Author Archives: jeanieshaw

When the Chicken Hits the Fan

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So, lately I’ve written about an electric fan, and various birds.  That combination reminded me of a conversation that leads to today’s post.

There is an odd commercial I have noted of late.  It is an advertisement for directTV, and follows an unlikely and absurd domino of events in a person’s life that could have been “avoided” if they had only purchased directTV.  The commercial reminds me of a conversation I had with someone several years ago.

I noticed this “someone” (I’ll refer to as “person”) had a black eye.  I inquired as to the cause of this malady.  The conversation that ensued went something like this:

Me:  How did you get the black eye?

Person:  Because of the chicken

Me: Because of the chicken?

Person: Yes, I had a friend over and they brought their pet chicken.

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

Person:  I didn’t appreciate him bringing a chicken into my apartment so I asked him to leave and he didn’t.

Me:  And?

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

Me:  What??!!  Was it ok?

Person:  Lost some feathers, but it was ok…but the guy was mad that his chicken hit the fan.

Me:  And so he punched you?

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

So, I would have never guessed the progression of such a seemingly illogical chain of events.

But, I’m on a bird theme of late…so could not resist sharing this remembrance.

However, while I laugh at this chain of events, I can sometimes be just as disjointed in my chain of thoughts and prayers.

I understand why the scriptures depict prayer as hard work.  Often, I have to wrestle in prayer to keep my concentration.

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.  Col. 4:12

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.  1 Peter 4:7

I know Satan does not want me to pray as these scriptures teach, as prayer unleashes the power of God.

Sometimes I can begin to pray as I praise and thank God and pray for many situations and people…and then the “chicken hits the fan” so to speak.  I begin with full concentration and then as I pray for my friends and the woman I met at the grocery store who wants to study the Bible….I remember what I need to purchase at the grocery store, which reminds me of the meal I need to schedule next week.  Then I pull it back in focus and pray for people and places in mission work, which reminds me that I need to book our flights for our trip next month, and I hope they have the wandering seat problem fixed by then, and oh yeah, I need to make sure the dogs are taken care of …..

Am I alone in attention deficit prayer temptations and challenges?  I doubt it, otherwise we wouldn’t have the need for the scriptures above and below.

Col. 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Prayer is not easy, but oh so necessary.  It is also an incredible privilege.  Given my propensity to do several things at once (to help concentration, really) I like to walk and pray… or to pray out loud and with someone. I know that prayer truly makes a difference.  I desperately need to speak with my Father and amazingly, he wants to hear from me.

Speaking of Courage…My Friend Gloria

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While at a women’s midweek last night we had a group discussion.  One of the sisters in my group was recounting an example she heard many years ago from Gloria Baird.  The sister was remembering Gloria’s example of how we can sometimes try to get cool on a hot day by moving the blades of an electric fan with our fingers.  She recounted how difficult and futile this exercise was as we try to live life on our own power, and that if we merely plug the fan in to the power source we can enjoy a powerful, cool breeze.

Sometimes, people have lasting impact and don’t realize how much difference their lives and words make.  My friend Gloria has impacted so many lives, including mine.

Philip. 2:1-4

    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.

This scripture makes me think of Gloria, and how she strives to live her life.  Now, during a very trying time, she is continuing to lead by example.  While in the midst of fighting cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and its associated difficulties (including lessened immunity and hair loss) she continues to show us how to be joyful and giving in the midst of adversity.  This is just a “shout out” to say thank you for your continual example of courage and love for God, his word and his church.  And, for those reading this… please continue to pray for her comfort, peace and complete healing so she can continue giving to so many.

And even though it’s past the “electric fan” season here in New England…the analogy still applies.  God is so powerful beyond imagination…we’ve just got to plug in to that power.

John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Courage to be Different

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What do you see in this picture?  An old church building with a colorful display of pumpkins?  That’s certainly a pleasant enough autumn scene… but I was inspired as I drove by this venue because of another scene.  As I looked up at the myriad of wires above me, I saw “courage” and was reminded of Jesus’ courage –and the courage to which he calls me.

There is a lone bird among the crowd of other birds on the wire who is “not like the other”.  He (or she…I don’t know how to distinguish bird gender) inspires me. Look closely at the bird in the middle on the third wire down.

Years ago I would sing along (with my children) to a song that often played on Sesame Street.  The lyrics included the words, “One of these things is not like the other, which one is different, do you know?”

It’s not that hard to spot something or someone that stands out as being different.

I was inspired today as I saw this bird of a different species standing out among “everyone else”.  I was reminded of the apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 1:20 and again through his words to Timothy.

    I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

2 Tim. 1:12

    That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

I’m inspired by the teens and campus disciples who shine in bright contrast to the world around them and aren’t afraid to be different.  I’m inspired by parents who are following Jesus who don’t give in the the worldly values which are so strongly espoused. I’m encouraged by the singles who are living for God, and not for selfish ambition.   I’m challenged and inspired by the words of Paul above, as he learned them from Jesus who said,

    In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

I’m amazed that God is not ashamed to be called our God (Hebrews 11:16) and that Jesus is not ashamed to call me his sister (Hebrews 2:11)

So, thanks little brave bird for your courage to be different from others around you.  You remind me that I am not a citizen of this world, but of heaven.  And my life needs to stand out and be decidedly different — so that God can be clearly seen.  I hope the birds in the crowd will (metaphorically) see Jesus and desire to fly away with you as you lovingly and courageously make an impact on them. I pray to make a difference for Jesus as I fly though my day today.

ps.  While on the bird theme…my proof copy of the new book “There’s a Turkey at Your Door” arrived!  More information coming soon, but you can see info at https://www.createspace.com/4000079

 

In Labor and Delivery!

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I’m about to deliver a big bird — A turkey to be exact .  You see, I’ve been “expecting” a new book for many months.  This book is put together  in a format  similar to My Morning Cup.  It consists of 86 short devotional thoughts derived from “real life”.  That’s almost 3 months of quiet time thoughts!   Here’s how the editor describes this new book

You never know what might show up on your doorstep every morning—if you’re Jeanie Shaw, it just might be a turkey! The question is: Do you know where to turn and what to do, no matter what comes knocking?

In a series of short chapters that feature anecdotes ranging from the humor­ous to the heartwarming, There’s a Turkey at Your Door takes you on a journey to explore the Bible’s many applications to daily life. As Jeanie invites you into her life and into God’s word, you’ll laugh out loud, shed a few tears, and discover lasting spiritual insights. So come on in, the door’s wide open.

That was very kind.  Thank you for the summary , Elizabeth.  Later I’ll share some blurbs from a few who have read a sneak preview.

Writing a book is a very vulnerable and often scary experience — dotted with many self-doubt obstacles along the way.  There are numerous comparisons to actual labor and delivery.   I usually write late at night…after work hours, so the process involves some lost sleep. It involves some teamwork and some money as well.  The book-birthing process is at times painful and at other times exhilarating. Sometimes it’s just plain tiring. There is often a lot of waiting involved.…Then, comes the big day when the editing, the cover (the face) and the layout (the innards)  are complete. The finishing touches are done and it’s sent off to be published.  This seems sort of like going to the delivery room.  It’s exciting and scary–at times you want to turn back.

However, …the deed is done and soon a “newborn turkey”  will be in my hands.

When I was pregnant with my children we eagerly anticipated the pronouncement of their gender.  Would they be a girl or a boy? Back then, we didn’t find out ahead of time. Before the birth of my first child I kept having a recurring dream. In this vivid dream I had just delivered our baby and my husband and I were eagerly awaiting the pronouncement from the doctor….”It’s a _____!”  In my dream, the doctor kept saying…”It’s a…duck!”  Yikes…wasn’t expecting that!   We thought this a bit disappointing, but assured each other that we would love our new baby duck.  Yes, that’s a strange dream and I’m certainly grateful to have birthed two daughters and a son…and later another son via heart-birth (adoption).

I guess now is the time for birthing fowls.  I already have a “Goose”…so it seems to make sense to add a turkey to the book family.

You may wonder why the title, “There’s a Turkey at Your Door”.  There’s a good reason for it, but I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out what it means.  The books are due to arrive mid-month.  If you don’t want to wait you can go to  https://www.createspace.com/4000079 and order it there.  You can also pre-order a copy by sending me a note at the end of the blog.  I’ll get back to you.

So, today’s blog is a bit different than the usual.  My Morning Cup…refilled will return soon.  I suppose this is simply a pre-birth announcement.

From the lips of children…

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Having finished our picnic this afternoon, my daughters and I were enjoying time together as we admired the beauty of the northern Atlantic.  The water sparkled like diamonds and the sun’s rays made the cool breeze feel like a kiss on the cheek.  (To be honest, the sun radiating on my back pockets felt like a very warm peck on the cheeks.)   We had perfect seats, directly behind two of my grandchildren, who are 2 and 3 years old.  We were out of their sight, so they were uninhibited by our presence.  We noticed them as we heard singing. Our hearts were warmed as they loudly sang “Jesus Loves Me” and “You are My Sunshine.”  Then, they continued talking, having a great time.  They talked about why they love Jesus.  And then part of their conversation went like this.

Lexi:  “You know, Jesus is sad when you are sad.  What makes you sad, Micah?”

Micah:  “I’m sad when I have to take nappies.”

Lexi:  “So why are you sad when you have to take nappies?”

(Couldn’t hear Micah’s response to “the counselor”)

Lexi:  “OK, so now we can pray about it.”

And then they both folded their hands and prayed.   I couldn’t hear it all, but  the prayer included many things they were thankful for –  including the beauty of the place, the warmth, cats and dogs, “persons and kids,”… and much more.

Seriously, it was beyond precious.  I felt like life could not get much better than that moment as I admired the spectacular setting of God’s creation and listened to my grandchildren express their love for him and to him.  Sometimes, all that seems fitting is praise.

Psalm 8:1-9

For the director of music. According to gittith. A psalm of David.

O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory

above the heavens.

[2] From the lips of children and infants

you have ordained praise

because of your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

[3] When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

[4] what is man that you are mindful of him,

the son of man that you care for him?

[5] You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

[6] You made him ruler over the works of your hands;

you put everything under his feet:

[7] all flocks and herds,

and the beasts of the field,

[8] the birds of the air,

and the fish of the sea,

all that swim the paths of the seas.

[9] O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

I learned from these two children a bit more of what Jesus meant when he called us to become like little children.  I was reminded that gratitude and praise should just be normal conversation; that often talking about God’s truly awesome attributes (as shown by Jesus ) is all that needs to be said; that when we think about what is true, noble, right lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philip. 4:8) joy exudes from within; and  that singing and praying is what comes out of a heart in tune to God’s love.  Thanks Lexi and Micah for reminding me of the power of gratitude and praise. Try it and see if it doesn’t help point you in a good and right direction.

The Beauty of Imperfection

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“Why are you showing that one?” asked my granddaughter.

She was referring to a video segment I used in a little movie the grandkids made to honor “Papa” on his 60th birthday.  They had come up with the whole idea for this little skit.  As they were singing “You Are My Sunshine,” Emery started to cry, Gracie puked and Emma responded with an “eewwwww.”    I chose that clip because it showed the real “them” as they were delivering this heartfelt song to their Papa.  Emma thought that perhaps I should have used the one that didn’t have those “mistakes.”

(The clip is actually is pretty adorable, as you can see here)

https://vimeo.com/47863276

I thought about this (desire to hide our imperfections) in light of one of my favorite scriptures:

2 Cor. 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

This scripture took me a long time to understand.  I hated “messing up.”   Even in kindergarten, I ran away from school one day and hid in my garage when I realized I had forgotten my lunch money.  You see, I was supposed to bring the week’s lunch money to school on Monday.  When I realized I had forgotten to bring it to school I must have thought the world would come to an end!  I reasoned it would be much better to just run and hide than own up to my mistake.  As a teenager, before I became a Christian I thought I needed to practice “doing right” long enough in order to “get good enough” to become a Christian.  I finally came to understand that the whole point of Jesus’ death was that I could never be good enough – and that fact was very freeing to me.  It allowed me to become very grateful for that sacrifice made for me.

However, this old way of thinking would at times become my “default” mindset.  This hindered me in learning how to be vulnerable and in sharing the fears and shortcomings in my life.  Deep down, I often felt it was “not ok” to mess up.

How refreshing it was to realize again and again (as my friend Gordon Ferguson often says, “the best of us is a mess.”) I have since learned the joy of vulnerability, and as the above scripture states – God’s “power is made perfect in weakness.”

The question from my granddaughter reminded me of the joy of imperfection.  My grandchildren were giving their best effort to honor and show love to their Papa.  The puking, crying and “eeewww” were actually part of the preciousness of this song. I love the imperfection, because I know the effort is wholehearted and filled with love.

If I could live perfectly there would have been no need for Jesus to come.  Fact is…my life will always have episodes of mess-ups like (spiritual) puking, crying and “eeewwwws” – or worse.  However, as long as I am striving to love, honor and obey my Father, I believe he will delight in the imperfections even more than I delighted in the imperfections of this little 3 minute video.

Another Turkey at the Door!

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I am still smiling, somewhat in disbelief from my little photo shoot that happened a few minutes ago.  Several months back I saw a turkey at someone’s front door and took a picture of this unusual scene. This prompted me to write about surprises and opportunities that often await us, lurking outside our doors – and our need to respond to them spiritually.

I decided to title my next book (currently in the editing process) “When There’s a Turkey at Your Door.”  The book is meant to entertain, but more importantly meant to help and encourage the reader to apply God’s word to real life happenings.   Unfortunately, the photo I took that day was not sharp, and can’t be used for a book cover.  Since then, I have been carrying my “point and shoot” camera in my purse…because you never know when a turkey may be at your door. 🙂

Yes,  I secretly prayed to get a new opportunity for a photo, so wanted to be prepared at all times – all the while, knowing that the odds of this every happening again would be slim to none. However, I decided I would be prepared –  just in case.

While driving home about an hour ago I saw a turkey heading toward a house.  After stopping my car in the road, I quietly emerged from the driver’s seat – camera in hand.  I tiptoed toward the turkey, while going back and forth behind some stranger’s parked truck so I could maneuver the turkey toward the door. I tiptoed; he tiptoed and…Voila…A turkey at the door! In fact, he went to the back door and the front door.

I got back in the car quite encouraged, and then thought of the following scriptures about “preparedness.”

2 Tim. 2:21
If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

2 Tim. 4:2
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

I was convicted and inspired as I asked myself the questions: “How prepared am to serve in any way at a moment’s notice?

How prepared am I to use the Bible in my relationships with others?

How prepared am I to share my faith?”

I certainly want to be more prepared for these things than I was for the turkey at the door.The stakes are incomparable.  I also realize that the opportunities to respond to all three of these questions are before me every day, including today.  What opportunity, or challenge is at your door?

Dive In

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It was my turn.  All the other family members had taken the plunge in this particular event in our annual Summer Vacation Crazy Olympics. I was happy to be the photographer, reporter, cheerleader….just not the participant.  I don’t mind diving into water (as long as it’s not too cold,) but I wasn’t too sure about diving into the ground.

This “Human Bowling” event entailed taking a plunging slide down the slip-n-slide in order to knock over boxes set up as bowling pins.  I was a bit fearful of getting hurt on the plunge, but mainly hesitant because of the frigid water on the slide.  You see, I like my water comfortably warm, and even then I take my time to meander in so I can “get used to it.”

The more I thought about it, the more difficult it seemed. I hesitated.  I heard the chants of “Nana, Nana, Nana,…” which were partly encouraging and partly annoying.  I didn’t want to let the team down, but couldn’t I just fade into the background this once?  So, as a compromise I ran down beside  the slide with my foot in the water…hoping that would “count.”  Alas, it did not.

So, I took some spiritual lessons from inside my heart.  I’ve been reading the Old Testament of late and these lessons touched my heart.

1 Kings 18:20-21

[20] So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. [21] Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
But the people said nothing.

Elijah’s question to the crowd…”how long will you waver between two opinions?” was far reaching.  Those who wavered witnessed defeat. Those who followed the Lord wholeheartedly saw God move powerfully.

Numbers 14:24
But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.

And this “different spirit” followed Caleb later in his life as we see him in Joshua 14:10-12
“Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! [11] I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. [12] Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”

So, with inspiration from Elijah and Caleb (and my cheering family) I dove in.  I made a decision to no longer hesitate, waver between two opinions or be a “has been” participant holding back in the “comfort zone.”  It felt like a moment of reckless abandon, but I am grateful I took the plunge.  It wasn’t pretty, but it was fulfilling.

More importantly, may I never hesitate, waver between two opinions, or lose eagerness and passion to keep going and growing in my spiritual walk.

Whatever right decisions you may be “wavering” to act upon, or hesitant to go forward with….Take it from the lesson from Human Bowling.  Just dive on in.  You will be glad you did.

Note:  I have much to share from the family vacation…but am saving a few chapters for a new book coming out in October.  Stay tuned….

 

“Unless”

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This past week I “drank from a fire hydrant.”  At least that’s what it felt like as I took in so many powerful and wonderful lessons in a short amount of time.  I returned from the World Discipleship Summit today convicted, thrilled, moved, inspired, renewed and exhausted!  Yesterday, as nearly 18,000 disciples sang “Men Who Dream” tears of joy kept flowing down my cheeks.  I am quite sure God is not through with us and I’m so eager to see God do more than I dare ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:21) And, I’m eager to let God use my life for His glory.

Processing a week like this will take prayer and time.  It’s funny how things can sometimes come together in unexpected ways. The Summit came together for me on the way home today.  I decided to watch the movie offered by the airline, as it seemed light and fun – and my brain needed a rest.  As I watched the Dr. Seuss film, “The Lorax,” I realized that the simple message from this little film honed my many thoughts. Though it sends a message about the environment, it left with me more of a moving, spiritual application.

As the Once-ler shared his regrets from his selfish past he led a young man, Ted, to the secret of how to help the fallen, hurting and deceived world in which he lived.  Ted was intrigued by some “stones of remembrance” he saw -with the word “unless” etched in one of the rocks.  Facing many obstacles, he gained the conviction,passion and courage to change the world. He had to fight the evil O’Hare in order to plant the one living seed which would give new life to the world around him. Through this challenging journey he came to realize the meaning of the word left by the Lorax – “unless.”   “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

This same word is used powerfully in the scriptures.  Here are just a few verses where this word is used:

Matthew 18:3
And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 13:3
I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

John 3:5
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

John 6:53
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

John 12:24
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

John 15:4
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Acts 8:31
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Romans 10:15
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

I decided to take this word personally, realizing that it also applies to me.  “Unless” I care a whole lot…I can’t make things better.

Go Ahead…I’m Covered!

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I felt something behind my knee and kept swiping at it.  I felt it again – and upon further exploration found a tick hanging out on my leg.  What in the world is going on with ticks and me?  I don’t have fur and I don’t live in the woods.  However, I do walk outdoors; I also have two dogs and I do live in the heart of tick country. So, I guess I will continue to be a prime candidate for tick bites.

As I grabbed the tick and prepared to (with a flush) send him swirling down the porcelain throne I boldly told him, “Go ahead and bite me – I’m covered!”   (by the way – I looked this up this phrase to make sure I wasn’t accidentally saying something  bad.  As far as I know it’s okay.)

The tick said nothing in return.  He had no answer.

You see, I am in my third month of treatment for Lyme disease.  I take three antibiotics a day.   While I hope the end of the treatment is in sight, right now I’m still being treated so I feel confidently immune to this tick’s attack.  I don’t know if this feeling is medically sound, but I know I’m pretty much “antibiotically covered.”  Lyme bacteria may try to infiltrate me…but it’s not sticking!

This little visit with the tick reminded me of the scripture in 1 John 1:6-7

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

I’ve got God’s Spirit in me.  I’m purposely walking in the light…so even when I mess up while trying to follow Jesus I’m continually cleansed from sin.

That’s amazingly comforting.

This scripture was further reinforced in my mind as I went to run some errands in inclimate weather this week.  It was raining hard outside.  As I drove down the interstate the rain seemed to come down harder and harder.  I was grateful for good windshield wipers.  I turned them on faster, and they kept wiping away the rain so I could see clearly despite the weather.

The above scripture reminds me of the windshield wipers.  They keep wiping away the rain allowing me to see clearly.  The blood of Jesus that covered me when I was baptized…( and keeps covering me as I walk in the light) continually cleanses me. It’s sort of like the windshield wipers and the antibiotics I’m taking that keep the Lyme from infiltrating.  So go on tick…bite me.  I’m covered.  And go ahead rain…keep on falling.  My windshield wipers are going strong.