Something Borrowed.

Truly, today's post has nothing to do with "Facing Your Giants" but rather another thought that I had yesterday and wanted to share and receive feedback on.

A couple of weeks ago I held a rather large Mary Kay event, a "Ladies Night Out" at Iowa State. Now, normally we work in small groups and more intimate settings. So, for this event, I had to borrow some supplies from other consultants and ended up borrowing items from three separate women. I assured them that if they would allow me to borrow their supplies I'd make sure they got returned or replaced. As soon as the event was over, I boxed and bagged up supplies for these three women, certain that I knew what needed to go back to each respective person.

Then, they made it to the back of my car. I was very anxious to get these items returned and back to their respective owners in a timely fashion, as I know they needed these items in the near future.

Yesterday, after dropping off the last bunch of supplies I had this huge sense of relief. I was so thankful that these women trusted me enough to let me borrow their items and that I could use those items for a successful evening for some wonderful young women, yet I was glad to have given everything back to their rightful owners safe and sound.

This got me to thinking a bit about Ang's comment on our Week Two Challenge. That what helped her get over her fears was knowing that everything that we have, ourselves and our families included, are not our own. Everything that we have is borrowed from Him. Borrowed. He has given all that we have to us, temporarily, in order that we may prosper (Jer 29:11), or, in other words, succeed. How thankful we should be to know that God trusts us to borrow what is rightfully His. That He expects us to be good stewards of all that He has given to us.

And now, this is where you come in for discussion. The feelings that I had in the situation yesterday were those of thanksgiving to know that I am trusted, but also relief to know that I had given everything back, cleaned up and in condition that the supplies were ready for the use of their owners.

I fail again and again at remembering and recognizing that everything I have is from the Lord. But, I am ready to start returning what He has given me, cleaned up and ready for His use. Where does one begin to give back? Tithing comes to mind so quickly. But, I started really thinking about this. Looking first at my material possessions. Then, at myself. How about my smile. Have I given that back to Him today through someone else? I have some other thoughts, but I'd love to hear yours.

What are some ways that you return to the Lord all that you have borrowed? When you return it, is it all cleaned up and ready for His use? Please share your encouragement, some relevant scripture, or simply your thoughts.

Goodbye Ordinary

My husband took his oath to "officially" become an attorney, yesterday. For all of his hard work, I wanted to give him a gift. Something with meaning. We have been talking a lot lately about quiet time with the Lord, so I got him a 365-day devotional for men and a MercyMe CD (our mutually favorite band that we will be going to see in November!).

We popped the CD in immediately on our drive home from downtown and the first song was one neither of us had heard before, called "Goodbye Ordinary". I felt moved to share the lyrics with you, I hope it touches you and compels you to make some changes...






I wonder when we first bought into this
So satisfied with status quo
Have we convinced ourselves that this is all there is
Well, all that is within me says we were meant to break free.

Live like there's no tomorrow
Love extravagantly
Lead a life to be followed
Goodbye ordinary
Goodbye ordinary

We were never meant to compromise
Settle for mediocrity
This life was never made to be a waste of time
Well, all that is within me says no more just existing

No more complacency
No more just settling this time
Goodbye to atrophy
For we were meant to be alive.

ashamed?

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes." -Romans 1:16

"We are called to be the light of the world, so that God can reveal the radiance of His glory through our lives. Yes, feel the weighty responsibility of it, but also feel the privilege. Christ is not ashamed of us (Heb. 2:11). What honor!"

Have you ever forgotten your identity in Christ? Hidden the fact that you were a Christian? Or gone through a time where you haven't fully disclosed your identity?

Ever been in a situation where God is calling you to 'stick up for' Him but you remain silent?

Today, as I was working with the college students, one of the girls shared with me that she felt it was hard to be Christian in some of her classes. We talked about how some professors take off points for your opinion differing from theirs.

Often, at my job, I feel like it's not okay to have my own opinion. Like I am not allowed "stick up for" God. Like I will get 'points taken off.' Just yesterday, I was talking to Mardi about how it can be difficult to be a Christian in the public school setting. In a place where there is supposed to be a separation of church and state. (I know... I've had this conversation with many of you.)

A separation? What a sad thought to think that there would be a separation between my creator and the work He currently has me doing.

Even if we forget our identity, He doesn't. He is always by our side. He never takes His hand off of us. He is never separated from us. He is not ashamed of us. He 'sticks up for' us. Always.

Lord, help me to always let Your light shine. To reveal the radiance of Your glory. To not be ashamed. To never separate myself from you. Always. Amen.

Week 2 Challenge & GIVEAWAY!

UPDATED:
Congrats to Pamela. And what a perfect week for her to get the giveaway... it's her birthday week! Happy Birthday!

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What are your fears?

We've talked some this week about fear. And about how fear can cause complacency in our lives and in our faith.

Fear is powerful. But God says, "Do not be afraid." He says, "Take courage, I am here."

Week 2 Challenge
Comment on this post (or post a link to your blog post) about your fears or how God is working in your life to conquer your fears and challenge complacency.

Giveaway
And to help you overcome your fears, one commenter will receive Max Lucado's "Imagine Your Life Without Fear". Comments for giveaway must be posted by Sunday midnight. Good luck!

My History

My history, the ugly parts of my present, and how they all fit into the Big Picture.....

The Big Picture. I've posted about it before on the Hickstionary here. But God is not yet finished telling me what He has to say about it.

This week at Beth Moore, I heard something about this differently than I had thought of it before.

Sure, I know everything fits into the big picture and that God works all things together for good for those that love Him (Romans 8:28). This is so uplifting to hear when we are in the middle of grieving. All things will work together for good. They are just bumps in the road that God will take care of on the way to the Big Picture. Right? Not so much...

You see, God has a destiny for me. He knows what my destiny is. He has the plans in place and is pushing me through the path of my destiny every day. And those bumps in the road? They aren't actually just inconveniences that are slowing me down on the way. They are a part of His plan. A part of my destiny.

"The grand ending to our destiny doesn't happen in spite of those challenges, it often happens because of those challenges."

Because of them.

Really? God knew those were a part of the plan and He was okay with that? His plan included for me to be hurt? In pain? To struggle?

I look to friends and family that are hurting right now. This is a part of His plan?

There are things in my past I'm not proud of. Things from my past I'd like to forget. People that hurt me, and people I've hurt. I'd like to forget about them. Erase them from my history.

But as much as I may want to, I cannot amputate my history from my destiny.

It is a part of me. It is where I came from. It is part of the reason I am who I am today. I learned from it. I'm growing from it. I am working towards fulfilling my destiny because of those painful puzzle pieces from my past. I remember the pain, as if God is saying, "Don't forget what I dragged you out of!" In Beth's study, she says, God is attracted to weakness- there is more room there for the strength of God. It's often those painful times in our lives that draw us closer to Him.

So whether you are in a period of grieving, remembering a period of grieving, or heading towards a period of grieving, remember His word,
"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." --Jeremiah 29:11

The Voice of Truth

Disclaimer: I have heard the VOICE OF TRUTH so much over the last few days, I hardly know where to begin or where to end...

This weekend I read through Chapters One and Two of Max Lucado's "Facing Your Giants". As I read through the chapters, the song "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns just kept playing over and over in my head. Then, on the way to study this morning, it played again. Then, in the car after study, it played again. The lyric that is resounding in my mind is

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!

and then,

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.

It wasn't until I recognized my giants that I could start to hear the voice of truth. Because when I can finally recognize my giant it is then I can hand it over to God. And our giants can change daily, right?

Before I introduce one of my giants to you, let me just say that until this morning in Women's Connections, I was certain I was the only woman that would even call something that seemed so trivial a giant. And then, someone else introduced my giant before I could even open my mouth...

The biggest giant in my life, lately, is time management and organization. Laugh if you must. I'm sure that seems so trivial to some but I struggle with being a good steward of the time the the Lord has given to me. God's word says:

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." - Ephesians 5:15-17

God tells us flat out to make the most of EVERY opportunity. How many times do I sit and watch my son play, or set him down to play so that I can get other things done. How many times do I sit idle on the computer when I could be serving my husband or reaching out to others. It is my job to serve the Lord, serve my husband, serve my children and then to do the other activities. There is a time for everything if we are careful to plan:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven"
- Ecc 3:1

(Read the rest of Ecclesiastes Chapter Three here, it's the TRUTH - Turns out... the Beatles didn't come up with their lyrics themselves...)

This tells me how important it is to plan to make the most of the time that He has given to me for service. I have been resisting a plan because it seems too hard to stick to it. But why? Am I missing out on anything if I don't stick to it? I actually believe I am missing more opportunities by NOT sticking to it. It seems like I have had to be in a routine since I was in kindergarten. Someone always saying you will do this at this time and this is how.

Then we get to high school and it's school, sports, and a part-time job and it is again, you will do this at this time and this is how. Then we get to college, and we make our own choices about what to be involved in, and I was over-involved. Constantly having to plan each fifteen minute increment in order to be in the right place at the right time, succeed in classes and not let anyone down. In the mean time, I tried to fit in a boyfriend and a social life.

That overwhelming anxiety that I would feel when I can't breathe because I am exhausted just thinking about my day, let alone actually accomplishing the long task list. Be here, do this, study that - sleep? Who needs sleep? Rest? Who needs rest? You have a twenty page paper due in another class? I thought I was your only professor!

But then, it just got better. I joined the working world and real life. However, I didn't need a schedule. Who has time for anything but work during busy season? Who needs a plan when they eat, sleep, work, repeat?

So, when Matthew was born it was the first time in 20 years that I didn't have to be routine. I had an excuse to put on my sweatpants, throw my hair back in a pony tail, turn on the television and feed my baby every two hours. Sorry momma, you can only pull that off for a couple of weeks.

The GIANT says, ha - here we go again: the cupboards need refilled, the laundry needs done, and oh that wooden furniture that used to shine? It needs dusted. Have you looked at your floorboards lately? Hey mom, Matthew can crawl - when's the last time you vacuumed? Oh, and, you've got some big Mary Kay goals but you haven't even been on the phone."

But the VOICE OF TRUTH says, "Have you even played with your son today? Or have you just kept an eye on him? Have you made him giggle today, or have you just watched him slobber? Have you taught him anything today, or have you just handed him a toy?"

The VOICE OF TRUTH spoke yesterday during the message at church. Our pastor quoted scripture and said, "The world and its desires pass away but the person who does the will of God lives forever." He continued to explain, "The things of this world are temporary. The things of this world are empty and yet, we just fight so hard to really believe that. God wants you to be happy but not through the things of this world. They’re empty and temporary. And actually the fact of the matter is God wants you more than happy. God wants you blessed. God wants you more than happy. He wants you blessed. If you look at the scriptures, new International version, there are about 31 instances of the word happy. There are over 400 of the word bless or blessed. God wants you blessed. Blessed is so much better than happiness. Why? Because happiness deals with the happenings around us. It’s all external. Blessed is what’s going on inside of us. It’s deeper. Happiness? Happiness can be taken away from you. The stock market can go south, you can lose all your money. Somebody can steal your car. You can, all of a sudden, contract a deadly disease and your health is gone. Happiness can be taken away from you. No one can take away being blessed."

The VOICE OF TRUTH was on Life 107.1 on the way home today when the topic of "Family Life Today" was "Mixed Feelings Stirred Up By The Empty Nest". Suddenly I realized that my son could be taken from me at any moment, that God willing he will become a man, meet a woman who will become his wife and leave. He won't always be "momma's buddy" or "momma's little helper". And that moment is going to come before I know it. And suddenly, I'll wonder where the time went, what I did with it and my house will be way to clean, way too organized, and way too empty. Prioritize, said the VOICE OF TRUTH.

Max Lucado points out that in I Samuel 17, rather than David dwelling on Goliath he references God nine times to the two times he even mentions Goliath. Here he has the enormous giant to slay right in front of his face, and he can't physically see God. He has to trust that God is there! Blind faith! Lucado says "Are you four times as likely to describe the strength of God as you are the demands of your day?"

So, as I sit and know that I need a plan, I run from that and avoid it because the negative thoughts tell me that I can't stick to it, it will create anxiety, it will take away the "fun" things. I know the only way to make the most of every moment and honor God is to have a daily plan. I need to hear what God is telling us through the story of David. "Lift your eyes, giant-slayer. The God who made a miracle out of David stands ready to make one out of you."

The everyday tasks are for HIS glory. HE has given me plenty of time to nourish, educate, enrich, and teach my son and still make my home a sanctuary for my family (I didn't say it was a sanctuary, critics, but that I CAN make it that way) and to serve HIM, but I need to make the most of every moment. Be wise in how I spend my time.

My giant? The waves that keep on telling me time and time again "you can never win".

My sling and a stone? A routine. So darn simple.

The voice of truth? "Do not be complacent in your ways. Do not be afraid, this is for MY glory!"

Prayer Request

I woke up this morning to some emails from friends telling me about God's blessings. One in particular was talking about the mysterious ways God's plan falls together for us. What a great feeling. God is GOOD!

Then I read an email from my good friend. She had the following prayer request. One that I can't find words to describe to you how this makes me feel. If you can find the words, could you leave them in the comments? I know she reads this blog.


Pray for me....I just found out a student of mine (just moved to the Jr. High this year) was killed with his brother yesterday. His mother shot them both and then killed herself. Tomorrow is going to be a rough day, for students and for staff. And somehow I have to be able to help them all.....


Update: I hesitate to post this but God knows who they are and their needs... As I was driving to school and praying for those in situations so dire they feel the only way out is to end it all, I got a text from someone else very close to me. Their father took their life last night. Please keep all of these families in your prayers.

Giveaway Winner!

Congrats, Mardi!
You are the blessed recipient of the first giveaway. I'll get it to you this week!

GIVEAWAY!

 We are so blessed that YOU are here joining us in the challenge to overcome complacency! We are excited to have you be a part of this conversation and journey. We know that you are here, and if you are comfortable doing so, would love to get to know you better and have you introduce yourself on the introduction post.

The feedback has been so positive, and now we'd love to hear your thoughts. Did you interpret the passage in a different way than us? Did this passage impact you in a different way because of your circumstances and experiences? Can you share some inspiration, and encourage us?

God's word says "My Grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you." - 2 Corinth 12:9 (Check out Heidi's three-part post here). Grace. God's amazing grace. We could all use a little inspiration from God's Grace every day. In fact...

We are so eager to get the conversation going and have you join in our challenge that we are having our first GIVEAWAY - Max Lucado's "Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year".  

 

How do you win?

When you introduce yourself here and complete the "Week One Challenge" we will enter your name to be randomly selected to be our first winner!

Week One Challenge
We would love to hear how God is challenging complacency in your life or your general thoughts on the Proverbs 1:32 passage.

Comments need to be made by Sunday at midnight - good luck!

Does God Even Know Where I Work?

Have you ever felt alone? Like God was nowhere to be found? Like no matter how much you prayed, begged, and pleaded you couldn't find an answer, you couldn't feel Him? Have you ever felt that the lonely set of footprints in the sand were your own? 

One of the questions I had before starting the Esther study was why is God not directly mentioned in this book? And since He is not, why are we studying it?

Beth's answer in short was, God's name may not be in it, but HE'S ALL OVER IT.

He's all over it. There are times in my walk with Him that I feel very close to Him. I feel like I ask a question and BOOM, the answer is right in front of me. There are times when I doubt Him and BOOM, He gives me a concrete reason to trust. I know, without a doubt, at those times He IS all over it.

But.

There are times. There are times when I'm sitting at my desk. Almost in tears. Feeling helpless. Feeling Hopeless. I wonder where He is. I question Him. I think, "Does God even know where I work?!?" It seems so Godless here.

Just like in the pages of Esther, at times, I can't outwardly, directly see God. But maybe that is the point. Does God have lessons to teach me about how He is always here? ALWAYS by my side. Even when I cannot feel Him. Even when I cannot see His work.

When I say, I feel all alone. God says, I am always there. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” -Hebrews 13:5


When I don't feel God, when I don't see God, He tells me He is there. Both in the miracles and in the mundane, God has a hand in it. Maybe the true miracle is the everyday natural works that God does in our lives. Even when we cannot see Him.

"Faith is being sure of what we Hope for and certain of what we do not see." -Hebrews 11:1

Be still and know.

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted [honored] among the nations,
I will be exalted [honored] in the earth."
-Psalm 46:10

Our pastor opened devotion this morning with Psalm 46:10. What a powerful verse. As this group of women begin (or continue) this journey in Bible study we experience a range of emotions. For me, it was excitement. I was excited, after taking the summer "off", to see the women in my small group who have become more than a Christian acquaintance, but have become my friends. Heidi, as you found in her post is nervous. So, in your excitement, nervousness, anxiousness take a moment, just a moment and be still.

Be still and know that HE is God.

The context of this passage, as our pastor explained it, is that the Psalmist is describing the turmoil of the world, the the Lord can cease wars and shatter the spear, verse 10 is not the Psalmist but rather God interjecting and saying "BE STILL". In my mind I hear this thunderous voice and the world actually falling silent, war ceasing, the oceans still and the tongues of men quiet and a resounding peace.

Then, we listened to Steven Curtis Chapman's "Be Still and Know". Here are just some of the lyrics:

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still, O restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of peace
Let the noise and clamor cease

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still

As we sat there and listened I bowed my head and closed my eyes, I tried to forget that there were other people there with me and visually and mentally tried to set everything aside, for just a moment to be still, "stand in awe and be amazed". He has done so much in my life, yet in the hustle and bustle and the to-do lists I am rarely considering all that He has done.

I recently had a conversation with a friend about being fearful of the Lord preparing us to have to deal with something big. More of a fear of having to deal with tragedy. That we have experienced so many of His blessings lately that something bad is bound to happen. Is it that type of fear that brings us to a place of complacency? That if we dig in to the word and prepare ourselves and build our faith we will be put to the test and might endure some type of pain or suffering?

The TRUTH is that He knows His plan for us. Plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Because the devil is real, tragedy does occur and will occur and is occurring. My prayer would be that I, and you, never have to deal with tragedy; that if you have you can put your hope in the Lord; that if we do we can turn to the Lord instead of away from Him, that we can focus on Him and let Him slay our giants; that we would surrender to Him. The Lord doesn't bring tragedy, the Lord knows that because of the devil there will be tragedy and He places all of His infinite knowledge, wisdom and the tools for preparation at our feet and we need to pick up our cross and keep trudging forward in a world of broken pieces knowing that He has gone before us.

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 31:8

And that in all of it, we can stop for a moment, be still, stand in awe of what He has done. Set aside our fears, our anxieties, our joys and celebrations and be reverent.

How Can I Pray for You Today?

While most of high school is a faded memory, I remember bits and pieces of my time there vividly.

I remember graduation.

I was standing outside of Central Decatur High School in the receiving line. Many families, friends, teachers, and everyone else from town was going through the line. Many of my friends were crying. Many were laughing. I was emotionless. Too tough to cry. Not letting on in the least bit that I had feelings. When asked, I talked about how I was sooo glad to be graduating and how I couldn't wait to leave town. The truth is I was scared. Terrified of the unknown. Afraid to be alone.

At church that week the graduates were introduced in front of the congregation and given a gift. As I walked out of church that week something told me that was it. I remember feeling so afraid as I walked out. I remember the drive home telling myself how stupid that feeling was. I would be in town all summer and would still be going to church. But after that day, it never felt the same.

There were no small groups that summer. No Bible studies. No youth outings that I attended. I sat in the pew on Sunday mornings. But it never felt the same.

You see, I started attending church in middle school with my friend's family (a family that played an integral part in God's plan for my life). Something told me that day as I left church I knew I'd spend more time in "my mom's church" than "my church" as I went home for breaks from college.

Unfortunately, that feeling was right.

My senior year of high school was the last time I did a Bible study. While I feel I've grown sooo much in my relationship with God since then, the thought of joining a new Bible study makes me anxious. I am scared. I am nervous. I am afraid of the unknown.

But it's exciting. I know He has something to tell me and I don't want to miss it. 

Esther starts tonight at 6:30.

Would you pray for me? Would you pray that my heart be open and that I really hear what God has to say to me?

How can I pray for you today?

Hello, My Name Is...

...Mary. Co-Creater of Conversations Challenging Complacency. Okay, now I will stop copying Heidi's post - but it is difficult to follow a post like that - lesson being "always post before Heidi". Seriously though, I am not the brains behind the blog. I've had the desire to blog and then God pointed Heidi in my direction with a Bible study idea and from that conversation stemmed the idea to blog together. We are each doing separate Bible studies, with different churches and different groups of women being lead by the one true God to grow in our faith and not become complacent. So there is your introduction to our blog.

A little bit about me...

I was blessed to have two strong Christian parents and do not remember a time in my life not knowing Jesus. I do remember a time of finally questioning Jesus and really learning to trust Him, to want to be more like Him and to walk with Him. That was in college. My junior year. Just as junior year was getting started I met a wonderful young woman who just had the light of the Lord shining so brightly that I couldn't help but walk toward and it and be attracted to it. I could not understand where her light was coming from, but I knew I wanted that love for others and pure joy in life's experiences. Through many (many, many, many) conversations, Bible study together and the power of prayer I feel I finally became a friend of God, instead of just an admirer.

Now, years later, I am thankful to say that woman is still a huge part of my life, that she is still Jesus' disciple in my life and that she has seen me to this point. I am now a wife to an amazing man, Jon, that I thank God for everyday. I am now a mom to a handsome and intelligent (I'm his mom, people...) baby boy, Matthew, that I thank God for everyday - I am totally amazed now that God would choose us to take part in one of His greatest miracles. It helps me to believe that God truly has a plan, that He knew my son before he was born and knows him as an old man. All I have to say is "Jeremiah 29:11" - it's true, and God will.

So, why am I blogging? Mostly because I think that we really grow when we can teach others (lucky for you, Heidi is an amazing teacher and I - well - I will try) but also I just thrive on Christian fellowship, something that I am seeking more and more of, and I think that blogging with Heidi is going to be an amazing experience! But, I think this is just one small way for us to let His light shine, to maybe touch a life, and to inspire deeper and personal growth by us and those who read it. Hebrews 10:24-25 says Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Why "Facing Your Giants"? This study, by Max Lucado, is one that was placed in my path. When I first signed up for the Bible study group, Women's Connections, at our church, it was because I was at home with Matthew and I wanted to meet other Christian mom's. The initial study for our small group was "Fireproof" and then the group chose "Facing Your Giants". Before we really dug in to "Facing Your Giants" our group went on a break for summer and we have decided to dig back in!

When we first started "Giants" I thought, "well, I have no Giants". Oh, we all have Giants.

I am excited about blogging with Heidi because her mind amazes me. She will, and has already, inspired me to grow in my faith and most of all to challenge complacency. I am excited to hear from readers of the blog and we hope that through this the Lord touches your heart. As Heidi indicated, introduce yourself in our comments! (Anonymously if you would like)

Hello, My Name Is.....

...Heidi. Co-creator (that sounds official) of Conversations Challenging Complacency. Mary is the brains behind the blog and I'm her cheerleader (although those who know me well could assure you that I've never actually been, or thought about being, a cheerleader, you know one in a skirt and all).

If you've read any of my posts on the Hickstionary, you are probably aware that I sometimes have a hard time organizing my thoughts about a particular topic into a single post. What follows is my attempt at introducing myself to you in one posting.......

In junior high and high school I learned what it meant to have a relationship with Him (or so I thought... ). I loved the group outings and Bible studies with my church group. I learned so much about Him and His love for me.

It. was. great.

Fast forward to college. I was an insecure freshman trying to figure out who I was (was I the only one?). I went to church but it wasn't about a relationship with Him, it was about an education. I was intrigued by different religions. I wanted to learn as much about as many religions as I could. I attended several church services with whomever I could get to go with me. Or whomever was kind enough to let me tag along. I learned a lot about religion.

But I wasn't learning about Him.

To say my walk with Him was strained at this point would be an understatement. At times I felt like I was crawling. At times I felt like He was dragging me. At times I felt like that lonely set of footprints in the sand were my own.

Oh, how wrong I was.

Fast forward a few years later. I'm a little more secure newlywed. And some days I'm still trying to figure who I am. I have a fabulous porch swing in which I can spend a lot of time digging into His word. I have a great husband that prays with me. I have some amazing friends with whom I can talk freely and openly about His love with. I know He doesn't leave my side. I know His footprints are much larger than my own.

But I'm missing something.

    ²⁰ Wisdom calls aloud outside;
      She raises her voice in the open squares.
       ²¹ She cries out in the chief concourses,
      At the openings of the gates in the city
      She speaks her words:
       ²² “ How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
      For scorners delight in their scorning,
      And fools hate knowledge.
       ²³ Turn at my rebuke;
      Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
      I will make my words known to you.
       ³² For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
      And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
       ³³ But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
      And will be secure, without fear of evil.”      -Proverbs 1:20-23,32-33

Complacency.

He is calling me to stop being so complacent.

Wisdom.

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." -Matthew 7:7-8

He is calling me to seek wisdom. To grow in His word.

¹⁸But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen. -2 Peter 3:18

He is calling me to grow in His grace and knowledge. To grow in His love.

So I signed up for Beth Moore's study, Esther. Lifeway says this about it:
Beth Moore's newest Bible study is Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman. Going up against heavyweights bent on her destruction, Esther trusted God and landed a blow that saved her people. The Old Testament story of Esther is a profile in courage and contains many modern parallels for today's woman. Esther's destiny can be yours as you know more deeply the God who is in your corner.
(Click on the photo of the book on the left for more.)

Through this study, I'm seeking His word, His love, His courage.

I'm seeking to grow closer to Him.

I'm blogging with Mary because she's amazing (well duh). She inspires me to grow. To stretch myself. To reach out. It is my hope through team blogging that I will be encouraged to apply Esther in ways I've never dreamed applicable. It is my hope that I will grow closer to Him.

So hello, my name is Heidi. Daughter of The King. Wife of my beloved.
Work. In. Progress.

Will you take this journey with us?

Welcome!

Welcome to the Complacency Challenge! Follow us to see how God is challenging complacency in our lives and JOIN the conversation to share how He is challenging complacency in YOURS!


Meet Mary (here) and Heidi (here).

It is our goal to learn something about God (His love, plan, promises, word, etc) everyday! We are challenging each other to share some of those lessons with each other and with you.

We challenge YOU to learn something about God (His love, plan, promises, word, etc) everyday! We challenge you to share some of those lessons with us here as well.


Will you take this journey with us?

Maybe you are doing your own study this fall. Maybe you are reading a great book (better yet, THEE Book!). Maybe you are just living life and learning some great lessons along the way. We'd love to hear what God is doing in your life to challenge complacency!
Introduce yourself in the comments. (Do it anonymously if you want!)