Election

This whole election season has been one big, orchestrated performance with puppets prancing around the stage executing their assigned parts while inciting fear and anger in those who put their trust in man. They don't notice the strings.
I am so thankful that no matter who the frightened audience members select to lead them at the conclusion of this production, the sovereign God; The Great I Am. He who was, and is, and ever will be, owns the theatre and has complete control over the cast.

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."
"The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Psalm 118: 8-9,3

Music

God is that song. The one whose rhythm effects my whole body and I have to move. That infectious melody that I can't hear enough times so I continuously hit repeat to experience it again. The volume on my stereo won't go loud enough to do it justice. I want to crawl into the beat and live there. I want it to pulse through my veins. I want to eat it and have it live in my belly. He is. God is, that song.

Morning Noise

Some days when I sit down to try to be still before the Lord, the noise of other things that I need to do is so loud that I am tempted to abandon this time, beg a "rain check " and run after those things with louder voices. Doing so, however, means flesh wins. Flesh wins and useless things that are not based in eternity win. Useful endeavors with eternal value will wait patiently, while I meet with my director. Useful things are subject to His directive and will pause until those orders are given.

Cloud

I have been thinking that there might be a reader or two that followed our adventure in the desert and wonders how that all panned out. With those people in mind, let me testify.

Early into my blogging, I posted that my husband had lost his job. This came on the heels of a self-employment endeavor from which he received no income for almost a year but had incurred some debt as a result of the overhead associated with running a business.

I later blogged about the bank threatening to foreclose on our house, about my dad having a stroke, about a fire caused by a defect in our clothes dryer that left us temporarily "homeless" (I acknowledge that the word homeless is a giant misnomer since this world is not home, anyway) and at the tail end of this string of unfortunate events, how my body declared "uncle" and fell prey to illness. It was a ride. I was back on the Ferris Wheel that I blogged about in one of my initial posts. Let me tell you what I saw this time:

I witnessed He who is in me, being greater than he who is in the world. The bank threatened us day after day for almost a year with harassing phone calls, while repetitively telling us that they could offer no solution to our dilemma except for a short sale or deed in lieu (until I cried foul and told them to stop calling and just do what they needed to do.) In the end, though nothing had changed in our finances and we had long since stopped asking, the bank suddenly decided to refinance the loan and we are still in our home.

I watched The Great Physician bring my dad back from the stroke restoring his mobility, his verbal ability, and his cognition.

I saw God's perfect timing. The funds from the fire claim came through just days after signing the refinance documents with the bank. Because the loan was in good standing, those funds allocated to repair the damages to our house were not confiscated by the bank but were used for their intended purpose.

I saw all things work together for our good (being that we are called according to His purpose.) That fire only damaged the dryer, its contents, and caused smoke damage to a few things that we could live without and/ or needed to replace, anyway. No one was hurt. The contents that were damaged have been replaced and there is not even the smell of smoke.

I learned how the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The doctor and the specialist that I visited gave me a diagnosis that had "no cause" and "no cure." The doc let me know that there was nothing "natural" that I could do to correct the condition and the specialist prescribed a toxic cocktail of prescription drugs. The Great Physician told me, in my quiet time with Him, that I was going to be all right. He then directed me to a naturopathic doctor (my 3rd) that specialized in these things, who helped me discover what the underlying cause of my condition was and helped me regain my health. No pills required; Just the tools that God has provided.

I stood with God and watched him take loaves and fishes and turn them into more than enough with some left over. When my husband did find a job after being laid off, the pay was significantly less than he had been receiving. It seemed that our budget had already been thin but, somehow with less than before, every need was met. In the midst of the leanness, God amazed us by providing for every. single. situation. And, we were able to sow seed elsewhere.

And, last July, I saw a fist in the sky the size of a man's hand. My hubby began to excel in his new field and I could smell rain on the horizon after the long draught. In December, he received a year-end bonus that blew our minds. We were able to pay off all of our debts, with the exception of our mortgage, and end the year unshackled.

So now, after that long dry season, with a body that is once again able to, we are simply dancing in the rain.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Word Play

It occurred to me today that anytime anyone disagrees with the popular cultural sentiment, the dissenter is automatically labeled a "bigot" a "hater" or "phobic". Is it no longer feasible to respectfully disagree with someone? Isn't it still possible to love someone who has an opinion or even a worldview that differs from one's own?

There are times when my husband, my children, or my closest friends and I disagree even after thoughtful conversations during which we've heard and understood each other's perspectives. In fact, there are times that I disagree with myself. (I want to be disciplined and resist that second bowl of ice cream but, it's just so good...)

The truth is that, in none of these scenarios is there any love lost. Disagreement doesn't equal hatred. Nor, does it equal fear. In fact, it takes courage to go against the tide. But, love speaks up.

"Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free" John 8:32

Open Season

My son came to me dismayed this morning and said "They are killing my people." I inquired further and he mentioned the recent shooting in Carolina. It is just another in a string of violence against people of color in this country. I haven't heard much about this incident, but shared his sorrow as he filled me in on the details.

Then it occurred to me, as I sat silently before the Lord, that the enemy has declared Open Season on black people. I am witnessing violent acts with my own eyes not seen since the tumultuous era marked by the fight for civil rights in the sixties. And while I realize that the underlying causes of this issue have never been resolved, things seem to have come to a boiling point, once more.

,

The key is understanding WHO the enemy is. It's not gun-toting, folks. It's not the police. It's not even white supremacists. The enemy is Satan and his demonic host. It is he who has declared open season and he will don whatever disguise is necessary to accomplish his mission. He has similarly declared war on family.

The only answer and our only hope is found at the cross. We are engaged in an ancient spiritual battle which has already been won. Nothing short of accepting that victory and turning our hearts to The Savior, who conquered Satan, will do.


"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" Ephesians 6:12

Reassessment

So I have to admit that I have been kicking around the idea that perhaps I had reached the end of this blogging experience. Maybe I have said all that needs to be said aloud and should retreat to my personal journals to satisfy my writing "jones". Maybe the world has moved past blogging.

But, at the end of the day, this blog is not now, nor has it ever been about me. I am not here to win a Pulitzer. I am here because, as I've established from the inception of this thing, I felt a tug on my heart to serve as scribe and witness to my amazing God. So, as God gives me the words to say, I will continue to be a very small voice proclaiming his goodness in the overwhelmingly loud wilderness that is the internet. It is my honor to serve.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

The View From the Summit

Although the official day of thanksgiving has passed, I cannot let the season slip away without acknowledging with gratitude, what seems to finally be the end of a Job season and the commencement of rest.

If you've followed this blog, then you know that I've made no secret of the challenges and set-backs that have littered my path. The last several years have felt like an ascent up the jagged side of Mount Crazy harnessed only by the caribiner of faith, with God as my scout. On many occassions, I told the Lord that, "I don't understand, but I trust you so, I will keep climbing" and now, we seem to have finally reached our destination. It is exilharating. I have to pause and marvel, once again, at God's provision and protection.

During this season of tribulations, I have been safer swinging from jagged rock under the watchful eye of my Lord and Saviour, than I would have been with both feet planted firmly on level ground without him. And, for that, I am extremely thankful.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 8:38-39

Lest My Readers Think That I've Capsized and Drowned....

I'd better get something published on this blog (assuming that there are still one or two faithful that continue to peek at this view from inside my head.)

I have not, in fact, capsized rather am enjoying a new vantage point of life from outside of the ordinary. My family has been displaced from our house since mid-August when our defective clothes dryer blazed up, incinerating itself, the load of whites that it was supposed to be drying, and causing some nasty smoke damage to the top floor of our house. Thankfully, we were home, awake, and able to remove ourselves without incident. (I have to laugh thinking about how calm everyone in the household was. I suppose that living the last few years with high decibel drama has mellowed us all. My children's chief concern was which of their garments might have been sacrificed in the dryer. And, I was worried about the loud alarms waking our neighbors, as it was rather late in the evening. Apart from that, it was business as usual).

God in his faithfulness is using this situation to demonstrate how he always gives beauty for ashes. When this is all said and done, we will have fresh carpet, walls painted in the colors of our choosing, new appliances, and best of all new mattresses. Everything should be restored and refreshed just in time for the holidays. Once again, we win.

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I am Trayvon Martin.

I was sick yesterday when breaking news reported that George Zimmerman had been acquitted and then proceeded to show a clip of his emotionless face as the verdict was read on his behalf. Utterly. Sick.
I am sick that our nation is so broken and so divided by the colors of our skin. I am sickened by the understanding that human life has been so cheapened that defending our "stuff" is more important than preserving another life. I am sickened that our justice system is not at all just. And, I am saddened because regardless of what the jury ruled in this case, one young man is gone and another man was validated in the taking of that life. I am sure that he and the jurors will have to wrestle with that one for the rest of their lives.

I am Trayvon Martin. I have been watched and followed, and assessed based on the color of my skin and the texture of my hair. My husband is Trayvon Martin. He has witnessed women clutching their purses closer as he boarded the bus, clean-shaven and well-dressed headed to high school. My son is Trayvon Martin. Clad in any one of his hoodies while listening to Sho Baraka proclaim the goodness of God on his ipod, the idle passerby would never figure him for the scholar and godly young man that those who actually know him understand him to be. The truth is, regardless of race or gender, we are all Trayvon Martin to eyes not knowing nor understanding instead simply reacting to what they have been socialized to see and believe.

I pray for George Zimmerman that he might come to know the peace of knowing God, and put his trust in Him rather than firearms. I pray for the Martins. May they sense God's arms around them as never before and be bathed in the comfort the he alone can give. And I pray for this nation. Oh how we need a savior. How very much do we need The Saviour

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28

Ambassador

am·bas·sa·dor (amˈbasədər)
Noun
1: an official envoy; especially : a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment.

2: A person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.

-Lord forgive us for representing you so poorly.
-Lord forgive us for pursuing our own agendas instead of yours.
-Lord forgive us for getting taken in by the love of money.
-Lord give us your eyes, ears, and hearts for a sick and dying world.

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us..." 2 Corinthians 5:20

"I See Dead People"

I have noticed a troubling phenomenon in the church lately that the famous line uttered by Haley Joel Osment in the movie The Sixth Sense* sums up beautifully. "I see dead people." The 21st century church seems to be experiencing a zombie apocalypse. It is filled with folks with lifeless eyes, and eery, waxed on smiles that say the right buzz phrases and appear to be in motion but, are not alive with the spirit of God. They, like zombies, seem suspended between two worlds, neither dead to the things of this world nor fully alive in Christ. The result is folks that are powerless, ineffective in the battle, and just plain old creepy.

2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation. The old has passed away and behold all things are new." Accepting Christ requires that one lay aside one's old behaviors and perspectives and allow oneself to be created anew. The eighth chapter of Romans describes in detail what life in the spirit consists of, Galatians 2:20 verifies that, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me", and Jesus himself told Nicodemus that, "unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) All of these passages make it clear that we are not to remain as we were when we came to Christ. We are to be transformed by the relationship. No zombies allowed.

Just for the record, the only zombie that I've ever loved was the delicious cheese zombie served in my high school cafeteria which consisted of the perfect marriage of thick bread and gooey cheddar cheese, made to be dunked in creamy tomato soup which accompanied it.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matthew 5:13

*(aside: I have never seen the movie, but the quote was just that popular)

Nothing Surprises Me Much These Days

When I arrived at work on Monday afternoon, a co-worker informed me of the bombings that had taken place in Boston a few hours prior. She and others were huddled around their monitors watching the latest news breaks on the story.

While I am always saddened to hear of another incidence of violence perpetrated against the public, I am not terribly shocked by these occurences, anymore. And, its not because I no longer care or find these things to be reprehensible, its rather that unlike ancient philosophers, I don't believe in the concept of tabula rasa ( the purity of man at birth) nor do I believe that mankind is innately "good". Both of those philosophies fly in the face of the Word of God which plainly states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Wrong-doing is the default setting of mankind apart from relationship with God.

The other reason that I am not easily shocked by these news stories is that, while incidents such as a bombing or a school shooting gain news coverage, widespread outcry, and the support of citizens nationwide, the disregard and destruction of life is part of the fabric our our daily culture. In courtrooms, boardrooms, and meetings across the country decisions are made on a daily basis (usually because profit is involved) that destroy individual's health and well-being. These stories seldom make the news, but the impact of those explosive decisions is equally devastating for those hit by the shrapnel.

This IS What I Signed Up For

I signed up to take up my cross and follow Christ into a painful death of self.
I signed up to stand through trials and hardships, overcoming by the blood of The Lamb.

I signed up for more of God and less of me- to plumb the depths of who He is and to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

I signed up to be salt and light; to share the truth of Christ with those in darkness.
I signed up to know God and the fellowship of his suffering.

Why?

"For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." Hebrews 13:14

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things that are seen, but at things which are not seen: for the things that are seen are temporal; but the things that aren't seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

This is not a cruise. It's a voyage to a destination. I am not here to sight-see, to be entertained, or to gorge myself with decadent buffet food amidst luxury accommodations. Rather, I am bracing my dinghy against the wind, bailing out the water, when needed, with great anticipation for what lies at the end of the journey. That's what I signed up for and that's what keeps me rowing when my arms get tired.

Life at Sea

My life over the last few years has included an interesting chain of events that I could never have imagined. These years have been saturated with job loss, sickness, death, and financial distress. I have attended an unprecedented number of funerals, visited and prayed for countless loved ones with critical health situations, and am currently experiencing some wonky issues in my own body. Being one for neatness and order, I am astounded by the realization that despite the unceasing turbulence of late, I am more content than I have ever been. God's peace has constantly sustained me and I have discovered life at sea--

Away for terra firma, in the unfamiliar, with the uncertainty of the stormy sea dashing at will against my little boat, I have found that even there my saviour's love extends to me. I am at peace, resting in Him who has never failed me and continues to meet my every need.

" Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39

Sabbath

It is January and I am having a sabbath. I am resting amidst the hustle. I am delighting in quiet moments. I am devouring beautiful frosted mornings and still quiet nights. And I am giddy from the pleasure of doing so. I don't feel like rushing. I am savoring this season too much.

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