Am I Hearing Things?
Posted: Monday, March 15, 2010 Filed under: 2k7 | Tags: berkshires, Bible, calling, feed my sheep, john 21, missionary, reinstatement of peter, Urban Comments Off on Am I Hearing Things?So, Cindy and I are in the Berkshires….enjoying the beautiful weather and sites. I had been reading a book called Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home by Robert Foster, the same guy that wrote Celebration of Discipline. Cindy and I also read some novel by Nicholas Sparks, too. Actually, I read the whole book aloud to her. She loves listening to books on tape, but doesn’t really like to read. So I was her live book reader! It was fun!
Cindy and Me....in the Berkshires
But, one of my favorite parts of the trip was just driving around in the convertible…just chillin’. One particular day we went driving late in the day and the sun was going down, but we still had the top down and were wrapped up like Eskimos without a care in the world!! (note the pic!) While looking up at the beautiful mountain, I was took a few minutes to kinda softly sing/hum a song….one of the songs that we would sing at church that was praising God. I sensed this voice saying, Marti, do YOU love me? I was like…well…uh… yeah. Of course I do. I heard it again….do you LOVE me? Me: Well Duh! Yes. You know I do. What’s this all about? Voice: One more time…do you love ME? Me: I just laughed….and said….ok. YES!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
I didn’t think too much more of it. Until the day we flew back…stuck on a layover @ JFK. I was reading the last few chapters of the book on prayer. The last chapter is on Radical Prayer. Wow, I wish I could find my copy. But, one of the last pages, could even be THE last page…the author was writing about a conversation between Peter and Jesus in John 21. The scripture states that Jesus asked Peter 3 times in 3 different ways: do you love me?
You probably know this scripture…
John 21: 15-17
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Then it hit me… Feed my sheep. I sat in the airport and wept. Cindy didn’t know what to do with me, and frankly, I wasn’t ready to talk about it. As a matter of fact, few people have even heard this story. It’s been a while….2.5 years ago…of processing it with the Lord. The Lord has called me to “feed His sheep”. For the last 2.5 years, I have been pondering and praying…what all does that mean? I still don’t have a full picture of it.
- For one…I know that I am called to feed HIS sheep. They are not MINE…but HIS. He is in control, not me. I can only do what I can do…and leave the rest up to Him. I haven’t always felt that way….thinking I had to do it all on my own and in my own energy. I didn’t always really trust that God’s got it. I have had to learn that…over and over, actually.
- Another…I am called to serve, to be Jesus and bring Jesus to HIS people. I needed to learn to step out….to be bold in that. The Lord has been equipping me for that.
- Remember…the other ½ of my pair. I think he was prepping me for how we would do that together. (More to come on that one!)
- In John 21 it refers to this part of the chapter as Peter’s reinstatement. I think this too was my reinstatement. I can’t remember denying Jesus 3 distinct times like Peter did…but, there had been sin in my life that needed to be confessed and forgiven. It was definitely a cleansing time.
- Lastly, I don’t think He is done with this scripture yet…I think there is more to come. I will continue to seek God’s will in my calling…my ministry.
Tomorrow…more on the story on how I met the other ½. Stay tuned!!
God in Nature
Posted: Sunday, March 14, 2010 Filed under: 2k7 Comments Off on God in NatureI’m a little late posting today. Louis tells me to give myself a break…that Sundays are usually not a fasting day during Lent. (That is why Lent is only 40 days long….because it doesn’t count Sundays!!!) I’m not legalistic about this, but I committed to posting every day during Lent…so that is what I shall do! I’m good at starting a lot of things, but I don’t always finish or do it completely. This is one that I want to stick to…all the way to Easter! Let’s just say, I need a bit more discipline in my life.
In October 2007, my friend Cindy and I went on a wonderful trip to the Berkshires…mountains of western Massachusetts (almost in NY State). It was a WONDERFUL trip that was relaxing and just totally chill. We had no where we needed to be at any time. We had rented a convertible, so sometimes we would just tool around the mountains of Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire.
Cindy is a great travel companion. You know…you could just ride down the road with no need to speak…no awkward silences…but just a comfortable quiet time. Some times we would chat..some times we would just ride.
For a couple of years prior to that, I had been on a God in Nature focus. So, Cindy tolerated me screaming…STOP!!!!…so I could take a wonderful picture of something in God’s creation..clouds, mountains, streams, rocks, etc. So…many of the pics that you have seen have been from that trip. In the evening when we would get back from our adventures, I would go through the pics and my Bible picking out scriptures to go with each picture. As you take a look, what scriptures would you put with each?
Tomorrow, I will share an important part of this story….My Calling. But, for today, I hope you enjoy some more pictures of our trip. Check back Monday for more of my trip to Berkshires and how God spoke to me…
Generous “George”
Posted: Saturday, March 13, 2010 Filed under: 2k7 | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, divine appointment, generosity, missionary, obedience, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban, youth retreat 1 Comment
Richmond - Downtown
After a few days of posting on other stuff…let’s get back to the story….
Back at work downtown and on the road, divine appointments were occurring on a regular basis. At this point, I was beginning to expect them…to actually look for moments that God was orchestrating. I was beginning to wonder were these opportunities there all the time? I had been just missing them? Some…I didn’t even know they were occurring until much later.
There was this one time…when I received a call from a work colleague from several states away. This was not unusual because I worked with people all across the nation and talked to them daily. But, this call was different. I really didn’t know the person, but he acted like he knew me. I haven’t talked to him about this post…so I will just call him “George”.
So…George calls me to tell ME a story. It was not unusual for people to ask ME to tell them a story…something that had happened in my community. But, he was going to tell me HIS story. George was calling to see how he could help my “kids”. He had gotten a significant bonus and wanted to share it. After giving George the name and address of Commonwealth Chapel, he promptly wrote a check to my church, designating it to m2h (Miss Marti’s House). He had remembered hearing my story about the kids at one of our company gatherings and wanted to give back. I was really shocked, surprised yet grateful, because I, for the life of me, could NOT remember who he was.
Months go by and it was time for me to attend a regular dinner meeting for work, where lots of people come from all over. Work was demanding my attention that evening and I ran a little late, so I stood at the door waiting for the opening remarks to conclude and checking out the full room for empty seats. After quietly slipping in and dinner started, I met the people around me. Go figure…who did I sit next to, but GEORGE! It was crazy…in a good kind of way. We continued our conversation from the previous phone call.
I confessed that I was embarrassed to admit that I had NO remembrance of meeting him or telling him about my kids, as I attended many corporate functions. George then said, Marti…you shouldn’t feel embarrassed. I am the embarrassed one. After we figured out where we had been and who we had been with, he stated…that he had WAY too much to drink that night and could remember very little from the evening. Very little except meeting me and hearing about what I was doing in SBH. At work, I couldn’t actually say…How God was moving in SBH, but that is what I alluded to when I talked about my calling.
George went home, touched by what he had heard and decided to give back to the community. He started to volunteer and give of his time, but soon realized that this wasn’t what he thought he should be doing. He then felt called to go back to church and went to Mass for the first time in years…or decades. George picked up the Word and it leapt off the page. At one point it felt like he was being literally pushed in the middle of his back…to go and do something. Being pressed so hard in the back that he turned around to see who was pushing him, and no one was there.
kids chillin' at Willow Run Retreat
George felt this overwhelming urge to give of his finances and that is when he called me. The timing could NOT have been more right. The youth group was planning their first youth retreat and my kids couldn’t afford to go. But, the money that George provided was the PERFECT amount to cover every kid! Only GOD can provide like that. I’m so thankful for George and his timely provisions that came several more times after that. May God richly bless him for his generosity and obedience.
This wasn’t the only time that God was at work on my job. There have been so many times when I ran into people “for such a time as this”…where I could encourage and bring hope. I can think of distinct times on flights, in the lunchroom, on the phone, and outside a courtroom. Work isn’t the easiest place to openly share your faith, for fear of being accused of religious discrimination. I was faced with that at least once and again, it was unfounded.
I don’t push my faith on others, but it IS a part of my life. So, when people ask why I wasn’t moving to StL or why I lived where I did, I can tell them. It was great to have like-minded colleagues to talk to at a time when the market was crashing, financial companies were folding, and times were scary for many people. But we knew…Who sat on THE throne.
I am reminded that we ALL need Jesus! Regardless of what our status is in life. I realized that I had (or have) 2 mission fields…at home in SBH and at work (until further notice, anyway!). Both…the spiritual “least of these”.
In addition, I learned that if God can use a snake, a donkey, a burning bush….He can certainly use ME! I just have to be open…and willing…to be used. There really seems to be a theme in the posts, doesn’t it?
Listening…
Obedience…
Risk…
Willingness…
Change…
Inconvenience…
Do you recognize any other themes I might be missing? And…what themes do you track in your OWN life? Is God trying to tell you anything?
Just for my friend, Jeanine…
Posted: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Filed under: 2k7, Louis and Me! | Tags: bible study, Faith, Jesus, missionary, needle's eye, NEM, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban 4 CommentsI have to admit…I have been very preoccupied the last couple of days. I typically write the first draft of my post a day or 2 in advance….and then tweak it as the “due date” looms. Well…due to distractions that regular life has brought me AND the recent funeral today plus the death of my neighbor’s grandson…I’m doubly distracted and not processing very well. So, I’m picking an easy (and welcomed!) topic today! Back to Louis and Me!!! YAY!! I can hear my friend Jeanine cheering! She encourages me to write more…and not to leave her hanging because she hasn’t heard the story before! So, Jeanine…this is for you!!! Thanks for your encouragement!! I need it! btw – check out her beautiful photography blog by clicking her name anywhere in this post!
Ok…so I left off with praying for the other ½ of my pair and Don telling me about a guy who never calls….right? If you need to catch up….click Louis and Me! in the sidebar to the right…
Our 3 Lists Written in 02.07. 1 down...2 to go! (Yes...out of focus on purpose!!!)
Marc continued to come into work…encouraging me…and telling me that he had been “puttin’ in knee time” for me! I still had my own copy of the list that I was praying over…along with my 2 friends’ lists (who I am STILL praying for!!!!!).
The work merger had been announced in the spring…and we were alllll wondering…whether our jobs were moving to St Louis (StL). That fall, the word came. Yes, my team’s jobs were moving. I was a leader of about 40 people in 2 locations, Richmond and StL….with about 25-30 people in Richmond…and they were deciding that all the jobs had to located in StL. I was praying for my team and me…for good decisions. (btw – some of them are still looking for jobs if you know of any open HR/Recruiting gigs in Richmond!!!)
I spent a many many night on my face asking the Lord if I should move to StL. I said…if that is what you are asking, then that is what I would do. I asked Him if I would meet my other ½ in StL? But that just never landed on me right. The Lord had said I would meet the other ½ of my pair to serve SBH. So how could I move, right?
But, I prayed for confirmation. And received it. I told my manager that I would NOT make the move. No amount of money or job position could convince me to move. But, fears set in. How would I make a living? Where would I get a job, etc? It was definitely a faith building time for me! I had to trust the Lord.
Meanwhile, I was sooo sure that I was going to meet the other ½ in December 2007, I stopped praying for it! Yes….let me repeat, I stopped praying for it to happen. I even told Marc to stop praying…but he insistently prayed although I said that God had already answered. (Love me some Marc Lundy!!
Before long, I joined a short 6-week Bible study at Needle’s Eye Ministries on Faith. It was now October-November 2007…coming up on the December date the Lord gave me! Figuring…if there was anytime I needed faith…I needed it now. This group of about 25 women gathered every week for 6 weeks at their office. I barely knew a soul!!! After Susan led us in our study, we always closed in prayer. I shared my story and asked them not to pray for my other ½ in the same way – that he would show…but to actually pray FOR him to prepare him. I often wondered if he knew what he was about to get himself into. So, the ladies agreed to join me in praying FOR him. I thank God for these ladies, whose names and prayer requests are in that journal! As I look down the list this evening, I wonder what other prayers have been answered?!?!
But, allow me to remind you…nearly 2 years had gone by since I prayed for the “bone” in December 2005. I had been praying for God to send me a husband. Over the following year, 2006, the Holy Spirit had used many situations, Don Coleman and Luke 10:1-7 to change my desires and my prayers. In early 2007, I had started praying for the other ½ of my pair in ministry to SBH. I had begun praying the will of God instead of Marti’s.
Learnings for me,
- Take prayer requests seriously. If you say Yes to pray for someone, be sure to do it. Don’t take it lightly. It’s serious business!!
- Be careful what you pray for….you just might get it!
- I’m often astounded at the sheer number of people God uses in this story. He doesn’t need to use us, but it is sooo fun when He does. At any point, if someone said “NO! Lord!”…the story may have turned out differently. Just like the story of Marcellous. If Marc, Emmanuel or I had said “NO! Lord!” at any point…the results might look different.
- These stories consistently remind me of the importance of listening and obeying. We are robbed of the blessing of being used by God when we say “NO! Lord!” Like the Nike slogan….”Just do it!” comes to mind!
Jeanine…sorry, I am going to leave you hanging…..AGAIN! Hugs to you!
Here.Am.I.
Posted: Monday, March 8, 2010 Filed under: 2k10, 2k7 | Tags: Jesus, journal, luke 1, mission, missionary, psalm 82, Richmond, Urban Comments Off on Here.Am.I.This is a post that I started yesterday. Actually it was the 2nd half of yesterday’s post….which would have been WAY too long. So…here it is now, as promised.
Shortly after attending the conference, I found myself reading Encounter God in the City by Randy White. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to discover the exceptional power of experiential discipleship and transformational experience. Here are a few notes from my journal while reading this book…
- I’m living intentionally in a high crime, high poverty neighborhood in the city.
- Cities – not just an area to serve, but to grow my faith and discover a meaningful life where I can be transformed.
- I will be a repairer of broken walls and restorer of streets with dwellings.
- Making things the way they should be
IN people,
BETWEEN people, and
FOR people
Human beings dwelling in peace in all relationships with God, self, fellows and nature.
- Holy Pestering of city bureaucracy
Psalm 82:3-4
2 “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
I am reminded of the story in Luke 1:26-38 of when the God sent the angel Gabriel who appeared to Mary. Gabriel said that the Lord was with her and that she was highly favored. She asked a simple clarifying question. After hearing the answer, Mary then responded, I am the Lord’s servant. May it be so, Lord.
Now that I am reminded of all of this…what now? Lord, as my job soon comes to an end…what do you want me to do? This time, Lord…it’s not “Not me, Lord! I’m not ready!” This time…it is “Here am I…your servant….may it be so! Lord, may it be so.”
On a side note…The funeral for my colleague was wonderful and uplifting! I also spent some time with my neighbor this evening. She’s in good shape…. considering. Her hope and trust is in the Lord! It was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I understand there were plenty of witnesses. Pray for justice! Please keep both families in your prayers.
Do Whatever He Tells You
Posted: Sunday, March 7, 2010 Filed under: 2k7 | Tags: glory, James 1, Jesus, John 2, journal, mission, missional, Richmond, scripture, Southern Barton Heights, Urban Comments Off on Do Whatever He Tells You
My Journals from the Last 5 Years
Just today I found my journal for 2007….here are some clips from it. I’m glad I found it and had a chance to read it again. It reminds me of God’s faithfulness and what he was stirring in my heart 3 years ago!!! There’s definitely a theme of hearing and doing! And bringing God glory.
12.31 James 1:22-25
- When the Holy Spirit reveals something…ACT. Do something about it. Don’t walk away. Or you’ll forget. Blessings come from listening and acting.
1.6 ComChap Church Service (don’t know the scripture reference)
- Go out into the world…uncorrupted – a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society.
- Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.
- May my life bring glory to God. I want to be fresh air!!!
- Church – end of service…read lambs among wolves…the windows being shot out of my old car.
The weekend of 1.19-20.2007 – Kay Arthur Conference at Thomas Road Baptist Church “Whatever He Says, Do It!” My friend Grayson and her mom, Judy and I attended this conference, which was so full of good stuff. This is just a few of my notes from it…
- Guard Your Glory! Don’t exchange your Glory for idols.
- Glory = honor, true unchanging essence of God
- Whatever He says – DO IT!!! -> is bringing God glory
- God, help me guard my glory.
- John 17 -> Glorify God on earth, accomplish the work HE gives you to do.
- Guard your Christlikeness!
- Numbers 14:21 – may it begin now – with us guarding our glory
I don’t remember everything that was going on at this time, but these were the messages I was hearing from the Lord. I started crying from almost the moment I walked through the door of that conference. For the Lord was doing a real work in me….preparing me for something. In addition, we studied the story of Jesus turning the water into wine in John 2 (paying close attention to vs. 4-5).
John 2 (NLT) (click to read the whole scripture)
4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Throughout the end of 2006 and early 2007, I do remember saying to Him….What do you want from me? I’m not ready. Not me! It’s not my time! (vs 4) But it was clear that I was at this conference to hear “Do whatever he tells you.” (vs 5) It was time to take a risk and do whatever He tells me to do…in spite of what others may think.
Within a week, Marcellous was in the hospital and KK was living with me! Who woulda thought?
Be Still.
Posted: Friday, March 5, 2010 Filed under: 2k10, 2k7, Louis and Me! | Tags: Be Still., Bible, journal, marriage, psalm, Richmond, scripture Comments Off on Be Still.Psalm 46:
10. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
By the end of the summer….God had told me…not in an audible voice….but in a peaceful kind of way, that He was going to provide the other 1/2 of my pair in December of that year. I sensed it…I felt it in my spirit. I was shocked when Marc confirmed it soon after. He came to me….explaining that he really felt that I was going to meet someone in 4th quarter. Can you believe it?!?! We couldn’t!! We could both be right!!! We both heard the same thing just differently…because December is in 4th quarter!!!
Now, some of you might be thinking…I don’t understand. You heard from God? Did you hear Him speak? What does that mean exactly??? God communicates in many ways. One secret to hearing Him…is being silent every now and then. Kinda hard to hear Him when there is a lot of distractions and noise around. The Lord often speaks to me through Scriptures. When I am reading…like back in Luke 10:1-7, the Word becomes alive. That is why it sometimes is referred to as The Living Word. You can read scripture over and over….and think you have learned a ton…everything. Then…days/months/years later you read it again…and something else jumps off the page…like lambs among wolves. Other times, He uses other people to share with you. There are many many ways to hear from the Lord. (You might also remember the stories about Saul/Paul, the burning bush, donkey, etc. as well!)
When you do hear, I’d encourage you to write it down. Journal. I must admit…that’s the only way I remember this story like I do…because I keep a journal. Habakkuk 2:1-2
A couple of scriptures you might want to read, but there’s a whole lot more! 1 Kings 19:9b-20, Acts 2:1-4, 17
There have been many times that I needed an answer at a major fork in the road (like moving to StLouis or not) or even something more simple. or I just needed some reassurance and some peace. I got still and heard from Him who has all the answers.
So…tell me….what is your favorite scripture regarding hearing from God? or tell me about a time when you clearly heard from the Lord. I’m tired of doing all the talking! 🙂 It’s your turn now! Feel free to comment!
If you want to talk about this more….don’t hesitate to contact me! Would love to chat about it with you. Or…go to your Pastor if you have one…and explore more.
Peace!
SWF Seeks Other 1/2 of Pair
Posted: Thursday, March 4, 2010 Filed under: 2k7, Louis and Me! | Tags: Bible, marriage, missionary, prayer, scripture, Urban 2 CommentsIn addition to all the craziness…I still hadn’t met the other half of my pair!!! Allow me to refresh your memory.
Born in 1963….I was never married.
December 2005….at 42 years old I prayed for the bone….God answers!
December 2006…at 43 years old…Don brings me Luke 10:1-7 and the Lord speaks to me…to pray for the other 1/2 of my pair….not for my future husband.
2007….I was still meeting with a small group of women. The 3 of us were not married…and decided to write down what we were looking for in a husband. So…we each created a list, made copies and shared them with each other, so that we could pray.
Now..Marc (at work) was following my story. He was very aware of everything that was going on…and prayed with and for me. He took my list home to include it in his prayers on a regular basis. He’d come into work…and say…. “Hey Mart! I put in knee time for you this weekend!” What a dependable prayer partner!!! He was such a faithful friend!
One day following our worship service at Commonwealth, Pastor Don asked me if he could “get in my business”. Pastor Don and I were meeting on a regular basis for breakfast. He was a true God-send! He was encouraging me in my own spiritual growth and the work I was doing in SBH. This particular day…he wanted to know if I wanted to get married. Yes, I said…I do. But, that the Luke 10 scripture had changed my prayer. That I was no longer praying for my future husband…but was praying for the other 1/2 of my pair.
Now, those of you who know Don….think about voice inflection. Don’s response was “Yes! That’s what I am talking about! Yes!” With his arms pumping in the air. You know Don! Now…it kinda caught me off guard…so I didn’t ask him why! (Silly me!) But…he DID ask me…if I got a call…would I go out. That is a bit of a crazy question. I had given up blind dates DECADES ago! But, I trusted Don and his heart. More importantly…I trusted God. After all…we had quite a crew praying, right! Why shouldn’t I expect God to answer those prayers. When 2 or more or gathered….
Later…I did remember to ask Don….and he told me about a “guy”. But…that “guy” never called….*sniff*sniff*
But…I kept doin’ my thing….loving God and others in SBH, while continuing to pray.
Miss Marti's House 