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In my last post, I was all chilled-out with my c'est la vie attitude.  Mistakes and messes, I said are often unavoidable and can be great opportunities to see God at work.  So roll with messy life, I told you and I told myself.

The same day I wrote "The Chill Proclamation",  Hayden got into his truck for the first time without me and without his dad.  I released control and let him go to Market Basket to get a few things, envisioning the worst. (I realize this admission makes me seem like a fruit loop to some of you.)  I smiled confidently as I followed him to his truck and placed my hands and face on the window, near willing myself to cling to the side of his truck like Spidey Woman.

My smile didn't match my feelings.

I knew deep down that it was the right thing to let him go.  He has his license.  It's time.  I have faith.  But that's the funny thing about faith; faith is trusting God with what happens.  Often what I really want faith to mean is that -what I want to happen will happen.

Certainly we need to listen to God so that we're making right decisions, but even the keenest ear won't make all the right ones.  Even more frightening, some good decisions can end with consequences that we don't like. We must place more importance on trusting God (no matter the circumstances) than our ability to make right decisions.

Our feeble feelings and faith can coexist.  I let Hayden go, despite worrying, knowing that God is in control.  In my days I find myself angry, frustrated and worried. I can still trust God even when my feelings shout in disagreement.

Faith and feelings don't have to match.

I remember being really angry with someone one time.  I had let my anger grow and get the best of me for a couple of months.  I remember a point where I prayed something like this:

"You know my feelings God,  I'm having a hard time changing them. I know you don't want me to feel this way.  So I'm going to obey you and trust you.  I'm going to trust that you will change my feelings because I can't."

 Of course he did.  It took a little time, but I found myself walking closer to him in the wait.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  1 Corinthians 16:13

My feelings are loud.  They tell me that life is uncertain.  My feelings try to dictate my actions and inform my beliefs.   But I know better. My feelings are from me.  Faith is from God.  I think he wins.

 

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Chocolate syrup is not a familiar item on my grocery list.  Because it's messy. I avoid purchasing messy food items. That being said, I've never been a fan of paint or arts and crafts either.  I know the outcome dealing with such items. 

But I bought chocolate syrup on Saturday.

I was feeling generous I guess.  My oldest daughter, Hallie, asked for it and my shopping companion and oldest, Hayden, reminded me to get it. Here I am this morning having spied, unsurprised, a stream and spatter of chocolate running down my white cabinets.  It's dried of course, because the culprit left it there.

The suspect was either unaware of the mess or was unable to deal with it. 

I knew it would happen.  I know it will happen again.  Even if I stop buying chocolate syrup for my kids' milk. Because there will be other messes.  That's what kids do; make messes.  It's what we do in our humanity.  We're a messy people. 

Last night our youngest's Bible Buddy group showed off their Bible skills at church.   Rylie, much like her dad is secure.  She boldly moved to the microphone as they recited the Old and New Testament.  She, and the rest of the group in sing-song , flew through the first twenty-two books with ease.  But then even though she knew the books backward and forward, Rylie got stuck in a "Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job" loop. 

Her booming loop confused the entire group so much that the leader had the group start again at Genesis only to have the same hitch. They tried a third time with Rylie's voice only slightly softened.   Willing, she  messed up three times but was never shaken.  If that's not enough, after loudly botching the books, she volunteered to recite them again aloud and alone.

She was not only comfortable making a mess, but she allowed herself to be vulnerable in front of a crowd.  I admire that.  She knows she doesn't have it all together and she's fine with that.

I'm aspiring to be more like that; in fact the chocolate syrup is still stuck to my cabinet while I'm writing.

Hayden got his driver's license today. I'd tote him around forever to avoid fender benders or worse.  Everything in my nature tells me to shake in terror as we invite the opportunity for mistakes.

But no, I'm determined to be mindful of a few things about messes.

1.Even when we strive for perfection and prepare ourselves fully, messes are still made.  Sometimes mistakes are unavoidable.

2.Mistakes teach us more than our easily-achieved successes ever could.

3. Sometimes messes are a precursor to something more beautiful than "rightness" could have ever brought about.  It was our fallen-ness that led to the cross and resurrection, the most beautiful and glorious event to ever take place.

4.Though God is ever-present, it's in our messes that we look to Him.  And he is with us in power.

5.And thank goodness, Love keeps no record of wrongs......

The match to our mess is marvelous grace.  

 

 

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Words are important.  Words encourage, enlighten and inspire.  Yet there are moments when words aren't necessary.

I've been reminded as of late, that communication can be beautifully accomplished with lips sealed.

10 Sights for Sore Eyes:

1. Flowers at the airport- After spending a week in Seattle, my family was waiting for me at the airport along with a fresh bouquet of flowers.  In an instant, my exhaustion from the day's travel melted and was replaced with excitement.

2. Sticky S'more fingers- Marshmallowy fingers communicate sweet rest and are usually accompanied by companionship. Milk mustaches warm my soul too.

3. Hand holding and Hugs- Love seems to course without a word when hands are held and hugs are given.  Hand holding is automatic when I pick Rylie up from school every day.  I treasure it.

4. Full baby cheeks and tiny toes- I'm reminded of God's design, still fresh.

5. A Card in the Mail- Stephanie, a dear friend, sends me a card throughout the year.  I'm touched deeply every time BEFORE I open it.  The envelope with my name handwritten speaks love into my day.

6. Jason's Car in the Driveway- The sight of his car pulling into the driveway means that the day in its laboring sense is done, and that it's time for togetherness.

7. Mom and Dad (well, all of our family)- Miles have separated us.  Though we talk weekly, they're a sight for sore eyes when we're together.

8. Things that are beautiful, things that are grand and things you don't see everyday. So,........things.  Beautiful things remind me of God's handiwork.  Grand things humble me and remind me that God is big.  Things you don't see every day shake me from the trance which tells me that my days are full of sameness. The bagpipes in the picture are made from chair legs and who knows what else, and the bagpipe plays.  I think it's wonderful.

9. Budding Friendships and Old Friendships too.- Sitting on the sidelines at the Heritage Festival and watching Hayden and Hallie stroll with friends reminds me that God provides.  Them finding friends has been a prayer of mine; one that has been answered.

10. Carefree Moments- When my mind has stilled I see better; I see deeper.  In busy-ness I see boys throwing rocks.  In a carefree moment I see time shared, without worry. Carefree moments are a sight for sore, tired eyes. 

What's a sight for your sore eyes?

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I spent the past week in Seattle, Washington with my sister-n-law who's ill.  Time with her beautiful family on their turf made for an adventure with God written all over it.  Here are a few life lessons from the Pacific Northwest.

Being alone makes room for God. I don't like being alone.  I especially don't like traveling alone.  Wondering around in the airport, alone, makes me face myself in all my inadequacy.  What better companion than God; I hear him best when I'm alone. He helps me to see beyond myself.

 

The sun is always coming.  My nephew has a night-light that is timed.  It's a moon during the night hours.  And it turns into a sun in the morning.  Aidan went to bed each night with anticipation that the sun was coming; that's when he could get out of bed.  I saw him sitting on his bed one morning before the sun was "on".  Sitting cross-legged with his fists on his chin, he was hopeful.  He was sure,  The sun always comes.

  An empty plate is a happy plate. My sister-n-law and her husband are awesome parents (there should be a book with some of their tips).  The kids were encouraged to eat, because "an empty plate is a happy plate".  This is true for adults.  We clean our plates by meeting the demands of a busy schedule only to fill our plate again.  Find time to have an empty, happy plate.

 

 There's protection from the rain. I thought rain boots were mostly for decoration and puddle stomping.  But sometimes there's so much rain.  We need protection from it.  God is our covering.  Our bodies may be drenched by the rain, but our souls have protection.

There's super in the simple.  Find it.

 To borrow from Eponine of Les Mis, "Rain will make the flowers grow".

Used-up,  sometimes icky things, can be a part of a big beautiful masterpiece. My favorite part of sight-seeing happened to be the Gum Wall in Seattle.  Both horrible and beautiful.  Always have perspective to see the beauty.
  Love makes the world go 'round ...and it makes you go 'round the world........and back.  (Traveling across America seems that far). I'm thankful for a week of getting to love on and be loved by the Gatties.  I'm thankful to have returned to the love of my own "Burdens".

 

Thanks Seattle!

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7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

Most everybody has read this verse.   To think that God knows how many hairs are on my head tells me that he is a personal God; an omniscient God.

It's impressive.

I'll tell you something else that's impressive; the hair on the heads of the Burdens.  All five of us have been blessed.  We have hair to share.  I was doing laundry yesterday and spent much of my time removing hair that had become entwined in the fibers of our clean clothes.

What a monotonous job.  But the hair-picking made me realize just how remarkable God is.  When I think about God knowing the number of hairs on my head, I think of a single number.  God knows that I have.... say, 108,237 hairs on my head.

As I removed hair strand by strand from a sweater, I was struck by a simple fact.........

The number of hairs on my head CHANGES constantly.

The number of hairs on my head changes when I brush my hair.  I lose hair as I go about my day.  Silver strands sprout daily adding to my hair number.  I lose thousands of hairs with no awareness.  I notice every new gray.  And God is aware of it all.

And so it goes with life.

Life is full of change with its swinging moods.  You're on fire for God one minute and you've forsaken him the next.  Change is ever about; when you step on the scales and when you see your sixteen year old pull out of the driveway without you.

Know this.

God knows your troubles just like he knows your hair's number. He's ready for those curve balls bearing change and he tells us not to be afraid.  Change is constant, and like the shedding of our hair it's often unavoidable.

Life is full of change. It's impossible sometimes to keep up.

The number, that great mysterious number of hairs on our head changes,

 but our God of great grace does not.

 It is well for us that, amidst all the variableness of life, there is One whom change cannot affect; One whose heart can never alter, and on whose brow mutability can make no furrows. - Charles Spurgeon

 

 

 

 

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Space missions have never interested me.  Call me simple or lacking in adventure.

This morning I woke up with the word "mission" on my mind, strange I know.  I thought about how the church is full of mission activities and how the world needs people on mission.  I thought about my full schedule; my mission for today.

I think we all wake up with mission on our mind.  I know I walk like I'm on a mission; my hasty steps determined.  I drive like I'm on a mission too.  Horns and squealing tires around me tell me I'm not the only one.

This morning I read a short article about space missions on the NASA website; don't ask me why. I was curious about what all went into a mission. There were a thousand details I didn't have time to read, but having a successful mission really comes down to two things.

1. Preparation is a vital part of the mission. Astronauts train intensively for two years. They don't get on the rocket ship and wing it.

It seems to me that I forget the necessity of training for my mission.  I'm more likely than not to get out of bed, and hope for the best.  With no more than a few words spoken to God and a maybe a couple of verses read I'm all prepared for my day, right?  Oh yeah, I went to church too.

Astronauts spend time together.  Newer Astronauts are grouped with those more experienced. They learn and live together. They're on the same mission so it only makes sense.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

Much of Jesus' mission was spent walking alongside others with a calling.  Jason has said, "There are no Lone Ranger Christians".

We're all on Mission; one I hope ends with the sweet words of Jesus

"Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21)

All too often I find myself getting distracted by the thousands of mini-missions I find myself on.  I fool myself into believing that things like matching socks and meetings are more important than they really are.  The only mission set before us is one that leads us step by step closer to Jesus. We're better fit for our mission when we're in constant prayer and in the word. Having brothers and sisters beside us in our journey makes it better too.

Above all, let us be joyful on our mission because with Christ behind us and before us, the mission has really already been accomplished.

 

 

 

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Dear Hallie,

Today you turn twelve.  As I've been thinking the past few days about how thankful I am for you,  old stories have flooded my mind.  And just like God does, he reminded me how stories-things written from the past are meant to teach us (not to mention, many of your stories have great entertainment value too).

How can I forget the identity you assumed for a year and a half?    You introduced yourself and insisted that people call you "White Kitty".  You often wordless, came into the kitchen in the morning on all fours ready for kitty food. You had an uncle who would try to trick you into saying you were Hallie (or anyone besides White Kitty), but you were an unbendable oak.

The world will try to tell you who you are, and it will undoubtedly tell you wrong.  The world will tell you that you are "the one who looks pretty when you wear makeup and a new outfit" or that you're "the preacher's kid".   Be true to who God made you to be.  Don't let others convince you that you're someone you're not.

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth,  (God's) Favor is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1

You know my favorite story; the one where in first grade, you were asked to draw an animal that started with the letter "a".  You asked your teacher if you could draw a horse.  When she asked if horse started with "a" you shook your head no, but you continued to draw the horse.  Your teacher told me that your hand was the first to go up when asking for volunteers to share their "a" animal.  Nervous, she called on you.  You told her it was an Apaloosa.

You've always been creative, ......and secure.  You have a unique way of thinking and being.  Never trade that in to be another boring member of the crowd.  God put a Hallie Kathryn in the world, on purpose.

Do you remember sailing with another uncle one summer day; the only time you've sailed?  You spotted a small plane with a banner trailing behind bearing an advertisement for Geico.  It showed the Geico Gecko (who wasn't yet the world's most famous Gecko).  The banner had a short advertisement written.  You asked what the sign said.  Your uncle and Hayden convinced you that the sign said  "Beware of sea monsters".    With Nessie about, your sailing experience was ruined.  I watched as my fearless Hallie, who you remember had caught a chicken snake bare-handed a year before, rolled up into a ball, frozen in terror.

Don't be fooled into living in fear.  There are so many things I didn't experience simply because I refused to try, afraid that a host of eyes would see me fail.  Of course I want you to live right, but don't be afraid of messing up.  Sometimes mistakes and failures are the best learning opportunities.  I can already hear you using this one against me in the near future. And if you find yourself anxious, remember I'm here (It may not be best to talk to your uncles).

God continues to write a story through your life.  It's a story rich in love; don't ever forget that.  I'm thankful that we can look back on the pages you've lived through and that we can laugh and even learn.  I'm especially thankful for the pages where our names appear together.  I look to the pages ahead with anticipation. There's much living, learning and laughing yet to be done.

Happy Birthday.

I love you,

Mom

 

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A Word about God's Girlies:

God's Girlies was originally a feeble (and desperate) attempt to have built-in Christian friends for me and my pre-teen Hallie; friends who would join in prayer and look to God's word together to help us along a blessed but sometimes difficult journey as girls, as moms, and as believers. I was also seeking women who could say to me, "I've been there" or "I'm there with you".  Surprisingly what has come about in the past year, in my eyes, is a beautiful and growing community.  This community consists of pre-teen girls and their parents who meet once a month, but also those of you who are connected electronically (on Facebook and this website) at a heart level. Your prayer and words mean more than I can express.

Another addition to God's Girlies is our High School girls who serve as mentors to our pre-teens.  They encourage the girls, and me, at meetings, but they readily shine God's light through hugs and words of affirmation whenever we're blessed to meet up with them.  God is good; his work is beyond my wild imagination. I continue to be amazed at how he uses each of us to encourage and color his world.

If you've been to FBC Nederland, be it Sunday morning or night, or any other time-chances are you've seen Caitlin Washburn.  I'm proud to claim her as one of our God's Girlies mentors.  Here's a little peek into Caitlin's walk.

Give a brief explanation of your testimony and how you came to know Christ as your personal Savior:

I was raised in the Baptist church.  One day when I was four, I wanted to have what my brother had.  So I went to my parents and asked them about it.  I got baptized when I was four as well.

When you heard about the opportunity, what made you want to be a mentor to God's Girlies?

I prayed about it and asked God to show me, or tell me if I was supposed to be a mentor.  I really wanted to, but I was nervous about it.

What is a Bible verse that is meaningful to you?

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

What are some things that you wish you would have known when you were a preteen that you know now after growing in Christ and maturing in your faith?

-That no matter what, don't think that no one cares; that you don't matter, because there is always someone who cares.

 

"A Thursday for Your Thoughts" is a perfect opportunity to connect through stories or testimony; consider sharing yours.  You'll be a blessing -guaranteed.

kristiburden@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

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Peep, peep, peep- A God's Girlies Devotion

peeps- a sugary marshmallow treat found in stores around the holidays

peeps- friends

peep /verb/- to look through a small opening (dictionary.com)

You've probably looked through a peep hole.  Your door at home may have one.  When you look through it, your vision is limited.  You might be able to see the head of someone standing outside your door

if they're tall enough

and if they're standing right in front of the peep hole

But even if there's a face in plain sight of the peep hole, there are still many things you won't be able to see.  Name a few things.

We've established that a peep is seeing a small part of the picture through a tiny space, but you're also a peep.  A peep can also refer to a still-growing chick.  You, friends are peeps, and you have peep problems.

Think about whether you have encountered these situations:

You ask to spend the night with a new friend and your mom says no, but you really wanted to....

You don't get the part you want in a play or a dance recital or you don't make "the team".

A good friend starts to hang out with different girls and seems to think you no longer exist/ or a good friend talks about you behind your back. Maybe you feel like you have no friends.

You lose someone you love.

When something like one of these things happens you probably feel like your world has crumbled; like things just couldn't get any worse.  When I'm hurt I often forget there was a yesterday or that there will be a tomorrow.  We feel that way because we only see a small part of the picture........ (we can only peep).

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Keep in mind that what you're seeing is a small piece of a picture/ or a snapshot. There's more than what you see. This is a picture of me and Jason's sister during my wedding.  Let your thoughts run wild for a moment.  From this snapshot, what does it appear is going on?  I was shocked when I first saw this picture.  It looks like a throw-down is about to happen.  A split second made it seem that things were going very wrong, but the second before and the second after this picture was taken would tell you that NOTHING was wrong. Sometimes things aren't as they seem.

2.Be patient. When things are going wrong, try and remember that things won't always be this way. The bible says, This too shall pass.  The mistake you make, or something awful that happens may be all you see through life's peep hole.  Give it time and you'll see something more.

3. Trust your parents

 and the one who sees everything.

For most everything tough you're going to go through, your mom has gone through something like it.  Listen to her.  She understands even if she doesn't speak your language or dress hip like you do.  The same goes for older Christian girls, aunts, grandmas and sweet church ladies. They've seen things you haven't seen yet. Talk to them.   And trust them!

Most important, God sees the big picture.  He sees yesterday and tomorrow.  Whereas we see through a peep hole, he sees the whole world and he sees into your heart.  He sees your pain......

And he'll see you through it!

 ..... never give up......... 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

 

 

Questions for girls and moms.  Look at the above situations. 

 How could time help you to see the problem differently?  

How could someone older help you through a difficult situation?

How will God help you through your tough times?

Read the verses one more time.

What two things do the verses tell us about our troubles?

Which lasts longer, the troubles we see now or what is unseen?

What is it that we haven't yet seen?

 

 

 

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A friend walked into the house just yesterday.
"Smells like somebody's been baking", she said.  

"It's a lying candle," I told her.

The smell in my kitchen was nothing more than a Blueberry Blitz Tyler candle. I'm no baker.  I burn pop tarts.  The smell also covers up the large bag of garbage in the hall which holds pizza rolls, the closest I got to cooking this week. 

Recently I attended a party with peanut brittle and chocolate peanut patties. They were displayed on a festive plate wrapped with Saran wrap.  I ended up telling several people that my sweets came from Market Basket and I'd simply trashed the plastic containers. Presentation is important. Am I right? 

I don't mean to give anyone a false impression.  If I'm being honest, which I have a habit of being...... to a fault,  I'd say that the facades I present are to convince myself  (more than anyone else) that I'm everything I should be. The festive plate made me feel closer to the mark. Isn't "the mark really just that invisible success line we draw for ourselves as women? 

There's a Super Woman cape calling to me from that finish line I race toward each day, but that cape is one I'll never wear.  And I whisper to myself that I want to wear one; to show myself and the world that I take fine care of my kids and my husband. My cape will tell me what a good friend I am, and church member too.

But wearing a Super Woman cape would be a lie.

Despite my effort, I'm weak

and vulnerable and sometimes afraid;

nothing like a Super Woman, I'm insufficient on my own.

Thinking I have it all together is anything but truthful.  I'm a mess.

It's my realization of my inadequacy and my trust in one who is more than sufficient that wins me a cape; a great covering.

I possess a Super Cape.  It was given to me.  When I'm burning my lying candle at both ends, falling short, my Savior is there beside me and he covers me with that cape.  And I'm reminded that I'm enough as I remember the word spelled out in bold letters across my cape's back.........G R A C E.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9