A Big Thank You and a Few Little Thoughts

Thank so much to each of you who have reached out to the Russell family so beautifully. Your comments have touched their hearts and mine as well. I also want to thank each of you who left comments on my other posts. Your words encouraged me and I read each one!

A few of you asked for my e-mail address. It’s holley@dayspring.com. I may not be able to respond because of the number of e-mails I receive but I promise to read each one. A few of you also asked for DaySpring’s address and you can find that on the DaySpring web site in the Contact Us section or by clicking here.

I also wanted to share a little from my heart with you today. I recently spoke at a women’s ministry meeting about releasing our burdens to God. We each wrote something God was asking us to let go of and placed it in a basket on the stage. On my piece of paper I wrote “fear.” I’ve been asking God a lot lately why I always seem to be running. It’s hard for me to sit still and my to-do list is usually a mile long. I felt like the Lord helped me see in that time of reflection that sometimes I’m not just running…I’m running away.

I’m running away from the fear of being rejected.

I’m running away from feeling insignificant.

I’m running away from the sense that I’m just not enough.

So I laid my “fear” in the basket and turned to walk back to my seat. As I did, I paused for a moment and asked the Lord, “What are you giving me in exchange?” I believe God always gives us something in return for what we release to Him. Beauty for ashes. Strength for weakness. Grace for guilt. I sensed Him whispering to my heart one simple word, “Trust.” That’s the opposite of fear. It’s about resting, abiding, and staying connected to the Vine and so His life flows through us. Trust is about remaining rather than running.

I love the passage in John where Jesus says, “I’m the vine and you’re the branches. Remain in Me and you’ll bear much fruit.” The last time I read it I felt the Lord impressing on my heart that growth and productivity are His responsibilities in my life. He lovingly confirmed that again this morning.

So, Lord, teach me trust. Show me how to abide. Draw me close to You. Help me discover the ways that “Be still and know that I am God” can be so much more powerful than “Be on the go all the time.” I lay my to-do list down and take Your loving hand instead. I thank You that through the cross You have already marked everything that matters “done.” Amen.

I'd love for you to help me learn more about this. How is God teaching you to trust and rest in Him?

Matthew Russell - A Little Boy with Big Faith

Last summer I had the privilege of helping facilitate a grief support group. Each person’s story deeply touched my heart and helped me write Comfort & Encouragement: A One-Year Ministry Guide for Helping Those Who Are Hurting. Thank you again to each of you who were a part of that group. 

There’s an amazing little boy I’ve thought of almost every day since the group ended, and I’d like to introduce you to him today. His name is Matthew Russell. I didn’t get to meet Matt in person because he went to heaven last November after a car accident. But I feel like I’ve had the blessing of getting to know him through his wonderful parents, Dana and Greg. They shared his remarkable story with me and I’m so honored they’re letting me share it with you. I know you’ll be blessed and inspired by Matt the way I have been.

   

Matt was born October 23, 1997. He shared his birthday with his twin sister and best friend, Katelyn. During his short time on earth, Matt was an active member of his church, an outstanding student, and an athlete with a “winning attitude” and “coachable spirit.” Matt was dearly loved by his family and known as a “loyal and faithful friend” to his classmates and many others in the community.

Matt became a Christian at age seven and had a deep faith. This became especially evident when his parents looked at a spelling test Matt took during his last day on earth. Matt’s parents wrote on the back of the program for his service…

On the very day Matthew died, he took a spelling test at school. The 20 words on the test all contain ‘ea’ sounds. At the bottom of their papers, the students were instructed to write a sentence using as many of the spelling words as possible. Matthew’s sentence is a gift from God that assures us that Matthew is where his heart longed to be.

A few hours after he wrote this sentence, Matt was home with his Heavenly Father. The teacher said she had never asked students to write a sentence on their papers before but felt prompted to do so that day. With those few words, Matt left a legacy of faith that brings hope to the hearts of all who knew him…and many more who are looking forward to meeting him one day.

The evening Matt died, his grandmother gave Dana the book “90 Minutes in Heaven.” It was sitting by the phone when she received the call about her son. While nothing can take away the hurt they feel, the Russells find comfort in these small reminders of God’s presence even in the midst of tragedy.

Matt spent ten years on this earth. He loved, laughed, and lived to the fullest. He brought incredible joy to his friends and family. He made a difference in the world. Matthew Russell’s life is an inspiration and reminder to us all that it’s not about counting our days but about making each day—and every word—count.

Dana and Greg graciously gave me permission to share Matt’s story and they’ll be reading this page. If you’d like to leave a comment for them you can do so below. I’d also love for you share this page with your friends and family by using the "Send to a friend' link above so many more people can honor Matt’s memory and be touched by this little boy with big faith.

Fun Moments with Family and Friends

My nephew Kaleb and father-in-law Terry at one of our favorite local breakfast spots on Saturday morning.

My dear friend Heather and her sweet boy Micah. He loves touching this giant water globe on our town square. It has prayers for peace in many different languages on it.

Micah and Heather strolling through the Farmer's Market.

And last but not least, my 3 month-old nephew Kohl in his new costume. We nicknamed him the "Halloweenie".

Let Your Little Light Shine

A few words from Jon Huckeby...

"This cartoon is from the Bible Tails Wall Calendar by DaySpring that will be out in 2010. We just finished it this week, wahoooo! This was one of the first jokes that I came up with for this year and it seemed to get a good laugh from most folks.

The fish with the light is called an Angler fish or a a Monk fish and probably a lot of other names. It was made popular by the Pixar movie 'Finding Nemo.' In the Desk Planner that is also due out in 2010 we feature some additional cartoons where the fish at the bottom is singing a song to the angler fish which is, 'You light up my life....'

Happy Friday and have a great weekend."

Bringing Hope to Hurting Hearts: Part Two

A couple of days ago we started talking about what to say to people who are hurting. We started with the Sensitivity. Today we're moving on to the second guideline, simplicity.

Simplicity

We live in a world where more is often seen as better. But when it comes to words for those who are hurting, less is often best. A grieving father recently told me what helped him most was when people said, "I have no idea of the pain you are going through, but I want you to know that I see the hurt you have and I hurt for you."

Kim Marquette, a DaySpring Associate Product Manager and pastor's wife, shared with me recently about how she feels called to the "ministry of presence." In other words, simply being there to serve without saying much.

Kim is outgoing by nature and says, "It always feels odd to me to practice the ministry of presence. I call it the ministry of awkwardness and uselessness. It seems like I am intruding or invading a very personal time, very personal space and yet these are real needs. It's funny even when I feel like I am intruding the families are always so grateful."

Sometimes saying fewer words can feel uncomfortable to us. But it may be what those who are hurting need most. So take a deep breath and let go of the myth that you need an eloquent script, a stirring speech, or a ten-point sermon to bring hope to others. You simply need a few caring words and an open heart. God will fill in the rest.

At a time when words are hard to find…I just want you to know I'm praying for you.--DaySpring Card

Blog Block

I'm having a bit of blog block this week. I stare at the screen and try to think of something to say  but nothing happens. I guess it's one of the occupational hazards of being a writer. Occasionally the machinery (your brain) decides it's had enough, thank you very much.

I think it could also be because I'm exhausted. If I had one of those low-gas warning lights like my car does, it would probably be on about 75% of the time. I realize this isn't a healthy or especially helpful way to live. God and I have been having numerous conversations about that lately.

I actually just finished writing in my journal about it too. I was pondering how there are some truths of the Christian faith that are easy for me to accept, even if I don't totally understand them. For example, the resurrection and heaven fall in this category. But there are others that have trouble getting from my head to my heart. The truth that I'm loved apart from what I do is at the top of the list.

So I wrote in my journal tonight...

Lord, I choose to believe you. I choose to believe you love me. I choose to believe you accept me. I choose to believe I'm your precious daughter. I choose to believe what you say about me even if in my flesh it doesn't make sense or I don't feel it emotionally. I choose to believe you.

Do any of you have books, studies, etc. to recommend about understanding God's love and who are in Christ? I'd be forever grateful if you'd share those here. And I'd appreciate your prayers this week. I'm feeling pretty worn and weary right now.

Encouraging Words for a New Week

Your future is full of...

HOPE because God is working on your behalf.
In all things God works for the good of those who love Him.
ROMANS 8:28 NIV

JOY because God has a plan for you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “…plans to give you hope and a future.”
JEREMIAH 29:11 NIV

PEACE because God will be with you wherever you go.
I am with you always.
MATTHEW 28:20 NIV

LOVE because God deeply loves you.
How wide and long and deep and high is the love of Christ.
EPHESIANS 3:18 NIV

STRENGTH because God gives you everything you need.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
PHILIPPIANS 4:13 NIV

CONFIDENCE because God made you who you are.
God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.
GENESIS 1:31 NIV

COURAGE because God can do more than you can imagine!
With God all things are possible.
MATTHEW 19:26 NIV

Imaginary Monsters and Dogs of the Bible

Jon Huckeby and I just finished a conversation about imaginary monsters. It started because Jon is convinced the phrase "Holley-Blog" sounds like a swamp creature if you say it fast enough.

When Jon was a kid, his uncle used to tell him to watch out for the "Yokum-Stretchers" when it got dark.

My Grandpa told me he had a "Catty-Wampus" living in a little hole in this wall.

Both of these monsters were used to make us behave. For example, "You'd better stop that or the Yokum-Stretcher/Catty-Wampus will come out and get you." Jon and I probably owe the fact that we're reasonably responsible adults to the creative threats of our relatives.   

Any other imaginary monsters out there we should know about?

Speaking of Jon, here's one of his latest and greatest cartoons to start your weekend right...

 

Bible Tails copyright 2008 by DaySpring.

Blessed by Brennan Manning

I was blessed by Brennan Manning today, literally and figuratively. He's written several best-selling books, including The Ragamuffin Gospel. He spoke at a local chapel service and I had the opportunity to attend.

At one point in his life, Brennan slipped into alcoholism. He lost his ministry and many relationships. But God stuck with him through it all.

Brennan described weaving down the street and stumbling to the ground as alcohol poisoning took hold of him. With his face almost to the sidewalk, he recalls sensing the Lord speaking to him. A voice deep within his heart said, "Brennan, you are a bruised reed and I will not crush you. You are a smoldering wick and I will not snuff you out." You may recognize those words from a verse about Christ in the twelfth chapter of Matthew.

The amazing grace Brennan experienced during that time made a lasting impression on him. He shares it with others every chance he gets. Today was no exception.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from his talk...

What makes Jesus Christ the greatest lover in all of history is that He knows the hurts of His people.

There's a word that means "moved with compassion" that's used twelve times in the Bible. But this is more than just what we think of as compassion--it's a deep, gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, powerful emotion that means to literally feel the pain of anotehr person. Jesus felt this and still feels it toward us today.

Jesus has "relentless tenderness" for His people.

Jesus knows our hurts and seeks us out--no matter out poverty or pain.

Our desire is to find someone who understands us completely and loves us anyway. Jesus is the answer to that desire.

At the end of the service, Brennan asked us all to bow our heads. He told us to think and pray about how Jesus loves and accepts us just as we, not as we should be.

As I did, I felt like the Lord spoke to my heart, "Daughter, you wear yourself out to gain what you already have." Tears came to my eyes. I knew exactly what that meant.

I often spin my wheels, take on more and more, and run on empty with the hope that I will somehow be loved, feel valuable, and make a difference in the world.

Over and over, God draws me back and tells me that life with Him is about being led, not driven. And sometimes I live in the center of that truth. But I know myself, and God does too, and we both realize I need to be reminded often that I'm valuable and loved no matter what.

This is a lesson I may be learning my whole life. Because no matter how much I accomplish, no matter how many compliments I get, there is still another voice within me that whispers...you are not enough.

Sometimes the voice of God seems so much louder. But sometimes it doesn't. So I'm slowly learning to listen closer for LOVE the way I did today. And I hope one day that's all my heart will hear.

So thank you, Brennan Manning, for helping me take another step on the path of God's amazing grace.

I'll close this post the same way Brennan closed his talk today, with this Irish Blessing...

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

May the rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

My Other Anniversary

A week ago I celebrated my 8th wedding anniversary. That date marked another anniversary for my husband and I as well. Four years ago we started the journey to having a family. And we're still not there yet, although we do have one baby in heaven we'll one day meet.

I debated about whether or not I should share this with you. After all, it's personal and painful. But in the end, I decided it's too much a part of who I am and the journey I'm on with God not to let you know.

If you'd told me, "It's going to be at least four years" when we started down this path I think I would have said, "I'm not strong enough to wait that long." But you know what? With God, somehow I am. That's just one of the many surprises I've discovered along the way.

Yes, there have been difficult days. I've cried a lot of tears. I've yelled in anger at God. I've spent months in a blur of wondering and waiting.

But there have also been blessings I never could have imagined, joy deeper than I've ever known, peace that passes understanding, and love wrapped around me like a blanket for my heart.

I wrote a card for DaySpring that expresses some of these things. On the cover, it says...

In hard times she'd learned three things--

She was stronger than she'd ever imagined.

Jesus was closer than she ever realized.

And she was loved more than she ever knew.

Would I have chosen this journey? Never. Would I trade it knowing that I do now? Not a chance. That sounds crazy but it's true.

So this other anniversary is a mixed-up mess of laughter and tears, joys and sorrows, heartache and hope. I've come to believe most of life is that way.

There's a verse in Proverbs that says something like, "Even in laughter the heart may sorrow and joy may end in grief." In our black and white world, that feels a bit odd. But this side of heaven it seems everything is a mixed-up, beautiful, broken mess...and we somehow live by grace in the middle of it all.

You may be wondering, "Where are you going on your journey to having kids next?" The answer is, "I don't know." I'd appreciate your prayers for God to bring forth new life through me and make me fruitful--whether that is through a child or in another way. That's what He's put on my heart to pray and I would love for you to join me.

And although I may not know where I'm going on this journey, I do know who is going with me--my husband, family, friends, and a God who has shown me He is a Redeemer of the broken places in our lives. In this moment, for this step, that is somehow enough.