"Love at Last Sight" Review

Being a newlywed, I find myself very eager to read any and every book that has to do with love. I guess you can say that I'm interested in being the best wife for my husband! I found this book "Love at Last sight" to be very practical and helpful in the area of relationships. I am guilty of racing through life, not stopping to smell the roses...let alone, stopping to invest more in the relationships that God has blessed me with. This book is great for helping anyone and everyone grow to be present each day when communicating with people, those we love and those that we aren't too fond of. Even more, they challenge you to go to the next level and really be intentional in this area in discovering the other person's needs. This book is one that you will want to go back and read again and again...at different seasons in life. It is definitely a lot of content and practical help in a short amount of time. There's so much to say and I feel as though I want to read this again very soon. Overall, a challenging and thought provoking read that will be sure to help your relationships if you apply it to your life.

Leading it and Loving it

I stumbled across this great ministry called "Leading it and Loving it" last year...they are a ministry dedicated to ministering to ministers, focusing on Pastor's wives. It's still weird to put myself in this category! :) but as I have dug in and connected with their blog and recently their virtual conference, I realize I have a lot in common with the other women engaged in this ministry. The last three weeks they have hosted the "JustOne" virtual conference and I've tuned in every Monday night to listen to several pastor's wives and women who are in leadership positions in the church speak specifically about the struggles of being in ministry.

I've done a lot of self examining these last few weeks and have related with many of the speakers. At times, it's almost been "discouraging" because I come away with some great stuff and realize how I have all these issues! haha I didn't realize I felt THAT way, or I that I've had the same frustrations, or that I wish certain things with ministry would change...But I'm grateful to hear from other people that are all in the same boat, trying to accomplish the same goals, and running into the same roadblocks. It's been encouraging and challenging! They've addressed marriage, family, church ministry, church planting, church betrayal, friendships, appearance, character...you name it! I love that God is giving me these great things now, early on in ministry. Life has been great, marriage has been amazing, and ministry is continually changing into some great things at our church. I'm grateful for these words of wisdom now so I can be more prepared for the challenging days down the road (you know they will come sooner or later!) Here are some random "nuggets" I've heard in the last few weeks that stuck out to me:

• You are leading with your life, whether you like it or not. So LEAD! Don't think of it as a curse but as a blessing!
• We must be careful about our demeanor...our attitude can speak volumes.
• Don't forget your first love, Jesus. He is why you do what you do.
• "God's work done God's way will never lack supply" Hudson Taylor
• Be the best YOU that you can be. Be the best Missy Moore that God desires!
• Don't ride the spiritual coat tails of your husband.
• Who am I leading? Who am I intentionally influencing? Who am I unintentionally influencing?
• First, I am a Christ follower. Next, I'm a wife! What does my husband need of me?
• Ministry can be lonely if your husband isn't your #1 confidant! Keep him #1!
• Intimacy=to be fully known. Intimate with God, intimate with husband.
• Confession is useless unless there is transformation.
• You don't drift into a good marriage...it has to be intentional.

One more week left of the conference!

Wait and See

I love the song by Matthew West entitled "Wait and See". I love these lyrics: "There is hope, for me yet, because God won't forget, all the plans he's made for me...I have to wait and see, he's not finished with me yet."

I find so much hope and peace in the thought that God isn't finished with me, despite my mess of life. I love that God doesn't leave us where we are, even when we want to be content where we are. He knows what's best for us and wants to help us get to the next place on our journey...which is always better than where we were. But as much as I love that He keeps leading me to the next level, I know that with progression is change. And with change, is character development. I have found that usually character development comes in the areas of discipline, patience, endurance, and so on...aka: the hard part of change. I know I should move, but this selfishness in side of me doesn't want to deal with the character development.

Tonight my husband preached an awesome and challenging message in his series "Understanding the Times". He talked about how we need to be honest and realize our current condition with God and ultimately admit that we don't have it all together. (This is just the beginning and the first step to understanding the times that we live in and understanding our belief system vs. God's belief system) It seems like it's such an easy concept to say "I don't have it all together, I'm not like Jesus...duh!", but I see how in my life I can put up the front and act like I have it all together. Of course I wouldn't say that I'm Jesus Christ, but with what I think I know and my attitude in sharing what I think I know, I can at times reflect this. Sometimes I'm not teachable...sometimes I get bored with church...sometimes I think that certain messages and sermons don't apply to me. What I realized tonight is that I do not have it together. I am not Jesus Christ, nor am I close. I am on a journey and have not arrived at the final destination. They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem...well there you go!

Alex mapped out 10 stops that people make along the transformational process to be like Christ. (If you didn't listen to the message...you should! go to www.newlifekc.com) I realized that out of the 10 steps, I am at number 6. I am in the category of "experiencing prolonged spiritual discontent." I think that I am on the back end of this category. The last 2 years, I feel like I've been in this state of wanting more...but not moving. I've felt like at times I am in this "spiritual coma" where I am almost on Auto pilot. But the last 6 months, I believe that God has really been moving in me where I am headed for the next step in the process. In August, I had a complete moment of brokenness. I realized how sinful I was and that I had been breaking God's heart in a certain area of my life. I confessed, and got right with God (which I should have done long before). I believe this is the bridge to the next stop in the process of "experience personal brokeness". I see that I've tasted this, but I haven't lived in this brokeness state. I see the broken state as someone who realizes that they are nothing without God and lean on Him in every area of their life. I'm praying that God would help me to move to the next step in the process. I want to know Him more and be fully dependent on Him. But "wanting it" and "living it" are two different things. I haven't been fully dependent on Christ in my life. I've tasted that dependency, but I'm praying that God would help me see how I can fully depend on Him. I know I can be SO independent!

I'm not sure what is next, but at least I realize where I am and I know where I want to be. Please be praying for me as I move to the next step in this journey with Christ. He's not finished with me yet!

present minded

God has been speaking to me so much lately...especially when I think about all that has changed since I last blogged in April. Life is EXCITING! I'm in a new season with my job, our youth ministry has moved to a new season in a new space (much awaited space), and really life has just been so unpredictable and interesting. God is really keeping me on my toes! I've enjoyed seeing His work in my life and in others' lives..especially my family. I am so grateful that He never lets go of us, even when we tend to stray. His love is amazing!

Lately I've been reading this devotional, Jesus Calling. It's a short daily reading that takes scripture from the Bible and puts it into Jesus' words...as though He is speaking directly to you. I've been so encouraged and reassured of His promises as I have read this devotional. One of the things that God has really been speaking to me about is being present in the moment. This is one of the excerpts from Jesus Calling..

"You need not fear the future, for I am already there. When you make that quantum leap into eternity, you will find Me awaiting you in heaven. Your future is in My hands; I release it to you day by day, moment by moment. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow. I want you to live this day abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. Don't be distracted by future concerns. Leave them to Me! Each day of life is a glorious gift, but so few people know how to live within the confines of today. Much of their energy for abundant living spills over the time line into tomorrow's worries or past regrets. Their remaining energy is sufficient only for limping through the day, not living it to the full. I am training you to keep your focus on My Presence in the present. This is how to receive abundant life, which flows free from My throne of grace."

I love the underlined part! This has really spoken to me because I know that many times I carry the weight of the future on my shoulders in the present, especially with work. I carry this weight around in the evenings, hours after I have clocked out. I carry this weight around when I sit down with my husband for dinner and when we pick up a movie to watch. I carry the weight around all day, even on my day off when work is not on the agenda! My husband has been so good about keeping work stuff at work, but I've struggled with this in the past few months. It has become such a burden and stress in my life. While reading this devo, I realized that this is not the way that God wants me to live and this is NOT the abundant life that Jesus has promised. When we live in the future, we miss out on the present. I'm learning to be present in every area. When I'm at work, I'm present at work...not dwelling on things I need to do at home. When I'm at home, I'm present at home...not worrying about things that I need to do at work. When I'm at church, I'm focused on God...not over thinking and analyzing the task list I need to accomplish for my Sunday. It is so hard to be present, when we are living life in fast forward mode. I fear to see how many times I have missed the present blessing because I am concerned with the unknown future. And that's the thing...there is really no reason in fretting over the future because it is unknown. The only assurance we have is this very present moment.

My prayer lately has been: "God, help me live in this present moment. Give me your eyes to see what you see. Help me to place my burdens and worries on you so I can enjoy the abundant life you have promised. Thank you Jesus, amen."

4.25.11

This weekend was so amazing...just what I needed! :) it started with getting off of work early on Friday, then driving to the *mystery* location that ended up being Springfield! We got a hotel there and enjoyed a weekend away from KC! This included a yummy dinner at our favorite restaraunt, Macaroni Grill-


and just hanging out and shopping. I must say...I have a pretty incredible husband! He did it all and for no reason in particular...just because. And lets just be honest-the "just because" times are the best!

After a relaxing, fun, and enjoyable getaway it was Easter Sunday. Church was so alive and exciting! (I even got goosebumps at one point!) it is so awesome to come to church and celebrate Jesus and God's AMAZINGNESS! I love Easter!

So a great, AMAZING, wonderful weekend that I will never forget!

....But then what happens this morning? THE DAY STARTS HORRIBLY! Go figure, right? I woke up so tired, its pouring outside, and I had to be at work early. Things with my meeting didnt go as planned and I found myself extremely discouraged and frustrated. Honestly, I'm still trying to walk it out right now...tryin to keep positive. I've been praying and leaning on Jesus all morning-which made me start thinking, What if I didnt have Jesus in my life? It hit me that I have a Savior that I can lean on and give all my burdens to...and He is right there with me! And not only that, but I realized how much I take Him for granted. I realized that without His death on the cross, I wouldn't have the hope I have when I call to Jesus for help. I realized that there are so many people on earth that have no hope and no one to lean on when they feel discouraged and defeated, like I felt this morning. I am SO grateful for a RISEN savior that is always near, cares about me like a father, and will be sufficent for all of my needs. Thank you God for not giving up on me today!

3.21.11

"So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil & watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, & cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet" James 4 [The Message]

I'm having one of those days. I don't know why and that is more aggravating than anything else! The moment I woke up, I'm having issues...it's funny when I reflect back, but in the moment I was a huge cranky angry monster! Then I get to work and it's a day that requires patience...and let's just say that I don't have alot to give! (Thank you Alex, for your prayer for patience the other day! This ones for you!) I just feel overwhelmed...and I think I'm guilty of letting my emotions get over my mind. Yes, I know that we talked about that at church yesterday. Yes, I know that in life group I said that I would work on it! Well...here is the test! This is going to be one crazy week and I am feeling burdened by everything going on-even though it is all good stuff! Why is that? I am too emotional!

But, the great news is that I just spent my lunch break with Jesus and things are better and on the up and up. I cast my burdens to him (at least in my brain...I'm working on my emotions following my brain) and I'm trusting Him with this day. And the next day. And the next day. He is the constant in my life and the faithful one! I love that when you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. I experienced that today and although my problems are not gone, I can feel relief knowing that God has it under control. He is so merciful and good and I am so thankful for the grace that I have been given on this day. I'm totally underserving...to say the least. Thank you Lord for your love! Time to live out the rest of the day!

God of this City

Hearing alot about the tsunami in Japan this morning...and my heart breaks for the people affected by it. It is easy to just say that we will pray for them or say "man that is crazy!" It is easy to be fascinated with these natural distasters and forget about the people involved. As I read about it on twitter, facebook, and hear about it on the radio and news, I think about how these are God's people. Each one is God's creation, whom He loves so very much. It is sad to think about the pain that these people are experiencing through this time and the struggles that they will have in the upcoming days. Things like this do not get better over a couple days or weeks...they take months and years. The best part is that God is bigger than this tsunami and He allowed it to happen...why? Not sure. But we can take confidence that He is the ultimate healer, provider, and will see things thru to the end. The song "God of this City" by Chris Tomlin comes to mind. The hope and prayer would be that all involved would turn to Jesus and trust Him with their lives and future! "Greater things are still to be done in this city!"