Little Miss Scatterbrained

Copyright: Roger Hargreaves Mr. Men and Little Miss

Scattered

I found myself stressed, anxious and on edge for the last few days. I just wanted these feelings to go away! 

The thing I realized some time last night is this: I had not really prayed or gotten in God's presence in the last few days either. 

So I began to worship. I began to sing and lift my hands and my heart in praise. God is so good. I began to mull over Luke 12:26-28. 

"If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?"

In the last month I have been more obsessed with worry over money, bills, presents, and other little things than I ought to be. In reality, God met every need we had and provided above and beyond every time He moved on someone's heart to give toward my mission's trip.  

It Ain't no Thang

Money is a little thing. Since I have little of it, then I have a choice. I can either choose to obsess over what I do not have and worry about what I am going to do to get things I do not really need or I can trust that my Father would never leave me begging bread and that the least of the kingdom issues (MONEY) is taken care of. 

After all God is the perfect Father and provider. He provides according to His riches in glory. 

I use money as an example of how little things can take over our minds and edge out our faith. Song of Solomon calls these things "little foxes". The things we think on are the things that begin to take predominance in our lives. That is why Paul said this to the church in Philipi. 

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Paul knew the importance of our thought life. We need the mind of Christ if we are to live the lives of over-comers  If we want to say "I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus" and it be true then we must train our minds to focus on the goodness of God, not the bigness of our needs. 

I had spent way too much time building my unbelief instead of building my faith because I was focused on the wrong thing. 

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7

So I will begin to sweep out the polluted thinking and meditate on the pureness and goodness of my God. His mercy is new everyday.   I will run off the little foxes that try to sneak in and steal the fruit God is growing in my life. I will focus on doing what God has called me to and let Him work out the rest. 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

I recently heard someone say this: "Worry and anxiety are you meditating on the wrong things. Instead of you thinking on God's goodness, you are focusing on your lack." 

How true this is. 

My Prayer

Father, forgive me for losing sight of You and your goodness. I know you are more than enough. Your grace is sufficient. Father help me to be about your business without getting sidetracked and busy with the details that I should be trusting You for. You are good. You are faithful. Your love never fails. Have your way in my life. Rule and reign in my heart. Lead me by Your ways, and show me what it is to love like you. In the name of Jesus. Amen. 

Join the Conversation

Have you ever battled worry and anxiety? What helped you? 

TOP 10 THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR

Yeah, I am "borrowing" the Top 10 from a popular late night show on Television, but I have to say this week it is worth it. I hope you enjoy your holiday and for those of you that take advantage of the Black Friday deals, be safe and have fun! 

# TEN

I am thankful for another book review of The Purpose of Chosen. It is nice when other people like your work. The launch is going slowly, but I wrote a book! How can I not be grateful for that? 

# NINE

I am thankful for tow truck drivers who do not try and run me over. This was in fact, in question yesterday and that whole story will be for another post for another day. Suffice to say that it was traumatic and I am still recovering emotionally....lol. 

#EIGHT

I am thankful for budgets. I can hear some of you groaning right now, but for the majority of my married life we did not live with one and we were miserable with money and over money way more than we should have been. Now when my husband and I work out a budget for the next two months together I have peace about knowing what I cannot plan, spend, and or do because it really tells me what I CAN plan, spend and do. The freedom of this simple act and the discipline to follow it is one of the most freeing experiences of my life and it has happened this year. This Christmas season will not be about stress, but about "bless"ing others. Thank you Lord! 

#SEVEN

I am thankful for my home. We are renters. In this economy that may seem crazy, but owning a home (in this tax climate in the US) may be more crazy for some than renting. Regardless of how you may feel about renting versus owning, this will be our second Thanksgiving here and our third Christmas and I am loving how at home we truly feel here. The house is in a great neighborhood on a cul-de-sac, and minutes from my kid's school. The rent is extremely cheap as well, so Thank YOU Lord for your favor! 

#SIX

I am thankful for my blog. This year I started this blog. It began in January and it was something I did to obey God. Less than 30% of bloggers actually stick to blogging more than three months, so I feel honored and a little proud (the good satisfied-with-my-work-ethic kind of pride) of myself. Through this blog I have met incredible people, gained friends from every walk of life imaginable and written a book like I always dreamed of doing. By obeying God in a "little" thing back in January, I have had a year of blessings beyond my wildest imaginations. 

#FIVE

I am thankful for you. You are in fact one of my top five things! I cannot type another word without thanking my Father for you. You have read my blog, encouraged me, challenged me, prayed for me, and laughed and cried with me. You are a benefit of my obedience to God. The impact you have had on me and the other readers of this blog can only be fully measured when we receive our great reward. Thank you for being a part of my life and my ministry. 

#FOUR

I am thankful for my church. Now, no church is perfect. If it was, it would be spoiled the minute we showed up, right? But my church family is kind, welcoming, open and giving. It is an honor to attend there, worship there, laugh there, volunteer there and grow there. My pastor is a great communicator with a huge heart for people, a great wife and kids and a decent sense of humor. The staff is down to earth and I never feel out of place. It has become HOME too and I am so glad my Father has planted us there. 

#THREE

I am thankful for my kids. Sarah (16) and Connie-Lyn (14) are the biggest challenge/blessing that I have ever received. Talk about a mixed bag! One minute I want to pull their hair out and the next I am laughing, loving, and learning with them what it means to be a parent, friend, teacher, mentor, instructor, policeman, authoritarian, and tons of other things that make my head want to explode! No one save the Holy Ghost can strip me so bare as my children. They expose me for the lack luster parent I am on a regular basis and make me hit my knees in prayer more than any other single issue in my life. Because of them I have grown as a person and my life has been so richly blessed. They fill my heart with love and gratitude in equal measure. 

#TWO

I am thankful for my husband Randy Bickham! When I met the man I have spent the last 18 and 1/2 years with, I thought he was a bit dorky. Truth be told, he was. But he is the most loyal, forgiving, gracious and giving man I know. My exact opposite in so many ways he balances me. God gave me a miracle when He brought me Randy. Someone who loves me,  leads me, challenges me, and corrects me, my husband is a wonderful friend, lover, provider and father. My life would be unimaginable without him, and I thank Daddy-God for the perfect fit of a mate for me. 

AND THE NUMBER 1 TOP TEN THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR IS...........................

My Father. God is so good. His mercy is new every morning. His love never fails. He provides food to eat, shelter to sleep, seed to sow, and increase to grow. I am thankful for His love, His kindness, His faithfulness and His grace. I have messed up so many times and in so many ways and my Lord still loves, still forgives and still sings over me. Without God, nothing is possible, but with Him all things are possible. He is amazing. 

I could go on and on. I could fill volumes of books extolling His goodness. Maybe another day.... 

Enjoy your holiday, and be blessed as you are a blessing. Count it all joy and claim your Victory in Christ today! 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Join the Conversation: 

What are you thankful for?  

My prayer in the night!

Father, I cry out to you. You, O lord are in Heaven, full of grace and mercy on Your throne. You who dwells in the hearts of man, whose love pours out over the nations, whose eyes roam the earth to and fro. To You I cry and come before You now.


In my soul I am disquieted. I ache with the pain of my lack. I have failed to trust You. I have raised money to a status above You. Forgive me O lord; I know what You have said. No man can serve two masters. Lord, I repent. I have not truly looked to You as my source. I have not relied on You as I should. I repent and I am determined to change.


Change my heart Father God. Renew in me a right spirit. One that is upright before you, one without shame, shade, or turning. Let me be transparent before You now. Cleanse me and purify my heart o Lord. I want You, and the things of You in my life. I do not accept lack, I do not accept my “place” when it is inferior to what You have designed for me. I will not be weighed down by these lies. I deserve more as Your child. You have plans for me. You have a path for me. You o Lord have designed me for a purpose. I am yours to wield.


Where I lack You are enough. Where I need, You are sufficient. You are my supply, and You are endless. YOU ARE MY SUPPLY AND YOU ARE ENDLESS! Your love and mercy are new every morning. You are more faithful than the sun. You are the mighty creator, and You love me. You make covenant with me, you broke Your Son’s body for me; Your love is endless, matchless and without measure. Teach me O Lord to be like You. To trust You. To lean into You. To sit and be still to know that You are here. In your presence IS fullness. I will not go hungry, I will not be left a beggar, In you I have everything I need. In you I LIVE, I BREATHE, and Have my being!


You sing over me, songs of love, songs of comfort, and songs of life. You are all I have needed, and I will look to You. I will look to Your holy hill and know my help is on the way.


Examine me lord. Open me up, lay me bare. Grow me from the inside out. Rejuvenate, remake, remodel me into Your image, as You intended from the beginning. You o Lord are my shelter, my fortress. Under Your wing will I stay and I will trust in you all the days of my life.


You knew me in my mother’s womb, You saw me before I was ever made. You knew all my faults, mistakes, and failings and you loved me anyway. You are so good. I praise you O God! To you I declare my love and abiding faith. In you I am grafted. In You I dwell. In your city, on Your holy hill, I will kneel before You, singing your praise and weeping in Your presence.


You Father know my needs before I do. You are already making a way where there seems to be no way. You are the one whose footsteps I follow. I listen for Your melodic, warm voice as it leads me along still waters. You are the lifter of my head, the lover of my soul, my true and mighty king. You are all I need. I will not forget, but when I do forget, Your Spirit will remind me. You are my help in this and every moment. I love You, I worship You. Majestic Righteous, Omnipotent Savior. Mighty God, in whom I will place my trust! To Him who sits on the throne, all glory, all power, all might. You are great and greatly to be praised. Lamb of God, Eternal Brother, Savior, King. I love You Lord. Amen.

Living a 'Weed' Free Life

Someone told me the other day that they see that old "victim" mentality coming off me. What a fabulous thing to say. For me it was better than "you look skinny in those jeans". 

I had not realized that I had as many hang-ups as I did. That may seem like a weird thing to say, but the biggest lies we believe are the ones we tell to ourselves. 

For the most part I thought I was pretty good. I had come through so much. But I failed to realize that there is no one good but Jesus and He is the author and the finisher. He began writing my story but He is not finished. 

I was never more aware of how far I still had to go as when I was sitting in the parking lot of Wal-Mart at ten at night crying my eyes out. The rough day I was having had been topped off with my youngest telling me she needed new heels for her choir dress, twenty dollars for the trip to competition the next day and a sack lunch two days from then. 

I realized I had passed on some major hang-ups I have with money onto my kid, and standing in Wal-Mart with her just twenty minutes earlier, I saw those hang-ups in her face and body language. She felt guilty even asking for something as small and as trivial as a pair of $15 shoes, a sack lunch and $20. Less than $40 had her so bound up that her anxiety was palpable. 

It wasn't all the demands that really upset me: it was that I knew in that moment, crying my eyes out, that I had missed the mark as a parent. Not because she asked for too much, these things are small, but because I placed a higher value on the cost of things than on the value of my daughter. My heart broke right then. 

As I sat in my truck talking to a friend on the phone, tears streaming down my face, I knew what I had to do. I had to repent to God for placing money higher than Him and then I had to repent for placing money higher than my girls, and I had to tell them that I was sorry too. 

When I came home, I gathered my family and repented for my attitude in the store, which had not been good, and then I repented for placing such value on not being able to afford “things” it sent a message to my girls that money was somehow more important than them. Lots of tears flowed from me, and my girls did not know how to take what I was saying. I think it surprised them, and hopefully it made them think. 

When my husband and I talked about it later, I made a statement that I hope to never forget. “I will never be moved by what I don’t have again, I will forever be moved to give because God says to give, even when my wallet says no, my faith will say YES! I will give above my tithe, and I will stretch my faith.” 

Will this change in my attitude make a difference? 

The bible says “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:37-38 KJV) 

The Message says it this way- "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." 

It is not the amount of my giving, but the attitude behind it that is important. This is true in every aspect of our lives, not just money, though that is what I am focusing on today.

Deuteronomy 15:10-11 in The Message says “Give freely and spontaneously. Don't have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God's, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.” 

It is a lifestyle of giving that I need to live: not a lifestyle of lack. I have more on my hand in jewelry than some people in countries around the world make in a year. God said not to worry about tomorrow. I need to trust God in this area of my life, just as I have for every other area of my life so far. 

When we worry about the things of life, rather than concentrate on the things of God, the work God wants to do will get tangled up in the weeds of life, and our futures are strangled and choked. I want a life that is “weed” free, thank you very much, and as I grow in God, He pulls those weeds from my heart and grafts newness into me. 

God’s grace is sufficient, He is my provider, and I will not go hungry. He is able to do above and beyond all I ask or think, I only need to trust Him! 

So I want to ask you this, do you place more emphasis on what you have or don’t have than on God being able to “do” on your behalf? 

Be blessed and be a blessing and remember give is a verb- and so is trust!