BeYOUtiful

#Underconstruction

Dylan, my middle child, came bounding into the living room full of joy and excitement. By the time he got to me, he was about to explode. Dylan desperately tugged at my shirt, wanting my attention. It was as if he was holding the juiciest information ever and would pop if he didn’t release it. I shifted my full focus to him and asked, “What’s going on?” Dylan blurted out, “There’s a man in our tree.” Wait. What? I was confused. Dylan, seeing my confusion explained, “He’s making it beautiful, come see!”

Our lawn man had climbed high into our tree and was pruning the inside of our tree. You could only see him if you looked deep inside.

I believe that beauty naturally exists, but time develops our full understanding of it. The beautification process involves some ugly moments that later build into something attractive. God makes everything beautiful in time (Isaiah 60:22). Our personhood requires some internal and external effort.

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!” (Psalm 139:13-14)

Your external beauty is a result of the hard work that has and is currently taking place internally. You are beautifully intricate. Are you aware that the various actions of a timepiece or watch are called complications? Expensive watches often have several complications. You are valuably complex. The way you smile, twirl your pencil, sleep at night, organize your closet, and all your quirks are awesomely you!

In the quiet, dark womb of your mother, God put attention to the intricate details of who you are. Yet, even in there, He went into the hidden areas of your heart and carved His initials of ownership. Before you saw daylight, He saw fit to claim you and declare your beauty.

We must regularly allow God to work on our hearts. Our heart is a large muscle that demands attention. Daily maintenance is necessary. Seek God about your heart’s desires by praying about your decisions. Show God when your heart is broken by applying God’s Word. Save space for Him to reside by opening it to His will permanently.

God prunes us like the tree in my yard, and it can leave us feeling exposed.

Yet, it isn’t until the negative critiques of others becomes louder than the internal dialogue between our heavenly Father and us that we are bothered by our nakedness.

I was watching a movie the other day, and the lead character said, “Don’t believe those who only know a little bit – believe those who know a lot about you!”

God knows everything, and the people who know you – know you. Yes, it hurts to hear people say negative things about us, and it makes us want to disappear from plain view. 

However, God sees us hiding, and like any creator who loves their creation, He is concerned when we are camouflaged.

In Genesis 3:11, God told Adam, “Who told you that you were naked?” We often give “they” too much credit. The truth is,” They” is usually one person getting more recognition than they deserve.

But wait, there’s more. You can have a good heart and a horrible disposition. Be the full package. Only half won’t do; it is insufficient to look good and have a hard heart. It is equally harmful to have a good heart and not work on how you present yourself. 

My lawn man not only trimmed the branches under the foliage of our tree but also shaped the tree by cutting the outside branches and leaves that were visible.

 “You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” (Matthew 23:26)

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) 

I read a story about people virtually applying for jobs during the COVID19 pandemic. Because the applicants couldn’t interview in person, the interviews took place through a digital platform. Would you believe that some of the applicants did the interview practically wearing their pajamas?! Despite the excellence  of their resume, their presentation was sub par.

With enough masks and makeup, we can hide who we are, but eventually the real you will be seen. The total package is someone who is working on their heart while simultaneously adjusting how they present themselves. Pure perfection will come when we see Jesus face to face. Until then, we are a work in process. We can always be a little better. Like the freeways of a major city, keep working on you. My tree looks excellent now, but I know I will have to call the lawn man again to maintain my ever-growing tree. 

Be Beautiful. Inside and Out.

Ignition!! God's Yes is bigger than their No!

Ignition – let’s get it started

It was around this time last year that I was in Israel. I remember standing on the edge of a Jewish graveyard surrounded by the sound of singing from thousands of individuals who pilgrimaged there for Holy week and Easter.

There was zero concern for social distancing or even social media – this moment was about one thing – celebrating Jesus.

But I also remember having hesitancy about traveling to Israel. I didn’t know what to expect and I wasn’t sure how the trip would affect me. However, there are certain journeys we must take to live the life we were meant to have.

Each of the 4 synoptic Gospels gives a rendition of The Triumphal entry, or Jesus’ grand return to Jerusalem before His journey to the cross.

Let’s walk through what happened on Palm Sunday in Luke 19:29-44.

As Jesus and his disciples are drawing near the Mount of Olives – Jesus runs ahead of his disciples. This is a cool point because Jesus knows that His end is coming and He takes the lead with his actions. There is a bounty on His head and instead of sneaking in the back door – He plans a jubilant entry that kicks open the front door.

He has been to Jerusalem many times before – but this time it was different.

Jesus tells two of his disciples to go into the village and untie a particular Colt or a Young Donkey that had never been ridden. If they are questioned about the Colt, the disciples are told to say, “The Lord needs it.”

I have one point today.

1.     Sent doesn’t mean simple

I often say that there isn’t an easy way to do something difficult – but when it is your purpose – God will give provision (resources) – and you must get it done.

Jesus knew He had to enter the city and He knew, based on prophecy, how it had to be done.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zech 9:9)

I know God has a plan for our city, our nation, our world and specifically for you. He has given us instructions on what must be done for the miraculous to take place. Our solutions won’t solve themselves – like a bookshelf purchased from ikea – just because you own it doesn’t mean you fully fixed the problem – the shelf has to be built.

Notice how Jesus sent 2 disciples. Jesus works in pairs. God said it isn’t good that man should be alone – He gave Eve to Adam, He gave Aaron to Moses, and He gave Naomi to Ruth.

Jesus will send you support for you next steps.

Jesus also tells them to grab a colt that has never been ridden. You have access to something new and different that will bring in a necessary change.

The disciples know that there is a colt – they know where it is located – and they know what to say if they are questioned.

Scripture says we must be hearers and doers of God’s word. We have to listen to all of the instructions to get it done correctly. I think it is interesting that Jesus gives the disciples a response for when they are questioned.

Just because you have a God idea and you are doing everything right that doesn’t dismiss you from naysayers or those who will question your efforts.

LOOK at how simple their response is, “The lord needs this” – you won’t need a bunch of words to explain what God has told you to do.

Even if the owner questions you – The word from Who sent you is ENOUGH! Remember Who sent you

YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IN THE SOLUTION AS WELL AS THE SOURCE!

Many of us are sitting at home with all of the solutions for what we need to get done. Although people are telling you what you need to do – the challenge is actually getting started. Trust the source who told you!

They had to go to the city

They had to untie the colt

They had to respond to being questioned

Many of us quit at the first obstacle. But when you know your WHY – you can deal with WHAT it takes to get it done.

What will it take for you get something done during this time? Please don’t wait for pain for you to get pushing. Push because you know there is something coming and push at your pace. Your motivation shouldn’t be dependent on others. What if they stop – does that mean you will stop as well?

Here is the last part.

When they bring the colt to Jesus, they take their garments and place them on the colt before they place Jesus on the colt. Even if you get the spotlight – Jesus must always get the glory. The colt wasn’t for them – it was for Jesus. When God gets the glory you will get the benefit. They cast their clothes on the colt just as we can cast our cares on Jesus who will carry us through this stage of life.

We will get through this uncomfortable season – but we must keep Christ first – He is with us in this and He will triumphantly lead us through this.

When they arrived in the city – the Pharisees were upset at how loud the people cheered. The Pharisees even asked Jesus to rebuke them.

I love his response, which is the punctuation for this message.” – Jesus says, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

Jesus doesn’t need us to make miracles happen and He doesn’t need us to celebrate His work – but we must pursue Him in the midst, platform him through this, and praise Him after this. We are the extension of His power and the reflection of His Glory.

It will take some work but God has already given you the answers along the way.

Winners Get Back Up!

Let's talk about overcoming adversity. A broken relationship, a missed shot, a parent’s divorce, a failed test, or even a learning disability is enough to stop anyone. Yet, I believe that adversity is individualized. Here’s what I mean – what feels like an overwhelming obstacle to me may only be in a bump in the road to you. The uniting truth is we all deal with some sort of adversity – the challenge is – HOW DO WE GET OVER IT?

#1 – Evaluate your habits.

Our habits shape how we respond to challenge. Your habits will either help you evolve or revolve. You will repeat what you fail to repair. Once or twice is a mistake after that it is intentional. We have to train our minds to habitually look for the lesson in our tough circumstances, discover the truth, and work for what is right and not what is convenient. I read a quote that said, “If you are tired of going in circles – quit cutting corners!” It is ok to be upset about what happened but channel that emotion to be better not bitter. Scripture teaches us that all things work together for our good. If we aren’t looking for the good or how we can grow – the bad will overshadow what was meant to make us better. 

#2 – You can’t trip over what’s behind you

There are things that I never want to forget. I have experienced hurtful things that have become my power to go harder and try more. The rapper Lecrae said, “Being broke made me rich!” But, just because I refuse to forget - that doesn’t mean I will allow it to cripple me. Instead of moving your problems out of the way – get rid of them! 

In February, Joseph Oldendorf, an avid trail runner was out for a run in a remote national park in Washington. About 11 miles into his run, he fell and snapped his tibia in two. Determined to get home he began to crawl on his hands and knees. Only wearing thin running shorts and a t-shirt in frigidly cold weather, he knew his time was limited. Even the slightest break to stop brought on extreme shivering and cold. The rocky terrain tore away at the flesh on his hands and ripped the skin from his knees with each move he made. After seven hours of crawling he was finally able to get enough cell signal to notify help. While crawling, the pain became so excruciating on his knees that he removed his shoes and tied them to his knees to buffer the blow from each stride. He crawled for an additional 4 hours before he was rescued. 

When Joseph was in the hospital, they asked him about his experience. He said when he fell he knew his only chance was to crawl all the way there. He went on to say, “I didn’t want my family to find out I died in the wilderness.”

In the end, you will regret less of what you did wrong and more of what you didn’t do at all!

Ladies and gentlemen – it is not a matter of if adversity will strike but when it strikes – how will you respond. Joseph had 2 choices - die or do everything he could to live. He crawled because he couldn’t walk. He covered his knees to pamper the pain. 

Even after 7 hours he could have quit. Look for little victories on your journey – they are truly a good thing. Yet just because you get a little hope – your story isn’t over – fight until the finish. One scholarship offer, one good game, one big win isn’t the end – but it is enough to inspire you to keep fighting. It is a win and not the championship. The last thing you want is someone else to tell about your demise on your trail to your success. Work to tell your story! Live to tell your story! Play to tell your story!

We will recognize a star’s brightness way before we learn a star’s name! Shine on!

We all get knocked down – winners get back up

Hold on to what you want more than what is hold you back

Dark enough to see!

Dark enough to See!

The joy of Spring Break has shifted into varying emotions. With spring’s longer days, and the opportunity to work from home, there is more than enough time to build dreams and achieve goals. However, the cloud of increased mortalities from the Coronavirus and disappearing incomes has darkened the light so many people need. There is a way to get through it all.

Celebrated journalist Chris Cuomo was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. In a recent interview, he spoke about how the virus has caused him to swiftly drop over 10 pounds just from sweating. After talking to a heart specialist, Cuomo learned that his greatest weapon was his mind and his actions. The doctor expressed the importance of moving and stretching. Cuomo continued that, “You have got to do the things to beat the virus, you have got to breathe deep when it hurts and it hurts.”

How crazy is it to think that a sick person is encouraging people to move in the midst of their pain?

Cuomo challenges the viewers to do what they can to lower their fever and noted that, “The COVID is banking on you doing nothing, your indolence...it wants us passive, on our backs, it wants us to do nothing."

Chris Cuomo called moving his “secret” to fighting the Coronavirus.

I can only imagine the darkness of having to fight for better when you feel sick and alone.

Genesis Chapter 1:1-3 (NLT),

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.^[a] The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

The Bible begins the way we should start every aspect of our life – focused on God. Before the creation of the world there was God. Before this virus there was God. And, after it is all said and done, God will still be God. Despite the view of our circumstances, we can always look to God.

It is believed that Moses wrote the book of Genesis and the beginning verses detail that God created the Heavens and the Earth. It is awesome to know who created it all but the cool part was when. Verse 2 says that all of this foundational creating was done in darkness.

It is a simple analogy to compare the effects of social distancing, wide spread economic upheaval, the uncomfortable break in the education system, and empty toilet paper shelves as darkness. It is also easy to make the excuse that because of the darkness created by circumstance, “we can’t do nothin’!” Look back at our scripture. Even in darkness God created the heavens and the earth. He didn’t need a nightlight to make it happen and we were created in His image and likeness.  

I heard a friend say, “Crisis forces creativity.” You can be productive in this dark season but measure your productivity. Productivity is personal. Just because someone else is posting 37 times a day on social media about their new business ventures doesn’t mean that what you have done is insignificant. Recognize that you must move but do it according to your abilities.

In verse 3, God says, “Let there be light.” He created the heavens and the earth but allowed the light to exist. There is no mention of a light source, just that God allowed light to be. It isn’t until verse 14 that God creates the stars and in verse 16 that He creates the Sun and Moon. 

Where is the source of the light?

I read a quote that emphasizes, “I am not afraid of the dark because I love the stars.” It’s about hope. We can deal with the dark because of the glimmers of light called hope. The moon reflects the sun and the stars glow in the dark. Everything needs the Sun like we have to have God’s Son, Jesus.

The reason God could say, let there be light is because essentially, He is the light. Before the sun existed – there was LIGHT. Jesus, the son of God - describes himself as light. 

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12 NLT).

In seasons of darkness we must not only seek the light for ourselves but also be a reflection of light for others.

God’s first words after creating the heavens and the earth are about light! What are your first words when you wake up? Are you complaining or complementing God on his goodness? Are you whining about your to-do lists or worshipping God that you have stuff to do? We allow light to come into our dark places through the words we speak and the actions we take.

Have you ever smiled back at someone just because they smiled first? It didn’t matter if you knew them – smiles are contagious.

Ecclesiastes teach us that everything has a season. Peter’s walk on water and Paul’s songs from prison show us that we can make moves in dark places. Allow me to encourage you to not become stagnant in this season of darkness but to keep moving with purpose.

Fill yourself with light daily by:

1.     Go physically outside

2.     Listen to spiritually uplifting music

3.     Smiling at someone else

When you seek light, collect light, and share the light – the world is a brighter place.

Joy is coming.

It looks good on you!

A few weeks ago, the Oscars were on television. Celebrities donned some of the most extravagant gowns and tuxedos, cameras were flashing, and everyone was intrigued about the intricate details of each outfit. 

One certain celebrity strolled down the carpet in a custom pink Christian Siriano dress carrying a small spherical purse. She was a 10 year actress named Julia Butters. The purse, bejeweled with crystals, valued at $2,500! At some point during Julia’s red carpet walk she was asked about her purse. With the mischievous smile of a Cheshire cat she revealed the purse’s only contents - a homemade turkey sandwich in a zip lock bag. When asked about her sandwich she explained that the food at the last show was bad and she didn’t want to be sitting there hungry again.

I believe this is a great story about value and perception.

How many times have you heard the cliché, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”?

Yet, in this social media driven, see and be seen, FOMO society we place a lot of effort into how we look. We crave looks. In fact, the average person has at least 3 social media apps on their phone. And, the more often we post, the more likes we receive. The more likes we receive, the better off we are. Supposedly…

For a few moments, I want to challenge perception and value.

1.     Is there anything wrong with looking good or liking someone just because they look good?

2.     What is the balance of working on how we look and working on How God sees us?

1 Samuel 16:6-12 gives a glance into the formative years of a future king.

This passage comes from a familiar story about a young shepherd who would later kill a giant. 

The prophet, Samuel was sent by God to the house of a man named Jesse who lived in Bethlehem. God told Samuel that the next king would come from Jesse’s house. Of course, when Samuel arrives He is sure that there the first boy he sees would be God’s elect. 

But, here was the thing – Jesse had 8 sons. 

The first young man presented looked like a king – he was tall and handsome. But not God’s choice. 

1 Samuel 16:7 says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

#1 – Open your eyes!

The same people who are candy to our eyes can be poison to our hearts. Study the ingredients before feeding them to your soul.

The Bible doesn’t indicate that Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son, was a bad person – just not the right person. Samuel ultimately goes through 7 brothers without a selection. The interesting thing about each brother is that they all looked good. I know a lot of people who love milkshakes. My grandfather used to consume a home made milkshake or root beer float nearly every night before bed. How many of you agree that milk shakes are good? Well, I have a dairy allergy so milkshakes are the worst thing ever to me. Now, just because it isn’t good to me – does that make them bad? An old TV ad for classic music used to say, “It looks good on you.” Recognize that there are things that look good but aren't good for you. We must be aware enough to not only see things for their physical beauty but challenge ourselves enough to put a God type mirror to it to see if we can see God in them. We must open our physical eyes as well as our spiritual eyes. 

#2 – It is not Either/Or – It is Both/And 

1 Samuel 16 :11

¹¹ Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”

How interesting is it that when Jesse references his baby boy he doesn’t mention his name. He is simply rereferred to as, “the youngest”.

Eric Thomas once said, “Grind so hard you no longer have to introduce yourself.” I like to say that people will recognize a star’s brightness before they learn the star’s name. 

It was in the field that David developed his handsome stature

It was in the field that David learned to fight 

It was in the field that David tuned his singing voice

It was in the field that David learned the voice of the Lord and Gained His confidence

David was handsome without doubt. I think there is nothing wrong with working on how you look. It feels great to get nice things and wear them. I love the feeling of a new pair of shoes. 

But my clothes don’t make me look good – I make my clothes look good.

David was more than his physical appearance, his time away helped him grow physically and spiritually. Scripture says that your heart is in the same place as your treasure/money. If you were to do a time analysis – how balanced is your time and effort. Where do you INVEST the most?

Finally, Samuel tells Jesse we can’t eat until the youngest son arrives.

I need you to realize that God has chosen you for a specifc time and place. Don’t get distracted by other people’s likes, instgram stories, or apeearances. That is good for where God wants them to be – there is a group of people waiting on you so they can eat!

I had a professor tell me, “How you look will get you the interview – what you have to say will get you Job.”

We work to attain so much. We are major consumers and somewhat hoarders. Be a good consumer and in your efforts to get things remember proverbs 4:5-9

Proverbs 4:5-9 

Get wisdom! Get understanding!

Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;

Love her, and she will keep you.

7 Wisdom is the principal thing;

Therefore get wisdom.

And in all your getting, get understanding.

8 Exalt her, and she will promote you;

She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

9 She will place on your head an ornament of grace;

A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

Instesd of just looking good – Have something good to say – be a good person – and serve a GREAT GOD!

Try Love - He never runs out...

Try Love.

For decades little candy hearts embossed with catchy phrases has popularly dominated as a Valentine tradition. The hearts come in all sorts of colors, say just about everything from I love you to I miss you and make your heart’s confessions a little easier to share.

The original candy heart was a combination of concepts by two brothers, Oliver Chase and Daniel Chase, which turned into the invention of the first candy maker and the formation of the New England Confectionary Company or NECCO. Each year 100,000 pounds of the candy is made and 8 billion Sweethearts hearts are sold in six weeks.  

This year, there are a few less hearts available.

NECCO was sold and there was not enough time to create sufficient amount of hearts to meet demand.

Scripture says:

“My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.” (1 John 4:7-10 MSG)

What happens when what is expected is no longer available? True joy is the appreciation of what you own. We can miss out on a great thing trying to make it something it was never meant to be. Have you ever considered the ramifications of losing what was common? I believe that there are so many things we take for granted when there are those who wish for what we waste. Remember when you prayed for what you are now attempting to discard?

Love is not only from God but it absolutely is God. He is the very essence of Love. He loves but He is also more than the verb and the emotion. If He were a fragrance, He would not only be the scent He would be the oil. He is the root of our accomplishments, the strength in our success stories, and our platform to stand on.

But, what happens when we experience pain, rejection, disappointment, or great challenge. Is God not there also? It is in these places that we feel that God has removed His Love and we retreat from our celebration of His goodness and our pursuit of His presence. When we aren’t receiving the tangible blessings we tend to disappear.

You see, the interesting thing about the popular conversation hearts that seemed to exist infinitely is that despite their lack of physical presence love still exists.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”  Romans 8:38 (NLT)

God is Love in the excitement of great days and the lulls of tough times. Instead of basing His love for you on what you can physically see. Love Him in the midst of it all. You didn’t see the car that missed you, the relationship that could have hurt you, the opportunity that could have bankrupted you, the food that could have poisoned you but His Love was there.

The Sweethearts will be back next year and God’s tangible blessings always return.

Side note, I learned that there are other versions of the original candy hearts that will suffice while the original rebuilds its stock. But, there is nothing like the original.

I challenge you to take note of God’s endless love.

God is Love.

He is more than what you see, feel, taste, or touch. He simply is everything. He is.

Try Love He never runs out…