CONSIDER THE LILIES… Luke 12: 27-28 says “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If
that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today,
and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you,
O you of little faith!”. I struggle with wanting control over my life and worrying that things won’t work out the way I think they should. My lily serves as a continual reminder that there is no need for me to worry, God has everything under control and He is more than capable of taking care of me. In fact, He does a better job than I could ever dream of doing. He provides for my every need and even many of my wants. The text is in my mother’s handwriting because she has always encouraged me to rely on God’s provisions in any and every situation.
YOUR WILL BE DONE…Matthew 26:42 says, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” Jesus knew what was going to happen, yet he still accepted God’s plan. Nothing in my life will compare to what Jesus had to go through, yet knowing the outcome, He still said your will be done. These words remind me that I need to let go of my plans, my wants, my control and allow God to work in my life the way he sees fit. The text here is in my best friend, Emily’s, handwriting. Throughout the past few years she has continually encouraged me and showed me the importance of seeking God’s will in all I do, not just the easy parts of life, but in every aspect.
HOLY SPIRIT…
My dove represents the Holy Spirit, a still small voice that is always there to guide me. The tattoo is hidden behind my ear like the Holy Spirit is hidden in our hearts. I can hardly see it but I know it’s there, an ever present reminder that I am not alone, that I have been given a guide to help me through this crazy life.
SHINING STARS…
In Philippines 2:14-15 it says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” That’s what we’ve been called to do, shine like stars in this crooked and depraved world, to stand out and not blend in.
My stars are particularly important this month. Throughout our time in Central America and Asia we stood out no matter what we did. We were often the only white people around and collected our fair share of stares. Now, here in England, that has all changed. We no longer look different than those around us, we blend in perfectly. Yet, even here in a first world country we are called to stand out. Here more than our previous locations it takes a constant effort to be different, not in looks, but in attitude, in behavior, in actions. Here in England we are truly called to be shining starts in the midst of this depraved generation.
Please continue to pray for us as we explore and discover what it looks like to stand out when we naturally blend in so well.
