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Marking Wars

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I’ve faced a lot of “big deal” things that have tested my faith and perseverance.  Sometimes however, it’s the “little annoyances” that take the wind out of your sails and test your faith and perseverance  seemingly more than some big issues.   These can sneak up and take your joy by surprise.  At least this has happened to me.  Can anyone else relate?

I’ve had my spirituality severely tested of late by “marking wars.”  The wars go like this.  (This will make more sense if you read my previous post.)

Granddog Reilley moves to our home with his family and says, “I’m displaced…my kids are here so I’m claiming this as my space,  too.“– lifts leg.  Blackie (remember aka “Jackie”)…our little black cocker-poo says, “Who do you think you are…this is my house! “ – lifts leg.

Millers move upstairs.  Blackie sneaks upstairs….”People, you are in MY rooms…these are mine I tell you…” – lifts leg.  Reilley says, “Wanna bet? These are my kids, they are sleeping here…I’ll show you whose rooms these are!”-lifts leg.

Reilley knows the owners of the house are the key to his ownership…He sneaks into our room and says…”If I take this room I get it all…”- lifts leg

Blackie comes behind him, “These are my people I tell you…get outta here.  I’m the boss here”-lifts leg.

“Ahhh..there’s the toy box.  I get it first”- both lift leg at same time

I come behind them all (Equalizer Stain and Odor Eliminator in hand….$9.86 per bottle on Amazon…greatest pet odor stain remover EVER…been through about 15 cans…I hope we don’t all die from the chemicals) and am filled with fury and tears.

Me – “Why can’t you just get along? Deal with it.  You’re killin’ me!”

So, they are 12 years old…fully housetrained for years but are full of “one upmanship,”  territorialism and certainly not understanding Philippians 2.  So I sat down and read this chapter to them. IMG_4405

Philip. 2:1-8

    If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. [4] Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

    [5] Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

   [6] Who, being in very nature God,

        did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

    [7] but made himself nothing,

        taking the very nature of a servant,

        being made in human likeness.

    [8] And being found in appearance as a man,

        he humbled himself

        and became obedient to death–

            even death on a cross!

Somehow, I think they misunderstood the parts about “emptied himself” and “poured out like a drink offering” that are part of this chapter.

Come August, this carpet is gone!  I hope I can hold it together until then.

Meanwhile…I’ve thought about the ridiculousness of this war, asking myself what ways I might have figuratively lifted my leg to have the “last word” or “ demanded fairness” or  “wanted to be right” or have failed to consider another’s needs above my own…especially when it is costly and humbling.

It seems ironic that I follow the dogs around these wars with my spray can of “Equalizer.”  Perhaps that is what is needed with us – a spray of Equalizer,stain and odor remover… as we are all equal at the foot of the cross, in need of God’s mercy. Without it we are stained and stinky.  Once again, Jesus’ example is such an inspiring, convicting and high calling.  I am so grateful he shows us how to do this, and walks with us and lives in us to teach us and enable us to “put down our legs.”

Entering the “Quiet Wilderness”

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Have you ever searched for….. that still, quiet place of utter bliss? That place where you can gather your thoughts and  focus on what is most important, rather than all that is urgent?  That place where you can commune with your creator and leave refreshed and full of peace?  I needed to find this place, and was reminded (by a three year old) where to find it.

Life around here lately has been anything but quiet. (Thus, my hiatus from writing)  In February, our oldest daughter, son-in-law and their three children put their house on the market.  They need to move closer to the city in order to be closer to their ministry.  Their house sold immediately (good news) and the buyers wished to move in the following month (March.) Our kids had no place to live…so we invited them to move in with us while they searched for a house.

After a difficult search they found a place, however the sellers of their new place are not able to move out until the end of July.  Oh, did I mention our kids also have a dog named Reilley? (More to come on him in future posts.)  Seven humans, three dogs and one house make for a lively and loud place of abode.  One of the most “special” moments comes when one of the children cries.  Reilley, at the sound of a child in distress, howls at the top of his lungs.  This sparks our little dog to join in to make a duet…no, make that a trio (one crying child and two howling dogs.)  It is quite something to behold.  If I catch this moment on video it is sure to go viral.  I’ve never heard anything quite like it.  And Reilley barks… a lot.

Honestly, it has been fun and a true joy to spend this time together as extended family.  I love my family and am so grateful for all of them.   However, to be honest, I sometimes just long for quiet.

Now that it’s spring I can go outside.  But wait…. when I go outside things get even louder.  Our house is at the end of a dead end street, abutting a park.  Tennis courts and soccer fields are directly across the street from our front yard.   When we moved to this house years ago this was a quiet park.  Now, the whole town shows up here.  High school tennis matches (complete with big yellow busses parked in our front yard,) soccer meets, lacrosse games, softball games and accompanying practices happen here every day in the spring and fall. Sometimes, when I step outside, I feel like I’m arriving at a carnival.

I read (with new vigor) about a day in the life of Jesus as captured in the first few chapters of the gospel of Mark.  I stand in awe of Jesus’ compassionate, giving and selfless ways.  In this account, after being with people everywhere, he tried to get to a quiet place to pray only to be met with more people needing his healing touch.  He kept  his purpose in clear view…as he kept giving to people and preaching the good news.  I find his attitude and actions deeply convicting, yet utterly inspiring.  I long to react like him more often, and to be continually filled with his love ( which he promises to pour into my heart when I run out -thank you!)

    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.  Rom. 5:5

(read the verses before and after as well.  They are super helpful)

So, back to the lesson from a three year old.  Sunday afternoon my three year old grandson rode home with us from church.  While we were in traffic, he marveled at all of the “quiet wilderness” outside.  Amidst the traffic, he was looking at trees on the side of the rode.  This reminded me of a similar time I was with him last year.  We were amidst a group of people in someone’s yard and he stepped just a few steps away from the group, across the lawn into an adjacent vacant lot dotted with some trees. He called me over,  looked up at me and asked me to listen as he said, “Nana, sshhhhh….we are in the quiet wilderness.”  IMG_3838

I reflected on this lesson and how close the “quiet wilderness” can be to us even when we are in loud, crazy conditions. The “quiet wilderness” can be steps away and yet we can miss it.  (The “quiet wilderness” could have been a bathroom at work, a closet, the car…)  With that thought in mind, I went into my room closed my door to pray. Alas,  I came out to put barking Reilley in his crate….then went back to try to put into practice the scriptures:

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  Psalm 23:2

 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.   Psalm 46:10

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love….”  Zeph. 3:17

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  Mark 6:31

    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] 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.  Mt. 11:28-29

When I came out of my “quiet wilderness” I was finally able to quit feeling sorry for myself.  I was once again refreshed and at peace.   I’m thankful a little child reminded me to go to the “quiet wilderness” and that Jesus was waiting there for me.

When Your Finish Line Moves

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I cry for the city I love.  When we moved from the southern part of the US to Boston, over 25 years ago, I quickly felt I’d found the place I was meant to live.  There is no place I know with more charm, four season beauty, gutsiness, and sports enthusiasm. Truly, God has set my boundaries in pleasant places.  (Psalm 16:6)

Though tragedy struck here yesterday, inspiration abounds.  I’m inspired by those who ran the marathon, I’m inspired by those who supported the runners and I’m inspired by those who ran to help.

One particular younger friend of mine inspired me, who when her finish line was moved…just kept running. 150430_671996925760_1611996319_s

I’m reminded how we painstakingly prepare for the course of life we know.  We study, train, and try to equip ourselves to be successful.  However, as the scriptures state:

In his heart a man plans his course,

        but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

    Many are the plans in a man’s heart,

        but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

 

    This is what the Lord says–

        your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

    “I am the Lord your God,

        who teaches you what is best for you,

        who directs you in the way you should go.  Isaiah 48:17

 

Rachel planned for this marathon all year long.  Yet, because of someone’s senseless act of terrorism she was not able to cross the finish line for which she was headed.

What do you do, when in the middle of your race, everything changes and you don’t know where you are going?

Well, Rachel kept on running.  Some of her friends ran beside her, and her husband, along with some friends marked out a new course….complete with a finish line and tape.

I realize how often life doesn’t go quite as we plan.  Circumstances of life change, things around us and things within us change.  As Solomon states:

    I have seen something else under the sun:

     The race is not to the swift

        or the battle to the strong,

    nor does food come to the wise

        or wealth to the brilliant

        or favor to the learned;

    but time and chance happen to them all.  Ecc. 9:11

 

However, for a disciple of Jesus we have something (someone) to hold on to and someone who has gone ahead and marked our course.  It may be a different course than what we have planned.  In fact, it likely will be.  There is a course marked out for you and me… those who have gone before will help cheer us through to the finish line.

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. Hebrews 12:1

Thanks Rachel, for not being bummed out when your finish line changed.  I’m so grateful, as I  run the course marked out for me, that I’m surrounded by my spriritual family that cheers me on, and runs along beside me. It makes a difference.

I remember fondly, though with tears, standing by my Dad’s side as he crossed the final finish line.  Knowing he had lived his life wholeheartedly following his Lord, and loving His Word….when he breathed his last my sisters and I were able to exclaim, “You did it Dad.  You made it!!”

 

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] 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

 

 

 

 

 

Clarity

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Do you sometimes feel like your life can be as pictured here – running in circles but not really getting where you intend to go? IMG_4208 I like to think that my dog, Denver,  is quite a smart dog – however, he has a habit that causes me to shed doubt on his doggie “Mensa  IQ status.”  He chases his tail.  He quite enjoys the chase, and is often successful in catching it.  He then just follows his tail around in circles…seemingly unaware that he is spinning around getting nowhere.  The problem lies with the goal of his activity and pursuit.   Unfortunately, his goal lies no further than the tip of his rear end.

Do you ever feel like you expend a lot of energy, but in reality end up not accomplishing the most important things- those that last eternally?  Perhaps your goal is not clear or has gotten lost in the cares, desires for other things and the pleasures of life (Mk. 4:18-19.)

I can, like Martha, get busy about many things and thus distracted from what is most important.  Luke 10:38-42

    As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

    [41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I must remind myself again and again (and God does a good job at reminding me through the scriptures) that the things I seek to accomplish need to be summed up primarily in two clear practical realities – Loving God and loving people.

Matthew 22:34-40

    Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. [35] One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: [36] “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

    [37] Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Practically, I can be busy doing many things in my life, but if I am not spending time with God in prayer and learning to better obey his word….and loving others by caring for them, sharing Jesus with them, and helping them get to heaven I will resemble Denver…busy chasing what will accomplish nothing of everlasting value.

In the choices you make with how you spend your time….are these two most important things clear to you and to those who observe your life?

Enjoy Every Moment – For real!???

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My daughter and I were recently attending a baby shower together.  As often happens during the opening of gifts – advice was given to the mother-to-be. Often, it seems that advice is given to “enjoy every moment.”  My daughter and another friend of hers were quietly chuckling and saying…so are we bad moms…because we don’t enjoy every moment?  I could relate and reassured them that they were great moms…but were just keeping it real.  The truth is – I love being a mom of four and now a grandmother to 6 (almost 7) and thank God daily for these most amazing blessings in my life. I deeply love my children and grandchildren.  However, every moment was/is not “enjoyable” and smile producing. And that’s ok. All moments are certainly not “Kodak moments.” (Don’t be fooled – It often takes about 200 photo shots just to to get one with mostly everyone smiling – even when the photo subjects are adorable.)  IMG_8170

Honestly, who really enjoys staying awake at night while vomit spews in your face and you clean diarrhea off the carpet while you are achey and have fever?   Do you really thrill at the sound of whining, or leap for joy at the flailing and arching of the back out in public when your offspring chooses to have his/her first temper tantrum?   Does it warm your heart to discipline and train your child again and again, answer a gazillion questions, wipe crayon off the walls, play Candy Land or help your child do math word problems? Do you really love back to school nights, or being a passenger in the car with your teen who is acquiring driving hours in order to get their license? You get the picture…  While I wouldn’t trade parenting for anything…it’s not always filled with fun, enjoyable stuff. Sometimes it’s really hard and it  always takes lots of perseverance and prayer.

I remember well the day my firstborn came into the world (over 35 years ago..yikes.)  Moms weren’t yet allowed to have their newborns in the hospital rooms with them, so I spent almost every waking moment staring at my daughter through the glass in the nursery.  I was thrilled to bring her home.  For several weeks I looked forward to her waking every few hours in the middle of the night….just to be able to gaze into her eyes and see her adorable  little features.  Then…tiredness took over and I didn’t long for the the middle of the night feedings any more.  I wondered if I would ever sleep again.  (I’m still tired 35 years later.)  I didn’t want to get up…but I kept getting up because that’s what love does.  Fortunately for all of us, love doesn’t depend on pure enjoyment of the tasks at hand.

We can get all mixed up in our thinking if we think we must enjoy every moment.  There are so, so many memories that make me smile and feel all warm and gushy inside.  And there are others that were just plain hard.  Love goes through both of these feelings resolutely and without favoring one over the other.  It’s just part of love.

Too often, I think we try to romanticize our relationship with God as well….thinking it is something that should always make us feel like we are floating above the horizon…filled with unspeakable joy and a song in our heart.  While nothing makes me more joyful,  fulfilled and puts a song in my heart like my relationship with God…I don’t always feel the warm and fuzzy part of following Jesus.  Often it is hard work and determination.  Following Jesus takes me to and through hard places.  At times I feel like the little lamb scooped close to his heart and at other times I can feel like I am a passenger on his airplane that is flying through turbulence –  white knuckled with my seatbelt fastened tightly eager to get through to the smoother air.  Still other times I feel spent…and yet I wouldn’t have it any other way.

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 1 John 3:16-18

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. [17] 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? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Love is a decision that supersedes circumstances.  Love involves continual self denial.  Is your love for God and others just as strong when things are difficult as when they are enjoyable?  I think that is when love most shows itself and is really felt the most….through the hard stuff.  While you may not enjoy every moment, you can always have the peace producing confidence that love surpasses everything else.

1 Cor. 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Timing is Everything

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

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

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

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

Exodus 23:27-30

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

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

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

        neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

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

        so are my ways higher than your ways

        and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

Avoiding “The Manipulation”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  (2 Peter 1:3)

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

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

Everybody Needs a PT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healing

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

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

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

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

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

Philip. 2:12-13

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

 

Romans 12:1-2

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

Ephes. 6:10-13

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

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

Ephes. 3:20-21

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

 

 

 

 

Spanx Your Mind

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

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

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

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

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

1 Peter 1:13-16 (KJV)

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

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

1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)

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

Col. 3:1-2

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

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

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

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

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