Crown Laid Down

Playing “Ketchup” or “Catsup” if You Prefer

August 1, 2018 By Holly Smith Leave a Comment

I have a quick catch up list for you, ’cause I’ve been up since 4:30 am and have a lot stirring in my head:

1. I’m super excited about enLIVEn–a devotional site I’m co-leading with Alisa Hope Wagner (Her first post is our heart for the whole thing!) I wrote my first post (here)…please read it and tell me what you think!

2. My very last website, like for REAL this time, is going to be launching very soon. I’m proud of it and thankful for the blessing of a new friend, as well.
3. Yep, no more web design.
4. Seriously. DONE.
5. I have a wonderful part-time marketing job that is perfect for my schedule and family right now. Even today, I have had the flexibility to launch enLIVEn and work my hours later. SO GOOD!
6. Chris and I have been dreaming a lot lately. As kids have begun to fly the nest, two out and two to go, we have been praying diligently for a place to finally (hopefully for good) land. The starter home we have is a blessing for sure! But we are hoping to be able to host friends overnight and have more room for friends to come sup with us. So we are beginning to sock away for a down payment.
7. Re-read that last sentence. It is amazing that we have two in college and I am cutting back work AND we are able to begin saving for a new home. That is astounding if you have known us for any length of time. That is a God-sized answer to prayer!
8. Coming clean–alright, before we even go, I want to let my Colorado friends know something…we are taking a little anniversary trip to Estes Park to celebrate 27 years of marriage!! But my Chris says, and I agree (though I’m very sad and kicking dirt about it, but HE’S RIGHT), it’s just us. So raincheck, Colorado friends? We love you so!! But this trip is time for lovebirds.
9. How can it be 12:47 pm already? It feels like morning still.
10. All our kids are pumped and ready for school to begin! But first, 19 more days of summer (a little longer for the Aggies).
11. Please keep us in your prayers, as we go to Estes Park–travel safety, good health for all and fun for the kids, who will be hanging out with my parents!.

How may I be praying for you all today?

On Being a Brave Mom

January 29, 2018 By Holly Smith 2 Comments

We had prayed so fervently to have children and become parents. It took awhile and this time was so very hard. Then in 1998, it happened! Our first born came and rocked our selfish worlds and brought my Chris and me into a place of grateful and rest , knowing that God has our first-born son (and the next three!) in His ever faithful Hand. We would have 3 more children over the course of the next eight years.

But one question that has met me on the pavement every single day is this one. Will I be a brave mom?

You see, Oprah started it–feeding my fears daily, as my college roommate and I watched her show every day after class. I began to realize that it’s a big, scary world out there with big, ominous bad gals and guys. So bringing a child into and raising a child in this world? It seemed awfully daunting. Even today, the news channels will take up where Oprah left off.

And I know! I know that the Lord is in control. I know this!

But often I do not act like I know. In fear, I begin to try to control. And that is where my parenting can go off the rails.

When Kay Arthur looked at me that day in Denver at Deeper Still 7 1/2 years ago and called me a valiant warrior, I took it as a word from the Lord to my heart. He knew that I had a strong HOLD of fear. And courage and trust in Him alone would make all the difference.

You see, that newborn baby boy is about to be 20 this Saturday. I made a whole lot more mistakes in my parenting of him than all the others. For over time, I began to trust more and more that the Lord loves my children WAY more than I ever could…and He will take care of them, one way or the other. I do not have to make everything bubble-wrap safe. I can actually let them venture out. And so our oldest has! I love the brave young man he is becoming. I love the way he is forging his own way and finding Jesus to be his very own great reward.

The others are following suit–our next child is flying off this June to her first rental house with her friends and to begin college this fall. She is a bold warrior of a young woman. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for her! Our next two are taking bold steps, as well–sharing their faith, loving others and serving in our new church plant (launching on April 1st!)

As I continually let go and trust…becoming a brave mom, I’m finding that my kids are becoming brave, too. My Chris is giving them roots and wings, as well. In fact, Chris teaches them more about being fearless, strong and having a good sense of humor in the process than I ever could! Between us and with God’s help, our children are well-suited for every challenge they face.

It was with much joy that I received an invitation to share a new resource on becoming a brave mom from Lee Nienhuis. Her book Brave Moms, Brave Kids is being released this Thursday and I have the privilege of offering one to you all! Just to let you know, I received one for free for my review and participation.

And in my reading of her book, I found her wisdom and truth to resonate with my spirit. I wish I had read it when I was a younger mom…wish I had saved my kids some of the silly fears that I had to come back and break ties with in their lives, later on.

One quote that I loved from Lee is this: “The problem we face as mothers is we cannot hold on to both fear and faith simultaneously. I began to find the fear debilitating and suffocating. I realized the slide from anxiety into depression is well worn by mothers who cannot function because they are chained to events that haven’t even happened. Some withdraw from society and cluster into huddles of other believers, who curse the darkness and live reactionary, threatened lives. I began to see signs of that developing in me. Where was my boldness that moved out in faith?”

I have some exciting news today, my friends. I get to give away a free book to one of you!

To win, enter the Rafflecopter here! I will announce winners on Friday, February 2nd.

Brave Moms, Brave Kids by Lee Nienhuis

I wanted to close with Lee’s BRAVE MOM Identity Manifesto! It takes gumption and gusto to walk out in faith and believe that God has MORE than you ever dreamed in mind for not only you, as a brave mom, but for your precious child, giving them wings to fly boldly!

Chip Off the Old Block

December 7, 2017 By Holly Smith Leave a Comment

In worship service a few years ago, our pastor was sharing about Jesus building His church on the Rock after Peter declared that Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ. The text was from Matthew 16:13-20. As is usual, I had my pen and notebook in hand–taking notes to keep my mind from wandering. Also, as I normally do, my mind began to take the text I was hearing and a mosaic of thoughts came to mind. I am a holistic thinker and my brain is always seeking to tie together the links–sometimes I do a poor job of it and misinterpret. But sometimes, an intricate quilt is built in my brain that I need to get to paper before I forget. My gifting here can also be one of my greatest faults, as is the case for most people.

So as I was mulling this over, here is what came to mind. Jesus said these words to Peter, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because no person taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am. So I tell you, you are Peter. On this rock I will build my church, and the power of death will not be able to defeat it.” Jesus told Simon that he was Peter, which means rock. My mind instantly went to a teaching I had heard from Beth Moore, where she said that Peter was a chip off the old block–meaning that Peter is a rock cut from the Rock, which is Jesus.

This morning I pictured one of my favorite places, Enchanted Rock, and some geology lessons I picked up one semester, while at Texas A&M. Enchanted Rock is located outside of Fredricksburg, Texas and is the largest pink granite monadnock (isolated mountain or hill in the midst of a plain) in the United States. Enchanted Rock is an igneous batholith (formed from slowly cooled magma that comes from the earth’s crust), which rises 425 feet above the surrounding area. It is comprised of granite surrounded by eroded limestone. This pink granite will break at 90 degree angles, due to the minerals which form it. So climbing is made easier at Enchanted Rock; you have footholds, if you will, as you climb to the very top. There are many other geological details, which you can read further about here and here, if you are curious. Enchanted Rock has both qualities and make-up that define what it is and why it is there.

So picture Christ, our Rock–the Anointed One, the Son of God…

He is born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a criminal’s death, and resurrected three days later–our victorious Savior, conquering sin and death for ALL who would believe.

This is our Rock. He is our Good Shepherd, the Light of the World, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith, the Hope of all the nations, Almighty, the Word made flesh.

He is our Refuge, the Prince of Peace, the Brightness of His Father’s Glory, the Wisdom and Power of God and the One who was to come.

He is the Way, the Truth and the Life–the Door, the True Vine, the Root of Jesse and the Righteous Branch.

He is the Bread of Life, our Portion, the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star.

He is the Horn of our Salvation, Strength to the Needy, Shelter from the Storm and Strong Tower.

He is the Sure Foundation, the Living Cornerstone and the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

He is the Unspeakable Gift, the Chosen of God, Redeemer, Advocate, and the Faithful and True Witness.

He is the Amen, the Just One, the Holy One of God, Deliverer and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

He is Our Shield, our Life, Our Lord, Our Savior, Our Prince, Our Messiah. JESUS.

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:-6-11)

That is not even the exhaustive list! However, these are among the qualities and make-up that define who Jesus, our Rock, is.

Then Jesus tells Peter, you are like me.

You have qualities and make-up that define you. Because you are mine, you are like me. You reflect me. You are a chip off the old block.

My friends? So are we. If any of you is in Christ, you are a new creation. The old has gone. The new has come! Praise His Name!

We, too, are rocks cut from the Rock.

Today I challenge you to read through the list above, thank Jesus for each quality, each aspect of His nature and character. Receive Him as each characteristic in your own life–apply the Truth of who He is to the truth of who you are. Then place yourself in His hand and let him plant you (throw you, toss you), where He will. He has a purpose, dear rocks–and that purpose is to build into you His character. In doing so, your life will glorify God. Make God your goal today. Chase after Him and Him alone. You were created to be a chip off the old block. Be who you are. And walk in that.

On Faithfulness and Why I am Ever Thankful this Thanksgiving

November 20, 2017 By Holly Smith Leave a Comment

I have a confession. I can be unfaithful.

Let that sit there a minute…unfaithful, you ask?

Yes, unfaithful.

You see no matter how much I want to get it all right and follow through every single time, I don’t. In fact, I often drop the ball. It is a terrible, terrible thing to me.

Because I want to be fully faithful.

Here’s Just a Portion of My Unfaithful List

I have made some promises to friends this past year to tell about their books here. And I have not followed through on that promise. So I want to tell you about them now.

Church of the Small Things by Melanie Shankle

This book is a wonderfully writ out story of how God uses the small things in our lives to tell the bigger story. I found myself, as I read, remembering things from my childhood that brought me such joy. And I laughed and cried (thankful tears) throughout the book. Melanie is an exceptional storyteller. And her heart is no small thing…she literally cuts it wide open, splayed before you, to share the deep things God has wrought in her soul, so that you may also partake of His goodness…and may reflect on how God speaks into our lives every day in the smallest of things and to open our eyes, so that we may truly see His goodness in the land of the living.

All in All by Sophie Hudson

This devotional is geared toward young women, who are growing in their faith, but I tell you…it is really for all ages! In fact, my very sweet friend Bobbie told me how much it meant to her right now, as an empty nester. All in all is such a rich capture of every aspect of the Lord and His goodness, His faithfulness and His way in our every day. I would highly recommend this book for any and all ages of women in your life!

The Good Book for Kids by Lisa Bergren

This wonderful kids’ Bible tells the stories from scripture in such a way that tweens can grasp how the stories connect with them. Sydney has been loving this book so much. And in her own words, “It is really cool. I really like it, Mom!” Tell me the stories of Jesus, write on my heart every word comes to mind when I think of how Lisa has brought this book together. It is exactly what my girl needs in these challenging days.

From each of these books, I have learned so much! And I have also learned to be wiser in saying YES and not to agree if I won’t or can’t fulfill my promise in a timely manner. It is a good thing to remember!

I have promised to pray and then never followed through. So I am praying right now that the Lord would help me to do better and remember…and follow through…even when the time is long past, I pray to remember what I promised and to be able to try again to be faithful.

I have promised to give and never did. But I’m about to follow through on these promises today and tomorrow. It’s never too late!

I have promised to contact friends for lunch and never did. So a couple of weeks ago, I followed through with one sweet, caring friend that went nearly TWO years! It was a rich time. And I confessed to her how sorry I was to let so much time pass.

I have promised to do better at follow through, and it seems that I keep on getting behind-er and behind-er. It usually begins with me writing a list and following through in that way. I need to get back to this.

I have promised to go to bed earlier and get up earlier and exercise every day…and I don’t or I won’t. I am still hoping to do better here!

All this and so much more!

And so I have taken some discipline in hand to bring my focus, more and more, to faithfulness–keeping a shorter account with myself.

Lately I have taken to writing out scripture, every morning (thanks Mer!). They are topical–on strength and thankfulness. And I need a boatload of both. You can write them out, too…here is where you can find November’s scriptures.

It is a process in my heart and mind to delve into that the living, breathing Word of God–to write it out and think it and say it. To let it settle into my bones.

And in that line I want to say this–EVEN IF I am never faithful or EVER faithful enough, God will still be faithful. You see, He is not holding out on us, waiting for us to get our act together before He will bless or help or heal or provide (or fill in the blank with a need or blessing) for us. He is going to still be faithful. He is. Because it is fully in His nature to bless and give everything He has for us, as He displayed so perfectly in giving His One and Only Son (Flesh of His Flesh), Jesus, on the cross for us.

As Christmas draws near, I think the birth of Jesus always brings my mind to the death of Jesus that was for me and for you…and that wasn’t the end of the story! For He rose again, conquering sin and death for me and for you. It is the finished work of Jesus that brings unfaithful me into a place where I can not only confess my unfaithfulness, but find forgiveness and renewal…to walk again, to try again, even if it is a daily thing. He brought me near, because He loved me so much.

So, if you are unfaithful, like me, take heart today. Your God is not waiting to scold you for everything you never did right. He is waiting with open arms to love you, right where you are and as you are, TODAY. This very moment. Accept His gift.

And with me, give thanks for His indescribable gift!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Love,

Holly

PS Here is a picture of our family this weekend, as we celebrated my Chris’ wonderful new job!! Again, God was faithful, even when I was not believing Him for it all.

Who Will?

November 14, 2017 By Holly Smith Leave a Comment

I want to invite you into an intimate conversation my Chris and I shared last week, during his last full work day off before he would begin his new job this week…there is much I keep to myself of these times, but I felt the Holy Spirit compel me this moment to share it exactly as it happened. It is time for us to answer the question, I’m asking. Who will?

We were on the road home from Waco, driving and enjoying the day. The car was acting a little stilted, at times–air flow sensor needs replacing again, he says. Oh, I say, thinking that is good and that it is good he can fix it. Then the words began pouring from my mouth about another topic that has been on my heart for nearly two months, maybe even more if I were completely forthright…for I have thought it, every single time it happened. Let me take you back to the breakfast table at Chris’ mom and dad’s house in late summer.

MaryAnn, Chris’ mom, always makes a hot breakfast. It is delicious and warms our tummies, as she so faithfully lays out the spread. We gather around the dining room table with the lazy susan full-up with food to pass around, hot sauces, jellies, butter, napkins, maybe milk. And before we begin, the kids are all finally seated with us, looking sleepy, I pray they are awake to the moment…before we begin to eat, Paul, Chris’ dad, would pray.

Many days over the past year, he did not have the breath to pray, so MaryAnn would pray. But this day, Paul prays. You have to lean in close and listen–for his voice is quiet, nearly indiscriminate to hear and make out the words. And this is how it always goes…”Most gracious Heavenly Father…” In the middle he thanks God for our food and our family (“loved ones with us and the loved ones away”). At the end, he always, without fail, would pray for our country and our country’s leaders. Every single time. Every time he lifted up our nation’s leaders, because it matters in the heavenlies and it matters right here.

So back to our car trip, I spoke the words that had been burning in my heart and mind. “I was thinking about your dad, how he always prayed for our nation and her leaders. And I was wondering, who will continue that prayer now that he’s gone?”

Then on this past Sunday our pastor reminded us again to pray for our leaders, our nation, our teachers, principals and superintendents and all those in leadership around us.

A reminder from 1 Timothy 2:1-3:

^“1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior…”

1 Timothy 2:1-3

That day, after church, our family of six gathered around a table at the local Whataburger. And Chris ended his prayer with the same prayer his father had been praying.

He stood in the gap.

He stepped up.

As I see so much turmoil and angst and pain going around on social media and the news, I have been thinking...if my people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray.

Who will step up and pray?

For the day, it is dawning once again. And the gaps have been left, as loved ones pass away, and our children are growing up in a very frightening place. They will need to be equipped to face these days. But they can only do so, in assured victory, if His people will once again pray and teach them to do the same.

Pray for the what’s, for the who’s…pray.

Simply done, yet it has an unending reach and scope and depth and lifetime…those prayers are still being answered.

Who will?

I will.

Pass it on.

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