Author Archives: jeanieshaw

One Instrument at a Time

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I thrill to the sound of an orchestra.  One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is to walk into the beautiful Symphony Hall and listen to part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, deliver their magnificent holiday concert.  I often get goose bumps listening to the harmony of the instruments, noticing how every person’s part counts, and watching the conductor guide and glide the orchestra through the music.  I often close my eyes and smile. The sounds send me to a place of magic and wonderment.

I marvel at how different each instrument is, and notice the passion that comes as each musician plays their own distinct part with all their heart.

And then, today, I saw this video (link is below).  I cried.  My heart swelled with joy as I likened this to God’s church.  This video footage depicts, to me, what happens when each Christian gives their all to God and to each other as the church.  As 1 Corinthians 12:14-28  states, we all have different gifts, but all are needed.  Together we make up the body of Christ.  What happens when one person doesn’t show up?  What happens when one doesn’t give their best or decides they will veer away from the “truth” of the musical scales and play without any care for the notes meant to be followed?  What would happen if there was no leadership, no conductor?   The resulting sound would be a real mess.   The orchestra and listeners would likely cover their ears and walk away.  The whole group would be discouraged and the sound produced would be out of tune, like fingernails on a chalkboard.  Consider these scriptures:  

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,  to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
Ephesians 4:11-17 (NIV)

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

I love how the music in this video begins when one young girl contributes what she has.  We never know what God can and will do with what seems small to us.  

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 17:20-21 (NIV)

Whatever you know to do and whatever you have to give to God, do it and give it.  God can take it from there.

And, whatever gift you bring (and we all were uniquely created and all are needed)  give without hesitation.  Don’t hold back.

Notice what happens when one by one the whole group comes together, each giving their part.  People hear it, they see it and they know something special is happening.  They wander in, in awe of what is taking place.  That is how it should be when God’s church truly functions together in unity.  People see, they take note and are drawn to what they see…they want to know how this happened.  For Christians, the harmony happens because Jesus shows us how to give all we have, how to honor one another and that we truly need each other.  We were not created to be a soloist, but part of the most beautiful orchestra ever known to man – that produces powerful, beautiful and amazing music.  Please take time to watch this video clip, realizing that each one of us is desperately needed to be part of God’s symphony.

And then the whole world can take notice, that God is present in this place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBaHPND2QJg#t=287

Through His Mother’s Eyes

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It’s December.  The tree is up, the carols are playing and it’s cold outside.  It feels like the Christmas season has officially arrived.  Yesterday, Mike Lamb preached about having a “different” Christmas  (without stress and without succumbing to the pressures surrounding us) remembering why Jesus came. I want to take that challenge.

I am so grateful for the amazing and incredible difference the birth of Jesus has made in my life!  I’ve often thought about what life must have been like for Mary, Jesus’ mother – and the difference his birth made in her life.  Over ten years ago one of the regions asked me to share some of these thoughts for a Christmas service. Last year I found the video footage (amidst some other “antiques”) that someone had made for me. Thanks, Jeff.  Though the footage (and acting) is somewhat rough, I hope this can help you connect, perhaps in a different way, to the birth of Jesus – Through His Mother’s Eyes. Sending a special thanks to Anthony Ciotti, Ali Mackall and Diana Mouzakis for the songs they sang – clips of which I included, as well as some added background guitar by Phillip Lester (check out his Christmas music) and a short clip from the Crossroads Singers).  You can view this video at:  http://youtu.be/5hwVTOWEhd0

May you have a wonderful and life-changing December that draws you closer and closer to Jesus.

( I’ve been asked for this script.  Though it’s copyrighted, I would be very happy to send it to you if you contact me.)  

 

Dental Floss and Duct Tape

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If you were stranded somewhere, what items would you most want to have in your pocket or your purse? I know what I’d want to have close at hand – dental floss and duct tape.

The versatility of these items is impressive.  Dental floss has helped me out of numerous jams.  Not only has it saved me from the embarrassment of a very unattractive “spinach or pepper stuck-in-the-teeth look,” but it is extremely useful. Several times I have been with my dogs without a much needed leash; however they were safe because I keep dental floss with me.  Floss serves well as a temporary leash. IMG_4615 And then there were times I went out to celebrate a birthday with friends, only to find that no one has a knife with which to cut the cake. Voila, dental floss delivers a nifty cake slice.

Not only can floss perform these tasks, but It can also be used to hang pictures, tie hair back when you can’t find an elastic, tie a shoe when a shoelace breaks, sew on a button, tie up wayward plants, hang Christmas ornaments, and serve as a makeshift clothesline.

Once as I readied to face several hundred children for a “Fruity Tunes” show, I faced the dreadful reality that the glue once attaching the “fruit” to my hat had disintegrated.

“How can Fruity Tunes face children without her fruit,” I ask you?

Then, I remembered the dental floss in my purse.  Yes, by forcing floss through the fruit and weaving it into my hat…Fruity Tunes was saved.

And what can I say about duct tape?  It has at times kept the fender on my car, held my rear view mirror in place (sort of), patched chairs, fixed a hole in my vacuum cleaner hose, repaired my suitcase, fixed my printer, held the batteries in the remote, and much more.  Why it has even saved lives of Astronauts (Apollo 13 mission). I have to say that the presence of nearby dental floss and duct tape bring me security….at least for outward things.

Unfortunately, these items don’t do much for my internal and eternal quality of life.

Two favorite Bible verses of mine are:

14  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15  and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NIV)

3  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. 4  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 (NIV)

Over and over again I experience the truth of these scriptures… these promises.  The Bible, and the power of God in my life give me everything I need to find faith, salvation, training and victory to live the life God intended for me to live. Now that is something to never leave home without!

I see a lot of confusion, chaos, insecurity and unrest in the world around me.  How deeply grateful I am for these gifts from God that so greatly surpass dental floss and duct tape. If my rear view mirror falls off or my dogs have to be herded – it’s not the end of the world.  The promises of God, however, have truly changed (and continue to change) my life internally and eternally. Instead of confusion, chaos, insecurity and unrest I find direction, power, security and peace.

Getting a Round Tuit

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There are many arenas where I can get stuck in the “almost going for it” stance.  The longer I take to leave the starting block, the more overwhelmed I can feel to start or “restart” something I actually really want to do. Then, anticipatory fatigue (thanks Fred Faller, for coining this fitting phrase) sets in.

I got out of my writing habit.  Most days I’ve actually had something on my heart I’ve wanted to write down, I just haven’t taken the time to do it or gotten around to it.  I want to write, I believe it’s a good thing…but somewhere amidst the crazy busyness of this summer, the “actual doing it” has not happened.

At times this pause can happen to me in far more important areas of life – like practicing well thought out and planned Bible study, or praying the kind of prayers that take the needed time and concentration to include the thanksgiving, praise, thoughts, desperation, dreams and needs for others that I really desire to include and to talk with God about. This “stuck” posture can also include following up with needed conversations and continuing to reach out to others around me. There is a war that goes on inside and it’s nothing new.

21  So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23  but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24  What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25  Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
Romans 7:21-25 (NIV)

I do realize that failure to write is not sinful, however, knowing the good I need to do and not doing it…is.  17  Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
James 4:17 (NIV)

So tonight I’m off the “writing” starting blocks. I finally have my “round tuit,” so there’s no excuse.IMG_4560   It’s really no big deal, but more representative of things that are big deals….like re-starting some more in depth study and making some needed phone calls.  If I don’t now, then when will I?

What do you know that you need to do and actually want to do…but just need to start, or re-start the actual doing it part?  I’d love for you to join me. There is more energy in running or in flying together…just ask the geese.  There is really no better day to start than today.

And once I start….momentum kicks in and I certainly feel God’s Spirit more alive in my life with the energy he promises to inspire within me (Col 1:29)

 

One Word

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As my granddaughter, Lexi, was sitting on our kitchen counter on the morning of her fourth birthday she was discussing with her parents the upcoming birthday dinner which was to take place that evening.  (Her family is living with us, while waiting to move into their new house.) Though the extended family had celebrated her birthday the previous weekend, her immediate family was going to celebrate with her that evening – her actual birthday.

It has been our custom, through the years, to celebrate each family member’s birthday with “one word” sharing. We share a word that to us describes the birthday person. Then, we explain why we chose this word.  Knowing we would not be available to join the family that evening, Lexi (still on the kitchen counter) said, “Nana and Papa, since you won’t be at my dinner tonight you can share about me now if you want.”

I love (and learn from) the vulnerability of children.  We smiled, and easily found words of encouragement to share with her.  It was easy to find words to describe her sunny disposition as she sings through life.  I think I used the word “sunshine,” or perhaps the phrase “joie de vivre” (joy of life.)  I can’t remember- as there are so many fitting choices.  I was reminded, by her request, how much this little tradition means to her.  And truthfully, no matter who we are, I believe it is always meaningful to hear people share encouraging words about what we mean to them.

For some unknown reason I woke up at a ridiculously early hour the next morning.  As I lay awake, I wondered if it might “encourage” God if I shared my word(s) for him. I know God doesn’t need courage put into Him (encouragement,) as He is perfect – but He does tell me He wants to hear from me…he wants to know how I feel about Him – incredible as this seems.  Though He always has been (so it was not a birthday) I began – and shared with Him word after word that described Him to me… Almighty, glorious, Father, rock, wisdom, timeless, eternal, disturber, comforter, magnificent, creator, redeemer, friend, strong, tender, perfect, joy, light, huge, meeter-of-every need, power-beyond-what-I-can-fathom (some “words” must be hyphenated)… I fell asleep with a smile on my face.  I hoped God was smiling as well.

Today I am across the ocean from my “normal” habitat.  This was the view from my morning prayer walk.  IMG_4430 Honestly, God’s creation is so amazing I could scarcely find the words to pray…so this particular morning I just sang praises.  Despite the less than perfect tune, God filled my soul with joy. Whether the view is from a dark room at night or whether from a meadow overlooking snow covered mountains – God is worthy of praise.  What are some of the words you would use to describe God? Likely, He would love to hear them.

  The Lord is my strength and my song;

        he has become my salvation.

    He is my God, and I will praise him,

        my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Ex. 15:2

   I will praise you as long as I live,

        and in your name I will lift up my hands.

    [5] My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;

        with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:4-5

 

  Praise the Lord, O my soul;

        all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

    [2] Praise the Lord, O my soul,

        and forget not all his benefits–

    [3] who forgives all your sins

        and heals all your diseases,

    [4] who redeems your life from the pit

        and crowns you with love and compassion,

    [5] who satisfies your desires with good things

        so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  Ps 103:1-5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marking Wars

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I’ve faced a lot of “big deal” things that have tested my faith and perseverance.  Sometimes however, it’s the “little annoyances” that take the wind out of your sails and test your faith and perseverance  seemingly more than some big issues.   These can sneak up and take your joy by surprise.  At least this has happened to me.  Can anyone else relate?

I’ve had my spirituality severely tested of late by “marking wars.”  The wars go like this.  (This will make more sense if you read my previous post.)

Granddog Reilley moves to our home with his family and says, “I’m displaced…my kids are here so I’m claiming this as my space,  too.“– lifts leg.  Blackie (remember aka “Jackie”)…our little black cocker-poo says, “Who do you think you are…this is my house! “ – lifts leg.

Millers move upstairs.  Blackie sneaks upstairs….”People, you are in MY rooms…these are mine I tell you…” – lifts leg.  Reilley says, “Wanna bet? These are my kids, they are sleeping here…I’ll show you whose rooms these are!”-lifts leg.

Reilley knows the owners of the house are the key to his ownership…He sneaks into our room and says…”If I take this room I get it all…”- lifts leg

Blackie comes behind him, “These are my people I tell you…get outta here.  I’m the boss here”-lifts leg.

“Ahhh..there’s the toy box.  I get it first”- both lift leg at same time

I come behind them all (Equalizer Stain and Odor Eliminator in hand….$9.86 per bottle on Amazon…greatest pet odor stain remover EVER…been through about 15 cans…I hope we don’t all die from the chemicals) and am filled with fury and tears.

Me – “Why can’t you just get along? Deal with it.  You’re killin’ me!”

So, they are 12 years old…fully housetrained for years but are full of “one upmanship,”  territorialism and certainly not understanding Philippians 2.  So I sat down and read this chapter to them. IMG_4405

Philip. 2:1-8

    If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. [4] Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

    [5] Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

   [6] Who, being in very nature God,

        did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

    [7] but made himself nothing,

        taking the very nature of a servant,

        being made in human likeness.

    [8] And being found in appearance as a man,

        he humbled himself

        and became obedient to death–

            even death on a cross!

Somehow, I think they misunderstood the parts about “emptied himself” and “poured out like a drink offering” that are part of this chapter.

Come August, this carpet is gone!  I hope I can hold it together until then.

Meanwhile…I’ve thought about the ridiculousness of this war, asking myself what ways I might have figuratively lifted my leg to have the “last word” or “ demanded fairness” or  “wanted to be right” or have failed to consider another’s needs above my own…especially when it is costly and humbling.

It seems ironic that I follow the dogs around these wars with my spray can of “Equalizer.”  Perhaps that is what is needed with us – a spray of Equalizer,stain and odor remover… as we are all equal at the foot of the cross, in need of God’s mercy. Without it we are stained and stinky.  Once again, Jesus’ example is such an inspiring, convicting and high calling.  I am so grateful he shows us how to do this, and walks with us and lives in us to teach us and enable us to “put down our legs.”

Entering the “Quiet Wilderness”

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Have you ever searched for….. that still, quiet place of utter bliss? That place where you can gather your thoughts and  focus on what is most important, rather than all that is urgent?  That place where you can commune with your creator and leave refreshed and full of peace?  I needed to find this place, and was reminded (by a three year old) where to find it.

Life around here lately has been anything but quiet. (Thus, my hiatus from writing)  In February, our oldest daughter, son-in-law and their three children put their house on the market.  They need to move closer to the city in order to be closer to their ministry.  Their house sold immediately (good news) and the buyers wished to move in the following month (March.) Our kids had no place to live…so we invited them to move in with us while they searched for a house.

After a difficult search they found a place, however the sellers of their new place are not able to move out until the end of July.  Oh, did I mention our kids also have a dog named Reilley? (More to come on him in future posts.)  Seven humans, three dogs and one house make for a lively and loud place of abode.  One of the most “special” moments comes when one of the children cries.  Reilley, at the sound of a child in distress, howls at the top of his lungs.  This sparks our little dog to join in to make a duet…no, make that a trio (one crying child and two howling dogs.)  It is quite something to behold.  If I catch this moment on video it is sure to go viral.  I’ve never heard anything quite like it.  And Reilley barks… a lot.

Honestly, it has been fun and a true joy to spend this time together as extended family.  I love my family and am so grateful for all of them.   However, to be honest, I sometimes just long for quiet.

Now that it’s spring I can go outside.  But wait…. when I go outside things get even louder.  Our house is at the end of a dead end street, abutting a park.  Tennis courts and soccer fields are directly across the street from our front yard.   When we moved to this house years ago this was a quiet park.  Now, the whole town shows up here.  High school tennis matches (complete with big yellow busses parked in our front yard,) soccer meets, lacrosse games, softball games and accompanying practices happen here every day in the spring and fall. Sometimes, when I step outside, I feel like I’m arriving at a carnival.

I read (with new vigor) about a day in the life of Jesus as captured in the first few chapters of the gospel of Mark.  I stand in awe of Jesus’ compassionate, giving and selfless ways.  In this account, after being with people everywhere, he tried to get to a quiet place to pray only to be met with more people needing his healing touch.  He kept  his purpose in clear view…as he kept giving to people and preaching the good news.  I find his attitude and actions deeply convicting, yet utterly inspiring.  I long to react like him more often, and to be continually filled with his love ( which he promises to pour into my heart when I run out -thank you!)

    And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.  Rom. 5:5

(read the verses before and after as well.  They are super helpful)

So, back to the lesson from a three year old.  Sunday afternoon my three year old grandson rode home with us from church.  While we were in traffic, he marveled at all of the “quiet wilderness” outside.  Amidst the traffic, he was looking at trees on the side of the rode.  This reminded me of a similar time I was with him last year.  We were amidst a group of people in someone’s yard and he stepped just a few steps away from the group, across the lawn into an adjacent vacant lot dotted with some trees. He called me over,  looked up at me and asked me to listen as he said, “Nana, sshhhhh….we are in the quiet wilderness.”  IMG_3838

I reflected on this lesson and how close the “quiet wilderness” can be to us even when we are in loud, crazy conditions. The “quiet wilderness” can be steps away and yet we can miss it.  (The “quiet wilderness” could have been a bathroom at work, a closet, the car…)  With that thought in mind, I went into my room closed my door to pray. Alas,  I came out to put barking Reilley in his crate….then went back to try to put into practice the scriptures:

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  Psalm 23:2

 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.   Psalm 46:10

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love….”  Zeph. 3:17

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  Mark 6:31

    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  Mt. 11:28-29

When I came out of my “quiet wilderness” I was finally able to quit feeling sorry for myself.  I was once again refreshed and at peace.   I’m thankful a little child reminded me to go to the “quiet wilderness” and that Jesus was waiting there for me.

When Your Finish Line Moves

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I cry for the city I love.  When we moved from the southern part of the US to Boston, over 25 years ago, I quickly felt I’d found the place I was meant to live.  There is no place I know with more charm, four season beauty, gutsiness, and sports enthusiasm. Truly, God has set my boundaries in pleasant places.  (Psalm 16:6)

Though tragedy struck here yesterday, inspiration abounds.  I’m inspired by those who ran the marathon, I’m inspired by those who supported the runners and I’m inspired by those who ran to help.

One particular younger friend of mine inspired me, who when her finish line was moved…just kept running. 150430_671996925760_1611996319_s

I’m reminded how we painstakingly prepare for the course of life we know.  We study, train, and try to equip ourselves to be successful.  However, as the scriptures state:

In his heart a man plans his course,

        but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

    Many are the plans in a man’s heart,

        but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

 

    This is what the Lord says–

        your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

    “I am the Lord your God,

        who teaches you what is best for you,

        who directs you in the way you should go.  Isaiah 48:17

 

Rachel planned for this marathon all year long.  Yet, because of someone’s senseless act of terrorism she was not able to cross the finish line for which she was headed.

What do you do, when in the middle of your race, everything changes and you don’t know where you are going?

Well, Rachel kept on running.  Some of her friends ran beside her, and her husband, along with some friends marked out a new course….complete with a finish line and tape.

I realize how often life doesn’t go quite as we plan.  Circumstances of life change, things around us and things within us change.  As Solomon states:

    I have seen something else under the sun:

     The race is not to the swift

        or the battle to the strong,

    nor does food come to the wise

        or wealth to the brilliant

        or favor to the learned;

    but time and chance happen to them all.  Ecc. 9:11

 

However, for a disciple of Jesus we have something (someone) to hold on to and someone who has gone ahead and marked our course.  It may be a different course than what we have planned.  In fact, it likely will be.  There is a course marked out for you and me… those who have gone before will help cheer us through to the finish line.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

Thanks Rachel, for not being bummed out when your finish line changed.  I’m so grateful, as I  run the course marked out for me, that I’m surrounded by my spriritual family that cheers me on, and runs along beside me. It makes a difference.

I remember fondly, though with tears, standing by my Dad’s side as he crossed the final finish line.  Knowing he had lived his life wholeheartedly following his Lord, and loving His Word….when he breathed his last my sisters and I were able to exclaim, “You did it Dad.  You made it!!”

 

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

 

 

 

 

 

Clarity

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Do you sometimes feel like your life can be as pictured here – running in circles but not really getting where you intend to go? IMG_4208 I like to think that my dog, Denver,  is quite a smart dog – however, he has a habit that causes me to shed doubt on his doggie “Mensa  IQ status.”  He chases his tail.  He quite enjoys the chase, and is often successful in catching it.  He then just follows his tail around in circles…seemingly unaware that he is spinning around getting nowhere.  The problem lies with the goal of his activity and pursuit.   Unfortunately, his goal lies no further than the tip of his rear end.

Do you ever feel like you expend a lot of energy, but in reality end up not accomplishing the most important things- those that last eternally?  Perhaps your goal is not clear or has gotten lost in the cares, desires for other things and the pleasures of life (Mk. 4:18-19.)

I can, like Martha, get busy about many things and thus distracted from what is most important.  Luke 10:38-42

    As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

    [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I must remind myself again and again (and God does a good job at reminding me through the scriptures) that the things I seek to accomplish need to be summed up primarily in two clear practical realities – Loving God and loving people.

Matthew 22:34-40

    Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. [35] One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: [36] “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

    [37] Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Practically, I can be busy doing many things in my life, but if I am not spending time with God in prayer and learning to better obey his word….and loving others by caring for them, sharing Jesus with them, and helping them get to heaven I will resemble Denver…busy chasing what will accomplish nothing of everlasting value.

In the choices you make with how you spend your time….are these two most important things clear to you and to those who observe your life?

Enjoy Every Moment – For real!???

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My daughter and I were recently attending a baby shower together.  As often happens during the opening of gifts – advice was given to the mother-to-be. Often, it seems that advice is given to “enjoy every moment.”  My daughter and another friend of hers were quietly chuckling and saying…so are we bad moms…because we don’t enjoy every moment?  I could relate and reassured them that they were great moms…but were just keeping it real.  The truth is – I love being a mom of four and now a grandmother to 6 (almost 7) and thank God daily for these most amazing blessings in my life. I deeply love my children and grandchildren.  However, every moment was/is not “enjoyable” and smile producing. And that’s ok. All moments are certainly not “Kodak moments.” (Don’t be fooled – It often takes about 200 photo shots just to to get one with mostly everyone smiling – even when the photo subjects are adorable.)  IMG_8170

Honestly, who really enjoys staying awake at night while vomit spews in your face and you clean diarrhea off the carpet while you are achey and have fever?   Do you really thrill at the sound of whining, or leap for joy at the flailing and arching of the back out in public when your offspring chooses to have his/her first temper tantrum?   Does it warm your heart to discipline and train your child again and again, answer a gazillion questions, wipe crayon off the walls, play Candy Land or help your child do math word problems? Do you really love back to school nights, or being a passenger in the car with your teen who is acquiring driving hours in order to get their license? You get the picture…  While I wouldn’t trade parenting for anything…it’s not always filled with fun, enjoyable stuff. Sometimes it’s really hard and it  always takes lots of perseverance and prayer.

I remember well the day my firstborn came into the world (over 35 years ago..yikes.)  Moms weren’t yet allowed to have their newborns in the hospital rooms with them, so I spent almost every waking moment staring at my daughter through the glass in the nursery.  I was thrilled to bring her home.  For several weeks I looked forward to her waking every few hours in the middle of the night….just to be able to gaze into her eyes and see her adorable  little features.  Then…tiredness took over and I didn’t long for the the middle of the night feedings any more.  I wondered if I would ever sleep again.  (I’m still tired 35 years later.)  I didn’t want to get up…but I kept getting up because that’s what love does.  Fortunately for all of us, love doesn’t depend on pure enjoyment of the tasks at hand.

We can get all mixed up in our thinking if we think we must enjoy every moment.  There are so, so many memories that make me smile and feel all warm and gushy inside.  And there are others that were just plain hard.  Love goes through both of these feelings resolutely and without favoring one over the other.  It’s just part of love.

Too often, I think we try to romanticize our relationship with God as well….thinking it is something that should always make us feel like we are floating above the horizon…filled with unspeakable joy and a song in our heart.  While nothing makes me more joyful,  fulfilled and puts a song in my heart like my relationship with God…I don’t always feel the warm and fuzzy part of following Jesus.  Often it is hard work and determination.  Following Jesus takes me to and through hard places.  At times I feel like the little lamb scooped close to his heart and at other times I can feel like I am a passenger on his airplane that is flying through turbulence –  white knuckled with my seatbelt fastened tightly eager to get through to the smoother air.  Still other times I feel spent…and yet I wouldn’t have it any other way.

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 1 John 3:16-18

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. [17] If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Love is a decision that supersedes circumstances.  Love involves continual self denial.  Is your love for God and others just as strong when things are difficult as when they are enjoyable?  I think that is when love most shows itself and is really felt the most….through the hard stuff.  While you may not enjoy every moment, you can always have the peace producing confidence that love surpasses everything else.

1 Cor. 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.