Never Lose Sight

For Christmas, I received the newest Chris Tomlin CD called, "Never Lose Sight".  It's already one of my favorites, but then again, I love all of the songs Tomlin has ever put together.  They are great reflective songs for my life.

There's this song on the album called, "God of Calvary".  He sings,

"And if I never, never lose sight of this place,
I will never, never lose sight of your grace,
Your cross is all, all I need to see,
Oh, praise the God of Calvary."

It's so true, isn't it?  The cross is really all that I need to see.  The cross, and all that Jesus did for me...and you...that's enough.  He made it enough then, and it is still enough.  Why is it so easy for us (me) to lose sight of that then?  Sadly, I lose sight of it all of the time.

My favorite vacation spot is the mountains of Colorado.  I absolutely love it there!  Everything about it is just so peaceful.  We love taking our girls out there and always have a great time.  I spend weeks getting ready for our trip out there, and the excitement just builds each day until the time comes for us to finally head out for a week.  I always want time to slow down while we are there, not just because I really enjoy my time with my family away from all the daily responsibilities and activities we have going on, but because I love the view of the mountains.  That's the first thing I look at when I wake up and the last thing I look at before the sun goes down.  They are beautiful!  For those of you that have seen the Colorado mountains, you know that pictures don't do them justice.  But I always take hundreds of pictures anyway so I can remember our time there.  One of the saddest parts of the trip is leaving.  Not because I don't want to come home...it's always good to get back home...but because I can't see the mountains from where I live.  Every time we leave, Matt and I are either turning around staring at the last view of the mountains or looking in the rearview mirror to catch that last glimpse of God's beauty.  I stare at them until I can't see them anymore.  I never want to lose sight of them. 

It got me thinking of some other things I don't want to lose sight of: 

Never lose sight of who you are, rather WHOSE you are. 
I struggle with this one.  Yes, I know who I am, but I struggle because I look at what and who others say that I am sometimes more than who God says that I am.  Am I good enough?  Am I a good enough wife?  Am I a good enough mom?  Do I invest in others enough?  Am I encouraging anyone?  Am I a good friend?  Am I doing my jobs like I should be?  What are people saying about me?  Our enemy wants to get inside of our minds so that we focus more on the negatives and the lies, versus the TRUTH of who God says I am.  I don't want to lose sight of who I used to be...but I want to see who I am becoming.
Never lose sight of His grace.
I don't deserve God's grace one bit.  I know that.  But I am so thankful for it!  I don't want to lose sight of His goodness and grace, because it's at the moment that I do, that I forget to extend it to someone else. 
Never lose sight of the cross.
Remember, the cross is all we need to see.  When we look at the cross, we see what's been done for us.  I admit though, the cross is not a daily thing I think about.  Yes, I thank God for all He has done and continues to do for me.  But He made a way already.  When I take my focus off of the cross, I tend to forget that there is a God and I'm not it.  I start to think of ways I can "fix" problems, control people, make others around me change.  That's not up to me.  The cross.  Don't lose sight of what was done there.
Never lose sight of the plank.

I have many planks.  But I tend to look at the specks in everyone else.  It goes back to grace that we talked about earlier.  I might get arrogant and think that I deserve the grace, but when others disappoint me, let me down, or hurt me or those I love and care about, I start to lose sight of my own planks in my life.  That's never a good place to be because growth doesn't happen while looking around at others and their sin.

Never lose sight of our weaknesses.
It's no fun to dwell on the things we struggle with most.  I don't think we are meant to truly dwell on them because that can be very discouraging.  But there comes a point when we have to know what our weaknesses are so that we can see how we have grown through them.  I know what I'm gifted at, but I also know the things that are weak spots in my life.  Never lose sight of those, because God's strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.  He can help you.
Never lose sight of those hurting people around you.
We have all been through things that have cut deep and truly brought emotional or physical pain into our lives.  Thank the Lord for good people rallying around us who offer some encouragement!  Never lose sight of those hurting around you.  Take the focus off of yourself for a minute and see who you can encourage and strengthen today.  I never want to miss someone truly hurting because I was too busy thinking about my own struggles.
Never lose sight of your strengths.
God has gifted us and given us certain strengths for a reason.  Don't lose sight of those because if you do, you will waste an opportunity that He could use you.  I have strengths and I have weaknesses.  God can use both.  Be willing to be a helper.  YOU are the only you!  Don't lose sight of that.
Never lose sight of right now.
Any worriers out there?  I go through times where it seems that I struggle more with this and losing sight of the here and now.  But I'm better than I used to be!  There's only so much I can truly control anyway, so why think too far ahead and borrow trouble?  There's enough of that as it is.  I need to do what's in front of me right now.  What is God asking you to do today?  Do it.  He'll guide you in your tomorrow's.
Never lose sight of your pain and hardships.
It's pretty easy to come up with a list of all the emotional or physical pain you've endured and the people that have ever hurt you.  This is not what I mean about never losing sight of that.  It's not healthy and isn't productive when we think on those things.  I've had my times of dwelling on these and reliving those painful times, but the place I am now in life is being able to see those as a time in my life where God used those things to make me the person I am today.  I'm far from perfect.  I never will be.  But I'm a different Jenn than I once was because of the lessons I've learned and all that He taught me through that pain and hardship.
Never lose sight of your victories.
We shouldn't get a big head over our victories or successes, but we need to thank God that He helped us through different situations.  Not everything is easy to get through.  I don't know about you, but I've had several things in my life that I wish I could "get past" and it always seems like a constant battle.  It can be very frustrating. So those times where I can see some growth through those times and because of them is when I don't ever want to lose sight of the victories. 
Never lose sight of God's love for you.
I am so thankful He loves me!  He truly loves me for who I am.  That's crazy to think about.  And He loves my daughters even more than I do!  Also crazy to think about that kind of love!  I'm thankful that God steps in and repairs damages that I've done to show those closest to me His love for them.  He can be trusted that He knows what He's doing in our life and the lives of our family that we love so much.  That's a relief!  I don't have to worry about being everything to everyone because God is enough for all of us.  His love is great.  Don't forget that.

I don't know who needs to hear this today.  I really wrote down these thoughts for myself so that I wouldn't forget.  All I want to do during my time here on earth is make a positive difference in the lives of those around me.  I'm so thankful for all of the people...past, current, and future...that has and will continue to make a difference in my life.  They didn't lose sight that I am also loved by God and am valued.  So are you!  Never lose sight.  The cross truly is all you need to see.

What's Your Story?

The following is from my oldest daughter, Macayla.  I asked her to be a guest writer this time.  Hope it challenges you and makes you smile.  :)




     I am going to be singing 'Write Your Story', by Francesca Battistelli, in my school's upcoming Talent Show. I really like this song. I'm not so much into the older, slower songs that my parents were into when they were little. For instance, I also really like Toby Mac. In one of Toby Mac's songs, "Forgiveness", Lecrae raps. I memorized it excitedly because it was the first Christian rap I had really ever heard. I especially love to dance and sing to upbeat songs. I feel so passionate when I listen to songs like those. That's why Francesca's song was so special to me.


     The song is about how God is the King of Everything, and how He has a plan for all of us, individually. Though we may cross paths with other believers and nonbelievers, the outcome of our lives won't be exactly the same. Jeremiah 29:11 says, '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 a hope and a future.' Through troubling times and the ones that make us want to LOL, God always has something in mind for what's happening right now.


     Have any of you ever doubted your Faith? Whether or not God is real? I'll be honest and say that I have. It used to be a bit more frequently, but not so much now. Anyway, I love how Francesca introduces the song. The first verses start, 'They say...' As in, other people are saying these things and she doesn't know whether or not to believe them, because so many people have so many opinions and beliefs. Later in the song she says, 'I wanna tell you now that I believe it...'
    
     To me, these words are so powerful. How many of you have heard the words, "God can do anything?" I'm not saying that's a bad thing, because this statement is true. Saying this is like saying the sky is blue. The song has many different proofs to this statement. She says, 'You can give the blind their sight, You can bring the dead to life.' In another verse, she also says, 'You can make me new.' This song, in fact, may give us even more insight and meaning to the expression...wait for it...GOD CAN DO ANYTHING! 


     The last part of the song goes like this, 'I want my history to be a legacy. Go ahead and show the world what you've done in me.' I'm pretty sure that this means that she wants to be an example for God, in everything she does. That when people think of her, she wants them to think, 'Hey, that Francesca Battistelli girl, isn't she a Christian? That's cool how she follows God in every day living.' I want to be like that too. I want people to say, 'Macayla is such a strong Christian. I love how she believes that God is all powerful, and she is such an example to other people. I want to be like her and make a difference for God.'


     If you haven't heard this song, you should look it up. It's so inspiring! So let me ask you this to finish off... Are you showing others that you believe in God? Do YOU believe that God can do anything? Whether you answered yes or no to either of these questions, I want to send you off on a mission. I want you to pray to God and accept his plan for your life. Tell him that you'll stop trying to make your own plan, that you'll stop doing your own thing. Ask God to write his story on your heart, and while you're at that, go and make disciples. Write your story on other peoples' lives. Make a difference.

This blog may be a bit foggy...

FOG:



1)  A thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere or near the earth's surface that obscures or restricts visibility.
2)  Something that obscures and confuses a situation or someone's thought processes.
3)  Bewilder or puzzle (someone)
4)  Make (an idea or situation) difficult to understand.


Driving when the conditions outside are foggy can be a stressful thing.  I really don't enjoy it.  But I had something to do out of town that particular day, so I didn't have much choice. 


Have you ever been in a state of "fog"?  Ya know what I'm talking about...confusion, lost, and things just seem so unclear.  It would seem that because of this, that clarity just isn't going to come.  Wrong.  God has spoken to me in that fog...in that uncertainty of times.  Though I could hardly see anything in front of me, God couldn't have been more clear. 


Since we have a 3 year old in the house, my "quiet times" are not always that quiet.  My life is loud at times, sometimes so loud that the voice of God is drowned out to where I can't hear at all.  My foggy drive the other day consisted of 3 hours of windshield time...all by myself.  The only music I absolutely love listening to is Christian radio.  God speaks through music...He spoke to me through the words that I sang.  The fog had not lifted at all on my drive home.  It was getting darker too, so this made driving more difficult.


I've had some pretty serious discussions with God recently.  Things that I just don't understand, but "His ways are not our ways..."  As I was praying, talking, and trying to listen to what God is trying to say to me, it was in that fog that I finally got it!  I'm 41 years old, and I'm finally seeing some things that He's probably tried to teach me for years.  But it's easier when we can see the path ahead of us, right?!??


Here's the deal.  There I was driving in the thick consistent fog, and the only thing I could do was pray for safety...both for me and for the other drivers around...and also to just keep my car between the lines.  I stayed away from the middle yellow lines, just in case an oncoming car did not.  And though it was very difficult to see anything in front of me much of my drive, I trusted God to get me where I needed to go.  Of course I had to pay close attention.  That's a given and a must while driving on the road.  But in our everyday walk with Jesus, we have to pay close attention and not be careless.  Things that can hurt or cause us to detour on our road to God can come out of nowhere, but as long as we keep our "eyes on the road" (to Jesus), He will take care of all of that.


As I was praying that day while staying close to the line I could see, I had God's peace, even in the things I could not see.  Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for.  It is being certain of what we do not see."  Certain...think about what that means.  I had more peace not being able to see what was in front of me, more than I have during those times where I've had complete visibility. 


What about you?  Are you having a difficult time trusting God in the fog?  Listen, He sees the big picture.  It's completely clear for Him.  It doesn't need to be clear for you just yet.  He knows.  He sees.  Trust Him...He will direct you.  Just stay close to what little you can see and trust Him with the rest.  Pay close attention.  Don't fear.  Be obedient.


I will always remember that foggy day where God was as clear as can be to me in the areas where I need to trust more.  "God is not a God of confusion" (I Corin. 14:33).  So just remember the next time you have confused thoughts, or you are lost in the fog, just choose to trust Him...even if He chooses not to turn that fogginess to clarity just yet. 

40 reasons for my heart to find...

February 21st...this day is finally here.  I've waited 10 months for him to be 40 like me.  Of course in two short months, I'll be turning 40-once.  41, that is.  We've been joking with our girls about this lately.  My guy doesn't want a big party, no huge attention on his 40th birthday.  He respected my wishes on that last year for me, so I'll do the same.  I couldn't, however, let this day go by without honoring him in some way.  I thought it would be fun to list off 40, (though there are a lot more), reasons for my heart to find to bless the Lord for Matt Bycroft.  Sorry, playin' off Matt Redman's "10,000 reasons" song.  ;)  Is he perfect?  No.  Neither am I.  Only Jesus is.  But I've got a good man.  So glad God gave him to me.

This is not in any particular order....well, except the first few, of which are by far the most important to me. 

Matt...

1)  Not just loves the Lord, but knows Him, follows Him, and obeys Him.
2)  Chose me as his life partner.....(I am the lucky one).
3)  Loves and leads our girls.
4)  Is patient.
5)  Has a very easygoing personality...what ya see is what ya get.  No pretending.
6)  Buys me Diet Dr. Pepper and Ghirardelli Chocolate with Caramel (in fact, enjoying that now as I type :).
7)  Committed to family vacations every summer.  Love that this is so important to him! 
8)  Though he's special and "extra"-ordinary to me, he's a simple man.  Not confusing.  Makes sense.
9)  Has not missed or withheld a tithe in all the days I have known him, either in our dating years or 15 years of marriage.  No matter how tight the month's finances can get, God receives it first. 
10)  Is UNselfish.  He doesn't think of himself first.  Always willing to help someone else out....while never expecting anything in return.
11)  Doesn't give up.  He's steadfast and perseveres.  Seriously, I could write a book.  With as much as he's gone through, he continues to be faithful.  Committed to his calling, and doesn't let others hinder that.  Thankful to be married to a man that's not a quitter and who has confidence in himself and also in God!  He developed type 2 diabetes a few years ago...he has never felt sorry for himself with this.  He doesn't complain, doesn't give up in taking care of himself, and if you've seen him lately, you will know just how great he looks!  Just got another awesome report from the Dr. too.  Proud of him.
12)  Gives me the best backrubs, no matter how much I ask. 
13)  Never misses our daughters' activities, plays, sports, musicals, parent teacher conferences, birthday parties, awards' at their schools, etc. 
14)  Hugs me, kisses me, prays with me, holds my hand, laughs with me, watches silly movies with me, listens to me (that's a biggie, I know!), takes me on drives out in the country, still dates me (even if sometimes it's just to Sonic for a quick drink), texts me "I love you" throughout my day...basically he THINKS of me.  And I don't take that for granted.
15)  Prays FOR me.  Those prayers are between him and me.  But I love that he desires for me to continue to grow as a Christian, and cheers me on.  He has full confidence in me.  I take comfort in knowing he doesn't doubt me in anything I do or set out to try to do.  
16)  Is handsome.  Favorite feature?  His eyes, and his kind smile.  Even better lookin' now than the day we got married.
17)  Is trustworthy.  I know there's so many marriages out there that cannot say that about each other.  My man can be trusted.  He is my best friend.
18)  Supports me as a coach.  He and our girls go to as many tennis matches as they possibly can.  I've been coaching for 7 years, and he continues to be there for me in that too, while holding down the "girl fort" while I'm gone.
19)  Prays with the girls every morning before school.  He also memorizes scripture with them as well.  And right now, we are reading through the Bible together as a family.  So thankful to have that spiritual leader in our home.
20)  Would rather be with me than anyone else in the whole world. 
21)  Will watch Indiana Basketball with me.  Yep, this deserves it's own number!  :)
22)  Is a man of integrity.  He is the same no matter what...in front of people, with our girls, with me, by himself, with his friends, coaching soccer, at Walmart...doesn't matter.  He has character...and it's GOOD!
23)  Is not afraid to change dirty diapers.  From our firstborn to now our 3rd daughter, he has been an active part in all the parenting duties as I have.  Very thankful for that!  We share the "load"...pun intended.  ;)
24)  Had enough faith and courage and trust in God to start a church, from scratch.  We started out with 3 people.  He continues to trust God, and the Lord is amazing that He has brought us this far!
25)  Preaches GOD'S words!  I never have to question what is going to come out of his mouth as he preaches a sermon, or witnesses to people.  I know it will be straight from the Word of God.  Ministry life isn't always easy, but I'm thankful to have him by my side in trying our best to minister to others.
26)  Loves my family.  And they love him.  We have a good time together.
27)  Can do anything.  I've said this so many times, but he really knows a little bit about pretty much anything and everything.  Love that he is the go-to guy for math, can change a tire and the oil...along with fixing other things that may go wrong with vehicles, has built several pieces of furniture for our house...he's not afraid to get his hands dirty.  He takes good care of our things.  Being a servant of others is truly a spiritual gift of his.
28)  Takes our daughters on "daddy-daughter dates".  Each of our 3 girls have their turn.  I love the time he invests in them and their heart.
29)  His eyes are for me.  Only.  His thoughts are for me.  Only.  His body is for me.  Only.  His heart is for me.  Only.  I know he is committed to me.  And to me only.  It is such a blessing in knowing this.  Thankful for my faithful-committed to each other and to God marriage! 
30)  Sacrifices a lot for our family.  For example, he drives a beat up truck with no heat, or AC.  It basically gets him where he needs to be, around here anyway.  He's not materialistic, and is a good steward.  He jokes that the AC is real nice now, and the heater works great in August.  ;) 
31)  His speech is Christ-like.  He doesn't let any unwholesome talk come out of his mouth.  He doesn't slander.  When others have put him down or falsely spoke of him, he didn't retaliate.  He returns good for evil.  I love him because he does the right thing.  He speaks truth.  I can only imagine the crown God has waiting for my good man.
32)  Is not obnoxious.  He is not a show-off.  He doesn't talk about himself or try to promote himself.  He is humble.  If he wrote a book, or had some huge speaking engagement, he wouldn't be the one posting that everywhere.  The guy just doesn't have to have that attention.  Says a lot about his character and who he is like.  I'm proud of him for that.
33)  Love how "giddy" he gets when it snows.  I think he may just get that on this special day of his!
34)  Works hard to support our family of 5.  All the way back from our dating years, we both talked about our desire for me to be a stay at home mom.  I've been blessed along the way to be able to work in the schools and as mentioned above, am able to coach high school girls' tennis.  But my main job, the most important one, is that I have been able to be at home with my kids since the day they were born.  Don't regret it, and wouldn't trade those days for anything.  It's hard work somedays, but no amount of money compares to the joy I have in being home teaching my own kids and caring for them. Thankful to have a husband that supports the importance of this too.
35)  Tells me he loves me every single day.  More than once. 
36)  Takes me along on road trips when he needs to pick up things for the church.  Glad he picks me for his company.
37)  Shows respect and honor to his parents.  He is a good son.
38)  Shows compassion.  I've witnessed him do both weddings and funerals.  Has visited lots of people in the hospital and in their homes over the years.  He is kind.
39)  Will take on jobs or ministries, even when it may be out of his comfort zone.  If it needs done, he'll do it.
40)  Is a loyal friend.  Even if sometimes that loyalty isn't there on the other side.  Matt is that friend, and would give you the shirt off his back.  If you call him and he can't get to it right then, he won't put you off.  He'll call you back.  Need to talk?  He'll make time.  Ask him for prayer?  He doesn't just tell you he'll pray, he actually will.

Intermission.  Go get a snack Matt.  The rest of these are from your girls...oldest to youngest.  Maybe grab a tissue too.  Wait, real men don't use tissues.  Your sleeve will work.  Just consider these "and some to grow on"...  ;)

From Macayla:  (What she loves about you)
*I like the way he is caring.
*I love the way he teaches me about God (mom included).
*I like how he's a preacher.  I'm proud of that.
*I love the way he protects me and my sisters.
*I like the way he smiles.
*I love his personality, and how he is always kind to everyone.
I'M SO PROUD TO BE HIS DAUGHTER!  :)

From Rachel:  (What she loves about you)
*When we fish!
*When we build together.
*When we camped outside.
*When he baptized me, and taught me God, and reads the Bible to me.

From Brecken:  (What she loves about you)
*When daddy is home.

(Yep, a direct quote from your 2 year old.  Speaks volumes tho'.  Thanks for working, but thanks for being a dad that loves being home with your family, and spending time with your girls.  So many kids don't have that.  WE are thankful that we do!)

Well Matt, HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY today!  I hope we can make your day extra special.  I love the way we dream together, and can't wait to see what our future holds.  Look forward to celebrating more birthdays with you.  We all love you and are proud of you.  We thank God for you and are blessed that He made all of us FAMILY!

XOXOXOXO,

Me

Big Bold Prayers and Candyland

My husband Matt asked a very interesting and thought provoking question in his sermon this past Sunday.  Here it is:  "If God answers 'yes' to everything that you prayed for last week, what would be different in the world today?"

The second he asked us this, I started to think about that.  And I haven't stopped thinking about it.  As Christians, we do a lot of prayin'.....at least I hope we all do.  I have gotten caught up in the boring prayers, the usual ones, the ones that don't push or challenge God at all.  You know the ones......"thank you for this day"..."thanks for this food"..."please keep us safe today"......and the list goes on.  Please don't misunderstand me.  These things are GOOD to pray about!  It's good that we are thankful for the day because life is so short and God created it anyway!  And yes, I am very thankful for food to eat....especially chocolate.  :)  And with our 2 oldest daughters in school and other activities now, a prayer for safety is something I think about a lot.  So pray about those things.  God loves hearing from you.  But I was reminded to challenge Him a bit in my prayer life. 

The biggest "requests" that came to my mind that I prayed about just this past week are:
1)  Please bring peace and comfort to Uncle Dick and Aunt Flora in the loss of their daughter Bethany,
2)  Please heal Jenna of her brain tumor, and,
3)  Please let her (2 girls I was specifically praying for) know how much she is loved and valued by you...right now.

So in thinking about all this, and trying to answer Matt's question for us, this is what I came up with. 

1)  Matt's cousin passed away unexpectedly a little over a week ago.  What if that peace and comfort just came to them so easily?  I know they are hurting, as I would be...no doubt about it, but I do KNOW and BELIEVE that peace and comfort will come.  Maybe not full understanding, but peace.  And maybe we won't "feel" that peace and comfort every single moment we are away from those we love that are taken so suddenly from us, but I know that the kind of peace and comfort we long for will happen one of these days for us faithful believers and doers in Jesus....and that's Heaven.  Can't wait for THAT kind of peace.  THAT kind of comfort.  But in the meantime, what do we do?  We pray those big bold prayers that we can BE peace and SHOW peace and TELL of the God of comfort to a world that doesn't have it.  Wouldn't that help change the here and now?  Wouldn't that provide hope to those that have never had any?

2)  Some friends of ours that we went to OCC with have a daughter named Jenna.  She was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  I won't tell the whole story, but Jenna is only 15 years old.  My family, along with so many others all over the world, have been praying for her, as well as her parents Jeff and Johanna and their other kids.  The positive news is that this tumor is treatable, and Jenna has already been showing others the testimony of God's goodness and grace.  Thankful for that.  I hate cancer.  Even more, I hate cancer in kids.  It just breaks my heart knowing what those families have to endure and suffer through.  So what if TODAY, the doctors told Jenna....."no more cancer"!  How exciting would that be?  After all, I'm sure everyone praying has included this in praying for her.  How would this change the world?  What would be different?  I think A LOT would be different.  Those doctors and nurses, and other patients and their families that she has impacted because she is a Christ-follower, would hopefully start believing in our great big God too.  The ways this could change the world would be amazing!  What would be awesome if there was just no more cancer ever......but what would be even better is that the WHOLE WORLD WOULD HEAR that our God....OUR GOD...is STILL a God of MIRACLES!  

3)  I can't go into details or give names, but this past week I was praying for a couple of teen girls.  Prayers for encouragement, peace about something specific, for them to truly know how much they are loved, valued, and the importance they have in this world, no matter if others don't see it sometimes.  People are pretty good at "faking it", letting us know sometimes that "I'm doin' ok" when asked.  We all are guilty of that.  So I'm not sure how this will turn out, but I'm still workin' on them.  As some of you know, I coach a high school girls' tennis team.  Besides teaching my players what needs to be taught "on the court", I also try and take the opportunities "off the court" as well to teach them about life in general.  We've all had those coaches or teachers that have inspired us, taught us, challenged us to be better people. 
Last night, we had a JV match out of town.  I was sitting on the bleachers with a couple of my players watching a doubles match.  I won't give the whole story here because it's too lengthy, but the girls were asking me some good questions and somehow we got around to the following conversation. 
Player to me:  "So you're sayin' that God has a path for our life, that we should follow it, and stay off the wrong path?" 
Me:  "Yes, that's what I'm sayin'."
Player:  "It's kinda like Candyland....don't take the wrong path."
Me:  (Chuckle)........"Sure".  :)
(and by the way, I had permission from this girl to share that :)

Having 3 daughters myself, it is my heart's desire and my husband's also, that each of our girls know how much they are loved, not just by us, but by the ONE that loves them even more than we possibly could.  He gave them life......how incredible is that kind of love?  And having girls, and coaching girls, God has brought to me this huge passion in life to show them just how much they are valued.  The world tells differently.  The world de-values us, makes us feel like we are no-body's, and doesn't care what we have to offer.  I was thrilled that this girl "got it" last night.  Not sure what kind of a seed that planted, but I know that God can make it grow inside of her.  Every life is beautiful....even tho' some don't "feel" very beautiful on the outside.  Thank God that He looks on the inside! 
I wish you could've seen her face.  It's like that was the first time she'd ever heard that before.  That is both sad and exciting to me.  Sad because someone should've already told her.  But excited because now she knows.  So if God lets these girls, these kids (boys included), know their true worth and value in life, that He loves them so much, how would this change the world?  Oh wow, the possibilities!  Those kids that didn't know it before but that now do, can go out and tell others how much their God loves and values and cares about them!  It would be a true ripple effect.  Kids that can grab a hold of this would become adults that would then raise their kids to grab a hold of the same thing.  And not just grab a hold of their true worth and value, but how we deal with trials, our hurts, relationships, etc. would all be different because hopefully it would be according to what God wants us to do.  A society full of Jesus followers!!! 

So here's my challenge to you, just like Matt challenged me.  Pray.  Pray about anything and everything you want to talk to God about.  But don't forget the big bold prayers too.  Ones that can change the world.  I don't know about you, but I'll never look at the game Candyland the same way ever again.   :)

"Wow...I'm full!"

How many times have you said those words, "Wow...I'm full!!!" Anytime I have overeaten, I have said that. I love being able to go out to a nice restaurant and enjoy their good food with so many options. But I stuff myself....full. Then I sometimes feel miserable, and at that point am very thankful for the little bit of stretchy waistband in my jeans! I should've known better and quit before I got that full. Now there's no room for anything else...especially when the waitress/waiter comes back to your table and asks, "Are you saving room for dessert?" CHECK PLEASE!

What other things do we get "full" of? Maybe you've had your fill of other people's griping, complaining and whining around about their life. It seems with people like this that nothing at all can ever go right and it's always "someone else's fault". I get my fill of that with people sometimes when they come to me and ask for advice and are wanting help figuring things out, but they don't ever make any changes to their life. I then say, "I've had my fill of that" and you wipe your hands clean of it all. It's not that I don't care....but eventually those people have to take some ownership in their life.

Or maybe your kids are drivin' ya up the wall! They're tired, grouchy, & fightin' with their siblings and all of a sudden we say, "I've had it....I've had my fill of this!"

Pet peeve: People that go on and on and on about themselves. Bragging constantly. It's all about them all the time. Annoying, isn't it? You've met 'em. Everyone has. It's those kind of people that hardly ever ask about your day and always talk about what's goin' on with them. I have learned to "tune out" of these one way conversations. And I've started to realize that these people that have to inflate themselves all the time is because of their false sense of humility, but also their lack of self-esteem. Of course, they probably wouldn't say that tho'.

Told ya....it's always "someone else's fault" that I get full.

But.....what about me? And what about you?

Jesus says in James 4:10 to "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." And in I Peter 5:5b..."All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Also read Philippians 2:3-11.

We are told not to boast (about ourselves), to put others first, to not be FULL of ourselves. That's tough to do sometimes, isn't it? We receive compliments from others and we think to ourselves, "I must be pretty special!" Or we look around and think we are better than someone else or we can do a better job than them. Our head is now gettin' bigger and we are full. Have you ever been around those kind of people that make you feel "less" than them? It's not fun for sure. Let's make sure we don't treat others like this so that they don't say of us, "I've had my "fill" of her!" And please don't misunderstand me. There are appropriate times to let others know what's going on and most definitely praise your kids, for example. In fact, as parents, we DO need to encourage them! But sometimes, enough is enough already. I mean after all...there IS a God and we're not it!

What then should we be full of? Let me suggest one to you: the Holy Spirit. Memorizing and actually working on "doing" the 9 fruits of the spirit that are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 would be a good start of becoming full of something besides ourselves. I wonder if all of those were in check, how much less of us and more of Him would actually take place?

Ask yourself this question: "How can there be any more room for God if I'm so full of myself?" So move over (insert your own name)....and become full of GOD!


Acts 11:24: "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." How would you like that to be said of you by Jesus Himself someday? Sounds good to me...

Be Still...and go fishin' for your kids' hearts, souls, and minds!

My family recently enjoyed a trip out to our favorite vacation spot....Colorado! We absolutely love it out there....the temps were awesome and the view is unbeatable. Our girls love exploring anything and everything. We all had a great time and didn't want to come back!

Vacations mean a lot of things....a break from your normal everyday routine, some relaxation and rest, to get away from the t.v., computer, cell phone, etc., and just spend some uninterrupted time with your own family. Vacations DON'T mean, however, to take a break from God. For our week in Colorado, Matt and I chose to assign each of us (obviously minus Brecken) to one devotion on whichever day we wanted and wherever we wanted to talk about it. We told Macayla and Rachel about our idea a few weeks before we left, and they immediately started working on their devo. They were so excited about it! We each could choose whatever we wanted to teach about, so the devos I will tell you about was all their idea.

I wanted to do my devo at Garden of the gods in Colorado Springs. That was our 1st stop before heading to the lake, so I went first. I wrote everyone in my family a letter...even Brecken...which I will save for her to read someday. We had a little time to explore all the rock formations and take in all of God's beauty before we all picked a spot to sit down for a few minutes. Before I handed them their letter to read silently, I asked everyone their favorite part of Garden of the gods. We talked about God's creations, even bringing up one of the most recent...their baby sister. They were able to see the sonogram pictures and go to a doctor's visit when we found out what we were having. God's creations are beautiful, not just how He miraculously creates life, but in so many things around us! In my letter to each one in my family, I told them what I uniquely loved about them in how God created them. I want them to know (and always remember) that God created each of my girls exactly how He wanted them to be! Each of my 3 are different in many ways, and that's completely ok. There are many things I love about them, but I also included one big reason at the end of their letter...something that really stands out to me. As they read their letter, the lightening and thunder were rollin' in so I had to cut it a little short. I bought each of the girls a stone that has a word enscribed on it that best describes them in the last thing I wrote to them about, and the reason why...but I'll keep that between me and the girls. I wanted to give them something to always remember.

Readin' their letters...

"I can't read anyway...I might as well sleep!" :)

"Courage"

"Love"

"Joy"

Rachel wanted to do hers first when we got to Rainbow Lake. So the day after we arrived, she chose to do her devo in the big meeting room at the lake...the reason she chose that spot is because it overlooks the lake and is very quiet and peaceful up there. The view was awesome! Rachel is our "shyer" kid, so wasn't sure if she'd even want to do one on her own. I was wrong...she loved preparing for her devo! She had her notebook all ready, even with some visual aids. She talked and showed us pictures she had drawn of a little girl that is always talking, never quiet. And how if we are always talking, that we won't be able to "be still" and hear God. Rach asked us what keeps us from spending more time with God? We had several answers.....t.v., ipod, facebook, sleep, phone, Brecken (we all laughed at this answer.....not sayin' this is a bad reason, just an honest answer and it's the stage that's she in :). We can all think of a reason to be distracted from spending time with God. Rachel read us the verse, "Be still, and know that I am God." She even had bookmarks with that verse on it to give to us as a reminder. Her challenge to us is to spend 10 minutes everyday alone with God. When's the last time your 9 year old challenged you to do that? Convicting for sure. She did a great job, and Matt and I are so proud of her.

Rach had her notebook all ready!

Visual aid! :)

Brecken was her 'lil helper and passed out our bookmarks.

Our beautiful view!!

Next up...Macayla. She spent a lot of time in preparing her devo before we even left. She loves to write and draw, so she used her artistic talent to write and draw out a story about a girl goin' fishin'. She wanted to teach us by the lake. She talked of the girl prayin' and tryin' to be patient as she waited on that fish to hook on. It's hard bein' patient, and if you've ever prayed for that...well, then you know God will put you in situations that will teach you patience! The girl in her story had to have a lot of faith in God that He would come through, that she could do it. Who do you trust in? What person do you put all of your faith in? When she was done with her story, she asked us what our favorite part of fishin' was. We all had different answers. We also talked about fishin' for "men"...the most important kind of fishin'. Macayla's devotion was centered around Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." You all know it...but just a good reminder. She had her dad cut out blocks of wood for her before we left so she could print this verse on it for each of us. Now everytime I look at that, I'm reminded of the things Macayla was tryin' to teach us. We are also very proud of her and the excitement she showed in what she had for us that day.

Macayla readin' us her story...

She made these for everyone as a reminder. :)

Matt got the tail end of our vacation in his turn. We drove up to Cottonwood Pass, just a few miles away from Rainbow Lake. We waited until close to evening time. If you've never been, you've got to go...it's beautiful! The snow capped mountains (even in July) and the cooler temps up on the mountain always amaze me. We snapped a few pics, then all hiked down a bit to find a spot to sit...and to listen. Matt read us the verses out of Psalms 19:1-2..."The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge." Perfect to reflect on exactly where we were sitting. It's easy to get distracted out there takin' in all of God's wonderfully, beautifully, perfectly detailed work of His hands. Matt asked each of us what it makes us think of when we look around at the scenery. I mentioned God's detail in it all. It amazes me! Rachel looked further down the mountain and noticed the ice on the lake...so she mentioned ice skating. Macayla said "winter", because of all the snow. Matt mentioned feeling "small" compared to how big everything else was, but also knows just how much God cares about him.

Our family at Cottonwood Pass

Hikin' down to find a good spot

I have no idea what she was laughin' at, but this pic cracks me up! :)

Our favorite preacher...

I will always remember this week with lots of special memories. But one of my all-time favorite parts of the week were our family devotion times. I think the girls will always remember it too.

If you don't already take part in some quiet times with God as a family, then start now. Today. Make that investment in your kids' lives. Be still, take that time, and go fishin' after your kids' hearts, souls, and minds. I promise it will be worth it.

"What's New With You?"

Well I don't know what's new with you all, but I haven't even introduced you to our newest addition to our life. Brecken Autumn Bycroft, our 3rd daughter, was born July 30, 2010 at 7:56 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20" long. Brecken is such a joy to all of us! Big sisters Macayla and Rachel of course love her and are having fun watching her change and grow. She has beautiful blue eyes, the longest eyelashes, and a contagious smile.

Even though it has been 8 years since we've had a baby in the house, we cannot imagine our life without her. We prayed for years for God to allow us to have another child. I had struggled with some health issues, so we weren't sure if another pregnancy was going to happen or not. I remember one particular day...in the fall...sitting in my house alone watching a video about a family who had lost their little girl just hours after she was born. A question was asked..."If you could ask God to do ONE THING for you, just one thing, what would that be?" I remember sitting there on my couch crying my eyes and heart out, begging God to give us another baby. I just couldn't understand why after months and years of trying and praying, why He wasn't allowing that to happen. I asked God that day to please let that happen. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Just when Matt and I were about to give up on that prayer, (in fact, that very month where we said, "if it doesn't happen for us this month, we're going to give up on this"), God did what we thought was impossible. He surprised us with the news that I was pregnant! We couldn't believe it! What little faith that we had...He totally blew us away! What a blessing to carry this precious life within me. We couldn't wait to meet her! We love her so much, as we do our other two girls. Brecken has brought us all so much joy...we thank God for her. I am truly humbled to be the mom of 3 great kids!

I don't know why God seemed to make us "wait" longer on expanding our family. And though that waiting was very hard some days, Brecken was totally worth the wait. Our ways, plans, and timing are definitely not the Lord's ways, plans, and timing sometimes. I'm finding out more and more in life that He knows better. Now if I can just remember that lesson the next time I'm "waiting" on something... ;)

Josh Wilson - Savior, Please

My awesome cousin Jonathan introduced this song to me. It is called "Savior, Please" by Josh Wilson. I had never heard it before. He came up for a few weeks to lead worship at our church and sang this song. I fell in love with it! I want you to take a listen to it. This song describes how I have felt many times in my journey with Jesus. Though I try, I know that "I can't do this alone". There's been many times I've tried to be "tough" in front of others, despite the struggles I may be dealing with or the heartache I may be feeling inside. Thank you to those who I can be "weak" with or truly myself with...I appreciate your consistent friendship and support. So take a listen...I hope this song encourages you as much as it has me, and helps you depend on God just a little bit more. Thank you, God, for saving me through your Son.

Oh, and by the way Jonathan...I think you sing this better than Josh! FOR REAL J-DIZZLE!!! :)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is...SELF CONTROL"

We have come to the last fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians. This fruit is Self Control. How many of you struggle with this one? Randomly chosen to share thoughts on this is my new friend Melissa Heim.

I had the privilege of meeting Melissa two years ago this month. This was totally a God thing that we were able to meet. Let me explain how this happened. I've written about our time at SonScape before (you can see this in my blog archives), but it was at SonScape Retreats in Colorado that I met Melissa. Matt and I had gone there for a week for ministry and marriage renewal, refreshment, and encouragement. Melissa and her husband Luke, were there as well for many of the same things. We, along with some other great couples and now friends of ours, were all basically thrown into a room together for an entire week. Luke and Melissa were two of those that were so easy for us to get to know. They are a special couple with 3 great kids and a love for God! And a little known fact: In getting to know Melissa that week, we found out that she has cousins in a small town of Tyro where my husband is from. It really is a small world! :)

I wanted to include Melissa in this fruit of the Spirit series because she has worked with youth and now with young families alongside her husband. So she brings some wisdom and years in the ministry as well. She is young, but also is mature and desires to do what God wants her to do. Please open up your heart and mind to what she has to share with you. What area of your life do you need to seek God's help in concerning "self control"?


Name: Melissa Heim
Hometown: Oakley, KS (western plains close to the Colorado border)
Married to: Luke Heim for almost 8 years now. He was a youth pastor for most of that time, and has recently been “promoted” to associate pastor with a focus on youth and young families.
Family: 2 daughters (Maryanne, 5 and Naomi, 3) and 1 son (Lucas, 1)
Current Living: Pueblo, CO
Hobbies: Reading, sewing, other crafts, playing the piano, garage saling, outdoorsy things (camping, hiking, etc), surfing the web (do people still call it that?!)

And now, some challenging words from Melissa...


"My name is Melissa and I am a garage sale-aholic. I go every weekend, sometimes hitting 25 plus per day! I have been in the rain, snow, and 100 degree heat, and I have waited in line for thirty minutes just to get into a good sale. Now, to defend myself a little, garage saling is part of my job. I am a stay-at-home mom, and to make a little extra to support our family, I run a small eBay business, buying people’s “treasures” and reselling them. Because I go to so many garage sales, I see a ridiculous amount of stuff, and because I see so much stuff, I am tempted to buy a lot of stuff! Obviously I can’t buy everything I want, so I must practice self-control constantly.

So what is self-control anyway? I asked my friends on Facebook what they thought, and here were some responses. Self-control is…

knowing you can, but deciding you won't.
biting your tongue, when you want to speak your mind.
knowing right from wrong and acting on it.
thinking before acting.

Then I did a Google search, and here is what I got from Wikipedia. “Self-control is the ability to control one's emotions, behavior and desires in order to efficiently manage one's future.”

Finally, I went to the Bible to see what the Ultimate Authority says about self-control. Titus 2:11-14 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

These verses warn us that at some point, we are going to be tempted and that we must say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. Sounds easy enough, right? Just walk away and that is it? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, which is why people have done numerous studies to find out how we can best build self-control. From the results, some of the best techniques found to build self-control are self-denial, physical restraint, deprivation, distraction, medication and punishment.

None of these techniques sound very fun to me! I don’t want to tie myself down to avoid garage sales! Let’s go back to the Titus section again. It says that the “grace of God . . . teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions.” What I get out of this is that we’re not in this alone! Zechariah 4:6 states “'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.” The study results mentioned above definitely seem to be by “might or power” but the LORD Almighty is saying, “Hold on! It’s by my Spirit that you are going to do good things!”

But the sinful nature is powerful. Galatians 5:17 tells us that “the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other” It’s a battle every day just to live upright and godly lives! But go back one verse to 5:16 and God says “live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

If you live by the Spirit, you will be able to maintain self-control. If we are not living by the Spirit, we are living under the control of our sinful nature. Living “by the Spirit” is a conscious decision to let the Holy Spirit to be in control over our every thought, word and deed.

Proverbs 25:28 states, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." Let’s not be like these vulnerable cities, unable to defend ourselves from outside attacks. Let’s live by the Spirit and have strong walls, ones that are able to protect us from the enemy!

This week focus your prayers on self-control. What situations do you place yourself in which your walls are already weak? Make a list of areas in your life that you feel a little self-control and strength are necessary, and ask the Lord to help you overcome the temptations you face. ."


Thanks Melissa, for your challenging words to stay in tune with the Spirit. It's so easy to forget that and do what we want to do. Also, thanks for your patience in posting this! And I'm thinkin' we all need a SonScape reunion...if for no other reason than a rematch in ping pong so I can beat you this time!!! :)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is...GENTLENESS"

We have come to the 8th fruit of the Spirit, which is Gentleness. My guest writer for this one is my college friend Rebecca Kershner. Before I transferred to Ozark Christian College, I was a student at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. (We Hoosiers like to refer to Bloomington as "B-town"...it just sounds cool, doesn't it?)

I had the opportunity to live in the Christian Campus House with some other great Christian girls. We also had a weekly Bible study/fellowship time and Rebecca became involved with that. We began to get to know each other through this. I wanted to include Rebecca in this blog because she is the wife of a campus minister now. She also is very involved and works with the college girls there in that ministry.

If I had to sum up Rebecca in 3 words or phrases, it would be this:
1) FUN!!!
2) Contagious Laugh
3) Genuine

Though I'm pretty sure Rebecca could make absolutely anyone laugh (yes, including her husband Bill :)...I also know how big of a heart she has not only for her family, but for people. She is genuine and sincere to those she meets and interacts with, and her great outgoing personality just shines through. And she has FUN doing all of that! Sometimes, at least in my experience anyway, the life of full time vocational ministry isn't always fun. It doesn't always make you laugh. And we are good at saying "I'm fine", faking our way through life's troubles and not being genuine ourselves. Being two crazy college kids at one time, I had things I struggled with in college and Rebecca did too. We shared stories, trials, worries, but also laughed a ton together! There's too many to count! (Rebecca, remember how many Nike socks I brought on that mission trip that one time? I still have that picture! I've changed since then too though...I'm all about Adidas now! :)

Ok, back to our audience. Rebecca and I had the privilege of getting to know another friend of ours Jeanne. She is also a lively girl who loved to have fun and laugh. But she also was searching for something more...and that was Jesus. With God's help and leading through our friendship with her, Jeanne got to know Jesus and accepted Him through baptism. I still think of that to this day. True Christian friendships...there's really nothing better.

My family still lives in Indiana and our entire family had the chance to go to an I.U. football game last September to watch my dad be honored during halftime. I was thrilled to see Bill and Rebecca there, sitting in their high dollar seats. (Just jokin' Reba! :) We tried to talk, but security wouldn't allow for it. (Yet another funny memory). We (Rebecca, another friend of ours from C.S.F. Amy, and I) had to take the conversation outside! :) It was great seeing her and catching up and hearing the stories about my old stompin' grounds at I.U. and the campus house.

Commercial time: If anyone reading this knows of anyone wanting to attend I.U. and live in an awesome environment surrounded by other believers and encouragers, check this out: www.iucsf.com. (Indiana University Christian Student Fellowship)

Rebecca, thanks for your willingness to share your heart. I appreciate your friendship, your laughter, and your genuine caring heart. Keep up the good work there, and God bless your family!



Name: Rebecca Kershner
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Married to: Bill Kershner
Family: 2 kiddos...a son, Charlie age 6 and a daughter, Emma age 4
Current Living: Bloomington, IN
Hobbies: Playing outside!


Some thoughts on gentleness from Rebecca...

"Gentleness: acting in a manner that is gentle and mild and even-tempered.

I just finished unpacking the last few boxes from our first move with 2 kids. We moved across town last weekend and are finally settled in our new home after months of packing and unpacking. I share this with you because the last word to describe how I have behaved in those last few months is anything but GENTLE. Oh how God is always teaching us and shaping us—even during those times in life when it’s just inconvenient like….let’s say……with two small kids….in the middle of the summer….when you’re trying to pack up your life and move across town.

When I think of the word gentleness the scripture that pops into my head is the scripture from Matthew 11:29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

I have always loved this verse. I always picture working alongside Jesus. I imagine him being my work partner. What a great co-worker. I picture Jesus so chill to work with. So easy going. Enjoying every minute of my time with him. Ever had one of your best friends work with you and the time flies because you work so well together and have so much fun it doesn’t feel like work? You just enjoy it. Oh to be gentle and even-tempered like Jesus in the midst of packing a house!

Can you imagine the opposite? I’m sure you have worked with people who are not gentle and humble. I know I have and it definitely makes for an unpleasant work experience. In fact, if I’m completely honest, I know I have been the opposite of gentle: hard, unkind, aggressive, offensive, strong, sharp. Why in those stressful, overwhelming moments do I not take on his yolk?

I am so grateful for the example we have in Jesus. I love that he offers us the opportunity to come alongside him and learn. And when we do we receive the greatest gift that comes from gentleness...“rest for our souls.” I don’t know about you, but I could use some rest for my soul after unpacking a few hundred boxes!!!"

"But the fruit of the Spirit is...FAITHFULNESS"

We are to our 7th fruit of the Spirit, which is Faithfulness. The writer of this fruit is Kathy Bycroft...my mom-in-law. If you know Kathy at all, she loves to study God's word, check out the commentaries, and do word studies of all kinds. So I knew that I had to include her in this because of the amount of wisdom that God has given to her. She is a student of the Word for sure, and loves to learn. She doesn't just stop there...she not only teaches what she has learned to young kids, but teaches adult women in leading studies for them, whether it be small groups or Bible studies for all that want to take part. She even has written some of her own material...not all can do this. This takes a lot of time, and "faithfulness" to what you think is important...and that is to reach others for Jesus.

I have known Kathy now for almost 16 years. We didn't just naturally become close right when we met. This took time and a lot of getting to know each other and what we were about. I actually was kind of scared of her when I first met her...ok, maybe the right word is "intimidated". I found out that we are different in many ways, but both committed to God. I'm glad to say that I have a good relationship with my mother-in-law. Not everyone has that. So I'm thankful. I have learned a few things from her too over the years. Anything from learning from her Biblical wisdom...to learning different ways to cook for a diabetic...to something I thought I would never do, and that is working in the garden snappin' beans! I am proud of this accomplishment since I didn't grow up a country girl. She is a very strong woman with thick skin. I can tell in the different trials or difficulties that she has gone through in her life, that she has learned to take it all to God, and not whine about it. So I think it's fitting that she was randomly chosen for this fruit of "faithfulness". Kathy has proven faithful time and time again to God, and to her family and friends.

You're in for a lesson as you read this. The words that she wrote reflect who she is. Kathy is a simple and to the point kind of girl...she pretty much tells ya like it is. It took me a while to figure this out! :) But I got it now. Throw in truth and a lot of boldness and there you have it!

And by the way Kathy, I'm not scared of you anymore! I'd like to think I helped loosen you up a little with my good sense of humor! Love ya! ;)

Name: Kathy Bycroft
Hometown: Tyro, KS
Married to: David Bycroft (they celebrated 40 years of marriage last October...see above pic!) And they've been ministering at Tyro for that long too as senior minister and wife.
Family: 1 daughter and 2 sons, all married...along with 8 grandchildren and another on the way this summer!
Current Living: Tyro, KS
Hobbies: collects Iris and herringbone depression glass; makes wedding cakes and all of the birthday cakes for all the grandkids (very creative cakes I might add!); fixes food for families with new babies, or home from the hospital, or with other needs; gardener and canner of veggies; has taught Sunday School since she was a teenager; plays the piano; loves her grandkids and possibly the biggest is this: takes care of Dave! :)


And now, a lesson from Kathy...


"FAITHFULNESS"


"We have just celebrated a special occasion within our church family. All the couples who have been married 50 years or more were invited to an evening in their honor. Over a thousand years of marriage commitment and faithfulness were represented there!

What keeps two people together that long?

It’s not an easy thing, especially in our time and society when no one seems to stick to much for very long.


Don’t like your job? Just quit and find another one. Your spouse getting old or not pleasing you in some way? Leave and find someone "better".

Not happy with your church? Go see if there’s another one that will fill your "needs". There are plenty around to choose from! God disappoint you in some way? Give up on Him!


Faithfulness (commitment) is a rare commodity these days. People don’t want to stay in for the long haul in much of anything. Why?? Because we are a selfish people. That’s the bottom line. We want things to please us, or we will take our toys and play elsewhere.

How do we overcome this? It’s only by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, because we certainly aren’t faithful people by any natural inclination.

So we must put to death the natural and live by the Spirit.

God Himself is the ultimate example of faithfulness.

Most of the time, when asked to describe God’s nature, we say He is LOVE. But did you know He is called FAITHFUL (in both the Old and New Testaments) more times than He is called LOVE? Without the faithfulness of God...His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness would mean nothing.

Without His faithfulness, we wouldn’t know whether we could trust Him to carry through on His other promises.

And so without my being willing to be faithful to God and keeping my promise of commitment to Him, my talk of love, joy and peace; my attempts at being kind and good mean nothing.

There is no such thing as a person who is “sorta faithful”. You either are or you aren’t. Would a wife say her husband had been faithful to her if he’d only had a few affairs over the course of their marriage? Would a husband say his wife had been faithful if she took his paycheck every week but spent it on another man?

I think not!

And so neither are we faithful when we want the blessings God gives us, but don’t want the responsibility of commitment to Him that comes with the blessings.

It’s really an issue of what you believe is true. If God is the truth, then He deserves our faithfulness. And if you are not totally faithful, then maybe you don’t really believe He is THE TRUTH.


Check yourself: Your faithfulness to Him shows what you really believe about Him."

"But the fruit of the Spirit is...GOODNESS"

The sixth fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians is...Goodness. The chosen writer for this one is Lisa Witte. I met Lisa wayyyyyyyy back in our college years at Ozark Christian College. Though we didn't hang out and do a lot together, I always knew Lisa to be very kind, sweet, and a hard worker. She and her high school sweetheart, Bob, both were students at OCC during the time I was there, and now they are happily married (almost 13 years, which is the same amount of years as my husband and me! :) The ironic thing is now they both serve in full time ministry at First Christian Church in Brazil, IN...which just happens to be my homechurch. Bob is the preaching minister there. So when my family can make it back to Brazil for a visit or a holiday with my family, we get to visit with Bob and Lisa for a short time. We have reconnected a little bit more in that way, which is pretty cool.

I know Lisa is passionate about ministry, which is just one reason why I asked her to be a part of this. I hope you are as blessed and encouraged to read what's on her mind and heart as I was when I read it. Lisa, thank you. I heard you were nervous about being in such company of writers such as Pat Merold and Cindy Dagnan. Here's the cool thing...we were not created the same. We are all different with many different talents, gifts, and interests. Just like they (and other contributors to this blog) have written in their own unique way, so have you. I have been blessed and challenged by each one, yours included. I appreciate the creativity you have brought to this. I also appreciate the kind of Godly examples you and Bob are to your boys...it is evident in your writing. We can learn a lot from our kids, can't we? ;)

Name: Lisa Witte
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Married to: Bob Witte
Family: 2 cute sons...Joshua and Caleb
Current Living: Brazil, IN
Hobbies: travel, spending time with my boys and friends, eating out, playing games (that I can win), puzzles, facebooking, watching tv, exercising


And now, wisdom from Lisa...


"For the past few weeks I’ve been pondering about goodness, the sixth Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians. When Jennifer asked me to be one of her contributors for her blog I was very excited and started thinking of all the different angles I could take with each fruit and what examples I could share. Then she sends out an email that states I’ve been randomly selected for the fruit of goodness….goodness. My first thought is “What?! Goodness?! You’ve got to be kidding me! I didn’t have even ONE angle for goodness!!”

How do you even define goodness? In today’s world we use the word good to mean so many different things.


Oh my goodness gracious!!!

Now be a good boy!

This chocolate fudge cake is soooo good!

That was a pretty good movie.

How are you doing? Good.

Give the cake batter a good mixing.

Of course exercise is good for you!

It was so good of you to call!

I hope you brought home good grades this semester.

Are the leftovers still good or do we need to throw them out?

Could you please give me a good reason why you are late?

Good grief!

God is good.


When using the word good we usually mean it’s better than OK, but not quite as superior as excellent. There’s always room for improvement. But if that’s the case, then why does the Bible say God is good? No way can God improve. Obviously our definition of good and God’s definition are far different.

In Galatians the Greek word for goodness is agathosune which means uprightness of heart and life. Webster’s dictionary defines upright as “marked by a strong moral rectitude or integrity”. This makes much more sense as to why the Bible describes God as good. God’s nature exudes goodness. He is just, honorable, righteous and truthful.

But since God is good he is aggressive in his goodness, meaning that he disciplines us because we lack goodness. It is only possible to achieve goodness through the Holy Spirit. It goes back to the age old question as to whether man is inherently good or bad. The Bible uses the terms human nature and sinful nature synonymously. It is in man’s nature to sin. But Galatians 5:22 gives us hope that by possessing the Holy Spirit we too can be characterized by God’s fruitful nature.

Knowing the Holy Spirit instills goodness in me, how is that revealed in my life? I’ve been struggling to come up with a personal example. I was discussing this with my husband, there are so many times when I can stand up for what is “good” in the “real” world, but sadly in my Christian bubble I tend to take a backseat and not voice God’s truth and discipline when I see it needs to be heard. I holdback my words, not only because I’m quiet natured and shy (those that know me well, quit laughing!) but being a pastor’s wife, I know what I say has the possibility to reflect on my husband’s position. It’s ridiculous, I know! Of all people I should be one that displays goodness and protects the church from sin. But I’ve also seen too many times when one person’s good intentions and righteousness can be construed as something totally different. I have much to learn, I tell my children all the time that you can only control you, not anyone else...I need to take my own advice, huh?

Just last night, my oldest son, Josh, gave me a glimpse of what goodness is. He was invited to go see a movie with some friends. My husband and I try to monitor what movies would be appropriate for our children. We take advantage of Focus on the Family’s website, www.pluggedin.com, it gives a detailed rundown of content (language, sexual, violence, spiritual, etc.) that is in a movie. We looked up this show and I saw there was some language in it. Josh is getting older and I realize that he will be exposed more and more to these types of things, so my husband and I decided that we’ll let him go. I told him he was allowed to go, but gave him a motherly pep talk, that just because he hears bad words in a movie doesn’t mean he should say them. I also told him if there is something onscreen that is inappropriate to close his eyes. I thought giving him some tips now would help when he is faced with these situations in the future. He was excited and went on with his day. After dinner, I was in my office and Josh comes in to tell me that he’s decided he doesn’t want to see the movie now. I notice his face was red and tears were welling up in his eyes.

I asked, “Why don’t you want to see the movie now?”

“I don’t like to hear people say bad words", he answered.

At this point the tears were ready to spill over. I tried to reason with him, “Josh, you’ve seen other movies that people said bad words.”

Josh said, “Yes, but I didn’t know they were going to say them before watching the movie.”

I was trying to understand, “Why don’t you like to hear those words?” Duh…I don’t like to hear people talk like that either! He just shrugged his shoulders. “Is it you don’t like the way it makes you feel inside?”

Tears streaming down his face, he shook his head yes. All this from a 10 yr. old boy! What integrity he has! I could feel God’s goodness radiating from him! I could only guess that he was crying because he was torn between being with his friends at the movies and letting the Holy Spirit guide him to goodness.

I never thought I would envy something my child has. Making those decisions are hard and how often do we tend to close our eyes to sin, then to avoid it all together. Not only is goodness used to rebuke others, but it is used to discipline ourselves. I think we need to listen a little more closely and act upon the fruit the Holy Spirit adorns us with.

God is Good!"

"But the fruit of the Spirit is...KINDNESS"

The fifth fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians is...Kindness. The contributor of this week's writing is my friend Cindy Dagnan. She is my punctual one...having this done when asked to for a couple of weeks now. Sadly, I am just now getting this posted!

I met Cindy for the first time last fall at a womens' retreat in Thayer, KS. I had heard about her gifts in speaking and writing, so I was very excited to be able to go and listen to her. And even just after hearing her speak two different times, I will say she's one of the best! God truly has blessed her with this ability to be used by Him to speak to our hearts...my heart. Cindy has been through a lot in her life, but she's remained faithful to our God. She speaks with such openness, honesty, and compassion. I can tell her heart's desire is for all women everywhere to fully grasp just how much our God loves us. Her heart is good, her heart is pure. Though I just met her last fall, I have already emailed her a few times now, pricking her brain about some things. I figured with daughter #3 coming for us, who better to ask than Cindy, who is the mother of FOUR daughters? I'd say she has something to offer there! :)

Here's some more facts about Cindy that I'd like to share with you:
-besides being a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom, she's also...an author, a speaker, and a chocolate lover;
-she has spoken at national conferences, retreats, womens' functions, and marriage seminars (and I believe has even spoken with her husband concerning marriage);
-she has written articles for Today's Christian Women and Focus on the Family;
-she has written 5 books (her most recent book is Hot Chocolate for Couples...you can find the others on her website);
-she also has a newsletter that you can subscribe to.

To read and learn more about Cindy, please check out her "Wannabe Woman" blog at:
www.cindydagnan.com


Cindy, it was my privilege to go and hear you speak about what God layed on your heart to tell us that beautiful fall evening. Thank you for your willingess to be used by God in this way. Wanna know a little secret? I get just a little envious when I hear people like you speak. This has always been a passion of mine, but never feel "good enough". I guess I'm one of those "wanna-be women"! ;)

Name: Cindy Siglar Dagnan
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Married to: One amazing man, Greg Dagnan
Family: Greg and Cindy have 4 beautiful daughters
Current Living: Webb City, MO
Hobbies: "I love Krispy Kremes, books, and lightning bugs!"


And now, let's hear from Cindy...


Kindness
Cindy Sigler Dagnan

"I saw it perched on the edge of the bookshelf next to my tattered, but well-loved pink teddy bear with the navy blue paws, nearly every day of my growing up years. A thin hardcover book with a mint green cover and faintly pastel pen & ink drawings: Kindness Is…

I recall a few of its admonitions. “Kindness is letting your little brother hold the new baby first.” “Kindness is pushing the smaller ones on the swing.” “Kindness is putting others first.”

We probably don’t think much about kindness as a word these days. It’s relegated to one of the listed fruit produced in us by the Holy Spirit. It’s a lovely phrase from novels of long ago, “Would you do me the kindness of…”

We long to love. We pray reluctantly for patience. We thrive on joy; whimper about faithfulness and search for peace. Kindness gets lost in the endless list of “should bes.” Frankly, it doesn’t seem quite as important, quite as—ahem—spiritual.

There are several words in the New Testament Greek Lexicon which can be used for kindness or goodness. My favorites are agathosune [pronounced ag-ath-o-soo-nay], meaning “uprightness of heart and life, goodness, kindness” and chrestotes, meaning “moral goodness, kindness, integrity.”

Now that we’ve forayed for an entire paragraph into a baby Greek lesson, perhaps it seems a bit more relevant. :) I’m thinking it should be more than that – it’s downright daunting! Why? Because to be perfectly honest, most of us put on a respectable front, but basically, we really want what we want. [I like my favorite restaurant. I want the heat up when I’m cold and the air down when I’m hot. I want to eat the last Krispy Kreme in the sack. I really, really like chick flicks and sometimes I’d rather be left alone without anybody needing me.] We just want to look like self-sacrificing, kind “good girls.”

While raising our four daughters, I frequently find myself saying [pleading, beseeching even], “Girls! Be kind to each other.” What do we mean when we say that? I suppose we can mean, “Be nice.” And yet, that sounds so innocuous. I vote that we dig a bit more deeply. Although the verse that defines kindness in one of the simplest ways doesn’t even use the word, I think the words we’ve come to call The Golden Rule sum it up best: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Kindness then, is close cousins with compassion and it snuggles up next to goodness with a bit of basic manners swirled in, like colorful sprinkles flowing down the top of an ice cream sundae. Naturally, kindness lives in the neighborhood of love. It means putting ourselves in another’s place and truly trying to experience life from their perspective.

Having kindness as a priority means a huge shift in focus, from self-centered to others-focused. Sigh. See? Not as easy as it looked. And, having graduated from my mint green children’s book, what might kindness look like, all grown up?

Kindness means noticing another’s needs and reaching out first, sometimes at cost to ourselves.

Kindness is a Snickers bar and a bottle of water for the bell ringers at Christmas time. It’s a copy of the New Testament together with a coupon for a McDonald’s hamburger for the guy holding a cardboard sign at the intersection of grace and ordinary.

Kindness means reading one more story, extending grace and having the courage to say “no” sometimes, even if it means our kids don’t like us right then.

Kindness means not volunteering our spouse for something without first consulting them and occasionally encouraging them not to anything, but just to relax.

Kindness is a word aptly spoken, an encouraging smile, a scripture and a witty line or two arriving in the mail.

Kindness is a meal after the new baby, a casserole during recovery from surgery and an “I’m sorry you have cancer” cheesecake.

Kindness brings flowers to the widow, an offer of help to the overwhelmed mom and a speech of gratitude to our hardworking husbands.

Kindness notices what our children do right instead of endlessly harping on what they’ve forgotten to do.

Kindness is the emotional equivalent of flannel jammies and hot cocoa on a snowy morning or the sweet kiss of icy lemonade on a sweltering July afternoon.

Kindness is letting someone in line ahead of you, not laying on the horn in the face of someone’s traffic stupidity, and being genuinely nice to the woman who drives you nuts at Thursday morning Bible study.

Kindness is a way of life. It is treating people as though they are everything, since they are everything to the One who made them."


Thank you for your thoughts Cindy! Now everyone else, go check out her website:
www.cindydagnan.com