Do you see it?
This Christmastide will soon be past. I know I will need to move into all the New Year will bring, but for now I’m still simply enjoying the season for what it is. Though it’s not the official festival the English celebrate, I love this week between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s the wind- down time I need. After all, I’ve been in a holiday state-of-mind since Thanksgiving! Actually it starts early October with my love for pumpkins and fall color. It’s a beautiful build-up to Thanksgiving that naturally leads into a month-long celebration of Emmanuel, God with us. Christmas. What more beautiful way to end the year?
Then again, all the seasons have a certain inspiring appeal for me and I enjoy living where they can all be experienced; the freshness and green of spring, the sultry nights of summer and its soft pastels, the invigorating chill and color of fall, and winter with its snowy days to cozy up to the fire with a good book and hazelnut coffee. I don’t know that I noticed as much when I was younger. But there were places even then that brought a “wow” feeling that I knew I didn’t want to lose or forget and hoped I’d experience again. The ocean was always like this for me. The sensations, the sounds…I could sit on the beach at dusk or early morning and know that regardless of how crazy life around me was, God was near. It still does this for me. I sensed it also on a mountain path overlook, or on the bank of a country stream hearing the water trickle over the rocks. And the differing seasons just enhanced the experiences.
As my relationship with my Creator has grown over the years, so has my appreciation for His handiwork. It awes me, everything from snow on red berry bushes to a spectacular sunset over the sound. I must admit there are still annoyances and inconveniences…like being snowed in with no power for days in the winter, mosquitoes, or high humidity in the summer that makes it difficult to breathe. But as my appreciation has grown, so has my ability to check myself if the annoyances or inconveniences try to gain the upper hand. There’s just too much beauty all around to waste it with apathy. Shortly after moving to West Virginia I would find myself admiring the mountains as they came into view as I drove down the one stretch of road between town and home. I wondered if people that lived here all their lives tired of them, or got to the point where they weren’t noticed anymore. Well, we’ve lived here sixteen years now and I haven’t tired of them. And we continue to seek out places we haven’t explored along with enjoying those familiar places we’ve come to love.
Sound like a commercial for Travel West Virginia? No, just random rambling. Blame it on the reflective and contemplative impact of the season. I embrace that, I don’t avoid it. There’s such a connection between what I choose to see in my surroundings and what I feel and think. I’ve tried to pass that on to my children, and now my grandchildren, to see the beauty and the blessings in everything. God has expressed Himself so magnificently in His Creation in both goodness and beauty.
I don’t want to miss out by not noticing.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thinking about Red Velvet Cake
This time of year really brings out the “Betty Crocker” in some people. I envy them, every once in a while. Most of the time I just enjoy the fact that God has gifted some at least, with a baker’s thumb.
If you’re like me, there’s a special dessert or two that comes quickly to mind when you think of Christmas. It’s that mouth-watering something that just adds to the celebratory feeling in the air. It’s that one thing you look forward to, and you’re just sure that Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it. For me that special dessert was Grandma’s Red Velvet Cake. A great deal of time and expense went into this cake. And it was so worth it. It was the perfect Christmas cake with its festive deep red color frosted in that rich cream cheese and walnut icing. We called it Jesus’ birthday cake.
When I married and moved hundreds of miles away from home, being with extended family for Christmas was not always possible. Red Velvet Cake was one of the traditions I wanted to carry on with my own family. It wouldn’t be Grandma’s, but I wanted to try, so I had her send me her recipe. Looking over the ingredients, it was like no boxed mix I’d ever used. Who puts vinegar in a cake? Grandma added a note that puzzled me, but otherwise it didn’t appear to be too complicated. The note said something about how to mix the baking soda and the vinegar. What difference would it make?
Flour, sugar, cocoa, vanilla, baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, eggs, oil, milk…I started tossing everything in the large mixing bowl, thinking to myself that it really shouldn’t matter what order I added them. After all, it would all be mixed together in the end. Then the phone rang. I was just seconds into the phone call when one of my boys started tugging at my leg, another began yelling, “Mom, the cake, it’s exploding!”
I glanced around and sure enough, my cake was bubbling up and out of the bowl and was pouring all over the counter! What a mess! I quickly ended my call and then phoned my grandmother. When I explained to her what was happening, she laughed then replied, “You didn’t follow the directions did you?” That was an understatement. I hadn’t made a cake, I had made a volcano! That was many Christmases ago, but some things you don’t forget. An exploding cake is one of them! And thanks to Grandma, I learned an important lesson about recipes. Directions do matter. If a certain end result is expected, then I can’t just randomly throw a few ingredients together and hope for the best.
There are many that take the same haphazard approach to life that I used with that recipe. Life can become one jumbled chaotic mess when every day is just a struggle to survive the stress. Whether it’s parenting, or plans for the holidays, the mayhem that often results from “just winging it” is exhausting. Some even approach worship this way, as if God is expected to accept whatever is thrown His way; a little prayer here, a little Bible reading there, church when we can squeeze it in, and we’ve done God a favor! We play by our own rules, disregarding the Word (the directions if you will) when the situation seems to demand it, then wonder why life blows up in our face…like exploding cake batter! Life can be busy and demanding, kind of crazy sometimes. But busyness is not bedlam when God is ordering our days (Psalms 37:23).
I learned how to make Red Velvet Cake the right way, by following Grandma’s recipe as it was written.
Funny, but every time I follow the instructions…I get the same result…success! God is faithful, and His Word can be trusted. When His instructions are followed, the results are the same…we’re blessed and He is honored. Keep thinking that just any old way will do. Keep making choices and decisions with no serious thought about the directions those choices are taking you. Keep parenting just hoping they turn out ok in the end. You may end up with a bigger mess than you bargained for.
Blown up any cakes lately?? Merry Christmas!
If you’re like me, there’s a special dessert or two that comes quickly to mind when you think of Christmas. It’s that mouth-watering something that just adds to the celebratory feeling in the air. It’s that one thing you look forward to, and you’re just sure that Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it. For me that special dessert was Grandma’s Red Velvet Cake. A great deal of time and expense went into this cake. And it was so worth it. It was the perfect Christmas cake with its festive deep red color frosted in that rich cream cheese and walnut icing. We called it Jesus’ birthday cake.
When I married and moved hundreds of miles away from home, being with extended family for Christmas was not always possible. Red Velvet Cake was one of the traditions I wanted to carry on with my own family. It wouldn’t be Grandma’s, but I wanted to try, so I had her send me her recipe. Looking over the ingredients, it was like no boxed mix I’d ever used. Who puts vinegar in a cake? Grandma added a note that puzzled me, but otherwise it didn’t appear to be too complicated. The note said something about how to mix the baking soda and the vinegar. What difference would it make?
Flour, sugar, cocoa, vanilla, baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, eggs, oil, milk…I started tossing everything in the large mixing bowl, thinking to myself that it really shouldn’t matter what order I added them. After all, it would all be mixed together in the end. Then the phone rang. I was just seconds into the phone call when one of my boys started tugging at my leg, another began yelling, “Mom, the cake, it’s exploding!”
I glanced around and sure enough, my cake was bubbling up and out of the bowl and was pouring all over the counter! What a mess! I quickly ended my call and then phoned my grandmother. When I explained to her what was happening, she laughed then replied, “You didn’t follow the directions did you?” That was an understatement. I hadn’t made a cake, I had made a volcano! That was many Christmases ago, but some things you don’t forget. An exploding cake is one of them! And thanks to Grandma, I learned an important lesson about recipes. Directions do matter. If a certain end result is expected, then I can’t just randomly throw a few ingredients together and hope for the best.
There are many that take the same haphazard approach to life that I used with that recipe. Life can become one jumbled chaotic mess when every day is just a struggle to survive the stress. Whether it’s parenting, or plans for the holidays, the mayhem that often results from “just winging it” is exhausting. Some even approach worship this way, as if God is expected to accept whatever is thrown His way; a little prayer here, a little Bible reading there, church when we can squeeze it in, and we’ve done God a favor! We play by our own rules, disregarding the Word (the directions if you will) when the situation seems to demand it, then wonder why life blows up in our face…like exploding cake batter! Life can be busy and demanding, kind of crazy sometimes. But busyness is not bedlam when God is ordering our days (Psalms 37:23).
I learned how to make Red Velvet Cake the right way, by following Grandma’s recipe as it was written.
Funny, but every time I follow the instructions…I get the same result…success! God is faithful, and His Word can be trusted. When His instructions are followed, the results are the same…we’re blessed and He is honored. Keep thinking that just any old way will do. Keep making choices and decisions with no serious thought about the directions those choices are taking you. Keep parenting just hoping they turn out ok in the end. You may end up with a bigger mess than you bargained for.
Blown up any cakes lately?? Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
It was just another day.
How is it that one day can be so full? Ups and downs, ins and outs, highs and lows, joys on one hand, stresses on the other! Because that’s what makes life what it is I suppose; moments that become hours, hours that are full, with joy one minute and stresses the next; they delight one minute, and demand and drain the next, only to end up one long day.
I love days like today when I talk to all our sons. Even though we talk to each of them often, it has been a while since I talked to all of them in the same day. I had thoughts of our grandson Gabriel Ethan today. It was his 4th birthday. He had a joke to tell Poppy when we talked to him. I had thoughts of our newest grandchildren…praying for Emma, wanting to see Josie, wondering how Dan, Steph and the kids were doing now that they were home from the hospital with Lily. And then finding that Becca is having contractions and really feeling like it may not be too much longer before Ellie makes her appearance! Then Elisha calls, and though he’s talking a mile a minute I manage to catch a few words about opening his present, and winning his game, and I know they received their Christmas package. I hear my message ringtone and pick up my phone to see a picture of Ephraim with his Christmas present. Across the miles, over the phone, snatches of pure delight filled some of this day’s moments.
The activities of the day filled the rest, from routine chores to Christmas play practice. And now that the house is quiet, the activities are over, and it’s time to be able to rest, well, I’m awake with a busy mind and tired body! That’s how it goes some evenings. Letting the end catch up with the beginning I guess.
Jesus said He is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last (Rev. 1:8,11), and I am so glad. Because there are often moments in the day when I don’t know the end from the beginning, or which end is up! But to know Him is enough. Whether the moment is bringing delight or I’m thinking the demons of hell must have been loosed, Jesus is enough. I just have to grab a moment, and in my mind step into a quiet place, breathe deeply, and remember…He is enough. It’s in that moment my mind and strength is renewed and I move forward not necessarily knowing how the day will end but confident that He has already gone before me. And moment by moment, hour by hour, days like this one are becoming a wonderful lifetime.
“ And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, [being] old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him” Genesis 35:29.
I want my days to be full, and my life full of days.
I love days like today when I talk to all our sons. Even though we talk to each of them often, it has been a while since I talked to all of them in the same day. I had thoughts of our grandson Gabriel Ethan today. It was his 4th birthday. He had a joke to tell Poppy when we talked to him. I had thoughts of our newest grandchildren…praying for Emma, wanting to see Josie, wondering how Dan, Steph and the kids were doing now that they were home from the hospital with Lily. And then finding that Becca is having contractions and really feeling like it may not be too much longer before Ellie makes her appearance! Then Elisha calls, and though he’s talking a mile a minute I manage to catch a few words about opening his present, and winning his game, and I know they received their Christmas package. I hear my message ringtone and pick up my phone to see a picture of Ephraim with his Christmas present. Across the miles, over the phone, snatches of pure delight filled some of this day’s moments.
The activities of the day filled the rest, from routine chores to Christmas play practice. And now that the house is quiet, the activities are over, and it’s time to be able to rest, well, I’m awake with a busy mind and tired body! That’s how it goes some evenings. Letting the end catch up with the beginning I guess.
Jesus said He is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last (Rev. 1:8,11), and I am so glad. Because there are often moments in the day when I don’t know the end from the beginning, or which end is up! But to know Him is enough. Whether the moment is bringing delight or I’m thinking the demons of hell must have been loosed, Jesus is enough. I just have to grab a moment, and in my mind step into a quiet place, breathe deeply, and remember…He is enough. It’s in that moment my mind and strength is renewed and I move forward not necessarily knowing how the day will end but confident that He has already gone before me. And moment by moment, hour by hour, days like this one are becoming a wonderful lifetime.
“ And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, [being] old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him” Genesis 35:29.
I want my days to be full, and my life full of days.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Reindeer Surprise
Our grandson, Elijah, has been quite fascinated with reindeer this Christmas season. Rudolph was the first Christmas special we watched. His stuffed Rudolph goes everywhere…everywhere! He can spot them a mile away, in a yard, a store window. Every animal from farm cows to jungle cats has imaginatively doubled as reindeer complete with names.
So when Rog made a trip up into the attic to check on the furnace and called down to me, “Hey, there are reindeer up here!” well, Elijah was at the bottom of the ladder in a split second, wide-eyed and waiting. I yelled up, “Sure there are!”
“No, I’m serious, there are reindeer up here! And a sleigh, and…what do you know, a Santa??? I quickly climbed the ladder only to meet the first reindeer face to face as he started to hand it down. Over 12 years we have lived in this house with no knowledge of reindeer in the attic. They obviously had belonged to the previous owners, but had evidently been abandoned or forgotten to the dark, cold attic corner.
Well, they are now in the yard…minus the Santa; he landed a spot on the back deck as a door mat. But the reindeer? They found a spot out front near the spiral lit Christmas trees that very night.
Life is just full of surprises, isn’t it? From our earthly perspective at least . I know God has a sense of humor. He used reindeer in my attic to remind me not to let the grinches and grumpies of this world rob me of His joy and simple pleasures that may be closer than I think.
I have a sneaking suspicion that outside of the grace of God and His joy made available to me I could easily become one of those grinches or grumpies. And I know exactly what “gets my goat”. Selfishness, rudeness, injustices, inconsistencies, arrogance…and I guess I should add being judgmental right? Hey, I look in the mirror often. That’s one reason I’m so easily frustrated. I know what the Word of God is capable of…it has transformed me. And even though many would likely say I’ve a ways to go, I’m not what I used to be, and don’t want to be. I can’t imagine life any other way. But I let God deal with that and continue to draw me closer to Himself. The greater the focus on the person of Christ, the less the fretting over things, situations, people…I cannot change or control. Especially the little things that might appear huge at the moment but really…they’re little in the light of eternity. But it’s not like God is unaware of even the huge things. How fruitless to fret! And I am the one that loses if my joy is sapped.
I’m not the only one who’s learned the power of this truth. Opening a Christmas card today from a dear friend was another welcomed reminder of how very much she taught me about joy years ago. And she’s never let it go. On the front of her card, “Joy” in large red script. Her message, her strength in very dark times, was and continues to be “joy”, joy in Jesus. Joy in Him, not in what He chooses to do or not do for us when we think we can’t go on, but a depth of joy that waits and trusts and prays, for years! It strengthens you to conquer the ups and downs, to accept what comes from His hand, and sees God do awesome things. And there are others…they have chosen joy in Jesus as a reality in their lives in spite of their circumstances, their hurts. They’re an inspiration and have taught me so much.
Sure, choosing joy is going to be challenged every now and then. And there are plenty of heartaches and hurts and headaches to go around. Read the newspaper, go to the mall, go to work! But don’t give up. Keep joy alive. Maybe this Christmas joy can reign, even with the same old ornaments, the same old Christmas music, the same old Christmas routine….Christmas programs, Christmas shopping, the cooking and baking and wrapping and rushing. And yes, the same people, maybe even family. Ask God to open your eyes to see differently. Ask Him to forgive the sins of irritation, frustration, impatience, doubt, anger, arrogance, whatever it might be. Tell him you want the joy. You might have to tell Him often. But you may just find it in a way you’re not expecting.
There may be reindeer in your attic.
So when Rog made a trip up into the attic to check on the furnace and called down to me, “Hey, there are reindeer up here!” well, Elijah was at the bottom of the ladder in a split second, wide-eyed and waiting. I yelled up, “Sure there are!”
“No, I’m serious, there are reindeer up here! And a sleigh, and…what do you know, a Santa??? I quickly climbed the ladder only to meet the first reindeer face to face as he started to hand it down. Over 12 years we have lived in this house with no knowledge of reindeer in the attic. They obviously had belonged to the previous owners, but had evidently been abandoned or forgotten to the dark, cold attic corner.
Well, they are now in the yard…minus the Santa; he landed a spot on the back deck as a door mat. But the reindeer? They found a spot out front near the spiral lit Christmas trees that very night.
Life is just full of surprises, isn’t it? From our earthly perspective at least . I know God has a sense of humor. He used reindeer in my attic to remind me not to let the grinches and grumpies of this world rob me of His joy and simple pleasures that may be closer than I think.
I have a sneaking suspicion that outside of the grace of God and His joy made available to me I could easily become one of those grinches or grumpies. And I know exactly what “gets my goat”. Selfishness, rudeness, injustices, inconsistencies, arrogance…and I guess I should add being judgmental right? Hey, I look in the mirror often. That’s one reason I’m so easily frustrated. I know what the Word of God is capable of…it has transformed me. And even though many would likely say I’ve a ways to go, I’m not what I used to be, and don’t want to be. I can’t imagine life any other way. But I let God deal with that and continue to draw me closer to Himself. The greater the focus on the person of Christ, the less the fretting over things, situations, people…I cannot change or control. Especially the little things that might appear huge at the moment but really…they’re little in the light of eternity. But it’s not like God is unaware of even the huge things. How fruitless to fret! And I am the one that loses if my joy is sapped.
I’m not the only one who’s learned the power of this truth. Opening a Christmas card today from a dear friend was another welcomed reminder of how very much she taught me about joy years ago. And she’s never let it go. On the front of her card, “Joy” in large red script. Her message, her strength in very dark times, was and continues to be “joy”, joy in Jesus. Joy in Him, not in what He chooses to do or not do for us when we think we can’t go on, but a depth of joy that waits and trusts and prays, for years! It strengthens you to conquer the ups and downs, to accept what comes from His hand, and sees God do awesome things. And there are others…they have chosen joy in Jesus as a reality in their lives in spite of their circumstances, their hurts. They’re an inspiration and have taught me so much.
Sure, choosing joy is going to be challenged every now and then. And there are plenty of heartaches and hurts and headaches to go around. Read the newspaper, go to the mall, go to work! But don’t give up. Keep joy alive. Maybe this Christmas joy can reign, even with the same old ornaments, the same old Christmas music, the same old Christmas routine….Christmas programs, Christmas shopping, the cooking and baking and wrapping and rushing. And yes, the same people, maybe even family. Ask God to open your eyes to see differently. Ask Him to forgive the sins of irritation, frustration, impatience, doubt, anger, arrogance, whatever it might be. Tell him you want the joy. You might have to tell Him often. But you may just find it in a way you’re not expecting.
There may be reindeer in your attic.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Perfect Hatred
The Scripture speaks of “hating with a perfect hatred”. Theologians undoubtedly have explained it. I’m not sure I fully understand it but sometimes I’m sure I feel it.
Consider Psalms 139:21-22; “Do not I hate them O Lord that hate Thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against Thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.”
Yes, I can feel it sometimes, but I quickly give it back to God because, in my raw emotion, to hold on to it would only fuel feelings better left with Him. My human hatred would be far from “perfect” and would likely be misdirected, unleashed on individuals rather than a world of failed, deceptive systems. It seems there’s always a ‘system’ at work that is supposed to have all the answers…a government system, an education system, a social services system, even a religious system. Even with all the good people out there and great programs available, they unfortunately fall miserably short of ever being able to meet humanity’s greatest need, a love-relationship with their Creator.
More importantly, the Enemy is not my cranky neighbor, or the teen with the purple hair and smart mouth, or the woman behind the desk whose hands are tied. It’s not even the cashier that sabotages my order at McDonald’s. How do you confuse mocha with caramel anyway?? But this isn’t about me being personally offended or needing a platform to strike back.
I look in the eyes of a teen that harbors a hardness of heart; I walk by a parked car in a parking lot and hear the foul language and the harshness and the meanness pouring from an adult’s mouth toward another, especially a child. I see the places people live, not because they have to but because they choose to, in the filth, the perversion, the drinking and drugging, the reckless sex, the noncommittal relationships, the materialism and pleasure-seeking. It’s the nothing-really-matters place, the until-something-better-comes-along place, the mind-your-own-business place, the going-nowhere-fast place. The grieving, the heaviness, like someone died… it’s there again; I’m incensed with the product of sin and selfishness, wickedness and a no-God-consciousness glaring me in the face.
I often even feel it rising to the surface when I see the carelessness and complacency of believers, those that won’t rely on the Word and the Spirit of God to draw them to Christlikeness. Rather, they’re allowing themselves to be strongly influenced by the world’s systems, their way of thinking. They’re slowly swallowing the philosophy of self-centeredness, the “it’s all about me” mentality. They can’t handle the thought of not being accepted, of appearing to be weird or outdated in their thinking, of not going along, fitting in or adapting to current trends. There’s a fear of questions being raised about their actions and attitudes, or about having a firm belief in anything and especially God. Everything has to be situational, or else there’s no way out when cornered to commit. Christ is Truth, yet truth is so lightly regarded. Self-importance is priority and will not allow for anything that might threaten it.
Yet, when they are weak and stumbling, being strangled by stress, or suffocating in the grip of some habit or desire, they wonder where God is. Worse yet, they see their children not having any desire to know God or live for Him and wonder why…the heaviness, there it is again. The hurt is even harder to handle, knowing there is a simple solution. Simple, yes, but costly. As in Jesus’ day there are some not willing to pay the price to follow Him (Mark 8:34; John 6:66-67).
Is there anything positive this “hatred” can accomplish? Yes, and there is a glorious dimension to it. It is to pray and trust and give and serve and live for Christ instead of dwelling on the darkness. It is to wait and expect and be excited to see the power of unconditional love take hold and begin to melt a hard heart; it is to watch as the saving grace of Christ is appropriated and a life is changed; it is the thrill when God intervenes on behalf of His children and miracles happen! It’s the peace that comes with a quiet acceptance of the sovereignty of God, an understanding of His love and care that is difficult to explain but divinely intoxicating to experience. It’s to praise Him and be genuinely thankful when others come to know Him as you do.
A perfect God with perfect hatred will mete out perfect justice in His perfect time. I give my hatred to Him. I am grateful for His perfect love. Others can know His perfect love. It’s so perfect and real that it overwhelms me. Righteous hatred births humility, unconditional love, and a burning passion for others to know and live for the Savior.
“You who love the LORD, hate evil!” Psalm 97: 10 NKJV
Consider Psalms 139:21-22; “Do not I hate them O Lord that hate Thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against Thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.”
Yes, I can feel it sometimes, but I quickly give it back to God because, in my raw emotion, to hold on to it would only fuel feelings better left with Him. My human hatred would be far from “perfect” and would likely be misdirected, unleashed on individuals rather than a world of failed, deceptive systems. It seems there’s always a ‘system’ at work that is supposed to have all the answers…a government system, an education system, a social services system, even a religious system. Even with all the good people out there and great programs available, they unfortunately fall miserably short of ever being able to meet humanity’s greatest need, a love-relationship with their Creator.
More importantly, the Enemy is not my cranky neighbor, or the teen with the purple hair and smart mouth, or the woman behind the desk whose hands are tied. It’s not even the cashier that sabotages my order at McDonald’s. How do you confuse mocha with caramel anyway?? But this isn’t about me being personally offended or needing a platform to strike back.
I look in the eyes of a teen that harbors a hardness of heart; I walk by a parked car in a parking lot and hear the foul language and the harshness and the meanness pouring from an adult’s mouth toward another, especially a child. I see the places people live, not because they have to but because they choose to, in the filth, the perversion, the drinking and drugging, the reckless sex, the noncommittal relationships, the materialism and pleasure-seeking. It’s the nothing-really-matters place, the until-something-better-comes-along place, the mind-your-own-business place, the going-nowhere-fast place. The grieving, the heaviness, like someone died… it’s there again; I’m incensed with the product of sin and selfishness, wickedness and a no-God-consciousness glaring me in the face.
I often even feel it rising to the surface when I see the carelessness and complacency of believers, those that won’t rely on the Word and the Spirit of God to draw them to Christlikeness. Rather, they’re allowing themselves to be strongly influenced by the world’s systems, their way of thinking. They’re slowly swallowing the philosophy of self-centeredness, the “it’s all about me” mentality. They can’t handle the thought of not being accepted, of appearing to be weird or outdated in their thinking, of not going along, fitting in or adapting to current trends. There’s a fear of questions being raised about their actions and attitudes, or about having a firm belief in anything and especially God. Everything has to be situational, or else there’s no way out when cornered to commit. Christ is Truth, yet truth is so lightly regarded. Self-importance is priority and will not allow for anything that might threaten it.
Yet, when they are weak and stumbling, being strangled by stress, or suffocating in the grip of some habit or desire, they wonder where God is. Worse yet, they see their children not having any desire to know God or live for Him and wonder why…the heaviness, there it is again. The hurt is even harder to handle, knowing there is a simple solution. Simple, yes, but costly. As in Jesus’ day there are some not willing to pay the price to follow Him (Mark 8:34; John 6:66-67).
Is there anything positive this “hatred” can accomplish? Yes, and there is a glorious dimension to it. It is to pray and trust and give and serve and live for Christ instead of dwelling on the darkness. It is to wait and expect and be excited to see the power of unconditional love take hold and begin to melt a hard heart; it is to watch as the saving grace of Christ is appropriated and a life is changed; it is the thrill when God intervenes on behalf of His children and miracles happen! It’s the peace that comes with a quiet acceptance of the sovereignty of God, an understanding of His love and care that is difficult to explain but divinely intoxicating to experience. It’s to praise Him and be genuinely thankful when others come to know Him as you do.
A perfect God with perfect hatred will mete out perfect justice in His perfect time. I give my hatred to Him. I am grateful for His perfect love. Others can know His perfect love. It’s so perfect and real that it overwhelms me. Righteous hatred births humility, unconditional love, and a burning passion for others to know and live for the Savior.
“You who love the LORD, hate evil!” Psalm 97: 10 NKJV
Monday, November 1, 2010
After an intensely oppressive Saturday, Sunday was a breath of fresh air!! It was as if God had opened a window...I could breathe freely, see clearly, pray openly without the terrible struggle. Christ was so very near in morning worship. In fact, the reminders of His nearness were every where; in the prayers of people, in the fellowship, in the message, in the songs...especially in the songs: "Near to the Heart of God"; "Draw me Nearer"; "Nearer my God to Thee".
A friend had spent time in prayer with me; my sons had called to check on me and were quick to encourage with Scripture and prayer. My husband had offered support and encouragement, and went beyond just "sharing the load". Finally, I was able to go to bed around 11:30 p.m. exhausted, but with joy and a quiet confidence that God was at work. Even during the night, I woke several times only to have a number of people come to mind that I knew were going through terribly challenging times. The Lord impressed me to consider that my spiritual struggle may not have been just about me, and I prayed.
Such a marked difference the two days were! There was a spirit of calm in the cottage, not the incessant bickering and edginess. My heaviness of the previous day was gone, and my emotions had survived the gamut they had experienced. Even into Monday, there was indication that God was still working in so many ways. The Chris Tomlin song, "Indescribable" comes to mind..."awestuck we fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim, you are amazing God".
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the powere of His might. Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.
Standing.
A friend had spent time in prayer with me; my sons had called to check on me and were quick to encourage with Scripture and prayer. My husband had offered support and encouragement, and went beyond just "sharing the load". Finally, I was able to go to bed around 11:30 p.m. exhausted, but with joy and a quiet confidence that God was at work. Even during the night, I woke several times only to have a number of people come to mind that I knew were going through terribly challenging times. The Lord impressed me to consider that my spiritual struggle may not have been just about me, and I prayed.
Such a marked difference the two days were! There was a spirit of calm in the cottage, not the incessant bickering and edginess. My heaviness of the previous day was gone, and my emotions had survived the gamut they had experienced. Even into Monday, there was indication that God was still working in so many ways. The Chris Tomlin song, "Indescribable" comes to mind..."awestuck we fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim, you are amazing God".
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the powere of His might. Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.
Standing.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
What a day it has been. Just one 24-hour day?? First not wanting to talk to a soul, then wanting to share everything with anyone that would listen. The highs and lows have been just that; first joy then a heavy heart. It has been a while since I've fought a spiritual battle this intense. And that is what it has been, a spiritual battle. Each time I would sense the onslaught, I would go to the Scripture, spend time earnestly praying...and each time within hours, God impressed someone to contact me with the exact same message He had for me in His Word and in prayer. It reassured me of His presence; it encouraged me to be strong; it made me laugh out loud!
I posted on fb this morning:
I looked out over the pond, and then across those beautiful hills. There was a frost on the ground and the color was fading...but the sky was as blue as could be!And so clearly the thought came..."this joy that I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away".
The Lord knew the many concerns of my heart in recent days.
Another post later:
so, no sooner had I meditated on the joy that the world can't take away...Satan must have determined, "but I can sure make you try to give it up!"
I then went on to comment on the old saying..."and that's when all Hades broke loose!" I experienced a direct hit on my joy bucket!!
One of my sons had been talking to me earlier this week about that very thing...how so many believers are robbed of their joy, and they are rendered useless. If there is one thing I don't want to be, it's useless; all the "D" words...defeated, discouraged, distraught, damaged, disillusioned...I'm sure there are more, but "good grief" (thanks, Peanuts! love 'em) that's enough!
Life is full; life is good; life is meaningful...and too short to sit and sour over any and everything! I know...crazy. at least by the standard of those that don't operate within this realm. It's hard to explain. Maybe I shouldn't be sharing it at all. It's just been a day I will remember for a while. So intense, so....good. Only because I know I've been stretched. And, even when there will likely be hell's fury to face on yet another day, I woke up with joy, and praise God I'm going to bed with joy.
"...the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh 8:10)
I posted on fb this morning:
I looked out over the pond, and then across those beautiful hills. There was a frost on the ground and the color was fading...but the sky was as blue as could be!And so clearly the thought came..."this joy that I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away".
The Lord knew the many concerns of my heart in recent days.
Another post later:
so, no sooner had I meditated on the joy that the world can't take away...Satan must have determined, "but I can sure make you try to give it up!"
I then went on to comment on the old saying..."and that's when all Hades broke loose!" I experienced a direct hit on my joy bucket!!
One of my sons had been talking to me earlier this week about that very thing...how so many believers are robbed of their joy, and they are rendered useless. If there is one thing I don't want to be, it's useless; all the "D" words...defeated, discouraged, distraught, damaged, disillusioned...I'm sure there are more, but "good grief" (thanks, Peanuts! love 'em) that's enough!
Life is full; life is good; life is meaningful...and too short to sit and sour over any and everything! I know...crazy. at least by the standard of those that don't operate within this realm. It's hard to explain. Maybe I shouldn't be sharing it at all. It's just been a day I will remember for a while. So intense, so....good. Only because I know I've been stretched. And, even when there will likely be hell's fury to face on yet another day, I woke up with joy, and praise God I'm going to bed with joy.
"...the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh 8:10)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
the Chalk Drawing
As the chalk artist put the final touches on his drawing, I sat there in the pew struggling to even see it through the tears. It was beautiful, but it made me so angry. It showed Moses there on the top of Mount Pisgah looking out over ‘the Promised Land’. God was giving Moses an opportunity to see it, but he would not go in. In his face was the look of deep longing, but at the same time, acceptance and a depth of understanding and contentment. Had the artist really captured that, or was that just what I was seeing?
That was over 30 years ago, but I remember so vividly the strong emotion, the questions that filled me as I went over the story in my mind. What a struggle raged in me; and it would have to be settled before leaving the church that evening. Somehow I knew this was not just about Moses. This was about where I was going in my relationship with God from that point forward. Would I be able to trust Him to do right? At the time, what He chose for Moses just didn’t seem quite fair to me. Yes, Moses had made some mistakes; he had sinned. But he had been forgiven, right? God used him in tremendous ways as a great leader. He had done so much, put up with so much. I didn’t understand it all then, but I did know that faith involved trusting even when I didn’t understand. But that would mean I wouldn’t be in control anymore. God would have to be.
Things have always been so black and white for me; cut and dried, yes or no, all or nothing, no middle of the road. So if I took this step I knew there was no turning back regardless of where it took me. And deep down that’s what I wanted, something genuine, something bigger than me, something with meaning and purpose, but at what cost? Jesus was trying to show me that my relationship with Him could be more than just knowing I was going to heaven when I died. It could be more than just knowing the Bible stories, more than just being “a pretty good person”. But I would have to learn what it meant to really trust Him and trust His ways. I went forward that night to affirm my decision and left that evening knowing my life had taken a significant turn. I was able to surrender my anger, my disbelief at how God had chosen to deal with Moses. I was able to tell Him I wanted to trust, but I would need His help.
A lot of years have passed. I’m grateful for the lessons learned, the love and hunger the Lord gave me for His Word, the wise and mentoring women He has allowed me to know and be impacted by. And every time I have trusted Him, with everything from life-changing decisions to my daily routine and everything in between…He has proven I can trust Him more. I can trust Him for guidance. I can trust Him with relationships. I can trust Him when life’s events just don’t make any sense to me. I can trust Him with all the inconsistencies and unfairness. I can trust Him with the choices and philosophies and behaviors of others that I cannot control or change. And I must confess this is my greatest challenge. I’m the one that sees things cut and dried, black and white, remember? So things are either right or they are wrong. Sometimes the frustration and irritation, the disappointment and disillusionment, is a major battle, because it often appears that gray is the choice of color for so many. I must continually rely on the Lord for His patience, understanding, and resolve when mine is slipping away. Am I the only one that just wants to “shake some sense” into people every once in a while??? But that’s not my job. My job is not to set right all the wrongs. My job is not to champion all the causes. My job is not to make others simply do the right thing (simply??). That’s God’s job, and I must let Him do His job. My responsibility, my great blessing, is to trust, yielding to Him with a willing acceptance.
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25) Yes, but at times it seems as though it won’t be in my lifetime! And that may be so, but that is His business. In my passion , when I resort to the ways of the ‘Sons of Thunder’ and just want to ‘call fire down from heaven’, I am quickly humbled with God’s patient care of me and find myself asking Jesus for His holy sweetness (I am quite aware I will not melt in a downpour!).
The chalk artist left a drawing with the host pastor that night, who later became my father-in-law. When packing for a move to another ministry, Dad decided to give the drawing to me. Unrolling the canvas, I should not have been surprised to find it was ‘my Moses’ picture! God has such a sense of humor. Seeing it this time however, stirred no anger, only a warm acceptance and gratitude. The drawing is long gone, lost in the many moves and turns my life has taken. The message etched on my heart that night remains. I don’t always understand His ways, but I don’t doubt His love. It is strong and forever. I am confident He will always do what is right and what is best. He has proven it over and over again.
I can trust Him.
That was over 30 years ago, but I remember so vividly the strong emotion, the questions that filled me as I went over the story in my mind. What a struggle raged in me; and it would have to be settled before leaving the church that evening. Somehow I knew this was not just about Moses. This was about where I was going in my relationship with God from that point forward. Would I be able to trust Him to do right? At the time, what He chose for Moses just didn’t seem quite fair to me. Yes, Moses had made some mistakes; he had sinned. But he had been forgiven, right? God used him in tremendous ways as a great leader. He had done so much, put up with so much. I didn’t understand it all then, but I did know that faith involved trusting even when I didn’t understand. But that would mean I wouldn’t be in control anymore. God would have to be.
Things have always been so black and white for me; cut and dried, yes or no, all or nothing, no middle of the road. So if I took this step I knew there was no turning back regardless of where it took me. And deep down that’s what I wanted, something genuine, something bigger than me, something with meaning and purpose, but at what cost? Jesus was trying to show me that my relationship with Him could be more than just knowing I was going to heaven when I died. It could be more than just knowing the Bible stories, more than just being “a pretty good person”. But I would have to learn what it meant to really trust Him and trust His ways. I went forward that night to affirm my decision and left that evening knowing my life had taken a significant turn. I was able to surrender my anger, my disbelief at how God had chosen to deal with Moses. I was able to tell Him I wanted to trust, but I would need His help.
A lot of years have passed. I’m grateful for the lessons learned, the love and hunger the Lord gave me for His Word, the wise and mentoring women He has allowed me to know and be impacted by. And every time I have trusted Him, with everything from life-changing decisions to my daily routine and everything in between…He has proven I can trust Him more. I can trust Him for guidance. I can trust Him with relationships. I can trust Him when life’s events just don’t make any sense to me. I can trust Him with all the inconsistencies and unfairness. I can trust Him with the choices and philosophies and behaviors of others that I cannot control or change. And I must confess this is my greatest challenge. I’m the one that sees things cut and dried, black and white, remember? So things are either right or they are wrong. Sometimes the frustration and irritation, the disappointment and disillusionment, is a major battle, because it often appears that gray is the choice of color for so many. I must continually rely on the Lord for His patience, understanding, and resolve when mine is slipping away. Am I the only one that just wants to “shake some sense” into people every once in a while??? But that’s not my job. My job is not to set right all the wrongs. My job is not to champion all the causes. My job is not to make others simply do the right thing (simply??). That’s God’s job, and I must let Him do His job. My responsibility, my great blessing, is to trust, yielding to Him with a willing acceptance.
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25) Yes, but at times it seems as though it won’t be in my lifetime! And that may be so, but that is His business. In my passion , when I resort to the ways of the ‘Sons of Thunder’ and just want to ‘call fire down from heaven’, I am quickly humbled with God’s patient care of me and find myself asking Jesus for His holy sweetness (I am quite aware I will not melt in a downpour!).
The chalk artist left a drawing with the host pastor that night, who later became my father-in-law. When packing for a move to another ministry, Dad decided to give the drawing to me. Unrolling the canvas, I should not have been surprised to find it was ‘my Moses’ picture! God has such a sense of humor. Seeing it this time however, stirred no anger, only a warm acceptance and gratitude. The drawing is long gone, lost in the many moves and turns my life has taken. The message etched on my heart that night remains. I don’t always understand His ways, but I don’t doubt His love. It is strong and forever. I am confident He will always do what is right and what is best. He has proven it over and over again.
I can trust Him.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The Stethoscope
Anyone else might have thought the question was quite random, but I knew it was the Lord at work in the details once again.
My son Seth and his wife Rebecca were being trained on the ins and outs of the nasal port (feeding tube) their son Ephraim was now requiring. A “kidney baby”, he was now losing weight and quite rapidly, so this was necessary if he was to remain on track for the kidney transplant. In the training it was brought to their attention that a stethoscope would be needed to make sure placement was accurate and to lessen injury with insertion and removal of the tube. It would be expensive to purchase, and at the time, insurance was not covering all the extras. The disposable one used by the home health nurse was only for training purposes; they would have to have their own.
When Seth replied, “I have one,” the questioning look on the face of the home health nurse was obvious and somewhat humorous. After all, not just everyone had a stethoscope lying around for no reason, especially a counseling major working at a bank.
But that’s where the Sovereign God of details comes in. At one time Seth had considered medicine as a career choice and was accepted into Marshall University’s pre-med program. The Christmas of his senior year in high school his grandmother gave him a stethoscope. This stethoscope had a history behind it, having belonged to a co-worker of hers. Living and working in a rural county in Virginia, she was surprised to learn that her co-worker had also attended Marshall University in West Virginia. But developments after a stint oversees practicing medicine stirred him in another direction after returning to the states. He had given her the stethoscope and told her to pass it on to her grandson in the hopes that it would still be found useful and perhaps be an encouragement to him during any challenging days he might encounter. Little did he know!
After Seth’s first year he also began sensing a change in the direction he should take and determined that medicine was not it. When sharing this with me and his dad I immediately thought of the stethoscope. Once again it seemed its fate would be to land in a drawer somewhere unused. But we wanted nothing more than to support him in his decision, knowing he had made it a matter of prayer. His grandmother would also be a bit disappointed at first but would also encourage him to follow what he knew in his heart was the right choice.
So, enter the present situation…Seth’s son was in need of a stethoscope. And he knew he had one. I know, coincidence, right? Perhaps. But when I answered the phone and he said, “Mom, I know this is kind of random, but do you still have my stethoscope?” I was able to tell him it was still hanging in his room just where it was when he left. He then went on to explain why it was needed. As he talked I couldn’t help but think that years earlier God knew Seth would be in need of a stethoscope and had provided it. It had not been used by him to this point, but it would be now, and in caring for his own son!
With all the challenges they had already faced with Ephraim, and all the miracles God had performed on this child, all the prayers answered, yet He had chosen not to provide a complete healing. Rather, along the way as each need surfaced, including while still in his mother’s womb, God had intervened. With the Lord’s hand on him, Ephraim had survived the pregnancy against all odds, survived a dry birth without any of the infections or complications normally associated with it, avoided dialysis, and for over a year his little abnormal, barely functioning kidney had sustained him. When the weight loss started and it was determined that his kidneys were now failing, once again God intervened. Problems developed with the feeding tube early on when the regulator kept malfunctioning. A chest port surgery had been scheduled but was 3 weeks away. When they were told nothing more could be done until the upcoming surgery they decided to join the rest of the family on vacation at the beach. It was hard to watch Ephraim become more frail each day, but at least we would all be able to face it together.
So, there at our special beach retreat on the Outer Banks, where so many wonderful times had already been spent together (including Seth and Rebecca’s wedding), the brothers and their families, along with Rog and myself and Seth’s paternal grandmother, gathered together and prayed over Ephraim shortly after they arrived. What a precious time. And then I remembered… the stethoscope! I had brought it with me and wanted to make sure I gave it to them. While everyone continued sharing and encouraging and just enjoying the moment, Rebecca’s phone rang. It was her home health nurse…also on vacation! The on-call nurse had called her and explained what was happening, asking for any suggestions. She had one last idea for them to try to get this regulator functioning properly. If that didn’t work, she didn’t know what else to tell them.
Well, not only did it work and Ephraim started getting a full feeding each night, but he started eating again through the day…everything in sight!! By the end of the week he had gained a pound and a half!
I knew there would likely be more challenges for them to face in the coming months if a transplant was in God’s plan. I also knew I had to let “my boys” and their beautiful wives and children…(my grandchildren!)...go back to their own homes, their own ministries, some hundreds, some thousands of miles away until the next time, whenever that might be. But it was ok. We had shared a precious time together, and God was in it all, every detail.
And Seth had his stethoscope.
My son Seth and his wife Rebecca were being trained on the ins and outs of the nasal port (feeding tube) their son Ephraim was now requiring. A “kidney baby”, he was now losing weight and quite rapidly, so this was necessary if he was to remain on track for the kidney transplant. In the training it was brought to their attention that a stethoscope would be needed to make sure placement was accurate and to lessen injury with insertion and removal of the tube. It would be expensive to purchase, and at the time, insurance was not covering all the extras. The disposable one used by the home health nurse was only for training purposes; they would have to have their own.
When Seth replied, “I have one,” the questioning look on the face of the home health nurse was obvious and somewhat humorous. After all, not just everyone had a stethoscope lying around for no reason, especially a counseling major working at a bank.
But that’s where the Sovereign God of details comes in. At one time Seth had considered medicine as a career choice and was accepted into Marshall University’s pre-med program. The Christmas of his senior year in high school his grandmother gave him a stethoscope. This stethoscope had a history behind it, having belonged to a co-worker of hers. Living and working in a rural county in Virginia, she was surprised to learn that her co-worker had also attended Marshall University in West Virginia. But developments after a stint oversees practicing medicine stirred him in another direction after returning to the states. He had given her the stethoscope and told her to pass it on to her grandson in the hopes that it would still be found useful and perhaps be an encouragement to him during any challenging days he might encounter. Little did he know!
After Seth’s first year he also began sensing a change in the direction he should take and determined that medicine was not it. When sharing this with me and his dad I immediately thought of the stethoscope. Once again it seemed its fate would be to land in a drawer somewhere unused. But we wanted nothing more than to support him in his decision, knowing he had made it a matter of prayer. His grandmother would also be a bit disappointed at first but would also encourage him to follow what he knew in his heart was the right choice.
So, enter the present situation…Seth’s son was in need of a stethoscope. And he knew he had one. I know, coincidence, right? Perhaps. But when I answered the phone and he said, “Mom, I know this is kind of random, but do you still have my stethoscope?” I was able to tell him it was still hanging in his room just where it was when he left. He then went on to explain why it was needed. As he talked I couldn’t help but think that years earlier God knew Seth would be in need of a stethoscope and had provided it. It had not been used by him to this point, but it would be now, and in caring for his own son!
With all the challenges they had already faced with Ephraim, and all the miracles God had performed on this child, all the prayers answered, yet He had chosen not to provide a complete healing. Rather, along the way as each need surfaced, including while still in his mother’s womb, God had intervened. With the Lord’s hand on him, Ephraim had survived the pregnancy against all odds, survived a dry birth without any of the infections or complications normally associated with it, avoided dialysis, and for over a year his little abnormal, barely functioning kidney had sustained him. When the weight loss started and it was determined that his kidneys were now failing, once again God intervened. Problems developed with the feeding tube early on when the regulator kept malfunctioning. A chest port surgery had been scheduled but was 3 weeks away. When they were told nothing more could be done until the upcoming surgery they decided to join the rest of the family on vacation at the beach. It was hard to watch Ephraim become more frail each day, but at least we would all be able to face it together.
So, there at our special beach retreat on the Outer Banks, where so many wonderful times had already been spent together (including Seth and Rebecca’s wedding), the brothers and their families, along with Rog and myself and Seth’s paternal grandmother, gathered together and prayed over Ephraim shortly after they arrived. What a precious time. And then I remembered… the stethoscope! I had brought it with me and wanted to make sure I gave it to them. While everyone continued sharing and encouraging and just enjoying the moment, Rebecca’s phone rang. It was her home health nurse…also on vacation! The on-call nurse had called her and explained what was happening, asking for any suggestions. She had one last idea for them to try to get this regulator functioning properly. If that didn’t work, she didn’t know what else to tell them.
Well, not only did it work and Ephraim started getting a full feeding each night, but he started eating again through the day…everything in sight!! By the end of the week he had gained a pound and a half!
I knew there would likely be more challenges for them to face in the coming months if a transplant was in God’s plan. I also knew I had to let “my boys” and their beautiful wives and children…(my grandchildren!)...go back to their own homes, their own ministries, some hundreds, some thousands of miles away until the next time, whenever that might be. But it was ok. We had shared a precious time together, and God was in it all, every detail.
And Seth had his stethoscope.
Friday, May 7, 2010
“Let the peace of God rule….Let the word of Christ dwell…”
From Colossians 3
What a battle the will is known to wage at times. I know what the Scripture says. I know what God desires for me. I want this peace in my heart that is spoken of. I just want God to DO something…change my situation…change other people…that I might have this inner peace, when all along the determining factor for having that peace or not having it, lies with me.
How many imperatives are given in Colossians 3 alone: set; mortify; put off; put on; forgive, let…??? Having the peace of God rule in my heart begins with choosing to take a personal look at my role in this reality.
If I’m honest with myself, I can find it easy to justify holding on to my unrest based on what I feel is the responsibility of others to STOP IRRITATING ME. Why can’t people just do what they’re supposed to do? Why can’t people just be responsible and kind and considerate and respectful and patient and honest, and unselfish…and, wait! I can’t control these behaviors in others, but the behaviors of others do not have to control me. I have a privilege, a high calling…to honor my Savior by choosing to do as He asks. That in itself should be reason enough to “let”, but amazingly in my obedience, He eliminates the inner turmoil, the frustration, the anger, the irritation that I experience by holding on, by reacting, by expecting something of others that is not mine to control.
Easier said than done? Probably. But that’s not the issue. So, how? How do I practically apply this “letting” principle? It’s a conscious, determined effort. Once the will chooses to redirect the mind’s thinking, the emotions and feelings are easier brought into check. Make it a step by step process…stop, step back, step forward.
Stop: take a moment to stop what you’re doing, what you’re thinking, and deliberately change your thoughts and actions. Verbalize it if necessary. Make a declaration…I will be patient with others, I will change what I can, and let go what I cannot. I will…
Step back: take a deep breath, think on Scripture, pray, releasing your FEELINGS to the Lord. Receive all He promises about the situation…wisdom, strength, patience, whatever it is.
Step forward: go on with your day, doing what needs to be done. Praise the Lord for His abiding presence and work in your life, for what He has done TO you.
It’s just like God to take all I bring to Him in unrest, and turn it into beautiful peace.
What a battle the will is known to wage at times. I know what the Scripture says. I know what God desires for me. I want this peace in my heart that is spoken of. I just want God to DO something…change my situation…change other people…that I might have this inner peace, when all along the determining factor for having that peace or not having it, lies with me.
How many imperatives are given in Colossians 3 alone: set; mortify; put off; put on; forgive, let…??? Having the peace of God rule in my heart begins with choosing to take a personal look at my role in this reality.
If I’m honest with myself, I can find it easy to justify holding on to my unrest based on what I feel is the responsibility of others to STOP IRRITATING ME. Why can’t people just do what they’re supposed to do? Why can’t people just be responsible and kind and considerate and respectful and patient and honest, and unselfish…and, wait! I can’t control these behaviors in others, but the behaviors of others do not have to control me. I have a privilege, a high calling…to honor my Savior by choosing to do as He asks. That in itself should be reason enough to “let”, but amazingly in my obedience, He eliminates the inner turmoil, the frustration, the anger, the irritation that I experience by holding on, by reacting, by expecting something of others that is not mine to control.
Easier said than done? Probably. But that’s not the issue. So, how? How do I practically apply this “letting” principle? It’s a conscious, determined effort. Once the will chooses to redirect the mind’s thinking, the emotions and feelings are easier brought into check. Make it a step by step process…stop, step back, step forward.
Stop: take a moment to stop what you’re doing, what you’re thinking, and deliberately change your thoughts and actions. Verbalize it if necessary. Make a declaration…I will be patient with others, I will change what I can, and let go what I cannot. I will…
Step back: take a deep breath, think on Scripture, pray, releasing your FEELINGS to the Lord. Receive all He promises about the situation…wisdom, strength, patience, whatever it is.
Step forward: go on with your day, doing what needs to be done. Praise the Lord for His abiding presence and work in your life, for what He has done TO you.
It’s just like God to take all I bring to Him in unrest, and turn it into beautiful peace.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Reading from Job 23..."Oh that I knew where I might find Him" (v.3).
A Job moment...times I felt God was so far away...at times, moments stretched into long, dry seasons. I've often thought of Elijah at the brook Cherith in these times. God sent him there, then the brook dried up!
But during even these times my faith was strengthened when I just refused to stop believing, refused to give in to how I was feeling. And yet I knew even that resolve came from Him because everything in me just wanted to give up.
Struggling to get up in the mornings, struggling to pray...but when I stopped struggling and just quieted my heart before Him, that strong sense of knowing, just knowing He in fact was very near...it would settle me. I did not feel His presence. I did not feel much at all for the numbness that could envelop me. But I would know. I would know, and then remember His promises, promises of His love, His faithfulness...a sense of deep, abiding love...love that stays, that won't let you go, that disallowed any thoughts and feelings of abandonment. Regardless of how I felt, I had Him...more importantly, He had me.
How amazing is that sense of knowing and being known, especially when you cannot feel.
"...and the sheep follow HIm for they know His voice."
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
John 10:4, 27
A Job moment...times I felt God was so far away...at times, moments stretched into long, dry seasons. I've often thought of Elijah at the brook Cherith in these times. God sent him there, then the brook dried up!
But during even these times my faith was strengthened when I just refused to stop believing, refused to give in to how I was feeling. And yet I knew even that resolve came from Him because everything in me just wanted to give up.
Struggling to get up in the mornings, struggling to pray...but when I stopped struggling and just quieted my heart before Him, that strong sense of knowing, just knowing He in fact was very near...it would settle me. I did not feel His presence. I did not feel much at all for the numbness that could envelop me. But I would know. I would know, and then remember His promises, promises of His love, His faithfulness...a sense of deep, abiding love...love that stays, that won't let you go, that disallowed any thoughts and feelings of abandonment. Regardless of how I felt, I had Him...more importantly, He had me.
How amazing is that sense of knowing and being known, especially when you cannot feel.
"...and the sheep follow HIm for they know His voice."
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
John 10:4, 27
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Parenting on Purpose
The message was from Joshua 24: 14-16. I don't remember at the moment exactly what the primary message was...only what immediately jumped off the page of my Bible to me. This will happen so often, and hopefully it does to you also...you know, when regardless of what the emphasis may have been, the Lord uses His word to impact you through it.
I've been mulling over this idea of parenting on purpose for some time now. I guess because I see so many haphazard approaches to parenting. And in too many cases the child birthed into this world is viewed as more of a burden than a blessing; someone to be tolerated as the offspring of some random physical relationship rather than children to be cherished and nurtured, and to forever bless your life from the moment they arrive.
No, parenting shouldn't just happen. It should be purposeful. There should be a plan, some goals to see accomplished. It's a work in progress, hard work; a mission moving forward on a regular basis. But it's so easy to get busy just getting through each day and not realize that YEARS are slipping by! There is a bountiful harvest to be enjoyed when the seed planted grows and develops into what it is meant to be.
I am so thankful that God impressed Rog and I early on in our marriage to commit to raising a family, not just having children...and there is a significant difference. We wanted to raise them by His standards and principles, with His enabling, and for His glory. That purposeful, determined commitment made all the difference, in the joy we would experience in this journey, in the hope and healing available with failure and heartbreak, in the wonderful reward of seeing adult children now with their own families committed to raising their own children "in the fear and admonition of the Lord". They have made their own commitments to purposeful and determined parenting. As they realized God's plan for them in marriage, it became a heartfelt desire to not just have children, but to have them and see them raised to honor the Lord and serve Him as He saw fit to give them this tremendous stewardship.
So what does all this have to do with Joshua 24? In 24:15 Joshua makes the familiar declaration, "...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." As the leader in his home he charts the course, he establishes the direction, he unveils the path his family will follow. While so many parents wait and hope and even pray their children will choose to follow after the Lord and His will for their lives, their approach is not a planned pro-active one. Joshua took a pro-active approach, set a goal to be reached and set forth how to reach it. He is not making a choice for them in this statement, but if there was a choice to be made by his family it would be to choose NOT to serve the Lord.
Sometimes children will grab hold of the truth presented to them and blossom in response to it without what appears to be a whole lot of effort on anyone's part. Praise God! He is indeed at work in the hearts of individuals regardless! But why take that chance and just hope your children are going to make positive, godly choices simply because they are your children and it is what you assume will happen? Why not take determined action, set out to accomplish certain God-honoring goals, tackle the project with a plan!
Yet it is true, the choice will inevitably be the individual's. And when the parent has purposed to do all within their power to see the child first come to know Christ then choose to live for Him, and the child still rejects, that parent can;
1) know they have followed God in obedience to His plan and program of parenting...they have honored Him and that is the most important thing;
2) trust those children to God's great love and care without the regret of passive parenting, knowing they could have done more to bring them to the God-choice;
3) continue to hope and pray and love, always expecting a prodigal return.
"Your home is the single most powerful arena on earth to change a life for God" (Wilkerson, The Prayer of Jabez). Don't just passively let that opportunity slip by.
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