So we raise up holy hands...

Hello today to all our friends joining us from the Proverbs 31/Lysa TerKeurst blog.  What a treat to have you stop by!  To our regular readers, Lysa mentioned our conference in her blog today! (http://www.lysaterkeurst.com/)   (And gave each of you a bit of insight on some of the "real" things she'll be talking about.)

A question I get often is who is our conference for.  We intend for our conference to be for all women.  We're not particular about what church you go to or if you don't go to church at all.  What we care about is sharing the love of Jesus to women right where they are in their everyday life.  For some, they have been walking out their spiritual journey for years, for others, the conference may be the first time they have experienced Jesus and felt him touch their hearts.  Come from near, or come from afar, just come... and soak in his presence and be blessed.  That is our heart.  That each who attend will leave feeling touched in a special way! 

I am so blessed by our leadership team.  They are truly women of prayer....  For quite some time already we have been in prayer for each person who would attend.  As soon as women register, we're sharing the list with each other so that we can pray for them by name.  Lysa and Holly, we're lifting you up as well.  I'm telling you, these ladies are awesome prayer warriors and I'm blessed to be a part of them!  (and then we have a whole separate prayer team, who rocks as well! Thank you Jesus!)     

For the past bit, I have been doing an exercise in digging into the word.  I was listening to a teaching series on the power of a focused life, and was moved by this piece.  If we ask Christians if they read their bible, of course we say "yes."  BUT... how much time are we truly spending in the word each day?  (More than with tv?)  The speaker went on to say that for many of us, it's hard to just know where to start.  The whole I'm just going to open it and read where God leads, leaves many feeling that they are missing something...  SO... he shared this.  Did you know that if you read 10 chapters a day, 6 days a week, that you will have read the entire new testament in 30 days???  I'm a goal setter kind of girl, so that really hit me!  Now.. somedays 10 chapters is alot... Especially if you're going to let it soak in at all.  However, having a goal in mind has really helped me reprioritize my time.  Because I've done some life coaching, I also know that 30 days is the amount of time it takes to form a new habit.  So....  I'm on the journey.  Reading my 10 chapters a day (with some grace applied - I'm human and I'm a mom, a wife, in ministry, etc.) and then blogging about what really stuck out to me! 

I'm posting this morning from yesterday's reading, which was 2 Thess. & 1 Tim. 

Ladies, let me tell you, there's a verse in here that I absolutely LOVE...

1 Timothy 2:8 -
"I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing." 

I remember when I first came to church with my husband while we were dating.  I came from a very conservative background, and people everywhere in his church were raising their hands and singing.  Then they asked us to get into small groups and pray "out loud" together (I was mortified and just passed when my "turn" came.)  After the service... his son was wrestling with someone...  in the sanctuary (Gasp.....)  This was WAY out of my comfort zone!  My, how God has worked on me since that time. 

God wants us to worship him.  That means different things to different people.  However, I hold firm that it's hard to let our hearts be completely free with him if we have anger or disputes.  So many times in my life, I've seen others abandonded in prayer and worship and asked God....  1) what's up with them? That can't be for real - which really meant - 2) God I'm jealous of how they can give themselves competely to you so I am going to judge their actions.

In the last few years, God has taught me a lot about lifting up hands in prayer.  Not only in acceptance in how people worship, but also in entering his presence with a right heart.  You see, when I was so busy worrying about others experience, it was ME that was preventing me from worshipping and praying to God all out.  It wasn't him.  I needed to change my posture.  I needed to examine my heart and realize that whatever bitterness I was harboring was keeping me from getting closer to him.  God calls me to love others.  When I'm not operating in love, I'm out of his will for me.  (which, by the way happens daily:-(  But again, he's a God of grace!) 

"Thank you Jesus for inviting us to worship you.  For loving our prayers and for the reassurance that worship and prayer can go together.  Wow God.  For me, much worship and prayer happens to music and I so thank you for the beautiful gifts you've given so many in leading music.  (and thank you for nice car trips where I can really let lose!)  When I'm still before you Lord, you move my inner being.  Thank you for the quiet times, when I can hear from you.  I continue to be amazed by you.  So today,we raise up holy hands, to praise the holy, who was and is, and is to come..."     

I'll pour my love on you...



So, the flu has been making it's way through our house, and today it stopped at me. Needless to say, I spent the day in 2 spots. One was a very comfy couch in our basement. (I won't divulge the other:-)


As I was weak and tired and struggling, God made it so clear to me what awesome kids I have, and how much they love me. Seriously, if I had the energy, I'd have been in tears.

The boys had early out Wednesday, and Caleb didn't want to go to his normal "sitter". He wanted to come home with me... cuz he didn't want me to have to be alone. So, he sat by me quietly and read. Wow! What an angel!

Then, Emma gets home. She was such a little mother. Honestly, I felt like one of her dollies and she just lavished love on me.

And after church Carter comes down and just holds me close. Asks me if I'm doing better.

You know, there are a lot of days when I think that I'm not doing such a great job as a mom. I get crabby over little things and yell to much, and, and, and...

Today, the love these 3 (and Tom!) lavished on me was so affirming. "Thank you God for blessing me with such a great family! Thank you that how they covered me with their love today is but a taste of the goodness and love that you have for me. Thank you, that even in the midst of the yucky's you can open my eyes to blessing. You are such an awesome Father!"

As far as reading goes, well.... I made 7 chapters. So, I'm going go finish in bed, and hopefully tomorrow morning will hold more strength... and a post from me!

For the love of Paul...

Oh... what a great day of reading. Today I covered Philippians, Colossians, and 1 Thessalonians. WOW...Wow...wow....


So, I can't chose just one thing that stuck out. And, because I seem to have been making up the rules as I go... I'm going to pick one from each Book.

Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

This verse always speaks to me, but especially at Christmas time it really hits home. You see, I have been in need. Big time. Like, couldn't afford to eat type of need. I remember rejoicing when my parents would have me out for dinner, and I remember my girlfriend Di having me to her house to eat. I'm not certain that anyone knew that I was likely not going to eat if they didn't call. (or maybe they did!) I wasn't starving, because I had a job that provided meals often during the day. I've come to realize their is a difference between hunger and starvation. I was just hungry (Praise God!) And... it was for a short period of time, just until I could get back on my feet... But it gave me perspective. It taught me not to judge. It has sunken into the core of who I am. (Like, I LOVE to shop at second hand stores!)

Right now, I am in a time of blessing. I have plenty. And I praise God for that. However, I also remember that he gives and takes away. Therefore, my identity is not in what I have, but in whose I am. I don't care where I live, as long as I have God and my family. For now, I'm emjoying my nice house... if tomorrow holds something different, then I'll praise God in the midst of it.

And then the infamous... "I can do all things through him who gives me strength." I am always surprised when I read the bible how we miss the context of so many verses. Don't get me wrong, I typically hear this in the right spirit. However, when you read it with what Pual was saying right before it, it has SOOOOO much more meaning.

Colossians 2:16-17
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

I literally wrote the words COMPEL next to this in my bible. You see, when planning the conference, it is so EASY to get hung up on the details. We sincerely want it to be a great conference. However, most of all, we want it to be founded on Christ. I have said this before, but we have such a great group of women on the leadership team. Prayer time with them is incredible and sincere. I praise God for that. So... the music may not be exactly what you are used to. You may not have the "perfect" meal. They may run out of coffee just when you go to fill your cup, or you may sit under a vent. HOWEVER, we've prayed and prayed and prayed and will continue to pray over this event. And I trust that Christ will be glorified. Lysa does an awesome job, and we're smothering her in prayer. That she may hear His voice and speak exactly what we need to hear. That is in His control. So... this is a good challenge for me. To not worry so much about what people "think" or if it appears to be all put together and buttoned up. God isn't into the details. He's into us...


1 Thesalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Sometimes we just need a little reminder. Rejoice or be joyful always. Seriously God???? Ok girls, I'd love to tell you that this is what people say about me... you know that Jen, she is just always so cheerful and happy looking and always praising God... BUT.... I am the mom of 3 small children and 2 big children, the proud owner of 2 dogs (1 of which is on my very short list today:-)) and I can be down right crabby... unbearable even. AND... I love to pray... but, like all of us, I don't feel like I do it enough. The list could go on and on of my shortcomings. (Tom isn't home, or he'd maybe want to add to it:-)

However, I don't see this verse as a "correction" verse. I see it as a reminder. Whatever is going on in my day to day, God wants to use that. Perhaps it will turn into a story I use in one of my talks, perhaps it will help me help someone else at work, perhaps it will impact my family when the grow older, perhaps it will touch the life of someone who I don't even know... The point is, I am not in control of today, but I am in control of my choices. If I chose to look upward, no matter WHAT is going on in my "world", I will be reminded that God can use everything. And for that I can give him thanks, and be joyful!

I end tonight in prayer for my friend Lynn. She's in the office next door to me at ATLAS, and I've grown to appreciate her in so many ways. Tomorrow at noon she will undergo surgery to determine if she has liver cancer. "God, I pray that you would take these circumstances and use them for your glory. You know my heart would be for mis diagnosis and complete healing. However, I trust you in all circumstances God. Lynn is in need right now God. She needs your healing hand, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. At the same time God, let her have plenty. Plenty prayers, plenty faith, and plenty love. Block Satan in his attacks now Lord, that she may see you and you alone as she undergoes what might be one of the scariest days of her life tomorrow! Thanks for your promise that we should give thanks in all circumstances, for this is your will. May we give you thanks for this trial that Lynn is going through, and may we be obedient to the path laid out for us."

Pour your love on me...

Ok - I feel like I'm full of excuses, but... if any of you are mom's you will get what the end of a 4 day holiday weekend is like. Top it of with the twins waking in the middle of the night with the flu, and you'll get why I'm combining Sunday and Monday.


2 Cor. 9 - Gal. 5 - was Sunday

In Galatians 5:6 we read
"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

As a preface, remember that Paul is talking about circumcision, which was an outward sign of status and place. More so, he's talking about what I call religiosity. How by following the "religious law" we think we are earning our way into heaven, when in reality, many times it produces pride that separates us from God instead of drawing us closer to him.

So, this verse really says alot about how to draw closer to God... It's not by strict compliance to the law... It's by loving. Love your neighbor as yourself. When we love, we will naturally follow the law. God's spirit will guide us, and our decisions will reflect His love.


Gal 6 - Eph 6 - is today - Monday (and WHAT a Monday:-)) I actually didn't get 10 in, as I wanted to end at Ephesians and hold off on Philippians until tomorrow!

Eph 3:16-19
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Continuing on with the "love" thoughts. If the spirit dwells in our inner being.... we can be rooted and established in love. But I still don't think that we get it. I think of the temple and the angels crying "Holy, Holy, Holy..." I think maybe, just maybe, they are truly beginning to grasp the love of Christ, and be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. I don't think that we as humans can even begin to imagine it. So when we think we're loving enough, when our pride gets in the way, when we think "well, I'm not going to get walked all over here," whenever we aren't focused on loving and showing love, it's because we can't yet grasp the fullness of God. We can't truly comprehend His "love." Although he may reveal himself to us more and more each day, until he comes again, I don't think we will truly understand.

"Father God... Thank you for your love for us. A love that we can't even phathom. God, I want to learn more about yoru love, so that I, in turn, can do a better job of loving others. Reveal yourself to me and give me wisdom and understanding. And then, help me to not be lazy, but to pour that love onto others. Help me to see clearly situations where you would pour your love out, and then give me the courage to just let it ooze out of me."

Feelin like a turkey...

So.... I feel like a turkey. Seriously, I haven't blogged since Monday!!! How can that be???

I have been steady at my reading, but getting to the computer and getting a blog done, well... it just didn't happen. I'm very sorry, please extend grace! Early in the week Emma had the flu, and then it was business with getting ready to cook Thanksgiving night. (which I totally LOVED doing!) At any rate, I missed out on the blogging. Good news is, like all of you, I'm human and fail, even when intentions are there!

Today, I'm deciding whether to catch up, or just post from today's reading...

Where have I been?
Tuesday - Acts 27 - Romans 8
Wednesday - Romans 9 - 1 Cor. 3
Thursday - My day of not reading this week:-)
Friday - 1 Cor 4 - 14

Oh, so much good stuff in all of these; but, I think I better just stick to today's verses - 1 Cor 15 - 2 Cor. 8

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
2 Corinthians 5:14

The word "compel" stuck out to me here. (Ok - so for obvious reasons!) Seriously - For Christ's love compels us... That is really what the Compel conference is all about. His love. Regardless of denomination and your stance on "such and such." We unite, because of His love. Because he died for each one of us individually... It's our prayer that we honor "God" in all we do at the conference.

"Father God, compel us... to do your will. May your love be our focus, and may it abound. We ask Lord that we may honor you. Make us dead to our old lives and alive in you. May our focus be only on sharing you with others!"

The Beach...

Ok - I'll get serious in a minute... But first.... (seriuosly... it's been freezing rain and icy all day, how could I not get stuck at the word "beach")








Acts 16 - 26... Within in these scriptures are the only mentions in the bible of one of my loves in life... The beach... (mentioned 3 times) More specific - praying at the beach! (Acts 21:5)



At least once a year (I'm spoiled, I know!) my husband indulges me and takes me to the beach. I can seriously lay there for hours singing and praying and lost in my own little world with God. Day after day! If I didn't have kids... I'm thinking it might be an issue!

now mind you, Paul is heading into a horribly dangerous situation (and the other 2 times it is mentioned, is in the midst of that situation). What becomes clear to me, is that he is answering God's call. When they prayed for him at the beach, it wasn't just for sunshine and warmth. It was for God to lead in a major sense of the word lead! As a vacationer, this evokes a sense of calmness and relaxation. For Paul, the beach was the calm before and during the storm, and prayers of protection were overflowing. As a simple Iowa girl, who only sees the beach on vacation, it's hard to imagine.

The other thing that sticks out to me in this verse is his intentional mention of women.

Acts 21:5
When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.

At various times throughout Acts, Paul is intentional about mentioning women. (Acts 16, 17,18, ...) Jesus also had these tendencies, to specifically mention women, so as to purpose their cause and place in society. They were always welcome, as were the children. Acts 21:9 - the four unmarried daughters who prophesied (thus indicating that women had their important place to take part in God's work.) are a bold statement for that time period. That they should receive directly from God!

I'd also be feeling bad if I didn't mention that the Simply Grace (Acts 20:24) is in this section. Testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

- Or the verse that we give to Tom every year for Christmas - 20:35 - "we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

I could go on and on about these Chapters. For some reason, as I write this, the word "focus" is in my heart. So many of these verses are about where our focus is. (or is not...)

"God, I pray that you make give me clarity as I try to focus on you. Remove my distractions, my pride, my inequity, and just allow me to focus on you. Even in times of trial (which we know are coming!), may I stand firm like Paul, focus on you and your perfect will, and proclaim you boldly!"

Acts 5 - 15 is where we're at... Sorry for the lazy weekend. The kids had a swim meet on Saturday and Tom went to the Vikings/Packers game with Matt for his 21st Birthday, so I was busy being mom.... Got my reading done, but posting was another thing:-)

So.... I didn't pick just one verse from this portion of Acts. Instead, I'm loving all the verses that reference baptism and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

The go hand in hand in so many places. I praise God for his Holy Spirit. I know this can be a controversial issues, but it seems so clear to me in scripture. I can't imagine life without being filled with His Spirit. He blesses us in so many ways with his presence in and through us. WOW... I'd encourage each of you to re-read these sections for scripture and ask God to reveal himself in new ways. Be open minded and let him show you his goodness. He really is our best friend!

"Thank you Lord for being a triune God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. You work in so many wonderful ways in our lives.. I ask that you continue to reveal yourself to me. As I draw close to you God, may you draw closer to me. I want to know you more. I want to experience your Holy Spirit working in my life more and for your glory. Rekindle the fire Lord..."