Single Moms' Night Out Fun

Thanks to all of the volunteers and to those who made donations for our third Single Moms' Night Out event! Because of some sickness and conflicts in schedule, there were a few less children than we had anticipated...but there were still enough to play BINGO and Duck, Duck, Goose! Everyone (including the volunteers!) should have slept well Friday night. We had fun!

Thanks to Melissa Leach, Hannah Leach, Heidi Peacock, Evie Peacock, Viktor Peacock, Abbey Barthauer, Noah Barthauer, Rebekah Barthauer and Leah Barthauer for coming out to play. Also a big thank you to Michelle O'Dwyer, Melissa Leach, Sandy Conley, Kari Mulderink, Andrea Meade, Pam Brock, Michelle Eppinghoff and Heather Harper for the donations that helped us host a night where moms could drop off their children and know they'll be fed and well cared for!

Here's some photos of the fun:

Taking His Hand Through the "Rough Patch"

Tax season is tough on our family. The kids, having mom home almost all the time, are suddenly left alone to fend for themselves more than usual. They've been trained to be pretty independent, but still, it's quite an adjustment. Dale has stepped up to be homeschool teacher two days a week and that's been a tremendous help. I even told Leah recently that he's a better mommy than I am because he gets school done and the dishes, laundry, dinner and more!

I've not been depressed or frustrated (for the most part) just overwhelmingly busy. And overwhelmed is not a good place for me to be. When I'm overwhelmed, I have a tendency to shut down. I can't shut down at work, so home is usually the place where that happens.

Then yesterday, once again in God's perfect timing, I read in Psalm 73:23-24 this amazing promise:

"Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
With your counsel You will guide me,
And afterward receive me with honor."

I took some time to imaginitively pray through these verses and envision myself taking His Hand. I even pictured it, I think as led by His Spirit, to see His Hand as the big "Daddy's" hand as I placed my tiny little child-like hand in His.

So for now, I don't have any big plans...no grand designs of where He's leading me. Shoot...I may not have enough time or energy to do much of anything. But wherever I'm headed...I know He has me by the hand!

Urgent Need for New Housing Options

A mom of 3 is in immediate need of new housing options. Please pray for God to lead and guide the process and to make the transition smooth for her children. This is not her desire, but her landlord is giving her no option. Please pray that affordable housing becomes available soon.

Ohh to Be Like John!

I just started this book this morning, and I was already in tears...blessed, thankful tears that is! Don't let the title throw you, Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John & the Praying Imagination promises to really impact me if the rest of the book is anything like Eugene Peterson's first five pages. That's right...it only took 5 pages to have me weeping, raising my hands to God and drinking in the blessing of what Peterson is saying.

So what was he saying? In a nutshell, he's acquainting me with John, the disciple...the one known as the beloved friend of Jesus. Peterson describes John as theologian, poet and pastor. Because he embodied all three, he had a unique way of bring the words of God, as revealed while he was "in the Spirit" (Revelation 1), vividly alive.

Peterson break down each of these three characteristics of John and he begins with the theologian. Here's why I was blessed:

"St. John is a theologian whose entire mind is saturated with thoughts of God, his whole being staggered by a vision of God. The world-making, salvation-shaping word of God is heard and pondered and expressed. He is God-intoxicated, God-possessed, God-articulate. He insists that God is more than a blur of longing, and other than a monosyllabic curse (or blessing), capable of logos (word), that is, of intelligent discourse. John is full of exclamations in relation to God, quite overwhelmed with the experience of God, but through it all there is logos: God revealed is God known."

Ahhh! Sweet peace! Someone put into words in 1988 some of the same thoughts and feelings I have experienced over the last few years.

I want to be "God-intoxicated, God-possessed and God-articulate!" I want my entire mind to be saturated "with thoughts of God". If I'm asking Him every morning to take captive my every thought and to train my mind to be consumed with Him, then naturally what is going to pour forth from my mouth will be "God-articulate". Right? The opposite of this is, of course,  when my words are anything but godly (as was the case with my children this morning) then I'm not God-intoxicated or God-possessed.

And reading this today affirmed many thoughts I've had over the last several months. I've even participated in this conversation a few times with people that are close to me. Here's the gist of what I've been thinking:     
"If we're in a group of fellow believers for more than a few moments of time, why does the conversation never naturally turn back to what God is doing in us and through us?"

This question makes perfect sense to me...but I've actually been challenged a few times by others regarding these thoughts. I've also listened to discussions from those that are frustrated with relationships where the other party only talks about God. Sometimes I've also sat with fellow believers and run out of discussion topics.

Yet, when I'm in the presence of someone that has the desire to be "God-intoxicated, etc." there is no end to the discussion. You wind up standing outside the library in the freezing cold because you can't bring yourself to walk away from such a great conversation. You don't want to hang up the phone even after an hour and a half because you want to linger in the Presence of the One that is leading your conversation. You long for the e-mails from your friend that you know are going to encourage, uplift and challenge you all at the same time. Conversely, I've also sat with those that say they share my faith in God and the conversation never turns to Him. Sure, it can be nice to spend time together...but I don't long to be with them. There's just "something" missing.

When I've expressed these thoughts in the recent past, the response hasn't always been what I would expect. I've even come away from those conversations feeling like maybe somehow I'm wrong or there's something wrong with me because I want to constantly be discussing the things of God. And then today, I read this:
     "The theologian offers his mind in the service of saying "God" in such a way that God is not reduced or packaged or banalized, but known and contemplated and adored, with the consequence that our lives are not cramped into what we can explain but exalted by what we worship. The difficulties in such thinking and saying are formidable. The theologian is never able to deliver a finished product. "Systematic theology" is an oxymoron. There are always loose ends. But even the crumbs from discourse around such a table are more satisfying than full-course offerings on lesser subjects." (emphasis mine)

There it is...the explanation for why I've felt this way. Even the "crumbs" that fall from the table of discussing God are more satisfying than a smorgasbord of other topics.

Please don't think me harsh. I don't even want to be ego-centric and talk about what I am doing for God. I simply long to sit in the presence of those that freely share what God is doing in and through them and will listen to me share the same. I am blessed to have a few women in my life where this is the case. Regular conversations with Lori, Susan, Jennifer and soon to include Kari are blessings that God has given me and I wouldn't trade for anything. Dale and I can talk about a lot of things: parenting, movies, music, books or work...but the things that satisfyany topic can have an underlying spiritual theme...evil or good...and thankfully, she's longing more and more for the good.

I'm delighted to be in this place and even more thrilled that God's workings and thoughts are overflowing out of me...but there's always room for more. If you long to share your story and what God is teaching you, let me know. I'll gladly pull up to that table anytime!

Mentioned in this post:

Is God to Blame?

What an amazing book! I finished it a few days ago, and I'm still processing all that I learned. I previously posted about it (see Resignation vs. Revolt) so I won't repeat anything from that post. But what I was drawn to now more than at any other time in my life was Boyd's teaching on prayer.

When we adopt the warfare worldview over the blueprint worldview that most of us have been fed, we realize just how important...how vital...how urgent our prayers are. After all, when there are evil forces that are contending with God's agents and free will of choice is on the line...your prayers really do matter.

And just a few moments ago, I reread through a post from August when God's Holy Spirit spoke to my heart that He set up Boundless Ministries the way that He did because when all I can do is pray...He receives the most glory because there's no other explanation. In the past this made me feel like "There's Not Much I Can Do"... but since reading Boyd's book and being reminded of the blessing...the gift of interceding for others...I'm sensing the urgency to pray more...and more...and more.

I no longer think of this as "not much", rather, I'm beginning to see it as mighty work...an opportunity to participate in God's divine work on earth...that's a privilege I am amazed to have!
Amen!

Mentioned in this post:

Bi-monthly Prayer Requests

Here's the latest updated Prayer Requests for Boundless Ministries and the single moms we know.

If you'd ever like to become a Prayer Partner for Boundless Ministries, just send me an e-mail at a.barthauer@gmail.com with "Prayer Partner" in the subject line. We e-mail reminders twice monthly and the occasional urgent request will be sent out in addition to these.

From the beginning of the Holy Spirit laying this ministry upon my heart, I knew prayer was going to be the single most important part of what we do. Our Prayer Partners share in our journey...they just happen to journey on their knees! If you'd like to be a part of this amazing ride in any way, we'd love to hear from you!

Angela

Beauty

Within the last week, I began the Bible study of Esther by Beth Moore. As she repeatedly admits, this is a study like no other. First of all, it's about a woman and there are only two books of the Bible about women...this one and Ruth. Another difference is that it is the only book of the Bible where God's name is never mentioned. His providential, guiding hand is evidenced all over it...but He is never actually mentioned.

But I think after one week of homework and two sessions of listening to Beth Moore speak, the one theme I'm picking up on for myself is just how closely our culture resembles that of ancient Persia. And nowhere is this potentially more evident than in the area of our culture's obsession with beauty. If you live in the U.S., like I do...I do not even need to explain this to you...it's all around you. In fact, you can't escape it unless you live a media-free existence and close your eyes when you go through the check out lane at the grocery store. But I guess you'd also have to close your eyes when driving so as not to see advertising billboards. Since this isn't possible...and you're still living and breathing...you know of what I speak.
Now, I could take a long time to bash every perverted instance of this obsession with beauty in our culture and I would feel completely justified in doing so...but my goal in life isn't to broadsweepingly change our culture. No, my goal in life is for God to change me from the inside out...and truly...probably one of the biggest areas where this has been evidenced in my life is in the area of...you guessed it...beauty!

From about the 12th through 23rd years of my life...I was a clothes-horse. My teenage daughter doesn't believe it now, but if I had any money (and sometimes if I had a credit card, unfortunately!) I was spending it on clothes. I followed fashion magazines. I wanted trendy haircuts. I was always on the cutting edge of fashion in my high school and college. Keep in mind, I lived in the midwest so it was cutting edge for where I lived. I was also consumed with my weight and tried every available diet at the time. I have the destroyed metabolic system to prove it now!

But something happened along the way and at first, I stopped caring about all of that. Actually, somewhere during the course of having children, nursing babies and being sleep deprived, I just didn't have the energy to care. Yet, the inner demons of feeling like I never measured up where persistently nagging. I was always measuring myself to others I knew. I was constantly envious of those who were blessed to inherit "good genes". When I was in a room of people, I would often do a quick perusal to make sure I wasn't the fattest or ugliest one there. In some warped way, it made me feel better. Throughout this decade or so, thoughts would often slip out and become bad comments against myself. I had completely swallowed the American lie that you couldn't be happy unless you were a perfect size 6, with white teeth, silky radiant hair and rock-hard abs. Yet, I longed to not pass down to my girls this poor view of themselves.

Praise God, somewhere in the midst of all of this self-loathing, He continued to grow me into the woman He created me to be!

I have to thank my husband for one day also speaking up and telling me that it bothered him when I made bad comments about myself. That was probably one of the figurative "slaps in the face" that woke me up to just exactly what I was doing and how my girls (especially my oldest!) were beginning to perceive themselves.

The transformation that I've noticed in myself is nothing short of a miracle. These last two to three years, as I've clung to God throughout life's storms, He's not only comforted me...but He's shown me so much about how I perceive myself and the way He has gifted me. As I've become confident of myself in Christ, I truly see other women for the beauty they have. I no longer view them with my critical eye trying to make myself feel better...I see them with God's eyes and the beauty He bestowed on them.

The first time I realized this change had taken place in me was when a Facebook friend posted some pictures from a missions trip to a Native American reservation. There were photos of women from the reservation that had prepared a meal for the team. The women were smiling from ear to ear. And although their hair was less than perfect, their teeth were not even and their faces were very weather beaten and wrinkled...my very breath caught within me and I said out loud, "Oh! They are beautiful!" There was a dawning in me that I could now see beauty for what it truly is...Beauty of the Soul!

God has done this transformation within myself too. I'm content with no makeup. My clothes don't have to be perfect. My hair can be done or undone and it's not because I'm lazy or have no hope of being beautiful. For the first time in my life, I am content with who God says I am...not what some magazine, tv show, internet site or movie star compares me to.

So now, the work continues. My prayer is for my daughters to know this for themselves. If they want to wear makeup or fancy clothes...that's fine...but I want them to understand that is not what makes them acceptable in the eyes of the One that created them perfect the way that they are. No...He sees the beauty of the soul...and that's the only beauty that lasts!

Mentioned in this post:

Special Prayer Request

If you've been reading this blog very long, you know that most months we post an update to prayer requests for single moms and this ministry on the Prayer Requests and Needs Page on the right side. We do this bi-monthly. But today, I want to preempt my standard practice and ask for a little extra prayer for a friend of mine.

As of today, a lady I know with three boys that call her "Mom" is nearing the end of her educational journey. She has only 17 days left and these will be some of the most pressure-cooked and stressful ones to date. Add to this the normal ups and downs of being a single mom and some additional financial burdens and you can imagine the stress levels she's dealing with.

Please pray for God's unexplainable peace in the midst of the storm and that all of the preparation and study she has done over these many months will give her confidence and assurance that she is right where God has placed her for this time. Pray that she'll actually have occasion to enjoy these last days and revel in the journey that God has brought her through. Also, please beseech God to provide for her financial worries during this time...that's one burden she just doesn't need to carry right now.

Thanks prayer warriors! Your prayers do make a difference!

"House of Numbers"

Have I ever mentioned that I really, really like to watch documentaries? That's more of a rhetorical question at this point if you've read this blog very long!

Taking into consideration my avid interest in the documentary art form, it's no wonder that next to blogger.com, facebook and checking my e-mail, TopDocumentaries.com is my favorite website. Yes, it even surpasses Netflix.

What I like best is getting the "other" side. These are movies that for the most part are not funded by big money, old money or those who hold the seats of power. Of course, the filmmakers set out to prove their point...so they aren't completely unbiased, but having a background in broadcast journalism myself...I believe this is the type of reporting network news should be doing...but can't...mostly, because they are owned by big money themselves. [Disembarking from soapbox!]

Back to the film at hand...House of Numbers is a balanced, fair look at the HIV/AIDS epidemic. And I have to be honest, I've read the huge (650+ pages) book And the Band Played On; I remember following this story with great interest as it broke in the 1980's; I lived in the state where Ryan White lived...we were inundated with information from the news media; but I've never heard the information like this.

I hesitate to put too much of my opinion out here because it can be misconstrued easily when you're talking about such a volatile issue like HIV/AIDS. Let's just say that I find it interesting that the French virologist, Luc Montagnier, who discovered the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) said that if a person's immune system were healthy enough, you could be exposed to HIV and not contract it. Also, when asked if a person had the virus and their immune system were boosted, could they fight off the virus...his answer was , "Yes."
Interesting, huh? We've never been told that in the popular media...yet, it completely rings true with what I've already learned about our immune systems and disease as The Gerson Therapy teaches.

And when discussing the question, 'Then why have millions of people died from AIDS if it's just the simple matter of healing damaged immune systems (I'm paraphrasing)?' The one thing the filmmaker keeps coming back to is that many of the deceased already had very compromised immune systems, either through illicit drug use, chronic antibiotic use from recurring STDs, "huffing" toxic chemicals and those who live in absolute squalor...as is the case where AIDS is flourishing...Africa and Southeast Asia. When you don't even have access to clean drinking water, how can your body fight off a deadly virus? This doesn't even take into consideration poor diet. You can't begin to address that issue when you live in filth.

Once again, our world's extreme poor are reaping the devastating consequences of a deadly disease, simply because of uneven wealth distribution. One South African who tested positive for HIV many years ago, chose not to take the "drug cocktail" which has sometimes proven to be just as deadly. She  points out, what if instead of lining the pharmaceutical companies' pockets with billions of dollars every year, we took that money and invested it into countries that need improvements in sanitation, clean drinking water and nutritional assistance?

Hmmm? That's a good question. Watch it for yourself and see what you think.

House of Numbers

Starting a New "Act"

Last night, my oldest daughter, Abbey and I attended an orientation for ushering at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati. We both love theatre, especially musical theatre, so this is a perfect fit. We're thankful to our friend, Sara, for getting the information to us so we could get the process started!

Volunteering doesn't always have to be "work". It can be fun too! We're looking forward to seeing great shows and performances (for free!) while Abbey also gets the irreplaceable experience of providing customer service to the patrons. This is going to look great on a resume' someday.

And although this "technically" isn't focused solely on serving single moms...there will be ample opportunity to provide service to others. At the same time, I'll be supporting my daughter in her passion, learning great lessons along with her about serving outside of ourselves and having some amazing mother/daughter time in the process.

It's a show-stopper no matter how you look at it!

First up on our program: a Broadway on tour production of Billy Elliot in January and Cincinnati Ballet's production of Carmen in February.


Click here for more information about upcoming events at the Aronoff Center

Resignation vs. Revolt

Apparently, God has me sticking with the theme of Suffering for now. I went to our local library's website to look for more books by Gregory Boyd and the one above is the only one they had on hand. If you can't see the complete title in the picture, it's Is God to Blame?: Beyond Pat Answers to the Problem of Suffering. Hmmm?! I think He's trying to teach me something.

Interestingly enough, as much as I enjoyed and felt refreshed by Repenting of Religion, within the first two chapters of this book, I was really feeling challenged. He was striking at the core of one of the foundational beliefs in our churches. It dates all the way back to Augustine and was even upheld by Calvin (if you're not a church person...hang on...there's only a few references I'll make to these two historical church theologians,)

Apparently, these two men (Augustine being the first) where popular purveyors of the theory that God has a sort of "master blueprint" for the world. This "blueprint worldview", as Boyd calls it, means that no matter what, God's will cannot be thwarted. But, Boyd points out, all it takes is a quick reading of the first few chapters in Genesis to know that Adam, Eve and the serpent were very successful at thwarting His divine will. After all, He created us to participate in His complete Love with Him. But when they decided to attempt to become "like Him" (by eating from the forbidden tree), that fellowship, that perfect divine will to live in intimate relationship with us...was broken.

Boyd also points out that to tell a mother whose child was stillborn, or a victim of brutal crime that it must somehow be "God's will" or that He "knows what He's doing" so there must be "some grand purpose" is not only ignorant...it's cruel. If you believe either of these, then you must not believe in the True Character of God as revealed in Jesus, His Son.

And Jesus never pointed fingers at why something tragic happened. Rather, He always sought to apply God's Will to every situation. What is God's perfect will? As it has been since the beginning of time...it is to live in loving relationship with us. So Jesus always sought to apply Love to the crippled, the leprous, the blind, the adulteress, the woman who'd been married five times and now living with a sixth man, the mother of a dead son, the demon-possessed...and on and on. He never answered "why" these things happened...He simply chose to apply God's Love to each and every one!

Boyd proposes (with numerous Scripture references that I cannot adequately replicate here!) that Jesus instead embraced a "warfare worldview". Since satan is the "ruler of this world", the "god of this world" and angels and humans both have freewill (freedom of choice) to choose the opposite of God's will...there is an "infinite chain" of choices and decisions that can influence any situation. To point to just one and say it is the cause is actually an attempt to know the mind of God...which is arrogant and wrong. If you've ever heard about the "butterfly effect", this is similar to what he's referring. This doesn't abdicate our responsibility for our choices, we just can no longer honestly blame God for tragedies and horrible things that happen.

Whether we want to face it or not, satan is the "ruler of this world" and every natural disaster, every awful tragedy, every "nastiness" that happens is to be laid at his feet.

Are you depressed yet? Don't be...'cause here's the good news:

The sacrificial death of Jesus, the Messiah, God-in-flesh was a declaration of WAR!

And satan has been honked-off ever since!!

In Repenting of Religion, Boyd compares our lives on earth to the nanosecond between flipping on the light switch and light piercing the darkness of a room. The "switch" was flipped on that Cross over 2000 years ago, the Light is permeating the darkness...but until Jesus returns there is sadly, still darkness.

When we embrace the "blueprint worldview" and tell ourselves that every awful thing that happens: death, disease, famine, natural disasters...must happen because it's the "will of God"...we are essentially wringing our hands and living in resignation. Because if it's "God's will" is there really anything we can do about it?

But, when we embrace the "warfare worldview" and choose to revolt against the powers of darkness, by applying God's Love (remember...which is His perfect will!) to the tragedies that ourselves or others experience...Jesus has promised that even the "gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18, NIV) In other words...the territorial walls of God's Kingdom are expanding every time we declare and live out God's Love to a lost and dying world!

Boyd sums it up best, "The mustard seed has been planted, and the outcome of the war is ensured. Its growth and effect on specific people and in specific areas of life depend in large part on the fidelity of the church in carrying out its mission. Yet there are many battles to be fought between D-day (the cross and resurrection) and V-day (Christ's return). Hence, there are many questions Jesus' disciples must answer daily: Will we live the kingdom life God calls us to live? Will we pray as God calls us to pray? Will we love as God calls us to love? Will we die to ourselves and live in Christ, or will we give in to the self-centered materialism of our culture?

Our choices matter. Much hangs in the balance. Our freedom is God's risk and our dignity."

So get your armor on! (Ephesians 6:10-20)

If you've never heard what happened when spectators came out to watch the Battle of Bull Run in the American Civil War, trust me...learn a lesson from them. When the battle turns ugly and the spectators attempt to flee, you don't want to get caught in the bottleneck of the fleeing onlookers. You want to be a fully-armed soldier with a weapon in hand, ready to stand your ground and fight.

I always knew I was a rebel for a reason!

Mentioned in this post:

December Financial Statement

Here's the latest Financial Statement

God has been faithful to supply exactly what we need...exactly when it is needed!

Bi-monthly Prayer Requests

I am a little late getting these posted because I wanted everyone to have an opportunity to submit their updates and requests that could. The holidays slow things down a little as far as replies, etc. Nonetheless, here they are...and as always, God continues to be faithful!

Praying God's best for you in 2012!

Prayer Requests and Needs

If you would ever like to become a Prayer Partner for Boundless Ministries, just send an e-mail to a.barthauer@gmail.com with "Prayer Partner" in the subject line. The requests are e-mailed twice monthly usually close to mid- and end-month.

October 2011 Archived Prayer Requests

10/28/11: Urgent! Single expectant mom has had electricity shut off and is in immediate need of assistance. Please pray she is led to the right agency, church or individual who can provide advice and/or financial assistance. Also pray for her peace as she is within one month of delivery and stress is not good for her or the baby at this time. Also pray that God will help her see His Light at the end of the tunnel so this time of anticipating the birth of her child is a joyous one...not one filled with worry, fear or doubt! 10/28/11: Spoke with this mom this evening and she is doing much better. She actually discovered one outlet that is working and is making the most of it. Creativity at it's best! We've also had a donation come in for her through paypal that we'll be getting to her as soon as it is transferred. After having a bad experience with a local "charity" chastising her for "not being responsible" she was near tears to hear that someone she's never met has committed some assistance to her. Please continue to pray as she sorts through this situation and prepares for the delivery of her child. 10/31/11: The money from paypal has arrived, she's also receiving a loan for the week from another friend...so her power should be restored this evening. God's provision will give her great peace now that this crisis has passed!

10/25/11: Mom of 3 needs employment soon. She is open to all possibilities, but the desire of her heart is to find something to do from home: i.e. childcare, clerical, etc. 11/1/11: Some good options are opening up for this mom, please continue to pray for God's wisdom and guidance as she seeks to do His will.

10/22/11: Soon to be expectant mom needs prayer support for direction regarding affordable childcare. There will be many needs that in the coming weeks will arise, pray that she can sort through the most pressing needs and that God will supply them in His time and a way that it is obviously from Him. 10/31/11: Three or four options were sent to us to check out and this mom now feels like she has a little more direction about where to start looking for childcare. Continue to pray for God to lead the way and for her to recognize His guidance as to where she should place her child.

10/21/11: Urgent Request! Mom of 3 is very low on heating oil and can't afford the hundreds of dollars it will take for the oil truck to make a delivery. She must purchase a minimum of 150 gallons of fuel. We know God will provide, please pray for this mom's peace during the wait! 11/3/11: This mom found out she could now get a delivery with a minimum of 100 gallons of heating oil. God provided a donation to cover that amount! Praise Him! Read more about this in The Widow of Zarephath

10/21/11: I received an e-mail today from my friend Cat who'd heard of an expecting mom who is going through a divorce and needs assistance in anyway possible. Please pray that as I approach this mom, she truly senses my desire to help her in any way that God provides. I know we can't meet all of her needs, but I know the God who can! 10/22/11: See request of 10/22/11 above. This mom is excited to hear of an opportunity for assistance. Please continue to pray for her as she begins the journey of motherhood.

10/21/11: Praise for a local mechanic that works out of his home approached me today and offered his services to any single moms that might need assistance. Please pray that as needs arise, the money for parts will become available in God's timing and in His way. This mechanic is willing to do even major repairs for parts cost only or greatly reduced rates. You can read more about this at So Sometimes I Drag My Feet

10/21/11: Soon to be new mom is moving to the Northern Kentucky area and is in need of not only medical care and baby items, but also prayers for her parents as they transition together in anticipation of the new baby. Pray that God coordinates resources, financial assistance and spiritual wisdom for her family throughout the coming months. 11/30/11: Baby girl was born 11/28/11 a little overdue, but healthy. Mom and baby are doing well. Please continue to pray for this family in the coming months as they all adjust together.

Renewing Your Mind

This morning in Jesus Calling, I read a few things I've heard before...but on the first day of the year, it's good to be reminded:

• Have a teachable spirit, be eager to be changed
• Walking closely with God is a life of continual "newness"
• Seek His face with an open mind

And then a Scripture reference that I immediately recognized, Romans 12:2. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Because of the familiarity of the verse, I thought I'd pick it apart a little...looking up some definitions on dictionary.com and using the other meanings of words in my Bible (which is an NASB translation). Here's what I came away with and to be honest, I was excited to see the possibilities of where this will lead me over the next year and even the rest of my life! [Bold words are from my Bible. Parentheses are from dictionary.com.]

"And do not (act in accord with prevailing standards, practices, attitudes of) this age, but be (changed in nature, character, appearance; metamorphose) by the (replenishing) of your mind, so that you may (establish the truth or genuineness of) the will of God, that which is good and (pleasing to the receiver) and (excellent and complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement)."

That's a mouthful! But what does it say to you? I don't claim that these are from the original Greek or anything scholarly. It's just that sometimes for me...to insert synonyms or phrases that explain the verse in more detail helps me look at it like it's the first time I've ever read it.

If you've gone through some of my posts recently, you'll know I've been reading Gregory Boyd's Repenting of Religion. In it, he makes the case that God's perfect will is for us to love Him and others with the same perfect love He has for us. If you keep that in mind as you read through this verse again...knowing throughout the entire reading that God's perfect will is for us is to live in His Love and share it with others...now...what does it say to you?

What is says to me is life-changing! Actually, it's the path He's had me on my entire life...sometimes I'm just paying attention better. Here's the gist though:

'Angela, if you truly want to experience My will for your life...you have to live in My Love. You have to allow yourself to be loved by Me with an unsurpassable (boundless!) Love. And you won't be able to stop yourself from passing this same Love on to others and it will be pleasing to them to receive it because you can't improve upon it...it's absolutely complete! But the only way you will be able to be truthful and genuine in living out My will...My Love...is to allow Me to completely revamp your way of thinking. You cannot live according to the standards, practices, appearance of this age! It's just impossible to do so and live out My perfect will. So this isn't going to be easy, dear one. In fact, you need to let Me go so far as to do a complete metamorphosis. And it's going to be vastly different from anything around you in this culture. If you're ready...I've been waiting! Today...this first day of the year...let's start a new leg of the journey. Together you and I are going to peel away the scales of deception from your eyes and you're going to see My Love for what it truly is...Perfect!'

Amen! Bring it on!