Category Archives: devotional thoughts

Teaching Our Children to Pray

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Nothing shouts sincerity louder than the sound of little children speaking to their creator.   However, as one of Jesus’ disciples states in Luke 11:1, “Lord, teach us to pray…” we all need help in learning to pray.

The children we once taught to pray now have praying children of their own. I now love the occasions when I have the opportunity to pray with my grandchildren.  I love “hearing their hearts” and am often inspired by the honesty and detail with which they pray. IMG_3626

I think back to numerous times when my faith was challenged by my children’s prayers. I confess that at times I wished to myself that they had not prayed a particular prayer which I faithlessly believed could not happen.

Like the time they prayed fervently for a puppy…day after day.

Several months later an Irish Setter puppy showed up at our door.  Seriously. I opened the front door and it was right there staring at me. Eyeball to eyeball as if to say…”Oh you of little faith.”   The dog stayed with us for days until its owner was finally found. By then we were persuaded to get a dog…and have had one ever since. My children were not surprised.

While I’m not saying a puppy will show up at your door, I am saying that we must not underestimate the power of prayer.

As I think back to prayer times with our young children I remember times when their prayers scared me. Often they would express their love to God and tell him how much they wanted to be with him. While I loved this and longed for this simplicity of child-like trust, I would follow up with God afterward and let him know that I understood that they wanted to be with him…but this scared me and I longed for them to stay here with us.

I also remember times when they were preschoolers when I initiated prayer time before bed and they refused to pray (at least the one of them did this). This sometimes messed with my mind. Would it be wrong to “demand” that they pray? Would this warp their genuine heartfelt desire for God because they felt they “had” to pray?  Remember….I’m talking little ones here…little ones who can be stubborn and try to take control.  I realized that these times were simply about “who was going to win” and that my “win” as a parent was crucial. By the way, it did not hurt their future prayer life or heartfelt love for God

So what are helpful ways we can teach our children to pray?

  1. Set the example.  It seems most obvious, but there is nothing more important than our example. Do our children see and hear us pray? I mean “really” pray? Not just the quick prayer before a meal, but talking with God when we don’t know how to handle a situation…or when we are worried…or when we are thankful…or when someone we know has a need… Do they see us pray often and spontaneously? Do they hear true thankfulness in our hearts when we thank God for the food on our plates, or for the gifts we receive, or unexpected blessings…or even challenges? When they are in a spat with a sibling or unsure of what to do…do we lead them to prayer?
  2. Give them some practical ideas.  It helped our children to have some structure in their prayers. When they were very young my husband or I started the prayer and let them follow with words from their heart. I started by talking about why I loved God and loved talking to him. Then I began the prayer with: Thank you for _________ and let them fill in things for which they were thankful. Gratitude is always a good place to start. From there I would continue:  Please help ________ and encouraged them to ask God to help others who were in need–those who were sick, or poor, or orphaned, or sad. They also prayed for people we knew and hoped would learn the Bible and become Christians. Next, I would add the sentence…Help me __________ and encourage them to pray about areas of their character where they needed God to help them grow stronger. Then we’d end by expressing our heart toward God starting with…I love you because_______________. and then share with God reasons why we loved him.   We didn’t follow this every time, but we did this often while they were young.
  3. Pray with them. Often. Nothing brings us closer to another than going to God with them.  I still love to pray with my adult children. Nothing helps me get in touch with my heart more than when I pray together with someone. Nothing helps me know the heart of another more than praying with them.  And….In Matthew 18:20 God tells me that “whenever two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

So, set the example, give practical ideas and pray with your children.  It can make an eternal difference.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thess. 5:16-18

I have to layover WHERE?

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I won’t mention the company’s name, but suffice it to say it was not named “Competent”.

My request was simple. At least I thought so. Due to recent health challenges (I thank God I’m getting well), my husband and I needed to revise our travel plans. We had been scheduled to go on to Madrid after spending several days in Munich, Germany. This travel was needed for business, but we felt that both legs of the trip (Munich and Madrid) were more than “our legs” could handle. So, the night before we were to leave I called the travel company to cancel the “Munich to Madrid and then back to Munich” portion of the trip. We simply desired to move the date of our Munich to Boston return trip so that we would arrive home a few days earlier than previously planned.

That’s not so hard to understand is it?  Apparently it was. I was on the phone for an hour and a half trying to make this change. Several times, as I was put on hold the call was dropped. And…when I was finally able to request the change, the agent “helping” me was absolutely determined that this change of date required a necessary layover. And…this layover was to be in HONG KONG! Untitled design

I explained to this agent again and again that the route she was demanding made no sense, given the way the world was put together. I even told her (looking at the company’s web site) that there was nothing on this route remotely resembling her stated necessity. The route did not exist.

She was not moved. She repeatedly stated that an earlier flight back to Boston from Munich was not possible without a layover in Hong Kong…and an additional $11,000.

I wondered if she was also going to suggest that I reserve an oceanfront hotel in Iowa. I would not have been surprised. I told you the company’s name was not “Competent”.

Sigh.

Realizing that this conversation with the agent was going to go nowhere (except Hong Kong) I decided it would be better to initiate this change once we got to Germany. Honestly, I was afraid that if I kept speaking with her our entire flight would be in jeopardy.

Fortunately, upon arrival in Munich the change process was seamless. Our flight was moved up three days and was direct—without a stop in China!

As I recounted this little exchange with the travel agent I had to laugh as I realized this situation was all too analogous to my life. (To be honest, I’ve cried more than laughed so it was nice to laugh.) Lately, I have felt that numerous situations in life have been rerouted against my wishes—and I’ve often felt that the rerouting has not made sense. In my mind there is a simple and direct route to my life’s “destinations”…and then someone says I must layover in China? Really?

The layover is not efficient, sensible or even fathomable to my imagination.

While I did have the choice to decline the proposed airline route with the layover in Hong Kong, I can’t always refuse to go places life takes me. Sometimes the routes of our lives travel in directions we don’t want to go and which don’t make sense to us. They may involve layovers we neither want nor expect and cost more than we desire to pay. With each “change in reservations” life hands me, I must trust that God knows what he is doing and that I am safe in his care. I really am.  And he really does care.

And, I must remember that I always have a choice in how I respond to the rerouting. God is a really good travel agent. In fact, he is a perfect travel agent. He sees things I can’t see, and often “allows” me to go places I don’t wish to go. He also keeps me from places I intended to go when they aren’t best for me.

I am sure of these two things, though I must at times remind myself:

God is better at directing my life than I am.

God always acts in love, because that is who he is.

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD‘s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21  

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah 55:8-9 

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:16-18 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28-31 

In Due Time

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Three little words.  Hard words.  In. Due. Time.

I have been holding on to this scripture:

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.   (1 Peter 5:6-7 emphasis added)

Due time can feel so elusive. Isn’t it due time yet, God? dreamstime_xl_4965945 (1)

Yet I wait, and trust, and over and over give my anxieties to him…holding to the truth that he cares for me…even when I am tempted to doubt that truth. I’ve had plenty of anxious thoughts—especially because the nerve tingling physical pain I’ve experienced also brought on shivering and anxious feelings—and thoughts that would at times go to worst-case scenarios. Note to self:  Don’t google your symptoms.

I’ve struggled to find the words to pray, so I’ve prayed through the Psalms—which have become more and more meaningful to me through these weeks of pain. I cherish the love and scriptures that friends have sent, texted, and written in cards. They really help.

Over the past six weeks God has put me back in the “school of trust”. I know that one day I will be able to share about all the things I learned about God, myself, and others through this time but right now I just feel humbled, under God’s mighty hand…and eager to be lifted up.

I’m humbled by the complete lack of control I have over my situation and my utter weakness. I’m humbled knowing that others are fervently praying for me. I’m humbled to be on the receiving end of meals and help from family and friends—instead of the giving end. I’m humbled by love.

I know many of you have been through more difficult times than I–though I’ve had my share. Many of you have lived with chronic illness or shared a loved one’s pain. Some of you have gotten back tests or x-rays that were not normal. I’ve been in extreme pain for six weeks and have had seemingly every test and picture imaginable which have all come back normal, giving no answers except—“this must be some strange viral infection.”  Fortunately, most of the intensity of the pain has now morphed into muscle soreness, weakness and extreme fatigue.  So, there’s progress. I am getting better. Meanwhile, my husband’s legs are getting worse and I feel more helpless in being able to help him right now. God, when is due time?

All too often, when I’m preparing to write or teach I receive more life lessons and illustrations than I want. At the time I prefer to “pass” on these lessons. Right now I’m working on a new book entitled, “An Aging Grace”. I guess I should have known better than to pick this subject! I don’t really feel like I want to learn hard lessons about God’s grace in aging. Perhaps I should write a cook book instead.

However, I know that it in these “in between” times…before the lifting up part…God’s mighty hand is still there. Though at times I may feel squished under that hand,  I remember it is a protective hand…one that cares for me.

Lessons of love are often learned in times of pain…during the time before “due time”.

In many of my books I’ve shared lessons I’ve learned from God and his word through some crazy, some funny, and some difficult life situations. In “My Morning Cup” there is a little coffee cup icon printed in each chapter that separates the crazy situation I experienced from the lessons I learned.  What the little cup does not tell is the many things that went through my mind and heart before those lessons learned “in due time.”

For example: I share lessons learned about God’s faithfulness after waking to discover someone with a knife in my back. However,  I did not share about the nightmares that followed, or about the fear that came into my heart every time I heard a motorcycle (since the guy rode off on one.)

I share a chapter about a junior high teacher who lost her mind, threw my books and shook me against the lockers while spouting off about a scheme I had to “get her”.  And I was one of her favorite students! The coffee cup icon separates the situation from the lessons I learned, but doesn’t tell of the fear I had of going back to school and wondering when the proverbial shoe would drop again. It doesn’t tell of times I transferred the feelings from that moment to unrelated situations where authority incited fear. Life lessons are learned “in due time”.

So…I’ll keep reading in 1 Peter 5 as the passage describes our inward battles before  “due time” comes.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
(1 Peter 5:8-11)  

Never forget that God’s hand is with you, as he cares for you. He will himself make you strong, firm, and steadfast.  In. Due. Time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Remembrance Gets Personal

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Reposting from a couple of years ago…because it’s important to remember.

Since I was in New York for a conference during the week of the twelfth anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack I was “hesitantly eager” to visit the September 11 Memorial.  Upon arrival, the air was crisp and the sky was bright- much like that fateful day twelve years ago.  The upward view of the new World Trade Center tower keenly activated my fear of heights, so  I decided to walk around the memorial pools.

0913131530 I felt sad for the victims and families, but I did not know any of them personally- so my remembrance was rather general in nature.

As I walked by the second pool, my eyes caught sight of a small American flag embedded inside one of the engraved letters (of a victim’s name) in the surrounding wall. 0913131526a  A letter, protected by a plastic sleeve, was attached to this flag.  Curious, I went over close enough to read the letter.   A picture adorned the top of the page followed by these words:

Dear Donald,

   Your children and I miss you more and more each day.   Donald (14) plays soccer, golf and drums in his first year of high school.  Lara (14) continues to dance and sing. She was selected to be in the select choir.  Connor (11) looks just like you and loves the ocean.  He has the same passion for body boarding as you did.  They speak of you often and wish you were here to see them grow up.  As for me, I am very busy running around getting them to all their activities.  I miss our life together.  Until we meet again.

                                                                                                                                                Love, your wife Jacqueline

0913131527

On the other side of the letter was another picture with this message:

Every year on your birthday your niece, nephew and children throw a wreath in the ocean in Montauk.  This was your favorite place.  Everyone misses you. 

By this time, the lump in my0913131527a throat was uncomfortable and the tears welled up in my eyes.  My heart ached for this young wife and mother, who apparently had two-year-old twins and was pregnant with a son when this horrific event happened.  Suddenly, remembrance went from “history” to “personal.”

This morning, as I worshipped with my church family and as the communion trays were passed,  I thought through some familiar scriptures on remembrance.   My mind went to the letter to Donald as I reflected on how remembrance becomes personal only when names, emotions and memories are attached to an event we are remembering.

Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are merely historical events until they are attached to someone whose love captures our hearts. When this happens remembrance becomes personal and revolutionizes the way we think and how we live.

I prayed silently as if I were writing him a letter of remembrance.  In this silent letter I tried to somehow express my appreciation for what he has done for me…telling him how much his life, death and resurrection has changed me and how personal he is to me.  I owe the joy I have found in my life to his example, sacrifice, power and words.  My marriage, family, purpose and peace would not be possible without his complete involvement in my life.

It’s so easy to walk around life focusing on distractions that seem to loudly call my name – and forget that everything I hold important stems from a personal relationship with the one who has changed my life forever.

If my remembrance of God isn’t personal, then Jesus will become a distant historical event observed in a museum rather than a current life changing, joy producing relationship.

As I communed with God this morning I thought of Luke 22:19.    And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

How personal and thankful is your remembrance?

Imagination Overtakes the Nap

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Exhaustion was nearing as Gracie and Emery (two of my granddaughters) headed upstairs for their naps. They were sharing a room for their rest time—since as cousins and best friends they desired to be together every possible moment during Gracie’s two- day visit. It had been a busy morning full of swimming and playing, so their moms thought it best they rest for a few hours after lunch.

After about an hour, the two came downstairs dressed like this.2476 Obviously, rest was not on their agenda—seemingly having been replaced by the myriad royal duties of princesses.

I smiled as this picture floated through my mind’s eye this morning as I sat on the front porch reading and meditating on God’s promises.

You see, I was struggling with anxious and fearful thoughts about several difficult situations that had arisen. When I get fearful I tend to look for something I can control (or at least try to control…as if I could). Certainly, a room needs to be cleaned or some task needs to be finished, right?

I then realized that I can be much like these little girls who were supposed to be resting—but instead of resting their imagination carried them to far away places.

God has given me every reason to rest in his presence and promises. So why do I get anxious when he has given me all that I need?  I find I must continually take time to refocus my heart on his greatness and his compassion. Otherwise, my imagination can take me to places of worry—doubting his capability and mistrusting his reliable love. When that happens, I don’t rest in his presence and promises.

However, when my heart is truly at rest… trusting God’s infinite wisdom, power and unimaginable love for me—my heart is secure and at peace.

Several scriptures refreshed my heart today. I encourage you to read them. They remind me:

  1. Rest is found in God’s presence

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. (Psalm 116:5-7)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. (Matthew 11:28-29)

2.  I am too often tempted to resist the rest he offers. (Not a good thing to resist)

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift!  (Isaiah 30:15-16)

 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’  (Jeremiah 6:16)

  1. We must decide whether or not to take the rest God offers us.

 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:8-11)

 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. 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? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:16-20)

May God’s rest overtake your (and my) imagination.

An Urgent Message from Stewart the Frog

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Early one morning Stewart the Frog’s curiosity sent him into the fields beyond his familiar pond.  As he explored, he happened upon a container that was filled with water.  Hot from hopping, he climbed in to get refreshed and re-hydrated.  He was so comfortable in the little container that he fell asleep.20150801_220438 (1)

Meanwhile, the sun grew hot overhead. Slowly but surely, the temperature of the water in the container began to rise. Stewart didn’t notice, as he had become accustomed to the gradual change. And besides, he was feeling tired and less alert now.  He had no desire to move.

A frog acquaintance named Fred hopped by and jumped into the container to visit Stewart. Fred  gave a loud croak and in a flickering flash flew out of the container, screaming to Stewart, “Get out of there, dude! That water’s scorching hot.”

Stewart just smiled and sleepily, smugly replied, “You must not be as tough as I am.”

Fred shook his head, slurped a fly, and hopped back to the cool waters from whence he had come.

Meanwhile, Stewart baked in the hot afternoon sun.  He did not realize that the gradual heating of the water in his little container had become life threatening. In his oblivion, complacency, and denial he went back to sleep and with one final croak—he croaked.

His story, now deemed “The Legend of Stew”, continues to be told to young toads as a lesson and warning.

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I woke up this morning imagining this little story—feeling troubled by the continuing moral decline of our world and thinking of ways I can make a difference. I don’t want to be complacent about the condition of this world and like Stewart, be lulled to sleep. Several scriptures came to mind. Below, Jeremiah (the prophet, not the bullfrog) speaks to those who falsely advise their friends and neighbors with the message that everything is okay with the way they are living. He then warns his beloved Israel of her waywardness—imploring her to change:

They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,” says the LORD. This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But you said, ‘We will not listen.’
(Jeremiah 6:14-17)

 And then the prophet Isaiah delivers another poignant message to his countrymen as he tries to persuade them to turn back to God.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent. Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their roots will decay and their flowers blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the LORD Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel.  (Isaiah 5:20-24)

 In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes something similar to the Roman culture in which he lived.

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32…but go back and read the whole chapter)

Certainly these verses could be written today.

So how should Christians respond in the midst of an amoral and humanistic world?

I think of several scriptures that teach us to:

  1. Watch our own lives, keeping and voicing a keen distinction between truth and lies:

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible…

 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Excerpts from Ephesians 5:1-21)

  1. Live a life of “love with skin on it”.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  (Matthew 5:14-16)

Jesus gave the perfect example of loving confrontation in John 8:1-11 as he forgave a woman caught in adultery while calling her to leave her life of sin—and at the same time convicting those who wished to stone her of their self-righteous and judgmental spirit.

I believe we can and must boldly and lovingly make a difference in this world— through our lives and our voices. If we don’t love up and speak up—who will? The time is now.

However, if we, like “Stewart who became Stew”, are gradually “lulled to sleep” we will be hapless, hopeless and “hop-less” to affect change in ourselves or anyone else. Let’s pray and act in such a way to bring light to a dark world.

6 Spiritual Drippings from an Ice Cream Cone

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Who knew I’d grow deeper with God through ice cream?

Wanting to make sure my words are helpful and true, I’ve felt the need to do plenty of “research” over the past few months.  So, a couple of times a week I have forced myself to dig deeper into these thoughts through first-hand (to mouth) experience at my favorite ice cream joint—Bedford Farms.

The conclusion?

Six ways to grow deeper with God learned through ice cream:

  1. Any time is right for ice cream. There is no “right time” to get ice cream.  It enriches any time of day, in my opinion. Yes, I’m a firm believer in eating healthy, but life needs ice-cream.  I’ve had it for dessert and I’ll confess—also for dinner.  Either way, any time… it’s good. 0925101606b- lexi and ice cream

Often we are tempted to designate certain appropriate times as the times to grow with God.  While these times do need to be set aside (such as devoted times of prayer, time to meet with the church), we can continue to grow with God any time throughout the day and night.  Do you desire to pray, to meditate and learn, to read/remember and reflect on God’s word throughout the day in “undesignated” times such as a work break, driving in the car, in a line (queue), or even occasionally instead of dinner?

  1. Choose what is best. Bedford Farms offers many choices.  Most of them are good options. However, I’ve settled on the one I believe is best and it makes life easier.  My decision has been made before I get to the window.  (“I’ll have a kid’s cone of coffee heath bar yogurt, please”)There are few occasions I will vary from my first choice, and they are carefully considered and weighed beforehand.

Life is full of choices.  Indecision can cause great angst.  At times we can become paralyzed from the choices around us. Other times we tend to follow the “shiny, luring, pleasing to the senses” choices which may be distracting to our relationship with God at best—and sinful at worst.  Take time to consider and weigh your decisions based on how they will affect you and others spiritually? What would Jesus do here?  What will help me and my family grow? What will be most helpful to show Jesus in me to others? When you use these types of factors in your decision making—once you get to the place where it’s “time to order” you will know what to choose.

  1. Forego the “jimmies”. Don’t get me wrong.  Occasional “jimmies” are good.  (For those who may be reading this outside of the boundaries of New England, “jimmies” are those little brown chocolate sprinkles that are used to coat ice cream.  However, “jimmies”, in my opinion, only distract from the integrity of the taste of my ice cream.

Ahhh…where do I begin with the subject of distractions? My point is simple.  We can have so many “accessories”  to our lives that we never actually get around to consistently opening the Bible and letting God speak to us, and then pouring out our hearts to him.  We (and by “we” I mean “I”) can even become so distracted with tasks as we spend time with other Christians, that we fail to connect and truly know each other in a deep and honest way. Do you have several people in your life who know the real you, and together you help each other grow closer to God?  Does your life reflect Jesus to others, or does it merely reflect activity? 20150728_130252

  1. Find an appropriate setting. I don’t want to eat my cone in a rush—or while distracted with a phone conversation or any conversational topic other than how good the ice cream tastes.  I want to be able to focus on the “task at/in hand”. Otherwise, my ice cream is suddenly gone and I’ve missed the joy of it all.

Finding as undistracted a time and setting as possible with which to spend some special time with God makes a difference.  Do you miss the joy and pleasure of being in the presence of God because distractions are all around? Try spending time without electronics in the background, outside, early in the morning or late at night…or if you wake up in the middle of the night.  Settle your heart with song or meditation as you spend some undistracted, special time with God.

  1. The “Stillness of the Lick” is sort of sacred. Call me crazy, but there is something soothing and relaxing about licking an ice cream cone. That’s why I will never order a cup—only a cone will do.  There seems almost an artistic and poetic plot to the process of licking an ice cream (or frozen yogurt) cone—catching the drips and making sure the licks on one side don’t mismatch with the other side, all the while twirling and twisting the cone with the appropriate rhythm. The combination of taste, touch, sight and sound adds to the entire “sacred” experience and relationship to my cone.  Ok, I’m feeling vulnerable.  Am I the only one who feels this way?

I’ve had to learn and grow in my walk with God to truly understand that spending special time with him is not only a time I need, but one we both desire.  That is crazy amazing, that God wants to spend time with me!  Without this understanding, time with him can simply be a “good task that needs to be done”—sort of like the difference between having dinner with a trusted, deeply loving and loved friend (who also happens to be the creator of the universe)  and in exercising and getting homework done.  While at times for times with God I need the same kind of self-discipline needed  to exercise consistently— it’s when I am truly aware of my connection with my Father who loves me that I feel full of peace and joy.

  1. The paper will meet the cone. This is the moment where I see that there is no longer a mound of ice cream to lick and the remainder is hidden in the cone.  At this point, with the cones I use, I must peel back the paper that lines the cone. When it’s time to peel paper, I know that this wonderful experience will be “gone too soon” and I begin to feel a little sad.   However, the serendipity is that this is the point where all flavors and textures combine. It’s the best part of all. 20150518_191210

I am reminded that if I don’t live each stage of life to the fullest—with gratitude for what it brings, I will think too much about what has been or when it will all be over. Neither of these viewpoints are productive, but they do keep me coming back for more.  The ice cream cone ends at some point (pun intended), yet  I’m so very grateful that God’s love is new every morning, and the best is yet to come.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.   (Lamentations 3:21-26)

 

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

One Shoe and the Queen

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Last night, wearing one shoe, I spoke with the queen.20150703_200651

I was on my way home from a concert when somewhere in the shuffle of the crowd—I lost a shoe. I kept walking and ended up in a meadow overlooking the most beautiful expanse of water and forest I had ever seen. I sat down in order to capture the sight in my head. I never wanted to forget such a stunning place.

Breaking my solitude, an older woman appeared seemingly out of nowhere and sat down in the cool grass beside me.  A crown encircled her carefully tressed locks, and wisdom exuded from her eyes. Who was this extraordinary woman, I wondered.

I was trying to make sense of this whole dream-like situation when the tiara clad woman spoke to me. Clearly, she had a British accent. Upon closer study of her face I realized…Oh my word…

Yep, this was the Queen of England speaking to me–the peasant with one shoe.

What could I say to the Queen of England?  Nothing seemed fitting. What seemed like an eternity of silence followed. No appropriate conversation came to mind.

So, after an uncomfortable silence, I simply asked her if she knew the king. She looked confused.  I asked her if she would she like to join me in talking with him–that is–the King of Kings. I told her about my Savior, my Wonderful Counselor, my Almighty God, my Everlasting Father… my friend–and how much I loved talking with him. I looked up and began to pray. Her look portrayed her confusion, but as I was praying I noticed that her eyes filled with tears.

Maybe she was beginning to realize that the King of Kings to whom I was speaking was actually God Almighty…and that perhaps there was something more to “religion” than mere tradition. Her tears began flowing and her eyes filled with hope. I was guessing she was imagining that perhaps she could have a meaningful relationship with her creator, who was also my creator.

I truly did have something to offer her. Even wearing one shoe.

And then I woke up.

I’m not sure which part of this dream seems more strange to me. The concert? The queen?  The last concert I attended was several years ago with saxaphone crooning Kenny G.  And I have recently read about Kate Middleton, but seldom think about the Queen of England.

However, it is not strange to know that the grace given to me is something worth sharing–and something everyone needs. I reflected on Psalm 4:7-8

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Truly, the spiritual blessings from God far outweigh anything money or prestige can ever buy. I may have one shoe, no shoes, or a crown on my head. But in the end, the only thing that matters is my relationship with God.

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26

Legacy of Love

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A worn and underlined Bible, pages nearly transparent. Two signs that once proudly stood  displayed atop a large work desk. These are treasured mementos—gathered from familiar belongings my dad left behind. They’re treasured, because they represent his way of life.  Whenever I think of dad, I smile and feel overwhelming gratitude well up from the depths of my soul.20150620_180619

I know I was blessed to have such a dad.  I am all too aware that not everyone has or had that experience. I don’t know why I was recipient to this blessing—I only pray I can somehow carry on a portion of the legacy dad left. His love spread well beyond his physical family, as he was a “spiritual dad” to numerous men and women who never had the opportunity to experience a dad, or who experienced a dad who was far from a reflection of God’s love.

My dad’s earthly father was an alcoholic and quite absent in his life. Dad learned to be the kind of dad he was as a result of the love he learned from his Heavenly Father—the one who will never leave us and who treats us not as we deserve, but with grace and truth, gentleness and strength. A God who loves so much he gave everything for us, notwithstanding his only son.

I pray that all who have missing or difficult experiences with an earthly father can know this amazing God—the perfect father.

The presence of God was evident in my dad’s joy, in the words echoing from his booming voice, in his hugs, in his teaching and his expectation, in his humility, compassion, integrity, generosity, and though his faithful outlook. Jesus’ reflection was shown to me through his life as I saw him take time in prayer and in the Word; as I saw him lovingly initiate and interact with others; as I saw his generosity and conviction that “you can never out-give God”;  as he led our family in devotional thoughts at the dinner table; as tears welled in his eyes as he sang songs such as “He is My Everything”; and as he dearly loved the church, his spiritual family. Every time the church met together my Dad, along with his wife and four girls were present. And he wasn’t just there…the church was alive and precious to him—he was there to give. He was usually the last to leave the fellowship

While the title of his occupation was Dean of Admissions at the University of Florida and his community leadership was significant—that part of his life paled in comparison to his “preoccupation” of loving and serving the living Jesus. Jesus’ death and resurrection first changed his life when he was baptized into that death, burial and resurrection at age sixteen—and was given forgiveness, God’s Spirit, and the promise of eternal life. It continued to affect his life every day thereafter in the way he thought and lived. It continues to affect him today, as he has since transferred to “the other side” of eternal life.

Over eleven years ago I received that dreaded call—informing me that my dad, who lived in Florida, was near death.  He wanted to talk with me. As he got on the phone he told me that he was going home and wanted to tell me he loved me. Through tears I told him ways I loved and appreciated him and was grateful that we had him as long as we did. I was sure Jesus would be quite eager to take him home. I quickly boarded a plane and made it to him before he passed to the other side of eternity.  The scripture became more real to me than ever before:

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11:25)

 Whatever form paradise takes while waiting for Jesus’ return (that day when the dead in Christ will rise and be rewarded with heaven)…I am grateful for the hope and assurance this resurrection brings. For without it, there is no hope.

As I had the privilege to be with Dad as he passed from life through physical death to “after life” two things in particular grabbed my heart.

First, as my sisters and I were with him at the end, I realized that the bond that united us was our common and deep love for our dad. Anything we could find to do to serve him—giving a backrub, a sip of water, even holding a vomit bucket…felt like an incredible privilege. I realize this is the same unity that springs from our commonality as children of God. When we understand the depth of love we have been given, returning that love in any form is a joy and privilege. Serving together draws us closer to each other.

Is this your current experience as you eagerly “love back” our Father—joyfully serving side by side with your spiritual brothers and sisters?

Secondly, I felt more keenly aware of the shortness of even a long life.  Our time here on earth is indeed a mist—and the hope and assurance of eternal life means everything. As my Dad’s physical life slipped away, I kissed him and simply said through tears and smiles, “I love you Daddy… and I’ll see you later.” As my oldest sister, quite the dramatic one, came into the room immediately after his death she ran over to him exclaiming, “You did it Dad! You did it! This is what you lived for and you made it!!”

Truly the scripture, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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) culminated for him right in front of my eyes. That good fight was lived out in front of me and many others throughout the preceding years.

I loved the words my oldest niece, his oldest grandchild, penned about my dad: ”Growing up with a truly grand daddy was to have a taste of God’s love for us in human form.  For only such a man who loved God above all else would be able to shower such affection mixed with high standards and expectations in a way to make us feel safe, secure, and adored…”

And as for me, I know all this is possible only because my Jesus not only died for me, but God also raised him from the dead…so that “to live is Christ, to die is gain.”(Php 1:21)

Woman on Fire

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I smelled something funny and realized it was me—on fire. I’ve only literally been on fire three times.  The first was as a bridesmaid when my sleeve came too close to a candelabra.  Fortunately, the sleeve sizzled a bit…but the flame just sort of melted the fabric. I’m grateful, as this could have been quite the distraction if I’d had to start rolling down the aisle.

The second time happened when I was blowing out birthday candles…and forgot to pull back my hair. (Singed a few that day—one of the hazards of aging and more candles).

The third was (spoiler alert: Not for the faint of stomach) when I had a tubal ligation while under local anesthesia and inquired about the source of “that burning smell”—only to be told it was part of my anatomy. Special. Actually, I suppose my catheter ablation from a few years ago would qualify as a fourth “inner fire” experience.

So, Saturday night while at a concert listening to a song my friend Amy Black wrote (and sang) entitled “Woman on Fire”—the title caught my attention. While the song was actually about a swooning Elvis Presley fan, as I brought this thought into the spiritual realm I asked myself if I was (am), in fact, a woman on fire.

Ask yourself, along with me:

Do I live my life (yes, even doing good and right things) just habitually? Or do I live it with passion in my soul?

Do I look forward (in eager and faithful expectation) to seeing God work in ways that are beyond what I dare ask and imagine?
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,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)

And speaking of this, what exactly do I ask…and imagine—not to mention DARE to ask or imagine?

And, do those around me feel the heat (or see evidence of my faith)?

I’m reminded of a scripture that speaks to these questions.  A scripture written to Christians:

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Rev. 3:14-16

Yikes. What a challenging scripture.

I pray to be more and more a “woman on fire”.  I can too easily cool off.

So, how can we “catch on fire” spiritually?

  1. Stand close to the flame:  Just like my sleeve, I’ve got to stand close to the flame. If I don’t spend time with God, there is no way I can become or stay passionate and faithful. (2 Tim. 1:5-9)
  1. Don’t pull back: My hair caught fire because I didn’t carefully pull it back.  Likewise, I’ll catch fire if I don’t pull back my heart and my faith. And that’s a fire I need. It’s all too easy to become careful, safe, and comfortable—pulling back our hearts.  I must continually overcome fear and step out in new areas of faith to be a “woman on fire”. (Matthew 22:37-40)
  1. Let the Spirit’s fire penetrate and refine: Like the experience with my tubal and my heart cauterization, I must do more than “watch” the fire. I’ve got to let it go deep into my soul, allowing it to transform me. There will likely be fear and some pain for this to happen…but it’s necessary for growth.  (1 Peter 1:3-9)

How desperately we need to be fueled by the Spirit of God— and how desperately the world needs to see our fire.0001-27341311

There is a candle in every soul, some brightly burning, some dark and cold

There is a Spirit who brings a fire

Ignites his candle and makes His home…

So carry your candle, run to the darkness, seek out the helpless, confused and torn

Hold out your candle, for all to see it

Take your candle, and go light your world.

…Cause we’re a family whose hearts are blazing, So let’s raise our candles and light up the sky

Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus

Make us a beacon, in darkest times.   (from Go Light Your World by Chris Rice)