Author Archives: jeanieshaw

Yes, There Really is a New Release!

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I can pretend I was cultivating curiosity…but to be honest, the post I just released was accidental. While updating the pages on this website (by the way, check out the new pages), I  inadvertently sent out a new post.

However, I really do have a new release.  The Chicken truly has hit the fan. This is the third in my morning cup devotional series (new logo, yay!)Morning_Cup_Logoand I’m excited to let it fly. Below is a sneak peek at excerpts from the introduction.

Let me know if you wish to reserve a copy!  I’ll be happy to sign and send.  The first 15 orders will receive a free copy of “My Morning Cup.”

 

No, I didn’t pull the title for this book out of a hat. I actually have a real-life story about a chicken hitting a fan. It happened like this . . .Chicken_Hits_Fan_Cover_low_res

One day I came across a young man whom I know well, and he had a black eye. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: How did you get the black eye?

Him: Because of the chicken.

Me: Because of the chicken?

Him: Yes, I had a friend over, and he brought his pet chicken.

Me, squinting in confusion: A pet chicken? So what does that have to do with your black eye?

Him: I didn’t appreciate him bringing a chicken into my apartment, so I asked him to leave, but he didn’t.

Me: And?

Him: So I took the chicken and threw it in the air . . . but it hit the fan.

Me, roaring: WHAT?! Was it okay?

Him: It lost some feathers, but it was okay . . . but the guy was mad that his chicken hit the fan.

Me: And so he punched you?

Him: Yes, he punched me. He’s not coming back.

Me: I guess not. Well, here’s a package of frozen peas. Put that on your eye and it will help the swelling to go down.

Which just goes to show that you just never know with life, and with people. Friends get in fights. Chickens show up for surprise visits. People sometimes throw chickens, and innocent birds collide with ceiling fans. pix

Do you ever feel like life plays tricks on you? There you are, minding your own business, when things around you spin out of control, quick as a blink. Your day starts out one way, and then—bam—the unexpected happens, and your entire day, maybe even your entire life, gets turned on its head. One moment, your path and plan feel solid and secure; the next moment, things “hit the fan.” Feathers fly.

Life changes like that: quickly, unexpectedly, unpredictably. I am so thankful that the word of God never changes, and that it applies to every situation we face, no matter how bizarre. The Bible always applies because it deals with the attitudes of our heart, not just our circumstances.

The Bible teaches us that we have a choice in how to respond when the chicken hits the fan. Our response to those difficult times depends upon how closely we walk with God, and upon our use of his word.

God has much to say about how he wants us to apply his word:…

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3–4)

The chapters in this book were written in real time, as I experienced them. You’ll read stories of unexpected, humorous, and even chaotic moments in my own life, and how I used the Bible to help me grow through those times. My hope is that this collection of devotional thoughts will help you shed more of God’s light onto the ordinary (and not so ordinary!) happenings of life, and help you make sense of the mess when things “hit the fan.” I pray this book helps you find God, trust God, and glorify God in all situations—even the ones where feathers are flying.

 

 

 

 

50 Vibrant Colors

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On a day when a few parts of the world celebrate love, and a day when a warped, messed up distortion of a so called love story premieres…thought it would be encouraging to share “50 Vibrant Colors” of true love I’ve seen, experienced and felt this year.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 
Feel free to add yours in the comments.

  1. I’ve watched numerous lives transformed because they have come to understand that they are deeply valued and loved by the Creator of the universe … and responded to that love, turning their lives over to Him… becoming new.
  2. I’ve seen those with friends who’ve lost loved ones drop everything to pray with, comfort and give to their hurting friends.
  3. I’ve seen those who have lost loved ones keep on giving and loving others amidst their pain.
  4. I’ve seen neighbors shoveling out other neighbors and offering small acts of kindness.
  5. I’ve seen mothers and fathers plead, pray and act on behalf of their wandering teens.
  6. I’ve seen Russians and Ukranians praying for each other and refusing to fight each other.
  7. I’ve seen men, women and children sacrificing significant hard-earned money to help missions around the world.
  8. I’ve seen them give money for camp to kids and scholarships to those in need.
  9. I’ve watched the poor give out of their own needs to help those around them.
  10. I’ve seen families sell their belonging and move to mission fields…just because they love God and love people and believe they can make a difference.
  11. I’ve seen young men and women pack their bags at Christmas time to serve the poor in developing countries.
  12. I’ve seen women who were addicted to abusive substances break free by the power of God and the help of loving Christian sisters.
  13. I’ve seen women who experienced years of abusive relationships come to realize our Spiritual Father is loving and trustworthy…and find true healing and wholeness.
  14. I’ve seen relationships that once were filled with conflict find peace by following God’s plans for reconciliation.
  15. I’ve seen spouses ask for forgiveness and watched in tears as forgiveness was given.
  16. I’ve watched young men and women fall in love , remain pure and then marry each other with a purpose in their marriage higher than just being happily married…but to give and serve….(which will bring happiness).
  17. I’ve seen teenagers standing up for a God they love and the words he spoke when it wasn’t the popular thing to do…all because they care about their friends and they love God and his word.
  18. I’ve seen college students care enough for their fellow students to see through the crazy partying and lifestyles…and see someone who is really looking for love. They care enough to listen to them and share God’s love and plan for their lives with them.
  19. I’ve seen men and women–young and old, feed the hungry in shelters, give clothes and toys… and find numerous ways to serve the poor and needy.
  20. I’ve seen friends field calls from the emotionally distraught…then pray with them, comfort them…and get them further help.
  21. And I’ve watched as people go into nursing homes to talk or sing to someone who will never remember they were there.
  22. I’ve watched as friends give others rides every week to church, to do errands…and just seek to meet their needs in various ways.
  23. I’ve seen men and women step out on faith and out of their comfort zone to initiate in words or actions when they have felt shy and insecure.
  24. I’ve celebrated 40 years of marriage to a husband who loves God first…and thus I can trust him completely…and thus experience a most amazing relationship of love and purpose.
  25. I’ve celebrated my 60th birthday with family and friends…realizing that every blessing comes from God and he has never, ever failed on one of his promises.
  26. I’ve experienced the love of my children and their spouses, who because they put God first in their lives, experience a depth of assurance, purpose and joy unattainable any other way.
  27. I’ve watched orphans become successful in their lives because someone took them in or cared for them in other ways.
  28. I’ve watched children who are making poor choices experience unconditional love, grace and truth–through parents who love them and desire their children’s eternal well-being above their own lives.
  29. I’ve watched as people have loved enough to practice “tough love” …all the while longing for the best for their loved one.
  30. I’ve watched children as they learn to serve others experience a joy and maturity far beyond their years.
  31. I’ve seen men and women get up early and stay up late, just to pray or read the Bible with someone.
  32. I’ve gone to bed each night with a clear conscience, simply because I strive to follow God… and his love continually reassures and forgives me.
  33. I’ve seen disciples of Jesus in other parts of the world invite me and many others into their homes and lives, all because they love God and his family…of which I’m a part
  34. I’ve seen men and women be vulnerable when it was hard… and ask for help…knowing they are loved and safe.
  35. I’ve watched as people put others needs above their own, going out of their way to help.
  36. I’ve seen others love someone else enough to be honest with them and speak the truth in love, instead of being too afraid to speak up.
  37. I’ve seen others cheering others on, when someone felt they wanted to quit.
  38. I’ve watched as others have cried tears of joy for someone’s accomplishment, even if it was something they desired.
  39. I’ve watched as new babies came into the world and their parents, knowing our world is broken, realize they still have something wonderful and eternal to offer their children.
  40. I’ve watched as families and friends stood vigil at the deathbed of loved ones.
  41. I’ve watched cards and calls of encouragement lift the souls of the weary.
  42. I’ve watched as people weep with those who weep….and rejoice with those who rejoice, even if they don’t feel they have “had it as good.”
  43. I’ve seen the anxiety that ill health produces overcome by the transformation in thinking that God’s word provides…and the comfort knowing that God cares about everything we go through.
  44. I’ve watched sunrises and sunsets, oceans and mountains…realizing that the beauty around me is because of God’s love and glory…and a gift to us.
  45. I’ve witnessed God bring beauty out of pain….because he loves.
  46. I’ve seen natural disasters bring out compassion and new levels of kindness…because any and all good in this world is because of God and his example.
  47. I’ve watched faithful Christians die…full of hope and assurance that on the other side of eternity lies something not even comparable to this short and physical life…and that God will welcome them home.
  48. I have felt love as I read God’s love letter to me, convincing me that I have value and purpose.
  49. I have felt love from the family of God all over the world, knowing that the same God and the same Bible is the guide and standard for their life.
  50. I’ve felt loved, fulfilled and full of hope…through good times and difficult times because I have a perfect Valentine. A father who loves me and gave me his very best…his son.

Now that is love…in VIBRANT COLOR.  It’s all because of God…and what his love and word produces.   Nothing grey about that.

 

Our Culture’s Aroma: What Do You Smell?

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Pleasant smells are wafting from my kitchen–both sweet and savory. My appointments cancelled today, morphing my plans…so I’m spending much of the day in the kitchen. 20150212_192908A friend’s father passed this week and my neighbor had a baby, so it seemed a good time to send out some meals. While waiting to exchange my oven’s contents of lemon bars and chocolate chip cookies for lasagna and chicken divan I’ve been catching up on trending topics around this area of the world.  My custom is not to blog on a soapbox or get preachy…but I’m changing the tempo a bit today…feeling saddened and a bit outraged over our media’s continued extensive push of pornography and violence…most recently with a “Valentine’s” movie called 50 Shades of Grey, marketed as a love story. What does this have to do with lasagna and chocolate chip cookies you may wonder?

The food coming out of my oven will taste as good as the ingredients that were put into the dishes…and the way those ingredients were put together. In the same way, the outcome of our lives will be dependent upon the ingredients we use and the care we take in putting them together.

My husband and I recently celebrated forty years of marriage and many people extended their congratulations. While I would highly recommend our marriage to anyone—it is wonderful, deep, pure, intimate, purposeful, and satisfying  for one reason. It is a result of God’s instructions and our desire and determination to follow his recipe for living. If we had done it “our way” we would likely not be together…much less celebrating. I then might sit in a movie theater over Valentine’s Day looking for something I hadn’t yet found. (Wyndham would be fishing for it.) I cannot possibly thank God enough each day for the recipe for life he left me and the ingredients he made available for my use. The Bible contains those directions not only for salvation, but for life here and now—how to think, to react, to respond, to love, to build a marriage and a family….

Never forget that the world is trying to deceive us “big time”.  It always will because Satan is the great deceiver and father of lies. The world’s entertainment venues offer us a tantalizing meal, promising to please our palates.  While we are often concerned (rightly so in my opinion) about the hormones and additives in our physical food, how much more concerning is the addictive poison being poured into our hearts and minds through many of our books, web sites,  movies, TV shows, and songs—and calling it love. People are dying all around us—spiritually and emotionally and yet the world keeps asking for more of these meals. And they sell well. It would be preposterous for me to enter my kitchen with the desire to defy the recipes and lace the ingredients I use with arsenic.Yet, that is exactly what is happening around us. God’s recipe for love and relationships is being rewritten and poisoned. And the lies are killing our culture. Do you smell the lies?  In the words of Solomon, the wisest man except for Jesus, that ever lived:

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:18-27 (NIV)

As I wrote in my book, “Prime Rib: Exploring a Woman’s Value and Purpose”, when we live loved, we can then live loving and love living. As the scripture below states, the love of God can fill the aroma of our spiritual kitchen and satisfy our souls. That’s no lie. If you are tempted and curious to “just look and be entertained with the lies,” remember these words:

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light  (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.  Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:1-14 (NIV)

Guard your heart, guard your eyes, guard your ears, and guard your mouth.  It makes an eternal difference.

The Heart of a Child at Christmas

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What would Christmas be without children?  I am often amazed, softened and challenged by thoughts that go through their minds and out of their mouths.

Micah’s dad, Justin (or Gus…he goes by both), shared about a conversation with Micah (4) that took place earlier this week during a family devotional.   Justin shared:

 We were discussing the birth of Jesus – naturally – and I asked him, “Buddy, you know how Jesus is a king?”  He nodded. 

I continued, “Well most kings in Jesus’ time were born in big castles and they had real beds and lots of people helping them when they were born.” 

He nodded again and I said, “Well, if God can do anything – which he can – why wouldn’t he have made it so his son was born in a big castle like other kings instead of in a barn with animals and without even a bed?”

Micah thought about it for half a second and then he said, “Well castles are far away from the people and Jesus needed to be down near the people so he could see them and so he could know who he needed to rescue because that is why he was born, to rescue people”

As I wrapped gifts in the kitchen this evening I kept this  in my heart as I listened to Christmas carols. Two of my favorites played.  One, entitled “Welcome to Our World,” expresses well Micah’s observations.

I pondered what it must have felt like for Jesus to leave heaven’s perfection and arrive in a (too often) war-torn, hate filled, and messed up world.  Consider these lyrics:

Welcome to Our World, by Chris Rice:

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from god
You’ve been promised, we’ve been waiting
Welcome holy child
Welcome holy child

Hope that you don’t mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long awaited holy stranger
Make yourself at home
Please make yourself at home
Bring your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
World now breaking heaven’s silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around you
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect son of God
Perfect son of God
Welcome to our world

The next song brought tears to my eyes—“O Holy Night” written by Adolphe Adams.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn’
Fall on your knees, O hear the angels’ voices
O night divine, O night when Christ was born

Because Jesus was willing to come and live among the people, he knows us—he know me.

Because he came…

Our souls can finally feel their worth.  They are worth his birth and his death. Amazing.

What a thrill of hope—and reason to celebrate this brings.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

May we “fall on our knees” in wonder and gratitude.

Forty Years

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Forty years ago today I had just completed my last college final.  It had been a crazy time…finishing school, packing my life belongings in a few boxes and planning our wedding while my fiancé lived in another state.  He had begun a job as a campus minister five months prior. We dated in the days before computers and in the time when phone calls from state to state cost more than we had–so we relied on near-daily old fashioned letter writing (with real pen and paper and stamps.)  And yes, I still have the letters we wrote.

On the morning of this day forty years ago, our wedding day, I finished a few last minute errands with friends while Wyndham played football with his buddies from church.  That afternoon, we became husband and wife. scan0018

I am thrilled to celebrate forty years with such an amazing man.  In honor of this day I wrote out forty reasons why I fell in love with my husband…and forty reasons why I’m even more in love with him forty years later. scan0003

When I think of some of the reasons why I fell in love with my husband I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God, and to my husband.   It took me all of five minutes to list forty things. Here is a sampling:

  1. He treated me as someone significant.
  2. The guys on his dorm floor (where he was an RA) respected him.
  3. He thought for himself, but listened to others as well.
  4. He had an arm that could throw a football a long way-accurately.
  5. When we were just friends, and he hurt my feelings one day…he walked 30 minutes across campus to my dorm lobby and called me to come down so he could apologize. I think that is the moment I began to fall in love with him.
  6. He had many deep friendships. His friends knew he sincerely cared.
  7. He had deep convictions.
  8. He was an excellent thinker and very wise.
  9. He treated me with absolute purity.
  10. I walked past his car (old, old Chevrolet) one day and he didn’t see me. No one was around.  He was inside, praying passionately.  I kept walking…not wanting to interrupt. That scene was stamped in my mind. I could see the “realness” of his communication with God.

I could go on and on.  Forty years later, those reasons are still there….but the depth of that first love has exponentially grown.  We have experienced so much life together as we have raised our family, traveled to the poorest parts of the earth, seen amazing wonders of God’s creation, built treasured friendships, loved and served in the church, seen lives changed, prayed and prayed—often with tears, laughed deeply, cried, stood at bedsides of loved ones as they breathed their last breath, held each other’s hands, walked dogs, rejoiced in weddings and births, played with grandchildren,….all the while building  precious memories. IMG_1348

Unequivocally, God is the reason…the only reason we have been able to experience this wonderful love—as he continually shows us what love means.

Today I am especially thankful for the gift of forty years of marriage to my best friend and companion—a man full of integrity.  I relate to the chorus lyrics of an old hymn:

It gets sweeter as the days go by

It gets sweeter as the days go by

It gets sweeter as the moments fly

His love is richer, deeper, fuller, sweeter

Sweeter, sweeter, sweeter as the days go by

First love is special—but continual, seasoned love is even sweeter.

Which Letter is Yours?

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In the spirit of Thanksgiving….

Whenever I read the short book of Philippians, I am struck by the apostle Paul’s gratitude and corresponding joy.  Whether or not you celebrate a particular day of Thanksgiving, take the time this week to read the short book of Philippians—focusing on Paul’s thankful attitude and the joy that flows from this attitude. Now, think about the circumstances he faced as he wrote, especially his imprisonment.

If Paul had not been a grateful person, I imagine his letter would have sounded more like this:

Chapter 1  It’s me, Paul.

So…I guess there’s not much to say…not much hope.  While you are enjoying your freedom, here I sit chained to a prison guard. This stinks… and there is nothing I can accomplish from here.

Not only can I do nothing to reach out to and share with people, but there are lots of people out there preaching wrong things, undoing the good I’ve tried to do.  It irks me, and I am totally depressed about this.

Chapter 2    Nobody really cares about me…everyone is just thinking about themselves.  Well, except maybe Timothy and now he’ll likely go to you and then you will “need” him.  Sheez…what else do you want?  Of course, I do have Epaphroditus, my one fellow worker and friend.  You might as well take him too while you’re at it.  Besides, while here trying to help me out he went and got sick on me. It’s just one lousy thing after another.

Chapter 3  You know I had a lot going on before all this.  I was somebody significant…but I’ve really lost everything now. God must hate me.  I’ve tried to give everything…and look where it’s gotten me. There’s really not much more I could possibly do ..it’s over …and besides–look where sacrifice has gotten me anyway.  In jail.  Just sitting here–shackled.

Chapter 4  And…if all this is not enough, my “friends” Euodia and Syntyche can’t even get along.  For cryin’ out loud…. All the whining.  Will someone tell them to shut it? Can’t anybody get along anymore? Problems everywhere.  And I’m tired, hungry and poor to boot.  I’d ask for help, but you’d probably just respond like everybody else has.  When I asked before, almost no one wanted to help.  Well, gotta go…not feeling so good.  And the more I remember all this bad stuff the worse I feel.   Maybe I’ll get lucky and die. Meanwhile, I sit here chained to a stinkin’ guard..

Now ask youself….what would your letter sound like?  This is a convicting and challenging question for me.  Would it be as you read the book of Philippians in your Bible?…Or would it be written more like the “rewrite” above?  The difference between the two lies in our attitude of gratitude—or lack thereof.  May you have a week (and life)  filled with gratitude and the overflowing joy that follows.  Happy Thanksgiving.IMG_2923

The Power of a Sneeze

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It’s that time of year.  My entire family has spread the coughing, sneezing, hacking stuff.  I’m in the midst of it, and with a workshop tomorrow I’m trying hard to get over it in order to keep from sounding like a hoarse horse when I speak. IMG_5390Thankfully, I’m better today.

Sneezes and coughs can travel further than you might think.  Weather.com shared the results of a recent study done at MIT, which has been considered a potentially groundbreaking discovery in helping identify the spread of germs.

“[The study] changes our current ideas of how far germs can spread in aerosols such as coughs or sneezes,” Mary B. Farone, Ph.D., associate professor of biology at Middle Tennessee State University, told weather.com. “We used to think if we could see the spray, that was the limit of the dissemination, but this study shows that tiny particles, such as bacteria and viruses, can be spread much further on gas clouds.”

These gas clouds allow germs to spread beyond the air right in front of our faces.

“This changes our perception of what needs to be cleaned, especially if these clouds of microbes reach ventilation systems which can then spread the germs even further,” said Dr. Farone. “Because the germs can be carried through ventilation systems, make certain that filters in air vents are changed regularly and use filters that trap small particles like bacteria and viruses.”  www.weather.com/health/news/how-far-does-your-sneeze-travel-20140410

So, now that you are fully grossed out and wondering if your sneeze could end up affecting someone on another continent…I want to flip this to a positive, spiritual thought.  God’s spirit is always at work, and we have no idea how God can use potentially insignificant acts of compassion–or words of kindness and boldness to impact people close by….and far, far away.  There are spiritual forces at work far beyond what we can see with our eyes, or really even imagine.  I have heard amazing stories of one person’s words, invitation to study the Bible, or an act of kindness having impact far beyond the initial action.  The Bible tells us to expect this.

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.
Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.  Ecclesiastes 11:5-6 (NLT)

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.   Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT)

This morning I watched a video that moved my heart, and reminded me of the far reaching power of compassion.  It will be worth your while to take a look:

http://www.lifebuzz.com/old-scrapbook/

And this was a heroic effort to save physical lives.  Eternal life is of much greater significance.  God has given us eternal life—and words we say, or actions we do can have eternal impact if we keep on sharing and doing good.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.   Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

So, if you sneeze—please cover your mouth.

And if you do good—let it go and let God work.

 

 

Who’s the Boss?

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Recounting a recent conversation between my daughter and my nearly three-year-old granddaughter, I was reminded of the struggle it can be to let go of control in our lives.  (Disclaimer:  Gracie is as joyful and sweet as they come…but the inner struggle occasionally gets the best of all of us, whether we are two or ninety-two years old.) IMG_1286

K:  Gracie, you haven’t been potty since this morning. You’ve had a lot to drink and you need to go potty before you take your nap.

G:   I don’t need to go.

K:  Yes, you need to go.

G:  No, I’m not going potty. I can hold it.

K:  You will try before you go to bed.  Gracie, you are not going to win.  I’m going to win.  You might as  well go potty now.

G:  No, I will win.  I’m the boss.

K: (With eyes bulging and praying to keep her cool amidst the sassiness)  What?!  You are not the boss.  And you will go to the potty now or be disciplined!

G:  (Knowing discipline is eminent) I’m going potty!  You and daddy are the boss!  You and daddy are the boss!

Sounds rather two-year-oldish, right?  Well, I can certainly relate to the struggle.  I can struggle with letting God be in control (as if I could possibly be in control of God, anyway).  I can think I must figure it out, work it out…anything but faithfully waiting and trusting. I am reminded of the discourse between God and Job.  After God questions Job (on who is in control) Job replies:

  Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.  You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’  My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.  Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:1-6

It’s not hard to see the fight for control in a two year old.  It can be more difficult to see it in ourselves.  So, what do your struggles for control look like?  Here are some of mine.

It’s all too easy when my husband has neuropathy and doctors can’t yet find out why… to spend more time on Google than on my knees.  The struggle (not in my mind but in my actions) comes with my desire to fix things…thus becoming more self-reliant than God-reliant.

It can be an inner struggle for me to trust that God is always out for my good.  Instead I can dwell in fear.  I can take most anything and find a way to worry about it.  When I do this, I am taking control of my life and plans, rather than entrusting them to my Father, who loves me so much he eagerly hears me, watches over me, sings to me, and allowed his only son to die for me.

I can feel a struggle for control when I feel anxious and repeat conversations in my head after someone hurts my feelings or something isn’t fair…somehow thinking it will be better staying in my mind than releasing it from my grasp and giving it to God…fasting and praying that God will move in the situation and help all of us learn things we need to learn.

It can be a struggle to let go of control and say “I’m sorry” when I feel like someone else has “more to be sorry for,” as if my doing the right and humble thing would somehow make matters worse.

When my plans for my life get disrupted and God has other (or divergent) plans I can say (in grown up words)…”I’m not going potty.  I don’t need to.”

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:7-8, 10

However, when I pray and read and meditate on God’s truth, it’s much easier to say, “I’m going potty. You are the boss.”  And truthfully, that’s a really good thing. The result of my granddaughter’s trust and obedience made her feel better, left her kidneys healthier, and saved the sheets from a wash.   Likewise, as I let God “take the wheel” of control in my life…. I feel much better as peace and joy take over the place where stress and anxiety once resided.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

 

 

 

Sunsets and Elephant Poop

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Sunsets showcase God’s magnificence…and so does elephant poop.  Yes, that’s right–elephant poop. This week, while at a meeting outside of Geneva, I stood in awe of God the painter–as I watched the sun go down over Lake Geneva.  The scene took my breath away. I then recounted some facts about elephant feet and elephant poop, that also took my breath away. Not because of their odor, but because of the intricacies they reflect of God’s creation.

A few months ago I visited an elephant refuge in Hope, Maine.  While I really like elephants, the story of the two particular elephants that resided there,  Rosie and Opal, enthralled me.  I watched these two forty-year-old hurting elephants (who had been retired from the circus) do their rehabilitation exercises.  I listened as the veterinarian, who had worked with these “girls” in the circus years ago, told of many things, including the amazing ways of an elephant’s foot.  Elephants, through their feet, are able to communicate with each other while miles away. This happens through vibration via receptors on the bottoms of their feet at a frequency through the ground that other elephants are uniquely genetically engineered to receive. How cool is that?!

I also learned that elephant poop is inhabited by crazy little creatures called dung beetles, who have an important role in the circle of life. scan0017These little critters roll the poop that fertilizes the seeds that are found in the poop.  Soon, voila…a tree is born.  Maybe I’m just a little weird and this isn’t so impressive to you, but I thrill to learn new things that are really quite wonderful, and so masterfully woven together by our Creator.

 I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. 2  But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. (Psalm 131:1-2)

I wasn’t just randomly thinking about elephants last week.  The visit to Hope Elephants in Maine left an impression on me.  I learned so much from the veterinarian who was the “brain” behind the whole elephant rehab refuge.  Two weeks ago while caring for the elephants,  he (Dr. Jim Laurita), lost his life in a tragic accident.  In order to help spread the touching story of the relationship between Rosie and Opal, and their friendship with Dr. Laurita…I wrote a children’s book  called Rosie and Opal:  Finding Hope.

Rosie and Opal You can order it on Amazon or at https://www.createspace.com/5002917. Proceeds go to Hope Elephants – Jim Laurita.

 

 

Through the majestic sky and the seemingly mundane elephant’s foot and poop…God’s glory shines brightly.  And just so you can keep a more beautiful picture in your mind, I’ll leave you with images of the glorious sunset I had the privilege to witness a few evenings ago. IMG_5362

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Psalm 19:1-3 IMG_5363