The heartsung prayers of a racing mind are often set to the music of ordinary experiences. Perhaps, like me you ask questions of God throughout each conversation. Questions that lead to more questions, and more questions. Just like any child would, I am no different. My questions are no surprise for him, his answers no surprise to me. I am continually encouraged by the truth of scripture as is resonates in my mind and spirit. Yet it is so often the case that he uses the language of my life to get my attention.
I was at the nail salon last week in preperation for the unveiling of my winter to spring feet, as a server/homemaker, I am on them 8 hours a day. Need I say more! I selected a natural pink polish to avoid any real attention to the pitiful hooves. I valiantly climbed into the massage and basin chair next to my daughter. I began to relax into the warm soak and back massage. I quietly continued to examine a new promise that God had spoken to my heart about my vocation in Christ. I was going pondering scriptures regarding my talants and responsibilities of using them.
The nail technician was working magic in the footbath below and I cl0sed my eyes. Time passed, I looked down to assess the progress and was shocked to find that the colour of toes was like Dorothys(wizard of oz) ruby red slippers! I have learned to let little things go, so I took a deep breath and lay back into the chair.
Once done with my feet, I followed the technician to the manicure table, he began to have a sneezing attack and left to find a tissue and wash his hands. I seized thet oppertunity to grab the red polish from his table and place the pink directly in front of his tools. My hands would be exactly what I wanted. I wanted to let him know that the red was not to be applied to them,so I quickly glanced at the bottom of the red bottle to get the name right. What a big surprise it was to see "I am really not a waitress" as the proper colour name. It was a direct response from God to me in one of the questions I had asked Him about the depth of serventhood.
What the Lord and I had been talking about all day long was about the heart of serving him no matter what the task, or time ,or environment. What we are truelly meant to do is lift others up to reach their fullest potential and in so doing He is lifted up and recognized, and we are moving in the direction of true leadership.
So I present to you that "I am not a waitress", yet I am a servant of the most high ,Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, to the Glory of God now and forever. Amen!!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, November 23, 2009
Peace
Many years ago, my 19 year old daughter and I were relaxing in the kitchen when we were both surprised by the then 7 year old honey bunny running up the stairs and immediately tumbling through the corridor into the kitchen by way of 3 momentous forward rolls. The older daughter sharply reprimanded the younger one for stopping within an inch of her shins as I leapt to my feet in applause and delight! The older daughter scolded me a bit for encouraging this behavior. My defense was more like a challenge, I invited her to try doing 3 forward rolls with a sudden stop and a taadaa finale like her sister. She took a walk down the hall and began to bend into a ball shape that replicated the previous performer. At the end of it all I explained that I was so moved by the fluid motions of the younger that I could not help but thrill in her use of energy and flexibility. After the elder sisters labored efforts, she too could only agree that the task inspired a sense of honour when carried out by youth and executed with ease. The elder did not show olympic promise as a gymnist.
One persons sense of appropriatness can certainly hinder anothers ability to freedom. In discerning the balance of relational stregnth, there are times when opposites must learn to co-exist. Wheat must grow with tare, silence must have a voice, peacekeepers must have peacemakers.
Keeping infers ownership , making infers the work or production of a thing. Making peace means hammering out unrest. Keeping peace means enforcing a code of agreement. Seeing both sides of a situation can cause a better understanding of anothers position. This does not insure a shared conviction. It can however, reveal oppertunity for commonality. Relationships are work, wether it be sister to sister , or co-workers , or spouses. To create a peace means to view someone else as God sees them. To take in the amazing love God has for all he created in that individual and reflect back to them an awe about who they are morphing into. In other words, to see Christ alive and at work through the unique quirks of their personality. What one may view as a weakness or friction, God may see as a place to pronounce His Glory, to reveal His wisdom, to confound this present world with hope and evidence that His Son at work in all of us can and will redeem each of us as we find it in our own hearts, and graciously offer it to one another!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God! Amen.
One persons sense of appropriatness can certainly hinder anothers ability to freedom. In discerning the balance of relational stregnth, there are times when opposites must learn to co-exist. Wheat must grow with tare, silence must have a voice, peacekeepers must have peacemakers.
Keeping infers ownership , making infers the work or production of a thing. Making peace means hammering out unrest. Keeping peace means enforcing a code of agreement. Seeing both sides of a situation can cause a better understanding of anothers position. This does not insure a shared conviction. It can however, reveal oppertunity for commonality. Relationships are work, wether it be sister to sister , or co-workers , or spouses. To create a peace means to view someone else as God sees them. To take in the amazing love God has for all he created in that individual and reflect back to them an awe about who they are morphing into. In other words, to see Christ alive and at work through the unique quirks of their personality. What one may view as a weakness or friction, God may see as a place to pronounce His Glory, to reveal His wisdom, to confound this present world with hope and evidence that His Son at work in all of us can and will redeem each of us as we find it in our own hearts, and graciously offer it to one another!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God! Amen.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Nuts and roots
From where I sat this morning, I could easily watch the sneaky little squirrel that was approaching my patio on the hunt for nuts. He ran up and down the leafless tree in my backyard to proudly display each find to his friend. The two of them engaged in a lively bit of chatter and then they were off again to collect more of the precious booty for a long winter ahead. This scene played out numerous times as I sat there with a front row seat. I was writing my own dialogue in my mind to the kinds of things the two of them might have been saying in each exchange. " how is the collecting going on your side of the yard?", " did you check out that pile of leaves over there ?" Get all you can while the getting is good , I heard the folks mention a clean up day and then it will all be gone." " I don't think I will go hungry this winter, but I wonder if the others know about this place?" " We must tell them right away, so they can stock up for the lean times!"
Maybe it was just wishful thinking to imagine a troop of squirrels ridding my yard of the nuicance nuts that needed to be raked up before first snow. They always seem to get trampled into the grass and buried halfway, only to be found next spring under a tender bare foot. The food of squirrels comes from the very subtle release of seed from the tree. The season for lucious fruit is past, the remnant left for only the wild to devour. The cycle begins again, roots have time in winter to go deeper, not compelled by sun and warmth and rains to work and produce foliage.
Now is the season to be rooted! We act like squirrels this time of year, don't we? We run around busily stashing our treasures away for " The holidays". We converse about bargains, recipes, and family plans to get together. We engage in the chatter of ritual comfort. But do we allow the spiritual season of growth and life an entrance to the underground work of root restoration? We have stored up scriptural training, we have sat with good council, we have understood and offered our fruits to one another, but have we taken time to lay axe to old roots and heal. During this close the windows- prepare for the winter - settle in time of year, take time to search out your heart before God. Rake over the hard areas and expose the rough patches. Throw away the dead branches, and while all may soon seem still, let your heart be rooted deeply in the Truth.
I want to encourage you to keep a personal journal of the winter season , the quiet and unnoticed journey the next few months will take you through. Sometimes we can't see fruit in areas we have given much attention to. It is at these times we need to remind ourseves daily of the microsopic developements that are taking place within us as we wait and watch. We will bear much fruit! John 15
Maybe it was just wishful thinking to imagine a troop of squirrels ridding my yard of the nuicance nuts that needed to be raked up before first snow. They always seem to get trampled into the grass and buried halfway, only to be found next spring under a tender bare foot. The food of squirrels comes from the very subtle release of seed from the tree. The season for lucious fruit is past, the remnant left for only the wild to devour. The cycle begins again, roots have time in winter to go deeper, not compelled by sun and warmth and rains to work and produce foliage.
Now is the season to be rooted! We act like squirrels this time of year, don't we? We run around busily stashing our treasures away for " The holidays". We converse about bargains, recipes, and family plans to get together. We engage in the chatter of ritual comfort. But do we allow the spiritual season of growth and life an entrance to the underground work of root restoration? We have stored up scriptural training, we have sat with good council, we have understood and offered our fruits to one another, but have we taken time to lay axe to old roots and heal. During this close the windows- prepare for the winter - settle in time of year, take time to search out your heart before God. Rake over the hard areas and expose the rough patches. Throw away the dead branches, and while all may soon seem still, let your heart be rooted deeply in the Truth.
I want to encourage you to keep a personal journal of the winter season , the quiet and unnoticed journey the next few months will take you through. Sometimes we can't see fruit in areas we have given much attention to. It is at these times we need to remind ourseves daily of the microsopic developements that are taking place within us as we wait and watch. We will bear much fruit! John 15
Friday, November 6, 2009
Ring Toss
Games are a big part of our culture. For centuries peoples of all nations have been either participants or spectators to sports, tournaments, and various challenges. Even this week our " World Series " took place and many entered this arena supporting their favorite team.
Excitment grows when two strong men arm wrestle. Adreneline rises as quizbowl youth face off. Voices escalate in my own family room as video games and rock band are played! Everybody wants to be or see a winner!
Yesterday I lead a group of wheelchair bound residents in a scheduled activity. The time was slotted for Ring toss. I positioned the chairs in a circle , I passed out some light weight rubber rings and had them take turns at the targets. We went around the circle throwing and missing for about an hour. Each player encouraging of one another, until it was Mrs. F's turn.
Mrs. F would not release the ring, try as she might to extend her arm and adjust her grasp, she kept telling us she couldn't let go! After about 20 minutes of this same complaint I asked her what was wrong with her hand. She responded " it works just fine, I can't let go until you place the target within my reach, I don't want to miss it". As the group made comments to the effect of passing her turn up and getting on with the game I had to admit to myself how trivial a game it was. Next time around I placed the target directly below Mrs. F's hand and it landed on the ring. This kept the group happy, to allow them less distraction and a return to a faster pace.
On my way home from work that night I thought about this scenario. The spirit of God quickened to me a personal message based on Mrs. F's behavior. How many times do I hold on to trivial things in my life that I make more important then they need to be? Why do I sometimes take hostages in having things done my way? Am I so rigid that if everything is not set up correctly I can't enjoy it! Let me tell you, I immediately searched my heart and found a few areas that I needed to apply repentance to.
Having returned to the workforce on a "floating schedule" I can't be in controll of anything but my response to daily challenges. I need to come up in the area of " good attitude". I thought I was doing pretty well prior to this moment of revelation, and then I got this real epiphany. All I can do is all I can be at any given moment! I have no secret to my own strength, ability or talent. What I may possess is only part of the life of the triune God at work through me as I allow it. I don't need doors to be opened for me, I need to open doors in my heart and mind to allow the free movement of the Holy Spirit. Victory is only mine because Christ has shared His triumph with me!
Excitment grows when two strong men arm wrestle. Adreneline rises as quizbowl youth face off. Voices escalate in my own family room as video games and rock band are played! Everybody wants to be or see a winner!
Yesterday I lead a group of wheelchair bound residents in a scheduled activity. The time was slotted for Ring toss. I positioned the chairs in a circle , I passed out some light weight rubber rings and had them take turns at the targets. We went around the circle throwing and missing for about an hour. Each player encouraging of one another, until it was Mrs. F's turn.
Mrs. F would not release the ring, try as she might to extend her arm and adjust her grasp, she kept telling us she couldn't let go! After about 20 minutes of this same complaint I asked her what was wrong with her hand. She responded " it works just fine, I can't let go until you place the target within my reach, I don't want to miss it". As the group made comments to the effect of passing her turn up and getting on with the game I had to admit to myself how trivial a game it was. Next time around I placed the target directly below Mrs. F's hand and it landed on the ring. This kept the group happy, to allow them less distraction and a return to a faster pace.
On my way home from work that night I thought about this scenario. The spirit of God quickened to me a personal message based on Mrs. F's behavior. How many times do I hold on to trivial things in my life that I make more important then they need to be? Why do I sometimes take hostages in having things done my way? Am I so rigid that if everything is not set up correctly I can't enjoy it! Let me tell you, I immediately searched my heart and found a few areas that I needed to apply repentance to.
Having returned to the workforce on a "floating schedule" I can't be in controll of anything but my response to daily challenges. I need to come up in the area of " good attitude". I thought I was doing pretty well prior to this moment of revelation, and then I got this real epiphany. All I can do is all I can be at any given moment! I have no secret to my own strength, ability or talent. What I may possess is only part of the life of the triune God at work through me as I allow it. I don't need doors to be opened for me, I need to open doors in my heart and mind to allow the free movement of the Holy Spirit. Victory is only mine because Christ has shared His triumph with me!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Home Sweet Home
As a child my life was so transient, we moved often due to the financial burdens placed on a struggling household. I'm sure that even as a young mother I endured many relocations for the same reason. It does not surprise me, although it might you, that I have lived in some 30 something locations to date.
Adapting to new environs has becaome second nature to me so much so, that even though my current address hasn't changed for 16 years, I still move my furniture every time I deep clean my house! I think it makes everything feel new. I also paint my walls every 3 years to recreate the space I call home. Some may think of home as a place where you can rely on things not to change, but in my experience it is the very change that makes me excited!
I have learned that it is not the comfort of the familiar I depend upon for the feeling of "home", more like the comfort of family! As long as I am surrounded by the voices, expressions, and personalities that are such a part of me, I am at home. I am at home when visiting siblings out of state. I am at home when present with dear friends. I am at home with my grandchildren wherever we find ourselves at play. All because I am at home with my Lord and God!
Many followers of Christ look to the future to be "home"after a life of service has ended on this earth! I believe too in a prepared place beyond this world. Except I also believe that we ABIDE in him! Jesus is our home here on earth! We are never without the blessed comfort afforded us by his Holy Spirit. He is a resident in our hearts and minds and continues to allow us to also recognize the outer protection and provision that is supernatural and invisible to the naked eye.
It is Jesus that prepares a precious meal of the bread and cup for me to dine with Him. It is my Lord who laughs and cries with me, it is the Son of God who calls me his sibling! Home is where the heart is , and so having given mine to Christ, He has taken up residence and has rooted me in the community of His love for all those I call brothers and sisters of faith!
Home Sweet Home! John 15" Abide in me and I will abide in you".
Adapting to new environs has becaome second nature to me so much so, that even though my current address hasn't changed for 16 years, I still move my furniture every time I deep clean my house! I think it makes everything feel new. I also paint my walls every 3 years to recreate the space I call home. Some may think of home as a place where you can rely on things not to change, but in my experience it is the very change that makes me excited!
I have learned that it is not the comfort of the familiar I depend upon for the feeling of "home", more like the comfort of family! As long as I am surrounded by the voices, expressions, and personalities that are such a part of me, I am at home. I am at home when visiting siblings out of state. I am at home when present with dear friends. I am at home with my grandchildren wherever we find ourselves at play. All because I am at home with my Lord and God!
Many followers of Christ look to the future to be "home"after a life of service has ended on this earth! I believe too in a prepared place beyond this world. Except I also believe that we ABIDE in him! Jesus is our home here on earth! We are never without the blessed comfort afforded us by his Holy Spirit. He is a resident in our hearts and minds and continues to allow us to also recognize the outer protection and provision that is supernatural and invisible to the naked eye.
It is Jesus that prepares a precious meal of the bread and cup for me to dine with Him. It is my Lord who laughs and cries with me, it is the Son of God who calls me his sibling! Home is where the heart is , and so having given mine to Christ, He has taken up residence and has rooted me in the community of His love for all those I call brothers and sisters of faith!
Home Sweet Home! John 15" Abide in me and I will abide in you".
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Gossip Girl or Gospel Girl?
I admit that for a while, I've been in a bit of a bubble. My concerns and experiences have been of a personal nature. My time spent with intimate friends and family. My energies applied to mostly isolated encounters, one on one chats or encouraging group activities. So as I returned to the workforce this past week ( a huge company) I was not prepared for the petty nuances in the workplace.
My employment is in the health care arena, specifically an assisted living facility. I come into contact with all manner of service oriented workers. And let me first say this, it is a priveledge to be amongst those who serve this country on the front lines (The hardest emotional battlefield of life). Daily facing the enemy of apathy, sacrificing personal space and pride to bring dignity to those who have gone before us and now depend on us down to the most humbling of actions. But, having been in the bubble I forgot how personalities can produce friction when rubbed the wrong way!
The very smallest of actions between co-workers can be fanned into a tremendous flare up when repeated to an itchy ear. The right words can become the wrong ones when a recanting of anothers circumstance is colored with opinion. The observations of a "not clued in" bystander can taint the perceptions of grace in action. Even the introductions to staff can present a jaded history not yet a part of my own experience with that relationship! One week into the job and my head is already spinning! Not because I worry about performance of duties, but because I need to take out the trash that is being dumped all over my heart to serve!!! I must remain dilligent in guarding my heart against the onslaught of this verbal pollution.
I could create allies, team up with those who have the most pull or influence. I could speak out against the behaviors that seem inappropriate. I could even just ignore it all and go about my own business. But if I want to truelly walk in the love and power of God, I must rely on the Holy Spirit to stir me and direct me in each instance. Only God can know the way to my heart, only he can reveal to me how to be effectual to each person that is devinely called to be part of my journey. And only God can reach others through me! So I must become an empty vessel every day, that I might be refilled with the new wine of his spirit, ready to be poured out again and again.
Create in me a clean heart Lord and renew a right spirit within me, cast me not from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me!
My employment is in the health care arena, specifically an assisted living facility. I come into contact with all manner of service oriented workers. And let me first say this, it is a priveledge to be amongst those who serve this country on the front lines (The hardest emotional battlefield of life). Daily facing the enemy of apathy, sacrificing personal space and pride to bring dignity to those who have gone before us and now depend on us down to the most humbling of actions. But, having been in the bubble I forgot how personalities can produce friction when rubbed the wrong way!
The very smallest of actions between co-workers can be fanned into a tremendous flare up when repeated to an itchy ear. The right words can become the wrong ones when a recanting of anothers circumstance is colored with opinion. The observations of a "not clued in" bystander can taint the perceptions of grace in action. Even the introductions to staff can present a jaded history not yet a part of my own experience with that relationship! One week into the job and my head is already spinning! Not because I worry about performance of duties, but because I need to take out the trash that is being dumped all over my heart to serve!!! I must remain dilligent in guarding my heart against the onslaught of this verbal pollution.
I could create allies, team up with those who have the most pull or influence. I could speak out against the behaviors that seem inappropriate. I could even just ignore it all and go about my own business. But if I want to truelly walk in the love and power of God, I must rely on the Holy Spirit to stir me and direct me in each instance. Only God can know the way to my heart, only he can reveal to me how to be effectual to each person that is devinely called to be part of my journey. And only God can reach others through me! So I must become an empty vessel every day, that I might be refilled with the new wine of his spirit, ready to be poured out again and again.
Create in me a clean heart Lord and renew a right spirit within me, cast me not from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Story Time
I love to read, as a matter of fact I love it so much that I will even read the dictionary! As I sit here at my computer, I am surrounded by stacks of books I've read and often re-read. The public library is better than shopping at the Mall for me( Actually anything is better then shopping for me!) I can lose myself in the smell of old print and the catagorical presentation of subjects.
I believe this deep connection began in me as a small child in kindergarten. Storytime had me fixated on images and characters from far away places of someones imagination. But the best thing I liked was the voice of the librarian as she made each page come to life. I didn't want to miss one word of text, I always tried to sit in front to view the illustrations up close. I was and still am transported to places and situations that imprint my soul.
When my children were potty training, I used sitting time as a tool to read and reward them for their efforts. We would stay bathroom bound with stacks of books even after the mission was accomplished. To this very day I keep a Bible on the tank of each commode to allow undistracted oppertunity for reading! I have often encouraged friends who need more discipline in daily devotion and Bible literacy to place a copy in the bathroom! We all need to retreat there at some point in our day! And so, the quiet and seperated space can lend itself to a necesary connection with the Word of God. And since I can no longer read my children bedtime stories, I allow them to search scripture by putting it out there where they can help themselves to as much as they want or need.
Now I must say that this practice has been confirmed for me and my household as a valid source of inspiration. Many an epiphany has taken place after a nature call. Truelly it has become a call to a new nature of spirit as well. There are even times when a family member will leave a passage open or marked for the next visitor! This can provide a gentle sharing of the word without confrontation, so to speak. A reminder to place love above all else, a psalm of praise to God to refocus our victories as from him and not ourselves, even a marked parable to help us reorient our path. In few short moments as these, we become re-centered on our real source of knowledge and truth. We are cognisant of trusting God for what we don't have answers for, or we are open to recieve the answers we want to avoid!
The first time I ever read the bible all the way through, I was 20 years old and it was a childrens picture story bible. A gift to my infant daughter upon her dedication in church. I knew that with such an important vow as to train her up in Gods word I needed to understand the power of this written history of Faith. What I realized in having finished this bible storybook was in itself the most incredible portrait of a loving father I had ever seen! My desire to know a real relationship with him has since been through daily correspondence via his precious son Jesus and the letters of the New Testament.
I pray you will burn with such a passion for "storytime" and come as a child to get a front seat.
I believe this deep connection began in me as a small child in kindergarten. Storytime had me fixated on images and characters from far away places of someones imagination. But the best thing I liked was the voice of the librarian as she made each page come to life. I didn't want to miss one word of text, I always tried to sit in front to view the illustrations up close. I was and still am transported to places and situations that imprint my soul.
When my children were potty training, I used sitting time as a tool to read and reward them for their efforts. We would stay bathroom bound with stacks of books even after the mission was accomplished. To this very day I keep a Bible on the tank of each commode to allow undistracted oppertunity for reading! I have often encouraged friends who need more discipline in daily devotion and Bible literacy to place a copy in the bathroom! We all need to retreat there at some point in our day! And so, the quiet and seperated space can lend itself to a necesary connection with the Word of God. And since I can no longer read my children bedtime stories, I allow them to search scripture by putting it out there where they can help themselves to as much as they want or need.
Now I must say that this practice has been confirmed for me and my household as a valid source of inspiration. Many an epiphany has taken place after a nature call. Truelly it has become a call to a new nature of spirit as well. There are even times when a family member will leave a passage open or marked for the next visitor! This can provide a gentle sharing of the word without confrontation, so to speak. A reminder to place love above all else, a psalm of praise to God to refocus our victories as from him and not ourselves, even a marked parable to help us reorient our path. In few short moments as these, we become re-centered on our real source of knowledge and truth. We are cognisant of trusting God for what we don't have answers for, or we are open to recieve the answers we want to avoid!
The first time I ever read the bible all the way through, I was 20 years old and it was a childrens picture story bible. A gift to my infant daughter upon her dedication in church. I knew that with such an important vow as to train her up in Gods word I needed to understand the power of this written history of Faith. What I realized in having finished this bible storybook was in itself the most incredible portrait of a loving father I had ever seen! My desire to know a real relationship with him has since been through daily correspondence via his precious son Jesus and the letters of the New Testament.
I pray you will burn with such a passion for "storytime" and come as a child to get a front seat.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
I Wait by Vanessa Redman Thorp
I wait
I wait for a glimpse of you dear Jesus
I stand in the crowd of those who have heard
you are coming!
Excited, I wait.
I Know
I know you will pass this way my Rabbi
I long to listen to your words of truth,
your teachings.
Open, I wait.
I Cry
I cry ,I weep, I confess
I sob for all I have forsaken, all I've taken
I want to make it right with you
Forgiven, I wait.
I Trust
I trust that you will restore me, make me new
I place my life into your hands
I sense a freedom from all worldly woe
Peacefully, I wait.
I Follow
I follow you, the Great Shepherd
I come into the goodness of your care
I am safely kept in your sight
Sheltered, I wait.
I Praise
I praise you for you are all I need
I sing of all your kindness and love to me
I worship you with all my heart contains
Joyfully, I wait.
I Wait
I wait each new morning for you
I wait throughout the changing days
I wait as years toll upon my face
In your presence, I wait.
I wait for a glimpse of you dear Jesus
I stand in the crowd of those who have heard
you are coming!
Excited, I wait.
I Know
I know you will pass this way my Rabbi
I long to listen to your words of truth,
your teachings.
Open, I wait.
I Cry
I cry ,I weep, I confess
I sob for all I have forsaken, all I've taken
I want to make it right with you
Forgiven, I wait.
I Trust
I trust that you will restore me, make me new
I place my life into your hands
I sense a freedom from all worldly woe
Peacefully, I wait.
I Follow
I follow you, the Great Shepherd
I come into the goodness of your care
I am safely kept in your sight
Sheltered, I wait.
I Praise
I praise you for you are all I need
I sing of all your kindness and love to me
I worship you with all my heart contains
Joyfully, I wait.
I Wait
I wait each new morning for you
I wait throughout the changing days
I wait as years toll upon my face
In your presence, I wait.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Gym Membership
My youngest daughter is a fitness freak! She has always been an energetic and enthusiastic sportsman. She could climb our radiator pipes to the ceiling by eighteen months of age, and has not stopped challenging herself or others since!
Last week she dragged me down to the gym and bought me a membership as a combined gift (she was going to get the power tools I wanted so badly for mothers day and my birthday!) . But the furniture refinishing projects I envisioned, never took place because of time constraints. And so she felt that I needed something more personal to challenge myself and prepare myself for a long and strong entrance into middle age.
I must say that I always thought of myself as an active women. Able to rise to physical feats appropriate to age and energy. Let me also say that my daughter is a sophmore in college with the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. I think she has targeted me to confirm her own gifts and develope her calling.
The first day at the gym was exciting. I put on the cute new workout clothes she bought me, and looked like I belonged there, ready for action. She gave me a tour, as well as instructions on the cardio programmable equipment. She set me up and patted my back and said "Don't stop, push past the pain, you're stronger than you know". Five minutes into the cycle, I thought I needed a break, but with her at my side I didn't dare slow or quit! She kept a constant verbal stream of encouragement coming my way. She didn't leave me for a second. I wanted so badly to do all she had planned and not dissapoint her because of the tremendous oppertunity she was offering me with this gift! But it was harder then I thought, more uncomfortable then I wanted to endure, more difficult then fun.
After a 30 minute cardio workout, I was beet red in the face, saturated in sweat and panting for water to cool my dried throat. I felt all rubbery in my legs, and cramped in my hands from the death grip I had on the handles, the only thing holding me up those last 10 minutes. After a short time of stretching, I was ready to head home. It was then that she announced "phase 2" of the workout. The cardio was the warmup! She then had me do abdominal crunches in 10 different positions until I could not even pick myself up off the floor. Another short break and "phase 3" weight training!!! I finished all that she required of me and she gave me a big hug and told me I surprised her by keeping pace. The only thing she wanted me to grasp and change was the contstant limits I set on myself. She said" You are telling me that you can't do anymore, and that mindset will stop you from pushing the limits, you can stop when you pass out or throw up, otherwise your body does what YOU tell it to do!"
I must admit I was a bit shocked at the harsh attitude she was presenting with that exhortation. But I was also amazed that I had accomplished more then I ever considered. I was a bit sore, but as she reminded me, "get used to it- no pain, no gain"!
In the book of Hebrews, the 12th chapter, verses 1-3, it says" Let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up."(NLT)
I recieve this scripture on so many levels today as I meditate on the current challenges set before me, relational, physical, mental, and spiritual. I know I must keep my eyes on Jesus!! I hear the Holy Spirit calling me to walk on water so to speak, to not just stay afloat but to rise up and move in new ways. To allow my spirit to be free of the earthly laws of physics, in limit setting! I truelly understand that there is a joy that will come AFTERWARD! But the discipline of practicing faith without doubt means you must push through the painful earthly forces. Obstacles, added stress, stretching in new directions, can all seem a bit overwhelming. But you don't go it alone. See the face of Christ encouraging,cheering you on. Hear his excited voice say this is the way walk in it. Feel the gift of his prescence by your side as you push harder against the unholy influences that want to derail you today!
He left us with our own personal trainer- The Holy Spirit , who will reveal all things to us, Praise the Lord!
Last week she dragged me down to the gym and bought me a membership as a combined gift (she was going to get the power tools I wanted so badly for mothers day and my birthday!) . But the furniture refinishing projects I envisioned, never took place because of time constraints. And so she felt that I needed something more personal to challenge myself and prepare myself for a long and strong entrance into middle age.
I must say that I always thought of myself as an active women. Able to rise to physical feats appropriate to age and energy. Let me also say that my daughter is a sophmore in college with the goal of becoming a Physical Therapist. I think she has targeted me to confirm her own gifts and develope her calling.
The first day at the gym was exciting. I put on the cute new workout clothes she bought me, and looked like I belonged there, ready for action. She gave me a tour, as well as instructions on the cardio programmable equipment. She set me up and patted my back and said "Don't stop, push past the pain, you're stronger than you know". Five minutes into the cycle, I thought I needed a break, but with her at my side I didn't dare slow or quit! She kept a constant verbal stream of encouragement coming my way. She didn't leave me for a second. I wanted so badly to do all she had planned and not dissapoint her because of the tremendous oppertunity she was offering me with this gift! But it was harder then I thought, more uncomfortable then I wanted to endure, more difficult then fun.
After a 30 minute cardio workout, I was beet red in the face, saturated in sweat and panting for water to cool my dried throat. I felt all rubbery in my legs, and cramped in my hands from the death grip I had on the handles, the only thing holding me up those last 10 minutes. After a short time of stretching, I was ready to head home. It was then that she announced "phase 2" of the workout. The cardio was the warmup! She then had me do abdominal crunches in 10 different positions until I could not even pick myself up off the floor. Another short break and "phase 3" weight training!!! I finished all that she required of me and she gave me a big hug and told me I surprised her by keeping pace. The only thing she wanted me to grasp and change was the contstant limits I set on myself. She said" You are telling me that you can't do anymore, and that mindset will stop you from pushing the limits, you can stop when you pass out or throw up, otherwise your body does what YOU tell it to do!"
I must admit I was a bit shocked at the harsh attitude she was presenting with that exhortation. But I was also amazed that I had accomplished more then I ever considered. I was a bit sore, but as she reminded me, "get used to it- no pain, no gain"!
In the book of Hebrews, the 12th chapter, verses 1-3, it says" Let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up."(NLT)
I recieve this scripture on so many levels today as I meditate on the current challenges set before me, relational, physical, mental, and spiritual. I know I must keep my eyes on Jesus!! I hear the Holy Spirit calling me to walk on water so to speak, to not just stay afloat but to rise up and move in new ways. To allow my spirit to be free of the earthly laws of physics, in limit setting! I truelly understand that there is a joy that will come AFTERWARD! But the discipline of practicing faith without doubt means you must push through the painful earthly forces. Obstacles, added stress, stretching in new directions, can all seem a bit overwhelming. But you don't go it alone. See the face of Christ encouraging,cheering you on. Hear his excited voice say this is the way walk in it. Feel the gift of his prescence by your side as you push harder against the unholy influences that want to derail you today!
He left us with our own personal trainer- The Holy Spirit , who will reveal all things to us, Praise the Lord!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Him who has ears, let him hear!
We are all created so intricately. Made with intimate details that only a divine benefactor could have installed. We possess certain endowments that help to define us throughout our journey. I have come to know my "special superpower" as hearing!
I know some of you might find this a bit crazy to say the least, but as a child, I was aware of having big ears! They kind of caused me to feel like a taxi cab with the doors left open. I was teased a bit but learned to wear my hair a little fuller around my head so as not to make them appear so prominent. As I grew I also recognized how sensitive my hearing skills were. I was bothered easily by low level noises around me. I could pick up on many different conversations and background disturbances easily! This is a blessing and a curse. On one hand you can be overwhelmed by the things you are not supposed to be aware of , sharp piercing blasts at high frequencies, slight changes in volume, distinct betrayals of actions taking place around you. On the other hand you have a built in sense of connection to activity on a more conscious level than simple observation.
Absolute silence is a gift to someone like myself. It is a rare moment that all is still and quiet. I find that even in the middle of the night the sound of a light switch coming on can awaken me. If a fan is whirling it creates such a distraction from peace in my space. My children used to wonder how I knew everything going on around me when they were out of sight and range, I could hear the change in there voice frequency and fine tune to their words even when behind closed doors.
The practice of finding a quiet place to unload all the activity in my brain became such an important part of my day, that I needed to awaken before dawn and remain up after the house settled to give myself a space and place to rest.
I grew in the " Be still and know that I am God " place. I began to hear Him speak as I emptied all other daily"noise " out in those early sessions. It was His words I would meditate on and wait for! All the stuff on the outside would slip away. And I would relinquish myself to a peace that cannot be found apart from in His prescence.
God Speaks! He has a voice that is soft, it is warm and tender! You can't hear it while internally ranting, you can't hear it when mentally absent, you won't hear it if always distracted. But when you take the time to allow him to have a say, and you are not desiring a - get to the point, one word answer, I think you'll be amazed at the things He truly wants to share with you personally!
I know some of you might find this a bit crazy to say the least, but as a child, I was aware of having big ears! They kind of caused me to feel like a taxi cab with the doors left open. I was teased a bit but learned to wear my hair a little fuller around my head so as not to make them appear so prominent. As I grew I also recognized how sensitive my hearing skills were. I was bothered easily by low level noises around me. I could pick up on many different conversations and background disturbances easily! This is a blessing and a curse. On one hand you can be overwhelmed by the things you are not supposed to be aware of , sharp piercing blasts at high frequencies, slight changes in volume, distinct betrayals of actions taking place around you. On the other hand you have a built in sense of connection to activity on a more conscious level than simple observation.
Absolute silence is a gift to someone like myself. It is a rare moment that all is still and quiet. I find that even in the middle of the night the sound of a light switch coming on can awaken me. If a fan is whirling it creates such a distraction from peace in my space. My children used to wonder how I knew everything going on around me when they were out of sight and range, I could hear the change in there voice frequency and fine tune to their words even when behind closed doors.
The practice of finding a quiet place to unload all the activity in my brain became such an important part of my day, that I needed to awaken before dawn and remain up after the house settled to give myself a space and place to rest.
I grew in the " Be still and know that I am God " place. I began to hear Him speak as I emptied all other daily"noise " out in those early sessions. It was His words I would meditate on and wait for! All the stuff on the outside would slip away. And I would relinquish myself to a peace that cannot be found apart from in His prescence.
God Speaks! He has a voice that is soft, it is warm and tender! You can't hear it while internally ranting, you can't hear it when mentally absent, you won't hear it if always distracted. But when you take the time to allow him to have a say, and you are not desiring a - get to the point, one word answer, I think you'll be amazed at the things He truly wants to share with you personally!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Selfish people live sorry Lives
I recently bumped into someone (physically) on my way out of a store. I turned around and said "Sorry" while biting my bottem lip. The face glowered back at me! It was an accident, I was distracted. I didn't do it on purpose I was just in a hurry and juggleing a purse and hot coffee as I focused on my exit. I think we've all been preoccupied from time to time,lost in our own thoughts. It is a natural response to the way we have been conditioned in a fast paced,you snooze you loose society.
Well. the polite way to go beyond the offense is to offer an apology for rude or inconsiderate behavior. But what of those people around us that have adopted an apologetic lifestyle. You know, the friend who is always late, the co-worker that fails to help with their share of respondsibility, the spouse that excuses missed occasions with a to busy calander. Or the family member who just had to put their critisism of you out there in front of others. They all have the same response to disappointing you or making you out as a party to the injury! I'M SORRY! As if it will magically remove them from their selfish action against you.
Maybe As you read this YOU are the one always throwing an apology at some situation to get yourself off the hook quickly. There is a pattern to test yourself with, Do you start with I'm sorry but... or perhaps, I'm sorry I needed... or maybe I'm sorry it's just that.... all this really points to is that you or the offender seek to excuse bad behavior instead of change it! That is the center of selfishness. Seeking your own interests above anothers.
In the book of Proverbs the 28th chapter the 25 & 26 verses it says this; "Selfish people cause trouble, but you will live a long life if you trust the Lord. Only fools would trust what they alone think, but if you live by wisdom you will do all right."(cev)
People who cause trouble are always saying they are sorry. Let me repeat myself, people who cause trouble are always saying they are sorry! People who want to stop causing trouble REPENT! They ask forgiveness from those they have offended, they forgive themselves by confessing their respondsibility to the offense & they recieve forgiveness from God by way of Jesus, The Holy Spirit allows them freedom to turn around their thought life toward a Christ centered WAY of thinking. That is WISDOM!!!!
Living a Spirit led life means not focusing on your own agenda, or schematic , or reason! It means living out each thought with the ambition of bringing God glory and praise. What a man thinks, so he is. If you think of Gods love for you, you can love others. If you think of His kindness towards you, you can be kind to others . If you think of His goodness and mercy toward you, you will become good and merciful to others. It is by bringing His thoughts not ours into our minds and actions that produce the life Christ died to give us. An abundant life filled with hope and joy. Not one we will be "Sorry " for !
Sorry is for small children learning from mistakes. We need to be reminded to grow up to the full stature of Christ as mature men and women! Next time you look to remedy a situation, ask yourself and God what in you must be made right to achieve a mind set that will glorify Him. How can you turn your thinking into a God way instead of a my way highway. Remember most road accidents happen because we are careless or lost in our own thoughts! We choose to make a call on the cell phone, we choose to drive when tired or distracted. Then who is SORRY! Being thoughtful of others will cause us to sacrifice our own selfish desire to get what we want when we want it. It will cost us to regard others as equally important. It will create in us an awareness of consequences to our actions that will help us remember to ask The Holy spirit to guide us and renew us. And again I say to you(v. 25) "you will live a long life if you trust the Lord!"
Well. the polite way to go beyond the offense is to offer an apology for rude or inconsiderate behavior. But what of those people around us that have adopted an apologetic lifestyle. You know, the friend who is always late, the co-worker that fails to help with their share of respondsibility, the spouse that excuses missed occasions with a to busy calander. Or the family member who just had to put their critisism of you out there in front of others. They all have the same response to disappointing you or making you out as a party to the injury! I'M SORRY! As if it will magically remove them from their selfish action against you.
Maybe As you read this YOU are the one always throwing an apology at some situation to get yourself off the hook quickly. There is a pattern to test yourself with, Do you start with I'm sorry but... or perhaps, I'm sorry I needed... or maybe I'm sorry it's just that.... all this really points to is that you or the offender seek to excuse bad behavior instead of change it! That is the center of selfishness. Seeking your own interests above anothers.
In the book of Proverbs the 28th chapter the 25 & 26 verses it says this; "Selfish people cause trouble, but you will live a long life if you trust the Lord. Only fools would trust what they alone think, but if you live by wisdom you will do all right."(cev)
People who cause trouble are always saying they are sorry. Let me repeat myself, people who cause trouble are always saying they are sorry! People who want to stop causing trouble REPENT! They ask forgiveness from those they have offended, they forgive themselves by confessing their respondsibility to the offense & they recieve forgiveness from God by way of Jesus, The Holy Spirit allows them freedom to turn around their thought life toward a Christ centered WAY of thinking. That is WISDOM!!!!
Living a Spirit led life means not focusing on your own agenda, or schematic , or reason! It means living out each thought with the ambition of bringing God glory and praise. What a man thinks, so he is. If you think of Gods love for you, you can love others. If you think of His kindness towards you, you can be kind to others . If you think of His goodness and mercy toward you, you will become good and merciful to others. It is by bringing His thoughts not ours into our minds and actions that produce the life Christ died to give us. An abundant life filled with hope and joy. Not one we will be "Sorry " for !
Sorry is for small children learning from mistakes. We need to be reminded to grow up to the full stature of Christ as mature men and women! Next time you look to remedy a situation, ask yourself and God what in you must be made right to achieve a mind set that will glorify Him. How can you turn your thinking into a God way instead of a my way highway. Remember most road accidents happen because we are careless or lost in our own thoughts! We choose to make a call on the cell phone, we choose to drive when tired or distracted. Then who is SORRY! Being thoughtful of others will cause us to sacrifice our own selfish desire to get what we want when we want it. It will cost us to regard others as equally important. It will create in us an awareness of consequences to our actions that will help us remember to ask The Holy spirit to guide us and renew us. And again I say to you(v. 25) "you will live a long life if you trust the Lord!"
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Making Melody in your heart unto the Lord
Music has a way of reaching the primal core of me. I can't seem to decide what genre is my favorite. I match my tunes to my mood or energy level. I have amassed such a variety of artists;classical,pop,r&b, jazz, swing,techno,disco, heavy metal, country, you name it I love it!
I like to change the words to popular tunes to reflect a personal worship message(like they did in the movie Sister Act). I find myself tweeking almost anything on the stereo to offer up my heart to God. I also recieve some lyrics as personal messages of love and blessings just for me from His heart. Music helps me express all kinds of internal energy. I can rid myself of negative feelings by doing some Janis Joplin screeching or by a Nora Jones style deep vocal whispering. Linda Ronstadts"when will I be loved", seems to help empty me of hurt at times that I identify emotional tresspassers,at least it's a starting point.
But the truth be told, when I'm by myself I make up my own tunes and words and just sing out to God! On a few occasions my husband has been woken up during the night by my singing in my sleep!
I can remember as a young girl taking walks and just singing about creation, the trees or birds or sun,it didn't much matter it just felt good. That girl is very much a part of this mature women! There is something about vocal expression that seems to take me to a spiritual place in another realm.Music is truelly the universal language. I bet if we all sang more about good things , we'd fill ourselves up with joy and kindness. We would spend more of our attention on seeing them, then on the negative thoughts we keep to ourselves!
The scriptures tell us to sing and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord our God! It won't matter if you carry a tune in a bucket,it really only matters that you practice vocalizing. Why? Because in heaven we will be surrounded with music, angels singing, alleluias and praises constantly on our lips. Everybody worshipping as one before The King of Glory! Thats a concert I can't wait to attend!
I like to change the words to popular tunes to reflect a personal worship message(like they did in the movie Sister Act). I find myself tweeking almost anything on the stereo to offer up my heart to God. I also recieve some lyrics as personal messages of love and blessings just for me from His heart. Music helps me express all kinds of internal energy. I can rid myself of negative feelings by doing some Janis Joplin screeching or by a Nora Jones style deep vocal whispering. Linda Ronstadts"when will I be loved", seems to help empty me of hurt at times that I identify emotional tresspassers,at least it's a starting point.
But the truth be told, when I'm by myself I make up my own tunes and words and just sing out to God! On a few occasions my husband has been woken up during the night by my singing in my sleep!
I can remember as a young girl taking walks and just singing about creation, the trees or birds or sun,it didn't much matter it just felt good. That girl is very much a part of this mature women! There is something about vocal expression that seems to take me to a spiritual place in another realm.Music is truelly the universal language. I bet if we all sang more about good things , we'd fill ourselves up with joy and kindness. We would spend more of our attention on seeing them, then on the negative thoughts we keep to ourselves!
The scriptures tell us to sing and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord our God! It won't matter if you carry a tune in a bucket,it really only matters that you practice vocalizing. Why? Because in heaven we will be surrounded with music, angels singing, alleluias and praises constantly on our lips. Everybody worshipping as one before The King of Glory! Thats a concert I can't wait to attend!
Monday, August 24, 2009
SisterFriends
I have a broad network of women that I feel connected to. I'm sure you all have those dear people in your life that you know you can go to for various reasons. Some laugh with you, some cry with you. Some shop,eat, chat, pray, celebrate,decorate, work, organize, & sympathize with you. Some love who you love and hate who you hate. And to some you are Mom,Aunt, teacher, neighbor, helper, Grandma, advisor, prophet, priest, or friend.
But certain women grow into "sister-friends". That relationship is more than just a connection, it's a place! Somewhere safe to go when you are in need of a reality check. That special and unconditional friendship that tells you how awful you look in a bathing suit. That wonderful friend that will sit in the middle of your laundry pile just to "catch up" with your latest news. That one in a million -read your mind( right before you lose it), kind of gal pal.
I am fortunate enough to have some of those rare gems in my life. They have reached deep into themselves and offered me a place to grow there close to their hearts. They are never surprised when I just drop in. They are never unable to share their friends with me. They always include me in their extended family activities. I am welcome to travel all their roads with them. Some are well lit, others require holding hands thru dark places. Never the less, I hold them just as closely as they hold me.
There is one woman in particular that had made a pact with me due to her limitations. We promised to always pray for one another, even if the other should decide to go away from the friendship. This woman was and is so dear to me that I could never forget that pact. She suffered from physical abuse that lead her into alchoholism. I was honest with her about getting herself help. I knew that for all the depth we had shared, she and I would not continue on the same road at that time. As a good friend, a loving friend, I had to admit to her and myself that she needed professional care. I could only stand aside and pray. She never said good-bye,but I haven't heard her Hello on the other end of the phone in over 4 years. I sense the loss in my life and hers. But I still believe it was for the best to allow her to figure out how to work through it all. Time has a way of revealing all things. I have learned to longsuffer in prayer over this broken womans struggle.
Perhaps you too know a close relationship that has taken a "humpty dumpty" fall. Once there was joy and closeness. Now there is distance and grief. It can Hurt to the core. It can make you so very angry. It can break your heart. It can make a WARRIOR out of you! Yes , you will need to stay vigilant in prayer! You will need to release the heavenly hosts daily to minister in ways you never could on behalf of this precious life you and God love! Don't doubt that whatever you ask in the name of Jesus isn't already at work to restore and heal the wounds of your dear sister friends! You may not get to see the fruit of a deeply committed prayer pact, but intercession and fasting are the only ways to break strongholds.
I don't want to be so selfish as to pray just so I can regain this person in my life. I want this person to sense that she will never be forsaken and alone again. And only Jesus has traveled the road to Hell and back, Only He has the keys to unlock the chains that bind her. Jesus will hold her hand in dark places even when she doesn't know to ask, I will ask for her!!!
But certain women grow into "sister-friends". That relationship is more than just a connection, it's a place! Somewhere safe to go when you are in need of a reality check. That special and unconditional friendship that tells you how awful you look in a bathing suit. That wonderful friend that will sit in the middle of your laundry pile just to "catch up" with your latest news. That one in a million -read your mind( right before you lose it), kind of gal pal.
I am fortunate enough to have some of those rare gems in my life. They have reached deep into themselves and offered me a place to grow there close to their hearts. They are never surprised when I just drop in. They are never unable to share their friends with me. They always include me in their extended family activities. I am welcome to travel all their roads with them. Some are well lit, others require holding hands thru dark places. Never the less, I hold them just as closely as they hold me.
There is one woman in particular that had made a pact with me due to her limitations. We promised to always pray for one another, even if the other should decide to go away from the friendship. This woman was and is so dear to me that I could never forget that pact. She suffered from physical abuse that lead her into alchoholism. I was honest with her about getting herself help. I knew that for all the depth we had shared, she and I would not continue on the same road at that time. As a good friend, a loving friend, I had to admit to her and myself that she needed professional care. I could only stand aside and pray. She never said good-bye,but I haven't heard her Hello on the other end of the phone in over 4 years. I sense the loss in my life and hers. But I still believe it was for the best to allow her to figure out how to work through it all. Time has a way of revealing all things. I have learned to longsuffer in prayer over this broken womans struggle.
Perhaps you too know a close relationship that has taken a "humpty dumpty" fall. Once there was joy and closeness. Now there is distance and grief. It can Hurt to the core. It can make you so very angry. It can break your heart. It can make a WARRIOR out of you! Yes , you will need to stay vigilant in prayer! You will need to release the heavenly hosts daily to minister in ways you never could on behalf of this precious life you and God love! Don't doubt that whatever you ask in the name of Jesus isn't already at work to restore and heal the wounds of your dear sister friends! You may not get to see the fruit of a deeply committed prayer pact, but intercession and fasting are the only ways to break strongholds.
I don't want to be so selfish as to pray just so I can regain this person in my life. I want this person to sense that she will never be forsaken and alone again. And only Jesus has traveled the road to Hell and back, Only He has the keys to unlock the chains that bind her. Jesus will hold her hand in dark places even when she doesn't know to ask, I will ask for her!!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wilderness Experiences
Have you ever been in a situation that seems to lock you up? You know, a landslide of difficulty coming down around you. Well, this week two very dear young women have come to me with similar weight on there backs . These wives,mothers, faith filled friends have been challenged by overwhelming circumstances.
One women is facing an onslaught of attacks in the area of her families health issues, the other faces major conflicts in financial and employment decisions. Both are really being squeezed with a vice grip hold to continue to walk against the white water rapids of discouragement. Carried along this frightening flow of non stop-need a breath-emotional riptide, they ask the same question of God. How long Oh Lord can I hold on to hope?
Do you know that feeling from a time in your own faith journey? I do. I remember it like it was yesterday! Some things we never forget. My church family had just anointed me and six other women to take a vow of prayer and service at a Sunday service. I was so humbled to be a part of this extension of service for the sake of living out my christian vocation. The next day my family headed to visit our daughter in college. In one weeks time, my home was robbed, my dog was in a critical accident, the washer broke down and my small children were having nightmares over the unbelievable havoc our lives became. No sense of continuity, no ability to enter a moment of rest. I was so shaken to the core that I started to fear being alone in my house in case the intruder returned!
I remember my first day alone in the house, I was a strong front for the sake of the kids, but after sending them to school, I felt paralized. I melted into a heap of tears on my kitchen floor and sobbed uncontrollably. I kept crying "Help me God! Help me" .. the phone rang and it was a friend who dropped everything and came to me. She carried my shaky frame back to the kitchen and cradled me like a mother with a newborn. She let me cry and cry and cry as she stroked my head and softly rocked me with gentle shushing. After a long while she reminded me that I was human.
Yes, HUMAN! She told me that my every tear was a deep prayer to God. It was good to release them. It was right to be mindful of my own limits, it was expected that I should be come against after my public confession of Jesus alive in me. Yes Jesus was also in a wilderness where He was tested by Satan. We forget that old Devil still uses the same bag of tricks!
Ladies and gentlemen, It was after her departure that I saw clearly the strategic manipulation of Satan trying to render me useless in Gods service with the booby traps of fear, anxiety and distraction. It gave me a whole new prayer life! I learned to recognize the enemy instantly around various situations and rebuke him and the horse he rode in on!!!!
If you are currently coming up against opposition in your household circumstances, take a moment to see what strongholds are at work against Gods good purposes! Begin to set up a battalion of blessings, gather your warrior bride of Christ girlfriends to pray and worship with and for you, and remember you are human, God is all powerful, jealous for the sake of HIS children! He has given authority to you in the Name of Jesus. You are not alone!!!!
One women is facing an onslaught of attacks in the area of her families health issues, the other faces major conflicts in financial and employment decisions. Both are really being squeezed with a vice grip hold to continue to walk against the white water rapids of discouragement. Carried along this frightening flow of non stop-need a breath-emotional riptide, they ask the same question of God. How long Oh Lord can I hold on to hope?
Do you know that feeling from a time in your own faith journey? I do. I remember it like it was yesterday! Some things we never forget. My church family had just anointed me and six other women to take a vow of prayer and service at a Sunday service. I was so humbled to be a part of this extension of service for the sake of living out my christian vocation. The next day my family headed to visit our daughter in college. In one weeks time, my home was robbed, my dog was in a critical accident, the washer broke down and my small children were having nightmares over the unbelievable havoc our lives became. No sense of continuity, no ability to enter a moment of rest. I was so shaken to the core that I started to fear being alone in my house in case the intruder returned!
I remember my first day alone in the house, I was a strong front for the sake of the kids, but after sending them to school, I felt paralized. I melted into a heap of tears on my kitchen floor and sobbed uncontrollably. I kept crying "Help me God! Help me" .. the phone rang and it was a friend who dropped everything and came to me. She carried my shaky frame back to the kitchen and cradled me like a mother with a newborn. She let me cry and cry and cry as she stroked my head and softly rocked me with gentle shushing. After a long while she reminded me that I was human.
Yes, HUMAN! She told me that my every tear was a deep prayer to God. It was good to release them. It was right to be mindful of my own limits, it was expected that I should be come against after my public confession of Jesus alive in me. Yes Jesus was also in a wilderness where He was tested by Satan. We forget that old Devil still uses the same bag of tricks!
Ladies and gentlemen, It was after her departure that I saw clearly the strategic manipulation of Satan trying to render me useless in Gods service with the booby traps of fear, anxiety and distraction. It gave me a whole new prayer life! I learned to recognize the enemy instantly around various situations and rebuke him and the horse he rode in on!!!!
If you are currently coming up against opposition in your household circumstances, take a moment to see what strongholds are at work against Gods good purposes! Begin to set up a battalion of blessings, gather your warrior bride of Christ girlfriends to pray and worship with and for you, and remember you are human, God is all powerful, jealous for the sake of HIS children! He has given authority to you in the Name of Jesus. You are not alone!!!!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Fighting for Victory
I don't understand why I continue to expect a fair match when engaged in a dispute with a family member. It seems that the old mistakes I've made in the past are shot at me with rapid fire precision. The old saying" forgive and forget" never seems to apply when dealing with mere mortals.
I know God forgave my stubborn will, my faults and my failings according to the confession of my weakness. Those around me seemed to get over it when I asked for their forgiveness also. Yet Satan always stirs up some form of rememberance over past mistakes. I'm so sure I'm not the only one in this world tormented this way!
The scenario seems to go like this.... I'm going along just fine, joyfully accepting the day to day inconveniences and expectations of others, growing in my ability to set boundaries that are healthier then in the past. Suddenly a sarcastic mention of a past foiable is made. Right in the middle of my positive attitude! Thats right, out of nowhere it seems I'm dragged to a time when the spirit of God was retraining me to move in a new and sanctified way. You know, " the pruning season". When there were things in my life that needed to be cut out! It was hard enough back then to hear, imagine how much more painful it is to continue to be identified with old sin!!! And who but the members of my own family fall prey to be used of Satan in my devaluation!!!
And again I must go in my spirit to that strong tower, which is the name of Christ, and hide from the burning arrows of defeat. For me it has become a shorter distance to cross these days. I get there by singing "Who can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus, Who can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus". I sing this song silently to myself. I sing it LOUD inside my head. I sing it as long as it takes till the attack subsides. And all the while the outside of me stays steady. I keep quiet. I walk away. As Jesus said on the cross" it is finished"!
When Satan reminds you of your past, just remind him of his Future!
I know God forgave my stubborn will, my faults and my failings according to the confession of my weakness. Those around me seemed to get over it when I asked for their forgiveness also. Yet Satan always stirs up some form of rememberance over past mistakes. I'm so sure I'm not the only one in this world tormented this way!
The scenario seems to go like this.... I'm going along just fine, joyfully accepting the day to day inconveniences and expectations of others, growing in my ability to set boundaries that are healthier then in the past. Suddenly a sarcastic mention of a past foiable is made. Right in the middle of my positive attitude! Thats right, out of nowhere it seems I'm dragged to a time when the spirit of God was retraining me to move in a new and sanctified way. You know, " the pruning season". When there were things in my life that needed to be cut out! It was hard enough back then to hear, imagine how much more painful it is to continue to be identified with old sin!!! And who but the members of my own family fall prey to be used of Satan in my devaluation!!!
And again I must go in my spirit to that strong tower, which is the name of Christ, and hide from the burning arrows of defeat. For me it has become a shorter distance to cross these days. I get there by singing "Who can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus, Who can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus". I sing this song silently to myself. I sing it LOUD inside my head. I sing it as long as it takes till the attack subsides. And all the while the outside of me stays steady. I keep quiet. I walk away. As Jesus said on the cross" it is finished"!
When Satan reminds you of your past, just remind him of his Future!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
In the mist
I just returned from a 4 day get away to the Hampton Beach area of Long Island, New York. Upscale restaurants, Boutique Shops & huge private estates seem to dominate the quaint little villages and charm the senses.
We'd been blessed by a relative who shared their summer home with my sister, brother in law, husband and I. The house was all ours! A beautifully restored historic "Gate House". It was situated on a full acre of property,maintained impecably by gardeners, a housekeeper and other various laborers. The inside was exclusively appointed by a professional designer. The guest rooms were charming and luxurious. The pantry and refridgerator were stocked with anything and everything one might desire to eat or drink. We were welcomed to share in all the hospitable provisions of our dear hostess.
God called me to fast!! Can you believe it? Well it's true. I felt lead to abstain from eating from sun up to sun down. (We had dinners at about 8;30 pm) .I was also called to retreat to a quiet place alone and search out scripture, pray & worship. I never stepped foot in the sand or shopped or even dressed on one day there. But I did however enjoy the greatest retreat of my life.
The men went fishing, or sight seeing as my sister & I shared our meditations each morning.
The word was opened up to us and spoke directly to our spirits. We were more hungry and thirsty for the things of God during our time there than for food or drink. And I understand how Jesus went to a garden to pray,even plead on behalf of the weakness of human struggle. A garden makes time stand still, it empties you of distractions in view of the delicate way God himself reveals His mysteries. It is a place that grows your ability to renew faith and trust. It's just you and The King of all the universe. Everything shrinks before the majesty of His creation.
The last day there, I awoke to find a fine mist rolling over the area. I went outside far behind the house to the private pool. The mist covered me with a cool and refreshing touch without leaving me damp, the air was humid and warm like a towel right out of the dryer. I listened to the water bubble in the pool next to me and I just rested in the whole and Holy presence of God like a weaned child on it's mothers lap. I was filled up with tender love. Gods love. The kind that after emptying yourself out finds enough room to make a home. The kind that causes you to love yourself as God does. The kind that brings strength into the weak places of your body , soul and heart. The kind of love that we were meant for! Not just for a moment but for eternity.
It is hard to fathom how the Lord moved on my behalf to place me in such a location for nothing, at such a time when I could not have done this thing for myself. To recieve true riches in the land of the "rich and famous". To be satisfied beyond food & drink, to have His peace as a reminder that this is "living the dream"! Waiting on the Lord-Knowing his goodness toward us extend to the farthest reaches.
We'd been blessed by a relative who shared their summer home with my sister, brother in law, husband and I. The house was all ours! A beautifully restored historic "Gate House". It was situated on a full acre of property,maintained impecably by gardeners, a housekeeper and other various laborers. The inside was exclusively appointed by a professional designer. The guest rooms were charming and luxurious. The pantry and refridgerator were stocked with anything and everything one might desire to eat or drink. We were welcomed to share in all the hospitable provisions of our dear hostess.
God called me to fast!! Can you believe it? Well it's true. I felt lead to abstain from eating from sun up to sun down. (We had dinners at about 8;30 pm) .I was also called to retreat to a quiet place alone and search out scripture, pray & worship. I never stepped foot in the sand or shopped or even dressed on one day there. But I did however enjoy the greatest retreat of my life.
The men went fishing, or sight seeing as my sister & I shared our meditations each morning.
The word was opened up to us and spoke directly to our spirits. We were more hungry and thirsty for the things of God during our time there than for food or drink. And I understand how Jesus went to a garden to pray,even plead on behalf of the weakness of human struggle. A garden makes time stand still, it empties you of distractions in view of the delicate way God himself reveals His mysteries. It is a place that grows your ability to renew faith and trust. It's just you and The King of all the universe. Everything shrinks before the majesty of His creation.
The last day there, I awoke to find a fine mist rolling over the area. I went outside far behind the house to the private pool. The mist covered me with a cool and refreshing touch without leaving me damp, the air was humid and warm like a towel right out of the dryer. I listened to the water bubble in the pool next to me and I just rested in the whole and Holy presence of God like a weaned child on it's mothers lap. I was filled up with tender love. Gods love. The kind that after emptying yourself out finds enough room to make a home. The kind that causes you to love yourself as God does. The kind that brings strength into the weak places of your body , soul and heart. The kind of love that we were meant for! Not just for a moment but for eternity.
It is hard to fathom how the Lord moved on my behalf to place me in such a location for nothing, at such a time when I could not have done this thing for myself. To recieve true riches in the land of the "rich and famous". To be satisfied beyond food & drink, to have His peace as a reminder that this is "living the dream"! Waiting on the Lord-Knowing his goodness toward us extend to the farthest reaches.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Be-Attitudes
Most of us are familiar with the fifth chapter of Matthew in the Bible. You remember where Jesus gave us the Sermon on the Mount.....Blessed are the poor,those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger, the merciful, the pure of heart,the peacemakers, the persecuted for righteousness sake, the falsley accused and slandered for the name of Jesus". Having been in a few of those positions in my lifetime, it is hard to feel a special bond among the blessed! The big kicker here is at the end of this we are told "Rejoice and be glad, your reward is great in Heaven!"
The reward is in Heaven? But the struggle is here on earth! And you want me to rejoice? How Oh Lord ,can this be accomplished? Years of searching out the scriptures have helped me to learn some of Christs strategies for having a right heart response or as I call it a "Be - Attitude". My favorite reference comes from the fourth chapter of Phillipians as the Apostle Paul writes starting with verse 4,"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men, the Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing,but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God , which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true,honorable,right,pure,lovely,of good report,if there is any excellence or anything worthy of praise , let your mind dwell on these things....practice these things and the God of peace shall be with you". Verse 12, " I know how to get along with humble means,and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry,both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who stregthens me.
The beggining of this text reminds us that we will need to position ourselves as forbearers. Others will see the load we carry. Life is messy! You can't sweep the dirt under the carpet! We need to shake it out and sweep it up. We make declaration of God at work in our situation by rejoicing! We allow our spirit to be grateful for the revealing of hidden enemies to the greater and deeper work of God in our lives. We express the intimate partnership of our burdens by speaking the holiness of Gods divinity into each moment of hardship. And we get the broom out and whistle while we work . We relocate our minds to the dwelling places of His excellece in the mysterious ways He works, and we remember it is Christ in us that is strong enough to conquer our fears and anxieties and enable us to do all things.
Once we begin to operate in such a way as to accept that we will have to encounter an unholy world, we will indeed recognize the need to remain in the presence of a Holy God to help us overcome that part of it that wants to cling to us.
May the Spirit of God coat you with a teflon "Be-Attitude", Begin with rejoicing to apply to all surfaces. Nothing the world throws at you will stick!!
The reward is in Heaven? But the struggle is here on earth! And you want me to rejoice? How Oh Lord ,can this be accomplished? Years of searching out the scriptures have helped me to learn some of Christs strategies for having a right heart response or as I call it a "Be - Attitude". My favorite reference comes from the fourth chapter of Phillipians as the Apostle Paul writes starting with verse 4,"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men, the Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing,but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God , which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true,honorable,right,pure,lovely,of good report,if there is any excellence or anything worthy of praise , let your mind dwell on these things....practice these things and the God of peace shall be with you". Verse 12, " I know how to get along with humble means,and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry,both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who stregthens me.
The beggining of this text reminds us that we will need to position ourselves as forbearers. Others will see the load we carry. Life is messy! You can't sweep the dirt under the carpet! We need to shake it out and sweep it up. We make declaration of God at work in our situation by rejoicing! We allow our spirit to be grateful for the revealing of hidden enemies to the greater and deeper work of God in our lives. We express the intimate partnership of our burdens by speaking the holiness of Gods divinity into each moment of hardship. And we get the broom out and whistle while we work . We relocate our minds to the dwelling places of His excellece in the mysterious ways He works, and we remember it is Christ in us that is strong enough to conquer our fears and anxieties and enable us to do all things.
Once we begin to operate in such a way as to accept that we will have to encounter an unholy world, we will indeed recognize the need to remain in the presence of a Holy God to help us overcome that part of it that wants to cling to us.
May the Spirit of God coat you with a teflon "Be-Attitude", Begin with rejoicing to apply to all surfaces. Nothing the world throws at you will stick!!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday Village
Over many years I have come to recognize the value of Sundays. Sunday is not just the name given for the day following Saturday. Nor is it of value to me because it is considered a day of rest .
Since I was a small girl, I can recall Sunday dresses and petticoats, patent leather shoes(white from Easter till Labor day,black for fall and winter) hats ,and gloves. What a great treasure to dress up in that special outfit once each week! For close to 12 weeks this outfit consisted of the same single dress! We were not wealthy, but it seemed most the kids also had 1 set of Sunday clothes. I think it only changed if you grew or with the seasons.
The priveledge of putting on such garments was for the purpose of going to church as a family.
We went faithfully with our friends and neighbors to church school and worship services each Sunday. We sang songs of Jesus' love for us and made crafts that helped remind us at home of the lessons we were taught on flannel boards about bible characters and Gods big plan! It always felt good to be there. I felt loved , I felt beautiful, I felt like it was one big family! I remember learning to recite the Lords prayer. It wasn't about anything rote that took place,yet the tradition was foundational in my sense of experiencing God through His people" The Church".
After Worship Service we always went to my Great Grandmaothers house for Sunday supper. This also was a tradition. As we entered her tiny cottage, the smells of a roast in the oven and fresh baked bread made our tummies grumble for the feast to follow! She would set us up with a quiet activity she found from the "funny pages" of the sunday paper. My sister and I weekly cut out the paper doll dress to add to our cigar box collection for later play. My older brother colored the by number picture insert. We sprawled across the small sitting room floor until called to our places at the childrens table, an arms length away from our elders. Grace was said and "children should be seen and not heard" was the rule for dinner conversation. If we ate all on our plates we were given dessert. Now all this was accomplished in our Sunday best with dishtowels covering our necks and chests.
After dinner we would be sent out to the front porch to play jacks or cards or jump rope. If the weather was bad we could take toys from a box out and play on the enclosed pantry -back door area. On long summer days we sat out under the cherry tree and played dolls as the adults talked and relaxed.
We ended each Sunday with full tummies, tired eyes and promises to be back next week. We children sat quietly in the back seat as our parents headed us home for bed. I remember watching the trees and neighborhoods pass by us from the car windows, sun setting,seasons changing. Everything familiar, each block etched into my memory of the road home.
I share this trip down memory lane with you today because I'm stirred by the promise I made this morning to God about Hunter. Hunter was Baptized today! His parents are Phil and Robin. They were surrounded by generations of family and friends. Robin and her family are new to our church family, and we all celebrated this joy together. Today I promised God to support Her and her family in showing Gods love, in encouraging them to come to the feast He has prepared in Christ thru the bread and cup. I promised to be that place that would help Hunter grow through years of laughter,tears,victories and challanges, and understand his gifts, along with all the others present.
Lord Jesus help us all to recieve the little children in our midst, to cherish your heart towards them as we learn to serve you more each day! For the sake of your kingdom coming into our midst every day. Amen
Since I was a small girl, I can recall Sunday dresses and petticoats, patent leather shoes(white from Easter till Labor day,black for fall and winter) hats ,and gloves. What a great treasure to dress up in that special outfit once each week! For close to 12 weeks this outfit consisted of the same single dress! We were not wealthy, but it seemed most the kids also had 1 set of Sunday clothes. I think it only changed if you grew or with the seasons.
The priveledge of putting on such garments was for the purpose of going to church as a family.
We went faithfully with our friends and neighbors to church school and worship services each Sunday. We sang songs of Jesus' love for us and made crafts that helped remind us at home of the lessons we were taught on flannel boards about bible characters and Gods big plan! It always felt good to be there. I felt loved , I felt beautiful, I felt like it was one big family! I remember learning to recite the Lords prayer. It wasn't about anything rote that took place,yet the tradition was foundational in my sense of experiencing God through His people" The Church".
After Worship Service we always went to my Great Grandmaothers house for Sunday supper. This also was a tradition. As we entered her tiny cottage, the smells of a roast in the oven and fresh baked bread made our tummies grumble for the feast to follow! She would set us up with a quiet activity she found from the "funny pages" of the sunday paper. My sister and I weekly cut out the paper doll dress to add to our cigar box collection for later play. My older brother colored the by number picture insert. We sprawled across the small sitting room floor until called to our places at the childrens table, an arms length away from our elders. Grace was said and "children should be seen and not heard" was the rule for dinner conversation. If we ate all on our plates we were given dessert. Now all this was accomplished in our Sunday best with dishtowels covering our necks and chests.
After dinner we would be sent out to the front porch to play jacks or cards or jump rope. If the weather was bad we could take toys from a box out and play on the enclosed pantry -back door area. On long summer days we sat out under the cherry tree and played dolls as the adults talked and relaxed.
We ended each Sunday with full tummies, tired eyes and promises to be back next week. We children sat quietly in the back seat as our parents headed us home for bed. I remember watching the trees and neighborhoods pass by us from the car windows, sun setting,seasons changing. Everything familiar, each block etched into my memory of the road home.
I share this trip down memory lane with you today because I'm stirred by the promise I made this morning to God about Hunter. Hunter was Baptized today! His parents are Phil and Robin. They were surrounded by generations of family and friends. Robin and her family are new to our church family, and we all celebrated this joy together. Today I promised God to support Her and her family in showing Gods love, in encouraging them to come to the feast He has prepared in Christ thru the bread and cup. I promised to be that place that would help Hunter grow through years of laughter,tears,victories and challanges, and understand his gifts, along with all the others present.
Lord Jesus help us all to recieve the little children in our midst, to cherish your heart towards them as we learn to serve you more each day! For the sake of your kingdom coming into our midst every day. Amen
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Spring Cleaning
As I look around my home in the bright morning light I am energized with the possibilities of a beautiful day yet unexplored, until I spy small particles of airborn pollen and dust floating in my open windows. Spring is finally here! Allergy Alert!
I'm having one of those weeks where my eyes are itching and tearing up, my nose is dripping and my throat is slimey. I guess it's time to put my SUPERWOMAN costume on. This consists of a ponytail, my stretched out and stained yoga pants(don't kid yourself, housekeeping is very much like yoga if you think about the many twisted and stretched movements it takes to reach cobwebs) an oversized ratty tee-shirt and my sneakers. But what really makes my costume complete are the yellow playtex gloves and the baby blue dust mask over my nose and mouth,as well as the safety glasses I've recently added (to protect my eyes from falling ceiling fan grime goons).
Yes, I am now ready to tackle the messy build up of a long winter encampment! I don't move well in cold winter months! I prefer cooking to cleaning! I like visiting with friends over feeling trapped by my own four walls. And so I am astonished that in my brief departure from sunlight so much has been taking place around me in terms of downright neglect. And so this week with my trusted sidekick home from college, we will literally go where no man(in my family) has ever gone before! Into the cracks and crevices of darkness, searching out the closets of chaos, vacuaming up a variety of home invaders!
My first attack was on the tile floor in my kitchen. The grout was screaming to be set free from the grimey build up that had slowly caused a dull and lackluster appearance. This is where the super power took over. The Holy Spirit to the rescue!! The mundane and repetitive act of scrubbing was wearing me into a state of apathy. Maybe it was a waste of my time to expect the grout to come back to the original state and color. Perhaps I was putting my energy into an area of my home that wasn't necesary, what if I couldn't finish the whole floor today! And last but not least, if I stop now then only half of the floor will look done!
The Spirit began to show me how change is a choice,how it takes time and repitition to restore an area of my life to it's original beauty! I recognized that the goal here was not just a clean floor but a maintained surface. As hard as it is to admit my limits, I was also aware that like the grout, there are tiny groves that have collected deposits brought in on the feet of others who walked over my life, without concern for keeping it clean. It was my job to take care of what I could see. The Holy spirit would loose the grit and grime from the hidden places beyond my own ability. And why worry about what is not completed today when tomorrow will offer time to come back and do yet one more tile to perfection. It is much better to do a big thing half way today, then to walk away in defeat. Who knows tomorrow may produce better results toward the finished work.
I am reminded that He(Jesus) who began a good work in you , is faithful to complete it! Don't grow faint hearted when the mess is revealed, put on your superwoman costume( from Ephesians 6:10-12) The full armor of God ! For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. { And sometimes they float in on the light of a beautiful sunny morning as specks of dust. }
I'm having one of those weeks where my eyes are itching and tearing up, my nose is dripping and my throat is slimey. I guess it's time to put my SUPERWOMAN costume on. This consists of a ponytail, my stretched out and stained yoga pants(don't kid yourself, housekeeping is very much like yoga if you think about the many twisted and stretched movements it takes to reach cobwebs) an oversized ratty tee-shirt and my sneakers. But what really makes my costume complete are the yellow playtex gloves and the baby blue dust mask over my nose and mouth,as well as the safety glasses I've recently added (to protect my eyes from falling ceiling fan grime goons).
Yes, I am now ready to tackle the messy build up of a long winter encampment! I don't move well in cold winter months! I prefer cooking to cleaning! I like visiting with friends over feeling trapped by my own four walls. And so I am astonished that in my brief departure from sunlight so much has been taking place around me in terms of downright neglect. And so this week with my trusted sidekick home from college, we will literally go where no man(in my family) has ever gone before! Into the cracks and crevices of darkness, searching out the closets of chaos, vacuaming up a variety of home invaders!
My first attack was on the tile floor in my kitchen. The grout was screaming to be set free from the grimey build up that had slowly caused a dull and lackluster appearance. This is where the super power took over. The Holy Spirit to the rescue!! The mundane and repetitive act of scrubbing was wearing me into a state of apathy. Maybe it was a waste of my time to expect the grout to come back to the original state and color. Perhaps I was putting my energy into an area of my home that wasn't necesary, what if I couldn't finish the whole floor today! And last but not least, if I stop now then only half of the floor will look done!
The Spirit began to show me how change is a choice,how it takes time and repitition to restore an area of my life to it's original beauty! I recognized that the goal here was not just a clean floor but a maintained surface. As hard as it is to admit my limits, I was also aware that like the grout, there are tiny groves that have collected deposits brought in on the feet of others who walked over my life, without concern for keeping it clean. It was my job to take care of what I could see. The Holy spirit would loose the grit and grime from the hidden places beyond my own ability. And why worry about what is not completed today when tomorrow will offer time to come back and do yet one more tile to perfection. It is much better to do a big thing half way today, then to walk away in defeat. Who knows tomorrow may produce better results toward the finished work.
I am reminded that He(Jesus) who began a good work in you , is faithful to complete it! Don't grow faint hearted when the mess is revealed, put on your superwoman costume( from Ephesians 6:10-12) The full armor of God ! For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. { And sometimes they float in on the light of a beautiful sunny morning as specks of dust. }
Saturday, May 9, 2009
A Mothers Merit badge-Grown up children!
This past month has been incredible. I am still reviewing in my minds eye the lessons given me by my children and granddaughters. Part of me is shocked to find out that they all have so much to inspire me with. They also are showing ownership of foundational truth in application. On Easter, we are reminded of a resurrection power of supernatural proportions in Christs' triumph over sin & death. A selfless, loving act to free us of our burdens! Restore us to the very source of universal love.
This Easter my son (who no longer lives at home) joined my husband and I for a light breakfast before church. As we sat chatting, a familiar sound came from the lower level of our house. It was the washing machine! I looked at both men and asked if someone accidently knocked into it and perhaps started it. My son casually responded that he was putting a load through. I was flabergasted to say the least. He had never used the machines before! I ran over to him and planted a big kiss on his cheek and thanked God for this miracle of resurrection life over him. Why you ask? Because at one time the boy was deaf to my pleading for him to take respondsibility over his laundry, At one time he was blind to the extra tasks left to other memebers of our household, At one time he was deadened beyond belief to the need to gain skill in areas of home economics. He was now aware-alive-and active in these ways. It was a startleing revelation for me his mother!
My youngest daughter also showed me incredible growth in that she choose to spend her spring break with us at home, indulging herself with home cooked meals,family game time and long deep intimate conversations about her spiritual convictions! She recieved our words without conflict, restored areas of seperation and made obvious leaps in mature decisions toward finance and education. She will be moving home to continue college and work. This too is a major miracle in her life as she had only one year ago declared her distaste for being with her old fashioned and goofy parents. We were out of sync with the real world!
I was also pleasantly surprised by a simple statement made by my oldest daughter. For her a dare to live more fully in faith. She declared to me that this would be the year of "no regrets!" She was willing to live outside the restrictions of circumstance to forge a path of inviting new and difficult challanges into her life. She would begin to allow momentary discomforts for the sake of unknown rewards both physically and spiritually recieving each as a gift to greater fullness in her life. For her it meant a 7 day road trip with 2 small children, Her Aunt and I, along the east coast. We crammed into a 5 seat vehicle and drove 10 hours each way to Myrtle Beach for a 4 day stay in a one room efficiency. She is much stronger then she even knows for having gone the distance.
And last but not least is the lesson we all got when my 4 year old grandaughter (having never seen the ocean, awoke to her mother throwing back the curtain on our 9th story balcony to take in the panaoramic sight of the Atlantic. AWE, SILENCE, PURE JOY was her expression. We all delighted in that moment with her!
That is the same way I feel over each of these small revelations of my children. It is because of the many sacrifices we make as mothers to bring them along to a place were the view is spectacular! To see Gods grace and growth in each one. To feel that the untold hours of prayer can provide us with these glimpses of His seal on their lives. This was the only gift I will need this mothers day!
This Easter my son (who no longer lives at home) joined my husband and I for a light breakfast before church. As we sat chatting, a familiar sound came from the lower level of our house. It was the washing machine! I looked at both men and asked if someone accidently knocked into it and perhaps started it. My son casually responded that he was putting a load through. I was flabergasted to say the least. He had never used the machines before! I ran over to him and planted a big kiss on his cheek and thanked God for this miracle of resurrection life over him. Why you ask? Because at one time the boy was deaf to my pleading for him to take respondsibility over his laundry, At one time he was blind to the extra tasks left to other memebers of our household, At one time he was deadened beyond belief to the need to gain skill in areas of home economics. He was now aware-alive-and active in these ways. It was a startleing revelation for me his mother!
My youngest daughter also showed me incredible growth in that she choose to spend her spring break with us at home, indulging herself with home cooked meals,family game time and long deep intimate conversations about her spiritual convictions! She recieved our words without conflict, restored areas of seperation and made obvious leaps in mature decisions toward finance and education. She will be moving home to continue college and work. This too is a major miracle in her life as she had only one year ago declared her distaste for being with her old fashioned and goofy parents. We were out of sync with the real world!
I was also pleasantly surprised by a simple statement made by my oldest daughter. For her a dare to live more fully in faith. She declared to me that this would be the year of "no regrets!" She was willing to live outside the restrictions of circumstance to forge a path of inviting new and difficult challanges into her life. She would begin to allow momentary discomforts for the sake of unknown rewards both physically and spiritually recieving each as a gift to greater fullness in her life. For her it meant a 7 day road trip with 2 small children, Her Aunt and I, along the east coast. We crammed into a 5 seat vehicle and drove 10 hours each way to Myrtle Beach for a 4 day stay in a one room efficiency. She is much stronger then she even knows for having gone the distance.
And last but not least is the lesson we all got when my 4 year old grandaughter (having never seen the ocean, awoke to her mother throwing back the curtain on our 9th story balcony to take in the panaoramic sight of the Atlantic. AWE, SILENCE, PURE JOY was her expression. We all delighted in that moment with her!
That is the same way I feel over each of these small revelations of my children. It is because of the many sacrifices we make as mothers to bring them along to a place were the view is spectacular! To see Gods grace and growth in each one. To feel that the untold hours of prayer can provide us with these glimpses of His seal on their lives. This was the only gift I will need this mothers day!
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