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There’s a Peacock at Your Door!

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I wrote of turkeys that were at my neighbor’s door, as some of you may remember from a previous blog. The truth is, we never know what bird… or life circumstances might show up at our doors.  Sometimes a new day simply brings routine activities; other days we may find surprises awaiting us, and at other times we will be confronted with challenging circumstances.

…And then there are those days when “extraordinary” shows up.

Such was the case for my sister.  She lives in Florida, and recently heard a pecking at her patio door. After investigating – she found that the noise came from the pecking of a beak.   Behind the beak stood a vibrant array of colors – in the form of a magnificent bird.  Yes, a peacock was at her door. IMG954669

She was amazed that this beautiful creature resided in her state, and even more astounded that it was  “knocking” at her back door.  She certainly didn’t expect that.

This glorious creature at my sister’s door reminded me that too often I can make God too small in my own eyes, and forget that He specializes in the impossible and unexpected.  The God who spoke the world into existence, rescued men from mouths of lions and fiery furnaces, and raised Jesus from the dead is the same God who lives in me today. Amazing!  I pray to have more and more of the kind of exceptional faith that believes in the “wonder of what God can do”  – which Jesus described after raising Lazarus from the dead.

40 “Did I not tell you,” replied Jesus, “that if you believed, you would see the wonder of what God can do?”  Jn. 11:40 (JB Phillips translation)

What do you believe God can do in your life?

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;

        in the morning I lay my requests before you

        and wait in expectation.  Psalm 5:3

You just never know when something unexpected and magnificent may be knocking at your door.

Pizza or Smoothie?

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Last week I began a strict diet, hoping to take off two recently added pounds.   Unfortunately, I brought those two pounds home as souvenirs from Paris and didn’t want them to get used to hanging around. So, while the grandkids were over Friday night enjoying pizza and brownies – I drank my “smoothie.  This particular smoothie contained nonfat milk, strawberries and some “proteinish” powder that did not taste terrible – but let’s just say it wasn’t pizza and brownies. 

As I made my smoothie and watched the kids eat slice after slice of pizza, I thought about the difference between these two foods and how they relate to the way “religion” is often viewed.  (Call me crazy, maybe…but stay with me here.)  I think it is often easy to view our lives like pizza.  We slice it up in different compartments.  One slice for spiritual activities (including prayer, Bible reading, time at church, etc.); once slice for work; one for school; one for family life; one for leisure time, etc.  – until we have a complete pizza.  All the slices make up the whole.  This might be a creative way to learn fractions, but it isn’t what God has in mind for our lives.  While blending my smoothie I was reminded of a very basic and important teaching from Jesus in Mark 12:28-34.

    One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

    [29] “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ [31] The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

    [32] “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. [33] To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

    [34] When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Our spiritual lives, in God’s plan, are to be all wrapped up together with everything that we do and think- sort of like a smoothie where all the separate ingredients are blended together to make something new and different .  This way, everything we think and do is all mixed together with God flowing through it all – all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength.  It may be a difficult fraction to explain (1 whole heart for God + 1 whole soul committed to God+ 1 whole mind devoted to God + 1 whole strength  living for God= 1 complete disciple of Jesus) – but it works every time. 

 

Introducing….

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Today I’m happy to share an insightful post from a guest blogger – who also happens to be my daughter.  Love her insights from “typical” mommy days – if there are such things.  And, since I have met and cared for “clothesy-potty” I wanted you to have the opportunity to meet her as well.

http://lessonslearnedfrommamahood.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-in-name.html?spref=fb

 

And, from the previous post….Snappy has not yet been found, 😦 but the search for him makes me more aware of the search that

matters most.

Find Snappy

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Snappy, though seemingly nowhere to be found, has become a celebrity of sorts throughout the suburbs of Boston.  She has her own Facebook page with over 2,000 followers.  Snappy is a four year old weimeraner (large grey dog.)   Her whereabouts are unknown since the day she disappeared (in my town) nearly three months ago.  Her owner is desperate to find her.  The owner has appeared on the news, commandeered concerned citizens to print and post posters all over the surrounding towns, initiated robocalls throughout nearby communities and employed a professional canine tracker flown in from Nebraska to help with the search.  

Within any given mile within a 20 mile radius you will likely encounter a poster entitled “Find Snappy.”  Feeding stations and video cameras have been placed along a route in the woods she is thought to be traveling.  During the time period that Snappy has been lost this part of the country has experienced an earthquake, a hurricane, a nor’easter and some cold temperatures.  If that is not challenging enough for her survival- coyotes are known to prowl around these same areas.  I’ve even seen one walking down our street.

Yet, Snappy’s owner has not given up the search for her.  She longs to bring her home.  Snappy’s faithful Facebook followers post daily comments of support to Snappy and her owner.  Some have told of specific daily prayer times where they pray for her safe return.  I confess that I know these things only because as a dog lover I was sucked in to Snappy’s plight and am also her “Facebook friend.”  Some have walked and driven many miles in search of the lost animal.  While I haven’t done that, I do stay on the lookout for her as I go about my daily activities.

Snappy’s drama has captivated the attention of many.  The owners have gone to a lot of time and expense to find their dog.  I am reminded from the seemingly trivial (in comparison) pursuit of Snappy – of God’s continual search for the lost.  I am deeply inspired and challenged.

Ezekiel 34:11-16

” ‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. [12] As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. [13] I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. [14] I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. [15] I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. [16] I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

And Jesus, God in the flesh reiterates this message in the account of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. [2] A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. [3] He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. [4] So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

[5] When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” [6] So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

[7] All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’ ”

[8] But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

[9] Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (emphasis added)

 I am challenged by Snappy’s owner’s relentless pursuit of her well-loved dog.  I ask myself how much time, trouble, thought, prayer, perseverance and expense am I willing to give as I look at others through Jesus’ eyes.  He saw that they were harassed, and helpless like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).  I know that every individual’s world without God is a rough and dark place…much worse than the physical challenges of hurricanes, earthquakes and nor’easters…and Satan’s intense pursuit of mankind is compared to that of a lion instead of a coyote. So many people around me are without hope, forgiveness, direction and a purpose that counts and will last a hundred years from now. I am challenged to love others as Jesus loves as he commands me in John 13:34 and shows me in Matthew 18:12-14

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? [13] And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. [14] In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

Yes, I hope Snappy is found. However, more importantly I pray to speak and act toward other humans with more of the urgency and compassion found in Jesus’ heart.

Gotta’ Talk About the Chocolate

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This picture below describes how I felt about the desserts I ate on my recent trip to Paris.  If I could have licked the plate without appearing disgustingly rude and uncultured, I would have. 

We recently returned from spending nearly two weeks in Europe.  My husband and I worked hard while we were there – and also enjoyed the sweet fellowship of those training to be elders (and their wives) in Paris and Milan.  It was a fantastic and meaningful time together.  Before the elder training retreat began we were able to spend a few days with our dear friends, John and Carol McGuirk.  During our second dinner together our conversation delved into a deep and riveting discussion.  I promise I was listening…but in the middle of the conversation I could no longer hold it in…I felt I had to interrupt.  So, somewhere amidst the deep discussion I blurted out “May I say something?!”

Silence ensued, as the others’ eyes met mine, awaiting what would certainly be an extremely important announcement (perhaps involving fire or blood) – to be deemed worthy of such a complete interruption.

“So…” I continued.

“I’ve just got to say, this dessert is incredible!!”

You see, sometimes things are just too good to be left inside to experience all alone.  I was distracted from the flow of the discussion because of the scrumptious delicacy I had just ingested.  Despite what was happening around me, I just had to share the incredible joy I felt in tasting the richness of the chocolate and the texture and blend of such wondrous flavors that brought utter delight to my palate.  I couldn’t keep it to myself any longer.

As I thought about this proclamation that just had to be made, I thought about three scriptures:

Jeremiah 20:9

But if I say, “I will not mention him

or speak any more in his name,”

his word is in my heart like a fire,

a fire shut up in my bones.

I am weary of holding it in;

indeed, I cannot.

2 Kings 7:3-9

Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, “Why stay here until we die? [4] If we say, ‘We’ll go into the city’–the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let’s go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die.”

[5] At dusk they got up and went to the camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of the camp, not a man was there, [6] for the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!” [7] So they got up and fled in the dusk and abandoned their tents and their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives.

[8] The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp and entered one of the tents. They ate and drank, and carried away silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also.

[9] Then they said to each other, “We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.”

 

Acts 4:18-20

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. [20] For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

I love chocolate and I love dessert.  However, they are not anywhere in the same dimension with what I love about my God and all he has done for me.  He has shown me indescribable love, given me a purpose for living, forgiven me, given me hope and a future, given me clear directions on how to live life and build a marriage and family – and filled me with indescribable joy.  Why would I ever want to hold this in?  And yet sometimes I do just that.  May I freely “interrupt” life around me to share such a wonderful and amazing God.

 

 

 

 

When the Chicken Hits the Fan

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

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

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

Me:  How did you get the black eye?

Person:  Because of the chicken

Me: Because of the chicken?

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

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

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

Me:  And?

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

Me:  What??!!  Was it ok?

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

Me:  And so he punched you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Col. 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

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

Speaking of Courage…My Friend Gloria

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

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

Philip. 2:1-4

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

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

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

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

Courage to be Different

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Tim. 1:12

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

In Labor and Delivery!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the lips of children…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 8:1-9

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

O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory

above the heavens.

[2] From the lips of children and infants

you have ordained praise

because of your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

[3] When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

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

the son of man that you care for him?

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

and crowned him with glory and honor.

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

you put everything under his feet:

[7] all flocks and herds,

and the beasts of the field,

[8] the birds of the air,

and the fish of the sea,

all that swim the paths of the seas.

[9] O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

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