well, with 4 days until Christmas, i am finding quiet and peace i hadn't expected! With hubby's help, we have pretty much wrapped all the gifts, he even baked some cookies! (wahoo for learning new skills, babe!) I did a few things too ;) but here we are with a little time to kick back and relax before the rest of the brood come home for Christmas.
we took a walk during a brief sunny interlude yesterday- just leisurely...enjoying our time together and watching our crazy 9 year old Australian Shepherd chase birds, rabbits and whatever else she saw. too funny cuz she's a little pudgy and not so fast anymore...i can relate :)
We were reading a really short devotion after supper the other night- and this verse shot out at me - hit me in the heart and made me feel like a little girl again- with a new sense of his presence and care.
I felt like i was safe. That no matter what the evening news was reporting, God is on his throne. LIfe is moving along as he planned it- oh its not always what i'd like - loved ones in pain and unwell, kids with problems that only adults should have to deal with, bullying, etc. Not to mention much more serious global issues. And somehow i find our own anxieties seem to surface in the weeks before Christmas. Will i be able to get along with my relatives? will my gifts be received with joy and gratitude? Will there be enough _____?( fill in your own blank)
and here is this little verse...ready to calm my heart, soul and mind. I even found it twice this week so i pretty much know that hte Lord is trying to tell me something since i have not seen it in 2 years or so before this!
Luke 12:32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom"
Did you hear that?
He is not a miser...he does not mean for us to search for his kingdom without any reasonable hope of finding it - he DELIGHTS to give it to us!!! He's a good and generous Father who calls us his "little flock". Can you hear the tenderness in those words? It's all i CAN hear as i read it over and over.
Now pair this verse with the few preceding it: (thinking of Christmas in context now)
vv 29-31 "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows you need them. But seek first his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."
I hear it as a call to just sit down for a second. Our Father invites us into his presence. He longs to give us his kingdom- and assures us we will be able to find food and drink when the need arises. DO NOT WORRY seems to be the key point. Even as he tells us to seek the kingdom, he assures us that God is pleased to in fact give it! we won't be wasting time, as we seem to fear.
And as we are awaiting Christ's birth celebration- and expecting his second coming anytime now...what could be better than to steal away with Jesus for a break- to bask in his Father's love for us...and then deal with the food, gifts, etc.
Somehow i think that it will all look a bit less daunting and overwhelming once we've sat with our Jesus and relaxed a bit.
Have a truly restful and blessed Christmas, eh?
Cheers!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Autumn thoughts
I was sitting at breakfast, enjoying a rare, cloudless morning sky and wrote these. enjoy.
With a stiff blast over many hours
You’ve blown clean and fresh
Into our sunrise today.
Bar trees stand against
A chilly blue sky.
Ah, late autumn!
Our soggy ground has a respite
To breathe.
The gloomy grey clouds part
To reveal the blue sky
Which was there all along.
Oh, Lord of both blue skies and storm clouds,
Teach me to live in the reality
Of your ever-present hope as
Seen in the blue sky…
Even when all appears gloomy
Let my heart exult in the veracity
Of Your hope.
Ever fresh.
Ever true.
Ever present.
________________________________
Quietly, sodden in the grass
The big maple leaf lies.
Its journey is not yet over.
What began last winter
As a bud on a branch…
Waiting…
Waiting….
Until spring’s warmth and the Creator’s signal came
For growth and coming into the light.
And so, the leaf unfurled and stretched
Toward the sun.
Faithfully conveying nutrition and light to the
Trunk and enhancing the life of the tree.
Now, the task completed,
The season over,
The leaf obediently casts itself to the earth.
Now awaiting its one last task;
Enriching the earth beneath its tree.
A full cycle
Lived correctly and faithfully
Caused benefit and growth to the life of the tree.
With a stiff blast over many hours
You’ve blown clean and fresh
Into our sunrise today.
Bar trees stand against
A chilly blue sky.
Ah, late autumn!
Our soggy ground has a respite
To breathe.
The gloomy grey clouds part
To reveal the blue sky
Which was there all along.
Oh, Lord of both blue skies and storm clouds,
Teach me to live in the reality
Of your ever-present hope as
Seen in the blue sky…
Even when all appears gloomy
Let my heart exult in the veracity
Of Your hope.
Ever fresh.
Ever true.
Ever present.
________________________________
Quietly, sodden in the grass
The big maple leaf lies.
Its journey is not yet over.
What began last winter
As a bud on a branch…
Waiting…
Waiting….
Until spring’s warmth and the Creator’s signal came
For growth and coming into the light.
And so, the leaf unfurled and stretched
Toward the sun.
Faithfully conveying nutrition and light to the
Trunk and enhancing the life of the tree.
Now, the task completed,
The season over,
The leaf obediently casts itself to the earth.
Now awaiting its one last task;
Enriching the earth beneath its tree.
A full cycle
Lived correctly and faithfully
Caused benefit and growth to the life of the tree.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
always new...
As we put together the photos for our son's wedding last month, it really made me reflect, with gratitude, about all the years of love, fun together and hilarious moments we always tried to capture with the camera. I think the photos we included in the slideshow gave a realistic picture of the kind of kid he was. LOTS OF FUN!! i could tell that people enjoyed the humour of his approach to life as the photos went by- a double joy!!
Here's the irony of parenting that also struck me. Just when you begin to get familiar with your children's particular character, the era of intense parenting is over! Just when you begin to feel some 'groove' developing...poof! its done!
But here's the best part! Just when that is over....and by all means grieve that part being over...a new part begins!! While i'm an experienced mom of toddlers, school aged kids- mine anyway- i am a complete naked and ignorant newborn at parenting adult kids! See? a new adventure!!
Rather than bemoan all that is past- lean into the new adventure! Parenting is never over- ahem, that's a good thing- don't you roll your eyes- i see you!! :P
But so far, i really like this part- making friends with your children- learning how to reign in that motor-mouth like advice until asked- oh i am still just dreadful at that!! But i'm sure i will learn, gradually, as God teaches me...and i listen to the wisdom of my friends with grown kids. Bit by bit- they've never been adults before either, so we will get the hang of it together. we will forgive often. we will laugh at our mistakes (i hope) and learn to see our humanness with more grace and kindness than they could muster (or i could?) when they were teenagers.
Growing together- yes i like that. In a new and different way.
In our Lord's economy, there's always newness, freshness and adventures. i kind of like that.
May our God grant you wisdom, in whatever era of parenting you are in, to both enjoy the journey and forgive yourself for being fallible. It happens and that's what God's grace is for, after all!
peace out!
Here's the irony of parenting that also struck me. Just when you begin to get familiar with your children's particular character, the era of intense parenting is over! Just when you begin to feel some 'groove' developing...poof! its done!
But here's the best part! Just when that is over....and by all means grieve that part being over...a new part begins!! While i'm an experienced mom of toddlers, school aged kids- mine anyway- i am a complete naked and ignorant newborn at parenting adult kids! See? a new adventure!!
Rather than bemoan all that is past- lean into the new adventure! Parenting is never over- ahem, that's a good thing- don't you roll your eyes- i see you!! :P
But so far, i really like this part- making friends with your children- learning how to reign in that motor-mouth like advice until asked- oh i am still just dreadful at that!! But i'm sure i will learn, gradually, as God teaches me...and i listen to the wisdom of my friends with grown kids. Bit by bit- they've never been adults before either, so we will get the hang of it together. we will forgive often. we will laugh at our mistakes (i hope) and learn to see our humanness with more grace and kindness than they could muster (or i could?) when they were teenagers.
Growing together- yes i like that. In a new and different way.
In our Lord's economy, there's always newness, freshness and adventures. i kind of like that.
May our God grant you wisdom, in whatever era of parenting you are in, to both enjoy the journey and forgive yourself for being fallible. It happens and that's what God's grace is for, after all!
peace out!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
shimmering...
Hey
I'm not sure whether its a sunny day where you are...but on the next sunny day, take 10 minutes to walk outside and get under a tree. Look up at the sun through the leaves....and let the beauty soak in.
(Sure you could do this while driving, but not especialy safe, or easy to sit and ponder either!! don't do it!)
yes, we are busy. yes, the hectic is always screaming for our attention, but think of this as personal enrichment- a moment aside to listen to the created world echo the angel's strains of praise choruses....it will enrich the rest of your day.
go on...
get outside and relish in the beauty of fall! God COULD have had the leaves turn black...like we would have known the difference. But he chose to make it a spectacular sight...just because He loves you and wanted to delight you heart.
Go ahead....be delighted.
and enjoy.
peace,
denise
I'm not sure whether its a sunny day where you are...but on the next sunny day, take 10 minutes to walk outside and get under a tree. Look up at the sun through the leaves....and let the beauty soak in.
(Sure you could do this while driving, but not especialy safe, or easy to sit and ponder either!! don't do it!)
yes, we are busy. yes, the hectic is always screaming for our attention, but think of this as personal enrichment- a moment aside to listen to the created world echo the angel's strains of praise choruses....it will enrich the rest of your day.
go on...
get outside and relish in the beauty of fall! God COULD have had the leaves turn black...like we would have known the difference. But he chose to make it a spectacular sight...just because He loves you and wanted to delight you heart.
Go ahead....be delighted.
and enjoy.
peace,
denise
Thursday, October 13, 2011
a new day
Hey there. it seems like fall is about new beginnings. why is that? i guess 12-13 or more years of training us to see the new school year as a true beginning- leaving the actual calendar new year dragging behind for significance. haha sort of weird isn't it?
Fresh newness of life. I've been thinking about that as i watch my garden slide gradually toward its demise for the season. How can we experience this freshness when all of creation is hightailing it toward the season of resting we call winter? Is God at work doing something new even as things appear to deteriorate? Of course. It is the way of regeneration to require rest. As the plants drop their leaves and shed their branches, we see the lack of beauty but fail to always see that the preparation for next year's blossoms has begun. The roots are storing up strength for next year- preparing to burst out of the ground afresh to delight us and all of creation. Without this preparation, nothing would happen in spring.
How does that apply to my finding freshness and newness of life now? Recognizing that winter allows us time and the darkness to read, whereas in summer we are gardening and watering and enjoying the lushness of creation. In winter, we can spend time with friends, playing games, sitting and chatting by the fire, or seeing a movie together. People become more central to our leisure- not just creation. I think that gives us a nice balance to appreciate. So before you groan at the falling leaves - go collect a few to display them. Reflect on the rest God gives to the created world- to regroup, to store away energy for the growing months.
How is God at work in your life now? What might he be preparing you for in the months ahead?
Our eternally creative God wastes nothing. While some things don't seem productive or useful to us, they are made useful because of His unique spin on things.
So embrace this winter. See what new things God brings along to delight your heart.
be watching!
Fresh newness of life. I've been thinking about that as i watch my garden slide gradually toward its demise for the season. How can we experience this freshness when all of creation is hightailing it toward the season of resting we call winter? Is God at work doing something new even as things appear to deteriorate? Of course. It is the way of regeneration to require rest. As the plants drop their leaves and shed their branches, we see the lack of beauty but fail to always see that the preparation for next year's blossoms has begun. The roots are storing up strength for next year- preparing to burst out of the ground afresh to delight us and all of creation. Without this preparation, nothing would happen in spring.
How does that apply to my finding freshness and newness of life now? Recognizing that winter allows us time and the darkness to read, whereas in summer we are gardening and watering and enjoying the lushness of creation. In winter, we can spend time with friends, playing games, sitting and chatting by the fire, or seeing a movie together. People become more central to our leisure- not just creation. I think that gives us a nice balance to appreciate. So before you groan at the falling leaves - go collect a few to display them. Reflect on the rest God gives to the created world- to regroup, to store away energy for the growing months.
How is God at work in your life now? What might he be preparing you for in the months ahead?
Our eternally creative God wastes nothing. While some things don't seem productive or useful to us, they are made useful because of His unique spin on things.
So embrace this winter. See what new things God brings along to delight your heart.
be watching!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Mirroring...
I found this quote recently and its been haunting me every since:
"A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world; everyone you meet is your mirror." Ken Keyes 1921-1990
Now i recognize this quote is not applicable to torturous regimes or abusive situations, but is simply meant to tell us that our perspective on life is greatly affected by our general worldview. If i awaken with a scowl each morning, preparing for combat by rehearsing my defensive mindset, i can expect to meet the very conflict i anticipate.
Conversely, if i awaken with a grateful heart - appreciative of small kindnesses, i find many of them to enjoy throughout the day.
Same situation but a vastly different attitude.
And which of us would not prefer to be remembered as someone who was pleasant, if not upbeat, to be around? Most of us believe we are basically likeable people, right? We believe that we have something to offer mankind- whether a particular talent, or ability we've honed into usefulness. But sometimes things don't turn out as we'd like. Bosses are difficult. Good health does not last as long as we'd hoped it would.
what then?
"We are not to act oblivious about or live in denial of life's challenges, but we are to counterbalance them with long looks at God's accomplishments." (CS Lewis)
So we find again, that perspective trumps circumstances. Show me a person like Corrie ten Boom who would find ways to show care to fellow prisoners even as she suffered the whole time. She took a terrible situation and found a way to splash GOd's love into it! Our minds can never be imprisoned. Any imprisoning we experience is from our own inner poverty of spirit.
So when i wake up each morning, i weigh the options; do i pre-poison a day which has barely begun with a negative attitude based in fear or discontentment? Or do i give that day back to its Maker and entrust myself - body, mind and spirit - to our Father's keeping and into His service for that day. I don't know what will happen during this day- we never do. We only know what we plan for it, not what will actually happen. But with a full heart, and aware of GOd's unconditional love for me, i can stand firm and choose joy - against all odds.
So what will you see in others tomorrow? The image of God? An intricately designed person whom He loves most dearly, and one deserving of your time and care? Try it.
WHo knows? It might be one remarkable adventure!
peace!
"A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world; everyone you meet is your mirror." Ken Keyes 1921-1990
Now i recognize this quote is not applicable to torturous regimes or abusive situations, but is simply meant to tell us that our perspective on life is greatly affected by our general worldview. If i awaken with a scowl each morning, preparing for combat by rehearsing my defensive mindset, i can expect to meet the very conflict i anticipate.
Conversely, if i awaken with a grateful heart - appreciative of small kindnesses, i find many of them to enjoy throughout the day.
Same situation but a vastly different attitude.
And which of us would not prefer to be remembered as someone who was pleasant, if not upbeat, to be around? Most of us believe we are basically likeable people, right? We believe that we have something to offer mankind- whether a particular talent, or ability we've honed into usefulness. But sometimes things don't turn out as we'd like. Bosses are difficult. Good health does not last as long as we'd hoped it would.
what then?
"We are not to act oblivious about or live in denial of life's challenges, but we are to counterbalance them with long looks at God's accomplishments." (CS Lewis)
So we find again, that perspective trumps circumstances. Show me a person like Corrie ten Boom who would find ways to show care to fellow prisoners even as she suffered the whole time. She took a terrible situation and found a way to splash GOd's love into it! Our minds can never be imprisoned. Any imprisoning we experience is from our own inner poverty of spirit.
So when i wake up each morning, i weigh the options; do i pre-poison a day which has barely begun with a negative attitude based in fear or discontentment? Or do i give that day back to its Maker and entrust myself - body, mind and spirit - to our Father's keeping and into His service for that day. I don't know what will happen during this day- we never do. We only know what we plan for it, not what will actually happen. But with a full heart, and aware of GOd's unconditional love for me, i can stand firm and choose joy - against all odds.
So what will you see in others tomorrow? The image of God? An intricately designed person whom He loves most dearly, and one deserving of your time and care? Try it.
WHo knows? It might be one remarkable adventure!
peace!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
fickle, oh fickle me...
I was celebrating a beautifully perfect West Coast summer day today. ahhh. it has been hard won around here- we've been wet, grey and miserable...ok, the miserable part was not the weather itself, but prompted by it, instead.
And i thought...huh. I'm 'all happy' today and God's goodness did not change one iota. The same loving, generous and kind Hand made this seemingly perfect days and all the (admittedly) grey ones i appreciate less.
hence, the fickle me title...
Why do i try to apply my measly brain's interpretations to One so entirely beyond description? probably just my way of trying to get a handle on One so impossible to describe.
But i do it badly....very badly.
I take a glorious day...and interpret it as a sign of God's favour. Well, in essence, it is. But so is the grey day.
But how can that be?- we both ask!
If indeed God is good (and he is!), then ALL HIS GIFTS ARE GOOD TOO!! ok, so far so good.
so the grey days are just gifts that i can't recognize as gifts. Is that a failure on the givers part or a lack of imagination on mine?
not sure if imagination is the right word...hm. maybe PERSPECTIVE?
i've been wrestling wtih the whole idea of perspective lately. A lovely rose held under a microscope gets degraded to a kazillion little bits and it loses the 'loveliness' we see in it at a different view.
Perhaps the 'unlovely' things that God gives are actually lovely but i, as yet, do not have the eyes to "grasp" its loveliness?
Perhaps the unlovely things i read in the Old Testament sometimes, that disturb and disarm me, are actually evidence of something deeper, or broader and altogether lovely.
i'm not sure.
But i find the adventure of trying to see things from God's perspective well worth the effort.
I'm not sure i will wake up one day with pneumonia and be overjoyed, but i think there are lots of much more common, every day events that deserve a second look.
Perhaps it will even change ME.
peace,
Denise
And i thought...huh. I'm 'all happy' today and God's goodness did not change one iota. The same loving, generous and kind Hand made this seemingly perfect days and all the (admittedly) grey ones i appreciate less.
hence, the fickle me title...
Why do i try to apply my measly brain's interpretations to One so entirely beyond description? probably just my way of trying to get a handle on One so impossible to describe.
But i do it badly....very badly.
I take a glorious day...and interpret it as a sign of God's favour. Well, in essence, it is. But so is the grey day.
But how can that be?- we both ask!
If indeed God is good (and he is!), then ALL HIS GIFTS ARE GOOD TOO!! ok, so far so good.
so the grey days are just gifts that i can't recognize as gifts. Is that a failure on the givers part or a lack of imagination on mine?
not sure if imagination is the right word...hm. maybe PERSPECTIVE?
i've been wrestling wtih the whole idea of perspective lately. A lovely rose held under a microscope gets degraded to a kazillion little bits and it loses the 'loveliness' we see in it at a different view.
Perhaps the 'unlovely' things that God gives are actually lovely but i, as yet, do not have the eyes to "grasp" its loveliness?
Perhaps the unlovely things i read in the Old Testament sometimes, that disturb and disarm me, are actually evidence of something deeper, or broader and altogether lovely.
i'm not sure.
But i find the adventure of trying to see things from God's perspective well worth the effort.
I'm not sure i will wake up one day with pneumonia and be overjoyed, but i think there are lots of much more common, every day events that deserve a second look.
Perhaps it will even change ME.
peace,
Denise
Friday, July 15, 2011
most common cultural quality
I was listening to a podcast today - about how fearfulness has become the key element that identifies the 'zeitgeist' or atmosphere of our current culture. Not loyalty, generosity, doing one's duty, etc. Just raw, stupid fearfulness.
Then again, the Bible is full of reminders not to be fearful, so i suppose God knew we would struggle with this!!! So why am i so surprised at my fearfulness sometimes?
well, we know its bad. its not helpful to keeping my eyes on God! Fear has an obsessive quality to it- it always demands our attention. My fear issues want me to review them, consider new angles that i'd missed before. In short, it wants all my concentration on it!
BORING!!!
I must say that i get very boring, as a person, when fears fill my thoughts. i lose my sense of humour. I lose the ability to live in child-like ease, trusting that God who can balance the universe, can certainly help me with both my day to day challenges, but the really big difficulties too.
i don't want to be boring.
i don't want to be a 'hand-wringer'.
I don't want to lose my ability to live with ease and relaxation - in gratitude for God's perfectly capable control - oh i have to give up my feeble belief that I can control anything too. (hmmm....)
What could i gain?
oh man oh man....everything! If i take those promises of God's - that he will stay with me (while keeping the sun on track, and extinguishing stars on schedule...) i can be perfectly at ease...what i need, he will provide.
I like this poem - it reminds me of the proportional quality of God's help, grace and strength- the more i need it, the more is provided.
sit back and let it wash over your heart too....
"He gives more grace when burdens grow greater
he sends more strength when labours increase;
to added affliction He adds His mercy;
to multiplied trials, he multiplies peace."
Annie Johnson Flint
So buckle those shoes, lash that belt onto your Levi's and go out in bold confidence that God has your back today! Who knows which Goliath he will call you to vanquish in His strength!?!
Peace to you.
D
Then again, the Bible is full of reminders not to be fearful, so i suppose God knew we would struggle with this!!! So why am i so surprised at my fearfulness sometimes?
well, we know its bad. its not helpful to keeping my eyes on God! Fear has an obsessive quality to it- it always demands our attention. My fear issues want me to review them, consider new angles that i'd missed before. In short, it wants all my concentration on it!
BORING!!!
I must say that i get very boring, as a person, when fears fill my thoughts. i lose my sense of humour. I lose the ability to live in child-like ease, trusting that God who can balance the universe, can certainly help me with both my day to day challenges, but the really big difficulties too.
i don't want to be boring.
i don't want to be a 'hand-wringer'.
I don't want to lose my ability to live with ease and relaxation - in gratitude for God's perfectly capable control - oh i have to give up my feeble belief that I can control anything too. (hmmm....)
What could i gain?
oh man oh man....everything! If i take those promises of God's - that he will stay with me (while keeping the sun on track, and extinguishing stars on schedule...) i can be perfectly at ease...what i need, he will provide.
I like this poem - it reminds me of the proportional quality of God's help, grace and strength- the more i need it, the more is provided.
sit back and let it wash over your heart too....
"He gives more grace when burdens grow greater
he sends more strength when labours increase;
to added affliction He adds His mercy;
to multiplied trials, he multiplies peace."
Annie Johnson Flint
So buckle those shoes, lash that belt onto your Levi's and go out in bold confidence that God has your back today! Who knows which Goliath he will call you to vanquish in His strength!?!
Peace to you.
D
Thursday, June 2, 2011
who has the control panel?
i read a devotion yesterday by Andy Stanley - he's a pastor and international speaker- and he wrote about worry. Part of me groaned inside when i read the title. Why do i always feel harrassed about a subject that seems to come so naturally to me!!??
But as usual, Andy put things in a very clear perspective by quoting Matthew 6:24 "who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?". That's really the bottom line, isn't it? What kinds of things do we most wish for at the end of our lives? that we'd had a better car? (rarely) That we'd had a better relationship with our parents/children and the like. (perhaps) But i think most of us are struck by how rapidly life has gone by! That seems universal whether we are 20 or 99 when we leave the earth. So Jesus really zeroed in on our most valued item - TIME- when he asked if EVEN THAT could be improved through worry. A biblical version of "don't sweat the small stuff!" is how i read it!
So what am i wasting so much time doing every day?
What motivates this internal churning to figure things out and find the answers? Something does not make sense here: i mean if i believe (and i heartily mean IF right now) that God has created all the majesty and enormous beauty of the universe, do i actually think he will forget about me?
Or am i just really lousy at trusting him? Is it because he is invisible? Is it because he doesn't answer all my questions the way i want them answered?
Bottom line: what is the worst that could happen if i stopped worrying for 24 hours? I wouldn't stop caring about people - but i would ACT in response to my concern for them instead of stewing about things = so i'd pray, make a casserole, call and ask them how they're doing. DO SOMETHING and then leave the rest of it in God's hands.
But that seems riskier than just passive worry. i can worry from the comfort of my couch...Yet, worry seems to erode my trust in God.
"tension for change"...a friend of mine used to refer to this phrase when talking about change. How much or rather how badly do i want/need things to change? Do i have an ulcer that is demanding my attention? Do i lay awake at night unable to sleep because i'm on "worry patrol"?? Am i growing increasingly crabby with my family and friends because of this?
Sounds like all the motivation I need!!
But i find that my own weakness gets in the way of any lasting change.
And so i call out to God- "please change me Father. Help my unbelief. Open my eyes so i can see and understand that you are faithful. You are honest about your promises to take care of me. I choose to believe you are who the Bible says you are. Help me to trust you more today than i did yesterday. Be glorified in my life today, please."
So because He feeds the birds, clothes the lilies, and keeps the sun, moon and stars in his created order and orchestrates all of life, i can trust him with at least one of my worries today.
Who knows? i might discover a peace which passes all understanding.
Now that would be wonderful.
But as usual, Andy put things in a very clear perspective by quoting Matthew 6:24 "who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?". That's really the bottom line, isn't it? What kinds of things do we most wish for at the end of our lives? that we'd had a better car? (rarely) That we'd had a better relationship with our parents/children and the like. (perhaps) But i think most of us are struck by how rapidly life has gone by! That seems universal whether we are 20 or 99 when we leave the earth. So Jesus really zeroed in on our most valued item - TIME- when he asked if EVEN THAT could be improved through worry. A biblical version of "don't sweat the small stuff!" is how i read it!
So what am i wasting so much time doing every day?
What motivates this internal churning to figure things out and find the answers? Something does not make sense here: i mean if i believe (and i heartily mean IF right now) that God has created all the majesty and enormous beauty of the universe, do i actually think he will forget about me?
Or am i just really lousy at trusting him? Is it because he is invisible? Is it because he doesn't answer all my questions the way i want them answered?
Bottom line: what is the worst that could happen if i stopped worrying for 24 hours? I wouldn't stop caring about people - but i would ACT in response to my concern for them instead of stewing about things = so i'd pray, make a casserole, call and ask them how they're doing. DO SOMETHING and then leave the rest of it in God's hands.
But that seems riskier than just passive worry. i can worry from the comfort of my couch...Yet, worry seems to erode my trust in God.
"tension for change"...a friend of mine used to refer to this phrase when talking about change. How much or rather how badly do i want/need things to change? Do i have an ulcer that is demanding my attention? Do i lay awake at night unable to sleep because i'm on "worry patrol"?? Am i growing increasingly crabby with my family and friends because of this?
Sounds like all the motivation I need!!
But i find that my own weakness gets in the way of any lasting change.
And so i call out to God- "please change me Father. Help my unbelief. Open my eyes so i can see and understand that you are faithful. You are honest about your promises to take care of me. I choose to believe you are who the Bible says you are. Help me to trust you more today than i did yesterday. Be glorified in my life today, please."
So because He feeds the birds, clothes the lilies, and keeps the sun, moon and stars in his created order and orchestrates all of life, i can trust him with at least one of my worries today.
Who knows? i might discover a peace which passes all understanding.
Now that would be wonderful.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
before the cross
Easter weekend!!! How exciting to be at this landmark of the church year - the year period!! When death became life - when our doomed condition was blown apart and new hope was born!! When hopelessness was infused with hope!! When our fears were shown to be hollow and the life we have in Christ can be seen as richer than anything we could have imagined.
But first...the beatings, the wrongful charges and death sentence. Without the grim side to Easter, the resurrection loses its significance. Without weighing the cost, our salvation can be cheapened, taken for granted, and we live impoverished.
First, the purity is made filthy...Jesus never did anything one, single thing wrong. Never had one single impure, filthy or sinful thought. imagine that! And yet our collective filth was piled on that pure head...into that sinless heart. And he experienced utter separation from his Abba (Daddy) Father ---but with good reason - an everlastingly good reason! so we would never have to be separated from our Abba God again!
without the pain, Easter loses its lustre.
But without the resurrection, Jesus' death was just an unfortunate miscarriage of justice!!
So dig in this weekend. Live it all. or rather, relive it all. Dig deeply into the roots of our faith...and thereby grow in gratitude for our Father who loved us so passionately that he could not bear eternity with our being separated from Him!! Bask in that love - as you reflect on all it cost the Trinity.
Beloved.
yes, you!
Live in the glory of the entire Easter story.
and be changed.
Hosanna! Hallelujah!
But first...the beatings, the wrongful charges and death sentence. Without the grim side to Easter, the resurrection loses its significance. Without weighing the cost, our salvation can be cheapened, taken for granted, and we live impoverished.
First, the purity is made filthy...Jesus never did anything one, single thing wrong. Never had one single impure, filthy or sinful thought. imagine that! And yet our collective filth was piled on that pure head...into that sinless heart. And he experienced utter separation from his Abba (Daddy) Father ---but with good reason - an everlastingly good reason! so we would never have to be separated from our Abba God again!
without the pain, Easter loses its lustre.
But without the resurrection, Jesus' death was just an unfortunate miscarriage of justice!!
So dig in this weekend. Live it all. or rather, relive it all. Dig deeply into the roots of our faith...and thereby grow in gratitude for our Father who loved us so passionately that he could not bear eternity with our being separated from Him!! Bask in that love - as you reflect on all it cost the Trinity.
Beloved.
yes, you!
Live in the glory of the entire Easter story.
and be changed.
Hosanna! Hallelujah!
Monday, April 11, 2011
who knew?
Did you ever stop to think that life is so much harder than we thought it would be as kids. ANd yet....so much of my life is richer, sweeter and more unbelievable than i ever thought possible too. Somehow in the midst of the storms, i find GOd's sweet presence sustaining me, yes, even in the tears, and i am amazed. My heart is strengthened and i go on...one moment at a time.
Would an easier life rob me of this richness?
no thanks.
I'll take the sweetness with the pain - all the while knowing that greater sweetness and richness are my inheritance with my Father!
peace...
Would an easier life rob me of this richness?
no thanks.
I'll take the sweetness with the pain - all the while knowing that greater sweetness and richness are my inheritance with my Father!
peace...
Saturday, April 2, 2011
the raw truth about life as a believer....
1 Corinthians 2:2 "For i resolved to know nothing while i was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified"
Paul had arrived in a really metropolitan city to try and support the fledgling church there - to give them a refresher on how to live as God's people. They needed a reminder, as i do, that life as a believer isn't about throwing our weight around, gaining positions of influence, of making progress or of having 'success' as the world sees it, anyway. He boiled it down to that one simple statement that rocks me to my core! (verse above..)
nothing else. Not clever jokes or witty conversation. Nothing but the wonder of Christ. What does that even look like?
From reading more of this section, it appears that Paul wanted their hearts and minds so enraptured (awe-struck) by Christ on a continual basis that nothing else would even come close to amazing them. That sounds all but impossible to us with our greater tendency to be awed by a sport's teams progress, by a new technological breakthrough- or perhaps a medical one. Have we become such cynics that nothing but physical items can amaze us? (and yet those shows about ghosts, mediums etc exist and tell us that something deeper is calling us- some hunger we've almost forgotten about for 'someone' to be out there beyond our taste-see-touch- and-hear world) but i digress....
For me, i've noticed that God seems more real, solid and powerful when i MAKE time to read his Word. When i read about his pushing back a huge lake so a million people could walk through...now that's power! Or when Elijah stands on the mount Carmel having "showdown day" with the prophets of Baal! God showed up in a truly remarkable way! those are historical facts. He is a historical, real God. Invest the time in learning about him and getting to know Him so he can become more real in your heart and mind. Let the HOly Spirit bring your imagination to life as you read!!
THen, when distractions come- troubles which inevitably come - you have 'built your house upon the Rock" and will be able to weather the storm in HIS power.
"Above all else, guard you rheart, for it is the wellspring of life" PRov 4:23
Paul had arrived in a really metropolitan city to try and support the fledgling church there - to give them a refresher on how to live as God's people. They needed a reminder, as i do, that life as a believer isn't about throwing our weight around, gaining positions of influence, of making progress or of having 'success' as the world sees it, anyway. He boiled it down to that one simple statement that rocks me to my core! (verse above..)
nothing else. Not clever jokes or witty conversation. Nothing but the wonder of Christ. What does that even look like?
From reading more of this section, it appears that Paul wanted their hearts and minds so enraptured (awe-struck) by Christ on a continual basis that nothing else would even come close to amazing them. That sounds all but impossible to us with our greater tendency to be awed by a sport's teams progress, by a new technological breakthrough- or perhaps a medical one. Have we become such cynics that nothing but physical items can amaze us? (and yet those shows about ghosts, mediums etc exist and tell us that something deeper is calling us- some hunger we've almost forgotten about for 'someone' to be out there beyond our taste-see-touch- and-hear world) but i digress....
For me, i've noticed that God seems more real, solid and powerful when i MAKE time to read his Word. When i read about his pushing back a huge lake so a million people could walk through...now that's power! Or when Elijah stands on the mount Carmel having "showdown day" with the prophets of Baal! God showed up in a truly remarkable way! those are historical facts. He is a historical, real God. Invest the time in learning about him and getting to know Him so he can become more real in your heart and mind. Let the HOly Spirit bring your imagination to life as you read!!
THen, when distractions come- troubles which inevitably come - you have 'built your house upon the Rock" and will be able to weather the storm in HIS power.
"Above all else, guard you rheart, for it is the wellspring of life" PRov 4:23
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
waiting room.....
I hate to admit it, but i like to plan things ahead. To know my schedule somewhat each day. I like interruptions- fun ones! not ones that make me feel all unsettled and weird. Not ones where I must face that i am not in control.
that's where i am today.
My hubby and I are booked for a tropical vacation- leaving in 4 days. or not. You see his boss thinks he's such a swell guy that he should stay at work. or something like that. "No-refund policy" is a hateful phrase to me right now.
So i sit and wait.
So i sit and am reminded that i do not rule the world. (ouch)
So i sit and remember that God does. That as much as this aggravates me, waiting usually does me more good than harm.
It reminds me how impatient I can be.
It reminds me what ugly thoughts i can think - about his boss and his lack of consideration right now.
But what if, just maybe, God has something else in mind?
(like what? you and I both ask...)
that's just the thing... i don't know.
This morning as i was doing a few things around the house, a verse tiptoed into my mind - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding"
ugh. and yet....my understanding is real limited. and this situation does not even involve me directly but is between hubby's boss and him.
So i have a few choices, don't i?
i can chew my nails, mutter under my breath about the boss, the gross unfairness of it all....
or...
I can say" well Lord, this sucks. But you are sovereign and good. Loving and gracious. So i'm going to just do my work today- thanking you for your goodness toward us and just forget the rest for now."
Choice #1 is natural. Takes no effort or anything. It's my easy way out.
But choice #2 is probably healthier for me. The non-ulcer approach.
Just one problem...i can't MAKE myself do #2.
Helpless yet again! Jesus needs to fix my heart on the inside before that choice can become a reality. more trusting, i'm thinkin'...
So i've started to ask Jesus for the attitude that glorifies him. Might i still travel alone in 4 days? yep. But i'm hoping he can transform my heart and my attitude in that time.
After all, i'm going somewhere nice.
Here's to avoiding ulcers, my friends! and to leaning on Jesus like he's all you've got.
cuz he is.
peace!
that's where i am today.
My hubby and I are booked for a tropical vacation- leaving in 4 days. or not. You see his boss thinks he's such a swell guy that he should stay at work. or something like that. "No-refund policy" is a hateful phrase to me right now.
So i sit and wait.
So i sit and am reminded that i do not rule the world. (ouch)
So i sit and remember that God does. That as much as this aggravates me, waiting usually does me more good than harm.
It reminds me how impatient I can be.
It reminds me what ugly thoughts i can think - about his boss and his lack of consideration right now.
But what if, just maybe, God has something else in mind?
(like what? you and I both ask...)
that's just the thing... i don't know.
This morning as i was doing a few things around the house, a verse tiptoed into my mind - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding"
ugh. and yet....my understanding is real limited. and this situation does not even involve me directly but is between hubby's boss and him.
So i have a few choices, don't i?
i can chew my nails, mutter under my breath about the boss, the gross unfairness of it all....
or...
I can say" well Lord, this sucks. But you are sovereign and good. Loving and gracious. So i'm going to just do my work today- thanking you for your goodness toward us and just forget the rest for now."
Choice #1 is natural. Takes no effort or anything. It's my easy way out.
But choice #2 is probably healthier for me. The non-ulcer approach.
Just one problem...i can't MAKE myself do #2.
Helpless yet again! Jesus needs to fix my heart on the inside before that choice can become a reality. more trusting, i'm thinkin'...
So i've started to ask Jesus for the attitude that glorifies him. Might i still travel alone in 4 days? yep. But i'm hoping he can transform my heart and my attitude in that time.
After all, i'm going somewhere nice.
Here's to avoiding ulcers, my friends! and to leaning on Jesus like he's all you've got.
cuz he is.
peace!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Spring sneaking in...
I live in such a beautiful, mild area - and should be ashamed of myself for longing for spring as i do. alas, i am not ashamed. I have never known another climate and so, acclimatized as i am (pun intended), I watch the signs of her coming.
I went so far as to poke around in the soil today - looking for the tips of my spring bulbs! Saw one crocus tip and one hyacinth tip.
It's a type of resurrection each spring, when you think of it.
In the fall, we bury dead-looking bulb things. Look like misshapen onions or shallots. Cover them over and nothing happens. For months and months.
But it is in faith that we plant them. It is the promise of spring and new life that inspires us to invest, plant, and wait.
So that dead bulb, absorbs moisture, waits on the call from the earth to burst into life and grow. Surprising and delighting us with it's appearance! Followed by buds and then full blossoms!
what a delight.
But i'm not always very good at the waiting part.
I guess living in a rainforest leaves me expecting spring the minute the sun comes out!! i have to laugh at myself sometimes.
Do i live the rest of my life with that kind of vibrant expectancy? well, sometimes but not really most of the time.
I recall the Lord said he'd return in the clouds- in glory- the same way he ascended while the disciples watched.
Am i a cloud-watcher as much as a bulb watcher?
I'd be MUCH more surprised and delighted to see the Lord come - more than even my precious bulbs returning, i think.
But i've gotten lazy or perhaps think his return won't occur in my lifetime. Have i stopped hoping just because it is taking a while?
Would my life be richer if i stopped once in a while to look the clouds over? Would i be practising my hope? living out my anticipation more fully?
it sure couldn't hurt!!
I think its too easy to live in a way that does not participate with the reality of Scripture. To live 'in the world" and to forget to practise imagining the fulfillment of God's promises.
I mean we live AFTER one of the most magnificent fulfillments of the ages!! Christ arriving as our Messiah - fulfilling tons of prophecies and turning our lives into one grand celebration of salvation!!
We live 'in between' in this age. Looking back with joy, amazement and excitement...and yet looking ahead, joyfully anticipating the coming Lord!
I think i could live with leaving my garden on that day.
I think it's going to be remarkable beyond all imagination that i apply to it now - to keep my hope, faith and joy kindled.
Come, Lord Jesus!
I went so far as to poke around in the soil today - looking for the tips of my spring bulbs! Saw one crocus tip and one hyacinth tip.
It's a type of resurrection each spring, when you think of it.
In the fall, we bury dead-looking bulb things. Look like misshapen onions or shallots. Cover them over and nothing happens. For months and months.
But it is in faith that we plant them. It is the promise of spring and new life that inspires us to invest, plant, and wait.
So that dead bulb, absorbs moisture, waits on the call from the earth to burst into life and grow. Surprising and delighting us with it's appearance! Followed by buds and then full blossoms!
what a delight.
But i'm not always very good at the waiting part.
I guess living in a rainforest leaves me expecting spring the minute the sun comes out!! i have to laugh at myself sometimes.
Do i live the rest of my life with that kind of vibrant expectancy? well, sometimes but not really most of the time.
I recall the Lord said he'd return in the clouds- in glory- the same way he ascended while the disciples watched.
Am i a cloud-watcher as much as a bulb watcher?
I'd be MUCH more surprised and delighted to see the Lord come - more than even my precious bulbs returning, i think.
But i've gotten lazy or perhaps think his return won't occur in my lifetime. Have i stopped hoping just because it is taking a while?
Would my life be richer if i stopped once in a while to look the clouds over? Would i be practising my hope? living out my anticipation more fully?
it sure couldn't hurt!!
I think its too easy to live in a way that does not participate with the reality of Scripture. To live 'in the world" and to forget to practise imagining the fulfillment of God's promises.
I mean we live AFTER one of the most magnificent fulfillments of the ages!! Christ arriving as our Messiah - fulfilling tons of prophecies and turning our lives into one grand celebration of salvation!!
We live 'in between' in this age. Looking back with joy, amazement and excitement...and yet looking ahead, joyfully anticipating the coming Lord!
I think i could live with leaving my garden on that day.
I think it's going to be remarkable beyond all imagination that i apply to it now - to keep my hope, faith and joy kindled.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
is it just January or am i weary?
Yep, the post-Christmas excitement has passed. a while ago, actually. So we're socked in with rain, dark skies and i'm afraid our moods aren't always much different. It's still a few weeks until Valentine's day -another excuse to celebrate. (Don't you love those? then again, i celebrate Wednesdays sometimes, for no other reason than it's good to be alive!)
But we can get a little morose at this time of year. Activities have started up again and with the short days, it can feel like all we do is bumble in the dark.
But i found out something- re-learned it perhaps- and i hope it shoots adrenaline into your heart as it did into mine.
Your service to God matters!
What you are doing makes a difference!
The little acts of kindness, those small acts of love -taking a friend some soup when he/she's sick. THey are noticed by God- and better yet? He transforms our little acts into remarkable things- waaaay beyond what we'd ever dream he does!!
Let me explain..
in John 15:5-8 "I am the vine; you are the branches. if a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit (did u hear that?); apart from me you can do nothing. v7. if you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you. This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples"
So when you act like a branch, God's power flows through you - our small acts of service get "turbo-boosted" by God!! So when you think your showing up to help or to serve in some way is just a pittance, hardly worth the bother- THINK AGAIN!!
I love this verse in Colossians 3:17 "and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Did u see that? we give thanks as we serve! why? Because we know that God is at work and will empower it - we give thanks before we see it happen. that's trusting God will show up!
I don't know about you, but i'm not the most efficient, organized, or 'together' person much of the time these days. And i'm starting to think that it doesn't matter!! what a relief!
Just show up. Do the thing that needs doing. It's God's job to make it fruitful. Oh yeah, of course, you and i will do our best...why not? but the pressure is not on us to make it fantastic.
And i rather like that.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
But we can get a little morose at this time of year. Activities have started up again and with the short days, it can feel like all we do is bumble in the dark.
But i found out something- re-learned it perhaps- and i hope it shoots adrenaline into your heart as it did into mine.
Your service to God matters!
What you are doing makes a difference!
The little acts of kindness, those small acts of love -taking a friend some soup when he/she's sick. THey are noticed by God- and better yet? He transforms our little acts into remarkable things- waaaay beyond what we'd ever dream he does!!
Let me explain..
in John 15:5-8 "I am the vine; you are the branches. if a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit (did u hear that?); apart from me you can do nothing. v7. if you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you. This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples"
So when you act like a branch, God's power flows through you - our small acts of service get "turbo-boosted" by God!! So when you think your showing up to help or to serve in some way is just a pittance, hardly worth the bother- THINK AGAIN!!
I love this verse in Colossians 3:17 "and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Did u see that? we give thanks as we serve! why? Because we know that God is at work and will empower it - we give thanks before we see it happen. that's trusting God will show up!
I don't know about you, but i'm not the most efficient, organized, or 'together' person much of the time these days. And i'm starting to think that it doesn't matter!! what a relief!
Just show up. Do the thing that needs doing. It's God's job to make it fruitful. Oh yeah, of course, you and i will do our best...why not? but the pressure is not on us to make it fantastic.
And i rather like that.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Sunday, January 23, 2011
time to reflect
Ok, so i'm not having any "spirited exploits" today. Have the flu. Yesterday i watched tv all day - that's enough to make one sicker, frankly. So today i brought all my books, Bible and notebooks to bed with me. I look up and watch the 2 black squirrels dashing about the yard - trying to outwit each other for bird seed at the base of my birdfeeder. a good chuckle...
One verse in Scripture has needled me for simply years. I found it again today in a "Closer to my children" journal/reflection book i got from a friend at Christmas. It has a little blurb on a verse and how it applies to parenting. But it got me thinking in a different way about that infernal verse.
Ok, so here's the verse: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9NIV
It has always seemed to be shrouded in mist and mystery to me. Ok, we don't use the word 'sufficient' much. Here are some synonyms: adequate, enough, ample. Definitely not gobs beyond what is needed. enough. Provided to match the need. good start.
THen there's that word...grace.
i get what love is. I understand the idea of faith, but grace? more synonyms...benevolence. THe action of his perfect character on our behalf.
ok, that helps.
So, to recap "My benevolence is enough for you." yeah, i can wrap my pea brain around that. And since God's idea of 'enough' is always generous...that won't be a "barely-scraping-by" kind of enough either, will it?
But the verse goes on to tell us something about our weakness too.
First of all, we all like to be strong. Remember flexing our muscles as kids for our parents to be awed at? Showing people how much we'd grown. Everything about our human nature relishes being strong, capable and able to take care of ourselves. But that's not how God views things.
Oh, he doesn't want us to be snivelling drips. But there is something different going on here.
Remember in your first tree-fort (or was i the only one who had this? come on people!), you and your friends founded a community- well a gang, team partnership sort of thing. One person could draw, another could shoot a slingshot. Everyone had their 'role' in the group. And we felt good about that.
what happened?
Why did we go on to abandon our 'role' and think we had to be everything to everyone? superman or superwoman? kinda weird, isn't it?
But in God's world, we still have that role. We are a branch on God's vine (see John 15:5- I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.") We bear HIS fruit.
Let's go back to the needling verse...
My benevolence is enough for you. My power is made perfect in weakness" When i get out of GOd's way, and am willing to play my 'role' as a good, sap-delivering branch, the power gets used for its real, intended purpose. Fruit bearing.
Am i losing you here? sorry...
When my puny strength gets factored out - his real, limitless power can flow uninterrupted!! So my weakness makes more room for his strength. that's really very neat!
Now Paul wrote this verse because he had some health challenge that made him really weak. He hated it (dont' we all hate that ourselves? the flu? or something more long-term?)
anyway, he asked God to remove it. This needling verse was God's reply. Oh God could have healed him, you betcha. But God figured things would work out better this way.
So the very thing - whether physical, mental, emotional, or whatever that you consider shamefully weak in yourself, might just be the jump-off point for God to swoop into your life and produce some mighty fine fruit! we can ask him to redeem it into something that frees up his flow of power in our lives.
Perhaps my idea of my strength ends up being an obstacle. And while the world applauds (as do i most of the time) acts of independent accomplishment, etc. maybe we as believers and members of God's 'tree fort' club, can get back to our 'roles' and work together to spread this fruit to the nations?
So in the moments of weakness and suffering, ask God to make you wise and to give you His strength to bless, touch and care for others. Use the gifts he gave you - those spiritual gifts with faith that even our tiny bit can become something marvellous when his power tranforms it.
just a thought...
One verse in Scripture has needled me for simply years. I found it again today in a "Closer to my children" journal/reflection book i got from a friend at Christmas. It has a little blurb on a verse and how it applies to parenting. But it got me thinking in a different way about that infernal verse.
Ok, so here's the verse: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9NIV
It has always seemed to be shrouded in mist and mystery to me. Ok, we don't use the word 'sufficient' much. Here are some synonyms: adequate, enough, ample. Definitely not gobs beyond what is needed. enough. Provided to match the need. good start.
THen there's that word...grace.
i get what love is. I understand the idea of faith, but grace? more synonyms...benevolence. THe action of his perfect character on our behalf.
ok, that helps.
So, to recap "My benevolence is enough for you." yeah, i can wrap my pea brain around that. And since God's idea of 'enough' is always generous...that won't be a "barely-scraping-by" kind of enough either, will it?
But the verse goes on to tell us something about our weakness too.
First of all, we all like to be strong. Remember flexing our muscles as kids for our parents to be awed at? Showing people how much we'd grown. Everything about our human nature relishes being strong, capable and able to take care of ourselves. But that's not how God views things.
Oh, he doesn't want us to be snivelling drips. But there is something different going on here.
Remember in your first tree-fort (or was i the only one who had this? come on people!), you and your friends founded a community- well a gang, team partnership sort of thing. One person could draw, another could shoot a slingshot. Everyone had their 'role' in the group. And we felt good about that.
what happened?
Why did we go on to abandon our 'role' and think we had to be everything to everyone? superman or superwoman? kinda weird, isn't it?
But in God's world, we still have that role. We are a branch on God's vine (see John 15:5- I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.") We bear HIS fruit.
Let's go back to the needling verse...
My benevolence is enough for you. My power is made perfect in weakness" When i get out of GOd's way, and am willing to play my 'role' as a good, sap-delivering branch, the power gets used for its real, intended purpose. Fruit bearing.
Am i losing you here? sorry...
When my puny strength gets factored out - his real, limitless power can flow uninterrupted!! So my weakness makes more room for his strength. that's really very neat!
Now Paul wrote this verse because he had some health challenge that made him really weak. He hated it (dont' we all hate that ourselves? the flu? or something more long-term?)
anyway, he asked God to remove it. This needling verse was God's reply. Oh God could have healed him, you betcha. But God figured things would work out better this way.
So the very thing - whether physical, mental, emotional, or whatever that you consider shamefully weak in yourself, might just be the jump-off point for God to swoop into your life and produce some mighty fine fruit! we can ask him to redeem it into something that frees up his flow of power in our lives.
Perhaps my idea of my strength ends up being an obstacle. And while the world applauds (as do i most of the time) acts of independent accomplishment, etc. maybe we as believers and members of God's 'tree fort' club, can get back to our 'roles' and work together to spread this fruit to the nations?
So in the moments of weakness and suffering, ask God to make you wise and to give you His strength to bless, touch and care for others. Use the gifts he gave you - those spiritual gifts with faith that even our tiny bit can become something marvellous when his power tranforms it.
just a thought...
Monday, January 10, 2011
a fresh new year
Hey,
It struck me forcefully this year that i (and maybe you too?) spend SOOOO much time preparing for Christmas...and it comes and goes in a flash...a flash in the pan, perhpas? Disproportionate preparations? Undue worry? Or preparations fuelled by love? yet i wonder how much of my preparations were fuelled by fear! Fear of forgetting someone i love, forgetting people's preferences/dislikes, forgetting a wish list item due to my aging brain's reduced retention? ack! I'm beginning to understand why people go on vacation in December. Just hop on a plane and escape the insanity!
It sure didn't start this way? when did i sign up for the spastic, scurrying insanity of this mutated Christmas stuff??!!
I'm starting to think it hits me via the media, how we talk/groan about Christmas with each other, marketers convincing us there's nothing wrong with Christmas trees and decorations in stores on October 25th already. ACK!! And yet, a simple child- carrying GOd's very essence to this earth started this season- the giving, the acts of love - all meant to reflect His act of love in sending Christ.
I've resolved to hold off Christmas shopping until December 1st. It's a start...containing it in the one month's time. Will it help? i'll keep ya posted..not sure. But at least that way, i will be able to celebrate First Advent (4 Sundays before Christmas) with a clear mind. i hope. Begin my inner preparations without the outer ones jumping like Mexican jumping beans in my head. well, that's the idea. we'll see....
Pushing back. i guess that's what i'm after. Can i be kinder to my fellowman/woman by speaking in excited, but hushed, tones about Christmas? At least, not perpetuate the 'angst' about it all? that's my heartfelt wish, anyway.
That aside, we had a lovely Christmas - all kids were home to bless us and to share time together. A boyfriend also - lovely chap! Can see the choices they're making getting more solidly considered and thought-through. Our son got engaged. (that's a warp-drive moment!) And the subtle, but not entirely ignorable sense that we are lurching into another 'era'. No longer the newlyweds ourselves. No longer young, clueless parents grasping for proverbial air to get through a day. More settled. content, i hazard to say. Accepting of ourselves and each other, happy to walk hand in hand, although more quietly, into the sunset years. Smiling as our kids build relationships, homes, families and all. We get to retreat to the quiet of our familiar life together - but soaking up the excitement of their lives just the same. Oh maybe i'm just nostalgic right now...but that's ok. It's been a really great ride so far. So very many blessings!! And we'll keep watching God's hand at work in our lives and the lives of others. it's breathtaking when you stop to consider it.
looks like we just did.
Reach out this year and love someone who's forgotten. I promise it will bring you joy and a fresh outlook for 2011.
Blessings my friends!
It struck me forcefully this year that i (and maybe you too?) spend SOOOO much time preparing for Christmas...and it comes and goes in a flash...a flash in the pan, perhpas? Disproportionate preparations? Undue worry? Or preparations fuelled by love? yet i wonder how much of my preparations were fuelled by fear! Fear of forgetting someone i love, forgetting people's preferences/dislikes, forgetting a wish list item due to my aging brain's reduced retention? ack! I'm beginning to understand why people go on vacation in December. Just hop on a plane and escape the insanity!
It sure didn't start this way? when did i sign up for the spastic, scurrying insanity of this mutated Christmas stuff??!!
I'm starting to think it hits me via the media, how we talk/groan about Christmas with each other, marketers convincing us there's nothing wrong with Christmas trees and decorations in stores on October 25th already. ACK!! And yet, a simple child- carrying GOd's very essence to this earth started this season- the giving, the acts of love - all meant to reflect His act of love in sending Christ.
I've resolved to hold off Christmas shopping until December 1st. It's a start...containing it in the one month's time. Will it help? i'll keep ya posted..not sure. But at least that way, i will be able to celebrate First Advent (4 Sundays before Christmas) with a clear mind. i hope. Begin my inner preparations without the outer ones jumping like Mexican jumping beans in my head. well, that's the idea. we'll see....
Pushing back. i guess that's what i'm after. Can i be kinder to my fellowman/woman by speaking in excited, but hushed, tones about Christmas? At least, not perpetuate the 'angst' about it all? that's my heartfelt wish, anyway.
That aside, we had a lovely Christmas - all kids were home to bless us and to share time together. A boyfriend also - lovely chap! Can see the choices they're making getting more solidly considered and thought-through. Our son got engaged. (that's a warp-drive moment!) And the subtle, but not entirely ignorable sense that we are lurching into another 'era'. No longer the newlyweds ourselves. No longer young, clueless parents grasping for proverbial air to get through a day. More settled. content, i hazard to say. Accepting of ourselves and each other, happy to walk hand in hand, although more quietly, into the sunset years. Smiling as our kids build relationships, homes, families and all. We get to retreat to the quiet of our familiar life together - but soaking up the excitement of their lives just the same. Oh maybe i'm just nostalgic right now...but that's ok. It's been a really great ride so far. So very many blessings!! And we'll keep watching God's hand at work in our lives and the lives of others. it's breathtaking when you stop to consider it.
looks like we just did.
Reach out this year and love someone who's forgotten. I promise it will bring you joy and a fresh outlook for 2011.
Blessings my friends!
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