Tag Archives: Lord

Daddy Daughter Time

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Righteous man

God’s been whispering truths to me this week.  No hitting me on the head this time; this time His quiet voice whispered.  You see, my husband and I have hit what feels like a brick wall.  We have hit the tween years.  Our daughter is almost 11 years old, and she’s very mature in some ways, and immature in others.  I think most kids are like this.  We’re in a rough patch right now because she’s trying to become more independent…and her parents aren’t ready for that.   So, we’re dealing with some attitude, drama, crying, slamming doors—those of you who have raised girls know exactly what I’m talking about.  My husband is particularly vexed by this change in events.  He’s always been Mattie’s buddy.  He’s not one of those “friend” parents, but she and he have had this amazingly wonderful bond that I’ve been blessed to witness.  However, his fishing, crawdad-catching little girl is turning into a young lady…and he’s struggling.  He still wants his fishing buddy.  He misses her in so many ways.  But, she is pushing him away.  And he is so frustrated and hurt.

When I started this blog a couple days ago, I thought I was supposed to write to you about what dads need to do to keep their relationship close to changing girls.  But God, like He does so many times with me, led me in a different direction.  One night my husband and I stayed up late talking about how important it is for him not to pull away from Mattie during these transition years—which is something I think all daddies of little girls face.  (He’s doing an awesome job staying in the battle by the way.)  I found myself explaining why he needed to fight so hard for her heart.  I explained that she will put his traits onto her Heavenly Father.  I implored that he not back away from her…because he represents God in so many ways in her life.  For instance, if he pulls away and and “gives up” when she is sassing, then she will, as she gets older, believe that her heavenly Father can give up on her too.  It was a hard conversation for both of us.  We were both shedding tears of frustration, hurt, and mostly love for our daughter.  I don’t think she has any idea how much we want to help her during this time.

As I worked through my feelings on this and prepared to write this blog, God whispered to me, “Put yourself in his shoes for a bit.”  You see, Jason and Mattie could always talk about anything.  No question was off-limits; she knew she could ask him anything.  They were better at talking than I ever was with her.  A teacher at heart, I was always instructing.  But he was able to listen, explore, and go on adventures with her.  His relationship with her was awe-inspiring.  But now, I am the one she talks to.  We go shopping, get our nails done, and have “girl talk” about how her body is changing, about boys, and about how women fit into the world we live in.  And Daddy, “Just doesn’t understand” anymore.  When I stepped into Jason’s shoes, my heart broke.  I felt like I’d lost something that I could never get back.  I began to weep…and God whispered, “That is how I feel about you…” Ouch.

I asked God, “How have I done that to you, Lord?”  He showed me how I’ve not been the best at going to Him in prayer in the last few months.  I used to sit and talk to Him about everything that was in my life.  But, the battle that I had at work caused me to start obligatorily praying, and not truly spending time with my heavenly “daddy.”  I realized that He felt the very way Jason did, multiplied exponentially, about me.  I’ve been putting Him in a box…I’ve been feeling much like Mattie does, that God, “just doesn’t understand…”
Amazingly, He does understand, and I know that.  He wants to have time with me.  He wants our long chats back.  He wants all of me again.  How I’ve grieved Him…just like my daughter is grieving my husband right now.
My sweet husband has been making “daddy daughter time” a major priority.  He’s taking her fishing, taking her for walks, and really trying to spend real quality time with her.  He’s been loving on her—even when she’s not very lovable.
God wants to do the same thing with me, actually with all of us.  He wants His “daddy daughter time” too.   But I have to meet Him half way.  I have to listen to the whispers in my ear, and I have to respond.  I have to answer when my Daddy calls…He doesn’t want to bop me on the head to get my attention…He wants me to want to spend time with Him.   He wants every part of my life.I think about my sweet daughter, who is having some really not-so-sweet moments right now, and I think of how we all are like her.  We’re mature in some ways, and really immature in others.  God wants us to grow—just like Jason and I want Mattie to grow.  God wants to see us become everything He gifted us to be!  I don’t know about you, but this week, and until He needs to remind me again, I’m going to schedule some real “daddy daughter time.”
Here are some pictures of Jason and Mattie on some of their adventures during the years.  I hope you enjoy them, and they remind you how important fatherhood is and how important you are to your Father.
Staying Alert in Christ,
Megan
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Jason and Mattie when she was two.
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Jason and Mattie age three
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Jason and Mattie age five
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Jason and Mattie age six
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Mattie, age ten, just two days ago having her “daddy daughter time.”

Go ahead God, bop me on the head again…

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The other day, God bopped me on the head.  After I’d completed my first official blog I went on a walk.  I was all comfy, wearing my “Flashdance” sweatshirt (even though I’ve never actually seen that movie!), and my sweat shorts. I’ll admit, I was pretty proud of myself.  I felt like I’d actually accomplished something.  And, I was already starting to brainstorm my next post.  On a whim, I pulled out my cellphone and took a “selfie.” I see people’s portraits of themselves all the time on facebook, and I hardly ever do one of myself–although I love to do them with my daughter.  I had fun.  I had some goofy expressions, as you’ll see below, but overall I didn’t look like a total cow, so I considered it a success.  As I walked, I continued brainstorming.  I took some other pictures (that I’ll probably put in another post), I visited with my dogs, and I prayed.  That’s when I realized it:  I was taking a picture of myself, to perhaps post on my blog… and this is a blog about whom exactly?  It’s not supposed to be about me.

Isn’t it funny how sin sneaks up on us.  One of the sins I battle the most is pride.  It’s partly because of the country I’ve been raised in.  Don’t get me wrong; I love the USA, but what are we all about?  Pride.  We take pride in our work, pride in our schools, pride in who we are.  We are proud.  Part of my battle has been in trying to “do things right,” and to “take pride in my work.”  These are not bad things–really.  But, they are dangerous if we get too caught up in them–like I have done many times in my life.  And, this realization got me to reliving the times in my life where God took me down a notch or two.  He’s had to do that, and as ashamed as I am to admit it, He always gave me fair warning before hand.  He always said, “Megan, this isn’t about you, it’s about Me.”  But, I didn’t listen.  I let my feelings, my desires, my sense of fair play guide my thoughts and actions.  I took my eyes off  Him, and focused on Me.  That is always a recipe for disaster.

So, since I took my “selfie,” I’ve been pondering what it would be like if–instead of focusing on my feelings, wants, desires, etc.– I focused only on God’s.  What would that do?  Would I still take pride in my work?  Yes, I’d be doing it unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).  My pride would be refocused.  I would be “proud” of God–not of myself.

I’ve seen pride tear friends apart.  I’ve seen it create rifts in churches.  I’ve seen it create destruction in marriages.  Misplaced pride will always lead to defeat.  What’s the old saying?  “Pride comes before the fall.”  That’s scripture you know.  It’s found in Proverbs 16:18.  God knows what He’s talking about.

What else does the bible say about pride?  Here are some more from King Solomon in Proverbs:

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“By insolence [Pride] comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10

“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”  Proverbs 29:23

So, pride doesn’t get us anywhere we want to go.  It’s mind-blowing if you really think about it.  What we are constantly fed by society is that we should be proud of ourselves.  We live in an entitled world.  That entitlement comes from pride.  We think we deserve (fill in the blank) because we’ve earned it.  One of my old pastors said something that has stuck with me my whole life.  He said, “The only thing we’re entitled to is to spend eternity in hell.  Everything else is a blessing from God.”

What would happen if we really started to live for God?  That’s what the apostle Paul was talking about when he wrote his letter to the Philippians 3:4-9:

“…If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.  But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith inChrist—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

By the earthly standards in Paul’s time, he had arrived.  He had done all that was required of him and more.  He was zealous about his religion, and took great pride in punishing those who followed Christ instead of the Pharisaical rule.  He was respected.  He was praised.  He had a lot to be proud of.  But, after God got his attention and he realized what it was that he was actually called to do, Paul threw it all away to follow Christ.   None of the worldly standards mattered to him anymore.  Wow.  Talk about a powerful faith.  Paul also gave credit to where it is truly due.  To Christ.  All is lost, but Christ is gain.  Powerful.

Consider what that would look like.  Matthew West wrote a song called, “My Own Little World.”  It’s a favorite of mine.  My favorite line is, “Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours.  Give me open hands and open doors.
Put Your light in my eyes and let me see.  That my own little world is not about me.”

Lord, give me the strength to live like that.  Remind me that my world is about You, and not me.  Help me to see that my pride is but rubbish compared to Your glory.   And feel free to bop me on the head when I forget.

Here is a goofy “selfie”  Enjoy!  image

I’ve created a facebook page where I’m posting my blog and enriching information.  Please go and like the page.  I hope it blesses you. https://www.facebook.com/stayingalert

Staying Alert in Christ,

Megan

Am I there yet, Lord?

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My daughter and me on our vacation.

My daughter and me on our vacation.

Good day!  I’ve been pondering where to start with my blog.  It’s been hard.  I’m pretty opinionated, and–like most women–I’ve always got a lot on my mind.  I didn’t want to go “too deep” on my first real post and run anyone away, but I’m not looking to write fluff either.  So, Here’s what I came up with.  I hope you are blessed by it! 

“Are we there yet???”

We just returned from a wonderful vacation.  It was one we really needed after a stressful year.  Our daughter, who is normally super sweet and pretty easy going, is in a rather impatient stage right now.  And, since our trip included 18 hours worth of driving, we heard the stereotypical childhood complaints from the back seat.  Overall, she wasn’t terrible about it, but we did have to remind her about every 10 miles to be patient, that there are good things around the corner–to enjoy the ride, and the blessings God has allowed us to experience.  You know, good parent “stuff.”  All of that “stuff” came back to bite me today, as I was complaining to God about my current situation.

You see, when I gave in and decided to be a teacher (“gave in” is the appropriate phrase here, it’s not that I didn’t want to be a teacher, but I’ll get to that in another post.)  I saw myself being much like my parents were and working in the same district for 30+ years.  I wanted to see my student’s children come through my classroom.  I wanted to invest in a community and leave a legacy behind me, like they did.  Unfortunately, that has not been God’s plan for me.  Up-to-date, I’ve worked in three public schools and one private school.  I have made lasting relationships with many of my students, but I haven’t stayed very long in one place–as per my dream.  I can honestly say that each time I made a change I did so knowing I was following God’s will.  I knew that He had a real plan and that it was my job to follow His lead.

I just started a new job this week.  It’s one that I want.  I know God’s in it, because he’s indicated as much when I’m in my quiet time. A bonus is that I get to work for an awesomely fun, godly lady.  It’s work, but it’s cake too.  But, it’s not enough to pay the bills.  So, I’m looking to add to it.  And, I’m not sure what God wants me to do to fill the gap.  I know that I’m burned out and need some rest from teaching.  My last job had me teaching 4 courses to 6 grade levels.  It was an impossible job, and although I did it to the best of my ability, I know the kids would have benefited from having more teachers.  I’m so glad that the school has now done what I kept pushing for and hired more teachers to fill my position.  But, I digress.  As I was working today, two things happened.  First, a young lady, who I’d had in class before, stopped into the shop for lunch and a visit.  We were visiting about her school years and I truly enjoyed the conversation.  It was a huge blessing.  Second, a sweet friend stopped in and visited too.  She didn’t know I was working there, so we spent some time catching up.  I filled her in on why I wanted a job where I didn’t have to make lesson plans and grade papers.  She totally understood, and empathized.

Here’s where I became like my daughter.  I started getting really down after both of these conversations.  They were both uplifting and a blessing, but I caught myself complaining to God.  “Why aren’t I there yet Lord?”  This is not the life I had planned for myself.  This is not supposed to be in the works.  I’m supposed to be tenured with a growing retirement and onto my second generation of students.  Although I love my new job, and it’s blessing me immensely, I started thinking, “what’s wrong with me?”  I want to feel like I’ve arrived.  I want to feel like I’m part of some grand plan.  I want, I want, I want…

Then it hit me.  What had I been saying to my sweet daughter, Mattie,  just a week ago?  God whispered in my ear, “we’re not there yet, but there’s good things around the corner.  Enjoy the blessings that I’m giving you.  Don’t be anxious for what’s to come, but live in the now.  I’m here.  I didn’t promise you an easy life, but I did promise that I’d bless you and I’d be with you…”  And He went on from there.

I flashed back to the mixed feelings I had when Mattie was grousing.  I knew what was coming and I wanted her to enjoy the plans we’d made for her.  I was disappointed with her impatience because I knew that the trip could be one of her best memories–not just the destination.  I started apologizing to God.  I knew that I’d made my heavenly father feel that same disappointment.  He knows what’s coming.  It’s a blessing.  But He wants me to stay in the now…and not worry about what’s around the bend.

Two well known verses came to mind immediately too–I love it when God reinforces what he lays on our hearts with His Word.  The first is Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”  God knows the destination.  He knows what’s coming, even though we don’t.  He knows that it’s a blessing.  He wants us to, “… throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3.

Okay Lord, I’ll be patient.

Staying Alert in Christ,

Megan