The Stage of Life

"I don't need my name in lights

I'm famous in my Father's eyes

Make no mistake

He knows my name

I'm not living for applause

I'm already so adored

It's all His stage

He knows my name..." Just some of the lyrics to Francesca Battistelli's 'He knows my Name". What a truly beautiful song!

Recently, I was jamming out to the radio while driving home from work and that song came on... I was blown away by the powerful truth in it's words. Being a songwriter myself, I appreciate depth... Something deeper than a rad beat or repetitive lyric. After the song was over, I turned the radio down and did what I often do... I pondered. Many thoughts ran through my mind but the loudest was this- 

We have each been perfectly cast to play the role God created JUST FOR US in His masterpiece called Life. 

Now, those who know me even just a little know that I am drawn to dramatics and all things theatrical, which is most likely the reason for my love of 'He knows my Name'. The painted picture of the stage of life, us each playing a part in it's production and the fact that God took the time to craft each of us our own unique role was very inspiring. 

You have been cast a role that YOU AND YOU ALONE CAN PLAY! Don't try to constantly be like someone else and obtain their role... Don't get caught up in how large or small you think the role is... Don't worry about messing up-forgetting a line or tripping on stage. The Lord is constantly (and lovingly) correcting and directing His perfect production, if you listen to His cues and follow accordingly, you'll be amazed at the performance you give! So often we want to do things our way, we think we know best or want to change the script because we feel our idea is much better... But if we keep in mind that God is PERFECT and He is incapable of failure, we will live the performance of a lifetime that truly can change the world. I use the phrase "live the performance" because each and every day, the curtain closes- the stage is reset and we begin again on the stage of life. Do you want to put forth your very best? Do you want to leave people in awe and remembering CHRIST? Do you want to make the Director proud? 

We have each been given the perfect part if only we would choose to embrace it! I don't know about you, but I don't live for others... I live for God and for others to be able to join the cast and live for Him as well! I ask that you evaluate the stage on which you stand, because whether you realize it or not... You're a part of this production and we need you to make it the most successful it can be! Spend time with the Director (God), allow Him to critique and cultivate your talent (Prayer/scripture reading/etc) and then serve through your performance (living a Christlike life)! 

The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, the curtain rising.... Take your mark, friend...Now is your time to shine! Break a leg! 

 

A Mother's Song

My heart is the beating drum
to which only you can dance.

I feel and see your graceful moves
when upon my womb I glance.

So full of life and energy
your talent is already seen.

I pray the song my heart plays for you
is peaceful and comforting.

I'll continue to play my heart song loud
and enjoy your jumps and twirls.

Until the day my life will change 
and you enter this big, beautiful world.

The To-Do List

It's 2 A.M. yet my mind still aimlessly wanders. I desperately wish to sleep but I cannot seem to stop my mind from hashing and re-hashing my schedule, our budget, my household chores, etc... I cry because I feel overwhelmed, each tear holding a worry and fear and I think, "What are we going to do?".
I mentally go over, again and again, what needs to be done in order to make sure everything gets completed and accomplished the way I feel it ought to. The second my feet hit the floor in the morning I busily scurry from task to task, my life is but a check list: I don't live to LIVE- instead I live to check those mental boxes and move on. When I get home from work and walk through the door I immediately begin cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, etc... At times my sweet husband has to draw me out of myself and say "take a minute, sit with me and tell me about your day..". Although he shouldn't have to ASK me to spend time with him, this mental check list is so loud, needy and demanding that I often forget to enjoy the very thing I work so hard for: Our Marriage. I'm being honest here because I think many of you may find yourself in the same boat as me. We work ourselves to the bone in order to provide the best homes for our families; we want to make sure great food is on the table, clean towels are on the shelves and things are situated for tomorrow when we lather, rinse and repeat. All of these many things are in vain though, if we never spend quality time with the ones we work so hard to please. I'm finding that it's okay to cook a box of mac'n'cheese if it means I actually sit with my husband instead of slave over a hot stove and then run off to clean a million dishes. I'm finding that it's okay to use a towel more than once if it means my husband and I are able to take a stroll through the park instead.

 IT'S OKAY TO BE STILL. 

As I thought about that mental check list of mine that is always demanding my attention I thought, "Wow, this sounds a lot like what I do regarding my spiritual life as well...". Ouch.

Devotional: Check.
Prayer: Check.
Church: Check.
Tithe: Check.
Sunday School: Check

(and the list goes on....)

We look at our spiritual walk as something we check off so that we can move on to the "important" or "pressing" issues. What would happen if, instead of simply "getting it out of the way", we chose to incorporate our time with God into every area of our lives? What if we prayed while we got ready in the morning, and sang songs of praise on our way to work, and pondered/memorized scripture while we cleaned, and asked God to give us wisdom in regards to our finances and simply handed EVERYTHING over to the One who makes all things? I know my life sure would look different. I would find myself being more patient when my husband might not take out the trash in as timely a fashion as I'd like, I would find myself showing more kindness to those who drive like loons on the road, I would find my housework to be a JOY and not a burden because I would be strengthened while I accomplished my daunting tasks. It is amazing when you realize that no matter how hard you work it will all be for nothing if you've not grown in and with the Lord throughout the day... Instead of viewing life as a check list, I encourage you to join me in making your day a constant conversation with the Lord where you also accomplish tasks throughout the day. We can still be busy and have to-do lists just as long as we include the Lord in all that we do and try to thoughtfully take time BE STILL and wait on Him to guide our steps along the journey.

My prayers go out to you as you strive to more fully align your life with the heart of the Lord and I ask that you lift up a prayer for me as well. We can and will see more drastic improvements in all aspects of our lives when we are no longer a big part of the equation :)

-Taylor

-MARRIAGE EQUALITY-

I've read quite a bit today on various social media outlets regarding same-sex marriage/equality. Now, typically I strive to steer clear of posting on these hot topic issues for the sake of "not stirring the pot" but something is stirring within me and I cannot keep quiet right now.

I've watched many people who are in favor of marriage equality talk down to Christians labeling them as judgmental,  hypocritical, loveless people all because they are vocal and passionate about what God clearly states on this issue.

On the other hand I have been saddened as I've watched people who claim Christ as their own belittle others and spew horrific, degrading comments all in Christ's name.... walking away as if they should be proud to "put a sinner in their place" in such a harsh way.

I've also seen many Christians advocate marriage equality because they feel "Love is Love" and you cannot place limits on that. They say things such as "If GOD has given man free choice then YOU shouldn't be allowed to choose how homosexuals have to live their lives".

So here is what I'm hoping to accomplish through this blog post- my objective isn't to hurt, speak down to or judge anyone. My hope and prayer is to simply refer to the word and take a look at what GOD has to say. Whether you are a believer or not you're reading my blog and I am a follower of Christ so don't be shocked when you hear me refer to Jesus and the Bible- because I WILL. You may hear what I have to say and respond with "That's great.... but take God out of the equation..." well my friend, that simply cannot be done. Whether you choose to acknowledge Christ as your Lord and the Creator of you and me, He will still be just that. The only solution to every problem we face is Christ and until mankind embraces that instead of flees from it, we will continue to run this treadmill race which leads to nowhere.

Shall we begin?

-What is MARRIAGE?-

Marriage: The formal union of a man and a woman by which they become husband and wife.

"Then the man said, 'This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman because she was taken out of Man'. Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" Genesis 2:23-24

God created MAN and WOMAN in the beginning- I've heard snarky comments such as "It was Adam and EVE not Adam and STEVE". While I may agree with that comment I believe nothing good will come out of comical or witty jokes when dealing with the sovereignty of marriage  Since the beginning Satan has sought to sow division within the God ordained beauty of marriage, seeking to separate the two whom God miraculously brought together. We need to realize that Satan is just as actively pursuing such things through divorce and same-sex marriage. I bring up divorce because we often feel that same-sex marriage is the only plague hitting the union of "Husband and Wife" today when that's simply not the case. Separation of any kind between "Husband and Wife" is good enough for Satan- sexual perversion, lust, emotional affairs, etc...-  but this wave of overwhelmingly dark deception (homosexuality) is heart-wrenching.

Moving on to my next point.

-What is LOVE?-

Love: 1-Strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties:i.e. maternal love.
2- Attraction based on sexual desire, affection/tenderness felt by lovers. 3- Affection based on admiration, benevolence or common interests.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps not record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

When I hear statements about the need to "love everyone because God loves everyone" I am amazed at the lack of understanding/knowledge people have nowadays.

I was reading John 8 which tells the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery  From this passage you will hear the argument of ; “...Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her...” (John 8:7) I've read/heard countless times people bring this scripture up to validate the sin of homosexuality. We need to realize that in John 8 Jesus goes on to say, “...Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) While the woman did sin, Jesus FORGAVE but also told her to LEAVE HER LIFE OF SIN.  Man is not to judge, but we are called to hold others accountable, to be ambassadors of Christ and to be the salt of the earth and a light unto this dark and depraved world! Ultimately, mankind will have to stand before God... Homosexuals will have to answer on their own for the abomination they've committed, you're not to belittle or look down on them for the choices they make... but you should live in love, set an example and boldly proclaim the truth of Christ which will set them free!

" A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34

So how did/does God love us? We all have an idea of what "love" is and expect others to abide by it, if they don't we assume they don't love us- right?

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:17

When I read that scripture my mind went crazy, revelation swept over me like a refreshing mist on a hot, Texas summer day. We know that God didn't send Jesus to condemn us. Jesus didn't come to make us feel "less than" or "worthless" but to redeem us...to save us! The part that shook me though was this.

One must be in trouble in order to need saving.

We are all sinful and, as Romans 3:23 says, "fall short of the glory of God". There is not a single person who, without Christ, is blameless! WE ALL NEED JESUS! We need Him to save us from our sin, Satan and ourselves. The first step though, in realizing you need rescued, is admitting you have a problem and need help. Many people in this world are sinking in a sandpit of sin and, while it's not always immediate, it will suffocate and potentially kill you if you don't get out. Homosexuality is seemingly harmless... it's all about love, equality, embracing "who you are", courage and the list goes on and on. Attempting to watch movies/TV nowadays is nearly impossible due to the saturation of sin- you will almost always have homosexuality creeping in at some point, appearing in cute, funny, charming or innocent ways.... we've become so desensitized to it that it's become the norm. Sadly so, for it should NOT be this way. Sin is sin regardless of size or severity and no matter what I (and God) disapprove- but this post is about homosexuality and I'm going to further attempt to stay focused. Many homosexuals are caught in this sandpit of sin and are sinking, they just don't realize it! As the hands and feet of Jesus, we are called to help those in need... that doesn't just stop at the homeless and hungry but goes for the lost, deceived and hurting, too.

"Do unto others as you would have them do to you" Luke 6:31

If I were standing in sinking sand I hope that you LOVE me enough to point out the potential danger I was in and did all that you could to convince me to take your hand and accept your assistance. The situation could go one of two ways: I could get upset with you and offended that you dared to mention where I was standing because you're on your own path and need to stick to it, or I could accept your help and would be thankful for you taking the time to help me. Often, we get in the middle of a situation or a lifestyle and it's all we can see.... but truth, repentance, Jesus and salvation are the answers to finding clarity and freedom! The sandpit may look harmless or even like another step on solid ground, but once you tiptoe onto its path you soon realize that's not the case and pray it isn't too late. One way or another I know that, should I gasp for my last breath and glimpse you standing by as my actions/life suck me under, I will not think your idly standing by is proof of your love but instead your lack of it. For you to decide to not intervene because you'd hate to question my choices or lifestyle in the end will not change my fate, but if you decide to step out on faith and allow Christ to work through you, my outcome may be different.

The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is wrong, we see it here in Leviticus 18:22-
"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." God does not approve, condone or promote homosexuality and likewise we, as followers of Christ, shouldn't either.
When you don't take the time to point out this sin in someone you are standing by and condoning it, making it seemingly acceptable in your eyes and the Lord's.

Going back to this- "Do unto others as you would have them do to you" Luke 6:31. Your heart needs to be open and willing to receive anything someone might have to say about YOU. Don't ever go to someone without having fully "checked yourself in the mirror", get into the word and saturate yourself with God and seek forgiveness. Those who are in the wrong never like to be told they're wrong, I know I don't! But I can't be made better until I know my areas of weakness.... I can't change unless I know in what ways I'm wrong. Love LGBT people enough to not stand back claiming to remain silent out of love for them, but instead go to them and in a Christlike way speak the truth...speak the word! That is the only thing guaranteed to never return void. You be the vessel and allow God to do the rest! I encourage you to be open and vocal when it comes to this issue because it's people's lives at stake. I know everyone deserves the love of God and I am going to do everything I can to ensure they're able to remain in His love for all eternity!

So my final question and thought to you is this:

Are you willing to help those who are sinking? You need to remember that the only way you can help others who are sinking is if you are NOT, so keep faithfully walking with the Lord. It doesn't matter what the world says or what people think of you, you do not have to be rude or pushy....you simply need to be willing, making yourself available to others in need, even if they doesn't realize they are. Stand up AGAINST homosexuality, stand up for Christ, stand strong AGAINST Satan and stand so that you may help those who have fallen... 

-Taylor

The End Of The World!!

So, I've been thinking... oh yes, I can hear some of you beginning your jokes, "well, this could be dangerous..". Ha, I assure you it's not...or at least I hope. ;)

With all of this talk about "The End of the World", I just couldn't help but go off on one of my many analytical outings... it is such an interesting topic so it allowed me quite the field day! I've heard joking remarks about no need to study for finals, pay the bills or go Christmas shopping because "the world is about to end and, really...what's the point?" I observed many comical statements using the whole end of the world theory as an easy way out, a way to slack and lessen our responsibility and load. I'm not sure about you, but if I really did know when the world was going to end, I wouldn't want to waste my time pursuing superficial, selfish things but instead I'd rather work tirelessly on bettering myself for Christ!

IF tomorrow were really the end of the world, would I be ready to face the judgement room? IF tomorrow were really the end of the world, would I be prepared to stand before my creator...would I be the pure vessel He created me to be or instead would I stand before Him blemished and ashamed of the selfish state I willingly succumbed to? These are the questions we need to be asking and seeking the answers to.

Matthew 24:36 states, "but concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."

We don't know when the Lord is coming...Could He come tomorrow? Yes. Could He come at this very moment? Yes. Could He come a year from now?Yes. You get the picture, I'm sure. Bottom line, we don't know! Matthew 24:42 goes on to say, "Therefore, stay awake for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." When I read this scripture I was overwhelmed by the call to ACTIVELY remain on guard and awake, always remaining alert. What exactly are we called to do? To keep our spiritual selves "up to par" and ready for His coming!! I don't want to be one of the women left grinding at the mill like verse 41 talks about. "..two women were grinding at the mill, one will be taken and the one left.".

I'm sure many of you have heard the saying " live everyday as if it's your last"...This should not be selfishly applied to pursue our own wants and desires, but instead be applied to force our flesh aside and pursue righteousness!

IF today were your last day, would YOU be ready to stand before the throne? IF today were your last day, would YOU be satisfied with what you had to offer the Lord? Would you hear the words, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant..."? That statement alone is the one my heart longs to hear, it is the finish line I long to reach and the reward wrapped up all in one. My life will have been lived to it's fullest if those words escape the lips of my beloved savior on the day I stand before Him. I fall so short on a daily basis that I end up doing the opposite of what James 1:19 says, "...Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.".

Today, I urge you to examine your heart and see if there is any room for improvement... to do as John 3:30 says "He must INCREASE, I must DECREASE"

Live every day as if it were your last and the world were to end tomorrow, putting as much passion and zeal into the things of the Lord as possible and loving to your maximum capacity. Strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus, a pure vessel He can use to accomplish His will! When you allow John 3:30 to become your resounding steps and Matthew 25:21 the track on which you run, you will be amazed when you reach the end and find yourself standing before your Heavenly Father having lived a life that's been pleasing unto Him.

So, let's wake up, prepare our hearts for His coming and live up to our created purpose! Who knows... it just might come in handy tomorrow. ;)

Taylor

What-If

Galatians 1:10 "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ..".

Recently, I was reading the book of Galatians and was drawn to chapter 1: verse 10 where Paul talks about people who seek to please and gain the approval of mankind. This got me thinking.... If we are servants of God, shouldn't pleasing HIM and gaining approval in HIS eyes be our greatest desire?

Matthew 6:24 says "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other..".

We CANNOT serve two masters, the previous scripture clearly paints that picture, but what does that mean? It means that a choice must be made. GOD or MAN.

When evaluating my life I've come to realize that at times, I choose God with my words but not with my actions. How many times do we say "God, I love you and want to do your work.." but stop dead in our tracks when the "What-if" wave hits us like a train. "What if people think I'm crazy?..", "What if someone gets upset?..","What if I lose their friendship?..", "What if?...What if?...What if?".

Well, I'm here to offer a different "what if" scenario.

What if we stopped living our lives based on the worlds reaction? What if we stopped weighing our "should I"'s on the thoughts and feelings of man rather than the thoughts and feelings of God? What if we were to actually read the word and LIVE IT OUT? What if we were to LOVE those who are cruel to us and pray for their prosperity? What if we were to say we believe something and STAND for it? I think the outcome would be a changed world and a changed people. I've heard many people say "I want to leave a legacy, I want to be remembered once I'm gone..", however I think that's the wrong statement we, as followers of Christ, should be making. Instead we should revise it to say "I want to leave a legacy, I want GOD to further be remembered because of the life I lived". If you REALLY want to change this world for the better, bring a little more God and love into it. If you REALLY want to be remembered, be remembered because of who you were in the Lord, not because of some movie you starred in or song that you sang. If you REALLY want to be remembered, be remembered as the pure vessel who sought righteousness and light in a world of evil and darkness. If you are not remembered by thousands but are remembered in the heart of ONE whom you helped guide and direct in the word, took to church or showed the love of Christ to, I believe with all my heart that that one outweighs the thousands. It's not about how many people remember you, but about how many people remember God.

What do you want to be remembered for? What if it costs you everything? Are you willing to follow God no matter what? I encourage you to do a heart check today and if the answer is no, seek the Lord fervently to help you because it's never too late to become sold out for Christ.

So I ask, Which "what if" scenario will you embrace?

-Taylor

"Friend" is too cheap a word...

The Urban Dictionary defines "friend" as this: A friend is someone you love and who loves you, someone you respect and who respects you, someone whom you trust and who trusts you. 

I've had friends come and go in my life... I've grown close to some and then slowly drifted... however, there are those rare few who seem to have always been around. Those rare few whom are always there for you... who you can go awhile without talking to but the minute you see each other again it's as if no time has passed at all. I have a friend like that. Shelby Hewitt has been in my life for quite some time... she is a constant that I've grown accustomed to having. I never doubt her loyalty, love or genuineness...she is who she is and I know she's always there for me. I was talking to someone the other day about how much I loved her. I made the statement "and best friend seems too cheap a word compared to how I feel..she's like a sister...". I realized in that moment that there's probably no term or phrase that can be coined to describe our friendship but as we recently surprised her for her 16th birthday I wanted to post a quick blog thanking her for who she is, in general and to me.

Shelby: I've never before met a more transparent and beautiful young lady. Externally you have looks beyond words but internally you far surpass even that. I've always been amazed by your love for people and the kindness you constantly show. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to me even when I fall short and don't deserve it. You are the epitome of precious and I desire to be more like you when I grow up ;) I love you dearly! I hope you always know that. Happy (belated) Sweet Sixteen!! :)