From Tree to Tree

Jamie and I have been married for over 10 years. We've collected our fair share of Christmas décor. Of all of it, my Christmas Tree is by far my favorite. Its not fancy and in fact its the same fake tree we bought 10 year ago. (getting thinner each year) Our first Christmas together, Jamie started a tradition of purchasing me an annual Precious Moments ornament. On my tree are all 11. I love them. He started the same thing with our kids for their first Christmas's. Brewer has 5 and Eva has 3. There are ornaments from my great grandmother's tree. There are ornaments from Romania and South Africa. My first Christmas ornament from 1978 and several from my childhood. We've got West Virginia Mountaineers. We've got both of my kids first Christmas, from our honeymoon, handmade from the kids, & special gifts from friends ... to say the least, our Christmas Tree is not just a tree, it's filled with memories. Every branch has a story. My kids love looking for their ornaments and love hearing the stories of where each one came from. The best part to me is how I get to weave our story into the story of Jesus. It all comes back to Him.

Did you know that this life we are living, its not about us? We are all playing a role in His story. His story began with creation. God spoke and we were. Adam and Eve lived in harmony with God and with all of creation, until sin was introduced into this world. When Adam and Eva both ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they didn't become like God as Satan had promised, they became sinful. That very sin is what broke the harmony. You can read in Genesis all about creation and the first sin and how from the very beginning, God had a plan to restore and redeem.

 Jesus.

Throughout this story its always been about Him. He was promised. There was a time when the Israelites waited for Him. They had been told He was coming by the prophets and all they had was hope. And they waited. Not always patently, not always productively, but they waited and they hoped.

                   OT Prophecy                     NT Fulfillment

                   Genesis 3:15                      Romans 5:6-8; Galatians 4:4-7; Colossians 2:13-15

                   Isaiah 9:2                           Matthew 4:12-17; John 1:4-5, 12:46

                   Isaiah 53:10-11                  Romans 5:1-2

                   Isaiah 53:4                         Matthew 8:14-17

                   Isaiah 61:1-4                      Luke 4:16-21

Then one night, in the small town of Bethlehem, a virgin girl gave birth. The Angels broke through the night sky to harold His arrival to some shepherds on a hill, announcing that this child was a gift for all people. What they had waited for and longed for and hoped for was here. But many did not see and many did not understand. They thought He would come as a valiant King who would wage war and win and restore. But that's not what happened. Yet. First He had to come to live and teach and make confusing things more clear, and to die. He was buried and rose back to life three days later, defeating death. His death and resurrection was the way to restoration. As we read in John 3, Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save it, anyone who believes will get this free gift of salvation.

But this gift, its just that, a gift and you have the right to refuse it. This right is called free will. Because our God, who loves you so much, will not force Himself on you. He calls you gently to Himself. He provides and protects and longs to be with you. But its your choice to accept or reject.

We are all playing a role in His story. The story of creation and the fall and hoping and longing and wondering ... He's made a way for you. A way for you to know and understand your role here. He's gifted you with talent and ability to be an active part of His story. He loves you and longs for you to love Him too.

So as we celebrate Christmas each year, I don't just see one tree, I see two. I can't see Christmas without the cross. It's why He came, for you and for me, to give us life more abundant and full. He came to save us from the wrath of sin. Not to destroy but to redeem.

Where ever you are on your journey here on earth, I wish the the very Merriest of Christmases!

He's Always Faithful

As a mother, the most important thing to me is that my children learn to love the Lord God with all their hearts. Not only that they love Him, but they trust Him and follow Him and bring glory to His name all their lives. When I was pregnant with Brewer I had already lost 3 babies. I've written a little about that here if you want to take a look. I say that because at that point, I knew what it felt like to loose a baby. So as we were preparing for Brewer, Jamie and I would pray that if this child would not know, love and glorify the Lord with his life, then please don't let him be born either. You want to pray something hard? That's it. As much as I wanted to be a mother, I could not fathom bringing a life into the world that would not love and honor the very God that I trusted to bring me that child.

On June 28th of 2013, as we backed out of our parking place at church, the routine conversation began. What did you do at church today? Eva said something about the picture she drew and Brewer said, "I asked Jesus to come live in my heart." Jamie threw the car into park and we both turned around, "What? Tell me what happened? Who did you talk to? Why did no one tell us about this before we left?" My poor 5 year old boy, the questions were being hurled at him faster than he could answer. Jamie and I stopped and looked at each other and be both told ourselves to calm down. Let the boy speak. "Ok, Brewer, tell Mommy and Daddy what happened?"

"Well Mama, do you remember how we've been talking about how Jesus died on the cross for me?" Yes I did. "Well, remember how you said that you couldn't tell me when it was time but Jesus would let me know when it was time?" Yes I remembered. "Well today I was in the Club House (our preschooler's time of worship & bible story) and Mrs. Myra was signing and Jesus told me it was time. He said it in my heart. So I sat down and I prayed to Jesus to forgive me of all bad choices and to please come live in my heart and show me how to make wise choices."

Jamie and I looked at each other kinda dumfounded. I mean, I always thought I would get to be there, I would get to pray with my son and see his face and hear his voice. But God reminded me that Brewer was first His son and given to me to teach him how to love God. It was personal. It was Holy. And it was between Brewer and God.

"What did you do after that?" "Well, I got back up and started to sing with Mrs. Myra again." "Did you tell anyone?" "No, was I supposed to?" It was as simple as that. A child, who for months had asked question after question, and thought, and questioned, finally believed. I was overjoyed! There are no words to adequately describe how a mother feels at that moment.

For the next couple of months we have spent many hours of conversation with Brewer. He's spoken to our Minister to Children. We've prayed and talked and prayed and asked and answered a lot of questions. I can say that he knows the choice he made. Its genuine and its real.

Today, in church this morning, we had a time of carols and communion. Brewer came to "big church" with us and for the first time I had communion with my son. At the close of our service, Pastor gave a traditional time of invitation. Brewer looked up at me and said, "Mama, I need to go tell Pastor that I already asked Jesus to live in my heart. Then can I get baptized?" This Mama's heart again was overjoyed! I am so proud of my boy. Today was a very special day in the Martin Family.

My prayers for my son have changed. I no longer pray and yearn for his salvation. Its happened, its been answered. Its sealed. He faithfully answered yes. Now I pray for his sanctification. For a maturity and a deep burning fire to know God and to make him known. And because of testimony's like my Friend Amanda's, I know that its possible.

Because He's Always Faithful.

 

Singing Over Me

When someone loves Jesus with all their heart, its evident. You don't have to wonder if they trust Him because they radiate Him. They love differently, they speak differently, they serve differently and they lead differently. How could you not love them? How could you not want to be around them?

Meet my friend Amanda. When I asked her if she would share a bit of her life here, she responded with, " ... I feel like my story is boring" BORING? You couldn't be more wrong my friend. There is nothing boring about giving your life to Christ at an early age. For those of us who didn't, who had to live through some things without Him first, there is encouragement there. It helps me to know that God can do what He says He can do. I know that I can trust Him no matter what. It gives me hope for my own children to know that they don't have to walk the same path I did. It pushes me to help them know Him early, whatever they do with that knowledge is between them and God. But I pray they cling to Him, like you did. Because of your story, I know that its possible.

Amanda and her husband Jamie leading Worship one Sunday morning. Always singing. Always praising.

 Singing Over Me ...

I remember laying in bed with my mom at night and in the morning singing to her. Little hands, little voice. I remember her asking me questions. I remember her saying how can you know He loves you? How can you see what heaven will be like? And then she saw, and she knew too.  Savior.

I remember singing Amazing Grace with my Dad holding his hand the whole way to school. I remember the way he looked at me when he was happy and the way he looked at me when he was disappointed. I knew they were both love and so is He. Father. 

I remember singing to Him as I went around and around the driveway on my banana-seat bike. Love songs I made up.  Friend.

I remember riding to school one last time with Dad. Last day, last dad-packed lunch. Bigger hands, but still holding his. One more time singing. Amazing grace how sweet the sound. Grace-giver.

I remember meeting him. Fireworks popping.  He was different. He wasn't just a boy meeting a girl, he was interested in me. Asking questions. Do you love Jesus? Asking the important questions. Telling stories like how he loves to sing and play guitar. I heard Him whisper "This one" and I knew. 15 years old and I knew he was my gift. Giver.

I remember driving back to college, singing all the way. Back and forth and so many songs. Protector.

I remember his story about how he was coming to surprise me, but his car broke down a mile from my house. I left to go get him and came home wearing a ring. He surprised me and my heart sang. Faithful One.

I remember holding his hands, ready to say "I do" and the singing.."the God of second chances, picked them up and let them dance through a world that is not kind, and all this time sharing with the One who holds them up.." and how He does. Tower.

I remember her kicking. I remember changing and waiting and counting days. I remember her cry and the relief and the miracle. Holding her in whole wonder of His handiwork and the gifts He gives and singing to her, "sweet little baby girl. Be strong in this great big world." Creator.

I remember watching him last week, learning a new song on the piano upstairs. "Sing" he said. So I was singing " I will call upon Your name, my soul will rest in your embrace, for I am Yours, and you are mine." And we sing, and he plays and He hears.  Lover of my Soul.

And I know. "He is with me. He is a Mighty Warrior who saves. He takes great delight in me and he rejoices over me with singing" Zephaniah 3:17

And I know all the time He was there "'whether I turned to the right or to the left, I could hear my Fathers voice behind me saying, 'here is the path I want you to take, so walk on it.'" Isaiah 30:21

Yesterday, Today and Forever. Singing.

 

Thankful

Hey Friends! I'm out of town and don't have a computer handy. I didn't want this day to go by without telling you how Thankful I am for each one of you. 

I have really enjoyed sharing my heart and my life with you these past few months and can't wait to see where we go together. 

I am thankful for my family. Each one of you bring something different to my life and I would not be who I am without what you add. I'm thankful for Thanksgivings past, present and ones to come. I'm thankful for traditions and new memories made. 

I'm thankful for a Loving and Faithful God who has blessed me beyond measure. Love each other Friends! I'll see you in a few days!

Preparing for Advent: Its never to early

Well Friends, the season of Advent is almost upon us. We've got one week until we start to prepare our hearts for Christmas. This is my most favorite time of year. People get really happy and start giving and helping and sharing. People are more open to listen and to talk. During the Christmas season we just feel the need to be with friends and family and make sure everyone around us is happy and comfy. I love it. I wish we could be that way all year long.

 

I don't want to rush through Thanksgiving. Its an American Holiday that deserves its own respect. Speaking of, I taught one of the best yoga classes this morning. (if I do say so myself) It was really great, not just for the workout but because all through class I gave my students time to slow down and breathe. I asked them to think about one thing they were thankful for. Now take that one thing and let it lead you through this next part of practice. And smile. After class, I had several people thank me for it. We forget that in this busy season of rushing and giving and helping and sharing, to stop and breathe. Remember why we do all of this. So this Thanksgiving, take the time to stop and breathe. Feel the air flow in through the nose and feel it expand the body in all directions. As you exhale, pull the belly in and feel the body get small again. And smile.

 

As soon as you're done with Thanksgiving and the turkey is all packed into the refrigerator, log on and get one of these Advent Calendars ready for Sunday! This year my kids are a little older (Brewer is 5 and Eva is 3) and can understand on a little deeper level what Christmas is about. I want to be really intentional with Advent this year. I want to make sure that we, as parents, make a conscious effort to show them the promise of the Messiah and how the people waited and hoped and believed. I want them to see the fulfillment of that promise in the birth of Jesus and why we celebrate Christmas with such passion. In knowing and feeling the hope Gods people held to for generation after generation, they too will be able to hold fast to the hope that He is coming again ... for them.

 

So in my great search for the perfect Advent Calendar, I found these two. The first one is from The Village Church. If you don't already know and listen to their podcast, you should. Amazing teaching.

 Their 2013 Advent Guide can be found here.

As you'll find it can be used in several different ways. Personal Study & Family Devotion. I cant wait to dig in. Bonus: There are also playlist! Who doesn't want more Christmas music, am I right? Can I get an Amen?!

 

The second one I found was this one using the much beloved (at least in this house) Jesus Storybook Bible. Side Note: if you do not have this book in your library, bookmark this blog and click the link to buy it now! You'll thank me later, even if you don't have children to read this to. Its amazing and I enjoy reading it myself. Jamie and I have found ourselves "fighting" over who gets to read the bedtime story tonight.

 

 

We'll just have to take a look and see which plan best fits our family and see if maybe we can use both. I most defiantly will be doing the personal study in the first one. But for you, if you don't already have a plan in mind, take a look. These are the two best ones I've seen. (and trust me, I've looked at them all)

 

If you want a fun way to display and count down, check out my Pinterest Christmas board: He's Making a List: AKA Christmas. I've pinned some ideas that I've liked.

 

Let me know what you think of these and how you're planning to celebrate Advent this year. Is there a tradition that you just love?

She Found Grace

I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. She is a Mom. She’s a wife. She loves Jesus. I met her a little over a year ago and I can say that knowing her has brought joy to my life. I like that she’s honest and I like that she’s real. I like that she tells me the truth. I can honestly say that I have grown to love this woman.

When I prayed about who I would ask to share their story here, she is one of the first women who came to mind. So, in her words, meet:

 

“A Watering Can of Grace and Encouraging Cup of Goodness”

When I was a little girl I was always taught right from wrong, and as I grew up life would come at me in ways that would knock me so far down that anyway up looked good. I am a walking witness that we are saved by God’s grace.

At 5 I saw my mother weep when my father left...my first memory of hurt.

At 10 I had my first taste of death...the loss of my mother...

It was my around my grandfathers 75^th birthday that I moved in with him, doing the best he knew how, was what I took advantage of. I was just on my way to “out of control”… Feelings of anger, confusion, feelings of abandonment, scared, always feeling ashamed; these feelings would constantly consume me...

I felt desperate to figure things out, to figure life out…But it always ended in selfish destructing actions. I would do anything to numb the pain that I felt deep within my soul.

It was like a nightmare and I was the star! God if you are real wake me up from this slumber!!!

A friend invited me to her church for the 1000^th time and I went so she would leave me alone. I felt Christ’s love, compassion, healing words coming out the pastor’s mouth; I also felt my heart beating/hands sweating… I met Jesus for the first time when I was 16 but He did not become real to me until later. I was running scared! Deep down I knew He was the answer to all my questions but I was not willing to give up the pain/hurt I was use to.

2 months after my 18th birthday I found out I was pregnant...how did that happen?? What was I going to do?

I, now look back and see through my sin, Gods Grace, that child, my son saved my life! He woke me up from a life I was so ashamed of and gave me the desire to live. My life had to change quickly...but how? 

Over the course of several years God strategically put people in front of me planting seeds, pouring a watering can of grace and encouraging cup of goodness...I look back and see Gods hand in my life, a blanket of protection; I was so undeserving of His provisions. 

God saved me from myself and I am grateful for this. I was saturated with a sin filled life. I recognized my need for a Savior and He rescued me! I am now by no means perfect and have my struggles in life but I know that this life in this world is temporary. His grace, mercy and unfailing love is what I live for now. I lay my family’s life at the foot of the Cross daily. I will one day be with my Father in heaven but until then "As for me and my house we will serve The Lord"

The Lord is so good! 

I am married to my husband Tom, we have 3 boys! Corbin is now 16, Emery is 10 and Spencer is almost 7. 

 

It is by Grace I have been saved and to Him be the glory forever and ever Amen!   

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Ten Things You Might Not Know About Me

So the 10 Things list has been making its way around Facebook a lot lately. I've been tagged by several friends to participate and I usually don't but I thought it might be fun. So instead of posting on Facebook I decided to post them here instead. We may have more in common than you thought!

1. I have 1 tattoo. My mom told me if I ever got inked she’d never let me live in her house again. I respected her “rule” even after I moved out. It’s one of the first things I did when I got married. I figured at that point, I was out of her house for good. I only have one tattoo because Im scared if I got another then I’d get another and another … you get the picture.

2. I am absolutely terrified of snakes. It’s a debilitating scared. It’s something I really need to work on. 

3. I could happily eat burnt buttered noodles every night for dinner. (or lunch …. or breakfast for that matter)

4. I’m afraid of the dark. I have a need to know what’s happening around me at all times so I know how I should react. I do not like to be surprised at all. It’s something God has been working on with me. Because honestly, this fear for me is rooted in my lack of trust in God.

5. My favorite color is Green. Or Brown. No, its green. Can I have two favorite colors? 

6. In high school, after my breakup with my first real love, I skipped school with two friends and went to Atlanta for the day. On the way home we almost ran out of gas because we spent all our money. I made a sign that said, “NEED GAS MONEY” and held it up against the window as we passed other cars until someone pulled over and gave us some. We got off the next exit and had to push the truck up to the gas pump.

7. I wear bike shorts under dresses. Initially for modesty while playing with my kids, but now I like them also for their spanx-like affects.

8.  I have a need to control everything even though I say I don’t. I blame it on my Type A personality, but really I think it’s about being scared.  Yet another thing God is working out in me.

9. I hate it when other people try to clean up in my kitchen. I’ve learned to be polite about it, but know this, when you leave I’m going to undo the dishwasher, re-clean and reload it. Maybe it’s part of my need for control. Maybe I’m just crazy. I don’t know.

10. I crave a simpler life but am always adding new things to my world. 

 

So there it is! For better or worse, ten things you might not know about me. Find out something new?