Are you going through something?
If not Thank God. If you are Thank God.
Isaiah 59:19b When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.
I am so thankful for the WORD. Our standard, our weapon. The standard was and will always be Jesus Christ.
stan·dard (stndrd)
n.
1. A flag, banner, or ensign, especially:
a. The ensign of a chief of state, nation, or city.
b. A long, tapering flag bearing heraldic devices distinctive of a person or corporation.
c. An emblem or flag of an army, raised on a pole to indicate the rallying point in battle.
5. Something, such as a practice or a product, that is widely recognized or employed, especially because of its excellence.
Check out those definitions for STANDARD -
1. His banner over me is LOVE.
a. He is the ensign or standard-bearer. He bears the standard, He is the lead in my life.
b.HERALDIC??? History of and annoounces something to come! He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our soon coming King, MIGHTY in battle.
c.He is the rallying point in ANY battle. Scattered in thought? Run to Jesus!
5. He bears the mark of excellence. ( I am so thankful that He does nothing half hearted)
Thank You God for raising up a standard. Thank you that I can run to the Standard. That when I feel overwhelmed, the wind and waves of the impending flood are about to consume me, YOU, Oh God, in Your love and might have raised up a standard against the enemy. The standard being your Son, Jesus! I am thankful that today and everyday I can trust, listen, obey and lean into You. I am so thankful that today You thwarted the enemy and his assignments! AMEN
The song on my heart this morning -
God you are my God
And I will ever Praise You
Oh, God you are my God
And I will ever praise You
I will seek you in the morning
I will learn to walk in your ways
Step by step you will lead me and I will follow you all of my days!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Don't Run
I remember my dad saying if you don't want to do this we can leave right now. LOL
I so wanted to say I do to Chris Waldmann. I remember saying our vows in such tender tones and feeling his lips against mine when the minister said, "you may kiss your bride". We then realized the ceremony was over and it was time to walk back down the isle together united. I remember watching the video later and cracking up because we practically ran down the isle together.
20+ years later we still experience tender touches, soft spoken tones and great timing.
We know how important our marriage covenant is and wish to make it stronger by attending marriage encounters like Romance Uncensored.
Enjoy the video and remember...
Don't Run...
Don't Run RU from Zach Lee on Vimeo.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Undivided
James 1 from the message
2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
James 1 from the NLT
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
I know I put the same set of verses up there two times. I love to read the bible from multiple sources.
About a month ago when Steph was hopping out of the van at school. She said, "mom I got the perfect Cd for you to listen to". At first I was like oh no, because if you know Steph you know she LOVES music, ALL music and has made herself praise cd's, happy cd's...my point she names her cd's and it is like a signature for her mood or train of thought. She realizes that music can be mood altering. So I wasn't sure what message she was sending me that day until she shut the door with an "I love you, mom". As the cd started I was like what is this, Ha!It was the book of James dramatized. I listened to it over and over for weeks. Then I began to read it in different versions. I have prayed that God would renew my love for His word and He has. I don't wake or sleep without reading it. It is like water to my soul.
Little did I know then that it was setting the stage for the last two weeks in my life. It truly has made my mind be undivided. I am solely single focused on what God wants in this moment. My prayer is how can I show love today? In what way can I obey and bring you glory?
I have had "a sheer gift" the last two weeks and "an opportunity for great Joy". My prayers are focused on the Lord helping me to stay undivided. Chris said either we are doing something wrong or this is a testing of our faith. (knowing full well what he believed) I said well, hun I have no control over the car breaking down, auto accidents that result in the van being totaled, chicken pox, allergic reactions or medical opinions of what is wrong with me or death of loved ones. He said correct! So stand firm knowing that the trying of your faith is working out patience in your life.
It is truly settling to know that God is in this moment with me. I know to some of you I might sound totally silly. But I HAVE TO BELIEVE. All the songs, post and comments on facebook have been my true colors coming out and I pray that not to look good for you but ONLY that God be glorified in all of this.
In the last two weeks, God has also used people to speak these verses to me. I am thankful for the "warm hugs from God" as I call it. If I have said to you - Thanks for being Jesus with skin on, its because to me in that moment you represented Christ in an authentic way. Thank you!
I am undivided and my attention is set like a flint on only one....the lover of my soul, my savior, Jesus
2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
5-8If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
James 1 from the NLT
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
I know I put the same set of verses up there two times. I love to read the bible from multiple sources.
About a month ago when Steph was hopping out of the van at school. She said, "mom I got the perfect Cd for you to listen to". At first I was like oh no, because if you know Steph you know she LOVES music, ALL music and has made herself praise cd's, happy cd's...my point she names her cd's and it is like a signature for her mood or train of thought. She realizes that music can be mood altering. So I wasn't sure what message she was sending me that day until she shut the door with an "I love you, mom". As the cd started I was like what is this, Ha!It was the book of James dramatized. I listened to it over and over for weeks. Then I began to read it in different versions. I have prayed that God would renew my love for His word and He has. I don't wake or sleep without reading it. It is like water to my soul.
Little did I know then that it was setting the stage for the last two weeks in my life. It truly has made my mind be undivided. I am solely single focused on what God wants in this moment. My prayer is how can I show love today? In what way can I obey and bring you glory?
I have had "a sheer gift" the last two weeks and "an opportunity for great Joy". My prayers are focused on the Lord helping me to stay undivided. Chris said either we are doing something wrong or this is a testing of our faith. (knowing full well what he believed) I said well, hun I have no control over the car breaking down, auto accidents that result in the van being totaled, chicken pox, allergic reactions or medical opinions of what is wrong with me or death of loved ones. He said correct! So stand firm knowing that the trying of your faith is working out patience in your life.
It is truly settling to know that God is in this moment with me. I know to some of you I might sound totally silly. But I HAVE TO BELIEVE. All the songs, post and comments on facebook have been my true colors coming out and I pray that not to look good for you but ONLY that God be glorified in all of this.
In the last two weeks, God has also used people to speak these verses to me. I am thankful for the "warm hugs from God" as I call it. If I have said to you - Thanks for being Jesus with skin on, its because to me in that moment you represented Christ in an authentic way. Thank you!
I am undivided and my attention is set like a flint on only one....the lover of my soul, my savior, Jesus
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Lift the Lid
A few days ago I posted on Facebook and Twitter that I felt like a load of unbalanced towels in the washing machine. Ha! So I turned off everything, the computer, music and cell phone (I just didn't answer it). I was frustrated, tired and a bit torn. I kept chewing on the metaphor that came to me."Unbalanced load of towels in the washer."
I had a friend text me and I explained that only 2 things stop the annoying noise of an unbalanced machine.
1. You have to lift the lid.
2. You have to redistribute the load.
I continued chewing on this in respect to my day and load. Where did the feeling come from? Why was I feeling like the noise had become too much? Just shutting the machine off doesn't make it stop.
Let me explain.
For those of you that do laundry you know that if you let a wet load set for too long it will begin to stink. So just turning it off in the middle of a spin cycle doesn't fix the problem. You have to do something. It takes more effort than simply lifting the lid and stopping the machine.
I looked back at the text I sent several times. I noticed that the word lid for what ever reason was capitalized. Why did I capitalize that word? hahaha Well, immediately the phrase "law of the lid" came to me. I shrugged and realized God was speaking. So I began to think on it and pray.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the phrase "law of the lid" let me explain it. John Maxwell is a leadership mentor to many people. He has written numerous books on leadership. The last one I read was Put Your Dream to the Test. A good book but one of my favorites is the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. The first law is the law of the lid. There is a lid on a person’s leadership ability and this lid determines their level of effectiveness. The lower a person’s ability to lead, the lower the lid on his leadership ability, and the lower his effectiveness. On the contrary, the higher the leadership ability, the greater the effectiveness.
I realized that day that as a parent some of my frustration in our home wasn't something that I needed to change in my children. I simply needed to lift my lid. All that needed to be done in our home I had taken back on and lowered the lid of effectiveness. I was doing things that they could do and my frustration was on me. I did it to myself. They should be given varying levels of responsibility. Accountability was were I was lacking in my "leadership lid". I realized that I not only needed to lift my personal lid but I also needed to redistribute the load.
So point number 2 - Redistribute the load
I had taken on the task that they were given and was left feeling overwhelmed and a bit of a bad parent. That day I realized that I had to redistribute the load. I couldn't keep doing everything and expect my kiddos to grow as leaders. The higher my lid, the higher they could/would grow. I saw an area of weakness in my holding them accountable to chores. I have to lift the lid and expect their best.
I looked at every aspect of my life, from my marriage to my parenting. My personal time with God to serving others. I saw other areas the lid needed to be lifted.
I used to sit in a chair in our living room every night and read my bible or books and study. My kids asked one time why I didn't do that anymore. I realized that they missed seeing me have my personal time. I was still reading and praying but at different times. (i.e. while they were at school) They still need to see me reading my bible.
The greater impact you want to make, the higher your lid needs to be. Fortunately, we can raise the lid by learning. I am still learning and I am thankful for the gentle nudge of the spirit that speaks in our daily lives.
When I turned off the noise of the world and gave my attention to the Lord I realized a few areas I lacked as a leader. I have lifted my personal lid and will continue to strive to keep it lifted higher than the little lids in which I am honored to raise in my home. I want to seize opportunities to assist my kiddos in lifting their lids in leadership.
Philippians 1:3-6 (msg)
Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present.There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.
It is my prayer that we would continue to seek God for every area of our lives. That we would believe what the verses above say for us and others. That what God began in us, that He will bring it to a flourishing finish. We will grow in Him.
Monday, December 27, 2010
The "F" Word
Cute story from the Waldmann Kiddos-
Chris and I didn't want to buy the kids a game system this year because 1. We had a plan for why we bought gifts. 2. We wanted the things we bought to add value to them and to us as a family. 3. We didn't want it to be the ONLY thing they got. 4. We wanted them to earn and save the money for it. So we opted out of the frenzy. We didn't go broke, we didn't buy on credit and we had a wonderful Christmas sharing its true meaning with our kids.
We didn't realize that they would get the money they got or that if you want something bad enough you will pull your resources to get it. They pulled it together last night and Chris went out with them to get the game system.
Here is where it gets real funny. Chris text me and said they are killing me. HAha, I said honey if they can't make up their mind on which system to buy they come home for another day and wait.
Well a short while later hubby and three very happy boys come in with a PS3 and a few games. Here is the story of how this bliss came to be from the words of Chris.
Chris says, "Stacy you had to be there." I asked why. He said I went with the boys to the clerk and asked, "which system do you think is best?" The clerk replied, "if you ask me, PS3 but if you ask my kids Wii." Chris said, "Why is that? This is where the "F" word happens...my boys lean in, every word that drops from the clerks mouth is like life or death to thier hopes of a new PS3. The clerk continues, "well the graphics are fantastic on the PS3, but the Wii is more Family Friendly." Before Chris could say anything else, Caleb and I both said, "Dude, NOT the F word!" haha I knew as soon as Chris said that the clerk used the words family friendly...the boys thought that was the kiss of death to the PS3. ha! Chris contnued his story and we all laughed. I said, "Caleb, he didn't realize he was talking to the a children's pastor did he?"
We do value family time as ultimate time, worth more than any amount of money, irreplaceable. If not done, lost forever. Our kids value it as well, but they did NOT want a Wii and they knew that the clerk almost had dad when he used the F word.
Above all else, value your family. Spend time with them. Invest in it above anything else you deem worthy of time or money. It reaps rewards beyond our comprehension. We don't just say it, we live it. Enjoy your Family time the rest of this week in December and make more of an effort to pour into your family in 2011.
Much love-
Stacy
Chris and I didn't want to buy the kids a game system this year because 1. We had a plan for why we bought gifts. 2. We wanted the things we bought to add value to them and to us as a family. 3. We didn't want it to be the ONLY thing they got. 4. We wanted them to earn and save the money for it. So we opted out of the frenzy. We didn't go broke, we didn't buy on credit and we had a wonderful Christmas sharing its true meaning with our kids.
We didn't realize that they would get the money they got or that if you want something bad enough you will pull your resources to get it. They pulled it together last night and Chris went out with them to get the game system.
Here is where it gets real funny. Chris text me and said they are killing me. HAha, I said honey if they can't make up their mind on which system to buy they come home for another day and wait.
Well a short while later hubby and three very happy boys come in with a PS3 and a few games. Here is the story of how this bliss came to be from the words of Chris.
Chris says, "Stacy you had to be there." I asked why. He said I went with the boys to the clerk and asked, "which system do you think is best?" The clerk replied, "if you ask me, PS3 but if you ask my kids Wii." Chris said, "Why is that? This is where the "F" word happens...my boys lean in, every word that drops from the clerks mouth is like life or death to thier hopes of a new PS3. The clerk continues, "well the graphics are fantastic on the PS3, but the Wii is more Family Friendly." Before Chris could say anything else, Caleb and I both said, "Dude, NOT the F word!" haha I knew as soon as Chris said that the clerk used the words family friendly...the boys thought that was the kiss of death to the PS3. ha! Chris contnued his story and we all laughed. I said, "Caleb, he didn't realize he was talking to the a children's pastor did he?"
We do value family time as ultimate time, worth more than any amount of money, irreplaceable. If not done, lost forever. Our kids value it as well, but they did NOT want a Wii and they knew that the clerk almost had dad when he used the F word.
Above all else, value your family. Spend time with them. Invest in it above anything else you deem worthy of time or money. It reaps rewards beyond our comprehension. We don't just say it, we live it. Enjoy your Family time the rest of this week in December and make more of an effort to pour into your family in 2011.
Much love-
Stacy
Living my story
Anyone who reads my blogs on here or facebook knows that I eat, sleep, drink, say it, spray it and love the "orange" concept. What is orange for those of you who do not know? http://whatisorange.org/ Check it out. For me, orange is more than strategy, it embodies my idea for family and the way we learn and grow together. I share this with anyone who will lend me an ear and I will pull on it for hours at time. I am passionate about family.
Last night after returning from a great day with my mom and dad, 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 3 siblings, thier spouses and 17 grandchildren, I rested haha. Just kidding, I sat and thought about our story, and how it is quite an amazing one, a story of triumph this year as, my sister was given another chance at life, after suffering from a major stroke. I listened intently to one of my aunts, so thankful she was still here after losing all hope and nearly taking her own life. To now hear her talk of such hope and hear her plans for the future and how she is going to use her gifts and talents for the Lord - a true story of hope.
My other aunt, 6 years with a new liver, thankful for the donor's family and the fact she is still here. My uncle truly triumphant over cancer. My mom fighting hard against a battle that she was told will soon send her home to be with her mother, father, her aunts and uncles. It was bitter-sweet. To see how God has woven such an awesome tapestry together. How He has taken our lives like filthy rags and made such a beautiful piece of art, displaying His redemptive story. A story of grace, hope, forgiveness and ultimate sacrifice and love.
Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
I get caught up in the moments of how much love conquers loneliness and offers true peace. I let it overtake me when I see broken hearts and old wounds totally swollowed up by forgiveness. I am so blessed with familly. Every member playing a fabulous role in my personal story.
Yes, I am truly blessed. Its my prayer that every person, from every background, in every situation could come to a place and realize you were made for so much more and you have a story to tell. Live your story!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God is so good to us. He sent His son, Jesus to be born on this earth. He displayed such a love for us as a dear children. He gave His only son, so that we might live with Him for all eternity. Family is and was His idea. Our family tells a story, all of us tell a story. What's your story? If you don't like the character you are playing, you can change it. Don't like the current setting in which your story is unfolding, opt for a new one. You don't have to play the fool, the loser, the loner, the bad guy, the victim... Let God become chief editor of your story. I promise it will be better than any story you have ever read, heard or lived before now. It will become a living breathing story of redemptive grace, hope and love displayed through you.
Much love-
Stacy
Last night after returning from a great day with my mom and dad, 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 3 siblings, thier spouses and 17 grandchildren, I rested haha. Just kidding, I sat and thought about our story, and how it is quite an amazing one, a story of triumph this year as, my sister was given another chance at life, after suffering from a major stroke. I listened intently to one of my aunts, so thankful she was still here after losing all hope and nearly taking her own life. To now hear her talk of such hope and hear her plans for the future and how she is going to use her gifts and talents for the Lord - a true story of hope.
My other aunt, 6 years with a new liver, thankful for the donor's family and the fact she is still here. My uncle truly triumphant over cancer. My mom fighting hard against a battle that she was told will soon send her home to be with her mother, father, her aunts and uncles. It was bitter-sweet. To see how God has woven such an awesome tapestry together. How He has taken our lives like filthy rags and made such a beautiful piece of art, displaying His redemptive story. A story of grace, hope, forgiveness and ultimate sacrifice and love.
Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
I get caught up in the moments of how much love conquers loneliness and offers true peace. I let it overtake me when I see broken hearts and old wounds totally swollowed up by forgiveness. I am so blessed with familly. Every member playing a fabulous role in my personal story.
Yes, I am truly blessed. Its my prayer that every person, from every background, in every situation could come to a place and realize you were made for so much more and you have a story to tell. Live your story!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God is so good to us. He sent His son, Jesus to be born on this earth. He displayed such a love for us as a dear children. He gave His only son, so that we might live with Him for all eternity. Family is and was His idea. Our family tells a story, all of us tell a story. What's your story? If you don't like the character you are playing, you can change it. Don't like the current setting in which your story is unfolding, opt for a new one. You don't have to play the fool, the loser, the loner, the bad guy, the victim... Let God become chief editor of your story. I promise it will be better than any story you have ever read, heard or lived before now. It will become a living breathing story of redemptive grace, hope and love displayed through you.
Much love-
Stacy
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Dreamsicle Orange 2.0
I write a blog every December called “Between the Dreaming and Coming True”. It’s kind of nice to read it and reflect and see where I am. I will never forget a sermon I heard from Andy Stanley called Asking Big. I listen to it quite often. Are we honoring the size of our God by asking Big? If you can accomplish your dreams without God or a team chances are you are dreaming too small.
One of the dreams for my life was to take a missionary trip out of the country. This August that dream came true when I went to Haiti. We did 10 services in 3 cities and served 1000+ kiddos. I wrote a letter to my family and friends and God met me at the corner of faith and trust. I am dreaming of the day I take my 17 year old daughter there for her first trip next May as she ends her senior year of high school. She has a dream of being a missionary to Ecuador. I have a dream that Orange will be international. That God will lead orange leaders around the world to change the way families see Him and serve.
Another dream is to take children on missionary adventures. That dream came true August 2009. We took 10 kiddos to an Indian reservation in Kayenta, Arizona. In 2011, we will be taking more children on their first adventure to Montana. It is my hope that through missions their faith would be ignited. That they would serve without fear or reservation.
I dream of a day when parents lead their children to the Lord. Two Sunday’s ago a gentleman that started attending our church about 2 months ago, was in the main service and our Lead Pastor asked him who led him to the Lord? They sent someone to our preschool room and asked his 5 year old daughter to join her daddy on stage. It was then he introduced his hero to the congregation– his 5 year old daughter led him to the Lord.
I dream of a day when everyone in our congregations would realize their gifts and talents and they would no longer hide them. That they would serve with passion and many would come to know the savior.
I pray and hope that my 5 children would find their purpose and realize their God given talents early in life that they would be life long followers of Christ. I have the privilege of leading children to the Lord every week. If my own children were to never find the Lord and their purpose that would be an Epic fail.
I pray and dream of all the children’s ministers in my community working together. So that we could sharpen each other and encourage one another in the work that we are called to and it is happening one connection at a time. I love serving a Big God. He answers and longs for us to dream bigger. To dream of things that only He can do.
Orange is His idea!
I am still between the dreaming and coming true!
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