I heard this song again today, for the first time:
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
And that, friends, is the excellent gift of Christmas!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Thanksgiving?
I am troubled by the direction that our culture is spiraling in. If it continues, we will need to rename the holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. "Tailgate Thursday" or "The Pre-Shopping Fuel-Up" both seem more appropriate as we are rapidly shifting away from "giving thanks," to just gorging on food, football, and more stuff to fill up our attics (and those of the ones we love.) This year, I was especially dismayed by a news story that showed employees of one of the big box chains based in Minneapolis petitioning their employer for the day off to be able to spend time with family. The company responded that they were unable to satisfy the employees' request because they "needed to stay competitive." Another chain, out of Arkansas, always seems to lead the skirmish. The five O'clock news reported five separate incidences of violence, at five separate stores, in five states; all part of this dubious chain. It seems that in addition to watching out for "falling prices," one must also be on the look out for tasers, guns, and overzealous discount hunters, in general. It's distressing to me that in a country where we have so much, we want so much more.
I am thankful that my employer recognizes the values of the holiday and allowed us the day off, with pay. I am thankful that after a long job search, my husband is again employed, and was also granted the day off. And, I am grateful that we have been able to remain in our house, which was warmed last Thursday by a furnace that was recently repaired, and by the love and laughter of family. For these small blessings and so many others, I give thanks.
"I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1
I am thankful that my employer recognizes the values of the holiday and allowed us the day off, with pay. I am thankful that after a long job search, my husband is again employed, and was also granted the day off. And, I am grateful that we have been able to remain in our house, which was warmed last Thursday by a furnace that was recently repaired, and by the love and laughter of family. For these small blessings and so many others, I give thanks.
"I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Monopoly
I have been thinking about the economy of our consumer culture compared to that popular board game introduced by Parker Brothers. My sister and I certainly spent countless hours of our childhood rolling the dice in pursuit of acquiring railroads, passing "Go" to collect two hundred dollars, and avoiding the luxury tax. But even though we were enraptured in the game while we were playing, I am not sure that our attention spans ever allowed us to play until someone actually won the game. After a while it became tedious, and one if not both of us grew bored beyond the desire to finish. At that point, we would pack it up, and moved on to something else.
In the economy, as in Monopoly, there are those that set their sights on Boardwalk and driven by the lust for vice, power, and control, will stop at nothing to get and remain there. The other players are usually in their debt and at their mercy. Others-who normally reside in Marvin Gardens- "Occupy Park Place"- railing against the inequities of the Boardwalk execs, despite planning their demonstrations using the technology and fueled by the coffee produced by the group against which they are demonstrating. If they don't want a piece of Boardwalk, they certainly don't want to be indebted to it. Yet they enjoy and consume amenities birthed by those corporations, perpetuating the status quo. Still others are a renting a place on Baltic Avenue looking to the lotto- Community Chest- or some other such windfall for help in acquiring what they want. While they may also often possess the lust for the things in the hands of the first group, the game has not been in their favor.
No matter where my sis and I found ourselves in that continuum in any given game, on any given day, of the many games that we shared, one thing was always the same. For me, once that board was folded, and the blue, pink, and green money was rubber banded together and put away, none of it counted. In the end, none of it was legal tender and the little green houses and red hotels were seen for the cheap plastic that they had always been. Outside of the game, none of my temporary acquisitions had any lasting value whether I had been the Scottie, the top hat, the iron, or the shoe.
"Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourself treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Mathew 6:19-21
In the economy, as in Monopoly, there are those that set their sights on Boardwalk and driven by the lust for vice, power, and control, will stop at nothing to get and remain there. The other players are usually in their debt and at their mercy. Others-who normally reside in Marvin Gardens- "Occupy Park Place"- railing against the inequities of the Boardwalk execs, despite planning their demonstrations using the technology and fueled by the coffee produced by the group against which they are demonstrating. If they don't want a piece of Boardwalk, they certainly don't want to be indebted to it. Yet they enjoy and consume amenities birthed by those corporations, perpetuating the status quo. Still others are a renting a place on Baltic Avenue looking to the lotto- Community Chest- or some other such windfall for help in acquiring what they want. While they may also often possess the lust for the things in the hands of the first group, the game has not been in their favor.
No matter where my sis and I found ourselves in that continuum in any given game, on any given day, of the many games that we shared, one thing was always the same. For me, once that board was folded, and the blue, pink, and green money was rubber banded together and put away, none of it counted. In the end, none of it was legal tender and the little green houses and red hotels were seen for the cheap plastic that they had always been. Outside of the game, none of my temporary acquisitions had any lasting value whether I had been the Scottie, the top hat, the iron, or the shoe.
"Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourself treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Mathew 6:19-21
Monday, October 10, 2011
Guest
On a recent morning when the house had emptied out and was quiet, I was considering how I would spend the day. This is what occurred to me:
Today (nor any other day for that matter), was not my idea. This is God's doing. I neither commanded the sun to rise, nor allowed my body to exit the state of rest that it entered into last night. I am merely an invited guest. As such, it behooves me to ask my host what he had in mind when he graciously invited me to participate. I am confident that his plan for the day is wonderful and, in addition to the invitation, God will also extend sufficient grace to overcome any obstacles that beset my path in fulfilling his purpose for this day.
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24
Today (nor any other day for that matter), was not my idea. This is God's doing. I neither commanded the sun to rise, nor allowed my body to exit the state of rest that it entered into last night. I am merely an invited guest. As such, it behooves me to ask my host what he had in mind when he graciously invited me to participate. I am confident that his plan for the day is wonderful and, in addition to the invitation, God will also extend sufficient grace to overcome any obstacles that beset my path in fulfilling his purpose for this day.
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sci-Fi
I watched part of a documentary on PBS about hummingbirds the other day. Those tiny birds have always fascinated me and I wanted to learn more about them. Before seeing this film, I hadn't realized that there were so many different types of hummingbirds, some exclusive to certain regions of the planet, with subtle variations in color, body, and beak shape. The narrator explained these differences in each bird as the result of evolutionary processes by which the flowers, in an effort to survive, had enticed the birds to dine. The birds, in return had adapted the shape of their beaks to feed off of specific flowers. Michael Pollan presented the same argument in his documentary The Botany of Desire which aired several months ago. He blushingly admitted that, while he didn't believe that tulips had cognitive abilities, they had somehow communicated their desirability to the human race and we in turn, fell for them, and continue to cultivate them since our initial infatuation. Wow!
Is it really easier to believe that tulips and fuchsias, though lacking the abilities to either think or reason, can somehow hatch a scheme to gain advocacy with humans and the animal kingdom, than it is to see the evidence of a master plan repeated over and again throughout the known universe? Is there more comfort in supposing that we exist as the result of some happy accident that produced the perfect environmental requirements for our existence and can just as easily, and randomly, alter the physical environment to adversarial conditions that result in our demise? For me, the answer is a resounding, no.
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Luke 12:27
Is it really easier to believe that tulips and fuchsias, though lacking the abilities to either think or reason, can somehow hatch a scheme to gain advocacy with humans and the animal kingdom, than it is to see the evidence of a master plan repeated over and again throughout the known universe? Is there more comfort in supposing that we exist as the result of some happy accident that produced the perfect environmental requirements for our existence and can just as easily, and randomly, alter the physical environment to adversarial conditions that result in our demise? For me, the answer is a resounding, no.
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Luke 12:27
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11
Like most of America and probably others abroad, I am remembering the event of the September 11, 2001 today. During that time, my husband and I resided on the East coast with our little ones just 45 minutes from the Pentagon. It was a surreal day in our lives.
Besides having to pick up the children early from school, and hearing rumors that nearby Ft. Detrick had also been struck, what sticks with me from that day was the courage with which the rescue workers rushed into that dire situation to save the lives of the folks in danger. Those individuals were trained to deal with hazard and likely didn't think twice about putting themselves in harms way to carry out the mission for which they had been called.
The people of God have been called to satisfy a similar directive: To go into all the world and help those who haven't heard how, to make a successful exit from peril. I pray that we seize upon our mission with as much grace as those rescue workers exhibited at ground zero.
Besides having to pick up the children early from school, and hearing rumors that nearby Ft. Detrick had also been struck, what sticks with me from that day was the courage with which the rescue workers rushed into that dire situation to save the lives of the folks in danger. Those individuals were trained to deal with hazard and likely didn't think twice about putting themselves in harms way to carry out the mission for which they had been called.
The people of God have been called to satisfy a similar directive: To go into all the world and help those who haven't heard how, to make a successful exit from peril. I pray that we seize upon our mission with as much grace as those rescue workers exhibited at ground zero.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
"Slacker"
I realize that by cyberspace standards, I have been a slacker. But if you are reading this then you haven't completely given up on this blog. For that show of loyalty, I thank you.
I have simply been enjoying the more leisurely pace of the summer and haven't really felt the need to compete with the other members of my household for internet time--not when the sun is finally shining in all its splendor. Summer is a feast and I am a glutton for its bounty!
I pray that you are enjoying the season, as well.
I have simply been enjoying the more leisurely pace of the summer and haven't really felt the need to compete with the other members of my household for internet time--not when the sun is finally shining in all its splendor. Summer is a feast and I am a glutton for its bounty!
I pray that you are enjoying the season, as well.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Encounter
I am by nature a skeptic; a real "show me the money" kinda girl; a marketers nightmare. I can usually spot a con a mile away and am not generally wooed by bells nor whistles. (This, by the way, further explains my love of great design because instead of relying on gimmicks, it simply demonstrates evidence of a well thought out, beautifully executed plan.)
So, I was reading one of my favorite passages in Hebrews which defines faith as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." From there, it lists in detail a number of champions of faith and the specifics of what they were commended for. As I pause to consider these individuals, I realized that the faith demonstrated by these men and women requires a deep unshakable knowing. It was not just the product of wishful thinking. This level of faith requires a personal, life changing encounter with the living God. Like my brothers and sisters documented in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, my faith transcends my skepticism. It is not the best answer that I could find to a difficult question, to be discarded and replaced when a better one surfaces. It is the result of personally encountering God, when I was not even looking for him, and finding my heart's home.
So, I was reading one of my favorite passages in Hebrews which defines faith as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." From there, it lists in detail a number of champions of faith and the specifics of what they were commended for. As I pause to consider these individuals, I realized that the faith demonstrated by these men and women requires a deep unshakable knowing. It was not just the product of wishful thinking. This level of faith requires a personal, life changing encounter with the living God. Like my brothers and sisters documented in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, my faith transcends my skepticism. It is not the best answer that I could find to a difficult question, to be discarded and replaced when a better one surfaces. It is the result of personally encountering God, when I was not even looking for him, and finding my heart's home.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Still
Life is busy. And technology keeps cranking up the tempo. What previously took a week to accomplish, now is possible to do in minutes via fax, email, text, the Internet, some combination thereof, or some other modern gadgetry. It is exhausting. And, ironically, despite all of this quick access to everything, we are not better for it.
During my husband's unemployment, we gave up our cell phones to trim down our expenses. Our budget was fairly lean anyway, so there wasn't much else to cut. It just made sense. Upon hearing this, I had several people look at me as if I'd announced that we were becoming Amish and giving up all electrical devices. Others treated this news as if we were brave contestants on some reality show. And while I will admit that there were a few minor instances when it would have been nice to make a quick phone call, I really haven't missed it and don't feel at all diminished without one. I love being unplugged. It allows me to be present in the moment.
In the midst of our technological "advancements", God hasn't changed. He is not trying to keep pace with our crazy world but continues to move in his own rhythm and time signature. He is not beholden to our whining for instant gratification. In the symphony that he has composed, the rests are as important as the notes which are played. And, if we are to fully encounter him, we have to set ourselves to His metronome.
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
During my husband's unemployment, we gave up our cell phones to trim down our expenses. Our budget was fairly lean anyway, so there wasn't much else to cut. It just made sense. Upon hearing this, I had several people look at me as if I'd announced that we were becoming Amish and giving up all electrical devices. Others treated this news as if we were brave contestants on some reality show. And while I will admit that there were a few minor instances when it would have been nice to make a quick phone call, I really haven't missed it and don't feel at all diminished without one. I love being unplugged. It allows me to be present in the moment.
In the midst of our technological "advancements", God hasn't changed. He is not trying to keep pace with our crazy world but continues to move in his own rhythm and time signature. He is not beholden to our whining for instant gratification. In the symphony that he has composed, the rests are as important as the notes which are played. And, if we are to fully encounter him, we have to set ourselves to His metronome.
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Vision
Far sight:
My husband accepted a position with a recruiting agency this week and will begin work on Wednesday. It is a new field for him, one for which he is well suited and has wanted to explore for some time. But, since most of his experience lies elsewhere, the pay is half of what he has earned in the past. In spite of this detail, we trust that this is where God is leading. His fingerprint is all over it and we expect great things. Like Caleb we are focusing on the big grapes instead of the giants, having come to realize that God's might is unmatched by obstacles, no matter how large.
Near sight:
I have been praying for the Lord to increase my vision for people; to know how to pray, how specifically to touch lives around me that are hurting and desperate. Having my father be hospitalized has been one vehicle for me to see suffering that I am usually shielded from (since our family has been so healthy... thank you, Lord!), riding the max has been another. In both places I have had the opportunity to share encouragement and community with broken people. I want to walk in the places that Jesus walked.
Hindsight:
I have also been reflecting on my year of blogging. What began with hesitation, I now embrace with passion. I have heard some feedback from others who have been blessed by the words contained in this simple blog, I have been blessed by the process, and I hope that you have been too. I encourage you to join me, wherever your gifting lies, make the most of it for the benefit of us all.
My husband accepted a position with a recruiting agency this week and will begin work on Wednesday. It is a new field for him, one for which he is well suited and has wanted to explore for some time. But, since most of his experience lies elsewhere, the pay is half of what he has earned in the past. In spite of this detail, we trust that this is where God is leading. His fingerprint is all over it and we expect great things. Like Caleb we are focusing on the big grapes instead of the giants, having come to realize that God's might is unmatched by obstacles, no matter how large.
Near sight:
I have been praying for the Lord to increase my vision for people; to know how to pray, how specifically to touch lives around me that are hurting and desperate. Having my father be hospitalized has been one vehicle for me to see suffering that I am usually shielded from (since our family has been so healthy... thank you, Lord!), riding the max has been another. In both places I have had the opportunity to share encouragement and community with broken people. I want to walk in the places that Jesus walked.
Hindsight:
I have also been reflecting on my year of blogging. What began with hesitation, I now embrace with passion. I have heard some feedback from others who have been blessed by the words contained in this simple blog, I have been blessed by the process, and I hope that you have been too. I encourage you to join me, wherever your gifting lies, make the most of it for the benefit of us all.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Favor
I am happy to share a bit of sunshine today, given all of the bad reports in the news lately (100 and how many tornados in the South yesterday?!!) Please be encouraged, God is still good in the midst of the struggle.
Yesterday, I found out that God has stayed the hand of the executioner and our homeownership is no longer in peril. I called to find out what we needed to do to prevent the bank from proceeding with their plan to auction off our property, and was told that the auction has been cancelled. Perhaps this long, rough, storm is finally subsiding. Hallelujah, bring on the sunscreen!
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
Yesterday, I found out that God has stayed the hand of the executioner and our homeownership is no longer in peril. I called to find out what we needed to do to prevent the bank from proceeding with their plan to auction off our property, and was told that the auction has been cancelled. Perhaps this long, rough, storm is finally subsiding. Hallelujah, bring on the sunscreen!
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Downpour
The downpour continues, both outside and here in crazyville. In both cases, there are occassional sunbreaks that remind me that there are other weather options and that before long, warmer days and sunshine will be the norm. I am so very ready.
The plot of this play that is my life thickened further this weekend. My daddy, who is not yet 66, had a stroke after church on Easter Sunday. He is recovering in ICU. This follows a string of funerals that I have attended over the past few weeks; Like I said, there's been no shortage of rain.
But, this same rain that is causing me to continue wearing scarves, hats, and gloves much later in the season than I would have hoped, is also nourishing all of the pretty things that are planted in the yard. My tulips are almost "ripe" and my Persian buttercups look ready to pop open at any time. I have to believe that once again the natural is mirroring the spiritual and that the garden that is being watered by adversity will also be splendid. I have great faith in the Master gardener.
"For we know that all things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
The plot of this play that is my life thickened further this weekend. My daddy, who is not yet 66, had a stroke after church on Easter Sunday. He is recovering in ICU. This follows a string of funerals that I have attended over the past few weeks; Like I said, there's been no shortage of rain.
But, this same rain that is causing me to continue wearing scarves, hats, and gloves much later in the season than I would have hoped, is also nourishing all of the pretty things that are planted in the yard. My tulips are almost "ripe" and my Persian buttercups look ready to pop open at any time. I have to believe that once again the natural is mirroring the spiritual and that the garden that is being watered by adversity will also be splendid. I have great faith in the Master gardener.
"For we know that all things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Warrior
I had an interesting conversation with someone today that got me thinking about how the world perceives Jesus. While opinions differ as to whether he was merely a prophet or divine (maybe even the son of God, as alleged) the general consensus seems to be that Jesus was a gregarious, do-gooder whose life's mission was to embrace everyone, make them feel good about themselves, and bring social harmony. That is a palatable Jesus. One who, having been flesh himself, will in the end surely have compassion on fellow do-gooders, whether they chose to accept him as Lord and saviour or not.
This not a new development. People have always had misconceptions about Jesus and his purpose. In fact, in Mathew 16, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" To that inquiry he then, as now received a variety of answers.
Jesus himself disputes the notion that he came to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony by growing apple trees and honeybees and snow white turtle doves. Instead he says,
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."" Mathew 10:34
Those are not the words of a cuddly community organizer. They are fighting words. Jesus was not here to win a popularity contest. He came to strike a death blow to his enemy in the war for his beloved: mankind. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of kamikaze. Jesus is a warrior.
Not only does he clarify his agenda, but he calls out to the rest of us to choose a team,
"For I have come to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Mathew 10:35-36
He is not asking us to kinda-like-him-be-okay-with-him, he demands all or nothing. He is the love of our lives, or he is nothing at all. Though he defeated his (and our) foe, we still get to choose. As POWs, we can allow our loving saviour to untangle us from the the things that continue to wage war against our souls and will eventually destroy us, or we can choose to go it alone. As unpopular as it is, if we to want the freedom that Christ offers, we must be willing to submit to his authority to obtain it.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
This not a new development. People have always had misconceptions about Jesus and his purpose. In fact, in Mathew 16, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" To that inquiry he then, as now received a variety of answers.
Jesus himself disputes the notion that he came to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony by growing apple trees and honeybees and snow white turtle doves. Instead he says,
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."" Mathew 10:34
Those are not the words of a cuddly community organizer. They are fighting words. Jesus was not here to win a popularity contest. He came to strike a death blow to his enemy in the war for his beloved: mankind. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of kamikaze. Jesus is a warrior.
Not only does he clarify his agenda, but he calls out to the rest of us to choose a team,
"For I have come to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Mathew 10:35-36
He is not asking us to kinda-like-him-be-okay-with-him, he demands all or nothing. He is the love of our lives, or he is nothing at all. Though he defeated his (and our) foe, we still get to choose. As POWs, we can allow our loving saviour to untangle us from the the things that continue to wage war against our souls and will eventually destroy us, or we can choose to go it alone. As unpopular as it is, if we to want the freedom that Christ offers, we must be willing to submit to his authority to obtain it.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
11:00 pm
The Situation: We seem to have reached critical mass: our income is still down roughly 80% if not more, my husband's unemployment extension is set to run out this month, the bank has promised to end our tenure as homeowners early next month, and the government program to assist homeowners in our situation has gone into a coma. It is 11:00. The sea water is up to our necks. Something's gotta give.
The Facts:
(1.) God has promised that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)
(2.) God has further promised that He will supply all of our needs according to His riches and glory (Philippians 4:19) which are detailed in His financial portfolio as "the Earth and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1) not to mention the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10)
The Fine Print:
(1.) He told us to ask (James 1:6-8) ("check")
(2.) He asked that we trust in Him with all of our hearts, not try to figure this out with our limited logic, but that we instead acknowledge Him and let him lead out (Proverbs 3:5-6) ("check")
(3.)He told us to wait (Psalm 27:14) ("check")
I trust that our time in this crucible will soon be ending. I don't believe that He will let us drown.
"Let me not be put to shame O Lord, for I have cried out to you" Psalm 31:17
The Facts:
(1.) God has promised that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)
(2.) God has further promised that He will supply all of our needs according to His riches and glory (Philippians 4:19) which are detailed in His financial portfolio as "the Earth and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1) not to mention the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10)
The Fine Print:
(1.) He told us to ask (James 1:6-8) ("check")
(2.) He asked that we trust in Him with all of our hearts, not try to figure this out with our limited logic, but that we instead acknowledge Him and let him lead out (Proverbs 3:5-6) ("check")
(3.)He told us to wait (Psalm 27:14) ("check")
I trust that our time in this crucible will soon be ending. I don't believe that He will let us drown.
"Let me not be put to shame O Lord, for I have cried out to you" Psalm 31:17
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Loathsome
Last Friday, the tragedies in Japan had me thinking about the New Testament passages in Mathew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 in which Jesus details the events of the end of the age to his disciples. So I decided to re-read those familiar scriptures. The promise of earthquakes, famine, war, and pestilence are listed there, but what especially resonated with me that day was the statement in Luke 21:17 that says that, "All men will hate you because of me."
This was not news to me. I have read those words countless times and am also very conscious of the drastic cultural shift in this country away from Christianity and the things of God. In addition, I have lived for 41 years as a minority in an ethnically homogenous part of the United States and have personally experienced contempt from individuals that don't appreciate the beautiful texture of my outer canvas. Still, I took a moment to meditate on that statement and thought about how one prepares to be totally hated. No one wants to be hated. It goes against human nature. AW Tozer said it most eloquently in his work The Divine Conquest in which he asserts,
the desire to please men is back of all social acts from the highest civilizations to the lowest levels levels upon which human life is found. No one can escape it. The outlaw who flouts the rules of society and the philosopher who rises in thought above its common ways may seem to have escaped from the snare, but they have in reality merely narrowed the circle of those they desire to please.
As such, preparation for such a state of existence requires a paradigm shift which only comes from having one's mind renewed. (Romans 12:2) It is necessary to adopt the attitude of Christ (who made himself nothing and took on the persona of a servant to achieve His mission according to Philippians 2:5-8), to acknowledge that the life we live is no longer our own (Romans 8), and to keep our eyes on the prize (Romans 8:17-25)
This was not news to me. I have read those words countless times and am also very conscious of the drastic cultural shift in this country away from Christianity and the things of God. In addition, I have lived for 41 years as a minority in an ethnically homogenous part of the United States and have personally experienced contempt from individuals that don't appreciate the beautiful texture of my outer canvas. Still, I took a moment to meditate on that statement and thought about how one prepares to be totally hated. No one wants to be hated. It goes against human nature. AW Tozer said it most eloquently in his work The Divine Conquest in which he asserts,
the desire to please men is back of all social acts from the highest civilizations to the lowest levels levels upon which human life is found. No one can escape it. The outlaw who flouts the rules of society and the philosopher who rises in thought above its common ways may seem to have escaped from the snare, but they have in reality merely narrowed the circle of those they desire to please.
As such, preparation for such a state of existence requires a paradigm shift which only comes from having one's mind renewed. (Romans 12:2) It is necessary to adopt the attitude of Christ (who made himself nothing and took on the persona of a servant to achieve His mission according to Philippians 2:5-8), to acknowledge that the life we live is no longer our own (Romans 8), and to keep our eyes on the prize (Romans 8:17-25)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Movement
March is an aptly named month. It is a time of forward movement. Not only are we leaving the season of greatest darkness and propelling headlong toward long, lush, sun-drenched days, but the entire ecosystem begins bursting forth, displaying what has been achieved in the cold darkness of winter.
In my yard the irises have emerged and stand in perfect formation. They will soon be followed by daffodils, tulips, and alliums. Like a marching band unified in perfect harmony and movement, every bulb, shrub, and tree stays in step with the rhythm set by the drum major.
I said in an post earlier this year that January is hopeful. March brings the unfolding of those hopes. I believe that this season will reveal the much anticipated, glorious bounty that we set our hopes on in the autumn when we planted those bulbs in the mud, in anticipation of spring.
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
In my yard the irises have emerged and stand in perfect formation. They will soon be followed by daffodils, tulips, and alliums. Like a marching band unified in perfect harmony and movement, every bulb, shrub, and tree stays in step with the rhythm set by the drum major.
I said in an post earlier this year that January is hopeful. March brings the unfolding of those hopes. I believe that this season will reveal the much anticipated, glorious bounty that we set our hopes on in the autumn when we planted those bulbs in the mud, in anticipation of spring.
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Remix
While I've never considered myself a pessimist, and have long sought to enjoy the blessings of life, lately I have discovered a "whole--'notha--level" of happiness.* For example, today as I stood in the rain wondering if the bus that I had seen pass moments before I arrived at the stop was the one I needed to catch, I realized that this potential elicited neither panic nor even annoyance. It simply meant a possible change of plans. As I reflect on this and other moments of sheer bliss recently, it occurs to me that God is doing something really cool during this season. He is remodeling my interior terrain. During the worst financial storm of my adult life, I am more carefree than I have been since I was a very small child. And, it feels amazing.
"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3
*That one was for you, Babe.
"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3
*That one was for you, Babe.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Control
Psalm 151 a psalm of me, not David.
My life and I are His idea, for He is the author.
I yield to His masterful narrative. I am His story to tell.
He is in control.
He has allowed this storm for reasons that I do not understand;
The wind and storm waters are solely His possessions.
I trust Him.
He is in control.
I will rest in Him even though the wind, cold and biting, loudly howls around me; though the cold rain pierces to the flesh.
I am drenched, and shivering.
He is in control.
Still, I will fix my eyes and ears upon the conductor; the only one who understands the rhythm of this cacophony.
He is in control. I am grateful to follow His lead.
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. Always give thanks to God for everything in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20
My life and I are His idea, for He is the author.
I yield to His masterful narrative. I am His story to tell.
He is in control.
He has allowed this storm for reasons that I do not understand;
The wind and storm waters are solely His possessions.
I trust Him.
He is in control.
I will rest in Him even though the wind, cold and biting, loudly howls around me; though the cold rain pierces to the flesh.
I am drenched, and shivering.
He is in control.
Still, I will fix my eyes and ears upon the conductor; the only one who understands the rhythm of this cacophony.
He is in control. I am grateful to follow His lead.
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. Always give thanks to God for everything in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20
Saturday, January 15, 2011
January
On my walk this morning, I was mentally chronicling all of the reasons that I love this month. I will share:
It's slow. The pace of January is refreshing after the busyness of the holidays. It's unhurried.
It's new. Like crawling into a bed with freshly laundered sheets, the first month of the year is fresh and unwrinkled. It feels new and delicious.
It's hopeful. There is much to anticipate: the first bulbs of spring, summer at the beach, digging in the garden, sun tea, the crunch of leaves in the fall, and all of the occasions and events that mark the year.
I am grateful for another opportunity to take a spin around the sun on this big blue marble that we call home. I believe that it is going to be a great one.
It's slow. The pace of January is refreshing after the busyness of the holidays. It's unhurried.
It's new. Like crawling into a bed with freshly laundered sheets, the first month of the year is fresh and unwrinkled. It feels new and delicious.
It's hopeful. There is much to anticipate: the first bulbs of spring, summer at the beach, digging in the garden, sun tea, the crunch of leaves in the fall, and all of the occasions and events that mark the year.
I am grateful for another opportunity to take a spin around the sun on this big blue marble that we call home. I believe that it is going to be a great one.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Roadtrip
When our family lived in the Midwestern cornfields of Illinois, we occasionally needed a city fix. So, we'd jump into our car and make the two hour drive North toward Chicago or Schaumburg. It was a pretty straight shot and the terrain was fairly homogeneous: a long stretch of black asphalt surrounded by farmland as far as the eye could see. Every so often, we'd reach an encouraging landmark that would serve as an indication of how far we'd progressed and give us some indication of how far yet remained until we reached our destination. It was not a terribly exciting trip visually, but good music, great conversation, and the promise of soaking in all that awaited us at journey's end made it worth our while.
That's how I feel at the beginning of 2011. We are still on the same road that we found ourselves on during most of 2010. Unlike that little highway to Chicago, it has been wrought with bumps, twists, and turns. Yet is has been a ride filled with peace as we've surrendered with complete trust to the navigator. Though, we've never been on this stretch of road, He has. And, since we are still moving forward, we must be getting closer- even though the scenery has not changed much.
I so look forward to stretching out my legs and sending out some postcards.
That's how I feel at the beginning of 2011. We are still on the same road that we found ourselves on during most of 2010. Unlike that little highway to Chicago, it has been wrought with bumps, twists, and turns. Yet is has been a ride filled with peace as we've surrendered with complete trust to the navigator. Though, we've never been on this stretch of road, He has. And, since we are still moving forward, we must be getting closer- even though the scenery has not changed much.
I so look forward to stretching out my legs and sending out some postcards.
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