Author Archives: jeanieshaw

Timing is Everything

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It seems uncanny how often the baby poops right before we walk out the door, the dog runs off, our keys go missing, the traffic is backed up… and timing just seems to be working against us. IMG_4243

I have often experienced nagging and discouraging “incidents” that result in altered plans – usually resulting in a greater degree of difficulty for what might have once been simple.

I have just come through such a season.  As I previously posted, my husband went through a knee replacement surgery three weeks ago.  The recovery is difficult and tedious.  I knew I would need an extra measure of God’s strength to be the helper he needs and prayed for such.  Being a (usually) healthy person,  I found it rather annoying before and during the week of his surgery to find myself with various maladies.  The saga began with a case of hip bursitis.  I have never had it before and never wish to have it again. It’s painful and makes walking, sitting, turning over…and really moving in any way excruciatingly difficult.  Bursitis also sounds like something someone older would get…so what’s with that?!   Fortunately, my dear chiropractor worked and worked – and gave it the magic electrical ultrasound wand –  so that after a few long days it was gone.  Relief?!…Well ..not yet.  This ordeal was followed by the passing of a kidney stone.    That was special.  (said no one, ever!)  Unfortunately this has become a nearly annual tradition for me– one I would care to quit.  Fortunately, it passed after a few days and all was good.  Well no…not really.  That was followed by pain I’ve experienced only a few times before…that is, the few times before when I’ve had a gallbladder attack.  This also lasted for several days.  The serendipitous aspect of this condition is that I can’t eat while it’s going on…so it’s a good week to weigh in at Weight Watchers.

At least during these “special events” the busyness of coming and going to and from the hospital and caring for Wyndham kept me from focusing on the discomfort – (sort of.)  As I was discouraged with the unfortunate timing  of these situations I was also reading through Exodus.  This scripture got my attention and in a strange sort of way, encouraged me.

Exodus 23:27-30

    “I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. [28] I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. [29] But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. [30] Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.

The Israelites were making their way to the Promised Land.  God, time and again, promised that he would be with them and bring them victory. However, it didn’t happen all at once.  God’s timing and our timing don’t always match.  I can be frustrated with the timing of events that happen or don’t happen as planned – by me, that is .  However, God has a different view of time and sees the big picture, which I can’t fully see – because I’m not God.  I wonder how frustrated or confused the Israelites were when they knew God had promised them victory but it did not come in the timing they likely expected.   This passage of scripture reminds me how detailed God is in the intricacies of our lives and the timing he sees as best for us – whether or not we understand.  He knew that if they had immediate victory the land would not support them and the wild animals would become too dangerous for them.  Who knew?!  Amazingly and again, God is in the details.  I am comforted, (even  though too often fighting with my own thinking of what is best)….knowing that God knows the timing that is needed for all things.  I don’t know why I experienced the nagging and painful difficulties while Wyndham was in the hospital.  But this I do know –

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

        neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

    [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth,

        so are my ways higher than your ways

        and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

Avoiding “The Manipulation”

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Manipulation: : to treat or operate with or as if with the hands or by mechanical means especially in a skillful manner (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Post Op 3 weeks:  Today was a day of reckoning.  In order to avoid “the manipulation,” Wyndham had to make some big progress with the flexion of his knee.  During a visit with his surgeon last week, the doctor was not entirely pleased with my husband’s progress since his surgery.  So, during this visit the doctor placed “the fear of the Lord” in my husband and set up daily physical therapy as well.  He informed him that if he did not have 100 degrees of flexion (the angle at which the knee bends) by today he would have to undergo “the manipulation.”  IMG_4235 This flexion number is needed in order to be on target for reaching the ultimate goal of 130 degrees of flexion.  The doctor even set up the appointment for this procedure to take place tomorrow.

“The manipulation” is known to be a most dreaded torturous procedure.  In this “fun little activity” one is put under anesthesia while the doctor (through his sheer force and power) makes the muscles and tendons move beyond what they can do on their own.  Anesthesia is administered because it is considered too painful to endure while awake.  Unfortunately, the pain raises its ugly head when the anesthesia wears off.   This flexion goal is considered quite important.   If the desired flexion is not reached, the result of the surgery would be disappointing, as the goaled flexion and extension is needed for an acceptable range of motion and use of the knee, and all the attached appendages.

Wyndham worked extremely hard all week, well beyond what was comfortable for him.  He worked with his physical therapist and then continued at home with his “homework.”  So today, the day of reckoning came during the physical therapy session… and he bent his knee to 101 degrees.  This was great progress from a mere 83 degrees a week ago.  The therapist was able to get it to 109 degrees, which pleased him – as this was on target for the goal of 130 degrees.  “The Manipulation” was cancelled.

Of course there are numerous spiritual applications throughout this healing process.  As I have been reading through the Old Testament, I am reminded just how serious God is about obedience to him.  When he gives a command he expects that it is followed.  Failure to do this results in his discipline.  Yet this is not because he is out to hurt us –  quite the opposite.  We hurt ourselves and face his discipline when we don’t take him seriously.  The response is up to us.

    No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.  (Hebrews 12:11)

 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,  (1 John 5:3)

He knows how we are meant to function (he made us) and wants to see us live the way we were intended to live and to see us reach our full potential.  If we, through the help of Jesus, our Great Physician, the help of a “physical therapist” (those involved in our lives helping us keep the course and reach the potential God has put in us) and our own wholehearted effort to grow we will perhaps be able to avoid many painful manipulations that we would incur without these helpers.

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.  (Luke 13:24)

    Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:11)

    So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. (2 Peter 3:14)

God expects us to take him seriously.  Graciously, he gives us everything we need to live in the way we were intended to live.

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.  (2 Peter 1:3)

Day by day, with the help of our God, the help of other disciples and our hard work we too can make progress that brings us toward the goal of becoming all God created us to be.

And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.  2 Cor 3:18 (NRSV)

Everybody Needs a PT

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The surgeon, speaking to us, told us we won’t want someone who is just “sweet and nice” to work with Wyndham.  He said we will want someone who will push him well beyond his comfort zone – to things he thinks he can’t do or fears doing.   This was the surgeon’s description of the needed physical therapist.

Yes, as stated in the previous post – God is in charge of the design, working and intricacies of the human body, and  we are responsible to do our part in the healing process…but the road to full recovery also involves help from someone else.  This person has experience and knowledge of how things are supposed to work and helps to teach, train, encourage, dispel fear and promote trust.  In my husband’s physical healing and growth process this person is known as the physical therapist.

So, when the therapist showed up there was a sense of “gulp, well, here we go…”…as who really longs to get uncomfortable and invite pain?  However, even though it hurt,  the benefit of the time was immediate and deeply appreciated.  My husband was on the stairs, was doing a little dance,was on his toes and was doing all kinds of painful activity.  Afterward, he was so much more confident that his knee would actually hold him. He made a lot of progress that he wouldn’t have made without the extra “push” and the training from the PT.  There are certain windows of opportunity to retrain the muscles…and that window of opportunity is now.  The trainer will come back again and again…and then Wyndham will go see the trainer  (Physical Therapist) regularly as he strives to make progress – little by little and day by day. IMG_4215

As I watch and anticipate this continuing process…I realize that while the knee is a pretty important part of the body, it (even the titanium bionic version) will not last forever.  However, our souls will.  Why in the world then, would we not surround ourselves with regular visits with a spiritual “PT” – who I’ll refer to as a “Perfection Trainer.”

I could fill the page with scriptures that teach us our need to have others in our lives.  Consider a few of my favorites:

    We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. [29] To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Col. 1:28-29

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Col. 3:16

    Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [16] 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. Ephesians 4:15-16

    But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

    And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. [25] Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

I’ve been a Christian now for 45 years – baptized as a teen.  Throughout these years God has always been faithful to all his promises.  As for my part… yes it is hard work with ups and downs,  as I’m still a work in progress.  I know the love, support, training, correction, encouragement and guidance I have received from others is invaluable – individually and also collectively as I regularly meet together with my brothers and sisters.   I am so grateful for those who help me overcome my fears and help me to be more like Jesus.   I  intend to aggressively continue to  surround myself with those who offer these things to me (as I will never outgrow the need)- and also to continue to offer them to others as well – as I long to be faithful  to my God  and his family to the end.

How aggressively do you seek out “Perfection Training?” Do you seek it as Paul describes in Colossians ” with all his energy that he so powerfully works within me.” ??

While the knee may be okay without it, the soul won’t.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healing

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My husband is now 8 days post-op from his knee replacement surgery.  It’s not an easy recovery,  and during this stage of the game it is hard to imagine the “other side” of the pain.  Yet, we hold on to the hope that on the other side of the pain lies a new-found freedom of movement and an ability to function more fully – similar to the way he once did before the damage to his knee incurred from too many years of pounding the pavement. 0204132031b

As I observe, and in a way participate in this process with him – I have become more keenly aware of two necessary components of healing.  The first, and most important part of healing is what God does in the process.  It’s amazes me what damage the body can undergo (his leg was sawed, hammered, sanded, glued)… and then find a way to heal – one cell at a time.   The human body is amazingly complex and we truly are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” –  (Psalm 139:14)  I stand in awe at the intricate timing of all that happens as a new life forms – such as the “simple” fact that a fetus’ intestines first grow outside of their abdomen…and that at just the right time in the first trimester as the intestines return to the abdominal cavity, they undergo a 180° counterclockwise rotation.  Who tells them to rotate like that?

The connection and working together of the bones,  ligaments, tendons, veins,  and capillaries brings me to my knees before our author, designer and creator.  And how is it possible that the arteries, capillaries and veins in a human body – if put end to end would reach 60,000 miles, or 2 ½ times around the world?  Only God.   Yes, God is the most important factor for our healing – physically, spiritually and emotionally.  Without Him, there is no hope.   With him, there can not only be physical, emotional and spiritual healing…but He also holds the promise to eternal life.

However, we must also do our part in the healing process – and it is hard work.  I realize that if my husband doesn’t do his work in this process, his ability to function in the way he hopes and intends will be greatly hampered, incomplete and unsuccessful.  He has to push through pain toward new levels of motility, be very humble in receiving help, and be consistent in processes that are very much out of his comfort zone. (He’s a good patient 🙂 ) This is true not only in physically healing, but also in emotional and spiritual healing.  It takes hard work to heal from any hurt, trauma and pain we experience.

The apostle Paul states this dual working together clearly in numerous scriptures such as the following:

Philip. 2:12-13

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

 

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. [2] Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Ephes. 6:10-13

    Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

God will always do his part in our healing.  He may not do it in the same way we think He should or would but His promises will never fail us.  The bigger question is whether we do our part.  It’s hard…but the “other side of the pain” leads to a freedom to function in the way God intended for us.

Ephes. 3:20-21

    Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 

 

 

 

Spanx Your Mind

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Have you ever  tried to put on a spanx?  (aka….girdle)

It doesn’t just slide on quickly.  There is always a bit of a fight to get that firm holding- garment in place to do its job….to tuck “things” in all “nice and proper.”  I just tried it, and yes, it’s as difficult as I remember. IMG_4204

While that’s a battle, I believe it’s an even greater battle to do this with our thoughts.

Too often, the plan to begin the day with Bible reading and prayer can be overtaken by the thoughts and plans of everything else that is supposed to happen throughout our day.  Then, while thinking of those things that are planned, our minds can further drift  to all the “what ifs” and even fears of all that could happen. Even in prayer, our minds (or am I the only one?) can drift to places of planning and “to do’s” that we never intended to visit during the prayer.  Sometimes I catch myself, wondering how I managed to wander there.  That’s why I have found I need to pray out loud.

I often read the scriptures in 1 Peter 1:13 and Colossians 3:1-2, to be reminded of my need to prepare and set my mind… instead of letting it “flap in the breeze.”   I remember first reading this scripture in the old King James version – which I’ll include below.

1 Peter 1:13-16 (KJV)

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: [15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

This girding up the loins of our minds paints a vivid picture to me of fighting to put on a “spiritual girdle” inside of my head.  “Gird” is where we get the word for “girdle.”

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Col. 3:1-2

    Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

 I must determine to keep my mind on the things to which God calls me.  Even then, the “muffin tops” of my mind can try to spill out. But I just need to tuck them in again when that happens.

If we begin the day spiritually preparing our minds for action and setting our minds on things above we will be much more available to be used by God- and more keenly aware of His presence and power within us.

When we take our thoughts captive (We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5) we can overcome the fears, insecurities, doubts and sins that desire to creep in.  When we gird up our minds for action we learn to see others in the same way that Jesus does, and then we will seek to share with them the amazing treasure of Jesus.  When we set our minds on things above we can then be filled with a peace that passes human understanding, a purpose for which we are ready to live and die, a hope that doesn’t fade and a joy that continually wells from within.

So… as you dress…don’t forget to put the spiritual girdle around your mind.  God will be pleased that you did…and so will you.

There’s a Peacock at Your Door!

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I wrote of turkeys that were at my neighbor’s door, as some of you may remember from a previous blog. The truth is, we never know what bird… or life circumstances might show up at our doors.  Sometimes a new day simply brings routine activities; other days we may find surprises awaiting us, and at other times we will be confronted with challenging circumstances.

…And then there are those days when “extraordinary” shows up.

Such was the case for my sister.  She lives in Florida, and recently heard a pecking at her patio door. After investigating – she found that the noise came from the pecking of a beak.   Behind the beak stood a vibrant array of colors – in the form of a magnificent bird.  Yes, a peacock was at her door. IMG954669

She was amazed that this beautiful creature resided in her state, and even more astounded that it was  “knocking” at her back door.  She certainly didn’t expect that.

This glorious creature at my sister’s door reminded me that too often I can make God too small in my own eyes, and forget that He specializes in the impossible and unexpected.  The God who spoke the world into existence, rescued men from mouths of lions and fiery furnaces, and raised Jesus from the dead is the same God who lives in me today. Amazing!  I pray to have more and more of the kind of exceptional faith that believes in the “wonder of what God can do”  – which Jesus described after raising Lazarus from the dead.

40 “Did I not tell you,” replied Jesus, “that if you believed, you would see the wonder of what God can do?”  Jn. 11:40 (JB Phillips translation)

What do you believe God can do in your life?

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;

        in the morning I lay my requests before you

        and wait in expectation.  Psalm 5:3

You just never know when something unexpected and magnificent may be knocking at your door.

Pizza or Smoothie?

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Last week I began a strict diet, hoping to take off two recently added pounds.   Unfortunately, I brought those two pounds home as souvenirs from Paris and didn’t want them to get used to hanging around. So, while the grandkids were over Friday night enjoying pizza and brownies – I drank my “smoothie.  This particular smoothie contained nonfat milk, strawberries and some “proteinish” powder that did not taste terrible – but let’s just say it wasn’t pizza and brownies. 

As I made my smoothie and watched the kids eat slice after slice of pizza, I thought about the difference between these two foods and how they relate to the way “religion” is often viewed.  (Call me crazy, maybe…but stay with me here.)  I think it is often easy to view our lives like pizza.  We slice it up in different compartments.  One slice for spiritual activities (including prayer, Bible reading, time at church, etc.); once slice for work; one for school; one for family life; one for leisure time, etc.  – until we have a complete pizza.  All the slices make up the whole.  This might be a creative way to learn fractions, but it isn’t what God has in mind for our lives.  While blending my smoothie I was reminded of a very basic and important teaching from Jesus in Mark 12:28-34.

    One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

    [29] “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ [31] The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

    [32] “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. [33] To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

    [34] When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Our spiritual lives, in God’s plan, are to be all wrapped up together with everything that we do and think- sort of like a smoothie where all the separate ingredients are blended together to make something new and different .  This way, everything we think and do is all mixed together with God flowing through it all – all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength.  It may be a difficult fraction to explain (1 whole heart for God + 1 whole soul committed to God+ 1 whole mind devoted to God + 1 whole strength  living for God= 1 complete disciple of Jesus) – but it works every time. 

 

Introducing….

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Today I’m happy to share an insightful post from a guest blogger – who also happens to be my daughter.  Love her insights from “typical” mommy days – if there are such things.  And, since I have met and cared for “clothesy-potty” I wanted you to have the opportunity to meet her as well.

http://lessonslearnedfrommamahood.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-in-name.html?spref=fb

 

And, from the previous post….Snappy has not yet been found, 😦 but the search for him makes me more aware of the search that

matters most.

Find Snappy

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Snappy, though seemingly nowhere to be found, has become a celebrity of sorts throughout the suburbs of Boston.  She has her own Facebook page with over 2,000 followers.  Snappy is a four year old weimeraner (large grey dog.)   Her whereabouts are unknown since the day she disappeared (in my town) nearly three months ago.  Her owner is desperate to find her.  The owner has appeared on the news, commandeered concerned citizens to print and post posters all over the surrounding towns, initiated robocalls throughout nearby communities and employed a professional canine tracker flown in from Nebraska to help with the search.  

Within any given mile within a 20 mile radius you will likely encounter a poster entitled “Find Snappy.”  Feeding stations and video cameras have been placed along a route in the woods she is thought to be traveling.  During the time period that Snappy has been lost this part of the country has experienced an earthquake, a hurricane, a nor’easter and some cold temperatures.  If that is not challenging enough for her survival- coyotes are known to prowl around these same areas.  I’ve even seen one walking down our street.

Yet, Snappy’s owner has not given up the search for her.  She longs to bring her home.  Snappy’s faithful Facebook followers post daily comments of support to Snappy and her owner.  Some have told of specific daily prayer times where they pray for her safe return.  I confess that I know these things only because as a dog lover I was sucked in to Snappy’s plight and am also her “Facebook friend.”  Some have walked and driven many miles in search of the lost animal.  While I haven’t done that, I do stay on the lookout for her as I go about my daily activities.

Snappy’s drama has captivated the attention of many.  The owners have gone to a lot of time and expense to find their dog.  I am reminded from the seemingly trivial (in comparison) pursuit of Snappy – of God’s continual search for the lost.  I am deeply inspired and challenged.

Ezekiel 34:11-16

” ‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. [12] As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. [13] I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. [14] I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. [15] I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. [16] I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

And Jesus, God in the flesh reiterates this message in the account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. [2] A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. [3] He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. [4] So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

[5] When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” [6] So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

[7] All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’ ”

[8] But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

[9] Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (emphasis added)

 I am challenged by Snappy’s owner’s relentless pursuit of her well-loved dog.  I ask myself how much time, trouble, thought, prayer, perseverance and expense am I willing to give as I look at others through Jesus’ eyes.  He saw that they were harassed, and helpless like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).  I know that every individual’s world without God is a rough and dark place…much worse than the physical challenges of hurricanes, earthquakes and nor’easters…and Satan’s intense pursuit of mankind is compared to that of a lion instead of a coyote. So many people around me are without hope, forgiveness, direction and a purpose that counts and will last a hundred years from now. I am challenged to love others as Jesus loves as he commands me in John 13:34 and shows me in Matthew 18:12-14

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? [13] And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. [14] In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

Yes, I hope Snappy is found. However, more importantly I pray to speak and act toward other humans with more of the urgency and compassion found in Jesus’ heart.

Gotta’ Talk About the Chocolate

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This picture below describes how I felt about the desserts I ate on my recent trip to Paris.  If I could have licked the plate without appearing disgustingly rude and uncultured, I would have. 

We recently returned from spending nearly two weeks in Europe.  My husband and I worked hard while we were there – and also enjoyed the sweet fellowship of those training to be elders (and their wives) in Paris and Milan.  It was a fantastic and meaningful time together.  Before the elder training retreat began we were able to spend a few days with our dear friends, John and Carol McGuirk.  During our second dinner together our conversation delved into a deep and riveting discussion.  I promise I was listening…but in the middle of the conversation I could no longer hold it in…I felt I had to interrupt.  So, somewhere amidst the deep discussion I blurted out “May I say something?!”

Silence ensued, as the others’ eyes met mine, awaiting what would certainly be an extremely important announcement (perhaps involving fire or blood) – to be deemed worthy of such a complete interruption.

“So…” I continued.

“I’ve just got to say, this dessert is incredible!!”

You see, sometimes things are just too good to be left inside to experience all alone.  I was distracted from the flow of the discussion because of the scrumptious delicacy I had just ingested.  Despite what was happening around me, I just had to share the incredible joy I felt in tasting the richness of the chocolate and the texture and blend of such wondrous flavors that brought utter delight to my palate.  I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer.

As I thought about this proclamation that just had to be made, I thought about three scriptures:

Jeremiah 20:9

But if I say, “I will not mention him

or speak any more in his name,”

his word is in my heart like a fire,

a fire shut up in my bones.

I am weary of holding it in;

indeed, I cannot.

2 Kings 7:3-9

Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, “Why stay here until we die? [4] If we say, ‘We’ll go into the city’–the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.”

[5] At dusk they got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, not a man was there, [6] for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!” [7] So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.

[8] The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp and entered one of the tents. They ate and drank, and carried away silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also.

[9] Then they said to each other, “We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.”

 

Acts 4:18-20

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. [20] For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

I love chocolate and I love dessert.  However, they are not anywhere in the same dimension with what I love about my God and all he has done for me.  He has shown me indescribable love, given me a purpose for living, forgiven me, given me hope and a future, given me clear directions on how to live life and build a marriage and family – and filled me with indescribable joy.  Why would I ever want to hold this in?  And yet sometimes I do just that.  May I freely “interrupt” life around me to share such a wonderful and amazing God.