Domestic Diva Diaries

A Call to Prayer

2009-09-13T16:03:00.009-05:00

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thes 5:16-18)

I’ve been thinking about the importance of prayer. Shannon calls me a “prayer warrior” because when I am asked to pray I will usually stop what I am doing and send one up. But I confess, I do not deserve such a title. A true prayer warrior would “pray without ceasing.” For example, my sister is a marathon runner. The qualities necessary for that feat, I believe, are parallel to the qualities of a true and faithful warrior—discipline, practice, focus, perseverance, endurance, commitment and strength. I am more of a sprinter—out of the gate like a shot but losing steam over time. Kelly will still be praying for you a month from now; whereas, if I don’t see or talk to you often enough to keep it in the forefront of my mind, I will pray for you when I remember again. Of course I know our Heavenly Father does not actually need me in order to answer a prayer but I also know that praying for others is about obedience to Him and, too, it takes our minds off ourselves for a while (always a good thing). If we are honest, we will admit that too much of our time is spent lamenting our own personal misfortunes.

Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. (Ps 55:17)

Being a highly organized and generally disciplined individual, I find this segment of my life utterly unacceptable and I often pray that God will rectify this flaw in my character. Until then, this is the challenge I would like to put forth—for myself and for anyone else who could use some discipline in this area.

I propose a prayer challenge in three parts. All you need is paper, a pen and 5 minutes. For technology geeks, you can even do this as a word document so you can easily update it. The list is fluid, add whatever you can think of now and leave room for adding other items later as they come to mind.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. (1 Pe 3:12)

Part one is the easiest. List—specifically—every single thing you pray for regarding your own personal circumstances, needs and desires. These are the things you pray for automatically—health, family, finances, salvation for a loved one, et cetera.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7)

Part two, try to list every (unresolved) prayer that you have been asked to pray for--or volunteered to pray for--by someone else. This is the one that wakes me up at night when I suddenly remember that I neglected someone during an earlier prayer.

The hardest one for all of us will be part three. It requires the most obedience. Think of instances in which you’ve been hurt or angered, complained about or raged against something or someone. For example, part three of my list includes abusers—animal, child, spousal, or elderly. I rage against them, plot punishments for them, but I only ever pray for the abused; also, politicians, judges and world leaders are often recipients of my disdain and ire. My blood boils when they are idiotic, destructive or unjust.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons and daughters of your Father who is in heaven. (Mat 5:44)

You can choose to recite each item individually or put the list in an envelope and pray over your requests collectively. If you like, mark each item when a prayer is answered. Remember, you are never so high as when you are on your knees. I hope you will join me.

Heavenly Father, I pray you will turn me into a true prayer warrior. Shield my mind from distraction and my heart from complacence. Give me the discipline to pray as fervently for others as I do for myself. Teach me to bow my head instead of raise my fist. Help me desire redemption not condemnation for the enemies of your kingdom. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.

Elements

2009-06-07T21:05:00.003-05:00

Mind
…extraordinary

Beauty
…ethereal

Heart
…tender

Soul
…yearning

Spirit

…gentle

Same Difference

2009-06-07T21:00:00.002-05:00

So very different
And yet,
Symbiotic

One light, one dark
One willowy, one zaftig
One tardy, one prompt

Poetry, logic
Warmth, cool

Both loyal,
Kindred spirits,
Shared truths

No words,
Just understanding
No distance,
Only trust

The Master Gardener

2009-06-07T20:55:00.004-05:00

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1-2)

My mother loves spring. She rushes home from work to spend time in her yard--digging, planting, weeding—delighting in the first blooms of her lovingly nurtured flowers. Thinking of her, I was struck with how God does the same thing in our lives. I began reflecting on the seeds God has planted in my own life.

Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. (Matthew 13:32)

“…With beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds—“ (Daniel 4:21)

In the spring of 2002, God changed my life forever. I was introduced to Shannon Morley (not yet Ragland) who would be the catalyst for my rededication to Christ and become the most precious, intimate friend I have ever had. Shannon invited me to a little Bible church and the first seed was planted. In soil rich with loving, devoted congregants, I became hungry for the fertilizer of God’s Word.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)

Gently, God began tilling the rocks and weeds that were withering my spirit and stunting my growth. Repairing damage, strengthening my “root system” with the chlorophyll of his Spirit. He replaced the rocks of distance and reserve with openness and invitation; the choking weeds of sarcasm and criticism with the nutrients of grace and love.

It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine. (Ezekiel 17:8)

That tiny seed germinated, producing a thriving plant, rife with the warmth of friendship; the comfort and security of close familial bonds, and the ability to see others through God’s eyes, delighting in their inner beauty, uniqueness, strength and character.

For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. (Psalm 66:10)

Our Father is faithful, refining us with the divine tools of righteous living:

*The spade of his hands reaches down and scoops us up from the barren soil of our lives,
*The water of his Word quenches our parched souls,
*The sunlight of his love shines like a beacon in the surrounding darkness,
*The fertilizer of his strong embrace nourishes our resolve in this desolate, lost world.

Truly, my beloved Heavenly Father,
You ARE the master gardener. Creator of all things, sower of the seeds of good will, cultivator of divine character. I pray you remove the thorns from my life, mature me into a beautiful reflection of who you are, gently smooth the rough edges like river water over a pebble; create in me a bountiful harvest, overflowing with fruit and goodness so that others may see and know the gift of a life spent with you. May it be a blessing to you, watching me grow. In your precious son Jesus’ name, amen.

2007-08-16T11:37:00.002-05:00

For Shannon and Selah

2007-07-13T12:04:00.001-05:00

In September 2006 I made this cake for my best friend, Shannon Ragland (author of the birthday poem). Shannon has since brought into the world the beautiful Selah Lilingrace Ragland, born October 26th. This was my first attempt at cake decorating in 12 years. Thank you Shannon for inspiring me to revive a former passion.

Joy

2007-07-12T12:49:00.001-05:00

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (Psalm 126:3)

Joy. Such an innocuous 3-letter word, yet…we can be filled with it, lacking in it, robbed of it. I daresay almost every book in the Bible will have references to it—yes, even Job mentions joy on at least nine occasions. But what does it mean? If we have it, what are we supposed to do with it? If we don’t have it, how do we get it? If we had it, but allowed it to be taken, how do we get it back?

For those of you with joy to spare, praise God! My question is, however, what are you doing with it? Do you find ways to bring joy to others less fortunate in circumstance? Do you share with the world the source of your joy so they may have it for themselves (Mat 5:15-16)? Do you take it for granted? Hide it "under a bushel?" Remember, with God's help, there is no greater joy than bringing light to someone else's darkness.

Next--and pay attention Christians—genuine, lasting joy comes from God (Ps 19:8; Ps 30:11)! It does not come from your spouse, child, best friend, family, career—fill in the blank. Don’t get me wrong, He certainly provides those things for our pleasure and well-being, but they are fleeting at best (Ps 144:4). But this is the great news! God is always with us; therefore joy is always available to us. If you are lacking in joy today (John 16:24), ask yourself where you’ve been looking for it.

Finally, the joy-robbers…whether you are one or you know one, pay attention. If you watch SNL you are familiar with “Debbie Downer;” if not, you probably know someone just like her. Debbie’s glass is not only half-empty, there’s a fly floating in the bottom of it. With a gleam in her eye, she can’t wait to point out your shortcomings (in Christian love of course), dismiss or criticize your feelings/dreams and give you the death toll and statistical breakdown of every new debilitating disease or natural disaster. Spend half an hour with her and she will drain the joy from a room quicker than a Dementor (see footnote) in a Harry Potter film. If you are one, shame on you! If you’ve allowed one to infiltrate your psyche—stop it! CHOOSE joy! No one can take away what God has given! He has given us a command (1Thes 5:16-21) and made us a promise (Ps 19:8)—he is ready to deliver—just ask him (Ps 28:7; Ps 51:12, Prov 29:6, Rom 12:12)! I could list scriptures all day, but you get the point. Look them up--pray them in! Specifically, say a prayer for the joy-robbers in your life, or repent for stealing joy from those you are called to love.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you. You alone are my strength, my shield, my hope and my heart. Sustain me. Give me the words to say and joy to spare so that I may lift up those around me. Restore me. When life happens, help me remember my inner joy comes from You, not the fleeting things of this world. Grant me patience when mere humans seek to extinguish Your light within me and remind me of the hope I have of life everlasting with you in your kingdom. In Christ’s name, amen.

*Dementor: Soul-sucking creature who feeds on positive emotions, happiness & good memories of humans. The very presence of a dementor makes the surrounding atmosphere grow cold and dark.

"Gizmo" A Tribute

2007-07-06T12:49:00.000-05:00

My darling boy…
I will miss you

Beautiful fur
finespun amber silk
I will miss you

Adoring eyes
Burnt umber pools
I will miss you

Smile askew
Drawing me in
I will miss you

Faithful sidekick
Forever friend, bedfellow
I will miss you

Infectious exuberance
Bounding, rolling, spinning
I will miss you

My darling boy,
I will miss you

"Holly" A Birthday Poem

2007-07-02T17:16:00.000-05:00

Oh, the ornamental face of the constant evergreen
The classic figure of a winter's clean cool.
Variegated, protective and aromatic,
With an affinity for control and the sparkle of a jewel.

So dark and beautiful, so enduring and faithful,
An air of friendly detachment and aristocratic goodwill.
Vigorous, adaptable and longing,
A prick of your finger will only draw you nearer still

God's Princess

2007-07-02T14:27:00.000-05:00

"All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold." Psalm 45:13

As a little girl, I dreamed of growing up to be a princess. I inhaled everything I could get my chubby little hands on about Princess Diana, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and others. What did I believe being a princess would mean to my average middle-class life? For starters, I knew princesses possessed great beauty. No handsome prince could resist my dazzling beauty and charm. Unfathomable wealth. With vast wealth, I could build a grand palace so all of my friends (and a menagerie of pets) could live "happily ever after." Finally, great wisdom and intellect. A princess must "rule" her kingdom wisely, and obtain the respect and adoration of her court. In essence, I wanted to be gorgeous, charming, wealthy, brilliant and adored.

As an adult, I decided to reevaluate what it meant to be a princess in the eyes of God. As we are created in God's image (Gen 1:27), I wanted to know what qualities a princess in His kingdom should possess. There are typically 5 points on a royal crown, representing 5 qualities God tells me are essential to a modern-day princess in His court:

grace: A princess exhibits grace and kindness to those around her. (Col 3:12)
leadership: A princess must be a lamp to those entrusted to her care. (Mat 5:15-16)
wisdom: A princess must guard against the enemies of the kingdom. (Ps 31:8)
peace: A princess wants peace in the kingdom and in her own heart. (Phil 4:7)
love: A princess must be able to give and receive love. (1Jn 4:7)

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your unfailing love. Help me to be graceful and kind even to those who wish to persecute me. Give me the wisdom to recognize the difference between your will and my own. Guard me against the world's lies and lead me in your truths. Teach me to be not a stumbling block, but a light to those you've entrusted to me. Grant me peace as I rest and reflect on your promises. Fill me with an understanding of the depth and breadth of your love for me. In Christ's name I pray, amen.