. I must not allow personal inconvenience, complacency or fear, to deter me from making hard decisions and defending and establishing Godly freedoms, rights, and standards, not just for myself, but for all and for the future.

It’s stand and be counted and take courage and comfort in whether I win or lose, the battle is the Lord’s. I am utterly convinced that when I stand in eternity before Christ, I will not regret the decisions I made for Him and for righteousness. The high road can be lonely at times, but there is a peace that comes from taking the right way.

As I look back on my life, I have no regrets for the times I made a stand, or let my voice be heard for truth’s sake. I only regret the opportunities I neglected to seize. I must be mindful, because as the Bible says, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine, and as Laura Numeroff wrote, “If you give a mouse a cookie…”

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

*** Now that I’ve returned from overseas, I am going into overtime with my next few posts and will resume my series of interviews featuring pastor’s and their wives from around the world. The response was too great to complete the series during the month of October. Their words are powerful and have much to offer in impacting lives. Since our ministers and their wives need prayer, appreciation and encouragement year round, this is a good thing. 🙂

Welcome to My Dysfunction

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*Disclaimer to all my PC friends, (politically correct): It’s okay. Really. My kids know I love them. I make a point of driving them crazy reminding them way too often.

Cast of Characters

Tom Sawyer—My 14 year old son

Lanky—Tom Sawyer’s friend

Frizz Head—My 17 year old daughter

Hippy Princess—Frizz Head’s friend

Einstein—21 year old friend of all

Myself—Chauffeur, Commander in Chief, Referee, Chef, and Scribe, aka “Moomm!”

photo 1 (1)-001 I shoved tents to sleep six, a ton of books and lots of unnecessary supplies into the limited space of our minivan and managed to slam the doors before anything fell out. I’d planned to leave on Tuesday, but Wednesday dawned before we finally escaped with the dashboard blinking like a Christmas tree, a missing hubcap and a screaming belt. String looped through holes replaced the duct-taped trunk handle. It swished like a small tail above the license plate. That’s one way to keep me humble—or make me cringe. But it was all good! We were on our way to SoulFest Christian music festival! Gotta keep my priorities straight.

The merciless three o’clock sun greeted us at our campsite. Good thing friends a few sites down came by to watch the show as we set up. Teen boys claim to know everything about things they’ve never done, but somehow, the same useless words spoken by “Momm!” are received as great tips from a male.

photo 1 (1) Mission accomplished, Lanky and Tom Sawyer ran up the face of the mountain, something I wouldn’t have attempted at half my age and weight—which could explain why I’ve lived to be my age and why I’m not half my weight. Lanky took pictures of their testosterone driven, death defying antics at the summit and texted them to his mother. I’m not sure she will entrust him to my care again.

“Did you brush your teeth?” I said. “Brush them! Or I will brush them for you!” There! That worked.

Jim Trick plays a mean guitar and with a voice like a lullaby, I could listen to him all day. “Jesus wants you to love yourself,” he said. “Only then you will be able to love others.”

The Bible says to deny myself and pick up my cross. But love myself?

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Tis is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV)

As Christians, we ought to love what God loves and hate what God hates. When we hate what God loves, that’s a problem. If we hate ourselves, we are contradicting God. We can’t truly love ourselves (or others as he calls us to) until we grasp God’s love for us. Biblical love tends to the well-being of its object; it doesn’t indulge or enable sin. Jesus hates sin, but love drove Him to the cross to redeem us.

Sometimes I contradict God by holding onto regret of past failings which Jesus has forgiven and struggle to extend grace to others as scripture exhorts. God reminded me that people mistreat others because of what’s broken in them. When we focus on others’ need for healing, injustices are easier to bear and forgiveness to extend.

What we listen to, read, and watch, either influences us toward or away from Jesus. We love ourselves when we nourish our souls by time spent in the Bible and prayer. Jesus invites us to come as we are so He can transform us into His new creation.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23 NKJV)

…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 NIV)

“Do you need prayer?” she said. We stood in the shadow of the towering wooden cross that served as an altar, a call to Christ in the middle of it all. I left some things I couldn’t change in the hands of the One who can.

Matthew West made my Friday when he pulled an altar call because I believe hosting Christian events without providing opportunity for salvation is like telling a dying man you have the cure but not offering it to him.

I found Tom Sawyer brandishing bamboo skewers like sparklers as embers floated across the sky toward our neighbors’ tent—but I’m the crazy one. And what part of, “Don’t bring food in the tent unless you want to room with a bear,” don’t they get?

It’s quiet in the bathhouse at midnight, a good time to shower. A canopy of stars lit the path through the rows of tents. In the stillness the earnest whisper of a young man explaining the Gospel floated on the cool night air.

I stepped out of my tent Saturday morning as Hippy Princess, sitting cross-legged beside the fire, reached for the lighter fluid and matches. I seized them. My phone rang.

“It’s going great,” I said. “Jesus is alive! I’m really saved—I haven’t sworn at anyone!”

I lay on the mountainside as Zealand played.

I love you, Lord, to close my eyes and hear Your Name echo all around me like a balm, solace for my soul

The heat was a good advertisement for avoiding Hell. The angels in disguise worked at the iced tea stand. I found shelter in the Justice Center during Andrew Schwab’s talk on The War of Art. It’s worth the war to push through pain, procrastination, doubt and distraction, because when I fulfil my call to write, I honor God. When I draw closer to Jesus and reach out to touch lives through my writing, He heals me too.

Jesus promises us beauty for ashes; His strength is made perfect in our weakness. But first we have to let Him uncover our weaknesses and give Him the ashes.

We were told to take cover as a thunderstorm bore down, but our bags were unattended on the far end of the venue. Cue Chariots of Fire music, as I ran in the opposite direction of the crowd and rescued my daughter’s phone from its demise. Soaking wet, I joined the huddle under the tent by the cross. Someone started singing, and then we were all singing, “It is well, it is well with my soul.” It is well with my soul, even in the storm, when I keep the cross before me.

The mountainside came aglow as we used our candles to light our neighbor’s. The shofar sounded, Rabbi Oliveira sang the Aaronic Blessing, and shalom settled over us as POD jammed out from another stage. The night closed with the real Piano Man, Michael W Smith, leading worship.

Sunday morning en route to rouse the children, I distributed my website cards. “May I pray for you?” she said. — Good thing. I needed it for the task ahead. I hope she’s still praying.

We were one of the first to break camp. Tom Sawyer poked Frizz Head with the tent stakes until she finally punched him. Hard. Hippy Princess, seated, sunglasses on, gently pressed the air away with her palms whenever asked to help. “Shh,” she said. Einstein finally awoke and sprang into action straddling our minivan roof to secure bags, and myriad camping gear. We ignored the younger boys wrestling until we noticed Tom Sawyer using his phone as a weapon to encourage Lanky to release him from a headlock.

“I don’t care where the shadows or north and south are, Einstein! Just tell me whether to take a right or a left!” I said. We were one of the last to leave. It was a quiet ride as Lanky and Tom Sawyer weren’t on speaking terms, despite my mini sermon.

My husband and I pulled into the church parking lot simultaneously, him fresh from his afternoon nap, me returning from the three-hour trip that took five. The doors flung open, and kids and stuff spilled. I slowly hauled my body to face my husband.

“Hello,” I said. “I hate your children.”

“Oh! I was wondering if you hated me for giving you children! What did they do to you?”

“You have no idea,” I said, bursting into uncontrollable laughter.

“I think she’s overtired,” Frizz Head whispered to Hippie Princess as they skittered away.

Wish I’d known hysterical laughter garnered concern from the motley crew; I would have employed it days earlier.

“Vacations are hard work,” my husband said. “That’s why I try to avoid them.”

I gave him a hard look as I yanked at an article of clothing, trying to extricate it from the melded mass in the trunk.

“It’s like labor,” a friend said, laughing at my disheveled demeanor. “You’ll forget the hassles and go to SoulFest again next year!”

Yeah…because sometimes I need to see Jesus in someone else’s eyes who isn’t Soulfest_2016_ Ben_Laine_ Tattoo_it_on_Your_Heart part of my usual crowd. Because my son is happy hanging with the Word of Life crew, and my daughter could be anywhere, but she loves singing worship songs by the bonfire into the wee hours of the morning.

I want to put five nails in the cross, one for each of my children, and one for my husband and myself because the two shall become one, and sometimes that’s hard. Sometimes we need to nail our hopes, all that we are and all that we aren’t and should be to the cross again.

I’ll return because it’s good to saturate our thirsty, world worn souls with the Gospel served up a hundred different ways, and because I love to hear Jesus’ name echoing all around me.

Next Year’s Packing List for SoulFest, (Lord willing)

Case of Starbucks iced coffee

Drinkable Greek yogurt

Tent

Hose

iPhone as my journal

Buncha kids

Knock, Knock

Tattoo_it_On_Your_Heart_Rachael_M_Colby_Red_Door_Knock_Knock_ KNOCK, KNOCK.

“Who’s there?”

“Jesus”

“Jesus who?”

That’s a problem if you said, “Jesus who?” It’s no joke. Jesus wants you to know Him. He wants a personal relationship with you.

I let Him in in 1987. It’s been quite a ride. I’m glad He’s driving. Life can be tough, whether you are a Christian or not. We can go through the muck and mire of life with or without Him. I chose with Him. We can rest assured when we rest in Him.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

KNOCK, KNOCK.

“Who’s there”

“It’s Jesus. Let me in?”

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

What an invitation! To dine with The King; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And I get to walk with Him in between. Sometimes He carries me.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:2-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

KNOCK, KNOCK.

“Who’s there?”

“Distraction, Fear, Doubt, Compromise, Selfishness, Willfulness, Love of Money, Greed, Lust, Pride, Anxiety, Anger, Unforgiveness…”

KNOCK, KNOCK.

“Who’s there?”

“Jesus.”

“Jesus? What are you doing out there? I already let you in.”

“You did. But I gradually got pushed out by all that other stuff you let in. Can I come in? I’d like to help you clean house.”

KNOCK, KNOCK…

(Let Him in)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. ‭‭I John‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark‬ ‭8:36‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:15-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Reasons Aren’t Excuses

DSC_0895-001 Reasons aren’t excuses. God is fully aware of all my circumstances, but He doesn’t believe in situational ethics. He wants me to keep my attitude and responses in alignment with His Word, regardless of who is right or wrong.

I hear Jesus say, “Do you want Me to defend you, or do you want to defend yourself?” He lets me choose. Why do I struggle with this? Why do I rush in and react, instead of waiting on God?

I know The Lord is my defender, and if I keep my heart right and stay out of the way, He will fight for me. In His time, He will right the wrong and truth shall prevail.

“But Lord,” I say, “this is hard, I just can’t seem to do this. I keep tripping over myself.”

Life is hard. It is bigger than I. I can’t bear it on my own. I’m nothing on my own, but His Word says,

My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

Jesus knows me, with all my failings, and loves me anyway. He expects me to fall. That’s how I’ll learn to walk. When I call, He hears my cry. He picks me up and says, “Lean on me. Try again.”

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. ‭Psalms 141:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NKJV

The Measure of a Mom

SB_29728934

(Dedicated to my friends.)

Know this, Mom: You bring things to your family that they can’t hire out, buy out, or do without.

You can hire someone to clean, buy pre-made meals, and most of the toys and comforts you have you could do without. Yes, you have duties as a mom that you need to tend to well. But the love, listening ear, and wisdom you offer your children is irreplaceable. Your prayers, Godly testimony and teachings of Jesus Christ that you impart to your children are of eternal significance.

Rachael