#WorshipUnwrapped (vol. 5)

Accepting life, as it is.

This is courage.

This is worship.

And it's this that I unwrap . . .

     The choice to be Real, as we are.

________________________________________________

What I Am Finding At The End Of Myself :: Allison @ A Deeper Story

What a gift I have been given, to be thrown, flailing, into this season of desperation. O, and I am flailing. Scattered and spread thin and forgetful, I don't even feel at home in my own mind or body. Truly, I am incapable of being enough.

Say anything. :: Jamie @ The Very Worst Missionary

I want my communities to be family rooms, not court rooms. I want the people I cross paths with on the internet to feel like they're in my home, where they can say anything to me. 

In which I am learning to live with the ache :: Sarah Bessey

I don't know that we ever lose that ache. I don't know if we ever get rid of it. I don't know if we should. Maybe it's meant to be there with us. So I'm learning to live with The Ache now. 

Confession: I Hate Christmas Break :: Meg H Miller

Though many of us look forward to the promise of a little relaxation, without the seeming tyranny of our regular school routine, all too often we reluctantly admit just a few days in that it isn't quite what we hoped for. 

Why I'm Claiming Creativity :: Claire De Boer

He gave me a measure of creativity to use for His purposes; my vision is aligned with His vision. And when the screams of the world are louder than that gentle voice within, that vision is all I need to remember. 

Why Your Story Matters :: Shelly Miller

Our stories of overcoming adversity and hardship, they are monuments of hope to those around us. Not random circumstances clumped together but an intentional message we carry in our DNA. When we share them, we extend permission for others to say, "Yes, me too." 

The Day I Washed Their Feet :: Erika Morrison @ The Life Artist

We've all been there right? The crazy-making, back-breaking, tear-streaking kind of days or weeks or whole seasons? So I've been hitting the floor with my knees, praying the "teach me, show me, guide me, help me, fill me" desperate kind of prayers. And what finally happened in response to my pleas wasn't what I expected -- because it had everything to do with my own ongoing salvation/transformation and nothing to do with theirs. 

Infertility . . . You are a Jerk. :: Daniela Schwartz

I let go of my disappointment and neurotic obsession. I told myself often to be patient and trust; somewhere between twenty to a hundred times a day. I made a slow journey to the edge of my desert and one day I touched my toe into the promise land. It felt like the bravest thing I had ever done. Sometimes it is hard to let go of your pain, it becomes comfortable, even though it sucks.

The House That Hope Builds -- A SheLoves Link Up :: Diana Trautwein

This is glad permission to weep, to wail, to wonder. This is a weaving of many colors, each of which enriches the whole; a smorgasbord of many flavors, some of them sweet, some decidedly bitter. This is a call to courage, a plea for patience, a painting done by candlelight, revealed in the brightness of day. This is Life, and this is where we live it. Right here, right now. 

A Song For Spalding Spinner :: Osheta Moore @ Shalom in the City

Even though we watch in annoyed disbelief, he keeps stringing his rhyming words together, he keeps spinning his Spalding, and he never stops swinging his head. I can only sit and watch him as he abandons himself to his art. Soon the mama-glare softens and the Sister gaze settles as I realize what Spalding Spinner is doing beautiful and baffling. Hope. Bravery. Confidence. All the things. On Display on the 73. 

this is their worship.

#WorshipUnwrapped (vol. 4)

Each week I unwrap beauty.

The *whirl and twirl* of life beckons me to see . . . to notice . . . and to declare. 

This is my worship. 

     . . . to see how Real is poured over and trickled down As. It. Is. 
          . . . one moment by blessed moment. 

So, I've set the table and I've spread out the bounty that He's harvesting in some bold, beautiful, stories reflecting their own worship -- as they are. 

Come and taste . . . come and see . . . 

_______________________________________________

Let's Talk About What Happened On Downtown Abbey :: Mary DeMuth

In the trenches, I've worked my way toward health, learning that God loves me and is changing me, day by day. I've come to peace with myself, knowing I may always walk with a limp . . .

New Anointing New Year :: Idelette McVicker

I can anoint, because I have hoped and believed and I have felt ridiculous for hoping. And I almost stopped believing . . . 

Messy And Beautiful :: Glennon 

There is no place in my life or writing for should. Should is dead to me. Should is an imaginary cage that many people spend their lives in and No, Thank You to that. 

Diffusing the Complement Grenade :: Megan Gahan 

Might we try saying thank you? And then get on with whatever spectacular shenanigan life holds for us that day? So that when all these four-year-olds grow up, they're not going to believe 'You're beautiful' is really an engraved invitation to rip themselves apart? . . .  It would be revolutionary. 

When Working On Your Dream Is The Thing You Can't Not Do :: Chelle Wilson

One day, my soul opened up, and things started rushing out. It didn't hurt. I wasn't afraid . . . Writing became not what I did but who I was by Grace.  

A Peek Into This Blogger's Everyday Marriage :: Emily T. Wierenga 

Ours is the kind of marriage that throbs with love. The kind of love that will not give up: not through anorexia . . . not through slammed doors or tears or fists . . . And maybe the secret is to never stop reaching out in the dark. 

Thinking you're naked. :: Jon Acuff

I don't know when you discovered that there were people who might think you are silly or dumb or not a good writer or a husband or a friend . . . God is still asking the question, 'Who told you that you were naked?' . . . because we are not. 

The one thing I want to do differently this year :: Lisa-Jo Baker 

This year I want to read courage into my bones. I don't want to read the Bible because it's a chore or a to-do or because I feel guilty if I don't. I want to inhale it so that I can breathe better. I want oxygen for tired legs and a weak will. 

The Resolving Door :: Gretchen 

Waiting for a time of betterment based on a calendar page pretty much guarantees failure . . . When tempted to resolve, don't do it. Resolve not to resolve. 

My (Desperately Needed) African Education In Love Languages :: Matt Appling

I realized that there was nothing wrong with all of the people who freely show such unbounded emotions, however shameless, however stunning it is. 

this is their worship.

Commissioned a Warrior :: her worship

The following is a post by Carol Hulin, a "non-blogger" whose worship is truly, no small thing. I've invited Carol here to this place and toast of her willingness to choose yes to an invitation specifically meant for her uniquely crafted and purposed life. 

God weaved our stories, Carol and me. He gave me eyes to see and a passion to tell of her worship. And He made it be today . . . her birthday, of all days! 

Prayer Warrior. A phrase you will not find in the Bible, yet is used extensively in Christian circles.

I cannot say I like those words. But they seem to follow me around wherever I go. You see, I pray for women. I am prompted to pray for these women. I HAVE to pray for them or I cannot sleep at night.

For me, praying for them is as natural as my heart beating without any conscious thought from me.

I just do it. It flows from me in ways I cannot understand. And I am not sure I want to understand it all; to unveil the mysteries of how God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and prayer all intertwine together.

To pray is to release a burden inside me that weighs me down. That aches and churns within me as it seeks to be brought to the Father. 

But I do not stand like a warrior in full battle gear attempting to break into the throne room of our God. No, I approach Jesus more like a neighbour and we talk to each other over a privet hedge that separates our two worlds.

I just do it. It flows from me in ways I cannot understand . . . To pray is to release a burden inside of me that weighs me down. 

Amazingly, Jesus wants to hear prayers. He wants people to pray for each other. He wants intercessors to stand in the gap for others who cannot pray. Oh, how He wants prayers from us rising to Him so that He can present those requests, pleas and praises to His Father.

And out of that prompting, this shy, introvert type has contacted these women and said: "I'm praying for you." 

They have not thought I was crazy, but have embraced me and become family.

And it all started with one . . . 

: : : 

There I was sitting in a training event five years ago, minding my own business. Not expecting to be prompted to pray. 

The trainer, Melanie got up to speak. 

Wham. 

Immediately I knew I was to pray for this woman. 

I remember being confused on the whole praying issue and arguing in my mind with God and thinking: What, Me?! Are you kidding? I don’t even know her. You’ve got the wrong girl, Lord; surely not me!

Yet, at the same time there was a sense of "Yes, let’s do this."

I so wanted to be in Melanie’s corner, praying for her. I knew that even though we did not know each other, I could pray for her. 

I could help her, even if we lived miles apart and never got to know each other. 

What, Me?! . . . You'e got the wrong girl, Lord; surely not me! 

Eventually I felt prompted to email Melanie and let her know someone was there for her, raising her name to His throne. 

Thankfully she didn’t think I’d lost my mind. She has been gracious over those five years; she has encouraged me, thanked me, sent prayer requests to me, and become a friend. I’m even starting to dream of the next step, which is getting together in person and pray together.

Five years, one person. I did not think it was meant to be more then that one. And then, Wham . . . again.

: : : 

I had been reading Amy’s blog for a couple of months when the "wham" happened. It was a middle of the night have-to-pray-for-her kind of experience. 

The next morning I emailed her. She emailed me back -- thanking me and encouraging me. And our conversations and prayers since then have grown wonderfully deeper. 

Two to pray for. I was humbly honoured to put Amy and Melanie's names and needs into His hands. I could handle praying for two women on a daily basis. 

And then an explosion of sorts happened . . . 

Just when I think I have reached my maximum number, He brings one more along and somehow she fits in nicely, easily . . . never a burden.

He put a flood of women in my path all within a matter of a month or two:

Em . . . Kathy . . . Jacque . . . Crystal . . . Jessica . . . Tenley . . . Keren . . . Kris . . . Kristen . . . and Kristen . . . Lani . . . Denise . . . Lanette . . . Hillary . . . Sue . . . Martha . . . Jennifer . . . Mary . . . Anita . . . 

That’s a lot of praying and just when I think I have reached my maximum number, He brings one more along and somehow she fits in nicely, easily . . . never a burden.

Each knows I am praying for them and have been kind enough not to say No, "I don’t know you," or "I think you’re crazy!" 

Each has blessed me with their confidence and trust in me, helping to build up my self-esteem. Each has become a friend.

I do not know what the Lord has in store next. I just know He has warmed my heart and soul by bringing these women into my life. 

As much as I pray for them and hopefully help them, they help me grow, to connect, and to reach out. It is an honour to pray for them, it is a privilege. Something I do not take lightly. 

Praying for someone is sacred territory. 

     You never want to just say: Hey, Lord . . . 
     You need to, instead say: Please, Lord . . . 

For it is their tender hearts and souls being lifted to His presence and released ever so gently in to His hands.

As to whether what I do has any effect, I do not know. I just know that I am compelled, I have to pray for these women.

I am commissioned. 

All that matters to me is the doing -- being His Prayer Warrior by following His promptings. 

It is an honour . . . it is a privilege. 

It fills me with love in deep places to be entrusted to pray for these women that are His.

this is my worship.

ABOUT CAROL HULIN:

I live in Ontario, Canada. I grew up not knowing that you could have such a thing as a personal relationship with Jesus. Thankfully, I have had an ongoing, growing relationship with Him for about 15 years. I have a degree in TV Production and in Hotel and Restaurant Operations. I've worked as a Guest Services Rep for 25 years. My creative side includes: refinishing old and/or battered furniture, photography, studying the Bible, "closet" writing, and reading, reading, reading. I do NOT blog (!), but you can find me on Twitter.

Linking with Jennifer

 

on being enough, for this marriage {and life}

 

We come to the table with our own personal quirks and hurts.

Sometimes we're open and honest, and anger sometimes spills. Still, much we keep to ourselves because sometimes speaking of it doesn't really seem to matter.

You and God (and I) know the numerous times I've said I wouldn't do this or that again, or the times when I've said I understand only to appear as though I have not a clue what you've actually said or meant.

I've failed you. Frustrated you. Angered you. Provoked you. Hurt you. Questioned you. Doubted you. Disappointed you.

The hope we hold in our hands sometimes seems so pointless and foolish.

We've wanted control and held our lists tight as we've expected much through the years:

     Of each other. And our selves.
     Of our days. And our life.
     Of our son. And what other people might think.

We are the set of yarns held in tension on a loom, and I feel it -- warped -- as we've been thrown across the years.

God is our weft; drawing through our threads, He weaves us.

It feels so monumental that we've reached these 13 years of our weaved together life. It's been hard and heavy, yet happy and full.

We've had enough years for there to be a small piece of cloth made through us. I see it and hold it. It's truly a thing of beauty weaved. I look at the handfuls of years in our story and see what He's creating from our unique and purposed threads.

On our own or even with our combined efforts we aren't good enough to have weaved what we have. But I see how our daily coming as we are, is enough. 

This I can see: Moment-by-moment truly does make a life. Truly, a strong tapestry of grace.

So let's keep making the bed and changing the sheets . . .
     washing the dishes and cleaning the floors . . .

Let's keep fixing the meals and paying the bills . . .
     and walking the dog and keeping the child in check . . .

Together, let's keep coming here . . .
     to these days . . .
     to our loom.

Though tired and frustrated and broken and messy, we really are enough.

this is our worship.

in the bunker . . . and #WorshipUnwrapped

Here, in this moment, there aren't accusations or judgment between us. 

And this is blessedly sweet. Miraculous and almond-bud-like. 

Blossoms are spouting forth between us. And this is indeed a blessedly sweet moment to unwrap.

I confess that I want to run away and even wave my flag, hoping he'll excuse me. 

Instead, he says I hear you. 

And for once I see . . . we are together in this. 

We acknowledge that we hear each other, we understand.

So we kneel and hold hands, in the bunker. 

this is our worship. 

: : : 

And this is their #worshipunwrapped . . . 

__________________________

1. "I am trying to figure out how you patch together something that still sings of grace and glory while not ignoring the present reality.

     How do we take the straw we've been handed and spin it into something golden and magical?"

Holly Grantham's #worshipunwrapped. 

__________________________

2. "Christmas can feel like it's falling down as the pieces of a dream season shatter, scattering from one edge to the other."

Kris Camealy's #worshipunwrapped. 

__________________________

3. "What if hard actually means you are doing something right?"

Jamie Martin's #worshipunwrapped. 

__________________________

4. "I used to struggle with seeing joy, for I was blinded by grief and caught in the haze of black sorrow. I felt the weight of death, her diagnosis. She's too young, my heart yelped, she's too young to be wounded, too tender and innocent. And yet her babyhood was full, it was rich."

Michaela Evanow's #worshipunwrapped.

__________________________

5. "Miracles are just a temporary fix . . . I know He loves me and I don't need a miracle to know that . . .

     If I wanted to be a missionary, I couldn't reach as many people as I have through this."

Abby Smith's #worshipunwrapped. 

We present to you these offerings, Father. 

We dance. We declare. And together, we dine. 

___________________________________

Follow:

Twitter | Facebook

Share your heart . . . add a comment below.