Blog - Lauren Sparks

The Strength Within Us…and Grace and Truth Link Up

June 18, 2021 by Lauren 12 Comments

Confession: I feel completely inadequate to parent a teenager. I know every generation claims some variation of “The world is so different now than when I was a kid.” And it will continue to be true for generations that follow us (if God allows). I know King Solomon declared in Ecclesiastes 1:9 that there was nothing new under the sun, but the scribes who wrote out his words in long hand could not have imagined the internet.

The information my daughter has instantaneous access to through her smartphone frightens and appalls me. It steals the innocence and wonder that enveloped me at 16. The prevalent worldview of our society, so oppositional to biblical teaching, presents itself as gospel on repeat through a 7 inch screen. And since Satan masquerades as an angel of light, these dangerous messages disguise themselves as enlightenment, compassion and acceptance.

I often feel persecuted for choosing to uphold biblical truth and believing that truth and compassion can go hand in hand. This weight feels intolerable – like it could crush me.

I hit my knees until they bruise, pouring out my tears, my anxieties, my fears and my sorrows. I feel hopeless at times. The opposition looks too big, too sleek, and too clever. But I am not helpless. Not without hope.

Ephesians 3:20-21 says God “is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the Power that works in us – to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (HCSB)

God’s power is such that it dwarfs my prayers, and begs me to pray bigger and ask more. While I plead for my children, God works on their hearts and the hearts of millions. And He works up the chain to eradicate false teachings. Why? Because He is able. And because He WILL receive glory. He won’t allow His name to be disparaged forever. All generations will one day recognize His brilliance. From teens to those already deceased.

Our Heavenly Father, in His grace, chose not to keep all that power to Himself. As familiar as the above Ephesians passage is to me, I must admit that I usually overlook the part referencing His power in me! He is able to do all that He wills “according to the Power that works in US”.

I can’t overstate the comfort I receive knowing how much power He has. But

I have – WE have- all the strength and might of the creator and sustainer of the world living inside of us.

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I just have to sit with that for a bit. It’s almost too much to take in, and I don’t know if I could believe it were it not a part of His infallible Word.

When I think I can’t take the lies of this world anymore, I need only to cry out to Him to access that power. I may not see an immediate answer, but in the end, He wins. And those of us who are in Christ win too. That’s a promise.

“No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (HCSB) Go back and read this verse again and emphasize the word “more”. That word is the difference between winning by one point and willing by 50. We don’t just win. It’s a blowout. No squeaking by. No nail biting battles. We are, with Him, the undisputed champs. And we didn’t choose the winning team, it chose us.

So whether the mountain you climb relates to parenting or a job situation, a marriage struggle, mental health, or anything else…We know God works for our good and He wants us to call on the power that works within us. His redeeming, sanctifying power. I think I’ll read this again (often) to remind me.

And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!

In this season of my life, I feel so blessed to have some great friends in my life. But I spent much of my 30’s feeling lonely and settling for unhealthy dynamics. Larry Wilson has written an insightful post for debbiewwilson.com called 3 Tips for Finding High Quality Friends. I know mine make all the difference to me!

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
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LAUREN SPARKS
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LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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Now Let’s Link Up!

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Praying God’s Word Wednesday #11

June 16, 2021 by Lauren 4 Comments

Welcome back to praying God’s Word on Wednesday! Our verse today, Psalm 33:22, is already a prayer. Feel free to read it to God verbatim if the Spirit leads. I’m also going to retool it a bit to pray for someone specifically.

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. NIV

The verse itself is short and sweet. The Believer’s Bible Commentary says that the psalmist’s prayer is simply to “ask that they [God’s people] might continue to bask in the sunshine of His steadfast love as they continue to depend on Him alone.”

There are so many things constantly vying for our attention, devotion and loyalty today. It can be easy to put our hope in things we can see and touch – investments, relationships, jobs, for example – before we even realize our focus is not on Jesus.

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And yet we know that He triumphs over everything and everyone else in the end. So my petition for a loved one today is this:

Replace the pronouns with the appropriate ones for the person (or yourself) that you are praying for.

If you are reading this, I am praying for you. And don’t forget to share this on social media or with a friend who could benefit. It would mean so much to me. If you don’t want to miss a Praying God’s Word Wednesday, subscribe over on the right hand side of this page.

8 Books You Should Listen to Instead of Read

June 11, 2021 by Lauren 20 Comments

Happy Audiobook Appreciation Month! What? You didn’t know? It’s ok. You don’t need to get me anything. But I am gifting you a little something.

I usually keep multiple books going at a time. And I don’t play favorites with formats.

I like paperbacks and hardcovers, audiobooks and electronic. I buy, borrow and check out. It usually makes no difference to me. A good story is a good story. But there are a few books I’ve consumed over the years that I’m partial to on audio.

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So here are:

8 Books You Should Listen to Instead of Read

Chasing Vines: Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life by Beth Moore In addition to it being the winner of the Christian Book Award for Best Audio Book of 2021, I just love her southern drawl. Sometimes soft and often passionately exuberant, I loved hearing about how her once in a lifetime trip with her daughters inspired her to dig deeper into scripture.
I Ain’t Doin’ It: Unfiltered Thoughts From a Sarcastic Southern Sweetheart by Heather Land Listening to this book was like seeing a stand up comedian. Laughing until crying, tears running happily down my face and my leg. Give yourself this gift!
The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir by Anna LeBaron with Leslie Wilson. This true story is so unbelievable that hearing straight from the source lends credibility and also empathy from the listener. Both add so much to the overall experience.
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff The author’s childlike enthusiasm and sheer delight in other people both encourages and inspires me to love others better. You can hear it in his voice and feel it in your heart.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand It’s been years since I put this audiobook on CD in my car to listen to while running errands. It is so gripping that my then 11 year old daughter requested I not listen to it without her in the car! It was almost like watching a movie of this story – which you can do now too.
Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan I know Gaffigan’s humor isn’t for everyone, but I think he is hilarious. And he relishes nothing more than making fun of his chubby eating habits. It’s a master class in comedy.
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes If you love this cult classic movie as much as I do, these behind the scenes details are a true delight. But I consider hearing them from farm boy Wesley himself icing on the cake!
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen Although I liked Springsteen in the 80’s, like everyone else, I would not now consider him a favorite artist. It may have something to do with the hour we waited for him to start a concert we attended. But that’s neither here nor there. His story, read in that unmistakable voice, reminds me why he’s The Boss. From humble beginnings to living legend and personal failures in between, I almost felt like I knew him.

I realize that these are all non-fiction books – with the exception of Unbroken (which is based on a true story). I tend to gravitate that way, but I consider it a character flaw. I’ve made it a personal goal to read more fiction. So I would love recommendations in the comments. What novels should I listen to (or read)? And again, Happy Audiobook Appreciation Month!

Now for this week’s featured post from the link up!

Instaencouragements.com kicked off their summer bible study using the book Seeking Him by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Tim Grissom. The first post in the series, written by Julie, called Revival: Who Needs It had me talking back to the screen. “I need it!” “Our country needs it!” “We ALL need it!” Read it.

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate)