Is God's Timing Always Perfect?

Never pray for patience is what I've always heard. Why? Because we are by nature an impatient society. Have you ever noticed how long the microwave takes to reheat food when you're hungry? I am convinced that a microwave minute is way longer than an actual minute. Instant potatoes, instant rice, instant pudding, instant oatmeal, - we want God to answer our prayers as fast as we can whip up a quick meal. But God doesn't work that way.

As I was reading, in John 11 I noticed something I had never noticed before. I noticed a chapter full of grief and sorrow of a very loved brother and friend. Each person in the chapter had a different reaction to Lazerus' death. Now I can't belittle Martha's grief, because I've never grieved for a lost loved one other than my grandpa. Martha gets a lot of grief from us because she is not the best reactor to situations. She's human. And probably the most like us. Which is why we learn so much of what not to do from her.

So let's take a quick look at everyone's reactions.

First up, Jesus:

Mary & Martha sent news to Jesus that his dear friend Lazerus was sick. Upon receiving the news, he said that his sickness would not be unto death but for the glory of God. Then it says he stayed in the town he was for another two days. He didn't rush to his side to heal him, but he waited. He waited because He knew God had bigger plans.

Next to the plate, Martha:

Martha runs to meet Jesus as he arrives to town. She is so caught up in her grief, I imagine her blubbering as she speaks to Jesus. She tells him that if he had but been there, her brother wouldn't have died! Jesus calmly tells her that her brother will rise again. But she doesn't hear his words of comfort. She retorts, well I know he'll rise again in the last days. Then Christ asks her if she believes in who Christ is. Of course, she says.

Mary:

Mary sat still in the house while Martha ran to meet Jesus. When they arrived, she says the same thing Martha said that if Christ had been there her brother wouldn't have died. But she fell down at his feet in a mode of worship as she spoke. I personally believe, she said this not out of anger or hurt but that she truly believed that Christ could have healed her brother if He had chose to. She was sorrowful like her sister, but she had a peace in her heart that passed all understanding.

When Jesus saw them all weeping he was moved with grief in his heart and asked to see where he lay. Then Jesus wept (or swept if you run the two words together). The Jews saw his compassion and love for Lazerus as they watched him weep over his friend. As he asked for the stone to be rolled away, Martha tries to stop him. She questions his method. But Lord he has been dead for four days and by now he stinky. (Oh, Martha, Martha! What would Jesus do without you reminding him of the obvious--don't you just love people like that?! It's hard sometimes to just close your lips and trust God.) Again Jesus lovingly reminds her that if she would simply believe she would see the glory of God. (I'm sure Martha is scratching her head by now trying to understand his deep words.) 

Jesus begins to speak to God. Here's the whole application, the purpose of Lazerus' death. Don't miss it.

"...Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." (v.41,42)

God had a purpose all along, so that others may believe that Jesus was the Son of God. In verse 45, it says many believed, but verse 46 says but some went there ways and didn't believe. Isn't it amazing that Christ could raise someone from the dead and some who witness it could walk away not believing that this man was the Son of God? But are we not like the some that went there ways when we don't trust God in the midst of a circumstance? Are we not just like Martha when we read the Scriptures of God's promises to take care of His children, yet we question God's timing or methods. Sure we "believe in God" but do you really believe when all seems hopeless? It is at these times are faith is tested. How much do we actually believe God. Is your problem too big for God to handle? 

Maybe just maybe God is waiting to provide your need in His time so that He can get the honor and glory from it. Are we not more thankful when we realize that it is not of ourselves that we get through trials but of God alone? May I encourage you my friend, there is no one that cares for you like Jesus. He promises to provide your every need. He even wants to give you more than you need but you must trust Him before He can bless you abundantly. Don't hold back the blessing of God by a lack of faith. Trust the One who can never let you down. Cast all your cares at His feet and leave it there. (1 Peter 5:7)

Is God's Timing Always Perfect?

Yes it is. It may not be our timing but it is always perfect. God knows your how "stinky" your situation is just trust Him. He allows us to go through trials, pain and sufferings for a greater purpose. Sometimes we may not always know the "why", and that's where trust comes in.

What to Do During the "Waiting" Period?

Find peace like Mary did and worship God. And look for ways to encourage others around you. Don't be like a Martha (sorry Martha) and be miserable.

Get your eyes off of your situation and on Christ and on others. Look for ways to encourage and be a blessing to those around you. Then you will have a joy and a peace like no other. :) 

A merry heart doth good like a medicine! Proverbs 17:22

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: Isaiah 26:3,4

How to Become and Stay a Runner- 4 Easy Tips

You like the idea of running. It seems like a nice easy way to exercise. But how do you get started?

I was looking for an easy way to moderately exercise during my first pregnancy, so I thought how about power walking? I could power walk. So off I began. But then a couple minutes into my mile, I thought to myself, this is taking too long. So I ran for a whopping 10-15 seconds and then walked again, then I ran another 10-15 seconds, then walked and so on. I could barely run, but I would do what I could until I had to stop and take a break. When I finished my mile I felt pretty good, out of shape, but still pretty good.

To my surprise, I kept at it. I kept trying to run a little farther without stopping each time. I had tried running before but would do too much too soon and would quit after a couple of weeks. The difference was this way I was slowly building up my strength and endurance. I remember being able to run with James for .75 of a mile without stopping. I felt like Super Woman! And now I can run 26 miles without stopping.

So how does a person go from one mile to 26 miles?

By simply starting! 

We won't even look at the dreaded 26.2 miles yet, but we will start at just a mile. You probably walk a mile just getting from one end of Walmart to the other. ( Don't you just hate it when you realize you forgot to grab milk and eggs and you're already in the cosmetic section clear across the store?!) 

The Couch to 5K app is a great starting plan for beginners. It is the same basics of what I did on my own. You walk for a couple of minutes and run for 30 seconds then repeat. You slowly build your running time while decreasing your walk time. If you don't have a smart phone then google is your friend. All you need to know about Couch to 5K is online. And who's your best friend? I am-- here's the link: Couch to 5K You're Welcome.

Here are some basic steps to help you get started.

1) Set a goal

     You always want to be working towards something. Sign up for a race that will challenge you. Even if it's just a mile race- a kids fun run with your niece, sign up and get going! A 5K is a great race to work towards. Sign up, get super nervous, and then train!!

2) Find a training plan. 

     Whether training for a 5K or your first half marathon, you need a good training plan. I didn't even know training plans existed when I ran my first 10K. Training plans help keep you on track and working towards your goal. They also have a Couch to 10K. I like Hal Higdon's training plans for marathon training. And Jeff Galloway also has some good plans as well.

3) Get fitted for the right pair of running shoes. 

     Any running store will get you fitted with the right pair of shoes for your feet. I ran for about 6 months before I got my first pair of running shoes. I didn't want to spend money on something I wasn't sure I would keep up with. I was only running a 1-2 miles a day so my pair of tennis shoes worked just fine. But having the right fit of running shoe makes all the difference especially when you are running distance. And dry wick running socks are a must! I bought mine at Target. I was getting blisters on my feet from my socks and my shoes were too tight which I didn't realize at the time, but I didn't get fitted at a running store. I knew nothing when I began running! So learn from all my mistakes. 

4) Get Started! 

    You don't have to wait until the new year to start something new, start today! Running/Walking a mile will only take you about 15-20 minutes. You roll out of bed, lace up your shoes and get out there. Just start. You can't become a runner if you never start. Every runner had to start somewhere. And don't be discouraged if you're not making as much progress as soon as you would like. Your speed will come in time as you build endurance and strength. Your lungs will become stronger so you can breathe easier as your running. And don't be embarrassed by people seeing you walking as you're trying to run- at least you are out there exercising! I recommend running about 4-5 times a week as you start out. Take a rest day every couple of days, but then get back out there.

I hear many excuses as to why people don't exercise. Which is funny because I never ask people if they do or don't exercise. I think they just feel guilty around the 6 month pregnant woman who ran 10 miles that morning.

I know some have valid excuses, but most do not. Mentally prepare yourself each day to get out there and get going. Take it one day, one mile at a time. You can do one day of running one mile, right? Each day, tell yourself you can do one more day, one more mile. And before you know it, you will have become a runner! And believe it or not you may even come to love it like I do!

So how does one become a runner? By being consistent.

Running a marathon may not be on your list of goals and that's fine. Just get started, set a goal, and work towards that goal. Once you've reached a goal work towards another goal. You alone will be your biggest motivator. Get out there and challenge yourself to do more than you did the day before.

Stay tuned for my next running post on how to add distance to your runs!

And just look at all the places you can go! These are all places I've run and races. One perk about traveling on deputation is all the places I got to see while on my morning runs. 

My sister in law Hannah hitting her first 100 miles run! 

First 10K on St. Pete Beach, Fl

Running in Florida and Somewhere cold maybe Oklahoma

St. Louis, Missouri- Ran my first 10.5 miles

First half marathon in Branson, Missouri

First and last Color Vibe Run in Akron, Ohio

First time running 101 miles in one month in Erie, PA

Running in Jersey City, with the NYC skyline to look at! First time I ran 13 miles! 

Running on the Berlin Trail in Deerfield, OH

First time running in 2 states on one run! Indiana and Kentucky!

Running in the heat in Florida! Jumped in the water to cool off! 

Running in Maine 

Running in Brooklyn, OH

Running in Russia!

Trails in Russia

Is God's Timing Always Perfect?

Never pray for patience is what I've always heard. Why? Because we are by nature an impatient society. Have you ever noticed how long the microwave takes to reheat food when you're hungry? I am convinced that a microwave minute is way longer than an actual minute. Instant potatoes, instant rice, instant pudding, instant oatmeal, - we want God to answer our prayers as fast as we can whip up a quick meal. But God doesn't work that way.

As I was reading, in John 11 I noticed something I had never noticed before. I noticed a chapter full of grief and sorrow of a very loved brother and friend. Each person in the chapter had a different reaction to Lazerus' death. Now I can't belittle Martha's grief, because I've never grieved for a lost loved one other than my grandpa. Martha gets a lot of grief from us because she is not the best reactor to situations. She's human. And probably the most like us. Which is why we learn so much of what not to do from her.

So let's take a quick look at everyone's reactions.

First up, Jesus:

Mary & Martha sent news to Jesus that his dear friend Lazerus was sick. Upon receiving the news, he said that his sickness would not be unto death but for the glory of God. Then it says he stayed in the town he was for another two days. He didn't rush to his side to heal him, but he waited. He waited because He knew God had bigger plans.

Next to the plate, Martha:

Martha runs to meet Jesus as he arrives to town. She is so caught up in her grief, I imagine her blubbering as she speaks to Jesus. She tells him that if he had but been there, her brother wouldn't have died! Jesus calmly tells her that her brother will rise again. But she doesn't hear his words of comfort. She retorts, well I know he'll rise again in the last days. Then Christ asks her if she believes in who Christ is. Of course, she says.

Mary:

Mary sat still in the house while Martha ran to meet Jesus. When they arrived, she says the same thing Martha said that if Christ had been there her brother wouldn't have died. But she fell down at his feet in a mode of worship as she spoke. I personally believe, she said this not out of anger or hurt but that she truly believed that Christ could have healed her brother if He had chose to. She was sorrowful like her sister, but she had a peace in her heart that passed all understanding.

When Jesus saw them all weeping he was moved with grief in his heart and asked to see where he lay. Then Jesus wept (or swept if you run the two words together). The Jews saw his compassion and love for Lazerus as they watched him weep over his friend. As he asked for the stone to be rolled away, Martha tries to stop him. She questions his method. But Lord he has been dead for four days and by now he stinky. (Oh, Martha, Martha! What would Jesus do without you reminding him of the obvious--don't you just love people like that?! It's hard sometimes to just close your lips and trust God.) Again Jesus lovingly reminds her that if she would simply believe she would see the glory of God. (I'm sure Martha is scratching her head by now trying to understand his deep words.) 

Jesus begins to speak to God. Here's the whole application, the purpose of Lazerus' death. Don't miss it.

"...Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." (v.41,42)

God had a purpose all along, so that others may believe that Jesus was the Son of God. In verse 45, it says many believed, but verse 46 says but some went there ways and didn't believe. Isn't it amazing that Christ could raise someone from the dead and some who witness it could walk away not believing that this man was the Son of God? But are we not like the some that went there ways when we don't trust God in the midst of a circumstance? Are we not just like Martha when we read the Scriptures of God's promises to take care of His children, yet we question God's timing or methods. Sure we "believe in God" but do you really believe when all seems hopeless? It is at these times are faith is tested. How much do we actually believe God. Is your problem too big for God to handle? 

Maybe just maybe God is waiting to provide your need in His time so that He can get the honor and glory from it. Are we not more thankful when we realize that it is not of ourselves that we get through trials but of God alone? May I encourage you my friend, there is no one that cares for you like Jesus. He promises to provide your every need. He even wants to give you more than you need but you must trust Him before He can bless you abundantly. Don't hold back the blessing of God by a lack of faith. Trust the One who can never let you down. Cast all your cares at His feet and leave it there. (1 Peter 5:7)

Is God's Timing Always Perfect?

Yes it is. It may not be our timing but it is always perfect. God knows your how "stinky" your situation is just trust Him. He allows us to go through trials, pain and sufferings for a greater purpose. Sometimes we may not always know the "why", and that's where trust comes in.

What to Do During the "Waiting" Period?

Find peace like Mary did and worship God. And look for ways to encourage others around you. Don't be like a Martha (sorry Martha) and be miserable.

Get your eyes off of your situation and on Christ and on others. Look for ways to encourage and be a blessing to those around you. Then you will have a joy and a peace like no other. :) 

A merry heart doth good like a medicine! Proverbs 17:22

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: Isaiah 26:3,4

How to Know You've Met the One

How Do You Know You've Met "The One" ??

That is the million dollar question. 

I always wondered how I would know that I've met my husband when he came along. Everyone says "you'll just know". Which is funny because they said that about labor--and I know plenty of women who have false labor and think it's the real deal. My point is it's not a cookie cutter answer. But I will share with you how I knew I had met the one, and you can go from there. (If you missed my previous post about finding true love read it here).

So how do you avoid "false labor"?

I had prayed very specifically about my future spouse. I had my "list" that I had made and prayed over. I had wanted not just my family to have peace about him but my home Pastor.  Now my Pastor didn't like every guy I dated. Smart man. I trusted and valued his opinion, and knew he would seek the Lord on my behalf along with my parents. If all those standards were met, then I would know God had brought me my prince.

And now for a short romantic story.   

How do two people who grew up on opposite sides of the world (Siberia and Florida) end up together?!

Well once upon a time...

There was this Starbucks barista who dreamed of finding her prince charming. Did he even exist outside of her mind? Eh, probably not. So let's just drink espresso and sing happy songs.

Then one day in her third and last year in college, this handsome young Bible College student came inside her Starbucks. He ordered a mocha frappuccino. (Now fellas, if you're trying to impress a girl at Starbucks, don't order a frappuccino--it's way girly.) He came in and smiled at her, took his drink and left her in a daze. He's pretty cute, she thought, but he's probably just some weird missionary kid. Back to reality she quickly came, and rinsed out the blender used to make his super girly drink.

The next Wednesday, he came back to Starbucks but this time through the drive thru. Same order. He's losing his man points fast, she thought. She said her hello's to him and watched him drive off into the sunset. Okay so no sunset, just dusty air and fumes, it was Oklahoma after all.

This handsome man began to come through weekly but would never say more then hello. She wanted to get to know him better but knew he had to be the initiator.

Then one chilly night, she went to go check her mail. And who was coming out of the mail room as she was about to go in? You guessed it. They stood outside for over an hour just talking. The poor Floridian was freezing but she wasn't going to let that show. They eventually said goodbye and headed back to their dorms. The smitten barista couldn't help but smile all the way back to her room.

Then her roommate who knew her way too well, asked why she was so cold. She couldn't keep from smiling as she said she was outside talking to someone. Her roommate quickly asked WHO?!?!

The barista looked around to make sure no one else was listening and whispered, James Pranger. They were both shocked and giggled.

What she didn't know was that this handsome man had been praying for the Lord's will about pursuing her for 7 months. He then spoke with his best friend about it who wisely said he had better let her know he was interested soon. Which was a good thing because she was graduating later that spring.

So he prayed very specifically that if it was God's will that God would allow them to have a conversation with her that day. It was the week of missions conference at church and they had busy schedules and a conversation just didn't happen. The sad handsome man thought God was closing the door.

Then later that night, like the sun shining on a cloudy day, there she was. She walked in the door, her hair gently flowing in the wind, and took the only available seat which was right across from him. There they sat with a group of friends at Chili's making small talk. And he knew that this was God's will. Later that week, he asked her if he could talk to her after church. She agreed and nervously met him.

After about 20 long agonizing minutes of shooting the breeze, he finally got to the point.

So you are probably wondering why I asked you out here, he said. 

Playing it cool she said, Oh, that, um sure what's up?

Well I have been praying about it, and well... the Lord has shown me that... you're coming on too strong. 

What?!!! She screamed inside. This missionary boy was about to get a taste of her mind. Coming on too strong?? I never even --- her thoughts were quickly interrupted by his laughter.

He smiled as he said, Hallie and Buddy told me you were nervous and that I should play a joke on you. 

Mental note to self--never ever tell Hallie anything ever ever ever again.

I'm not nervous, she said trying to sound convincing as she smiled. Who knew he had it in him to play a joke? This may be the beginning of a beautiful thing, she thought. And it was!

After that day, they began their friendship of getting to know each other better. (And he did call her Dad for permission.) The girl was very nervous about her new friendship/relationship. She was worried it was too good to be true and wanted to make sure the Lord was in it. She kept praying and trusting the Lord.

Then as they were out to lunch with her brother and the vice president of the college, she knew. She knew he was the one she was going to one day marry.

************

I can't explain it, but it was then that the Lord impressed on my heart that this was the man I was going to marry. I had this overwhelming peace flood my heart. I was excited and scared all at the same time.

Then came my college graduation and for the family to meet him, even my Pastor! My family all loved James, as I knew they would. Then my Pastor later told me that he believed I found someone worthy of my hand. My Pastor would never say something like that unless he meant it. And it was reconfirmed to me, that this man was one day going to be my husband. Now if only he knew that...

The Lord assured James that I was the one after we had a long conversation one night about the future. He asked me how I felt about one day going to Russia if that's where the Lord would lead us.  I was completely honest with him and told him I had surrendered to whatever God's will for my life was. If that was missions, then I believed God would work on my heart and show me in His time.

And the rest is history!
And for the record James loves his coffee black which is just how I like it. He later told me I just made him nervous. I like that I made him nervous :) He made me nervous too. 

So how do you know that you've met the one? 

For me it was when God gave me that overwhelming peace. It was a peace like when I accepted Christ as my Savior. I knew without a doubt this was the one God had for me. I knew when my family and Pastor also had peace that this was God's will for my life.

Marriage is not something to take lightly. It's not a game to be played like dating has turned into. Marriage is the most important decision a person can make outside of accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior. Who you marry effects your entire future. So please be wise about it. Don't do it alone. Have others you trust who will pray on your behalf for God's perfect will for your life concerning a mate. Seek counsel from your family and Pastor or another godly leader that you trust. When it's the right one, God will give everyone peace.

And when you stand before God on your wedding day and become one, you will be so thankful you did things God's way. There is nothing like being married to the right one. God's way is always best.

James and I have been happily married for four years today! We have had quite the journey together these past few years. It hasn't always been rose petals and happy songs, but through unconditional love and hard work we have our happily ever after.

My next post will be on "And they lived happily ever after, until..."
Practical ways to help keep your marriage fresh and happy long after the "I do's" are said.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Until Next Time,

Amber 

How To Find True Love!

Hollywood makes romance seem flawless and simple. It puts unrealistic ideas in our heads of what a relationship should be or how to find true love. Now, I don't think there's anything wrong with Disney princess fairytale stories. However, we do need to teach our children the difference between reality and a fairytale. Does that mean there is no happily ever after? Not at all. It will just take work and waiting! There's more to marriage then just the wedding and "I do's". So how does one find there Prince Charming or Princess?

I'm in a romantic reminiscing mood because our 4th year anniversary is coming up on May 15. And I wanted to share our story with all of you to be an encouragement to those of you who are still waiting on your prince or princess. I will do my best to be brief even though there's so much to say on the subject. 

I, like many of you, dreamed of meeting my true love. I would fantasize of spending my life with my perfect prince and having a great life together. The only problem was the prince, he was missing! I always wondered how I would know I met the right one. 

I dated in high school and really enjoyed having a boyfriend. But if I could do it all over again, I wouldn't date- I would wait. (You can read here about my opinion on guy/girl relationships and where I stand on the issue. Can guys and girls be just friends?) 

Why? Because the purpose of dating is marriage. Is a 13,14,15,16,17 ready for marriage? I sure wasn't! Maybe you're the exception, but that's between you and your parents. Okay I won't get started on that topic...but the point of me sharing that with you is this. Dating in high school only left me with regrets. I gave away a piece of my heart or emotions with each relationship. I wasn't ready to be married thus I wasn't ready to date.

So here I waltz into Bible College, determined not to marry someone there. I was a bit cynical of boys by this point. I had my heart broken and was determined to wait until my prince came along. And to be honest, I was worried about marrying someone in Bible College who wasn't what they seemed to be. I didn't want to marry a hypocrite or have a mediocre marriage. I didn't think it would be possible to meet my prince-- especially in Oklahoma of all places! (No offense to my Okie friends... I now love and adore Oklahoma-who knew?!)

I knew that God had put a desire in my heart to one day be married. And I knew that God would provide my husband in His time not my own. I didn't want to "date" anymore. I didn't want any more male friendships. I wanted to wait for the one God had for me because he was worth waiting for. So I decided to surround myself with more girl friends and get involved with anything I could in the ministry. I didn't want to miss out on my single life by pining for or looking for a relationship. 

What to do in the "Waiting Time". 

In life, God gives us seasons. If you're not married you are in the single season. Don't waste your single season by getting involved in wrong relationships even if they do seem "right". Simply wait. Wait on the Lord. Enjoy this season of your life. God will bring your prince or princess to you in His perfect timing. 

Have fun with your friends of the same gender and make lots of memories with them that won't bring regret. I don't have any framed photos of my old guy friends around my house, but I have plenty of pictures and memories of my girl friends. I don't reminisce of the memories I made with my past boyfriends. That would be awkward... And trust me I don't want to hear about the great time James had with his past girlfriends either. (Yes, we both dated and wish we could do it all over again. But we can't, so we share our testimony with you so you don't have to make the same mistakes.)

What I did do in college, was start a journal to my future husband. This helped me write down all those girly emotional romantic things that I wanted to say to him. And helped me focus on Christ and waiting for him. 

It's a simple thing, wait on the Lord. But it's one of the most hardest things to do! Trust me the right one is worth the wait! So hang in there my friends, marriage lasts a lifetime! 

How great would it be to have only dated your spouse? That would be so special! My brother's first girlfriend was his wife. This year they celebrate ten years of marriage, and have one of the sweetest marriages I have ever witnessed- and four crazy wonderful kids! I can guarantee you he doesn't regret waiting on the right one. 

So how does one find true love? They don't. You simply wait for true love. Wait for the Lord to bring the right spouse your way. And when he or she comes along, you will be so thankful you waited! 

How do you know you've met the one? Find out in my next post! 

In my next post, I will share how two very unlikely people were brought together in the Lord's perfect timing! Who would have thought a weird missionary kid from Siberia and a Floridian would end up very happily married?! Oh the Lord's sense of humor! 

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.Proverbs 4:23

Until Next Time,

Amber