Cry Baby (Johnny Depp, 1990)

My youngest son has obviously decided to enter the terrible two's a few months early. He's the cutest, most determined, and smartest little boy. But, when something doesn't go his way, he throws his pacifier (or whatever happens to be close by), falls into the floor, and begins kicking, crying, and rolling around.

So, what do I do? I absolutely ignore him. I do not become upset or even look at him. I often walk away and busy myself with something else. Well...never one to give up, my son runs to me, falls onto my legs and proceeds to throw a tantrum all over my legs and feet. He is persistent, will hold on for dear life, and cry all over me.

Maybe you're one of those really compassionate moms who immediately comforts her child during behavior like that. But not this Sassy Girl. I usually think, "Dude. You are so cute...but you're really getting on my last nerve." So, in an effort to teach him he will not receive what he wants by that behavior, I usually put him in time out. He straightens up pretty quickly after that.

Reflecting on it, I realize how blessed I am that my God is not like me. He doesn't run or turn away when I cry out. He isn't frustrated when I fall at His feet and cry out regarding the issues of my heart. He hears me and understands my concerns--even if they are small by man's standards. When I throw a tantrum on God, I may look a little more composed than my youngest. But, in my heart, I can be that same kid rolling around on the floor wailing because I WANT IT NOW. Thankfully, the Lord is always there. In fact, He encourages me through His word to come to Him.

Whatever your issue or need is today, don't view God as a parent like me. He's not irritated by your crying out to Him. He does not turn away or pretend you're not there. He will not put you in time out if you fall at His feet. In fact, He WANTS us to persist and hold on to Him. He tells us to "cast all 'our' anxiety on Him because He cares for 'us'." So, don't hold it in or think He's too busy for you. Go ahead. Cry out to Jesus!

(Psalm 55:16-17, and 22, Luke 18:1-8, 1 Peter 5:7,)

Shape of My Heart (Backstreet Boys, 2000)

While talking with a friend today, I shared a trial I'm living through. She did the same. In the end, we both decided, sometimes the process of being on the potter's wheel absolutely sucks! Instead of being put on a wheel, turned every which way, and pushed & prodded into something useful, we'd much prefer to just instantly become beautiful vases!

The Word tells us to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." But, let's just be honest for a moment. How often do you encounter trouble and think about how excited you are to endure it? Not much? Me neither. Truthfully, sometimes, God is working on me and it's great! Other times, I just want to skip the painful process and get to the good stuff.

But, as I look back over my life and consider all the troubles...I know they

produced great things. Yes! There was plenty of pain and sorrow. But, the work done in my heart for Christ, has been greater. It's been true in my life that the testing of my faith has developed perseverance. More than that, it's taught me to trust the Lord and depend on Him for change and true healing. Only He can do it!

Through every trial, He's proven Himself faithful and true. I often don't understand or even like what He's doing. But, in the end, He brings me through stronger, better, and more faithful. He uses every trial to shape me more into a vessel He can use.

It's so true that His ways are so much higher than ours. So, while we endure these sometimes sucky situations, let's cling to Him and never doubt His love for us. He's not trying to hurt us. He's trying to heal and free us from every hurt...and sometimes, that's a painful process.

(James 1:2-3, Isa. 55:9, Jeremiah 18:1-6)

Dazed and Confused (Jason London, 1993)

I've never seen this movie, but the title sure is appropriate for how I feel right now.

Sassy must have a pretty sweet blessing on the way because in the last few days, she's been really tried by drama. So, what do I do? My initial reaction is to just react with whatever pops into my mind. But, I'm reminded right now, that I must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Do you know how difficult that is to put into practice?

When someone attacks or hurts me, my knee jerk reaction is to hit back (not literally). Sassy ain't no wimp and she's not going to let anyone run over her. But, that's not the example we see in Jesus...or in Mary (the one that worshiped at his feet). Mary sat at Jesus' feet and people began criticizing her. She didn't say anything, she just continued washing His feet and worshiping. It was the Lord that responded: "Let her alone. Why do you bother her?" (Mk. 14:6) Mary did not have to say anything. The Lord handled the situation and rebuked her critics.

Sometimes, it's difficult to wait on the Lord to handle my conflicts. But, that's the challenge I guess. The sassiness is easy!!! The Jesus girl part is the challenge. It REALLY is a daily death (1 Cor. 15:31). Now, I don't suggest anyone be a doormat. You know Sassy would NEVER be that way. But, sometimes, it's better to say nothing and wait to see what God will do.

Believe me! I know it's NOT easy! But, God never promised it would be.

War of the Worlds (Tom Cruise, 2005)

Sassy is feeling awfully sassy today! I'm surrounded by tests (i.e. people are getting on my nerves). So, I'm a little lacking in spiritual insight at the moment. I am so challenged at times. Seriously. I think Sassy needs a cold Coca-Cola (you know that's my alcohol substitute) and an episode of Sex and the City to knock the edge off.

It's difficult sometimes to remember that life is spiritual warfare. Every action, reaction, insult, and irritation, has some sort of spiritual implication that will serve to draw us closer to God or to walking in a carnal manner. More than the events themselves, it's our responses to them that will ultimately determine how we will walk (spirit led or in the flesh). I can either go off--which I'm very good at--or I can remember that I do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12).

There are days, that I want to go for flesh and blood. I want to tell that flesh & blood off, and then impolitely say: Get over yourself and go jump in the lake! But, obviously, that would be contrary to everything the Word teaches. Instead, everyday, I must remember to somehow focus on the real issues: the principalities, powers, and spiritual hosts of wickedness. This is spiritual warfare.

We're reminded to combat spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6 by putting on the "FULL" armor of God. The implication is that I can sometimes walk around covered in only "part" of the armor. Some days I may only wear the helmet (of salvation). But, I need the whole armor. I need my waist girded with truth; my chest covered in the breastplate of righteousness; my feet immersed with the preparation of the gospel of peace; the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one; the sword of the Spirit/Truth, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:14-17). Even then, I must pray always and be watchful. That's A LOT OF STUFF, isn't it? It's no wonder, because there are a lot of people...errr...principalities just waiting to fire darts at you.

So, let's get ready for war! Put on the whole armor everyday. Salvation (as wonderfully sweet as it is) is just the beginning. If it were just about being saved, then, Ephesians 6 would not tell us to put on all those other things. So, yes, I know a warrior would be foolish to not wear a helmet into battle. Please, put on the helmet! But don't forget all of the other pieces that will ultimately lead us to victory!

Something the Lord Made (Mos Def, 2004)

Was Mos Def nominated for an Emmy for this performance? He definitely earned it and proved his acting ability to the world. If you haven't seen this movie--based on a true story--go out and get it today! It has medical themes, so it's befitting of today's topic.
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My one year old son is suffering from some type of cold/sinus/respiratory infection (or something similar). In short, he has a runny nose coupled with chest and head congestion. His breathing is labored and loud. I feel so bad for the poor little guy. To help, I of course reach for what any mom would...the nasal aspirator.

Can you imagine how much "fun" cleaning his nose is? He screams, cries, flails, kicks, and pushes my hands away. There's snot flying all over the place. I don't blame him. I'm sure it's no fun to have some plastic thing sucking mucus out of your nose. But, it's for his good, and afterwards, he can breath a lot better.

It makes me think of those times that the Lord allows me to go through uncomfortable things--for my good. I remember: the heartbreak of losing a boyfriend or friend that was destructive to me; feeling the financial strain of saving money & paying off debt; or even, being denied something that I really wanted. As I reflect on those times, I know it was for my good. The Word is true in that, "...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

So, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation--don't automatically assume it's a bad thing or some spiritual attack. Sometimes, it just may be God's way of sucking the snot out of your nose. It's uncomfortable, it feels weird, and it's irritating. But, just as my son figured out it would be over quicker if he stopped fighting and let me work, God wants us to do the same.

Allow Him to work--to clean up the things that are making it difficult for you to breathe. You'll feel so much better afterwards.

Deja Vu (Denzel Washington--2006)

Life is full of challenges that come (presumably) to make us stronger. We're told to consider it pure joy, whenever we face trials of many kinds. We are to know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

We face difficulty every day. However, I believe there are a handful of experiences in life that change us forever. I call them "WOW Moments." The memories and lessons during those times lay at the core of hearts and shape our entire outlook on life. Sassy's "Wow Moment" came in the form of infertility. It was an almost four year span full of prayers, tears, questioning, resentment, medical procedures, bad advice, stupid comments, loss, and depression. Then, miraculously, the Lord blessed us with a child. A beautiful child. I was and still am in complete awe of him and the joy he brings into my life.

My husband and I rejoiced in knowing our journey through infertility had ended. Then, we decided to try for a second child. It took us only a few months to realize infertility has not yet finished working on us. It was a shock that stirred up all those old feelings, and for a few moments, my heart broke. Then I remembered that the same God who brought me through this the first time, is capable of doing it again.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Sassy Jesus Girl is holding onto that Word today. The Lord goes before us to prepare the way. Then, He walks with us as we endure whatever troubles may come. He will not leave us; he will not fail us; he will not forsake us.

Remember that the next time an old problem revisits you and know that the Lord your God is near to you. He is an ever present help in times of trouble. As for me, I'm striving ever more diligently to be the best mom I can be. I choose today to focus on all that I have--all that's right in my life--rather than dwelling on the pain of what I may never have--another child.