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A Work in Progress

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For nine consecutive mornings, while attending a church leadership conference in Singapore, I opened the hotel window curtain to an inspiring view.  It wasn’t a view of the bustling harbor below or of the beautiful orchids carefully planted throughout the city.  This simple view of a construction site inspired me. IMG_5326 It reminded me that I’m under construction too, a “work in progress”  before God (and people.)  I’ve come a long way, but I’m not nearly finished.  I continue to need growth, adjustment, renovation (also known as repentance,) tweaking and shaping.  But, I know that as long as God works on me he is touching me, molding me, and lovingly shaping me.  This reminds me that he cares for me.   If I ever begin to feel like I’m “a finished product” then I’m surely in spiritual trouble.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12)

I take heart in the scriptures that speak of the need to add to my faith (2 Peter 1:5-9); to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18); to grow in love and faith. ”We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. (2 Thessalonians 1:3); and to grow in the knowledge that God’s spirit helps me grow “from one degree of glory to another. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Over the past few days in Singapore I have been challenged and inspired by my brothers and sisters from all over the world, who are also works in progress, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13)

The “construction stories” of my sisters around the world challenge my faith and help me grow.  I’m challenged and inspired by my sisters in India, sometimes enduring intense persecution because of their faith; my sisters in Abidjan, who dodged bullets while serving the church during civil war; my displaced sisters,  affected by the unrest in Eastern Ukraine; my sister from Pakistan, who was enjoying her first international fellowship; my sisters from the Middle East, who experience much less freedom as a woman; my friend with three little ones who recently moved from a comfortable life on the West coast  to serve the poor in Cambodia…and on and on. Your faith calls me higher—as God uses you to reach many women around the world with the wonderful message of hope that Jesus offers.

As I converse, read the Bible, counsel, and share my faith with women who  struggle to find meaning in their lives, overcome addictions, struggle to forgive, and learn to accept that they are indeed loved by God— I am reminded this building pictured—a “work in progress.”  We are all works in progress, but if we let God work on us we will indeed make great progress.   I  recount the many ways God has worked in and on my life…sometimes fulfilling my dreams, sometimes thwarting and changing them and sometimes telling me to “wait.”   The victories and struggles all remind me that I am still a “work in progress.”

The story of Singapore’s history calls me higher.  Fifty years ago the city was filled with poverty, chaos and pain.  Kicked out by its “motherland,” Singapore was left to fend for itself.  Lee Kuan Yew, who became prime minister,  looked out at his impoverished, abandoned and isolated city—and from his love and passion envisioned a nation of unity, strength, beauty and excellence.  49 years later Singapore enjoys all of these and more.  It’s a vibrant, thriving and beautiful city.

It’s so easy to think that God looks at us with disdain, seeing chaos instead of vision and love.  When I think of ways I need to grow in prayer, in boldness, in caring for the poor,… I can think I’ve so far to go.  Yet, God goes to work on me with his construction tools full of love and grace—for which I am so thankful–and I make progress.

If a physical city can be built with human leadership and willing volunteers, imagine what God can do through his spirit to “grow us” to completion as together we build the kingdom of God on this earth.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

 

Taking Risks

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Risks motivate me as long as I feel they are safe, in the same way that spontaneity thrills me as long as it is planned.  Needless to say, I need courage to take risks.  Risks to be uncomfortable because of my faith; risks to be truthful and bold when truth may not be appreciated; risks to experience cultures that aren’t known to me; and risks to embrace the lives of others when they complicate mine.

Yesterday, I learned a lesson from the birds that took residence in my hanging geranium plant on my front porch.  I was blessed, a few days before I left for a European business trip, to peek into the recently built nest as mama bird laid her eggs, one by one. IMG_5075 As I twice daily climbed onto a chair to peer into the nest when it seemed time for the eggs to hatch—I just happened to glance at the exact time the first bird was hatching.  I marveled at the process that took place. 0609141313a As I checked the nest throughout the day, one  bird after another hatched—until all five eggs were replaced by five tiny, bald, awkward looking,  bird-like creatures.  For several days I watched the mother and father bird feed the babies as they oversaw their little brood while perched on the utility wire above the nest.  Then, I had to leave town for ten days.

When I returned, I realized that while I had flown nearly 10,000 miles— the baby birds had flown nowhere.  They remained on the nest, even though they looked like fully developed little birds.  They ventured beyond the nest on the branches of the  plant, but did not go beyond the safety of their known geranium-world—into the wild, blue, and unknown sky. IMG_5253

I wondered how long they would stay safe in their nest, and what it would feel like to fly for the first time.  Would their wings be strong enough?  Would they be able to survive on their own?  What would it feel like to face the first thunderstorm?

In the meantime, my sad little geranium was thirsting for water.  I had at times carefully watered around the nest, but yesterday’s heat was showing stress on the plant.  So, with water pot in hand, I stood atop the chair and carefully watered around the little birds—assuring them I wouldn’t hurt them.

Evidently,  the looming prospect of “death by geranium drowning” was all the motivation this little family needed to take the risk—to fly away.  Suddenly, one of the little ones “just did it.”  It successfully  flew away to the nearby tree.  As soon as this little bird left the nest and hit the airways—the others followed.  Poof—they were gone, not to return.  It will be a whole new world for them, complete with today’s thunderstorm. IMG_5255

While I would like to think I am always motivated to “fly” and take new, scary steps  because of deep faith and the thrill of the unknown — too  often it is because I realize what might happen if I don’t fly.  While I likely won’t be submerged in geranium water—I realize that when I don’t step out on faith there are consequences.  Most importantly, I can’t please God without faith.  People I could serve may not be helped if I hesitate; I’ll withhold truth; and someone who may be searching for the life that God offers  may not hear about it.  While I realize each person is responsible for their own life, I am also called to live by faith—faith  that allow God to work through my life.  If I don’t, my faith will atrophy and I’ll “die in the nest.”  That’s motivation to fly with.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel …

…And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:1-4, 6

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-3

What holds you back from taking a fresh leap of faith?  As I remember the scriptures and those who have courageously stepped out before me, I am encouraged to take new steps of faith, even though it’s scary.  I realize there are always risks….but the risks are even greater if I don’t leave the nest.   Thankfully, God will always be the air that lifts my wings—and Jesus “flew first.”

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31  

(As the pictures chronicle the bird experience, be assured that no birds or geraniums were harmed in the process.) 

 

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Eggs

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My hanging geranium plant has a guest.  A mama bird made a nest, moved in and laid five eggs. IMG_5075 The plant hangs on my front porch, and the anxious mama bird stays busy darting back and forth between an overhanging utility wire and her nest.  She flies back and forth whenever noise or movements startle her.   We go out the front door and drive up the driveway often, so she often comes and goes. According to my calculations, the eggs should hatch in the next couple of days, so I’ve been trying hard to provide her with as much peace and quiet as possible—which, on nights like last night—doesn’t always work so well.

I wasn’t quite sure how to make last evening’s hour-and-a-half impromptu fish fry with my kids, seven grandkids and four dogs—including a five-month-old labradoodle who was joyfully energetic after returning from his first ever grooming—quiet and peaceful.

Perhaps it was my neurotic concern for the bird, a picture of a snake I’d seen on Facebook, and an article about a near fatal accident that prompted my dream last night.  Or, maybe it happened to teach me a spiritual lesson.  Either way, it was one of those dreams that seems so realistic that you wake up exhausted from all the action.

The dream began with one of the grandkids putting the nest (complete with eggs) in his/her (can’t remember which one did this) mouth to see if that would make them hatch.  My daughter, concerned that it wasn’t best for her child to have a bird’s nest in his/her mouth, grabbed the nest and tried to put it back in its seemingly safe place.  However, she had forgotten that it belonged in the plant and instead put it in a crevice in the wall near the roof.  So, I attempted to relocate it back to its original position in the geranium.  As I reached in to grab the nest I realized it was encircled by a very large snake that had made its home in the crevice.  Terrified, I asked my daughter to distract the snake by playing drums on the side of the house.  It worked.  When the snake looked away I quickly (and bravely I might add) grabbed the nest and carried it back to the geranium—phwew—close call. 0604142111

All seemed to be well with the transition until the mother bird excitedly flew back toward her nest.  In her haste she flew into the porch ceiling, went limp and hit the floor with a thud.  I was devastated for the bird, and that after all the drama—this unfortunate series of events would end with a thud.   Of course, I did the only thing that could be done—performed CPR on the bird. It was a complete success as she got up and flew back to the plant and sat on her nest. What a relief!

Soon after waking up from this exhausting dream I went to check on the bird, fearing the worst.  She was there, still waiting and warming her eggs. I was relieved. As one who tends to be fearful and worry too often (hard to tell, I know)— I took this as a reminder of God’s loving care for me. I needed that.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:26-27  

 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31  

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Matthew 23:37

God has often rescued me out of the mouth of danger, lovingly lifted me to safe places, and performed spiritual CPR on me again and again. May I, as the scripture above states, always be willing to be gathered under his wings.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8  

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

 

 

 

 

The Reading Connection

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A couple of weeks ago my daughter ordered a book that had been one of her childhood favorites— Puppies Are Like That.  Her long lost book was worn and tattered after being read again and again. She remembered this book with fondness, and was eager to read it to her youngest daughter. puppies are like that

Since the book is out of print I searched for it on the web.  As I discovered places to order used copies, I stumbled upon a review of the book which caught my attention.

When my nephew was a toddler, he loved this book more than all the others combined. Between his parents, grandparents and me, we must have read him that book thousands of times, at least, before he learned to read it by himself.

Twenty years later, a friend gave me a big bag of books her children no longer needed. Down at the bottom of the bag was a copy of that book, well-worn and obviously loved. I laughed when I saw it and set it aside.

The next time my nephew visited me, I handed him that old book. Now that he was a grown man, would he remember the book or think that it was weird that his aunt gave him a children’s book? He  remembered the book and still loved it. He instantly sat down and read it several times. When he was done, he told me he remembered the book and all the people who read it to him. He remembered what it was like to sit in his great-grandmother’s lap and snuggle while she read to him.

His grandmother and great-grandmothers are gone now, but the memories of them live on because of this simple child’s storybook. All the photos of them in our albums can’t conjure up the feelings of love and safety the way that one book does for my nephew.

What a powerful statement.  Never underestimate the feelings of love that can come as a result of your reading books to your children.  As I read this review, I was reminded that connections are made and memories are born—not out of specific books or activities—but from the ways we felt when we experienced these things.

I don’t remember many things from my youngest childhood days, yet I distinctly remember two events.  One took place at an Easter egg hunt when I was about five years old.  A golden egg was hidden among the other eggs—and I found it.  I remember how special I felt to have found the golden egg.  At another time I distinctly remember the smell of onions on my mother’s hands one evening as she placed her hand on my forehead as I prepared to “throw up.”  I remember how comforted I felt that she had come, even though the poignant smell of dinner preparations on her hands helped finish the “deed that needed to be done.”  I felt significant enough to interrupt her dinner preparations.

Several times when the apostle John remembered significant life events—he referred to the way he felt as he experienced them.

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.  John 21:7

How significant that in the midst of such major events in John’s life (Jesus’ crucifixion and John’s walk on the water) he felt loved.  So much so that he referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved.

Since I wasn’t there when Jesus lived, didn’t witness his miracles, hear his teaching or watch his death on the  cross I have at times wondered how it’s possible to feel connection to him…or “remember him.” Yet a connection beyond human understanding happens when I read his word—many feelings are associated.

I remember reading about forgiveness, and then feeling clean and guilt free as I walked the path back from the river where I was baptized years ago.  I remember reading of peace that passes human understanding, and experiencing that peace even when my circumstances were not peaceful.  I recount the joy I continue to feel because of the relationship I share with him.  I am keenly aware of feelings of warmth that well up inside of me as I experience fellowship within the spiritual family God has given me.  I remember the safety I have felt (even in frightening situations)—all because of the promises of God that I have read and relied on.  Because he is present in his word I remember much more than facts and stories—his words are the words of life.  They have led me to relationship with him.

As you read the Bible— know that it’s meant to lead you to a relationship that connects you with God himself—filling the deepest recesses of your heart.

So, don’t forget to read to your children…and more importantly don’t forget to read your Bible.  You will build memories that last forever.

Today’s the Day!

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This morning I thanked God that I got to have another day with him.  As my husband and I groggily (at least I’m groggy) roll out of bed each morning we like to tell each other, “I’m thankful to have another day with you.”  Since he was out of town, after I awoke I said these words to God.   I hoped these words would not only be pleasing to him, but would also help me to live “today”—which is not always an easy thing for me to do.  While saying those words, I let out a sigh of contentment…knowing these are words I can say to him every day—eternally.

It’s been a long while since I’ve visited this blog.  Meanwhile, a lot of life has been lived and miles have been traveled.  I even entered into a new decade since my last visit—I turned sixty. I now consider the mid-nineties officially “old”.  Since the last blog post I have a new book hot off the press—Prime Rib…Exploring a Woman’s Value and Purpose and another is due to be released by IP in early June.  It’s called Spiritual Leadership for Women.  I’ve been so inspired by numerous godly women who I had the privilege to profile amidst the chapters.  I also have about a dozen blogs cluttering my files –yet they are incomplete.  Thoreau once said, “…my life had been the poem I would have writ, but I could not both live and utter it…” Boy, do I understand that.

I am tempted to go back and complete these blogs before moving on to current happenings (maybe I’ll include them in another book next year,) yet there is so much to be discovered today.   I might miss today—if I keep thinking about what I did or didn’t do in the past or am too concerned or worried about the future.  IMG_5051Today I want to be present in the present– in God’s presence.  (Chew on that a moment.)

Is it easy for you to focus on what is not going well, or what you don’t have, or how different life would be for you if only…?  For me, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the day… or what was left undone yesterday or still needs to be done in the future.  So, I need to say these words again.  ”Good morning, God… I’m so thankful to have another day with you.”  I’m sure I’ll need to say those words again tomorrow.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:10

 It is enlightening to note the number of times God speaks of “this day,” or Jesus speaks of our need to depend on him each day—even as he teaches us to pray in Matthew 6:11, Give us today our daily bread.  

Today’s choices can even make an eternal difference in our lives and the lives of others.  As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Today matters.

If I am not present in the present in his presence I fail to discover lessons God teaches me…whether through circumstances, his word, the urging of his spirit, other people, music, animals, nature, trials…really anything.  And I can become worried, self-reliant and ungrateful.

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Exodus 33:14-18

Today….seek to be present in the present in his presence.

One Instrument at a Time

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

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

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

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

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

1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Through His Mother’s Eyes

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

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

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

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

 

Dental Floss and Duct Tape

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two favorite Bible verses of mine are:

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

3  His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)

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

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

Getting a Round Tuit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

One Word

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

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

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

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

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

  The Lord is my strength and my song;

        he has become my salvation.

    He is my God, and I will praise him,

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

   I will praise you as long as I live,

        and in your name I will lift up my hands.

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

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

 

  Praise the Lord, O my soul;

        all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

    [2] Praise the Lord, O my soul,

        and forget not all his benefits–

    [3] who forgives all your sins

        and heals all your diseases,

    [4] who redeems your life from the pit

        and crowns you with love and compassion,

    [5] who satisfies your desires with good things

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