ExPoSeD.

After all the build-up and fanfare…it’s here! Today’s my last day of posts in 2007, and the day you will definitely see the “real” me. Funny thing -- I'm kinda nervous. :)

I’m thinking you probably aren’t sure whether to be intrigued…or frightened! I can certainly understand. I’m actually not trying to do either, but rather, take you on my own personal journey for truth and authenticity in my life. (Ok, I guess I did want to intrigue you enough to get you back to read this post. But it worked, didn’t it? :) )

Anyway. Here is what I know. Before I can expect anyone to be real with me, I first have to be willing to go there myself.

That’s what this blog post is all about.

I guess whether or not you visit my blog again depends on how much you appreciate what’s real. For me, I have always loved interactions with real people who don’t profess to be perfect and aren’t afraid to tell the truth. I’m not talking about the heart on the sleeve kind of thing…I am talking about honesty…integrity…knowing oneself…and learning how to wear the flesh I was born with while not letting it rule over me. Telling the truth is an integral part of that for me.

I’ve kept you waiting long enough, so let me get started.

First, I have a question for you. Take a minute and answer it carefully and honestly.

Is what you see always what you get?

I could illustrate this point with many different things, but in keeping with my “getting real” theme, let me illustrate by using a few “snapshots” from my own life…

Here are some things I want you to see…




























Here are some things I don’t want you to see…

Here are some things I want you to see...

Here are some things I don't want you to see...

I know, I know. Not too glamorous, is it? (No, I was not on drugs or sedated in these pics -- that is really what I looked like after a day at home with a cold, after having cleaned the house!)Certainly these second round of pictures are much less pleasing and attractive than the first set. I wish I could have stopped with the first set and not had to post the second set for you. I wish I could let you think the pictures of a put-together house and smiling girl with professional makeup and hair was exactly who I am. That what you see when you visit my website or my blog is the real me, 24-7, all the time, everyday. But that wouldn’t be full disclosure, now would it? :)

Speaking of which, I think this is a good time to tell you what I have in common with a well-known Hollywood actress. Stay with me. I promise, it all relates.

Jaime Lee Curtis -- the woman known largely for a most bodacious body (think True Lies). I wanted to post her picture here, but I wouldn’t want any male readership to come across it. Their wives might not appreciate me posting it! (Hint: google her)

She could have stopped with our impression of her in a skimpy bikini and let us envy her for looking so perfect. She didn’t have to do anything to change our opinion of her perfection. She didn’t have to get real. But she did. Take a look...


I still remember the first time I saw this picture -- the gutsy move this Hollywood actress made when she posed for a magazine in boy shorts and a sports bra without (gasp!) any airbrushing. At the age of 44, Jaime Lee Curtis showed her “real” side by allowing herself to be photographed without make-up, spray-on tanner, or photo shopping. She did it to show how 44-year-old women REALLY look, without the help of computer-generated doctoring. And I have mad respect for her because of it.

So, what do we have in common? Not much, really. I have never made a movie or gone to a movie premiere. I have never experienced fame and don’t personally know any Hollywood actors. I have never even seen the kind of money she has at her disposal. I don’t live in California, and I wasn’t raised by parents who were famous. I have never had the killer body she had or lived the glamorous life she leads.

But I do share her desire to cut through the “fluff” and just be real.

In truth, I have always been a get-real kind of girl. But I have to say, age and deeper spiritual maturity has given me the increased desire to be authentic and real in any and every area of my life. And, in this last post of ’07, I am exposing myself and my soul to you in the best way I know how. Following Jaime Lee Curtis’ lead, I want to be an example of what non-perfection looks like.

She looks like me.

But pictures won’t tell you everything. Just in case you think dust on my baseboards and junky garages and closets are my only imperfections, let me further expose myself to you. Rest assured, there are other things I don’t necessarily want you to “see” about me. I sure hope you can handle my truth.

I don’t want you to see...

...I am sometimes very stubborn.
... I sometimes eat too much and regret it later.
... I sometimes justify my purchases at the mall and sometimes never think twice about them.
... I am sometimes not a very good wife to my husband.
... I sometimes laugh at jokes I shouldn’t.
... I have, at times, yelled at my children, even though I wish I could say I never have.
... I sometimes hold back tears when I really need to cry.
... I sometimes fear getting older and becoming more and more anonymous to those younger than me.
...I sometimes put other things before my relationship with Christ, and I sometimes stand Him up for our 7am standing appointment.
...my back fat, cellulite or growing number of grays and wrinkles.
...I sometimes compromise when I shouldn’t.
... I sometimes envy women who are more laid back than me and can let things roll off their back with greater ease.
... I get sad at times, thinking about my parents one day not being around anymore to advise and encourage me.
... I sometimes wish I had more money.
... I sometimes wish I laughed more and worried less.
... I often want to grab my children and keep them cocooned in our safe home forever, never letting them out of my sight for a minute.
... I sometimes don’t love my body.
... I sometimes get nervous, hesitant and insecure and want to run from serving God.
... I sometimes worry about my health.
... I sometimes am very selfish.
... I sometimes regret things from my past or strained relationships with people I once cared about.
...I sometimes try to control everything around me and wind up exhausted in the process.
...I sometimes think my way is better than God’s way and try it out first.
...I sometimes want to quit.
...Sometimes…some days…thoughts of inadequacies and shortcomings and failures flood my mind and make me feel very insecure.
...I sometimes fear my friends and family -- those I love -- might one day stop loving me altogether.
...I sometimes resist vulnerability, even though I need it more than most anything else in my life.

Though the list could go on, I will spare you the rest of my many imperfections. I think I have probably convinced you by now that I am far from any measured standard!

Friends, I am doing what I resist today – being completely vulnerable with you – because, well, I need to. It is easy to list all my “good things” on a profile or in a professional bio. It’s easy to show the world pleasing pictures of me that have been photo shopped or taken with a great camera angle. It’s easy to show you the things I want you to see, rather than the things that make up the “me” that I really am…the “ragamuffin” me I sometimes wish I wasn’t. But that’s not true authenticity. It’s not getting down and dirty, nitty gritty….real. And that’s what I want to do.

Jesus is a real God. He deals in real life. He tackles real issues. He desires real relationships with real people who aren’t afraid to tell the truth. He wants nothing more than for us to be real with ourselves, each other, and most of all, with Him. In fact, He can’t have the kind of relationship He wants to have with us until we are.

So, while I am far from any worldly measured standard of perfection, I am closer to spiritual perfection than I ever have been. With each day that goes by my imperfect body and fleshly, fallible nature is diminishing and I am getting nearer and nearer to the perfection I so crave. (“but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.” I Corinthians 13:10 NKJV)

But in the meantime, getting real reminds me to see myself through the lens of my precious Heavenly Father, who could not be more real if He were physically sitting in the room with me right now. I am a serial sinner, saved by His undeserved grace. I am a fearful, inadequate woman who can be fearless and adequate by His power and through His holiness. I am a mess of a person, but He continually cleans me up. Author Erwin Lutzre once said, “God is a specialist. He is able to work our inadequacies into His plans.” I don't know about you, but I am certainly counting on it! :)

With this thought in mind, I can be free to be the picture of imperfection and not be afraid to show it to you or see it for myself. I need to be imperfect so He can shine His glorious perfections through me for me and the rest of the world to see. People may not love me, but people cannot resist the Jesus in me. Boy, does that take the pressure off.

Girls, will you join me in getting real in 2008? Let’s not call it a resolution, but rather, a necessity for growth. I have long believed that if I am not growing, I am probably dying in some way. I’m not willing to let my need for others to think I have it all together get in the way of living in truth and authenticity! What about you?

My next blog will be in a new year. I have something exciting to share with you, and I hope you will come back. Don’t worry – there won’t be any other big “reveal” about me. I’m not sure if there is anything else to share after this blog! :)

Thanks for letting me expose myself to you. I hope I wasn’t too imperfect for your taste. Praise God I’m not too imperfect for His.

Lisa :)

5-4-3-2-1...The Countdown Has Begun!

In just 5 days, it will be my big moment of truth.

I will be going there.

...Being honest.

...Getting real.

...Telling the truth.

I hope you'll be back for my last blog of 2007.

In just 5 days...Monday, December 31st.

It promises to be quite revealing.

Lisa

P.S. What do I have in common with a well-known Hollywood actress? I'll let you know on the 31st. :)

Merry Christmas...and C'est la vie to stilettos!

Can someone say…ouch?

Yep, these are the offending party of the after-church foot pain I have been experiencing today. If they look like they hurt, they do! (Oh, why do we girls do this to ourselves?)

These size 8 stilettos are likely the last purchase I made for myself in ’07…bought a couple of weeks ago for a Christmas party. But it’s for reasons other than the fact that they are the most uncomfortable pair of shoes I have ever worn!

See, my husband and I have committed to do something in the months to come that is going to be both a challenge and a process. I could add a lot of fanfare to this, but I think I’d rather cut to the chase and just tell you about it…

For 6 months, we are not going to buy anything we want.

Yep, you heard me right: nothing whatsoever that is a “want” item.” Not a new picture frame or cute trendy top that makes me look skinny (for me)…no shiny new gadget or electronic “toy” or rims for the car (him). And…definitely no stilettos! (me, of course). :)

It was my hubby’s conviction – clearly prompted by God – to help him “fast” from constantly buying things because he can, not because he needs to. When he first told me about it a few months ago, I immediately thought about what a neat concept it was, but I was scared out of my mind to commit to it with him. “That’s awesome, honey,” I said, fully supportive. “I wish I could do it with you.” But for me, committing to something I won’t actually follow through with is not my m.o. I am a follow-through kind of girl.

If I say I will do it, I will…or I will die trying.

But God began to work in my heart, and this morning, I resolved it in my mind. I am going to join Scotty on a 6 month “fast” from buying anything I want. Things like basic necessities, toiletry items, etc., of course, we will still purchase. But the other STUFF will for 6 months be denied.

Please understand. I/we are not doing this for shock value or for bragging rights. Believe me, it is not going to be easy for me or for him. And I am DEFINITELY fully committing to this by verbalizing it for all of you and cyberspace to keep my accountable! (If you think of it, I would love for your prayers to go up for me about this!)

Some may think it's not that big of a sacrifice. But for us, it is. Some might think we are being a bit extreme since we really don’t live outside of our means. But he and I both feel like this is something God is calling us to do as a couple…and as an offering of gratitude for Him. And, we need to do it. (Me, much more so, than him) If I let it, shopping can be a stronghold for me. I might as well be honest about it.

My prayer through all of this is that 1) I will enjoy the bounty of what I already have (so much, too much!) 2) I will begin to get past a bad habit of impulse spending or the desire to want more 3) I will be an example to my children of self-control over self-indulgence and 4) I will go deeper in my relationship with God and rely on Him to fill any and every void or insecurity in my life.

Knowing God, this 6-month “fast” will take me places in my spiritual walk that I have long needed to go.

But I will keep my stilettos in close sight at all times, as they will be a reminder to me of an impulse purchase I made that I didn’t need…but rather, wanted. Ironically, the thing that I wanted so much one day sitting on a sales rack wound up causing me the most pain in the end! Hmmm…hear the symbolism at all in that?

So I put a challenge out to you today. I know it’s not the feel good thing to do with Christmas a mere 24 hours away! But in a way, it’s completely appropriate. Christmas is all about Him…and so is denying something that stands in the way of my relationship with Him.

But back to the challenge.

As you get ready to celebrate the start of a new year, think and pray about what God might want you to “fast” from in order to grow closer to Him. It may not be a shopping thing for you. But you and God both know what it is. What better present could you offer your precious Jesus than to give Him all of your heart, with no divided “loyalties?” If He truly is the reason for you to celebrate this season, then let Him know. All He wants for Christmas is you…all of you…and nothing less!

Rich blessings of a new kind to you in ’08!
Lisa

P.S. I cannot WAIT to start blogging in the new year! I am going to tell you more about what kind of things I am going to be talking about, but suffice it to say that I am going to be getting real…telling the truth…and going there. Where, you ask? You’ll have to check back with me to find out. I blog every Monday…and sometimes another time in the week when I just can’t wait until Monday to write! My next blog will hint at what is to come. Can’t wait to write it. Don’t miss it!

Ask, ask, ask!!

Can you believe I’m even using that word with what time of year it is???

Let me guess, parents. You are as tired as I am of getting asked for something different nearly every day for Christmas by your sweet children! Unless you shut the TV off for an entire month preceding the glorious 25th of December, the sights and sounds of every mechanical, battery-operated, soft and cuddly and cool toy and gadget available are bombarding your children. And that leads to a lot of ASKING…at least, in my house it does.

But today as I was wrapping Christmas presents, I couldn’t help but think of something of another kind that was “asked” last Christmas. Let me set up the scenario for you…

It was Christmas Eve, and our Whittle party of 5 was all seated around the kid’s Christmas tree with the overhead lights off and only the glow of the colored lights to light the room. As we looked around at all the handmade, homemade and significant ornaments, Scotty began to ask the kids which ornament they loved the most and why. My very-sentimental oldest son, nearly 9 at the time, looked for a minute and then picked his favorite for this year: a hip-swiveling Elvis that his Elvis-loving grandmother had recently bought for him. (We laughed and agreed that it was a pretty cool ornament.) My sweet little girl, 4 years old, pointed to a green-hand painted wreath clay ornament with her picture in the middle that she made at school, proclaiming it her favorite. (It was high on our list, too, as you can imagine.)

My middle son, age 6, had been sitting quietly while the others took their turn, clearly deep in thought about what his favorite would be. Scotty finally turned to him and asked him to show us his pick. When he did, Micah stood up and walked over to one side of the tree, carefully removing his top choice. It was a rugged looking cross, very simple in design. Though deeply moved, I wasn’t altogether surprised. Micah had just recently made a salvation decision, asking Jesus in his heart. And now his already-tender spirit was even tenderer to the things of God. Wiping away tears from my eyes, I could see Micah’s bottom lip beginning to quiver. I decided to ask him a question. “Micah, why do you love that ornament so much?” Still emotional, he looked at me and very simply said, “Because of Jesus.” I probed a bit more, though I sensed I already knew the answer. “Is it because of what He did for you on the cross?” As little tears slipped down his cheeks he couldn’t speak, but instead shook his head in an affirming “yes.” I reached up and hugged him and no more words followed after. We didn’t need any.

I was so glad I had asked.

So as I reflect on this sweet scene today, as I ready myself for the big day this year, I am reminded of the importance of "asking." In this season of the “ask,” let’s remember to ask our children questions that remind them of their faith. So often we don’t hear their heart simply because we get busy and forget to ask them about what is going on inside it. After all, their little souls hold great truth that is often just waiting to come out. If you take the time to "ask," I know their answers will bless you as much as Micah’s did us.

Here’s a picture of my now 7-year old Micah a few weeks ago, putting on his best “Santa.” :) Since I asked him the question last year, I am pretty sure I know where he stands on what this season is really all about. :)


Lisa

P.S. If you want to read another sweet “Micah” story, go to my web page (linked through his blog or at http://www.lisawhittle.com/) and go to “Recent Writings.”

All in the Name

Would you do something with me?

Wherever you are, in the midst of reading this blog, just stop for a minute…

…and say the name…out loud…

Jesus.

Good, isn’t it? Need to do it again? Go for it.

Jesus.

I did it with you. Instantly my soul was flooded with peace… calm… love… loyalty…and…a sense of…

Power.

What about you?

Just the name of Jesus packs a punch, doesn’t it? Man, what power it holds. This morning, when I asked the Lord what He wanted me to say through this blog, He said to me, “Remind them that there is power in my name.”

I didn’t even try to argue with that. :)

My first thought might be your first thought: how on earth could we as seasoned believers ever forget something like that? How in the world can we bypass or overlook the fact that there is power in the very name of Jesus? Yet often we do. With all of Satan’s tactics to keep us distracted and distant from God, we sometimes forget to call on His name for the strength we need. Think about it: how many times in the day do you just stop and say the name of Jesus, out loud? I know for this girl…not nearly enough.

Now please understand…I’m not talking about when you mention His name to your neighbor when talking about church or your life. (Yes, of course, even in that circumstance, His name still holds power.) I am talking about stopping to say His name, out loud…and letting the power of it penetrate your heart and reach down to the deepest part of your soul.

There is power in His name.

Like today, during Jesus’ earthly ministry, He used His name to bring forth great power. He used willing hearts to deliver His message of love and grace, and He equipped them to do the task. In the early verses of Luke 10, it details how Jesus designated a group of 72 believers to prepare a number of towns for His coming visit. As far as we know, these believers were not unique in their qualifications. They were not better educated, more capable, or of higher status than other followers of Christ. What prepared them for this mission was not proper training in "Christianese," but their willing heart and the fact that they had been equipped with Jesus’ power to reach the people. And that is what made them effective.

After giving them some specific instructions in verses 2-12 (He is a detail-oriented God, you know :)), He cuts to the chase and lets them know just what kind of challenges await them (vs. 13-16). He doesn’t pull any punches or sugarcoat things when sharing the reality that things may be slightly less than easy for them.

See, the cities the messengers were traveling to were wicked and evil and had often rejected God. Undoubtedly, there was some demonic activity taking place among the people. But God wasn’t worried about rejection…or wickedness…or demons. He didn’t need to send the believers out with weapons or protective gear or anything else to shield them physically. He knew that they would be aptly protected. After all, He was sending them out with the most powerful of all tools to combat the opposition they were sure to face: His mighty name.

And the rest of the story is…well…history.

Just listen to the “progress report” upon their return…

“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” (vs. 17)

Wow. Is that awesome, or what? I can just see them running up to Jesus with a giddy spring in their step and letting their awe for what just happened spill out of them! They were understandably freaked out that a name could give them such authority! Without a doubt, they had just cause to be happy. The once defiant demons now eagerly submitted to people they typically so strongly opposed! I can almost hear those demons saying, “Yes, maam, and “No, maam” to the believers as they listened to them share the message of Jesus Christ. (Ok, so I live in the south and we are big on manners! But you get the picture.)

But Jesus wasn’t surprised. He knew what power His name held. Otherwise, He would have sent them out with something else to protect them. But nothing else was needed.

He’s also not surprised when we use His name and find great power. That same tool Jesus gave these believers during his earthly ministry is the same tool He has given us. We can use it as often as we want. There is no cap on how many times we say it to give us strength and power. In fact, Jesus desperately wants us to use it and use it often to combat Satan and tap into the current of His Holy power. It’s a powerful tool, yet sometimes we are so busy looking for a 3-step system to finding power and strength that we miss the real source. I have certainly been guilty of this...

~Instead of claiming the name of Jesus, we read how-to books to solve our issues with our spouses, friends, family, co-workers and churches.

~Instead of claiming the name of Jesus, we white knuckle our way through situations and circumstances that are out of our control and beyond our understanding.

~Instead of claiming the name of Jesus, we look for something bigger, better or more tangible to be our everyday answer to getting through the day…or the holidays…in one piece.

Friends, may I remind you that there is nothing --bigger…better…or more tangible…than the name of Jesus.

Mom with a sick child, there is power in His name.

Friend dealing with a difficult relationship, there is power in His name.

Sister who is doubtful that her life will ever change, there is power in his name.

Whatever you are going through, whether it be big or small, there is power in his name, if you will claim it. I don’t know about you, but I could use that kind of power right now in my life. With everything I have going on, I need His strength to do all the many tasks before me each and everyday, especially around the holidays. Just this week, several of our dear friends have dealt with difficulties and hardships that are way beyond them or their capacity to do anything about. And we have, at different times, walked in those same shoes of fear and concern. Even without major crises going on sometimes we all feel overwhelmed, consumed, hopeless, stretched and strained. And that is when we need to pull out our power card and change things.

Whisper it, shout it, sing it…however you want, just call it out…

Jesus.

It’s all in the name.

Lisa

Some Serious Fun!

After my last week’s blog about our SS class, I feel it’s only appropriate for me to share with you some pictures of the “thriving” group of which I write! On Thursday night, we had our first ever Christmas party with many of our couples in attendance. (If you read the last posting, this is where the stiletto heels came in!) Between the beautiful decorations, delicious food, and great conversation, we had an awesome time laughing and hanging out together! (A special thanks to Judy Perry and Laura Davis -- love you girls!)

And…the night was capped of by a surprise appearance by Santa and his #1 elf! Here are some pics of our special guests from the North Pole, along with some of the couples who were there…

And...Santa and Me...
Before... and ...after

I love so many things about our fun and “THRIVING” class (see last week’s blog post for more). But one of the things I love the very most is how much we laugh together. As you can see in the Christmas Party pics, we laugh…act silly…and enjoy life together.

As a self-professed realist (I’m actually a pessimist, but realist sounds so much better!) it’s especially good for me to laugh and have fun. My husband has a much more fun and optimistic personality than I do, and he is the always-on naturally gregarious people person. But living with him for 12 years has helped me to come out of my "realistic" shell and embrace relationships with others in a new way! And laughter and fun is a great benefit of that.

By the way, did you know that Jesus endorsed laughter?

In Proverbs (17:22), He calls a cheerful spirit, “good medicine.” Since, as I write, my oldest son has a terrible case of the flu, the thought of “good medicine” as a cure to illness certainly strikes a very relevant chord with me! And the book of Job nods to God’s intent for joy in our life in chapter 8 verse 21, when he says, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy!” Sound good to you? Yeah, me too!

In the busy state of all of our lives, I think sometimes we have forgotten how to laugh and have fun…we stop thinking of ourselves as lively, exciting people who love to live life and instead, think we need to be serious and mature all the time. Sure, bills and mortgages will do that to you, but life can still be very much enjoyed while living it responsibly! Instead of looking back at our college days with nostalgia over all the fun we had (and we now miss), why don’t we begin to have some fun and enjoy our journey in this stage of our life, despite all the challenges and stressors?!

I’m in! How about you?

Now is a great time to add one more “resolution” to your list for 2008: LAUGH! But rather than looking to do it over the next year, resolve to do it without an end in mind. I’m trying to do more of it lately…and the more I do it, the more I like it!

I did a lot of it at the Christmas party this week. I have to say, the Elf tunic, sash and shoes were probably enough to keep me laughing all night! (Thanks, Mike.) :) I can’t wait to post the pics from our BIG event in May. (Which remains, as of now, still a secret.) Now THAT will be some seriously, serious fun! :)

Lisa

P.S. Ok…a few more photos of a different kind. Elf and Santa (aka, Mike and Scotty, respectively) just completed a half marathon on Saturday, along with their buddy, Ashley. See them at the finish line. Yep…I’m just a little proud! :) Lots of fun stuff this week. (Easy for me to say, right guys?)

Hanging out with Leslie!

I had the best time today, chatting with Leslie Nease, radio host of New Life 91.9...the fabulous Charlotte Christian radio station! We talked about life, relationships, Christmas, my book--The 7 Hardest Things-- and...stiletto heels! (You would've had to listen to understand why -- I'll blog about that on Monday) It was truly so much fun. Leslie is such a pro and a fun friend, on top of that.

Thanks, Leslie, for welcoming me to your show and for making our interview less like an interview and much more like a conversation over a hot cup of coffee! Hanging with you today reminded me of why I like you so much. :)

For those of you who heard me on the radio and are visiting my blog for the first time, thank you for coming! I hope you will visit often. You will find a new blog every Monday...that is, unless I have something I want to talk about before then...like today!

Lisa

P.S. Yes, Leslie Nease is my Survivor friend, by the way! :)

Nothing New

Since last year, my husband and I have had the privilege of teaching an adult Sunday School class (I prefer the term Small Group, but hey, ya know…we are Baptists!) at our church. Full of energetic, gifted and God-seeking individuals, our class has always been about real issues…real relationships…and our very REAL God. From the very start, God gave my husband the word THRIVE to describe our group, and “grow well and do well” we have! In addition to our physical growth of nearly 150 individuals, we have seen marked spiritual growth, as well. Our class is an action class…has true servant’s hearts…and loves to be challenged to go to new levels in their walk with God. My husband and I are truly inspired and honored to get to be a part of what God is doing in Room 327 at Hickory Grove North week after week!

This past Sunday, our class gave us a huge surprise. They blessed us both verbally and physically, sharing many kind words and a very generous monetary gift. We were humbled, touched, motivated, and SURPRISED by this one-year class celebration! Even though we knew the anniversary date was on Sunday, we truly did not think the class had anything up their sleeve! They kept the secret very well, and up until the moment one of the guys came up and whispered something in my husband’s ear as he began to teach, we had no clue as to what they were doing.

You have to understand -- this is saying a lot coming from the girl who shakes her Christmas presents ahead of time and knows what they are before I open them…usually has her radar up and going…and has a perfect record (up until last Sunday) of figuring out a surprise ahead of time. It’s hard to catch me off guard. But boy, this time, they did!

You would have think that I would have noticed something was up when I walked in and saw two of our women in leadership with aprons on, standing over hot griddles making blueberry pancakes. I could have clued in when another woman brought in hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries and other yummy concoctions. My radar should have been going off when I felt the excitement buzzing around the room, watching smiling, happy people giving hugs and welcoming new faces. I should have known that something was coming…something was brewing…something was unique and different about the day. But I didn’t. I didn’t…because…it wasn’t.

Anything different or unique, that is.

There was nothing unique or special that stood out in my mind that morning when I walked into a room where everyone was in on the secret except for my husband and me. As far as I was concerned, it was just an ordinary Sunday with no real significance other than the obvious of being another great day to worship God together!

You see, the people who meet in Room 327 every week are servers. They are givers. They are doers. They are God-lovers. And to see them serving and giving and doing and loving was of no surprise to me when I saw them doing just that last Sunday. Their conduct didn’t give away the surprise of what was to come, because their conduct was consistent with what their conduct ALWAYS is. They did not do anything different on this day to tip my husband or myself off to what was going on. In our mind, they were just being themselves.

So as I was reflecting on the day this past week, in addition to being overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of my dear friends, I was also convicted…and motivated, all at the same time by these thoughts:

…What if I were to live my life in such a way that people weren’t surprised when I was kind?

…What if I were to live my life in such a way that people weren’t at all shocked when I was generous?

…What if I were to live my life in such a way that people could easily believe that I was spirit-led, spirit-filled, and spirit-controlled? What if they weren’t thrown off when I was giving and loving and cared for them?

…What if I were to live my life in such a way that people weren’t surprised when I acted like Christ?

I don’t want to live my life like an employee that only cleans up her act when the boss is dropping by the office and she needs to impress him or her. I don’t want it to be out of character for me to help someone out in need, take time for someone who is hurting, or live a Christ-centered life. I don’t want anyone to see anything different in me if I am on the street, or at a ballgame, or in a chair in church. I want to be like my friends in our class who consistently exude such spiritual fruit that one Sunday morning is no different than any other…no matter what is on the agenda.

It reminds me of the verse written by Paul to the church in Corinth in II Corinthians 3:3 – “Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.”

Tonight I say “thank you” to our class…not only for the kindness they showed to us last Sunday, but also for the example of servant hood they constantly inspire both my husband and me with on a regular basis. Thanks for teaching us how to love Jesus more by everyday ACTION. Thanks for writing on our hearts and the hearts of those you come in contact with. May all of us strive to live our lives in such a way that we never “surprise” anyone.

Lisa

P.S. Please pray for me as I am going to be on our awesome local Christian radio station, New Life 91.9, this Friday, December 7th, from 9:00am-10:30! Leslie Nease (my friend from Survivor that I blogged about a while back) and I will be chatting about my books, life, and various other topics of interest. Pray that I will not put my very chatty foot in my mouth...will speak fluently and communicate the message well...and most of all, will write on people's hearts by God's spirit using me as His mouthpiece! It'll be a great time to test out what this blog is all about! :)