This Poema's Resolution for 2011

His Poema, His Workmanship... the challenge and joy that comes from believing that I was formed for unique and specific good works continues to well up and inspire me. God led me so faithfully today to 2 Timothy Chapters 2 and 3, so that I might go deeper in believing Him in regard to these things.

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

I am His workmanship, fashioned to be his workman for good works. And yet I have the responsibility to train and become equipped for said good works; and the way He equips us is through the reading and application of His Word. Romans 12:2 encourages us in this, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So that you may be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will."

Since becoming a mom seven years ago I have longed for deep study but have not been able to balance life well in this regard. And, needless to say, without it, life has been unbalanced in it's absence. Thankfully I have clung to the Scriptures already hidden in my heart from my youth and young adult life, more than ever seeing them come alive and provide strength during life's difficulties. But it's time to go deeper in His Word, that I might see those deeper truths come alive as well, through the anointed circumstances of life.

I desire for God to do a work in me as I sit in His Presence this year. My prayer is that in 2011 I might look more like Him as I correctly handle the word of truth in our home, in the fellowship of believers, and amongst the lost.

Paul's charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2 goes on to instruct this young man of God to look more like Jesus as well. It's a discipline that takes work on our part, as God does the really heavy work with His mighty transforming arm. I remember being at Forest Home's Summer Camp as a youth, and the youth Pastor challenged us that our "try" with God's "Umph" produces "Triumph."

I've been praying over this coupling for some time now - this intricate dance between our Savior and His People. He is the one who woos and yet we have the will to believe and be saved; He is the one who stands firm and yet we are given the freedom to cling to the rock or fall; He is the one who strips away our sinful nature when we are faithful to sit before Him and plead His will be done. And so, like Eunace in C.S. Lewis' "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," I know that to be approved for the good works He's prepared me to do for Him, I too must let His word, by the Power of His Spirit, transform me from a Dragon to a Son, in all areas of my life.

Oh, that we might all dance this dance together, trusting God's Power to be perfected in our weakness', and yet doing our part to come to Him daily in 2011. Finding ourselves equipped so that we might be approved for, and unashamed of the good works set before us.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth..." (2 Timothy 2:15)

Sabbatical 2010

It’s early morning, December 30^th, 2010 and I am gearing up for a year’s worth of quiet time!

Over these last few years I’ve joked, “If God made me the mother of three boys, then he’s giving me some weekends off.” Today we embark on the first such weekend. Matt has loaded the car full of boys and nerf guns, outdoor play clothes and extra shoes, cap guns, the star wars trilogy and chocolate milk, and they are heading up to the lake house in Northern California for a “Big Boy Weekend!” And I am staying home with a long list of projects; intent on writing and sleeping, and making a few runs to Salvation Army with old playthings that have turned to clutter! O, and I’m not going to cook a lick!

First on my to-do list is to write my first "Newsletter." I love receiving Newsletters from the missionaries we support; celebrating with them the work that Christ is doing in their part of the world; praying for their needs such as strength and endurance or visas and health problems. And when I receive these Newsletters I am often reminded that we are all Missionaries - Commissioned to take His Good News out into the World. (Matthew 28:19-20)

So I am writing my Newsletter this morning.

When my new blog account asked me for a Title I thought immediately of the word that's been on my mind these past months now: Poema. The Greek word Poema is not only where we get our word Poem from, it's also the best translation for Ephesians 2:10. "For we are His workmanship (His poema), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

During this Christmas Season I have had the opportunity to share the Gospel and/or encouragement from God's word with thousands of women. It's been an awesome privilege and I have been awestruck and humbled that this "good work" was prepared for me. The New Living Translation reads "For we are God's masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus , so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

He crafted me, His workmanship, His Poema, for good works! And those good works He prepared long ago. And it's a privilege to discover the works set before me, so that I might serve Him with all of my heart.

I’m writing to let you know of my joy. And also to ask for your prayers along the way.

Specifically today, Matt and the boys are going to have fun, yes, but it’s also a huge maiden voyage for them on their own. Please pray for protection as they travel and play hard and work to honor one another.

As for me, I covet prayers regarding the writing I hope to do this weekend. The more I try to discern the messages God wants me to write and share, the more I seek His Presence as I sit at the computer or stand before women. Anything I’ve written that’s truly been a blessing to others hasn’t come from me; from my hands and heart, yes, but it’s been the Holy Spirit inspiring and guiding. That is what I am praying for again. And when it’s apparent that He’s at the keyboard there is joy in stepping out to present it to others.

Also, in years past I have felt led to only take on a couple of speaking engagements / new writing projects each year since my full-time ministry at home is so… full-time! And choosing which jobs to take hasn’t been difficult because I simply assumed that the few churches who heard of me or said yes to me were God’s will. This coming year, however, I already have a year’s worth of commitments and it’s not even 2011 yet. So I will need discernment over what to say yes to.

And last, but certainly not least, I ask that you pray for me, that I might be grounded securely in our Lord. Just yesterday I struggled with terrible feelings of failure as a mom and home-maker – with a broken heart at bedtime I remembered that I’m sharing my “Becoming Supermom” talk in mid-January and that talk is always prefaced with a few tough weeks of difficulty in my heart and home. But what our adversary has intended for evil God has claimed for His Glory in times past. More than any other talk, “Becoming Supermom” has been a platform for me to share my brokenness, and the non-believing moms in my midst have been visibly tender and open to hearing about the person of Jesus Christ. While I desire protection over my own heart in these next weeks, it is their hearts I most covet prayers for. Pray with me for their soil and life circumstances, and ultimately for their salvation.

I wrap this note up with heartfelt thanks. Again, I believe we are all called to take the gospel of peace out into the world and I recognize that my way of doing it just happens to be in front of people. I know that you are His messenger of good news as well and one of the ways you labor is on your knees. Please know that I will be remembering to pray for you as well during this sweet sabbaticalJ

With much love and thanks,

Wendy