This is from my Facebook Live on Friday, May 8, 2020
Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today.
It’s Friday, May 8th – Mother’s Day weekend! A big shout out to all the mom’s out there! I also want to give my mom – Kay Leis – a shout out. She as a huge heart of gold and is one of the most grace-filled persons I know! I am so thankful for you, mom!
Today, I will be sharing from 1 John 5:14-15.
“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”
Friends, I know some of you are in a season of waiting. Waiting for your kids to be done with school so you can move on to summer break. Waiting to hear when you can go back to work. Waiting to hear when your church can gather again. The conversations you are having with God during this season of waiting are not wasted. In our busy, fast-paced culture, we all struggle with slowing down and waiting. Trust me… I KNOW!
God has taught me a lot about waiting these past 5 years. One of my favorite verses on waiting is found in Psalm 27:14.
“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14
He has taught me that things happen in HIS timing and not mine! Remember this… “Maybe one of the most loving things God can do for you in this season of waiting is to sit beside you and listen to your heart.”
Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer…
Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for being with us in the waiting.
Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence.
Heavenly Father,
I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year.
I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up.
I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities.
I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work today, that you will bless them and encourage them.
I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now.
Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Hey friends! Happy Wednesday to you! Thanks for joining me!
I hope your day is going well today!
Today, I will be reading from a favorite passage, Jeremiah 29:11-13. If you would like to join me, I am reading from The New Living Translation.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Most of us know Jeremiah 29:11 well – God has plans for us. He has a hope and a future. Friends, I hope you believe that! God is not going to let you fail during this season of interruption by the coronavirus. I know weariness has set in for some of you. We may not know what the days ahead may look like, but we know that God has a plan and he is with us!
I love verses 12 & 13… I love that God put the responsibility back on us! “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Friends, I think sometimes we are the roadblock – sometimes we’re guilty of not taking the time to foster a relationship with our maker. Just like the time required to invest in our relationship with our spouse, with our kids, or with our friends, we have to make time for our relationship with God.
If you aren’t currently spending some one on one time with God, I would encourage you to make it a priority. I would encourage you to spend the first few minutes of your day – Before you check your social media, email, or the news.. begin each day with 10 minutes in scripture and prayer. If you need suggestions on what to read, reach out to me. I’ll share some ideas!
I know your day will be blessed if you spend the first part of your day with Jesus! I know He will guide you in your plans when you make Him a priority!
Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer…
Oh precious Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for your promises for good. Thank you for listening to our prayers..
Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence.
Heavenly Father,
I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year.
I pray for the high school and college grads who aren’t able to be celebrated
I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up.
I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities.
I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work this week, that you will bless them and encourage them.
I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now.
Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Hey friends! Thanks for joining me today. I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I was happy to get some flowers and some herbs for our patio!
Something else that was fun… My daughter’s future mother-in-law and I hosted a Pampered Chef virtual bridal shower with Mariah and Zack this weekend. The consultant had us gather yesterday for a Zoom call with her bridal party, family, and friends to celebrate them since we were not able to do a traditional shower.
So Today, I will be reading Psalm 138 from The Message.
“Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.” They’ll sing of what you’ve done: “How great the glory of God!” And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.
When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, With your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.”
Psalm 138
This passage takes me back to last fall, 2019. I was in a season where God was asking me to surrender my position as the Children’s Pastor at Salem. He made it clear to me in July that I was to step away at the end of the year. Now, I am stubborn and I am a planner. I knew our daughter was getting engaged and would probably have a summer wedding. SO financially speaking, I thought June made more sense! In October God made it very clear… he spoke to me and “Do you trust me, Paula?” You guys… He asked me 3 times! Well, as most of you know. I did leave my position at Salem on December 31.
The Lord has had me on a journey these past few years. He has shown me that slowing down, being still, and listening for his voice is so essential in my growth as a Christ-follower – especially in our busy culture. I think that is why I love the passage so much that I shared last week from Jeremiah … “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.” God continues to grow my roots along the riverbank – I am a continual work in process!
I guess I am sharing all of this because I know some of you need some encouragement today. I know you are weary. Friends, God is faithful – He has a plan for your life. God loves you. God sees you. God hears your prayers. Continue to praise him through your trials… He is not going to give up on you!
Thanks so much for listening! Let’s go to God in prayer…
Oh precious Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us this day. Thank you for giving us the strength to continue to navigate these trying days and thank you for hearing our hearts.
Today, I pray you will be with everyone who is listening to the sound of my voice. I pray you will wrap your arms around them. I pray you will hold them close and allow them to feel your presence.
Heavenly Father,
I pray for parents and children as they are wrapping up their school year.
I pray for the high school and college grads who aren’t able to be celebrated
I pray for our state and national leaders as they implement the plan to open our states back up.
I pray for those who are on the front lines: first responders, doctors and nurses, people responsible for cleaning the hospitals and nursing home facilities.
I pray for all those who have lost jobs. I pray for those going back to work today, that you will bless them and encourage them.
I pray for family members experiencing health crises right now.
Oh Father, thank you for the privilege to come to you in prayer. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
In my last blog post, I shared a story of perseverance when I recently climbed Piestewa Peak in Arizona. If you haven’t read it, you may want to go back and read it here before continuing.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
We all have mountains to face. Here are 3 things I would encourage you to do as you face your mountain;
Bring others around you for encouragement.
Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith…”
My friend and I would have not finished this hike if it were not for my son’s encouragement. ● The sun was hot. ● The incline was steep. ● The terrain was rocky!
We would hike for 10 minutes and then stop for a break. Each time, Garrett would say, “Ok”. He would give us time to rest. When a few minutes passed, he would patiently say, “Are you ready to continue?” I would look way ahead and see people so high up the peak, I would become overwhelmed and thought that there was no way we were going to make it. But, little by little, with the encouragement of Garrett, we made it to the top!
Friends, some of you are in a tough spot now. Others have been there and can offer encouragement. Those who are strong can encourage the weak. Those who have been wounded can give hope to those with fresh wounds. Be encouraged by the huge crowd of witnesses that are with you. Those who have a testimony of God’s goodness can inspire those seeking deliverance. Be with believers so that you can finish the race well!
Eliminate the Weight
In Hebrews 12:1, we read, Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Now my friend and I may not have known what was coming, but my son did. He made sure we were prepared; we had our sunscreen, our water, and our snacks. If we would have set out on the hike without water or snacks, I doubt we would have finished. At the same time, we weren’t loaded down with unnecessary items like heavy coats or unnecessary things.
As the three of us were chatting on our way up, my friend shared about an assignment one of her professors had her do when she started working on her Nurse practitioner degree. The professor had the class do submit a paper on what they were going to do to adjust their time as they started their schooling.
She wrote about the book “The Little Engine that Could.” Do you remember the story? It’s about a train filled with toys and gifts for little boys and girls that breaks down before reaching the children. After asking several passing trains for help over the hill, a little blue train agrees to help the stranded toys. Even though she is small, the blue train tries her best to bring the toys to the children on the other side of the hill. The story is used to teach children the value of optimism and hard work.
While that story is inspirational, there is something hollow about optimism without Jesus. Sure we can say, “I think I can.” But it gives us a far greater hope to know we can endure in any situation and do everything through Christ who gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13) When we don’t have the Lord’s help, we can’t continue the race. We are limited to our own abilities. We are weighed down by our own limits.
As we continued to climb, I had to keep reminding myself that God will give me the strength to make it to the top. I continued to say to myself, “I think I can… I think I can… I knew I could not finish the climb without perseverance and the help of my son Garrett and my friend.
Let the Lord’s Joy Be Yours
Hebrews 12:2 says, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Don’t you just love that Jesus overlooked the pain of the cross and the shame it produced and focused on the victory. His victory is ours, friends!
I am so thankful I didn’t see the VERY DIFFICULT warning sign before we started our hike. I probably would have said “You know.. I think we should find another trail and put our effort into something a little less challenging.”
I am so glad Jesus resisted a similar temptation when he prayed for relief in the Garden of Gethsemane.
When we thought we couldn’t make it up that trail, God proved himself. We needed to continue to put one foot in front of the other, God was with us each step of the way.
James 1:2-4 says; “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
I am facing a new mountain myself. As some of you know, I stepped away from a career as a children’s pastor at the end of 2019. For seventeen years, I developed and lead teams who helped children and their families in their faith development. I loved my job! God asked me to step away from “what I know” and step into the “unknown.” While I don’t know exactly what God has in store for me, He has told me to encourage others in their spiritual walk—especially as we journey these unprecedented times. I am excited to see how God uses me in this next season!
Can you imagine what God would do for you if you were to ask Him to give you the courage and perseverance you need to climb your mountain? Do you believe God will provide for your needs? I know we are living in the middle of a global pandemic and some things are out of our control. I have to wonder what the invitation is in this season to face your mountain.
Trust me on this… God is with you. God hears you. He understands your heart. And God can make every challenge you face work for your good, your strengthening, and His glory.
John Mark shared that he believes “Hurry is incompatible with love, joy, and peace that are at the center of Jesus’ vision for life in the Kingdom of God.”
In this podcast, Kevin and John Mark discuss four key practices we can begin using to eliminate hurry:
Silence and Solitude
Sabbath
Simplicity
Slowing
I have been working on these four practices for about a year now. I still have a long way to go. Some days are difficult. I haven’t “mastered” these four practices, yet I find myself desiring to live a life more centered on Jesus.
I would encourage you, especially during the COVID19 Crisis, to take some time and begin to slow down. Spend time in solitude and silence – choose a time of day and find a place to “Be Still”. Take time to delight in the Sabbath rest. What would happen if you would unplug from your phone for 24 hours? Living simply shouldn’t be too difficult right now with school and all activities put on hold. How could you start to eliminate hurry in your life?
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'”
Matthew 28:28-30 (NLT)
In recent days, we have seen our nation turned upside down due to the COVID-19 Virus. Never before has our generation seen such an interruption to life. We have seen…
Vacation attractions like Walt Disney World close,
Professional sports teams postpone their regular seasons
Schools being closed indefinitely
Large gatherings suspended.
People are panicking. Grocery stores and large retailers are seeing an onset of people rushing to buy things like hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and toilet paper.
As I sit and think about all these things, I’m curious as to what God’s invitation could be for us during this time? We live in such a busy culture. Could this be an invitation for us to stop and hit the RESET button?
Holocaust survivor, Corrie ten Boom once said, “If the devil can’t make you sin, he will make you busy!” Sin and busyness can keep us from a relationship with God. Friends, Jesus wants us to take time to be with him and allow us the opportunity to grow in our relationship with him. As my pastor, Steve Southards said this morning in his sermon, “God is more interested in who you are becoming than what you are doing!“
Think of the possibilities
Maybe this is a season we can reclaim a quiet time.
Maybe this is a season we can reclaim family mealtime.
Maybe this is a season you and your family spend time each week writing encouraging notes to loved ones.
Pray about ways God may be inviting you so slow down and push the RESET button. We have the opportunity to stop, take a deep breath and push RESET. What about you? What is God’s invitation to you during this time?
Recently when going to the airport to pick our adult children, I parked my car and hurried into the building entrance to catch the elevator. Standing there waiting for the elevator was a mom, her little girl, and a grandma. The mom said to me, “Looks like you are in a hurry!” Stunned by her question, I said, “well, actually, I am early.” I was about 40 minutes early picking up our daughter. I nervously laughed and said, “I guess just naturally walk fast.”
The other night I stopped by our grocery store to pick a few items. I had been gone all afternoon, traveling almost four hours round trip for a meeting with my state pastor. As I got out of the car, I noticed myself walking towards the entrance in a hurry. All of a sudden, when I got the produce department, I realized what I was doing. I purposely slowed down as I walked through the rest of the store.
While I was sharing with my spiritual director today, I reflected on these stories. She shared something God showed her a few years ago while she was on a silent retreat at the Abby of Gethsemani. While attending the 3:15 AM Vigils, she took notice of some of the monks coming in late, yet they didn’t seem to be in a hurry. Later, as she sat with that image, The Lord gave her the phrase “Grace in the pace”.
GRACE IN THE PACE. WOW! That struck me. I am realizing that while I am on this journey… God is teaching me to slow down. To look at the condition of my soul —to have grace in the pace.
“Being hurried is an inner condition. A condition of the soul. Busyness migrates to hurry when we let it squeeze God out of our lives.”
Even when Jesus and his disciples had been out teaching all day, Jesus didn’t give them their next assignment and tell them to go on their way. He told them to come away with him and rest. He understood the importance of getting away and finding rest.
What about you? Are you busy? Are you hurried? Maybe God is calling you to slow down your pace. Maybe he is saying you need a little grace in your pace.
My final Sunday as Children’s Pastor at Salem Church of God was December 29, 2019. My pastor asked if I would share my journey with the church on my final Sunday. I was honored to give the message and very humbled by the love and encouragement I received that day.
Necessary Endings Lead to New Beginnings. December 29, 2019
There are 3 things I would encourage you to do as you begin the new year…
Find a time of day and place where you can be alone with God.
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.”
Psalm 37:10
Identify one “necessary ending” that will lead to a new beginning.
In his book, Necessary Endings, Dr. Henry Cloud says…. “Getting to the next level always requires ending something, leaving it behind, and moving on. Growth demands that we move on. Without the ability to end things, people stay stuck, never becoming who they are meant to be, never accomplishing all that their talents and abilities should afford them.”
I challenge you to think about what necessary ending needs to take place.
For some of us, it could be a bad habit
For others, it could be a job where you feel stuck
For some of us, it’s an unhealthy relationship
I don’t know what it is… but God does. He can help guide you through the necessary ending and help you as you step into a new beginning.
Surrender the necessary ending and wait for God to do his work.
According to Pastor and author, John Ortberg, “Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be.”
As we start this new year, you and I have the opportunity for it tonot just bea new year, we have the opportunity for it to be a different year. A BETTER year! What would happen if you were still enough to listen to God? I believe he would give you the confidence and clarity you need to make it a BETTER year.
But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.“
Recently, my husband and I were talking about the difference between these two passages. He asked me, “Do you see the difference?”
After I pondered it for a while, I realized the difference between the two scriptures was Moses’ mindset. He didn’t think he was prepared or a very good speaker. Yet, with God’s leading, Moses was quite powerful in word and action. He was able to confront one of the most powerful world leaders at the time and free the Israelites.
While Kevin and I were talking about this change in mindset, he said something that totally changed my perspective. He said that it is just as hard work to sit down and write as it is to do physical labor. WOW. I had never thought about the process of writing as labor-intensive as compared to the physical labor I am so used to doing. I have spent my whole life working hard. It’s how I was raised. All I have known is do DO. God is calling me to BE so I can write.
I have struggled with the process of writing and speaking because I have never felt it has been a strength of mine. My husband tells me I am an excellent speaker. He has told me that when I am upfront, I appear very comfortable and confident. If I am going to share my message, I need to change my mindset and start believing I am a good writer and a good speaker. I know with practice, will come ease and comfort.
How about you? Do you need a change in mindset? Do you need a fresh perspective? I challenge you to stop thinking you are not good at something (fill in the blank) and start believing you are capable! With God’s help — you can do anything!
While Kevin and I were on vacation in late August, I was listening to a podcast. The speaker talked about the attributes of Jesus. When she said Jesus surrendered to the will of his Father I began to weep. I knew it was time to surrender to what I have known and step into the unknown. I came back and told my pastor I would probably transition in June of 2020.
Then, while on a personal retreat on October 10, I spent time praying and listening. I heard the Lord say, “Do you trust me?” I heard him say it several times that morning while sitting on a cabin porch.
Another time when I was sitting on the wooden dock at the pond. He said, “I am calling you out on the water. Are you going to step out?” I went home and told Kevin that knew it was time to submit my resignation and step out on the waters of uncertainty. in faith and trust that God will lead me forward.
Therefore, I submitted my resignation effective December 31, 2019. No, I am not leaving Salem Church of God to go be a children’s pastor at another church. I am simply stepping out in faithand trusting God will lead me where he wants me.
