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Digging Out from Disappointment

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We’ve all felt it. It comes in various shapes and sizes without respect for age or background. It can kick you in the gut—when you don’t get a desired job, or make the team, or garner attention from someone you were sure you would marry. Maybe it stabbed you when a trip to the bathroom dashed your hopes of a longed-for pregnancy. I still remember several years of that longing-turned-disappointment.

As we live more years and know more people, disappointments seem to loom at every corner. We feel the disappointments of poor choices made by friends or family (or ourselves)—and relationships that didn’t turn out the ways we had envisioned. Often they come in the form of health challenges. We don’t ask for them, plan for them or desire them in any way. ~1524161

As I have mentioned before, my husband has a (still) undiagnosed central nervous system disorder. In a year’s time this villain has stolen his ability to walk, caused great fatigue and various other difficulties. However, recent MRI findings brought us new hope for a treatment that could “fix it.” The doctors thought they saw a vein formation putting pressure on the spinal cord. To confirm this MRI “finding” my husband would need to go through a procedure (an angiogram) to locate and treat the problem.

We counted the days until August 10th—the day of the procedure. Though we knew it was not a sure cure, the doctors were hopeful and so were we. Full of faith, we dreamed of how we’d celebrate our new miracle.

Instead, the procedure showed the MRI findings to be false. To add insult to injury, he had a very difficult time waking up from anesthesia causing enough concern to land him an extra hospital stay.VZM.IMG_20160810_224055 The night he came home he developed a high fever from infection. That day was also the hottest day of the year, and for some unknown reason the power in our house went out. It felt like cruel irony—power gone. It seemed that all we had hoped for resulted in “disappointment on steroids.” A hard kick in the gut.

With significant sleep deprivation, the next morning I sat in a 100 degree parking lot outside of a lab while holding a little sterile jar of pee in a bag—and sobbed. And prayed. And wrestled with God. I asked him if he had heard me, and if he cared. I “reasoned” with him that we could accomplish so much more with renewed mobility and energy. I reminded God of his promises and how faith- building it would have been for all the grandchildren who fervently pray for their Papa.

I felt like I was sinking in mud and getting nowhere—like a time I got my car stuck in mud. The car wouldn’t move forward, and sank lower and lower. I then reasoned that if perhaps I stepped on the accelerator a little harder I get could get out. Instead, mud flew and I sank even deeper.

Several things were needed in order to dig out. (A good cry was one of them.) I didn’t want to sink in the mud then, and I don’t want to sink in my disappointment now. With my car, I needed some solid ground, some trial and error, a push and a tow in order to move forward. I needed the same in that hot parking lot, holding the sad, now infected jar of pee.

When my car was stuck, I grabbed handfuls of nearby gravel—solid ground to put beneath the wheels. Likewise, when sinking in disappointment I must find solid ground—“one piece of gravel” at a time. The solid ground is truth. I must hold on to truth. We live in spiritual battleground and Satan wants me to believe the lies—that God doesn’t care or have our best interest. Two of the many “truth rocks” I rely on are:

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 4:16-18a)

 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge…

One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong,
and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done. (Psalm 62:5-7, 11-12)

The solid ground also includes the majesty of creation. As I observe nature and smell the summer gardens, view the sunset and hear the oceans roar I am reminded that God is the potter. I am the clay. As I see around me the love of a mother for her child and witness lives who have radically changed— I know love is from God. God loves me. He hears me. I rely on this. I know this in my mind and place it in my heart. I don’t have the big picture. He does.

“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)

The solid ground includes the immeasurable blessings and answered prayers I have already received from my father: My salvation, his spirit within me, and the hope of eternal life top the list.

My husband, who is a godly man of integrity is also a blessing I don’t deserve. Though not so physically strong now, to me he has never seemed stronger. The relationship I share with my children and grandchildren cause my cup to overflow with joy. My friends are a beautiful result of this solid foundation. I am blessed to be part of a loving, vibrant church who lives for God.

I dig out by finding solid ground and placing it in my heart and mind. Sometimes it takes trial and error. I don’t always get it right but God is gracious.

Sometimes I can’t seem to find the solid ground, or the gravel seems to slip from my hand. That’s how I felt in that parking lot. So, in that hot parking lot I texted my daughters and friends to tell them I was hurting and needed help. I needed encouragement. And they sent it. In scriptures, in prayers, and in encouraging words. I needed the push, and the tow to help me dig out.

And I have hope. No disease or disappointment can take that away.

Grab your solid ground, keep trying, ask for a push, and don’t be afraid to be towed. Remember you don’t have to drive alone. God has this. He always has. Our heavy foot on the accelerator doesn’t help. With God, I can do this. You can do this. Let’s dig out together.

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of  the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a new place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. (Psalm 40:1-3a)

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:3-5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hesitate…or Jump In?

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I think the fear began the day before our wedding in December of 1974. I was taking my very last university final. For my elective that quarter (we were on a quarter system at the University of Florida) I had taken a life guarding class. Since the month was December, and the only school pool at the time was outdoors, the water was heated. I still remember many cold days when I would quickly throw off my warm up suit and race into the pool…desiring as little time as possible to be exposed to the elements while wearing a swimsuit. (In that part of Florida during that time of year the temperature often reached the 30’s and 40’s.) A few days before this final test the pool heater broke and the water was cold. Very cold. My instructor postponed the lifesaving test for a future date when the heater was working, but I couldn’t wait. I was getting married and moving to a new state the very next day so I requested to take it as originally scheduled. The water and air temperature were ridiculous as I dove in for my test. (I got such severe leg cramps my “victim” had to help me out of the pool.) Needless to say, I’m sure you never saw me sitting on a lifeguard’s chair.

My family fully understands (through years of observation) that it takes me a really, really loooong time to place myself in cold water. In fact, it usually doesn’t happen. I’ll start in with my toes, then after 15 minutes or so work up the courage to get my feet in. After about a half hour of inching myself in, I will either slowly submerge myself with a scream…or give up and get out. Usually I get out. Yes I know it would be simpler (in your mind) to just jump in. I really don’t enjoy this dilemma, because I like to swim.

Imagine my joy when I found out early this year that a gym near my house contains a pool where the water temperature stays in the mid to high 80’s. Aaahhh. I signed up and have been swimming all year. I eagerly and willingly jump in with no hesitation whatsoever! I don’t even bother to gingerly put a toe in before getting all wet…I’m quickly “all in” swimming laps. The water is invitingly delightful. I stay in as long as possible.20160311_151948 (1)

As I returned home from swimming today, I thought of how I (and I’m likely not alone so will use “we”) can too often hesitate toward wholeheartedly “jumping in” with God…opting to put a toe or two in the water. We can hesitate in simply obeying the Scriptures when they seem hard. We can hesitate by way of indecision and procrastination. We can hesitate in reaching out and sharing our faith. We can even hesitate in prayer. At times I hesitate to pray because of the hard work involved in prayer. It takes a decision to jump in wholeheartedly in order to overcome our hesitation. And it takes a recognition and acceptance of the love and mercy of God.

When I hesitate,  I fail to embrace the truth that I am jumping into the arms of my infinitely loving and powerful Father. I can forget that his ears are eager to hear my thoughts, my praise, my fears, my failures, my requests, my longings. I can let fear rule, though God’s perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). When I embrace the love of my Father, I can then “jump in” with no hesitation and arms wide open. His love is warmer and more refreshing than my 86 degree pool. It’s not cold or painful. And it’s oh so refreshing and strengthening.

1 Kings 18:21 (NASB)
21  And Elijah came near to all the people and said, ” How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.

Proverbs 24:11-12 (MSG)
11  Rescue the perishing; don’t hesitate to step in and help.
12  If you say, “Hey, that’s none of my business,” will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know— Someone not impressed with weak excuses.

Hebrews 10:19 (MSG)
19  So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into “the Holy Place.” Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The “curtain” into God’s presence is his body.

Thankfully, God did not hesitate to help me!

Romans 8:31-33 (MSG)
31  So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?
32  If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?
33  And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen?

Jump on in. The water’s just right. It’s delightful. It’s perfect.

 

Some exciting news!

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It’s been a while since I’ve “refilled” a morning cup, but for good reason. I’ve been working on a big project and can’t seem to “walk and chew gum” at the same time.  Thus, no blogs.

I’m excited to tell you of this new project, which should be released from Illuminations Publications in late spring. It’s entitled—An Aging Grace: Helping Each Other Age Faithfully.

Personally, I have felt an increased need to embrace aging—and to see it as a beautiful part of God’s grace rather than a “gift” I’d rather not receive. As I travel this “road of aging” I assume I’m not alone in my needs. Personal Bible study, outside reading, personal reflections, and incredible contributions from some amazing authors (who have contributed to this anthology) have greatly encouraged and inspired me on this journey. I’m eager to share these things with you.

Covering many topics that deal with spiritual, emotional, and physical issues, the book is honest, humorous, and quite practical. My prayer is that the book will highlight God’s views on aging, thus encouraging and strengthening our souls. The beautiful artwork on the cover is from Jeff Tabor. I’ll be sharing more from the contents and contributors in future posts. Stay tuned! AnAgingGrace

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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courage In the Middle of Lentils

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You never know what might inspire you while eating a bowl of lentils. Today my bowl of soup seemingly called out to me, “Where is your courage, Jeanie?”  20150319_18401420150516_145102

Stay with me here.  The lentils may speak to you as well.

David (as in the young boy who slew the giant and became King of Israel and…even in his sin and repentance…was described as a man after God’s own heart) teaches me about courage “in the middle of lentils”.

2 Samuel  23 recounts some of the courageous acts of David’s “mighty men”. One of these men (named Shammah) showed great courage in the midst of lentils.

The Philistines were a powerful  and foreboding people who intimidated the Israeliites. The fierce and pompous Philistine army banded together in a field of lentils, producing fear and trepidation among the Israelites. As the Israelites ran away in fear, one lone Israelite, Shammah, stood in the middle of the lentil field. He was not afraid of the powerful Philistine army, and defended this field in the name of the Lord, who brought about a great victory that day. Yes, God used Shammah’s conviction and courage to bring about a great victory for God. The victory did not come through Shammah’s great strength. God’s unrivaled power, combined with Shammah’s conviction and courage, defeated the seemingly formidable Philistine army.

 Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.
(2 Samuel 23:11-12) 

How deep are your convictions today?  What do you really believe about God and his message to us all? Do you let current viewpoints from our world, our politicians, world religious leaders, and celebrities mold your convictions and affect your courage–or are your beliefs about God and his word rock solid– filling you with courage?

God knows we will be tempted to conform to the pattern of the world and calls us to be transformed by the renewal of our thinking. Then, the beauty and perfection of God’s plan will speak for itself. And his plan is good, pleasing and perfect.

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.  (Romans 12:2)  

Don’t be afraid to stand for God. Gain courage to speak boldly of the things God states. Let the Scriptures burn in your heart and flow from your lips. Teach your children to be “prepared to answer” and help them learn the basics of apologetics so they can be confident in the midst of a godless world and a sea of peer pressure.

Let Romans 1:16 fill you with courage whenever you stand in a field of lentils and everyone else cowers:   I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

I pray that you and I will be filled with the confidence God provides and never shrink back as we stand in our fields of lentils–our personal tests of courage..

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
Hebrews 10:35-39 

When You Have to Go With Plan B

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Seven swimsuit-clad children (and their parents) were filled with great anticipation on this unofficial last day of summer. The weather was fully cooperating as the kids woke from their “cousin sleepover”. We had celebrated Caleb’s birthday the night before and the guys had spent about an hour making extensive and detailed plans for the following day at the beach–including rendezvous times and places for those in the boat, those in the kayaks, and those arriving by car.

Papa, Sam, Uncle Kevin, and Uncle Gus had left for the ocean at the crack of dawn (almost) to kayak and fish. The girls and children had arranged to meet them later at Cranes Beach, one of New England’s pristine beaches. We figured, given the Labor Day holiday and hot summer day, that we would arrive mid morning before the beach got too busy. At least that was the plan.

During the fifty minute car ride to the beach we all anticipated the sand, the water, the lunch and all the fun that lay ahead. That is, until we were about a half  mile from the parking lot and were met by a police officer facing a long line of cars. He informed us that the lot for the beach had been closed since early morning and there was no longer beach access. As we explained our situation, the officer added that it would be absolutely impossible for us to meet anyone who was already on the ocean in a boat, and we would need to turn back.LOT FULL (4)

Carefully contrived Plan A was no longer an option. We had been so detailed with the whole thing but didn’t anticipate this obstacle. Disappointment began to hover over the three cars filled with  moms, Nana, and the children.

Fortunately, Uncle Kevin was reachable by phone and suggested Plan B. He advised us to go to a particular street and wait for the boat. Amazingly, this remote little boat launch lot had free parking places (compared to the pricey parking at our planned spot.) Kevin was able to reach Captain Papa, slip out of the kayak onto the boat and direct him to this new arrival spot where seven sweaty but eager children and their moms (perhaps also a little sweaty) waited.20150907_102816

We traveled (taking two trips) to a remote spot which was sparsely populated as it was not able to be reached by land. It was the perfect place to spend the day. We played in the sand, swam, ate and had such a fun family day together. The guys kayaked by our Plan A site, which was wall to wall (or grain of sand to grain of sand) with people. Plan B far surpassed our foiled Plan A.IMG_3337

Isn’t that the way life often happens?  We carefully make our plans, yet unforeseen circumstances thwart those plans and force us in a different direction. We have dreams, and they don’t get fulfilled the way we “dreamed” they would happen. When these obstacles happen we have a choice. We can become disappointed and disoriented, which is normal. We can then inquire of God for “new plans and dreams” and trust that the places he takes us (Plan B, C, D…or ?) are where we need to be. Or, we can choose to become angry and embittered that “our” plans and dreams are no longer possible.

I’m particularly inspired of late by my husband’s attitude. Having been an active and athletic man throughout his life, a recently developed neuropathy has affected his balance, making many things he was once able to do difficult if not impossible. While it’s not our plan, unless God decides to change this situation it brings us to many Plan B’s.Throughout our lives circumstantial and relational changes often bring about plan changes.

When confronted with a “lot full–turn back”message on our journey, trust is of utmost importance. God does not forget us, and in his plans for us always acts out of love–even when it does not feel that way. Ultimately, we can decide to trust God’s plans–or trust ourselves more while trying to force our wills. When we surrender to God’s plans, we can be confident that God’s plan is much better than our own, even if we can’t fully see it within our lifetime.

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

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”  My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.  Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Psalm 31:14-16 (NIV)

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.  Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Drinking From a Fire Hydrant

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Ever feel like so much information comes your way that it’s hard to focus?  News, sports, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, deadlines, work and school projects…the list goes on and on. I find that when I take in too much information I often end up “stuck” and unproductive. This can happen to me spiritually. At times, if I’m going back and forth between several Bible studies and several good spiritual growth books I can’t even remember what I’m “learning”. It’s all good…but can feel like drinking from a fire hydrant.

I passed this scene on my way home the other day and I felt I could relate to this stubby little fire hydrant.20150825_160342 Lots of energy was being expended from this hydrant, but I reasoned that it would be useless for putting out fires. All that water was not directed enough to extinguish a fire–as no hose was attached. In fact, I don’t think the water could have even quenched my thirst. if I’d gotten close enough to try to get a drink the force of the water would have slapped me in the face. All that water was within sight and yet was not useful…remaining unchanneled. It merely left behing sloppy, muddy puddles in the road.

Do you at times feel like so much comes at you, or fills your brain, that you feel like you are drinking from a fire hydrant? When this happens, I find this collection of verses in the Bible needed and challenging:

24  Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25  All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26  So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27  I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT)

Wow…purpose in every step. That’s an upward call. Purposeful…not shadowboxing, or as the New International Version puts it…running aimlessly and beating the air. I am sure that aimless running and beating the air takes a lot of energy.The problem is that neither will get you where you need to go.

My plan? A more focused approach to Bible study; less time on social media and more time in prayer; more careful planning with God’s purpose for my life at the forefront of each day; and sharing what I’m learning with others–for if I can’t put it into words, I likely haven’t digested it.

Just imagine what can happen when God’s spirit becomes more channeled in our lives. Our lives will impact other lives from the inside out. I plan to take this image of the fire hydrant with me as I go through my day today…praying to be useful for God’s purposes in my life…and leaving behind something much more valuable than puddles.

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.

****

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.