A Hope and a Future
I’m taking a break from the last Great Sock Folding of ’07 to say ‘hi’ because I’m about to lose my ever-loving mind over all the mismatches. I hate pairing socks with the white hot heat of a thousand suns therefore it only happens infrequently at best. Oh how I miss Summer and her flip flops.
Though I’m not officially on a blog break, the need to re-organize my house to accommodate an obscene amount of Christmas gifts has prevented me from spending hours with my new love. I’m thinking I should name it, but I haven’t decided if it’s a boy or girl. I lean towards a boy simply because I find myself wanting to name anything that is currently nameless Lewis in honor of my beloved, brilliant C.S. Lewis. I have no idea how he’d feel about having a computer named after him, but something tells me were he alive today the words ‘restraining order’ may cross his mind. And can you even imagine if he had a blog? Can you say “comment rejected”?
Oh well – I digress though my laptop does play in to the point of my writing. I wasn’t able to adequately express how overcome I was by this gift from Luke earlier because there just wasn’t time. I only have a couple minutes still, so prepare for randomness void of any eloquence..
I still have no idea how Luke managed to pull this off. I don’t know where he got the money. He only assures me “It’s paid for!”. I only have faint details on all he did to get it ordered on time and still keep the secret. What I can tell you is the surprise birthday party I gave him Sunday night pales in comparison to the forethought and lavishness of his gift to me and I am still overwhelmed at it all.
You see, it’s not the fact Luke did this that really gets to me but rather the reason he gave for why. After I cried a thousand tears when he and the kids made their grand presentation, he said to me, “I believe God has plans for your writing and a writer needs a good computer…”
And my first response? I’m no writer! And do you know why I think that? Perhaps for the same reason many of you think it. It’s not my living. I’ve not written a book. I’ve not been validated by man.
And there lies the heart of it. Why do we look to man to give us our title when the God of the Universe calls us, “Mine”? If we were to become what we believe, what would we look like? Would our faith make us whole like the blind men of the gospels or would we be bowed low spiritually decrepit from the weight of our doubt? I personally love how God sees our potential beyond our present day reality. “Greetings, mighty warrior”, He said to Gideon before he’d ever picked up a sword. “You will be a father of nations”, God told Abraham before he’d ever had his first son. These words aptly spoken were a promise of things to come. A righteous confidence bestowed on those who did not yet have any reason to believe the prophetic words could ever be true. Sometimes we just need to know someone believes in us in order to rise to the occasion.
And you know what?
God does.
I will never get over being grateful for a God who is faithful when I am faithless. Who knows my inmost places and loves me anyway. Who gave me a family I don’t deserve who believes in and supports the work God has called me to. I don’t know what that looks like right now or how exactly it will manifest itself next week or next year. All I do know is that He has my yes again and again.
So thank you, Luke. For believing in what I can’t always see. And thank you, God, for orchestrating my hope and future.
And as 2007 comes to a close I especially want to thank you girls for even giving me the time of day. For reading, for commenting, and being what I consider very real friends. This has been one of the most eventful ministry years of my life and you are very much responsible.
My goodness, I do love you dearly!
P.S. Okay….that’s enough of the mushy stuff :)
In totally unrelated news, my mother got this washer/dryer combo for Christmas. It has aroused a level of covetousness in me that may border on unpardonable.
Because I have nothing to be grateful for, ya know….
Aw, what a husband. Not only did he give a gift that will keep on giving, he spoke words of truth and encouragement into your life!
I, too am asking for forgiveness every time I pass by the mentioned washer/dryer set. And I would really like them in blue. It’s the calming color. And heaven knows I need all the calming I can get when conquering Mt. Laundry.
Blessings,
Laura
I love the blue too, laura…I didn’t even know they had it until I googled this picture today!
a girl needs all the help she can get when faced with the kind of laundry I have. i think i’d rather have my computer than fancy schmancy washer/dryers though..lol
:)
Lisa
Lisa, I fight the same fight, as I’m sure so many people (women) do. I’m so glad God is so forgiving and patient, yet doesn’t allow us to stay there, but like you said in the recent study I did of yours (not posted yet), he let Moses speak, then told him “You will because I will be with you”. He has called us all to do His will! May you continue to use your gifts, and your weaknesses for His glory! I know I am one that is being blessed!
now a RED washer and dryer might make me enjoy doing laundry!
LOVE that red. Would she trade with me ya think?
Hey Catgranny!
If mom is in a trading mood the oldest daughter better be first in line :)
Stone Gatherer –
You can see from my insecurities in this post why my dear Moses means so much to me..:)
I’m so glad you are doing the study…It really has changed my thinking where adequacy is concerned. To God be that glory!
Well…if I could let my greedy side come out (which that might be laughable to some) then LET ME HAVE IT ALL!!! I adore your new computer and I adore that w/d combo and I hate doing laundry!
Its just cool…and looks cool.
I’m sorry. I got that out. I won’t be getting either….and I am fine with that….really.
Congrats to you though. I really am thrilled for you. And, your hubby?? Well, he should get a prize or something. That was awesome Luke!
I have that washer/dryer combo. I LOVE IT!!!! I highly recommend it too! :o)
Wow Lisa, your hubby sounds so thoughtful. Mine is too…he bought me some plaques for the walls of our house. (after the break I will post pictures) To some this may sound like a tiny thing, but for me it is GREAT! I have mentioned before in a post or two about wanting to make my home more of a Sanctuary. We have nothing on our walls and to me the house has always felt so DRAB. I told him that just this little cluster of plaques on the wall already makes me “feel better”. I know that sounds very materialistic, but that’s not how I meant it!
Anyway, I enjoy comeing here to your site for the funny and the not so funny stuff. It seems that all us women have some insecurities that no one else sees. I know that the Lord will bless whatever you write and I will be one of many that will rush out to buy it! I am praying for you! So get busy writing! :)
Well, I have to get off here. I am at the church on one of the secretary’s computers (she is not here today)but I need to get back home and finish some laundry myself!
God bless you Lisa and all you do!
Angela
Wow. A thousand wows. For the gift, the giver, and the Giver of all gifts.
And don’t you dare underestimate yourself. You have indeed been blessed with an incredible ability to communicate God’s truths. Your love for Him and your authenticity and humility shine. And your sense of humor is the icing on the cake.
We’ve been going through the O.T. in our Bible Study. Folks always talk about the God of the O.T. being a God of judgment and vindictiveness vs. the N.T. “God of grace”. Don’t know where they get that. I just love all the grace and love and mercy poured out on Moses and the children of Israel.
Now about that washer/dryer combo – good grief, I had never seen anything like that! I had no idea. Surely their next product line to come out will be a washer/dryer/sock-matcher!
And I agree with preferring the laptop over the w/d – you can’t take a w/d to Starbucks!!
lol Linda…it certainly will be easier to drink my apple cider with a laptop on my shoulder vs. this bad boy…
and you girls are so right – i have me one awesome man..:)
You sound so happy! I love your writing. You really need to write a book!
I am ashamed to say that I let socks pile up in their own laundry basket until I get to the point I actually throw the whole basket away. We just buy new socks. Isn’t that pitiful??? I just hate matching them up.
Anyway…I visit your blog from time to time and really enjoy it. Thanks for sharing your life.
OH, I saw the washer/ dryer at Home Depot this past fall. It was so pretty and red! I find myself glad your Mom got it, but also wishing I had one, too! I assured Chris that I would cheerfully do the laundry with a berry red, front-loading washer/ dryer. He assured me that it would get done anyway, whether I was cheerful or not. Hmm. :(
I am so PROUD to bursting for your lavish gift o’ love! YOU, my friend, write very well. I am going to be first in line for your book and signing, if possible :)
Much love!
Holly
On second thought. . . .
Having just spent the day doing a good bit of laundry from our Christmas trip to grandparents, I was ever so glad to put one load in the dryer and the next one in the washer and let them run simultaneously. I’m thinking it would have taken me twice as long if I’d had just one machine to do it all!
The laptop’s definitely the way to go! (and go and go and go. . . !)
kim – you are my kind of girl..:))
linda – i sent you an email and i am laughing my head off..
holly – i hope you didn’t punch chris too hard :))
After reading your post… I think maybe your husband’s words to you about why he bought you the laptop were more precious to you than the laptop itself. Blessings, and I am glad that I have been introduced to you before your book thing gets going… It will be neat to see how God works in your future…
Blessings in 2008
You absolutely ARE a writer, and a very good one at that!
What a sweet hubby you have!
I’m excited for you and for US who get to enjoy the gift God has given you.
On another topic… I thought of you yesterday as I was getting pulled over…
NO- he didn’t let ME go, I ended up with a ticket. Maybe I should have broken out the ugly cry. Oh well!
Hugs,
Sue
You are so right-on when you say we look to man for our validation. I have really been learning, and trying desperately to absorb and internalize the fact that I am who God says I am, not the sum total of my life experiences. It is a transforming lesson to learn, but I am loving the work it is doing in my heart and life. Looking forward to reading more from your “pen” Lewis! :-)
TM
Loved this post so much I may print it out and keep it in my book of “Best of’s.”
With four sons, sock matching is a challenge here as well…now I buy each boy a different brand (same with underwear). Oldest son Starter, second son, fruit of the loom, third son Hanes, and you get the idea. Still a chore, but much easier!
And may God use your laptop and your willingness to be used by Him to reap a harvest for His kingdom, for His glory and His alone!
How true it is that we don’t know the gift God has given to us until “man” validates us in it. I loved reading what you had to say and just reading the small sample, I’d say “write away, sister”. You mix a sense of humor in with your writing that keeps the reader reading. That’s important. I believe you may have a lot to say and God has told you this through you husband. Keep listening and God will lead you all the way through it. Love to you and yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hope to read more in the future. Karen
http://www.onetexasmama.blogspot.com
LOL about the “Lewis” name. We have friends that named their child, “Aiden” after A.W. Tozer (the A initial stands for Aiden). So…it HAS been done before. :-)
Lisa, its so true I agree with Karen I love your sense of humor when you write it always makes me come back for more!!! keep writning and don’t ever stop!
and I would rather have the laptop than the washer and dryer set the washing is not so bad its the putting away and hanging back up that gets to me.and I only have 3 in my faimly, you are so bless my frined,love marina
Lisa,
What a beautiful and wonderful gift! Your husband knows what a gift you have and has even called it out for you. He sees, what most of us already know, that you are indeed a writer.
You, my sister, are called as a Child of God to exhort and praise Him to all who will listen. You have a gift of being you and that is pretty stinkin’ special.
Every time I come to visit your blog I am reminded that as we are both daughters of the King we each have different and amazing gifts from Him that He has called us to use for His glory!
I can’t wait to see what 2008 has in store for you…
Enjoy your new toy, I love mine and couldn’t last without it (of course I could…but who would want to!)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Melissa in Mel’s World
OK, the whole sock sorting thing. I hate it! I grew up in a house with a sock basket. Every man for him self! I followed the tradition until this last year. I have a friend that used to come over and sort them. She hated my sock basket. Of course she has 2 kids – a boy and a girl. But it was pure joy to our family when she came to visit!!
I love visiting and reading your blog. Thank your husband for me, will ya? :)
Lisa, I side with Luke. You ARE a writer. Your words have changed lives in ways you are probably not even aware of. Luke obviously heard from the Lord.
I can hardly wait to see what this year holds for you!
Well, we believe in you too! You certainly have the gift of the written word, and God is surely using you to reach many!
I’m glad you had a wonderful Christmas, and look forward to reading many more posts.
Happy writing on your new computer. Hope your hubbies faith in you produce wonderful hours of reading for all.
What a wonderful gift, and I’m also meaning the faith and support your family has in you!
sue – a pox on that mean ole policeman..:)
bonnie – nothing i have ever done makes me deserve a mentor like you, my dear friend.
lisa – a most excellent sock idea. i’d have to throw away my entire stock to institute it but according to kim , that may not be a bad idea..lol
and to all of you and your sweet comments – i didn’t mean to go fishing with them with this post but i won’t lie and say i didn’t enjoy them. THANK YOU for infusing me with courage and being such a wonderful group of friends. you’ve made 2007 a banner year for me and I can’t wait to see what’s up in ’08!
I’ve just found your blog a few months ago and have enjoyed stopping in from time to time. LOVE your writing style – and I really enjoyed your post today – DH and I have come to see that often we do want validation from ‘man’ when in reality if we feel God has called us to do something He will use it even if we NEVER see an earthly benefit in it. It’s the same with your writing – you have no idea when you’ve said ‘just the right thing’ that God has used [and will continue to use] to touch someone’s heart.Keep up this great and wonderful work! Judy@faithbasedpages.com
What great encouragement your hubby gave you. Tell him our family says hi.
As for the washing machine… you will still get mismatched socks ;-)
I’ve been thinking of moving to a very hot country where socks wouldn’t become an issue….
A woman who borders on ‘coverting’ a washer/drier AND who is familiar with CS Lewis, hmmm, I’ll be passing through this way again…!!!
Greetings, Mighty Tongue of a Ready Writer! Smile!
Psalm 45:1 says God will give you His theme for your book as you recite and write for your King. Your tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Go for it when He calls.
I think you could name the computer Clive after the big guy. He also had a nickname which I can’t remember right now. And, are you kidding me, C.S. Lewis would have never said comment rejected from you! I think about some of the children’s letters he answered—didn’t he answer, at one time, every one of them?
Gotta run do laundry or something. I am convinced my washing machine swallows socks down the drain.
One more thing—I have to get this blogging down to one sentence and I CAN’T DO IT—but I LOVED your weighty words: bowed low spiritually decrepit from the weight of doubt. Yes, you can see in our hearts and recite and write!
Okay, this is seriously weird. I was coming on the blog to suggest that you name your laptop Clive, and I was beaten to the punch! But that surely means it must be a good idea, huh?! :-)
BTW, you probably know, Queen of All Things C.S., but for the rest of us: his nickname was Jack.
You have inspired me and challenged me to read him. I’ve always been a bit intimidated by him, but I stayed home from church this morning feeling cruddy with chest congestion, and I looked up and ordered a couple of his things. I love to read but I’ve been spending way too much time on mindless stuff. For 2008 I’m going to make a concerted effort to get more meat in my reading diet.
Woo-hoo for your new laptop! What a sweetie your man is! And I echo my sweet sisters–You are a writer whether published or not. You have touched many lives for the Lord and I thank Him for allowing our paths to cross. Maybe we’ll meet face-to-face at your book signing!
“This is a test of the American Blogcasting System. This is only a test. Beeeeeeeeep”
So I decided to come to an old post to send a test for my email changes and when I saw the picture of the “washer/dryer combo” it made me laugh all over again.
Love you, friend!