Life is Beautiful!

March 7, 2016March 6, 2016 / morgancreynolds / 10 Comments

During these last few months, I have been on quite a learning curve. If I’m honest, I have to say I recommend a mid-life plot twist and I don’t! It’ll be the ride of your life!

But, really.

Just imagine going back to graduation—high school or college—just as a young whipper snapper. With all sorts of possibilities and the world as your oyster, you look with anticipation toward all your options. That is where we are. And it is breathtakingly beautiful and scary–all at the same time!

I remember a couple of years back being envious of my oldest as he was setting off for his first year at university. So much youthful excitement and a no holds barred approach–I was envious.

I was so excited for him and all the unscripted future had for him. I remembered what it was like to have your whole life ahead of you. So much hope and promise. So much anticipation to follow new paths and dreams!

And, now, here I am. I am ready.

I have spent 25 years of ministry serving as a pastor’s wife. I use to tell my Love, I love being his wife, no doubt about that. Just maybe not a “pastor’s wife” sometimes. I learned much and gave everything I had. The role comes with difficult tasks. With some cool opportunities and blessings thrown in along the way, too. Now, though, I am ready to do new things…serve in a different way.

Our new beginning is before us.

Given to us as a gift.

Staring into the sunshine, the road is wide open in front of us.

Only this time I have three world-changers in tow. This road we chose over 25 years ago, has presented them with many unique challenges and opportunities. Each child has processed and walked them out differently.

As I sit and look at the bright and shining future, we have these amazing kids to guide and shepherd. This time around, it is not a solitary journey or private decision to be made. Change is hard for even the strongest of us. I have no doubt God has a beautiful future for each in my tribe. We just have to guide them into this bright new future.

Shepherding.

That was the word God gave me for this season with my babies (they will always be my babies. can we just agree to let me call them that? just humor me!) Even with all the excitement of a bright future the transitioning has been challenging. More so for some than others. Loss is hard. But God is greater.

My Love and I must shepherd our children well through this transition.

We have a responsibility to guide our children through the shadows. Through the tears. The goal is to get EVERYONE to the other side. I told my youngest Little,

“In this family, we are all for one, and one for all”.

We stop and sit with, pick up and carry, hold the hand, give love and receive love. We shepherd our children through the pain of rejection, loss, betrayal, and disappointment.

No one will be left behind.

I have always hated the pre-flight airline spiel about putting your own mask on first and then your children’s. I understand the logic and know it is best. But, my overly compassionate self screams, “I will put their’s on first, thank you very much!” But, that doesn’t really make sense, does it?

So, I have decided I am in a similar spot in my life. It is time for me to get my oxygen mask on first and then I can administer life breath to them.

These world-changers deserve the very best I can give them.

There is wisdom to give and hope to share. There are dreams to help them dream. There is a future brighter than anything of the past. Even with all the beauty we did experience, there is more to be had.

I need something to give to them. So, here is what I am going to do to strengthen myself.

Exercise and build physical strength.
Write…which is following my own dream.
Give creative Bible journaling a try.
Attend weekly worship at a safe and loving church.
Read for enjoyment and growth.
Stay accountable to wisdom.

There it is.

I have been busy working hard to keep my family between the ditches…putting out fires, battling fears and wiping tears. Because, sometimes life just hurts. All of that is incredibly important.

But, now it is time for me to get out of that defensive position and into the intentional, offensive position.

Now, here is the next important piece of the puzzle.

My Love is leading spiritually intentional and strategic discussions during dinner on Wednesday evenings.

With a preteen and a teenager in the house, it can’t get too serious or stifling. But, God gave this idea as the perfect way for us to shepherded them. Like most moms, I do much of the crisis management throughout the days; one of Dad’s roles is to give purposeful direction. They need his voice and strength cloaked in velvet.

We will not allow the negative to win. We will not leave anyone behind. We have bright future days. I will not live on the defensive, but work from a place of intention and strength. For what the enemy means for destruction, God transforms into beauty. He will shepherd us. We only need to cooperate.

Unexpected Graces

February 17, 2016February 16, 2016 / morgancreynolds / 13 Comments

Well, here I am sitting in the saddle. It feels good! I have missed this place! I’m glad to be back.

It’s been a rough and tumble couple of months since I last sat down. When I took a break right before Christmas, I never anticipated the journey I would embark upon. Frankly, it was like someone gave a monkey a match. It has been quite a ride.

I needed this time to regroup and set my heart and mind right. I have been too afraid to write, honestly. Afraid of what just might come out. But, it is time. And, I am grateful.

In an effort to cope with our pain and lighten the mood, our family began to refer to this season as a “plot twist”. In stark reality, our lives have dramatically changed. Due to painful circumstances, my Love resigned his position at the church we pastored for over seven years. Sometimes, it is just time to move on. There comes a time when you realize the odds are not in your favor and for everyone’s sake, you have to make an exit. You just hope to do so with grace.

I do believe it has been one of the most hurtful seasons we have experienced in life and ministry. After 25 years, we have experienced our share of disappointments and set backs. But, this, by far, was the one of the biggest gut punches of them all. The only other to compare would be the sexual abuse of our son by a trusted friend and church worker.

I have learned quite a few lessons in our time here in Virginia. Some are pretty tough. But all have been for my good.

Our time in Virginia has been anything but easy. We have endured some losses. But, I also can look and see some beautiful gains. I would be shallow if I didn’t recognize them.

A few years back I began my own One Thousand Gifts journey. It was a life saver, really. Each day I would count out my gratitude, line by line. I am beginning a new one. It’s important to remember the gifts from our journeys. If not, it could get terribly discouraging! So, it is time. Time to refocus my attention.

One lesson I’ve learned is, “God gives good gifts.” Some seasons we just have to look a little harder. Many times they are hard gifts. I look back at our journey…it is unlike ANYTHING I’ve ever experienced…yet, I still find beauty in the charred rubble.

Light only shines through cracked vessels.

So, when people ask me if I had known then what I know now, would I still have relocated to Virginia, I’m never sure how to answer. In the natural, it does not seem worth it. We have paid quite a high price. We certainly didn’t know all we were taking on.

Truthfully, I don’t like that question at all. My first instinct is to scream NO, of course not!

Injustice,

hatred,

jealousy,

abuse,

unfair expectations,

rejection,

financial loss,

illness,

anxiety and depression,

plots and schemes,

abandonment,

betrayal.

Who would?

When I look at that list of pain, it would seem hardly worth it. I could easily drown in that sea of loss and hurt. I do see, however, the gifts from God’s hand that He gave in the middle of such ugly hard.

So, I choose to look at the gifts. It is time.

Friendships,

children discovered their gifting,

memories made,

bound family ties,

new dreams inspired,

spiritual growth,

loyalty,

a sweet canine companion,

hope,

peace,

increased faith,

grace from unexpected places,

deep kindness,

lessons learned,

lives changed,

wisdom,

provision,

protection,

opportunity,

divine encouragement.

I am most certain I have forgotten many other blessings.

I have a sneaky suspicion I am not alone in this listing. We are not unique.

We all have experienced our share of pain and loss. I simply refuse to get stuck here. I don’t want to live in the muck and mire. I will not suffer needlessly. I want free of it. And, the only place I know to start is with gratitude.

Christ does not promise a trouble-free life. No, indeed.

This world is fallen and is coming undone. People disappoint. No amount of dancing can undo that fact. But, I have learned something else.

Light shines out of my broken places.

God is mending in such a way that light will warmly glow and draw others in. They will meet Him there. It isn’t about pretending to have it all together. No one understands such living. It is a fairy tale and too great a weight to drag around.

So, once again, I have picked up pen and tablet and will scribe my gratitude.

I won’t forget our pain, for it has left a mark. But, mostly I will remember with a heart of gratitude all God is and was to me in the pain. The strong arms that have held and carried. I will remember. All that was meant for my harm, is turned to good. Nothing can ever take me from His hand.

That is what I will remember. That will be my focus. There is beauty to out-sing the ugly. For it is well with my soul.

Christmastime–Oh Holiest Night

December 16, 2015December 16, 2015 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

Christmastime is a great reminder.

The candles are lit and sparkling beside the nativity. They focus my mind. No doubt we have fancied and freshened that holy night so long ago.

My nativity. Each piece set in just the right spot. I love these earthy colored pieces I have collected over the years. I have several Christmas collections, from Santas to Nutcrackers to reindeer. But this one? It speaks to my heart in such a deep way. Recently, I have begun adding my Advent candles to the display. I’m so glad I have! There is such a deep, beautiful peace residing in this scene. It draws me in.

Have you ever gone through something so challenging you felt as if you lost God? Or, maybe you thought, He just left. Circumstances and pain erect a barrier so dense it is hard to sense any Presence?

I have. It was the darkest, scariest period of my life. Everything I believed seemed in question and the pain threatened to choke all hope from my heart. Sometimes that happens in life. He warned us it would come. We all face trouble at some point. We are often surprised, shocked, and even, disabled by it. I was struggling.

But, here today, I don’t want to focus on that. Just believe me when I say it was a dark night of the soul. Even in that darkest moment, a miracle flicker of light began to shine through. When I was feeling God had left me, He spoke to me loudly and clearly.

I knew then and there He does not leave us or turn His back on us. Our pain in the darkness often hides the light, but He remains by our side. Where was I looking?

I was distracted by the pain. I lost sight of Him.

He is amazing that way. This giving of the greatest gift.

Christmas is the greatest reminder of the greatest love. Yes, He came on that holy night for us. But, it is a beautiful reminder to me He came and He never leaves. Joy and hope flutter to life in my heart when I sit and remember how He is forever with me.

Our lives crash into the world’s agenda and, inevitably, pain and hurt comes.

Real, life-altering pain. Chaos and crises run rampant. But, we can rest in the knowing He is with us.

Ann Voskamp said in her book, The Greatest Gift, “No matter what intends to harm you…God is never absent, never impotent, never distant. You can never be undone.” That thing that was meant to destroy you and make you think God no longer sees or cares, will not be your end. In fact, He has a great way of taking all the broken, ugly bits and turning them into the most beautiful creation.

God will use it to set you apart from the crowd.

Yes, the lion roars and speaks lies of hopelessness and desertion and death. But, God. He intends no such thing. I don’t believe all things happen for a reason. It just doesn’t work. But, I do believe He takes all things thrown our way and will redeem them for our good. Now, that works.

And, while He is at it, He stays right there with us.

The JOY to come from such a realization is priceless. So, sitting here looking at my nativity and thinking of days gone by and the ones yet to come, I can rest in the knowledge I am never lost, forgotten or abandoned.

His very coming is proof. Proof of His abiding love.

Such joy comes from realizing no matter what comes my way, He’s got me. No scheme of man or evil plan will ever remove me from His hand. So, allow this Christmastime to set this truth in your heart. Every time you see a nativity, allow it to remind you of His never-ending presence in your life that was made possible because of that holiest of nights.

Christmastime Peace

December 9, 2015December 8, 2015 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

It seems elusive. It is something everyone wants. The world wants it. The world needs it. Goodness knows, I have to have it.

This season is so full of stuff and busy-ness. There is no lack of opportunities for celebrating and spending, going and doing. If you want to maintain it, you are going to have to protect it.

I’m not sure this is something the world is ever going to find…at least any time soon. Not in her way. It will come. But, not how she thinks or schemes. The heads of state scream for it. Politicians plan and lecture regarding it. If she could find it and contain it, I’m not sure she would know what to do with it once she had it.

PEACE.

The only way we are going to have true peace is to stay near the Giver of Peace. He has come and is enough. He is more than enough.

He is the salve of peace to heal our hearts.

This world is long on chaos and strife and short on peace. We get caught in the crossfire. We are pulled and torn by the anger and fear. Life moves at breakneck speeds and we are often caught wide-eyed, deer in headlights, not sure what we should do.

We can not allow this age to dictate our hearts. We can not be pushed by fear to live in ways that are not true to who we are called to be. He calls. He is our peace.

Damage and desperation lead us to live failing and faltering lives. We look about and around instead of looking up. He is our peace.

What will define our lives? From where will we live out our days? Who will guide our steps and light our paths? This journey is often dark and scary. We must walk in the light. He is our peace.

I am concerned by the ease of which my spinning and toiling and dancing and running so easily distracts me from this Giver of Peace. So quickly my eyes look away. I am caught by the noise and the clutter and forget whose I am.

He is my Peace.

Webster says “distracted” means troubled or absent-minded. Distraught, distressed, frenzied and panicked. Inattentive, preoccupied, confused. When we are distracted we look away. What happens when we look away from the beauty of our Peace Giver and focus our eyes on this temporary place? Frenzy and panic become our poison. We lose our focus and become preoccupied with less beautiful affections.

He has come and is enough.

We must keep our focus set on Him. Keep our hearts occupied with the Love of our lives. Moment by moment this choice is ours. He is our Peace. He is my Peace. I must keep my eyes on the One who came to bring me peace. He is all I need in the chaos and shadows. He is all I need in the quiet and the light. By sitting in the quiet with Him, I can clearly hear the words He longs to share. I empty all of me and replace it with all of Him.

He has already come.

Immanuel.

Such beauty and peace. What a magnificent trade! My chaos and clutter for His peace and beauty. What do we wait for? Nothing better has ever come. He is our Immanuel. God with us!

Just as the angel came to Joseph and showed him the way in the dark of night, He has come to us. He has shown us the way of peace. He has come for us. He is Immanuel. He is God with us. In His coming, He lights our way. In His coming, He IS our peace. This sacrificial love shines brightly and brings peace to our world-worn souls.

We rest in His peace.

Choose to step away from the chaos and noise.

Lessen the clutter and confusion.

Turn your soul to the Giver of Peace.

He is your Peace.

Hope-filled Christmastime

December 3, 2015December 2, 2015 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

Christmastime.

It’s my favorite holiday. Life becomes really hectic, but I love the traditions and the connection of family.

I was decorating this past weekend in preparation for our staff open house we host each year. In a matter of a couple of days, our home is transformed into all things Christmas! Sometimes I feel the stress and pressure.

This year I was feeling old.

That’s really the only way I can describe it. My oldest is in college and home for the holiday. I have a teenager and another that isn’t, but sure seems like it. I don’t have the little littles running around anymore. The memories are running like a movie through my heart.

As I was working with my smaller artificial trees that light up our office, the branches were looking tired and drooping kind of low. I realized I have been using these trees for 11 years, at least. No wonder they are looking a little tired.

That’s pretty good…artificial trees being used for that many years! Especially after all our moves! But, that served to make me feel OLD.

This all combined to make me feel like a middle-aged frump. Now, I know you are trying to figure out how I made that jump. I’m not sure…maybe it’s hormones. But, I began to realize, many of my decorations and collections I have had for or started 25 years ago—some ornaments, longer than that. My one tree only holds the beautiful ornaments from my childhood. When you are newly married or a young momma, you don’t always think about such things. But, alas, I am neither.

So, as I am surrounded by so much history and memories I have to stop and think. And remember.

Christmas has always been such a big focus for us.

We love this season passionately. Just ask anyone who has helped us move over the years. Friends tease me each November about the many Christmas boxes I have and the work that means for my guys. I can’t help that we love Christmas! Each one is different. But, each have been special.

Some Christmases were during times of waiting for dreams to come to pass. Some years were leaner than others. There were a few where the stress got the better of me. After a while, though, I learned how to set the boundaries I needed in order to make the holidays the best I could for my family and me.

Most have been years full of blessing and joy.

Over the years, I have learned a beautiful rhythm. It requires flexibility and letting go of the “perfect shiny ideal” of what Christmas should look like. Each year there is an underlying rhythm that guides our holiday, yet, they are different and beautifully unique. However, we do keep some constants with our traditions.

Christmastime is an amazing opportunity for traditions. Our traditions are important for keeping each other connected. Traditions are not chaos-inducing schedule fillers. Children need them for a touchstone. Ours aren’t incredibly elaborate, just constant. So many chances for making memories!

The last two or three years I have endeavored to add in a focus on Advent. Keeping Jesus as the focus isn’t our problem, He is the centrality of our holiday. But, sometimes it is challenging gathering everyone together at the same time to stop and sit for a while. But, yesterday’s focus for this Advent season was hope. I began to think about the power of hope in life and the holidays.

I have had seasons of life where I lost hope. Lost hope that things would get better or ever turn around for good. Following my firstborn’s birth I struggled with postpartum depression. We had very little money and times were difficult. My hope meter was rather low. Just a few years ago, we were facing insurmountable odds and it seemed our enemies far outnumbered our friends. My hope quickly dwindled.

I am convinced we can face anything if we hold on to hope.

Hope doesn’t come from our circumstances or our finances. Hope comes from our belief that Christ has our back and will not leave us or forsake us. We are able to keep an eternal perspective in mind. When challenges are bombarding us, if we keep an eternal focus, we can hold on to hope. Without hope, people perish. He came that day so long ago to bring us hope.

HE is our HOPE.

This blog post has been a challenge to get published this week. Whew! The holidays, decorating, doctor’s appointments, homeschooling, oh my! I missed my personal deadline for getting this posted. We all have high demands on our time during the holidays. But, I decided to offer myself some grace and knew you’d understand and probably can relate to the hustling and bustling!

It’s a busy, but hope-filled season in our home.

The years have come and gone so fast.

My firstborn is now a Sophomore in college and my others are quickly growing up.

My Christmas collections and ornaments are getting older by the year.

I decided the other day, I can either get really sad as I’m feeling older, or I can focus on the fact that really I’m not and there is so much life and hope in my future. Sure, my babies aren’t tiny littles anymore (and oh, how I loved those stages and what Christmas looked like then), but life rolls in stages.

And, this stage is stunningly beautiful. It has been hand-crafted by God for me and mine. Such beautiful hope lives in that!

Take a few minutes to sit down, light some sparkling candles, drink something comforting and warm, and reflect on the goodness you have experienced and set your sights on the HOPE of a beautiful tomorrow!

Merry Christmastime!

With a Grateful Heart

November 24, 2015November 21, 2015 / morgancreynolds / 2 Comments

This past weekend was our big family weekend.

Well, one of them. It is the weekend we all look forward to with great anticipation. It’s the weekend we always think of when we think of the holidays. This is our tradition we have done for years. We started this particular expression of it when we moved to Virginia almost 8 years ago. We’ve always had some form of it—based on ages and stages of life.

We go to Williamsburg to the flagship Yankee Candle store. This is not your average candle store. No, my friends! This is candle store extraordinaire. This store not only has candles, but an entire store dedicated to Christmas all under one roof! There are hundreds of ornaments and it snows indoors. We are crazy in love with the holidays and this is our kind of store!

First, we pick out candles for the holiday season and then move to the Christmas store. Each person picks out a special ornament that catches their eye or represents something from the past year. The ornaments are whimsical and beautiful. This is followed up with dinner at a favorite restaurant nearby.

This year we picked out our Christmas tree as well. Our church is selling live trees to benefit our benevolence ministry efforts. It was great fun tucking this adventure into our day! Our very own Christmas tree lot. What could be better than that?

The holidays are well under way here in the Reynolds’ Casa. My children hold on to these traditions with great love and fondness. It is a priority on the top of my list. This special weekend is a non-negotiable, everybody clear off the calendar, sort of weekend. I will always cherish this holiday tradition. Traditions give children valuable touchstones in life. They need them. We need them.

In preparation for all of the festivities, I’ve been thinking about gratitude. I know Thanksgiving is the official holiday of gratitude, but, honestly, I’ve decided it needs to permeate the entire holiday season. Actually, I don’t see it as just a holiday mindset, but one that should be a part of who we are throughout the year. However, I love how Thanksgiving compels us to focus our gratitude.

Give-Thanks-pumpkin-tutorial-from-StudioJRU-8

incourage.me photo cred

I am participating in a daily devotion on my “She Reads Truth” devotional app. The focus is on gratitude and the active pursuit of a grateful heart. Today’s Scripture focus is I Thessalonians 5:16-18.

“Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude is not a passive mindset. I am learning gratitude must be a part of every situation. I don’t have to be grateful for hardship or tragedy. That would be a little strange. But, I am to be grateful for the God who is with me and brings me through it all. He never leaves me and brings me through all things. And, through gratitude in the circumstance, I will become the reflection of Him. So, in this, I can be thankful in all situations.

In active participation of this devotional today, here is my gratitude:

“this joyful thing”

Holiday seasons and traditions. I love spending it with my crew! Memories.

“this unknown”

Some unanswered questions. God knows what is going on and always has my best interest in mind. I can rest in this. I don’t have to have all the answer to be okay.

“this certainty”

God never leaves or forsakes me or my loved ones! I have doubted— He revealed himself in my doubt. I am grateful for grace. His grace is amazing.

“this stress”

Law school has been a real stressor this semester. I have to reframe this circumstance. If my Mister didn’t have this amazing opportunity to attend Regent Law School, we wouldn’t have this stress. But, then, we wouldn’t have this adventure. I’ll take the adventure any day.

“this want”

I am thankful for this dream my heart dreams. It hasn’t happened yet. But, I know in God’s timing for my life, it will. I am thankful He will do what He needs to; I will do what I need to. He gives us good things.

“this sorrow”

Even when hurt of recent days came into our lives, God proved himself faithful to bring peace and wisdom. He always brings what is needed, just in the right way at the right time. He sees and knows.

“this plenty”

He takes care of me. He gives me all I need and so many things I want. My family, my home, my life. I am blessed beyond measure.

I can give thanks. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be good! I will give thinks at all times!

I hope you have a gratitude-filled life and holiday season. I hope it colors your days and covers your nights. Gratitude saved my life. It’s the best adjustment I could have ever made.

Blessings to you and your beautiful family—whatever or wherever that may be! May you always know of His nearness and love for you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Give-Thanks-pumpkin-tutorial-from-StudioJRU-7

incourage.me photo cred

What Did You Say?

November 18, 2015November 17, 2015 / morgancreynolds / 2 Comments

Stuff happens. People say stuff. People do stuff.

What I am asking myself is, “Ok, so what are you going to do with that?”

Words hurt. Words get into your heart and soul.

I am noticing unkind words spoken about me or someone I love leave a mark. I am getting better at being able to look at what was said and putting them into perspective mentally. I can look at the situation and logically realize these people speaking have no real consequence in my life.

To put it honestly, they really mean nothing to the big picture of my life. I don’t mean that rudely. In relationship to my life, they have not invested in me nor are they a part of the circle of influence in my life. They have not walked with me or listened to my heart. They’ve not prayed for me and are not committed to my welfare.

Yet, words can be crushing.

The Scriptures say there is power of life and death in the tongue.

Proverbs 18:21 says,

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”

Have you given any thought to the words you speak to others? I am paying more attention. It matters. It’s too easy to quip off something without thinking of the consequences.

But, my experience this past week has been on both ends of the spectrum.

I have heard words spoken to me and loved ones that were more poison than fruit. Words that had the potential to bring death. But, then I have also heard many loving words of life. Words that speak life, hope and encouragement.

Which ones am I listening to?

I have had to do some hard work to properly deal with the hurt that came from the hurtful words.

Logically I understood the place those words have in my heart and mind. Yet, the words caused a grief I could not shake. It settled over me like a heavy blanket. It took a couple of days to shake off the heaviness that covered me. The words were an indictment against who we are and everything we hope to be. Cruel and dark.

These words tried to carve a giant, black X over our hearts.

“Not good enough. Not EVER going to be good enough. Broken. Not loved. Hopeless. Death. Rejected. Inadequate.”

But, after my Sweetheart and I prayed over our hearts and those we love, the true work began. It has proven difficult to shake off the death grip of those words.

It’s not coincidence that hurt follows on the heels of victory or success.

The Scripture talks about a “lion who comes to steal, kill and destroy.” Lions are stealthy and swift. The lion worked steadily all week through a totally different and unrelated interpersonal issue. This work was meant to distract me and cause me to lose focus. Then on the heels of great joy and victory, a lethal strike came from a completely unexpected angle.

I began to wonder.

Why do I listen and take to heart more the words of hurt than the words of healing? Why can’t I shake this?

It takes hard work. I knew I had a choice. Either I was going to give up and lose the ground I had fought hard to win, or I was going to army crawl, if need be, through to victory.

What do you do when you don’t want to become the victim of a strategic spiritual attack? Scripture says we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against powers we don’t see.

Sometimes it is confusing. It isn’t so easily recognized. Hurt is hurt. Misguided and misinformed people often are unwittingly used to strike and wound. It sure looks human. But, really it is a spiritual attack in nature.

So, here is what I have done this past week to counter attack and increase my strength. It doesn’t come easily.

It requires a concerted and mindful effort on our part.

I realized I can either roll over and let this disrupt God’s work in my life. Or, I can fight, quite literally, the Hell out of my situation.

It’s working.

Pray over the words spoken to you. God has the power to nullify the effects on our hearts and mind.
Cry. It hurt. I am human. I can’t pretend it doesn’t—nor am I required to.
Remember, actively, who I am in Christ. He calls me good. That is enough.
Fill your world with worship. I’ve been listening to worship music quite a bit lately.
Read the Word and soak in life-giving words.
Turn to a trusted friend to hear your hurt. Mine was a safe place to bandage my wounds.
Put it into proper perspective. Remind yourself of the truth.
Keep moving. Keep doing the good you know you are doing. Don’t quit.
Keep giving it to God. We can be slow. It often takes repeating.
Be mindful. Be careful not to rehearse and relive the words over and over. They can settle in and take root.

I realized something the other day.

Have you ever felt God reveal something to you? Well, He did the other day.

He gently spoke to my heart.

“Who are they to mark what I have declared GOOD, as not good?”

That pierced my heart and mind!

God has called me and mine GOOD. He has taken our pain and wounds and broken pieces. He promised to heal and has done a mighty fine job! And, then someone declares that divine work “not good enough” and “broken”? That is not part of His plan.

God does all things well.

We don’t always know all the good work He is doing in a life. This very fresh lesson gave me pause even today as I sat and talked with a loved one.

There would be no carving of an X today.

What Now?

November 11, 2015November 10, 2015 / morgancreynolds / 2 Comments

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.”

OR

“People with good sense are slow to anger, and it is their glory to overlook an offense.”

Proverbs 19:11

I am amazed! Maybe that’s not the best word for it. I am troubled. I think that is more appropriate.

The offense of this week is the red cups of Starbucks.

I’ve noticed something. Christians are too good at being offended. Trust me. I know. We are all subjected to it. I’ve lived it personally. Up close and in living color.

I wonder.

I wonder what it must say to the world. We are having high-speed come-aparts over a red cup. A secular company. Their great commission is not concerned with reaching people with the gospel. Their commission is serving great coffee and creating a comfortable place for folks to gather. Which they are fulfilling. God is not depending on Howard Schultz to spread the real reason for the season through Starbucks.

Unfortunately, I think Christians are living out their reputation of being angry, spiteful and opposed to everything. We are experts at being offended and being angry. This isn’t what is going to invite in the hurting. And, why would it? Why would they want to subject themselves, their mistakes and regrets to the scrutiny of Christians? I’m sure a root canal without anesthesia holds more attraction.

It doesn’t have to be a red cup.

Just pick a topic. Ahhh, and just think about all the wasted time boycotting. For the most part, we would not have any place to eat, shop, or entertain ourselves. Maybe we should boycott movies and theaters—maybe television. Let’s not go to movie theaters or subscribe to Netlix, Direct TV, Amazon or Barnes n Noble (shouldn’t support the book publishing industry). For goodness sake, we probably should all become self-sustaining and walk everywhere. That way we do not support or even concern ourselves with anything that could possibly be of the world. We won’t sully our hands this way.

How about this one?

We are really good at bashing our own. Take your pick of national ministers. They offend someone theologically or maybe it’s just the size of their home, and God bless them. I wouldn’t want to be them. And, don’t forget, it always has to be a public scathing on social media. Who are we to feel so superior to judge so harshly and diminish a person’s ministry over differing viewpoints? It does more damage than good. (I won’t even get into the hurt it must cause their families.)

“People with good sense are slow to anger, and it is their glory to overlook an offense.”

Christ followers should be the most joyful, grateful, grace and hope-filled people around. But, it sure seems like sometimes we only know how to be offended. I’m not talking just about on a national scale. But how about our average every day, in and out? It’s living in our local churches and communities. It’s no wonder discouragement is the number one hazard of ministry. Those who are involved in ministry often feel they are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. It’s often never good enough.

I think my biggest concern is that we are often times too easily and too quickly offended. We are too quick to call each other out. What has happened to just overlooking an offense? What has happened to civility? Why can’t we realize people make mistakes or are just different than we are? Where is grace?

Graciousness is an art form that is all too easily neglected.

Let me be very clear. I am not talking about ignoring and condoning sin. I am not talking about being lazy or lassez-faire in guarding our own. But, first, the right to speak into someone’s life must be earned. That is only done through relationship and commitment. Gossip or slandering on social media, or just among ourselves, is not the responsible way to handle issues. I’m going to use a southern term—it’s ugly. Why do we want to be ugly? It doesn’t compel anyone.

I can be too easily offended. I am constantly working on giving the benefit of the doubt. I know life is more peaceful and joyful when I am not allowing myself to give in to offense. Offended people are not happy people. It only leads to bitterness.

The greatest fight we can engage in spiritually is to refuse to be offendable.

Let’s live out of a life-giving mind and heart. Not everything must be confronted or called out. Not every offense even needs to be acknowledged. Sometimes, we just need to shake it off and give it no other thought. That takes discipline and strength. But we are all better for it. Not only between each other, but in the eyes of those who watch from a distance. And, quite frankly, we all won’t look so ridiculous!

Yes! Keep up the good fight.

But let it be done from love—not offense.

Fight against injustice.

Fight against a culture of death.

Fight against poverty.

War against evil and it’s ravaging.

But, do it from an un-offendable heart.

Fight for justice and life.

And through this, we will be known by our love.

Withering Cherry Trees!

November 4, 2015November 5, 2015 / morgancreynolds / 3 Comments

Sometimes I look around and become, well, unhappy. Dissatisfied. Discontented. Ungrateful.

Do you ever do this?

I see the laundry still hanging out long after its dry. I see the messy rooms just begging for me to put some order back to them. I look at my vehicle. It’s not the newest or shiniest—it has driven my family a lot of miles. It has some scuffs and little scratches and even a dent someone put in it and didn’t bother to leave a note. I have some drawers that are sticking and not closing right. And, gosh, the to do list. It could use some whittling down. Due to all of those many miles I taxi, and my own responsibilities, I can’t seem to figure out how to cook healthful meals as much as I want. And let’s not mention, a few pounds may have been added. I have a pile, or maybe a couple, that house several “to handle later” items. I hate those.

You get the picture. Life. It is going mighty fast. Some days stuff just falls through the cracks. Maybe it’s just us. But, I’m not thinking so. My husband has a favorite saying. I have to admit, it can drive me crazy. God love the man. He’s right. We don’t always want to hear it. But, he’s right.

Here it is. “You are going to have to reframe.”

God bless this man of mine. Yes, sometimes, I think if I have to hear that again, I may fall over dead. Right there, right then. One time I told him I already knew that. I knew all of his tips and tricks, but I just needed a good cry. Dr. Husband let me have that good cry. All of that minutia and wounded-ness from self-criticism had taken its toll. I had hit the tipping point and had NO interest in reframing ANYTHING!! (It may not have been said in an inside voice.)

Well, he’s right. In life, we are faced with stuff. The detritus of this crazy life. In the natural life, too much stuff, too many cracks for things to fall through, it all piles up. In the emotional life, we are faced with the constant refrain of “not good enough.” And it all seems to add up to “NEVER good enough.”

I have a passage of Scripture that I love. I think you will, too. Habakkuk 3:17-19:

Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted. Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty. I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain!

I know this passage is talking about seasons of life when provision is low and they are depending on God to save the day. But, it sure seems to fit life when things are not as we would like them and we just desperately need His help to reframe.

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So, look at the line where the focus changes.

It says, “I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.“ And from there to the end of the passage, the writer has done some major reframing. Dr. Husband is right. Imagine that! It’s true, you know.

Reframing is the key to taking the ugly and untidy, worn and used and shining them up to beauty.

I can look at any given situation—whether it’s the ginormous mess or the task overlooked, again and again or the critics who are unkind and careless—and look at it in ugly, harsh tones. Or, I can do some editing and enhancing, shifting the shading, perhaps zoom in or zoom out. It’s my choice. I can put the frame around it in a new and pardigm-shifting perspective.

We can look at the mess OR we can look at the blessing that caused the mess.

Our choice.

I’m choosing to look at the blessing that caused the inconvenience or mess or extra work or busy-ness. It’s amazing how my heart takes strength and God gives me just what I need to keep going. Many people don’t have the blessings I do and would appreciate a little inconvenience. I’m afraid the things I complain about, someone else may be praying for. Reframe.

We are going into the beautiful holiday season. My very favorites of the year! Many are clued into the “30 days of Thanksgiving”. I’m all for it. It’s important. But, honestly, gratitude and joy are the gifts of reframing any time of the year. God has these beautiful gifts waiting for us and we bypass them every time we choose the lifeless, flat perspective of not reframing.

I’ll repeat Dr. Husband, “You are going to have to reframe.”

Ugly shifts. Hard softens. And gratitude and joy slip in and sidle up next to you.

It really is all in the reframing.

Check Out The View From Here!

October 28, 2015October 27, 2015 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

I’m a crazy walker. When I go out for a walk, or even when I add in a run, I always look down. What am I looking at? I don’t get it. Am I afraid if I don’t look at my feet they won’t move right? Or is the sidewalk just so beautiful I need to keep my eye on it?

It’s weird.

I tell myself, “Pick your head up! You look goofy. Look up and see the beauty around you. You’re missing out!” Yeah. I will pick my head up…my thoughts center on the beauty in the sky and trees. I get lost in thought—maybe even whisper a little prayer. And, then, “Look at those feet walking. Look at that sidewalk. Yep, they’re still there.”

For goodness sake! I just don’t get it. This is a problem, I do believe. I’m missing out. Even when I have a walking buddy I do it. Before I know it, I’m focusing on the road right in front of me, instead of seeing all that is around me. They have been kind enough to just ignore it!

This has gotten me to thinking.

In life, what am I focusing on?

Am I focusing on the challenges and tough-going I have experienced? Am I looking at the past and wishing circumstances had been different or I had been dealt a better hand?

Where is my focus?

Perhaps I am focusing on how I wish I was different. Different gifting, different temperment, different anything.

Maybe I look at the ways I could have made different choices and would then be on a different and seemingly better path.

Focus.

What is my focus?

Too much introspection can lead to too much self-focusing. Sometimes I just have to get out of my head. It’s good to remember our past and what we have come through. It’s important to remember what we have learned. Gratitude is born out of remembering with grace our journey.

But, we can’t afford to get stuck.

A couple years ago I realized all my conversations were about all the negative things going on in my world. It was my habit. I was good at rehashing the injustices and idiocy I was enduring. My friends were so gracious. They commiserated with me. Even though it had to be like nails on a chalkboard, they loved on me and listened—and endured it!

I finally got tired of hearing myself talk about it. It was getting old. And, I knew it was a problem when I couldn’t think of other things to talk about. It kind of felt like a loser sort of life!

It’s amazing when God starts nudging you in a new direction.

I’m guessing He was tired of hearing all about it too—over and over and over and over—if you get my drift.

I was missing out on all the goodness He was giving. I was missing out on all the beauty and grace He so lavishly supplied. He was fully aware of all the injustice and rejection and hurt. He got it. He saw it and knew how it hurt. The Beautiful One was trying to give me beauty for my ashes. But, it wasn’t going to happen if all I kept focusing on was the pitiful parts. I was going to miss it all. What a tragedy—and He knew it.

I had to quit wallowing around in the ashes!

He spoke to my heart. He opened my eyes to the reality of what I was becoming. It wasn’t the image I wanted. I purposed in my heart I was done reliving it all and talking about it. I was done dwelling on the negative and the pain.

Oh, I remember. I have the scars to show for it. But, I was done allowing it to become my focus and driving force. I was done talking about and rehashing every gory detail of every injustice. I determined that chapter was done. I was moving forward.

You know, it made all the difference in the world in my heart and life.

It wasn’t easy. I had to think of new topics of conversation. I had to live purposefully in the here and now. Yes, I remember. And, at times there is still pain in those scars. But, it doesn’t drive me any longer. I no longer look down and behind but look up and ahead. This new way of thinking and being set me on a new trajectory. It is so much more beautiful here!

Psalm 103 is really great right about now.

It’s too long to post here, but I encourage you to take a couple minutes to read it. It helps in the refocusing.

What do I choose to focus on? Where am I looking?

Am I remembering all of His blessings?

Do I remember that He has healed my family and me and has raised us from our ashes?

Do I recall that He has redeemed me—that He has wrapped me in goodness?

That He makes everything come out right and puts victims back on their feet?

Do I focus on His grace and mercy and keep in mind He doesn’t give us what we deserve, but gives us what we don’t deserve?

Do I relish in His fierce love and His total awareness of me?

How about remembering His love is eternal–forever and always?

It brings into proper perspective the flaws of this world. No scheme of man will ever take me from His hand. I am His. Why so downcast oh, dear soul? Look up to the hills from which comes your help!

Change your focus! It’s beautiful up here!

Amberly reynolds

sweet sage lane