Consequences

In house church we have been going through the book of Joshua. There are many things that God has commanded us to not do. Not because he wants to make our lives harder. But because in our obedience to his commands we find protection and blessings that exceed our expectations.

In Joshua 7, God became angry with the Israelites because someone had disobeyed his commands. Joshua found out about the situation after a failed attack on the city of Ai:

“Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.”
Joshua 7:11-12

God has a reason for all that he commands and there were consequences for Achon, the Israelite that disobeyed, and his entire household. After Achon confessed that he had stolen he was put to death along with his family, and all his possessions burned. Achon’s disobedience had far reaching consequences that he never intended.

After Achon’s death, God told Joshua to attack the city of AI again. This time, they came out victorious and took possession of all that the city had to offer. God blessed his people for being obedient to his commands. After, this Joshua read all the laws that God gave them, so that they would all be reminded and not sin against God.

When it comes to disobedience there are times when it could result in death. Other times it can mean taking a longer, harder path then God intended for your life. When God tells you to do something, you do it. In Deuteronomy 28:1 it says,

“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.”

Just like God had plans for the Israelites. He has plans for you as well. But will you be obedient and follow his direction when he reveals it to you? Or will you take a different path because it seems easier?

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 Bradyn Trollip on Unsplash

When I Kept Silent

I’ve had a good day today. Part of it is because I had a day off from work, another is that I got to sleep in till about 7:00AM. Can I get a hallelujah? After feeding my doggo I was able to get a load of laundry started and clean up the kitchen! Winning. I was able to make it to a local coffee shop and get half priced coffee and read my devotional by 9:30AM. The real miracle here though is that I was able to sit down and be inspired by God’s word for this devotional prayer.

There have been many times in my walk with God where I have questioned my own salvation. But I’m reminded when I get into the Word that it is a lie that the Devil is trying to trip me up with. I have been and will continue to be redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. I have the Holy Spirit within me, being both a comfort and a compass pointing me towards God. My prayer is that Psalm 32 will both convict you and point you to the true blessing in this life: the love of our heavenly Father.

…

1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

God, my Father, thank you for forgiving my transgressions against you. Thank you for being there, all around me, waiting for me to reach out. Thank you for never turning away from me. Lord, I pray for blessings to pour out upon this community. God, I pray that if there is a woman here who does not know you that show yourself to them today. I pray that their hearts are softened and that they feel the peace and love that you have for them.     

3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.

Your Holy Spirit lives within me and nudges me in the way I should go. God he is here in my heart that I may know you while I still live here on earth. He coaxes me to turn back to you and reconcile what has happened and be redeemed by you, God.    

6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.

God give us all the craving and urge to seek you and pray. God help our first thoughts to be of you each day. When the good or the bad occur let us go to you first with thanksgiving and praise. Just as David said, “you are my hiding place”, Lord. Continue to shelter us in your arms and set your angels around us as protection against the enemy attacks.

In your name we pray, Father God. Be with us this day and all the days to come.

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 Jessica Delp on Unsplash

Grace with Covid // Heather Dillingham

As I am writing this I am on day four of Covid…Yay. Something about being sick though is that it makes you realize how much you need grace.

You need grace because you aren’t able to play with your kids. You need grace because you can’t be intimate with your partner or even be around them. Grace for the laundry and dishes piling up, grace for the groceries that need to be ordered, and grace for having to hide when the rest of the family is enjoying family time. Not to mention the grace you need for yourself for feeling guilty about all the above.

But I noticed something when reading Psalms 119. A simple line that I could have sworn I read already in Psalms.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    as is your way with those who love your name.

Psalm 119:132

Here is why…

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    for I am lonely and afflicted.

Psalm 25:16

I entreat your favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.

Psalm 119:58

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
    our God is merciful.

Psalm 116:5

There are so many more verses like this, but you can already see how the Psalmists were constantly reaching for and begging for God’s grace.

Personally, I’m thankful for it! Passages like this point out to me that the Psalmists were flawed. That they NEEDED grace just as much as I need grace. That they argued with their spouses, allowed tasks to fall behind, lied, failed, and had FLAWS. And yet, they constantly point to how gracious God is because they understood the significance of the grace they had been given.

It’s not human nature to be gracious. We tend to want justice and even vengeance sometimes over grace. But God shows time and time again that He is full of grace and mercy. He can handle when we aren’t are best and can help us find the grace to give others and ourselves to become better through Him.

God, I love that no matter how messy I am, you are always full of grace. Your grace is seen so clearly throughout scripture. It’s in the requests of Your Psalmists, the praise of their words, and even in the way you constantly saved your people even when they didn’t deserve it. God please never give up on saving me. Never give up on saving us as a body. Grow us, God, with each failure, and help us to worship you more and to give you more. God thank you for accepting us, flawed and all. In Jesus Name. Amen.

I challenge each of you to find a verse about grace and write it somewhere for you to see this week. Add it to the bathroom mirror, your planner, anywhere. Then comment below what verse you chose.

Heather is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a believer, a wife, and a mother to a wonderful (and sometimes crazy) toddler. 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 Tracey Hocking on Unsplash

My Rock // Chelynn Broughton

If you haven’t read I and II Samuel, you may not know about all the struggles that David faced during his long life. Most of the Psalms are written by David during these difficult times. He spent much of his young life trying to avoid the death warrant the king placed on his head, but he stayed faithful in his relationship with God through all of it. When we are praying through the Psalms, sometimes his prayers seem so far off from our lives, but some of them are similar to what we are experiencing. Psalm 28 is one of those that is pretty spot on with what our nation is going through right now.

…

“To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.”

‭‭

Father God, You are my rock, my firm foundation. Hear my prayer dear Lord. I cry out to you for help and lift my hands towards Heaven.

“Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve.”

‭‭

Please help me to not be like those who speak kind words to their friends and then plot to destroy them. God, punish them for their evil actions and measure out their punishment in proportion to their wickedness.

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”

‭‭

Praise you Lord for hearing my cries for mercy. You are my strength and my protection. I trust You, Lord, with all my heart. You fill my heart with so much joy that I want to sing songs of worship.

“The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.”

‭‭

Thank you Lord for giving me strength during these hard times. Please make your presence known to those in power. Bless our nation and lead your people; be our shepherd and carry us in your arms forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen

…

Are you remaining strong in your faith even in these chaotic times? Know that God is faithful to His word. He will bless those who stand firm in their faith through their struggles.

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 Ben Karpinski on Unsplash

How Lovely // Mary Swafford

I’m late.  I’m late in writing this blog.  I totally spaced that my blog was due to post on Monday this week.  I never thought about it until I laid down to sleep last night and then it hit me!

I’m late.  But God is always right on time.  Our theme this month for our blog is praying through the Psalms.  I randomly chose a Psalm that I remembered enjoying during our recent study of the Psalms but knew ultimately that God would direct me to another when it came time to write.  

I’m so thankful for His timing.  Had I written my blog on time, I would’ve missed the beauty of listening to the ladies at the tall table at Boulder Coffee today as they wrapped up their final bible study gathering for the summer.  They have been studying Psalm 23 for the last 8 weeks.  I have enjoyed hearing bits and pieces here and there of their conversations of how God has spoken to them through the word.  Today was no different.  There was a lull in activity at the coffee shop which allowed me to hear one of them beautifully describing how God had pointed her to Psalm 84.

I stopped listening to her and started reading the Psalm for myself.  And I knew.  I knew God ordained this moment and this is the Psalm I’m going to pray with you.

As I pray, I hope that you will pray with me too.  Listen to the words of the Psalmist.  The words of God.  Allow them to penetrate your spirit and share with me in the comments how God spoke to you through Psalm 84.

…

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.  I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.  With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.

God, I love you Lord.  I want to be with you, Lord.  I want to feel your presence here with me now.  God I thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and the intimacy that knowing Him brings.  God let your presence wash over me.

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your alter, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!  What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.

God you take care of even the sparrows needs, Lord how much more will you care for mine?  With your tender love you provide for all of creation.  My King and my God!  What joy you give me.  Lord, I worship you with all that I am.

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs.  The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.  They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.

God, you are my strength.  When I am weak, you are strong.  I give my burdens to you and when I lay them down, you will pick them up and carry them for me.  You will be my strength when I have none.  When I am thirsty, you will be my refreshment.  When I am hungry, you will be my nourishment.  

O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer.  Listen oh God of Jacob.  O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield!  Show favor to the one you have anointed.  

God, listen when I pray.  Don’t let my cry go unheard.  God you know what is on my heart.  Sometimes it is more than I can even speak.  But you know my thoughts before I have them and my words before I say them.  

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!  I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

God, I want to be in your presence.  More than anything else, Lord, I want to serve you.  I surrender myself to you.  I give you everything.  My life, my marriage, my family, my home, my possessions, my relationships.  They all come from you and I surrender them to you.  

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.

Just like when you lead the Israelites out of Egypt and you were their cloud and their fire, God you are my light.  You show me the way to go, which path to follow.  And you are my shield, protecting me from the enemy.

He gives us grace and glory.  The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Thank you for your goodness Lord.

O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.

I trust in you Lord Jesus.  I love you Lord.  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 Cédric VT on Unsplash

Pray Through Psalms

For the month of August, my inspiration for the blog was that we need to pray through the Psalms. I believe there are many of you that are familiar with this concept and that is perfect.  But for those that aren’t I just wanted to share why I love doing this:

1.      Focuses Prayer

2.      Allows God to speak

3.      Easily repeated

My ultimate prayer is that by going through the next 5 weeks you will be inspired to do this in your own quite time.

…

Psalm 119:129-136

Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

Lord thank you for your Word. Thank you for giving us reminder after reminder of your faithfulness and love. Your words create light where darkness lived previously. God, I pray that you help us to not only remember your words but to help us to understand them. We thank you for the insight that we’ve received already in reading your word and wait anxiously for more.  

I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.

God, I pray that you give us an insatiable craving for you and your presence. Father, help us to understand that we only need you. When we search and search for peace, it can only be found in your arms. Make your presence known in both the purposeful times and in the busy moments.   

Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts.

Lord, please just guide us in these troublesome times. Keep us safe from the enemy as he prowls around looking for openings in our lives. Set your angels around us and guard our minds from the lies of the deceiver. Jesus thank you for your sacrifice in dying for our sins and redeeming those who choose you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit.

Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.

Father, please allow us to feel your presence. God help us to be like David and give us a longing to share your love with the people around us. Soften our hearts for those that are suffering and give us the courage and nudging to help.

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 Jasmin Ne on Unsplash

To Be A Witness

A couple of weeks ago, Amanda Hall preached a sermon on unity. Near the end she spoke about the three step process in Matthew 18:15-20 concerning sin in the church and how to resolve it. But she took it one step further and talked about how the three step process can also relate to conflict resolution between people in the Church. 

Today, I want to focus on the 2nd step found in Matthew 18:16. 

“But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 

In Proverbs, there are many wise sayings that help turn us away from sin and back on the path towards God. I believe they can also help us be wise in choosing the person who could be a witness in a conflict. 

1. “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” Proverbs 27:5 

Find someone who you trust to be truthful. Someone willing to call you out if you are in the wrong. If you have a friend that is willing to call you out when they see you sin, that is a friend that truly loves you. They would also be a person who could be impartial and not take sides. 

1. “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Proverbs 10:13

A witness needs to be a person who will not break your confidence. Remember, you are bringing them into a situation that could be sensitive. Make sure that you and the other person can both trust the witness to not talk behind your backs. 

1. “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9

Once the matter has been addressed it cannot be brought back up out of context. This situation is not meant to be a weapon in a later argument. All parties must agree that the topic will only be spoken about within context. Because, let’s face it, the matter is probably not fully resolved if someone still feels the need to bring it up in an argument. 

Could you see yourself being asked to be a witness in an argument or confrontation? Would you be able to approach a situation with love? 

I would like to encourage all of you, if the day comes and you are asked to be a third party in a disagreement. Take a deep breath, pray, and listen without speaking. Allow God to use you in the moment and let him speak through you.

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 Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

God's Timing // Mary Swafford

I love God’s timing. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to recognize what God is doing when he does it and other times… Not so much.  

I’m reading through the bible this year.  I’m using one of those preset plans on my bible app that tells me what passages of scripture to read from the Old Testament and what days to read it as well as a Psalm or Proverb and a reading from the New Testament. This is my fourth year to read through the bible in this way. I absolutely love it  Every year I feel like God reveals more of himself and his word to me and I’m able to connect the dots a little more every day.  

What’s funny about God’s timing and my bible reading plan is that one day, several weeks ago, I was reading through the book of Job. In chapter 28 specifically.  On this particular day, I was also reading Proverbs chapter 2. It was AWESOME because what I was reading in Job directly correlates with what I was reading in Proverbs!  And then, as if that coinkydink wasn’t enough, I had a message, from Bethany Thomas, to the blog writers saying that for the month of July, we were going to write about a Proverb each week.  

BLAM! “Ferb, I know what we’re doing today!”  (totally unrelated quote from the cartoon Phineas and Ferb)

Well, God revealing himself through his word and his timing is the easy part. Now I need to connect the dots for you and what he is teaching me.

My mind has been racing for weeks now. If you don’t know me, I am the women’s ministry director of Shaken & Stirred. For months, God has been speaking to me about a special event we are planning for you ladies in October. He keeps creating a stirring in my heart for Him and about his character and purpose. I KNOW what it is, but I don’t know how to communicate it to you yet. I’m reading and I’m praying and I’m meeting with other women who God has created this same stirring in. It’s incredible.  And yet, God isn’t finished. And so, neither am I. I’m still praying and I’m still looking.

I keep bouncing back and forth between our next Spill event and the October special event and this blog post. (thus the reason why I’m late getting it written).  And what God has just revealed to me is that part of my problem is my sight.

I’m looking and looking and looking at this passage and reading that book and speaking with those women. My focus isn’t exactly where it needs to be. I’m looking at things with face value, and I need to dig deeper.  I have a big picture, but I lack details. Thankfully, God sees the whole picture from beginning to end.  

I’m gathering facts.  I’m accumulating knowledge. What I need to do is seek wisdom. I pray for it and I ask for it, but I don’t believe I’ve been seeking it.  

“People know where to mine silver and how to refine gold.  They know where to dig iron from the earth and how to smelt copper from a rock [...] But do people know where to find wisdom?  Where they can find understanding?  No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living.” 
Job 28:1-2, 12-13

I’m just like the people Job was talking about. I know where to look for the information. I’m willing to do the hard work. I’m working for it with everything humanly possible. And that’s it. Humanly possible. I’m searching for something in the world that can only be found in God. It’s not humanly possible to gain wisdom and understanding of the scriptures or of God’s will by searching for it in a human way, with human tactics.  

“My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.  Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding.  Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.  Search for them as you would for silver, seek them like hidden treasures.  Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.  For the Lord grants wisdom!  From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.  He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.  He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.  He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just and fair, and you will find the right way to go.  For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.”  Proverbs 2:1-10

I need to slow down. Quiet my mind. LISTEN to what God is saying and treasure his word.  

God tune my ears to your voice. Your quiet and gentle wisdom as you speak into me. Help me to concentrate on you as I cry out to you, Lord give me understanding of what you are saying.

God thank you for who you are and who I am because of you. I give you my heart and my life.  Thank you for your joy and your presence. For always.  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 Bruno Figueiredo on Unsplash

Meek vs. Weak //Heather Dillingham

In preparation for this post, I decided to twist my ankle. Just kidding…kind of. 

A fun summer evening in the yard ended with my daughter freaking out as I clutched my leg and my husband helped me hobble to a chair. What I thought was surely just a minor thing, turned into a big annoyance as everyday tasks became difficult. (I don’t recommend attempting to shower when you can’t put weight on one foot.)

Something interesting happened in those first few days as I worked out navigating without using my foot/ankle as best as possible. I started becoming my own cheerleader. Everything was “You got this, Heather!” or “Come on, you can do this.”

I was encouraging, kind, and forgiving. 

But truth be told, I’m not normally that nice to myself, or my spouse. I nag, I match energy, and sometimes I take my daily frustrations out on the one person God gave me to love and cherish for the rest of my life. 

The Bible says,

A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof. 
Proverbs 19:13

When I read this verse, I knew I needed to write about it. This one little line in a chapter full of wisdom hit home. How much do I allow my house to be full of quarrels versus choosing to step back and let God fill it with peace? How much do I encourage?

I can tell you that I have seen the most change and healing happen when I have chosen to let God take over. On the other side, I have seen the most destruction in times I haven’t.

We live in a culture that doesn’t look at the relationship between a man and a woman like what God set it up to be. Everything is about what YOU want. It’s about putting men in their place and showing we are strong. But the thing is, the Bible never says women aren’t strong. 

Meekness and self-control aren’t signs of weakness, they are signs of true strength and God put us on this earth to be exactly that for our spouses. We are supposed to love, support, and encourage, not nag, discourage, and wound.

I encourage each of you to take a look at the words and actions you use this week. Are you more likely to complain than encourage? Do you tell your spouse thank you for mowing the yard, or do you get angry because they got grass on the walkway? 

If you don’t have a spouse, how are you treating your significant other, friends, or family? Do you choose to gossip instead of asking about their day? Do you get easily offended and turn cold?

Who we are is a direct response to who God is in our lives. So be the encourager, the peacemaker, and choose to be meek as a sign of strength rather than weakness. I pray God provides healing in all the relationships of those reading these words. That He provides His peace and guidance, and that each of you sees His vision for your relationships.

Heather is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a believer, a wife, and a mother to a wonderful (and sometimes crazy) toddler. 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 Kelly McCrimmon on Unsplash

A Life of Worship // Mary Swafford

God has been wrecking my thoughts the last three weeks.  Every time I turn around or read my devotional or attend a worship encounter, it feels as though He is calling to me, drawing me to Him and into a greater, deeper understanding of His purpose.

I wish I could explain sometimes how he speaks to me.  I’d like to say that his words have come like thunder or an earthquake, much like Elijah was expecting.  But more often than not, His voice comes as a whisper, just as Elijah received.  A whisper that seems louder than a scream, that only I can hear.  Words that resonate in my mind and on my heart for days, weeks or longer. 

If that weren’t enough, then it seems God brings his people, in seemingly innocent conversation, and uses them to remind me of what He has been speaking to me.

I have a bad habit of acknowledging His words and then ignoring them, getting distracted, and going on with life.  But in true God fashion, He will come at me again and again and again until I respond.

Right now I’m working through and praying about what exactly my response should be, but I feel compelled to share with you some of what He has been saying to me.

In a recent worship encounter, the speaker said (in the words of the gospel according to Mary’s notes and short term memory) “Our faith shouldn’t be dependent on outcomes, but on who God is.”  

Bam.  

I can’t get this phrase out of my head.  I am,  as I suspect you are, often guilty of coming to God with my laundry list of prayer requests and base the depth of my faith on which of those requests He has answered and in what way.

In our House Church’s we are studying the book of Joshua.  We’re about midway through the book and we’re reading about the allotment of land, the fulfillment of God’s promise spoken to Moses.  In chapter 14, Caleb requests his inheritance and in verse 10, states that it has been:

“forty five years since the Lord spoke this word to Moses.”

Forty five years.

In the book of Genesis, it was about 25 years for God’s promise to make Abraham a father of nations to come to pass.  

It’s not always easy to trust God for something.  Sometimes we quit praying long before we receive our “answer”.  We may even give up.  In giving up, we tend to question God or distance ourselves from him, his word, and his people.

Or, we may have a tendency to laugh like our sister Sarah as she laughed when she heard “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”  Because when God speaks, we don’t believe Him or his timing.

But the memory of the pain and sorrows of unanswered prayers or heartfelt longings linger.  However, we can raise a hallelujah because we choose to trust God and we choose to surrender to His will. Even when we don’t understand, even when we don’t get the answer we so desperately wanted. We choose to look at His track record and what we know to be true.

I read this verse recently in one of my morning devotionals, 

“The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words.  I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.  Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease.  Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.  I say to myself, the Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”  
Lamentations 3:19-24

I don’t want my praise to be dependent on an answered prayer.  God I want you to be enough.  You are my inheritance and you are more than enough for me!  I want to dare to hope in you.  Not even looking to receive anything more from you because you’ve already given me everything!

Whatever season you are in, I borrow the words of David to encourage you to trust in God at all times. Pour out your hearts to Him. God is your refuge. Draw near to Him, in good and bad, with lamentations and hallelujahs. He will meet you there.

 Photo by Cristobal Baeza on Unsplash

Just Praise

Less distraction, no judgment, freedom to move. That is why I choose to sit on the front row. Because let’s face it, we all have our own way to worship the lord. Mine includes a need to dance and move so I like having space and the ability to tune things out. If I sit in the back I’m distracted by what other people are doing and find it hard to concentrate on just praising God.

I’ve mentioned before in a post called “Twirling Dancer” that I used to dance in church as a little girl. What I didn’t get into is that as a teenager I could barely raise my hands in worship. Why? Because I was embarrassed and felt like I was being judged by my friends. I didn’t want their opinion of me to change, so I changed myself to fit in with them. 

In John 12:1-7, we come across a story where Jesus visited the family of Lazarus, not long after Lazarus had been raised from the dead. 

“Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.” 

(John 12:2-3)

Each one of the siblings was honoring Jesus in their own way. I will even say they were praising him. Of course Mary’s praise was probably the strangest to both us and the people around her. It was normal to wash a visitor's feet with water, but insane to use expensive perfume, worth a year's income, and your own hair. But she didn’t care. Mary had her eyes on her Lord and savior and didn’t let the opinions of the disciples, her siblings, or anyone else deter her. She humbled herself and simply worshiped. 

My prayer is that you will be encouraged by Mary’s example and be daring in your praise and worship like her. I was reminded of Mary while singing in church on Sunday, “I just want to kneel here at your feet” (“Nothing Else” by Cody Carnes). Can you be daring and humble yourself before the Lord for his sake? Do something different this coming Sunday or in your own worship time during the week: dance, kneel, sway, raise your arms to the lord. Just praise HIM. 

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 Darya Ogurtsova on Unsplash

Wisdom \\ Sheila Dorris

This world is really tough. It's hard to make it throughout the day without hearing of a tragedy. If you  stop and think though, the Bible talks about tragedy all the time: murder, fraud, slavery, adultery, and all that in just one story concerning the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Abraham. There are plagues, famines, floods, wars, and all kinds of other hardships in the Bible, I mean they had it rough…not to mention no indoor plumbing! 

I have always wondered if I would make the right choices if I was put to the test and had to make hard decisions. Like Moses’ mother, knowing he would be killed if she kept him, sending her baby floating down the Nile. A baby? I don't know if I could trust that everything would be alright. She also trusted that Pharaoh’s Daughter would find him and take him as her own. That’s also pretty iffy.  

The women that are noted in the Bible were put into such messes! What I am thankful for is that in this  literary document, it INCLUDED women in it at all! Study them! If they are in the Bible it is for a good  reason. Remember women weren't worth anything back then. So to be mentioned, is a HUGE moment. 

I think about this story and how I may have reacted. 

1 Kings 3:16–28 recounts that two mothers, who lived in the same house and each had an infant son, came to Solomon. One of the babies had been smothered  and each claimed the remaining boy as her own. Calling for a sword, Solomon declared his judgment: the baby would be cut in two, each  woman to receive half.

“Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”’ (1 Kings 3:24-25)

In this moment of wisdom King Solomon knew that the real birth mother would not allow her child to die. Where the other mother claiming to be the mom would not care. 

“The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.”’

Whoa! That was a huge risk she just took. She could have been killed for speaking against the king’s decree and the baby would have gone with the other woman.  

When he said he would cut the baby in half, I probably would have been thrown in prison! ARE YOU CRAZY?! “Cut the baby in half” how does THAT solve anything?! 

Not understanding his wisdom at this moment, as we sometimes don't. All she knew was she had to protect her baby even if it meant the other woman would raise him.

Look at the women in the Bible that are used. They are not boring. They are daring! 

Stand up and become daring! Invite someone to church, ask if you can pray with them, go to House Church if you don't attend one. Our Lord is Mighty!  Therefore we should be Mighty in the Lord.  

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 Hu Chen on Unsplash

Persistence \\ Heather Dillingham

Have you ever noticed that God often likes and helps those who dare? Women (and men) in the Bible who were like, “Ya, that’s cool that this goes against all reason but, my God has me”.

I can’t tell you how many times I have read about Daniel in the lion's den to my daughter and just thought this is crazy! Or read about Ruth who dared to propose to a man. I couldn’t even tell my husband I liked him until he told me first!

But the women I want to talk about today were not only daring. They were persistently daring.

“The daughters of Zelophehad … came forward and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said, “Our father died in the wilderness…Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”
Numbers 27: 1-4
 

Woah woah woah! Do you mean they just walked up and demanded property? In a day and age where women WERE property? Yes and no.

In order to get to Moses in the first place, these five daughters had to first go through lesser courts, pleading their case and daring to demand what they thought was right.

Something else to know about their ask is that it’s not just a simple, “here is some land”. If they get this land, they have to cultivate it, work it, and protect it. They aren’t asking for an easy task. They want the work.

I wonder how many times one of them got nervous or scared and wanted to back out. I wonder how many times they contemplated quitting altogether, but they didn’t, and God blessed them for it:

“Moses brought their case before the Lord, and the Lord said to him, “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them.”
Numbers 27: 5-7

This short story in the Bible gives us a glimpse into daring acts that set things apart for a whole family. It goes against customs and norms, but God chose to honor and bless them for their daring. So, what are you daring for?

For me, I’m daring to put my trust in God as I work on side projects that I always thought I wasn’t good enough to do. To fail, mess up, and keep pushing. To do the work and choose to be persistently daring.

Are you ready to be persistently daring? Are you brave enough to do the work and face the courts as Zelophehad’s daughters did? Are you brave enough to go to God?

I pray that each of you makes time today to just listen to God. To what He has called you to be daring for! I pray that He renews you with strength and continues to help you push and be like these five daring women.

Heather is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a believer, a wife, and a mother to a wonderful (and sometimes crazy) toddler. 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 John Thomas on Unsplash

Saying “No”

Saying “no” is a terribly difficult task for me. I do everything in my power to say yes whether that be to other people or myself. However, in not saying “no” I might be doing more damage than good.

Three areas to practice saying “no”:

Entertainment

I love books, movies, tv shows, and music. It is my dream to become an author and write YA fantasy/science fiction novels. Because of that I enjoy consuming all kinds of media. Which can be dangerous if I’m not vigilant. In Philippians 4:8 it says,

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

There are times when the topics of the media I consume do not coincide with what is said in this verse. Now I can easily say no to watching or reading anything in the horror genre. But ask me to see a superhero movie and I’m racing you to the theater. Even if there’s an underlying theme that goes against my beliefs as a Christian: such as witchcraft or gods from other religions I have a hard time saying “no” unless it’s super obviously bad.

For example, I enjoyed watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996) when I was growing up (secretly of course because my parents didn’t think it was appropriate) and when the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018) came out I thought it would be similar. But it certainly was chilling, and I had to stop it 20 minutes into the first episode.

Why is it I can say no to something blatantly satanic, but I can swallow the comedic candy colored varnished version of the same base material without an issue?

Social Engagements

The fear-of-missing-out is a real feeling, even for a homebody like me. I deeply miss my friends and miss the days where they were right next door, or you could spend hours on the phone with them. As an adult you don’t get to spend as much time with your friends. You end up only getting a few hours at church or an evening or two a month. Which means it feels horrible when you need to say no to an invitation.

But I think we should give grace to each other. There are going to be times when saying “yes” to one more invitation creates an exhaustion that is bone deep. While being with friends is important it is equally important to create margin for rest and refreshment.

“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do.”
Deuteronomy 5:12-14

Serving

Since I was 8 years old I have been serving in church. It started with the offering bucket in children’s church and has now bloomed into serving on several different teams, including Shaken & Stirred. It used to be that there were only a couple of places you could serve in: children’s ministry, youth, and (if you could sing) the worship team. But now there are so many other opportunities inside and outside the church that one can get lost in it. However, serving in the church should not become an identity. It should be a natural result of loving Jesus but never your actual identity.

I can easily say “yes”, to serving when I should be saying “no”. I’m a regular Martha when it comes to these things. I get so caught up in the task that I forget the point of it all,

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left m e to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”’
Luke 10:40-42

Jesus loves our faithfulness to serve him and the church, but we must make sure that in doing so we don’t lose the point: Jesus himself.

When we say “no” it creates the margin we need to connect with God and serve with a full spirit instead of a drained one. When you serve, make sure it is for the right reasons, your “no” may open the way for the right person to take that open spot.

…

In writing this I am not asking you to say “no” to a friends request to hang out, or from watching the latest marvel tv show, or even from a request to serve on the xyz team at church. I’m asking you all to be daring and say “no” to give yourself margin in your life.

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.

Grace, Gentleness, and Courage // Mary Swafford

If you attended a worship encounter this Sunday at Church That Matters or watched online, then you know that our very own Amanda Hall preached a message about Martyrs.  One of the definitions of a martyr is:  a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principal.

Can you think of a time when you sacrificed something of great value for a greater good?  

I’ve been pondering this question today and trying to think if there has been a time when I truly had to sacrifice for someone or something else.  

When I was 10, I took the blame for something my friend did because I didn’t want my parents to be mad at her.  When my brother and I would get in a fight and he would hit me, I would hide under my bed crying until it didn’t hurt anymore because I didn’t want him to get in trouble.  

As an adult, I’ve left a job or two because I disagreed with the culture of the company.  I’ve lost friends because they asked my opinion but didn’t really want it and I’ve given up things that I love for people I love more.   

I would gladly and willingly lay down my life for my family, friends or neighbors.  I believe I would feel just as strongly about this if I ever found myself in a position to need to give my life as a sacrifice, but I’ve never had to approach a situation or person at the risk of my own life.

In 1 Samuel 25, we read about a “sensible and beautiful woman” named Abigail.  She is married to a man named Nabal, who is “crude and mean in all his dealings.”

Nabal is approached by one of King David’s messengers for a favor.  The messenger reminds Nabal of the protection and care the king and his men provided for Nabal’s shepherds and asks if he will share his bread, water, and meat with the king and his men.  Unfortunately, the king’s generosity and kindness is met with disdain and Nabal not only refuses to share, but also insults the king.

King David is infuriated and his response is to order his men to “get your swords!”  Realizing that the king and his 400 men were on the way to murder and carry out vengeance on Nabal and his household, one of Nabal’s servants goes to Abigail to tell her everything that has happened and to plead with her to “figure out what to do”.

Abigail put everything on the line to save Nabal's men. She prepared food and rode out to meet David and his four hundred men (v.18). When she met them she fell down before David and said "On me alone, my lord, be the guilt" (v.24). She stepped in at great cost and risk to herself. No doubt this surprised David as the most unlikely person offered herself up for the men he intended to destroy.

Abigail offers herself a humble sacrifice for an offense she didn’t commit in an effort to save the lives of many.  

“On me alone, my lord, be the guilt.”

It is hard to miss the picture of the Gospel in this story…

“Father, forgive them.  For they know not what they do.”

Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He entered into our desperate situation, at great cost to himself. He brought glory to God by bearing the wrath our sins deserved. Now we can be ministers of reconciliation, step into difficult situations, and seek to bring about good.

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 Oliver Pacas on Unsplash

Inner Strength // Chelynn Broughton

What came first, the chicken or the egg? Have you ever been pulled into this argument? Some people will argue for a long time over this topic, but I can answer that question without a doubt. 

And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky." So

God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.

Gen 1:25

So, the chicken came first, and then that chicken laid eggs, and those eggs became chickens, and so on and so on.

No one argues over the question of who came first: man or woman. But, if I posed the question: Who is the stronger of the two sexes, this would spark a great debate. 

Women are often called “the weaker sex,” but I would argue that women are stronger than men in so many ways. I’m not necessarily talking about who can lift the most weight or who has the largest muscles. What I’m talking about is inner strength. One such woman was Jael (Yaa el). Judges 4 tells the story of how Jael single-handedly defeated Sisera, the feared commander of the Canaanite army, with just a tent spike and a hammer.

Sisera, meanwhile, fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there was an alliance between Jabin king of Hazor and the family of Heber the Kenite.

Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come, my lord, come right in. Don’t be afraid.” So he entered her tent, and she covered him with a blanket.

“I’m thirsty,” he said. “Please give me some water.” She opened a skin of milk, gave him a drink, and covered him up.

“Stand in the doorway of the tent,” he told her. “If someone comes by and asks you, ‘Is anyone in there?’ say ‘No.’”

But Jael, Heber’s wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died.

Jael had amazing strength of mind, body, and spirit when God’s plan went against hers. She chose faith over fear. She used the tools she had on hand, and she did what she had to do to follow God’s plan. The Bible is full of stories where God’s plan doesn’t match up with the plans that person had for their life. Jonah had to be swallowed by a whale before he would listen and obey. Jael didn’t even argue; she just did what God called her to do with the tools she had on hand. That is true strength!

I’m sure you can tell a story or two of a woman you know who portrayed true strength through extraordinary circumstances. I would love for you to share them here.

A Choice Between // Mary Swafford

DARING – to be DARING is to be bold, adventurous and a little nervy.  It’s a quality possessed by people who tend to take risks.  If someone says, “I dare you,” and you always do, you’re a daring person.  

If you are DARING, you dare to do things that are risky and even dangerous. A daring mountain climber may go to the top of Mt. Everest, and a daring policeman enters the scariest houses to catch a crook. In comics and movies, superheroes are daring. Even quitting your job to start your own business is daring.  The seafarers who first traveled across the globe were daring. DARING people are brave.

The bible gives us countless stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the cause of Christ. Exodus chapter 1 gives us an account of 2 such daring women; Shiphrah and Puah. They were Hebrew midwives to the Israelite nation.

If you’re not familiar with the story, let me backup a bit. Because of God’s promise to Abraham, to bless him with descendants that would outnumber the stars in the sky, and Abraham’s faithfulness, the Israelites multiplied so greatly that they became powerful and filled the land of Egypt. The Egyptian’s grew to fear the Israelites because of their strength and numbers and made them their slaves. Despite Pharaoh’s efforts to oppress the Israelites, they continued to multiply and spread. The harder the Egyptians treated the Israelites, the more God seemed to bless them.

In a way, this part of the story reminds me of how the church continued to grow and spread the Gospel against all odds during the most oppressing times of the Covid scare. The more the world became fearful and restrictions were put in place to guarantee isolation and control, the more the church found ways to be present in the lives of God’s creation and provide for needs in tangible ways beyond tradition. The harder the world treated God’s people; the more God seemed to bless them.

Pharaoh’s attempts to keep the Israelites from prospering weren’t working to his satisfaction so he 

“gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah:  “when you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver.  If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.”’
Exodus 1:15-16

Boom.  

What better way to keep the Israelite nation from growing than to totally eradicate their ability to reproduce? But OUCH! Can you imagine the position this put Shiphrah and Puah in? 

The single most powerful man in the land has ordered you to kill all the Hebrew boys as they are born in an effort to wipe out a nation of your own people. The reason behind the order doesn’t really even matter. What matters are these women’s responses.

The women are at a crossroads. Ensure their own life and obey the orders given or betray Pharoah and allow the male babies to live, and therefore, risk their own life to give those babies theirs.

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroad? Stuck between a rock and a hard place? Neither option is particularly easy. To go left may guarantee your status, financial gain and security, but includes the secret weight of sin and shame. To go right guarantees honoring God with your words, actions and life, although you may lose it. One choice offers familiarity.  The other offers something unknown.

“But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders.  They allowed the boys to live too.” 
Exodus 1:17

Shiphrah and Puah feared God. They feared God more than they feared Pharaoh or anything he could do to them. They chose to be daring and honor God with their words, actions, and lives. Because they did; 

“God was good to the midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more powerful.  And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.” 
Exodus 1:20-21

Shiphrah and Puah dared to do something that was risky and even dangerous. God honored their devotion to Him and blessed them as well as the Israelite nation. God’s promise to Abraham continues in part because of their faithfulness. Not only were their lives changed, but their family for generations to come are a part of the family of God.

What crossroads are you at today in your life? How is God calling you to be DARING for Him?  

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 Maria Ballesteros on Unsplash

Daring to Hope

My spare bedroom is a cluttered mess. Mostly because it has no purpose at the moment. When we first moved into our house it held unpacked boxes along with a spare queen size bed.  

Rachel, my little sister, moved in and out a couple of different times. The last time she ended up moving to California and we decided to get rid of the Queen bed. We had big plans to make the room into a “hangout” spot and bought a futon (because it can “become” a bed). We hooked up our Nintendo 64 and VCR to the TV and hung out in there for a couple of weeks. 

In 2020, around Easter, we kept 4 baby chicks in a storage tote, on a coffee table, in the spare room. It was very a dusty mess after that let me tell you (do not keep chickens in your house, just don’t. It took us a few months until they were big enough to move out and another month for me to clean that room up.  

There’s one item in that room that I haven’t even entertained the notion of changing. A white, three drawer, dresser. The kind with the little scalloped boarder on the sides and back, so you can put things on top without them falling off.  

We received this dresser from my sister-in-law in 2015 after Charles and I were married. She was done with it because her house was getting cluttered and she wanted to update the kids furniture. I thought it would make a great changing table. All you have to do is buy the little changing pad and set it on top… 

This year will mark our 7-year anniversary and the 5th year of our infertility journey.  

And to be truthful, we are starting to lose hope. There are many times that I’ve prayed for God to take away the yearning I feel whenever I see or hold a baby. To help me be content with my life as it is. And yet, I still dream about being a mom. And the wonderful gift there is in being called “mom”.  

I originally didn’t want to share this testimony because of the topic: “Daring to Hope”.  

Psalm 42:5-8NIV says,  

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? 
Why so disturbed within me?  
Put your hope in God,  
For I will yet praise him,  
My Savior and my God. 

My soul is downcast within me; 
Therefore I will remember you  
From the land of the Jordan,  
The heights of Hermon—from mount Mizar. 
Deep calls to deep  
In the roar of your waterfalls; 
All your waves and breakers 
Have swept over me. 

By day the Lord directs his love, 
at night his song is with me-- 
a prayer to the God of my life.” 

Like the Psalmist, we are in constant prayer and seeking God in our situation.  

We have wonderful friends and family who pray and have words of encouragement from God for us. But it is so painful to hope.    

To actively hope, is it put aside fears and disappointments. At the start of every new cycle I pray that this will be the time. I count out the months and imagine what it would be like to share good news with friends and family. I imagine what color I will paint the spare room and how weird it would be to not have it has a “shove it in and close the door” room. But then the day comes when I start my period: some months I can carry on just fine and others I'm a wreck.   

I personally feel that I must tell you all that I don’t have a profound revelation today for keeping grip of the hopes you all have. Since I’m still in my struggle the only advice I have today is “put your hope in God”. 

In Romans 5:3-5 it says,  

“…we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, Character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” 

Hope comes from God, which can only mean to me that I should continue to hold onto it. And gain comfort from what the word says even when the world says we should give up.  

I’m not the woman who buys the kids clothes in the hopes that a little snuggly body will soon wear them. I haven’t painted the spare room or picked out a rocking chair. I’m the woman who has three drawers with odds and ends in them because it represents a hope that one day my prayers will be answered, and I can fill those drawers with baby things that will be used. 

But when it’s hard to hope on your own, be daring, and place your hope with God. 

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 Tiago Bandeira on Unsplash

Consequences // Sheila Dorris

There may be someone in your life that you look up to and admire. They may have different qualities that you may like. Maybe they just seem to have their life somehow a little more together than yours. You strive to be like them, but something or someone may drag you down.

As we have learned in the previous weeks, Tamar has been through a lot of hardships. Marrying Er, who displeased God so much that God killed him. Yikes! Then being given in marriage to her selfish brother-in-law, Onan (who also angered God and died). According to custom Tamar needed to be given to Shelah once he had grown up. But Judah was hesitant. I mean, I kinda get that maybe he's thinking Tamar is just bad luck, or evil. 

Tamar, was upset that she was sent back to live with her father. It was not her fault her husbands had made God angry. So when Tamar learns that: 

1. Shelah had grown up 

2. Her father-in-law was in town 

3. Judah hadn’t sent for her 

Tamar becomes a little more DARING and disguises herself as a prostitute. She’s done waiting. 

Judah comes to her not knowing she is his 2 time daughter-in-law and wants um...well ya know…some hanky panky. If he had only known it was her he probably would have been worried for his own safety after what happened to two of his sons.  

Before they sleep together she wants to know what her payment will be in return. He offers her a goat, but she asks for a pledge in the meantime, something of his that would prove his identity (His staff and seal with the cord). Tamar was risking it all now. She was lying to her father-in-law about who she was, about to have sex with him, and demanding assurances ahead of time!

Once Judah was back home, he sent his servant with payment so that he could get his personal items back. But they could not find the prostitute. In fact, no one knew of a prostitute in that area. 

Then Judah received word: 

‘“Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result she is now pregnant.”

Judah said, “Bring her out and have her burned to death!”’
(Genesis 38:24)

Tamar was like, hold up a minute! Take a look at these personal belongings I have of my child's father. Do you recognize anything? Hmmmm? 

“Judah recognized them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not sleep with her again.”
(Genesis 38:26)

In the end, Tamar was blessed with twin boys and now she had the protection she needed. In the end, she was given the number of children she had been promised. One child for each of her marriages.  

So in this situation no one was fully in the right. All parties took the situation and tried to fix it the only way they knew how: Judah was protecting his remaining son and Tamar just wanted the children she was promised. We all make mistakes like this and yet because of God’s grace through Jesus, we can become God's children. We are not always going to do things right, only Jesus was able to manage that feat. 

The person you look up to the most isn't going to do everything right. No matter how "together" they appear. They could be a part of the lineage of Jesus Christ but it doesn't matter in the end because they still mess up. We must look to God to take care of these situations. Lean in on him, and be DARING as you act on HIS commands.

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 Adele Shafiee on Unsplash

The Grace of God // Mary Swafford

The story of Judah and Tamar is not pleasant.  Broken promises, deception, immorality and incest... but through it all we see the grace of God.  Sounds more like a soap opera or movie than the story of one of only 4 women mentioned by name in the lineage of Christ.

“God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were.  But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.”  Romans 5:20

We see this truth illustrated in Genesis 38.  In fact, the grace of God is magnified in this story.  

As we read in last week’s post by Heather Dillingham, Tamar had been waiting.  Waiting to receive the gift of motherhood.  Waiting for a third son to come of age and fulfill the promise of a child.  Waiting for the shame of her unfulfilled promise to no longer weigh on her.  Waiting for the guilt of losing 2 husbands before they could or would fulfill this promise.  Waiting to no longer be the outcast, downtrodden, dismayed or forgotten.  Waiting to find her purpose.

Scripture doesn’t tell us how long Tamar had been waiting.  Only that “some years” had passed and that “Tamar was aware that Shelah had grown up, but no arrangements had been made for her to come and marry him.”  Tamar, no doubt felt forgotten and alone.  I’m sure she wondered, “how much longer must I wait”.  Constantly living in shame.  Visibly announcing with her widow’s clothing to the whole community that she has no husband and no seed to carry on the family of Judah.  

Alas, Tamar receives word that Judah is coming to town and Tamar decides to take things into her own hands.  To be the master of her destiny.  She is tired of the waiting and is taking control.  

In short, Tamar dresses like a prostitute in order to seduce Judah into having sex with her in hopes that she would become pregnant and find her purpose and receive her promise that is so long overdue.  It’s as if she was a rebellious me at age 16 daring Judah to continue to withhold his son from her.  She says “here, hold my veil!”  I’ll show you who’s in control of my future.

Tamar was clever and manipulating.  She was very calculating.  Even asking Judah, “what will you give me to guarantee you will pay me” for sex.  It’s like she knew that if she didn’t hold on to proof of his identity, there would be grave consequences.  Tamar thought of everything.  And just like sin often does, she got exactly what she wanted.  She became pregnant.

You’ll have to read next week’s blog to find out what happens next in the story.  What I’d like to focus on for the rest of mine is God’s grace.

Our sinfulness is never a surprise to God.  We live in a fallen world, and though we are far removed from Tamar and the ancient people of her story, we live in our own stories of disappointment, temptation, and hurt.  We bear deep scars from the consequences of actions and inaction.  And very often, we too give up on God’s promises and take things into our own hands trying to fulfill a promise that only God can do.

The good news?  Jesus loves us regardless of our dysfunctional, crazy mess.  He never loves us less, no matter how much we’ve screwed up, or the addictive past we claim or crimes we may carry.  The consequences of sin are painful, but Christ’s love remains pure.  We are forgiven and loved.

God loves us.  He created us.  He made a way to rescue us.  Tamar didn’t know the full significance of her life on earth, nor do we know ours.  But there is a purpose, nothing is wasted and everything will be made right when Jesus returns.

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 Adele Shafiee on Unsplash