The Tree

When did Christmas trees become something of a contest among friends? When did it stop being full of memories and become a work of art. Don't get me wrong! I love going and looking at all of the elegant trees at the mall and especially at the Opryland Hotel, but I have to say that when all is said and done and when I finally put the last ornament on my tree -- I have really experienced one of the joys of this season. Celebrating the great gift of family and memories that God has graced me with!

My tree is not elegant nor is it nominated for some decorating award, but my tree represents so many of the treasured moments of my life.

There is the "Our First Christmas Together" ornament that I couldn't wait to put on the tree back in 1992! To have someone to have a "First Christmas Together" with was a miracle in my life -- a true miracle!

There are the "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments that I take out and hold in my hand before placing it on the tree. Memories flood my mind of holding those tiny little hands in mine for the first time!

There are countless "handmade" ornaments -- some from school, some from church, some we made around the house! Priceless, I tell you -- and beautiful works of art to me if to no one else.

There is the plush cow ornament that "moos" to the tune of "Deck the Halls." It is a tradition that when I take that ornament out I call each and every person in our family and play it over the phone -- no words, just moos...and then chuckles. What a joy!

Countless collected Hallmark ornaments that I have bought for my kids most years. Some represent their "favorites" -- Veggie Tales, Blue's Clues, Curious George and Barbie. There's Tonka trucks that remind me of Taylor's first Christmas and he was so tiny that we put him in the back of a Tonka dumptruck and took his picture. How can 14 years have passed so quickly? And I can't forget the Star Trek ornament that my mother-in-law got us one year. None of us are Trekkies -- never seen the show, personally. But we enjoy pushing the button 20 times a day and hearing it say, "Shuttlecraft to Enterprise, Shuttlecraft to Enterprise...Spock here. Happy Holidays. Live long and prosper."

So, there will be no decorating magazines coming to my home to take photographs of my tree. Most people may not even stop and take a moment to look at the ornaments. But I treasure the time that I have with it every year -- just me, the tree and the ornaments...and a box of tissues!

Cherished memories that flow from the blessings of a Great God!

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17)

I have never thought of this scripture as a Christmas scripture before, but when I relive special moments of my life by putting up my Christmas tree, I certainly am thankful for every good and perfect gift He has given me. And since He is the Father of Lights, I know He would love the 900 twinkling beauties that are on my tree this year! :)

Just another reason to Consider Him this year!

Blessings,
Dori

Praying for the President

I just had a very good conversation with my kids about why there were concerns with the President's speech to school-age students today.

I tried to explain that in its original form the speech and the assignments related to it were worded in a way that made me uncomfortable. But that I was glad that the President recognized our concerns and changed his speech to something that was very wise advice -- work hard, stay in school and be responsible for your own actions.

In the process, I thought it was time to make sure that my displeasure in the first draft of the speech didn't mean that I hated the President. I asked them how was the best way we could help our President. Both said, "Pray for him." I was so proud of them. So I told them this:

"We need to respect the office of the President and pray for the man who holds it -- not matter who he is. We need to pray that he will surround himself with godly men and women who will speak God's truth into his heart. We need to pray that he will learn to hear the voice of God and make decisions based on God's voice and not the voice of anyone else."

To that Lindsey said, "Mommy, can we send him a Bible so he can hear God speak?"

I love that she thought of that and that she responded that way so quickly!

I was just thinking and praying this morning that my kids would have a fiery love for God and His Word. That when they held it in their hands they would realize that it is the very breath of God. I prayed that they would respect it and act on what God tells them through the pages of His Word.

He delighted me with confirmation that the desires of my heart were right on with His.

Thank you, God, for reminding me that You are for us and want to delight us with the desires of our heart when they are parallel with Your desires for us. Thank you that my children are still learning that to read Your Word and to hear You speak are one and the same. Help us all to love You with everything that we have and treasure up and respect the Word that you have so personally given us. Amen.

Blessings,
Dori

17 Years.

On an unseasonably cool August day, God decided to show favor over me when I definitely didn't deserve it. I walked down an aisle into the arms of the love of my life and my very best friend.

We've lived alot of life together and yet it only seems like yesterday that we stood here and smiled the happiest smiles our faces had ever had the courage to smile.

I wouldn't change a thing. The good times, the tough times and the sad ones, too, have all been worth it!

I love you, Butch. With every ounce of my being, I truly love you!

Spurring One Another On...

I'm trying -- I really am -- to get back to my blog. I loved what my friend Fran said recently about blogging. She said that she was looking forward to firing up the old blog to see if she still works. That's what I'm feeling. Summer is just not a blogging season for me. And this particular Summer was quite challenging.

But here I am with a few thoughts. They aren't organized and I'm not promising when I get done they will make a lick of sense.

I read the scripture Hebrews 10:24 this morning fresh and new. I've used this scripture for years as a diving board for ministry - particularly Women's Ministry. God's Word says,

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24 NIV

As I read that this morning, I had my children and my husband in mind. I don't have to tell you, because it is a known fact, that we have to make deliberate and intentional steps to give our best to those we live with. We are professionals at putting on our perfect masks at church and giving everything we have to do it right for other people. But what happens when we pull into our driveways and shut the door to the outside world is really our calling, our mission field.

I dearly love my friend, Angela. Her husband is in full-time worship ministry, but I would guess that if you asked Travis he would say that what he does on the road would never be possible without Angela. She is a godly woman who dearly loves His Word and speaks it into the hearts and minds of anyone she meets. She can say more in just a few words than most (including me) can say in hundreds and when she prays for you, you feel God's presence inhabiting each phrase. But one night recently at a gathering we were at together, she reached for the Word to affirm something I had said earlier and then to also share with others about how God has led them in their ministry. She opened up Acts 10:38 and reminded us that Jesus just went around doing good as He had the opportunity. She said that as we just go around and do good when we are presented with the opportunity, God will bless us and lives will find refuge in Him through us.

So in looking at this concept of just going around doing good as we have the chance and reading Hebrews 10:24, I'm challenged once again to look with eyes wide open for ways to spur my children and my husband on to love and good needs.

I'm afraid that most of the time I've been guilty of spurring them on just to get them to behave or do whatever I need for them do and act how I need for them to act.

Rather, my heart cries out this morning with the desire to be the catalyst in their life that opens their hearts up to things that matter, opportunities to do some good in this life knowing that abundant living is the by-product of that, and when all is said and done this world saw a whole lot of Jesus at work in their lives.

God, I am blessed beyond measure with my family. Tomorrow I celebrate 17 years of marriage with the love of my life and I do not want You to think that I take that lightly. I know that when I walked down that aisle on that unseasonably cool August day, You delighted me in a way that I certainly didn't deserve. Thank You for giving us Taylor and Lindsey. Each one is so uniquely wired and gifted -- fearfully and wonderfully made by You -- and I pray that You will help me seek out ways to deliberately and intentionally spur them on to doing good for You, to help them see that serving You is the most important thing and that when we walk with You nothing else matters. Thank You for the reminder today that my single most important mission field starts before I ever step foot out into the world. It starts right here...at The Cook House! I praise You and bless Your Name today...the Strong Tower that I'm so grateful to be able to run to. Amen.

Blessings,
Dori

Where We Dwell...

Whew! It is has been A-WHILE, hasn't it? I knew that summer would not be a good blog season for me...it never is. But I had no idea that it would be more than a month from one post to the next.

I could take the time to catch you up on our coming and going this summer, but I won't do that.

What I will tell you is what God spoke over me one morning while we were on vacation last week.

I opened up the Word and my eyes fell on this scripture that was underlined in my Bible:

"Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation." Isaiah 33:6 NKJV

What God prompted me to do that day was to list things that I let rock the sure foundation or stability that I have in Him. My list included past sins, times of difficult or sickness, difficult relationships, fallen leaders, our country, the economy, anxiety and fear. What would your list look like?

Then He asked me to list things that I look to other than Him to be the strength of my salvation. I included good works, acts of service, pride in doing those things, feelings or emotions that seem to make me feel that He is close, gifts, blessings, perfectionism, our jobs, our things, our prestige and our power.

I then spent a few minutes remembering that His Word says that none of the things that I listed were ever meant to rock our sure foundation or our stability. They may rock our outward lives and circumstances, but our inner man, our spiritual foundation is sure when we have the wisdom and knowledge of God. But what does that look like?

The wisdom and knowledge of God is knowing His Word and therefore knowing His heart. When we know Him through His Word, it empowers us to fight and take captive every thought that tries to make us stumble or make us feel that we are no longer stable or secure. His Word reminds us of God's faithfulness and helps us believe Him for our present and our future. It exposes lies and replaces it with Truth. Our hearts are kept fully trusting Him regardless of the wasting away of the outward -- both our physical body and our earthly circumstances. Relying on the faithfulness of God and the truth found in His Word fosters in us a dependence on Him and takes the pressure off to be in control. The wisdom and knowledge of God casts away anxiety and fear.

Isaiah 12:2 tells us to constantly remind ourselves of this:

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

Isaiah 51:6 reminds us that this earth is fleeting and the things that we allow to rock us and paralyze us with fear has an end, but what He has promised is sure and it is eternal:

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."

This place we so casually call our home is not that at all. It is faulty. It is fleeting. It is not forever. While we temporarily call it home, we don't have to dwell in it.

No, the place where we dwell is this:

"No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory." Isaiah 60:18-19

This world looks like chaos, confusion, godlessness, and fear. But you, my friend, as a beloved child of God dwell in a House whose walls are Salvation, gates that are Praise, illuminated with the Light that is the LORD and surrounded by Glory that is your God!

This is the stability of your times and the strength of your salvation.

Blessings,
Dori

What Priscilla Said...Again

I am still playing catch-up from being sick for the better part of 5 weeks and still feeling the summer passing by quickly, so blogging isn't a priority right now. But I was just remembering that this very day last year we were winding down our trip to Atlanta and I was heading to Deeper Still to hear Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer and Kay Arthur. All three teachers were phenomenal, but it is WHAT PRISCILLA SAID on June 27, 2008 that I still think of so often. I thought I would repost my notes of her message. It was so powerful. I hope you hear God speak through what He said to me.

Last summer someone told me before I left for Deeper Still that God had whispered in her ear to tell me to "listen to Priscilla." Now, I fully intended on going to Altanta and listening to every word that each speaker had to say. But now I felt like I sort of had a one-on-one with God in that corporate gathering -- a time when He had something very important to say to me specifically.

I knew within the first two minutes that what she had to say was, indeed, a Word from God specifically for me. But when I came home, I realized that it wasn't just for me. It was also specific encouragement for some dear friends of mine who are going through a tough time.

My notes were quite detailed because, afterall, if someone tells you that God said to listen to Priscilla then you don't want to miss a single thing. I wrote it all down in pen and on my heart. I pulled those notes out last night and began to comb over them.

I wanted to share them with you. Maybe you also need to listen to Priscilla.

Her question as she stepped up on the stage was this:

"What have you stopped expecting God to do? Anticipate what you've stopped anticipating God to do."

She told a story of being a young girl -- one of only two african americans on a gymnastics team. On a day that the entire team had been told there would be an exciting invitation to the birthday party of another girl on her team in the lockers when they were finished practicing, she and the other african american girl found none. While they were part of the team, they were not included -- not invited. Priscilla said that in a room of 19,000 people there were certainly people in attendance who, for whatever reason, felt left out, lonely, uninvited. She wanted us to know that God has extended an invitation to each and every one of us. And with that, she began to show us in God's Word an invitation that was extended to the children of Israel and is extended to us today.

Exodus 19:9, 11 was her text and she wanted us to be sure and not miss God's invitation:

The LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever." Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD. (Exodus 19:9)

...and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. (Exodus 19:11)

Priscilla challenged us to approach our time with God with a willing and surrended heart that says to Him, "Lord, I want to hear You speak. Lord, I want to see You."

She said that the context for the two verses above was found at the beginning of Exodus 19. The first few verses repeats their location three times: the wilderness. And they weren't there by accident. God had led them into the wilderness. They didn't choose the wilderness route because there was definitely a quicker way. But God led them into the wilderness. (See Exodus 13: 17-18.)

The wilderness is dry and dusty and we think that it is a terrible place. But God has given us examples of how He speaks when we are in the wilderness. The wilderness is worth it.

Job in Job 42:4, David in Psalm 27:13, Hannah in I Samuel 1:10, Paul and Silas and Stephen surely would say the wilderness was worth it. The wilderness has a divine purpose. God speaks whenever He chooses, but He most certainly speaks in the wilderness. Just as He did for the Children of Israel, He gives the divine invitation for you to hear Him for yourself.

How will you see God in the wilderness?

The children of Israel camped in the wilderness in front of Mount Sinai. The Hebrew word for "camp" means to dwell, to rest, usually a temporary location. But digging deeper into the meaning, you find that it is also the protective covering of Yahweh, a place of bowing down, a place of submission. I'll never forget what Priscilla said in that moment:

"We are more safe in the wilderness with God than out of the wilderness without Him."

The children of Israel were invited to pitch their tents, settle and not miss what God wanted to do: He wanted to speak to them and He wanted to show Himself to them in a way that they would otherwise miss.

God calls us to do three things while camped in the wilderness waiting on Him to speak and make Himself known.

1. We are called to remember what He has done on our behalf. We have been delivered. We have been found by God and rescued. Remembering empowers us to believe Him to continue to deliver us. What would happen if we would just stop and remember how He has delivered us.

2. We are called to recognize our spiritual identity. He is the only one who has the right to label us. People can call us anything, but only God has the authority to name you.

...you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites." (Exodus 19:6)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

She shared that during the time of prayer with the speakers and praise team before the event, someone prayed, "God give us a healthy balance of our spiritual identity." Christians today swing one way and then another. Either we are on a spiritual high, sure of our God-given identity and calling or we are down in the dumps, struggling with whether or not we believe Him. Let's find a healthy balance of who He says we are and walk in that label -- none other.

3. We are called to new levels of surrender.

So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the LORD had commanded him to speak. The people all responded together, "We will do everything the LORD has said." So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD. (Exodus 19:7-8)

The context of the entire message had its crescendo in this moment. At the point that the children of Israel surrendered to what God was calling them to do and said "yes" to walking in their spiritual identity, God promised to come in verses 9 and 11.

The LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever." Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD. (Exodus 19:9)

...and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. (Exodus 19:11)

On the heels of radical and practical obedience and surrender, God promises to come. He comes to speak to us and to show Himself to us.

We are the spiritual seed of Abraham -- we are the modern day spiritual children of Israel. Now, since none of us are left out of this invitation, what we are going to do with it? Will we camp out in the wilderness knowing that He has led us there to speak to us and to show Himself to us? Will we accept His call on our lives to walk as children of the Most High God and realize the divine treasure we have been given? Will we surrender to His authority and say "yes" to everything that He has called us to do in His power?

If we say yes, the wilderness will be worth it.

When we come out of the wilderness we will be able to join with Job and say:

My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. (Job 42:5)

When we come out of the wilderness we will agree with David and proclaim:

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

When we come out of the wilderness, we will shout as Stephen did even has he was dying:

"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:56)

Will we accept His invitation to hear Him speak and to see His face?

Blessings,
Dori

Remarkable Fathers

It is their day today...the day set apart (as if one day out of the year is enough) to thank them, bless them, love them and grace them. Remarkable -- worthy to be remarked about over and over again.

There's my man, the love of my life. He loves his family deeply, choosing us over anything each and every time...over work, over sports, over anyone or anything else. Loving, kind and patient. Quiet until you get to know him. Hilariously funny when you do! Spontaneous. Disciplined and a good steward of all that God has blessed us with. The best Dad I could have ever have had for my children. Sensitive and introspective. Fun loving. A "deal finder" and therefore, a great gift giver! Forgiving and merciful. Honorable and praiseworthy. My best friend. My irreplacable love.

There's my dad. Kind, loving and giving. Would give the last dollar he had to anyone in need. Still committed and devoted to my mother after almost 44 years of marriage. A man of integrity -- his word is indeed his bond. Practical and a problem solver. Nothing is ever too hard and fear is not in his vocabularly. He's peaceful and joyful. Hilariously funny! A spontaneous trip taker -- we never knew where we would go on any given weekend. He is still that way with my mom. A man of the Word -- a student and a teacher. My dependable Daddy.

There's my brother. Kind of funny that I mention him because I'm not sure I've ever wished him Happy Father's Day. Hilariously funny! Sometimes a bit irreverent and boisterous. Kind, generous, loving and giving. I think of him more today than some because 11 years ago almost to the day he buried his wife -- only 29 years old -- and walked into an uncertain future hand in hand with a 23 month old little girl. Undeniable strength through hard times. When others would have given up, he pressed on. My honorable and admirable brother.

Then there's HIM. Wisdom and strength. Glory and honor. Merciful and Mighty. Willing to give everything that He had for me to live. Altogether lovely. My Contender. The Righteous Judge. Lover of my soul. My Healer. My Provider. Perfect in all His ways. My Refuge, Strength, Strong Tower, Shelter and Deliverer. Constant Companion. Wonderful. Giver of every perfect gift. Worthy of my praise. My Unmatchable Heavenly Father!

Happy Father's Day to the men of my life. Every book in the world could not contain what you mean to me!

Blessings,
Dori

Thank You!

Update: The article is done and I'm so grateful for your input. I also have to say that Jennifer Rothschild was so gracious to offer some input and what she had to say was exactly what I needed to polish off the piece. I can't wait to do her new study, Me, Myself & Lies. Thank you again everyone for your help!

I just finished reading through each and every response that I got to my survey regarding women and the struggle to be perfect. I had over 25 women who responded and I cannot tell you how many times I said outloud, "Yes! THAT is so good!!"

Since the responses were anonymous, I felt like it was okay to share a couple that really stood out to me. There are so many good ones and I will try and share those as well in the coming days.

"God's Word puts my focus on Him and His plans for my life. As I release my plans of perfection and completion to Him, He releases me from that focus."

"Women of the past worked together just to survive, but we don't have that issue today. Life should be simpler and easier for us, but it isn't. We have more fluff activities and more time on our hands to examine what we are doing and what others are doing. It's a lot different when you have time to think about your decorating style versus your neighbor's, instead of both of you working together to prepare the catch of the day just so everybody has food."

"It was a great day when I read Proverbs 31 and no longer saw it as the standard I couldn't meet or the list I had to check off to be a good woman. Instead, I saw it as God's love letter to me. The God of the universe took almost a whole chapter of the Bible to talk about all of the little unseen things women do all day for their families. Now I read Proverbs 31 and think, 'God sees me washing these dishes and picking up the dirty laundry my family leaves on the floor and finding bargains at the grocery store...' He wrote a chapter to let me know that when nobody else sees what I'm doing, He does...every itty bitty little thing. And He likes it! I must be pretty important to Him. I must be okay!"

And those were just three quotes that stood out at first glance! You girls are so full of wisdom. Thank you for sharing that with me! I can't wait to get to work on this article.

Blessings,
Dori

Career Day

I found a piece of paper in Lindsey's backpack today. It was an interview she took on Career Day at school. It is completed in her own handwriting and I would have scanned it, but I was afraid you wouldn't have been able to see it. So here goes:

Name: Lindsey

1. When I grow up, I may want to be: A Ping Pong Expert

2. I think I would be good at this job because: I'm good at Ping Pong.

3. The tools I would work with are: A ping pong ball and a paddle.

4. I would work where? I would have to go to Ping Pong School.

5. To learn to do this job, I would have to: Practice and play lots of Ping Pong games.

6. These are the people I know who have this job. If I have any questions about the job, I can ask them: Dad and Taylor

Hey, anything is possible!

Blessings,
Dori

America's Hope

PRAYER FOR THE NATION
by Beth Moore,
Honorary Chairman of the 2009 National Day of Prayer

Father in Heaven,

We lift our eyes toward Your Throne,
where You reign in righteousness.

Your Word assures us that when Your
people cry out in sincerity and humility,
You will never turn a deaf ear to us.

We call upon You now, seeking Your
forgiveness and favor.

Look over this fevered landscape
and heal us, Lord.

Drop knees to the floor and raise eyes to the sky,
for we know where our help comes from.

Unite these States again in devotion to You,
and blur every dividing line.

Do not give us over to our sins.
Give us, instead, over to passionate prayer
that moves Your heart.

"May Your unfailing love rest upon us,
O Lord, even as put our hope in You."
Psalm 33:22

In the name of our Lord and Savior,
Amen

Facedown,
Dori

Wednesday.

At Home
Ready to get back to painting the house. I guess I should be honest and say that I do very little painting. My wonderful husband does it all. He is such an awesome painter and is meticulous about the whole thing. When it is done it looks perfect! So right now the laundry room is dismantled ready for a fresh coat. I have a whole pile of things in my garage that I need to get rid of. Thought of having a yard sale, but I think I'll just give it all away. Times are tough. God's been good to us. I need to give back.

At Work
I work from home and my "busy time" starts in early May and continues really through the end of the year. I've been really blessed to be able to make a little money from my home office. I don't know how long it will continue, but I'm very thankful for the time I've been able to do this.

At Church
We are about to wrap up our first year of teaching children at our church. We have had the most precious 2nd grade class this year. In June we will move to the 8:00 am Sunday School hour and teach 3rd grade. We'll have to be at church by 7:45 each week. What were we thinking??? Oh, I know. We were thinking that we will be home from worship by 10:45 every Sunday! That makes for a very nice Sunday nap!! I've also committed to be the coordinator of the Living Proof Live Simulcast with Beth Moore at our church. So if you live close to Thompson's Station, let me know! I would love to see you there! The planning will keep me busy for a few months, but it will be worth it.

The Kids
Taylor and Lindsey are about to finish up a great school year. I think they have 14 1/2 school days left. I can't believe that Taylor will be moving on to his last year in Middle School and Lindsey will be in 3rd grade. Time sure marches on! This time eight years ago, I was about to go into labor and gave birth to Lindsey the next morning. Seems like only yesterday!

The Word
I've been listening to some great teaching on being wise. And I read a great definition of the word "wise" as it is used in Ephesians 5:15-16: "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." The word "wise" in this passage is a Hebrew word that is one that is "not necessarily implying brilliance or scholastic training, but the ability to apply with skill what one knows." (Key Word Study Bible) I stopped and thought about that for a minute and was reminded once again that just having a whole lot of head knowledge about God doesn't necessarily make us wise. But really taking the time to read God's Word, study it, let it take root in in our hearts and then turning around and applying it based on how He has revealed Himself to us is the key to wisdom. I picked my next scripture verse to memorize and it is Proverbs 28:26 NKJV: "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered."

Lord, make me a woman who knows You and wants to know You even more so that I can walk through each day and ask what Andy Stanley calls "The Best Question Ever" no matter what the situation, "In light of my past experience, my current circumstances and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?" Help me not to ignore the principal of wisdom, but to walk carefully and use wisdom in every opportunity that You give me so I won't miss Your best for my life.

Blessings,
Dori

Update

We were able to get to my parent's house tonight.

They are so blessed!! They only have exterior damage, lost only one window, lost all of their trees, etc. But not one of the huge trees in their yard fell towards the house. Everything that fell or blew into their property fell parallel to the house -- front yard covered, back yard covered, but no one thing hit the house except for a 2x6 that went through their garage roof into the garage. They had probably 7 or 8 very old and huge trees in their yard and then another 7 or so 20 foot evergreens lining the driveway. Nothing is left except for one dogwood tree.

Their neighborhood is devastated. Houses on their street and on the street that runs parallel to their street are completely gone. The center of the tornado literally passed within 100 yards of their house -- at the very most.

Their electricity is back on tonight which is a huge praise. Their cars were spared. Little things that make it easier to get back to some normalcy. The police are protecting their street so they don't have to worry about looters.

Thanks for praying! Happy Easter!

Blessings,
Dori

Yesterday

Thank you all for your prayers for my parents. The tornado destroyed their neighborhood yesterday and passed right across their street only 3 or 4 houses down. Those houses are gone. Houses across the street are gone. Their house is still standing and is fine on the inside. The outside is severely damaged. No trees are still standing except for the Dogwood tree that my brother's doctor planted 19 years ago on the day before my brother passed away that evening - one of the little blessings as the tree means the world to my mother as you can imagine. They have no power. Houses only two or three doors down are completely leveled as the path of the tornado crossed their street. My brother called and said he was walking the neighborhood and he had counted 10 houses so far that were leveled. Please continue to pray as my disabled grandmother lives with them and she refuses to leave because she wants to be in her own room. They have a generator to run the fridge and one light off of. My mother said she saw the warning, took a minute or two to get my grandmother to the hall, heard the noise of the storm, heard the window shatter and then it was gone. She said she looked out and couldn't believe the devastation that happened in a matter of seconds. In light of what their neighborhood looks like, Mom and Dad are blessed to be alive. Many of their neighbors were not home like my Mom and Grandmother when the storm hit. We are blessed. Please pray for the city of Murfreesboro and please praise Him for protection for my family and for the hundreds of people affected. Please pray for the family who lost the young mother and baby and for the father who is in critical condition.



Blessings,
Dori

Find Rest

"Get some rest!" That's what I keep hearing God say to me. "Find yourself a quiet place and get some rest!" I don't necessarily mean sleep -- I mean rest! Rest from the worries of the day; rest from your "to do" list; rest from going here and there; and rest from doing this and that. I don't mean ignore important responsibilities that must be handled. I just mean steal away even for a few minutes and just rest...IN HIM!

When the disciples and Jesus were going about doing good, there came a time when the crowds were many, the tasks at hand were pressing and the men were exhausted. Scripture tells us that they didn't have time to take care of the necessity of eating a meal. As always, Jesus immediately saw a need and began to make a way for that need to be filled.

And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) (Mark 6:31 NAS)

The NIV says that He implored them not only to go to a secluded place and rest, but to join Him there:

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31 NIV Emphasis mine)

I love Jesus for so many reasons, but I cannot thank Him enough for being a "need-seeing and need-meeting" Savior! He gets our attention in whatever way He thinks best, shows us what we need, and then begins to make a way for that need to be met.

Next week we celebrate the reasons He came and the sacrifice He made! He came to make right everything that seems to be in chaos in our lives. He came to bring us good news in place of the bad. He came so that we might have our broken hearts mended. He came to proclaim freedom for us, the captives, and bring light to our prisons. Because He came we no longer mourn -- He comforts us and makes us glad. He came so that He could lift our ashen faces and place a crown of beauty on our heads. He came because God saw despair and wanted to hear His children praise! And, yes, when we are tired, He brings rest to our souls!

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. (Matthew 11:28-30 THE MESSAGE)

Find rest and be blessed!
Dori

Reversal of Destinies

Today is Bible study day and I've just finished up Week 8, Day 5 of Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman by Beth Moore. This study has been fascinating to me because it was a book that had rarely been cracked in all of the Bibles that line my shelf. I love how the pages of this book look worn and well-read having come this far in the study.

Don't get me wrong. We are wise not to study God's Word or a Bible study written by man or woman just to gain more knowledge. We could be the most knowledgable people in the entire universe and still miss knowing the Living Word! If at the end of our time studying a particular book or subject matter our hearts are still in the same shape than when we came, our time was wasted.

The living and active, energizing and life-changing Word, breathed by God Himself, is to be our very life. Never look again at the Bible that you hold in your hand as merely a book. It is God's very Word spoken to the depths of your dry and weary soul. It is God's message to His people and through it, God makes Himself known to His people -- providing a lamp to where they find their feet standing right now and illuminating the next step to be taken.

In Esther 8, because God's providence still ruled in a book of the Bible that never mentions His precious Name, the jews living in Susa saw their circumstances reversed. Once a people who only 10 weeks earlier had found themselves in a pit of despair because it seemed that their fate had been sealed by a cruel man who had been all too persuasive to a weak king.

But God...

He has the final word and he turned their mourning into celebration, their weeping into joy, their fasting into celebration and feasting and their wailing into gladness. They now found that Providence had stepped in and reversed their destiny.

And God...

...will do the same for you!

Where in your life do you need the hand of a powerful and mighty to save God to reach down from on high, lift you out of a pit of despair and turn your mourning into dancing? Ask Him for a great reversal of what appears to be your destiny. If you are suffering, ask Him to bring relief. If you are in a pit of sadness, ask Him to bring you joy and even happiness!

Reversing what appears to be your reality and destiny is why Jesus came.

The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:17-21 NIV)

Blessings,
Dori

The Word

Today I have a very busy day. I also have a lot of things on my mind, some struggles that need my attention, children who are stepping outside of boundaries -- my house seems to be a little out of sorts. I'm ready to bring it all back in under God's authority and His umbrella of wisdom and rule. I ask you to pray for my own wisdom, knowledge, insight and understanding to know what it is God is saying to me as a mother and how to build up my home.

In the meantime, I wanted to post what my friend, Pastor John Fuller, wrote to those of us who are on his devotional e-mail list. He is a man of great wisdom and shares the Word of God with great insight and discernment. I love what he has to say today.

May you be blessed!

Dori

THE WORD
by John Fuller

“A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. The Wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger” (Proverbs 24:3-5).

It doesn’t take a “rocket scientist” to understand that the great truths revealed in the Scripture always have a practical application. A wise man once said that “No king who rules over a country is as important as the person who rules over his own spirit.” “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he who conquers a city” (Proverbs 16:32). I recently read a book by a Christian Scientist, in which proof is given that God has given us the power to actually take control over our own minds, emotions and life situations.

This is an extremely important principle that is backed up by the Word of God. Proverbs 25:26 says that the person who fails to rule over his own spirit is like a city in which the walls are broken down. When applied to our minds we get a picture of a Christian who has failed to establish the protection given to us in God’s Word. The Scripture, like walls, are a defense against the enemy of the soul. Unfortunately there are a vast number of believers who experience constant defeat in their lives due to the fact they have no understanding of the great truths found in the Word, simply because they fail to read the bible on a regular basis.

The child of God must construct the walls of his soul by understanding the great doctrines in the Bible, first by being taught and also by daily reading the Scripture. The constant cry of our heart should be the same as the Psalmist in 11(: 131-135), where he declares, “I pant with expectation, longing for your commands-----Look upon me with love; and teach me your decrees.” Dear Lord, help us all to learn how to rule over our own minds and souls by the power of your word!

Mandatory Sleep

Good morning, friends! I got 8 hours of sleep last night and I feel like I can face the week ahead.

You see, we have sort of developed this habit of having a MANDATORY EARLY BEDTIME at The Cook House. We don't do it every night, but we have typically set aside one night of the week where we get the kids in bed by 8:00 and we follow shortly there after. We don't always do it on Sunday night, but after the success of last night we very well might.

I'll be honest. It is harder now that the time has changed and we have more daylight hours. It's just easier to get up from dinner and head out to play. Then when we get in, we have to rush around to get everything done that needs to be done before bedtime.

Last summer when I went to Deeper Still in Atlanta, the speakers had a Q&A where they answered all manner of questions -- some serious and some silly, some about spiritual truths and some about their beauty secrets! I remember Kay Arthur saying that she absolutely believes that women are sleep-deprived and it is making us a generation of unhealthy (physically, spiritually and mentally) people. She challenged us to start getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. (I believe she says she gets 9 -- that would be too much for me! I would have a headache every day.)

So my question to you is: Are you getting enough sleep? Or are you, like me, staying up way too late watching television, surfing the internet, reading blogs, etc.? Maybe it is worry or anxiety that is keeping you awake. Maybe you have to stay up late because you have simply overscheduled yourself and there aren't enough hours in the day to do what you have set yourself up to do. Do you wake up to face the day more tired than when you went to bed the night before?

Why not ask God to give you more rest? Ask Him to bless you with more sleep -- not too much, but just what you need to be a refreshed, well rested, effective reflection of His love to those around you each day!

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:2)

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)

Blessings,
Dori

Still

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:5-8)

A friend shared this scripture in Bible study yesterday with tears streaming down her face from the sheer love of this powerful Word and the comfort that it provides. I love that when God speaks, He speaks to the individual and then the Body is strengthened through their sharing.

Perhaps it is II Corinthians 1:3-4 in motion:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

I know that some of you reading this don't feel very still right now. The winds, waves and high waters of life are overwhelming. I'm praying that you will find rest in God alone. I'm praying that God will give you supernatural wisdom and insight to know how to ride out this storm well and find waters on the other side that are still, cool and refreshing. I'm praying that you will be still and know that He truly is God.

Blessings,
Dori

A Wee Little Lad...

Congratulations to my friend, Michelle Kitchen! She welcomed her brand new baby boy today after a very long labor!!

I first met Michelle when she was Lindsey's Kindergarten teacher. It was apparent very quickly that Michelle was a very special teacher with a very special love for her students. But I soon found out that she also loves God with all her heart, mind and soul.

This baby is a miracle baby and comes after much heartache and loss! But God has blessed Michelle and Travis today. I honestly can't wait to see this little guy!!

I'm so happy for you, Michelle! You will be THE BEST Mom in the world!! You have the sweetest heart and this precious boy is very special and blessed to have you for his Mommy!!

Blessings,
Dori

Tuesday Randoms...

HOME
I'm spending alot of time at home these days. I know that when I go out to do anything I am tempted to spend money on whatever -- a quick trip to Target, Starbucks, fastfood, etc. So I'm trying to remove that temptation. Goodness knows there is plenty to do around here!

WORK
Received a contract for a new writing assignment last week and looking forward to diving into it. Freelance work is picking up with the Convention preparations being made. January through March slow up, but the rest of the year is quite busy. Thankful for this little extra paycheck each month!

KIDS
Taylor was invited to go and study at Appalachian State University for 3 weeks this year as a result of his score on his ACT test (first time taking it -- in 7th grade!). But he's not ready, I'm not ready and WOW is it ever expensive!! :) Maybe next summer when he matures a little bit. Both kids are doing great in school! Lindsey is convinced that her teacher is a superstar and arrives to school in a helicopter! I love what she comes up with sometimes!!

MARRIAGE
I love my husband! We have actually been able to start going on a few dates here and there again and I'm loving that time with him. One thing I love about my man is that he LOVES to travel. We have five trips on the calendar from now until October -- nothing fancy -- but we're not "fancy travelers." We just love going!! I just love going with him. Hey, we're "going together!" Haven't said that in awhile!!! :)

CHURCH
We had 37 2nd graders on Sunday morning. They are the best bunch of kids ever!! We have two in our class though that are hurting because of recent divorces. So painful. Our commitment is over at the end of May and we are trying to decide for sure if we want to renew for June. Lots of things going through our minds. Pray for clarity.

BIBLE STUDY
I am loving the study of the book of Esther. I had no idea the richness of this book and I can't believe how Beth is drawing things out that would have never occurred to me. I am working on Week 6 homework this week. It's been a blast spending this time with 28 of the sweetest women!! I purchased my Living Proof Live ticket for Memphis over the weekend. I really can't wait for this time to meet up with friends! It will be wonderful! Let me know if you are going!

GOD
I'm learning so much by deliberately memorizing His Word. I am having a blast taking the scripture and letting it RENEW me by Reading it, Examining it, Needing it, Echoing it and Wielding it! (Thanks Beth for the tutorial!) I love how He speaks to us through His Word. There is not one single scripture that I've taken on that He hasn't allowed me to use to encourage and strengthen another person -- not one! He is faithful and His Word is eternal! I'm also still chewing on this post. By the time I get around to commenting my thoughts Melissa won't even care, but it is a good read and a very good thought-provoking piece!!

New Scripture for the Scripture Memory Challenge:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

WORSHIP
The thought comes to mind often these days: "The louder our worship gets the more response we get from the congregation, but is the sound deafening to our Lord's ears? Is He impressed with our volume? He doesn't look on the outside -- the appearance of worship, the noise of worship, the show of worship. He looks on the heart. Are we really worshipping Him in spirit and in truth? Is our worship really for Him or for us?" Just things that are making me think...

What are your randoms?

Blessings,
Dori

That Name

Originally written March 23, 2007

My sweet little Lindsey is a fireball! I think I have told you that before, but this time I really mean it!!

Butch and I were trying to remember how many tantrums Taylor has had in his lifetime -- he's 11 -- and there are not many. We remembered one this weekend when we went to Chattanooga for a quick getaway. Taylor was about 5 or so. I don't think Lindsey had been born yet. If she was with us, she was a mere baby. The whole thing escalated from the fact that I gave him a choice of where he wanted to eat lunch - anywhere except Taco Bell. Where did he want to go? Of course! Taco Bell! It was a fit, I tell you. I can't remember if we gave in and went to Taco Bell or not, but sometimes you have to have the wisdom that my grandmother has: "If they are screaming for a snake, give 'em a snake!" (I don't think that is really wisdom and, by the way, I don't endorse snake-handling for preschoolers!)

Lindsey, on the other hand, is a different story. We're trying to remember how early she had her first tantrum. I think she was about 6 months old. When I say that Butch always interjects, "No, more like 6 hours old!" She's got spunk, that's for sure! Just last night, she had a fit because rather than go to the brand new Spring Hill playground that is AWESOME, she wanted to walk down the street to the neighborhood playground. The comparison is something like this -- do you want to go to Chuck E Cheese or do you want to go to Disney World? Do you want to see "a mouse" or do you want to see "The Mouse?"

The tantrums are bad, I tell you, but I have found something that works! I start singing this:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...
There's just something about that Name.
Master, Savior, Jesus...
Like the fragrance after the rain.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...
Let all heaven and earth proclaim.
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away
But there's something about that Name.

It calms her down immediately and it settles me down, too. It's actually become "our song" -- mine and Lindsey's! If we ever hear it at church, I can always look back at Lindsey from the choir and see her big smile. Right after church, she always says, "Mommy, they sang our song today! Did you hear it?" I wish you could hear her sing it! She has a beautiful voice and to hear her sing the Name above every Name, well it is more than I can handle sometimes.

The truth is simple. The Name of Jesus is powerful. Scripture puts it like this:

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10)

When you look at the words "strong tower" and "safe" in the Hebrew language it translates to something like this:

"The name of the Lord is a mighty strong and elevated stage; when those who are chasing after God with all they have run to Him, He picks them up and sets them securely and safely on high -- far above circumstances, problems, fear, anger, worries and anxieties."

For Lindsey, that means taking her from a low state of emotions and setting her up a little bit higher to see that what she is striving for is not worth all of the fuss. For me, it means knowing that no matter what comes my way, I can run to the Father and He will lift me up above whatever is concerning me. That doesn't mean He always makes it go away. It just means that with God I can walk through it and not stand still in the midst of it and feel overwhelmed by it.

What is concerning you today? I'm sure it's way more serious than where to eat lunch or which playground to choose. It could be finances. It could be a serious illness. It could be a troubled marriage or a wayward child. Whatever it is, run to the Name that is above every Name, your Strong Tower. Let Him pick you up and place you on an elevated stage above it all.

But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.

Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.

Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:1-7

Blessings,
Dori

"There's Just Something About That Name" -- Words & Music by William & Gloria Gaither

Chance Meetings

Originally written March 16, 2007

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Beth Moore Simulcast event called "Get Out of That Pit: Straight Talk About God's Deliverance." The messages were phenomenal and the worship was incredible -- even with the barrier of watching it on a screen.

Right before the lunch break Beth issued the challenge for us to seek out people with whom we could share our stories of deliverance. I had NO IDEA what God had in store for me as I headed off to the Fellowship Hall. I met up with an old friend and we picked a table – or at least I thought we were the one’s doing the picking. Little did I know that God had already arranged a table for us long before we arrived at the church that morning.

My friend and I had not seen each for months and we sat down at this table that seated 10 and began to catch up. Two ladies came to the table which had 8 empty chairs and sat down right next to me. You know that feeling that you get when someone is just standing by waiting to say something specifically to you and you know that they aren’t going to leave until you let them get it out? That is the feeling that I immediately had. I turned to the ladies and introduced myself. All I can say is that they simply had His Glory all over their faces! They were beaming! Then they began to tell their story…

VICKIE'S STORY...
Vickie is a 48 year old woman who had been on the streets since she was 16 years old. She is a recovering alcoholic and crack cocaine addict. She is a resident of The Hope Center sponsored by The Nashville Rescue Mission. The Hope Center houses women who are recovering from addictions and/or abuse. It is a seven month Christ-centered program that helps them recover from their addictions and advises them on how to take back their life that has been so devastated by everything the enemy has thrown their way. She said that when she arrived at The Hope Center in October of 2006 she literally pushed her metal shopping cart that contained all of her belongings to the front door of the facility and begged for them to take her in.

MARSHA'S STORY...
Marsha is also in her late 40’s and is recovering from substance abuse. She had just found out the day before the Simulcast that her husband had divorced her without her knowledge. Who knew you could do that? Apparently he placed an ad in the local paper in Kansas and when she didn’t respond, he divorced her because her absence is considered abandonment. She quietly said, “I guess I have abandoned him.” She began to share how she was so excited about graduating from the program because God had given her a job in Louisiana. She will be working in a home much like The Hope Center mentoring women who are also looking for freedom from their addictions. She explained that soon after she was offered the job, God moved her from her private room at The Hope Center into a room with another woman who was new to the Center. She explained that she couldn’t stand this woman! She said, “I prayed and asked God why He would put me in a room with someone I couldn’t get along with and really didn’t like.” She said that God gently told her, “Marsha, there are going to be dozens of women just like this woman who are going to be coming through the doors of that home in Louisiana looking to you for guidance and help in finding freedom. You are not going to like all of them either! This woman is your training ground.”

Both of these precious ladies began to share with me how God had miraculously delivered them, was redeeming their life from the pit and how excited they were about the future. They said that someone had generously paid for all 35 residents of The Hope Center to attend the Simulcast that day and how blessed they were to be there. They were climbing out of one heck of a pit and couldn’t be more thrilled! They were taking BREAKING FREE by Beth Moore as a group at the Center and they said God was doing wonderful things in their lives as a result of that study. They said they wanted to read her new book and I could tell that they couldn’t afford a copy for themselves. The Holy Spirit jumped all over me and I went to the church bookstore right then and there and bought them each a book. When I gave them the books they wept! You would have thought that I had given them my wedding ring! I was so touched and humbled.

It was a “chance” meeting (as if there is any such thing) that I will never forget for the rest of my days. I had been beating myself up for months about a particular season of defeat and habitual sin of which I just couldn't seem to let go. God gave me this beautiful visual and sweetly sang over me that day – “If I can set them free, I am more than able to set you free, too!”

On Tuesday after the event, I got a note from Vickie which read:

"Dori, Blessings to you for your very thoughtful gesture in presenting me your gift of "Get Out of That Pit." I am on Chapter 8 - "Make Up Your Mind" and by the grace of God I feel like I've crawled out of the pit and I'm tearing down the wallpaper. As I mentioned though, I've got 30 years of addiction for a past and they were spread out in phases so I don't have any parts of pieces to hang on to as far as people, because when one phase ended, everyone and every place and everything went with it. But I'm standing on that solid Rock today and each new day is so bright and refreshing and hopeful and I will prayerfully seek to do the will of God in everything I do. With God at the top, you're also on my new list of relationships on this brand new way to live. Keep in touch. God bless you, Vickie"

Wow! A life set free and free indeed! I will never forget meeting Vickie and Marsha. Their testimony will ring in my ear from now until eternity. They have challenged me to get out of my own pits once and for all. If God can set them free, He can set you free, too!!

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:1-3 NIV)

Good for the Soul

Originally written March 17, 2007

Being the mother of an 11 year old boy is so many things -- rewarding, exciting, challenging, difficult, exhausting! Taylor is the coolest kid I know. He is not only hilariously funny, but he is unbelievably intelligent. In fact, when we need to know the answer to any trivia question and he has a response, well, we simply default to him. I might waiver for a moment and question his authority on the topic, but in the long run we know that 99.99% of the time -- HE IS RIGHT!

With having a "tween" in our home and then having a fireball of emotions in the body of a beautiful, blonde-headed 5 year old, you can imagine that we have some pretty fierce battles every now and again. They bicker with each other. Someone screams. Someone screams louder. Someone chases the other. Someone usually gets kicked. Then Mom starts screaming. Then someone starts to cry. Then someone else starts to cry. Then we ALL start to cry. (Don't even try to pull that smug look on me! We have all had days like this!)

One night while cooking dinner, the battle was intense and I was wielding my sword -- not of the spirit, but in the form of a spatula! The phone rang and it was my MOTHER-IN-LAW! (Insert screeching brake sound here.) Whenever she calls, I usually try to take her call locked in my bathroom closet. I try to use my "all is well" voice and hope that the doors between me and the kids are enough to hide what life here is really like! That particular night I was not up for it -- that night I was all about honesty and transparency. I let her in on our little secret -- our kids don't always act like angels!!

Turns out that was the best thing that could have happened. You see my mother-in-law raised 5 children -- 4 boys and 1 very brave girl! I'm sure they had their moments of squabbles and screams. I've heard the stories. After taking a break from our conversation to scream at the kids, "If you don't sit down on that couch and shut your mouth, (insert threat here)..." Grandma said, "Put Taylor on the phone." Then it was Lindsey's turn.

I don't know what she said or how she said it, but each child came to me and apologized and said, "I love you, Mommy." I don't have to know what she said. All I know is that, for a brief moment in time, all was at peace in the Cook Home and my children loved me once again.

When Butch got home from work, I told him what happened. I told him of how his mother came in and saved the day and gave the kids a really good talking to. Taylor said, "Yeah Dad -- it was hard, but good for the soul. That's my new proverb!"

IT WAS HARD, BUT GOOD FOR THE SOUL...

Isn't that just how God deals with his dearly loved children? He listens to us whine, squabble, even scream sometimes, and then says, "Hand me the phone." What He tells us is not always the easiest thing. What He asks us to do to make things right is not always fun. But when all is said and done, it was hard, but definitely good for the soul! That really should be a proverb -- or perhaps, God would rather say it like this:

"And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you...no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.'" (Hebrews 12:5, 11)

Blessings,
Dori

49 - Making a Mark

I just got around to flipping to today's date on my little calendar in my kitchen. The quote was by Gloria Gaither and this is what it says:

A Mother's Prayer:
"Oh God, You have given me...a life of clay. Put Your big hands around mine and guide my hands so that every time I make a mark on this life, it will be Your mark."

I certainly see the importance of this as it is applied to our lives as mothers, but it is way broader than that! It really can apply to EVERY person with whom we come in contact. We mark other's lives with our interaction with them --with our words and actions we influence them, we lift them up or drag them down, we encourage them or condemn them, and we bring healing or harm into their lives.

As followers of God, we have an awesome responsibility to bring life and not death to everyone we meet! As God has blessed us touching us and giving us life, let's extend it to everyone we meet. Let's make a mark for Him for life!!

Blessings,
Dori

Abiding in Him

I've written and deleted about 20 posts in the past 24 hours. I just can't seem to hit "publish" on anything these days. I've been a bit out of sorts and haven't felt like doing much -- in the "real world" or in the "blog world."

So for the sake of just writing something to jumpstart me writing again, I'll post the question I asked of some friends this week:

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Other than the Bible, what devotional book have you consistently used over and over again and why?

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I've gotten some really great responses and suggestions. What would be your answer?

Mine would have to be My Utmost for His Highest. I don't always "get" what Oswald Chambers is trying to tell me on the first read, but he always leaves me with something to think about. For example, yesterday's reading has me still pondering what he said:

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"We must continually maintain an adventurous attitude toward Him, despite any potential personal risk...Many people today are pouring their lives out and working for Jesus Christ, but are not really walking with Him. One thing God constantly requires of us is a oneness with Jesus Christ. After being set apart through sanctification, we should discipline our lives spiritually to maintain this intimate oneness. When God gives you a clear determination of His will for you, all your striving to maintain that relationship by some particular method is completely unnecessary. All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live your life with God in any other way than His way. And His way means absolute devotion to Him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus."

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Whew! "Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus." I believe that really goes well with what Beth was teaching us about fear in Session 4 of Esther. Conquering the "what if's" in our lives with the simple response that "If (this happens), THEN GOD." God will be faithful. He will be sufficient. He will be supreme. He will be enough.

Walking with Jesus and do not be afraid. Those are the themes of this season of my life. Everywhere I turn, every scripture I read, every book I pick up leads back to those two things -- walking with Jesus and do not be afraid.

What about you? Do you have a theme going in your life right now...a particular area where God seems to be dealing with you by bringing it up through His Word, teachers, pastors, and friends? Feel free to share it.

Have a blessed day and abide in Him,
Dori

Oswald Chambers, February 15

My Utmost for His Highest, February 15
by Oswald Chambers

"Has it ever dawned on you that you are responsible spiritually to God for other people? For instance, if I allow any turning away from God in my private life, everyone around me suffers. We 'sit together in the heavenly places...' Ephesians 2:6. 'If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it...' I Corinthians 12:26. If you allow physical selfishness, mental carelessness, moral insensitivity, or spiritual weakness, everyone in contact with you will suffer. But you ask, 'Who is sufficient to be able to live up to such a lofty standard?' 'Our sufficiency is from God...' and God alone."

Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God. (2 Corinthians 3:5)

Pondering these things,
Dori

A Recycled Post

(Originally written 1/25/07)

Last night, Taylor started working through a devotional book that he got for Christmas. The first section is called "All About Me" and the first exercise was a look into the meanings of our name and how, when we become believers, God gives us a new name: Christian.

In the Bible, names were of great importance. A name was treasured and its meaning typically described the person or their character. I knew that Taylor's first name, "Joshua" was a very strong biblical name meaning "Yahweh is Salvation" or "The LORD Delivers." I have big dreams for Taylor! He's so intelligent and full of knowledge that I know God can do ANYTHING with him. More importantly, though, I just want him to grow up to know, love and believe God.

But as I was thinking about Lindsey I realized that I really didn't know what her name means.

Lindsey has always been a very strongwilled child and one with a mighty little temper -- if you can even imagine. She's so tiny and angelic looking in many ways, but she's got a fire in her that if undisciplined she would be a mess! I've prayed and prayed and prayed for her that God would get a hold of all of that passion and turn it into a fiery love for Him. As her mother and being very jealous for her and her future, I've wanted this to happen instantly! I know that He can do that, but I want you to hear what I found out about her name and what God taught me just this morning in Bible study.

Lindsey's name means: "A tree or trees near the water." When I read this I immediately thought of Psalm 1:1-3:

"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers."

I was so grateful that God gave me a scripture that I could pray specifically for Lindsey and all the many challenges she faces in controlling her emotions. I could pray it just like this:

"God, be with my sweet Lindsey. Plant her firmly by Your streams, Lord, of Living Water. Make her strong, firm and help her not to fall away or wither. Prosper her."

I always wanted to follow up that prayer with, "Do it NOW Lord!"

Then today in Bible study the DVD lesson brought us to this scripture and I saw what I had been missing all along! That tree that is planted by streams of water yields its fruit IN SEASON -- in God's perfect time -- not necessarily when it is best for me, but when it is in the timing of God's perfect will and plan. God has a huge calling for Lindsey, I'm sure, but no amount of begging and pleading on my part is going to make it all come together for her any sooner than when God has it planned and mapped out for her on His Kingdom calendar. As much as I love Lindsey and want the best for her, God loves her far more and has way more planned for her than I could ever dream or imagine!

"However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him...'" I Corinthians 2:9

That doesn't mean that we give up praying for our children because "God's gonna do what God's gonna do!" No! It simply means that we lay all of our dreams and plans and desires for them at God's feet, giving up any claim we feel we have to them, and ask Him to work mightily through them in His time and in due season.

Love them, pray for them, and give them over to God -- every minute of every day -- that's the greatest responsibility to our children that we have been given.

I love you, Taylor and Lindsey! Be strong...be courageous...be bold!

Love, Mom

Saturday...

• House is clean...company came in from West Virginia last night.



• Cooked breakfast -- bacon, sausage, biscuits, panckakes! Butch said, "We need to have company more often!"



• Wondering how to get my house to stop smelling like a Cracker Barrel...a friend was no help! She couldn't understand why I wouldn't want my house to smell like bacon! :)



• Son is off taking his first ACT...yes, he's only 13! Duke University invited him to take it. Can you believe colleges are already looking at my child?



• Company is off to Nashville to see a college for their son.



• More company coming for dinner tonight.



• Cooking today -- ham, hashbrown casserole, brownies.



• Lovin' my new living room color! "Kraft Paper" by Martha Stewart



• Thinking about the "Verse of the Day": "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT)



• About to sit down with Esther, Day Two!



• Love Saturday mornings!

So blessed...

Blessings,
Dori

It's a Matter of Trust

I've been thinking alot about trust lately. I think it is because God keeps bringing up the topic in Bible study, on television, in my quiet time, in my devo books I read. It's His theme for me right now.

Something profound that I heard on Life Today this week was this question: Do we really trust God or do we trust Him to do what we tell Him to do? For example, when I pray am I really praying for God's Will or am I giving God a list of my problems and them telling Him the ways that I want Him to solve those problems.

But interestingly enough, He doesn't give us the guarantee that this world won't have problems. In fact, He assures us that "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. I love how The Message translates this entire verse:

"I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."

The truth is that "for the joy set before us" we can endure anything because our God is in control and we trust that everything He is doing in our life -- everything that is allowed, the good, the bad, the ugly -- is all part of His divine plan to bring us to Himself. We can walk through the trouble that this godless world holds and we can do it standing tall, unshaken, full of blessed assurance and with a ton of peace because He is in control and He is greater than anything that the world can dish out. Job learned this and said that every life is full of a heap of trouble. But I love this quote from my homework in Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman Bible study this morning:

"When we trust our lives to the unseen but ever-present God, He will write our lives into His story and every last one of them will turn out to be a great read. With a great ending." ~ Beth Moore

For the joy set before us, let us trust Him and persevere to the end of our story with our blessed King...a happily ever after!

Blessings,
Dori

Esther and a Room Full of Estrogen

It's Thursday, February 5, and that means it is BIBLE STUDY TIME IN TENNESSEE!! More specifically, it is time to study Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman by Beth Moore!

It kind of snuck up on me but when I got out my Bible study tote this morning and started putting everything in it, I got that familiar butterfly feeling in my stomach. I get that way for a couple of reasons.

One is that I am completely ill-equipped to do the job of a facilitator! I've been doing this thing for over 10 years now and each time I ask God why in the world He gives me the privilege when there are people who are way more qualified and gifted to do it. I get nervous about standing up in front of people. I worry about whether there will be too many women in the class or too few. I get nervous and start telling things that I probably shouldn't...like today's vasectomy story! Oh, yes I did! :)

Secondly, I get the flutters because I just love studying the Word with women! I doubt our men get this way. Women just feel everything so deeply and so when God's Word jumps off the page onto the red hot pavement of their life and they are changed by it they just can't keep it to themselves. Even if they never say a word, I can just tell by the look on their face that are getting it -- that it is speaking to them and they are ready to go and walk in the truth they are learning.

"So thankful" was all that came to mind as I entered our beautiful new Equipping Center. I've led Bible study in some pretty rough surroudings. The last three sessions have been in some pretty old, musty portable buildings. I once led a study down in the youth party room at our church -- complete with walls painted dark blue and stars and planets painted on the walls -- no windows. But today? Well, today was my first time to lead in our new building. I must say I was so grateful! We had a nice big 42" flat panel to watch Beth on, the chairs were comfy, the room was clean...it was awesome. (Incidentally, my pastor's wife and I joked that we are the last two people we know that still have the 32" televisions that weigh about 1000 pounds and are about 4 feet deep!)

But it isn't about whether or not the room is clean or that the television is new or that the chairs are comfortable. Its about women coming into the presence of God to study at His feet. And, boy, did they come. There were 25 of us there this morning cracking open our new Bible study workbooks and maybe even opening our Bibles for the first time to study the one book in the Bible that doesn't mention God's precious name one single time!

And yet He is there...

Something so profound that Beth shared in the introductory session was that we need to have the anxious expectation that God is working whether we see Him or not and no matter whether or not we feel Him He is smack dab in the middle of our life and can make an appearance at any time!

She also reminded us that there are no coincidences. The things we call coincidences are those times when God moves and just chooses to remain anonymous.

And without spoiling too much for those of you who are starting your study next week, there is this quote from the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (which I HIGHLY recommend):

"In His providence, God attends not only to apparently momentous events and people but also to those that seem both mundane and trivial...Indeed, so all encompassing is God's attention to events within creation that nothing...happens by chance."

Nothing happens by chance...

25 women...
all ages...
all walks of life...
backgrounds that are wildly unique...
all coming together...
not by chance but brought together by God...

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!

Blessings,
Dori

Like Pulling Teeth

I really must start praying that my children form a good work ethic. And how do I know? Because this is the conversation I just had with my darling 7 year old:

Her: "Hey mom, I need $9 to pay for the new game I want."

Me: "Well, it won't be long if you save your money."

Her: "Yeah, but how can I get some money."

Me: "Well, if you keep losing teeth like you have lately it won't take long at all!!"

Her: "Or I could do some chores."

Me: "(with great rejoicing!) AWESOME!! I would love to pay you for doing some chores!"

Her: "Na...I think I'll just wait for the teeth!!"

Blessings,
Dori

God's Priorities

I wanted to share with you something I read this morning. You are probably like me -- getting very weary of the bad news regarding our country, the economy and global instabilities. But the truth of the matter is that some mornings I can't even think about those things because what is happening in my little corner of the world is almost too much to bear and requires all my energy -- I can't fix the world's problems when I have the weightiness of my own problems bearing down on me.

This morning I opened up "Praying God's Word Day by Day" and this is what I read. I pray that no matter what you are concerned about today that it will bless you to know that your God has your best interest on His heart and mind.

"Sometimes God may prioritize performing a miracle on our hearts and minds over a miracle concerning our circumstances.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in You, my Lord, I will be joyful in God, my Savior.

For You, Lord, are my strength. You make my feet like the feet of a deer. You enable me to go on the heights (Hab 3:17-19). How inconceivable but true that You can take me to heights far exceeding the depths I have known.

Father, continue to bring me along so that I can rejoice in my sufferings, because I know suffering produces perservance (Romans 5:3)."

Taken from Praying God's Word Day by Day by Beth Moore.

Blessings,
Dori

Prayer for Our Nation

2007 Prayer for Our Nation
Written by Dr. Charles R. Swindoll
for the National Day of Prayer

Almighty God, we pause to reflect on Your character as we seek wisdom for such a time as this.

In these unsafe days,
You remain all-powerful and able to protect;

In these uncertain times,
You remain all-knowing, leading us aright;

In the unprecedented events we're facing,
You remain absolutely sovereign.
Our times are in Your hands.

Therefore, our dependence on You, is total, not partial
. . . our need for Your forgiveness is constant

. . . our gratitude for Your grace is profound

. . . our love for You is deep.

We ask that You guard and guide our President
and all who serve the people of these United States.
May uncompromising integrity mark their lives.

We also ask that You unite us as truly "one nation,
under God." May genuine humility return to our ranks.

And may that blend of integrity and humility
heal our land.

In our Lord's name we pray,

Amen.The 2009 National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 7, 2009. Author and Bible Teacher, Beth Moore, is the Honorary Chairman. Please join me in becoming involved NOW. For more information, go to the National Day of Prayer website.

Have a great day,
Dori

Moment of Silence

Well, now don't this beat all...as my grandmother would say!

An Illinois federal judge has ruled that the moment of silence practiced in schools across Illinois is unconstitutional and "is a subtle effort to force students at impressionable ages to contemplate religion."

In other words, now the children can not only not pray in school, but they can't even take a moment of silence to think about anything that they choose because the system is afraid they might choose to think about God.

Read it for yourself HERE!

Unbelievable!!

The Past Seven Days

In the past 7 days:

My children had a “snow day” because it was too cold to go to school. Only in the South, people.

We met family at a hotel in Lexington for just some time to rest, relax and catch up with one another. Had a great time. Kids were so well-behaved and well-matched up – you know, their kids’ ages were similar to our kids’ ages so everyone got along and had a “buddy.”

Watched the inauguration and had this dialogue with myself:

“I wonder why she chose green shoes with that gold dress? Wonder how embarrassed Judge Roberts really was when he messed up the oath? Rick Warren’s prayer rocked! Wonder if the President felt the same way? That last pastor kind of made me uncomfortable with his “red, yellow, black and white” comments at the end of his prayer. Wonder if the President felt the same way? Aretha really can get away with a lot of screaming simply because she is, well, Aretha. Can’t we just all get along and hold the booing of George Bush for another time if we are so inclined? What was in that little red box in Mrs. Obama’s lap? Why is my spellchecker wanting me to correct the name “Obama” every time I type it? What exactly were the Bush twins saying to each other? Wonder what the President does on the first morning after he is no longer President? How ironic is it that our new President’s middle name is ‘Hussein?’ Wonder if Mrs. Obama was more worried about her girls behaving during the ceremony than the ceremony itself? I would be! Why did this inauguration cost $140 million and the last one only a fraction of that? How is Michelle going to spend that $100,000 for redecorating the White House? Are the Extreme Makeover people going to be involved? Is the VP going to have that sensor installed in his brain that tells him when not to speak and to remain silent? Why did Dick Cheney hurt his back lifting boxes to move…doesn’t he have staff for that? If Bush aged this much in 8 years, what will Obama look like after his Presidency? Does anyone really understand this poem??”

My entire house is a disaster! Still working on organizing Lindsey’s room and getting rid of a lot of stuff. But it is shaping up to be a really great yard sale for the Spring! The furniture in the living room is all in the middle of the room to get ready for painting – the gold has to go! The office is completely dismantled because I was supposed to get glass for the desk and credenza yesterday but they cut it wrong on both counts. So I just feel like I’m moving furniture around on the deck of a sinking ship! Need to make some small steps today.

Maybe my next post will hold some special nugget of inspiration, but I wanted to unwrap the last week for you! Compelling isn’t it? :)

What about you? What do the last seven days look like to you?

Blessings,
Dori

January 17 - Proverbs 17

Read some New Living Translation nuggets from Proverbs 17 this morning. I highly recommend reading familiar passages in different translations from time to time to get a new perspective. I try and read the Psalms and Proverbs every month each year and this year I'm using the NLT.

Prov. 17:5
"Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished."

Prov. 17:9
"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."

Prov. 17:11
"Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severly punished."
(In light of my reading and studying Esther, this scripture is filed away for discussions on Haman's plan for evil for the Jews.)

Prov. 17:14
"Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out."

Prov. 17:19
"Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster."
(I almost typed "anyone who trusts in high horses invites disaster"--I think it still fits! What do you think? I can remember many times I should have climbed off my high horse to avoid great disaster!!)

Prov. 17:24
"Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth."
(Love the marrying of this scripture with the passage I'm memorizing as part of the Scripture Memory Team over at the Living Proof Ministires blog - Proverbs 2:1-6.)

Prov. 17:27-28
"A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent."
(Lord, let my words be few!)

What are you reading?

Blessings,
Dori

Camp Town Ladies

Okay, so after that pretty serious and toe-stepping-on post from last night, this one will seem quite frivolous and downright jolly! :)

But we were in the car today and Lindsey asked me if we could sing songs. She then started singing at the top of her lungs:

"CAN'T THIS LADY SING THIS SONG? DO DAH, DO DAH!"

So that begs for the question to be answered, what lyrics have you gotten wrong over the years and were totally shocked when you heard the correct lyrics?

My favorite is that when I was young I sang:

"Are you reeling in the yeast...
Stowing away the time...
Are you gathering up the cheese...
Have you had enough of mine?"

Not exactly how Steely Dan intended it, but as a 12 year old I thought I was spot on!

Have a great Saturday!

Blessings,
Dori