A Witness...

I am a witness to the glory of the Lord.

I have come from a place of hurt and cutting remarks; a place of insecurity and criticism. Only to find my self empowered to give to those that which I did not have. I have learned to speak life, for His word tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit” Proverbs 18:21. I have spoke life into someone, by sending out a blessing for them every morning for the last few months and I have watched with sweet joy as their life has changed and they have moved towards greatness. I will never cease to pray for this person and speak blessings over their life. I believe this person is immensely important. The Lord is good and he hears our prayers for others. “From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things” Proverbs 12:14a.

I am a witness to the glory of the Lord.

I have overcome suicidal depression. I have at one point in my life, many years ago now, been so reeked with sorrow that I didn’t even remember places that I went and people that I saw. I wanted to go to sleep and not wake up. Then I was saved and the promises of the Lord out weighed the lies of the devil. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28. I have learned to edify and build myself up with the word of God. I have overcome.

I am a witness to the glory of the Lord.

I have a friend who was a new believer in the Lord and her husband was giving her a rough time about it. He was a critical man who carried a lot of frustration. My friend asked me one day to help her cry out to the Lord because she couldn’t take the constant persecution. That night I lay on my face before the Lord and cried out for my friend, that God would save her husband and relieve her of her burden. Two days later he was sitting in church beside her and he is going to be baptized and he has just returned victoriously from drug rehabilitation. He was hardened, now he is soft. He was skeptical, now he believes. He was lost, now he is saved.

I am a witness to the glory of the Lord.

My friend was running wild and living amongst the world. He grew up in an abusive home and he couldn’t commit to one person. Because of the grace of the Lord he found a woman who loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him and through his and her prayers he was able to commit. Now he is secure in his new marriage to his best friend and they are building a beautiful life together. They find themselves woke up in the middle of night to pray… together.

I am a witness to the glory of the Lord.

My friend who grew up in the church was confused about where she belonged and who she was. Through her steadfast commitment to the Lord she has found her way home and demonstrates her love for Him and for people as she plays the melody on the keyboard every church service. She is beautiful.

I am a witness to the glory of the Lord.

A fast paced married couple ran hard and played hard. They jumped from one business idea to another, one weekend in Cabo to a month in Panama, all in the attempt to find something that was missing. It wasn’t until they listened long enough to the still small voice of God that their souls calmed. They are no longer restless and they serve as Deacons in their church and lead people in their business powerfully and focused; with a sense of ease. Because they hope in the Lord they soar on wings like eagles.

I will continue to be a witness to the glory of the Lord.

I am free. I am free to embark on the passions He has favorably fashioned in me. I am acting and writing and trusting the Lord to unfold the ideas and talent he has placed within me. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” Proverbs 16: 3. I believe the Lord for my passionate love; my husband. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” James 1:17. The Lord is faithful. Most of the time God’s miracles come in the form of people…so watch closely.

What have you witnessed?

Light...

The evening sky is melting away behind the hills and the last bit of sunshine is stretching its rays through the clouds as to hold on awhile longer to the passing day. As the sun sets on our side of the world it rises on the other. There is always light somewhere in the world.

Let us be the light that shines from behind the mountain tops and shoots across the water and the rays that break through the clouds.

Let us not be self righteous light that glares with scorn upon those that are dim. Let us stand closer to those who have a flicker that it may ignite into a brightly glowing flame.

Let us shine brighter than the street signs, the television screens, and the physical reflections in the mirror. Let us light the way. May we let our light shine that people will see out good deeds and praise our Father in Heaven.

Let us save the world from its darkness.

Hope in the Revelation of God’s Agenda

'New Beginnings' is the excited cry of 2008. A new year that ushers in resolutions and plans that supersede our previous years' wonderings. We vow to live better, healthier and happier lives. All of which is important and the evaluation of the prior years progress in crucial. However, in this attempt to recreate ourselves do we miss the voice of God? The voice that is telling us His will for our lives; the voice that knows the plans He has for us. We must seek after the revelation of God's abundant will and the discovery of His agenda through prayer.

We must realize that God is not impressed by our grand ideas and the efforts we put forth to accomplish what we believe to be a great feat. We become enamored by our own noble exploits and believe that God should be pleased and in awe of us. Yet our labors and intricate plans are nothing compared to what God has designed for us. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20). God's plans out weigh and surpass the mere capability of our minds to imagine a plan that would even compare to His. We must not insist upon living out our own incisive agendas. We cannot operate outside of God's will and then ask God to bless it. We must seek the revelation of His abundant will and it will already be blessed.

God's will is not hidden from you; all you have to do is ask that it be revealed to you. The revelation of God's will, will not always unfold as neatly as we had planned or even take us in the direction we were heading. A complete turn around may be required. As Christians we must follow God's will even if it does not make sense to us at that moment. We can plan our course, but the Lord will determine our steps. God does not ask your opinion on where you would like to go or the people you would like to meet or what we think is best for our future. He doesn't need our opinion, because he already knows. In Galatians 1:12 Paul was called by God to preach the gospel and said "I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." God's will begins with revelation.

We receive the needed revelation to God's will through prayer. Jesus is our example to follow. He separated himself from the masses and prayed to God in the early mornings so as to keep his mission set by God on the right path. When Jesus was tempted by the devil to follow the ways of the world, He prayed (Matthew 4). "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to God" (Luke 6:12); when he had prayed all night he was ready to select His twelve disciples. Jesus prayed to God before miracles took place. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and they rolled away the stone to his tomb, He said "…Father, I thank you that you have heard me" (John 11:41). Prayer preceded all the happenings in Jesus' life including His walk to the cross. Jesus sought revelation from the Father to walk out the calling upon His life. How much more important is it for us to seek the Lord in prayer to discover the revelation of His glorious agenda for our lives?

With prayer and revelation we will walk in God's agenda for our lives and we will be shown the way; step by step. "Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying "This is the way; walk in it"" (Isaiah 30:20-21). Gods' people must live by revelation. Each new revelation from God is a chance and the hope for a new beginning. ~Rebecca Williams

Precious Perspectives

Sweet, tiny voices lifted up a Birthday song to Jesus at New Life Church last Sunday. “Happy Birthday, Jesus. I’m so glad it’s Christmas. All the tinsel and lights and the presents are nice, but the real gift is you. Happy Birthday, Jesus. Jesus, I love you.” Their precious faces beamed out at the audience as they finished off their joyous performance with ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas.’ Some had fun and were excited while others were scared to death to stand in front of a crowd and sing. However, each small voice came together as a group to sing out a beautiful and true Christmas message. Through their comments and reactions a child can put everything into perspective during this crazy holiday season. If we watch and listen, the pure in heart will reveal to us many different and real perspectives on what is important at Christmas time.

Four year old Mia sat on my lap as we watched the movie of Jesus’ birth. She smelled like baby powder and every so often would burst into the chorus of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’, which she could only remember the first part of, so I sang the rest with her. She was full of energy, yet content. She had lots of questions about the movie we were watching. Primarily, “Where is Jesus?” I told her that He is the baby in the story and he is about to be born. She had come to church with her grandparents and older sister McKenzie. Her joy was in the bounce in her step and her casual innocent conversation. Here was a child who felt loved and carefree and everything that was a part of Christmas just added to her joy. Still other children look forward to Christmas because it will bring them the joy that is not consistent in their lives.

Nine year old Ariana Faith wrote Santa Clause a letter on Christmas Eve; a letter that moved her mother to tears.

Dear Santa,

It has been a really tough year. My dad is in jail, my mom lost her job, we have to move out of our apartment and I just had to give away my dog. My mom and I cried for two hours after they came and took him. So, if I could just have everything on my list it would make it all a little better. Also, I made you some coffee. If it gets cold you can heat it in the microwave. Thank you.

From, Ariana

When I heard about her letter it broke my heart, because not only are all those awful things happening to a child in the course of one year, but the realization of it all has settled down in her heart. She has no control over these circumstances. She is just along for the ride. However, the hope of Christmas and the possibility that she may get some gifts she wants, brings her joy. This joy, even if only for a short time, keeps her looking towards brighter days. I have known this child from the time she was born and she is beautiful inside and out A few good presents just might help her feel good, at least for awhile. So, did she get everything on her list? Yes, she did and her spirit was lifted. Sometimes a lifted spirit is all that is on a child’s list.

Six year old Gabriel has to live with his Grandparents in Honduras for several months at a time, due to his dear mother’s unfavorable and difficult circumstances. His mother, who is a dear friend of mine works two jobs just to make their world go round and she very seldom has a day off. This is his second Christmas they have spent a part. He asks his mom “Are you coming for Christmas and my birthday?” With a torn heart she tells him no. “But, mom, I just want you to come for Christmas.” Even with the gifts he is sure to receive he would rather just have his mom with him. His joy will have to come at a later time and it will.

Whether it is the singing of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ and the story of Jesus from a child who doesn’t have a care in the world or a heart felt letter to Santa from a little girl that hopes for all the gifts on her list or an over the phone plea from a small boy who just wants to be with his mom; we discover that Christmas can be whatever we need it to be.

Each precious child sees the light of Christmas in their own unique and cherished perspective. Each perspective is real to the pure in heart and therefore, justifiably valuable.

Do You Want To Be Captivating?

I was horrified a few weeks ago as I looked through an old photo album with pictures from a camping trip at the beach. I said to my mom “That’s not right! Why didn’t somebody help me out? Make a suggestion at least!” Now I know we all go through some awkward years, but I did not come around until the end of college. I needed some help.

A friend of mine always tells me, “Ya know, I’m more than just beautiful biceps,” which he very much is. However, a few days ago he said to me, “You’re more than just brains;” which he said as I was sweating on the treadmill in over sized workout clothes. That comment made me think a little. What in that moment did I have that I apparently lacked for so many years? It certainly wasn’t my attire. As of late I have been determined to convey my intelligence above all else. I do not want to be treated as some guy’s trophy piece so I make it very clear that I am not a hot chic without any thoughts of my own. Perhaps, I can grab a hold of both, being sexy and intelligently classy and simply be captivating. What is it that makes a woman sexy and hot while she’s classy and intelligent all at the same time?

Society tells us we have to be perfectly in shape, have a large bust size, reveal everything that we have and not leave anything up to the imagination. Just give it all up and flaunt it. That is sexy. We are bombarded by ads of woman in seductive poses to tantalize men’s visual senses. So there are two extremes; the exposing one of society and the other that stubbornly tells us to keep that sex appeal completely hidden so people will know we achieved what we have so far because of our brains. I believe both extremes are off the mark. We should not reveal it all or hide it either, but we should embrace who we are and what we have as women.

I have found that it takes an inner confidence, overall health and your own subtle nuances to be sexy. First of all, discover what makes you who you are: what you believe in and stand for; figure out your thoughts and opinions on issues that you are passionate about; make a list of all that is good about you, what you love about yourself. Your confidence will soar when you put to paper all that you have to offer. Just so you know you do have a unique combination of qualities and gifts that are special to you.

Engage in healthy activities: go for an afternoon walk and give yourself some time to think; eat a salad full of your favorite veggies; refresh yourself with plenty of water; play tennis with your girlfriends. Mental activities are healthy and stimulating, as well. Read a book to further your education on something that interests you; watch ‘I love Lucy’ reruns if you have not had a good laugh in awhile.

Decide what makes you feel sexy: clothes that show off your shape and personal style; what perfume has ‘you’ written all over it; take a bubble bath, point your toe and put your leg up on the side of the tub just for fun; wink at your husband from across the room; dye your hair a new shade to catch the hazel flakes in your eyes. When you know what makes you feel sexy you will be sexy. Use all your senses and remind yourself just how passionate you are.

Now, just because you want people to know you are smart does not mean you cannot put on that strapless summer dress and heals and enter that party with your head held high, your skin moisturized and that new hue of lipstick. Once they marvel at how awesome you look you can then surprise them with meaningful and insightful conversation.

I think for some time I have underestimated the power that comes from feeling sexy as a woman. But perhaps developing my thoughts, using my brains and having a moral standard is partly what makes me sexy. The more I realize how much I have to offer and feel great about myself the sexier I feel and I am fully able to express my intelligence.

We do not have to wear a short skirt to be sexy or pretend like we do not understand something to get attention and generate conversation. We can dress classy and add knowledge to conversations all the while feeling sexy. We can be captivating.

Will You Stay and Stand?

When the storm comes; will you stand by his side? When she’s not perfect or makes a mistake will you stay? Theirs is a real life love story that should be told. Not because they lived some grand life or were separated for years and then found each other again, but because the love they share has endured the test of time; only to grow stronger with each passing moment. Here they come, now. Slowly making their way up the concrete walk with his hand beneath her elbow; guiding her now imbalanced body. “Well, hot dog! We made it!” I love that wonderfully familiar phrase that still holds a hint of a southern accent. That’s my Grandpa and the woman on his arm is my Grandma. Fortunately, his dry humor and splendor has not wilted, even though he now cares for my grandma who has Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Wikipedia.org, “Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes.” A storm that creeps up on you slowly, that last for many years and takes the one you love before their body has gone.

I have watched my Grandpa care for my Grandma as her symptoms have become progressively worse over the last eight or so years. As hard as it is to see her look older and older and have her not know who we are, there is sweetness, a sobering peace in how he cares for her even though the beauty and wit of her youth has faded.

They have been married for some 55 years. Grandpa is a stern, but fun loving man who took us to Miwock Park and spun us on the tire swing until we almost lost our lunch. He has spent years stuffing us full of strawberry shortcake and soda pop. He can roast a marshmallow over the fire until it’s perfectly golden brown. I usually catch mine on fire!

What made my Grandma such a gem was her beauty, charm and good sense of humor. Once she got to laughing she couldn’t stop. We would be sitting at the house hours after a silly incident and all the sudden she’d start laughing about it, which pulled us all back into fits of laughing hysteria. She was witty; surprisingly witty. She reminded me of a movie star from the 1940’s; incredibly beautiful.

One of the best moments still talked about today is the one particular trip to McDonald's. My brother and I used to get so stinking excited to go to McDonald's with my Grandparents and for whatever reason, it is beyond me, we would eat our happy meals in the car, parked in the parking lot. But it didn’t matter because we would laugh and eat and just have a blast. This one time my Grandma could not get the ketchup package open for the life of her. So, she tore it with both hands and the ketchup went flying! All over her, all over the seat and some even flew into the back with us. We just laughed and laughed until we couldn’t breathe.

Grandpa always talked to her in a very respectful and gentle way. He would open the door for her and place his hand on the small of her back to guide her in like the lady she was. They would go everywhere together. They traveled across the country back to our Arkansas roots dozens of times and took us camping at the lake every summer. I don’t think I have ever seen them upset with one another. Now, I am sure they have had their moments behind closed doors just like us all, but they were best friends and confidants. They actually wanted and needed to be with each other. He would smile at her and listen when she talked. There was a secure comfort between them.

She now gets mad and tells whoever is laughing too loud to ‘Shut up!’ which with my family that happens often. She does not like load noises. She can get very hostile and very angry at times. He struggles to get her up and going some mornings. My Grandpa has seen his precious lady divert back to child-like behaviors. He now has to feed her and bathe her; which he does on his own. He does not want to leave her in the care of a stranger. He tells me “We’re doing pretty good today. She has a good appetite. She didn’t want to eat at first but once she got going she ate pretty good.” That’s a good day.

She does not know who he is anymore. She knows he is the man who cares for her, but that is it. How sad that must be when the person you used to tell everything can no longer comprehend your words. Even though he has a full time job of caring for her every need he still treats her like a lady, speaks softly to her, includes her in conversations and makes sure she gets desert with every body else. He still looks at her with tenderness in his eye and an affection that could only hold on between two people who love each other deeply.

Her hair has grayed, her skin has wrinkled, and her mind has wandered, but she’s still beautiful to him. The beauty lies in the relationship; in the loyalty and the precious care.

His dedication and perseverance to her is honorable and admirable. From time to time, talking with him on the phone, I hear the pain in his voice and how tired he really is. However, he is blessed by his burden because he loves her and he will stay and stand through the storm, until the end. Isn’t this what we all want and need to know; will you stay and stand with me?

Are You Who You Were Meant To Be?

Is who we are meant to be in us from the day we were born? Do we let the ways of this world and the people we associate with determine for us whether or not we will follow the path to that destiny? I have always found it profound how certain things that I have hoped for, dreamed of and desired in life keep coming back to me. I seem to be reminded over and over again we all have a choice to follow the amenable desires of our hearts or all that others desire for us. Whichever path we choose to take we will never escape the one we were meant to follow, it will pursue us until we decide to turn from the unsuitable association and the wrong environments and walk down it.

I traveled North this past weekend to spend some time with my parents, grandparents, old friends and any one else I could squeeze into a four day visit. Every time I visit, my mom reminds me of the two drawers in the wood desk in my old room that are filled with old papers and what she refers to as ‘junk’. So, this trip I finally took a few free minutes to sit down and go through it all.

The drawer was filled with pictures from elementary school and junior high; an old 4-H record book; large belt buckles from my days of wranglers and boots; my purple sash that I wore as the Sonoma County Pork Producers Princess…Yes, I raised Pork; a script from one of my high school plays in a worn out, purple folder. There in that shabby folder is where I found it.

There it was on one sheet of binder paper, written in pencil, front and back. The beginnings of my novel and the very first thing I had ever written on my own. It had come back to me. I had wanted to be a writer since I was thirteen years old. Somewhere between thirteen and my mid twenties I had forgotten.

I was in the eighth grade and I had brought the beginnings of the novel to my English Teacher and wanted her to read it and tell me what she thought. I remember very clearly she had said “What do you want me to do with this? This isn’t an assignment” and she handed it back to me. She apparently did not have the time to be bothered. With a crushed spirit, I put the writing in a folder and there it sat in my closet for some time. To my utter despair the folder was thrown out on a closet clean up day with all the other ‘junk.’ In an attempt to recreate the novel, I had written down all I could remember in one sitting and that is what I held in my hands; the remnants of my first writings.

What I find fascinating is not only had I wanted to be a writer, some thirteen years ago, but the writing reflects very much who I am at heart today and who I have always been. As a thirteen year old girl I thought and wrote with some interesting insight.

I spoke in first person as the character, Ivy Marquette. “…They (my older sisters) were going to marry for money and riches, myself for love. My father is a well known spice trader. He has traveled far and wide, bringing back only a small taste of the enchanted world beyond. My mother is a pottery maker, as well as a wonderful mother and devoted wife.” I still believe in love. It is easy to become cynical about love in this day and age however, the idea of true, deep, lasting, love will not leave me and I will not let it go. I still believe in devoted wives and husbands and that loyalty is a virtue worth holding on to. I continue to be a hopeless romantic.

I have always felt in me a need to create and do something, anything, meaningful with my life. “I wanted to create something as my mother did and have a way to express myself. At the age of ten I began making beaded jewelry and studying dance with a worn out (retired) gypsy. For six years I studied and learned many dances, until the desire to see the world took over. A traveling caravan of gypsies came through town one day and as fast as the wind carries a feather I was whisked away on a life long adventure.” It is alright if you laugh. I did. To be perfectly honest, I do not desire to be a traveling gypsy. As a matter of fact, when I come back from a trip I cannot wait to step foot in my house and just be home for awhile. Although, the excitement of wanting an overall adventurous life remains and I began expressing myself in high school by acting in the school plays and graduated college with a degree in Theatre Arts. I relish in the challenges that arise during the creation of a play. Most importantly, I hold tight to the fact that whatever you want to be in life is possible. Oh, and I love to dance.

I also, care for people and enjoy being a part of people’s lives and listening to them tell their stories about how they came to be who they are today. “I traveled to greater places, across vast bodies of water and felt the winds of many exotic and mystical areas on my face. Each one having a story to go with it. I remember clearly the last few years as the most remarkable. As we had become a part of the people’s lives, just by the chance of us passing through.” With each step I take and each person I encounter I affect them in some way, therefore I must be kind to everyone I meet because I might not get the chance again. I desire to be a positive influence in the lives of those I know and uplift them.

The content of my novel is very close to my heart. However, there have been times that I have forgotten or let go of those ideals. The world through my experiences and through what other people believe around me, has told me that these ideals are not valid. People have tried to convince me that to be creative is not something that will pay the bills, therefore it has no value and that love is only in fairy tails and I should settle for whomever comes along no matter if he lives by the same principles as I do. My experiences have tried to sway me into believing people are not good and that they just want to hurt me. The negativity, critical nature and shallow gossiping of many have rubbed off on me on occasion, even for years at a time. But the most amazing thing has happened. I changed my association, which changes my experiences and leads me right back to where I started and right back to who I really am.

As I continue to associate with those who in spite of everything believe that goodness, happiness, love and adventure are available and are living it themselves, the more I hold tight to those beliefs. My heart is heavy for those I know who are million dollar people who want families and success in all areas of life, yet still associate with those who believe and act the opposite to what is really the core of who they are.

I have heard that if you stay in one place long enough you become that place. If you associate with certain people long enough you become like those people. However, if that is not whom you were intended to be; you will feel it. You will feel a soft yet penetrating tapping upon your heart that will never cease. The tapping may grow dull from time to time, but it will persist until you discover those who are like minded, who will lead you into significant experiences that will allow the unveiling who you really are.

How do we expect to obtain what we desire, if we associate and listen to people who do not have it and do not want us to have it?