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
Monday, October 10, 2011
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.
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