Beautiful Words in an Ugly Place

Meet what could arguably be the Ugliest Chair in America. It usually has a nice cover on it, which I took off to clean. But what my chair lacks in style and beauty it makes up for in practicality. Its dimensions suit me, and I've spent 15 years reading and praying in this comfortable, ancient, undeniably ugly chair.

After removing the cover I decided to move the chair, so I could vacuum up what turned out to be a small garden plot beneath it.

That’s when I saw it. Nearly invisible beneath about 4 inches of dusty crud, laid a 3x5 index card. I hesitated to pick it up because of the filth, but I leaned down, pinched it with the very tips of two fingers and shook the gook off. It read:

Fear not, Julie. I am your shield, your abundant compensation, and your reward shall be exceedingly great. (Genesis 15:1b, my name added)

That a beautiful, completely forgotten scripture rose out of the dirt to speak to me touched me to tears.

And it made me think. The same God who created dust and then used it to form us, speaks to us in the middle of our mess. When we least expect it. And when we most need it.

Sometimes ugly erupts out of me faster than I care to admit. Like when I'm driving and groaning after being cut off by a thoughtless driver. That's where God likes to meet me--right smack dab in the middle of ugly. He gently nudges me and helps me to change my bad attitude. What I love the most about Jesus is that He gets right down there with us, gently lifts us out of the gunk, and cover our ugliness with His fresh, clean beauty.

Perhaps you’re in an ugly place right now. Maybe you’re ankle deep in some crud and could use a fresh, encouraging word from the God who adores you. Maybe, just maybe, this verse is for you:

You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. - Isaiah 43:45

My prayer for you this week is that you receive exactly what you need from the only One who truly meet that need--the One who speaks to our hearts even when they have ick in them.

Because in our ugliest moments, He gives us beautiful words.

Prayer Goals

At the beginning of every year, I like to think about what I'm praying about. As I reflect on the past year and examine all that has occurred and changed in my life, I consider how my prayers should shift. I believe that along with all of our other goals, we should also have prayer goals.

What is a prayer goal? A prayer goal is simply committing to regularly pray for a specific thing, person, situation or issue for the year--or until an answer arrives.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting that we write out a rigid set of prayers goals to which we adhere, and pray about nothing else. That would be foolish. I am suggesting it would benefit us to target specific areas in our lives. Persistent, focused prayer brings results.

How do we know what to pray about? Think about what's on your mind and heart. What is troubling you? What are your dreams? What one thing about yourself would you change, if you could? Those are good places to start. And remember--you can pray about what to pray about. Ask God to show you what areas in your life to target in prayer this year.

What if it's not God's will but I'm praying for it? I assure you, the time/space continuum will not warp. In my experience, when I pray outside of God's will, one of two things happens: my heart changes so that I change how I'm praying, or God clearly convicts me of wrong motives and shows me that this prayer is not His will. That always stops me in my tracks. God is sovereign, and we can trust Him to answer our prayers within the bounds of His will.

How specifically, exactly, should I pray? As specific as you can get. I lay it all out to God and include everything I can think of. I make my specific requests known to Him. At the same time, I trust God to accomplish His plan and purpose in that area or situation--not mine. If the results of my prayer don't match my specific requests, that's okay. God is in control--not me.

For me, one of the benefits of annual prayer goals is having a record of all the prayers God has answered. I recently came across two prayer lists from several years ago, and God had answered every single one...most of them in an radically different way than I expected...but that's a different subject entirely. *grin*

"Pray at all times, on every occasion, in every season, in the Spirit, with all manner of prayer and entreaty." - Ephesians 6:18

How about you? Do you have prayer goals for 2011? Leave a prayer request in the comments and I will pray for you this week.

What Are You Reading?

The number one gift I request at Christmas time is books. I love to learn, be inspired, and also just see how other people write. I keep a list going all year long and then hand it to my husband right after Thanksgiving. Hey, I'm easy to shop for, right?

So far this year, I'm reading an eclectic group of books (though I'm hoping to add more to my list!):

1. Fasting, by Jentezen Franklin - I read this book last year and was so inspired I'm reading it again. Highly interesting, motivating and good enough to convince me to actually do it.

2. Stuff Christians Like, by Jonathan Acuff - I read some of this guy's blog and laughed my head off. He's hilarious. I've already peeked into this book and have laughed out loud a few times--a good sign.

3. Grace (Eventually), by Anne Lamott - I'm reading this primarily to gain a better understanding of Lamott's writing prowess and to improve my own writing abilities. I'm sure it will be fascinating, though I probably won't agree with her on many spiritual points.

4. The Read Thread, by Ann Hood - I read a rave review of this novel, the only one in my selections, and felt compelled to ask for it. About an adoption agency that places Chinese babies with American families.

5. Choosing to See, by Mary Beth Chapman - Who doesn't want to know how this mom and wife of Steven Curtis Chapman got through the tragic accidental death of her precious little girl? I started this a few days ago. It's gripping, deeply emotional, and I absolutely adore Mary Beth's frankness.

6. Understanding the Dreams You Dream, by Ira Milligan - I'm a dreamer. God speaks to me through dreams regularly and I long for deeper, scripturally based understanding. A friend owns this book and after a quick peek, I knew I had to own it.

7. Out to Canaan, by Jan Karon - (my absolute favorite novelist ever!) - I originally read the entire Mitford series about 10 years ago, and they're so charming and beautifully written I decided to give them another go (this is #4 in the series). The characters are so real and the dialogue so authentic you'll swear you're eavesdropping on real people. Touching and meaningful.

How about you? What books are you currently reading, or which books do you plan to read this year?

How to Pray When You're Setting Goals

With a brand new year stretched out on the horizon, it's tempting to think we can generate an impressive list of all we hope to accomplish in 2011. But goals that aren't infused with and a result of prayer can lead to unnecessary frustration and disappointment.

When I'm establishing goals, I like to keep this little formula in mind: My goals must = God's goals. For me, unless that's true, I might as well stay home and watch House Hunters and check Facebook all day.

While I can't guarantee that you'll never set another useless goal, I can share how I pray. And I believe that if you pray this way, too, God can inspire and direct your goals, as well.

Therefore, do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:17)

1. Allow time for prayerful reflection.

This might seem obvious, but when was the last time you sat down to think and really listen to God? Rushed decisions usually turn out to be wrong decisions. Give the Lord time to give you direction. Jot down what you think you're hearing, and allow time to process and pray about it; don't rush into anything. Remember, "To be overhasty is to sin and miss the mark." - Proverbs 19:2b.

2. Ask for clarity and direction.

I always chuckle when I catch myself praying, "God, speak clearly to me!" I don't think God mumbles. I do think I occasionally need my spiritual ears cleaned out. The good news is, He enables us to Hear His voice. "My sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice." - John 10:27a

3. Ask Him to shape your thoughts.

This is so cool, and I regularly pray this particular scripture by personalizing it. "Roll your works upon the Lord--commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and so shall your plans be established and succeed." I always pray: "God, cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your will, then my plans will be established and succeed."

4. Ask for pure motives.

Popularity, fame, power and money are dangerous motives. The only two motives that I can think of that matter to God are love and obedience. I'm sure there are other valid motives, but the point is we don't want tainted goals. Jesus said, "I receive not glory from men--I crave no human honor, I look for no mortal fame." - John 5:41

5. Ask God to show you the gifts He wants you to use.

Everyone has a talent that they can use to help others in some way. When we know what those gifts are, we're more likely to use them. When we're fruitful, God is honored. "That you may walk, live and conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work..." - Colossians 1:10

6. Ask God to help you prioritize.

Goals need to mesh with our lives, not bring confusion, frustration or consistently take top priority to the detriment of everyone around us. It takes wisdom to properly prioritize our goals, and God always provides when we ask. "If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God Who gives to everyone liberally and un-grudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him." - James 1:5

7. Give yourself a break.

Some goals just don't pan out. Sometimes we sincerely try something and discover it wasn't the right thing, or maybe the timing was off. That's okay. Setting goals isn't about accomplishing 100% of what we do with 100% perfect results. It's about taking control of and responsibility for our lives, and giving it our all. Our ultimate goal should always be to do our best, and leave the results to God.

How about you? Can you think of anything else to pray about when we're establishing goals? What are some of your goals for 2011?

A New Year's Prayer for You

Oh God,

Thank you for a fresh new year--a time to evaluate our work, our relationships, our attitudes, our very lives. Thank you for Your goodness and faithfulness. Thank you for your unfailing love!

Please grant us courageous, willing, humble, and worshiping hearts. Bring freedom where it's needed, joy for the journey, and give us ears to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to us.

Make our homes sanctuaries that cherish Your presence and exude Your light. Fill and flood us with Your love, and enable us to walk in love in every situation. Give us Your love for people.

Please make us ready--prepare us--for the things ahead. Give us pure motives, wisdom, insight, understanding and discernment. Help us to always trust You, regardless of how things appear.

Strengthen and equip us for the work you've called us to do. Grant divine appointments, divine friendships, and divine opportunities. Place into our hands the materials You want us to have in 2011: CD's, books, DVD's, music, and any other material You desire.

Most of all, make Yourself real to us. Draw us close to You and make us more like You. Change us from glory to glory until our images shimmer Jesus' reflection. Be utterly glorified in our lives.

In the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen.