Why?

the answer is simple:
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" Ephesians 6:12-13

Apart from God, we are useless in this battle.

ThanksLiving

While the national day of thanksgiving has passed and many of my fellow Americans have run off to shop. I am still focusing on the abundant blessings that I am able to enjoy. We celebrated the holiday this year with family and the usual accoutrements (turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce and the like) but, here is the menu I am most craving right now:

The "gravy" of God's anointing in my life and in the life of His entire body, flowing like oil down Aaron's beard. (Psalm 133:1) and the sweet fruits of the spirit: love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

As God continues to breathe the breath of life into my nostrils, I want to live a life of gratitude and not just on the third Thursday of November.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Labor

I remember the nights that I went into labor with both of my children. With my first, it started slowly with what felt like the Braxton-Hicks contractions that had become routine at the end of my pregnancy so I was a bit reserved in declaring it labor until I had exhausted most of the wee hours of the night enduring recurring intervals of intensifying pain. By the second baby, I knew the difference between those mild Braxtons and the serious business that would soon usher my newborn into the world. I was thus able to declare go-time much earlier.

As I examine the landscape of our time with the unrest in the Middle East and the sea surging in unusual places, while people misplace their hope in elected officials, and refuse to hear sound teaching, I can't help but think that it is time to make sure that I have my bag packed and ready by the door.

"Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." Luke 21:29-33

Trompe L'oeil

Though one would never suspect it from a cursory glance at this photo-anemic blog, I am such a visual person. I have professed my love of design in a previous post and many other posts have been inspired by things that I have experienced with my eyes. I suspect that I am far from alone in this.

In spite of that, the circumstances of the last several years are reinforcing in me a greater understanding that my eyes can't always be trusted. I am learning how to really walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), like Abraham not to weaken in my faith due to the details (Romans 4:17), and to trust that "God gives life to things that were dead and calls things that are not as though there were." (Romans 4:19)

Many years ago, I heard a speaker on the radio give a definition of the word "fear" as "false evidence appearing real". (I remember it because it's succinct and a visually appealing acronymn.) I have found that fear is a favorite strategy of the enemy. He loves to illuminate circumstances and situations that loom in opposition to God's promises, attempt to shift the focus on those instead of our Heavenly Father, and allow the mental spiral that comes from losing real perspective to cause a riot in our minds. It reminds me of the art form known as "trompe l'oeil", which translates, "fools the eye." Every detail must be meticulously executed in a work of this genre to make it appear real. It's more than smoke and mirrors, but no matter how convincing the imitation, it's never what it appears to be.

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:5

Integral

This morning, I was reflecting on something that my nephew said when my husband and I presented him with a bible as one of his graduation gifts. He remarked that he will use if he gets into trouble (perhaps not verbatim, but certainly something to that effect). I countered, to use it even when he's not "in trouble." He is headed off to college and we wanted to make sure that he had the right road map.

His thinking is not unusual. God's word is often viewed as an aspirin to be taken when one is in pain and needs relief. It's a quick fix remedy to be kept on hand in case of emergency. Little thought is given to aspirin when one is not in need. Without diminishing the awesomeness of God's word, I prefer to treat the bible as a vitamin: A necessary, daily, life-giving, source of nutrients that will prevent me needing the aspirin in the first place. It enhances all that concerns me, and keeps me functioning at an optimal level.

In a similar vein, I am a natural hair devotee and read several blogs on the topic. The method that I currently use to care for my hair has resulted in the longest, fullest, healthiest hair that I've ever had in my life. (Another blessing from my aforemention cousin, Kim. Thank you, cuz!) In addition, it is the easiest, lowest maintenance system that I've ever encountered. For me, it's like a miracle. And, my experience is not unique. There are blogs and blogs of women who, like me, have found amazing lengths and vitality by doing with their hair what I have had done. So, I am always surprised when I read that someone is thinking of returning to prior methods-- while expecting the same result.

Just as some view the Word of God (and God at large, for that matter) as an aspirin, others view Him as merely the provider of a push start. They just want enough to get going and then cut ties once they have momentum. There is an assumption that a touch, rather than an ongoing relationship, is all that is needed. Both scenarios allow God to be saviour, but certainly not Lord. He is a handy tool, not worthy of any thought outside of moments of need and/or distress. He is an aspirin, or jumper cables.

I have found my need to be greater than that. While I am grateful that he has shown me his hands (providing both pain relief and emergency roadside assistance, when needed), I hunger for his face: the intimate knowledge of who he is and, in turn, who he created me to be. I desire the growth and vitality that comes from ongoing, extensive contact.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing." John 15:5

"Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?" Galatians 3:3

History

Like most American school children, I studied history through out my formative educational years, first through twelveth grades, in either social studies, or some form of history class. But, it wasn't until I went to college, that I really developed a love for the subject. Prior to my college coursework, the education of history had always been limited to rote memorization of dates, and disembodied events, that for me seemed to have no real connection or particular significance. As a student of color, I was even more disenfranchised, since the only mention of my history was about two paragraphs long as a sidenote to the rest of the chapter. When I got to college, I remember sitting in Dr. Horowitz's and Dr. Milner's classes and having my hair blown back. In both of those courses, attention was given to the cultural and cognitive paradigms behind the events. That changed the game. Suddenly, history was fascinating, and relevant to my own personal experience. It put things into perspective and provided understanding into how those dates and events that I'd previously learned about effected things in the present. I was hooked. I still am.

I have been doing some reading that has got me thinking about the history of spiritual warfare. Not unlike school children, we are fed small focus political points on pet issues that don't illuminate the whole picture. In this election year, we are, once again, led to focus on abortion rights, the economy, education, healthcare, and the other usual suspects. What we don't often see is how all of these "cultural" issues are inextricably linked and the spiritual agenda behind them. Like the 3-D posters from the eighties that I blogged about in a previous post, we must stop focusing on the individual pixels, and come to see the sum of the parts. Only then will we understand what we are seeing.

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7

Dodgeball

I wrote a few months ago about how Jesus is misperceived by the culture (See "Warrior"). People tend to equate him with Santa Claus or other such benevolent, fictional personalities that really just want everyone to be happy and live a harmonious existence with everyone else. He was just a good man with some great ideas. A community organizer.

With this revisionist Jesus, spiritual warfare also gets dumbed down.(Think of the classic scene in which both a diminutive devil and an angel are perched on opposite shoulders, of some uncertain putz, each directing him as to a course of action.) Lately, the Christian community seems to have the audacity to believe that we can slightly alter the rules of the game to a kinder, gentler sort of play (no hitting above the waist), change the name (I've heard both "spatial" and "ga-ga"now used to describe the game that I knew as a child as "dodgeball"), and hope that more people will want to play. Is mankind so conceited that we actually believe that it's all about us rather than realizing that we are involved in an ancient war that we did not start and are unable to finish? Against powers and principalities against which we are unmatched in our own strength? (see Ephesians 6:12-18). We will not shake our opponents' hands at game's end, commend them on their strategy, and retire to the clubhouse to discuss the highlight reel over refreshments. What's at stake here is much greater. And this is for keeps.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesian 6:12 KJV

Update

While I admit that I haven't anything terribly insightful to post today, I thought that perhaps I should just make note of the fact that I have not fallen off of this great spinning orb.

The last few weeks have been busy. My husband and I celebrated our twentieth wedding anniversary at the end of May and in June, witnessed our oldest graduate from high school, then turn eighteen in a one-two-punch that effectively ended his childhood. So, I have been taking it all in and letting the old bean process those and the other events that have occupied my days.

I am hoping for some epiphany that is blog-worthy and/or a breakthrough from this season of difficulty that we've been in that I've been sharing about in previous posts for the last two or so years (Yes. We are still there. And yes, God is still good). In the meantime, I am enjoying my summer and hoping that you are, as well.

Family

Yesterday was the National Day of Prayer. I decided that rather than commute to the church that I attend in the city, I would go and pray at a church near where I work, that has posted hours for their observance of the day on a sign outside the building for a few weeks. I called ahead to confirm the time and headed over.

While I am not particularly shy, walking into a room with a group of strangers gathered around a conference table, who aren't expecting me was a bit daunting. Everyone was friendly as the pastor introduced everyone, gave us instructions on the seven areas about which we would be praying, and asked us to pick one area about which to pray aloud. Researchers state that many individuals place public speaking ahead of death on their list of greatest fears. But anxiety aside, I was there to petition the Lord about my country which is so desperately in need of His touch. So, I shut my eyes and waited for my turn.

Once we began to pray, the particular details of those seven or so individual faces, melted away. While we were different heights, weights, and skin colors, I immediately noticed a family resemblance. These folks had our father's heart. It was a blessing to gather at the table with them.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1

Flushed

I was talking with our accountant over the phone last week as she finalized our 2011 return. She needed clarification on a few things so I was explaining the circumstances to her. Having done our taxes for about fifteen years, she remarked that we have had it rough for the last five years, or so. I offered the expression that I picked up from my cousin: "Yeah, we've been 'circling the drain' for about five years." ( Thank you Kim, I love that expression, beaucoup!) She laughed and advised that we keep our arms out, so that we don't go down. (I love the mental image of that too). I retorted that, as things have been going, our arms would likely just break off.

While, Sherri and I shared a good laugh about that, the truth is I am sure that even if we do lose our battle against the drain, get sucked down, shredded by the disposal into a billion tiny fragments, and subsequently scattered to the four corners of the earth, nothing will be lost. I know the Master Plumber-- the same God who called the dry bones scattered in the valley that Ezekiel visited to assemble and live again. I know that he can resurrect every casualty of adverse circumstance. And, I know that he's got this.

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."
John 11:25-26

3-D

About a decade ago, 3-d images were all the rage. It seems that you couldn't enter a shopping mall without seeing a group of individuals, gathered around a picture while contorting themselves into all sorts of unnatural postures to find the hidden treasure. To my untrained eye there was never anything more than a canvas containing a million tiny pixels. But, if I observed the crowd long enough, some one would inevitably see the image, in their delight exclaim, "Oh, I see it. It's a B-2 bomber!", and then try to help everyone else see it. ("Close your left eye, and assume the Karate Kid pose.") To me, however, it remained mere dots on paper. I was one of the poor slobs that could never see it, try as I might. And, I really wanted to see it.

That's how it seems to be with faith in Christ. Once you've had a moment of "seeing" like Paul on the road to Damascus (who's seeing was ironically accompanied by the temporary loss of his eyesight) and Isaiah who's encounter with the living God made him also see himself for who he really was, there is no going back. Faith reveals the hidden treasure that once seen, there is no ability to unsee.

Though, I missed out on countless opportunities to see 3-d images leap off of canvases and share in the excitement of having seen them, I am so thankful for the privilege of daily encountering the living God who continues to reveal himself to me (no contortion, required). Like those individuals at the mall, I want everyone to see.

"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."
Luke 10:25

"For the message of the cross if foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
1 Corinthians 1:18

Science

I curled up on the couch next to my hubby after work last night, and caught the end of a program on PBS that he had been watching entitled, The History of Science: Can We Have Unlimited Power? As the title indicates, the show chronicled the time line of scientific discoveries about energy, and detailed how those discoveries led to inventions that changed our way of living.

There were two things of particular interest to me. The first was the work of scientist Alessandro Volta, who studied the Torpedo fish. By examining the dissected anatomy of this fish to learn the source of the electric charge that it emitted to stun it's prey, he was able to replicate the design and produce what came to be known as the "voltaic pile." We know it as the battery. Had this fish not been designed, but simply the result of random chaos, this replication would have been impossible. As far as I know, it is not possible to exactly replicate chaos, as it has no rhyme or reason. And, designs come from designers; even the simple ones.

The other was the discovery of radium. At first, it was thought to be producing energy out of nowhere in defiance of the first law of thermodynamics-the conservation of energy which states that, "there is no new matter or energy coming into existence and there is no new matter or energy passing out of existence." It was later understood, however, that radium's output of energy resulted in a loss of mass. As it gives off energy, it decomposes and becomes something else, like lead. That spoke to me, once again, about how the natural mirrors the spiritual. As we surrender ourselves to God, and allow the light of Christ to shine through us, we shrink away--losing "mass" and become a new creation. That is exactly what I am trying to do.

"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

Quiet

Last year, I wrote that I love January for a variety of reason that I then went on to list in detail. It's still true. I love January!

After the clamor of the holidays (which I love equally) on that first day that school resumes and I send my children off to continue learning, there is a stillness and quiet that sweeps over the house and envelopes me like a warm blanket. It is luxurious and delicious; almost palpable. It never ceases to delight me. And after having filled my belly with the fellowship of friends and family, taking tours of other views from other heads, I am ready for January. For in such moments, thick will quietness, I am most present in his presence. That is the ultimate peace on earth.