Letting go...

Shame...Websters Dictionary gives the following definition:


 : a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety : the susceptibility to such emotion 

 : a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute

 : something that brings censure or reproach; also 

:something to be regretted 

 A few weeks ago, I watched the video of a dear friend, Lauren, give her testimony.  I was struck with her honesty and openness about things in her past...drinking, drugs, and overall depraved and dangerous lifestyle...one I'm very familiar with.  I was extremely thankful she was willing to describe these things, talk about them & admit them because in doing so, we're also able to see the amazing transformation God has allowed in her life, only possible because of Jesus.

Psalm 145:8  
"The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."

Shame is a powerful tool in Satan's toolbox.


James 1:17
 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."


We know that feelings of guilt, shortcoming, and disgrace are not from our Father.  I think Satan uses shame to  keep us from fully sharing how God has transformed us.  Not all of us have the same experiences as Lauren (or myself) did before we became a Christian.  We know that God's plans are different for everyone.  But, if we're all honest, we all find so much peace and comfort from the testimonies of those who have been so wretched, so seemingly unforgivable, unlovable; where they've hit a massive rock bottom, only to become fully broken laying at the feet of Jesus... desperately begging Him for a new life, purpose, relief.

2 Corintians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 

Satan wants us to feel shame, because in our shame we are quiet.  How can we possibly reach others for Jesus if we are quiet?  How can we make someone want the hope we have if we are quiet?  How on earth could we make someone see that even in their sin (our sin), Jesus loves them (loves me)?  Shame is a hindrance.  Shame is a roadblock.



I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord




Yes Lord, I will share what you've done for me.

I'm giving up the shame of purposeful disrespect growing up  (sorry Mom and Dad)....trading it for the freedom ONLY Christ gives.


I'm giving up the shame of not being spotless before my groom....trading it in because I am a new creation.

I'm giving up the shame of failing everyday as a mother....trading it in because of the freedom I have in Christ.

I'm giving up the shame of all the times I spent drunk or high...because as a believer, I am white as snow in the eyes of my Savior.



I'm giving up the shame of being angry with God for allowing Nolan to be born with Williams Syndrome...trading it because He knows my every thought & His ways are better than mine.


 I share these shamefulthings because I don't want to be a tool for Satan, but rather, a weapon for Jesus.



I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying it down for the joy of the Lord




What are you ashamed of?  Tell Him... because He already knows, and He so desperately wants to relieve you from the burden.

You can have freedom from shame with a life lived for Christ.  Today, join me in letting go.

Galatians 5:1
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

We have a need

This is an extremely boring blog post, however, I felt as if this might be the best way to get the word out to the masses.  Brandon will be coaching Varsity baseball at Bethesda Christian School this spring.  We also own a mowing business that gets busy right around the same time that Brandon will get really busy with baseball games.  We have hired a very responsible teen to cover the mowing business for Brandon so that he can focus on baseball.  The Lord was extremely gracious in providing this answer to prayer.  Brandon will be traveling a half hour north to Brownsburg from our home here in Plainfield 5 days a week after school.  During baseball season, we would like to be able to leave our truck here at our home after school so that our teen can come and get it and do the mowing.  This means we are in need of another vehicle to get Brandon to and from Brownsburg during baseball season.  We have considered purchasing something, but, it currently seems silly since we will only need the vehicle for 7-8 weeks.  Also, our desire would be to eventually purchase another truck for Brandon that all 5 of us can fit in (our current truck only seats 3, which makes things a little tricky when the van isn't available), while leaving our current truck for the mowing business.  Trying to be good stewards however, we would like to have our van paid off before another vehicle purchase.

So, why am I blogging about this?  Well, if you know a family who has a college student who is away and their car is sitting, would you mention this to them?  Do you know an elderly person who can't drive anymore, but, they have a car that is sitting (my grandpa did before he passed)?  Or any other situation where a person might be willing to "loan" a vehicle for 7-8 weeks, would you mind passing this along?

We are not specific in taste.  We care nothing about what the vehicle looks like, how old it is, what color, etc.  We would prefer something with good gas mileage.

We've prayed at length about this, and will continue to do so. The Lord provided clear open doors, that led to us being in this situation and we know he will continue to provide.