Yesterday was a frustrating day. There's no need to go into all the details. I'll just tell you that it was one of "those" days. A day when it took all my self-control not to eat an entire jar of Nutella, straight from the jar! A day when it's a good thing I live out in the middle of nowhere, away from the lure of fast-food restaurants. Otherwise, I would have eaten my weight in french fries! A very frustrating day.
This morning I'm putting all that behind me. I'm refocusing my attention on other things. Because if I continue to rehash the frustrating events of yesterday, then my snarky, sarcastic self will take over. And I, along with anyone who has the misfortune to be in my space, will be miserable indeed.
So, put it all behind me. Focus on today. And anticipate things to come.
Speaking of things to come, two months from today I will once again be in Israel. We depart on December 30 and arrive in Tel Aviv on December 31. It's my understanding that we will be spending our first night in Bethlehem. To say that I am excited would be a vast understatement! I am so looking forward to this trip, to once again walking where Jesus walked.
Before that will be Christmas and Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is our "family" holiday this year. (We have an every-other-year holiday tradition in our family. The in-laws host the celebration in the alternate years.) Last year we had Christmas. This year is Thanksgiving. I'm really looking forward to that family time. Since we don't all live in close proximity to each other, these family times are a special treasure.
And before that, I'm looking forward to November. Al has jury duty in November, in the federal court in Asheville. He's not looking forward to it, and is hoping to be dismissed. My attitude is a little different, because I know that if he is chosen for jury service, that means he won't be traveling. And after the last couple of months of his being gone more than he has been home, I'm looking forward to having him here!
So that's how I'm dealing with my frustrations today. Turning my attention toward the things I'm anticipating. Toward things that make me smile rather than set off my snark-meter. I'm choosing, as an act of the will, to focus forward. To press on.
"Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV)
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Pausing to Remember
Thirteen years ago, I watched my beloved mother take her last breaths in this life. It was a sad morning. A difficult morning. It was one of the few times in my life that I ever saw my daddy cry. It was on that morning, thirteen years ago, that I had to say to him, "It's over."
But it isn't over. Not really. Because there is the promise that we will see each other again. And though I still miss my mother so very much, I don't "grieve as those who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Because "since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thessalonians 4:14 ESV).
And so, until that day comes, I remember. And those memories make me smile.
Memories of Mother putting bows in my hair when I was a little girl.
Of cranberry tip-tops and celery stuffed with cream cheese and pecans as part of our Christmas dinner every year.
Christmas shopping in Spartanburg on the day after Thanksgiving.
Stopping at the candy counter in the old Sears store on Church Street for chocolate-covered peanuts every time we went to Spartanburg.
Her old Singer sewing machine, with the treadle, where she sewed so many of my clothes.
An orange popsicle if I promised not to cry so loud (and embarrass her!) when I got my shots. (I don't think the crying was a problem; it was the volume that was so embarrassing! For a shy, quiet girl, I could really make a scene!)
Trips to the bookmobile.
Many years later, meeting her at the airport when she flew out to Denver to visit us.
Her love of Chick-fil-a sandwiches. And her love for Keith Laws, whom she referred to for many years as "the Chick-fil-a man" because she couldn't remember his name!
Her love of the Scriptures. Even after the strokes had affected her speech and her memory, she could remember the verses she had memorized. Even until her very last days, her Bible was right beside her on the bed.
Her sense of humor. Even after her speech and memory had been so affected by the strokes, she could still laugh over the things she couldn't quite say. She would try and try to say something correctly, then laugh and say, "oh, well.....I can't say it," and then just smile. How I loved the twinkle in her eye!
So many memories. Shopping for my wedding dress at the old Aug. W. Smith store in Spartanburg. Celebrating Mother and Daddy's 50th wedding anniversary at the Tea House on Lake Lanier.
So many good times. The memories of those good times eclipse the memories of those last days. I remember my mother with great joy. There's an emptiness since she's been gone, a special place in my heart that no one else could fill. But instead of focusing on those last, difficult, very sad days, I choose to remember all the good times. And doing that always brings a smile to my face, even on this anniversary of her passing.
So this morning, I pause to remember. And to give thanks to God that I was so blessed. To be grateful that this amazing woman, Helen Neil Austin, was my mother!
But it isn't over. Not really. Because there is the promise that we will see each other again. And though I still miss my mother so very much, I don't "grieve as those who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Because "since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." (1 Thessalonians 4:14 ESV).
And so, until that day comes, I remember. And those memories make me smile.
Memories of Mother putting bows in my hair when I was a little girl.
Of cranberry tip-tops and celery stuffed with cream cheese and pecans as part of our Christmas dinner every year.
Christmas shopping in Spartanburg on the day after Thanksgiving.
Stopping at the candy counter in the old Sears store on Church Street for chocolate-covered peanuts every time we went to Spartanburg.
Her old Singer sewing machine, with the treadle, where she sewed so many of my clothes.
An orange popsicle if I promised not to cry so loud (and embarrass her!) when I got my shots. (I don't think the crying was a problem; it was the volume that was so embarrassing! For a shy, quiet girl, I could really make a scene!)
Trips to the bookmobile.
Many years later, meeting her at the airport when she flew out to Denver to visit us.
Her love of Chick-fil-a sandwiches. And her love for Keith Laws, whom she referred to for many years as "the Chick-fil-a man" because she couldn't remember his name!
Her love of the Scriptures. Even after the strokes had affected her speech and her memory, she could remember the verses she had memorized. Even until her very last days, her Bible was right beside her on the bed.
Her sense of humor. Even after her speech and memory had been so affected by the strokes, she could still laugh over the things she couldn't quite say. She would try and try to say something correctly, then laugh and say, "oh, well.....I can't say it," and then just smile. How I loved the twinkle in her eye!
So many memories. Shopping for my wedding dress at the old Aug. W. Smith store in Spartanburg. Celebrating Mother and Daddy's 50th wedding anniversary at the Tea House on Lake Lanier.
So many good times. The memories of those good times eclipse the memories of those last days. I remember my mother with great joy. There's an emptiness since she's been gone, a special place in my heart that no one else could fill. But instead of focusing on those last, difficult, very sad days, I choose to remember all the good times. And doing that always brings a smile to my face, even on this anniversary of her passing.
So this morning, I pause to remember. And to give thanks to God that I was so blessed. To be grateful that this amazing woman, Helen Neil Austin, was my mother!
My heart can sing when I pause to remember
A heartache here is but a stepping stone
Along a trail that's winding always upward,
This troubled world is not my final home.
But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then with joy I'll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the city,
Until the day God calls me home.
A heartache here is but a stepping stone
Along a trail that's winding always upward,
This troubled world is not my final home.
But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then with joy I'll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the city,
Until the day God calls me home.
(-Stuart Hamblen)
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Simply Trusting. That Is All.
Times are tough right now for a lot of people. If you aren't in the middle of a tough time, you probably know someone who is.
People are worried and stressed and fearful and feeling uncertain. About all sorts of things.
People are dealing with health issues of various kinds. A bad diagnosis. Facing tests and fearful of what the diagnosis will be. Trying to navigate insurance challenges.
There's unemployment. And underemployment. And nervousness about just how long the job will last. And will it be long enough. Wondering when the next round of lay-offs will come. Worry that the job won't last until retirement. Concern that when retirement comes, there won't be enough money.
There are bills to pay. And too much month at the end of the money.
There are broken relationships. There's stress and anger and frustration.
How do we deal with it all? How do we get through the tough times without falling completely apart?
We adjust our focus. Instead of fixing our attention on the circumstances, we fix our attention in a different direction. Look up. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus....." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
We remember. Remember who God is. Call to mind the aspects of His character. Make a list of all the times and all the ways He has come to your aid, all the blessings He has showered on you. Remember how He has never forsaken you. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2 ESV)
We trust. We fix our eyes on Jesus. We remember who He is and we remember all He has done. And we trust that He will continue to do that.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)
No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, no matter how stressed or upset or worried you might be, rest today in confident assurance that God is in control. None of your situation comes as a surprise to Him. He knows. He cares. And He's got it all under control. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 ESV)
People are worried and stressed and fearful and feeling uncertain. About all sorts of things.
People are dealing with health issues of various kinds. A bad diagnosis. Facing tests and fearful of what the diagnosis will be. Trying to navigate insurance challenges.
There's unemployment. And underemployment. And nervousness about just how long the job will last. And will it be long enough. Wondering when the next round of lay-offs will come. Worry that the job won't last until retirement. Concern that when retirement comes, there won't be enough money.
There are bills to pay. And too much month at the end of the money.
There are broken relationships. There's stress and anger and frustration.
How do we deal with it all? How do we get through the tough times without falling completely apart?
We adjust our focus. Instead of fixing our attention on the circumstances, we fix our attention in a different direction. Look up. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus....." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
We remember. Remember who God is. Call to mind the aspects of His character. Make a list of all the times and all the ways He has come to your aid, all the blessings He has showered on you. Remember how He has never forsaken you. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2 ESV)
We trust. We fix our eyes on Jesus. We remember who He is and we remember all He has done. And we trust that He will continue to do that.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)
No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, no matter how stressed or upset or worried you might be, rest today in confident assurance that God is in control. None of your situation comes as a surprise to Him. He knows. He cares. And He's got it all under control. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 ESV)
"Simply trusting ev'ry day, Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate'er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all."
(Trusting Jesus - words, Edgar Page Stites; music, Ira Sankey)
Monday, October 28, 2013
Making My List and Checking It Twice
You may recognize that phrase from a familiar Christmas tune. Certainly as the holiday season approaches, people are beginning to make lists. Lists of gifts to be purchased. Menu lists. Lists of cookies to be baked. Lists of grocery items needed to prepare those menus and to bake those treats.
Nearly everyone becomes a list-maker, at least to some degree, during the holiday season. Others are among the year-round list-makers. (And I must include myself in this category!) Lists are made of all sorts of things. There are grocery lists. Things-to-do lists. Goal lists. Steps-to-accomplish-the-goal lists. And, as we focused on in one of last week's posts, there are gratitude lists.
I'm adding to my gratitude list this morning. This morning my list looks something like this:
Those are a few of the things I'm giving thanks for this morning.
What about you? What's on your list?
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." (Psalm 78:4 ESV)
Nearly everyone becomes a list-maker, at least to some degree, during the holiday season. Others are among the year-round list-makers. (And I must include myself in this category!) Lists are made of all sorts of things. There are grocery lists. Things-to-do lists. Goal lists. Steps-to-accomplish-the-goal lists. And, as we focused on in one of last week's posts, there are gratitude lists.
I'm adding to my gratitude list this morning. This morning my list looks something like this:
- A good night's sleep.
- Another day of life.
- The rain that is gently falling this morning.
- A good day yesterday. A great time of worship. Great fellowship.
- Singing one of my favorite hymns yesterday. (Holy, Holy, Holy)
- Singing one of my favorite worship songs yesterday. (Surely the Presence)
- The choir sang one of my favorite songs yesterday. (In the Presence of Jehovah)
- This reminder in the pastor's message yesterday: The journey is as important as the destination. Which reminded me that seeing God at work in our lives day by day is an important part of the Christian life.
- Al is home today, with only two days of travel this week.
Those are a few of the things I'm giving thanks for this morning.
What about you? What's on your list?
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." (Psalm 78:4 ESV)
Friday, October 25, 2013
Still a Good Idea
When I was a young girl, I was a GA. Our church, like many other Baptist churches across the country, had a missions organization for girls called Girl's Auxiliary. GAs were part of the Woman's Missionary Union.
As a GA, I memorized Scripture. I learned about missions in our country and around the world. I learned to pray for missionaries.
GAs had a list that we called Star Ideals. These days we would probably call that a mission statement or a list of goals. But back then we didn't use that terminology, so they were called Star Ideals.
The list looked like this:
But some things haven't changed. The truths of the Bible are still true. The world still needs Jesus. And this list of star ideals is still embedded in my thinking.
We might not talk about star ideals much any more. We talk more about goals and mission statements. But no matter what terminology we use, this list still encapsulates the disciplines of the Christian life. It sums up what living the Christian life is all about. And following this list is still a good idea.
"Abide in me, and I in you." (John 15:4 ESV)
As a GA, I memorized Scripture. I learned about missions in our country and around the world. I learned to pray for missionaries.
GAs had a list that we called Star Ideals. These days we would probably call that a mission statement or a list of goals. But back then we didn't use that terminology, so they were called Star Ideals.
The list looked like this:
- Abiding in Him through prayer
- Advancing in wisdom through Bible study
- Acknowledging my stewardship
- Adorning myself with good works
- Accepting the challenge of the Great Commission
But some things haven't changed. The truths of the Bible are still true. The world still needs Jesus. And this list of star ideals is still embedded in my thinking.
We might not talk about star ideals much any more. We talk more about goals and mission statements. But no matter what terminology we use, this list still encapsulates the disciplines of the Christian life. It sums up what living the Christian life is all about. And following this list is still a good idea.
"Abide in me, and I in you." (John 15:4 ESV)
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Write It Down!
Life can be difficult, full of all sorts of challenges. I think we would all acknowledge this to be true. While the challenges we face may be different, we all face challenges in life. Sometimes life is just hard. Even so, there can be joy in the journey.
Sometimes, in the middle of particularly challenging times, it's hard to focus on anything but the difficulty. It's hard to see the positives. We lose our perspective. That's when we need to stop and remember. We need to refocus our attention off our difficulties and on to the reasons we have for joy.
This is one of the reasons for keeping a journal. Having said that, I must confess to you that I am, at best, a sporadic journaler. But when I look back at my journals, and when I see the ways God has blessed me and the ways He has answered my prayers, then I am so glad I took time to write it down!
If you're not in the habit of keeping a journal, why not begin today? It doesn't have to fancy or eloquent. It doesn't need to be leather-bound. Just get paper and pen, and begin making note of all God's blessings to you. Of all his grace-gifts. Of all the reasons you have to be joyful.
Don't forget to include the "little" things. Like the smile on your child's face when you took him for donuts after school. Like the fact that your husband makes your coffee in the mornings. Like the sun on the leaves outside your window. Life a warm fire on a cold morning.
Write it all down. Then, when the tough days come - and they will, you can go back and remember all the reasons you have to be joyful!
Write it down. You'll be glad you did!
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV, emphasis mine)
Sometimes, in the middle of particularly challenging times, it's hard to focus on anything but the difficulty. It's hard to see the positives. We lose our perspective. That's when we need to stop and remember. We need to refocus our attention off our difficulties and on to the reasons we have for joy.
This is one of the reasons for keeping a journal. Having said that, I must confess to you that I am, at best, a sporadic journaler. But when I look back at my journals, and when I see the ways God has blessed me and the ways He has answered my prayers, then I am so glad I took time to write it down!
If you're not in the habit of keeping a journal, why not begin today? It doesn't have to fancy or eloquent. It doesn't need to be leather-bound. Just get paper and pen, and begin making note of all God's blessings to you. Of all his grace-gifts. Of all the reasons you have to be joyful.
Don't forget to include the "little" things. Like the smile on your child's face when you took him for donuts after school. Like the fact that your husband makes your coffee in the mornings. Like the sun on the leaves outside your window. Life a warm fire on a cold morning.
Write it all down. Then, when the tough days come - and they will, you can go back and remember all the reasons you have to be joyful!
Write it down. You'll be glad you did!
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV, emphasis mine)
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
I Wonder
It's windy up on this mountaintop today. Really windy. A front is moving through, bringing much colder temperatures and the promise of frost tonight.
As I was sitting at my desk doing my Bible study this morning, I could hear that wind whistling through the trees and around the corners of the house. I paused in my study and just listened.
And I wondered.
I wondered if that's what it sounded like on the day of Pentecost.
"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind....." (Acts 2:1-2a ESV)
And I wondered if that's the sound the gospel song writer had in mind when he wrote these words:
"I hear the sound of a mighty rushing wind. And it's closer now than it's ever been......." (from The Midnight Cry)
I listen to the wind.
And I wonder.
I wonder what it will sound like when Jesus comes again.
And I wonder how long.
"For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11 ESV)
As I was sitting at my desk doing my Bible study this morning, I could hear that wind whistling through the trees and around the corners of the house. I paused in my study and just listened.
And I wondered.
I wondered if that's what it sounded like on the day of Pentecost.
"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind....." (Acts 2:1-2a ESV)
And I wondered if that's the sound the gospel song writer had in mind when he wrote these words:
"I hear the sound of a mighty rushing wind. And it's closer now than it's ever been......." (from The Midnight Cry)
I listen to the wind.
And I wonder.
I wonder what it will sound like when Jesus comes again.
And I wonder how long.
"For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11 ESV)
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Did You Get My Message?
Yesterday I had one of those strange, technology-makes-no-sense-sometimes experiences. I was checking Facebook when the little icon popped up that told me I had a message in my in-box. I clicked on the icon and read a message that was in response to one I had sent a couple of weeks ago. The message would have made sense if I had received it back then. But, since the event that was being discussed in the message has already come and gone, the message I received yesterday made no sense.
So, I sent a return message questioning my friend about the timing of her message. In fact, I asked her if she was just now responding to the message I had sent two weeks ago.
Her response was that she had responded to my original message right after I had sent it to her. And then she asked, "did you just get this message?"
And the answer is, of course, "yes, I just got your message."
That's what falls into the makes-no-sense category. With all the advances in technology, why did it take two weeks for an "instant" message to get from her computer to mine?
Which makes me glad that prayer doesn't work that way. When I pray, I am confident that my request goes directly to God. It doesn't float around in cyberspace for a couple of weeks before it gets to Him. And I don't have to wonder if He got the message or not.
I know this because the Bible tells me so. And that gives me great confidence.
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that hehears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15 ESV)
So, I sent a return message questioning my friend about the timing of her message. In fact, I asked her if she was just now responding to the message I had sent two weeks ago.
Her response was that she had responded to my original message right after I had sent it to her. And then she asked, "did you just get this message?"
And the answer is, of course, "yes, I just got your message."
That's what falls into the makes-no-sense category. With all the advances in technology, why did it take two weeks for an "instant" message to get from her computer to mine?
Which makes me glad that prayer doesn't work that way. When I pray, I am confident that my request goes directly to God. It doesn't float around in cyberspace for a couple of weeks before it gets to Him. And I don't have to wonder if He got the message or not.
I know this because the Bible tells me so. And that gives me great confidence.
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that hehears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15 ESV)
Monday, October 21, 2013
It's Monday Again
It happens every week. Monday morning. Here we go again!
There's a sameness to every Monday morning, at least around here. Time for laundry. And decluttering from the weekend. Time for looking at the calendar and getting ready for the week ahead.
But it's also a good time to just be still and savor the moment. Another day of life. In this case, it's a beautiful day. Some Mondays are gloomy and gray, but not this one. It's a gloriously beautiful fall day. A little on the cool side, but it is late October, after all. The sky is blue, and there's still color on the trees as I look across the mountains. That may change by week's end, as the forecast is for temperatures to get much colder as the week goes along. That will likely mean frost and falling leaves. But it is late October, after all.
Another thing I like to do on Mondays is reflect back on Sunday. On the worship experience. On what I learned in our Life Group Bible study. On what God said to me as I listened to Him speak through the pastor's message. It's a good time to reflect and remember. And then to think about what I'm going to do with what I learned. How I am going to apply those lessons.
Today I'm reflecting back not just on Sunday, but on the entire weekend. This was a good weekend. Not just Sunday, but Saturday as well. Some of our Life Group came up for lunch on Saturday. That was great fun. Good food, good fellowship, lots of laughter. A very enjoyable afternoon indeed.
Yesterday was a great day of Bible study and worship. Our journey through the story took us to Moses and to the original Passover. We reflected on God's deliverance of His people from their bondage......a picture of what He does for us through Jesus. And the choir sang one of my all-time favorite anthems.....Holy Is He. What a great morning!
Last night we continued our study in Revelation, and after that were able to preview the video for My Hope with Billy Graham which will take place in November. What a blessing that was.
In between there was a surprise get-together with my brother. He had been in Spartanburg for a family reunion with his wife's family. My sister-in-law was staying over for a few days with her parents, so before my brother headed back home, we hooked up at Panera for a nice visit. I love little surprises like that!
This morning I'm counting my blessings. It was a great weekend. I'm looking forward to a great week ahead. And I'm even expecting this to be a great Monday!
Yes, there is such a thing!
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new ever morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
There's a sameness to every Monday morning, at least around here. Time for laundry. And decluttering from the weekend. Time for looking at the calendar and getting ready for the week ahead.
But it's also a good time to just be still and savor the moment. Another day of life. In this case, it's a beautiful day. Some Mondays are gloomy and gray, but not this one. It's a gloriously beautiful fall day. A little on the cool side, but it is late October, after all. The sky is blue, and there's still color on the trees as I look across the mountains. That may change by week's end, as the forecast is for temperatures to get much colder as the week goes along. That will likely mean frost and falling leaves. But it is late October, after all.
Another thing I like to do on Mondays is reflect back on Sunday. On the worship experience. On what I learned in our Life Group Bible study. On what God said to me as I listened to Him speak through the pastor's message. It's a good time to reflect and remember. And then to think about what I'm going to do with what I learned. How I am going to apply those lessons.
Today I'm reflecting back not just on Sunday, but on the entire weekend. This was a good weekend. Not just Sunday, but Saturday as well. Some of our Life Group came up for lunch on Saturday. That was great fun. Good food, good fellowship, lots of laughter. A very enjoyable afternoon indeed.
Yesterday was a great day of Bible study and worship. Our journey through the story took us to Moses and to the original Passover. We reflected on God's deliverance of His people from their bondage......a picture of what He does for us through Jesus. And the choir sang one of my all-time favorite anthems.....Holy Is He. What a great morning!
Last night we continued our study in Revelation, and after that were able to preview the video for My Hope with Billy Graham which will take place in November. What a blessing that was.
In between there was a surprise get-together with my brother. He had been in Spartanburg for a family reunion with his wife's family. My sister-in-law was staying over for a few days with her parents, so before my brother headed back home, we hooked up at Panera for a nice visit. I love little surprises like that!
This morning I'm counting my blessings. It was a great weekend. I'm looking forward to a great week ahead. And I'm even expecting this to be a great Monday!
Yes, there is such a thing!
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new ever morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
Friday, October 18, 2013
In All I Do. Really?
Amazing love how can it be?
That you, my king, would die for me
Amazing love, I know it's true.
Its my joy to honor you.
In all I do
I honor you.
That you, my king, would die for me
Amazing love, I know it's true.
Its my joy to honor you.
In all I do
I honor you.
(from You Are My King by Chris Tomlin)
Have you sung that song in church lately? Or have you sung along with the radio as you're driving down the highway? And if not this particular song, perhaps one with a similar lyric.
This morning I've been thinking about this song and others like it. It occurs to me that there's a sense in which songs like this one encourage us to stand and blatantly lie in our times of worship.
You may be thinking that I have just made a very extreme statement. But think about it. Do you.....do I.....honor our King in all we do?
"All we do" covers a lot of territory! Do we always honor God in every single Facebook post or every Twitter tweet? Or in everything we choose to share - or not share - on social media?
What about what we choose to watch on TV? The movies we see? The books we read?
What about how we relate to our neighbors? Or our co-workers? Or the mailman or the clerk in the store or the server at the restaurant?
What about how we relate to our family members?
Or the way we take care of our homes? Or our yards? Or our cars? Or any of the other things we've been blessed to have?
What about how we handle our money? Or how we handle the lack of money?
What about how we spend our leisure time?
What about how we relate to those who disagree with us? To those who are "different" than we are?
What about at the ballot box?
What about when we don't get what we want? Or when we get what we don't want?
What about when God doesn't answer our prayers they way we expect Him to? Or when the answer is "no" or "not now"?
What about when we're frustrated or discouraged?
What about when we don't get what we want? Or when we get what we don't want?
What about when God doesn't answer our prayers they way we expect Him to? Or when the answer is "no" or "not now"?
What about when we're frustrated or discouraged?
Are we really honoring God in all we do? Or is it just a nice song?
Something to think about.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Lost. And Found.
I've been spending a lot of time this week on memory lane, recalling that life-changing move across the country twenty-five years ago. Reflecting on all the changes in our lives as a result of that. Remembering all the ways God has blessed us through the years.
This morning I'm remembering other life events. These memories were triggered when I read my friend Rg's blog this morning. You can read it here: http://hymnlines.blogspot.com/2013/10/when-perils-oertake-us-you-will-not.html. As Rg writes about a hymnline that reminds us that God never leaves us or forsakes us, he shares an experience of being lost as a child.
And that triggered some memories.
When I was a very little girl, I was in Belk in Spartanburg with my mother. Not the Belk in the mall. We didn't have a mall back then. This was Belk on Main St., right next to Woolworth's. We were on the second floor in the women's dresses department. Mother was shopping for a dress. I was enamored with all the colors and fabrics and textures. As a small child, I could only reach the hems of these dresses, but I loved the feel of the fabrics in my hand, so I wandered around touching all the dresses. The result of my wandering was that I could no longer see my mother. I panicked! Thankfully, the kind clerk reunited us and all was well.
Some years later, I got lost in the woods. On this occasion, I had gone with my daddy to the family cemetery where his mother and his grandparents and great-grandparents were buried. This little cemetery is out in the country, well off the road, surrounded by the woods. While Daddy did his "maintenance work", pulling weeds and raking leaves, I wandered off into the woods. The woods were very thick and as I went in deeper, it got darker, to the point that I could barely see. The canopy of trees overhead was so thick that I could no longer see the sky. And once again, I panicked. I screamed. I cried. I called Daddy's name over and over. He heard my cries and came to find me. Only when I felt his arms around me did I feel safe again.
And then there was the time we lost Brandon. In Haywood Mall in Greenville, when he was three years old. While my mother and I were selecting a pair of jeans for Brian and being sure they fit, Brandon wandered away. (Is there a family trend here? Is wandering away part of our DNA?) He later said he was just looking for the toys! Once we realized he was missing, my mother and I began looking for him. Eventually we enlisted the help of the mall security guards. Three hours later we found him, in Sears at the other end of the mall, in the toy department. He was perfectly content. We were panicked! I have never forgotten the terror I felt when I could not find my child!
These events call to mind some truths about our great God. Unlike me, He always knows where his children are. Even when we wander away, He knows. As a child, I wandered away from my mother and could no longer see her, nor could she see me. But even when we wander from God, He still sees. He knows where we are.
And the greatest of all these lessons is that He hears when we call. Just as my Daddy heard my voice and responded, so too does God hear when we call His name. When we are lost and cry out to Him, He responds.
I am grateful that when I was separated from my mother, someone was there to point me back to her. I am grateful that when I cried for help, Daddy came. I am grateful that my lost child was found.
So grateful. And grateful for all those along my life's journey who pointed me to Jesus. Who taught me the truths of God's Word.
Even more grateful for a God who loves me so much. Who never leaves me or forsakes me. Who hears when I call.
"for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)
This morning I'm remembering other life events. These memories were triggered when I read my friend Rg's blog this morning. You can read it here: http://hymnlines.blogspot.com/2013/10/when-perils-oertake-us-you-will-not.html. As Rg writes about a hymnline that reminds us that God never leaves us or forsakes us, he shares an experience of being lost as a child.
And that triggered some memories.
When I was a very little girl, I was in Belk in Spartanburg with my mother. Not the Belk in the mall. We didn't have a mall back then. This was Belk on Main St., right next to Woolworth's. We were on the second floor in the women's dresses department. Mother was shopping for a dress. I was enamored with all the colors and fabrics and textures. As a small child, I could only reach the hems of these dresses, but I loved the feel of the fabrics in my hand, so I wandered around touching all the dresses. The result of my wandering was that I could no longer see my mother. I panicked! Thankfully, the kind clerk reunited us and all was well.
Some years later, I got lost in the woods. On this occasion, I had gone with my daddy to the family cemetery where his mother and his grandparents and great-grandparents were buried. This little cemetery is out in the country, well off the road, surrounded by the woods. While Daddy did his "maintenance work", pulling weeds and raking leaves, I wandered off into the woods. The woods were very thick and as I went in deeper, it got darker, to the point that I could barely see. The canopy of trees overhead was so thick that I could no longer see the sky. And once again, I panicked. I screamed. I cried. I called Daddy's name over and over. He heard my cries and came to find me. Only when I felt his arms around me did I feel safe again.
And then there was the time we lost Brandon. In Haywood Mall in Greenville, when he was three years old. While my mother and I were selecting a pair of jeans for Brian and being sure they fit, Brandon wandered away. (Is there a family trend here? Is wandering away part of our DNA?) He later said he was just looking for the toys! Once we realized he was missing, my mother and I began looking for him. Eventually we enlisted the help of the mall security guards. Three hours later we found him, in Sears at the other end of the mall, in the toy department. He was perfectly content. We were panicked! I have never forgotten the terror I felt when I could not find my child!
These events call to mind some truths about our great God. Unlike me, He always knows where his children are. Even when we wander away, He knows. As a child, I wandered away from my mother and could no longer see her, nor could she see me. But even when we wander from God, He still sees. He knows where we are.
And the greatest of all these lessons is that He hears when we call. Just as my Daddy heard my voice and responded, so too does God hear when we call His name. When we are lost and cry out to Him, He responds.
I am grateful that when I was separated from my mother, someone was there to point me back to her. I am grateful that when I cried for help, Daddy came. I am grateful that my lost child was found.
So grateful. And grateful for all those along my life's journey who pointed me to Jesus. Who taught me the truths of God's Word.
Even more grateful for a God who loves me so much. Who never leaves me or forsakes me. Who hears when I call.
"for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
The Journey Continues
I shared with you yesterday that twenty-five years ago, Al and I and our two sons moved halfway across the country. Life has never been the same since!
Today let me fill in a few details of our story. I grew up in Landrum, a small town in upstate South Carolina. Al grew up in West Columbia, a suburb of our state's capital city. We were introduced by a mutual friend when I was in college and he had just returned home after four years in the Air Force. A year later we were married.
As a young Christian couple starting married life, we quickly found a local church where we became very involved. We taught Sunday School. Sang in the choir. Worked with young people. Attended Bible studies. Became friends with other young Christian couples. That was our life.
For as long as I can remember I have loved the Bible. I attended lots of Bible studies. I memorized lots of verses. I even led lots of Bible studies. But until Precept Bible studies became a part of my life, I never realized what I had been missing. The Bible studies I attended usually involved a teacher who taught/lectured on a passage of Scripture. These studies typically had no homework, no preparation required other than to show up, listen, and then go apply what you learned. The studies I had been part of which did have homework were typically Scripture followed by fill-in-the-blank or multiple choice questions.
I wanted more. Precept Bible studies gave me that, in ways I am not sure I can ever fully explain. Through Precept studies I learned the skill of inductive study. I learned to study the Bible itself, not just to study books about the Bible. I learned to let Scripture interpret Scripture. I learned principles of correct interpretation. In short, I learned about Scripture, but I also learned the skill of studying Scripture.
Our journey began in South Carolina more than forty years ago. Twenty-five years ago, we moved to Colorado, but our journey didn't end there. Since then we have also lived in Connecticut, Minnesota, Florida, and now North Carolina. We have almost come full circle, since our North Carolina home is only about 100 miles from that small town where I grew up.
It has been an interesting journey. We've learned a lot of things. For example, we have learned that a buggy and a cart and a wagon and a trolley are really all the same thing: a shopping cart. We've acquired a taste for a variety of foods: buffalo and walleye and grouper and seafood pot pie. We've learned how to adjust to different climates and different accents. We've met interesting people and seen interesting places.
Through all these years, often way outside our comfort zone, we have experienced joys and sorrows, potholes along the way, hills and valleys. There have been mountaintop experiences and there have been pits. Through it all, God has been faithful to provide all we need and more. He has blessed us beyond measure.
As I've been traveling down memory lane, remembering the early years in Columbia and the twenty-five years since we left there, I am in awe of our great God and the ways He has worked in our lives.
When Al and I married, way back in 1972, I don't think either of us had any idea that our journey through life together would take us where it has.
The journey continues. And I'm excited to see what's next!
"He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6 ESV)
Today let me fill in a few details of our story. I grew up in Landrum, a small town in upstate South Carolina. Al grew up in West Columbia, a suburb of our state's capital city. We were introduced by a mutual friend when I was in college and he had just returned home after four years in the Air Force. A year later we were married.
As a young Christian couple starting married life, we quickly found a local church where we became very involved. We taught Sunday School. Sang in the choir. Worked with young people. Attended Bible studies. Became friends with other young Christian couples. That was our life.
For as long as I can remember I have loved the Bible. I attended lots of Bible studies. I memorized lots of verses. I even led lots of Bible studies. But until Precept Bible studies became a part of my life, I never realized what I had been missing. The Bible studies I attended usually involved a teacher who taught/lectured on a passage of Scripture. These studies typically had no homework, no preparation required other than to show up, listen, and then go apply what you learned. The studies I had been part of which did have homework were typically Scripture followed by fill-in-the-blank or multiple choice questions.
I wanted more. Precept Bible studies gave me that, in ways I am not sure I can ever fully explain. Through Precept studies I learned the skill of inductive study. I learned to study the Bible itself, not just to study books about the Bible. I learned to let Scripture interpret Scripture. I learned principles of correct interpretation. In short, I learned about Scripture, but I also learned the skill of studying Scripture.
Our journey began in South Carolina more than forty years ago. Twenty-five years ago, we moved to Colorado, but our journey didn't end there. Since then we have also lived in Connecticut, Minnesota, Florida, and now North Carolina. We have almost come full circle, since our North Carolina home is only about 100 miles from that small town where I grew up.
It has been an interesting journey. We've learned a lot of things. For example, we have learned that a buggy and a cart and a wagon and a trolley are really all the same thing: a shopping cart. We've acquired a taste for a variety of foods: buffalo and walleye and grouper and seafood pot pie. We've learned how to adjust to different climates and different accents. We've met interesting people and seen interesting places.
Through all these years, often way outside our comfort zone, we have experienced joys and sorrows, potholes along the way, hills and valleys. There have been mountaintop experiences and there have been pits. Through it all, God has been faithful to provide all we need and more. He has blessed us beyond measure.
As I've been traveling down memory lane, remembering the early years in Columbia and the twenty-five years since we left there, I am in awe of our great God and the ways He has worked in our lives.
When Al and I married, way back in 1972, I don't think either of us had any idea that our journey through life together would take us where it has.
The journey continues. And I'm excited to see what's next!
"He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6 ESV)
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Life-Changing
It's been twenty-five years.
Twenty-five years since we left our comfort zone, our family and friends, and moved halfway across the country to the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. We joined a local church. The boys started school and Al started his new job. I established my piano studio and began taking students. And we met our new neighbors. Twenty-five years ago this month.
Twenty-five years since my neighbor Connie invited me to attend a Precept Upon Precept Bible study with her.
Twenty-five years since I learned all about colored pencils and key words and context.
Twenty-five years since I first sat under the teaching ministry of Kay Arthur.
Twenty-five years since I really learned how to study the Bible for myself.
What an exciting journey this has been, and continues to be! What a difference knowing how to study precept upon precept has made in my life!
And continues to make!
As I'm now studying through Esther, precept upon precept, I'm so very grateful to Connie for inviting me to that Covenant study twenty-five years ago. I'm so grateful for the study skills I have learned over the years. I'm so grateful to Precept Ministries International for their commitment to equip God's people to study His Word.
The class was already several weeks into the study of Covenant when I got there. Twenty-five years ago we didn't download lessons from the internet! I'm not sure we even had internet back then! So I patiently waited for my lesson book to arrive in the mail, and that first week my leader photocopied the next lesson for me to get started. I was lost as a goose! Since I had missed the introductory lesson, and since I had never done a Precept Bible study before, I didn't really get the whole colored pencils/key words thing. But I caught on quickly and I have never been the same! Not just because I studied Covenant, although that alone would have been life-changing, but because I learned how to study God's Word!
Talk about the power of one! What Kay Arthur, one woman, began around her kitchen table is now an international ministry reaching men and women, teenagers, boys and girls, in 185 countries, in 70 different languages, around the world!
Thank you, Kay, for being obedient to God's call on your life!
Thank you, Connie, for inviting me to Bible study!
Thank you, Precept Ministries, for all you do to establish God's people in God's Word!
I have often wondered how our lives might have been different if we had stayed in South Carolina. If we had not followed where God was leading, and had not left our comfort zone and ventured forth. What would be the difference in our sons' lives or in ours. How life might have been so very different for all of us.
Certainly we would not have seen as much of the country, and of the world, as we have. Certainly we would not have all the friends we have in so many places. Even more, we would have missed out on so many of the lessons God had to teach us. About trusting. About following where He leads, even when we don't understand. I would never have met Connie. And I might not have had the opportunity to become a Precept student and to study the truths of Covenant.
I am forever grateful. And changed.
Grateful to Kay Arthur. Grateful to Connie.
Most of all, grateful to God for moving me out of my comfort zone and teaching me, through His Spirit, the truths of His Word. Precept upon precept.
"Establish Your word to Your servant, as that which produces reverence for You." (Psalm 119:38 NASB)
Twenty-five years since we left our comfort zone, our family and friends, and moved halfway across the country to the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. We joined a local church. The boys started school and Al started his new job. I established my piano studio and began taking students. And we met our new neighbors. Twenty-five years ago this month.
Twenty-five years since my neighbor Connie invited me to attend a Precept Upon Precept Bible study with her.
Twenty-five years since I learned all about colored pencils and key words and context.
Twenty-five years since I first sat under the teaching ministry of Kay Arthur.
Twenty-five years since I really learned how to study the Bible for myself.
What an exciting journey this has been, and continues to be! What a difference knowing how to study precept upon precept has made in my life!
And continues to make!
As I'm now studying through Esther, precept upon precept, I'm so very grateful to Connie for inviting me to that Covenant study twenty-five years ago. I'm so grateful for the study skills I have learned over the years. I'm so grateful to Precept Ministries International for their commitment to equip God's people to study His Word.
The class was already several weeks into the study of Covenant when I got there. Twenty-five years ago we didn't download lessons from the internet! I'm not sure we even had internet back then! So I patiently waited for my lesson book to arrive in the mail, and that first week my leader photocopied the next lesson for me to get started. I was lost as a goose! Since I had missed the introductory lesson, and since I had never done a Precept Bible study before, I didn't really get the whole colored pencils/key words thing. But I caught on quickly and I have never been the same! Not just because I studied Covenant, although that alone would have been life-changing, but because I learned how to study God's Word!
Talk about the power of one! What Kay Arthur, one woman, began around her kitchen table is now an international ministry reaching men and women, teenagers, boys and girls, in 185 countries, in 70 different languages, around the world!
Thank you, Kay, for being obedient to God's call on your life!
Thank you, Connie, for inviting me to Bible study!
Thank you, Precept Ministries, for all you do to establish God's people in God's Word!
I have often wondered how our lives might have been different if we had stayed in South Carolina. If we had not followed where God was leading, and had not left our comfort zone and ventured forth. What would be the difference in our sons' lives or in ours. How life might have been so very different for all of us.
Certainly we would not have seen as much of the country, and of the world, as we have. Certainly we would not have all the friends we have in so many places. Even more, we would have missed out on so many of the lessons God had to teach us. About trusting. About following where He leads, even when we don't understand. I would never have met Connie. And I might not have had the opportunity to become a Precept student and to study the truths of Covenant.
I am forever grateful. And changed.
Grateful to Kay Arthur. Grateful to Connie.
Most of all, grateful to God for moving me out of my comfort zone and teaching me, through His Spirit, the truths of His Word. Precept upon precept.
"Establish Your word to Your servant, as that which produces reverence for You." (Psalm 119:38 NASB)
Monday, October 14, 2013
Overflowing!
On Saturday night we attended a concert by Keith and Kristyn Getty. I'm almost hesitant to call it a concert. It really was an evening of worship, with the Gettys leading us.
I had looked forward to this concert for a long time. I really enjoy the Gettys' music. I love the "Irishness" of it. And I sort of feel a connection to them. You see, they are from Northern Ireland. And it was from County Antrim, in what is now Northern Ireland, that my great-great-grandfather came to this country.
But beyond the Irish connection, I love their music. These modern-day hymn writers have written some powerful music indeed! You likely have sung some of their songs in your worship services, even if you had no idea who wrote them.
One of my favorite parts of the concert was the way it ended, as we sang through the sacrifice of our Lord for our salvation. From "Gethsemane" to "The Power of the Cross" to "Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed" to "In Christ Alone".
What a powerful time of worship! Truly my cup is full to overflowing, even now, two days later, as I recall that experience! What a blessing to have been a part of it!
If you aren't familiar with their music, check them out on YouTube. You'll be glad you did!
" 'Til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand." (from In Christ Alone by Getty/Townend)
I had looked forward to this concert for a long time. I really enjoy the Gettys' music. I love the "Irishness" of it. And I sort of feel a connection to them. You see, they are from Northern Ireland. And it was from County Antrim, in what is now Northern Ireland, that my great-great-grandfather came to this country.
But beyond the Irish connection, I love their music. These modern-day hymn writers have written some powerful music indeed! You likely have sung some of their songs in your worship services, even if you had no idea who wrote them.
One of my favorite parts of the concert was the way it ended, as we sang through the sacrifice of our Lord for our salvation. From "Gethsemane" to "The Power of the Cross" to "Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed" to "In Christ Alone".
What a powerful time of worship! Truly my cup is full to overflowing, even now, two days later, as I recall that experience! What a blessing to have been a part of it!
If you aren't familiar with their music, check them out on YouTube. You'll be glad you did!
" 'Til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand." (from In Christ Alone by Getty/Townend)
Friday, October 11, 2013
What Would They Think?
We started our week with a 3 AM wake-up on Monday morning to get to the airport in time for our very early morning flight up to Philadelphia. Al had a series of meetings to attend there, and I tagged along because I had never spent any time in Philadelphia and there were a lot of things there that I wanted to see.
As it turns out, there are still a lot of things there that I want to see! Many of the sites I had looked forward to seeing were closed due to the government shut-down. But in spite of that, it was a pleasant trip.
It was raining when we got there, and raining when we left yesterday, but in between were two very nice fall days. While the husbands were in their meetings, my friends and I - Terese from Bern, Switzerland, Joanie from Portland, Oregon, and Jan from Seattle, Washington - spent two fun days exploring. We stayed in the city on Tuesday, walking and laughing and seeing some historical sites and eating good food. We went to City Hall and Reading Market and Society Hill. To the Fabric District and to Antique Row. We walked a lot. A lot. My feet and legs are still screaming about it!
On Wednesday we ventured out of the city to tour two gardens and a home which had all previously belonged to members of the DuPont family.
It was all great fun. But I'm still a bit disappointed that the two places I most wanted to see, since I had never been to Philadelphia before, were closed. The Liberty Bell was one of those places, and I did get to see it, although from a distance. The bell is enclosed in glass and sits inside an open pavillion on the side of Independence Park. We couldn't get into the pavillion, but I was still able to see the bell from a distance.
As we walked on up Independence Mall, we could see protesters on one end, and hear them chanting "No More Shut Down". And there at the other end was Independence Hall. We couldn't go in there. In fact, no one was even allowed to stand on that side of the street. Apparently government shut-downs extend to the sidewalk!
But I did get to see Independence Hall. And get a photo.
As I stood there looking at Independence Hall, I couldn't help but think about the men who sat in that building. Who signed the Declaration of Independence. Who debated and agreed on the Constitution. About the men who fought and died in the Revolutionary War, and about the women who supported them.
If they could see us now, what would they think?
"Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." Leviticus 25:10 KJV)
As it turns out, there are still a lot of things there that I want to see! Many of the sites I had looked forward to seeing were closed due to the government shut-down. But in spite of that, it was a pleasant trip.
It was raining when we got there, and raining when we left yesterday, but in between were two very nice fall days. While the husbands were in their meetings, my friends and I - Terese from Bern, Switzerland, Joanie from Portland, Oregon, and Jan from Seattle, Washington - spent two fun days exploring. We stayed in the city on Tuesday, walking and laughing and seeing some historical sites and eating good food. We went to City Hall and Reading Market and Society Hill. To the Fabric District and to Antique Row. We walked a lot. A lot. My feet and legs are still screaming about it!
On Wednesday we ventured out of the city to tour two gardens and a home which had all previously belonged to members of the DuPont family.
It was all great fun. But I'm still a bit disappointed that the two places I most wanted to see, since I had never been to Philadelphia before, were closed. The Liberty Bell was one of those places, and I did get to see it, although from a distance. The bell is enclosed in glass and sits inside an open pavillion on the side of Independence Park. We couldn't get into the pavillion, but I was still able to see the bell from a distance.
As we walked on up Independence Mall, we could see protesters on one end, and hear them chanting "No More Shut Down". And there at the other end was Independence Hall. We couldn't go in there. In fact, no one was even allowed to stand on that side of the street. Apparently government shut-downs extend to the sidewalk!
But I did get to see Independence Hall. And get a photo.
As I stood there looking at Independence Hall, I couldn't help but think about the men who sat in that building. Who signed the Declaration of Independence. Who debated and agreed on the Constitution. About the men who fought and died in the Revolutionary War, and about the women who supported them.
If they could see us now, what would they think?
"Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." Leviticus 25:10 KJV)
Friday, October 4, 2013
Now Is the Time
Back in the day, before computers and I-pads and smart phones, we had typewriters. And if, like I am, you are old enough to have actually used such a device, and if you ever took a typing class, then you likely also remember this sentence........Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. That sentence was often used to test speed and accuracy on the dreaded typing test.
Typing tests aside, there's a message for us in that sentence. Our country is in a mess. We are broken and we need to be fixed. And now is the time.
What is the solution? How do we fix this mess?
I submit to you that the solution is not found in the Congress. Or in the Democrat party or the Republican party. It is not found with the Libertarians or the Tea Party.
The solution to our problems is the same as it has always been. It is found in these words that the Lord spoke to Solomon:
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
And now is the time.
Typing tests aside, there's a message for us in that sentence. Our country is in a mess. We are broken and we need to be fixed. And now is the time.
What is the solution? How do we fix this mess?
I submit to you that the solution is not found in the Congress. Or in the Democrat party or the Republican party. It is not found with the Libertarians or the Tea Party.
The solution to our problems is the same as it has always been. It is found in these words that the Lord spoke to Solomon:
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
And now is the time.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Try a Little Kindness
Do you remember that Glen Campbell song from back in the day? "You got to try a little kindness. Yes, show a little kindness. Just shine your light for everyone to see......"
It's an old song, but certainly applicable here in our "modern" era! We could use a little more kindness these days.
In these days of government shut-downs. Of strong opinions on all sides of that issue. Of government-mandated healthcare. Of more strong opinions about that. Of unemployment and underemployment and financial struggles. Of staggering government debt. And that doesn't even take into account the struggles in individual families and relationships about all sorts of other things.
With social media and the internet, and the lack of accountability that comes with them, it seems that people feel free to say whatever jumps into their minds, often without even the filter of common sense. We seem to feel that any comment we make to a Facebook post or anything we tweet, no matter how hurtful or unkind or even untrue, is OK because we are never held accountable.
But the words we type on our phones and computers and I-pads are no different than the words that come out of our mouths. And so we need to be careful about what we say and how we say it.
We're cautioned in the New Testament book of James about the power of words and the power of the tongue that utters them. "The tongue is a small member, yet boasts of great things......the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.....With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.....From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." (James 3:5a,6,9-10 ESV)
And Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that what comes out of our mouths should be "only such as is good for building up." (Ephesians 4:29 ESV).
Which means we're faced with quite a challenge, aren't we? In these days of frustration and confusion and turmoil, it isn't easy to keep our mouths shut. To speak only things that are encouraging, that build others up. To be kind.
In fact, when our job is deemed non-essential, or when we can't watch our favorite TV show, or when we're layed off, or when our pay is cut, or .........
(fill in the blank with your particular situation), kind words are probably not our first choice! We're frustrated. We're upset. We're angry. We're feeling anything but kind.
Here's the challenge for all of us today, right in the middle of our frustrations.......try a little kindness. Speak words that build up rather than tear down. And as that great theologian Thumper (!!!!) once said, "if you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nuthin'!"
Because, wouldn't you agree, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we want to honor Him with our lives. With our behavior. With our words. Yes, we want to stand firm for what we believe. But let's do it in a way that honors Him.
"Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me." (Psalm 69:6 ESV)
"my earnest expectation and hope......that Christ will even now, as always, be exalted........" (Philippians 1:20 NASB)
It's an old song, but certainly applicable here in our "modern" era! We could use a little more kindness these days.
In these days of government shut-downs. Of strong opinions on all sides of that issue. Of government-mandated healthcare. Of more strong opinions about that. Of unemployment and underemployment and financial struggles. Of staggering government debt. And that doesn't even take into account the struggles in individual families and relationships about all sorts of other things.
With social media and the internet, and the lack of accountability that comes with them, it seems that people feel free to say whatever jumps into their minds, often without even the filter of common sense. We seem to feel that any comment we make to a Facebook post or anything we tweet, no matter how hurtful or unkind or even untrue, is OK because we are never held accountable.
But the words we type on our phones and computers and I-pads are no different than the words that come out of our mouths. And so we need to be careful about what we say and how we say it.
We're cautioned in the New Testament book of James about the power of words and the power of the tongue that utters them. "The tongue is a small member, yet boasts of great things......the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.....With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.....From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." (James 3:5a,6,9-10 ESV)
And Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that what comes out of our mouths should be "only such as is good for building up." (Ephesians 4:29 ESV).
Which means we're faced with quite a challenge, aren't we? In these days of frustration and confusion and turmoil, it isn't easy to keep our mouths shut. To speak only things that are encouraging, that build others up. To be kind.
In fact, when our job is deemed non-essential, or when we can't watch our favorite TV show, or when we're layed off, or when our pay is cut, or .........
(fill in the blank with your particular situation), kind words are probably not our first choice! We're frustrated. We're upset. We're angry. We're feeling anything but kind.
Here's the challenge for all of us today, right in the middle of our frustrations.......try a little kindness. Speak words that build up rather than tear down. And as that great theologian Thumper (!!!!) once said, "if you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nuthin'!"
Because, wouldn't you agree, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we want to honor Him with our lives. With our behavior. With our words. Yes, we want to stand firm for what we believe. But let's do it in a way that honors Him.
"Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me." (Psalm 69:6 ESV)
"my earnest expectation and hope......that Christ will even now, as always, be exalted........" (Philippians 1:20 NASB)
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
It's a Choice
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31 ESV)
Before you jump to conclusions, let me hasten to clarify that this post is not about the Congress or about government shut-downs or about anything political. Not really.
But I will go ahead and confess that they (the Congress) and politicians (on both sides of the aisle) and pundits have been the source (more accurately, one of the sources) of my irritation in recent days. I have started and stopped, and written and rewritten this post so many times I have lost count. I have written and deleted this post until I am sick of it. It's hard to write about joy when you're so irritated, so un-joyful. But I think I need to write about all this, if for no other reason than that it may help me to get my joy back.
There's a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is based on circumstances. Joy is a condition of the soul, something deep within, and is not based on circumstances. Our joy is rooted in our relationship with the Lord. However, sometimes circumstances overwhelm us to such a degree that not only do we lose our happiness, but occasionally our joy gets lost as well.
Late yesterday I found myself in such a situation. I allowed myself to be so consumed with bitterness and anger and irritation that my joy was definitely gone missing. Irritation with politicians and pundits played a part. A dispute between my satellite company and the media company that owns the local TV station which airs my favorite show (NCIS) was the match that started the fire. When I realized that I wouldn't be able to watch that show last night because we no longer have access to that network, at least until the greedy decision-makers on both sides of the dispute work things out (sounds a lot like the Congress, doesn't it?!), I was beyond irritated. I was so angry. And angrier that the situation was completely out of my control.
Which is ridiculous, really. It's only a TV show. Yes, it's my favorite show. But still, why would I let that rob me of my joy? And the truth is, I let it. It was an act of the will. I could have, by another act of my will, chosen to respond differently. But I didn't. And this morning I feel silly. And ashamed of myself. Everything I had written yesterday, about being joyful in spite of circumstances, had to be tossed out. Because, at the very least, it would be hypocritical of me to tell you that circumstances shouldn't affect your joy if I wasn't going to "practice what I preach"!
This morning I'm convicted by the verse that began this post. And by the verses around it. "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger.......be put aside." That's a very specific instruction. And we have a choice. Do we put them aside or not? If we don't, I can tell you from personal experience, our joy is affected. Bitterness and anger can take over, if we let them.
Today I choose not to allow any of the sources of irritation I'm currently experiencing to take over my thinking. Certainly, the circumstances do not change just because I make that decision. Politicians haven't changed. Greedy media types are still greedy. But my attitude has changed. Because I choose to change it. No matter what others may think or do or say, I choose joy.
And that, my friends, makes all the difference.
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:30-32 ESV)
Before you jump to conclusions, let me hasten to clarify that this post is not about the Congress or about government shut-downs or about anything political. Not really.
But I will go ahead and confess that they (the Congress) and politicians (on both sides of the aisle) and pundits have been the source (more accurately, one of the sources) of my irritation in recent days. I have started and stopped, and written and rewritten this post so many times I have lost count. I have written and deleted this post until I am sick of it. It's hard to write about joy when you're so irritated, so un-joyful. But I think I need to write about all this, if for no other reason than that it may help me to get my joy back.
There's a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is based on circumstances. Joy is a condition of the soul, something deep within, and is not based on circumstances. Our joy is rooted in our relationship with the Lord. However, sometimes circumstances overwhelm us to such a degree that not only do we lose our happiness, but occasionally our joy gets lost as well.
Late yesterday I found myself in such a situation. I allowed myself to be so consumed with bitterness and anger and irritation that my joy was definitely gone missing. Irritation with politicians and pundits played a part. A dispute between my satellite company and the media company that owns the local TV station which airs my favorite show (NCIS) was the match that started the fire. When I realized that I wouldn't be able to watch that show last night because we no longer have access to that network, at least until the greedy decision-makers on both sides of the dispute work things out (sounds a lot like the Congress, doesn't it?!), I was beyond irritated. I was so angry. And angrier that the situation was completely out of my control.
Which is ridiculous, really. It's only a TV show. Yes, it's my favorite show. But still, why would I let that rob me of my joy? And the truth is, I let it. It was an act of the will. I could have, by another act of my will, chosen to respond differently. But I didn't. And this morning I feel silly. And ashamed of myself. Everything I had written yesterday, about being joyful in spite of circumstances, had to be tossed out. Because, at the very least, it would be hypocritical of me to tell you that circumstances shouldn't affect your joy if I wasn't going to "practice what I preach"!
This morning I'm convicted by the verse that began this post. And by the verses around it. "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger.......be put aside." That's a very specific instruction. And we have a choice. Do we put them aside or not? If we don't, I can tell you from personal experience, our joy is affected. Bitterness and anger can take over, if we let them.
Today I choose not to allow any of the sources of irritation I'm currently experiencing to take over my thinking. Certainly, the circumstances do not change just because I make that decision. Politicians haven't changed. Greedy media types are still greedy. But my attitude has changed. Because I choose to change it. No matter what others may think or do or say, I choose joy.
And that, my friends, makes all the difference.
"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:30-32 ESV)
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Welcome to October!
This photo of the trees behind our house was taken a couple of years ago. We don't have quite this much color yet this year. But this is part of the reason we love October, isn't it?
October is the month of red and gold and orange leaves.
Of pumpkins.
Of fall festivals.
Of cool, foggy mornings and warm afternoons.
Of leaves falling.
If you live in my part of the world, it's a time for getting in the car for a drive to go and look at the leaves. If you live in a different area, you may schedule a vacation at this time of year for that very purpose - just so you can see the leaves!
This year, October is also the year of the government shut-down. This isn't the first time. It likely won't be the last. Because, unfortunately, elected officials have become more self-serving than public-serving. We've survived previous shut-downs. And I suspect we'll survive this one as well.
While they're trying to sort it all out, let's enjoy the gift of October. And give thanks to the Giver of such a wonderful gift!
"O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." (Psalm 106:1 ESV)
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