True Confessions // Sheila Dorris

It may shock you to know that I did not grow up as a Christian and none of my family were Christians either. I first learned about God at the age of 6. My papa had passed away, and my grandpa tried to explain it to me with a Dick and Jane version of the Ten Commandments. I don't really remember what he said, but I remember this was the first time he had held me on his knee and read to me. So, I knew what he was trying to tell me was important. I still have the book 38 years later. 

Around the same time our neighbors kept trying to invite me to church. My parents didn't go but they allowed me to go. There, in Sunday School, I received my first Bible, a little suitcase of verses and MEMORIZED MY FIRST BIBLE VERSE.

             “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1

 I had no idea what it meant at the time. 

Later, as we walked up all the stairs, to go inside the big church. I was overwhelmed and horrified. Something came over me and I could not, WOULD NOT, go inside. I screamed and cried until they took me home.  I never went with them again.

A few years later,  I tried going to a couple of churches. I would walk down Elm Street or church row. It was always scary to do it all on my own and would occasionally ask my friend or cousin to attend with me. I don’t ever remember connecting. I was just trying to make friends. Even then, I was searching for something, I just didn't know what I was looking for.

As an adult, I tried going with my best friend and her family. I went there for at least a year.  I enjoyed the music; I served along with my friends and was involved. Yet, every time I walked through the door I would get asked if I was new... EVERY WEEK!  They knew my friends; the pastor’s wife would even see my friend and I at lunch. Stop and talk to her, invite her to lunch and never say a word to me. I felt invisible. I had hard feelings about it. Even Jealous feelings. Why do they not treat me the same? I started dating my future husband and wanted him to go... he didn't like it, so I stopped going to church. 

The next event led to something different. I was married and about 30 years old. A friend and co-worker had just started working with us and her mom lost the battle with Cancer. Obviously, she was heartbroken, but I knew she was a Christian. I was curious and afraid of how her life would change.  I watched how she reacted through the weeks that followed. I was impressed with how she wasn't devastated at the loss of her mother. How she could be strong, how she wasn't angry with God. She was always inviting me to Bible study. I always had an excuse. We would talk on our lunch breaks and on slow days. I had no idea she was preparing me.  I finally gave in. I went to Bible study where it touched me, and it was like the message was directed right at me. I prayed the prayer, I was saved!  

There is a lot more that led me to where I am now. I was later a member of that church where I was baptized. My husband and I were asked to lead a Sunday school class! I had no idea how to do that, I had never really been taught all the stories but I learned right along with the kids which made it more exciting! 

I was still not fully vested though until I met my best friend who showed me how to be a worker for Jesus,  to worship, and not to skip because I wanted to go to the lake or stay in bed. I needed to be ALL IN as Pastor Rusty reminded us by giving us a poker chip. I have changed in so many ways, I know now. The Lord IS MY SHEPHERD, I am NO LONGER A LOST SHEEP. I AM HIS SHEEP.

Sheila Dorris is the adoptive mother of three (now) adult children and is now enjoying being an empty nester. Sheila shares co-ownership of Mojo Merchandise, in downtown Sand Springs, with her best friend. Sheila has served and continues to serve in many areas at Church that Matters. Including: House Church, KTM, Access, Guest Services, and on the production team as a Live Stream Host. Sheila is famous for her sermon notes, taken each week as a guide for others on Facebook. This often starts conversations between those who may have questions about church or may just need to hear the sermon. She loves being silly and making people smile. If you see her, stop her and say "Hello".

Photo by Akira Hojo on Unsplash

Quiet Valley

“Perhaps, you are in the middle of one.” A friend told me this recently while having a conversation about testimonies. I’ve always had what you might call testimony envy. Something many kids who grew up in church have experienced at one time or another. This pops up normally when someone describes a moment where they were living in sin and then had an encounter with Jesus that changed them forever. Honestly, it’s not the situation or sin they have been freed from that interests me. Rather, it is the encounter with Christ and the feeling of peace that I crave.

““You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the lord [.]” 
Jeremiah 29:13 

The thing is, if I seek God out He will show up. However, there are going to be times when an encounter with God does not result in the immediate resolution of a struggle. At least that is what I’m coming to terms with right now. 

This particular chapter of Jeremiah also has the well known verse: 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 
Jeremiah 29:11

The times in the last 5 years where I have felt the presence of the Lord. I know God has said that my husband and I will have a baby. Because that is our struggle. We are struggling with infertility and with the effects it has on our relationship. 

But you know what? I keep going back to God. I reach out to hold my Heavenly Father’s hand because there are days when the silence of my home hurts. It is in that silence that I have the choice. Fill the silence with praise or weeping. 

In Jeremiah 29:12 God tells His exiled people in Babylon,

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” 

God is listening to us. I am not alone in the silence. Just as you are not alone in your silence. He is working things out in the background in a way that we can’t understand. But He is still working for our good. In Jeremiah the exiled people were distraught. Their temple had been destroyed, their people scattered and enslaved. It was terrifying, but what is amazing is God’s message to them. He tells them to live, to work, prosper, and multiply. But in all things remember to pray and seek and Him. 

Today, my testimony is that sometimes the moments with God you crave are happening right now. Each time you reach out and praise God or read His words is a chance for God to speak with you and tell you that He is nearby. 

I believe that someday I will be able to talk more fully about the journey my husband and I are on right now and show you a picture of a baby with his eyes and my smile. I will praise God over and over for how He fulfilled His promises to us. But for now, I’ll praise Him and continue to seek Him as we wait in our quiet valley. 

Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.

Photo by Adilet Asilbekov on Unsplash

Light Box

“You are God’s children whom he loves.” 
Ephesians 5:1

When you were a child, you probably used tracing paper to copy your drawings. It involved a lot of flipping and a lot of smudgy graphite, but you could pass more or less the same image from one sheet of paper to another. If there was no tracing paper on hand, you probably also figured out that holding sheets of paper to the window let you do a similar thing. In short, lightboxes and light tables are the modern, grown-up equivalents of these processes. 

Lightboxes are ‘boxes’ with a clear screen at the top and a light source inside. When they are switched on, it’s easy to see through the paper that is laid on the screen. So to trace an image, the original is laid directly on the screen, secured with a clip, and then covered with a blank sheet of paper. The lower image will be visible through the second piece of paper, ready to be copied.

The most obvious function of a lightbox or light table is to transfer an image from one piece of paper to another – for example, to turn an initial drawing (perhaps on rough paper) into a finished one (on art paper) – but they can also be used to combine two original images, since the light can generally penetrate more than two sheets of standard paper. 

What a beautiful description of our lives with Christ.  A beautiful picture of how Jesus transforms us and gives us a purpose.  Don’t you agree?  Do you see it!

“In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord.” 
Ephesians 5:8

Look at the first two sentences in the second paragraph above.  “Lightboxes are ‘boxes’ with a clear screen at the top and a light source inside.  When they are switched on, it’s easy to see…”

I have chills.  Before I encountered Christ, I was a child sitting in the dark.  Blank with no picture or images to show.  Nothing to reflect what was on the inside.  But God met me in that dark corner and “switched” on the light.  

“But the light makes all things easy to see.  And everything that is made easy to see can become light.  This is why it is said: wake up sleeper!  Rise from death, and Christ will shine on you.”

When I first became a Christian, (and honestly off and on throughout my life), my relationship with God “involved a lot of flipping and a lot of smudgy graphite.”  God’s image began to filter through my heart and my life.  He has spent years tracing his love onto my heart.  Imprinting his word into my mind and passing his image from him (the original paper) onto me (the second sheet of paper), combining the two originals to create something new.  God’s light can penetrate through me and become visible to others.

As God transforms me into who he created me to be, “the lower image will be visible through the second piece of paper, ready to be copied.”

Lord, I am ready to be copied!  Multiply not me, but through me.  This is the great commission:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” 
Matthew 28:19-20

God, let your light shine through me so that others can see you in me.  Shine so that they can hear you in every word that leaves my lips, every thought that enters my mind.  God, brighten the world around me and use me for your glory.  

“Pray that when I speak, God will give me words so that I can tell the secret truth of the Good News without fear.  I have the work of speaking that Good News.  I am doing that now….” 
Ephesians 5:19-20

I am doing that now!

Mary Swafford is the founder of Shaken & Stirred, Meals that Matter, Coffee Talk, and a Co-Owner of Boulder Coffee in downtown Sand Springs. She is a wife, a mother of 3 beautiful children, but most importantly a daughter of the most high God. You are likely to find her chugging or serving coffee, sitting in a tattooist’s chair, or making friends out of strangers.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

One Body // Chelynn Broughton

Have you ever just stood and looked at yourself in the mirror? What do you see? Do you see all of the beautiful things about your looks, or do you focus more on the things you don’t really like - your flaws, so to speak? Like most women, we tend to focus more on the negative aspects of our physical appearance, but have you ever considered that by seeing anything negative about yourself, you are insulting the work of God? He created us in His likeness, and He was intentional about his work. We should thank God every day for the way we look. 

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalms 139:14

Every single one of us is unique. From what we look like to the sound of our voices, no two people are the same. Even identical twins have something that distinguishes them from the other.  It’s crazy to think that there are approximately 7.9 billion people in the world, and God created each one of us to be different. He is THAT creative!

Knowing that we are all different and that it’s sometimes hard to overlook things that other people do that annoy us, God gave us directions through Paul in Ephesians 4 on how to flourish together as one body in Christ. He gave us precise instructions:

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:2-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

People are stronger when they are part of something bigger than themselves. Jesus didn’t take on the world alone. He gathered disciples to go with Him as He traveled. Satan wants to keep us from gathering together as one body, so he uses our differences to cause chaos in the church and drive people apart. God also gave us directions for these times.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:31-32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

(As I was putting this together, writer’s block hit me right here. Try as I might, I couldn’t think of how to end this, and the deadline came, so I just turned it in, knowing that it needed more, but I was so frustrated that I didn’t know what else to do. Well, God provided just what I needed on Sunday in both Rusty’s message in church and Sheila’s message at the Shaken and Stirred bunco event. )

We need each other! For some reason, we want to believe that if we think differently from someone, then the other person must be wrong, and that causes division among us - both in the church and in our own family and friend groups. Satan uses this to cause division and isolate people from each other. If he can make us feel alone or unloved, he wins, but as Rusty said, “Jesus did not come to take sides. He came to take over!” There should only be one side, and that is God’s side. Our true joy should come from the assurance that one day none of this will matter. In order to actually “flourish” as one body (the body of Christ), we must put aside our differences, forgive each other, and dedicate ourselves to the one true goal: introducing others to Jesus.  There is someone out there who needs you to tell them what Jesus did for you and can do for him/her.  Make that your goal for the week. Feed His sheep!

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
John 21:17

Chelynn is a contributing writer for Shaken and Stirred. She is a long-time daughter of Christ, a wife, mother of two amazing adult children, and Nonnie to four beautiful grandchildren. She teaches Senior English at Charles Page High School and is also a Realtor for Keller Williams. She enjoys all things summer including boating, vacationing, and swimming.

Photo by Taylor Smith on Unsplash

Filled to the Measure // Joanna Goodin

This month we are going through Ephesians and our theme has been, “Can we Flourish as the Body of Christ?”  The answer is a resounding “Yes”! In Ephesians 3, God assigned Paul special work. 

“By the Spirit the great mystery was revealed that the Gentiles (non-Jewish descent) are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 3:6

The throne of God had then and is still accessible to us all, and we are one family under our Heavenly Father.

Paul became a servant of this gospel because of God’s grace (Eph. 3:7). Paul recognized that his history made him the least qualified, but God qualified and blessed him with the gift of effectively sharing this gospel and encouraging the body of Christ. This is great news. In God’s perfect timing He used Paul to share this news and tell the people they could now, through faith, go to God in confidence. He blessed Paul to be this vessel, showing us that we too can be used by Him as we become His willing servants. 

Paul prayed for the whole church body to have the inward strength of the Holy Spirit and the permanent indwelling of Christ, he prayed they would have the power, together with all the Lord’s holy people to grasp how wide and long, high and deep is the love of Christ. He prayed they would know this love that surpasses knowledge …so that they would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 

If you feel you are like me and at times feel the least deserving to be used by God to share the gospel effectively or to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God, you are in good company. Paul knew this was true about him. But God qualified. Paul became a servant and then God gave him this gift to effectively communicate the good news.  

We come from a family tree of broken people who did amazing things through the power of Christ. Now you, as part of the body of Christ, are a sister in Christ. Even better, you have God as your Heavenly Father and the ultimate qualifier. How do we receive this gift of being filled to the measure of the fullness of God? Ask Him and ask Him to help you become His willing servant.  

Have you truly become a servant of God? Do you trust He sees you as new and wants to bless you by filling you to the measure? He does. We may have to wait for our time on some things, but we are all called to share the gospel, and we are all called to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can all do that now. He shows us we can flourish no matter where we have been, and that we can bring new brothers and sisters along, while encouraging our faith family and growing in our own walks. God wants to fill you to the measure with His fullness. Paul did not pray for any blessing that is not attainable for his brothers and sisters in Christ, and this was not only a prayer for God’s chosen apostles of biblical times. These are prayers for us as the body of Christ. How will you serve while He grows and fills you? Your heavenly father wants to fill you to the measure with His spirit. 

Joanna is a contributing writer for Shaken and Stirred. She loves Jesus and hopes she never stops learning more about Him. She is a Life Coach working alongside women and adolescence, as well as a mom to amazing 11&13 year old young men. She loves hiking and yoga when she gets the chance to do it. She often enjoys writing, creating, coffee with a friend or book, and laughing while hanging out with her boys.

Photo by Santiago Lacarta on Unsplash

Flourish // Heather Dillingham

I have a toddler and let me just say, some days are much better than others. There are days where life is full of snuggles and cute faces, and days when life is full of tantrums and screaming. Yes, please pray for me.

But something God showed me this week is how much we are all like that toddler kicking and screaming. Wanting to hold onto the sin in our life because we think it’s what is best for us. It takes the love of a parent to step in and change our trajectory. It takes a holy, magnificent God to stop seeing the actions, and start seeing the soul underneath. To step in and SAVE.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
Ephesians 2:3

God did something only a truly loving parent could do. He saved us despite our past, despite His disappointment, and despite the fact that He KNEW we would continue to struggle with our sins. Because of His belief in us, we were given a second chance at true salvation and through it, a new family meant to build each other up instead of break each other down.

He turned us from toddlers throwing fits to get our way or hurting others because we didn’t know how to communicate, to children of God. Woman who step-in, take action, and choose to flourish together because we all have the same backstory and the same Spirit living within us, guiding us in this beautiful relationship with our one true creator.

And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit
Ephesians 2:22

His Spirit unites us just like it did the Jews and the Gentiles. It surrounds us, protects us, and pushes us to be the women God has called us to be. Factions don’t matter in the kingdom of God, not age, income, or situation. What matters is that we are joined together and here for one another, putting away old hostilities and boundaries.

Ephesians 2:14-16

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

God has some incredible work to be done through His people. We were all meant to flourish together, so how can you help another person flourish today?

Heather is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a believer, a wife, and a mother to a wonderful (and sometimes crazy) one-year-old. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and listening to podcasts. She can usually be taking care of the home and playing on the floor with her daughter.

Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

Piece of the Whole // Sheila Dorris

The question has been asked, can we flourish together as one body in Christ?

Flourish together.. I think of a group of people, doing extraordinary things beyond normal means.. 

One body in Christ.. I think of ONE BODY, being simply, ALL. So, ALL in CHRIST. 

God had us in mind BEFORE he laid down the foundation on Earth. He chose us as the focus of His love to be made whole and holy by his love.

He didn't focus on making us perfect, or all alike. We could have had the same looks, same personality, same name, same race. We are all different. We are all FREE. I think of us as a puzzle piece, and together we make the most gorgeous picture. But it takes... ALL..

He created YOU with YOU in mind. He made your laugh, he made your personality, he gifted you with talent, beauty, and something special that makes you unique.

God thought of everything, he provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he was making.

It is in CHRIST that we find out who we are and what we are living for.

Once we love like Christ, that is how we flourish, our minds open, and we see the bigger picture.

We must get humble, and get over ourselves, and our wants. Then we will see the people hurting around us as God sees them.. That's when we offer to help them without strings attached.. Even if you help them and they never attend church... You haven't wasted anything.. You planted a seed for them to carry throughout their life. That is when we come together and do extraordinary things beyond our means.

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
(Ephesians 1:7-10)

EVERYTHING WILL BE BROUGHT TOGETHER SUMMED UP IN HIM, EVERYTHING IN DEEPEST HEAVEN, EVERYTHING ON PLANET EARTH.

So, Yes! We WILL flourish together as one body in Christ.

It's HIS plan!

Sheila Dorris is the adoptive mother of three (now) adult children and is now enjoying being an empty nester. Sheila shares co-ownership of Mojo Merchandise, in downtown Sand Springs, with her best friend. Sheila has served and continues to serve in many areas at Church that Matters. Including: House Church, KTM, Access, Guest Services, and on the production team as a Live Stream Host. Sheila is famous for her sermon notes, taken each week as a guide for others on Facebook. This often starts conversations between those who may have questions about church or may just need to hear the sermon. She loves being silly and making people smile. If you see her, stop her and say "Hello".

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

Redeemed to Rejoice // Mary Swafford

“Don’t call me Naomi, call me Mara, because God all powerful has made my life very sad (bitter).  When I left, I had all I wanted.  But now, the Lord has brought me home with nothing.”  
Ruth 1:20

These are the words of Naomi to the women of the town of Bethlehem.  She had not only left everything that she knew to follow her husband to Moab in hopes of finding food, but eventually lost her husband and both of her sons and was living in a land that was not her own.  Not her people.  There was nothing there for her, so she returned home.

We never read in the story what events led to the death of her husband or both of her sons.  We don’t know what their life was like in Moab or even how long they were there.  Initially all we hear about is Naomi’s pain and her journey back.

Isn’t it like us, when life gets too hard for too long, that all we want to do is focus on our pain and plan our journey back to something we once had?  We quickly lose sight of the life we’ve experienced and anything good that might’ve happened.  We want to blame God and tell others that it’s his fault.  He made our lives very sad.  He took everything away.  Anything good becomes overshadowed by the bad.

Pain, if you’ve ever experienced it, physically or emotionally, is more intense the more you focus on it.  When your pain consumes you, it hurts worse.  You can very easily become bitter and you want others to know about it.

But Naomi’s pain is not what the story of Ruth is about at all.  Although this is where the story begins, thank God, it’s not how the story ends!

You see, the book of Ruth is a redemption story.  What is that you say?  Redemption is a word used for purchasing a slave in order to set them free.  

If you’ve been following our blogs you already know that Ruth followed Naomi back to Bethlehem and began working in Boaz’s fields in order to provide for her mother-in-law and herself.  She picked up what was left behind by the workers.  She worked tirelessly through harvest season after harvest season.  Eventually she humbled herself at the feet of Boaz one night in complete submission to him.  He accepted her and gave her his oath that he would care for her.  He ultimately gathered 10 of the leading men of the town together and purchased the land owned by Naomi’s family and therefore married Ruth.  He made her his wife, freeing her from slavery.  God blessed Ruth and gave her a son.  A son whose lineage not only included King David, but Jesus himself!  

Boaz is the Savior in this story.  He is an awesome picture of Jesus.  The God who saves outsiders and our mighty and awesome redeemer.  

Just as Boaz redeemed Naomi, Jesus bought you and I at a price as well.  Because of Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, we too are no longer slaves.  We are set free.  Hallelujah!!

Naomi was able to rejoice because she had been a woman who lost everything and now she has a grandson.  She has a legacy.  A legacy that includes Christ.  Naomi’s story has been redeemed.  

Tell me, what is YOUR redemption story?

• Remember the hopeless mess you came from

• Remember the price Jesus paid to satisfy the law and make you his own

• Remember when you fell at Jesus feet and submitted yourself to him

• Remember the oath Jesus made to you

• Consider the hope and legacy that God has given you now

Sounds like a beautiful story Jesus is writing in your lives and in your heart.

Like the women from Bethlehem who are celebrating Naomi’s grandson and her redemption story, you can also say:

“Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian redeemer.  May he become famous throughout Israel!  He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.”
Ruth 4:14-15

Mary Swafford is the founder of Shaken & Stirred, Meals that Matter, Coffee Talk, and a Co-Owner of Boulder Coffee in downtown Sand Springs. She is a wife, a mother of 3 beautiful children, but most importantly a daughter of the most high God. You are likely to find her chugging or serving coffee, sitting in a tattooist’s chair, or making friends out of strangers.

Photo by Charly Pn on Unsplash

Characteristics of Redemption // Heather Dillingham

Have you ever put a lot of thought around the meaning of a word? I mean really thought about it, past Webster’s Dictionary or what Google has to say. This week I was faced with this task and it made me realize that just like you or I, words have characteristics.

You might not define a word as “coffee obsessed,” or as a “tea snob” as I have jokingly been called (I hold that badge with honor). But a word can be kind, it can be healing, and it can hide wisdom.

Today we are reading Ruth Chapter 3 and while you read, see if you can spot the characteristics of the word, “Redeeming.”

 Read Ruth 3

 In this passage, you can see that redemption is both obvious in redemption for the family, but also subtle in its characteristics.

“One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for.”
Ruth 3:1

As we can see In verse one Naomi isn’t trying to get redemption for the family or herself, although she gets both. She is trying to redeem her daughter-in-law by finding someone who would take care of her. This shows that redemption doesn’t have to be solitary or selfish. There is a characteristic of community in redemption.

Later in the chapter Ruth goes to Boaz but instead of going to his head, she lowers herself by going to his feet. Just like Jesus lowered himself in order to wash the feet of sinners. Redemption causes us to lower ourselves and show humility. We have to die to our own pride and see that there is another way, a different way. Boaz calls back to this when he says to Ruth: 

“This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.”
Ruth 3:10

This part threw me at first, until I realized that she showed humility time and time again by staying with Naomi instead of finding a better life for herself. And look what it got her! From her, and the line she creates, Jesus will be born. What an amazing redemption!

 The last characteristic I noticed is that redemption is for those who act quickly. You can see both Ruth and Boaz showing this in our reading. Ruth through “not hesitating” in verse five and Boaz through not resting “until the matter is settled today,” in verse eighteen. Time allows fear, resentment, and other tools of the enemy to work against you. So it’s important to be ready to act in order to be redeemed.

The characteristics of redemption are all throughout scripture because that is what God is, a redeeming God. He is humble, he brings us in with a sense of community, and He is quick to act for His children. What other characteristics of redemption did you notice in the passage we read today?

Heather is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a believer, a wife, and a mother to a wonderful (and sometimes crazy) one-year-old. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and listening to podcasts. She can usually be taking care of the home and playing on the floor with her daughter.

Photo by Boba Jovanovic on Unsplash

Active Devotion // Joanna Goodin

What, or who, are you devoted to?  Take a moment to think about what you find yourself dwelling on. What gets your attention, your energy, time, and money? What actions are present in your daily life to show your answer is true? Are you willing to sacrifice some things you want, for what you need and value more?  It is easy to say we value things or people, but when we look at our actions, we may see our actions do not match the level of devotion we feel we have. 

I used to be a health nut. I still value health, but my actions lately do not consistently show this to be true. I thank God for my health but have let the consistency of exercise and self-care go. Health became more of an aspiration or longing as it took a back seat to other things I became devoted to more.  Some of those things were worthy of devotion, some were not.  If feeling devoted is not enough, what does true devotion look like? 

Devotion consists of: 

• loyalty

• earnest attachment

• faithfulness

• consistency

Recall in chapter one, Ruth had already shown devotion through her determination to go with Naomi to Bethlehem. Ruth’s country of Moab was a heathen nation. It is important to note Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law would not have been as righteous if they had not had the common ground of faith in God.   She was not only showing devotion to her family of God and love for her mother-in-law, but to God and her personal relationship with Him. 

Now, read Ruth Chapter 2 with “devotion” in mind and see what stands out to you. Look for how Ruth showed devotion, and how God is devoted to His people.

Ruth 2:2-4 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, 

“Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead my daughter.'' So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.                                                                                                                                                                             

Ruth took initiative. Devotion is not passive. She submitted herself to the wisdom of Naomi, but she also led the way with a heart ready to spring to action. She gleaned where God brought her. She was likely still grieved by her loss, but even in grieving she was ready to glean what she could where she was. 

It is interesting to note in Leviticus 19:9-10  that God had instructed people to not reap the harvest up to the edge. They were to leave some for sojourners and the poor. This allowed the poor to work at the edge of the fields and provide for themselves in a way. I am not saying God made this law for Ruth who would come later, but God’s law always works in favor of His people even down the road. It also shows Boaz’ devotion to living by God’s law. 

Boaz inquired about Ruth and the overseer replied, “She is the Moabite who came back from Moab with Naomi. She said, “Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters. She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”

He showed her great kindness and had heard of her earnest affection for her mother-in-law because her reputation precedes her.  She was consistent in her character and care for Naomi, her work ethic, and faithfulness. 

In verses 19-20 Ruth showed Naomi all she gleaned. Naomi is amazed at the amount of barley Ruth brought home. Naomi asked where she worked and Ruth replied, 

”The name of the man I worked for is Boaz. “The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law.” He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead,” She added, ”That man is our close relative, he is one of our guardian redeemers.”

Naomi knew she had a kinsman redeemer named Boaz. She did not know Ruth had worked in his field. Ruth did not just happen upon that field because of chance, God guided her there. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi had outcomes that restored Naomi’s faith. God never stops working. He is consistently for you. He is devoted to working things out for good for those who love Him. 

Maybe you are evaluating some things in your days and wondering if you are capable of such a level of devotion. Good news, Ruth was human, and God guided her and was at work for her. He will and does the same for us. This is not only a story of Ruth and Boaz devoted to each other but shows us God’s devotion to his people. He blessed Ruth for her devotion, but He also blessed Naomi through her, even after she and her late husband left the promised land and went to Moab where they did not belong. 

We are to be devoted, and the Holy Spirit does equip us to live this way, even when we do not feel capable. We are also going to miss it. At some point, we will catch ourselves neglecting and showing devotion to the wrong things. Then, we can take our fickle un-devotedness and lay it at the feet of our fully devoted God. 

Take a moment and go to God in reverence and thank Him for his love, attentiveness to details, consistency and faithfulness. Ask Him to help you live a life devoted to Him and His ways. Ask Him to help you catch it quickly when the wrong things or wrong people are getting your devotion. 

...

Thank you, God for how devotedly you love me.  Give me eyes to see you at work, and to trust you in the details I don’t see. You are never not working! Please forgive me when my energy, time, money, or affection, are devoted to things not of you or your will. Help me let your spirit guide me and keep me attentive to the guidance you give.  Help me take initiative where I can and to trust and lean into you when things seem impossible. Thank you, Lord for being so good that you want my devotion, despite who I once was. Correct me quickly when the wrong things and wrong people get my devotion. God, help me glean in whatever field you place me in! Keep me devoted in work and in waiting. Thank you that you are fully devoted to me, even when I fail. Help me think on your devotedness and live for and become more like Jesus every day.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.   

Joanna is a contributing writer for Shaken and Stirred. She loves Jesus and hopes she never stops learning more about Him. She is a Life Coach working alongside women and adolescence, as well as a mom to amazing 11&13 year old young men. She loves hiking and yoga when she gets the chance to do it. She often enjoys writing, creating, coffee with a friend or book, and laughing while hanging out with her boys.

Courage // Chelynn Broughton

Shortly after midnight on February 17th, 2015, my husband’s phone rang. When he looked at it, he said, “It’s your mom.” I knew right then that something was wrong, but I never expected to hear the words that he said next, “Your dad has passed away.” 

When we arrived at my parents’ house in Wagoner an hour later, two men were just getting ready to take my dad out on a gurney. They stopped just long enough for my sister, Brandee, and I to see him. It was a rough night to say the least, but my mom seemed to be handling it so well. She was crying, of course, but she had kept her wits about her and knew just what needed to be done. She had somehow known who to call and what to do. 

Since that tragic night six years ago, my mom (Roseanne) has shocked me over and over with the amazing strength and courage that she has shown in the trying times she faces daily. My dad had done pretty much everything around the house: mowing their over-an-acre property, weedeating, working on the cars, driving, etc. Mom bravely took over those tasks and shocked both Brandee and me continually with each brave new task she performed. For Mother’s Day a year or so after my dad passed, I gave her a bracelet that says “Courage” on it, and she proudly wears it, knowing that it symbolizes what she has come through in her life. She recently made the difficult decision to leave her home of many years to move to Sand Springs to be closer to family. 

It’s hard for me to read the story of Ruth without thinking of my mom. Naomi took her two sons and followed her husband out of the place where she had grown up, Jerusalem, away from the people she knew, to a new place full of strangers. Then years later after losing her husband and both of her sons, she bravely returned home. Naomi (this name means pleasantness) was so consumed by the sadness from the loss of her husband and sons that she changed her name to Mara, which means bitter. (As I read this first book of Ruth, I wondered why it wasn’t called Naomi.) She was so loved and respected by her two daughters-in-law that they were both willing to leave everything they knew to follow her back to Jerusalem, but Naomi was selfless and encouraged both of these young women to stay in their home town and look for other husbands. Ruth loved Naomi so much though that she refused to leave her side. 

The rest of the story is told in books 2-4. If you have the Bible app, I encourage you to do the following plan this week: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/16306

The audio commentary that goes with it gave me so much insight into the lives of Naomi and Ruth. It’s a true story of love and redemption.

Have you suffered loss in your life? Most of us have. Having the courage to move on, stay pleasant and not become a bitter woman can be difficult, but God uses our trials to make us stronger.

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NLT

‭‭‬‬

Stay strong, my friends. Your rewards in Heaven will be way greater than the losses in this world.

Chelynn is a contributing writer for Shaken and Stirred. She is a long-time daughter of Christ, a wife, mother of two amazing adult children, and Nonnie to four beautiful grandchildren. She teaches Senior English at Charles Page High School and is also a Realtor for Keller Williams. She enjoys all things summer including boating, vacationing, and swimming.

Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

What a Friend

Did you ever have that friend growing up that was EVERYTHING to you?  You did everything together, you talked about everything and you went everywhere together?  I had a best friend like that growing up.   Her name was Mercedes.  We were inseparable during elementary and middle school and most of high school.

She lived around the corner from me.  I can’t remember the exact moment that we became friends, but she was everything to me growing up. 

For years I still had the boxes of notes we wrote back and forth to each other.  Talking about this guy and that guy.  Who did we like?  Who did we not like?  Who did we want to be when we grew up?  What kind of guy did we want to marry and what would he look like.

I wanted to be a professional ballerina or a missionary.  She wanted to be in politics.  She was MUCH smarter than me, but never held that against me.  I wanted to marry a man from the south (so I could mostly just listen to him talk).  I don’t think she had any interest in marriage, but she wanted to save the world.  She stood up for women’s rights and injustices.  I just wanted to tell people about Jesus.

We would stay up all night dreaming of our futures, discussing our current relationships and situations. Together we would solve each other's problems.  Finish each other's sentences.  Wear each other’s clothes.  Fix each other’s hair.  Fight each other’s battles.

This is the kind of relationship we had, because we spent time together.  We talked to each other.  Listened to each other.  We read each other’s words.  We sat with each other, in silence, sadness and in joy.  We sought each other out and made time for each other.

There was an intimacy that Mercedes and I shared that I didn’t have with anyone else.  No one knew me like she did.

In the book of James, chapter 5:13-14, the author is telling us how we as Christians can have this kind of intimacy with Christ.  Even greater intimacy than what Mercedes and I shared. 

“If one of you is having troubles, he should pray.  If one of you is happy, he should sing praises.  If one of you is sick, he should call the church elders.  The elders should pour oil on him in the name of the Lord and pray for him.”

James wants us to be continually praying for everything.  Having a bad day?  Pray.  Having a great day?  Pray.  Feeling sick?  Pray.  Been sinning?  Pray.  Living a godly life?  Keep praying.

Look back at how I described my friendship with Mercedes.  Think of the amount of time it took to know each other well enough to finish sentences.  Imagine if you will, that instead of me talking about Mercedes, I was talking about my friend Jesus?

He is my everything.  He goes everywhere with me.  I share everything with him.  I read all of his letters to me.  I stay up all night telling him my hopes and dreams.  My fears.  The desires of my heart.

He tells me how much he loves me.  How he created me to tell others about him.  How his heart hurts when my heart hurts.  How he defends me.  Gave his life for me.  I am his everything.  When he calls out to me, I recognize his voice because we’ve talked so many times before and when I pray to him, he hears me because he also knows my voice.  He knows my heart.

In telling you about my friend Jesus, I keep singing this old hymn over and over in my head:

What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer

Oh, what peace we often forfeit

Oh, what needless pain we bear

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged

Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness

Take it to the Lord in prayer

I think Alan was talking about James chapter 5 when he sang this song. 

What are you thoughts?

Mary Swafford is the founder of Shaken & Stirred, Meals that Matter, Coffee Talk, and a Co-Owner of Boulder Coffee in downtown Sand Springs. She is a wife, a mother of 3 beautiful children, but most importantly a daughter of the most high God. You are likely to find her chugging or serving coffee, sitting in a tattooist’s chair, or making friends out of strangers.

Photo by Sam Manns on Unsplash

Money // Chelynn Broughton

What would you do if you won a million dollars? Where would you go; what would you buy, or who would you help with it? Would you spend it wisely or waste it on frivolous things? Would a million dollars make you happy? Before reading this week’s blog, write down your answer to this question in the comments section below.

This week’s lesson on wisdom comes from James 4:1-17. Bible scholars believe that Jesus’ brother, James the Just, is the author of this book. Please take some time to read and meditate on what he has to say.

Money can be both a blessing and a curse. We have to have it to buy the necessities of life: food, housing,  utilities, transportation, etc. It also makes life more enjoyable by allowing us to buy the desires of our heart: nice cars, boats, vacations, clothes, jewelry, and toys of all kinds--the things that bring happiness to people, right?

But...money can also bring grief. Families have been split; friends have become enemies, and churches have been divided over those green rectangular pieces of paper. People kill, steal, lie, cheat, and destroy just to get their hands on more of it. Television shows have people doing ridiculous things just to win large sums of money. They get people to eat bugs, lay in tanks filled with snakes, live in seclusion with a bunch of strangers, sing, dance, compete in ridiculously hard obstacle courses, go naked while trying to survive in the wild, and so much more. What exactly would you be willing to do for a million dollars? Would you betray your friends or family? 

In James 4, that is exactly what is going on. There is a breakdown of relationships in the community, and this breakdown has its origin in—you guessed it—money. Some of these believers desired wealth so much that they were willing to cheat their friends to get it just to spend it all on earthly pleasures. They were committing one of the most offensive acts in the Bible: pursuing wealth at the expense of relationships.  James even says that those who love wealth more than human beings are spiritual adulterers, even worse, they are enemies of God. 

You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: if you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.
(James 4:4)

Money is not bad; it’s the desire for more and more for the purpose of pleasure that leads people to spiritual adultery and idolatry. Relationships are the true currency of life. When you think of the happiest times in your life, was it the money or nice things you had that made you happy, or was it the time spent with friends and family that brought you true joy? 

James tells us to rely on God for everything, not to let money come between neighbors, not to judge others, to draw near to God and flee from the devil or the worldly desires he tries to instill in us, and not to boast about what we are going to do but rather to completely submit to what God will do for us. None of these things come easy for us. But the Bible tells us over and over that His ways are easier than the ways of the world.

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
(1 Tim 6:17) 

This week, instead of focusing on where the money will come from, focus on relationships. Make it your objective to set aside time to visit with a friend or family member who you haven’t seen or talked to in awhile, or invite a neighbor over for a glass of tea, or make a new friend. There are so many opportunities available to meet women in our church. Come to Coffee Talk on Saturday morning at Boulder (10:00 a.m.). You’ll be surprised at how much true happiness comes from people rather than things you buy. 

Have a great week!

Chelynn is a contributing writer for Shaken and Stirred. She is a long-time daughter of Christ, a wife, mother of two amazing adult children, and Nonnie to four beautiful grandchildren. She teaches Senior English at Charles Page High School and is also a Realtor for Keller Williams. She enjoys all things summer including boating, vacationing, and swimming.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Discordant Clacks

At an early age I learned that what I said had consequences. I noticed that when I or my sisters back talked or said hurtful things to each other, we were punished. When I was a teenager, my older sister and her friends called each other “female dog” in playful voices and then my sister would turn around and call me. I really disliked being called a “female dog” in jest. I don’t know why that was a thing in the early 2000’s but it was.  It felt like I was being attacked and I didn’t like it.

In college I experimented with swearing to make my, then, boyfriend happy. (Really that should have been a clue that something wasn’t right in that relationship). But really, it felt wrong. The words would come out of my mouth like marbles, heavy and, while slick, falling with discordant clacks.    

In James 3:9-10 it says,

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. And so blessing and cursing came pouring out of the same mouth.
Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

I’ve never felt right about swearing and a big part of that is how I was raised. But another reason is because I feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit when I swear. 

Why does it matter? Well, what comes out of our mouth is often what we take in. Movies, books, music, friends, and family. All of these things affect our minds and can cause moods and words that we don’t intend. I really enjoy reading books and escaping into the worlds created by authors. But I notice that I’ll start to feel angsty if the character is angsty, I’ll start speaking in an accent if I’m reading via an audiobook set in Ireland. I’ll feel anxious and scared when I’m reading a thriller. I tell myself that I’m learning and gaining knowledge from these books. In a way I am. But I know those things are not always good for me to rest in and that’s what will send me back to the Bible. James 3:17,

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”        

The best knowledge and wisdom that I have been given has come from God and not the books I read. Through things like House Church and devotional time I have come to understand so much more about the world we live in. 

This wasn’t meant to be a devotion about being careful about the media you consume on a daily basis. But that must be what God wanted me to write about today. Take a minute and think about your mood after you watch a reality show or how you react to stressful situations after listening to secular music. Are the words you say and reactions you have point to your love of Christ? Or are they emulating what you just watched and listened to? 

Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.

Photo by Crissy Jarvis on Unsplash

The Identity in the Mirror

What good is knowledge if we do not act on it? Is wisdom actually “wisdom” if it’s not acted upon? I think of so many times that I have been given advice and while I thought it was great, never put the advice into practice. Reading the Bible, I can see so many instances of advice, wisdom, and actions that I should be doing but don’t.

 In James 1:23 it says,

“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

I just have to say, oof. How many times have I read the Bible and didn’t do what it said to do? Too many times to count. There have been so many times when I’ve received and given the advice to read the Bible and spend time with God. But I’m not good at always making sure I do it.

Something that speaks to me about this verse is that it compares the word, or Bible, to a mirror. I know that the Bible is a picture of who God was, is, will be, and always is. I also know that part of our callings as Christians is to emulate what we see in the Bible and take it as wisdom and act on it.

Today, I have the perfect example of this: My parents have been in town for the week leading up to the fourth of July. I love my parents and one of the many reasons is the advice they give me. Advice for little things like how to take care of my home, how to deal with situations at work, and even things about God. Just 30 min. ago I told my dad what I’m wanting to write about and the first thing he asked, “Have you prayed about it?”. I told him I had but it’s always good to have a reminder. 10 min. ago my mother asked me the same thing…

Ladies, here’s the thing, God wants us to seek Him and remember. In Psalm 119:132-133 we see the psalmist cry out to God,

“Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.”

How often do you stop and cry out to God to help you in what you are trying to accomplish? For me I’ve seen my parents be this kind of example. Now don’t get me wrong, they are human too and have struggles like I do. But I see them pursuing God and acting on what He has to tell them. Just the other day my dad misplaced something important and what is the first thing my mom does? She prays aloud for God to show us where the item was located. A few hours later, we found the object that was lost.

Mom had faith that we would be led to the item, that God would help us find it. I believe that God was going to help us find it. But if we stopped looking for it all together, what would that have done?     

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?
 (James 2:14)

Is it faith to pray and then do nothing but sit? Have you prayed for something but haven’t taken any steps? Personally, me and my husband have prayed and prayed for a baby…but what do you have to do to have a baby? Tell you what, we must do more than pray in that case. There has only been one immaculate birth, Jesus, and I don’t expect to have a baby that way. If we don’t try to conceive a baby, knowing that God has said that he will give us one, is that faith?

It what ways has your faith been tested? How has God asked you to move in Faith?

Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.

Photo by Михаил Секацкий on Unsplash

A Prayer

I have been trying to write this blog post for weeks.  My mind has been racing with ideas of how to show you God’s faithfulness.  There are SO many examples, not just in the bible, but also in my life and the lives of each of you. 

Just this week I could easily tell you about 2 major events where God provided unexpectedly in big ways in my own family through His miraculous healing and in friends that are family, knitting everything together behind the scenes so that major medical expenses thought to be a burden to the family are now fully funded and covered abundantly.   

Every day God has opened doors of opportunity for faith filled conversations with unexpected people.  He has allowed me to encounter people to pray with, cry with, and embrace with confidence knowing that God has placed each of us in that moment for such a sacred occasion. 

While preparing for this blog, I have felt a bit like Jacob when he wrestled with God in Genesis 32.  I have encountered God and I am forever changed because of it.   

Other times, I have felt like Elijah on the mountain in 1 Kings 19, looking for God in the fire and the earthquake.  When all along He is there with me, in the gentle breeze.  Leading me and guiding me the direction He wants me to go. 

Even this morning in my devotion before church, God said, “do it my way”. 

So, this is me trying to do it God’s way. 

Some time ago, Rusty gave a message about prayer.  He suggested that if we find ourselves praying the same old thing over and over, then we should pray the Psalms.  This morning God told me that this is how he wants me to share with you about his faithfulness. 

This is my prayer for you today: 

“May the Lord answer you in times of trouble.” 

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your presence.  I thank you for the ministry of Shaken & Stirred.  God, I thank you for the freedom to call on you in times of praise and in trouble.  God fill us with your Spirit.  Wash over us with your grace.  Place a stirring within each of our hearts for you God.  Draw us in to relationship with you.  Give us the courage to reach out to you in prayer. 

“May the God of Jacob protect you.” 

God you are the same, always.  You are the same God to Abraham and Isaac and Jacob as you are to me and to us.  Thank you that while the circumstances in my life can often change, God you remain the same. 

“May he send you help from his Temple.  May he support you from Mount Zion.” 

God, I don’t know if I can do this alone.  I don’t know if the women I know can go through these struggles alone.  I know that you are always with me, with them, but God, please send others who know you and love you to know me and love me.  Send other believers that will be an encouragement.  That will speak your words.  That will be your representation in the flesh.  God if I can be that person to someone, Lord, send me. 

“May he remember all of your offerings.  May he accept all of your sacrifices.” 

God, sometimes I feel as if I have prayed and prayed and prayed to no end.  I have given all that I have to give.  I’m not perfect God.  I try, but I seem to fail daily.  Please help me to understand that I am good enough.  That there is nothing that I could do that will ever make you love me more than you do right now.  I can’t make you love me more by doing more and you will never love me less.  God thank you for loving me as I am right now. 

“May he give you what you want.  May all your plans succeed.” 

God, you know the desires of my heart.  All of my hopes and dreams.  All of the ins and outs of my situation.  You know all the details.  God change my situation or change my perspective.  God if my plans don’t match up with your plans, Lord, give me your vision.  I don’t want to just see things and people the way you see them, God I want to see the complete picture.  Help me to love others the way you love.  Help me to love myself the way you love me. 

“We will shout for joy when you succeed.  We will raise a flag in the name of our God.  May the Lord give you all that you ask for.” 

God I’m trusting in you for victory.  I’m believing for breakthrough in my situation.  God, I believe you can, but please help my unbelief.  I know that even as I’m praying to you now, you are working things out for your glory and for my good and I can’t wait to tell everyone about you!  Use my story and my testimony to open doors for others to come to know you. 

“Some trust in chariots, others in horses.  But we trust the Lord our God.  They are overwhelmed and defeated.  But we march forward and win.” 

God I’ve spent my life trying to fix things my way.  Doing things on my own hasn’t gotten me anywhere.  God I’m placing my trust in you.  I’m placing my whole life in your hands.  You own it all.  You created it all.  God you are in control, I am not, and I thank you for that.   

“Answer us when we call for help.” 

Thank you, Jesus that you have saved my life.  Thank you that I can call on your name and you are here with me.  I need you Lord.  Come into my life.  Come into my situation.  Come into my heart.  God, you have showed your love for me over and over.  Thank you for your constant care and concern.  I love you Lord.  Thank you for the honor of being loved by you.  Amen. 

Mary Swafford is the founder of Shaken & Stirred, Meals that Matter, Coffee Talk, and a Co-Owner of Boulder Coffee in downtown Sand Springs. She is a wife, a mother of 3 beautiful children, but most importantly a daughter of the most high God. You are likely to find her chugging or serving coffee, sitting in a tattooist’s chair, or making friends out of strangers.

Photo by Diana Simumpande on Unsplash

Refuge // Heather Dillingham

Have you ever had a night that you woke up with a heart full of fear? Your stomach hollow, your bones aching, and your mind hyper focused. Years ago this was a nightly routine for me. I would go to sleep just fine but, inevitably, at some point in the night I would wake up hyper focused on and full of fear over the idea of death. It felt like my humanity was crying out at the idea that I won’t live forever.

I still have nights like this, although thankfully much less frequent. Nights that I wake up with the sudden realization that our lives are so fragile. But instead of it causing me to lie awake for hours, now it usually only takes a few minutes before my head is on my pillow and I am off to sleep again. Why you may ask? Because God and His faithfulness shifted my thoughts.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Psalms 91:4

I don’t know about you but there are definitely times in my life where I needed that shield. That faithfulness that never ends. To know that no matter what I do, what I fear, or what is done to me, I am loved, cared for and enough. So in those dark nights, I seek God, calling out for refuge.

“If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you.”
Psalms: 91: 9-10

This kind of faithfulness should bolster each of us not only in the dark times but also in the bright light of day.

“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.”
Psalms 91: 5

God’s faithfulness is there to protect us in everything as we carry out the missions he has set before us. He hears, He delivers, and He never leaves. If that isn’t an example of faithfulness, I don’t know what is.

I thank God in those dark nights for his faithfulness. For his protection and for the promise that when I do die, because we all will, I don’t have to fear anymore. And like that, I can sleep.

Heather is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a believer, a wife, and a mother to a wonderful (and sometimes crazy) one-year-old. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and listening to podcasts. She can usually be taking care of the home and playing on the floor with her daughter.

Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash

Big Brother // Chelynn Broughton

There is a show on television called Big Brother (you may have seen it) where ten or more strangers known as HouseGuests are thrown together in a colorful, custom-built house full of cameras and microphones (actually it’s a Hollywood set). The contestants are completely isolated from the outside world with no televisions or phones. America watches as they compete in competitions, challenges, and day-to-day life. Each week they eliminate one HouseGuest at a time from the Big Brother house. This goes on for weeks until there are only two people left, and then the evicted contestants are brought back for the finale where they vote for the winner, and that person walks away with $500,000. Throughout the show, America gets to watch relationships being built and alliances being made. There have even been romances that developed into relationships outside of the house, and at least one marriage has come out of this show. The television audience grows to love or hate the HouseGuests and even has the opportunity to vote for the “People’s Choice” winner of $25,000. This sounds like a great show, right? The problem is that the people in the house lie, cheat, and backstab each other at every opportunity, just to better their chances of winning the money. It’s hard to believe that anyone would want to watch a show where this is being displayed, but it is now in its 23rd season, and sadly enough, I’m an avid follower. What I’ve figured out from watching this show is that no one in the house can be trusted, and the HouseGuests should not put their faith in anyone. More than one of them have learned this lesson the hard way. 

Have you put your faith in someone who has used it against you? We are probably all guilty of a little gossip here and there, and maybe we have even broken the trust of someone close to us. People are not perfect, but God is always faithful and His love endures forever.

In Psalms 118, David has realized that he can’t trust those around him, and that the only thing he can trust in is God’s love.

Psalm 118:6-8(NLT)

 The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.

    What can mere people do to me?

 Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.

    I will look in triumph at those who hate me.

 It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in people.

If you have been the victim of someone you thought you could trust lying to, cheating on, or backstabbing you, you know how painful that can be. The effects can be physical, mental, material, or even life altering. Maybe you’re afraid to ever put your faith in anyone again. Proverbs 17:9 says,  

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. 

No one is faultless; even the disciples erred over and over again, but Jesus was patient with them until the end. Maybe it’s time that you begin to trust in people again. The one thing you can always trust in is God’s love for you. 

Psalm 118:1-4

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

    His faithful love endures forever.

 Let all Israel repeat:

    “His faithful love endures forever.”

 Let Aaron’s descendants, the priests, repeat:

    “His faithful love endures forever.”

Let all who fear the Lord repeat:

    “His faithful love endures forever.”

Forever is a long time! 

Have a blessed week, my friends. 

Chelynn is a contributing writer for Shaken and Stirred. She is a long-time daughter of Christ, a wife, mother of two amazing adult children, and Nonnie to four beautiful grandchildren. She teaches Senior English at Charles Page High School and is also a Realtor for Keller Williams. She enjoys all things summer including boating, vacationing, and swimming.

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

God the Omniscient // by Joanna Goodin

When you think of a faithful friend or spouse, what do you think of? Miriam Webster defines it as, 

“steadfast in affection or allegiance, loyal, having firm adherence to promises made, someone who is true to who they are, and the standards set.”

Most of us have been betrayed and/or slandered at some point. Maybe you had a friend who would turn around and gossip about you after you entrusted them with a secret. Maybe someone you trusted,  caused harm. Perhaps someone made you feel they wanted to get to know you but then used everything you shared with them against you. Personally,  I am coming out of a season of having been hurt deeply in some of these ways. It seemed the only thing consistent was the damage being done, and that it was followed up with twisted truth and me being misrepresented, or lied about, which only brought more hurt. In a world where we all fear and long to be fully known, betrayal and being misunderstood can be painfully damaging…but there is one who knows me fully! God knows my hurt and loss, He knows lies spoken about me, and He knows where some of the things about me may be true, even though I do not see it yet.  God knows it all. He knows you. He knows and loves us anyway. 

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Take a moment this morning and read Psalms 139. Some believe that David wrote this Psalm after many people were speaking untrue things about him. I do not know if this is true, but it is definitely reasonable as we see David clinging to the fact that God knows what is true about him.  I hope you will read it in its entirety because this simple blog post will not do it justice.  It has been very helpful to me in my current season. As we walk through it together, I hope you will see how it covers so many areas of God’s faithfulness to us. 

A key word in this chapter is “know”. It is used six times, and the word “knowledge” is used once.  Take notice of all the verbs used for how God loves us. The chapter is full of His love in action.

“You have searched me Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down. You are familiar with my ways…”
(Psalm 139:1-3) 

He knows the silly you, the melancholy you, the bitter you, the generous you, the good intentioned you, the rebellious you, the critical you, the graceful you, the disloyal you, and the faithful you.  He knows every part of you.

“You hem me in behind and before and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.”
(Psalm 139:5)

This Greek word for hem (in some versions besetting) can mean to bind in, and to lay siege. There is a compressing in and surrounding of God happening. It is like He is embracing us in His arms and pressing in holding us tightly.

 David goes on to say God is everywhere. We cannot escape His presence. In verse 12, 

“…even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like day, for darkness is as light to you.“

We can’t hide our sins in the dark, because He is faithful to shine light on all things. This can feel creepy or scary, but it means God is light! He has no dark side! God is only good. We do not have to guess if we will get goodness from Him. His goodness always brings light to our darkness! He is faithful to who He is including His goodness.   

The next verses describe the awesome power and creativity of a God who is so big, but still intentional in the smallest details of creating us. We were created with such intricate care. So much power and creativity were shown to us even before our hearts could beat.  Suddenly there is a shift in the last verses and David begins to ask God to slay the wicked. David hates those who hate God and speak His name with evil intent.  It seems as if David believed his heart to be right but knew he needed God to search his heart, because our hearts can deceive us. He invited God to search and change anywhere his heart is not righteous. 

In verse 23 David prays,

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

The biblical meaning of the word “search” here has similar meaning to the way a miner would search for gold. It is also used in Judges 18:2 where the Israelites scour and search for land. Why does this matter? God has searched for you, knows you, and still loves you so much that He continues to search for you.  He is actively pursuing your heart. This is not a passive relationship on His part. 

Faithfulness is purposeful. In this Psalm alone God searches, knows, perceives, discerns, hems us in, lays His hand upon us, is always present, guides us, holds us fast, shines His light, created us, sees us, thinks of us, fights for us, examines and corrects us, and leads us in the way everlasting. This is love and faithfulness.  It is purposeful, intentional, and consistent. When He blesses us, He is true to His promises. When we sin and things go wrong, it is His faithfulness to His word. God cannot change or betray. He cannot misunderstand you.  He is love, and He is faithful. 

Where do you see God pursuing you? Do you invite Him to search you even when you feel misrepresented? Do you trust that He explores to bring intimacy and holiness, not to harm? How actively do you seek Him? Where can you dig deeper to know Him more, and where do you need to be searched and tested deeper still? God alone is good and faithful. Be known and ask Him to search you where you can be more faithful to Him and others. Know and seek Him with all your heart and look for His faithfulness to you. 

Joanna is a contributing writer for Shaken and Stirred. She loves Jesus and hopes she never stops learning more about Him. She is a Life Coach working alongside women and adolescence, as well as a mom to amazing 11&13 year old young men. She loves hiking and yoga when she gets the chance to do it. She often enjoys writing, creating, coffee with a friend or book, and laughing while hanging out with her boys.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Snowdrops

Earth frozen and stark, 
bare branches and limp scattered leaves,
hope is far.
Warmth flickers like the far off sun,
words spoken in love rest on surface, 
but go no further. 
White falls and blankets, 
covering and patient, 
awaiting the release of the Father.

Our world is amazing isn’t it? Every year we go through the 4 seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. Just think about that cycle for a moment using different words: Rest, Awaken, Grow, Harvest. 

Honestly, if you think about the cycle of the seasons it’s a perfect system. In the Winter, it grows cold, the plants sleep, and the ground is frozen. When precipitation occurs, it falls as snow and blankets the ground. The snow actually acts as an insulator to protect the ground and the resting plants. In the Spring, as the weather warms, the snow melts, the ground warms and plants drink in the water as they awaken. In the Summer, all things grow and begin to mature in the warmth of the Sun and plentiful water. In the Fall, the plants are ready for the harvest and enjoyment.

If you think about your life, where do you see yourself?         

A few years ago I painted a picture that represented winter for my home. I wanted it to have a bible verse and when I looked up “snow” this verse came up:

“He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.”
(Psalm 147:16)

I thought it was pretty and painted a wonderful picture of winter. At the time that’s all I thought it represented. But I was wrong in many ways. 

Last year I felt a nudge from God to “open my Bible and read”, so I did. I read the entirety of Psalm 147:1-20(NIV) and was brought to a realization: God is faithful.  

This is something that I’ve shared before and it can be hard to talk about. But my husband and I are struggling with infertility. I have blanketed myself in the promises that I know to be given from God. Promises that are actually in Psalm 147:13, 

“He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you.” 

To me this verse, is a reminder that children come from God. That no matter what our doctor’s say, through God we will have our babies. I’ve had words from people who love us and are strong in their faith, that say at least one of our babies will come from our bodies and another will come from our hearts (or adoption). I don’t know how any of this will play out. But as I sit here awaiting the Snowdrop flowers that come after the barren (seeming) Winter I am reminded of God’s faithfulness.  

In the season of waiting I Am here.

As I attend church, read my bible and receive advice from those around me God is spreading His word around me like a “blanket of snow”. Because I will be the first to admit that I feel as though I am in a Winter. A place where there doesn’t seem to be hope, but I can feel the protection and promise that God is laying over me and my husband.   

In the season of answers I Am here.

When God’s timing is right He brings revelation. When He breathes the spring winds into being, the snow melts and quenches. Fulfills. I have heard the answers from God, through people close to me. But now I am awaiting the fulfillment of His promise. 

  …

I am waiting for my Spring to occur and for the promises of God to awaken. The one thing that keeps me going from day to day is knowing that God always fulfills His promises. Just as I know the seasons will occur in the order they were created to follow. I know that God will bring about my next season in the timing He ordains.     

 Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.