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

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