Archive for Devotional
The “Jimmy Leg”
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Today’s guest post is by Laci Tompkins. Laci is the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Science and Arts in Chickasha. She serves on the BGCO state women’s leadership team and on the state human trafficking task force. You can contact Laci at ltompkins@usao.edu.
Do you or your spouse have the “jimmy leg?” You know, the restless leg that kicks randomly in the night with sporadic jerks? It’s somewhat interesting at first, but then as time goes by, it becomes a problem. There is no sleep, no rest, anxiety and so on. There are times in our lives when we too become restless. We become discontent and unsettled with anything from our house, our job, our marriage, our place in life, our church responsibilities and an assortment of other things. In all these areas, we need to learn how to model contentment, not restlessness.
Being content is easier said than done. That’s like asking a child who just had a candy bar and a soft drink to sit still on a bench in a toy store for thirty minutes! It’s not happening. It’s our nature to keep a demanding pace, set higher goals and strive for more. But in the midst of our restlessness, are we demonstrating our lack of dependence on God? Simply put, is God enough for you?
Sometimes I believe God allows difficult times and situations to humble us. It is during these times He reminds us He is everything. He is enough and more. In Luke 10:7-8 Jesus sends out seventy-two new disciples and He gives them instructions on how to conduct themselves. He tells them don’t move around from house to house, and eat and drink what their hosts gives them. In other words, model contentment and not restlessness. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” It also states, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” If you are going through a difficult time, be still, acknowledge God is all you need and unclench your fingers from your fists. Give up your dream for God’s dream, and your wants for His will. Pray His desires become your desires.
If you find you have the “spiritual jimmy leg”, then recognize it for what it is. The Bible says we are drawn away by our own lusts. Reel it back in and simmer down. Count your blessings and model contentment. And when you catch yourself behaving like the child hyped up on sugar, remind yourself, “I will not be that child.”
There’s No Retirement Here
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It will be several years before I can officially retire from working. But, a few days ago I was reminded that retirement from working does not mean retiring from ministry.
Last week I blogged about the precious little girls I met at the annual Lottie Moon Tea. On Friday, I met with a group of women from Baptist Village Communities to share the message of missions. Instead of me teaching them, I was the one who “got schooled!”
First, these women all live independently and are quite active. Their activities director told me, “They wear me out! I can’t find enough things for them to do!” One of the women was the Children’s Specialist for our convention until her retirement in 1998. Another was an education minister in our state for many years. Talk about organizers! I’ve known Joyce Shelby since I was in college, and she was a woman in ministry long before it was acceptable in many of our churches. She paved the way for women in full time ministry.
These women had the room completely decorated. They had placemats made with the Lottie Moon artwork. They had refreshments. They had an agenda. They had it going on – even down to their Christmas sweaters. One woman even came straight from her church where she had been a volunteer for their food pantry. (In the back of my mind, I kept telling myself that I was looking into the future. I can just see me running the women’s meetings at the retirement center and looking for the right centerpieces!)
As I stood before them to speak and share my heart for the world, I was overwhelmed with emotion. For those of you who know me, that’s not too difficult to believe. As I looked into their faces, I was reminded that this generation raised me. They taught me about Jesus. They sacrificed for me. They gave of their finances and time. Most importantly, they prayed for me. They encouraged me when I came to the convention. How could I not feel like I was standing in a room full of spiritual mothers?
Today I received a thank you note from their leader. Yes, people still actually write thank you notes that aren’t a Facebook message. Once again, I was reminded we should honor those who have gone before us.
As a leader, how have you honored those before you? How can you be an encouragement to them? I shudder at the thought of losing this generation of women. They are the backbone of many churches. The biggest honor we could bestow is to take up the mantle for missions by giving, praying, sending and going. We can honor them by deciding our retirement from work is only a step into a new phase of servanthood. Until we face eternity, let’s press on toward the mark of Christ Jesus. He’s not through with you.
Thank You Steve Jobs
Posted by: | CommentsMany of us went to bed last night knowing that Apple founder Steve Jobs had passed away. You might have learned of his death on the device he invented. I’m typing this post on my fourth Apple computer. I have an iPhone and an iPad. Today I’m thankful for Jobs’ genius.
1) Apple changed the way I worked. My first job was a typesetter in college. The machine I worked on took up an entire room. I worked in the public relations department at Oklahoma Baptist University where I studied journalism. I would painfully take the typed pages of the writers and input them into an enormous machine that would spew out the copy into nice strips of glossy white paper. They would be waxed, cut and placed on boards before they could be printed. Five years later, I saw my first MacIntosh computer at a conference. I marveled at the way someone could actually input copy, manipulate type and place it directly on a page that could be sent to a printer. I coaxed my boss to make the investment, learned the process, and became an instant fan. Thank you Steve Jobs for completely changing the print business for the better and for making work easier.
2) Apple actually gave me a platform for work. I left my job after giving birth to our first child. Within six months, a graphic designer friend called me and asked if I would be willing to take on some free lance work. I told him I didn’t have a personal Mac. He said, “buy one” and start a business. My little layout business, called K2 Communications, provided extra income for our family for more than 9 years while I stayed home with young children.
3) My Apple computers have allowed me to design things I could never have imagined. Whether it’s a video for my children, a pocket size book with photos or a handout for a seminar, my MacBook has allowed me to be creative far beyond my imagination or my ability. Why? Because they are simple, easy to use and just plain fun. Thank you Steve Jobs for making technology good looking and fun. (my computer has also saved me storage space because now I don’t print pictures, I don’t buy actual CDs and now I don’t buy printed books. I can carry it all on my computer, my phone and my iPad.)
4) Thank you for being a company who stood beside me when my MacBook actually failed. Yep, that’s right. The MacBook that I’m typing this post on crashed a couple of years ago. I have to tell you that my stomach actually felt sick. When I took it to the Apple Store, I was told the computer had failed and I had lost all my data. They tried desperately to recover the loss of my data, and although it was unsuccessful, they fixed the computer at no charge. I learned a valuable lesson in that experience. Apple backs its products and I need to back up my hard drive!
So, today, I’m grateful for Steve Jobs. I’m grateful for his creative and innovative mind that has honestly changed the way we communicate. I do not know if Jobs’ accepted Christ as his personal Savior. I have been told he was a Zen Buddhist. He wasn’t philanthropic. He even took money from Steve Wozniak on the sale of a game. I would like to think that in his final days, someone shared the Gospel with him. It’s a sober reminder to all believers that no matter how much influence you have on earth, your eternal destiny is the most important decision you can make. You and I may not leave a legacy of technological advances, but we can leave a legacy of making Kingdom advances.
Sudan Sitting In My House
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It’s hard to remember exactly when I met Dinafor, but I know it was sometime during my son’s senior year of high school. Being on the soccer team of a large high school, it wasn’t uncommon for Conner to bring home friends who were from different parts of the world. Soccer truly is an international sport and our family has enjoyed the way these students have enriched our lives.
Din was just a freshman the year Conner graduated, but we’ve continued the relationship because he started coming to our church and is the same age as our daughter. We knew his family was from Africa, and more specifically, the Sudan. I’ve asked the typical questions about his large family and their eating habits of goat and rice. (because goat isn’t something that’s easily available at the local grocery store!) We had heard that his family escaped the atrocities of Sudan by winning a lottery and given the chance to have a life in the U.S. In short, our family and our church family, loves this young man.
But the reality of Sudan sat in my living room last Sunday night. After hosting our senior small group, Din stayed around after most of the students had left and I saw him talking intently with my husband, Vic. I could tell by the conversation that Din was carrying a huge burden. He’s not a big talker, so I knew something was heavy on his heart.
After he left, Vic began to explain Din’s concern about his family who are still in Sudan. There had been recent threats on their lives and they were living in danger. While most of our high school senior students are obsessed with graduation and college plans, Dinafor’s main concern was for the welfare of his homeland and his family. Vic prayed and encouraged him. It was moment I doubt my husband will forget.
I started thinking about the number of students in our high schools and colleges who are from other countries. When was the last time you had an international student in your home? Did you know most students who come to the United States as an exchange student or as a college student have never been invited to share a meal with an American family? In the past six months, we’ve had students from China, Africa and Mexico.
What responsibility do Christians have with these students? I couldn’t help but hear Din’s heart for Sudan. He truly believes God will send him back to his homeland to make a difference. He wants to play soccer for their national team. He would be a hero in his country! And we have the opportunity to pour God’s word into his life and into his heart. God could use Din to bring about spiritual change in a war-torn country. That’s just mind-boggling when I look at him sitting in my living room and interacting with other teenagers.
Sometimes missions means going to Sudan. But, for me, missions was Sudan sitting in my living room.
True Grit vs. Pride and Prejudice
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If are living under a rock or have no idea why you are seeing red today, let me quickly remind you today is Valentine’s Day. So, how are you celebrating?
Vic and I gave up a long time ago on going out on the actual day of Valentine’s. We decided the long lines and poor service you usually get just didn’t meet our expectations of a romantic dinner. And, believe it or not, throughout our courtship, we never once went to a movie in a theatre. (I will admit there were several VHS showings we enjoyed) We just always felt communication didn’t happen while staring ahead at a screen and not each other! (that was the sappy part of this post)
All in all, Valentine’s in our marriage is a little about give and take. At least that’s what we experienced this weekend.
We actually made a plan to go to the theatre Friday evening (pre-Valentine’s date). Vic wanted to see “True Grit”. I actually wanted to see it as well. (you are probably thinking–seriously–”True Grit” came out over Christmas. Didn’t I tell you we were a little slow at the movie theatre thing?) Honestly, Vic had seen the movie with our son while I was out of town and couldn’t wait to see it again. Believe me, it must be some kind of movie when he will spend $9 to see it TWICE! So, we went. After it was over, he beamed, “Wasn’t that the greatest movie?”
Here’s where my honesty got me in trouble. “Yeah. It was o.k.”
True words. Truly meant. I thought the acting was great. I would rather see Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, but hey–it’s Matt Damon. But as we talked about the movie, I realized it just didn’t have the happy ending I love. The girl grew up to be an unhappy spinster without an arm and Rooster was dead. So sorry to ruin the movie for you. But that’s how I felt.
The next night we found ourselves curled up on the couch. I had watched “True Grit.” But tonight was my turn. As I flipped through the channels, there it was — “Pride and Prejudice”. The chick flick movie to end all chick flick movies. And guess what? My sweet Valentine, although he grimmaced, shared the couch with me and endured the next few hours of Jane Austen romance.
I don’t know about you, but that’s a good Valentine–someone who’s willing to put aside their personal preferences and just share each other’s presence. I’m so glad to have a husband who knows my love language is quality time, even if it means watching a movie he’d rather sleep through (although he doesn’t complain about Keira Knightley)
But even though I love my Valentine, there’s one example of love that outdoes them all. He’s a Valentine who humbled Himself, became a man, died on a cross and conquered death. If marriages today could reflect just an inkling of Christ’s humility and sacrifice, I think we’d see fewer divorces. I think we’d see husbands who love their brides as Christ loves the church. I think we’d see women who respond to their husbands with greater respect and affection.
Curl up with the one you love today. And, even if it’s “True Grit”, enjoy the company of who you’re with. And if you don’t have a Valentine, curl up with God’s greatest love letter–His word. Let Him shower you with His love today.
Saying Good-bye to Mimi
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It was almost exactly the same time last week that I received a call from my husband instructing me to meet him at the emergency room. His mother had become unresponsive at home and they had already resuscitated her once.
The next twelve hours were a roller coaster ride of emotions, decisions and tough phone conversations. By that evening, our beloved Mimi had passed from this life and was resting in the arms of the Lord.
The death of a loved one is never easy, even when you are comforted by God’s promises. There is a separation and a void. We will never think of Christmas the same without Mimi’s stockings or attend the Oklahoma City Arts Festival without being reminded of the many times we watched her dance with her tap class.
The evening after her passing, I sat down to write down a few thoughts for my father-in-law. I hope you don’t mind me sharing them with you.
As an adult, I’ve encountered many women who tell me stories about their mother-in-laws—stories about wanting control, vying for attention and spreading horrible lies. I could never quite relate, because my relationship with Betty was so profoundly different. She was not just my mother-in-law. She was my mother-in-love—a mom that was given to me as a love gift when I entered the King family.
For 22 years, I’ve had the privilege of having a woman treat me as her own and accepting me for who I am. I’ll never forget her making me a special silk drawstring bag for my wedding shoes or for giving me a really goofy t-shirt and visor for my honeymoon so I wouldn’t get sunburned. While it definitely wasn’t my “style”, I felt obligated to wear it as a sign of support for my new husband. As I wore the gear on a snorkeling trip, Vic promptly asked, “Where did you get that?” and instructed me to never wear it again!
Betty was the consummate peacemaker. She hesitated to make decisions, only because she wanted others to get their way. That was exactly her—always thinking about the other person and not herself. She was frugal, not only because Skipper probably forced it on her, but mainly because she wanted to bless someone else.
Betty was a wonderful wife, mother and Mimi. She was always loyal and a helpmate in every situation. She raised three wonderful children and I just happen to be married to a son who exhibits a lot of her same qualities. Because we lived in the same city, my children had the rare opportunity to spend a lot of time with Mimi. How many women have two grandmothers fighting over babysitting time? And while she never quite got the rules of soccer, she sat through many games just because she didn’t want to miss seeing anything. She’s sat through recitals, sports games and church programs—not because she didn’t have anything else to do—but because she was just a proud Mimi.
Organization would definitely not describe Betty! I spent one whole Mother’s Day afternoon trying to rearrange the cabinets in the dining room only to discover they were worse a month later. That’s because she saved everything and wanted to spend her time on relationships and not on whether things were put away. There were countless meals that I was denied access to the dishwasher or the putting away of dishes. She always wanted us to “relax and visit” while she would putter around washing every dish by hand. Honestly, she probably didn’t want us in there because. heaven forbid. we would throw away leftover food, a piece of foil or plastic wrap—you know those things can always be used again.
Christmas at the Kings was always a highlight with Betty. She cherished having her grandchildren there and she would insist on everyone wearing a Santa hat while presents were distributed. Our favorite part of Christmas was discovering what Mimi had stashed in the stockings. There were always interesting surprises—including toilet seat covers, breath drops and the ever-needed magnet notepad for our refrigerator. And it wasn’t just Christmas! Mimi always had a goody bag for Valentine’s, Halloween and Easter! It was her simple way of saying, “I spent time thinking about you.”
I did not come from a family that knew much about dancing, so seeing Betty tap dance was a new experience for this Baptist girl who has no moves. Each time I would take the kids by the dance studio to see Mimi, we were entertained by the latest tap class. Mimi was always so proud of her dancing and we looked forward each year to seeing her smile from ear to ear at the Arts Festival. For someone who didn’t like to draw attention to herself, she quite enjoyed being an entertainer! Her dance friends became our friends and I can just imagine her dancing in heaven now.
Even in the past few months, I never once heard Betty complain about treatments or wonder why God allowed cancer to consume her body. She was brave. She was positive. And she had confidence in her eternity.
So while other women may complain about their mother-in-laws, I will forever be grateful for mine. I am the one whose life has been blessed because of her life and I can only pray that I have learned from her example.
If you have a mother-in-law who is living, I hope you’ll take time to think of her positive qualities today. Don’t miss an opportunity to tell her she is loved. You’ll be grateful you did.
Back To School: A Time to Weep and A Time to Laugh
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School started today. I always have such bittersweet thoughts each year as I send my children off to a world of pre-calculus, environmental science and U.S. History. And while my youngest is a junior in high school and my oldest is a sophomore in college, it doesn’t mean I don’t get a little teary-eyed.
Because the first day of school is a marker of time. If you’re a mom of school-aged children, you are probably like me. There is always the “first day of school” photo. For me, it just happened to be of Courtney getting ready to hop in her little Volkswagen bug this morning. What happened to the day when we walked down the street hand-in-hand anxious about meeting the new teacher and discovering who would be in her class?
So, I get teared up thinking I only have two more years to do this. (and since we went through the ritual this morning, I actually only have one more year!) I also got a little teary this week when my son took our 17-year–old living room furniture and hauled it into the rental house that he is sharing with four other friends. (although I was not teary about getting rid of the furniture!)
I know I’m not alone. Today (or somewhere close to today) moms around the world will be sending their little ones (and big ones) off to school. It might just be one of those “times to weep.” But it’s also a time to laugh. It’s a time of joy to see them maturing not only physically, socially and emotionally, but maturing spiritually. It’s a time to begin seeing how your children are applying Biblical principles in their life, struggling with spiritual questions and expressing their desire to make their world better because of the Gospel.
So, to all you moms out there: take a moment to reflect on the past, but rejoice in what you have instilled in the hearts of your children. They might just rise up someday and called you blessed!
Sharing Meals, Building Intimacy
Posted by: | CommentsI’ve been preparing for my small group Bible study this morning and, once again, I have been struck with the simpleness and profoundness of one small verse in Scripture.
Ruth 2:14, “At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.”
I don’t know about you, but my family (especially Conner) LOVES to have warm bread with a bowl (yes, bowl) of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. But, I digress.
In her study on Ruth, Kelly Minter makes the statement, “To me, communing and dining are at the essence of relationships.” How true.
Think for a moment about the times in your life when you had great conversations over a meal. It might have been around the kitchen table at home with your family, a date with someone you didn’t know well or lunch with colleagues. Whatever the case, relationships are founded, solidified and deepened when we share meals.
For another scriptural reference, look at Esther 5. The fate of Israel is in the hands of Queen Esther. The king asks for her request and how does she answer in verse 4? “If it pleases the king, replied Esther, let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.” Are you kidding me? Esther has the opportunity to save her people–right then–and she wants to have dinner first? What’s even more interesting is that she does it again the next night!
Why? She was building intimacy with the King. Boaz was building intimacy with Ruth.
So, how are you building intimacy with the King of Kings–Jesus Christ? Pretty simple. Commune with Him and dine with Him. And you don’t even have to turn on the oven. His word is the bread of life and He is willing for you and me to sit down with Him everyday and take in His word and His presence. Psalm 19:9-10, “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.”
So take a moment today and have some bread and honey–or even oil and vinegar. And forget about the carbs. You’re communing with the One who gave you life and wants to have a relationship with you.
Do Southern Baptists Celebrate Lent?
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Today is Ash Wednesday. It’s a day Southern Baptists often don’t observe. At least that is my own personal story. Celebrating Easter is joyous. But observe lent? Give up something? That just wasn’t in my background. Until a few years ago.
My pastor, Dr. Rick Thompson, has led our church in the past few years to not only focus on the resurrection, but to focus on the cross. There would be no resurrection if there had been no cross. No sacrifice. No perfect, unblemished sacrifice.
One of my friends recently returned from India where he observed the Muslim holidayof Eid al-Adha. He had taken a group of university students to watch the slaughter of goat after goat. He said it was gruesome and difficult to watch. The thought of slitting an animal’s throat and seeing all the blood is not a picture this city girl really wants to experience.
A blood sacrifice is not something our western ears or eyes are familiar with. But shouldn’t we consider the ultimate sacrifice that gave us freedom from continuing the slaughter of imperfect sacrifices? As New Testament believers, we realize there was only one substitution for sin– Jesus Christ. I love how Eugene Peterson paraphrased Romans 3:25 in The Message. “God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public–to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it’s now–this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.”
So today I consider the season of lent. What sacrifice will I make this season to help me focus on the cross? How will I use these 40 days to draw closer to the one who created me and gave His all for me? In the past I’ve fasted from chocolate, coffee and soda. Each time I was tempted to want those things, it caused me to consider how little a sacrifice food is in comparison to the cross. But this year I still haven’t decided how I will fast. I’ve decided it’s not about the fasting of a worldly pleasure as much as the development of my heart. Instead of just skipping the Diet Coke, I’m consider how much different my life might be if I memorized one verse a day for the next 40 days. Would that cause me to consider my Savior more if I immersed myself into His word and hid it in my heart?
Will you consider the lent season? How will you prepare your heart for Easter? Is there something you need to “give up” for 40 days? Or is there something you need to “add” to your spiritual walk? I’d like to know what God is teaching you today about lent.
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Joel 2:12
I am the Women's Missions and Ministries Specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Our purpose is to encourage women to embrace and echo God's heart for the world.
