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Be Still and …. Juggle??

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My favorite breakfast place opened this weekend, where I can enjoy breakfast at a table overlooking the vast expanse of the North Atlantic.   I took the morning off today in order to visit this breakfast spot.  I had extra time to meditate on “life and Godliness” as I drank my coffee  Usually on Monday mornings  Wyndham is with me, but due to an unexpected semi-emergency he needed to take care of, I went by myself (well, God was with me.) As the only patron in the restaurant (this is the very early season) I appreciated the opportunity to practice the scripture in Psalm 46:10-11

“Be still, and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations,  I will be exalted in the earth.” [11] The Lord Almighty is with us: the God of Jacob is our fortress.    Selah

So often, life moves at such a pace that it is hard to just be still and reflect on who God is.  I thought of how He shows Himself through Jesus as our Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace.  As I thought through those apropos depictions of my God I felt so grateful for all of these ways that He interacts with me.

As I sipped my coffee while looking out over the expanse of blue,  my eyes caught sight of something outside of the window that I must say,  I have never seen before.   A man was jogging; however as he was jogging he was also juggling 3 or 4 tennis balls.  He didn’t miss a stride, or a tennis ball.  I was amazed.  I hate jogging, and it takes every ounce of concentration and determination I can muster to keep moving.  Yet, this guy was not only moving at a rapid pace, but his juggling seemed effortless.  (He was too fast for me to catch with my camera.)  

I laughed (to myself since no one else was there) thinking about the contrast of what I was doing and what he was doing.  I also thought of how he portrayed how life so often feels.  Often, I can feel like I am juggling while running.  I don’t think I am unusual in(figuratively) trying to keep numerous balls in the air without dropping them, while at the same time running from one thing to the next.

I need the strength of the Mighty God, the wisdom of the Wonderful Counselor, the steadiness of the Everlasting Father and the trust in the Prince of Peace to be able to combine the stillness of soul that I felt as I looked out of the window –  with the crazy activity of running and juggling that I viewed from that same window.

After finishing  breakfast  I took a long walk so I could pray, smell the salt air, feel the breeze and watch the ocean waves push against the protruding rocks. As I prayed about many different things, I thought of the times I get busy running and juggling.   Two scriptures often ground me and help me discern whether or not my running and juggling is “too much.”  I thought on these scriptures as I walked and prayed.

The first is one I must read often, as I tend to be more like Martha and yet need to like Mary, choose what is best.  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.”

This following scripture helps me discern whether or not my busyness is merely activity, or if it is in keeping with seeking first God’s choices and desires.  Matthew 6:33-34

    But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I pray that as I juggle and jog in my daily activities, I will see God for who He really is – and that my purpose, priorities and desires are united with His.  Then, amidst the busyness, I can be still and know that He is God.

 

 

 

 

 

Upstairs Water

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“I want downstairs water!!  I don’t want upstairs water!”

I laughed out loud as my daughter described her three year old’s tantrum and resulting repeated discipline tonight.  I remembered my daughter at that age – fiercely holding to her resolve that she was thirsty..but absolutely refusing  water I offered her from the bathroom sink.  Only kitchen water would do!!  She would not back down until she was absolutely and completely convinced (at times after hours of being disciplined…yes, seriously hours!) that she could not win the battle.   Wow, those battles were intense and required lots of prayer and a forehead of flint!  I often gained courage from God’s words to Ezekiel :  Ezekiel 3:7-9

    But the house of Israel is not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for the whole house of Israel is hardened and obstinate. [8] But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. [9] I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house.”

It’s not much fun at the time, but as I look back at my own children and as I watch my grandchildren now,  I can laugh at their propensity to think something that they can’t have is so much better than what is offered and available to them.  “I want it my way, thank you.”

As I look over at the scene in front of me I see the “same song, different verse”  displayed.  Our puppy, Denver, has a wonderful and comfortable pillow-lined crate.  Blackie (our little dog) had seemed jealous of his crate, often climbing in and taking over the space.  So, being a compassionate doggie parent I recently purchased a small doggie bed for Blackie.  He was thrilled and immediately tucked himself in.  Until….he got up for a moment and then….. Denver wanted Blackie’s new bed and plopped right on down.  Blackie just stared at him with an accompanying snarl.

As I mulled over a toddler’s stubborn desire for something other than what was offered and my pup’s desire for what the other had – I was reminded of how easy it can be to be discontent with what is offered to us and put in front of us.  It’s so easy to be discontent…about the weather, our work, our health, and all kinds of things offered to us and in front of us.  Surely downstairs water is much better, and the other dog’s bed is much more comfortable.  When I am discontent I’m afraid it looks too much like the above toddler and doggy scenarios.  That is when I must remind myself of scriptures like Psalm 23:1-2

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,…

Proverbs 19:23      The fear of the Lord leads to life:  Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Philip. 4:11-12     I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

1 Tim. 6:6    But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Hebrews 13:5  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,  “Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you.”

May I always be grateful for upstairs water!

The Dog and Pony Show

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Do you ever find yourself in situations where you are over your head?  Sometimes my learning curve is steep.  Such was the case when I began an eight year stent working for a wonderful non-profit, HOPE worldwide.  During this time my eyes were opened to many things.  First were the living conditions of the majority of the world.  I visited slums worldwide and met some of the most amazing and grateful people – despite their destitute conditions.  I cried more tears than I had ever cried before.

Second on the learning curve was how much I had to learn about my new job.   The philanthropic world of non-profits was new to me.  I figured a 501(c)(3) was probably either a locker combination or a new model of Nissan.  An NGO was not text slang for “never getting old” and inurement wasn’t something cows left on the ground.   Also, grant writing did not mean sending an e-mail to my nephew, Grant.

My naivety amused my colleagues.  When joining in a discussion about a kick-off for a new program and the need to make a certain event a ‘dog and pony show’…. my wheels started turning.  I thought it was a strange idea…but hey, I loved dogs and horses so why not have a fund raiser using these fine specimens from the animal kingdom.  I soon learned that a dog and pony show was not… er, ahem, gulp – well…it was not a real dog and pony show. I have to say I was a little disappointed about that.

The next item on the learning curve agenda came during a trip to the nation’s capitol.  I had actually learned quite a lot by this point in time, however I would still describe this trip as a sequel to “Ernest Goes to Washington.”  Since I worked to help establish programs to help the poor particularly in Eastern Europe – I was invited to a United Nations advisory council meeting for Eastern Europe held on Capitol Hill.  I had become an official representative for this advisory council and would go to learn and to contribute.  For some( still unknown to me today) reason on the first day of the meeting I volunteered to be something for which I don’t even remember the name.  I soon came to learn that it involved summarizing everyone’s comments and presenting them to the group in an organized fashion – United Nations’ style (whatever that was!).  During the first break, I found my friend Kitty, (a person not a feline) who had been involved in numerous types of similar situations and had many more years of experience than I had. (She was involved in a different meeting.) I confided in her that I had just volunteered for something for which I had no idea what I was doing.  She gave me a few pointers and a look that said to me, “good luck..and are you crazy?!”.

So, I did the only reasonable thing to do.  I went into the bathroom stall and begged God for wisdom and help so I could better help the poor and not reflect badly on the organization (or make a fool out of myself.)

James 1:5-8

    If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. [6] But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

As soon as I walked out of the stall some unknown woman came up to me and said these words. “I don’t know how you are handing this presentation, but if I were doing it here is exactly what I would say.”

I don’t know if she saw the look of total shock on my face.  I told her I would consider her words – and then feverishly wrote down everything she said.

Not only did I say all she had said to me, but I also realized that because I was the only one in the room who had actually spent time with the poor in Eastern Europe that I really did have something to offer.  I also realized a crucial lesson before me. God blesses requests for wisdom without laughing at us or “finding fault” as the scripture says.  I rely on this promise often, realizing that when I am trying to serve God and step forward in faith…not knowing where to step next…God always comes through.  One of my favorite quotes is entitled “Faith” by Patrick Overton.

When you come to the edge of all the light you have

And take the first step into the darkness of the unknown

You must believe one of two things will happen:

There will be something solid for you to stand upon
or, you will be taught how to fly.

 

Two Important Words – “Help Me!”

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The drowning victim was barely able to utter the words, “Help me!”

I remembered those crucial words today as I passed by several empty lifeguard chairs.  My lunch appointment had cancelled, so I joined some of my grandchildren who were picnicking with their moms at a local lake.  I sat in the lifeguard chair remembering the day over 37 years ago when I  was that drowning victim calling for help.

The day preceding my wedding day I was scheduled to take my last finals of college.  I would finally be finished with school!  For “fun” I had taken a lifesaving course as an elective.   The lifesaving certification test was one of those ‘day-before-the-wedding’ exams.  Unfortunately (for me) we had experienced some unseasonably cool December temperatures for Florida, and the heater in the pool was not working.  This was before the school’s large indoor sports arena was built. The pool used for swim meets and for our lifesaving class was outside. It was cold.  I still remember the lifesaving drills and the dread of  throwing off my sweatsuit  before meeting the water.  (The water was in the 50’s, which is fairly normal for the New England Atlantic – but for my Florida blood it felt frigid.)

Since the heater was broken, the woman who was scheduled to be the “drowning victim” for the girls test didn’t show up at the pool for the testing. She assumed the testing was postponed. My classmates would reschedule their tests, but since I was getting married and moving the following day I didn’t have that option.  My instructor found someone nearby who was willing to be my “victim” for the test.  He introduced me to the University of Florida varsity men’s’ soccer coach – my victim.  I remember looking at his very muscular frame and hoping he would be kind to me as I tried to “save” him.  He was not.  He struggled with me, pulled me into a headhold and began to take me under (as many victims do).  I began going under and felt my legs cramp with excruciating pain.  They just wouldn’t work.  As I gasped for air I looked at him and screamed, “Help Me!”  He  pulled me out  – and though I never retook my test I was  happy to be alive and and able to marry my wonderful  husband the next day.

The simple words “Help Me” are sometimes hard to say, but they are extremely important.   I didn’t want to ask for help – after all I was supposed to be the lifesaver and had looked forward to working as a lifeguard.   However, as I saw my need I realized it would have been rather stupid to pretend to be okay, all set, and in control.

When God calls us to become like little children, I believe one of the qualities he calls us to imitate is their eagerness to ask for help.  I often hear the words, “Help me Nana!”  They are spoken with humility,  and with confidence and trust that I am bigger and wiser than my grandchildren – and therefore able to help them.

There are many times and situations in life where all I know to say to God is “Help me!”  These words come more easily when I am well aware that I am not in control.  However,  too often I  can forget that I am never really in control.  Every breath I take is dependent on Him.  (Acts 17:28

    ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ )

I realize that the the ‘help me’ posture toward God is the one with which I need to begin and end every day – not just when I feel desperate.  As  Jehoshaphat said in 2 Chron. 20:12

    O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

The truth is, without God’s leadership and presence in my life every moment is desperate.   I don’t know what to do without God and am so grateful I can look to him for help. My God is eager to answer my call for help.

As I sat in the lifeguard’s chair it was a good reminder that I am always in desperate need of God’s help.  I can do what I can….but without God I really have nothing.  With him, I’m good to go.

Isaiah 41:9-10

    I took you from the ends of the earth,

        from its farthest corners I called you.

    I said, ‘You are my servant’;

        I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

    [10] So do not fear, for I am with you;

        do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

    I will strengthen you and help you;

        I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Mark 9:20-24

    So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

    [21] Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

    “From childhood,” he answered. [22] “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

    [23] ” ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”

    [24] Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Luke 7:16

    They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.”

 Hebrews 13:6

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.

Get Outa’ My House

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It was bedtime so I told Denver (our 5 month old golden retriever) to get in his crate.  He looked at me as if he was afraid of something and refused to go into his crate.  Then I heard a growling noise.  I could not figure out what was going on so began searching for clues!  While peering into his crate, I saw two beady eyes staring back at me.  Blackie (the “older brother cockerpoo” who reluctantly and sporadically accepts the newbie) was stretched out on the pillow in Denver’s crate – as if daring him to come in. 

I thought to myself -Blackie gets full reign of our house – and yet now he wants Denver’s crate too? Who does he think he is?  And Denver refuses to get into his own crate?  Does Denver not realize he now towers over Blackie?

I laughed as I observed this unspoken canine communication.  Denver had let the little “alpha dog” take over what belonged to him.  I looked at Blackie with disapproval, and as if reading my mind he slithered out of the crate.

I began thinking about this little exchange between the dogs and wondered – Who do we let take over “our house?”  It often seems that someone or something tries to take away what has been given to us by God.

God has given me a spiritual house, including everything I need for life and Godliness (2 Peter 1:3)  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.

In Christ, I possess what every person in this world needs more than anything

(Acts 26:29)

    Paul replied, “Short time or long–I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Yet at times – I can get fearful or timid with my faith.  I can be like Denver, who let a small growling dog keep him from going into his “own house.”

My house is filled with so many blessings and promises from God.  God has promised me peace that passes understanding. (Philippians 4:7) So why do I let worries of this world keep me from that peace?  He has promised that He can do more than I ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)  So why do I struggle at times with wondering if something is too big for God to change?  He has promised that He will hear my prayers. (1 John 5:15) So why do I sometimes fail to pray to Him with confidence?   God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) so why don’t I always use it to convict my own heart as well as those of others? God has given me a spirit of power, love and self control…so why would I let any of these obstacles keep me from possessing what has been given to me?

2 Tim. 1:7   For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

I pray I can look at these obstacles  with determined eyes of disapproval…and watch them slither out.       James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

With Jesus I am more than a conqueror. Nothing has the power to separate me from the love and power of God.  Nothing has the power, no matter how loud the growl or beady the eyes – to keep me out of the spiritual house God has provided for me.

Romans 8:31-39

    What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Opening Day at Fenway

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Some days it’s just nice to be grateful for the simple things in life.  I love this scripture, and believe that wherever we live we can see God’s amazing work and learn to love our surroundings. Psalm 16:5-6
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
        you have made my lot secure.
    [6] The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
        surely I have a delightful inheritance.

This post was written several years ago but still reflects my sentiments.(One disclaimer – while I’m still a loyal fan, I get increasingly disappointed when the game becomes only about business.)  While there is not much spiritual depth in these words, sometimes I just like to be thankful for simple joys. And…of course we know that the first verse of the Bible includes baseball.  Genesis 1:1  In the “big inning” God created the heavens and the earth.  (Forgive me … I  learned that in elementary school.)

Opening Day – (Why I love New England)

Today is opening day at Fenway Park. It is cold and rainy outside.

You know why I love New England? Because no matter the weather, people will be at the park early to purchase their sausages piled high with onions and peppers. The stands will be full, as they always are. The fans will sing along to Tessie and Sweet Caroline. I just love living here. 

I grew up in the South.  I graduated from the University of Florida and have lived in New England for the last 22 (update: now 29) years of my life, after a few other southern stops.  As soon as I arrived, I knew I had finally come “home”.  I found a place that matched my driving and my dreams.

When I was a child, my mother read me a book with the most amazing pictures of children building snowmen..of white steeple churches, pumpkin patches and  beautiful, colorful leaves. I wondered where such a wondrous place might be!  Was it real?

Then I found it. It is real. I saw my very first snowflake in the Carolinas while on my honeymoon and I’ve loved snow ever since. I still love it!  There is nothing more peaceful and beautiful than a snowfall. There is also nowhere else in the world I know of where I can look outside at the park across the street from my house and watch the girls’ high school tennis team shovel snow off the courts. I played tennis in high school and never was there such fun. We just sweat a lot – all the time.

Here in New England my mind can’t easily get lazy. I returned early this morning after dropping my husband off at Logan. I went through the “fast lane” into the Sumner Tunnel. Approximately ten lanes converged into one.  (update: Thanks America – for the Big Dig which helped alleviate this situation.) It was “cut throat” and you had to stay sharp to live.  Compare that to the challenge of my last trip down south.  I slowly meandered through back roads, searching to find any roadside stand that sold boiled peanuts.  I turned back onto the highway (of course blocking a lane to make my left turn…how else do you do it?) and realized from others’ looks I would likely be locked up if I did that again.

In New England what you see is what you get.  There is no fluff – except fluffr’nutter sandwiches (peanut butter and marshmallow fluff) – which were new to me upon my arrival. Here, if someone doesn’t like something you say or do they won’t politely smile and say “why thank you darlin'” and then talk about you to someone else. Just yesterday I was in line at a fast food place on the Mass Pike and the guy in front of me was given the wrong order.  When he (the customer) mentioned it the person “waiting” on him said, “Buddy, that’s not my problem.” See, here you just get what is really on one’s mind, unfiltered.

In my hometown I grew up attending almost every home University of Florida football game.  (Steve Spurrier was the quarterback then.)  It was a great experience and I was a devoted fan. Often, I came home sunburned.   Several years ago my husband and son sat through a blizzard watching the Pats beat Oakland. They came home with no feeling in their arms or legs, but it was a “wicked awesome” experience. No comparison.

So today, as I drove home from a morning appointment in the cold and rain I was grateful for all the many blessings I have living here, but still wishing I could be sitting at Fenway Park about now.  I think we play the Orioles.  Doesn’t matter…I know the main chant will be about the Yankees. But I can’t go.  I’ll need to help pump the water from the snow melt out of the basement. Somewhere along the way, I have become a New Englander… and I really do love it.
 

Were Cows Just Here?

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Did a herd of cows visit my yard last night?

My olfactory senses were awakened as I walked outside my door.  The smell of manure was intense.  I had previously gone on an errand to drop off a form at the town office.  It appeared that the herd had visited the town office yard as well.  In fact, we learned that all town-owned properties had received a generous dump of manure based fertilizer.  Since our house is surrounded by a town park, we were recipients of this very special aroma.  Even now if I go outside and take a whiff….the smell  of cow dung fills my nostrils.  It’s not pleasant.

There are many things I love to smell.  I love the smell of bread baking, or of cookies in the oven.  My mouth waters when I come inside my house to the smell of a roast, especially when it is cooking with onions and garlic.  I enjoy the smell of coffee brewing in the morning.  I will soon enjoy the fragrance of the lilacs out my back door.  I don’t enjoy the smell of this concoction on the field by my house.

It is interesting to me to learn that God has a keen sense of smell.  Thirty nine times the Old Testament speaks of aromas that are pleasing to God.  These aromas are most often from roasted lamb; however at times it’s beef or  even bread being baked over a fire that brings pleasure to his sense of smell.

Actually, these verses aren’t written so we can know what kind of food God prefers.  Upon further study, the pleasing aroma is not so much from the smell of the food cooking, but from the hearts who laid these sacrifices on the altar. Yes, God can smell our hearts.   Those who were eager to sacrifice and to obey the will of God brought Him great joy.  He also knew when someone’s “sacrifice” was obligatory or from leftovers.  He was, and always has been, looking to see what is in our hearts as we approach Him.  God has shown us His love in a way no other ever has.  We didn’t and don’t deserve that kind of love yet he willingly gave his own son, his own self…for us.  In response, he desires our hearts, completely.

Romans 12:1

    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.

In the New Testament, the new and superior plan God gave us after Jesus died we find out His sense of smell has not changed.

2 Cor. 2:14-17

    But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. [15] For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. [16] To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? [17] Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

This tells me that when I walk with Jesus and spread the news of Him it smells wonderful to God.  And  that as I follow Christ I leave the fragrance of “eu de knowledge of Christ” that is more precious than any other fragrance imaginable. Those whose hearts desire to know God love this fragrance and gravitate to it.  To others, who don’t want to change their lives to please God  – it stinks.

I pray that the best fragrance known to God can exuded from me today.  Hopefully it can overcome the stench outside.

 

 

 

 

 

Walking the Power Lines

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I love my prayer walks.  Wyndham and I often walk along a gravel/mud path across from our house that follows several miles of power lines.  Yesterday as we walked and prayed (and scolded Denver for eating the leash) I kept noticing the path of wires above me. 

It is at times disconcerting to hear the electricity’s snap, crackle and pop in these wires.  I’ve also wondered (since I have been hit by lightning and currently walk under power lines) if I am overcharged with electrical current.  Is it just me or do others often get shocked when touching food on grocery shelves?  Regardless, it is perplexing to me to ponder the way power inside of these thin wires accomplishes so much.

I try to imagine what goes on inside of those wires – where at any given moment the flick of a switch allows me to turn darkness to light in my kitchen.  Miles away, someone else can stay warm even when the temperature outside is frigid… all because of the power going through these wires.

Even more amazing is what goes on as I walk under these wires.  I can open my mouth, or just speak from my heart  – and the Creator of the universe who gave me the breath of life hears what I say and is able to act on it.  While it’s incredible to look up and realize that the power going through the wires enables me to see when it is dark and allows someone else miles away to stay warm when it’s freezing outside –   this pales in comparison to what goes on below and beyond the wires.

Because of the prayers we pray as we walk the power lines, (or anywhere we may be) astounding things can happen.  As I focus prayer on certain individuals, situations and churches here or across the ocean I don’t know all that is happening… but I do know that power is being exerted there.  While I don’t know how God will answer my prayers I have often been amazed as I’ve seen unexplainable answers to these prayers by way of changed hearts or circumstances in those for whom I or someone else has requested God’s attention and intervention.

As I read my Bible I recount times when directed prayer resulted in: a nation crossing an ocean on dry ground; a giant falling as a result of a shepherd boy’s slingshot; a man staying safe while in a den of lions and three men inhabiting an inferno without a single hair on their bodies being singed.  After prayer thousands were fed from two fish and five loaves of bread, jail doors miraculously opened and on and on and on….

Psalm 77:11-19

    I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

    [12] I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

  [13] Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?

    [14] You are the God who performs miracles;you display your power among the peoples. [15] With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

Selah

 [16] The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed;

   the very depths were convulsed. [17] The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. [18] Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

 [19] Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

As I go about my daily life I see people coming and going.  Often they hold a form of religion.  However, upon speaking to them I learn that all too often this form of religion is lacking in power. Power to make them feel secure and complete; to be confident about their eternity; to overcome sin; to build strong marriages; to give and receive forgiveness;  and to build relationships that help them be more like Jesus.    2 Tim. 3:2-5 … People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power…. (emphasis added)

As I walk along the power lines I am reminded that God’s power was made available to me through Jesus.  Romans 1:16  I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

 The power available to me in my life is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11); is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9); can accomplish more than I dare ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20,21); and gives me everything I need for life and Godliness (2 Peter 1:3)

Our connection to God accesses power that is beyond anything physical or within the dimensions of our understanding.  So, as I walk along the power lines and consider all that is happening because of the activity going through the  wires may I be ever so aware, available and humbled by the power available to me through my relationship with God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Battle Time!

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It began as a silent battle.  I didn’t know I was being invaded by the dark side – the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete.  These are the corkscrew shaped bacteria that cause Lyme disease.  I’ve learned a lot about Lyme these past few weeks. For instance, I didn’t know it could target certain areas of the body – like a heart. With their spiral twirls, they often strangle nerves and wreak havoc on our health. And in a twisted sort of way I’m very grateful for the miserable procedure I had about six weeks ago. After my catheter ablation these guys got angry.  Without this, these mean little spirochetes may have kept on gathering allies….silently setting the stage for a full out war. I had no idea who these guys were and that they were hiding out.  But now I know – and the battle is on! 

My cardiologist and primary care physician both informed me that the Lyme treatment which causes the bacteria to die might cause my heart and body to feel a “little funky” for a while during the initial “die off”. (Not sure that was the exact medical terminology used, but it’s what I remember.)   I stored that information away and this week began a long course of antibiotics, which will increase in dosage over time.  Whew….the natural frozen yogurt store opened in my town in just the knick of time – I obviously need those live yogurt cultures with probiotics regularly to balance the antibiotics, right?

Sure enough, since beginning the course of antibiotics I am awakened each morning about 3am by flutters, and a sense of something going on inside.  It feels sort of like something is attacking something. (more medical jargon).  This actually encourages me, as it tells me that the bad guys are going down.

I feel very thankful; if I had continued without knowledge of the presence of these bad guys they would have done more and more damage.  Now I know – and with proper armor can take them down!

I think of the spiritual war that goes on in our hearts day after day, often unseen.  If I remain unaware of the spiritual battle I will be defenseless as the forces of evil hold me captive.  However, from God’s Word I learn His plan for my life and how to experience the power to change and live a life that is complete and fulfilled – and pleasing to Him. I can be armed…and take the dark side down.  At times I can feel the strains of battle, but I know who ultimately wins!

Ephes. 6:10-18

    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. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

In It to Give It

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On the way to a marriage retreat this past weekend I received an e-mail from a friend.  He is suffering from extremely serious an advanced cancer and had just gone through ten hours of brain surgery the day before.  The subject line on his e-mail read “we are praying for you” and it was sent to encourage me in my recent health challenges – as well as to let me know that he and his wife were praying for me daily.  As I read his e-mail tears were streaming down my face.  It was so humbling, and encouraging – knowing that he and his wife (in all their pain) were thinking of and praying for me.  I felt very unworthy…   My little situation was so minor in comparison that I felt I didn’t  deserve to be the focus of their prayers.   But then I remembered the scripture Acts 20:35

    In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

I realized that their “giving attitude” is the reason why they are so faithful and joyful amidst dire circumstances.  Even while enduring their trials they are in this life to give – just like Jesus. The fact that it is more blessed to give than receive is just the simple truth that can make you plain ol’ happy.  If I don’t allow myself to be given to, not only am I lacking humility – but I’m also standing in the way of someone’s happiness.

The following scripture has helped me, often in more ways than I can remember.  It grounds me and helps me renew my decision to give no matter the circumstance around me or emotions within me.    When I feel like something is unfair, when it is difficult to forgive, or when the sin of entitlement creeps in telling me I deserve something…. I try to picture the Son of God, the creator of the universe and his example as a servant. He was “in it to give it” .  I hear the words of this scripture in the recesses of my mind.  Sometimes it’s a fight of the wills, but nonetheless I know what is right and what brings joy so it’s best if I surrender.

Luke 17:3-10

    So watch yourselves.

    “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. [4] If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

    [5] The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

    [6] He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

    [7] “Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? [8] Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? [9] Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? [10] So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”

Everything I have is a gift from God and I don’t deserve any of it.  Whenever I think God owes me I become critical and self focused.   When I get my thinking straight about what God has done for me I want to reciprocate and give back.

Whether in my marriage, my friendships, my outreach, my work…. If I can approach them all with the attitude to give –  it makes a world of difference in how I feel and interact.   At times my own will and desire can fight the “giving spirit.”  Then I rely on God’s promise that He will give me the will and the power to accomplish His good pleasure. Philip. 2:13

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.  

I rely on that.  I can’t do it without Him working in me to give me the will (the want to) as well as the strength to turn good intentions into actions.  I do want to be in it (this life) to give it (serving like Jesus served).