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