Standing Up vs. Walking In

The Most Adorable Little Man!

It's SUMMER! Summer for Britt means a little more time and usually some goal setting, because nothing motivates more than a checklist and a plan #TYPEAPROBS. I really enjoy writing, not that I have much wisdom to share, but because through writing I get to make sense of things and try to understand what God is teaching this ordinary girl about His extraordinary ways. So, here's to sorting through the many thoughts that go through my head each day, weeding out the thoughts about my to-do list, Insta posts, Pinterest projects, coffee visits, etc. and trying to hold on to the thoughts that may be worth sharing ;). 

My adorable nephew Kenai has been standing for months, but he just took his first steps the day before his birthday this week! The standing, although a feat in itself, was much easier to master than the walking. Even so, Kenai's walk is more of a wobbly quick stepping until he falls in the arms of his amazing parents, or his little bum hits the ground. Nevertheless, ten steps is officially a walk in my book (said Proud Auntie B). 

After reading a Facebook post on "standing up" for what you believe in, I got to thinking about how "standing up" is a one time event, but I don't know that "standing up" is used in the Bible as we use it in our posts and posters. And, If I've learned one thing in the past few years, it's that words get twisted, connotations change, and the only words that can truly be trusted are found in the Bible itself. God's Word trumps friends, the latest Christian author release, and even sermons.

So, many times when I hear the phrase"stand up for what you believe in," I get the picture of someone glaring down at another with a pointer finger in their face. In our current day and culture, the phrase "stand up" sometimes carries with it a negative connotation. The crazy thing is, I don't find "Stand Up" in the Bible, but rather "Stand Firm." Stand Firm is used many times throughout scripture and often changed to "Be Steadfast" or "Hold Fast" (Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 3:14, 1 Cor. 16:13, 1 Cor 15: 58). Thank you Jesus for key word study Bibles!

Hold Fast: keep, maintain. When "Hold Fast" is used in the Bible it's typically a call for us as Christians, not for others. For us to hold fast to God's word, to hold fast in one's mind/heart.

We twist the phrase stand firm, to stand up implying that we are to do a radical act for the Lord, when ultimately, He calls us to walk with Him in obedience while He does a radical work in the lives of others through us. This doesn't mean we don't act, but we act humbly with confidence in Christ as He would have us act. We aim to act, walk, and live out of humility, meekness, service, and love for the Kingdom.

Walk: to live, follow, go, be occupied with. "Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:6).

"Standing up" implies that we act on a one time event, where "walking in" or "standing firm," implies that we are walking in step with God daily. It's a lot harder to continually and internally be firm and in step with the Lord, than it is to "stand up" and sit back down. I don't do a great job in this, in fact, many times my walking in Christ is about as confident as Kenai's first steps, but my prayer is that my lifestyle in Christ and my relationship with others will be more of a walking in, rather than a series of one time events. I don't want to live a life of quick fixes and time out cheers for Christ, but rather a lifestyle of being matured by Christ and acting accordingly. I don't want to shout "STAND UP" at the world who doesn't know Jesus and then sit back down in frustration, but rather to walk with Jesus and see others come to Him as they join the journey following the Bible as a map to the Kingdom. 

When Kenai wobbles, his momma and daddy and there to catch him, just as I know that our good God is walking each step with us. Even when we're asked to walk paths that are tricky, He is there to hold us up. He even asks us to walk beside others who are wobbling too, which is another post for another day :). 

Planing to be Flexible with Plans

My husband and I have a colored coded Google calendar that makes my planning heart happy. I love opening up my phone and seeing the purple and orange events fill our days with fun. And if I'm being honest, I also love rewriting those plans in a hard copy planner for the simple joy and satisfaction of crossing items off the agenda. My name is Brittany Horn, and I am a planner, a doer. As Tom and I transition into the teachery bliss that is summer, I realize that out of excitement of the season I have already planned most of our free days. Plans to go to the pool, eat good food, make good food, clean up the house, fix and build things for the house, learn new things, meet new friends, be with old friends...they're all good things. In my planning frenzy, however, I have been convicted of two things:

1. My frustration when a wrinkle is thrown in my plans.  
2. My inability to soak up each moment and be tuned in to God during each event on the checklist.

I was completely aware of God's perfect plan and the beauty of that plan as my sister had a BEAUTIFUL baby boy just two days ago. I'm emotional and I haven't even held that little cutie yet! She went in for her normal doctor appointment and her water broke right then and there. We all made bets on when the baby would enter this world, but it is moments like these when you realize that God's perfect plans trump any plans that we make. We simply can't plan when a baby will take it's first breath or the emotions that will take us over in that moment, just like we can't plan what God will do with our days.

"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:1).

Our God is good, he is perfect, and this verse only reiterates that He is Soveriegn. His plans can not be altered. *As a disclaimer: planning is still important and good. If I didn't plan anything, I may end up watching netflix or "instagramming" my life away, but how much more purposeful would that calendar look if I considered, if I submitted to the will of God and planned to be flexible in his guiding.

As always, Christ himself is our prime example. Jesus lived his life on earth in subject to God's will and his perfect plan. "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me "(John 6:38). And Christ didn't just say that he was on earth to do God's will, he died on the cross to be raised from the dead! "My father if it is possible let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39).

I'm not even the tiniest bit as in tuned with God's will as Jesus (In fact, it weren't for Jesus, I would be nothing but dead in my sin), but He died for us so that we could know Him more. We can pray Psalm 143:8 as we plan, "let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

My prayer is that this summer will be a time of growing closer to God and making that the number one plan. Rather than hurry from one event to the next, I pray that I see God in each event. Finally, I need to be able to chunk my plans when they fail to meet God's plan for my day. Summer is a time for fun, but also a special built in time to grow closer to God and get my mind off of myself.  He is at work whether we plan on noticing Him or not.

God can't be just another color on the calendar. He is and alwasy will be the one who holds our plans and our days in His hands. So this summer is a time to plan to be flexible with the plans.

How Much More...

 

The Amazing T-Rex Anny Card

It was a few days before Tom and I's anniversary and I was picking up some buntinis for a friend at school. I had never been to "Nothing Bunt Cakes" to make a purchase and I quickly found out that people love their Nothing Bunt Cakes and they are an extra hot commodity near Christmas time. The line swirled out the door and the ladies behind the counter looked frantic. After about three samples (which seemed to be the only thing that was keeping people from erupting), I got to the front of the line and was told I had about a forty-five minute wait for the buntinis. There was a card store next door and I still hadn't gotten Tom a card for our anny, so I walked over to kill time. I love reading greeting cards. There is nothing like giving a card that is just perfect for the occasion. The bunt cake wait was worth it, because it led me to the T-Rex card!

Love and promise are had to quantify. For this reason, the idea of spreading our arms to show how much we love someone is silly. Put one of the biggest animals with the tiniest arms in this pose and it's just comical! There is no way to quantify how much God loves us either, but my eyes were opened to four "How Much More" passages this week that reminded me that God fashioned this life to give us a glimpse of his love and promise. Not only that, but he makes a sure promise that the glimpse that we get while we're here on earth is only a taste of what is to come. I hope that each of these "How Much More" passages is a reminder of God's goodness, love, and promise.

How Much More...Will the Blood of Christ:
"For if the blood of bulls and goats and ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of flesh, HOW MUCH MORE will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." -Hebrews 9:14

• If the animal sacrifices made within the old covenant (Exodus 29 is one example) purified and freed sin, we can know that Christ's sacrifice (which he gave willingly) is more than enough to free the sin of all who accept him.

How Much More...Will the Ministry of Righteousness:
"Now if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance (God), which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious." 

-2 Corinthians 3:7-8 

• The ministry of death = the law which reveals sin and leads to death since we are sinners. If this law was glorious and reflected God's nature (Exodus 34:29-35), how much more with the new covenant, the ministry of righteousness, forgive sinners. The law had fading glory and was not the final plight for sinners. 

How Much More...Will the Heavenly Father Give

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, HOW MUCH MORE will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" -Matthew 7:11

• I know not everyone gets this experience, but I have an amazing dad and if I'm being honest, he has spoiled me. Now that I'm older I see that he not only provided for my immediate needs, but we went up and beyond to bring me joy, comfort in times of need, teaching when I was confused, etc. If my dad, a sinner like the rest of us, could give good gifts, how much more will Christ (our creator) give us good gifts (James 1:17).

How Much More...Will God Provide

"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not MUCH MORE clothe you, O you of little faith? -Matthew 6:30

• This verse reminds me of spring in Texas when the blue bonnets and Indian paint brushes cover the ground. God clothes even this earth which is fading beautifully! The analogy here is that if God takes care of the grass, which withers and is thrown out, how much more will he take care of us, his adopted children (Romans 8:15-16).

These are just four of many places that we find God's love and promise for us in His Word. There is no question that God loves his adopted children! There is also no question that He has a plan and that we can fully trust it. Not only that, we don't trust blindly, we get to read about God's promised plan in his Word, which is better than any greeting card :). 

Oh and if you're wondering...the buntini's were worth the wait!

Barbie Jeeps and Happy Prayers May Not be the Answer

I recently celebrated year four with my amazing husband Tom, which I feel deserves a "we're officially a happy married couple, not simply newly-weds" badge. Besides the point, anniversaries always make me a little sentimental, so I decided to revisit some old journals. I pulled out a box and picked up a journal from 2007. It didn't take long to realize that most of my prayers were, "help this date to go well," "help guyX to see me as who I am," "lead to me the man that I'm supposed to marry," etc. etc. Not quite as bad as praying for a new barbie jeep, but was dating and marriage my only focus in 2007? It may seem sweet, but it's really quite shallow. Where was the "forgive me of my sins, as I forgive others," the "lead me not into temptation," or the "your Kingdom come, Your will be done" (Matt 6:9-13)? I was so focused on using prayer as a God make my life happy for me right now, that I forgot to pray that God be in my life right now.

Prayer is an act of the Christian life that gets a lot of exposure. People are invited to pray before meals, they are promised prayers when someone is sick, they read about prayer on social media. Very rarely, however, are these public prayers centered on forgiveness, peace, patience, or even what we need most, salvation. Most public prayers are for physical healing or providing physical needs, which is not bad in itself. If fact, God asks us to pray for these things and he answers, so that His name is glorified (Luke 18:7, 1 John 5:14-15, Psalm 145:18-19). The struggle is that if prayers for physical needs are all that we're exposed to, God is only glorified when physical needs are met in a world that is broken. I would even venture to say that God answers prayers with supernatural peace, joy that exceeds all circumstances, and even a lesson in sanctification more than a physical healing. However, in our limited understanding we forget to thank God for these answered prayers.

In turn, we tend to equate sickness or pain as God's inability to answer prayers, but did you know that God promises that life on earth will be uncomfortable and hard at times? "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). God put a thorn in Paul's side and Paul writes in 2 Cor. 12:8, "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me." Later we see Paul write, "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness." We also see Jesus himself understand life's pain as he prays "Father, if you are willing take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." God wants to mature us, grow us, and finish the good work that he began in us (Phil 1:6), which may not look as pretty as we want it to. It may not include a hot pink grill, power wheels, and comfy seats.

God's ultimate promise is to make all things new and restore the earth, to save people from their sin, to bring light into the darkness. We can count 100% on God's promises and in the meantime, we are to pray. In Rev. 5, it is written that the prayers of the saints are incense to God. I pray that my prayers look beyond the temporary. I also hope that when others see me and my family pray, they will know that prayer is more than a kind gesture or hope for happiness, but confidence in God who is at work daily. We probably won't spend our life jammin in a dream barbie jeep, but we'll look back and realize that our journey with Christ was just what we needed!

The "Too Much" Information Age

"The world is at our fingertips." This is a phrase we often hear and I can agree. The access that we have today is incredible. I can't tell you the amount of times "Google" (now personified) answers my questions.  In fact, here at the coffee shop, I voice searched "What's really in my Pumpkin Spice Latte" because who doesn't want to know the mystery of the goodness in this cup. I prefer to go with the site that discusses how Starbucks uses "real pumpkin" as opposed to the next search that discusses all of the extra ingredients in the sauce and syrup included in the latte. Two searches,  two answers, and one consumer left to decide on a correct answer before attending to the next task at hand.

While I may be a little upset about my conflicting pumpkin spice search, I'm not nearly as saddened as I am to see people run to Google for answers about their beliefs in Jesus. Being a consumer in the information age means that anyone can post anything. Anyone can prove anything. Authors can pick, paste, highlight, delete, and put a bow on anything that they want. I'm about to sound dated, but do remember the days when being a published author was a privilege? I lit up when the local newspaper wanted to publish my middle school poem! Today, anyone can be a publisher. This is great when we're talking about recipes or decorating our house, but our salvation? Not so much.

I've never been more thankful for the Word of God which is unchanging. I've never valued my friends who are rooted in the Word more than I do now. I've never realized how vital it is to attend a church who practices sound teaching. When tough questions have come up, it has not been Google to provide me clarity, but God's word. No coffee cup verse or inspirational Christian tweet has provided me clarity, but God's word. My recent interactions have proved that online voices can't sum up the Word of God in less than 140 characters. They have also proven that online authors can write pages upon pages of information and say nothing. God promises that his Word is a "lamp to our feet and a light to our path" (Psalm 119:105). According to Proverbs 30:5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words or he will rebuke you..." And not because He's an angry God, but because he is Holy and His Word is truth and life.

I still don't understand what's in my coffee, but who cares, it's just coffee :).

Don't be Fooled by the Outside, Sanctification is a Process that Starts Within...

I would argue that many people are guilty of seeing their grandparents, or those older than them, at

surface level. What I mean by this is that we see their physical presence as someone who needs help. Most 20-30 somethings have helped an elder with their new smart phone (or flip phone if your most grandparents), their email inbox, the yard work, the heavy lifting, etc. It's fun getting to help, but I have to admit that my view as "helper" has over shadowed my view of the true maturity that lies beyond the physical.

After a fun day of attempting to raft in the Brazos River, I had a chance to sit and look at the view from my grandparents back porch with my grandpa. "You sure have quite the view," I said nonchalantly. I was taken by surprise when my once very stern grandpa choked up a bit as he said, "I just so thankful..." At this point, I knew we were talking about more than the view from the porch. "I just don't know why a King would die for someone like me." Humily was all over him and in this moment. I thought, this is maturity! 

Sanctify (v.): Free from Sin; Purify; To set apart or declare Holy. 

God promises to santify believers as they walk in Him. "Being confident in this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" -Phil 1:6.  

This same day I got my pick my grandma's brain about a bible study I was leading. The Bible to her truly his the lamp that lights the way. My grandma does not read the bible by verse, she reads it like a the true narrative it is. It's hard, but she reads and gains more knowledge every season. I asked a question about the Holy Spirt and in her response she talked about the various translations that she uses in her study, the talks that she's had with her pastors, and it is made clear to me the persistance she has in knowing truth. My grandma's response was very clear to me.. She didn't pull out a self-help Christian author, she simply responded based on what the Lord had spoken in his word. 

Not all elderly are growing in Christ. However, those who are being sancified daily have more to give this generation than we give them credit for. I pray that I will grow in humily and knowledge of God. That I will not only be able to show someone how to use the latest emoji and communicate instantly, but that I'll be able to show them Christ! 

"For this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith..." -Ephesians 3:14-17

The Loving Law: Thankful for the Drive Home

A True Texas Sunset (With a Little Photo Editing)

I'm thankful for my drive home beacause it is 10-20 minutes of built in reflection.

Do you ever think back on your day wishing you could redo conversations?  I caught myself in several conversations about beauty, marriage, and parenting the other day, only to realize that my contribution to the conversation only fell short of the truth that I stand by.  I mean Geez Britt, you aren't even a parent and you decided to contribute a half-witted response on what you thought was good parenting...

It's times like these that I realize how LIFE-SAVING and LOVING my God and Father was to give me the Bible.  As a kid, rules and guidelines seemed unfair, but as an adult, I love direction and boundaries. In fact, in a world of mixed views, I want someone to remind of of what is right. Not just any someone, I want the creator of all things, to tell me what is right.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.  The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart." -Psalm 19:7-9

In a culture that tells me beauty is that brand name look, the word reminds me in 1 Peter 3:3-4, "Don't let your adornment be merely outward- arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel, rather let it be the hidden person of the the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentel and quiet spirit."

PAUSE. Don't get me wrong girls: I love me some fashion! In fact, I just posted a selfie a few nights ago on Insta of my summer Etsy purchase.  Not that it matters, but I got quite a few likes and several comments. The point is, the word reminds me that this purchase, does not make me more beautiful. The word reminds me of the inward beauty that won't fade like my monogrammed cap will. And eventhough I plan to braid my hair and wear that cap in the most fashionable way I know, beauty can't be purchased, it must be practiced, and it is going to take lots of prayer because I have a long way to go. Some of the most beautiful women are know are far past their "prime."

In a culture that says marriage should make me happy, the Bible reminds me that marriage is a convenant and I can joyfully serve my husband realizing that we are both sinners in need of grace. This sounds so good in the blog, but I need reminded of it daily!  I have the best husband EVER, but the moment I put pressure on him to be my Savior, dissapointment sets in.  This usually ends in sobby Britt tears. Marriage is not about being served, but serving, submitting, adn honoring. While it's not always the popular opinion in our world, God's way is the right one.I find myself thanking God for my husband all the time and experiencing more joy in marriage than I thought possible.

In a culture that says I can be a "cool mom" (someday), the word shows me how to be loving in sharing truth and providing discipline (Proverbs 13:24).  Even God the Father "disciplines those he loves. Hebrews 12:7 reads, "Endure hardship and discipline; God is treating you as sons.  For what son is not disciplined by his Father."The Lord is maturing me daily and loving me by showing me ways that I need to grow. I pray that I will be a mom who loving disciplines her children as well and I know I'll need to be reminded of this truth as I have kids.

At The Village Church, Matt Chandler always gives this analogy: The word is like a cat-scan, it reveals places that I'm weak, so that God can start healing those places. I need to know where I fall short, so that I can run even closer to the healer.  Although I may have missed opportunity to speak truth last week, I'm thankful for the drive home! I'm thankful that truth is hidden in my heart, and available to us in the Bible. I'm thankful to have one place which blots out grey and reminds me of the life I'm called to live. The law is loving!