Run Your Race

Picture by Caprice Miller

 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1

 

I don’t know about you, but when I see advertisements about races such as the one above my first thought is usually NOT “Hey, I want to do that!”  Typically it’s more like “Note to self, avoid that area on that day.”  But then I see pictures of the participants and the crowds cheering them on as I watch the news and I feel a little tug inside that seems to say “Aaawww, they look like they had fun.  I could have done that.”  But alas, I’ve missed the opportunity and continue on with my normal, everyday routine.  Although, now I have a twinge of inspiration that has been lit inside so in the back of my mind I make another note – “Note to self, find out when the next one will be.”   Who knows if I will actually sign up.  But I’m encouraged by Caprice’s comments of her own experience:

“In the 5K ... well... I didn't come in last.” – Caprice Miller

But at least she was IN the race.  Way to go, Caprice!  So many times we don’t even attempt these types of challenges because of the thought that if we can’t win, then why try?  We forget that it isn’t about the win, it’s about the journey and the experience of being a part of it.  The ability to declare, “I was there!  I ran that race and I’m here to tell you about it!” 

This is the same declaration we can have as we run the race in the verse mentioned above.  God has given us this life for a reason.  Many of us search endlessly for what that reason is.  Much of that search though consists of comparing ourselves to everyone else and what they are doing. There is a race that each of us has been designed to run.   But we sometimes get stuck in the comparison game and tell ourselves that if we can’t run the race like someone else, then we just won’t run at all.  As a result, we never get off the couch of life so that we can step in to that race God has marked out for us.  We miss the cheers of the crowd encouraging us and giving us inspiration as we run our race.  We also miss the opportunity to witness life change as we influence others to begin the race God has for them.

The excuses for not being in the race are endless.  We don’t like to talk about our race – it’s private.  We think we aren’t needed – there are already others doing it.  We think we might do it wrong.  In other words, we let fear stop us before we even get on the track.  Could this be the day that we stop comparing ourselves to others and stop allowing fear to dictate our lives?  This is what the Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”   Could this be the day that we get off the couch we’ve molded ourselves into and begin the race designed for us?   God has provided us with exactly what we need to run that race.  He has also provided that crowd to cheer us on and encourage us.  They are already running the race or have even completed their race in life.  And as we run our race for Him, it will be the inspiration someone else needs to begin their race. 

That’s really what this race is all about.  Letting others know what God has done for us and about the relationship we have with Him.  Letting them know that they can experience that relationship too and begin their own race.  The life change we will experience in our own lives and witness in the lives of others will be just the adrenalin rush we need to continue on in our race.   And when you look back on it all you too can declare, “I was there!  I ran that race and I’m here to tell you about it!” 

Talk About It

Picture by Caprice Miller

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,” – Deuteronomy 11:18-20

 

What a sweet baby calf!  It is incredible to think that this baby could actually stand within an hour of its birth.  Imagine trying to keep up with that child after it gets comfortable on its own legs.  This momma cow has to start teaching fast!  Every baby in the animal kingdom has certain instincts that come naturally to them.  But they are still dangerously curious about certain things.  They don’t yet know they should stay away from certain fences because it can hurt them.  They don’t know not to play with the slithering “stick” on the ground because it could bite them and hurt or even kill them.  And, of course, they don’t know to stay away from certain cows in the herd because they are just mean.  And then there are basic skills as they grow such as the best places to get water and graze.  And make sure you aren’t late to the “hay party” that Farmer Joe throws every day.  You don’t want to get left out of that one.  There are all sorts of things this baby has yet to learn as it grows and matures.   Momma has a big job ahead of her.

As a mom, I’m grateful my daughter wasn’t walking by the time she was an hour old.  I needed time to take the parenthood thing in for a while.  I remember that moment of panic when I was left alone with her for the first time – that was 18 years ago!  “What if she cries?  How do I know if it’s a hunger cry or a wet diaper cry or a gassy cry?  Oh God, please just let her sleep and not cry!  I’m not sure if I’m prepared for that yet.”  Even before this moment though, I recall another “cry out to God moment”.  When we learned we were having a girl, I immediately thought of those pivotal teenage years and I began to pray right then.  “Oh God, please help me to teach her how special she is in Your eyes.  Help us to raise her and guide her in the path You have created for her.”  We had been blessed with such a gift and we needed His guidance NOW!

The verse above is a directive to the Israelites.  He knew this was a fickle crowd and they needed a strong reminder for their lives and parenting skills. God was reminding them to not have short memories about the miracles they witnessed as He lead them through the desert and to remember the commandments they were given.  Not only were they not to forget, but they were told to share it with their children.  Earlier in the chapter they are reminded of why it was important to share this with their children.  Their children were not witnesses to the miracles that brought them out of Egypt and to the Promised Land.  They didn’t witness the manna each morning that just appeared on the ground for them or the water coming out of the rock and so much more!  And if the children were not told, how would they know?  How would they understand the reverence and love they should have for their Creator if they aren’t taught?  It amazes me that they would have to be reminded to tell these stories.  It’s as though God’s miracles had become so common place to them that they just took for granted that these things always happened to everyone.   And yet, we do the same thing in our own lives today.

It is said that Christianity is only a generation away from extinction.  If the story of the amazing love and grace of God is not shared with our children, we could be responsible for that.  The enemy would like for us to believe that whatever relationship with God we have is just between ourselves and Him.  NOT TRUE!  How can we keep such a thing to ourselves?  He loves us so much that He does miraculous things in our lives every day.  So much so that we take them for granted just like the Israelites did.   Stop and take an account of the blessings in your life and thank God for them right now; let that gratitude overflow so much so that it can’t be kept quiet.  And as you do, tell your children!  Do as the verse says – talk about these things as they lie down and get up, as you’re walking, or just sitting around talking.  Let them know of your love for God and the miraculous things you have witnessed in your life so they can become that next generation sharing His love with others.  The daily survival skills of life are important to teach our children.  But to help them know and understand God’s love for them is really the most important lesson we could ever share with them. 

Connected

Picture by Caprice Miller

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

In case you didn’t recognize it, this picture is of an older model cell phone.  This lit up key pad was all the rage back in the day.  And that wasn’t really that long ago when you think about it.    How did we ever survive life without our “fingertip communication” capabilities?   Today we can make calls and send text from anywhere.  And who needs a map anymore?   We have maps at your fingertips that will not only light up that path you should take, but in a very pleasant voice, tell you exactly how to get there.  And when you get to your destination you can “google” whatever local happening and restaurant to make sure you get the most out of your time.  And, of course, you are never out of the loop with the latest world news and much more importantly, social media news. Seriously, how did we ever survive without being constantly connected?  Today, our biggest fear is that our power charge goes out or we can’t get service.

I’m so thankful that we don’t have to worry about losing power or service when it comes to our connection with God – the true source to the answers we need.  In our society of instant connection, we seem to forget that we have actually always had an instant connection to the true source for our answers.  Perhaps it is the ease of this access that makes us forget about it at times.  The reality is that we can truly talk to our Creator anytime and anywhere.  From the beginning God has always desired a relationship with us – a connection.  Unfortunately, we have a way of allowing life’s circumstances to distract us from this direct line to God.  We search and search for the answers everywhere else.  It seems when we finally decide to turn to God it’s as a last resort instead of the first response.  Sure, it may sound too simplistic when you first think about it.  Our instinct tells us that we have to DO something on our own and many times that equates to worry and anxiety about our circumstances.  This is what Paul had to say about that: 

^“ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” -    Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Perhaps this connection to God through prayer is something new for you.  Maybe it seems as though there should be a certain way to do it or that you have to use “thee and thou” or you have to be on your knees all the time.  After all, this is GOD we’re talking to – the Creator of the universe.  That is one of the great things about prayer.  God just wants us to talk to Him – He wants a relationship with us.  That’s what the word “truth” in the verse above is about.  He doesn’t want ritualistic words and posturing – He wants YOU.  He already knows what is going on in your life and what is in your heart.  But He wants you to open up to Him on your own – not because you think you have to, but because you love Him and you know He loves you.   He wants you to have the answers you’re seeking and that peace you are striving so hard for. 

The circumstances we encounter in this life can really cause us to spin out of control at times.  The answers to our problems will not be in flashing neon.  The answers are right in front of us though.  We can have them through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  We have the ability to have a constant open line to God.  He will answer you.  Perhaps it will be through a word from your pastor, perhaps it will be from a friend who is also connected to Him also or perhaps it will simply be from His whisper in your heart as you spend time talking to Him.  Whatever manner, expect answers because you have called. Maybe it won’t be an immediate answer either.  Perhaps it is an answer that comes after spending some time with Him.  Just don’t take for granted His accessibility.  He is always near – just start talking to Him. 

 

The Art Of Peace And Quiet

Picture by Caprice Miller

 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”  – Psalm 4:8

 

Poor baby horse is tired!  I’m sure many of us can relate.  There are times when I seem to be on the go for so long and then I hit the preverbal wall and just need rest.  But those “go, go, go” seasons of life don’t allow much time for rest.  Even “hitting the wall” doesn’t always provide the true rest we need.  Our bodies may be still, but our minds are constantly spinning with what may be next on the agenda.  Even if there isn’t a “next” we keep thinking about what is supposed to be next that was left off the list. 

The culture we live in today has a hard time turning off and not thinking of “the list”.  With technology at our fingertips we don’t have to turn off.  The world and our lists are always there to keep us company.  The art of peace and quiet seems to be on its way to extinction.  There are many who are even disturbed by silence.  To them it is really a deafening “sound”.    Perhaps it is a fear of being alone or having to think about the thoughts that might occur in our minds during the silence or perhaps it’s the unusual sounds that are naturally heard in silence.  Whatever it is, there is a lack of peacefulness like the horse in the picture seems to be experiencing.  Perhaps it sleeps so well because its mother is watching over it.  Maybe that’s the key.  Do we trust God enough to leave the list in His hands?

The Psalm above is one that King David wrote while he was distressed about turmoil going on around him.    David knew he had to keep a watch over his shoulder constantly because he never knew who might try to stab him in the back – literally and figuratively.  So to declare that he could find peace in the Lord so he could lie down and sleep was huge.  Do we trust Him enough to lie down and sleep in peace? 

I’ve noticed that when I don’t trust my list and issues to God, I really have a difficult time resting.  I even dream about the list and issues I just won’t give to Him.  When I wake up, I realize I’ve been thinking of them all night and my rest was anything but peaceful.  I know that my rest is important and without it, my mind is not focused where it needs to be.  My creativity is non-existent.  My attitude is less than stellar.  Basically, I begin to just exist from day-to-day rather than live the life God intended for me.  Wow, who knew peace and quiet could be so important?   In another Psalm we are reminded of another reason it’s important:

“Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation.   I will be honored throughout the world.” – Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

Think about it.  If we don’t trust God enough to give Him our list and issues, there could very well be a lack of peace that prevents us from being still so we can know God and find rest.  By being still we are able sense God’s voice in our hearts.  As we recognize His voice we begin to trust Him more and more. As we trust Him, we honor Him in our lives.  As others see this happening in our lives, they just might be inspired and influenced to do the same.  Before you know it, a giant ripple effect will have occurred.  We will witness God being honored in every nation and throughout the world.  And just think, it could all start with us.  Do you need a peaceful sleep tonight?  Go ahead, trust Him and enjoy the peace and quiet of being still.

Branded

Picture by Caprice Miller

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”  - Galatians 5:22-23

 

AAAHHH…. the brand of the Lone Star state.  I won’t deny it, I’m a proud Texas girl through and through.  As I’ve met people from around the country and even the world, I’ve noticed an interesting reaction when I tell them I’m a Texas girl, “born and raised”.  Some just seem to think “Uh, that’s great.” And move on to the next subject.  Others seem a little surprised and even more surprised when they find out I’m actually a 4^th or 5^th generation Texan.  When I go out of state or country, people seem to make a connection of “I thought you were a Texan” as we chat.  You would think it could be the accent that’s the dead giveaway.   However, I have much less of an accent than most of my family members.  (Although it does become stronger when we’re together.)  But it seems to be more of a collection of character traits that mark a Texan than an accent, I have discovered.  There is a sense that people get when they meet a Texan vs. what they think they know about a Texan.  There is just something that is expected to be “different” about us.

 It could be said that to know a Texan is to love a Texan.  (Disclaimer:  As with any family, there are….challenges to this statement.)   I can’t always pinpoint what it is, but I can say that my daddy would be that example of a good Texan.  He was a 6’4” teddy bear of a real man’s man.  He loved God, he loved his country and he loved his family. He could build a house, plant a big garden and brand a herd of cattle all in a day’s work.  (Okay, perhaps over a weekend.)  He was kind and gentle, but do NOT mess with his family.  He wasn’t arrogant, but he was the one everyone sought out for help and advice.  His wisdom was legendary.  You would come to him and pour out your problem and he would just listen.   After you were done he would draw a deep breath in and say in his deep, baritone Texas accent, “Weeeelll, I’ll tell ya….”  Followed by very wise and Godly advice.  Whether you took it or not would be up to you, but you knew he would still love you either way.  He also loved my momma deeply until the day the Lord took him home.  He was truly a man of great character. 

Come to think of it, the character traits in the verse above pretty much describe my daddy to a tee.  Hhhmmm,  I suppose that while you might think that he was just a great example of what a Texan should be, which he was, he was more of an example of what a Godly man should be.  Now, he would be the first to tell you that he was not a perfect man, but any credit given to him would be attributed quickly to what God did in his life.  Because of his and my mother’s love for God, it was easy for me to come to know and accept Christ into my own life.  I’m so thankful for such a great example of someone who allowed the Holy Spirit to develop those spiritual fruits in his own life.  He was known by them.  It really was like a brand on his heart.   I didn’t realize it at the time, but that example would hugely influence my own relationship with God.  I wanted that brand too. 

I’m so grateful for the brand my daddy had and taught me of.  You see, while he was a great example of those character traits and taught me about them, he couldn’t actually give them to me as part of my genetic makeup.  I had to make the choice to accept that gift of Christ in my own life, just like daddy did.  And each day I ask God to work in me so that His brand on my heart will shine, just like daddy did.   Daddy left a legacy to his family.  It inspires me every day to continue that legacy.  Not only with my own family but with others I meet too.  I want to share what I’ve been given so others can experience life change through Christ too – I want to share the brand.   I can’t help but think what might happen if each of us would allow God to work in us so His brand shines.  Imagine the life change we would experience.  Imagine the influence we could possibly have in the lives of others.    Sure, I’m a really proud Texan who is proud of her heritage, but the brand on my heart is not a lone star, it’s a cross.   I pray it shines brightly and that yours will too.        

Who's Thirsty?

Picture by Caprice Miller

“Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again.  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”” – John 4:13-14

I do like knowing where I am when I travel through a chain of small towns.  If you miss the town marker on the side of the road you can always look for the water tower to let you know where you are.  It’s funny how we think of these things as more of a town “identifier” than where their water supply is stored.  When you think about it most of the town’s people probably never even consider the water supply location as they turn on their faucets and find flowing water every time.  We live in a society that tends to take this basic commodity for granted.   It’s only when it stops flowing from the faucet that we realize how we could be inconvenienced without it.    In that moment we realize all the things we can’t do:  brush our teeth, wash clothes, wash dishes, wash our hands, bathe and/or shower, cook, clean, drink it, swim in it, water the lawn, wash the car, wash the pets – the lists goes on.  We forget so easily that we can live without water for only a few days.   Not to be overly dramatic, but we would literally die without it!   

I have to confess, I’m guilty of taking something so simple and yet so important for granted.  I turn on my faucet and never think twice about it.  I reach for a bottle of water when I get thirsty and never consider that I could be without.  But a lack of water can literally bring us to a life or death moment.  What would I do if I lived somewhere that I had to actually GO to get my water?  I know I would certainly not take my water supply for granted if I had to struggle to make sure my family had enough. 

It’s hard to think of Jesus as thirsty, but He was living in that human body in a time when people depended on the town well to draw their daily supply from.  In the verse above, Jesus was the thirsty one at that moment when the Samaritan woman came up and He asked her for a drink.  She didn’t know it, at the time, but she was really the thirsty one here.  Jesus drew her into conversation and gently let her know that He knew all about her.  She didn’t seem surprised though.  I’m sure the way she lived her life was not a big secret in the town.  But He didn’t judge her.  He just helped her understand how thirsty she was.  Not for the water in the well, but for “Living Water” that would never leave her thirsty again.  As He revealed that He, the Messiah, was the source of this Living Water, she left her water jar and RAN to tell others about Him. 

This Living Water is one that can be taken for granted too.  As Christians we have a way of going about our business feeling satisfied with the water Christ has given us.  Meanwhile, we live among so many who are in that life or death moment and need the water we can bring them by introducing them to what we have – Christ.  Perhaps it’s the simplicity of coming to Jesus that can cause us to become complacent and just forget to share that Living Water.  After all, we know where the supply is, why wouldn’t others know?  And wouldn’t they tell us if they needed it?   People don’t realize they are thirsty, they just know they are missing something really important in their lives.   We should remember that our relationship with Christ is not a “one and done” thing.  Once we invite Him into our lives, we called to share that water.  We are told in Matthew 28:19 to GO AND TELL.  (I paraphrase)   Jesus came for all of us, but not everyone understands that.   We can’t keep this water to ourselves while people are dying of thirst.  Please take a lesson from Jesus’ approach to the Samaritan woman.  Who do you know who needs this water?  Don’t be afraid to just open the door to a conversation.  It’s about introducing them to a relationship with Christ – the source of Living Water.  It’s important!

Dr. Pepper And Windshield Wipers

Picture and D.P. story by Caprice Miller

“ Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”  - Colossians 2:7

 

 

"During the 1920s and 1930's era, research was discovered proving that sugar provided energy and that the average person experiences a letdown during the normal day at 10:30a.m., 2:30p.m. and 4:30p.m..  A contest was held for the creation of an ad using this new information. The winner of the ad campaign came up with the famous advertising slogan, "Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2, and 4."  AND I LOVE IT! - Caprice Miller

 

It is so interesting to hear the back stories about iconic things.  Chances are you never put much thought into the “10, 2, and 4” picture on a Dr. Pepper can or bottle.  Who knew the story behind it went back so far?  Even so long ago someone was figuring out how important it was to take a break.  In this case, it was suggested to take a break to drink in some energy from sugar.  (Later, they would discover the “sugar crash”, but that’s a different subject.)  In any case, it causes you to stop and think.  As I do, I start noticing other things around me and wonder what the story is behind them.  So many everyday items have a backstory to the invention that we don’t consider.  For example, according to www.vehiclewatch.net , in 1903 Mary Anderson came up with the idea of a device that could be operated manually from within a car to clear water from the windows while driving in the rain.  Even though it was very effective, the windshield wiper design wasn’t actually adopted until 1922.  And aren’t we thankful they did!

How many things do we take for granted every day?  Today’s lifestyle is such that it is difficult to slow down at times.  As a result, we can forget how truly blessed we are.  But to truly get the effectiveness out of life that God intended us, we have to take time to slow down and take in our surroundings so we can be reminded of those blessings.  It’s important to look up from our phones and computer screens and take note of where we are and who we are with.  When we are intentional about doing this we might actually discover some things we have neglected being thankful for.  Things such as the simplicity of the air we breathe, the colors that make up nature itself, the smell and taste of the food we eat or the companionship and love of friends and family who are in our lives.  Recognizing these blessing helps to grow those roots the verse speaks of. 

Perhaps we should consider incorporating a little of Dr. Pepper and windshield wiper concepts into our lives.  Start with the concept of 10, 2 and 4 – be intentional at those times during the day about stopping to be thankful for something.   Ask God to clear the windows of your mind and eyes so He can show you the beauty of the world He has created for us.  Ask Him to clear your heart to appreciate the people He has put in your life.  By taking a break at 10, 2 and 4 we can begin a habit of slowing down and remembering to be thankful.  I’m pretty sure that the gratitude we experience will be so overwhelming that we can’t help but share the experience.  Soon we will be overflowing with thankfulness and realize how truly blessed we are.