MORE THAN ACCOLADES

There is a time and place to receive accolades. I believe years of dutiful service, for example, deserve recognition. For me, any heroic act grand or small merits fanfare and a headline on the front page of the newspaper. Remember Baby Jessica some years back? Can you name her rescuers? I can’t, but I know with each passing year, there is not a day that goes by an extremely thankful Jessica gets to live out life because those ordinary people embarked on the extraordinary.


Here’s a profound scenario. What if “Joe or Jane Rescuer” placed more stock in the attention-seeking acts rather than their day-in-and-day-out, ordinary interactions? What if the public accolades motivated them more than the private or inner praise received from merely doing their job?

October 14, 1987 may have been a remarkable day for onlookers and for baby Jessica’s parents, but for the rescuers; I believe no fanfare or accolades were required to do whatever was right.

Every day, we hope to make a difference in the world around us. And in making a difference, especially in doing the day-in-and-day-out, ordinary, we are not always going to get an “atta-girl” or a wellspring of compliments. Frankly, living a life of purpose is more than earthly accolades. It’s about offering our lives up as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1, 2). It’s being always on the ready to make someone’s ordinary, extraordinary… even if it goes unnoticed.


“Show God’s love in practical ways” became the driving force behind Steve Sjogren’s book, “Servant Evangelism” and it’s what should motivate our actions. This former founding pastor of the Vineyard Community Church of Cincinnati turned a God-inspired revelation into a revolution that transformed an entire mindset. By opening ourselves up to the day-in-and-day-out, ordinary interactions around us, we poise ourselves for God to use us in extraordinary ways. From a few servants I know:

• Because my dad served in the military, I love paying for a service person’s lunch. It doesn’t matter if it’s a family at McDonald’s or a couple at the local restaurant my husband and I frequent, they deserve more. I make no boast or some huge announcement about it. It’s not necessary. After all, they give up their lives to protect the lives of my family. The cost of a meal is a small sacrifice in comparison.
  
• I stopped off in the gift shop after I had my mammogram. I saw an elderly woman picking up a few snack items. I wasn’t in line, but came alongside the cashier and quietly asked her to ring up the woman’s purchase while she was preoccupied with looking for her wallet. By the time she found it, the clerk said, “Don’t worry, mother! It’s been paid.” I walked out there with a smile on my face.
  
• Before work, I head over to a local convenient store for a cup of ice. If I have it to give, I pay for a person’s fountain drink without them knowing. I usually get out the store without incident. Not this morning. The woman in front of me thought she had enough money; she didn’t. So she went back to her vehicle. I paid for my ice and then asked the clerk to add up the woman’s purchases. She didn’t understand my request. The more discreet I became, the more puzzled her face got. Finally, I just said, “Look, will you please add this up so I can pay for it!” By that time, the woman was back in line and the clerk was shocked I would do such a thing! With change and ice cup in hand, I tried to get to my car, but not before “Clerk Girl” spills the beans and the poor woman runs out the store feeling an obligation to do something. All I could say was, “Hey, it’s all good!”
  
• During the Memorial Day weekend, my church washes windshields. Sounds hokey until you realize they set up a canopy at the nearby interstate rest area to pass out bottled water, coffee, homemade cookies, doggie treats for the pets and car toys for the kids at the nearby interstate rest area. And they don’t ask for a dime. In fact, for the past 11 years, they decline any and all donations!
  
• Our next door neighbors have been living life in chaos. Home life has been anything but blissful for the mother. With five children (one diagnosed with severe autism) and an abusive marriage, they got hit with the worse news yet. Their 5-year old son was complaining of stomach pains was taken to the emergency room only to be diagnosed with cancer. The outside of their home resembled the shambles they’re going through behind closed doors. While at the hospital with their son during chemotherapy, my husband and I decided to pull out rakes, hedge trimmers and every garden tool we had to bring a bit of order back into their home. It was hard work, but it was worth it!

Every day we can make a difference in the world around us. Go out and change the world, but I must warn you. Your act of service given up to God is more than any earthly accolade.


Do you have an extraordinarily-ordinary “act of service” that resulted in little, if any accolades? Share it with us.



Embrace His Truth – Matthew 6:1-3


Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do – blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need; don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

THE VEHICLE ANALOGY

The other day, I shared with you an interesting vehicle analogy on where God is taking Embrace His Truth. What better way to hear it than from me.

Give me your comments, feedback and suggestions. Share God's vehicles with other women. Let's embrace the truth of God's purpose every moment, every step, every day.

THE JOURNEY OF GUEST POSTS

Who's in the market for a car? I mean you don't want to buy just any old vehicle. It takes time to figure out what fits your style and comfort, but once you know, you know.


I have been spending a lot of time journeying with God for the right vehicle. I haven't veered too far off course (no pun intended), but in the weeks to come, I hope to roll out the beautiful features He's given me for this ministry.


Yes, Embrace His Truth (ETH) is a ministry...a ministry with a defined objective. Like the engine of this vehicle analogy, I've been called to provide true-life musings that encourage and inspire weary women to embrace God's truth in living a purpose-filled life every moment, every step, every day.

Talk about pure elation! An engine that runs on my heart's desire (hear more on the posted video at the end of the week).


Wait! You need a vehicle for this engine, right?! That's the beauty of God's grand design. He's putting that engine in other social media outlets. So far, I've been asked to share my musings on others blogs.


Michelle Lazurek, The Writer's Tapestry (May 31 - "Balancing Work & Writing")


Kayse Pratt, Finding Hope (http://www.finding-hope.com/ - "Hope in Barrenness")


I have also been spending time creating a presence on...

• Facebook - www.facebook.com/dmcushite
• Twitter - www.twitter.com/embracehistruth
• YouTube - www.youtube.com/dmcushite

And working on podcasts / RSS feeds. I welcome your feedback, your comments, your encouragements, your visits to the guest posts.


Finally, I will be headed to She Speaks 2012 in mid-July. I welcome your prayers!


Thanks and blessings!

BEAUTY IN A DRIVER'S LICENSE PICTURE

I love my driver’s license picture. Silly, huh? Most people consider their snapshot 90 degrees shy of a bona fide mug shot destined for America’s Most Wanted! Not me. I plan this baby out! Right down to flashing my pearly whites and wearing my Sunday best. And you know what’s so great about it? I get to do it again every four years!

Am I delusional? I may or may not be; but if I am, I have a good reason. You see, that license encapsulates a 4-year, self-worth image. Every time it gets pulled out, it places our hearts on display, whether we want it out there or not. We feel in the time it takes for the one holding our 2¼ by 3½ self, judgment gets passed. Think about it. An officer pulls us over for going a tad too fast and what’s the first thing they want from us? The bank teller or loan officer needs to verify our identity and what’s the one form of proof we have? Although they are only doing their jobs, we may unknowingly internalize the question, “What will they think of me?”


Take a look at your driver’s license picture. What do you think of the woman staring back into the window of your soul? Is she smiling or when the picture was snapped, did she chalk her look up as one of those “terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad days?"


Now, take another look at the picture and ask this question: “What do You think of me, not the picture, but me, God?” The One who created you and me in the beginning and found His handiwork to be “very good,” also declared,  “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you” (Song of Songs 4:7).


This truth allows me to love who He has made, to love who I am. I don’t have to dismiss, downplay, give pat excuses or wish I were in Australia like the aggravated book character, Alexander. Remember, He finds no flaws in you and me!


My license also makes people wonder why I smile and gives me the perfect opportunity to tell them why. I consider it my personal testimony card because someone’s bound to ask, “Great picture! What were you so happy about?”


From the inside out, God finds His creation beautiful...even if He has to remind you in a driver’s license picture. So love the you He has created!

Embrace His Truth – Psalm 139:13, 14

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I KNOW THAT FULL WELL (capitalized for emphasis).

I LIKE NAME TAGS

But now, this is what the LORD says -- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. - Isaiah 43:1

For years, I have had this fascination for name tags. The allure is not what's stuck on the clothing or hanging around the neck, but with who's wearing the tag. I mean if you have to wear the thing, who are you, after all? There may be a face to the name, but the point of the tag is to connect, right?

Although the name tag connection has generally diminished for people, my allure teeters on illusion. Oh, people still connect to the sticky backs at formal functions, but have you gone into a random store, market, fast-food joint or hardware place lately? Did the person in front of you (of course, not you!) either look up from what he or she was doing or (gulp!) stop his or her cell phone conversation long enough to say, "Hello, so-and-so! How are you?"

When the art of connection makes the simplest of communication complicated, it is then we have lost our ability to truly connect. A simple "Hello, so-and-so!" coupled with a smile demands no monthly fee or service contract. It shows, in life, we care and that we aim to live a balanced, Christ-like existence in an imbalanced, self-absorbed world.

As Christ followers, we know what it means to be known by name. How else can our Father redeem us, to "make something acceptable or pleasant in spite of its negative qualities or aspects?" My name may be Doris, but to Him, I am loved and accepted when He speaks my name.

Yeah, I still like name tags and making those random connections. But now with a bit of thought, connection can be made with a smile and Christ's redemption at the core because you cared enough to say, "Hello, so-and-so! How are you?"

ONE WORD...HOPE

What motivates you beyond the tough times and even the tougher obstacles? What stimulates your resolve even when life is anything but fair? What encourages you to dream on even when the hole from which you squint out measures an eternity away?

ONE WORD...HOPE

Hope's motivation does not give up in the tough times. Hope's resolve does not cower in unfairness. But hope, as we define it, can change as quickly as the tense of a sentence. Our now can turn into a once was by the hope we place in people, places and things. As people do not set out with intent to disappoint us, they will.

"A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. BUT the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love" (Psalm 33:17, 18).

ONE WORD...HOPE

Hope defines itself as a "strong and confident expectation." Jesus is that strong and confident expectation. Where his Word offers comfort, assurance, peace, and tools for dealing with life's obstacles, we become a part of life's greater design..."To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

You might not think going through tough stuff can be constituted as a part of a greater design. With so many stories out there, I stumbled across this beautiful mystery. May you find God's strong and confident expectation after viewing it. Blessings!

http://www.givingpraise.com/inspirational/orphan/

ACCUSED OF BEING BORING...PART 1

I've been accused of a lot of things...


...Focused


...Detailed


...Honest


...Dedicated


...Defender of the underdog


...Fierce encourager


...Boring


I'll let that last one sink in for a moment. It had to for me. Initially, I did not take too kindly to the accusation nor to my accuser. He meant it as an insult and I took offense, but as I forced myself to listen quietly to the evidence ranting from our aggravated, teenage son, my attitude lessened. It took a minute to realize my being boring was an answer to a long-standing prayer.


Growing up, life was far from boring. Try chaotic, volatile, painful, confusing, unclear. In a word...dysfunctional. To function with any normalcy meant to retreat into a world where television and books filled in the landmines left by the violence and abuse. Though I survived my childhood feeling connected to and comforted by my surrogate circuits and disconnected to my family dysfunction, no channel or chapter prepared me for living the "real" life as a healthy, functioning adult.


Can you relate? The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew solved the mysteries. Mrs. Livingstone brought balance (and a hot meal) to little Eddie Corbett and his dad's courtship. Carol Brady knew how to raise a blended family and depend on Alice in the kitchen. Schoolhouse Rock taught us how much fun learning math, history, geography and grammar could be. And when times were rough, even Florida and James Evans knew how to put the good in "Good Times!" We believed them when they said, "Ain't we lucky we got 'em!" No matter your childhood chaos, I bet you prayed the same prayer:

God, help me see my life your way because

living my life like this is insane!

With time, God responded...

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!"

When my parenting tactics fell on deaf ears, I blamed the problem on my child's strong-willed nature. In my mounting frustration, I thought I followed the scripted leads from my childhood books and shows. I made several attempts at mommy-son bonding time...failed. I tried dozens of times to serve homemade treats on a platter of wisdom...bombed. I reasoned every angle imaginable with grand intentions of getting MY point across only to be met with, "whatever."

"WHATEVER! Oh no, you just did not dis me!

Who do you think you talkin' to!"

This time, God responded AGAIN...

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!" (Isaiah 43:18)

In that instant, I had become my past and there would be no commercial break in this well-placed tension. Sooner or later, real life catches up with us. And if we've lived it disconnected from our dysfunction, one day some thing or some one will come along and connect us to it. Will it be a rude awakening or an amazing revelation?

God, help me see my life your way because

living my life like this is insane!

Part 2 of Accused of Being Boring..."As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Psalm 27:17).

EVER WONDER...A POEM

To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, I give you this poem originally written to my boss, Janey, as a source of comfort for the loss of her mother. Though she did not suffer loss at the hands of this atrocity, we all wonder why. Remember...
----------------------
Ever wonder why dandelions are a delight to a child, but a nuisance to a gardener?
Or why Winter is too cold for some and to the earth is a time of peaceful ponder?
Ever wonder why a creative soul can find anything on a messy desk
But to a “neat nick,” it’s chaos waiting to happen and there’s no time for rest?
And then ever wonder why the good ones die young with vibrancy to spare
And the curmudgeon hangs on to complain and gripe with dreams that go nowhere?

Well, I may not know the right answers to the simple or complex
And I may not understand the times and the roles that play out next.
All I know is that life has purpose in itself and God’s plans may appear tough
And though it’s never quite understood right not, it will be soon enough.
Winters come, yet Spring arrives to lessen the heavy load
And dandelions will grow amidst the blooms of wonders untold.

And if you ever wonder why stuff seems to happen and pain appears
Just know the wonder is in the delight of life – its joy, its laughs, its tears.
And if you ever wonder why chaos has a way of ruling out in the end
Just know there’s a time and place and order to embrace this pain we’re in.
The answers are not only blowing in the wind as the songwriter once confessed
But our lives are a beauty to behold and just leave God to wonder about the rest.

STEP OF FAITH

Dear Embrace His Truth Readers: Much like Paul's letters to the churches in Ephesus, Corinth and Galatia, I extend greetings in our precious Savior's name. The One who keeps us all from falling, I stand ready to honor His calling and I remain humbled by your faithfulness to read this blog.

Consider this letter one a friend would express to a companion in the faith. As God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, He knew in advance our destinies. If to teach, write, sing, speak, pray, give or serve, our Lord formed such giftings through the image of His Son...before foundations settled and the earth evolved. My encouragement to you...step out in faith!

I shall do the same and have been drawn to do so for quite some time. Each step, like being splashed by the waves in the ocean, overwhelms me with excitement and succumbs me with a bit of fear of the unknown. And now that I find myself more than waist deep in my passion to write and speak, God challenged me with two mandates from this year's She Speaks conference.

First, FIND MY VOICE -- I can either remain splattered all over the pages of my various passions or focused on the object of His affection. Finding our voice in Him alone defines me, defines you. Our voice embodies not only our words, but our actions, convictions and yes, passions. When asked, "what do you love?' or conversely, "what do you loathe?" our voice reaches beyond the diaphram and warmly embraces its role in the body of Christ. To find our voice is to find Christ in the center of ourselves. Its imprint unique to who He has created me to be. So as my voice grows stronger through prayers and posts, I encourage you to journey along with me. Find your voice...embrace your role in the body of Christ.

Second, LET GOD CHISEL A LEGACY -- In her keynote address to 650, God-ordained writers, speakers, and womens' ministry leaders, Proverbs 31 Ministries' founder, Lysa Terkeurst, set the high bar. "Let God Chisel!" What lies trapped in the granite of complacency, the sin of comparison, the fear of failure, the muck and mire of worthlessness is this fearfully and wonderfully made individual God has called out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

In the midst of the chiseling, Lysa posed this question: "What 3 things do you want to be known for?" I took notice. No one ever asked me that question before and certainly not in the context of such a painful proposition. I had to be willing to let God chisel away at areas in which He received no glory to be ultimately known for 3 things which would bring Him glory.

Bring Him glory any way He sees fit...that's my sole desire. As God chisels away to form my legacy, I sense this legacy inhabiting my voice. Though Passionate Encourager is the first to emerge from the good work He has begun, I believe He is truly faithful to bring the rest of this legacy to completion. Allow the tools of a gentle carpenter's Son to chisel a legacy within you. 

In the coming weeks, I anticipate Him chiseling away at what I once held dear...this blog, my style of writing, my approach to ministry and prayer, my views on risk taking, my willingness to be obedient to the call of Christ. The One Wish post unveils but the start of the Master's workmanship. I will be soliciting stories from those passionate about encouraging women facing the tough stuff and I am working on redefining my tagline. In fact, email me your initial thoughts and comments on what I've come up with so far (it's not "chiseled" in stone yet)...

Perspective - Encouragement - Peace

Applying God's Truth To Your Past...

Embracing God's Truth For Your Future!

Blessings!

Doris

RUDE AWAKENINGS

Okay, I am prone to waking up in the middle of the night! There, I've said it. My friends call this "Oh-Dark-Hundred!" and with just cause. I mean, who in their right mind gets up from a sound slumber? Actually, I have an answer to that question -- those who are awakened to the possibilities God brings. Getting up in the middle of the night doesn't make one more spiritual than the next person sleeping. But if called, I hope it makes one more obedient to hear what our Savior has to say.

Usually, I get up to read, write or pray (those options keep you out of trouble and your retinas healthy from watching too many late-night infomercials). I listen too. There's a lot being spoken in the middle of the night apart from creaking floor boards and leaking faucets. God seems to share His heart in a passage of scripture or His thoughts in a magazine article. But listen I do. And believe it or not, sometimes I may not hear an answer to a deep issue. It still doesn't make Him less God. He is God and He calls us to "be still AND know."

Well, this particular "morning" (mind you, I'm using this term loosely), God placed on my heart to email a couple of people -- one near, the other far away. My dear friend close to home (only less than 10 minutes away) has been a "sistah" through thick and thin. I felt the need to offer up words of encouragement for no reason whatsoever. And then I was led to lift up in prayer a sister in Christ who loves being called "Just Julia." Her and her husband, Eric and their 3 great kids just recently left the states (Columbus, OH) to plant a church in Amsterdam (check out their blogspot below). Anywho, Julia's just "mad about Christ" (absolutely adores our Savior). Talk about on fire for God -- simply, no words!

Am I tired after typing this? Maybe a bit physically, but spiritually, I feel renewed. It isn't everyday we get the chance to meet God at "Oh-Dark"Hundred." I, for one, want to be ready when He calls on me. If I answer, I may be in for a wonderfully "rude awakening!"

Blessings!