Today is Father's Day. I'm sure I've heard this angle before. Surely in the 30-something years I've heard sermons, I've heard this point made. But that's the funny thing, isn't it? You rediscover important truths all the time, if you tune in.
I've wished my father and my husband (it's his 2nd Father's Day as the "da-DEEEE!!!" to our adorable 19-month-0ld) a happy Father's Day today. And they're both great dads. But--and don't be offended, guys--but you're not God. So on this Father's Day (and future ones, I pray), I'm remembering that God is our ultimate Father. He's the one all fathers should model themselves after (and we mothers too!). He loves us more than anyone else can or will.
So, God, thanks for being my dad. You've always been there for me and always will be. Thanks for giving me wings but also roots. I didn't get you a card, but I know You know I love you.
About Me
- Sunshine
- Learning to face life with a smile...and occasional hysterical laughter.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Without Even Trying
How often have you heard someone (maybe yourself?) say, "I try to do the right thing"? We do try to do the right thing, don't we? We try not to lose our temper, we try not to be mean-spirited about people behind their backs, we try to be positive. And how often we fail.
In my continuing pursuit of what this whole Christian thing really means in everyday life, I read this phrase (attributed by Joanna Weaver to good ol' Oswald Chambers): "Conscious repentance leads to unconscious holiness." Yes, we're going to mess up. We do mess up. But our job is to stay connected to God, ask Him to clean our hearts of the messes we make, and trust Him to do what He says He'll do. Over time, the more we are connected to Him, those sour attitudes will dissipate and be replaced by His fruits of the Spirit. As we remain connected to the Vine, we will produce these attributes of a follower of Jesus. I used to tell God I was going to be more compassionate, more patient, and so on. But I tried to do it as a flawed human. The trick is to live in Him, rest in Him, and then more and more, we'll become like Him. Without even trying.
In my continuing pursuit of what this whole Christian thing really means in everyday life, I read this phrase (attributed by Joanna Weaver to good ol' Oswald Chambers): "Conscious repentance leads to unconscious holiness." Yes, we're going to mess up. We do mess up. But our job is to stay connected to God, ask Him to clean our hearts of the messes we make, and trust Him to do what He says He'll do. Over time, the more we are connected to Him, those sour attitudes will dissipate and be replaced by His fruits of the Spirit. As we remain connected to the Vine, we will produce these attributes of a follower of Jesus. I used to tell God I was going to be more compassionate, more patient, and so on. But I tried to do it as a flawed human. The trick is to live in Him, rest in Him, and then more and more, we'll become like Him. Without even trying.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Home Is Where...?
My mother passed away unexpectedly five years ago this past Monday. I was nearly 29 years old, had been married almost 3 years. Mom and I had had our conflicts, but she was still Mom. She was the one I griped to about work (though she'd always been a stay-at-home mom, so those conversations weren't always fulfilling), she was the one I talked to about wanting a child. She was the one I went to when I wanted to make a trifle look beautiful. She was the one I asked to pray for me and for my husband and whatever difficulties we were facing at the time.
And then she was gone.
In her book Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss, Hope Edelman spends time discussing the different issues faced by women who've lost mothers at different ages. A small child who loses her mother is affected differently from a teenager who loses her mother. Edelman says, "If adolescence is all about forming an identity, the twenties are about taking that identity and putting it to use in the larger world. That's why a woman who loses her mother at this time may well be the most overlooked and misunderstood daughter of all." The author goes on to explain that as a young woman establishes her career, family, and motherhood, she needs a "home base" to which to return for encouragement, affirmation, advice, nurturing, and so on. If the daughter lives in a town away from her family, visiting her family is a vital part of succeeding during this time of life. But what happens when there isn't a home to go to? Fathers can do what they can, but the heart of a home is created by the mother.
In the five years since Mom's death, I have essentially withered without the nurturing a young woman, wife, and mother needs. In the past year or so, it has become apparent that I need to find some nurturing for myself. While I do need some nurturing from human women, a different idea came to me this morning. I have been slowly making my way through Joanna Weaver's Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World (which, among many other books, had been on my mother's bookshelf at her passing). I have a hard time understanding the concept of taking care of myself. This book is one of several resources (which include people I know!) that have helped me see the need for self-care. Weaver discusses Robert Boyd Munger's article "My Heart Christ's Home" and the idea of Jesus's living in each of us. Not a new idea to me, really. I've been in church most of my life. Jesus wants to live in us. Right. I get it. Or so I thought. Weaver quotes Munger: "'[Jesus] built a fire in the cold hearth and banished the chill. He started music where there had been stillness....'"
Instead of wishing for a home that I can escape to, to envelop me, to comfort me, perhaps I already have that home right here inside me. Perhaps I should ask God to come on in, ask Him to put the tea kettle on the stove, ask Him to pat my hand and stroke my head while I tell Him about how tired, weary, and confused I am. This is exactly what I wish my mother were here for. My heart hurts because I want her to visit my home and enjoy the little comforts and joys my little family and I have created here. But she's not here, and really, God can bring even more comfort than she could.
The saying goes that home is where the heart is. True. But perhaps it matters more who is in your heart. And if God is, then you're home.
"Abide in me, and I in you" (John 15:4a).
"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9).
"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:11).
And then she was gone.
In her book Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss, Hope Edelman spends time discussing the different issues faced by women who've lost mothers at different ages. A small child who loses her mother is affected differently from a teenager who loses her mother. Edelman says, "If adolescence is all about forming an identity, the twenties are about taking that identity and putting it to use in the larger world. That's why a woman who loses her mother at this time may well be the most overlooked and misunderstood daughter of all." The author goes on to explain that as a young woman establishes her career, family, and motherhood, she needs a "home base" to which to return for encouragement, affirmation, advice, nurturing, and so on. If the daughter lives in a town away from her family, visiting her family is a vital part of succeeding during this time of life. But what happens when there isn't a home to go to? Fathers can do what they can, but the heart of a home is created by the mother.
In the five years since Mom's death, I have essentially withered without the nurturing a young woman, wife, and mother needs. In the past year or so, it has become apparent that I need to find some nurturing for myself. While I do need some nurturing from human women, a different idea came to me this morning. I have been slowly making my way through Joanna Weaver's Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World (which, among many other books, had been on my mother's bookshelf at her passing). I have a hard time understanding the concept of taking care of myself. This book is one of several resources (which include people I know!) that have helped me see the need for self-care. Weaver discusses Robert Boyd Munger's article "My Heart Christ's Home" and the idea of Jesus's living in each of us. Not a new idea to me, really. I've been in church most of my life. Jesus wants to live in us. Right. I get it. Or so I thought. Weaver quotes Munger: "'[Jesus] built a fire in the cold hearth and banished the chill. He started music where there had been stillness....'"
Instead of wishing for a home that I can escape to, to envelop me, to comfort me, perhaps I already have that home right here inside me. Perhaps I should ask God to come on in, ask Him to put the tea kettle on the stove, ask Him to pat my hand and stroke my head while I tell Him about how tired, weary, and confused I am. This is exactly what I wish my mother were here for. My heart hurts because I want her to visit my home and enjoy the little comforts and joys my little family and I have created here. But she's not here, and really, God can bring even more comfort than she could.
The saying goes that home is where the heart is. True. But perhaps it matters more who is in your heart. And if God is, then you're home.
"Abide in me, and I in you" (John 15:4a).
"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9).
"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:11).
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
She Wore What?
From Proverbs 31:22b: "She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns."
She wore what?! Wait a minute. I thought a good Christian woman went without and denied herself luxuries. But this woman to whom we are taught as little girls to aspire wore nice clothes. "Fine linen and purple gowns." In those days, purple was the color of the upper crust, as purple dye came from some sort of crustacean that was highly prized.
So this morning as I finished blow-drying my new haircut (thanks be to God for my hairstylist of over 10 years), I prayed God for some kind of revelation. And this was it: that it is good for me to spend time and, yes, even splurge on myself. It's even biblical! Now, let's not ignore the getting up in the dark hours of early morning to get meals prepared (verse 15) or the working hard (verse 19) or the giving to the poor and needy (verse 20). There's much to be expected of a daughter of God. But here's what I've been missing (even though my husband has tried to get it through my head and I've heard dozens of sermons and other messages on this topic): You've got to take care of yourself SO THAT you can take care of others.
When I asked God for a revelation this morning, I didn't expect one like this. Funny how God knows exactly what we need, isn't it?
She wore what?! Wait a minute. I thought a good Christian woman went without and denied herself luxuries. But this woman to whom we are taught as little girls to aspire wore nice clothes. "Fine linen and purple gowns." In those days, purple was the color of the upper crust, as purple dye came from some sort of crustacean that was highly prized.
So this morning as I finished blow-drying my new haircut (thanks be to God for my hairstylist of over 10 years), I prayed God for some kind of revelation. And this was it: that it is good for me to spend time and, yes, even splurge on myself. It's even biblical! Now, let's not ignore the getting up in the dark hours of early morning to get meals prepared (verse 15) or the working hard (verse 19) or the giving to the poor and needy (verse 20). There's much to be expected of a daughter of God. But here's what I've been missing (even though my husband has tried to get it through my head and I've heard dozens of sermons and other messages on this topic): You've got to take care of yourself SO THAT you can take care of others.
When I asked God for a revelation this morning, I didn't expect one like this. Funny how God knows exactly what we need, isn't it?
Monday, March 15, 2010
It's About Time
It's about time that I began posting again. Why? Well, it's about time. Time on this earth is short. We are but a vapor that quickly dissipates. Time flies. So as my 16-month-old daughter climbs on file boxes and stacks of household paperwork in our home office, I promise to her, myself, my husband, and my God that I will return to this oddly beautiful thing called writing that is an essential part of who I am, the woman God created me to be. Welcome back, Joy to the Girl. It's about time.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
No Video
When I was young, my mother's sister and her family lived overseas for several years. From time to time, we'd send them videotapes of ourselves--a letter is nice, but you can see and hear a person on a video.
One morning, my mother spotted a series of hot air balloons floating above our house. She got out the videocamera and began recording the balloon race. I watched the race too, and my mother and I commented about the different colors and designs of the various balloons, the tape all the while recording our comments. But only our comments. The tape was just video of the balloons and audio of our voices.
I'm not sure why, but my mom sent this videotape to her sister and her family. Later, they joked about how frustrating it was to hear our voices but not see us. They knew we were there because they could hear our voices. But they longed to see our faces.
For some reason, I thought about this the other day, this memory from my childhood. And it made me think about how frustrating it can be when God seems so far away. He seems a world away. We can see His creations, and sometimes we can even hear His voice. We know He's there. But we can't see Him. But someday we will. And it is also a comfort to remember Matthew 28:20: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Jesus is with us. Always. And He always will be. Remember this. Remind yourself constantly. We've got a big brother who is always there to guide us, cheer us, protect us, and love us.
One morning, my mother spotted a series of hot air balloons floating above our house. She got out the videocamera and began recording the balloon race. I watched the race too, and my mother and I commented about the different colors and designs of the various balloons, the tape all the while recording our comments. But only our comments. The tape was just video of the balloons and audio of our voices.
I'm not sure why, but my mom sent this videotape to her sister and her family. Later, they joked about how frustrating it was to hear our voices but not see us. They knew we were there because they could hear our voices. But they longed to see our faces.
For some reason, I thought about this the other day, this memory from my childhood. And it made me think about how frustrating it can be when God seems so far away. He seems a world away. We can see His creations, and sometimes we can even hear His voice. We know He's there. But we can't see Him. But someday we will. And it is also a comfort to remember Matthew 28:20: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Jesus is with us. Always. And He always will be. Remember this. Remind yourself constantly. We've got a big brother who is always there to guide us, cheer us, protect us, and love us.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Good Times and the Bad Times
This morning I read the first half or so of Mark 1. When I read the account of Jesus' baptism and then what followed, I stopped and pondered. After Jesus was baptized (an act of submission to God the Father), He was tempted by Satan for 40 days. In the desert. Alone. Well, alone until the angels came and cared for Him.
So I got to thinking....
Have you ever gone through a period of good times, only to go through a really bad time? You keep thinking things just can't get any worse, but they do. Unfortunately, during the good times, we often forget about God. We don't pray regularly, we don't read our instruction manual (i.e., the Bible), we let our church attendance slide or at least don't really put our all into it when we're there. So then when the bad times come (which they do because we live in a fallen world), we're not prepared for them.
Jesus experienced a good time (His baptism) and then immediately a bad time (the temptation by Satan). I'm sure He was pretty hacked off about it at times. Good grief, stupid Satan! Just leave me alone! But He was prepared. How was He prepared? He was prepared with Scripture. Also, He was attended by angels. When we are combatting evil, we need God's people attending us. That will probably mean that you need to reach out and ask for help. We can't all read each other's minds. So we have to reach out.
I pray that you are daily preparing yourself for whatever you may face and are developing relationships with people who are doing the same.
So I got to thinking....
Have you ever gone through a period of good times, only to go through a really bad time? You keep thinking things just can't get any worse, but they do. Unfortunately, during the good times, we often forget about God. We don't pray regularly, we don't read our instruction manual (i.e., the Bible), we let our church attendance slide or at least don't really put our all into it when we're there. So then when the bad times come (which they do because we live in a fallen world), we're not prepared for them.
Jesus experienced a good time (His baptism) and then immediately a bad time (the temptation by Satan). I'm sure He was pretty hacked off about it at times. Good grief, stupid Satan! Just leave me alone! But He was prepared. How was He prepared? He was prepared with Scripture. Also, He was attended by angels. When we are combatting evil, we need God's people attending us. That will probably mean that you need to reach out and ask for help. We can't all read each other's minds. So we have to reach out.
I pray that you are daily preparing yourself for whatever you may face and are developing relationships with people who are doing the same.
Monday, April 16, 2007
When I Get to Heaven....
This post is short and very unlike most of my posts here. Too bad. It's my blog, so I can do what I want. ;)
So, when I get to heaven, I'm going to be a mermaid part of the time. I love the ocean, and I want to swim with the dolphins and sea turtles. I'm not too sure about the sharks, but if the lion and lamb can lie together, then I figure I can be friends with a shark.
So, when I get to heaven, I'm going to be a mermaid part of the time. I love the ocean, and I want to swim with the dolphins and sea turtles. I'm not too sure about the sharks, but if the lion and lamb can lie together, then I figure I can be friends with a shark.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
A Fresh Coat
Jesus taught using parables. He used everyday things to help make sense of things that were hard to understand. I just thought of an analogy for a biblical concept....
In today's DIY world of home improvement, many decorators advise turning an old piece of furniture into something new with a fresh coat of paint. For some reason, I thought of the idea of being dressed in Christ's righteousness. I understand the meaning. I am inexpressibly grateful for this gift. But I never really...connected with the "dressed" part. Now, I get it. God takes our beat-up, chipped exterior and strips our old paint and varnish. We're totally bare and exposed. It's the most extreme feeling of vulnerability. But He loves us like this. He loves us because He knows we're trusting Him.
And then...
...He gives us a fresh, cheery, shining coat of paint. The color? Christ's Righteousness, of course!
In today's DIY world of home improvement, many decorators advise turning an old piece of furniture into something new with a fresh coat of paint. For some reason, I thought of the idea of being dressed in Christ's righteousness. I understand the meaning. I am inexpressibly grateful for this gift. But I never really...connected with the "dressed" part. Now, I get it. God takes our beat-up, chipped exterior and strips our old paint and varnish. We're totally bare and exposed. It's the most extreme feeling of vulnerability. But He loves us like this. He loves us because He knows we're trusting Him.
And then...
...He gives us a fresh, cheery, shining coat of paint. The color? Christ's Righteousness, of course!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Loving the Unlovable
One of the things my mother told me often as I was growing up was that people are the most unlovable when they need the most love. It makes sense. When we are miserable, we give very little thought to any one else but ourselves. But isn't it hard to love someone when they're at their worst? It's much easier to avoid the person. But -- and here is the question you should constantly ask yourself -- would Jesus have chosen the easy way? Nope. He wouldn't. And He didn't. And He still doesn't.
He loves you and me, doesn't He? Are we always easy to love? Nope.
But He loves each and every one of us more than we can imagine. And He loves us when we're at our worst.
But, as Max Lucado often says, He loves us too much to leave us there. He wants us to live abundantly.
When you are feeling at your worst, remember how much your Father and His Son love you. And when someone is at their worst, remind yourself that God and Jesus feel the same way about that person.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
"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).
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, emphasis added).
He loves you and me, doesn't He? Are we always easy to love? Nope.
But He loves each and every one of us more than we can imagine. And He loves us when we're at our worst.
But, as Max Lucado often says, He loves us too much to leave us there. He wants us to live abundantly.
When you are feeling at your worst, remember how much your Father and His Son love you. And when someone is at their worst, remind yourself that God and Jesus feel the same way about that person.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
"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).
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, emphasis added).
Monday, January 29, 2007
Getting a Lift
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (I Peter 5:6-7).
What's this about "in due time"? I read a devotional last night that said that "[t]he thorn and the thistle - the difficulties and trials that make (man's) life one of toil and care - were appointed for (man's) good as a part of the training needful in God's plan for his uplifting from the ruin and degradation that sin has wrought (The Path to Peace: Finding Hope in a Troubled World, Steps to Christ).
We are so impatient, aren't we? We're even impatient about God's speed in helping us. We wonder how long we'll have to suffer whatever it is we are going through. But do we do what it takes to let Him help us? The key is in the humility. Are we not being arrogant when we think we can handle all of life's difficulties on our own? God knows us -- we're His creations. And He knows that we need to understand that -- that He made us, so He can take care of our problems better than we can. This is not to say that we don't have a part in the solutions to our problems. But we must remember to constantly ask for His guidance, strength, wisdom, and peace. Then maybe we'll get a lift.
What's this about "in due time"? I read a devotional last night that said that "[t]he thorn and the thistle - the difficulties and trials that make (man's) life one of toil and care - were appointed for (man's) good as a part of the training needful in God's plan for his uplifting from the ruin and degradation that sin has wrought (The Path to Peace: Finding Hope in a Troubled World, Steps to Christ).
We are so impatient, aren't we? We're even impatient about God's speed in helping us. We wonder how long we'll have to suffer whatever it is we are going through. But do we do what it takes to let Him help us? The key is in the humility. Are we not being arrogant when we think we can handle all of life's difficulties on our own? God knows us -- we're His creations. And He knows that we need to understand that -- that He made us, so He can take care of our problems better than we can. This is not to say that we don't have a part in the solutions to our problems. But we must remember to constantly ask for His guidance, strength, wisdom, and peace. Then maybe we'll get a lift.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Renewal
Yesterday a co-worker and I were discussing locus of control, the idea of whether things happen to us because of things beyond our control (external locus) or because of what we do and tell ourselves (internal locus). Certainly, the reality is a combination of the two. Our discussion got me to thinking about thinking. Obviously, things happen that we can't control. But we can control how we react to them, including how we think about them. This is basic, popular psychobabble, isn't it? Nothing too new here. But it is worth thinking about.
When you are a Christian, these concepts go beyond psychobabble. We have a God who is available to help transform our thinking. I thought about Romans 12:2 this morning:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
It seems to me that we tend to think of this verse in light of the indulgences of the Romans--you know, those horrible, not-to-be-spoken-of sins. (The previous verse talks about offering our bodies as living sacrifices.)
However, what about stress? What about not getting enough sleep, enough exercise? What about eating unhealthful foods? What about isolating ourselves, away from relationships and community?
The pattern of our world is extreme stress, coupled with pressures to be perfect--whatever that means in your life. God never meant for us to feel this way.
We may not be able to control all of the circumstances we are in. But we can make changes in how we live. With New Year's just around the corner, it's a great time to think about renewing your thinking about how you live. One of the best ways to do this is to read scripture. God made everything, so He's probably the best One to consult on life.
When you are a Christian, these concepts go beyond psychobabble. We have a God who is available to help transform our thinking. I thought about Romans 12:2 this morning:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
It seems to me that we tend to think of this verse in light of the indulgences of the Romans--you know, those horrible, not-to-be-spoken-of sins. (The previous verse talks about offering our bodies as living sacrifices.)
However, what about stress? What about not getting enough sleep, enough exercise? What about eating unhealthful foods? What about isolating ourselves, away from relationships and community?
The pattern of our world is extreme stress, coupled with pressures to be perfect--whatever that means in your life. God never meant for us to feel this way.
We may not be able to control all of the circumstances we are in. But we can make changes in how we live. With New Year's just around the corner, it's a great time to think about renewing your thinking about how you live. One of the best ways to do this is to read scripture. God made everything, so He's probably the best One to consult on life.
Monday, November 13, 2006
So, Why Don't We?
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16).
I read this verse and am encouraged in the reminder that Jesus has been through the struggles of this life and wants to help us through them. But then I stop and wonder....
Why don't we approach the throne of grace and request help from our Father more often?
There are many reasons why we don't. But none of them are very good. So if you, like me, have not been daily asking your Father for direction, strength, wisdom, comfort, or whatever, please renew your resolve today to make it a priority. And this time of year--with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner--is a perfect time to remember the One from whom all good things come.
I read this verse and am encouraged in the reminder that Jesus has been through the struggles of this life and wants to help us through them. But then I stop and wonder....
Why don't we approach the throne of grace and request help from our Father more often?
There are many reasons why we don't. But none of them are very good. So if you, like me, have not been daily asking your Father for direction, strength, wisdom, comfort, or whatever, please renew your resolve today to make it a priority. And this time of year--with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner--is a perfect time to remember the One from whom all good things come.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Everyday Gifts
Lately I've been struggling a bit with the "Why?" issues of faith. We all go through these phases--I believe we must experience these times to have true, tested faith. Sometimes God doesn't provide many answers to the big questions. However, He often grants our prayer requests in the form of little, "everyday" gifts. They may seem insignificant, but when you're really wondering if He's up there, if He cares, it makes a big difference.
Chronic insomnia plagues me, and recently I woke up in the middle of the night to loud, gusting winds. I was concerned about our patio furniture and plants outside, and the anxiety kept me awake for a long time. The narrative of Jesus' calming the winds at sea jumped into my mind. I said to God, "I know You calmed the winds at least once. I know You can do it now. Please, please, God, make the winds die down just long enough for me to go back to sleep."
Within minutes, the winds were stilled.
I slipped back into sleep, somewhat surprised and very grateful.
When I awoke in the morning, the wind was active again. But it had calmed down enough for me to sleep again, and that was exactly what I'd asked for. The next morning I told my husband about my middle-of-the-night prayer. He said that he had noticed that the winds calmed down and very abruptly--so I know it wasn't just my imagination.
God knows that our faith sometimes needs a little boost. He knew I needed sleep that night. I've experienced at least one other honored "everyday" prayer request since that windy night. I still have some big prayer requests that give me some pain. But these little gifts from my Father help me to continue to ask and give the strength and wisdom to understand that His wisdom and timing are much better than mine.
Chronic insomnia plagues me, and recently I woke up in the middle of the night to loud, gusting winds. I was concerned about our patio furniture and plants outside, and the anxiety kept me awake for a long time. The narrative of Jesus' calming the winds at sea jumped into my mind. I said to God, "I know You calmed the winds at least once. I know You can do it now. Please, please, God, make the winds die down just long enough for me to go back to sleep."
Within minutes, the winds were stilled.
I slipped back into sleep, somewhat surprised and very grateful.
When I awoke in the morning, the wind was active again. But it had calmed down enough for me to sleep again, and that was exactly what I'd asked for. The next morning I told my husband about my middle-of-the-night prayer. He said that he had noticed that the winds calmed down and very abruptly--so I know it wasn't just my imagination.
God knows that our faith sometimes needs a little boost. He knew I needed sleep that night. I've experienced at least one other honored "everyday" prayer request since that windy night. I still have some big prayer requests that give me some pain. But these little gifts from my Father help me to continue to ask and give the strength and wisdom to understand that His wisdom and timing are much better than mine.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Those Good Ol' Psalms
Well, it hasn't been quite a month since I last posted, but pretty close. I've been busy, busy, busy with a major project for work, but we finally completed it last week.
I received the following quotation from an email list I subscribe to. Because I originally began this blog (and the email messages preceding it) with the Psalms, I felt it was appropriate to share this quotation:
"The Psalms defy our notions of profane and sacred, proving that everything we feel, witness, do unto others, and have done to us is acceptable subject matter for conversing with the Divine. They invite us to bring every part of ourselves into our houses of worship. If we omit expressions of faith lost, of rage, of disdain, and of the desire for revenge, we leave parts of ourselves at the door." --Kari Jo Verhulst
I received the following quotation from an email list I subscribe to. Because I originally began this blog (and the email messages preceding it) with the Psalms, I felt it was appropriate to share this quotation:
"The Psalms defy our notions of profane and sacred, proving that everything we feel, witness, do unto others, and have done to us is acceptable subject matter for conversing with the Divine. They invite us to bring every part of ourselves into our houses of worship. If we omit expressions of faith lost, of rage, of disdain, and of the desire for revenge, we leave parts of ourselves at the door." --Kari Jo Verhulst
God knows our every thought, so why not be completely open with Him about our feelings? We might as well discuss them with Him.
The email list had verses 6 through 10 of Psalm 103. But here is the psalm in full--it's even more powerful.
"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul" (Psalm 103).
Monday, October 02, 2006
It's a Process
"...[M]ake every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8).
I don't think anyone would want their faith to become stagnant and, therefore, "ineffective and unproductive." Our purpose in life is to bring God glory by the way we live our lives.
It's interesting that the very last attribute listed in the series of virtues in the passage above is love. Love comes even after self-control? When you think about it, it makes sense. True, unconditional, pure love is the very essense of God. So it makes sense that this would be the hardest for our human hearts and minds to attain. But it's a process, and being a child of God means that you are always striving to become more and more a reflection of Him.
I don't think anyone would want their faith to become stagnant and, therefore, "ineffective and unproductive." Our purpose in life is to bring God glory by the way we live our lives.
It's interesting that the very last attribute listed in the series of virtues in the passage above is love. Love comes even after self-control? When you think about it, it makes sense. True, unconditional, pure love is the very essense of God. So it makes sense that this would be the hardest for our human hearts and minds to attain. But it's a process, and being a child of God means that you are always striving to become more and more a reflection of Him.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Verse and Quote of the Day
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices" (Psalm 37:5-7).
"Prayer that works is prayer that makes a difference, contemplation that turns into action, on behalf of peace and justice in a troubled and unjust world system. Prayer is energy, the energy of love and transformative power. It is given to us to use for the good of all creation. In prayer God gives us the fuel of life, and asks us to live it." ~ Margaret Silf
(Taken from Sojourners Verse of the Day and Voice of the Day, September 28, 2006)
"Prayer that works is prayer that makes a difference, contemplation that turns into action, on behalf of peace and justice in a troubled and unjust world system. Prayer is energy, the energy of love and transformative power. It is given to us to use for the good of all creation. In prayer God gives us the fuel of life, and asks us to live it." ~ Margaret Silf
(Taken from Sojourners Verse of the Day and Voice of the Day, September 28, 2006)
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Why?
When I accessed the Internet this morning, my eyes fell on a news headline about an occurrence in Colorado. Yesterday a gunman entered a Colorado high school, took a group of girls hostage, and eventually killed one 16-year-old girl and then himself. Why?
On days such as these, I am painfully aware that I don't have all the answers. I do believe that evil and good battle each other in our midst every day. An event like this makes it obvious. But even everyday issues of handling one's life with integrity or choosing not to are signs that the fights between good and evil are around us and in us daily.
So what verses can I look to for comfort? When the ugliness of this earthly life seems to take over, what enables me to have hope?
"I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow" (Jeremiah 31:13b).
"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy" (Psalm 30:11).
"'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted'" (Matthew 5:4).
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20a).
"'He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever'" (Revelation 21:4).
It will happen. It will happen.
On days such as these, I am painfully aware that I don't have all the answers. I do believe that evil and good battle each other in our midst every day. An event like this makes it obvious. But even everyday issues of handling one's life with integrity or choosing not to are signs that the fights between good and evil are around us and in us daily.
So what verses can I look to for comfort? When the ugliness of this earthly life seems to take over, what enables me to have hope?
"I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow" (Jeremiah 31:13b).
"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy" (Psalm 30:11).
"'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted'" (Matthew 5:4).
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20a).
"'He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever'" (Revelation 21:4).
It will happen. It will happen.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
In Memoriam
"'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'" (I Corinthians 15:55).
As the granddaughter of a man who loved golf, the name Byron Nelson was familiar to me as I grew up. I didn't know too much about the man, but I knew of him. It was a surprise, then, to learn a few years ago that "Lord Byron" was a member of my husband's and my church. At that time, I expected churchgoers to approach him with starstruck worship. But Byron was not the kind of man that drew that reaction. Rather, because of his humility, church members greeted him at the beginning of church services with a quiet awed pleasure of being a fellow child of God. You could tell church members loved him, loved seeing him, loved that such a prominent figure in our society was really just a fellow Christian, wanting to live in a way that pleased God.
At church, you never really saw Byron without seeing his wife, Peggy. She is an amazing woman. Her faithful presence by his side in worship services always brought joy to my spirit, and her graceful way of welcoming people as a greeter at church warms my heart. On several occasions she told my husband and me that we were a very nice-looking couple. That's a great compliment coming from anyone, but it's certainly significant coming from a woman who has socialized with Tiger Woods and, perhaps, his wife.
It's just nice to see genuine Christianity, especially in the lives of individuals who are known in society.
In the last couple of years, Byron's health seemed to be deteriorating. We knew he had lived a long time and prepared our hearts for his departure. I don't think you can ever be prepared for the loss of someone you love, though. I lost my mother last year, and since then, I have learned a lot about life and death. I also feel a special bond with those who lose a loved one.
Last night when we heard on the 10 o'clock news that Lord Byron had died, we were saddened but not surprised. Though my heart grieves for Peggy and the Nelsons' family and friends, it also rejoices because, as much as Byron loved his ranch in Roanoke, Texas, his home of 58 years, he is finally in his real home. We can imagine him, as a local newscaster said, swinging a golf club in heaven. I don't claim to be a theologist, but I imagine there will be some divinely beautiful fairways in heaven, along with the streets of gold. Do you think anyone bogeys in heaven? (I doubt it.)
God never wants to be separated from us. His desire is for all of us to be with him forever. Byron said, "After all life is short, but eternity is forever. And I hope I never have to spend eternity in the wrong place." And we all have the opportunity, offered from our Father, to spend eternity in just the right place--with Him...and our brothers and sisters.
On a personal note: I've been wanting to learn to play golf (I'm not too bad at putting, thanks to many family outings playing miniature golf), and I am now reminded that we're on earth for only a moment. Perhaps, when my life is over, I'll be ready for my tee time with Byron.
As the granddaughter of a man who loved golf, the name Byron Nelson was familiar to me as I grew up. I didn't know too much about the man, but I knew of him. It was a surprise, then, to learn a few years ago that "Lord Byron" was a member of my husband's and my church. At that time, I expected churchgoers to approach him with starstruck worship. But Byron was not the kind of man that drew that reaction. Rather, because of his humility, church members greeted him at the beginning of church services with a quiet awed pleasure of being a fellow child of God. You could tell church members loved him, loved seeing him, loved that such a prominent figure in our society was really just a fellow Christian, wanting to live in a way that pleased God.
At church, you never really saw Byron without seeing his wife, Peggy. She is an amazing woman. Her faithful presence by his side in worship services always brought joy to my spirit, and her graceful way of welcoming people as a greeter at church warms my heart. On several occasions she told my husband and me that we were a very nice-looking couple. That's a great compliment coming from anyone, but it's certainly significant coming from a woman who has socialized with Tiger Woods and, perhaps, his wife.
It's just nice to see genuine Christianity, especially in the lives of individuals who are known in society.
In the last couple of years, Byron's health seemed to be deteriorating. We knew he had lived a long time and prepared our hearts for his departure. I don't think you can ever be prepared for the loss of someone you love, though. I lost my mother last year, and since then, I have learned a lot about life and death. I also feel a special bond with those who lose a loved one.
Last night when we heard on the 10 o'clock news that Lord Byron had died, we were saddened but not surprised. Though my heart grieves for Peggy and the Nelsons' family and friends, it also rejoices because, as much as Byron loved his ranch in Roanoke, Texas, his home of 58 years, he is finally in his real home. We can imagine him, as a local newscaster said, swinging a golf club in heaven. I don't claim to be a theologist, but I imagine there will be some divinely beautiful fairways in heaven, along with the streets of gold. Do you think anyone bogeys in heaven? (I doubt it.)
God never wants to be separated from us. His desire is for all of us to be with him forever. Byron said, "After all life is short, but eternity is forever. And I hope I never have to spend eternity in the wrong place." And we all have the opportunity, offered from our Father, to spend eternity in just the right place--with Him...and our brothers and sisters.
On a personal note: I've been wanting to learn to play golf (I'm not too bad at putting, thanks to many family outings playing miniature golf), and I am now reminded that we're on earth for only a moment. Perhaps, when my life is over, I'll be ready for my tee time with Byron.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Getting a Grip
Stress seems to run rampant in our society. There are numerous suggestions of how to deal with it effectively, but I've found that the best is grabbing yourself by the shoulders (figuratively), taking a deep breath, asking God to help you, and then reading Scripture.
Here's a passage I've had on my mind this morning:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7).
Here's a passage I've had on my mind this morning:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7).
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